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The Hellion Club #2
Barefoot in Hyde Park
I’m not holding you to keep you from leaving. I’m holding you because it’s a way of showing you how precious you are to me.
Lillian Burkhart could not be more different from her half-sister, Wilhelmina. Suspecting that she is more like their wastrel father, she struggles against the wildness inside her, trying desperately to be the proper young woman that Miss Euphemia Darrow has reared her to be. But when she’s discovered walking barefoot in Hyde Park by none other than the grandson of the elderly dowager duchess who employs her as a companion, her failure is complete.
Lord Valentine Somers, Viscount Seaburn, has been playing a part for so long that he no longer recognizes himself. As a soldier, he’d risked life and limb. Now, as a spy for Whitehall, he’s risking his very soul by using his skill with cards to gain entree to circles he wants no part of. Feigning the ennui of a debauched dilettante who treats women and money as if they were both in unending supply, he’s immediately struck by the beauty, vivacity and innocence of a lovely barefoot nymph… who happens to be his grandmother’s companion.
Given an ultimatum by his grandmother, marry or be disinherited, Val offers for Lillian on a whim. And she accepts in order to claim her own familial bequest. But theirs isn’t a normal engagement… not when someone keeps trying to murder his betrothed.
Uncertain if it has to do with Lillian’s inheritance, his own inheritance or the enemies he’s made over the years, Val knows he will do whatever it takes to protect her… but he didn’t expect to fall in love with her.
Lillian Burkhart could not be more different from her half-sister, Wilhelmina. Suspecting that she is more like their wastrel father, she struggles against the wildness inside her, trying desperately to be the proper young woman that Miss Euphemia Darrow has reared her to be. But when she’s discovered walking barefoot in Hyde Park by none other than the grandson of the elderly dowager duchess who employs her as a companion, her failure is complete.
Lord Valentine Somers, Viscount Seaburn, has been playing a part for so long that he no longer recognizes himself. As a soldier, he’d risked life and limb. Now, as a spy for Whitehall, he’s risking his very soul by using his skill with cards to gain entree to circles he wants no part of. Feigning the ennui of a debauched dilettante who treats women and money as if they were both in unending supply, he’s immediately struck by the beauty, vivacity and innocence of a lovely barefoot nymph… who happens to be his grandmother’s companion.
Given an ultimatum by his grandmother, marry or be disinherited, Val offers for Lillian on a whim. And she accepts in order to claim her own familial bequest. But theirs isn’t a normal engagement… not when someone keeps trying to murder his betrothed.
Uncertain if it has to do with Lillian’s inheritance, his own inheritance or the enemies he’s made over the years, Val knows he will do whatever it takes to protect her… but he didn’t expect to fall in love with her.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2020
1247 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
143 books523 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 30, 2022
4 Stars
- Chasity Bowlin is quickly becoming an author that does not disappoint.
- This story was an enjoyable combination of insta-intrigue, a marriage of convenience, murder mystery, dramatic pasts, a flock of horrible, meddlesome, idiotic extended family, interesting side characters, a strong, decisive heroine, a sweet, protective hero, and a lovely romance that grew out of it, and all of it wrapped up in delightful writing.
*Sign. Me. Up. Please.
- Chasity Bowlin is quickly becoming an author that does not disappoint.
- This story was an enjoyable combination of insta-intrigue, a marriage of convenience, murder mystery, dramatic pasts, a flock of horrible, meddlesome, idiotic extended family, interesting side characters, a strong, decisive heroine, a sweet, protective hero, and a lovely romance that grew out of it, and all of it wrapped up in delightful writing.
*Sign. Me. Up. Please.
January 23, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
The satisfying feeling you get when you read a story so well written, that’s what I get every time I read a book by Chasity Bowlin.
This series has it all , spies, intrigue, treasonous plots, beautiful romance, perfect chemistry, and the delicate balance that both keeps your attention and the plot ticking along at the perfect speed.
Val and Lilly are the couple drawn together in a marriage of convenience, both with their own desires for their futures and their own paths to follow. But pretty soon those paths become entangled and the two must work together to stay safe and keep the family name from falling into ruin .
With a cousin who bully’s and wounds , a grandmother with a devious plan, and murder all around, can they find love and a HEA . That would be telling .
