What do you think?
Rate this book
The Somerton Scandals #1
The Viscount and the Vixen
A Deadly Debutante
Twice engaged and twice bereaved, Rose d'Aubrey is prime fodder for the gossips of London. Though she has resigned herself to a spinster's life in service of her family, she has agreed to return for one final Season, to ensure her beloved cousin has the perfect debut.
When it is revealed that there will be no debut at all, but rather a hasty marriage to a wealthy viscount, Rose is tasked with managing the explosive fallout within her family, and rescuing her cousin from a life she does not want.
A Venerable Viscount
Lord Gideon Somers has dedicated his life to rebuilding his family's honor, often at the expense of his own happiness. When his wild little sister finds herself compromised out of wedlock, he must find a way to mitigate the damage.
An old marriage contract, engineered by his drunken wastrel of a father, might be the only way to save House Somers from ruin. What he didn't foresee was the involvement of Rose d’Aubrey, a favorite of the gossip sheets and the only woman he's ever truly wanted.
Scandals Upon Scandals
An unwilling bride, an explosive secret, and an unresolved infatuation drive Gideon to his breaking point. No longer able to deny his desires, he strikes a devil’s bargain with Rose, a proposition that will change both of their lives forever.
A mad flight under the cover of darkness sends them racing toward elopement and the unknown. Thrown together, away from the demands of their families and the judgmental eyes of Society, Rose and Gideon find themselves with no one's wants to consider but their own. Years of restraint are tested, secrets unravel, and temptation burns hot in this steamy adventure of duty and desire.
The Viscount and the Vixen is Ava Devlin’s debut novel, and the first installment in The Somerton Scandals series.
Twice engaged and twice bereaved, Rose d'Aubrey is prime fodder for the gossips of London. Though she has resigned herself to a spinster's life in service of her family, she has agreed to return for one final Season, to ensure her beloved cousin has the perfect debut.
When it is revealed that there will be no debut at all, but rather a hasty marriage to a wealthy viscount, Rose is tasked with managing the explosive fallout within her family, and rescuing her cousin from a life she does not want.
A Venerable Viscount
Lord Gideon Somers has dedicated his life to rebuilding his family's honor, often at the expense of his own happiness. When his wild little sister finds herself compromised out of wedlock, he must find a way to mitigate the damage.
An old marriage contract, engineered by his drunken wastrel of a father, might be the only way to save House Somers from ruin. What he didn't foresee was the involvement of Rose d’Aubrey, a favorite of the gossip sheets and the only woman he's ever truly wanted.
Scandals Upon Scandals
An unwilling bride, an explosive secret, and an unresolved infatuation drive Gideon to his breaking point. No longer able to deny his desires, he strikes a devil’s bargain with Rose, a proposition that will change both of their lives forever.
A mad flight under the cover of darkness sends them racing toward elopement and the unknown. Thrown together, away from the demands of their families and the judgmental eyes of Society, Rose and Gideon find themselves with no one's wants to consider but their own. Years of restraint are tested, secrets unravel, and temptation burns hot in this steamy adventure of duty and desire.
The Viscount and the Vixen is Ava Devlin’s debut novel, and the first installment in The Somerton Scandals series.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2019
672 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Ava Devlin
38 books76 followersAva Devlin writes sweet and steamy Regency romances. She lives in New York City and believes that diving into fantasies of 19th century England provides an excellent reprieve from hectic metropolitan life.
Ava has been writing love stories for as long as she can remember, and spent her teen years swooning over classic romance novels. In her 20s, she moved to Britain and spent a year exploring the sights, experiences, and history that have made the Regency era such an enduring time of fascination and romance. Afterward, she spent several months living the life of a governess as an au pair in the French Alps, which only heightened the romance of her time abroad.
Today, she splits her time between her writing, her day job, and an excessive amount of dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than hearing from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line at ava@avadevlin.com.
Ava has been writing love stories for as long as she can remember, and spent her teen years swooning over classic romance novels. In her 20s, she moved to Britain and spent a year exploring the sights, experiences, and history that have made the Regency era such an enduring time of fascination and romance. Afterward, she spent several months living the life of a governess as an au pair in the French Alps, which only heightened the romance of her time abroad.
Today, she splits her time between her writing, her day job, and an excessive amount of dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than hearing from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line at ava@avadevlin.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
January 14, 2023
I very much enjoyed the first third of the book. Original and entertaining. Then it turned into the dreaded travel trope. One that I just don't like. The book never regained the momentum that it had at the start of the book. I found it to be similar to others that I have read. 3.5*
March 16, 2020
The story is set in Regency but neither speech nor behaviour nor setting are in line with that time period.
Rose's cousin, daughter of an untitled noble man of undetermined wealth, will be presented to the ton by a ball in her father's house - not every house in London hold a ballroom;
- her father invited the gentry, no way, he could have stayed at home, in London he would invite the nobility;
- kitchen maids served the drinks, no way that would have been footmen;
- Arielle asked a man not introduced to her for a waltz, no way, a debutant would never dance a waltz at her first appearance in society.....
