Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Langley Sisters #7

The Lady's Forbidden Love

Rate this book
A lady in disguise

Betrayal is the one sin businessman Daniel Dillinger will not tolerate, so when sweet governess Abigail Wright reveals herself to be Lady Abigail Deville, sister of an earl, he vows to never cross her path again. However, he soon learns what led to Abby’s deception, and when he saves her from a knife-wielding villain, Daniel realizes he can no longer deny what is in his heart. Can he keep her safe? Losing her is not something he can contemplate.

One night of forbidden temptation

Living with four protective brothers and society’s restrictions forced Abby to sneak out of the house one night. Just one night of freedom would be enough, she’d believed, and that night had given her Daniel. When her lie is revealed, as eventually they always are, he keeps her secret, but she sees the anger smoldering in his eyes. When he is forced to protect her, Abby vows to make him look at her like he did that night once more, but to do that she must live long enough to ensnare his heart.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2020

712 people are currently reading
276 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Vella

96 books831 followers

Wendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.

Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.


Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
663 (58%)
4 stars
329 (29%)
3 stars
105 (9%)
2 stars
20 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,329 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2021
Meeting your love

Another wonderful book by Wendy Vella. Abigail has been so smothered by her 4 brothers since the death of their father. She wants some freedom so she slips out to go to a local tavern and meets Daniel.
When Daniel lays eyes on Abby he feels a connection. But how would he feel when he finds out she’s a lady! When not only Abbys life is threatened but also Daniels will these 2 get a chance at happily ever after.
1,324 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2020
Freedom to love

This is a wonderful story, great characters, Wendy Vella, knows how to bring her characters to life
Lots of adventures and love between the siblings. Abby and Daniel will steal your heart.
Thank you ❤
Profile Image for Dee Jay Blaylock.
241 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2020
Love this series as well as the Raven and Sinclair series.
Good mysteries as well as romance. Each set of characters is relative to the previous characters and keeps the whole series alive. I’m hoping there is a related series that will include the younger characters in the families.
Profile Image for Carol.
3 reviews
September 2, 2020
I read the whole series of seven books and I liked them all. I hope there is a number 8 in the series. I would like to know what happens to Abigail’s friend Dimity?
2,452 reviews27 followers
June 23, 2020
4.5 stars
I did enjoy this book very much. The main characters of Daniel and Abbie were very engaging. Abbie had four very overprotective brothers, who watched and supervised her every move. Although they loved her, she felt stifled and longed for freedom to do as she wished. Daniel was of a different social class to Abbie and felt that he was unworthy of her affections. Although, they had a real connection, Daniel felt he should distance himself because of his feelings of inferiority. I enjoyed the sibling banter in both families. Daniel has some deep feelings to come to terms with that concerns his brother, from a time when he was much younger. There are a few dangerous moments and some interesting secondary characters. I would love to hear more of Abbie’s friend Dimity and would enjoy her elder brother, Gabe, meeting his match. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,508 reviews47 followers
August 20, 2021
Langley Sisters Book#7

Daniel and Abbey are an awesome couple.
Countless reasons why they are not to be together for their lives occur.
Wendy Vella has written another winner.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews145 followers
September 7, 2021
Good💘 For Her💃💋

Sweet and clean Regency Romance., wherein Abby💃💋, the sister of an earl falls in love 💘with Daniel,🐺 an untitled gentleman.
Author 4 books10 followers
July 15, 2020
This is one of my all time favorite series! Wendy Vella has created a world of characters that draw the reader in and leaves us wanting more! I love how she brings previous characters back, crosses the Raven series, and introduces us to new characters we want to know more about all in one story while still managing to write a great HEA.

Daniel Dillinger is the younger brother of Ace; he is talented, hardworking, loyal, loving and so much more, but he doesn’t believe himself comparable to the Lords and Ladies of his acquaintance.

Lady Abigail Deville is the younger sister to three older and very protective brothers. During a night of rebellion she meets Daniel, portraying her status as something entirely different.

The two quickly feel a connection, but can it survive feelings of inferiority and deception? In true Vella writing fashion, readers are taken on a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and life that all leads to love conquering all!