I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait for more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
The satisfying feeling you get when you read a story so well written, that’s what I get every time I read a book by Chasity Bowlin.
This series has it all , spies, intrigue, treasonous plots, beautiful romance, perfect chemistry, and the delicate balance that both keeps your attention and the plot ticking along at the perfect speed.
Val and Lilly are the couple drawn together in a marriage of convenience, both with their own desires for their futures and their own paths to follow. But pretty soon those paths become entangled and the two must work together to stay safe and keep the family name from falling into ruin .
With a cousin who bully’s and wounds , a grandmother with a devious plan, and murder all around, can they find love and a HEA . That would be telling .
I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait for more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
March 5, 2020
Book 2 in The Hellion Club series gives us Lillian Burkhart and Lord Valentine Somers, Viscount Seaburn. Given an ultimatum by his grandmother, marry or be disinherited, Val offers for Lillian and she accepts in order to claim her own surprise inheritance, but that's only the beginning as danger lurks very very close.
I am more likely to re-read book 1 than this one, but this overall made for a nice one time read.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
I am more likely to re-read book 1 than this one, but this overall made for a nice one time read.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
May 18, 2020
Ms. Bowlin does a great job of creating characters that seemingly come alive. One will have a hard time leaving this book behind!
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 1, 2021
2.5 🌟. It's OK. There's just so much happening and the end isn't tied up very neatly. There are still so many questions that are unanswered especially the most important one - "Why was Lillian's mother trapped in that ridiculous wager?Why did she show up again and how was she going to thwart her cousin? How did her cousin and aunt gain from it? Why were they still facing monetary issues after selling off their countries secrets? Aren't the bad guys always stinking rich and rolling in pits of money? Why did Elsworth turn against his cousin? No answers to the questions posed by the author herself in the narrative. Badly planned book and its the characters that make this bearable.
Recommended: meh 😐
Recommended: meh 😐
February 6, 2020
So many twist and turns… I loved it!! Barefoot in Hyde Park by Chasity Bowlin is book 2 in The Hellion Club series and what a series. Though in a series you can read this book as a stand alone. Chasity has such a creative and intriguing imagination and this is truly her at her best… how does she do it??? Her character are just wonderful and she know how to get you excited to read the next story in this series. This story has murder, protection, schemes, danger, innocents, a overbearing grandmother, loneliness, spies, traitors, jealousy and love. I highly recommend you read this story or any of Chasity Bowlin books… she never disappoints.
May 20, 2020
The second in the series.. I enjoyed the first a tad more but, still this was a light fast read. I gave it 3.5 stars and rounded up. The book had some twists and turns not expected. I look forward to the next.
Read
February 9, 2020DNF.
Call me crazy but I believe this was too tame and the attraction barely sizzled. Three kiss scenes later and I'm still not feeling it? I'm out of here.
Call me crazy but I believe this was too tame and the attraction barely sizzled. Three kiss scenes later and I'm still not feeling it? I'm out of here.
January 29, 2020
It started with an ugly bonnet, a bird who snagged it, climbing a tree to retrieve it and It ended with Lily Burkhart in the arms of Lord Valentine Somers and it was glorious! Of course she was probably going to get fired as a companion to the Dowager Duchess, but she finds out Val is her grandson!
The first book in this series was amazing about Lily's half sister Wilhelmina, so we were given glimpses of her and she was a little more brazen, although she tried act like a lady...
As these two come together, circumstances (or could it have been a conspiracy of grans?) puts them in a marriage of convenience after he is given an ultimatum from his grandmother to marry or have no inheritance!
But soon, things started happening. Bullets, mayhem, spies (yes Val was one), intrigue, traitors, an idiot cousin and a growing passion bring this wonderful story full circle. Perfectly wonderful!!!
I cannot wait for more!!
The first book in this series was amazing about Lily's half sister Wilhelmina, so we were given glimpses of her and she was a little more brazen, although she tried act like a lady...
As these two come together, circumstances (or could it have been a conspiracy of grans?) puts them in a marriage of convenience after he is given an ultimatum from his grandmother to marry or have no inheritance!
But soon, things started happening. Bullets, mayhem, spies (yes Val was one), intrigue, traitors, an idiot cousin and a growing passion bring this wonderful story full circle. Perfectly wonderful!!!