The most important aspect of writing a historical romance is to get the details of the period correct! Otherwise, the author should stick to settings in the 21st century! Consistency is key in period novels and Ms. Devlin did not do her homework to ensure that her novel gives an accurate portrayals of the Regency period.
When reading a Regency romance I expect the author to do her research and abide by the limitations this time frame gives her.
Rose's cousin, daughter of an untitled noble man of undetermined wealth, will be presented to the ton by a ball in her father's house - not every house in London hold a ballroom;
- her father invited the gentry, no way, he could have stayed at home, in London he would invite the nobility;
- kitchen maids served the drinks, no way that would have been footmen;
- Arielle asked a man not introduced to her for a waltz, no way, a debutant would never dance a waltz at her first appearance in society.....
The most important aspect of writing a historical romance is to get the details of the period correct! Otherwise, the author should stick to settings in the 21st century! Consistency is key in period novels and Ms. Devlin did not do her homework to ensure that her novel gives an accurate portrayals of the Regency period.
When reading a Regency romance I expect the author to do her research and abide by the limitations this time frame gives her.
November 4, 2023
I have been thinking for a couple of days about what aspects of this book that bothered me.
I liked the plot and how things were played out, but there were a few contemporary aspects to the characters that lost the historical side of it. Like how free the heroine was with her body, it was a tad too shocking for the time. Or how their servants treated their lords, WAY too intimate in my opinion. So simple things like this throughout the story made me a bit disappointed about this book.
But mind you, I started reading with high expectations.
3.5 stars.
I liked the plot and how things were played out, but there were a few contemporary aspects to the characters that lost the historical side of it. Like how free the heroine was with her body, it was a tad too shocking for the time. Or how their servants treated their lords, WAY too intimate in my opinion. So simple things like this throughout the story made me a bit disappointed about this book.
But mind you, I started reading with high expectations.
3.5 stars.
August 8, 2021
Rather short story. Great heroine discovers more about herself when she helps out the H during a crisis. He had loved her for years, but hesitated when he was about to propose, and lost her to another. Now he needs help and the h steps up and shows him just how wonderful she is. The writing was good, revealed his uncomfortable character and how she helps him to be a better man.
October 25, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
Rose d’Aubrey has been engaged twice, only to have her prospective grooms perish before the wedding day. She’s since become gossip fodder and has come to terms with her fate as a spinster and is serving her family in the role of companion to her young cousin during her London debut. But when her cousin is told she’ll be having a hasty wedding to a rich viscount, rather than the season she’s always dreamed of, Rose has to manage her family and come up with a solution to get her cousin out of this situation.
Lord Gideon, Viscount Somers, wants nothing more than to reestablish the good reputation of his family which his father destroyed. He never imagined Rose would wind up back in his life, especially given her frequent appearance in gossip rags, but she’s the only woman he’s ever wanted. With a secret weighing on him, hastening his need to return home to Yorkshire, and a prospective intended who doesn’t even wish to meet him, he’s no longer able to ignore his draw toward Rose and strikes a deal with her instead. An impulsive elopement sees Rose and Gideon learning about each other in an enclosed world of their own, but their newfound connection also has to survive the strain meeting his family is about to cause.
This was such a strong debut. I loved the fast pace and the unique, madcap plotting. This was a bit like a second chance story for Gideon, who had always admired Rose from afar. For Rose, it was a chance to escape her overbearing mother but also to see a man she knew as a friend in an entirely different light. Gideon definitely had his moments of sheer male idiocy, but he redeemed himself well. I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed, and I would’ve liked to have had perhaps one more scene featuring a heart to heart between Gideon and Rose, but I still liked them as a couple, overall. I listened to this as a complimentary audiobook from the author and while the narrator’s voice wasn’t my favorite, I did appreciate her ability to create distinctive voices that helped me differentiate each character and pulled me more fully into the story. This was my first read from this author, but I hope to continue the series now.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Rose d’Aubrey has been engaged twice, only to have her prospective grooms perish before the wedding day. She’s since become gossip fodder and has come to terms with her fate as a spinster and is serving her family in the role of companion to her young cousin during her London debut. But when her cousin is told she’ll be having a hasty wedding to a rich viscount, rather than the season she’s always dreamed of, Rose has to manage her family and come up with a solution to get her cousin out of this situation.
Lord Gideon, Viscount Somers, wants nothing more than to reestablish the good reputation of his family which his father destroyed. He never imagined Rose would wind up back in his life, especially given her frequent appearance in gossip rags, but she’s the only woman he’s ever wanted. With a secret weighing on him, hastening his need to return home to Yorkshire, and a prospective intended who doesn’t even wish to meet him, he’s no longer able to ignore his draw toward Rose and strikes a deal with her instead. An impulsive elopement sees Rose and Gideon learning about each other in an enclosed world of their own, but their newfound connection also has to survive the strain meeting his family is about to cause.
