What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hellion Club #1
A Rogue to Remember
Welcome to Book One in "The Hellion Club", the nickname for the Darrow School, where miscreant noblemen send their illegitimate daughters to keep them out of sight, out of mind, and to make them employable.
It's propriety, secrets, and passion in this scorching new series!
Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril, was forced by his father to join the army and was exiled to India. It was punishment for all his many wicked, wild and reckless ways. While serving his country, the unthinkable happens at home. Devil’s sister is seduced by a fortune hunter and cast out by their father. By the time Devil returns to England, he’s too late to save her… but if he can obtain the right governess, one who specializes in working with children others have deemed unmanageable, he might be able to save his niece.
There is only one problem - no respectable woman would ever consent to be employed in the house of the Devil Lord. If she did, she’d never be able to be employed elsewhere again, as his very name is synonymous with ruin.
But Wilhelmina Marks is no ordinary governess. She’s a graduate of the Darrow School, an integral member of The Hellion Club, and a determined lady in her own right. Marina, Lord Deveril’s niece is a challenge… but not nearly as challenging as her uncle. He is all that they have said of him. Hedonistic. Rakishly charming. Too handsome by far. But also kind and perhaps a little broken. It’s that combination which draws Willa to him and makes him irresistible to her.
But danger looms when Marina’s wastrel, fortune hunting father returns, intent on claiming his daughter.
Willa and Devil must work together to keep the little girl safe... is it a recipe for disaster or a recipe for love?
It's propriety, secrets, and passion in this scorching new series!
Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril, was forced by his father to join the army and was exiled to India. It was punishment for all his many wicked, wild and reckless ways. While serving his country, the unthinkable happens at home. Devil’s sister is seduced by a fortune hunter and cast out by their father. By the time Devil returns to England, he’s too late to save her… but if he can obtain the right governess, one who specializes in working with children others have deemed unmanageable, he might be able to save his niece.
There is only one problem - no respectable woman would ever consent to be employed in the house of the Devil Lord. If she did, she’d never be able to be employed elsewhere again, as his very name is synonymous with ruin.
But Wilhelmina Marks is no ordinary governess. She’s a graduate of the Darrow School, an integral member of The Hellion Club, and a determined lady in her own right. Marina, Lord Deveril’s niece is a challenge… but not nearly as challenging as her uncle. He is all that they have said of him. Hedonistic. Rakishly charming. Too handsome by far. But also kind and perhaps a little broken. It’s that combination which draws Willa to him and makes him irresistible to her.
But danger looms when Marina’s wastrel, fortune hunting father returns, intent on claiming his daughter.
Willa and Devil must work together to keep the little girl safe... is it a recipe for disaster or a recipe for love?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
2282 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
142 books524 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
March 2, 2020
3.5 STARS
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril aka Devil has returned home from serving with the army in India, banished by his father who hoped he would die. On arrival he sets out to locate his beloved sister, what he finds breaks his heart, but he is determined to fulfil his sisters dying request to take care of her daughter - a child who is highly traumatised and screams when any man nears her. Wilhelmina Marks is no ordinary governess and just what Devil needs - sadly for him he thought he was interviewing her when it was the other way around, and he failed. Lucky for him that's not the end. Pretending to be engaged to Devil in order to aid his niece, Willa finds herself in danger and drawn to a man she knows could be the ruin for her.
I have to say the author needed to do something more potent when it came to Devil realising he was in love with Willa, it didn't entirely work for me, but overall a enjoyable read.
Devil's aunt was horrid and
Potential Triggers:
99p on amazon 2nd March 2020.
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril aka Devil has returned home from serving with the army in India, banished by his father who hoped he would die. On arrival he sets out to locate his beloved sister, what he finds breaks his heart, but he is determined to fulfil his sisters dying request to take care of her daughter - a child who is highly traumatised and screams when any man nears her. Wilhelmina Marks is no ordinary governess and just what Devil needs - sadly for him he thought he was interviewing her when it was the other way around, and he failed. Lucky for him that's not the end. Pretending to be engaged to Devil in order to aid his niece, Willa finds herself in danger and drawn to a man she knows could be the ruin for her.
I have to say the author needed to do something more potent when it came to Devil realising he was in love with Willa, it didn't entirely work for me, but overall a enjoyable read.
Devil's aunt was horrid and
Potential Triggers:
99p on amazon 2nd March 2020.
October 3, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
A wonderful new series from Chasity that will leave you with a sigh as you turn the last page,
Just as all romances should.
Filled will tension, angst, wonderfully emotional scenes between a governess and a Lord, a beautiful little girl with her own battles , and villains that will have you dreading their next plot, this is a really great read .
I thoroughly enjoyed the book it had everything I could want in a regency romance , and it looks as though their is so much more to look forward to from the Hellions Club .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋
A wonderful new series from Chasity that will leave you with a sigh as you turn the last page,
Just as all romances should.
Filled will tension, angst, wonderfully emotional scenes between a governess and a Lord, a beautiful little girl with her own battles , and villains that will have you dreading their next plot, this is a really great read .
I thoroughly enjoyed the book it had everything I could want in a regency romance , and it looks as though their is so much more to look forward to from the Hellions Club .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
October 7, 2019
Emotionally complex characterizations, smart dialogue, nuanced secondary characters, and brisk narrative pacing make “A Rogue to Remember” a love story to savor and a new series with future installments to anticipate.
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 1, 2022
I read my GR friend Maggie's review & decided
to give this book a go. I'm glad I did. 4 stars.
Regency England.
Douglas, a lord, interviewed Willa to become governess
to his 3 yr old niece, Marina, speechless w/ grief over
her Mom, Alice, who died in a hovel. Mom & dtr had
been low on food + coal for heat. Doug had been away
in the army. He had no idea Alice lived this way. Or
that he had a niece.
Doug was smart, sexy, had sardonic wit, but covered his
loneliness & boredom w/ drinking etc. Willa had some
conditions before she accepted the job. The H + h finally
agreed to a faux engagement w/ his aunt as chaperone.
I enjoyed the bantering. I liked that Douglas wanted a
family (started w/ a chaotic birth family) and really
listened to Willa. And appreciated her intelligence.
Douglas took cues from her when she was ready for
kisses etc. He did not look at or flirt w/ other women.
He defended himself and his new family.
I'm hoping Lord Highcliff gets a story. Willa's BFF Effie
clicked with Sir H?
to give this book a go. I'm glad I did. 4 stars.
Regency England.
Douglas, a lord, interviewed Willa to become governess
to his 3 yr old niece, Marina, speechless w/ grief over
her Mom, Alice, who died in a hovel. Mom & dtr had
been low on food + coal for heat. Doug had been away
in the army. He had no idea Alice lived this way. Or
that he had a niece.
Doug was smart, sexy, had sardonic wit, but covered his
loneliness & boredom w/ drinking etc. Willa had some
conditions before she accepted the job. The H + h finally
agreed to a faux engagement w/ his aunt as chaperone.
I enjoyed the bantering. I liked that Douglas wanted a
family (started w/ a chaotic birth family) and really
listened to Willa. And appreciated her intelligence.
Douglas took cues from her when she was ready for
kisses etc. He did not look at or flirt w/ other women.
He defended himself and his new family.
I'm hoping Lord Highcliff gets a story. Willa's BFF Effie
clicked with Sir H?
October 20, 2020
Even though I am not a big fan of governess' stories, this one was nice. A lot of action, danger and mystery involved. I just didn't give a 5 star because from the beginning the governess prided herself as a honest person that always spoke up the truth but I thought she said a lot of silly things she was not feeling 😆 but well, it was a nice read nonetheless.
June 30, 2019
3.5 stars ... I enjoyed this one a lot ...
H comes across as a complete rake but he is a nice guy at heart ...
h is a governess; a superior kind of governess ... I liked that this h was firm in her ways and strict with the H too ... she was also very practical and kind ...
H comes across as a complete rake but he is a nice guy at heart ...
h is a governess; a superior kind of governess ... I liked that this h was firm in her ways and strict with the H too ... she was also very practical and kind ...
September 15, 2019
So this is another new author this year for this reader. I thought the story was okay however I was looking for the romance but it fell a bit short. I did like the characters and the plot. This was a KU freebie so I thought I would take a stab at it. Will however read the next in the series...who knows it might be better than the first.
3-Stars
3-Stars
April 2, 2022
So after I started reading I remembered that I’ve already read it and somehow it just didn’t work for me. I found the chemistry of the Leads just off. It also took so long for anything to happen. The h was just annoying for most of the book.
September 9, 2021
• spoilers included!