I cannot wait for more!!
July 13, 2020
A pleasant read but I definitely prefer book one!
August 3, 2020
Enjoyed reading this story. 4☆
April 26, 2023
Does…does this family own slaves ?!?
February 17, 2021
The last book in this series was enjoyable, but had enough flaws to distract me at times and was closer to a 3 1/2 star book. This one has only a few editing errors that I noticed (spelling, pronoun, and punctuation) and the plot is smoother, with more consistency between scenes. The hero is likable, the heroine a bit prickly and not your typical good girl; she admits to not liking to follow rules and being vain, for example. The story starts off great, with H/h's chance meeting at the park and the humorous interactions that follow during their awkward trip back to his grandmother's. The grandmother is a hoot and the plot moves along swiftly for the first several chapters.
The cousin is the speed bump. He's your typical nasty stock character whose teeth gnashing and jealous whining became tedious, and with the focus on him, the suspense lagged. But, once H/h married and he was around less, the plot picked up swiftly again and became a solid mystery/ suspense regency with some romance thrown into the mix.
The reason this book wasn't 4 1/2 stars from me was that the chemistry between H/h wasn't quite there. They aren't the kind of couple to go around gushing about each other, but the heroine is overly dry and too analytical at times. It was funny that she was able to "out-spy" a spy, but I would have liked to see her show more respect for him, since he certainly respects her. But when he saves her life, she simply takes it in stride. I guess I kept waiting for her acknowledge what a great guy she'd married, but like the grandmother, she seems to view most things in life from a drolly cynical viewpoint. She does become emotional at a couple key points in the story, and it's easy to sympathize with her reactions, but she minimizes the H's desire to get closer by focusing on the past. I wasn't sure I quite bought her "I love you" toward the end.
My only other criticism is the lack of comeuppance for the cousin. He got off way too easy. I felt as if his character should have been more nuanced or the author should have just allowed him to meet an ignoble end like the other two villains did. If he's going to be the hero in an upcoming book in the series, which is the only reason I can guess for not killing him off, the author will have her work cut out making him seem likable.
Overall: This is an entertaining read, especially if you enjoy the regency mystery/spy genre.
Note: like the first book in this series, this is not a "sweet and clean" romance. It has descriptive sex and PG-rated language.
The cousin is the speed bump. He's your typical nasty stock character whose teeth gnashing and jealous whining became tedious, and with the focus on him, the suspense lagged. But, once H/h married and he was around less, the plot picked up swiftly again and became a solid mystery/ suspense regency with some romance thrown into the mix.
The reason this book wasn't 4 1/2 stars from me was that the chemistry between H/h wasn't quite there. They aren't the kind of couple to go around gushing about each other, but the heroine is overly dry and too analytical at times. It was funny that she was able to "out-spy" a spy, but I would have liked to see her show more respect for him, since he certainly respects her. But when he saves her life, she simply takes it in stride. I guess I kept waiting for her acknowledge what a great guy she'd married, but like the grandmother, she seems to view most things in life from a drolly cynical viewpoint. She does become emotional at a couple key points in the story, and it's easy to sympathize with her reactions, but she minimizes the H's desire to get closer by focusing on the past. I wasn't sure I quite bought her "I love you" toward the end.
My only other criticism is the lack of comeuppance for the cousin. He got off way too easy. I felt as if his character should have been more nuanced or the author should have just allowed him to meet an ignoble end like the other two villains did. If he's going to be the hero in an upcoming book in the series, which is the only reason I can guess for not killing him off, the author will have her work cut out making him seem likable.
Overall: This is an entertaining read, especially if you enjoy the regency mystery/spy genre.
Note: like the first book in this series, this is not a "sweet and clean" romance. It has descriptive sex and PG-rated language.
December 28, 2025
Barefoot in Hyde Park is a historical romance set in late 18th century in England. It is the second book in the Hellion Club series. The two main characters, Lillian Burkhart and Lord Valentine Somers, are both given ultimatums to marry in order to receive their families' inheritance, and are thus thrust together in order to gain said inheritances. In addition to the unusual circumstances surrounding their impromptu marriage, there is added intrigue as Lillian becomes a murder target.
I gave this book a rating of 3 stars for a number of reasons. Whereas the main characters did grow on me over the course of the book, I found them too predictable too fast. They are your standard impetuous male and female, both headstrong, bucking the system kind of characters.
Second, there were quite a number of characters to keep up with and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and how they were all connected. The fact that by the end of the novel it seemed that almost everyone had ties to someone else in the story made keeping all of the people and connections difficult. It did not help that some characters went by two different names. It may have helped if I had read book #1, but still, the writer has to assume that the reader has no knowledge of the previous novel and make those connections clear. The fact that people connected with the main female character's past come out of nowhere at the end of the book for what I suppose was intended to be a twist to the ending was more of an unbelievable plot contrivance.
Third, whereas the storyline ended up being a great plot and was continually moving, I felt that the details of the story could have been developed more Because it wasn't developed in more depth, it seemed that the story rushed from one scene to the next.
Finally, I felt as though I the Dowager Duchess from Downton Abbey was written in as Lord Somers' own grandmother. The dialogue and actions written for Somers' grandmother was written exactly as Lord Grantham's mother would have spoken and acted.
In all, the book was okay. Nothing super outstanding.
I gave this book a rating of 3 stars for a number of reasons. Whereas the main characters did grow on me over the course of the book, I found them too predictable too fast. They are your standard impetuous male and female, both headstrong, bucking the system kind of characters.
Second, there were quite a number of characters to keep up with and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and how they were all connected. The fact that by the end of the novel it seemed that almost everyone had ties to someone else in the story made keeping all of the people and connections difficult. It did not help that some characters went by two different names. It may have helped if I had read book #1, but still, the writer has to assume that the reader has no knowledge of the previous novel and make those connections clear. The fact that people connected with the main female character's past come out of nowhere at the end of the book for what I suppose was intended to be a twist to the ending was more of an unbelievable plot contrivance.
Third, whereas the storyline ended up being a great plot and was continually moving, I felt that the details of the story could have been developed more Because it wasn't developed in more depth, it seemed that the story rushed from one scene to the next.
Finally, I felt as though I the Dowager Duchess from Downton Abbey was written in as Lord Somers' own grandmother. The dialogue and actions written for Somers' grandmother was written exactly as Lord Grantham's mother would have spoken and acted.
In all, the book was okay. Nothing super outstanding.
January 27, 2020
Barefoot in Hyde Park by Chasity Bowlin is one of the best books I've read lately. It was fun, despite the serious nature of the problems contained therein, and it was romantic. It us the story of two people falling in love after being (literally) set up by Valentine's grandmother. It wasn't the most likely of matches. Val was a determined bachelor in a dangerous profession and Lillian was a ladies' companion, in fact the companion of Val's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess. She conspired, very cleverly to throw Val and Lily together, albeit with a little help from the universe, until Val proposed to her right at the dinner table. At that point, there was no love, just practicality. But as time wore on, Lily was shot at, Val had big decisions to make regarding his family, Grandmother got more involved, and things got complicated.
The most interesting thing Val said to Lily was (paraphrased) that passion could exist without love, but that love could not exist without passion. They proved that to be true as their relationship grew. Val grew very protective, not because he didn't think she was capable, but because he couldn't imagine life without her. Lily's favorite word came to be "salacious" and it was used well to describe her relationship with Val. Trying to send traitors to jail at the same time trying to save his immature cousin from the hangman's noose, proved to be strenuous work and danger to the reputation of his family. The problem was cleverly solved and Val's honor did not have to be compromised. This is truly an entertaining, inspiring romance and a joy to read. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Barefoot in Hyde Park from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
The most interesting thing Val said to Lily was (paraphrased) that passion could exist without love, but that love could not exist without passion. They proved that to be true as their relationship grew. Val grew very protective, not because he didn't think she was capable, but because he couldn't imagine life without her. Lily's favorite word came to be "salacious" and it was used well to describe her relationship with Val. Trying to send traitors to jail at the same time trying to save his immature cousin from the hangman's noose, proved to be strenuous work and danger to the reputation of his family. The problem was cleverly solved and Val's honor did not have to be compromised. This is truly an entertaining, inspiring romance and a joy to read. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Barefoot in Hyde Park from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
September 23, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up.
