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Secrets & Scandals #5
Never Love a Scoundrel
Vengeance is seductive…
Labeled a lunatic and a reprobate, Lord Jason Lockwood finds solace in debauchery outside the realm of Polite Society. Years after provoking Jason’s downfall, his bastard brother rises from the rookeries to emerge as the premier gentleman of the ton. Jason vows to uncover the supposedly reformed criminal’s secret motive and use it against him to exact revenge—even if it means using a beautiful young debutante whose only mistake is her relation to the woman who has ensured his family’s infamy.
But revenge is sweet
Lady Lydia Prewitt is everything a debutante should be: beautiful, dowried, and in possession of a sterling reputation. But life beneath the thumb of her malicious aunt is eroding Lydia’s faith in her peers and in herself. When the scandalous yet seductive Lord Lockwood solicits her help to gain entry into the best ballrooms, she jumps at the opportunity to be more than her aunt’s minion. But the revelation of his true purpose and the anger that lies beneath his scarred exterior draws her into his dark past. Intervention doesn’t come without a price—can she risk her own future to save his?
Labeled a lunatic and a reprobate, Lord Jason Lockwood finds solace in debauchery outside the realm of Polite Society. Years after provoking Jason’s downfall, his bastard brother rises from the rookeries to emerge as the premier gentleman of the ton. Jason vows to uncover the supposedly reformed criminal’s secret motive and use it against him to exact revenge—even if it means using a beautiful young debutante whose only mistake is her relation to the woman who has ensured his family’s infamy.
But revenge is sweet
Lady Lydia Prewitt is everything a debutante should be: beautiful, dowried, and in possession of a sterling reputation. But life beneath the thumb of her malicious aunt is eroding Lydia’s faith in her peers and in herself. When the scandalous yet seductive Lord Lockwood solicits her help to gain entry into the best ballrooms, she jumps at the opportunity to be more than her aunt’s minion. But the revelation of his true purpose and the anger that lies beneath his scarred exterior draws her into his dark past. Intervention doesn’t come without a price—can she risk her own future to save his?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2013
210 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
206 books2,279 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 71 reviews
May 3, 2015
Buddy read with Jennifer <3 <3
August 11, 2013
What I liked:
1. The writing -I love Darcy Burke because she pushes the boundaries of historical romance. She knows how to tell a story, and she keeps me interested. I mean, there is a vice club in this book….that’s basically a sex club, ladies!!!
2. The characters - I am in love with Jason Lockwood. I mean, he’s tall, dark, handsome, broody, and he has a big scar across his face! What’s not to love?!
My Lockwood:
I loved Lydia in this book too! I didn’t think I would like her as much because of the previous book, but she was vulnerable and fantastic in this book.
My Lydia:
3. Jason and Lydia’s story - The story of Jason and Lydia was fabulous. I loved their chemistry, dialogue, sex!! The sex was fabulous! Ladies, there is a sex club and bondage in this book!! I know, right?!
What I didn’t like:
1. This was two books in one and the execution of blending the two stories fells short. I loved the two stories separately. I understand that Ms. Burke was setting us up for the next book (which I am excited about!!), but it was just too much set-up.
2. I WISH there was more of Jason and Lydia’s story!! The second story took up too much of the book. I wish there was more relationship development between the Jason and Lydia. I wanted to know so much more, and these characters were so fantastic, that it wouldn’t have been too hard to develop their story together a little more.
3. The ending was too abrupt. I really needed an epilogue. I think every book in the world could use an epilogue and no reader would complain.
Note to the author: I really like your writing, but I feel like you’re holding back. It’s like your stories are on the edge of something great, and I’m waiting for this ridiculous explosion of writing to burst forth from your books. I feel it. So I am asking you to push it. Pull that extra something out of your characters and blow me away, because I really think you can and I really want you to!
I am excited for the Ethan and Audrey’s book!!!!
Thanks for the buddy read Susanne!
1. The writing -I love Darcy Burke because she pushes the boundaries of historical romance. She knows how to tell a story, and she keeps me interested. I mean, there is a vice club in this book….that’s basically a sex club, ladies!!!
2. The characters - I am in love with Jason Lockwood. I mean, he’s tall, dark, handsome, broody, and he has a big scar across his face! What’s not to love?!
My Lockwood:
I loved Lydia in this book too! I didn’t think I would like her as much because of the previous book, but she was vulnerable and fantastic in this book.
My Lydia:
3. Jason and Lydia’s story - The story of Jason and Lydia was fabulous. I loved their chemistry, dialogue, sex!! The sex was fabulous! Ladies, there is a sex club and bondage in this book!! I know, right?!
What I didn’t like:
1. This was two books in one and the execution of blending the two stories fells short. I loved the two stories separately. I understand that Ms. Burke was setting us up for the next book (which I am excited about!!), but it was just too much set-up.
2. I WISH there was more of Jason and Lydia’s story!! The second story took up too much of the book. I wish there was more relationship development between the Jason and Lydia. I wanted to know so much more, and these characters were so fantastic, that it wouldn’t have been too hard to develop their story together a little more.
3. The ending was too abrupt. I really needed an epilogue. I think every book in the world could use an epilogue and no reader would complain.
Note to the author: I really like your writing, but I feel like you’re holding back. It’s like your stories are on the edge of something great, and I’m waiting for this ridiculous explosion of writing to burst forth from your books. I feel it. So I am asking you to push it. Pull that extra something out of your characters and blow me away, because I really think you can and I really want you to!
I am excited for the Ethan and Audrey’s book!!!!
Thanks for the buddy read Susanne!