Wilhelmina Marks, or Willa studied at the Darrow School for Girls, becoming a member of The Hellion Club. This club is insanely infamous among everybody in the society since its members, the women, are known to be quite ahead of their times, often using unconventional methods or practices that the ton view to be very 'unbecoming' of women of those times, thus their name, The Hellion Club.
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril or as the scandal sheets call him, Lord Devil has returned back home years after his father had banished him to serve in India.
He comes back, only to see his dear sister, Alice on her death bed, victim of a love affair gone wrong with a two-faced, scheming man. Alice only wishes for her brother to take good care of her daughter, Marina before she breathes her last.
Douglas & Willa meet when Douglas is looking to hire a governess for his niece Marina.
The book was very well-written but the mood of the entire book was quite sombre and monotonous. Everybody seemed to lack any emotions. Hardly any jolly moment here that lightens the mood when you're reading this.
This book had a safe plot wherein you already know the antagonists and their intentions.
The whole enemies-to-lovers transition wasn't smooth at all! They couldn't even see eye-to-eye when they first met, but as soon as Willa arrives at the Manor later, without even having a nice, romantic moment, Douglas is already asking her to marry him.
Only the author's writing was a redeeming quality of this read for me.
Wilhelmina Marks, or Willa studied at the Darrow School for Girls, becoming a member of The Hellion Club. This club is insanely infamous among everybody in the society since its members, the women, are known to be quite ahead of their times, often using unconventional methods or practices that the ton view to be very 'unbecoming' of women of those times, thus their name, The Hellion Club.
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril or as the scandal sheets call him, Lord Devil has returned back home years after his father had banished him to serve in India.
He comes back, only to see his dear sister, Alice on her death bed, victim of a love affair gone wrong with a two-faced, scheming man. Alice only wishes for her brother to take good care of her daughter, Marina before she breathes her last.
Douglas & Willa meet when Douglas is looking to hire a governess for his niece Marina.
The book was very well-written but the mood of the entire book was quite sombre and monotonous. Everybody seemed to lack any emotions. Hardly any jolly moment here that lightens the mood when you're reading this.
This book had a safe plot wherein you already know the antagonists and their intentions.
The whole enemies-to-lovers transition wasn't smooth at all! They couldn't even see eye-to-eye when they first met, but as soon as Willa arrives at the Manor later, without even having a nice, romantic moment, Douglas is already asking her to marry him.
Only the author's writing was a redeeming quality of this read for me.
July 13, 2021
Fortunately for modern readers, there were an unlimited number of Regency-era scenarios whereby people found themselves in compromising positions that necessitated their becoming “fake” betrothed to save the woman’s honor. The plan was that after a suitable interval the engagement would be called off; but in the interim they would fall always madly in love and go through with the wedding.
In this variation on the theme the fake engagement allowed Willa, a governess, to live in Lord Deveril’s home (with a chaperone) while trying to help the traumatized three-year-old niece that had been left in his care. The child’s sad past and the danger that followed her gave this book an above-average element of drama and suspense, while the love story was convincing.
In this variation on the theme the fake engagement allowed Willa, a governess, to live in Lord Deveril’s home (with a chaperone) while trying to help the traumatized three-year-old niece that had been left in his care. The child’s sad past and the danger that followed her gave this book an above-average element of drama and suspense, while the love story was convincing.
July 6, 2019
Again another book where the romance is not center stage. It made no sense why the characters fell in love. I did enjoy the book but I was there was more character and relationship development of the main protagonists.
October 5, 2023
Rated 4.5
Want to read
July 1, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2020)! 🎁
September 23, 2022
A quick read. Fun and charming story about a rake reformed by love for a good woman.
Douglas is otherwise known as Lord Devil because of his libertine ways. Drinking, gambling, carousing and rakish behaviour with other men's wives. He is stopped short when he discovers his sister on her deathbed and vows to protect and care for her only child, 3 year old Marina.
Douglas needs help with Marina, who is emotionally distraught and shows terror toward all men. He manages to gain the assistance of Miss Willa Marks, a governess from the Darrow School, or The Hellion Club, as the school for illegitimate daughters of the Ton is also known.
In order to maintain her reputation and the ability to secure a post after leaving the Devil's employ, Willa and Douglas enter a false betrothal. This allows Willa to reside, chaperoned, with Marina and act as governess, while eventually moving to her next post with her reputation intact by crying off from the supposed engagement on the grounds of the Devil's infidelity.