Unlike the first in the series, this one did not grab me at all. The hero and heroine had no chemistry. Apart from physical attraction because they are both good looking, there was no real reason for them to fall for each other.
Lilly is an illegitimate daughter of a younger son of a lord, and is half sister of the heroine of book 1.
Lilly is in service as the companion to an elderly Dowager Duchess who we discover is the grandmother of the hero, Valentine, Lord Seaburn. They meet serendipitously in Hyde Park after Lilly injures her ankle and Val carries her back to his Grandmother's.
The dowager is canny and has manipulated both Lilly and Val into a situation where he proposes and she accepts, despite knowing each other for basically an hour.
After agreeing to the engagement Lilly's life is threatened. Val has some spy-type business going on in the background, and he tries to unravel a plot of treason possibly involving his own family, while trying to protect Lilly. Lilly's own background also comes into question as the cause of the danger.
I thought the spy plot was more a vehicle to develop secondary characters for future books than a real mystery. Lilly and Val just floated through the book without developing feelings deeper than lust. Lilly seemed a particularly adventurous virgin who was constantly pushing Val's boundaries before the wedding.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Unlike the first in the series, this one did not grab me at all. The hero and heroine had no chemistry. Apart from physical attraction because they are both good looking, there was no real reason for them to fall for each other.
Lilly is an illegitimate daughter of a younger son of a lord, and is half sister of the heroine of book 1.
Lilly is in service as the companion to an elderly Dowager Duchess who we discover is the grandmother of the hero, Valentine, Lord Seaburn. They meet serendipitously in Hyde Park after Lilly injures her ankle and Val carries her back to his Grandmother's.
The dowager is canny and has manipulated both Lilly and Val into a situation where he proposes and she accepts, despite knowing each other for basically an hour.
After agreeing to the engagement Lilly's life is threatened. Val has some spy-type business going on in the background, and he tries to unravel a plot of treason possibly involving his own family, while trying to protect Lilly. Lilly's own background also comes into question as the cause of the danger.
I thought the spy plot was more a vehicle to develop secondary characters for future books than a real mystery. Lilly and Val just floated through the book without developing feelings deeper than lust. Lilly seemed a particularly adventurous virgin who was constantly pushing Val's boundaries before the wedding.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
July 2, 2020
Barefoot in Hyde Park is the second book in The Hellion Club series. The Hellion Club is the nickname for the Darrow School, a place where miscreant noblemen send their illegitimate daughters to keep them out of sight, out of mind, and to make them employable. This historical story has elements of crime and mystery, and a fair-paced romance that was okay. I lost interest in the latter half of the story.
A Rogue to Remember: 5 stars: Douglas & Wilhemina
Barefoot in Hyde Park: 3+ stars: Valentine & Lillian
Lillian Burkhart is very different from her half-sister, Wilhemina. Lily struggles against the wildness inside her, fearing she is more like their wastrel father. When she is discovered walking barefoot in the park by none other than the grandson of the elderly dowager duchess who employs her, her failure is complete.
Lord Valentine Somers, Viscount Seaburn, has been playing the part of soldier and spy for so long, he no longer recognises himself.
Val and Lily’s romance was good. It was sedate. And a bit boring. Bland.
I recommend this second book however the first book was better. I recommend this series.
A Rogue to Remember: 5 stars: Douglas & Wilhemina
Barefoot in Hyde Park: 3+ stars: Valentine & Lillian
Lillian Burkhart is very different from her half-sister, Wilhemina. Lily struggles against the wildness inside her, fearing she is more like their wastrel father. When she is discovered walking barefoot in the park by none other than the grandson of the elderly dowager duchess who employs her, her failure is complete.
Lord Valentine Somers, Viscount Seaburn, has been playing the part of soldier and spy for so long, he no longer recognises himself.
Val and Lily’s romance was good. It was sedate. And a bit boring. Bland.
I recommend this second book however the first book was better. I recommend this series.
January 28, 2020
Lillian Burkhart has always been strong willed a little wild and hates to be told what to do! Trying to be a proper young woman and companion to the Dowager Duchess sometimes takes its toll and when she is discovered by none other than the Dowagers grandson Viscount Valentine Somers walking barefoot in the park and climbing a tree she knows she is going to be let go from her position. Valentine was in his way to see his grandmother when he comes across a beautiful young woman with the saddest look on her face walking in the park. When a crow steals her hat she is forced to climb a tree to retrieve it. In the process Lillian sprains her ankle and Valentine comes to her rescue. While he keeps her secret of how she was injured from his grandmother Valentine can’t help but to admire his grandmothers companion. We one knows is what is in store for each of them. There is so much to this story! I couldn’t put it down. I loved Lily she is such a spitfire and Val is the perfect man for her. Definitely loved the book and definitely recommend reading it!
August 2, 2020
Was ok
Sadly l read the other two characters of these schools in different series, then the hellion series from other authors which I found enjoyable, loved reading, yet this author who wrote this novel had to have spice sex scenes,, which to me if I wanted to read this, at least let the readers know, I though skipped over this part because I've followed two main characters who run this schools to be delightful, full of mystery and loved these characters. The story throughout just was so choppy and made no sense in letting the cousin off who was against the crown.. Waisted the money to like his grandmothers whole personality has changed, the ending was so out of place that a grand mother of the school would do this, lose all her money, yet in an earlier book, she remained wealthy, sweet, even though strict. The plot was all over the board, shocked it has gotten high marks of you have followed iffy, and the grandmother. A big O.. Really upset me.. A huge letdown.
Sadly l read the other two characters of these schools in different series, then the hellion series from other authors which I found enjoyable, loved reading, yet this author who wrote this novel had to have spice sex scenes,, which to me if I wanted to read this, at least let the readers know, I though skipped over this part because I've followed two main characters who run this schools to be delightful, full of mystery and loved these characters. The story throughout just was so choppy and made no sense in letting the cousin off who was against the crown.. Waisted the money to like his grandmothers whole personality has changed, the ending was so out of place that a grand mother of the school would do this, lose all her money, yet in an earlier book, she remained wealthy, sweet, even though strict. The plot was all over the board, shocked it has gotten high marks of you have followed iffy, and the grandmother. A big O.. Really upset me.. A huge letdown.
May 21, 2021
Great combination of romance, mystery and espionage.
This is another fabulous book by Chasity Bowlin. Book 2 in the Hellion Club series gives us the story of Lillian, otherwise known as Lily, the half sister of Wilhelmina the heroine of book one. Lily has always been more adventurous than her sister and will her rule breaking ways get her into trouble in her job as companion to a Dowager Duchess or is there something other than servitude in her future? The author has woven a tale rich with romance, espionage, betrayal, treason, mystery and surprises that will have you wondering not only will there be a happily ever after but what will happen next. I love that the book also provides us with more clues on Effie, the founder of the Darrow School, and I definitely hope that she gets a future book. All in all, a well written and entertaining book that not only gave the reader a touching romance but built a wonderful sense of suspense that featured engaging characters.
This is another fabulous book by Chasity Bowlin. Book 2 in the Hellion Club series gives us the story of Lillian, otherwise known as Lily, the half sister of Wilhelmina the heroine of book one. Lily has always been more adventurous than her sister and will her rule breaking ways get her into trouble in her job as companion to a Dowager Duchess or is there something other than servitude in her future? The author has woven a tale rich with romance, espionage, betrayal, treason, mystery and surprises that will have you wondering not only will there be a happily ever after but what will happen next. I love that the book also provides us with more clues on Effie, the founder of the Darrow School, and I definitely hope that she gets a future book. All in all, a well written and entertaining book that not only gave the reader a touching romance but built a wonderful sense of suspense that featured engaging characters.
January 30, 2020
Chance meeting
Lilly is the companion to Vals grandmother and has taken off her shoes in Hyde Park to rescue a hideous bonnet! Val immediately sees her and smiles something he hasn't done in years! Lilly climbs a tree to rescue hideous bonnet and Val is intrigued and slightly smitten watching those shapely ankles! Lilly sprains her ankle and sets them in a path carefully orchestrated! There are several forces at work against a normal romance for Val and Lilly! A few murder attempts on Lilly dead relatives that are not dead and Lilly beloved former head school mistress even playing a part! Is Val cousin an evil villain or manipulated by other players!? This story is rollercoaster ride! Hold right you won't want to put this one down! Get ready for laughter suspense and love!!!
Lilly is the companion to Vals grandmother and has taken off her shoes in Hyde Park to rescue a hideous bonnet! Val immediately sees her and smiles something he hasn't done in years! Lilly climbs a tree to rescue hideous bonnet and Val is intrigued and slightly smitten watching those shapely ankles! Lilly sprains her ankle and sets them in a path carefully orchestrated! There are several forces at work against a normal romance for Val and Lilly! A few murder attempts on Lilly dead relatives that are not dead and Lilly beloved former head school mistress even playing a part! Is Val cousin an evil villain or manipulated by other players!? This story is rollercoaster ride! Hold right you won't want to put this one down! Get ready for laughter suspense and love!!!
January 28, 2020
Hyde Park is so proper and the Ton’s haven for the elite. Never should one do anything unproper there. Lillian Burkhart could not be different from her half-sister Wilhelmina. She always felt that she took after her rascal of a father instead of a proper young lady that she had been reared to be. But worst of all, she is found walking barefoot in Hyde Park by none other than the grandson of the elderly dowager duchess that employs her. Oh, what is she to do? I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters are wonderful, the story line captivating and the dowager duchess a wonder to behold. Thank you, Chasity, for providing us with a grand adventure. I am ready for the next installment of The Hellion Club.
February 5, 2020
Lillian Burkhart tries to curbs his wildness, she suspects she’s more like her father every day. The elderly dowager duchess who employs her as a companion and tries to hide her beauty, especially from her grandson, Lord Valentine Somers, Viscount Seaburn. Val’s grandmother has been after him to marry or she’ll leave everything to his scoundrel of a cousin. Val meets Lillian quite by accident becomes quite intrigued by the vivacious young woman with her ugly bonnet and her unflattering clothes then he finds out is a companion to his grandmother. Val and Lilly are the couple drawn together in a marriage of convenience to receive their inheritance. I love this story if spies, intrigue, and romance. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
November 23, 2021
Lies, Schemes and Danger
I absolutely loved Val and Lily’s story. It has intrigue, lies, danger, treason and love all rolled up in a exciting book.
Lily is companion to the Dowager Duchess and just left a meeting with her Aunts solicitor. She will come into a inheritance if she marries. On her way home she is assisted from a fall from a tree by Lord Valentine. Lily has hurt her ankle so Valentine decides to carry her home and then realizes she is his grandmother’s companion.
Vals grandmother demands he move into the house with them and his cousin who hates Val.
All of a sudden Lily and Val are engaged, someone tried to kill her and Vals cousin threatens her. Know Val and Lily must find out who wants her dead. A very intriguing book.
I absolutely loved Val and Lily’s story. It has intrigue, lies, danger, treason and love all rolled up in a exciting book.
Lily is companion to the Dowager Duchess and just left a meeting with her Aunts solicitor. She will come into a inheritance if she marries. On her way home she is assisted from a fall from a tree by Lord Valentine. Lily has hurt her ankle so Valentine decides to carry her home and then realizes she is his grandmother’s companion.
Vals grandmother demands he move into the house with them and his cousin who hates Val.
All of a sudden Lily and Val are engaged, someone tried to kill her and Vals cousin threatens her. Know Val and Lily must find out who wants her dead. A very intriguing book.
August 8, 2022
solid 3.9
Ok, I liked this one better than the first.
Loved both Val & Lilly. Loved the back story progressed along with the growth of their relationship and they worked as a team. No stupidly held prejudices toward each other like so ,any other romance novels that create angst and drama for the sake of it. Again, I haven’t given it a 4 because it was just an easy read. I didn’t have any moments where I was holding my breath, anticipating what would happen next. The writing and characters are great but it reads a bit like fan fiction where everyone is perfect and say the perfect things at the exact perfect time.
Also, SUPER RUSHED
This is a good read if you want something light and easy. But PLEASE tell me we get hound and Hollingsworth books, NOW THOSE I’d read!!!
Ok, I liked this one better than the first.
Loved both Val & Lilly. Loved the back story progressed along with the growth of their relationship and they worked as a team. No stupidly held prejudices toward each other like so ,any other romance novels that create angst and drama for the sake of it. Again, I haven’t given it a 4 because it was just an easy read. I didn’t have any moments where I was holding my breath, anticipating what would happen next. The writing and characters are great but it reads a bit like fan fiction where everyone is perfect and say the perfect things at the exact perfect time.
Also, SUPER RUSHED
This is a good read if you want something light and easy. But PLEASE tell me we get hound and Hollingsworth books, NOW THOSE I’d read!!!
February 1, 2020
Good Read!
Enjoyable crime mystery romance. I like Viscount Seaborn and his love interest, Lilly. The story is too short for my taste, how did they get to the house in Richmond? They were in an office with a dead man, the next thing you know they are in Lord Highcliff's home, it makes no sense! This could have been so much better if the editors had done their job. It is Val's home, yet his Grandmother still controls it, not him, not Lilly, that should have been part of the story also. I hope the next one has all of the minutiae that make a story real.
I recommend! Thank you!
carolintallahassee.com
Enjoyable crime mystery romance. I like Viscount Seaborn and his love interest, Lilly. The story is too short for my taste, how did they get to the house in Richmond? They were in an office with a dead man, the next thing you know they are in Lord Highcliff's home, it makes no sense! This could have been so much better if the editors had done their job. It is Val's home, yet his Grandmother still controls it, not him, not Lilly, that should have been part of the story also. I hope the next one has all of the minutiae that make a story real.
I recommend! Thank you!
carolintallahassee.com
February 7, 2020
Loved this book
Lily and Val's story was absolutely wonderful. Love, mystery and intrigue rolled into one book. It is fascinating how the author is able to the in previous characters and encourage your interest in the lives of the side characters. It is difficult to say too much without ruining the storyline, though believe me , it is worth your time. Charity is a wonderful author and never disappoints. The waiting for the next book in her series is the most difficult part. I follow her on Facebook and am excited to see who the characters will be in her next book. Highly recommend,
Lily and Val's story was absolutely wonderful. Love, mystery and intrigue rolled into one book. It is fascinating how the author is able to the in previous characters and encourage your interest in the lives of the side characters. It is difficult to say too much without ruining the storyline, though believe me , it is worth your time. Charity is a wonderful author and never disappoints. The waiting for the next book in her series is the most difficult part. I follow her on Facebook and am excited to see who the characters will be in her next book. Highly recommend,
February 25, 2020
Very enjoyable
The Hellions Club continues with Val and Lilly’s story. . Lilly is the half-sister of Willhemina, our heroine from book one.
I enjoyed this story more than the first in the series and that book was pretty good. Both protagonists were very likeable and fit together from the first meeting. The mystery was good and I don’t see how a reader could have figured out who the mastermind was behind the incidents in which Lilly’s life was in danger.
Highly recommend. I suggest reading book one first as several of the secondary characters are introduced and you’ll have better context for book two.
The Hellions Club continues with Val and Lilly’s story. . Lilly is the half-sister of Willhemina, our heroine from book one.
I enjoyed this story more than the first in the series and that book was pretty good. Both protagonists were very likeable and fit together from the first meeting. The mystery was good and I don’t see how a reader could have figured out who the mastermind was behind the incidents in which Lilly’s life was in danger.
Highly recommend. I suggest reading book one first as several of the secondary characters are introduced and you’ll have better context for book two.
August 15, 2021
Lilly Burkhart needs to marry to receive her inheritance. Lord Val Somers is pressured by his grandmother to marry or he will lose his inheritance. Seems like the most logical solution is for them to marry. Someone is trying to kill Lilly. The quicker they marry, the sooner she will be safe. Maybe Val is in danger as well. Working as a spy for England, he must stop his cousin from working to help France. Lilly and Val are more than partners in their marriage. They work together to save the reputation of the family, while falling in love. Likeable characters with several secrets make for an interesting read. The title alone grabbed my interest.
April 24, 2022
Barefoot in Hyde Park unfolds beautifully and will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Lilly and Val until the very end! Chasity Bowlin has written a story that's filled with characters that weave a story that will hold you spellbound as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you in, sizzling passion, the book flowed well from one thing to another without being forced, an heartfelt plot, with villians lurking in the background trying to kill Lilly. This book is definitely one to put on your shelf keeper and to read again.
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