May 31, 2018
Never Love a Scoundrel had the bones of a 5 star story. The first half of the book was really good and then it started to go down hill. Lady Lydia Prewitt wants to change her gossiping ways. She has been forced for 6 years to find out any gossip so her Aunt Lady Margret can embellish the scandal people are caught in and then spread the gossip. She is feared by the Ton. Well this makes no sense. Because lady Margret has a most scandalous past. So why they tolerated and feared her doesn't hold weight. Lydia starts to rebel against her Aunt. She starts to help Lord Jason Lockwood become apart of polite society again. Her aunt hates Lockwood because his father took her virginity and didn't marry her. She loathes him and his mother for something they had no control over. Lady Margret sets out to continue destroying Lockwood and his mother. Then Lydia starts to resort back to her old self and does what her aunt wants. She treat Jason horribly after he propose marriage to her for the second time in front of half of Ton at a ball. She does what her aunt wants and rejects him publicly . This was awful. Lydia was a dumb female. Just too stupid to be real. But Dumb Jason loves her so he forgives her. Aunt Margret never gets her comeuppance she gets away with all the evil lying she has done. No punishment at all. I hate it when villains of the story get away with what they have done.
The other problem I had with this story is the author never mentions what titles Jason or Lydia have. They are referred to as Lord and Lady. What was Jason's title. What was Lydia's father title that she was called Lady Lydia. This wouldn't have taken anytime to add in the story. A lot of the story is about Jason Half brother Ethan Jagger. Its just all over the place.
This is the first time I did not like the H/H Jason and Lydia in one of Ms. Burke's stories. I did feel sorry for Jason but he should have just dumped Lydia.
Don't waste your time or money on this one. Its a totally miss. I think I will return this book.
The other problem I had with this story is the author never mentions what titles Jason or Lydia have. They are referred to as Lord and Lady. What was Jason's title. What was Lydia's father title that she was called Lady Lydia. This wouldn't have taken anytime to add in the story. A lot of the story is about Jason Half brother Ethan Jagger. Its just all over the place.
This is the first time I did not like the H/H Jason and Lydia in one of Ms. Burke's stories. I did feel sorry for Jason but he should have just dumped Lydia.
Don't waste your time or money on this one. Its a totally miss. I think I will return this book.
July 23, 2016
Never Love a Scoundrel is the fifth book in Ms Burke’s
Secrets and Scandals
series. I confess that I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series, but even though some of the characters from them either appear or are referenced, I didn’t feel at a disadvantage, as the information we are given is sufficient for this particular story to work as a standalone.
Jason Lockwood lives on the fringes of society, a man suspected of insanity and known for debauchery. Years earlier, his mother had some sort of mental breakdown in public and the gossip is that her son is just as mentally unstable, a rumour given substance by his frequent bursts of temper. Some time after removing his mother from London and making sure she is well cared for, Jason began hosting what have become infamous “vice parties”, initially as a way of staving off loneliness and later because he believed he wasn’t worthy of better society.
Of course, these parties are regularly attended by members of the ton, many of whom would cut Jason dead if they met him in the street; such is the level of hypocrisy running rife in society.
On hearing that his half-brother Ethan Jagger – now going by the name of Ethan Locke – has suddenly appeared in society squiring around a young widow, Jason is both intrigued and more than annoyed. He and Ethan are not well disposed toward each other to say the least, having fought so violently at their last meeting that Jason was left with a horrible scar running down one side of his face. Ethan had previously made his living as a thief-taker, and Jason is sure he can be up to no good. He’s also angry that his half-brother has the entrée into the society that has shunned Jason himself.
Venturing out to see if he can ascertain Ethan’s purpose, Jason meets Miss Lydia Prewett, the great-niece of the scourge of the ton, the inveterate gossip Margaret Rutherford. Lydia has lived with her aunt for the past six seasons, but has yet to make a match, principally because she is seen by most of society as an extension of her poisonous aunt. Margaret uses Lydia to acquire and circulate gossip, and although Lydia is tired of it and would stop if she could, it’s either live with Margaret and abide by her rules, or be sent back to live with her father in the wilds of Northumberland – a father who takes no interest whatsoever in his daughter.
Jason and Lydia meet accidentally, and each is intrigued enough by the other to hope for a second meeting. Unlikely though this is (as Jason does not move about in polite circles), the pair do encounter each other once again, this time at the home of the dearest friend of Jason’s mother. For Jason has decided that, if he’s to discover what his half-brother is doing out in society, then he needs to be mixing in the same circles, something he has not done for years. Lydia offers to help to re-introduce him to society and suggests he host a “normal” party, with food, music and dancing as a way to prove to the ton that he is not so black as he has been painted.
But Aunt Margaret has other ideas. She has borne a grudge against the Lockwoods for years and although she has nothing against Jason personally, she hates him and his entire family and is determined to bring him down. I have to say that she’s rather a lip-smacking villainess who borders on the cartoonish – I wanted to boo and hiss whenever she appeared in the story!
But as she’s helping Jason to plan his re-entry into society, Lydia also engages to help Ethan to repair his relationship with his half-brother. I think their shift from hatred and distrust to a grudging respect and eventually to the beginnings of a filial affection was one of the best parts of the book, and it has whetted my appetite for the next in the series which will feature Ethan as the hero.
However, Ethan is being watched closely by Scotland Yard, and by Daniel, Viscount Carlyle (who was the hero of the previous book.) Carlyle senses that Ethan is trying to change his ways but has no proof; and when he and Jason stumble upon something which indicates Ethan may be behind a series of recent robberies, it looks as though Ethan’s days as a free man are numbered.
While Jason is struggling with his anger at being duped by his brother and his sense of betrayal, he is also struggling with his feelings for Lydia, which he has realised go beyond simple lust – which they’ve already explored *wink*.
I liked that Jason wasn’t one of those heroes who feared commitment. He has concerns about the effect his reputation might have on Lydia’s standing in society, but once he decides he wants to marry her, Jason sticks to his guns and proposes. The problem is Lydia. She wants to marry him, but starts worrying about how she will continue to live in society as the wife of a known reprobate. (I’d have said she should have started worrying about her reputation after she slept with him, to be honest!) She also starts thinking that maybe his proposal wasn’t serious, even though she doesn’t have any real reason for that suspicion as Jason has always been honest with her. It seems that Lydia has spent so much of her life being proper and wanting to fit in, that when the time comes for her to take control of her life, she fails, hesitating at a key moment which leads Jason to believe she doesn’t care for him. He, on the other hand, has bared his soul and believes he has made a complete fool of himself.
I haven’t read any of Ms Burke’s other books, but I would certainly consider doing so in the future. This one was well written and the characterisation was consistent – even Lydia’s vacillations over Jason’s proposal and her lack of assertiveness (annoying though they were) made sense given what we know about her situation. Although I have to say that Jason wasn’t so much a ‘scoundrel’ as he was a man who had been shunned by society through no fault of his own and had therefore decided not to give a damn about what anyone thought of him any more. Never Love a Scoundrel was an entertaining story, in which the two plot threads were woven together in a way that didn’t leave me feeling as though I’d read two different stories that had been mashed together. What could have been a fairly ordinary romance was turned into a more engaging and rounded story overall by the addition of the subplot about Ethan Jagger/Locke and by the way in which Ms Burke developed the relationship between the half-brothers.
A word of warning though – although Jason and Lydia do get their HEA in this story, the book ends on a cliffhanger which leads directly into the next book (for which there is a short teaser at the end).
Jason Lockwood lives on the fringes of society, a man suspected of insanity and known for debauchery. Years earlier, his mother had some sort of mental breakdown in public and the gossip is that her son is just as mentally unstable, a rumour given substance by his frequent bursts of temper. Some time after removing his mother from London and making sure she is well cared for, Jason began hosting what have become infamous “vice parties”, initially as a way of staving off loneliness and later because he believed he wasn’t worthy of better society.
Of course, these parties are regularly attended by members of the ton, many of whom would cut Jason dead if they met him in the street; such is the level of hypocrisy running rife in society.
On hearing that his half-brother Ethan Jagger – now going by the name of Ethan Locke – has suddenly appeared in society squiring around a young widow, Jason is both intrigued and more than annoyed. He and Ethan are not well disposed toward each other to say the least, having fought so violently at their last meeting that Jason was left with a horrible scar running down one side of his face. Ethan had previously made his living as a thief-taker, and Jason is sure he can be up to no good. He’s also angry that his half-brother has the entrée into the society that has shunned Jason himself.
Venturing out to see if he can ascertain Ethan’s purpose, Jason meets Miss Lydia Prewett, the great-niece of the scourge of the ton, the inveterate gossip Margaret Rutherford. Lydia has lived with her aunt for the past six seasons, but has yet to make a match, principally because she is seen by most of society as an extension of her poisonous aunt. Margaret uses Lydia to acquire and circulate gossip, and although Lydia is tired of it and would stop if she could, it’s either live with Margaret and abide by her rules, or be sent back to live with her father in the wilds of Northumberland – a father who takes no interest whatsoever in his daughter.
Jason and Lydia meet accidentally, and each is intrigued enough by the other to hope for a second meeting. Unlikely though this is (as Jason does not move about in polite circles), the pair do encounter each other once again, this time at the home of the dearest friend of Jason’s mother. For Jason has decided that, if he’s to discover what his half-brother is doing out in society, then he needs to be mixing in the same circles, something he has not done for years. Lydia offers to help to re-introduce him to society and suggests he host a “normal” party, with food, music and dancing as a way to prove to the ton that he is not so black as he has been painted.
But Aunt Margaret has other ideas. She has borne a grudge against the Lockwoods for years and although she has nothing against Jason personally, she hates him and his entire family and is determined to bring him down. I have to say that she’s rather a lip-smacking villainess who borders on the cartoonish – I wanted to boo and hiss whenever she appeared in the story!
But as she’s helping Jason to plan his re-entry into society, Lydia also engages to help Ethan to repair his relationship with his half-brother. I think their shift from hatred and distrust to a grudging respect and eventually to the beginnings of a filial affection was one of the best parts of the book, and it has whetted my appetite for the next in the series which will feature Ethan as the hero.
However, Ethan is being watched closely by Scotland Yard, and by Daniel, Viscount Carlyle (who was the hero of the previous book.) Carlyle senses that Ethan is trying to change his ways but has no proof; and when he and Jason stumble upon something which indicates Ethan may be behind a series of recent robberies, it looks as though Ethan’s days as a free man are numbered.
While Jason is struggling with his anger at being duped by his brother and his sense of betrayal, he is also struggling with his feelings for Lydia, which he has realised go beyond simple lust – which they’ve already explored *wink*.
I liked that Jason wasn’t one of those heroes who feared commitment. He has concerns about the effect his reputation might have on Lydia’s standing in society, but once he decides he wants to marry her, Jason sticks to his guns and proposes. The problem is Lydia. She wants to marry him, but starts worrying about how she will continue to live in society as the wife of a known reprobate. (I’d have said she should have started worrying about her reputation after she slept with him, to be honest!) She also starts thinking that maybe his proposal wasn’t serious, even though she doesn’t have any real reason for that suspicion as Jason has always been honest with her. It seems that Lydia has spent so much of her life being proper and wanting to fit in, that when the time comes for her to take control of her life, she fails, hesitating at a key moment which leads Jason to believe she doesn’t care for him. He, on the other hand, has bared his soul and believes he has made a complete fool of himself.