This was such a strong debut. I loved the fast pace and the unique, madcap plotting. This was a bit like a second chance story for Gideon, who had always admired Rose from afar. For Rose, it was a chance to escape her overbearing mother but also to see a man she knew as a friend in an entirely different light. Gideon definitely had his moments of sheer male idiocy, but he redeemed himself well. I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed, and I would’ve liked to have had perhaps one more scene featuring a heart to heart between Gideon and Rose, but I still liked them as a couple, overall. I listened to this as a complimentary audiobook from the author and while the narrator’s voice wasn’t my favorite, I did appreciate her ability to create distinctive voices that helped me differentiate each character and pulled me more fully into the story. This was my first read from this author, but I hope to continue the series now.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
September 21, 2019
Rose d'Aubrey returns to London for the season to help her cousin have a great debut, only to discover later that will not have one and that her uncle had agreed to a hasty marriage between her cousin and a former acquaintace of hers. She is asked in help to break the undesirable engagement.
Lord Gideon Somers needs to clean his family's name, and an old marriage contract made by his father in a drunken stupor is the way he sees to do that. But he is in for a shock when he finds out that the only woman he has ever loved will be involved in all this.
After Rose's uncle threatens that her beloved cousin will not have what she wants if she doesn't agree to the marriage, she goes to make a bargain with him, but they end up agreeing to elope and get married in Gretna Green.
Rose and Gideon find themselves alone and away from society judgement and their feelings for each other ressurge.
This was a fun, engaging read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Lady Heloise Somers has always had a tendre for Callum Laughlin, the son of her family's housekeeper, and he for her so when they meet again after she had spent years away at a finishing school, they both end up giving in to their feelings of love and attraction in secret. But in the end she will have to go away again for a time for the season, and they have to think of a way to tell the truth to their families.
The beginning of their love story was awesome and captivating, i can't wait to read the next books and see how they will reach a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lord Gideon Somers needs to clean his family's name, and an old marriage contract made by his father in a drunken stupor is the way he sees to do that. But he is in for a shock when he finds out that the only woman he has ever loved will be involved in all this.
After Rose's uncle threatens that her beloved cousin will not have what she wants if she doesn't agree to the marriage, she goes to make a bargain with him, but they end up agreeing to elope and get married in Gretna Green.
Rose and Gideon find themselves alone and away from society judgement and their feelings for each other ressurge.
This was a fun, engaging read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Lady Heloise Somers has always had a tendre for Callum Laughlin, the son of her family's housekeeper, and he for her so when they meet again after she had spent years away at a finishing school, they both end up giving in to their feelings of love and attraction in secret. But in the end she will have to go away again for a time for the season, and they have to think of a way to tell the truth to their families.
The beginning of their love story was awesome and captivating, i can't wait to read the next books and see how they will reach a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2025
An okay read but nothing interesting occurs.
I like that the hero liked the heroine a few years ago and had planned to propose to her. I think there might be a prequel about the hero when he was younger and in like with the heroine.
I like that the hero liked the heroine a few years ago and had planned to propose to her. I think there might be a prequel about the hero when he was younger and in like with the heroine.
March 7, 2025
A promising start let down by a lackluster romance coupled with a mind numbingly boring plot. I did not feel the chemistry between the MCs after their initial interactions nor did I witness them actually fall in love. (Also, Rose is not a vixen so scratch that from the title.)
rating: ★★
released: 9 September 2019
genre: historical romance
pov: dual third person
MCs: Gideon + Rose ♡
audio narrated by Naomi Rose-Hock
rating: ★★
released: 9 September 2019
genre: historical romance
pov: dual third person
MCs: Gideon + Rose ♡
audio narrated by Naomi Rose-Hock
October 6, 2019
Life Goes On🎶
Long After the Thrill of Living Is Gone🎶
ADULT Regency Romance.
Rose 🌹, twice betrothed👰, and twice thwarted by the death of her fiance💀 , has given up and resigned herself to never try to marry👰 again. She is called the Deadly Deb or the Fatal Fiancee in the gossip rags!
🌹Rose agrees to accompany her debuting cousin, Glorianna, to the ton balls as her chaperone, even though her father has already arranged a quick betrothal👰 for Glory to Viscount Gideon Somers🐺🍆⛲ . Glorianna doesn't want to miss her coming out first season no matter what!
Gideon🐺🍆⛲ is amazed to see Rose 🌹, his one true love💕 that got away. He wants to retract the betrothal somehow and marry 🌹Rose.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the e-book with KU.
This is such a fun and sweet n sexy💋 romance! I read it straight through, as it is not overly long like some romances tend to be. Recommend!
Merged review:
Lady Heloise💃 is an entitled smartypants, and she runs through governesses and private schools with her not so funny pranks, until she is finally sent home in disgrace. Her brother tells her she won't even get a debut season because of her antics at school. It doesn't seem to faze her.
