Delilah's plan was to marry someone rich and powerful, but she never imagined she'd be engaged to the man her friends call Lord Evil. Falling for the rogue who's sworn to destroy her life? That was also not on the agenda.
Delilah always knew her role was to make a good match. It was the only use her father and stepmother have for a young lady like her. But even she did not suspect they might match her with the gentleman who stirred scandal wherever he roamed. Is it true that he's a murderer? And a smuggler, to boot? At their engagement ball she decides to take matters into her own hands. It will be her home soon too, surely she's allowed to roam through Lord Evil's private quarters. She's not sure what she's looking for or what to expect...but definitely did not expect to find the roguish ne'er-do-well stranger who tugs her into Evil's study and whispers secrets and promises in her ear.
Mr. Calloway is not what he seems. Or rather, perhaps he is just as brutish as he looks—but his nefarious activities are not without cause. In fact, he's on a very noble mission, indeed, and that is to save the notoriously spoiled and beautiful Delilah from a fate worse than death.
Neither of them expect that an actual threat to her life will occur, but when it does, the only place she's safe is with the man who once threatened to destroy her future. The start of a perfect relationship? Perhaps not. But he may just be the one who saves her life...and steals her heart.
Delilah's plan was to marry someone rich and powerful, but she never imagined she'd be engaged to the man her friends called Lord Evil. Whilst at her engagement ball she slips away to try to find evidence that Lord Everley isn’t as evil as her friends believe when she meets Rupert Calloway who believes Everley murdered his best friend. Then Delilah’s almost attacked & Rupert vows to keep her safe A fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved both Rupert & Delilah, he’s very much the strong silent type & she's the intelligent feisty young woman who's learnt to hide her feelings. There's plenty of mystery, romance, wonderful banter between the pair & an attraction that sizzles. Whilst there's no sex there's some kisses that were electric. A well written lovely romance that left me with a smile on my face. This is the third story in the series & my favourite so far My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Delilah had everything a young lady could want, as long as it was material things. What she didn’t have was love and affection from her father and stepmother. Delilah had just learned of her betrothal to Baron Everley, someone they had nicknamed as Lord Evil. Rupert Calloway was an investigator who was determined to see the Baron pay for his crimes. Rupert was able to see the real Delilah rather than the face she showed to protect herself from feeling too deeply. This was an entertaining read with some danger and romance and definitely strong friendship. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve just really enjoyed this series by Maggie Dallen. This book featured Delilah, the haughty girl we all kind of loved to hate in the first two books. You come to understand why she is the way she is when you meet her stepmother. Her parents arrange for her to marry Lord Everly, aka Lord Evil.
Rupert gets involved trying to catch Lord Everly in his evil ways and gets tangled up with Delilah and her quick wit along the way. The banter and chemistry between them is fun. I enjoyed the book so much!
This is book 3 in the School of Charm series and I really enjoyed it! While this 10 book series could be read as stand-alone, I highly recommend reading them in series order for maximum enjoyment.
Delilah was always the haughty, spoiled brat of the group of friends at the School of Charm, however when she was told she would be marrying Lord Everly, she accepted her fate, knowing she was born and raised specifically for making a good match. But Lord Everly (AKA Lord Evil among her friends) has a scandalous history and just might be a murderer! And she is about to marry him! Wishing to find evidence that everyone is wrong about her fiance, Delilah decides to poke around his office in the middle of their engagement ball - not hard to do since he's barely spoken to her at all since the betrothal was arranged.
Rupert Calloway is also on the hunt for evidence, but he's looking to bring Lord Everly down, however the last thing he expected was to meet Lord Everly's beautiful fiancee when he sneaked into the party. Warning Delilah that the man is no good, she valiantly defends her fiance. But when a wedding planning meeting goes awry and Delilah is abruptly sent home, Rupert comes to her rescue and takes her to his home where she will be safe until he figures out his next steps. Working with Tolston (our hero from book 1), and getting a valuable clue from Delilah, Rupert uncovers Lord Everly's latest scheme, and it involves Delilah's dowry and ultimately her fate. Can he foil Lord Evil's plan for the pending marriage? Can Rupert get the proof he needs to take him to the authorities? Will Delilah set aside her selfish ways and allow Rupert to work his way into her heart?