I haven’t read any of Ms Burke’s other books, but I would certainly consider doing so in the future. This one was well written and the characterisation was consistent – even Lydia’s vacillations over Jason’s proposal and her lack of assertiveness (annoying though they were) made sense given what we know about her situation. Although I have to say that Jason wasn’t so much a ‘scoundrel’ as he was a man who had been shunned by society through no fault of his own and had therefore decided not to give a damn about what anyone thought of him any more. Never Love a Scoundrel was an entertaining story, in which the two plot threads were woven together in a way that didn’t leave me feeling as though I’d read two different stories that had been mashed together. What could have been a fairly ordinary romance was turned into a more engaging and rounded story overall by the addition of the subplot about Ethan Jagger/Locke and by the way in which Ms Burke developed the relationship between the half-brothers.
A word of warning though – although Jason and Lydia do get their HEA in this story, the book ends on a cliffhanger which leads directly into the next book (for which there is a short teaser at the end).
June 25, 2013
Lord Jason Lockwood has his life turned upside down in the past when his father favored his half brother, who was illegitimate. After an altercation with him leaves him physically scarred, the worst gossip in town spreads vicious lies and it makes his mother seem mad and him as well. Now shunned by society, he delights in his debauchery by throwing vice parties and seemingly fitting in in his new role in the ton. Then he meets the lovely Lady Lydia Prewitt and just when he thinks he might be willing to change, he finds out she is the niece of said worst gossip in town. Trying to believe that Lydia is different takes some time and with their growing love being forbidden by Lydia's aunt, it seems like a long and bumpy road to their happiness especially as Jason is trying to mend fences with his half brother who has a very rocky past.
The latest addition to Darcy Burke's Secrets & Scandals series is another winner for me. Full of the healing power of love, a forbidden love and overcoming the past to grasp the future. This story fits very true with the present day and how gossip can really upset a person's life. I thought the whole subject was handled very well and I also liked that Jason did not immediately fall for Lydia after he found out about her gossiping aunt. Lydia proves her loyalty to Jason and she has her own problems to overcome with her bitter aunt and her need for friends, a home, a family. She is aware of her presence as an air-headed gossip but Jason learns the truth about her and in return, she helps set him free from his demons of his past. Jason's transformation for dissolute rake to upstanding charmer was also very well done and I was glad it was not a complete one-eighty so quickly. It took time and patience and in the end everything played out as it should. His relationship with his half brother added some depth and set up the next book very well and I can't wait to finally have Ethan (Jagger) story! Darcy Burke is an author to watch and each book I read of hers gets better and better and I feel she is an excellent storyteller and her romances are ones I would read again and again. 4 sigh worthy stars
The latest addition to Darcy Burke's Secrets & Scandals series is another winner for me. Full of the healing power of love, a forbidden love and overcoming the past to grasp the future. This story fits very true with the present day and how gossip can really upset a person's life. I thought the whole subject was handled very well and I also liked that Jason did not immediately fall for Lydia after he found out about her gossiping aunt. Lydia proves her loyalty to Jason and she has her own problems to overcome with her bitter aunt and her need for friends, a home, a family. She is aware of her presence as an air-headed gossip but Jason learns the truth about her and in return, she helps set him free from his demons of his past. Jason's transformation for dissolute rake to upstanding charmer was also very well done and I was glad it was not a complete one-eighty so quickly. It took time and patience and in the end everything played out as it should. His relationship with his half brother added some depth and set up the next book very well and I can't wait to finally have Ethan (Jagger) story! Darcy Burke is an author to watch and each book I read of hers gets better and better and I feel she is an excellent storyteller and her romances are ones I would read again and again. 4 sigh worthy stars
May 16, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book! Darcy Burke's Secrets & Scandals series just gets better and better. Can't wait for Jagger's book!
September 22, 2017
Buku ke 100 ku th ini eehehe… lagi-lagi lompat bacanya, lebih penasaran sama Lockwood dari pada buku sebelumnya, padahal buku sebelumnya keknya clue buat buku terakhir deh.. Jagger aka Ethan Locke adeknya Jason Lockwood, bastard brother ding XD
Ceritanya tu Jason Lockwood yang jadi bual2an ton, di cap sebagai lunatic karena
Buku selanjutnya Audrey – Ethan, mereka ude jadi partner dance yg Lydia jadi gurunya.. ngumpet2 si, di rumahnya Audrey.. dan Lydia suka liat mereka flirting gt ehehehe.. tp gw mo baca judul laen dulu keknya XD
Ceritanya tu Jason Lockwood yang jadi bual2an ton, di cap sebagai lunatic karena
Buku selanjutnya Audrey – Ethan, mereka ude jadi partner dance yg Lydia jadi gurunya.. ngumpet2 si, di rumahnya Audrey.. dan Lydia suka liat mereka flirting gt ehehehe.. tp gw mo baca judul laen dulu keknya XD
June 3, 2013
SPICY REGENCY ROMANCE
Lord Jason Lockwood lives on the fringes of polite society. Thought of by the rest of the ton as mad, scarred and a seducer, he is renowned for his parties where anything goes.
Lord Lockwood has a half brother born to one of Jason's father's mistresses, Ethan Jagger had suddenly appeared back in society after a long absence calling himself Ethan Lock. With the death of another peer who was the leader of a gang of thieves, and Ethan's past crimes it seems obvious to Lord Lockwood that the two are connected. Determined to discover more Lord Lockwood decides to pay a call on Lady Aldridge the widow. It is at Lady Aldridge's front door he meets Lady Lydia Prewitt, who was also there to pay her respects to the widow.
Lydia Prewitt had been in London for six seasons and has never received an offer for her hand. This was mainly due to her Aunt Margaret, who was the tons most vicious gossip, she was feared and reviled with equal measure. When Lydia meets Lord Lockwood, there is an instant attraction between them, his scarred face does not bother Lydia it merely adds to his appeal.
But Lydia's aunt hates Lord Lockwood above all others, and when she discovers Lydia has met him, she expects her to help in his downfall. But Lydia finds she cannot do her aunts bidding. Instead she sets about helping him to re-enter society.
I love regency romances, but had not read anything by this author previously. This story has everything IMO. Romance, drama and murder. Plus the love scenes are sensuous and passionate. I really liked how the characters developed as the story unfolded. Jason and Lydia were perfect together. Aunt Margaret was deliciously evil. Jason's half brother Ethan is the subject of the next book. I will definitely be reading that.
ARC courtesy of Intrepid Reads and NetGalley
Lord Jason Lockwood lives on the fringes of polite society. Thought of by the rest of the ton as mad, scarred and a seducer, he is renowned for his parties where anything goes.
Lord Lockwood has a half brother born to one of Jason's father's mistresses, Ethan Jagger had suddenly appeared back in society after a long absence calling himself Ethan Lock. With the death of another peer who was the leader of a gang of thieves, and Ethan's past crimes it seems obvious to Lord Lockwood that the two are connected. Determined to discover more Lord Lockwood decides to pay a call on Lady Aldridge the widow. It is at Lady Aldridge's front door he meets Lady Lydia Prewitt, who was also there to pay her respects to the widow.
Lydia Prewitt had been in London for six seasons and has never received an offer for her hand. This was mainly due to her Aunt Margaret, who was the tons most vicious gossip, she was feared and reviled with equal measure. When Lydia meets Lord Lockwood, there is an instant attraction between them, his scarred face does not bother Lydia it merely adds to his appeal.
But Lydia's aunt hates Lord Lockwood above all others, and when she discovers Lydia has met him, she expects her to help in his downfall. But Lydia finds she cannot do her aunts bidding. Instead she sets about helping him to re-enter society.
I love regency romances, but had not read anything by this author previously. This story has everything IMO. Romance, drama and murder. Plus the love scenes are sensuous and passionate. I really liked how the characters developed as the story unfolded. Jason and Lydia were perfect together. Aunt Margaret was deliciously evil. Jason's half brother Ethan is the subject of the next book. I will definitely be reading that.
ARC courtesy of Intrepid Reads and NetGalley
May 25, 2013
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic
Expected Release Date: May 12, 2013
Publisher: Intrepid Reads
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.darcyburke.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 5, Secrets & Scandals Series
Series Best Read In Order: Probably, but works okay as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: None
Favorite Tropes: Physically Imperfect or Scarred (Hero), Abused Heroine
With so many of the things that I love in a romance novel -- a tortured, scarred hero, a browbeaten yet determined heroine, both having to live with their own sins of the past, and a forbidden romance blossoming between them, this book was wonderful.
There was only one scene really that put a bit of a dampener on my enjoyment, and even that was made up for with a tasty make-up scene.
Overall, highly romantic, with some great chemistry, and plenty of plot twists to keep things interesting.
4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: May 12, 2013
Publisher: Intrepid Reads
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.darcyburke.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 5, Secrets & Scandals Series
Series Best Read In Order: Probably, but works okay as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: None
Favorite Tropes: Physically Imperfect or Scarred (Hero), Abused Heroine
With so many of the things that I love in a romance novel -- a tortured, scarred hero, a browbeaten yet determined heroine, both having to live with their own sins of the past, and a forbidden romance blossoming between them, this book was wonderful.
There was only one scene really that put a bit of a dampener on my enjoyment, and even that was made up for with a tasty make-up scene.
Overall, highly romantic, with some great chemistry, and plenty of plot twists to keep things interesting.
4.5/5 Stars
Read
July 19, 2013I find myself unable to read this book. I tried for several weeks to read it with no hope. I really tried to like it. I think the author has potential. I didn't find the book appealing at all. I know. I'm one of the few that couldn't rate it. I didn't want to give the book a bad rating simply just because it couldn't grasp and hold my attention. I finished 37% of the book and put it away for now.
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June 18, 2013I seriously want to like this author's voice - but by 40% I just couldn't get into this one. I felt like the hero and heroine had no chemistry. Putting it aside for now.
May 25, 2025
This is the 5th book in the Secrets and Scandals series, "Never love a scoundrel".
MC's h. Lady Lydia Prewitt originally from Northumberland, lives with her great aunt Margaret, Lady Rutherford who is a feared and renowned gossip. Lydia's bestfriend is Audrey Cheswick a wallflower. Lydia is also known as a gossip and is trying to change her ways. This is her 6th season and she still hasn't been proposed to. Her reputation and her aunt haven't helped her out in the marriage mart.
H. Viscount Jason Lockwood holds notorious vice parties and has a huge scar (22 stitches) he obtained from a fight with his half brother Ethan Locke "Jagger" seven years ago. He was ostracised by the "Ton" accused of being mad along with his dear mother. All because of a vendetta Margaret Rutherford had against his mother and he because she lost her virtue to his rakehell father. His half brother was the illigitimate but acknowledged son of Lord Lockwood's mistress. After Lord Lockwood died, Ethan hoped Jason and his mother would help him out financially but they turned him away. He ended up on the streets a criminal working for Gin Jimmy.
Love story: This is a friends to lovers story. Lydia and Jason meet at a mutual Lady's afternoon tea. They take a turn in the garden flirting with each other. They meet again at a house party and end up kissing. Whenever they meet their passion grows and before you know it, Lydia loses her virtue. He knows he should offer for her but her great aunt hates him.
Mystery: Ethan has been involved in criminal activities for years from theiving to boxing fights. He is trying to get out of the underworld, but he has to outsmart other criminals, Wolverton (Marquess) and Gin Jimmy (underworld boss). Bow Street comes to call on Jason to ask him questions about his brother. Lady Aldyce? died from a laudenum overdose, many Mayfair residences have been robbed, at Lockwood's a footman is murdered, Wolverton is murdered and Lydia is kidnapped by Gin Jimmy. Bow Street knows that Wolverton was the head of a thief ring, thanks to Jagger and they know that Gin Jimmy kidnapped Lydia. They still think he killed Lady Aldyce? and possibly Wolverton.
Brothers: There was a mystery to solve with Ethan's involvement in crime. There was discord amongst, Jason and Ethan because of how Jason's mother felt about being betrayed by his father Lord Lockwood. Jason was jeolous of Ethan's good relationship with his father.Ethan was jeolous too because Jason was ligit and had the wealth and title. They had a huge fight and Jason ended up injured with a huge scar on his face. They didn't talk to each other for 7 years.
Opinion: I enjoyed this story. There was a good mix between the romance between Jason and Lydia and the mystery surrounding the crimes being committed and Ethan being the prime person of interest with Bow Street, as well as the vendetta Lydia's great aunt Margaret had to the Lockwoods. Characters from some of the other books in the series made their way into this book. They are: Duke of Holburn's son Saxton and his wife (friends with Lydia and Audrey), Sevrin, Carlyle ( his wife). Favorite Characters from this book: Lydia, Jason, Audrey, Ethan, (Butler North and Valet Sammy).
I gave this 4 stars mainly because of the hot sexy scenes.
MC's h. Lady Lydia Prewitt originally from Northumberland, lives with her great aunt Margaret, Lady Rutherford who is a feared and renowned gossip. Lydia's bestfriend is Audrey Cheswick a wallflower. Lydia is also known as a gossip and is trying to change her ways. This is her 6th season and she still hasn't been proposed to. Her reputation and her aunt haven't helped her out in the marriage mart.
H. Viscount Jason Lockwood holds notorious vice parties and has a huge scar (22 stitches) he obtained from a fight with his half brother Ethan Locke "Jagger" seven years ago. He was ostracised by the "Ton" accused of being mad along with his dear mother. All because of a vendetta Margaret Rutherford had against his mother and he because she lost her virtue to his rakehell father. His half brother was the illigitimate but acknowledged son of Lord Lockwood's mistress. After Lord Lockwood died, Ethan hoped Jason and his mother would help him out financially but they turned him away. He ended up on the streets a criminal working for Gin Jimmy.
Love story: This is a friends to lovers story. Lydia and Jason meet at a mutual Lady's afternoon tea. They take a turn in the garden flirting with each other. They meet again at a house party and end up kissing. Whenever they meet their passion grows and before you know it, Lydia loses her virtue. He knows he should offer for her but her great aunt hates him.
Mystery: Ethan has been involved in criminal activities for years from theiving to boxing fights. He is trying to get out of the underworld, but he has to outsmart other criminals, Wolverton (Marquess) and Gin Jimmy (underworld boss). Bow Street comes to call on Jason to ask him questions about his brother. Lady Aldyce? died from a laudenum overdose, many Mayfair residences have been robbed, at Lockwood's a footman is murdered, Wolverton is murdered and Lydia is kidnapped by Gin Jimmy. Bow Street knows that Wolverton was the head of a thief ring, thanks to Jagger and they know that Gin Jimmy kidnapped Lydia. They still think he killed Lady Aldyce? and possibly Wolverton.
Brothers: There was a mystery to solve with Ethan's involvement in crime. There was discord amongst, Jason and Ethan because of how Jason's mother felt about being betrayed by his father Lord Lockwood. Jason was jeolous of Ethan's good relationship with his father.Ethan was jeolous too because Jason was ligit and had the wealth and title. They had a huge fight and Jason ended up injured with a huge scar on his face. They didn't talk to each other for 7 years.
Opinion: I enjoyed this story. There was a good mix between the romance between Jason and Lydia and the mystery surrounding the crimes being committed and Ethan being the prime person of interest with Bow Street, as well as the vendetta Lydia's great aunt Margaret had to the Lockwoods. Characters from some of the other books in the series made their way into this book. They are: Duke of Holburn's son Saxton and his wife (friends with Lydia and Audrey), Sevrin, Carlyle ( his wife). Favorite Characters from this book: Lydia, Jason, Audrey, Ethan, (Butler North and Valet Sammy).
I gave this 4 stars mainly because of the hot sexy scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2018
Hmmm, I really need to learn to finish reading the first book before buying more books in the series.
I'm currently reading the next book - Book #6 - about the brother, which is mildly better, but has some of the same issues.
What I liked? I liked the set-up, or premise, about a shunned Lord who holds vice parties, and the niece of a notorious gossip who has been aiding her Great Aunt, in order to a)stay in London, and b) be popular -- but has back-fired on her. Also the shunned Lord is struggling to reconcile with his half-brother, who is one of the reasons he'd gotten shunned. (They fought, his brother pushed him through a window, resulting in a wicked scar down his face. Sort of similar to Kylo Ren and Tyrion Lannister in the tv show Game of Thrones.) And the Lord's mother went mad as a direct result of the father's infidelity resulting in the bastard brother.
Nice set-up. And it works up to a point. That point being...the sex scenes. The sex scenes don't work. It's very hard to believe that the heroine, Lydia, who cares what people think and is rather innocent in this regard -- would instigate sex with the hero. But she does, on numerous occasions. He pulls back, but she begs him to continue. Risking pregnancy, etc. Yes, I can see this happening now -- but not back then. Although to be honest? I've no clue when exactly this takes place -- I'm guessing during the Regency. There's relatively little to no history in this book. We get a mention of "the ton" and everyone goes about in horse and carriage. But that's about it. The writer skimps on some details and goes overboard with others (ie. the graphic sex scene, which felt awkward and a bit out of character).
Now, don't get me wrong -- I like sex scenes. I've read erotica. But, if you can't do it well? Don't do it at all. And if you are doing it in a historical? Either wait until they are married or build it up a bit better. It made no sense that he'd take her to the prop room, which is off limits. Or that she'd let him go that far. Not a woman who used gossip to ruin people and is well-aware of how others view premarital sex in those days. I could see others doing it, but not Lydia.
Also, Jason Lockwood, the hero, comes across as a bit childish and erratic. He does things that don't make sense and are over the top. Why out his engagement to Lydia in front of everyone the way he did? It felt contrived.
No, the book worked for the first half, then went a bit off-kilter. Also, I found the dialogue a bit stilted in places or awkward. It didn't work for me.
I'm hoping the second or rather sixth book is a bit better.
I'm currently reading the next book - Book #6 - about the brother, which is mildly better, but has some of the same issues.
What I liked? I liked the set-up, or premise, about a shunned Lord who holds vice parties, and the niece of a notorious gossip who has been aiding her Great Aunt, in order to a)stay in London, and b) be popular -- but has back-fired on her. Also the shunned Lord is struggling to reconcile with his half-brother, who is one of the reasons he'd gotten shunned. (They fought, his brother pushed him through a window, resulting in a wicked scar down his face. Sort of similar to Kylo Ren and Tyrion Lannister in the tv show Game of Thrones.) And the Lord's mother went mad as a direct result of the father's infidelity resulting in the bastard brother.
Nice set-up. And it works up to a point. That point being...the sex scenes. The sex scenes don't work. It's very hard to believe that the heroine, Lydia, who cares what people think and is rather innocent in this regard -- would instigate sex with the hero. But she does, on numerous occasions. He pulls back, but she begs him to continue. Risking pregnancy, etc. Yes, I can see this happening now -- but not back then. Although to be honest? I've no clue when exactly this takes place -- I'm guessing during the Regency. There's relatively little to no history in this book. We get a mention of "the ton" and everyone goes about in horse and carriage. But that's about it. The writer skimps on some details and goes overboard with others (ie. the graphic sex scene, which felt awkward and a bit out of character).
Now, don't get me wrong -- I like sex scenes. I've read erotica. But, if you can't do it well? Don't do it at all. And if you are doing it in a historical? Either wait until they are married or build it up a bit better. It made no sense that he'd take her to the prop room, which is off limits. Or that she'd let him go that far. Not a woman who used gossip to ruin people and is well-aware of how others view premarital sex in those days. I could see others doing it, but not Lydia.
Also, Jason Lockwood, the hero, comes across as a bit childish and erratic. He does things that don't make sense and are over the top. Why out his engagement to Lydia in front of everyone the way he did? It felt contrived.
No, the book worked for the first half, then went a bit off-kilter. Also, I found the dialogue a bit stilted in places or awkward. It didn't work for me.
I'm hoping the second or rather sixth book is a bit better.
January 13, 2018
Never Love a Scoundrel review
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story that kind of reminded me of a Beauty and the Beast type of tale. Lord Jason Lockwood has been ostracized from society so he lives the life of a scoundrel, throwing wicked vice parties and isolating himself from those who spurn him. When he hears that his bastard brother Ethan has been seen around London attending balls and mingling with the very Society that made him an outcast, he is furious. It is because of Ethan that he bares a scar on his face and the reason he is not accepted by the ton. Jason decides to go to London to stop his brother and get his revenge but he didn't count on meeting Lady Lydia, the niece of the woman who also helped to destroy his reputation with her cruel gossip. I found myself immersed in this story and wanting both the Jason and Lydia to find their happily ever with each other and I wasn't disappointed. An unforgettable romance.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story that kind of reminded me of a Beauty and the Beast type of tale. Lord Jason Lockwood has been ostracized from society so he lives the life of a scoundrel, throwing wicked vice parties and isolating himself from those who spurn him. When he hears that his bastard brother Ethan has been seen around London attending balls and mingling with the very Society that made him an outcast, he is furious. It is because of Ethan that he bares a scar on his face and the reason he is not accepted by the ton. Jason decides to go to London to stop his brother and get his revenge but he didn't count on meeting Lady Lydia, the niece of the woman who also helped to destroy his reputation with her cruel gossip. I found myself immersed in this story and wanting both the Jason and Lydia to find their happily ever with each other and I wasn't disappointed. An unforgettable romance.
January 13, 2018
Wow, so many villains for both our H/h it is amazing we made it to HEA. Though certainly not a smooth road to reach it.
There is descriptive lovemaking outside of marriage and the Lord's name is used in vain, so be warned.
The h was fickle and it caused me to almost give up on the story when our H bares his soul in front of everyone and she stands there. Good thing it was near the end of the story or I may have given up.
There are good parts to this story that make it interesting. Even though other character's from previous books make an appearance, it is a stand alone.
My heart ached for the H and all he went through all because of someone trying to get even on a score from his father's time. This is a story about second chances for a lot of people.
I am not going into the premise as many have explained it, just what to expect. (ljb)
There is descriptive lovemaking outside of marriage and the Lord's name is used in vain, so be warned.
The h was fickle and it caused me to almost give up on the story when our H bares his soul in front of everyone and she stands there. Good thing it was near the end of the story or I may have given up.
There are good parts to this story that make it interesting. Even though other character's from previous books make an appearance, it is a stand alone.
My heart ached for the H and all he went through all because of someone trying to get even on a score from his father's time. This is a story about second chances for a lot of people.
I am not going into the premise as many have explained it, just what to expect. (ljb)
September 8, 2017
This one was very different from the rest of the series. I really enjoyed Lydia's gradual transformation in character particularly, but this book had a lot less emphasis on the romance between the two main characters, and a lot more on Lockwood's relationship with his brother, the theme of family (either by blood or friendship) and the over-arcing mystery plot from the previous books gets a lot more developed. As a romance I would say it was less successful (or rather less convincing, Burke never disappoints in the steam department, but I felt they needed more romantic development) but the other aspects of the book I really enjoyed separate from a romance novel, but it did affect the pace. I still really enjoy Burke's writing and will continue with the series!
March 5, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Jason Lockwood , where to begin .
Rogue , rake , debaucher, call him what you will , but he’s still a sexy guy .
Raised by a Mother who’s now lost her grip on reality , an absentee father , and an illegitimate half brother , his life is a mess , and one long illicit party .
Lady Lydia is so lovely , but her aunt is not , she’s a gossip monger and a nasty piece of work .
Others believe Lydia is the same so she has few friends .
When the two meet the sparks fly , but with other interventions will they every have a happy ever after .
A great read it’s hard to put this one down .
August 31, 2018
No longer a beast.
Bound by the control of her aunt who thrives on gossip, Lydia wants to live her own life. Entering into the world of vice is the only way Lord Jason Lockwood can find acceptance with the ton who spurn him. Lydia's attraction to Jason moves her to offer her help in gaining his respectability with the ton, but seduction may be her downfall. Love the interaction between them and despise her hateful aunt who wants her revenge. Explicit sex. I'm definitely ddicted to this series.
Bound by the control of her aunt who thrives on gossip, Lydia wants to live her own life. Entering into the world of vice is the only way Lord Jason Lockwood can find acceptance with the ton who spurn him. Lydia's attraction to Jason moves her to offer her help in gaining his respectability with the ton, but seduction may be her downfall. Love the interaction between them and despise her hateful aunt who wants her revenge. Explicit sex. I'm definitely ddicted to this series.
November 28, 2021
My favorite book in this series so far! We did not like Leticia before, but now we can understand why she was behaving as she was. I also liked her more and more with every chapter.
Jason was an intriguing character from the first met (in some previous books).
There is humour, there is steam and mystery. There is a brotherly bond, and there is a vicious aunt that we want to deal with.
I really liked it because it was a good balance between those factors mentioned above.
Can't wait to read about Audrey and Ethan!
Jason was an intriguing character from the first met (in some previous books).
There is humour, there is steam and mystery. There is a brotherly bond, and there is a vicious aunt that we want to deal with.
I really liked it because it was a good balance between those factors mentioned above.
Can't wait to read about Audrey and Ethan!
April 27, 2020
Scandal upon scandal.
Enjoyed this one a lot. We have caught glimpses of Jason, Lord Lockewood, Jagger and Lady Lydia in all the previous books. Jason is another tortured Lord, and his story is one of the most interesting, and Lydia is also not who we have been lead to believe. I am really enjoying reading these one after another and having all the previous characters show up. Now on the Jagger's story.
Enjoyed this one a lot. We have caught glimpses of Jason, Lord Lockewood, Jagger and Lady Lydia in all the previous books. Jason is another tortured Lord, and his story is one of the most interesting, and Lydia is also not who we have been lead to believe. I am really enjoying reading these one after another and having all the previous characters show up. Now on the Jagger's story.
March 21, 2025
The plot feels nonsensical and the heroine doesn’t have enough spine or personality. The chemistry isn’t really there, either … In fact, I feel like the H and h don’t actually *want* to be together, lol.
P.S. can Regency authors stop using the word demi-monde? It did not come into use until the 1850s.
P.S. can Regency authors stop using the word demi-monde? It did not come into use until the 1850s.
January 24, 2018
Another good story in this series
Great story, sensual with an undertone of danger. The uncertain relationship between the brothers adds interest and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens to them.
Great story, sensual with an undertone of danger. The uncertain relationship between the brothers adds interest and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens to them.
February 8, 2018
Gossiping
Just as painful or maybe even worse than today, were the printed broadsheets the Facebook of the Regentcy? This plot and these characters certainly suffered from it. And survived it.
Just as painful or maybe even worse than today, were the printed broadsheets the Facebook of the Regentcy? This plot and these characters certainly suffered from it. And survived it.
January 18, 2019
This one is not a standalone.
This series is really heating up. Reconciliation between brothers and vice parties with murderous thieves make a compelling tale. Sexy times with a marriage proposal.
This series is really heating up. Reconciliation between brothers and vice parties with murderous thieves make a compelling tale. Sexy times with a marriage proposal.
November 19, 2020
A good story but
I felt that the author rushed the ending. The scene at the Holburn's and then everything else didn't feel as thought out as the rest of the story. Otherwise, I enjoyed learning Lydia wasn't wanting to be as nasty as her aunt.
I felt that the author rushed the ending. The scene at the Holburn's and then everything else didn't feel as thought out as the rest of the story. Otherwise, I enjoyed learning Lydia wasn't wanting to be as nasty as her aunt.
January 20, 2018
Very enjoyable book. Loved the characters, nice and long so good character development. Want to read more by Darcy Burke.
August 25, 2020
So incredibly hot! One of my favs!
September 15, 2020
It started out strong, but the emotional turn-arounds were too pat for my liking, and the erotica at the end was too much. Too detailed and too much.
August 30, 2021
More intrigue and passion
I liked this one because of the tying the story loose ends from the previous books. I can assume the next book will be equally as riveting
I liked this one because of the tying the story loose ends from the previous books. I can assume the next book will be equally as riveting
August 29, 2022
Not a fan of quick endings.
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