Her older brother, Gideon, the Lord of the manor, attempts to punish her by calling in an elderly Italian portrait painter🎨, Signore Zanetti. Heloise💃💋 will have to sit for hours every day as he paints🎨 her. Instead of punishment, she enjoys his happiness and joy at the vibrant color of her red hair and turquoise gown.
Her lifelong infatuation with the tall, muscular💪, and handsome, Callum🐺🍆⛲, the cook's son, leads to stolen midnight🌛 kisses💋💋 and more.......
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
This ADULT prequel novella is not available on Amazon as of this review.
This well written novella is a prequel to "The Viscount And The Vixen", which I also read and reviewed.
Long After the Thrill of Living Is Gone🎶
ADULT Regency Romance.
Rose 🌹, twice betrothed👰, and twice thwarted by the death of her fiance💀 , has given up and resigned herself to never try to marry👰 again. She is called the Deadly Deb or the Fatal Fiancee in the gossip rags!
🌹Rose agrees to accompany her debuting cousin, Glorianna, to the ton balls as her chaperone, even though her father has already arranged a quick betrothal👰 for Glory to Viscount Gideon Somers🐺🍆⛲ . Glorianna doesn't want to miss her coming out first season no matter what!
Gideon🐺🍆⛲ is amazed to see Rose 🌹, his one true love💕 that got away. He wants to retract the betrothal somehow and marry 🌹Rose.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the e-book with KU.
This is such a fun and sweet n sexy💋 romance! I read it straight through, as it is not overly long like some romances tend to be. Recommend!
Merged review:
Lady Heloise💃 is an entitled smartypants, and she runs through governesses and private schools with her not so funny pranks, until she is finally sent home in disgrace. Her brother tells her she won't even get a debut season because of her antics at school. It doesn't seem to faze her.
Her older brother, Gideon, the Lord of the manor, attempts to punish her by calling in an elderly Italian portrait painter🎨, Signore Zanetti. Heloise💃💋 will have to sit for hours every day as he paints🎨 her. Instead of punishment, she enjoys his happiness and joy at the vibrant color of her red hair and turquoise gown.
Her lifelong infatuation with the tall, muscular💪, and handsome, Callum🐺🍆⛲, the cook's son, leads to stolen midnight🌛 kisses💋💋 and more.......
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
This ADULT prequel novella is not available on Amazon as of this review.
This well written novella is a prequel to "The Viscount And The Vixen", which I also read and reviewed.
March 12, 2020
I am not a writer and never could be. Even reading hundreds of books a year, I could never write like these authors do. With that being said, I don’t write really great reviews. I don’t rehash or dissect the books or stories. If I liked or loved a book; I used to just say “Love this book. Get it” or something along those lines. I am trying to be better about my reviews because I noticed some authors do actually see them.
Reading over 370 books last year, over 1400 in less than 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases. Lately, I have started reading some new authors. Some good and some not so good. It gets frustrating when you read a new author and don’t like the book. Even though I research every author beforehand there are some that are disappointing. I am a visual person so the first thing that catches my eye is the cover. From there I do my research to make sure the book is regency historical romance, not a novella and has sex in it.
I'm so glad I researched this author. Even though Ava only has three books, I sure hope she is writing more. I loved this book from the first paragraph. It wasn't the usual ton book with lots of balls, house parties, White’s and the typical London life but I loved the story, the characters and of course the sex. I was so glad I chose this author to read. I will be adding her to my own list of good reads. I am ready for book 2 and 3 and will be keeping an eye out for many more. If you like a regency historical romance with sex, then you will love this book.
Reading over 370 books last year, over 1400 in less than 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases. Lately, I have started reading some new authors. Some good and some not so good. It gets frustrating when you read a new author and don’t like the book. Even though I research every author beforehand there are some that are disappointing. I am a visual person so the first thing that catches my eye is the cover. From there I do my research to make sure the book is regency historical romance, not a novella and has sex in it.
I'm so glad I researched this author. Even though Ava only has three books, I sure hope she is writing more. I loved this book from the first paragraph. It wasn't the usual ton book with lots of balls, house parties, White’s and the typical London life but I loved the story, the characters and of course the sex. I was so glad I chose this author to read. I will be adding her to my own list of good reads. I am ready for book 2 and 3 and will be keeping an eye out for many more. If you like a regency historical romance with sex, then you will love this book.
September 12, 2019
This is a new author for me and I was surprised by how well written the book was. The characters were well developed, the story line was good, and the pace of the story was perfect. Rose D'Aubrey was engaged twice but both of her fiances had died before the wedding, leaving her to face London gossip. She reluctantly returns to London to help Gloriana, her cousin, during her debut. Once they reach London her uncle informs them there won't be a debut since her cousin was already promised to someone. Rose realized she knew the gentleman Rose was promised to and tried to encourage Gloriana to accept the marriage. But Gloriana wanted to attend the parties, the balls and enjoy her Season. Lord Gideon Somers has received bad news from his sister and determines he needs to marry as fast as he can and then return home to his estate. The fast way for him to acquire a wife is to enforce an agreement between his father and Gloriana. He did not realize the woman he had meet several years prior and loved was related to Gloriana. Gideon and Rose spontaneously decide to elope to Scotland to be married. Once married they had several conflicts that had to be resolved before they can have their HEA. This book was a great start to the series and I enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for Gideon's brother, Alex.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
September 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/26/2020)! 🎁
Read
December 21, 2020🤪🤪🤪🤪
September 10, 2019
Enjoyed the story. It is well written, entertaining and keeps your attention. Gideon asks Rose to marry him and run to Scotland at the same time, without any plans arranged. Rose agrees and married they are. Each has harbored a desire for the other for several years but nothing ever came of it until now. It is a great love story along with family drams which makes it a good read. I would highly recommend it as a great read.
November 16, 2019
She has been engaged twice with both of them dying and now she thinks she will never marry. She will go one last time but only to help her cousin. It seems they may be forced into a marriage without making their debut. Can she save them from an unwanted marriage? Will she finally find a man for her? See how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2019
I love romantic historical stories, and this one was perfect. Few erotic scenes are heating the story from time to time and, even if there is nothing graphic, we never feel let down. The characters are well-developed and are very much likeable. While Gideon visits Glorianna to propose, we soon understand that Rose has a powerful effect on him. The storyline keeps us interested, and I found it showed in Rose a free-spirited mind. Very much recommended in Romance.
September 23, 2019
A delightful Regency story that has a little of everything. Angst, broken engagements, a frustrated debutante, humor, suspense and a sigh worthy hero and heroine that were meant for each other. If only they can get to their happy ever after! Such a great start to this new series that had me anxious to read the next book as soon as I turned the last page!!
February 15, 2020
Well written story with characters who are easy to fall in love with! I prefer strong female characters and Rose is clearly that. Can’t help loving Rose and Gideon getting a happy ever after too.
July 14, 2020
This is an OK Regency romance story, but I did have a few issues with it. It gets 3 stars from me.
I would recommend you read the prequel to this series (The Dreamer and the Debutante) before reading this book. It will explain a great deal about Gideon's past and the scandal he is currently dealing with. You can read this book without it, but you will enjoy this one more if you read the prequel. The prequel is available for free from a link the author provides at the end of this book.
One of my issues with this book was the title. Why is Rose a vixen? She has done nothing that would give her that label. Yes, she has been involved in scandals, but they were not her fault. The author should have used some other word to describe her. I get that she used a word that started with the letter "V", but vixen just does not fit Rose.
My other issue with this story is that Gideon is kind of hard to like. I had trouble understanding why Rose fell so hard for him. It was especially odd when he didn't share a bed with her for days, simply because he couldn't figure out how to apologize for something he said. But Rose didn't seem angry, and didn't insist on either an apology or an explanation? I didn't buy that.
I liked Rose, and thought she was good for Gideon. He needed someone to help him loosen up a little, and learn to enjoy life. She often made him laugh, and helped him learn how to have a little fun.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I would recommend you read the prequel to this series (The Dreamer and the Debutante) before reading this book. It will explain a great deal about Gideon's past and the scandal he is currently dealing with. You can read this book without it, but you will enjoy this one more if you read the prequel. The prequel is available for free from a link the author provides at the end of this book.
One of my issues with this book was the title. Why is Rose a vixen? She has done nothing that would give her that label. Yes, she has been involved in scandals, but they were not her fault. The author should have used some other word to describe her. I get that she used a word that started with the letter "V", but vixen just does not fit Rose.
My other issue with this story is that Gideon is kind of hard to like. I had trouble understanding why Rose fell so hard for him. It was especially odd when he didn't share a bed with her for days, simply because he couldn't figure out how to apologize for something he said. But Rose didn't seem angry, and didn't insist on either an apology or an explanation? I didn't buy that.
I liked Rose, and thought she was good for Gideon. He needed someone to help him loosen up a little, and learn to enjoy life. She often made him laugh, and helped him learn how to have a little fun.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
August 18, 2020
Great regency romance
I read book 3 first, and enjoyed it so much, I picked up book 1. And I've enjoyed this one so much, I'm getting book 2. I hope Sheldon gets a story.
Gideon reacts to the news of Heloise's pregnancy by finding a wife, hoping to pass off the baby as his own and thus save the family's name. Fate opens the way for him to marry the woman he's been in love with for 5 years.
Rose has resigned herself to being a spinster after 2 fiancés die. She accompanies her cousin, Gloriana, for her first Season. Gloriana's father betroths his daughter before she even debuts. Gloriana asks Rose to fix it.
This is an excellent series starter! We meet all the main players and get some background on each of them from various sources. The setting is given without concrete details, but enough. Best if all, characters are developed through conversation and action, with little introspection.
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: yes, already have
Cliffhanger: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: multiple scenes
Language: 6 F words, 32 Lord's name in vain, 1 S word
Violence: I don't remember any
FAVORITE QUOTES
“I think a successful marriage works more like counterweight added to a scale. If you find a good balance, it benefits you both. If you’re too different, one will outweigh the other.”
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Rose falls in love with Gideon awfully fast, considering how she, upon hearing his voice at the start of the story, stiffens and doesn't want to see him.
Rose is disturbed to find out he's loved her for 5 years, meant to ask for her hand, but she kept getting engaged. But she's not been engaged for 2 years. He hadn't pursued her because she'd gotten a reputation and he wanted his family name to have honor. The same day she's processing this news, she finds Alex drunk in the drawing room, she joins him, and she falls asleep inside the room while Alex falls asleep outside the room. Gideon had stayed awake to apologize, but she'd never come to bed. So they get in a snit that lasts weeks. Newly weds would surely apologize quickly. Then suddenly, with no resolution other than Heloise's baby's born, they're back in each other's arms.
I read book 3 first, and enjoyed it so much, I picked up book 1. And I've enjoyed this one so much, I'm getting book 2. I hope Sheldon gets a story.
Gideon reacts to the news of Heloise's pregnancy by finding a wife, hoping to pass off the baby as his own and thus save the family's name. Fate opens the way for him to marry the woman he's been in love with for 5 years.
Rose has resigned herself to being a spinster after 2 fiancés die. She accompanies her cousin, Gloriana, for her first Season. Gloriana's father betroths his daughter before she even debuts. Gloriana asks Rose to fix it.
This is an excellent series starter! We meet all the main players and get some background on each of them from various sources. The setting is given without concrete details, but enough. Best if all, characters are developed through conversation and action, with little introspection.
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: yes, already have
Cliffhanger: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: multiple scenes
Language: 6 F words, 32 Lord's name in vain, 1 S word
Violence: I don't remember any
FAVORITE QUOTES
“I think a successful marriage works more like counterweight added to a scale. If you find a good balance, it benefits you both. If you’re too different, one will outweigh the other.”
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Rose falls in love with Gideon awfully fast, considering how she, upon hearing his voice at the start of the story, stiffens and doesn't want to see him.
Rose is disturbed to find out he's loved her for 5 years, meant to ask for her hand, but she kept getting engaged. But she's not been engaged for 2 years. He hadn't pursued her because she'd gotten a reputation and he wanted his family name to have honor. The same day she's processing this news, she finds Alex drunk in the drawing room, she joins him, and she falls asleep inside the room while Alex falls asleep outside the room. Gideon had stayed awake to apologize, but she'd never come to bed. So they get in a snit that lasts weeks. Newly weds would surely apologize quickly. Then suddenly, with no resolution other than Heloise's baby's born, they're back in each other's arms.
April 25, 2020
Beautiful writing!
Wow. I have finished the entire series and I’m sitting here numb with amazement and eagerly hoping that Ava Devlin has another book coming out soon. I decided to give her books a try & wow...I am so glad that I did! I started with the Viscount and the Vixen & could not put it down. I then binge-read the prequel & other 2 books in the series. I decided to wait and read the prequel before the last book since it primarily showcases the characters from the 3rd book (The Hero and the Hellion). It was merely a personal preference. To say I am impressed with this series is an understatement.
Instead of reviewing this book in particular, I want to review her writing in general. I am placing the review with the first in this series, in hopes that I might convince readers who have stumbled upon this author & are deciding whether to try the series...to just do it! You won’t regret it.
We often read about characters who experience love at first sight, but are hesitant...”Is this real? Am I being silly? Is it too soon?” Folks, that’s how I feel about Ms Devlin’s work 😂 I just found her. I just read 3 of her books. I have read hundreds & hundreds of HR novels. Is this real? Is it too soon? How can I possibly feel as though she ranks in my top 5 favorite authors?? Because her writing is just that beautiful. Period. It is truly beautiful. You are drawn in & feel as if you are an additional character, secretly watching the story unfold. You become attached to these characters & emotionally invested in their lives, never wanting the story to end. The love scenes are steamy & the dialogue is beautiful. Ms Devlin is certainly an author to follow! I am so excited to read future books!
Bravo Ava Devlin!! You have a lot to be proud of & I am so glad I stumbled upon you! I eagerly await your next book!
Wow. I have finished the entire series and I’m sitting here numb with amazement and eagerly hoping that Ava Devlin has another book coming out soon. I decided to give her books a try & wow...I am so glad that I did! I started with the Viscount and the Vixen & could not put it down. I then binge-read the prequel & other 2 books in the series. I decided to wait and read the prequel before the last book since it primarily showcases the characters from the 3rd book (The Hero and the Hellion). It was merely a personal preference. To say I am impressed with this series is an understatement.
Instead of reviewing this book in particular, I want to review her writing in general. I am placing the review with the first in this series, in hopes that I might convince readers who have stumbled upon this author & are deciding whether to try the series...to just do it! You won’t regret it.
We often read about characters who experience love at first sight, but are hesitant...”Is this real? Am I being silly? Is it too soon?” Folks, that’s how I feel about Ms Devlin’s work 😂 I just found her. I just read 3 of her books. I have read hundreds & hundreds of HR novels. Is this real? Is it too soon? How can I possibly feel as though she ranks in my top 5 favorite authors?? Because her writing is just that beautiful. Period. It is truly beautiful. You are drawn in & feel as if you are an additional character, secretly watching the story unfold. You become attached to these characters & emotionally invested in their lives, never wanting the story to end. The love scenes are steamy & the dialogue is beautiful. Ms Devlin is certainly an author to follow! I am so excited to read future books!
Bravo Ava Devlin!! You have a lot to be proud of & I am so glad I stumbled upon you! I eagerly await your next book!
May 26, 2020
A charming tale with two likable leads and an author who clearly knows her stuff. Ava Devlin eases us into the 19th century with a sure, knowledgeable and yet light-hearted hand. Gideon Somers is built in the Darcy mode - aloof, somewhat shy, and not exactly a hit with the ladies. Rose d'Aubrey is a level-headed lass who has always had a crush on the Somers Viscount, but who gets engaged to two other men when Somers drags his heels on a proposal. After the untimely (but natural) deaths of the fiances, Somers, hoping to pass off his sister's bastard child as his own, decides he quickly needs a wife. Rose, pressing "spinster" age, volunteers. It probably won't surprise the reader to learn that it turns out the two were made for each other, and they seal the deal with lots of hot sex.
Ava Devlin is a self-assured and lyrical writer, and she succeeds at drawing characters who are feisty without being annoying.
Ava Devlin is a self-assured and lyrical writer, and she succeeds at drawing characters who are feisty without being annoying.
May 24, 2021
Much more romance than steam
This is advertised as a “steamy” historical romance and to be sure, there are a few well done sex scenes. However, they are done with more tenderness and romance than I’ve read in a good long while. The scenes added more to the story more than the more physical, “anatomical” scenes often found in self-described steamy romances.
I gave this book five stars because it was less about bedroom gymnastics and more about the relationship between
Gideon and Rose. There are also additional family thrown into the mix along with good character development for them as well. Of course, it’s set-up for future installments of this series but the more fully developed secondary characters added depth and texture missing in a fair number of period romances.
The bottom line for me is, will I continue the series? With this series, the answer is yes.
This is advertised as a “steamy” historical romance and to be sure, there are a few well done sex scenes. However, they are done with more tenderness and romance than I’ve read in a good long while. The scenes added more to the story more than the more physical, “anatomical” scenes often found in self-described steamy romances.
I gave this book five stars because it was less about bedroom gymnastics and more about the relationship between
Gideon and Rose. There are also additional family thrown into the mix along with good character development for them as well. Of course, it’s set-up for future installments of this series but the more fully developed secondary characters added depth and texture missing in a fair number of period romances.
The bottom line for me is, will I continue the series? With this series, the answer is yes.
August 1, 2025
Viscount Gideon Somers is desperate to salvage his family’s name. Rose d’Aubrey, infamous as The Deadly Debutante, is back in London for one last Season. They have not seen each other for years & both still carry a torch for one another, that neither ever knew about.
When an arranged marriage tries to match Gideon (who needs a wife to shut down scandal in his family) with Rose’s cousin Gloriana (who wants nothing to do with him), Rose promises to help her cousin. When Gideon and Rose talk about solutions, they admit they have feeling for one another and hatch a plan that’s equal parts outrageous and delicious - elope, it solves all three of their problems.
This book is witty, spicy, and packed with unforgettable secondary characters. Ava Devlin delivers a romance that’s as clever as it is steamy and the chemistry is positively scandalous! I highly recommend this book and now I'm off to read the next in the series.
When an arranged marriage tries to match Gideon (who needs a wife to shut down scandal in his family) with Rose’s cousin Gloriana (who wants nothing to do with him), Rose promises to help her cousin. When Gideon and Rose talk about solutions, they admit they have feeling for one another and hatch a plan that’s equal parts outrageous and delicious - elope, it solves all three of their problems.
This book is witty, spicy, and packed with unforgettable secondary characters. Ava Devlin delivers a romance that’s as clever as it is steamy and the chemistry is positively scandalous! I highly recommend this book and now I'm off to read the next in the series.
May 24, 2021
Reluctant Groom & Virgin Spinster
He has loved her from first sight, but due to deceased father's actions & a runaway mother, thinks he will never marry. She has been engaged twice, hmmm, (un)fortunately both men died before the wedding.
His younger brother & sister seemed determined to bring scandal to the family name, just as Gabriel thinks he is restoring their name. His idea is to marry within a week. His promised bride is determined to have her Season & find love on her terms. Her cousin Rose tries to convince Gabriel to give Glorianna time or to choose another bride. Gabriel then asks Rose to elope with him & she says yes! Join them on their journey. How far is Gabriel willing to go to win Rose's heart? Will Rose ever be able to get Gabriel to smile, laugh & relax his stiff demeanor? Definitely heat & humor!!
He has loved her from first sight, but due to deceased father's actions & a runaway mother, thinks he will never marry. She has been engaged twice, hmmm, (un)fortunately both men died before the wedding.
His younger brother & sister seemed determined to bring scandal to the family name, just as Gabriel thinks he is restoring their name. His idea is to marry within a week. His promised bride is determined to have her Season & find love on her terms. Her cousin Rose tries to convince Gabriel to give Glorianna time or to choose another bride. Gabriel then asks Rose to elope with him & she says yes! Join them on their journey. How far is Gabriel willing to go to win Rose's heart? Will Rose ever be able to get Gabriel to smile, laugh & relax his stiff demeanor? Definitely heat & humor!!
April 21, 2020
The Viscount and the Vixen is the first book in The Somerton Scandals series. It took me three weeks to read, oh dear. I lost interest during this historical romance because the Hero and Heroine lacked chemistry, imo. The plot was unremarkable, although there was a sudden elopement.
The Viscount and the Vixen: 3 stars
Twice engaged and twice bereaved, Rose d’Aubrey is prime fodder for the gossips of London.
Lord Gideon Somers has dedicated his life to rebuilding his family’s honour in the wake of his drunken wastrel father. Then, when his wild sister finds herself compromised out of wedlock, he must find a way to mitigate the damage.
I recommend this book for an average read.
Not sure if I’ll continue with the series.
The Viscount and the Vixen: 3 stars
Twice engaged and twice bereaved, Rose d’Aubrey is prime fodder for the gossips of London.
Lord Gideon Somers has dedicated his life to rebuilding his family’s honour in the wake of his drunken wastrel father. Then, when his wild sister finds herself compromised out of wedlock, he must find a way to mitigate the damage.
I recommend this book for an average read.
Not sure if I’ll continue with the series.
September 29, 2020
A Steamy Romance
I gave this a 4 star rating. It is actually 4 1/2 stars.
This was a very enjoyable read. Two people accidently find each other after five years of living very separate existences. Rose and Gideon embark on an elopement after they have a surprising discussion. Rose goes because she doesn't want to be a spinster at the whims and wishes of her mother. Gideon has a family proble he thinks can be solved by marrying right away. There is an immediate, long and sometimes touching race for the border of Scotland.
Rose and Gideon are then taken to his family home thereupon beginning the next chapter of yheir lives.
It was a touching, romantic, and very funny novel to read. I look forward to more by this author.
I gave this a 4 star rating. It is actually 4 1/2 stars.
This was a very enjoyable read. Two people accidently find each other after five years of living very separate existences. Rose and Gideon embark on an elopement after they have a surprising discussion. Rose goes because she doesn't want to be a spinster at the whims and wishes of her mother. Gideon has a family proble he thinks can be solved by marrying right away. There is an immediate, long and sometimes touching race for the border of Scotland.
Rose and Gideon are then taken to his family home thereupon beginning the next chapter of yheir lives.
It was a touching, romantic, and very funny novel to read. I look forward to more by this author.
January 30, 2021
A Good Read
The story of Rose and Gideon is a well told. I like that they married early in the story and we were able to see their relationship develop in the book. So many times in Historical Romances the story ends with the marriage and epilogue. The bedroom scenes are well done and believable.
The reason why I gave the book a 4 star rating is that the fault of many Historical Romances now, is take 21st sentiments and superimpose them on early 19th century stories. There is no way Heloise would have been pampered and kept at home during her pregnancy. Being unmarried at that time made you a pariah and one to be whisked off to parts unknown. She would have not been kept in the bosom her family.
All in all the book was an enjoyable read and I’d recommend it.
The story of Rose and Gideon is a well told. I like that they married early in the story and we were able to see their relationship develop in the book. So many times in Historical Romances the story ends with the marriage and epilogue. The bedroom scenes are well done and believable.
The reason why I gave the book a 4 star rating is that the fault of many Historical Romances now, is take 21st sentiments and superimpose them on early 19th century stories. There is no way Heloise would have been pampered and kept at home during her pregnancy. Being unmarried at that time made you a pariah and one to be whisked off to parts unknown. She would have not been kept in the bosom her family.
All in all the book was an enjoyable read and I’d recommend it.
March 3, 2022
Rose d'Aubrey was twice engaged and twice bereaved having lost both fiances due to their untimely death before she married them. Being considered a spinster she is used by her family as a fixer of problems for her family and her cousin who was promised in marraige to a man she hates. When Rose offers to marry the Viscount he is actually delighted and the leave a ball and head for the Scotland border , falling in love bit by bit as they spend several days together in the carraige without a chaperone. The Viscount Gideon has has emotional scars and so does Rose but together they help the other heal. It had a bit of melodrama but for the most part I enjoyed reading about two damaged people that were able to heal and fall in love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews