A Knight of Vengeance (The Valiant Love Regency Romance)

by Deborah Wilson

Lady Elisa Seys is known to be mad.
That doesn’t mean she doesn’t know what she’s doing.

Escaping from Bedlam was just the first part of her plan.
Solving the murder that got her locked away is the second.
Falling in love was not part of the arrangement, but where the heart led, her mind couldn’t help but go.

Lord Nicholas Childs had little desire to play governess to a madwoman whose enchanting spirit seems to glow in her eyes.
He’s a man who deals with the darker parts of Society.

Death trails his wake.

So, he knows trouble when he sees it, and Elisa is trouble with a capital T.
Yet sadly, Nick’s never been able to resist trouble.

It’s a game of trust, patience, and staying alive and, in the end, if they succeed, the reward will be sweet.

But is love sweeter than vengeance?
Can two people madly in love beat the odds?

Genres: Historical Romance

657 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2019

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witness to a murder, thrown into Bedlam. Her family thinks her mad. She is not. Despite the cruel treatment she received at Bedlam she still kept her own mind and sanity even though everyone told her that the murder she saw did not happen. Sometimes she doubted herself. Lady Alisa Seyes is kindness incarnate. I admired Alisa's character. She was a strong yet humble woman. She was always thinking of others, always willing to lend a helping hand. She knows how to act crazy and uses that to her advantage. Alisa knew something was going on when after her uncle suspiciously died and she began getting better treatment at Bedlam. Better food, a lady’s maid, new gowns and jewelry. She thought all this might be from her father the Duke of Reddington but she had a dreadful feeling it was from the man she wanted nothing to do with. Her older brother Avery, Marquess of Goldstone, for some unknown reason wanted Alisa to be taken out of Bedlam, hidden until she could marry the man of his choice. Which was not her betrothed Lord James Scott, Marquess of Alguire. Avery sought out Cassius, Duke Van Dero for help to break Alisa out of Bedlam. Cassius asked Lord Nicholas Childs, his man of business, to take the assignment. For some reason Avery despised Nick, why he did not know. Nick was part of Cassius's inner circle; they were as close as brothers. Nick was all charm and everything proper. However, the way his father brought him and his two brothers up left an indelible dark mark on his soul. He had a dark past and lived a dark life. Working with Cassius was not easy but was a worthy goal to rid London of child corruption. Of course, other cases came before Cassius that involved the adults involved in child corruption and they were dealt with wisely and efficiently by Cassius. Nick nor Cassius were saints, hero's yes, but not saints. When Cassius put the Bedlam job to Nick, he did not react well to it. Cassius offered him something he could not refuse. The day he went to retrieve Alisa, she was kidnapped by James her betrothed. He was a cruel man and his plans for Alisa were not promising. He was determined to marry her no matter what and would strike any that got in his way. From the moment Nick and Alisa's eyes met it was all over for Nick. He feels his soul connect with hers and fortunately she felt the same way. Nick rescued Alisa and took her to one of his properties, a castle. They were surrounded by Cassius's soldiers ensuring James could not get to her. From this point in the story things happened rapidly. Danger was everywhere. No one ever suspected that Nick would fall in love with Alisa. With Cassius in the dark he made sure Alisa was taken away from Nick by her brother Avery without advising him. Nick told Cassius what she meant to him. They figured out an acceptable solution where everyone still got what they were promised. There were many obstacles between Nick and Alisa. The greatest one was trust. She tried to make him see she was not really mentally ill. But he kept glossing over it. She loved him but would not be able to be with him if he did not believe in her. The only way she could prove her sanity was to uncover the murderer that put her in Bedlam in the first place. While in Bedlam through her kindness she made allies. One guard who knew the murderer gave her a clue to investigate. She needed to get to London. But Nick had her securely ensconced at his castle. During her time at the castle she befriended the General and his men and was teaching them to read. She was admired and endeared by the men and the staff. The General, the soldiers and Dr. Sparrow knew she was not mad but Nick still believed she was touched in the head. Despite that, a romance began to blossom between Alisa and Nick. She was the light to his darkness; she was his home. Alisa saw Nick as the man that she always wished she would marry. Brave, confident, protective, willing to put his own life on the line for her sake and he adored her. Now that Avery had Alisa at their father, the Duke of Reddington home they both treated her delicately. They still believed her to be touched in the head. On top of that Avery was afraid she might do harm to herself and assigned a lady's maid to her and stationed soldiers at her door. She was never to be without protection. A guard shadowed her every move. Finally, her brother allowed a close old friend of Alisa to visit her. Alisa was bursting with joy to see her old friend Lady Cebele Lawrence aka Belle. Life changed for Belle that became apparent when the two women caught up with each other about their lives. Belle was very resourceful and a skillful, cunning technical genius. Belle came up with a plan for Alisa to see Nick, get out from under Avery's thumb so she can follow her clue to the murderer, regain her life back and still be back before Avery knew what was going on. But things don't always go to plan and Alisa uncovered more than just one murder. She finally told Nick everything and Cassius was brought in to deal with it. This is such an exciting book to read. Never a dull moment. Action on every page. The characters were easy to relate to and were very realistic. I loved reading this book and I highly recommend it. A must read. You will not be disappointed.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I will ever tire of Deborah Wilson's books. I don't know whether she has had the entire series planned out from the beginning, but I love the way one story flows into the next as new characters are introduced. It all started with the Curbain family (3 brothers and a sister, Valiant), moved to Denhallow (a friend) and the Lost Lords, transitioned to Cassius (a cousin) and his friends, and now seems ready to focus on Nick's brothers.

All of these characters have been so well developed that I haven't ever questioned whether they are real people. Of course they are! And all are relatable, likable, and so memorable. The Curbain family is one beyond reproach, raised with love and integrity by loving parents who named them for the qualities they wishes them to have (Assurance/Asher, Hero, Laurel/Lore, and Valiant). Denhallow is a friend of Lore's, and though he has his faults, he is not far removed from the typical hero. But then, the men in subsequent stories become anti-heroes, more flawed than not, but redeemable (though they don't actually change) when the right woman comes along. These are men who are feared, but through the eyes of the women who fall in love with them, we see them as something more than their persona. Below the surface are men who love deeply.

Nick surprises me with the depth of feeling he has for Elisa. Elisa wears her heart on her sleeve, and from the beginning, cannot hide her feelings for him. He feels the connection and tries to avoid her, but soon realizes he cannot ignore the instant bond between them. He realizes they belong together and is ready to kill anyone who stands in their way. And of course, there is a villain who stands in their way, as does her brother.

The development of the love they feel for one another, the obstacles they must overcome, and the strengthening of their bond is compelling and entirely engrossing. It's a story of insta-love that is utterly believable; they're soulmates. All previously introduced characters remain true to how they were presented, though some (like Cassius) continue to reveal hidden layers and become even more endearing. I've never wanted to go back to live in a previous era (sometimes I wonder how it is possible that women are still treated so poorly and wish I could fast-forward), but if I had to, I'd want to find one of Deborah Wilson's heroes.

[BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many mistakes... 😒

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from The Secret Pleasures of the Earl, it is not essential to have read the previous books in this series, but it does help to understand references to past events. Nicholas Childs looks like an angel but has a dark and unforgiving past. Raised by a father with views that would be better understood in modern times, Nicholas and his brothers have been molded by those ideals. If anything, Nicholas understands madness and when he is tasked with breaking Lady Elisa Seys out of Bedlam, he is the best person for the job. He doesn't take into account the effect Elisa has on him and he finds himself becoming protective and possessive over her. He is shocked to find that even the most hard-bitten of his soldiers are similarly affected. Lady Elisa has one purpose in life and that is proving that she is quite sane. However, the path to discovery leads to unexpected results, as death and destruction follow in its wake. This book is generally well written with an intricate plot but also with large doses of humour that left me laughing out loud. One cannot help but fall in love with Nicholas and despite his past, he has kindness at his core, even if he cannot see it himself. Elisa brings light and joy to all who meet her and as she works her magic, she also brings people together into bonds of friendship. The novel is a standalone and comes to a successful and satisfactory close.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Nicholas Childs (another one of the new Duke of Van Dero,Lord Cassius Hiller’s, right hand men’s right hand men) is selected to perform a rescue of a lady from—of all places—Bedlam! This is to place the lady’s brother in a position of ‘owing’ the Duke a favor, payable sometime in the future. Little does Nick expect to fall for the lady Eliza, but that is what happens. Thus begins a back-and-forth game of attraction/separation for both Lady Elisa and Lord Nicholas, as they navigate the poisonous happenings going on in lives all around them.
Some familiar faces appear, but this storyline belongs to Nicholas and Eliza, a pleasant change as we move to expand the horizon and take the focus off the 5 missing lords the previous stories had focused on. Nicholas and Eliza had a bit of trouble settling on an opinion of each other. It took time for Nicholas to trust that Eliza was not mad/insane, despite the fact that he was seemingly in love with her. (How could he not trust her?) I did like how the book finished with dispensing of justice and that another one of the man serving the Duke bites the dust of bachelorhood. An addition to the series that you will not want to miss!

[Crislee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another goodie from Ms. Wilson. I read this one so fast I had to wait until it was posted on Good Reads to make my review. I was afraid I'd forget too much.
But just when I thought the last book was my favorite; do I say that every time; this one is just something different....wait I know I say that every time. This was also fun.
I liked how everyone fell in love with this leading lady, Lady Elisa. She was sweet and everyone wanted to be close to her even if they thought she was crazy. They all learned quickly she was not at all insane, she was hiding by appearing to be insane. And while Lord Nicholas Child was the only one who didn't believe her sane, he's the one that eventually helps her solve her mystery and fall in love and restore her good name.
Another sweet romance with a bit of fun adventure and death. This is a great series that I would never have thought I'd love so much. Who could be next to fall in love? This time I have no clue. I normally can guess. But we're finished with the scarier guys. I'm thinking Lady Elisa's brother may be next. Enjoy!

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! Not one of the lead characters is “Perfect.” In fact, many are very scarred or flawed. But each has a goodness within, that when matched with the right person, greatly desires to make that goodness grow.
The characters are very interesting, and, as you’ve met many of them in previous books, you can’t help but want them to find their happily ever after! This book is no different. We’ve met Lord Nicholas multiple times over the last few books, and already love him. We meet Elisa for the first time in this book, but have met her brother’s in the last book.
I’m not saying you can’t pick up this latest book as the first you read. Deborah Wilson is very good at bringing you up to date so you understand what’s going on, and don’t feel lost. I’m only saying that I am very happy that I started with the first book, because I have loved all of the lead characters even if I didn’t like them so well in the past!
I think you’ll grow to love them all just as much as I do!

[Mary Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can one change their history?

This was a well written story about a woman placed in Bedlam for 5 years for witnessing a murder, but she was put in Bedlam by the murderer and convinced she did not see what she did. The other main character was one of the boys who was forced to fight to the death by a family member. Both have been exposed to the vilest of vile, but the heroine has a solid stance on being happy and the hero has decided to try to protect the innocent from the vile. Both feel that the other has redeeming characteristics, but the hero, Nicholas, only sees the darkness. And the heroine, Elisa, can only try to offer people a few goods words to help them see the good.
This was a stand alone story; I read it out of order, but it made sense on it's own and in the series. Ms. Wilson has a wonderful style of writing and a way of making the reader seem to be right there, watching the story unfold. This was another 5 star read. Thank you, Ms. Wilson.

[Sheri Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I read Deborah Wilson's newest romance, I think to myself "well, there's no way she can outdo this story." But every time she does. And this latest is no exception.

Elisa has been living at an asylum for years. She witnessed a murder but no one believed her. So she was sent to live with her uncle, who runs the asylum. But when he passes, her refuge is disturbed and she must make her escape. She must prove there really was a murder and that she's not mad.

Nicholas has done the love and marriage thing once. And unfortunately his wife was as mad as he thinks Elisa is. But that doesn't stop him from being her knight and falling in love with her. Nicholas stole my heart. That's not to say he didn't make me mad at him a few times but in the end, he won Elisa's heart, along with mine.

[Elda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never would have thought that our Knight in this book would be one of Van Dero’s men. Nor that the heroine would have come from Bedlam. I love the twists and turns in this story. They will sometimes surprise you when you think you have it all figured out. Sometimes they will make you heartbroken. Other times they will make you laugh. Mostly they will keep you flipping the pages until you come to the end, up into the wee hours of the morning because you just have to find out what happens next, and then next, and then next after that. When you finally do come to the end you’re left feeling bereft because you want more. I love the characters in this series and the way Ms Wilson portrays them. Now I am left guessing who of these characters is Ms Wilson going to portray next. I think she will surprise us all. I’m looking forward to finding out.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great plot by the wonderful story-teller Deborah Wilson! It starts with Lord Nicholas Childs reluctantly agreeing to rescue Lady Elisa from Bedlam where she has lived as a patient in private quarters with her uncle who ran the hospital for the mentally insane. All so that Duke Von Duro would be owed a favor by her brother. But all Elisa wants is to avoid marrying the Lord her father has engaged her to because she knows he has committed murder and proving that will also prove her sanity! This is a meaty read with characters we know from previous stories. How we like to love these murderous people from Regency times and pull for the innocent maidens that have such a powerful effect on these guys who have turned their ways to work for justice. This book has the usual humor, action thrills, and difficult romance Wilson weaves in her books.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very poignant story that delves into one of our darkest arenas. Crazy is a relative term, and in regency England it was a way to lock up those you love whom you didn't want society to know about. Unfortunately, Lady Elys was deemed crazy because she refused to marry someone whom she saw kill his previous fiance. It became a game between family and the killer who was going to get her out of Bedlam after her uncle who was the overseer of Bedlam passed away. Lord Nicolas Childs is her family's protector only he falls so hard for Elys that he plans to keep her. The problem in this story is that no one considers what Lady Elys wants because everyone believes her to be crazy. I'm of the mine that we should always consider what the one we love wants despite believing they are crazy. This story points out that fact very clearly and loved it more because of it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
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Meeting the Characters
Lady Elisa Seys
Lord Nicholas Childs
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What happens?
Lord Nicholas Childs is sent to go fetch a lord's sister from the aslyum she is held in. She is believed to be mad but that isn't entirely true.
Elisa wants to escape the aslyum she put herself in. However she doesn't want the rescue of her brother's friend.
Final thoughts
Not entirely sure how I feel about this book. I didn't like Elisa. She was odd and a little cruel. The writing in this book seemed a bit off and not the usual flow, instead the story bounced and didn't make sense.
Would I read again?: Probably not
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I really like this author and the varried stories she writes in the same era. You would think that a dozen stories in, things might get stale and repetitive, but that is not the case with the Valiant Love series! Characters are seen across several books, so the reader develops a deeper relationship with them, which I feel more the books more compelling. With this particular novel, we've been reading about Nick on the sidelines for 3 or 4 books, and now he is the star that we all get to root for. These novels are all "clean romance", so there is no graphic details, but there is definitely still some heat. I look forward to more books in this series. My only complaint is that the cover art rarely matches the discription of the protagonists... 🤔

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another highly enjoyable read in this series, I enjoyed getting to know Nick better having met him previously as he is a friend of the Duke of Van Dero. He is tasked with saving Elisa from Bedlam and from a man who is determined to make her his, and not for the right reasons. Nick tries not to get emotionally involved, but alas, this proves a hard thing to do. I enjoyed the dynamics in the budding relationship between these two and there were a few giggles along the way, along with plenty of intrigues. Elisa does her best to do everything for herself, but Nick proves to be very determined to help her out and save her from herself as well as others.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

INSANE/MAD, MURDER, FAVORS, LOVE

This highly charged 4 STARS earned spectacular Historical Regency Romance is full of murder, mayhem, of love by the main base characters and finally a mad woman. Nick & Elisa, had felt a sense of belonging to the other at the first look, it confused them. Everything the couple had to fight, hide from, make peace with, plays with their relationship of love. Can they learn how to appease family, be able to pay old debts and to finally convince each other they belong together? Answering these questions is almost impossible to put this down before you read it carefully & completely all the way, no sleep either.....

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Nicholas & Elisa. I love that this is an ongoing story with side characters. There is suspense, vengeance, action, a bit of steam, a little bit witty and love. Love at first sight is what it is. Elisa has something to prove to all. They think she is mad. Nicholas gets tested all throughout this story. It is has a good storyline. It is very well written, like all Deborah Wilson's books. I am looking forward to the next one in Valiant Love. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick's story was even better than I expected. His character really came alive when he met Elisha.

Like a bolt of lightning that blinds you for a few minutes and your eyesight clears wondering if you are seeing the right thing correctly. Elisa too has her own experience by having her heart being given to a man she doesn't know but wondering if he could protect her.

Nothing will be easy for this couple as the past will rear its ugly head to demand vengeance.

Having loved historical romances since high school this series has become a fast favorite.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read.
Five years in Bedlam being treated for madness and Lady Elisa Seyes is miraculously still sane, unfortunately most of those around her, including the man she is falling in love with don’t believe that to be the case. Only by finding proof of a murder can she regain her life. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series. Deborah Wilson has managed to make these abused and violent men admirable and even loveable. They have ladies in their lives that understand them and instead of totally changing them, tame them and let their softer side show to select few. I loved Nick, Elisa, Astger, Dr. Sparrow, Belle, Oliver, Leo and even Avery. I hope we get more stories featuring some of these. I look forward to the next book.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisa has suffered at the hands of Dr.’s who thought her mad. Nick suffered at the hands of a father who thought the end was coming and wanted his sons to be able to fight and save they’re own lives. And how to survive in the woods by making them stay out in them. Elisa falls for Nick at first sight but Nick thinks her mad and try’s to stay away from her after rescuing her. Lots of drama and action.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, mystery, trust

Murder, mystery and trust and of course finding that one person that makes you a better version of you. Following Nick through the adventure of allowing himself to be happy was great. I love the mystery of the murders. This story reminded my that like the brother Childs we are all a little touched in the head but what we choose to do with our circumstances determines weather we are mad or sane.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick was raised in a very unconventional way so he sees tings differently. Elisa was put in Bedlam for her own safety, at least that is what she thought. She must get out to prove that she is not mad and decides that Nick is the person to help her out. Nick is not sure if that is a good idea. Lets hope he does not take on more than he can handle.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as I have all this author’s books. I don’t know how she keeps coming up with the different ideas. The books in this series and the one before deal with the same location and time in London and rural England, but they are each unique. Descriptions of characters and locations paint an imaginable image. Look forward to the next book.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written story filled with honor, trust, betrayal, murder, and romance. Wonderful character development. Lady Elisa was thought to be slightly touched in the head, but, in reality, an injustice was done to her. She fell in love, but Lord Nicholas didn't believe in her fully. Their attraction was strong. I recommend this story.

[Marina Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this author since she star writing. Each of her stories are page turning, not able to put down. And, once again, she didn't disappoint. I don't want this series to end. Pick up this book, you will love it.

[Kety · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that will kept reading until the end...
Wonderful characters and plot...
A young lady, witness of a murder, that could be mad or not... villains...
A young lord with a dark past...
A lot of new and old friends...
A book that you will love...

[Cathy Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

I was glued to this book from the first chapter. Deborah Wilson never disappoints. I have enjoyed this series of books and this one was no exception. I recommend this book and the entire series.

[Julie A. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the Stories

Really good series, particularly with Cass, Sirius and Nick. I really do not like the covers though. Sounds petty, I know. But almost didn't read because the heroines looked like plastic Barbie dolls.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read-

I truly enjoyed reading this story. I enjoyed reading about the characters. I thought it was well written and a good storyline.
I read and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.