This book can be read as a standalone; however, I highly recommend reading from the beginning just because the entire series is that good!
468 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2020
Love this series,

This is the 7th in the series and I really enjoyed the story of Abby and Daniel, there are twists and turns as well as blockades to their relationship. The character interaction is wonderful and since it's a series you get the opportunity to read about characters from previous books. I love seeing previous characters it is like meeting old friends. I hope the series counties or starts up with a series of the single characters that remain. Fabulous author,
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,519 reviews91 followers
July 25, 2020
Omg, this was so good. I loved it. Finished reading at about 3.30 am. Just couldn't put it down. I loved how we met, just in passing, Cambridge and some of her extraordinary family again. A very enjoyable and thrilling HEA. 5☆
778 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2020
Loved it

It was well written and the characters realistic. It was so hard to put down once started. Its a page turner. I would love to read about the Deville Brothers and see them fall in love hard
Profile Image for Marjorie.
2,099 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2020
Beautiful love story

I don't know if I have read all of this series, but I enjoyed this story. Abby was in love and won Daniel.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
October 29, 2023
There was a lot going on in this book. I understand that it’s wrapping up everything from one series while launching the next, but I kind of thought the Deville brothers stole a lot of Abby’s thunder. However, I loved this opportunity to see more of Daniel, (he’s so much like big brother Ace,) and to discover where the Deville series really started. I thought Abby and Daniel were adorable together, at least when they were getting along. I feel like this was exactly the ending I needed to see for the entire extended Langley sister’s family.
Profile Image for M.J. Andrews.
Author 4 books21 followers
July 5, 2020
I'm not sure I've ever really thanked Wendy Vella for opening up such a vast array of wonder and excitement for me. Her Sinclair and Raven collection originally helped me discover my love for historical fiction with a little twist. Since I pick up the first book, I've been unable to stop reading her stuff.
I've worked my way through the Sinclair and Raven Series, The Lords of Night Street, Regency Rakes, and the Langley Sisters. I've enjoyed watching the lives of the characters she created evolve and grow as they appear in various other series.

I've been anxiously awaiting the next book in the Langley Series The Lady's Forbidden Love. I was not disappointed. Wendy continues to pull us into the world of regency romance. The seventh book focuses on Daniel Dillinger and Lady Abigail Deville, who meet under unconventional circumstances when Abby attempts to take some control over her life. Her brother, Michael, Zach, Nathaniel and Gabriel are overprotective and have their own ideas about what is expected of a Lady of her standing.

In this book, we see the societal pressures of the nobles and the blue stockings on full display. This was also a common theme with Ace and Thea's story. The way Daniel sees himself reflected within society prevents him from acting on his feelings for Abby and struggles to move forward and forget their interactions, especially after he finds out the truth about her social standing.

Abby has spent much of her life hidden behind the protective blanket her brothers have wrapped firmly around her. Their treatment of her has caused her unhappiness to the point where she feels as though she is being suffocated.

Without providing any spoilers, I will acknowledge that this book had so many events that transpired over the plot that I was truly riveted. I can definitely see Ms Vella exploring the Deville brothers as a new series and we also saw a brief cameo of Somerset Sinclair, leaving it open for another book in the series.

This book gets five stars! Ms Vella has found a long-standing fan in me as she continues to capture the hearts and attention of all those who dive into the world she has created. Thanks for the amazing read! I hope she continues to expand on the series! :)

Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
July 5, 2020
The Lady’s Forbidden Love is the seventh book in The Langley Sisters series. Every time I read a book in this series, I think it was the best but then the next one comes out and it’s better! I love this series and the Raven and Sinclair series, so when I get to read a book that has characters from both series, I’m so excited. I love how the author weaves the characters into the books from both series. I must admit I love both series so much that I go back and reread the books often. Ms. Vella’s characters are so easy to connect with and you can feel the love they have for their families.
Lady Abby Deville is surrounded by four overprotective brothers who constantly watch over her. She fears she will never find a husband because gentlemen are afraid to approach her. Wanting to experience a little of the outside world, she sneaks out and goes to the Duck and Goose Tavern with her friend and music teacher, Dimity. There she meets Daniel Dillinger and she lies about her identity.
Daniel Dillinger had made his fortune but still thought of himself as a coal miner’s son. Even though his older brother married the daughter of a duke, Daniel has no plans of becoming part of Society. He was captivated by Abby so when he discovered her real identity, he was shocked and disappointed. He thought they had no future together since he wasn’t titled. He slowly comes to realize that birth does not make a man a gentleman; his actions made a man a gentleman.
This was an amazing book and a terrific addition to the series. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received an ARC for this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
219 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2021
Wonderful book!

Can't say enough about this book! This author is one of my favorites and this is just another example of her great writing. You will love this story and the characters in it. Can't wAit to read her next one.
Profile Image for Martha B..
836 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2020
Can love overcome the nobility barrier?

She is loved and protected, but Lady Abigail Deville is also being suffocated by her four overbearing brothers. Her rebellions are small, harmless and unnoticed, until she meets Daniel.

He is a very wealthy self-made man, Mr. Daniel Dillinger is also the second son of a coal miner. He is comfortable and content within his social class, until he meets Abigail.

I have read and enjoyed many of Wendy Vella's works. The Lady's Forbidden Love is just her latest in the Langley Sisters series. In true Vella style, it features a spunky heroine, a honorable hero, some interesting supporting characters, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, all within simple story with a hidden twist. Daniel and Abby's story is both entertaining and slightly disturbing. Thankfully, their happy ending is sweet with a promise of more to come.

My one question while reading was, just how much protection is too much protection. Everyone desires to be heard, even the sister of four older brothers.

Content 411: Although there are no vulgarities, there is some swearing as well as a moderately described sexually intimate scene. There is also some moderate violence and and some domestic bullying.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
August 25, 2021

Stars 4/5 (Jennifer Ashley, Elizabeth Hoyt, Stacy Reid, Grace Callaway)

4 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book.

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). You see past characters from series and other charters from different series too…all enjoyable.

The development and interest in main characters; H/H very well paired, and secondary characters were enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.

Laugh out loud with humorous moments (ridiculous funny at times...I love it). The give and take dialogue was wonderful.

Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging.

1.5/5 hotness and steam
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes)

Totally recommend author and this book.

Will read the next book by the author (check out the series).
1,648 reviews15 followers
August 30, 2021
4.25 STARS

All the while reading this I kept thinking I've read this before because of the h's brother and best friend - Gabe and Dimity was so familiar. As I finished this book, the author had a blurb advertising Seduced By A Devil. I then realized I read it several months ago - thankfully not going crazy - lol. I recommend The Deville Brother's Series highly.

This story had our H/h apart for 1/2 the story. There feelings came through but I wanted them together more. Plus, the H is hell bent on feeling he has no place amongst the Nobility and that became somewhat repetitive. I've read over 3/4 of this series -Langley Sister's and enjoyed it. This is a stand alone, even though number 7 of the series.

I disliked when an author uses same names for different people. She has two Hannah's and two Mary's neither are related. So as you are reading, it is confusing to which she is talking about and I lowered my rating.

Lovemaking, outside of marriage - described once - heat level 2.5 out of 5 if that.

Very good ending which was suspenseful and brought all the player's together. I enjoyed the epilogue too and tidied everything up.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, great main and secondary character's, rough road to HEA, romance and a tad of spice. (ljb)
Profile Image for Cait M.
1,378 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2021
Another winner by Wendy Vella the final in her Langley Sisters series. A great way to catch up with all our heroes and heroines, as well as a cameo from some of the Sinclairs.

This book introduces the Devilles, a family including an Earl, his two brothers and sister. This is the sister Abigail's story.

Lady Abigail is loved by her very overprotective big brothers. She manages to steal away a few times at night to listen to a musician she enjoys playing at a tavern. There she introduces herself simply as "Abby" to Daniel a coal-miner's son who now is a successful financier. They hit it off immediately and chat for hours. Over the space of a few meetings they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other.

Daniel has a large family and some painful memories of poverty from his youth. When he discovers "Abby" is actually of the nobility he struggles against the idea of any relationship with her given his background.

Abby's brothers are vehemently opposed to a match with anyone they deem as unsuitable so she struggles against their prejudices and Daniel's feelings of unworthiness.

This book contains one mild descriptive love scene.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,706 reviews22 followers
August 21, 2023
Our heroine is Abigail Wright aka Abby, a governess, who decides to sneak out of her house for a taste of freedom and has presented herself as Lady Abigail Deville, sister of an earl. Daniel Dillinger is our successful businessman hero, who has only one thing he will not tolerate and that is betrayal. When Daniel and Abby meet, there is an instant attraction but Daniel soon discovers that Abby was not who she claimed to be, he was furious and vowed to avoid her forever. But fate had other plans, and they soon found themselves in danger from a mysterious enemy who wanted Abby dead. Can they overcome their mistrust and find their HEA?

I enjoyed the suspense, humor, and passion in the book plus the chemistry between the couple was sizzling. Abby was a strong and independent heroine who did not let her brothers or society dictate her life. Daniel was a handsome and honorable hero who had a soft spot for Abby despite his anger. The plot was fast-paced and kept me hooked until the end and the writing style was smooth and easy to follow. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
Profile Image for CealR.
51 reviews
July 1, 2020
You'd be forgiven for thinking by book 7 of a series there may not be much more story to tell, but this author is definitely the exception to the rule. Her fans are continuously spoiled with more, and this book is just such a pleasure. Exactly the soothing escape from reality I had no idea I needed until I'd sunk into the first pages.

Just a lovely story, with gutsy women, over-protective men in abundance, and adventure and twists which keep you from being totally certain where the story might lead. Not that it matters with a sure-thing author such as Wendy Vella.

If you haven't read her books before, you won't have any great difficulty reading this book as a stand-alone, but there are some lovely cameos from other books and series. Wendy Vella has created such a vibrant and multilayered universe, I can well imagine visiting for many years to come.

Dual pov, great rich characters, little open door tasteful sexy times and a guaranteed and satisfying HEA. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Kate.
Author 6 books45 followers
December 17, 2020
Hmmmm

I have devoured each instalment of this series and loved each until this one.
This book started strong, I had high hopes it would be as fantastic as the previous ones but I fear it fell flat.
This instalment felt extremely drawn out. The characters were well thought out and the incident with the boat described perfectly, but their “courting” felt as arduous.
This storyline had so much promise but it pains me to say it fell flat. I hate giving three star reviews but I do so when I feel it warrants it, and I’m afraid this does.
There were quite a few formatting issues in the text and the occasional issue with edit, which I can usually overlook. These have appeared in most of the regency collections but as the stories were great I could overlook them, alas, not this time.

I’m hoping Ms Vella continues the series with the Deville brothers and I hope Ditrimy and Gabe become a couple. I have my fingers crossed.
370 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2022
Wonderful book deserving of 5 stars. The diverse, and often humorous personalities in this story make it a delight to read. Abby's frustration with her over-protective brothers is matched by Daniel's family, as he negotiates life as a commoner within the titled Regency circles in which he conducts his business. There is prejudice on both sides, giving the book credibility and realism. Prejudice is never only from one side of people's differences, and it is refreshing to have these traits almost competing. The banter between the characters is sweet and funny, with even the extremes of status inter-relating. I loved Dimity's utter disregard for Gabe's sense of importance.
There is so much love within these families, and they behave as families should, interfering in each others' lives. There is a depth to both the story and the characters that make this tale especially relatable.
22 reviews
March 10, 2024
Least favorite of the series. While I loved the character of Daniel, Abby was harder to get to know. She seemed brave and outspoken with Daniel, but allowed her brothers to run rough-shod over her for too long. The characters also spent way too much time apart. I think they had a total of 4 short scenes together in the first half of the book. I loved reading about Daniel's family dynamics, and his introduction to the Sinclairs and Hetheringtons. What I found utterly ridiculous and unbelievable though, was the "intrigue" at the end of the story. There was no mention whatsoever of this person or her family throughout the story, but the final climax involves a rather grasping plot-line that was utterly unbelievable. It really ruined the story for me. I was literally rolling my eyes! Vella is a great author who writes with lots of wit and humor, but her plot-lines tend toward the ridiculous at times.
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2020
This was a great read, the book captured my interest immediately and kept my interest throughout the whole book. I loved Daniel and Abby straight away. Initially Daniel is very attracted to Abby as he believes she’s a governess but when the truth comes out that’s when his own prejudices come up. He feels he can’t pursue her because she’s from the nobility, he hates being lied to-she lied to him, and Daniel has issues in his past that he keeps suppressing. Abby has many over protective brothers who are making her life a misery. Mix all this with attempted abduction and attempted murder and you’ve got a great book. I really hope Abby’s brothers get their own books- please Wendy make it happen. All in all a brilliant book and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,475 reviews29 followers
July 5, 2020
It's not birthright

Daniel believes this beautiful woman is a governess! Abby just knows he's big and
strong like her brothers and immediately attracted to him! When Daniel finds out she lied about who she is he wants nothing to do with her! But someone wants to harm Abby! She feels stifled by her 4 over protective brothers but even with them someone is trying to do her harm! Daniel rescues her both times and shows his worth! The reason for the attacks and a resolution was not satisfactory to me! Then later Daniel is threatened along with his brother Oliver and again no sound reasons! The villains are deranged but so most villains are!! But I love the author and of course a HEA!
3,545 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2021
The Lady's Forbidden Love is a phenomenal historical romance by Wendy Vella. Ms. Vella provides readers with a well-written book populated with a spectacular cast of characters. Daniel meets Abby at a tavern and rescues her from a drunk on their second meeting. Abby is the sister of the Deville brothers, the oldest being an earl. But since she was sneaking out at night she told Daniel she was a governess. Daniel is angry when he finds she lied to him, but ends up rescuing her. Daniel and Abby's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I loved this book! The Lady's Forbidden Love is book 7 of The Langleys Sisters Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
1,296 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2020
Escaping her hovering brothers

Another great one. Abby and Daniel meet under unusual circumstances which leads to a huge misunderstood. Abby's brothers don't help by any means but they are adorable. I love how she sets them in their place by throwing their scandalous reputations in their own faces. I was rolling. I can see why she needed space. The deception is the last straw for Abby but she shows her determination and strength. The side characters add a lot to the story and leave us hoping for more from them. This book is extra special because we get take a brief visit with some old friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.