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Sins and Scoundrels #5
Duke of Debauchery
He's notoriously wicked. She's a wallflower guarding her heart.
The Duke of Montrose has perfected the art of being a scoundrel. Mistresses? He's had an endless procession of them. Gin-soaked nights? He's experienced more than he can count. He'll do anything to distract himself from the demons of his past. Until the day his devil-may-care ways leave his best friend gravely injured. Now, he's determined to make amends at any cost. Fortunately, he knows just where to begin.
The Honorable Miss Hattie Lethbridge is quite happy being a wallflower, thank you very much. She would far prefer to spend an evening curled up with her cat than whirling about a ballroom. When her brother's scapegrace friend, the Duke of Montrose, proposes they marry, she is equally determined to refuse his suit.
The more she denies him, the more resolute Monty is that Hattie must be his. Much to her dismay, Hattie finds herself warming to the wickedest duke in London. But Monty is keeping dangerous secrets, and when Hattie discovers what he's been hiding, any hope for a future together may be forever lost.
The Duke of Montrose has perfected the art of being a scoundrel. Mistresses? He's had an endless procession of them. Gin-soaked nights? He's experienced more than he can count. He'll do anything to distract himself from the demons of his past. Until the day his devil-may-care ways leave his best friend gravely injured. Now, he's determined to make amends at any cost. Fortunately, he knows just where to begin.
The Honorable Miss Hattie Lethbridge is quite happy being a wallflower, thank you very much. She would far prefer to spend an evening curled up with her cat than whirling about a ballroom. When her brother's scapegrace friend, the Duke of Montrose, proposes they marry, she is equally determined to refuse his suit.
The more she denies him, the more resolute Monty is that Hattie must be his. Much to her dismay, Hattie finds herself warming to the wickedest duke in London. But Monty is keeping dangerous secrets, and when Hattie discovers what he's been hiding, any hope for a future together may be forever lost.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2020
1308 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,563 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 3, 2020
The wicked Duke of Montrose has been on a path of debauchery and hedonism since his youth. However, one foolish, drunken race a year ago left his best friend with with severe head-injury and amnesia. Montrose himself suffers ongoing chronic pain from the injuries sustained in the accident. Moreover, he suffers a rare case of guilt over his role that fateful night in turning his friend, Viscount Torrington, into a shell of the man he once was. In a moment of clarity amidst the drug and alcohol induced haze affecting his brain, he decides to atone for his sin by marrying Torrie's younger sister, Hattie, his own sister's bosom friend.
Hattie is not a willing charity bride however.
“I am no sacrificial lamb, Montrose.” Her chin tipped up, and her voice was steeped in haughtiness. “Marry someone else if you feel it will unburden you. Marry anyone else for all I care. All I know is, it shan’t be me.”
She is none too impressed by his ducal title nor his method of 'proposing'.
"A moment more in your presence, and I shall be addlepated myself from the fumes on your breath alone.”
She is almost on-the-shelf but is determined not to be trapped in a loveless marriage. Or rather where love is one-sided, for she has been in love with Montrose for many years, all the while watching him dallying with various paramours while she remains in the shadows alongside the other wallflowers. And now he is finally looking at her, but is it just with kindness and pity?
“I noticed you, Hattie.” He glanced back at her. “How could a man fail to notice you?” Her cheeks flushed, and she turned toward him, her gaze burning into his. “Many have failed. Legions, in fact."
The book started out well with lively bantering between the two as Hattie stood her ground forcing Montrose to utilise the full repertoire of his persuasive skills. It was not difficult to guess why Montrose became dependent on first alcohol and then later laudanum to block out memories of the past. The book weakened once Hattie agreed to the marriage. She lost her pluck and instead of going toe to toe with him, she became his bouncing ball, his sex toy. And boy did it get tedious, the repetitive sex scenes: different rooms, different poses, same inappropriately crude language which really did not fit the period. Neither went into the marriage expecting long term fidelity from him, and she who initially did not want a loveless union somehow ended up being content with getting crumbs. He goes hot and cold on her, sometimes downright cruel. She pathetically responds with sad eyes and :
“Have I done something wrong, Ewan? Have I displeased you in some way?”
She thus enabled him to continue his emotional abuse of her Because it makes perfect sense that he should repel her and break her heart this way, than her finding out about his past and potentially be repelled by it.
There are other inconsistencies that ended up pulling down the rating for me. The premise itself is rather nonsensical also, for why would he believe that marrying Hattie will be atonement for his sins against Torrie and her family, considering apart from being a duke, he knew that he would make a lousy, unfaithful husband. Yes, she is several seasons past her debut, but she was not exactly desperate for a husband and her family was not financially struggling.
Hattie is not a willing charity bride however.
“I am no sacrificial lamb, Montrose.” Her chin tipped up, and her voice was steeped in haughtiness. “Marry someone else if you feel it will unburden you. Marry anyone else for all I care. All I know is, it shan’t be me.”
She is none too impressed by his ducal title nor his method of 'proposing'.
"A moment more in your presence, and I shall be addlepated myself from the fumes on your breath alone.”
She is almost on-the-shelf but is determined not to be trapped in a loveless marriage. Or rather where love is one-sided, for she has been in love with Montrose for many years, all the while watching him dallying with various paramours while she remains in the shadows alongside the other wallflowers. And now he is finally looking at her, but is it just with kindness and pity?
“I noticed you, Hattie.” He glanced back at her. “How could a man fail to notice you?” Her cheeks flushed, and she turned toward him, her gaze burning into his. “Many have failed. Legions, in fact."
The book started out well with lively bantering between the two as Hattie stood her ground forcing Montrose to utilise the full repertoire of his persuasive skills. It was not difficult to guess why Montrose became dependent on first alcohol and then later laudanum to block out memories of the past. The book weakened once Hattie agreed to the marriage. She lost her pluck and instead of going toe to toe with him, she became his bouncing ball, his sex toy. And boy did it get tedious, the repetitive sex scenes: different rooms, different poses, same inappropriately crude language which really did not fit the period. Neither went into the marriage expecting long term fidelity from him, and she who initially did not want a loveless union somehow ended up being content with getting crumbs. He goes hot and cold on her, sometimes downright cruel. She pathetically responds with sad eyes and :
“Have I done something wrong, Ewan? Have I displeased you in some way?”
She thus enabled him to continue his emotional abuse of her Because it makes perfect sense that he should repel her and break her heart this way, than her finding out about his past and potentially be repelled by it.
There are other inconsistencies that ended up pulling down the rating for me. The premise itself is rather nonsensical also, for why would he believe that marrying Hattie will be atonement for his sins against Torrie and her family, considering apart from being a duke, he knew that he would make a lousy, unfaithful husband. Yes, she is several seasons past her debut, but she was not exactly desperate for a husband and her family was not financially struggling.
April 2, 2020
I am thinking that this book is the last of the series as prior couples were all together in the epilogue.Now I have to go back and read the other entries as I did not read them as yet!
The hero of this book is a Duke.
He is an Opium addict who loves his gin and goes thru the women like water.He has a massive guilt complex over the carriage accident that left his best friend with amnesia,and Ieast I not forget has a deep,deep dark secret of childhood sexual molestation by his uncle.
The heroine is the sister of his best friend.He wants to marry her to make amends for the carriage accident that caused her brother's amnesia.
After much waffling,the heroine finally says yes to the proposal and they marry.
I really enjoyed this one and this couple.
The heroine was perfect for the hero and she is exactly who he needed in his life to finally get over his addiction.He wanted to be a better person for her which he did at the end.
There was a section towards the end where he acted like an ass, but that was because the source of his childhood torment came back to attempt blackmail.
Really lovely epilogue and I hope that the heroine's brother has a story.
Loved this one!
The hero of this book is a Duke.
He is an Opium addict who loves his gin and goes thru the women like water.He has a massive guilt complex over the carriage accident that left his best friend with amnesia,and Ieast I not forget has a deep,deep dark secret of childhood sexual molestation by his uncle.
The heroine is the sister of his best friend.He wants to marry her to make amends for the carriage accident that caused her brother's amnesia.
After much waffling,the heroine finally says yes to the proposal and they marry.
I really enjoyed this one and this couple.
The heroine was perfect for the hero and she is exactly who he needed in his life to finally get over his addiction.He wanted to be a better person for her which he did at the end.
There was a section towards the end where he acted like an ass, but that was because the source of his childhood torment came back to attempt blackmail.
Really lovely epilogue and I hope that the heroine's brother has a story.
Loved this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
I am torn on the rating
I liked the hero and I loathed him too. He was not my favorite. He wanted to marry Harriet because he raced her brother and he was hurt during the race. They had known each other for a long time but he never really saw her. He was too busy being a drunk rake with no morals. Didn't like him much. But I did like when he first started to pursue her and I loved it until she said yes then he decided once he had her he wasn't going to be faithful. He knew he would get bored, etc etc etc and I hated him. He was such a jerk. She marries him and things are getting better when a secret from the past comes up. He then does the most heinous thing possible in the name of Love and it was awful. He arranges for her to find him with two other women of the night. I felt her pain. It was just gross. And even though I know why he did it I didn't like it. It was just cruel to do that to a woman you supposedly love. I am not going to say anymore but there is an HEA and I did feel good after I read the epilogue. But I didn't totally love the hero because of his character in previous books and because of his attitude. The epilogue was good though so I almost want to raise it to four stars instead of three. I probably will because he was a victim too but it is hard to like him after she said yes. I hated his thinking. He did redeem himself. I do like this author most of the time.
I liked the hero and I loathed him too. He was not my favorite. He wanted to marry Harriet because he raced her brother and he was hurt during the race. They had known each other for a long time but he never really saw her. He was too busy being a drunk rake with no morals. Didn't like him much. But I did like when he first started to pursue her and I loved it until she said yes then he decided once he had her he wasn't going to be faithful. He knew he would get bored, etc etc etc and I hated him. He was such a jerk. She marries him and things are getting better when a secret from the past comes up. He then does the most heinous thing possible in the name of Love and it was awful. He arranges for her to find him with two other women of the night. I felt her pain. It was just gross. And even though I know why he did it I didn't like it. It was just cruel to do that to a woman you supposedly love. I am not going to say anymore but there is an HEA and I did feel good after I read the epilogue. But I didn't totally love the hero because of his character in previous books and because of his attitude. The epilogue was good though so I almost want to raise it to four stars instead of three. I probably will because he was a victim too but it is hard to like him after she said yes. I hated his thinking. He did redeem himself. I do like this author most of the time.
March 23, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Powerful stuff.
Steamy, dangerously addictive Duke seeks what he thinks is a mild and sweet wife, what he gets is a passionate wildcat who will turn his life upside down.
This is a debauching Duke who has a Gin/Opium/Women addiction, he also has a damaged soul due to a deep and traumatic experience from his childhood days.
He has a best friend with amnesia, our Duke has guilt of that too.
That mans sister is Hattie now his Duchess.
The two have a fiery relationship, but the passion and chemistry is not to be denied.
I loved this book and the series has been wonderful.
You won’t be able to get enough of Duke Ewan, he is so cheeky and hot, Hatty is his perfect match .
Great reading and romance.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋💋
Powerful stuff.
Steamy, dangerously addictive Duke seeks what he thinks is a mild and sweet wife, what he gets is a passionate wildcat who will turn his life upside down.
This is a debauching Duke who has a Gin/Opium/Women addiction, he also has a damaged soul due to a deep and traumatic experience from his childhood days.
He has a best friend with amnesia, our Duke has guilt of that too.
That mans sister is Hattie now his Duchess.
The two have a fiery relationship, but the passion and chemistry is not to be denied.
I loved this book and the series has been wonderful.
You won’t be able to get enough of Duke Ewan, he is so cheeky and hot, Hatty is his perfect match .
Great reading and romance.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
April 19, 2020
It should be a novella.
February 11, 2024
This book was so sensitively written that you could feel Monty's anguish as he over came his addictions and his shame at what had happened during his youth. The author gently laid clues as to the abuse he had suffered and handled the reveal very well as the victim often feels they are to blame.
Hattie what can I say she was magnificent, strong and yet vulnerable. She became Monty's strength and his love. Lovely - sigh!
I'm looking for more in this series and hope Torrie, Hattie's brother has a story - sure I saw that somewhere.
August 2021
just as enjoyable on the second reading.
Hattie what can I say she was magnificent, strong and yet vulnerable. She became Monty's strength and his love. Lovely - sigh!
I'm looking for more in this series and hope Torrie, Hattie's brother has a story - sure I saw that somewhere.
August 2021
just as enjoyable on the second reading.
April 14, 2020
Despite this being predictable I liked it. The heroine held out for quite long.
June 8, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Scarlett Scott’s entertaining tale of love set in the time of dukes and duchesses will have the reader rooting for these seemingly opposite lovers!