I really enjoyed this book and learning more about Delilah. Her haughty and stuck up ways really became a facade and boiled down to her belief that she wasn't valued or worth the bother. Her relationship with her father was always stained, moreso when she believed he didn't want anything to do with her. Yet he arranged a nice dowry and inheritance for her in his will. But her stepmother had ulterior motives and a hand in her marriage to Lord Everly. Talk about an evil stepmother! I really like Rupert's character and the fact that he wasn't titled. He's even a second son, so not a good match socially, but an excellent love match for Delilah. The School of Charm girls all make appearances, as do Tolston (Addie's fiance) and Tumberland (Louisa's fiance).
I give this book 4 stars. Kisses, embraces, and tender moments only. No steam. I'm really enjoying this series and now I'm on to book 4!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Risero entrambi di gusto e, per la prima volta da... bah, da una vita!... si sentiva sinceramente felice. Il che era del tutto inaspettato, viste le circostanze. Ma era proprio così. Seduta lì, in quel salotto, sola con quell’uomo che sembrava capirla meglio di chiunque altro, e forse a cui piaceva perfino, nonostante la sua miriade di difetti. O magari proprio per quelli... Si sentiva a casa. Si sentiva ben accetta. Si sentiva... amata."
Dopo un primo volume dolcissimo e un secondo spumeggiante, la storia dedicata alla "saccente presuntuosa" Delilah per me segna un punto un poco calante di una serie che rimane comunque molto piacevole. Delilah rispetto alle sue amiche (con l'eccezione di Prudence, con cui non a caso prova più affinità) non si fa certo amare a prima vista, ha un carattere all'apparenza spigoloso e freddo e anche se si intuisce che indossa la sua moralità come una corazza, certo non è facile scalfirla... finché non arriva il nostro eroe, Rupert. In maniera per me fin troppo repentina, la maschera di Delilah si sgretola tra baci e pianti e anche quanto tenta di ridarsi un tono, risulta ben poco convincente (non a caso il nostro eroe le ride in faccia XD). La coppia in sé non è male, ma non mi ha convinta del tutto proprio a causa delle tante "forzature" ed escamotage scelti dall'autrice per farli legare . Il colpo di scena finale l'avevo previsto tipo al secondo capitolo, quindi mi è letteralmente scivolato addosso, e avrei voluto maggiore soddisfazione per la punizione del super cattivo di turno, che invece passa praticamente in secondo piano (e ricordiamoci che era il pilastro della storia XD). Altra cosa che mi sarebbe piaciuta vedere è l'interazione tra i protagonisti e le rispettive famiglie, il padre di Delilah che tanta influenza ha avuto nella sua formazione e nella sua vita è una figura evanescente, e completamente assenti risultano i parenti di Rupert, cosa non da poco considerando il percorso peculiare che ha scelto di seguire, per un uomo della sua posizione (e che, a quanto pare, è facilmente rettificabile in una settimana XD). Nel complesso promuovo la scrittura della Dallen come sempre ma su tutto il resto stendo un velo e aspetto la nostra acida Pru XD
I am pleased to have finished the third novella of the outstanding five-book School of Charm series by Maggie Dallen. I definitely recommend this series to all my friends who enjoy well written clean regency romance. I highly recommend reading this series in sequence as you follow the life and times of five young women who are students at the School of Charm. You are introduced to all five young women in the first novella. Each novella in the series focuses on a different young lady but all five young ladies are significant players in every story.
The heroine in this story is Delilah, who plays opposite Rupert, first introduced here. Delilah has been taught to believe that her main lot in life is to marry well. She tends to be quite self-absorbed and not necessarily the most loved of the students at the School of Charm as the story begins. Early in the story, Delilah is informed that her father and stepmother have negotiated an agreement for her to wed the very wealthy Lord Everly, aka Lord Evil by those who really know his history, but who is generally well respected. Enter our hero, Rupert, who is an investigator specializing in bringing powerful public figures to justice for significant crimes. Rupert has been trying unsuccessfully to find evidence that will bring Lord Everly to justice for murdering Rupert’s cousin. Now, at the engagement party for Lord Everly and Delilah, Rupert crashes the party to search for evidence. Rupert and Delilah meet when Delilah discovers Rupert in Lord Everly’s office. The story of how Rupert and Delilah develop a relationship and finally bring Lord Everly and his associates to justice makes for a spectacular tale filled with action, mystery, and clean romance. Five-Stars!
Miss Delilah Clemmons knew that her only purpose in life was to marry and to marry well. Appalled that her father has sent the message that she is to marry Lord Everley through her cold and ruthless step-mother, tells her just now low she is in his opinion. Despite Lord Everley's reputation, Delilah determines to make the best of the situation but is unprepared for the rushed engagement and prelude to her wedding, all of which are managed by her step-mother. Rupert Calloway has been on Lord Everley's trail for some time and when the opportunity presents itself, he is ready to take down his nemeses. Although he fully plans to extricate Delilah from the situation, Rupert does not expect his feelings to be evoked in such a manner. This is a well written suspenseful romance, keeping the reader's interest throughout. Although Delilah comes across as somewhat arrogant, one quickly realises that she is in fact a survivor and has had to adopt an attitude that will enable her to survive her family. Rupert is exactly what she needs, in that he does not kowtow to her, although he does respect her. I enjoyed this novel, a copy of which I received as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
[This is Book 3 of the fluffy yet entertaining School of Charm series, & I recommend reading the series in order to fully understand the characters and what's going on]
This 3rd installment shifts our attention to Delilah who learns from her stepmother that her father has decreed that she is to wed Lord Everly of all people!
She has an amusing meet-cute with Rupert, and discovers that her efforts to deny reality almost immediately begin unraveling following their encounter.
The love is insta, though I find it a bit more believable in the kind of 'rescued by the hero' scenario here, because seeing how someone cares for & takes care of you under the most stressful & threatening circumstances, lets you know how that person is when things are at their worst.
We get a better idea of what motivates Delilah to act as she does. She's smart but she's young enough to still have some naivete remaining. I really enjoyed the development of her relationship with Rupert.
Some of the plot is predictable, though one major part was unexpected to me, and makes me most curious about the direction of Prudence's story in Book 4!
Fantastic! Maggie flat brought it, dishing out the spills, frills and fiascos, with this uniquely insightful and heartfelt delight, adding all the sentiment, nuance and essence, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, displaying triumph and imparting one page flipping bombshell, propelling this gem to life beautifully. Chicanery runs rampant and disillusion is rife, noting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, revelations, spiraling suspense and intense situations, along with a boatload of calamity while dodging chaos, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Shattering the lines and crushing boundaries, limitations are amplified and negotiated, booting this jewel into overdrive, kicking it into a hissy with astonishing results. Twined, interwoven and tightly coiled, showcasing the rocketing ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe inspiring in it's depth, putting our characters through their paces. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, drawing you deeper, binding our characters to one another brilliantly. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Maggie, thanks for sharing this fabulous jewel with us.
The School of Charm series by Maggie Dallen is a sweet and satisfying collection of quick reads that are perfect for young readers starting to explore romance. Each story features lovable, relatable characters and follows a light, predictable arc—but in a way that feels cozy and comforting rather than stale.
What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.
I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.
The third in this new series by Maggie, this time an entertaining adventure. Delilah is beautiful, spoilt and is reaised to make a good match. Her time has come to marry and her father we are led to believe has arranged a match with the dreadful Lord Everley, aka' Lord Evil 'from the first book, Adelaide's story. Delilah is resigned to the match but then she meets Mr Calloway an unlikely knight in shining armour, but he does leave an impression on her. Again in this story we meet the young ladies of the 'Charm School 'and the hero's Tolston and Tumberland , Calloway is a friend of Tolston and he has been after Lord Everley for years due to his misdeeds and 'dodgey' dealings!!! As the story develops, so does Delilah's and Calloway's feelings, for one another, a Happy Ending is achieved and some loose ends tied I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I look forward to Prudence's story.
Delilah has always know her purpose was to marry well for her family but she never imagined that she would be end up engaged to Lord Evil. Delilah’s friends spring into action to find a way to save her and Rupert knows it’s time to bring Lord Everley(aka Lord Evil) to justice but is caught by Delilah. Delilah may not be the sweetest but her hardened attitude is not all she is she has had to put up walls same a Rupert to survive and thrive but when they meet they are left with a lasting impression of each other. Rupert was brought in to expose Lord evil but he has found so much in Delilah but will he be able to save her in time? This one had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next and who were the true villains. Great read and romance!
In this installment, Delilah has been informed that her father has secured a marriage for her with Lord Everly. Unfortunately, the man has a reputation as a hard man, and the young ladies have dubbed him “Lord Evil” since he was the one who’d tried to convince her friend Adelaide’s guardian (in Book 1) to kill Adelaide’s brother. He made an appearance in Book 2 as well. But this time, he’s made an arrangement to marry Delilah. The girls warn her, but she’s convinced that they’re simply being melodramatic. But at the engagement party held at Everly’s mansion, Delilah finds herself held captive by a man who tells her that their friends’ fears are warranted. This book had a bit more intrigue and conflict that the previous books, and held my interest. There were a few unexpected twists, and I’m ready to go on to Book 4.
I have read all this series and they are only getting better. This is my favorite. Delilah is a sassy, smart, strong woman who has been taught to keep that stiff upper lip which helps her hide the pain and softness which makes her complete. Rupert has the gruff exterior that hides the caring, loveable rogue who has made his life about revenge. The characters in this book are wonderfully written and blend well together. They just work together and made a very enjoyable read. There was the mystery and adventure that kept you out of the ballrooms and had you turning the page waiting to see what would happen next. It was a quick read with no sex just pure romance. I loved this book, it left you feeling good at the end. I received this book as an ARC and freely do my review
This latest entry in the School of Charm series is true to form – an insta-love, hero-meets-sassy heroine (and appreciates her as no one ever has) romp through Regency England. It’s fluffy and fun watching Rupert’s fascination with Delilah, and Delilah’s growing realization that she does not merely have to accept her circumstances. There’s a bit of action – Lord Evil plays a much more central role in this one – and some nail-biting before the HEA arrives. What these stories lack in historical accuracy and character development, they more than make up in charm and verve. Feisty heroines and the men who love them? Bring it on! It made for a really welcome break from a couple hours of not-so happy reality. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.
I really like these School of Charm books! Surprise, surprise! 'Lord Evil' has suddenly become engaged our Delilah. She wasn't surprised she was to marry a rich and powerful man without love. She had been groomed. But at her engagement party, she catches a man picking the lock on Lord Everly's study. And he speaks of her fiance as Addie and Louisa had, using words like murderer and smuggler. The plot of the story immediately throws danger, truth, and ruination of her reputation at Delilah. Will Delila manage to overcome a hateful stepmother, an uncaring father, and a plotting fiance with the help of Rupert, the man she originally chased off? I bet you will guess correctly but want to read how she managed.
This story has everything from romance, fun banters , danger, adventure (a bit), mystery, shocking and heartwarming moments. Delilah is a very strong and intelligent character. The way she and Mr Callaway met was very intriguing and entertaining and swoony. There was spark from the first encounter til the end of the story. There are so many shocking discoveries but not really surprising. I had a feeling about the stepmother and the fiance. Delilahs and Mr Callaway love story is definitely not a dull one full of mishaps and adventures. I enjoyed this read from beginning til the end. I am definitely hooked on the series that this amazing book belongs to.
These books are pretty short and I read it a while ago, so I'm trying to remember, haha :) I think this book was fine, but it was quite a challenge to make Delilah likable, and her character could have been developed more. I think one of the most interesting things about Delilah is her friendship with Prudence, because they have such different personalities. Delilah comes across as selfish and obsessed with station and fashion, and Prudence tends to be self-righteous and nitpick other's choices. How are they good friends??? That is a fun juxtaposition, and I wish the author would have developed this more. I think it would have given more depth to the characters and made the story more compelling.
Appearances can be deceiving and that is the case with Miss Delilah. She was not responsible for not being born a son and heir or her mother dying due to her birth, but she learned very early in life that she was a huge disappointment to her father, especially when her father remarried and his wife never bore a child. She felt unloved and mostly ignored, but she put her shoulders back and her chin up thinking that if she married a rich titled man, her father would love her. Everyone thought she was very haughty and unfriendly, except for the close friends she had made at The School of Charm. See how she copes with the challenges she faces in this book.
A humorous, charming romance between delightfully realistic characters
Another delightful romance between interesting characters who discover their need for friendship and love. Their dialog, thoughts and actions brings each to life as we see them discover their deeper selves and make previously unthinkable choices. Delilah and Rupert are loners set in their ways. Though each has friends, neither one enjoys their life. Instead, they each live for a purpose chosen years ago. Their coming to know each other at a fundamental level brings each a deeper self-knowledge and the motivation to rebuild their lives with love and appreciation.
Delilah is someone that would be very easy to dislike. She is haughty and arrogant but when shown another side, she realizes that she is a bit high in the instep and wants to change. Enter someone who can make a difference in her life. I love the intrigue and mayhem in this story (I love all books with intrigue) and how Rupert convinces Delilah that Lord Evil really is evil. Looks can be so deceiving, right?!? Lovely seeing previous characters. A great afternoon read.
I've read a couple of Maggie Dallen's books by now that feature one of the "mean girls" as the heroine - and I enjoyed each of these stories a lot. Haughty, arrogant Delilah turned out to be another surprisingly likeable leading lady, and her verbal sparring with not-quite-your-average-dashing-nobleman Rupert was so much fun. :) This story is not quite as light and fluffy als Louisa's, and Lord Evil makes a dastardly return, but it's still an entertaining and swoon-worthy read with a fitting HEA.
Good clean romance, Delilah finds out she engaged to "Lord Evil", the man her friends suspected to be behind the past plan to murder Abby's little brother. At her engagement ball she finds a stranger in her fiancé’s office looking for evidence of murder and smuggling against her fiancé. When she decided to look for her own evidence and is caught, she becomes a target. The stranger, Rupert, rescues her and they combine forces solve the crime. Will they triumph? Is Delilah ruined? I really enjoyed this book with the well-developed characters and would recommend It.
I’ve read better. It was fine, but it wasn’t great. Insta-love is sorta bothersome when it isn’t then given a real foundation to grow. It felt sorta 2-dimensional. The characters, too. I liked Rupert, but couldn’t really grow to care too much about Delilah for some reason. I just didn’t feel like we got to know the characters very well, and their relationship just... happened.
Ugh, I’m not expressing myself very well.
It was an ok read, but I probably won’t read it again.
I suppose most people don't have to grow with expectations on them, that they are to fulfill a certain marriage union, to enhance the family's name and status. Although, perhaps in some cases, this is still the norm. We of the modern Western Society, seem to have realize that woman are not tradable commodities, at least I hope we have. So, reading a story such as this, shows a modern woman, just how far woman have come, and how we should help those women, still shackled by the world of dominance by men.
I didn't want to like Delilah. Earlier in the series and even the beginning of this book, she comes of as kind of a mean girl. She has moments of loyalty and honesty but she does not start as endearing. Even though Rupert explains why he likes her, I didn't really get it. However, their story was fun and tied up some loose ends with Lord Evil. And I will say, their declaring scene was pretty adorable. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I enjoyed this one more the previous two in the series. Perhaps it was a combination of factors: a seemingly spoiled debutante proves heroine material after all, a peer-adjacent fellow who has relinquished his advantages acts heroic indeed, and there’s just enough intrigue and worrisome action to add flavor to the story without overwhelming it or being unbelievable or over the top.
So many character motives that we don’t know, so many characters mentioned that we could’ve met but didn’t.
This author is really driving me crazy because with what she gives she does a great job engaging the reader, but there’s so much that she doesn’t provide that leaves a reader feeling unfinished and unfulfilled. So many scenes that she time skips and would have been lovely to actually read what happened. It’s so frustrating!!
Book 3 was definitely good and certainly entertaining, but the number of typos was highly distracting.
Typos aside, Rupert is a wonderful hero and his ability to see past Delilah's carefully constructed aloof facade is a credit to his character.
The lurking danger adds to story and made me want to read more. ⭐⭐⭐ I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation