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Willful Depravity
Giles Warrington Hale, Marquess of Ashcroft, was born to do two things. Paint and rut. But lately, nobody but Miss Patience Emery has inspired him. The moment he sees her, he knows he must paint her and have her-- anywhere and everywhere.
After a lifetime of trying to appear smaller, Patience no longer cares what anyone thinks. She’s resigned herself to a life having a man in her dreams only. But when the mysterious Lord Ashcroft approaches her with a chance to act on her bold, scandalous, and depraved desires, she suddenly sees her opportunity to indulge in every wicked fantasy she’s ever had...
This erotic romance features a BBW heroine and a scandalous hero.
After a lifetime of trying to appear smaller, Patience no longer cares what anyone thinks. She’s resigned herself to a life having a man in her dreams only. But when the mysterious Lord Ashcroft approaches her with a chance to act on her bold, scandalous, and depraved desires, she suddenly sees her opportunity to indulge in every wicked fantasy she’s ever had...
This erotic romance features a BBW heroine and a scandalous hero.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
94 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Ingrid Hahn
17 books209 followersIngrid Hahn is a failed administrative assistant with a B.A. in Art History. Her love of reading has turned her mortgage payment into a book storage fee, which makes her the friend who you never want to ask you for help moving. Though originally from Seattle, she now lives in the metropolitan DC area with her ship-nerd husband, small son, and four opinionated cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves knitting, theater, nature walks, travel, history, and is a hopelessly devoted fan of Jane Austen. Please connect with her on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 4, 2019
Inventive and spicy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is something completely different from any historical romance I’ve ever read before. Much of the time we spend deciphering conversations that are written in old English style. But in this story the author chose to just write in plain English, which I appreciated.
This book is about an anomaly in Old England; a woman who is large. Larger than life but also large in body. The author did amazing job creating her character to be strong and fed up with being treated like a lesser person by everyone.
She then matched her with a guy who was completely different as well. An artist and someone who knew exactly what he wanted out of life.
The story is a lot about being in tune with yourself and being OK with not conforming. Loaded with hot, scorching sex scenes and a plot that is so different from the norm.
The way the author wrote this story you can really be in touch with the feelings between the two characters and understand why they were drawn to each other.
Once you got over the initial shock of this being different from the typical historical romance, the story began to stand out and you feel all of the emotions and outrage the characters do.
Definitely different, very spicy and sexy, but deliciously entertaining.
*copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is something completely different from any historical romance I’ve ever read before. Much of the time we spend deciphering conversations that are written in old English style. But in this story the author chose to just write in plain English, which I appreciated.
This book is about an anomaly in Old England; a woman who is large. Larger than life but also large in body. The author did amazing job creating her character to be strong and fed up with being treated like a lesser person by everyone.
She then matched her with a guy who was completely different as well. An artist and someone who knew exactly what he wanted out of life.
The story is a lot about being in tune with yourself and being OK with not conforming. Loaded with hot, scorching sex scenes and a plot that is so different from the norm.
The way the author wrote this story you can really be in touch with the feelings between the two characters and understand why they were drawn to each other.
Once you got over the initial shock of this being different from the typical historical romance, the story began to stand out and you feel all of the emotions and outrage the characters do.
Definitely different, very spicy and sexy, but deliciously entertaining.
*copy received for review consideration
January 10, 2021
Plus sized heroine in a historical romance!!! It was sexy and a fun story with two characters who have a tough support system.
May 17, 2024
“So you can paint me. But not a portrait.” “So I can paint you—but not a respectable portrait.” When he smiled, he became the personified god of lust. Before the birth of Christ, he could have overtaken the whole continent with a pagan cult upon the power of those quirked lips alone. “But don’t forget what the best part of it would be, Miss Emery.” She blinked. The undercurrent of his words hinted at something that went well beyond impropriety
“And what would be the best part of your…proposal?” His wicked smile turned all too dangerous. This man had a devil inside him—a lascivious devil that he enjoyed all too much. He was a sinner. And he would dance all the way to hell. The idea of tumbling down with him wasn’t half bad, so long as he never stopped smiling at her like that. “Why, the fucking, of course.”
I picked up this book, written by an author I’d never heard of, expecting a quick and dirty read. Instead, I found a true gem that ticked all the boxes for me:
- Two characters I absolutely adored
- A seduction that came not just from the mind, but body, heart and soul
- Smokin hot erotica (early, often, and utterly delicious)
- A beautiful love story… true, deep, accepting, passionate, healing, “I see you and I adore you” love
- Angsty heartache caused by a toxic, truly despicable villain
- A story that played my emotions like a finely tuned instrument
He wanted to learn her. Know her. Pleasure her. Then go beyond everything and into her soul. First, he had to show her his. And this was how he would do it. Dipping the bristles in the waiting paint, Giles gently wiped the excess on the side of the cup and began. He worked in small strokes, the brush not holding enough of the medium for aught else. She bore it beautifully, raising her arm when bidden to do so and holding perfectly still while he worked. He started at her shoulder. One ornamental swirl grew from another. Vines curled around one another, and delicate leaves grew spontaneously. All his concentration narrowed to his task. Time dissolved. His eyes assumed a preternatural ability to see detail, with each minute fragment of mica seeming to have a life of its own. Each square inch of Miss Emery’s skin a wonder of nature. He painted the expanse of her back. Her breasts. Her belly. Each thigh. Strokes wrapping around her as his vision began to appear before him.
I was so into this book from the very beginning that I wanted to fly through it, but instead, I took my time and savored every little bit. Totally my kryptonite: erotica with aallll the feels.
Quite without noticing, emotion had crept in. His heart and his cock had forged an alliance—one that could never be broken. This would never again be something he could do with just anyone. Him, the Marquess of Ashcroft. Ruined by one woman. Who would ever believe it? He hardly did—except the powerful truth of it shone from his being. Because everything he was, everything he would ever be, was inexorably bound to the love he had for this woman.
“And what would be the best part of your…proposal?” His wicked smile turned all too dangerous. This man had a devil inside him—a lascivious devil that he enjoyed all too much. He was a sinner. And he would dance all the way to hell. The idea of tumbling down with him wasn’t half bad, so long as he never stopped smiling at her like that. “Why, the fucking, of course.”
I picked up this book, written by an author I’d never heard of, expecting a quick and dirty read. Instead, I found a true gem that ticked all the boxes for me:
- Two characters I absolutely adored
- A seduction that came not just from the mind, but body, heart and soul
- Smokin hot erotica (early, often, and utterly delicious)
- A beautiful love story… true, deep, accepting, passionate, healing, “I see you and I adore you” love
- Angsty heartache caused by a toxic, truly despicable villain
- A story that played my emotions like a finely tuned instrument
He wanted to learn her. Know her. Pleasure her. Then go beyond everything and into her soul. First, he had to show her his. And this was how he would do it. Dipping the bristles in the waiting paint, Giles gently wiped the excess on the side of the cup and began. He worked in small strokes, the brush not holding enough of the medium for aught else. She bore it beautifully, raising her arm when bidden to do so and holding perfectly still while he worked. He started at her shoulder. One ornamental swirl grew from another. Vines curled around one another, and delicate leaves grew spontaneously. All his concentration narrowed to his task. Time dissolved. His eyes assumed a preternatural ability to see detail, with each minute fragment of mica seeming to have a life of its own. Each square inch of Miss Emery’s skin a wonder of nature. He painted the expanse of her back. Her breasts. Her belly. Each thigh. Strokes wrapping around her as his vision began to appear before him.
I was so into this book from the very beginning that I wanted to fly through it, but instead, I took my time and savored every little bit. Totally my kryptonite: erotica with aallll the feels.
Quite without noticing, emotion had crept in. His heart and his cock had forged an alliance—one that could never be broken. This would never again be something he could do with just anyone. Him, the Marquess of Ashcroft. Ruined by one woman. Who would ever believe it? He hardly did—except the powerful truth of it shone from his being. Because everything he was, everything he would ever be, was inexorably bound to the love he had for this woman.
January 7, 2019
I was so excited to pick up this book because I was in the mood for some smut and it clearly held promises of fat representation. This book delivered. Not only did this provide loads (pun intended) of hot steamy sex scenes, there were parts the genuinely made me laugh. Like this line "Giles would sooner suck the boils on Satan's icy worm of a prick than ever belong to his father." There was also a part where Miss Emery was daydreaming of what it would be like to talk openly about sexual encounters. The dream included dialogue that wouldn't be considered polite in even today's society but it was still quite hilarious to picture it happening as the character did.
The pacing is well done and you don't have to wait long for things to heat up. I do think the sex scenes where well written but some of the language was distracting. I found myself having to look up what some vocabulary meant. I do not think leaving this vocabulary out would take away from the story. Also, the term "quim" was used in place of "pussy" and it distracted me. Some other fun verbiage included "cockstand" and "welcoming cunny." And this one "wiped her clean of the viscous liquid he'd spilled on her skin." Are you blushing yet?
Something I really liked about the characters is that the main male love interest was very much about consent. He was so much into consent that it seemed out of place for the time period. Don't get me wrong, consent is key but it was talked about explicitly in several areas and it didn't feel like it belonged in the era.
For erotica, this book was well done. If you came for the sex, then you will get ALL the sex. I almost wonder if the fat rep teeters on fetishizing plus size women. That kind of made me uncomfortable which is why I knocked it down a star. Like, I don't need to know about her "plump wrists" to understand she's a curvy girl.
Check this book out if you are looking for some steaminess with a touch of diversity in the main female protagonist.
The pacing is well done and you don't have to wait long for things to heat up. I do think the sex scenes where well written but some of the language was distracting. I found myself having to look up what some vocabulary meant. I do not think leaving this vocabulary out would take away from the story. Also, the term "quim" was used in place of "pussy" and it distracted me. Some other fun verbiage included "cockstand" and "welcoming cunny." And this one "wiped her clean of the viscous liquid he'd spilled on her skin." Are you blushing yet?
Something I really liked about the characters is that the main male love interest was very much about consent. He was so much into consent that it seemed out of place for the time period. Don't get me wrong, consent is key but it was talked about explicitly in several areas and it didn't feel like it belonged in the era.
For erotica, this book was well done. If you came for the sex, then you will get ALL the sex. I almost wonder if the fat rep teeters on fetishizing plus size women. That kind of made me uncomfortable which is why I knocked it down a star. Like, I don't need to know about her "plump wrists" to understand she's a curvy girl.
Check this book out if you are looking for some steaminess with a touch of diversity in the main female protagonist.
January 27, 2019
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
A lusty artist meets his match in a confident printer’s daughter in Willful Depravity . Ingrid Hahn has delivered an erotic historical romance with a lot of potential and mixed results.
One of my favorite things about this story was Patience’s self-love. She’s spent her whole life hearing that she should lose weight, that she’d be pretty if only she did, but Patience is happy with how she looks and I loved that. Her confidence only grows over the course of the story and the positivity in this book was one of its best features. Giles, the depraved marquess, is immediately captivated by Patience. It’s lust at first sight for both of them and there is plenty of enjoyable, steamy scenes throughout the book. Yet while the attraction between them is undeniable and I had no problem believing they would risk plenty to have a lusty holiday, I had a bit harder time believing in the love story part of it. There isn’t much romantic development in Willful Depravity , which is a pity. The characters tell us they’re in love, but there’s no real indication of why, aside from a physical attraction. The romance element rang false, and perhaps if the characters had been a bit more layered the actual romance would have worked better.
The road to happily ever after is not an easy one for Patience and Giles. The main obstacle is Giles’s father, whose sneering contempt definitely comes alive on the page. But the man is such a black-hatted villain that he fell flat and I didn’t really buy the somewhat clunky resolution to his plotline. There’s a lot of potential to Willful Depravity , but it did fall short on a couple of fronts. That being said, it’s not a bad book and I really liked a lot of the elements. Patience is a likeable, relatable heroine and Giles is a sexy, fun hero. With characters like that, it’s impossible not to like their story, flaws and all.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A lusty artist meets his match in a confident printer’s daughter in Willful Depravity . Ingrid Hahn has delivered an erotic historical romance with a lot of potential and mixed results.
One of my favorite things about this story was Patience’s self-love. She’s spent her whole life hearing that she should lose weight, that she’d be pretty if only she did, but Patience is happy with how she looks and I loved that. Her confidence only grows over the course of the story and the positivity in this book was one of its best features. Giles, the depraved marquess, is immediately captivated by Patience. It’s lust at first sight for both of them and there is plenty of enjoyable, steamy scenes throughout the book. Yet while the attraction between them is undeniable and I had no problem believing they would risk plenty to have a lusty holiday, I had a bit harder time believing in the love story part of it. There isn’t much romantic development in Willful Depravity , which is a pity. The characters tell us they’re in love, but there’s no real indication of why, aside from a physical attraction. The romance element rang false, and perhaps if the characters had been a bit more layered the actual romance would have worked better.
The road to happily ever after is not an easy one for Patience and Giles. The main obstacle is Giles’s father, whose sneering contempt definitely comes alive on the page. But the man is such a black-hatted villain that he fell flat and I didn’t really buy the somewhat clunky resolution to his plotline. There’s a lot of potential to Willful Depravity , but it did fall short on a couple of fronts. That being said, it’s not a bad book and I really liked a lot of the elements. Patience is a likeable, relatable heroine and Giles is a sexy, fun hero. With characters like that, it’s impossible not to like their story, flaws and all.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 29, 2019
This book is only in Mini-Reviews because I didn't want to write a five page essay on fat rep, unnecessarily evil villains, and unsexy sex. So, pretend I did all of that, and feel free to find me on Twitter or via email for specifics.
The heroine is fat, and I don't believe she hates herself. However. Everyone around her hates her for being fat (or at the very least, hates her fat) except for the hero, who seems to have a fat fetish. She never gets to just be a person. She's not simply beautiful, she's beautiful in spite of/because of her weight.
Don't get me started on the hero's father, who is cartoon villain levels of E-V-I-L. He kills the hero's horse. WHY?! Because the hero loved it.
Aaaaanyway, there's also the part where the author repeatedly uses the word "quim," which is worse than "moist" in my book. (Give me a lovely "cunt" any day.) There's no real connection between the hero and heroine, just sex that I didn't find sexy.
Overall, I'm giving this one a big 'ole pass. When it didn't actively hurt to read, it was boring.
Suzanne received a copy of this book from the publisher for review via NetGalley.
The heroine is fat, and I don't believe she hates herself. However. Everyone around her hates her for being fat (or at the very least, hates her fat) except for the hero, who seems to have a fat fetish. She never gets to just be a person. She's not simply beautiful, she's beautiful in spite of/because of her weight.
Don't get me started on the hero's father, who is cartoon villain levels of E-V-I-L. He kills the hero's horse. WHY?! Because the hero loved it.
Aaaaanyway, there's also the part where the author repeatedly uses the word "quim," which is worse than "moist" in my book. (Give me a lovely "cunt" any day.) There's no real connection between the hero and heroine, just sex that I didn't find sexy.
Overall, I'm giving this one a big 'ole pass. When it didn't actively hurt to read, it was boring.
Suzanne received a copy of this book from the publisher for review via NetGalley.
December 16, 2018
Sadly, I didn't like this book very much. It was supposed to be set in historical England but the characters didn't speak or act like it. Sometimes I forgot I was reading a historical romance because of it. It was quite jarring to be honest. Why not just make it a contemporary romance if you're gonna make the characters act modern anyway? And I didn't care about Giles and Patience or their romantic relationship. Actually I couldn't understand why they're attracted to eachother. Especially why Giles fixated on Patience the moment he saw her. I didn't see or feel the conection between them, let alone love. Not all was bad though. I found the sex scenes erotic and exciting. So I'm giving this 2 full stars, I didn't like the book but it wasn't awful or so bad I couldn't finish it.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 28, 2022
This book is great for those who want to read historical romance but find the way they speak boring and difficult to follow. The author writes in the proper way of the times but with a taste of the present. You won’t have to remember forty different titles and subtitles just to understand why they are offended by a person. The story flows well and keeps you hooked through out the tale.
Patience and Giles are made for each other. Giles helps her to see they beauty he sees in her and helps her speak up for herself. Well patience allows him to see, he’s more than his art and is a man worthy loving. Together they over come the stagnant ideals of their time.
I really enjoyed this story! I could have read it in one sitting but that thing called sleep got in the way😉. I think everyone should give this books a try wether HR or not.
I gave this book 4.5 stars
#MyBookObsessionapproved
Audio Update:
The narrator was really good. She did a great job bringing this story to life
Patience and Giles are made for each other. Giles helps her to see they beauty he sees in her and helps her speak up for herself. Well patience allows him to see, he’s more than his art and is a man worthy loving. Together they over come the stagnant ideals of their time.
I really enjoyed this story! I could have read it in one sitting but that thing called sleep got in the way😉. I think everyone should give this books a try wether HR or not.
I gave this book 4.5 stars
#MyBookObsessionapproved
Audio Update:
The narrator was really good. She did a great job bringing this story to life
December 31, 2019
An erotic novel, sensual and well written, compared to others I have read. There was actual building of the characters. Patience Emery was big and curvy, unsure of herself, drawn (pardon the pun-Read the book, you will see) into this relationship with the Marquess Of Ashcroft (Giles).
The book is about passion and is steamy, the acts wonderfully described. Willful Depravity as erotic romance, yes but as an adult erotica, maybe not so much.
I received this ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
The book is about passion and is steamy, the acts wonderfully described. Willful Depravity as erotic romance, yes but as an adult erotica, maybe not so much.
I received this ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
December 16, 2018
If you want to read a novel about a young woman who is not as perfect as the rest of society, who weights more, who likes to eat and is self-confident - you really should read this one. It is about passion and its erotic. But it is also about a young artist and the quite sick relationship his father has towards him. He doesn't want him to like corpulent women. He doesn't want him to draw them or anybody else.
The only thing I really didn't like was the bawdy language - You can write erotic novels without using the word "quim" all the time. Erotic is also about language and this one was just salty.
The only thing I really didn't like was the bawdy language - You can write erotic novels without using the word "quim" all the time. Erotic is also about language and this one was just salty.
January 21, 2019
Willful Depravity by Ingrid Hahn is the story of Patience Emery and Giles Warrington Hale, Marquess of Ashcroft.
Patience is not the cookie cutter heroine (that I love too) that we always read about, she is a full figure one. Which being a full figure women means a lot to read about one in a romance. I read romance books to break away from my everyday life...it my escape and fantasy life. So I don't mind the thin women....something I will never be or the hot alpha male...something you will never really get in real life...its a fantasy. But honestly this book gave me just as much... if not more reading about her and how she was beautiful despite what other judge her to be. Of course at first she thought Giles was one of those people that just wanted to make fun or make a joke of her but Giles too is different. Which made them both just a joy to read and perfect for each other. I do hope other authors take a feather from Ms. Hahn's cap in their writing...that not everyone has to be thin nor perfect to be loved and desired in a Romance Story.
Loved it!
Patience is not the cookie cutter heroine (that I love too) that we always read about, she is a full figure one. Which being a full figure women means a lot to read about one in a romance. I read romance books to break away from my everyday life...it my escape and fantasy life. So I don't mind the thin women....something I will never be or the hot alpha male...something you will never really get in real life...its a fantasy. But honestly this book gave me just as much... if not more reading about her and how she was beautiful despite what other judge her to be. Of course at first she thought Giles was one of those people that just wanted to make fun or make a joke of her but Giles too is different. Which made them both just a joy to read and perfect for each other. I do hope other authors take a feather from Ms. Hahn's cap in their writing...that not everyone has to be thin nor perfect to be loved and desired in a Romance Story.
Loved it!
February 12, 2019
Willful Depravity is a wickedly erotic romance novel featuring Giles, The Marquess of Ashcroft and and beautiful Patience. The romance between GIles and Patience starts of with the physical relationship and develops into much more between them as the story line continues.
What is a perfect romance without a bit of conflict and drama, and Willful Depravity provides that as well in this even paced romance. I liked the book and really like Patience as she seems authentic.
There is a fine balance on how to handle plus size women in romance novels, and I do think that author Ingrid Hahn tries to address that with Patience's self image and Gile's adoration of her beauty. The novel is pretty decent, but of course there is a lot of attention drawn to Patience's size and her struggle to accept herself and have a good self esteem. I saw that the two main characters have depth and substance (and healthy appetites)...but did not see other characters within the novel with such depth... Overall a good read!
What is a perfect romance without a bit of conflict and drama, and Willful Depravity provides that as well in this even paced romance. I liked the book and really like Patience as she seems authentic.
There is a fine balance on how to handle plus size women in romance novels, and I do think that author Ingrid Hahn tries to address that with Patience's self image and Gile's adoration of her beauty. The novel is pretty decent, but of course there is a lot of attention drawn to Patience's size and her struggle to accept herself and have a good self esteem. I saw that the two main characters have depth and substance (and healthy appetites)...but did not see other characters within the novel with such depth... Overall a good read!
December 26, 2018
Loved this book. A BBW lusted after by a Maquess? Yes, please. Patience is a beautiful woman, larger than most of the other girls and is treated cruelly by them. After telling off some "Lady's", she is then approached by a very broad shouldered, handsome man. He is Giles, the Marquess of Ashcroft. He has many talents such as painting and making love. Patience is exactly his type. He loves everything about her. She is the daughter of a printer and deemed below most of society. Giles is known as depraved. Neither see the other as society sees them. They see only the best. Giles wants to paint Patience without clothes because he finds her so amazing. Patience wants Giles to make love to her. They meet for these activities. Giles' father, the Duke is a horribly, abusive man to his son. He burns Giles studio and paintings and Patience's father's printing press. While trying to get to Patience, Giles falls and breaks his arm very badly. Will Giles be made to marry a woman that his father has picked out? Will Giles'arm ever heal enough for him to paint again? This is erotica. I loved Giles and Patience, hated Giles' father. There is so much more in this book and I have not given anything away. The last two or three chapters were wonderful. It's a great book and I'm looking forward to the next one. I received this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for a honest review. The expressed are my own. If anyone likes books about non skinny women, you will love this one
January 10, 2019
I had a feeling when I requested this one that I would enjoy it, and I did! It was overall a solid historical romance. It was a good length (only took me a day to read) and while there was a good amount of drama, the romance and smut was able to take the spotlight, which is what you want from this kind of book.
I really enjoyed Giles and Patience as well as their relationship. I really appreciated that Patience being plus sized wasn't fetishized by Giles. He simply treated her like a beautiful human inside and out. I also thought it was cool that Giles was bi. I haven't seen that in a historical romance before!
I would love to request more novels by Hahn in the future. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read/review this one!
I really enjoyed Giles and Patience as well as their relationship. I really appreciated that Patience being plus sized wasn't fetishized by Giles. He simply treated her like a beautiful human inside and out. I also thought it was cool that Giles was bi. I haven't seen that in a historical romance before!
I would love to request more novels by Hahn in the future. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read/review this one!
December 14, 2018
Started this book last night. I had to immediately post about it on the Heaving Bosoms podcast Facebook group, The Heaving Bosoms Podcast Geriatric Friendship Cult. I was so excited to see a truly plus sized heroine in a sexy romantic role who is appreciated for her assets. Many of the HBPGFC members said they were immediately per-ordering from Amazon today.
I could not put this book down. You are pulled into the story by a spunky Patience who has had enough of being looked down upon because of her size. Then enter stage right a tall hunk of steaming sex appeal the Maquess of Ashcroft come smoldering up with a proposal that Patience can not turn down. She would truly regret turning Ashcroft down for the REST OF HER LIFE.
Love love love this book and look forward to more from Ingrid Hahn.
I could not put this book down. You are pulled into the story by a spunky Patience who has had enough of being looked down upon because of her size. Then enter stage right a tall hunk of steaming sex appeal the Maquess of Ashcroft come smoldering up with a proposal that Patience can not turn down. She would truly regret turning Ashcroft down for the REST OF HER LIFE.
Love love love this book and look forward to more from Ingrid Hahn.
January 11, 2019
Received ARC via Netgalley
I don't read much M/F romance these days, but one surefire way to get me interested is to feature a "plus-size" model on the cover, and even better have that actually be what the character in the book looks like. I had some issues with the writing, it doesn't "feel" historical and whether it's accurate or not all the F and P bombs threw me off. It felt like the author was desperately trying to be "edgy". What did work was the romance, it took a little while for me to fully be invested but I was really charmed by the end. I have to admit that I LOVED how into Patience's body Giles was. He saw the beauty in her and loved her. (*whispers*Am also intrigued by his bi-proclivities, though there's nothing on page beyond references to past happenings). Patience was awesome. I loved seeing her grow into herself and accept that she is in charge of her life and everyone else can get on board with that or not but it's not her problem. I love how she stood her ground, with her parents and Giles. Another thing that didn't quite work is the Evil Duke plot resolution. I really don't quite understand how exactly that solved their problem and what happens with their lives after their stunt. Sure there's an epilogue and they're happy and familyed up but what happens with the dukedom down the road? Do they go back to England? I'm left with questions like that. But all in all, I am happy with the story and glad I read it.
I don't read much M/F romance these days, but one surefire way to get me interested is to feature a "plus-size" model on the cover, and even better have that actually be what the character in the book looks like. I had some issues with the writing, it doesn't "feel" historical and whether it's accurate or not all the F and P bombs threw me off. It felt like the author was desperately trying to be "edgy". What did work was the romance, it took a little while for me to fully be invested but I was really charmed by the end. I have to admit that I LOVED how into Patience's body Giles was. He saw the beauty in her and loved her. (*whispers*Am also intrigued by his bi-proclivities, though there's nothing on page beyond references to past happenings). Patience was awesome. I loved seeing her grow into herself and accept that she is in charge of her life and everyone else can get on board with that or not but it's not her problem. I love how she stood her ground, with her parents and Giles. Another thing that didn't quite work is the Evil Duke plot resolution. I really don't quite understand how exactly that solved their problem and what happens with their lives after their stunt. Sure there's an epilogue and they're happy and familyed up but what happens with the dukedom down the road? Do they go back to England? I'm left with questions like that. But all in all, I am happy with the story and glad I read it.
February 10, 2019
This was an unexpected read, as this book was advertised in my previous read, and the blurb about a plus size woman set in an historical romance was intriguing, so I just purchased it.
It was deliciously wicked and steamy but I also loved to see the characters grow and move from their usual way in life.
Patience Emery knows she fits nowhere because of her unusual figure, so she tries at most to blend with her surrounding but not easy when you are larger than anyone. She usually bends her face to avoid others glare but sometime, enough is enough, for once she will stand for herself. Nor she expected this one burst of temper to bring her in the arms of the famous Marquess Of Ashcroft.
Giles Warrington Hale burns the candle by both ends, having only one rule, live life at the fullest and rile his father. He enjoys carnal pleasure as if it is a food for the mind, splitting his time between sexual enjoyment and painting scandalous and sensual pictures. So when he sets his eyes on Miss Emery, he will stop at nothing to convince her to have him.
So yes, they have a scorching chemistry but they will also need each other to understand what they want in their future.
A different historical read with unconventional characters.
4,5 stars rate.
It was deliciously wicked and steamy but I also loved to see the characters grow and move from their usual way in life.
Patience Emery knows she fits nowhere because of her unusual figure, so she tries at most to blend with her surrounding but not easy when you are larger than anyone. She usually bends her face to avoid others glare but sometime, enough is enough, for once she will stand for herself. Nor she expected this one burst of temper to bring her in the arms of the famous Marquess Of Ashcroft.
Giles Warrington Hale burns the candle by both ends, having only one rule, live life at the fullest and rile his father. He enjoys carnal pleasure as if it is a food for the mind, splitting his time between sexual enjoyment and painting scandalous and sensual pictures. So when he sets his eyes on Miss Emery, he will stop at nothing to convince her to have him.
So yes, they have a scorching chemistry but they will also need each other to understand what they want in their future.
A different historical read with unconventional characters.
4,5 stars rate.
December 18, 2018
Willful Depravity’s description may have sucked me in but the execution seriously had me running as far and as fast as possible in the opposite direction; image it...flames appearing beneath my feet as I fled the scene in hot pursuit of a good read.
Hot mess is what comes to mind when thinking how best to review this one. I was so in love with the concept of a historical romance that featured a full-figured woman as the lead. Then I started reading and became quickly disenchanted.
Willful Depravity didn’t feel at all like a historical romance, didn’t keep to the time period in character conversations or mannerisms, has an insta-love theme that really is not supported by character actions and/or deeds, felt as if the characters were together just due to the author machinations and for no other reason, felt no connection between the main couple, was not engaged by the couple, the book was far from erotic as it was claimed to be but rather tasteless and dirty, and overall the story was basically unbelievable and unrealistic.
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
Hot mess is what comes to mind when thinking how best to review this one. I was so in love with the concept of a historical romance that featured a full-figured woman as the lead. Then I started reading and became quickly disenchanted.
Willful Depravity didn’t feel at all like a historical romance, didn’t keep to the time period in character conversations or mannerisms, has an insta-love theme that really is not supported by character actions and/or deeds, felt as if the characters were together just due to the author machinations and for no other reason, felt no connection between the main couple, was not engaged by the couple, the book was far from erotic as it was claimed to be but rather tasteless and dirty, and overall the story was basically unbelievable and unrealistic.
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
January 30, 2019
Not recommendable in my opinion. The hot scenes lacked sensuality and were rather mechanical. I have found it tough to read because the sentences were rather short.
January 17, 2019
Giles Warrington Hale, Marquis of Ashcroft, was born to do two things. Paint and rut. After a lifetime of trying to appear smaller, Patience Emery no longer cares what anyone thinks. She’s resigned herself to a life having a man in her dreams only. Then the mysterious Lord Ashcroft approaches her after hearing her give a set down to a trio of tittering spiteful debutantes & offers her a chance to act on her bold, scandalous, and depraved desires.
Giles & Patience are definitely in lust with each other but gradually their relationship develops into something deeper. The pace of the book was good & the characters were well fleshed – Patience literally! I particularly loved that Patience was a large woman who truly captivated Giles. I loathed the Duke & really felt he didn't suffer enough for his misdeeds, his comeuppance was far too good for him. This is a steamy romance & I thoroughly enjoyed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Giles & Patience are definitely in lust with each other but gradually their relationship develops into something deeper. The pace of the book was good & the characters were well fleshed – Patience literally! I particularly loved that Patience was a large woman who truly captivated Giles. I loathed the Duke & really felt he didn't suffer enough for his misdeeds, his comeuppance was far too good for him. This is a steamy romance & I thoroughly enjoyed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 18, 2025
Okay, but can we look at this cover?!?!
So many historical covers don't reflect the plus size MCs inside and I was SO happy to spot this one in my library's audiobook collection!
Patience Emery is done adhering to standards and following inane rules of society. Rightfully pleased with her body as it is, Patience refuses to fit herself into a box not her own. Giles Warrington lives for two things, painting and f**king. When he lays eyes in Patience's voluptuous form, he knows he must do both with her. These two have excellent chemistry and I loved Ingrid Hahn's body descriptions of Patience. The reverence and worship are so well done.
Kudos to Hahn also for creating one of my most hated secondary characters. Giles' father is an absolute d!ck. So happy Giles has a mind and spine of his own.
I'm just so happy I found this book with such excellent fat rep on the cover and a hero who absolutely worships Patience. Highly recommend this read!
So many historical covers don't reflect the plus size MCs inside and I was SO happy to spot this one in my library's audiobook collection!
Patience Emery is done adhering to standards and following inane rules of society. Rightfully pleased with her body as it is, Patience refuses to fit herself into a box not her own. Giles Warrington lives for two things, painting and f**king. When he lays eyes in Patience's voluptuous form, he knows he must do both with her. These two have excellent chemistry and I loved Ingrid Hahn's body descriptions of Patience. The reverence and worship are so well done.
Kudos to Hahn also for creating one of my most hated secondary characters. Giles' father is an absolute d!ck. So happy Giles has a mind and spine of his own.
I'm just so happy I found this book with such excellent fat rep on the cover and a hero who absolutely worships Patience. Highly recommend this read!
January 9, 2019
Try as I might, I just could not get into this story. From the synopsis, I was expecting a lot more than the bawdy tale of two horny people that this turned out to be. Don't get more wrong, knowing it was an erotica, I expected sex. But I also expected a better plot.
The potential was there. Oh my was it there. Especially with regards to Giles' father, but even that seemed to be written off a lot easier than I would have expected. In fact considering the right git his father was I didn't expect him to give up at all, much less as easily as he did. For someone with as much "power" as he was shown to have throughout the story, it would have been easy for him to ruin the couple. But he seemingly gave up once they confronted him on his "home turf" as it were. It was wholly disappointing to see him do what he did throughout the novel and then to be vanquished so easily.
Also, I wish there had been more depth to the relationship between these two. Giles readily admits that he likes "fat" women, and Patience is described as being "so fleshy as to take up as much space as two or three average women at least". I guess that is why they were attracted to each other. She fit his "fetish" and he.... paid her attention? I guess? When the begin spending time with one another, there is ample opportunity for their relationship to move forward, and yet it seems stuck in a loop so that nothing really ever changes.
The sticking point for me (and I am not a prude, nor overly religious in any way), was the fact that after Patience shows up at Giles' "wedding" (that was not of his choice, but another attempt by his Father to control him) the pair has sex. In the church. Not in the main room where the wedding was to take place, but in another, smaller room. I'm sorry, that's not love.
At this point I am unsure if I would read more from this author, however this book may still appeal to those who enjoy erotica with the slight trappings of historical romance.
The potential was there. Oh my was it there. Especially with regards to Giles' father, but even that seemed to be written off a lot easier than I would have expected. In fact considering the right git his father was I didn't expect him to give up at all, much less as easily as he did. For someone with as much "power" as he was shown to have throughout the story, it would have been easy for him to ruin the couple. But he seemingly gave up once they confronted him on his "home turf" as it were. It was wholly disappointing to see him do what he did throughout the novel and then to be vanquished so easily.
Also, I wish there had been more depth to the relationship between these two. Giles readily admits that he likes "fat" women, and Patience is described as being "so fleshy as to take up as much space as two or three average women at least". I guess that is why they were attracted to each other. She fit his "fetish" and he.... paid her attention? I guess? When the begin spending time with one another, there is ample opportunity for their relationship to move forward, and yet it seems stuck in a loop so that nothing really ever changes.
The sticking point for me (and I am not a prude, nor overly religious in any way), was the fact that after Patience shows up at Giles' "wedding" (that was not of his choice, but another attempt by his Father to control him) the pair has sex. In the church. Not in the main room where the wedding was to take place, but in another, smaller room. I'm sorry, that's not love.
At this point I am unsure if I would read more from this author, however this book may still appeal to those who enjoy erotica with the slight trappings of historical romance.
December 21, 2018
This was a fun read. The description makes it sound super sexy beyond the usual romance novel, but there isn't much out of the ordinary, save a few bits. I loved having a truly plus-size heroine though! I thought the characters were well written and I enjoyed the plot.
January 4, 2019
When I first opened the book to read I thought "oh lord, it's gonna be a brittish ton historical romance just like the ones my grandmother had in boxes under her bed" ( I loved them , and they were scandalous- when I was 14 but not something I care to read now). Boy was I wrong! The basic story line was the same as the usual ton romance- aristocratic bad boy attempting to tempt the lower class lady and she captures his heart. That is right where the similarities end. I love these characters in all of their depravity.
January 11, 2019
I was a litte shocked at how much I enjoyed this book. I picked it mainly beacaue of the cover. I love a book about a curvy women. A erotica/romance that doesn't fit the mold and this book delivered. I must have missed the time in which this was set in the description cause I was shocked by that as well. Surprisely the setting and year fit and worked with the story line.
The sex could have been rauchier but all in all Ingrid did bring the sexy. The ending was a litte jumbled, a little to much happening at once.
I just liked the fact that this erotica was outside the box. A totally unconventional novel.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The sex could have been rauchier but all in all Ingrid did bring the sexy. The ending was a litte jumbled, a little to much happening at once.
I just liked the fact that this erotica was outside the box. A totally unconventional novel.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 26, 2021
The overall story wasn't that bad.
May 18, 2023
Ingrid Hahn is a masterclass on how women should be written.
I was absolutely delighted with the main character and the hero's relationship!
I was absolutely delighted with the main character and the hero's relationship!
January 22, 2019
Content warnings: fat phobia (including heroine’s mother forcing her to diet)
It’s rare, in my experience, to find a historical with a plus-sized heroine on the cover, so I jumped on this book as soon as I saw it. True to the cover, this is an erotic romance with a delightful fuck-buddies-to-lovers story line, starring a plus-sized heroine and a titled rake.
Giles initially becomes interested in Patience when he overhears her telling off a bunch of debutants with, well, language that would be considered extremely shocking even today. Immediately smitten by her daring and her ample curves, he makes a suggestion – visit him for a week of painting and sex. Patience, frustrated by never being good enough (read: thin enough) for her marriage-minded mother, decides to take him up on it. There’s more at stake, though, than just her reputation, and Patience’s new-found courage will be tested. Does she have the strength to claim her chance at happiness with Giles?
I liked Patience quite a bit. Though the book starts out with her trying to conform to society’s standards for an unmarried young woman, she still has a spark of boldness. Through her assignations with Giles, she gradually becomes more comfortable with both expressing her thoughts and in her own skin. Part of it is the welcome knowledge that she’s attractive just as she is, that she doesn’t have to change or reduce herself to fit society. Giles, however, I didn’t particularly care for. I’m not one for the tortured artist-type, honestly, and he showed that tendency towards extremes of emotion, as well as admitting, several times, that the only things he cares about are painting and screwing. I did love the care he showed Patience. His focus on consent was particularly nice, even about things like the nude drawings he did of her. And since this is an erotic romance, there were lots of chances to practice that consent – a good portion of the book is steamy sex scenes, though not much I’d consider particularly kinky.
As for cons, I did find the progression of the romance a bit unsatisfying. It’s almost a bit like they screwed themselves into loving each other, rather than falling in love through, well, doing anything that didn’t involve sex or sexually provocative painting. It’s clearly stated that Giles has a definite preference for women with curves, and at times I felt that he bordered on fetishizing her rather than seeing her for herself. I do think, by the end of the book, that he did see her as an actual person that he admired quite a bit. Additionally, the secondary characters didn’t particularly stand out to me. Giles’ father (and Patience’s mother, to a lesser extent), especially, were pretty one-note evil.
Overall, this is probably more of a 3.5 stars for me. As an erotic romance, I think it’s pretty good, but I did wish there was a bit more to the story. If you’re looking for a historical erotic romance starring a plus-size woman, however, this would be perfect for you!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It’s rare, in my experience, to find a historical with a plus-sized heroine on the cover, so I jumped on this book as soon as I saw it. True to the cover, this is an erotic romance with a delightful fuck-buddies-to-lovers story line, starring a plus-sized heroine and a titled rake.
“Allow me to offer you a certain…proposition.”
Her throat went dry. Proposition? Like…that kind of a proposition? Because she didn’t need to think on the matter. The answer was yes. If he wanted to slip away with her into the gardens and take her on a bench, she would throw him over her shoulder and run into the night.
Except she couldn’t. What foolishness. She wasn’t a wanton. She didn’t want to be, at any rate.
Very well, correctly speaking, she didn’t want anybody to know she was a wanton.
Giles initially becomes interested in Patience when he overhears her telling off a bunch of debutants with, well, language that would be considered extremely shocking even today. Immediately smitten by her daring and her ample curves, he makes a suggestion – visit him for a week of painting and sex. Patience, frustrated by never being good enough (read: thin enough) for her marriage-minded mother, decides to take him up on it. There’s more at stake, though, than just her reputation, and Patience’s new-found courage will be tested. Does she have the strength to claim her chance at happiness with Giles?
I liked Patience quite a bit. Though the book starts out with her trying to conform to society’s standards for an unmarried young woman, she still has a spark of boldness. Through her assignations with Giles, she gradually becomes more comfortable with both expressing her thoughts and in her own skin. Part of it is the welcome knowledge that she’s attractive just as she is, that she doesn’t have to change or reduce herself to fit society. Giles, however, I didn’t particularly care for. I’m not one for the tortured artist-type, honestly, and he showed that tendency towards extremes of emotion, as well as admitting, several times, that the only things he cares about are painting and screwing. I did love the care he showed Patience. His focus on consent was particularly nice, even about things like the nude drawings he did of her. And since this is an erotic romance, there were lots of chances to practice that consent – a good portion of the book is steamy sex scenes, though not much I’d consider particularly kinky.
“Forgive me for being so blunt and impugning your word, but I don’t believe you.”
He looked curious, not offended. “Why not?”
“Because I’m large.”
“Yes. So you are.” A tiny smile curled at the end of his lips, and he spoke with plain matter-of-factness. And when he raked his gaze slowly down her body and slowly back up again, she would be damned if he didn’t like what he saw. “What of it?”
“Well—”
“Do you mind your size?”
“Yes. No.” She sighed. “I don’t know. It’s complicated.”
As for cons, I did find the progression of the romance a bit unsatisfying. It’s almost a bit like they screwed themselves into loving each other, rather than falling in love through, well, doing anything that didn’t involve sex or sexually provocative painting. It’s clearly stated that Giles has a definite preference for women with curves, and at times I felt that he bordered on fetishizing her rather than seeing her for herself. I do think, by the end of the book, that he did see her as an actual person that he admired quite a bit. Additionally, the secondary characters didn’t particularly stand out to me. Giles’ father (and Patience’s mother, to a lesser extent), especially, were pretty one-note evil.
Overall, this is probably more of a 3.5 stars for me. As an erotic romance, I think it’s pretty good, but I did wish there was a bit more to the story. If you’re looking for a historical erotic romance starring a plus-size woman, however, this would be perfect for you!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 18, 2018
I loved Giles and Patience's story!
Being larger than what was accepted by the ton, Patience had gotten used to be ridiculed by her peers. So when Giles approaches her with a proposition, she thinks he is playing a joke on her. She soon realizes that his proposition is in earnest. Will she take the chance to finally realize passion or will she continue to have it in her dreams?
Loved that Patience a BBW heroine. We don't get many of those in historical romance. I loved that Giles saw her as beautiful and therefore, Patience soon did do. I definitely want more of these type of stories!!
Being larger than what was accepted by the ton, Patience had gotten used to be ridiculed by her peers. So when Giles approaches her with a proposition, she thinks he is playing a joke on her. She soon realizes that his proposition is in earnest. Will she take the chance to finally realize passion or will she continue to have it in her dreams?
Loved that Patience a BBW heroine. We don't get many of those in historical romance. I loved that Giles saw her as beautiful and therefore, Patience soon did do. I definitely want more of these type of stories!!
December 21, 2018
If you're looking for a "typical" Regency historical, this is not your book. Look elsewhere.
If you're looking for a read-alike to Scarlett Peckham's Secrets of Charlotte Street series - Willful Depravity is for you!
Lush period details don't get in the way of the insta-lust and story flow. For any reader who likes their sexytimes with a side of satin and sin, this is your read. The heroine, Patience, is out of her trademark trait. Watching her grow bolder in confronting society bullies and watching her claim her happiness with Giles - and more importantly, herself - is delightful.
Fast-paced, fun, and super-sexy with great period detail.
I did receive a review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you're looking for a read-alike to Scarlett Peckham's Secrets of Charlotte Street series - Willful Depravity is for you!
Lush period details don't get in the way of the insta-lust and story flow. For any reader who likes their sexytimes with a side of satin and sin, this is your read. The heroine, Patience, is out of her trademark trait. Watching her grow bolder in confronting society bullies and watching her claim her happiness with Giles - and more importantly, herself - is delightful.
Fast-paced, fun, and super-sexy with great period detail.
I did receive a review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
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