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Scarlett Scott’s entertaining tale of love set in the time of dukes and duchesses will have the reader rooting for these seemingly opposite lovers!
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 24, 2020
The Duke of Montrose devil may care attitude leave his best friend Terrie, Viscount Torrington aka Torrie is gravely injured with a head injury and lost his memory lost. He's determined to make amends and his friend’s sister Hattie Lethbridge is the solution, he’ll marry her after all he needs and heir and who better than his best friends sister. Hattie is perfectly happy being a wallflower, she doesn’t need Montrose interfering with her life. She flat refusing his proposal of marriage. He tries to hide his addiction from her. then he’s blackmailed and his life starts spiraling out of control and only Hattie can save him. I loved this funny romantic book and the witty banter between Hattie and Montrose as passion sizzles between them until it can no longer be denied. I love how they’re lives are intertwined as they fall in love and find their HEA. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
December 10, 2022
Absolutely exquisite! My heart broke in pieces for the tortured, haunted Monty. This book hit me hard; many of my real-life clients self-medicated with alcohol and substance to drown out the pain and trauma of abuse.
I wanted to garrote Monty’s disgusting, foul uncle and confront his clueless mother.
I loved Hattie; she is such a gracious, non judgmental, fierce heroine. This is the type heroine I admire as a character. I could see her picking up a sword to defend Monty from the world.
I’m so excited Hattie’s brother, Torrie, will be getting his own book. I pray his heroine is a wonderful, virtuous lady who is devoted only to him.
I wanted to garrote Monty’s disgusting, foul uncle and confront his clueless mother.
I loved Hattie; she is such a gracious, non judgmental, fierce heroine. This is the type heroine I admire as a character. I could see her picking up a sword to defend Monty from the world.
I’m so excited Hattie’s brother, Torrie, will be getting his own book. I pray his heroine is a wonderful, virtuous lady who is devoted only to him.
March 29, 2020
I am not a writer and never could be. I could never do what these authors do. With that being said, I don’t write great reviews. If I like or love a book; I would just say “Love this book. You need to get it” or something along those lines. I am trying to be better.
Reading over 370 books last year, over 1400 in less than 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, there is only a handful that I truthfully can say are my favorites and I have actually read all their books. Scarlett Scott is one of those authors. She is truly a top all time favorite of mine out of all the hundreds of authors I’ve read.
I don’t know what it is about her books but I just love everything she writes. I love her characters, stories and her wonderful writing. And she can write a damn good sex scene with such wonderful detail. It is very yummy the way she writes them. I just immerse myself into her stories.
She never disappoints. You can never go wrong by picking up any of her these books but be prepared…you will love them so much you will buy every book she has after that first one and there are a lot of them.
Reading over 370 books last year, over 1400 in less than 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, there is only a handful that I truthfully can say are my favorites and I have actually read all their books. Scarlett Scott is one of those authors. She is truly a top all time favorite of mine out of all the hundreds of authors I’ve read.
I don’t know what it is about her books but I just love everything she writes. I love her characters, stories and her wonderful writing. And she can write a damn good sex scene with such wonderful detail. It is very yummy the way she writes them. I just immerse myself into her stories.
She never disappoints. You can never go wrong by picking up any of her these books but be prepared…you will love them so much you will buy every book she has after that first one and there are a lot of them.
March 22, 2020
The Duke of Debauchery by Scarlett Scott is an enticing little tale of the influence the love of a good woman can be. Monty, the Duke of Montrose is a rake of the first order. He and his friend, Terrie, Viscount Torrington have paid for his past as well as Monty's and it are all Monty's fault. It had been his idea to race that night, despite the fact that both were far too drunk. Now Torrie was upstairs in that bed, unable to remember much of his life. Monty had to repay the debt. The only thing he could think of was to marry Torrie's spinster sister, Hattie. She was having none of it. She didn't want to be a pity bride. She had loved this man too long to ever allow that to happen. Worse yet, he didn't plan to change his ways at all. Never. . .
This is a fun novel with two really strong personalities facing off. It made me laugh a couple of times. He delighted in teasing her. She fell for it, every time. The story took an odd turn when Monty decided he had to face his demons and then when a blackmail plot threatened to destroy all he had built. Hattie was there, though, and none of it came to pass. It was a good story, with a decent plot. It touched on things that were probably in existence then, but not spoken of much. I enjoyed reading it. I recommend it.
I was given a free ARC of The Duke of Debauchery by Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
This is a fun novel with two really strong personalities facing off. It made me laugh a couple of times. He delighted in teasing her. She fell for it, every time. The story took an odd turn when Monty decided he had to face his demons and then when a blackmail plot threatened to destroy all he had built. Hattie was there, though, and none of it came to pass. It was a good story, with a decent plot. It touched on things that were probably in existence then, but not spoken of much. I enjoyed reading it. I recommend it.
I was given a free ARC of The Duke of Debauchery by Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
May 21, 2020
And Finally Monty’s Story
Well I can say I wasn’t really sure if I would enjoy this one. But, I love a good redeemable hero and he actually pulled it off. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! Even though I was sad to see it end, it was a great story to bring it to a close. I had my heart ripped out at times but loved that Hattie helped Monty/Ewan evolve and heal. This entire series is wonderfully written and the book covers are beautiful!
Well I can say I wasn’t really sure if I would enjoy this one. But, I love a good redeemable hero and he actually pulled it off. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! Even though I was sad to see it end, it was a great story to bring it to a close. I had my heart ripped out at times but loved that Hattie helped Monty/Ewan evolve and heal. This entire series is wonderfully written and the book covers are beautiful!
March 25, 2020
Monty, Duke of Montrose is known to society as the Duke of Debauchery and he has always lived like that description. However a recent accident shook him up enough to make a few changes. The biggest being the wish to marry, and who better than the wallflower sister of the friend that was also in the accident. That will help ease his conscience.
Miss Hattie Lethbridge is trying to cope with the changes in her brother. She has never blamed the Duke for the accident so she will not allow herself to be used to salve his conscience. The man carries big secrets that cause him to behave in a reprehensible manner.
This is a sexy historical romance where our hero has a problem with addiction. Can our heroine force him to face the demon once she finds out?? It's quite an emotional story at times but mostly very sexy.
This is part of a series that should be read in order, but each book can be read alone.
I loved it.
Miss Hattie Lethbridge is trying to cope with the changes in her brother. She has never blamed the Duke for the accident so she will not allow herself to be used to salve his conscience. The man carries big secrets that cause him to behave in a reprehensible manner.
This is a sexy historical romance where our hero has a problem with addiction. Can our heroine force him to face the demon once she finds out?? It's quite an emotional story at times but mostly very sexy.
This is part of a series that should be read in order, but each book can be read alone.
I loved it.
March 24, 2020
The Duke of Montross was known for his rakish ways and gin-filled nights. He really could not count all the women he had enjoyed in society. However, his drunken ways led to a terrible accident in which his best friend was horribly hurt and lost his memory. His friend’s sister, the Honorable Miss Hattie Lethbridge, remained the wallflower she had always been and refused the Duke’s offer of marriage. Perhaps it was because she felt that the Duke was feeling guilty and wanted to ease his conscience. Or was it? I found this to be an interesting story line as they tried to work out the feelings between them. Thank you, Scarlett Scott, for a page turning experience.
June 4, 2023
I have been waiting on Monty’s story since he was introduced earlier in this series, and I was not disappointed. I loved Monty, even when I wanted to hate him, and my heart ached for him. Hattie was a perfect match for him, and I loved that she had been in love with him for years. This book was difficult to read at a couple points (due to subject matter), but overall, I really enjoyed Monty and Hattie’s story.
March 26, 2020
"Lie to Everyone else all you like. But do not lie to me." Hattie had said. Duke of Montrose, Duke of Debauchery, reprobate, seducer of women, deceiver of others and most of all himself. "He spent a good portion of his life deceiving everyone around him. He had to lie to them, just as he had to lie to her. Because if anyone--if one single soul--knew the truth it would be the end of him."
An emotional heartfelt story which had me anxious for Monty from the start. There seemed to be deep anguish in his soul he tried to outrun by his scandalous life. He needed saving...and Hattie would be the woman to do it because she had loved him for a long time although he did not know it.
He was determined to marry Hattie, sister of his best friend Terrie. The one he had helped almost kill with his recklessness and with the carriage accident. Terrie had lost his memory and was a shadow of who he'd once been and marrying his wallflower sister would help atone.
This series just gets better, if that is even possible. The wounded hero, the contained wallflower who really was feisty and caring with a strong passionate nature. With the two together the spark is undeniable and strong. Don't miss it... Cannot wait for more!
An emotional heartfelt story which had me anxious for Monty from the start. There seemed to be deep anguish in his soul he tried to outrun by his scandalous life. He needed saving...and Hattie would be the woman to do it because she had loved him for a long time although he did not know it.
He was determined to marry Hattie, sister of his best friend Terrie. The one he had helped almost kill with his recklessness and with the carriage accident. Terrie had lost his memory and was a shadow of who he'd once been and marrying his wallflower sister would help atone.
This series just gets better, if that is even possible. The wounded hero, the contained wallflower who really was feisty and caring with a strong passionate nature. With the two together the spark is undeniable and strong. Don't miss it... Cannot wait for more!
May 31, 2020
Beautiful & Powerful Romance ❤️🔥
This book did not disappoint! It’s a witty, and serious storyline, with past demons and healing and love ❤️ It’s so good I can’t use enough words to describe this storyline.
This is Book 5 in this fun and as always well written story on the sins&scroundrels series. Please read them, they are sooo good!
The Duke of Montrose feels horrible for the accident to his best friend, Tory. He is Miss Hattie’s brother, she is still unmarried. Montrose has a wicked reputation as a rake and a scroundrel!
He feels he should propose marriage to his injured best friend sister. It’s so funny how she keeps refusing him. Finally, she agrees and they are quickly married.
This is a well written fast paced Regency romance, with attention to details and a page turning story! The Duke feels unworthy of her, he has a lot of demons from his past haunting him. This is such a sensitive storyline, it’s relatable even now.
What I enjoyed is how strong and persevering Hattie is! She has always loved Monty/Ewan ❤️. In her he finds a beautiful loving and strong wife. Their love scenes are as always tastefully written 🔥😍 Their love is emotionally beautiful and enduring!
If I could give this book 10 ⭐️ Stars I would! I also loved the epilogue 💕
This book did not disappoint! It’s a witty, and serious storyline, with past demons and healing and love ❤️ It’s so good I can’t use enough words to describe this storyline.
This is Book 5 in this fun and as always well written story on the sins&scroundrels series. Please read them, they are sooo good!
The Duke of Montrose feels horrible for the accident to his best friend, Tory. He is Miss Hattie’s brother, she is still unmarried. Montrose has a wicked reputation as a rake and a scroundrel!
He feels he should propose marriage to his injured best friend sister. It’s so funny how she keeps refusing him. Finally, she agrees and they are quickly married.
This is a well written fast paced Regency romance, with attention to details and a page turning story! The Duke feels unworthy of her, he has a lot of demons from his past haunting him. This is such a sensitive storyline, it’s relatable even now.
What I enjoyed is how strong and persevering Hattie is! She has always loved Monty/Ewan ❤️. In her he finds a beautiful loving and strong wife. Their love scenes are as always tastefully written 🔥😍 Their love is emotionally beautiful and enduring!
If I could give this book 10 ⭐️ Stars I would! I also loved the epilogue 💕
July 20, 2020
Oh my Gods
What was this hero?
I actually liked him and thought he was doing great in his pursuit of the heroine but fuck.
He is a terrible hero, plans on not being faithful to his wife and then arranges for her to walk in on him while he is entertaining prostitutes.
Just lost all interest after he did that and couldn't care anymore about their love.
What was this hero?
I actually liked him and thought he was doing great in his pursuit of the heroine but fuck.
He is a terrible hero, plans on not being faithful to his wife and then arranges for her to walk in on him while he is entertaining prostitutes.
Just lost all interest after he did that and couldn't care anymore about their love.
August 31, 2022
Not my favorite. We have a vulgar lying alcoholic and drug addict, conveniently dying villains, and a happy ending so sweet that made me sight with disappointment.
It is written quite nicely (perhaps apart from loooong and boring sex scenes) but the hero is surely not my favorite and his rapid change very unplausible.
It is written quite nicely (perhaps apart from loooong and boring sex scenes) but the hero is surely not my favorite and his rapid change very unplausible.
March 13, 2024
I liked this one but it grew tedious - the reason the Hero kept harping over and over in his mind about his needs to drink laudanum or alcohol.
Not so much angst.
3/4th of the story - it became even more boring.
I liked both MCs - loved them but the story itself was a bit flat hence not rating this higher.
Not so much angst.
3/4th of the story - it became even more boring.
I liked both MCs - loved them but the story itself was a bit flat hence not rating this higher.
April 20, 2020
Trigger warnings are not a joke! They exist for a reason. You can't just put in a scene like that and not have a damned warning somewhere.
And fuck his horrid and tragic backstory, the hero was awful.
And fuck his horrid and tragic backstory, the hero was awful.
May 5, 2020
lots of bonking, unlikable hero, not much for characters development
May 21, 2020
This one had promise. It flopped in the end for me. Too repetitive and the characters lacked depth. I may try this author again, or I may not.
November 21, 2023
4⭐️
Tons of spoilers here as I show my progress with this tale…
Well I hit 33% and I just can’t stand Monty. He is an absolute jackass and I’m going to push through because I neeeed to know how he fucks this up. Like at least with the others in the series, they were all outward assholes, but underneath they were all big ol softies. Monty is not proving himself to be that…he just seems like a selfish, glutinous prick… I know I know, “YoU ShOuLd hEaR HiS rEaSoNinG aS tO wHy hE’s LiKe tHaT”… I’ll get to that… but errrrrr. And Hattie just agreed to marry him! Let me tell you, the way I audibly screamed WHAT THE FUCK because of that— I just.. can’t. At this point, Hattie has loved him from a far and all Monty says to her is basically “I want you, but you can’t tell me to be faithful or tell you I love you, marry me? BTW I really just need an heir..” I’m just— girl, please, respect yourself! And another big reason for him basically stalking Hattie to get her to agree to marry him is because of the guilt surrounding her brother. A marriage with the foundation of guilt! We got Romeo and Juliet over here 😒🤨
40% - he “persuaded” Hattie to get married the next day— just because he can sexually manipulate her—- this is just ICKY. Like I don’t even want them to have sex because it just is making my skin crawl
68% I just —- this guy is such a jackass and all Hattie keeps repeating is “I will do better for him” oh looooord no. Is she a masochist?
80% alright he’s off the opium now, I’m warming up to him
86% god he’s a dumbass— let me cheat on her cause I don’t wanna tell her my secrets, GROW UP. Yes, what he went through was terrrrrible, horrific. There is NO reason to take all that out on her. And Hattie just drops that she loves him after it
Good god. I’m giving this a 4⭐️ because Scarlett’s writing is just— chef’s kiss. She’ll always be one of my favorites. Did I like Monty or Hattie— no. He was a jackass and she was as dumb as a fence post. Did my heart rip into two when he “cheated” on her— absolutely. That can only come from great writing. But I need a drink (…or opium? Too soon?) after reading this. I read it within 4 hours cause I couldn’t go to bed wondering how Monty could fuck this up even more… and boy did he. Idk about you, but she gave him EXTRA chances and he blew it. Yeah yeah he redeemed himself but WOMEN ARENT REHAB CENTERS FOR BROKEN MEN.
LOUDER FOR EVERYONE IN THE BACK.
I’m all for broken and brooding men, but it didn’t sit well with me that Hattie was like “hey yeah, I know your secret cause others told me” and Monty’s like “oh good, now that you know I can stop verbally abusing you!”
Nah uh!
The Prince of Persuasion will always be #1 for me in the series. It had a mix of fun, teasing, betrayal and romance that rocked my world. I felt icky sometimes reading the Duke of Debauchery because I would never let a man speak to me or treat me the way Monty did to Hattie (outside of the bedroom let’s make that clear. He could say all that freaky shit to me in the bedroom, but stiiiiilllll I didn’t like him.🤷🏻♀️)
Writing this review was therapeutic because I just went through a ROLLERCOASTER of emotions. I started off seething (stayed pretty much seething), then I started warming up, THEN I was GUTTED, then I was relieved and here I am, finally ready to sleep. It’s 2am. Good night, y’all. I’m taking a big hit of my weed pen cause I need to chill out.
Tons of spoilers here as I show my progress with this tale…
Well I hit 33% and I just can’t stand Monty. He is an absolute jackass and I’m going to push through because I neeeed to know how he fucks this up. Like at least with the others in the series, they were all outward assholes, but underneath they were all big ol softies. Monty is not proving himself to be that…he just seems like a selfish, glutinous prick… I know I know, “YoU ShOuLd hEaR HiS rEaSoNinG aS tO wHy hE’s LiKe tHaT”… I’ll get to that… but errrrrr. And Hattie just agreed to marry him! Let me tell you, the way I audibly screamed WHAT THE FUCK because of that— I just.. can’t. At this point, Hattie has loved him from a far and all Monty says to her is basically “I want you, but you can’t tell me to be faithful or tell you I love you, marry me? BTW I really just need an heir..” I’m just— girl, please, respect yourself! And another big reason for him basically stalking Hattie to get her to agree to marry him is because of the guilt surrounding her brother. A marriage with the foundation of guilt! We got Romeo and Juliet over here 😒🤨
40% - he “persuaded” Hattie to get married the next day— just because he can sexually manipulate her—- this is just ICKY. Like I don’t even want them to have sex because it just is making my skin crawl
68% I just —- this guy is such a jackass and all Hattie keeps repeating is “I will do better for him” oh looooord no. Is she a masochist?
80% alright he’s off the opium now, I’m warming up to him
86% god he’s a dumbass— let me cheat on her cause I don’t wanna tell her my secrets, GROW UP. Yes, what he went through was terrrrrible, horrific. There is NO reason to take all that out on her. And Hattie just drops that she loves him after it
Good god. I’m giving this a 4⭐️ because Scarlett’s writing is just— chef’s kiss. She’ll always be one of my favorites. Did I like Monty or Hattie— no. He was a jackass and she was as dumb as a fence post. Did my heart rip into two when he “cheated” on her— absolutely. That can only come from great writing. But I need a drink (…or opium? Too soon?) after reading this. I read it within 4 hours cause I couldn’t go to bed wondering how Monty could fuck this up even more… and boy did he. Idk about you, but she gave him EXTRA chances and he blew it. Yeah yeah he redeemed himself but WOMEN ARENT REHAB CENTERS FOR BROKEN MEN.
LOUDER FOR EVERYONE IN THE BACK.
I’m all for broken and brooding men, but it didn’t sit well with me that Hattie was like “hey yeah, I know your secret cause others told me” and Monty’s like “oh good, now that you know I can stop verbally abusing you!”
Nah uh!
The Prince of Persuasion will always be #1 for me in the series. It had a mix of fun, teasing, betrayal and romance that rocked my world. I felt icky sometimes reading the Duke of Debauchery because I would never let a man speak to me or treat me the way Monty did to Hattie (outside of the bedroom let’s make that clear. He could say all that freaky shit to me in the bedroom, but stiiiiilllll I didn’t like him.🤷🏻♀️)
Writing this review was therapeutic because I just went through a ROLLERCOASTER of emotions. I started off seething (stayed pretty much seething), then I started warming up, THEN I was GUTTED, then I was relieved and here I am, finally ready to sleep. It’s 2am. Good night, y’all. I’m taking a big hit of my weed pen cause I need to chill out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
I have conflicted thoughts about this book. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I actually read book 6, the brother's story first, and with mentions of the Duke and the brother's past in that book it made me want to read this one.
What I had issues with:
- repetitive use of words - "verdant" was used SO many times and his bizarre curses - “God’s Fichu” doesn’t even make sense and was repeated several times.
- There wasn't much development - there were hints at it. He sums up his life to her in a 3 minute conversation; she has a memory of him being nice and funny to her years ago and of course she's lusting after him. He wants to marry her to ease his conscience and then he's obsessed with her. I get that she was a challenge at first, but felt there should be more here.
- I'm a little more sympathetic to his fears of her hating him for his past than some other authors have been, given the timeframe the story is set. BUT I did NOT like how he handled it. And I HATED that he didn't go after her, she had to come back to him
- She managed to put him off for a good while and even hold her own. Then he treats her like crap their first day of marriage and she just caves. I get that he's hot and she loves him and all that but I wanted her to be stronger than that. And when he acts cold toward her, instead of standing up for herself she asks if SHE has done something wrong! I get her being loving and compassionate but she was being pathetic and needy.There's a fine line and I felt the author didn't navigate it as well as she could have, especially after they married.
- too much sex, lol. I wanted him to woo her more. He tries to compromise her in her bedroom, kissing her and then basically rips her nightgown. It wasn't romantic or sexy to me; yes she loved it blah, blah blah, but to me it felt icky because he knew he was taking advantage of her and we're supposed like him because he finally does the right thing and leaves.
The scene of him sketching her was so sweet - and then it turned into another sex romp.
- I felt like I'd read this story before even though I know I haven't - the scene when he proposes to her for the 3rd time I think? and the scene when she nurses him back to health - they were SO familiar to me - not sure whether I ready something similar in another one of her stories but it bugged me.
What I liked:
- the dialogue and chemistry between them. He was charming and handsome and irresistible
- he really did try. He messed up in the beginning of the marriage and he he really tried to be the man she deserved (at least in the first two weeks lol)
- many of the intimate scenes were well written and showed their attraction; just wish there'd been more "romantic" scenes
I was really torn between 2 and 3 stars on this one, especially as I had more issues than likes but rounded up to 3 because the overall writing was good and I do mostly enjoy her stories but I just feel like there was unrealized potential in this one. I think I liked the books from the Winter series better than these.
What I had issues with:
- repetitive use of words - "verdant" was used SO many times and his bizarre curses - “God’s Fichu” doesn’t even make sense and was repeated several times.
- There wasn't much development - there were hints at it. He sums up his life to her in a 3 minute conversation; she has a memory of him being nice and funny to her years ago and of course she's lusting after him. He wants to marry her to ease his conscience and then he's obsessed with her. I get that she was a challenge at first, but felt there should be more here.
- I'm a little more sympathetic to his fears of her hating him for his past than some other authors have been, given the timeframe the story is set. BUT I did NOT like how he handled it. And I HATED that he didn't go after her, she had to come back to him
- She managed to put him off for a good while and even hold her own. Then he treats her like crap their first day of marriage and she just caves. I get that he's hot and she loves him and all that but I wanted her to be stronger than that. And when he acts cold toward her, instead of standing up for herself she asks if SHE has done something wrong! I get her being loving and compassionate but she was being pathetic and needy.There's a fine line and I felt the author didn't navigate it as well as she could have, especially after they married.
- too much sex, lol. I wanted him to woo her more. He tries to compromise her in her bedroom, kissing her and then basically rips her nightgown. It wasn't romantic or sexy to me; yes she loved it blah, blah blah, but to me it felt icky because he knew he was taking advantage of her and we're supposed like him because he finally does the right thing and leaves.
The scene of him sketching her was so sweet - and then it turned into another sex romp.
- I felt like I'd read this story before even though I know I haven't - the scene when he proposes to her for the 3rd time I think? and the scene when she nurses him back to health - they were SO familiar to me - not sure whether I ready something similar in another one of her stories but it bugged me.
What I liked:
- the dialogue and chemistry between them. He was charming and handsome and irresistible
- he really did try. He messed up in the beginning of the marriage and he he really tried to be the man she deserved (at least in the first two weeks lol)
- many of the intimate scenes were well written and showed their attraction; just wish there'd been more "romantic" scenes
I was really torn between 2 and 3 stars on this one, especially as I had more issues than likes but rounded up to 3 because the overall writing was good and I do mostly enjoy her stories but I just feel like there was unrealized potential in this one. I think I liked the books from the Winter series better than these.
July 25, 2024
The characters weren’t fleshed out at all and their motivations weren’t well established. Ewan, the titular Duke of Debauchery, proposes marriage to Hattie, the wallflower younger sister of his best friend whose accident he blames himself for, in order to repent, but all of a sudden, barely a few lines into the book, he’s inexplicably obsessed with her and will stop at nothing to get her to marry him. She has apparently been secretly in love with him for ages, but we never see why exactly. It isn’t until after the 50% mark that we get one flashback scene in which we see Ewan being kind to Hattie, which was apparently enough for her to fall in love. We also don’t get any explanation as to why she’s considered on the shelf; there’s no indications as to anyone’s age, and even the physical descriptions are scarce. Overall, the characters were very poorly rendered, which makes it impossible to feel their bond.
I usually love a good “she falls first” story because it just hits differently. Put me through the emotional wringer, please and thank you. However, this book left me completely cold, both to Hattie’s supposedly desperate hidden love for a dissolute rogue, and to Ewan’s inner demons, which were pretty clear from the get-go. The writing was decent, but the author did tend to repeat herself a bit (the word rakehell appears an ungodly number of times). While Scarlett Scott can definitely write a sex scene, my problem with her books is that the heat starts too soon, basically eliminating any possibility of the delicious tension between the protagonists. The steam was definitely the best part of this book, but I really didn’t care about the characters and rolled my eyes at the annoyingly tropey “I can’t love, I’m unworthy” hero. Sir Toby the cat was fun, but he inexplicably disappeared for a large portion of the book (I had completely forgotten about him by the time he made an appearance at the end). Also, the brother’s memories returning at the most convenient moment was just lazy writing. I briefly considered awarding this 3 stars because there wasn’t really anything objectionable, and the steam was decent, but in the end, the sheer number of times the duke referred to his wife as Hattie Montrose dissuaded me. Her name is Hattie Hamilton, the Duchess of Montrose. It’s really unacceptable to write about so many dukes and not get this right.
Basically, if you want to read about an alliterative duke with a seriously traumatic past, who still manages to be a decent man and husband to his wife of convenience, and whose marriage and salvation you will actually root for, just do yourself a favour and read Elizabeth Hoyt’s Duke of Desire.
I usually love a good “she falls first” story because it just hits differently. Put me through the emotional wringer, please and thank you. However, this book left me completely cold, both to Hattie’s supposedly desperate hidden love for a dissolute rogue, and to Ewan’s inner demons, which were pretty clear from the get-go. The writing was decent, but the author did tend to repeat herself a bit (the word rakehell appears an ungodly number of times). While Scarlett Scott can definitely write a sex scene, my problem with her books is that the heat starts too soon, basically eliminating any possibility of the delicious tension between the protagonists. The steam was definitely the best part of this book, but I really didn’t care about the characters and rolled my eyes at the annoyingly tropey “I can’t love, I’m unworthy” hero. Sir Toby the cat was fun, but he inexplicably disappeared for a large portion of the book (I had completely forgotten about him by the time he made an appearance at the end). Also, the brother’s memories returning at the most convenient moment was just lazy writing. I briefly considered awarding this 3 stars because there wasn’t really anything objectionable, and the steam was decent, but in the end, the sheer number of times the duke referred to his wife as Hattie Montrose dissuaded me. Her name is Hattie Hamilton, the Duchess of Montrose. It’s really unacceptable to write about so many dukes and not get this right.
Basically, if you want to read about an alliterative duke with a seriously traumatic past, who still manages to be a decent man and husband to his wife of convenience, and whose marriage and salvation you will actually root for, just do yourself a favour and read Elizabeth Hoyt’s Duke of Desire.
March 27, 2020
THIS WAS ENJOYABLE IN THE TYPICAL, CLICHE FORM OF HISTORICAL ROMANCE WHERE A RAKE MEETS WALLFLOWER. WAS IT ORIGINAL? NO. BUT IT WAS NICE TO READ AFTER A LONG DAY AFTER WORK.
MONTROSE is the a tortured hero in this story, I was literally dying to know WHAT were his demons that drove him to become a degenerate rake, plowing through women like a hefty tractor and imbibing in spirits with an unhealthy dosage of constant laudanum. Seeing people like Montrose makes my heart ache because I have friends and have seen those who are addicted to drugs - their life just went to shit and some went mental due to the after effects of the chemicals. For Montrose who tried to heal whatever pain inside him, he chose to lose himself in feelings that made his situation even worse. The last straw was after the racing accident with his best friend, who happens to be Harriet's brother, causing the poor man to lose his memory. In order to atone for his sins, Montrose wants to marry Harriet, yet the more he tries to persuade her to marry him, it soon no longer becomes assuaging his guilt but the fact that he wants the woman more than life itself. How could he never have noticed how beautiful, intelligent and perfect Harriet was for him? Yes, I had my skepticism when Montrose kept trying to win Harriet over. Was he honest or lying? Turns out the lie turned into reality when Harriet keeps the Demons at bay and soothes his soul. I rather enjoyed his devotion to Harriet even when he didn't want it.
HARRIET is your typical HR heroine. Wallflower, hidden beauty and kind hearted - the woman who waits for romance. Harriet also has loved Montrose from afar ever since but when he started falling into sin, she knew that she had to protect her own heart. Imagine her shock when the man proposed to her out of misplaced guilt - though he deserved to feel it, because he was partly at fault for spurring her brother into the race that made him lose his memory. I do so love it everytime she rejects him because clearly I have the same thoughts she had. Was Montrose just pulling her leg? It's obvious a rake cannot marry and keep his fidelity...or can he? Harriet was a veritable saint with her patience and constant care. She really loved Montrose enough to pull through and hold his hand when his Demons came out and she learnt the truth, even after he deliberately hurt her.
OVERALL it's nothing most HR readers haven't read before but I would say I did enjoy this one from S.S and I hope to indulge in more of her stories from time to time.
MONTROSE is the a tortured hero in this story, I was literally dying to know WHAT were his demons that drove him to become a degenerate rake, plowing through women like a hefty tractor and imbibing in spirits with an unhealthy dosage of constant laudanum. Seeing people like Montrose makes my heart ache because I have friends and have seen those who are addicted to drugs - their life just went to shit and some went mental due to the after effects of the chemicals. For Montrose who tried to heal whatever pain inside him, he chose to lose himself in feelings that made his situation even worse. The last straw was after the racing accident with his best friend, who happens to be Harriet's brother, causing the poor man to lose his memory. In order to atone for his sins, Montrose wants to marry Harriet, yet the more he tries to persuade her to marry him, it soon no longer becomes assuaging his guilt but the fact that he wants the woman more than life itself. How could he never have noticed how beautiful, intelligent and perfect Harriet was for him? Yes, I had my skepticism when Montrose kept trying to win Harriet over. Was he honest or lying? Turns out the lie turned into reality when Harriet keeps the Demons at bay and soothes his soul. I rather enjoyed his devotion to Harriet even when he didn't want it.
HARRIET is your typical HR heroine. Wallflower, hidden beauty and kind hearted - the woman who waits for romance. Harriet also has loved Montrose from afar ever since but when he started falling into sin, she knew that she had to protect her own heart. Imagine her shock when the man proposed to her out of misplaced guilt - though he deserved to feel it, because he was partly at fault for spurring her brother into the race that made him lose his memory. I do so love it everytime she rejects him because clearly I have the same thoughts she had. Was Montrose just pulling her leg? It's obvious a rake cannot marry and keep his fidelity...or can he? Harriet was a veritable saint with her patience and constant care. She really loved Montrose enough to pull through and hold his hand when his Demons came out and she learnt the truth, even after he deliberately hurt her.
OVERALL it's nothing most HR readers haven't read before but I would say I did enjoy this one from S.S and I hope to indulge in more of her stories from time to time.
March 24, 2023
3 1/2 stars for everything up to the 80% point of this book, and then 1 star. I agree with the reviewers who hate the plot-point toward the end. I have an issue with some of Scarlett Scott's MMC's being stupid hormone-driven dudes; Monty is not the kind of MMC I would consider a hero. At the very least, I found myself wanting a prologue to give an early insight into the relationship between Hattie and Monty, and more character and plot development instead of all the steam in the middle chapters, so I could have fathomed more what Hattie saw in Monty--other than the fact that he's good in bed. I know Scarlett Scott is popular for her steam, but when you're dealing with heavy topics, I believe character and plot need to take precedence.
I read this when it first came out and I ended up disliking Monty so much I didn't want to leave a review. I usually like this writer and the "brother's best friend" trope, and I did remember liking Hattie, so I decided to give this a re-read to see if my opinion of the book had changed. It hasn't. You feel for Monty at first (it's not hard to guess what his issue is) and his pursuit of Hattie is kind of cute although bordering on stalkerish (the "climbing into the bedroom" scene is somewhat ooky). I liked Hattie's fortitude and strength of personality. But once Hattie suddenly agrees to marry Monty--there really should have been some plot mechanism that pushed her toward this decision, other than having a spiteful mom--she becomes weaker. And Monty shows his true colors. He never had an intention of being faithful to her, and although early on his ruminations about her were rather romantic (he thought of her as the "tonic" for his demons), he doesn't give a real relationship with her a try. He runs hot and cold, allowing her to nurse him through his addiction, then finally setting it up so she catches him with two women. The kicker is, she blames herself for getting upset when he coldly tells her multiple times to leave their home (!).
OK, I get it, the guy was traumatized. But I can't give Monty a pass on the cheating (even if it's actually psychological manipulation on his part), so I just don't buy the "everything's just peachy" HEA. It's way too simplistic, in line with Monty's emotional maturity.
Honestly, Monty's an idiot.
I read this when it first came out and I ended up disliking Monty so much I didn't want to leave a review. I usually like this writer and the "brother's best friend" trope, and I did remember liking Hattie, so I decided to give this a re-read to see if my opinion of the book had changed. It hasn't. You feel for Monty at first (it's not hard to guess what his issue is) and his pursuit of Hattie is kind of cute although bordering on stalkerish (the "climbing into the bedroom" scene is somewhat ooky). I liked Hattie's fortitude and strength of personality. But once Hattie suddenly agrees to marry Monty--there really should have been some plot mechanism that pushed her toward this decision, other than having a spiteful mom--she becomes weaker. And Monty shows his true colors. He never had an intention of being faithful to her, and although early on his ruminations about her were rather romantic (he thought of her as the "tonic" for his demons), he doesn't give a real relationship with her a try. He runs hot and cold, allowing her to nurse him through his addiction, then finally setting it up so she catches him with two women. The kicker is, she blames herself for getting upset when he coldly tells her multiple times to leave their home (!).
OK, I get it, the guy was traumatized. But I can't give Monty a pass on the cheating (even if it's actually psychological manipulation on his part), so I just don't buy the "everything's just peachy" HEA. It's way too simplistic, in line with Monty's emotional maturity.
Honestly, Monty's an idiot.
October 26, 2021
Duke of Debauchery, Book 5 of the Sins and Scoundrels series, was about the Honorable Miss Harriet "Hattie" Lethbridge, the younger sister of Viscount Torrington, and His Grace Ewan Christopher "Monty" Hamilton, the Duke of Montrose and best friend to Hattie's brother, Viscount Torrington.
Driven by the demons of his past, Monty spent years over-indulging drink, women, and all manner of reckless behavior. Having raced his best friend, Viscount Torrington, while they were both in drunken stupors, they were both injured. Monty suffered a broken ankle, but "Torrie" suffered a serious head wound that took his memories from him. Sadly, the broken ankle led Monty to a new vise...an addiction to laudanum.
Determined to pay a debt of honor in recompense to Hattie's brother, Monty was determined to marry her. She was just as certain she would not marry such a libertine. The two of them battled back and forth, each resolved to make their position clear to the other that what they wanted is what they would get.
Hattie had been in love with Monty ever since she had met him and he was just the Marquess of Ashby. However, he had never paid her any attention and, on top of that, he was, and had always been, a rogue of the worst quality. To give in to his constant pressure to marry him would be folly, for she did not trust him to remain faithful...or even sober.
While the storyline was a bit slow to develop, it was still a decent book. Definitely not one of my favorites in the series as Monty proved to be a scoundrel of the worst kind. However, the reasoning behind that was heartbreaking and a bit understandable. Monty was a man driven by self-loathing and disgust.
The angst and drama were super high in this one, with little to no humor to help smooth out the rough edges of tension...and oh was there tension. The attraction and passion were undeniably strong between Hattie and Monty. The gamut of emotions filled each page to overflowing.
A decent, but a heart-wrenching book, for sure. Worthy of a four-star rating.
Driven by the demons of his past, Monty spent years over-indulging drink, women, and all manner of reckless behavior. Having raced his best friend, Viscount Torrington, while they were both in drunken stupors, they were both injured. Monty suffered a broken ankle, but "Torrie" suffered a serious head wound that took his memories from him. Sadly, the broken ankle led Monty to a new vise...an addiction to laudanum.
Determined to pay a debt of honor in recompense to Hattie's brother, Monty was determined to marry her. She was just as certain she would not marry such a libertine. The two of them battled back and forth, each resolved to make their position clear to the other that what they wanted is what they would get.
Hattie had been in love with Monty ever since she had met him and he was just the Marquess of Ashby. However, he had never paid her any attention and, on top of that, he was, and had always been, a rogue of the worst quality. To give in to his constant pressure to marry him would be folly, for she did not trust him to remain faithful...or even sober.
While the storyline was a bit slow to develop, it was still a decent book. Definitely not one of my favorites in the series as Monty proved to be a scoundrel of the worst kind. However, the reasoning behind that was heartbreaking and a bit understandable. Monty was a man driven by self-loathing and disgust.
The angst and drama were super high in this one, with little to no humor to help smooth out the rough edges of tension...and oh was there tension. The attraction and passion were undeniably strong between Hattie and Monty. The gamut of emotions filled each page to overflowing.
A decent, but a heart-wrenching book, for sure. Worthy of a four-star rating.
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