A proximity romance where the hero has a tarnished reputation, but is still a good guy deep down. He's dedicated to his niece and looking for justice for his sister's death. He and Willa have instant chemistry which they are constantly fighting against. Willa has some preconceived judgements about Douglas, and while she realises he isn't as bad as she originally thought, she is holding back her affection because of the difference in their social standings.
There is some tension when Marina's evil father returns to the scene trying to extort money by threatening Marina and Willa.
This book contains a descriptive love scene.
Douglas is otherwise known as Lord Devil because of his libertine ways. Drinking, gambling, carousing and rakish behaviour with other men's wives. He is stopped short when he discovers his sister on her deathbed and vows to protect and care for her only child, 3 year old Marina.
Douglas needs help with Marina, who is emotionally distraught and shows terror toward all men. He manages to gain the assistance of Miss Willa Marks, a governess from the Darrow School, or The Hellion Club, as the school for illegitimate daughters of the Ton is also known.
In order to maintain her reputation and the ability to secure a post after leaving the Devil's employ, Willa and Douglas enter a false betrothal. This allows Willa to reside, chaperoned, with Marina and act as governess, while eventually moving to her next post with her reputation intact by crying off from the supposed engagement on the grounds of the Devil's infidelity.
A proximity romance where the hero has a tarnished reputation, but is still a good guy deep down. He's dedicated to his niece and looking for justice for his sister's death. He and Willa have instant chemistry which they are constantly fighting against. Willa has some preconceived judgements about Douglas, and while she realises he isn't as bad as she originally thought, she is holding back her affection because of the difference in their social standings.
There is some tension when Marina's evil father returns to the scene trying to extort money by threatening Marina and Willa.
This book contains a descriptive love scene.
December 9, 2021
Flirty Historical Romance
Nice world building, character development was decent overall. The suspense element added to the typical trope of poor girl falls for rich lord.
Nice world building, character development was decent overall. The suspense element added to the typical trope of poor girl falls for rich lord.
May 18, 2020
A lovely read that kept my interest. Will definitely be reading #2.
4☆
4☆
May 18, 2020
Actually very well-written, I loved the witty dialogue btwn the hero and heroine.
Based on my personal preferences, I disliked the somber mood of the book though. The darkness of the villainy villains, the nasty chaperoning aunt, the tragic situation the niece was in... it was all a good story, but it took away from the romance (in my opinion). I did not finish the book, as I like my love stories a bit more relaxing :)
Based on my personal preferences, I disliked the somber mood of the book though. The darkness of the villainy villains, the nasty chaperoning aunt, the tragic situation the niece was in... it was all a good story, but it took away from the romance (in my opinion). I did not finish the book, as I like my love stories a bit more relaxing :)
December 3, 2023
Lord Deverill known as Devil needs a governess for his niece. His sister died and asked him to care for her 3 year old daughter Marina. Willa is a governess having attended the school for illegitimate children of titled men/women. She can’t afford to have her reputation ruined by the womanising Lord Deverill and turns down his offer of work.
After a compromise is reached where she is to pretend to be his betrothed she moves into his house to care for Marina. Marina’s father appearing back on the scene thinks he’s found the solution to his money problems and that by kidnapping Marina Lord Deverill will pay a ransom. This doesn’t work out and instead he takes Willa leaving Lord Deverill to realise that he loves her.
This was a quick and easy story with likeable characters. I will look to continue with the series at some point.
After a compromise is reached where she is to pretend to be his betrothed she moves into his house to care for Marina. Marina’s father appearing back on the scene thinks he’s found the solution to his money problems and that by kidnapping Marina Lord Deverill will pay a ransom. This doesn’t work out and instead he takes Willa leaving Lord Deverill to realise that he loves her.
This was a quick and easy story with likeable characters. I will look to continue with the series at some point.
August 17, 2021
A great start to the series. I enjoyed the chemistry between the MC even when they are trying to fight against it the pull between them is too strong.
I enjoyed watching Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril - fall in love. It’s always entertaining watching the rogues who have sworn off love, fall hard and fast. I could have done without Willa’s back and forth and her reasoning for not going after the man were a little weak. But alas different times when women behaved very different from today.
Can’t wait to read book 2 in the series…
**Needs a content warning for abduction scenes and threat of noncon sexual encounter**
I enjoyed watching Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril - fall in love. It’s always entertaining watching the rogues who have sworn off love, fall hard and fast. I could have done without Willa’s back and forth and her reasoning for not going after the man were a little weak. But alas different times when women behaved very different from today.
Can’t wait to read book 2 in the series…
**Needs a content warning for abduction scenes and threat of noncon sexual encounter**
July 10, 2023
The cover is soooo GORGEOUS!! But i felt bored. The prologue was intriguing enough but it just fell flat.
May 30, 2022
Beautiful
I loved this book the first time I read it, I loved it even more this time around.. I highly recommend this book and the entire series itself..
I loved this book the first time I read it, I loved it even more this time around.. I highly recommend this book and the entire series itself..
June 14, 2019
Be still my heart. When I read the blurb I knew this was going to be a story I would love. The wild but deep down wounded hero Devil, who comes to the aid of his niece. He found his sister when she was on her last breath and was able to rescue his niece. "Devil reached for her, lifting her to him. She screamed and kicked, fighting him with a fierceness that belied her slightness. He simply pulled her closer. And held her to him as tightly as he could. "I'll take care of her. I'll take care of you", he vowed, "Whatever the cost. I promise." Sold. I loved him at that moment!!
But when he tries to hire a governess for his niece, the tables turn a little when he meets Wilhemina Marks, graduate of the Darrow School and not afraid to speak her mind! But Willa is reluctant to ruin her reputation by being in the home of the well know rake but feels so much for the child who can only scream missing her mother.
They make a "devil" of a bargain and she agrees to stay and help the troubled child. Will she be able to resist such a handsome devilish man? He has promised to give up his scanadalous ways while she is there but will it last?
Just loved this story and could not put it down! Such an exciting start to this new series by Chasity and as in all of her books, I was totally captured from the first!! Cannot wait until the next one!!
But when he tries to hire a governess for his niece, the tables turn a little when he meets Wilhemina Marks, graduate of the Darrow School and not afraid to speak her mind! But Willa is reluctant to ruin her reputation by being in the home of the well know rake but feels so much for the child who can only scream missing her mother.
They make a "devil" of a bargain and she agrees to stay and help the troubled child. Will she be able to resist such a handsome devilish man? He has promised to give up his scanadalous ways while she is there but will it last?
Just loved this story and could not put it down! Such an exciting start to this new series by Chasity and as in all of her books, I was totally captured from the first!! Cannot wait until the next one!!
June 16, 2019
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril has returned home from serving with the army in India. His despised father is dead and now he must find his sister . What he finds is devastating and will change his life for ever.
Wilhelmina Marks has had an unfortunate past but a very good education. She will hopefully put that to use as a governess. The troubled child needs much more than any ordinary governess could give her.
The past has coloured the lives of all the characters in this story. Although it makes them stronger it also makes them worry about other people's motives. There is a lot of emotion and danger here with wonderful characters. I have a feeling we will meet a pair of the secondary characters in the next book. I hope so.
A very exciting read.
Wilhelmina Marks has had an unfortunate past but a very good education. She will hopefully put that to use as a governess. The troubled child needs much more than any ordinary governess could give her.
The past has coloured the lives of all the characters in this story. Although it makes them stronger it also makes them worry about other people's motives. There is a lot of emotion and danger here with wonderful characters. I have a feeling we will meet a pair of the secondary characters in the next book. I hope so.
A very exciting read.
June 18, 2019
I love a good bad boy!
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril is known as the Devil. A rake whose life is filled with debauchery until he has to take care of his late sister’s young daughter. Wilhelmina Marks is the illegitimate daughter to a second son and works for the Darrow school he hires as governess to the child.
It is filled with childhood hurt, death, murder, kidnapping, schemes, betrayal, redemption, steamy chemistry, and love—sigh! Great Read!
Douglas Ashton, Lord Deveril is known as the Devil. A rake whose life is filled with debauchery until he has to take care of his late sister’s young daughter. Wilhelmina Marks is the illegitimate daughter to a second son and works for the Darrow school he hires as governess to the child.
It is filled with childhood hurt, death, murder, kidnapping, schemes, betrayal, redemption, steamy chemistry, and love—sigh! Great Read!
July 15, 2019
First time reading this author’s work. Loved it, and looking forward to more in The Hellion Club series.
