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Weddings and Scandals #4

The Viscount's Heart

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Can Emily find the courage to save herself and give her heart to the man she truly loves? Miss Emily Smythe has loved Viscount Wickton ever since she set eyes on him. Having always been a quiet wallflower, she lacks the courage to tell Lord Wickton the truth about how she feels. However, Lord Wickton does not appear to be at all interested in her and, despite her sorrow, Emily decides that she will have to allow Lord Davenport to pursue her instead. Lord Arthur Wickton has always appreciated Miss Smythe’s acquaintance but has never allowed himself to consider his heart. When witnessing Lord Davenport’s callous treatment of Miss Smythe, Arthur finds himself suddenly determined to stop their courtship – only to suddenly find himself trapped and unable to get to Miss Smythe. Has he realized the truth of his feelings too late? Can Miss Smythe find the courage and determination she needs to rescue both him and herself? Or will Lord Davenport prove the victor, despite their attempts?

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2019

413 people are currently reading
166 people want to read

About the author

Joyce Alec

94 books90 followers
Joyce Alec grew up in Colorado and graduated from college with a degree in business. After developing a passion for books, she spent countless hours reading a variety of genres, but fell in love with sweet, historical romances. Joyce’s passion for reading eventually cultivated into a love for writing, so creating Regency-era tales of love is a dream come true for her.

After planting her roots in Florida, Joyce found another passion: the ocean! In her free time, you can find Joyce at the beach with a big floppy hat, flip-flops, and a vanilla iced coffee in hand. She lives in the Sunshine State with her prince charming and wildly vivacious son.

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5 stars
130 (34%)
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110 (29%)
3 stars
86 (22%)
2 stars
31 (8%)
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18 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 10, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today ONLY (6/10/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
May 11, 2019
I felt it was difficult to stay engaged with the characters and the story. I found nothing surprising or new in the tale. I stopped reading after 25% of the book. Wallflower loves best friend's brother but it is unrequited, pressure from an uncaring father to marry or be shipped off, being courted by a dubious character and duplicitous in his words. The hero tries to come to her rescue only to fall into danger with the man courting his friend. I'll pass on this one.
Profile Image for Deborah Layne.
76 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2019
This troubles me

If you take out the incessant drivel of the meanderings of the lead characters the book would have stood a chance. But the total package was horrifying. Love idea in story nothing else.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,208 reviews
June 13, 2019
Incredibly thin on any real substance or plot or character development. Interminable internal musings, two main characters who were spineless and an ending that lacked any realism.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,500 reviews47 followers
May 13, 2019
Can Emily find the courage to save herself and give her heart to the man she truly loves?

Miss Emily Smythe has loved Viscount Wickton ever since she set eyes on him. Having always been a quiet wallflower, she lacks the courage to tell Lord Wickton the truth about how she feels.

Lord Arthur Wickton has always appreciated Miss Smythe’s acquaintance but has never allowed himself to consider his heart. When witnessing Lord Davenport’s callous treatment of Miss Smythe, Arthur finds himself suddenly determined to stop their courtship.

This is the first book I have read by this author. It isn't a long read and I finished it very quickly. I think I may look for other books by this author to read. The book is a easy read and can be fun at times.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for plot, storyline and characterization.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa  Montgomery.
949 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2019
I would give the book a 3.6 or perhaps a 3.7.
I liked the fact the author chose to use a heroine who learns to accept the strength within her and permits her to save the hero instead of the other way around.
I also appreciated the honor the hero displayed. "Honor" was a key mark of character during the Regency period.
However, although the book is listed as a "Regency Romance," some of the history presented in the book does not match up with the period. For example, Davenport signs Emily's "dance card," but "dance cards" were a Victorian device, not one from the Regency.
"Honeymoon" was not a term for a period after a marriage until the latter part of the 1800s. During the Regency, it meant: "The original reference was to affection waning like the moon, but later the sense became ‘the first month after marriage’."
Men were not introduced as "Viscount Arthur Wickton." He would be Lord Wickton. Anyone who was anyone knew him to be a viscount. The author uses this several times in the book, even when she introduces Lord Matthews as "Viscount Matthews."
The author has Emily call upon Wickton's town house. Ladies did not call upon a bachelor household. If Emily was worried for her reputation, which she repeatedly says she must be worried of it because of society's judgements, she would not call there, and she certainly would not leave her maid waiting outside once she entered the house.
(Spoiler alert!) At the end, Davenport is driven from England as his punishment, but then what happens to his title and his estates? He has no legitimate heir. This punishment would force his heir presumptive into a perpetual state of unknowing. Until Davenport is officially declared dead, his title goes into abeyance and the Crown assumes control of his estates. More than Davenport is being punished in this case: his heir according to the entailment, his staffs in London and at his estate, his tenants, etc.
Eliminate split infinitives: to even garner, to even consider, to just forgive, to even thank, etc.
Eliminate "one another" when "each other" is required. "Each other" means 2. "One another" means 3 or more. (for example, "good deal to say to one another" is incorrect)
There are typos such as "Charlotte bit back her..." when the character was Emily. Charlotte is Arthur's sister and away on her "honeymoon"; "look into Lord Matthew's..." The man's name is Matthews; therefore, it should be Matthews's.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
May 14, 2019
Arthur has been asked by his sister to watch over her friend during the London season so she won't be as much of a wallflower as she tends to be. When he accidentally happens upon Emily in the park, he is surprised that he has a jealous reaction when another man walks away with her. Emily has long cared for Arthur and wishes he would notice her as more than his sister's friend. So while she isn't particularly enamored of Lord Davenport, she allows him to court her. But at a ball, he seems more interested in other women, ignoring and insulting her. Arthur doesn't like this and soon finds out that Lord Davenport is only looking for an heir factory, a dowry, and a woman who will look the other way at his activities and dalliances. His lordship believes that Emily perfectly fits this bill. What will Arthur do with this information? Will it stir his protective instincts about Emily as well as clarify his own heart? What dangers lurk for him and Emily?

Unlike the other books in this series, this one had no mystery in it. It was more of a standard Regency. Sometimes this author likes to use really long paragraphs of description or character thoughts, which can be a bit tedious. Long paragraphs usually have natural breakpoints within them. I found Arthur to be an interesting character. He was easily bemused by himself as he tried to sort out the feelings he didn't know he had for Emily. Yet again, I question this authors vagueness at the year of the story within the book proper. As with her other books, Regency is clearly stated on the cover, yet inside the book, it merely says that it took place in the 18th century. The Regency is a very specific nine-year period in England, from 1811 to 1820. If you're going call out a defined era on the cover, why wouldn't you be as specific inside the book?

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
May 13, 2019
This is dramatic, suspenseful and romantic. The story is interesting, but it also unnecessarily repeats things. Wickton is unassuming, protective, chivalrous and impulsive. Davenport is pompous, rude, condescending and determined. Emily is timid, sweet, vulnerable, bold and brave. Emily had spent her seasons being a wallflower until Lord Davenport started calling on her. Wickton is Emily's best friends brother, and he promised his sister he would watch out for her. Only he didn't, he stayed at home after his sister's wedding and completely forgot about Emily. When the new season started he went back to London to check on Emily and immediately ran into her at the park, being escorted by Davenport. Which for some reason made him upset. Then he saw her at a ball, and while he spoke to her, it wasn't as warmly as it had been in the past. That confused her, he had always liked talking to her, but didn't seem interested anymore. Dealing with a future that consisted of either marriage to Davenport, because he was the only man to ever show an interest, or be shipped off to an elderly aunt in Scotland, she felt that Davenport was the better option. But she didn't know his character. At one ball, he had reserved the dinner dance, then blew her off. Wickton didn't take kindly to that and confronted him later that night. Then disappeared. Emily was frantic to find him, did everything she could to find out what happened to him. Davenport showed his true colors, and neither Emily nor Wickton were able to escape his nefarious plans. It was a really good storyline, unique in the way the characters behaved, and a twist I did not see coming at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for ☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾.
1,092 reviews44 followers
March 19, 2021
I chose this for the plain wallflower heroine, but was disappointed to find that isn’t really a factor in the story (aside from ). I was also hoping for some angst about unrequited love, but there really isn’t any of that either (maybe I missed it having not read the previous books). The hero and heroine spent the majority of the story apart, so the romance only occurs in their respective heads, and it felt too abrupt on the hero’s side. I usually like watching a wallflower heroine come out of her shell, but I want to see it happen with the support and encouragement of the hero who helps heal her insecurities, and there isn’t any of that here. Just not my cuppa. Also there are several sentences with repeated words, which is a minor pet peeve of mine, but it’s not a huge deal.
Profile Image for Michelle Quintana.
1,858 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2019
This regency novel is different from any that I have read before. Even though there is romance, it had had more suspense and mystery. A new season has started in London and Arthur has returned because he made a promise to his sister the season before to look after her friend Emily. He feels guilty for not keeping his promise and wants to rectify the situation. However, when he sees Emily, he doesn't know what to think. He's not expecting to be feeling what he is when he finds out that Lord Davenport has been coming around her. Emily has had feelings for Arthur for awhile but feels like it is a lost cause because she doesn't think he will ever feel the same about her. After her father threatens to send her away to become a spinster, she knows she needs to do something. When Arthur discovers Lord Davenport's true intentions towards Emily, he decides he is going to put a stop to it. However, before he gets a chance to, a murder occurs and things quickly spiral out of control. People go missing and true characters are revealed.
Profile Image for Teri Donaldson.
339 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2019
Ms. Alec knows how to write books that engages your heart from the first words. Emily is such a sweet character. Most think she is a wallflower, not wanted by any man as his wife. Lord Davenport just enough attention to her that she begins to think he is the one for her. Lord Wickton, a brother to a friend, has never given Emily much thought. His feelings begin to change when they are able to reconnect after a long year. Unfortunately, Lord Davenport continues his wicked ways and tries to permanently separate Emily and Arthur.
I have to say that once I started the book, I did not put it down until the end. I continued to hope with each passing page that despite Lord Davenport's vile attempts to change the course of fate, Emily and Arthur would some how find their forever happiness.
Truly enjoyable!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,649 reviews17 followers
May 13, 2019
Miss Emily Smythe was a mousy wallflower that Viscount Arthur Wickton’s sister from the last book was friends with. She has had a crush on him for years, but he’s never really noticed her. Emily draws the attentions of Lord Davenport, a fickle rake who is only after her dowry and wants her because he feels she will be biddable enough to not question him continuing his rakish ways after marriage. Arthur realizes how dastardly he is and threatens to tell Emily, but before he can do so the driver of his hackney is shot in front of him and he is kidnapped. He has figure out how to escape, so he save Emily before it’s too late from Lord Davenport. Or maybe the wallflower will stand up to the bully and save him first?
4 reviews
July 6, 2019
I love Regency Romance so was eager to read this book.
So I was disappointed when I learnt the premise of the storyline. Hero loses girl to another then realises her wants our girl.

Ofcourse Emily has been in love with Wickton for forever as all good Regency ladies do, and as per usual Wickton has no romantic interest in Emily what so ever, only a quilted promise to look out for Emily this season he made to his sister.

Who I did love was our resident badie Lord Davenport. Now there's a Lord who knows what he wants and goes for it. Ruthless in his pursuits, not letting anyone stand in his way to reach his end goal.

The ending was wrapped up rather quickly with our leads in love and all happily ever after, though I do feel that Wickton really has no idea the true character of Emily.
301 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
Good regency romance

Good short regency romance to read in a day or two. Emily hasn't had an easy life and doesn't believe her life will become easier. She doesn't have much confidence in herself and is a wallflower. She's harbored feelings toward her friends brother, Lord Wickton, for some time. When a new season begins and Lord Davenport begins to give her attention, she tries to push thoughts of Wickton out of her mind, but soon that's impossible. After a few days back in London, Wickton disappears, and Emily is worried. She wants to find him and make sure everything is well, but the only man with the answers is Davenport, and he isn't being truthful. Will Emily find Wickton before it's too late?
177 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2019
Sweet story filled with missed and mixed signals. Poor Arthur while trying to do the right thing albeit a little to late he stumbles upon feelings he didn’t know he had. And Emily well she’s loved Arthur forever and has been too shy and afraid to let him know. Now we have our villains Emily’s poor excuse for a father and Lord Davenport an even poorer example of a gentleman. But thanks to Lord Davenports nastiness, when Author is put in danger Emily finds her backbone and saves the day for the man she loves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann Holden.
1,190 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2019
This book is about Emily and Arthur. Emily is a wallflower and Arthur is her best friend’s brother. She has loved him since they first met. It takes a lot for Arthur to wake up to Emily’s affections because he just seems to be distracted by everything else. There is a bit of excitement including a villian and a kidnapping. The story moves quickly and I was hooked from the beginning. This is a pleasant story without all the tedious descriptions of what everyone is wearing.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
802 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2019
Another clean romance in this newest series by Joyce Alec. This story is about Emily and Edmund. Emily is the best friend of Edmund's sister, Charlotte, who we met in the "Viscount's Mystery" story. Edmund has totally forgotten about Emily after promising his sister that he would keep an "eye on her". When he attempts to do what he had promised, he finds that a year has made a difference in the way that he views Emily. A very entertaining read with a nefarious gentleman that is seeking Emily's hand in marriage. A clean, enjoyable story that will pique your interest.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
697 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2019
$Emily Smythe was a wallflower who had a crush on Viscount Arthur Wickton for years, but he hardly noticed her until a fickle rake Lord Davenport took an interest in her. When Arthur tries to warn Emily about Lord Davenport he is kidnapped. Will he escape or will Emily find courage and rescue him? Another beautiful story by Joyce Alec.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CAB1217.
90 reviews
May 28, 2019
Once again Ms. Alex has written another sweet recency romance that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last. You will find yourself pulling for Emily and Arthur when there are those who are determined to keep them apart.
I enjoyed this book very much. I received this book for an honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
41 reviews
June 15, 2019
This book disappointed and, in good conscience I couldn’t give it more than 2 stars.
There was pretty much zero romantic interaction between Arthur and Emily and, while the abduction plot was a good one, it left lots to be desired and, the villain got off way too easy. He should have lost his title, lands and money and been sentenced to life in Newgate and, Lord Hornsby should have gotten a good “facer” in the end.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,839 reviews11 followers
July 22, 2019
This story is delightful. Emily and Arthur are wonderful. Arthur is a little slow to realize his feelings, but knows that Davenport is not right for Emily. Emily is looking at spinsterhood, if she doesn't attract a man soon. What hoops and lines that Arthur crosses to prove to Emily that Davenport is not worth her, doesn't matter until Arthur can face his own feelings and what he wants from Emily.
Profile Image for shannon  Stubbs.
1,969 reviews12 followers
November 22, 2023
Best one so far

I think I like this book, in the series, the most. It has a shy woman, a villain, and a hero.
Emily has been in love with her friends brother for a awhile. He just doesn't seem to feel the same. That is until he sees her with another man and realizes what's been in front of him the whole time.
The other man, the villain of the story, notices and kidnaps the hero.
Emily notices he is missing and goes on a mission to rescue her love.
It does have an HEA.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,233 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2019
The book is not bad but I get boring while I'm reading it. I think because the story is predicable and the villain is just so villain. Besides, I don't like Lord Wickton so much in the beginning and Emily is a bit confuse character though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
May 29, 2019
His Jealousy👺 Knows No Bounds

Regency Era Romance💞, Murder💀, and Kidnapping🔪 Adventure.
Viscount Arthur Wickton🐺 promised his newly married sister, Charlotte,( from the previous book) he would help her best friend and wallflower, Miss Emily Smythe💃, become popular with the ton and find a husband👰.

Emily💃💋 allows herself to get semi attached to a handsome and terribly conceited rake, Lord Davenport👺. He sees her as a mouse he can dominate while he continues his libertine ways after they are married👰, and he also wants her dowry💰!

Arthur🐺 thought Emily💃 was just an acquaintance, but when he sees her with Lord Davenport👺, he becomes enraged, because he knows Davenport👺 is just using her. Davenport👺 doesn't see what a wonderful person she is.

Arthur🐺 hasn't thought about marriage for himself, but why does he care so much about Emily💃💋? Davenport👺sees Arthur🐺 as trying to ruin his plans for Emily💃💋.

ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.

Fast paced, and well written! I recommend for lovers of this genre.
Profile Image for Teresa Bertolio.
638 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. There was plenty of suspense, action, villains, heroes, romance, and more. If you love regency romance coupled with mystery this book is for you. I highly recommend this book and author. Happy Reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,406 reviews36 followers
May 19, 2019
It was good but I was under the impression that these two had a past together but I didn’t read that, only hinted at a time. There is a murder mystery side to this Romance and at the end there is a blackmail of a deal struck and justice has been handled. This is the first time reading this author and I’ll look forward to read more in the near future.
Profile Image for Miriam.
399 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2019
Suddenly he loves her

I liked this book pretty well. My one hang up is that when our hero sees the heroine after a year’s absence (without even really thinking of her) he suddenly finds that he has strong feelings of love and desire for this previously plain and quiet ‘wallflower’ girl. It just didn’t feel genuine on his part.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,706 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2019
Emily has loved Arthur for years but he has paid her no attention. Now Lord Davenport is paying her some attention and she is considering him. But soon she realized how untruthful he is and wishes to end it between them. Then suddenly Arthur disappears. Now she is concerned for him. When she finds out that Lord Davenport followed him the night Arthur disappeared she fears the worst.
18 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2021
Courageous Wallflower

This story was so different from most love stories that it pulled me in almost from the very beginning. It was almost like a long distance relationship. There was no apparent wooing but love wins in the end. Few characters but written so that you knew their strength and weaknesses well. A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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