To Vex a Viscount

Lords of London #4

by Tamara Gill

For the past six years, Miss Lizzie Doherty has had exactly zero proposals. Not because she isn’t attractive, or from a good family, or doesn’t have well-connected friends, but simply because she is poor. Or so the ton believe. Invited to a country house party on a stormy night, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her driver delivers her to the wrong estate. Upon entering the home, she’s soon masked and sworn to secrecy. Never has Lizzie ever experienced such an odd and intriguing event, so she plays along to see where the night will take her.

Lord Hugo, Viscount Wakely lives for sin, for anything scandalous, and for house parties that involve all of those things. At least he used to. But imagine his surprise when his good friends’ ward, Miss Lizzie Doherty, an innocent and a successful debutante six years running, arrives at the last debauchery house party he’ll attend. Or when an impromptu, scandalous kiss turns his life upside down.

Lizzie decides to stay for the week-long house party. Masks keep the guests’ identities secret, but Lizzie would know Lord Hugo Wakely anywhere. And that one impromptu, scandalous kiss tells her that he is the Viscount for her…he just doesn’t know it yet.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Adult

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2018

About the author

Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. She loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval, and time travel.

https://linktr.ee/tamaragillauthor

Buy direct from my store - now open!
https://www.tamaragill.com

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

'For the past six years, Miss Lizzie Doherty has had exactly zero proposals. Not because she isn’t attractive, or from a good family, or doesn’t have well-connected friends, but simply because she is poor. Or so the ton believe. Invited to a country house party on a stormy night, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her driver delivers her to the wrong estate. Upon entering the home, she’s soon masked and sworn to secrecy. Never has Lizzie ever experienced such an odd and intriguing event, so she plays along to see where the night will take her.

Lord Hugo, Viscount Wakely lives for sin, for anything scandalous, and for house parties that involve all of those things. At least he used to. But imagine his surprise when his good friends’ ward, Miss Lizzie Doherty, an innocent and a successful debutante six years running, arrives at the last debauchery house party he’ll attend. Or when an impromptu, scandalous kiss turns his life upside down.

Lizzie decides to stay for the week-long house party. Masks keep the guests’ identities secret, but Lizzie would know Lord Hugo Wakely anywhere. And that one impromptu, scandalous kiss tells her that he is the Viscount for her…he just doesn’t know it yet.'
_________________________________

To Vex a Viscount is the fourth book in Tamara Gill's Lords of London series. All the characters are connected, but it is not necessary to read them in order. Each book in this series could easily serve as a stand-alone book.

I liked Lizzie, I really did. She was confident and daring and willing to go after what she wanted. Sure she didn't have a fortune, but I fail to understand how she could go through 6 seasons without a marriage proposals, that men had shown interest only to then fade away. How?

Hugo...I have very mixed feelings about. He's not great, he's pampered and self-serving, only thinking of his own comfort. That is until he cares enough to get his head out of his butt, then he manages to be thoughtful enough to think of the well-being of those that rely on him for their livelyhood. But still not thoughtful enough to put in enough effort to find a solution that enables him to do the right thing by Lizzie. At least not until multiple people call him out for his actions and make him realize what an ass he has been. Plus he's basically been leading on these two women in order to keep his options open. Not willing to commit one way or another. He is redeemed in the end, but, it is a near thing. And I think Lizzie forgave him far too easily. Saying all that I realize it sounds like I didn't like Hugo's character, but that's not it at all. I do love a flawed character and I do think he is perfect for Lizzie sand incredibly sweet in his own way.

The premise of these two being brought together at a secret and scandalous sex party due to the weather diverting her carriage was a bit much and I didn't think I would enjoy it. But it wound up coming together very nicely and it was actually pretty great. The other bit that bothered me was that there was the rumor that he had ruined an innocent at the party and then the scandal very quickly disappeared and nothing came from it.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be continuing on to the next book in the series, To Dare a Duchess. I recommend this To Vex  a Viscount, and the rest of the Lords of London series.
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I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.

[Stacy Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loving it!

[Ashton Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
~class difference
~masquerade meet-cute
~hidden wealth (heroine)
~blackmail (hero’s uncle’s will stipulates who he must marry or else he loses inheritance)

This series just keeps getting better and better! I adored this one.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first read by an author I always wonder what will be the style, if there will be humor, angst and/or drama.
I do adored this read, Tamara Gill painted a strong willed heroine who would not settle for any less she deserves and a nice hero but very much flawed.
Miss Lizzie Doherty is not the usual Wallflower, she is smart, sassy and full of fire, she just conceal it nicely. I do wonder why even if she has no dowry as she is rather pretty, she never had a suitor? Whatever, she has her eyes set on an unreachable man, one of the worst kind, rakish rogue.
Lord Hugo decided once aware of his father’s will to spend his last month of freedom before being shackled into mariage to run wild around the ton and live to the excess.
His attraction for Lizzie appeared as weird at first, after was she a challenge, the one woman who will flirt with him but stop to this?
At time, I was furious at his way to tackle the problems the will causes, he was the weak one, yes he has responsibilities for his tenants but he is in this predicament because of him and himself alone.
He was also at time a coward, lying by omission and not really faithful but the author redeemed him at the very end as he was not a bad guy, just one who has an easy life and never thought to find an other way to be.

“A little warning bell went off in his mind that he was toying with her, giving her false hopes where there might be none, and yet he couldn’t stay away from her.”

Lizzie was fabulous, never she bows down, she confronts Hugo when he for instance hunkered down, she was the one to set the rules, she is not perfect but she fights for what she wants and will let nobody walk on her even when she is hurt.

“You tease, my lord,” she said, pulling away. “I do not like games where I’m the playing piece.”

A very enjoyable read.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like her life in London, here at Lady X’s house party, she was undesirable. A wallflower destined for the spinster shelf.

A heterosexual historical fiction romance book set during the regency era.

The lead character is Lizzie Doherty - a woman, as far as 'society' knows, relatively attractive, but a poor relation to an Earl. Therefore, less than attractive for marriage purposes. At least that's what Lizzie believes, since she's been out in society for a while now with no indication anyone 'wanted her'. Unbeknownst to society, Lizzie actually does have a fortune coming her way but she's not allowed to let others know, because there's this string attached to the money - if she doesn't marry, she can have the money (and, as she's constantly desired to do, go off and buy a small place and fill it with cats), or marry but only for love (which is why she can't tell anyone about the money, for they might only be marrying her for the money).

On the flip-side is Lord Hugo - the other lead point of view character. He's in the opposite position. Good title, good family background, wealthy, etc. etc. Except . . . his father didn't like Hugo's rakish lifestyle and so put a little wrinkle into his will: Hugo must marry someone who has money before a certain birthday rolls past, or the money goes to Hugo's uncle. He, Hugo, would retain the estates (which are mostly unsellable), and his title, but not the money needed to maintain the estates and rakish lifestyle.

As might be expected with this type of set-up - both main characters 'like' the other, but - for reasons - neither has every shown it. At least not until a wrong turn by her carriage driver delivers Lizzie to a party that Hugo is attending. A party in a remote country estate. And a party that involves everyone wearing literal masks and acting on any lustful desires they experience. Both recognize the other, despite the masks, but neither indicates awareness of the other's true identity and both are unsure if the other truly knows who is under the mask. The two, while in disguise, circle each other at this party and 'play with each other'.

One thing leads to another and . . . then leads to another . . . etc. etc. Interesting short work.

Rating: 3.5

June 22 2019

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara Gill does it again. To Vex a Viscount is book 4 of the Lords of London series and is just fantastic! Though in a series this regency book can be read as a standalone. Tamara can create the most amazing characters and you cannot help but fall in love with Lizzie and Hugo, who is a bit of a bad boy. Her descriptions are so vivid that you can see everything in your mind and is a very easy read and just a tad steamy. Tamara has a true talent for writing and I have totally enjoyed every one of her books. I can’t wait for the next to be released. This story has scandal, a scandalous party, innocences, a secret love, forbidden love, attraction, best friends, protective family and yes, this story has love or at least lust! I highly recommend you read this book or any of Tamara Gill’s books! You won’t be disappointed.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entertaining romance. A fun storyline is combined with likeable characters, hot chemistry and plenty of emotions. Hugo and Lizzie were simply perfect together. This story about a man that needs to marry for money and a woman that is determined to marry for love very quickly captured my attention and touched my heart. A wonderful romance. I'm posting a truthful and totally voluntary review.