May 29, 2020
I liked Douglas well enough. He was a man with a well-deserved reputation who didn't shy away from who he was or what he wanted. I loved the depth of feeling he showed not only for his sister, but for his niece, taking her in as his ward when someone else of his station would have likely shipped her off somewhere (especially when she proved to be a difficult child at first). It was incredibly hard to relate to Willa however. On one hand, when it came to Marina and her wellbeing, Willa was a great character. However, the fact that she constantly looked down her nose at Douglas, and judged him at every turn, made her come across as a holier-than-thou type. So much so that I consistently wondered why he put up with her behavior. Had I been him, I would have left her to her duties as Mariana's governess and been done with her. In fact, I found it hard to believe that he could find anything to like about her, much less could have fallen in love with her.
Not only was their relationship something I felt could have been done differently, but there were also other parts of this story that I feel tripped it up just as much. For example, Marina is three years old - and yet Willa not only insists on speaking to her as though she is an adult (claiming it is better to do so), but when Marina finally does start to respond, she speaks in full, coherent sentences. Not very realistic for a three-year-old.
I also found the original premise too far-fetched. We are told that Willa couldn't possibly move into his home as governess due to his reputation (it would apparently sully hers and make her unemployable to anyone else), and instead had to masquerade as his pretend fiance. I'm still not sure how she masqueraded as anything when they barely stepped outside of the house, nor did he put it out that they were engaged. In fact, all they succeed in doing was fanning the fire that Marina was his own child and Willa her mother.
The villains were all exceptionally over the top (with a lot of unnecessary plotlines being inserted here), although I will admit that it was good to see them get what they had coming to them.
Despite the things I mentioned above, I do believe this story will appeal to others more than it did to me. And I would give this author another chance.
Not only was their relationship something I felt could have been done differently, but there were also other parts of this story that I feel tripped it up just as much. For example, Marina is three years old - and yet Willa not only insists on speaking to her as though she is an adult (claiming it is better to do so), but when Marina finally does start to respond, she speaks in full, coherent sentences. Not very realistic for a three-year-old.
I also found the original premise too far-fetched. We are told that Willa couldn't possibly move into his home as governess due to his reputation (it would apparently sully hers and make her unemployable to anyone else), and instead had to masquerade as his pretend fiance. I'm still not sure how she masqueraded as anything when they barely stepped outside of the house, nor did he put it out that they were engaged. In fact, all they succeed in doing was fanning the fire that Marina was his own child and Willa her mother.
The villains were all exceptionally over the top (with a lot of unnecessary plotlines being inserted here), although I will admit that it was good to see them get what they had coming to them.
Despite the things I mentioned above, I do believe this story will appeal to others more than it did to me. And I would give this author another chance.
May 12, 2024
This is the first book in the Hellion Club series. The Hellion reference is to the illegitimate daughters of lords and ladies that are educated to be governesses. The school is run by the illegitimate daughter of a duke who is a fascinating side character that I wish had been given a little more time in this book. I hope she is the main character in another book in the series.
Wilhelmina, or Willa, is a very strong character. Despite what life has thrown at her, she has a sense of who she is. She speaks honestly and is clever. She is also quite kind and understanding to Douglas, or Devil, which he needs. There were times when Douglas was being open about his growing feelings for her and she responded a little harshly. Given the society at the time, I can understand her lack of belief in what he was saying, and I actually think it needed to be said, especially at the beginning when he still needed to prove himself. I did respect that she stood up for herself.
Douglas had a difficult relationship with his father and does not value himself. I thought the author could have brought this out a little more, but even so, Willa was able to look past some of his actions to see who he was underneath. That is not easy to do and is part of the reason I thought she was quite clever. She was good about telling him that he was a good person and he needed to hear it. I thought their relationship made sense. I liked how protective Douglas was towards the people he cared about.
There is a small mystery in the story as they try to figure out where the villain is. Most of that mystery is solved by Douglas’ friend, but Willa and Douglas play a role as well. I hope the friend gets his own book, as I really liked his character.
The book sometimes gives sketchy descriptions that convey the point. For example, I thought the first couple of pages were rushed. Douglas’ aunt and Alaric West/Monro were both awful people. I would say one dimensional, but sometimes people really are just awful.
I liked this book and have already purchased the second book in the series. Truthfully, I would give this a 4 ½ stars if there were that many gradations, but because you have to pick between 4 and 5 I went with 5.
Wilhelmina, or Willa, is a very strong character. Despite what life has thrown at her, she has a sense of who she is. She speaks honestly and is clever. She is also quite kind and understanding to Douglas, or Devil, which he needs. There were times when Douglas was being open about his growing feelings for her and she responded a little harshly. Given the society at the time, I can understand her lack of belief in what he was saying, and I actually think it needed to be said, especially at the beginning when he still needed to prove himself. I did respect that she stood up for herself.