[Patricia Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I so love this series. The laughter and love makes you want to read more. Can't wait for more.Get your copy today 😁.Happy Reading 📚

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Lizzie Doherty has had six seasons but no proposals as everyone thinks she has no dowry. Invited to a country house party on a stormy night, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her driver delivers her to the wrong estate. Upon entering the home, she’s soon masked and sworn to secrecy. Lord Hugo, Viscount Wakely lives for sin, for anything scandalous, and for house parties that involve all of those things. At least he used to but he needs to marry shortly & to an heiress in order to retain the money his mother brought to the family. He's more than surprised when Lizzie arrives at the last debauchery house party he’ll attend. Lizzie is stranded at the party until a flood subsides. Masks keep the guests’ identities secret, but Lizzie would know Lord Hugo Wakely anywhere.
Hugo & Lizzie are attracted to each other & if truth be told have been for some time but he must marry money & she wants to marry for love. I was drawn in from the start & was engrossed all the way through. A sleepless night meant I read this in a sitting. The pace is very good & the characters well portrayed. I liked both Lizzie & Hugo who not only were attracted to each other but liked each other & they were meant to be together but like Hamish (Earl of Leighton) I was annoyed with Hugo for not grasping the bull by the horns & putting things in place to save the situation, however he redeemed in the end & his proposal was lovely.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Hugo, Viscount Wakely lives for sin, for anything scandalous, but in the next year according to his father’s will he must marry for money or lose his inheritance. Miss Lizzie Doherty has had exactly zero proposals for the last six years, though she’s had had a crush on one of her cousin’s friends, Hugo. Lizzie just wants Lord Hugo to notice her, to see her as desirable and by accident she attends one scandalous party where she gets her wish, but Hugo knows their new found attraction can’t go anywhere Lizzie has no inheritance and he needs to marry an heiress. A captivating story of can a person really love you for who you are and give up everything to be with the one they love above all else or will Hugo marry for his heritance and a marriage of convenience. This is my honest opinions is resolved to build a school for ladies in after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Vex A Viscount is a fantastic historical romance by Tamara Gill. Ms. Gill has provided readers with a well-written book populated with a cast of characters that is just phenomenal. Hugo has known he had a year to find a bride with a dowry of at least 30,000 pounds but he's left it until the last minute. Now he's on the hunt for a bride. Lizzie has a secret dowry of almost 70,000 pounds but can't tell anyone. Hugo and Lizzie's story is packed with drama, humor, sexy bits and suspense. I enjoyed reading To Vex A Viscount and look forward to reading more from Tamara Gill soon. To Vex A Viscount is book 4 of the Lords of London Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story we have a sexy little romp in which Lizzie has an adventure and Hugo grows up. His father’s will demands that he marry an heiress if he wants his full inheritance. She wants to marry for love. She wants to marry Hugo for love. Her cousin has granted her a healthy dowry, but because he wants to know that an offer is made from love and not for money, he insists that it be kept a secret. These two are in love, but definitely face a dilemma. Will they find a resolution to the seemingly impossible situation? Will Hugo end up in a cold marriage? Will Lizzie become a spinster living in a cottage in the country with her money and some cats? The answer is to be found in the center of the ballroom. You will love it.

As always, Tamara Gill provides a delightfully clever story with likeable characters. By the time the tale was told, I wanted to hug Lizzie, smack Hugo on the back of his head, and shake Hamish’s hand. I enjoyed To Vex a Viscount and recommend it. It’s a winner.

[iread · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Vex A Viscount is book 4 in the Lords of London series by Tamara Gill. I enjoyed this book. It’s been a few years since I read the others in this series, so I was worried I might feel lost. However, it truly isn’t necessary to read the other books prior to this one. They can be read as a stand alone, although reading in order usually gives a deeper and richer reading experience. I enjoyed this book. There are a lot of sexual scenes in it. I liked the character of Lizzie Doherty. I found her to be likable and believable. Lord Hugo Blythe is the perfect London rogue. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but wanted to shake the hero! He had a year to get married or come up with a plan, but he is so rapt up in being angry with his father. There's no easy resolution to this romance, but it's a satisfying end when they get their HEA. I was a little disappointed that more trysts or interaction didn't happen during the house party as I felt there was a lot of time unaccounted for. Another delightfully sexy romp, that we've come to expect from Ms. Gill and she remains one of my favorite historical romance authors.

[Lux Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Lizzie Doherty is prim, proper and poor, she has no marriage proposals since her come out six years ago. Unbeknownst to the ton, her dowry is ample.
The scandalous and dissolute Viscount Wakeley, Lord Hugo is desperate to find a wealthy wife.
Hugo and Lizzie are attracted to each other. The kiss they shared at a masked party, heightened this attraction. But Hugo won't marry someone poor and Lizzie hopes to marry for love.

Lizzie is an endearing character, she has the gumption to stand up for herself. Hugo on the other hand, needs a lot of growing up to do.

Tamara Gill has written an interesting story with a flawed hero who's difficult to like at first but will eventually warm the readers' hearts. Lizzie and Hugo's happy-ever-after is hard-won and lovingly deserve.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book. I really enjoyed this novel. Lizzie unexpectedly gets a chance to spread her wings and enjoys every moment of it. I enjoyed every moment of it with her. Hugo is struggling. His father's will has him in a tough spot. Tamara does a wonderful job putting us in Hugo's shoes; feeling what he feels. What does he do in the end? Will Tamara give these two an HEA? Or will Lizzie move to Italy alone, but happy still?

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vexing

Discussion and correctness in public are themes that cause people to seek what is not quite the accepted behavior and yet maintain their places in society thankfully when two hearts entwined they find a way and this story weaves a path that assists in love and two combatants finding accord.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness for sudden rainstorms!

A wonderful read!

Likable protagonists, scandalously hot intimate situations, and a public declaration of love for all the ton to witness that provided the perfect lead to a HEA.

I enjoyed Hugo and Lizzie so much that after finishing their story, I immediately purchased the first three books in the LORDS OF LONDON series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. I liked the character of Lizzie, even though she was stifled by her mother, she was still determined to get what she wanted. Lizzie had wanted Lord Hugo Blythe, Viscount Wakely for some time. Hugo had led a reckless life, mainly to annoy his father. However, his father had given instructions in his will that would affect Hugo and his tenants. Hugo and Lizzie meet accidentally, due to a storm, in a house party. Their meeting develops into something special but nothing can come of this as Hugo is bound by his father’s will. This story will keep you reading until the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BROWN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Vex him she does!!

To Vex a Viscount 💖💖💖💖💖

I give it five hearts. I loved this book. It was such charming, sensual and fun story. These two are meant to be. They have a spark. It is an all night, binge read kind of book. I did not put it down. A must read as usual for this author. I just loved it. 💕

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read and review this book. I love reading this genre and this one was amazing. I liked why the main characters meet and interact together. I enjoyed it everything was well written loved the sparks that fly the chemistry little suspense action nice end was sad it ended I recommend this one you will enjoy and want.

[Mrs Caroline Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I found this a good book. Lizzie is a strong character and pursues Hugo but he cannot marry her because of his father's will. Would he give up his inheritance to be with Lizzie.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugo and Lizzie are very likable characters, in spite of Hugo being a rake. The story
was very good. I received an arc of this book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I could imagine I was there. I was really into it. Most enjoyable story.
5☆

[Wendy Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again!

Tamara Gill does the secret heiress/broken heir so well! The absolute smexy times in this book make it all worth while!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/17/2019)! 🎁

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! 💛📚💛

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

Absolutely wonderful storyline! Husband Lizzie has such passion together. Always love reading Tamara Gill's books. Storyline 's are always exciting and romantic.

[vaneeta naik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !!!! Tamara has not disappointed as usual she has given her Readers a fabulous book... " To Vex a Viscount" is a very captivating story ...This is book 4 of the Lords of London series and can be read as a standalone.... I loved it ...

The best part is , Tamara has a simple style of writing...presentation , scripting of the book is fantastic , that you are bound by the book ...the characters of Lizzie and Hugo portrayed are the most amazing ,adorable...couldn't help loving them ...

The story is about Lord Hugo, Viscount Wakely is known to be a wastrel & lives a life of sin, gambling ,scandal & Reckless behaviour ... He must marry for money in the next year according to his father’s will or lose his inheritance. Miss Lizzie Doherty is a heiress which is a secret as she wants to marry for love which has lead to exactly no proposals for the last six years... She has had her crush on had had a crush on Hugo for a long time & wants him to notice ,desire her . She mistakenly meets him at a Masquerade Party by accident ... From here there romance & scandalous story starts ...

Lizzie & Hugo fall in love with each other ... Hugo has to surpass his shortfalls,misgivings & become a self standing man if he wants Lizzie ...Will he fight against all odds to gain the love of his life ??? Will Lizzie put her trust ,faith in Hugo to come up to her expectations ????? Both of them have to deal & fight there insecurities to start a life together forever ...

It takes guts to present the story with a flawed hero but Tamara has nicely, aptly, smartly dealt with this negative character Hugo & sculpted him into a Hero ...Lizzie is a strong willed heroine, not the usual Wallflower, she is smart, bold and full of fire...A very well written & excellent penmanship...It was through & through a entertainer...Well done Tamara & thank you for such a beautiful book...

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you