Douglas had a difficult relationship with his father and does not value himself. I thought the author could have brought this out a little more, but even so, Willa was able to look past some of his actions to see who he was underneath. That is not easy to do and is part of the reason I thought she was quite clever. She was good about telling him that he was a good person and he needed to hear it. I thought their relationship made sense. I liked how protective Douglas was towards the people he cared about.
There is a small mystery in the story as they try to figure out where the villain is. Most of that mystery is solved by Douglas’ friend, but Willa and Douglas play a role as well. I hope the friend gets his own book, as I really liked his character.
The book sometimes gives sketchy descriptions that convey the point. For example, I thought the first couple of pages were rushed. Douglas’ aunt and Alaric West/Monro were both awful people. I would say one dimensional, but sometimes people really are just awful.
I liked this book and have already purchased the second book in the series. Truthfully, I would give this a 4 ½ stars if there were that many gradations, but because you have to pick between 4 and 5 I went with 5.
June 23, 2020
"I love you when I didn't know such a thing was possible. I thought love such as this was a myth, a thing for poets, authors, and painters. I didn't think it was for me. I think the truth is that I was broken inside until you."
Actual rating: 2.5/5
This is my first book from the author, something that just popped up in my recommendations list. The premise definitely caught my attention, hence I decided to read it since I would never pass up a good historical romance.
I enjoyed the whole arranged marriage, enemies to lovers thing going around a notorious rake and a governess. Devil and Willa's exchange was something to look forward to, since both of them are so stubborn that they would just keep butting their heads. It doesn't hurt that those rising tensions have given them a more passionate romance. And the cute little thing going on between Marina and her uncle and governess was endearing. While it didn't exactly painted a real picture of a 3-year old in real life, Marina really brought a soft spot to our main characters.
I just found a couple of issues in the book that I wished were just removed entirely to be able to focus more on the main plot and romance.
1. I hated how the we got the POV of the main villain and his crones. It just never made any sense for me because it just made the storyline even predictable than it already was. I just really found it unnecessary, because as soon as the villain tells about his plans, you can most likely predict how things would go out. It just removes all forms of suspense from the story, hence I didn't enjoy it as much.
2. The face-offs were underwhelming. To think that the book revolved around scheming and revenge, the characters' face-off scenes were just meh. I had to reread those parts because it just slipped pass me as if it never happened. And to make stuff more unbearable, the main leads just continued on their merry ways as if nothing happened.
I would definitely give the author's other books a chance, and hopefully things would turn out better.
Actual rating: 2.5/5
This is my first book from the author, something that just popped up in my recommendations list. The premise definitely caught my attention, hence I decided to read it since I would never pass up a good historical romance.
I enjoyed the whole arranged marriage, enemies to lovers thing going around a notorious rake and a governess. Devil and Willa's exchange was something to look forward to, since both of them are so stubborn that they would just keep butting their heads. It doesn't hurt that those rising tensions have given them a more passionate romance. And the cute little thing going on between Marina and her uncle and governess was endearing. While it didn't exactly painted a real picture of a 3-year old in real life, Marina really brought a soft spot to our main characters.
I just found a couple of issues in the book that I wished were just removed entirely to be able to focus more on the main plot and romance.
1. I hated how the we got the POV of the main villain and his crones. It just never made any sense for me because it just made the storyline even predictable than it already was. I just really found it unnecessary, because as soon as the villain tells about his plans, you can most likely predict how things would go out. It just removes all forms of suspense from the story, hence I didn't enjoy it as much.
2. The face-offs were underwhelming. To think that the book revolved around scheming and revenge, the characters' face-off scenes were just meh. I had to reread those parts because it just slipped pass me as if it never happened. And to make stuff more unbearable, the main leads just continued on their merry ways as if nothing happened.
I would definitely give the author's other books a chance, and hopefully things would turn out better.
May 21, 2020
A Rogue to Remember is the first book in The Hellion Club series. The Hellion Club is the nickname for the Darrow School, a place where miscreant noblemen send their illegitimate daughters to keep them out of sight, out of mind, and to make them employable. This is a well-paced historical romance that deepens and draws the reader in, chapter by chapter. I was pleasantly surprised at how captivated I was with the story. I read it in a day.
A Rogue to Remember: 5 stars: Douglas & Wilhemina
Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril, was forced by his father to join the army and therefore exiled to India. It was punishment for his wild and reckless ways although his father was already an uncaring and harsh man. By the time Douglas returned to England, his sister had been seduced by a fortune hunter and also cast out by their father. Devil is a hedonistic, charming rake but also kind and perhaps a little broken. This conflicting combination is the perfect mix to make him attractive to women. He’s a good bad boy. Throw his three year old grieving niece into the dynamic and he becomes a soft-hearted Hero with the solemn vow to protect and care for the girl.
Wilhelmina Marks is a governess not afraid to speak her mind. She’s a graduate of the Darrow School, and an integral part of The Hellion Club. Willa is a determined lady in her own right despite a challenging and poor upbringing.
Douglas and Willa’s relationship is a delightful journey. It unfolds in good time, starting with them butting heads and exchanging barbs. I really enjoyed the underlying attraction they had for each other.
I highly recommend this book. Good exciting start to the series.
A Rogue to Remember: 5 stars: Douglas & Wilhemina
Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril, was forced by his father to join the army and therefore exiled to India. It was punishment for his wild and reckless ways although his father was already an uncaring and harsh man. By the time Douglas returned to England, his sister had been seduced by a fortune hunter and also cast out by their father. Devil is a hedonistic, charming rake but also kind and perhaps a little broken. This conflicting combination is the perfect mix to make him attractive to women. He’s a good bad boy. Throw his three year old grieving niece into the dynamic and he becomes a soft-hearted Hero with the solemn vow to protect and care for the girl.
Wilhelmina Marks is a governess not afraid to speak her mind. She’s a graduate of the Darrow School, and an integral part of The Hellion Club. Willa is a determined lady in her own right despite a challenging and poor upbringing.
Douglas and Willa’s relationship is a delightful journey. It unfolds in good time, starting with them butting heads and exchanging barbs. I really enjoyed the underlying attraction they had for each other.
I highly recommend this book. Good exciting start to the series.
May 7, 2020
This was my first read from Ms. Bowlin, and I am pleased to add her to my list of authors worth watching. I expected the pen name of Chastity to be chosen ironically and assumed rampant meaningless sex throughout; and though there IS adult content, it is presented with unusual thoughtfulness and I appreciate that. More on that later.
In a nutshell - Heroine is a well-schooled lady of illegitimate birth who takes post of governess to nobleman's motherless niece, only to protect her reputation Heroine is pretending to be her employer’s betrothed with the chaperonage of his aunt. The aunt is in league with the niece's father who wants to kidnap the girl for ransom money. Some making-out and shots fired along the way, plan is foiled, governess and employer realize they love each other and get married, cut and print.
The ploy of a pretend betrothal just to get a governess in the house was stretching my suspension of disbelief; it seems entirely too complicated for all the characters to agree to; but it was worth setting aside my skepticism on that point because it is otherwise an excellent read with well-developed characters that were relatable, unique, and engaging.
For me, what the hero/heroine’s moral compass regarding sexuality is, and why it developed that way, are absolutely necessary elements of a romance, but is frequently lacking. However, Ms. Bowlin does a fantastic job expounding on these facets. I found the story much richer for it. Love scenes are graphic, not for virgin eyes; there is some adventurous pre-marriage making out, but the main event saved for after marriage, which is just the way I like it.
In a nutshell - Heroine is a well-schooled lady of illegitimate birth who takes post of governess to nobleman's motherless niece, only to protect her reputation Heroine is pretending to be her employer’s betrothed with the chaperonage of his aunt. The aunt is in league with the niece's father who wants to kidnap the girl for ransom money. Some making-out and shots fired along the way, plan is foiled, governess and employer realize they love each other and get married, cut and print.
The ploy of a pretend betrothal just to get a governess in the house was stretching my suspension of disbelief; it seems entirely too complicated for all the characters to agree to; but it was worth setting aside my skepticism on that point because it is otherwise an excellent read with well-developed characters that were relatable, unique, and engaging.
For me, what the hero/heroine’s moral compass regarding sexuality is, and why it developed that way, are absolutely necessary elements of a romance, but is frequently lacking. However, Ms. Bowlin does a fantastic job expounding on these facets. I found the story much richer for it. Love scenes are graphic, not for virgin eyes; there is some adventurous pre-marriage making out, but the main event saved for after marriage, which is just the way I like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews