At Last the Rogue Returns

Avenging Lords #1

by Adele Clee, Liisa Ivary (Narrator)

Listening Length: 8 hours, 31 minutes

A lady discovers that the monster of her nightmares just might be the hero of her dreams.

The lady labels him a devil.

Miss Lydia Lovell is on a quest for justice. For years, Lord Greystone's tenants have suffered at his hands. While he abandoned his estate to rusticate abroad, poverty and illness crippled those who depend upon him. Now Greystone has come home, and Lydia is determined to make him pay.

Greystone returns for revenge.

Having spent five years abroad making his fortune, Miles Oakley returns to England with one goal in mind - to ruin those responsible for his mother's humiliation. The plan is in place. But when a spirited lady accosts him at the manor gates, hurling her ridiculous accusations, he discovers another shocking betrayal.

The course of true love never runs smoothly.

But Lydia has more to worry about than Greystone's tenants. Her brother and his cunning wife want control over her inheritance and are plotting ways to accomplish their goal. And damn Greystone. Lydia cannot fight her attraction to the man she's spent years despising.

When threats of murder and blackmail throw them together, and passion burns with ferocious intensity, Miles and Lydia must overthrow their enemies if they have any hope of surrendering to love.

Features: Regency historical romance novel. Full length novel of approx 70,000 words

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Regency Romance

Audible Audio

First published June 29, 2018

About the author

Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.

Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee

Reviews

[Luana ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this story nothing special. It was entertaining but nothing out of the ordinary. I liked the characters and might even continue the series. One thing that stood out a lot to me and it might be a spoiler but I am going to say it anyway was the fact that the heroine was almost raped and she acted afterwards as if nothing at all happened with her. I thought that extremely out of character to any woman.

PS: if you're like me and decide to listen to the audiobook Liisa Ivary is a weird narrator. Every sentence is filled with a lot of emphasis and drama that it gave me a bit of a headache. By the end of the story she was annoying. That's why I will wait a couple of days to listen to the next book that sounds better than this one.

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Miles a viscount, spent 5 yrs in India to make his fortune.
Upon his return to England, Lydia confronted him on the
poor treatment of his tenants while he was gone. Lydia
an heiress, lived with her weak brother & his harpy wife.
They wanted her to wed Lord Randall, a bland, snobbish
popinjay. Lydia would control her own funds and future
when she turned 21 in a matter of weeks.

Miles & Lydia together went to visit his tenants. She learned
several things proving she'd misjudged him. This couple
clicked. We saw several instances of sabotage: who ordered
this? The story became top-heavy with 5 antagonists !!
The pacing was superb until the baddies slowed it down.
Loved the bantering but it slowed down also.

A Simple Case of Seduction was my favorite by this author.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I’ve always enjoyed Adele Clee’s books ,her style of writing, her subject choices , and descriptive prose has always appealed to me .
This new series is no exception, it’s powerful and thoroughly addictive, holding your attention from the first page.
There’s a devils in town and his name is Greystone , his neighbor Miss Lydia Lovell has been waiting to tell him what an uncompromising, unfeeling man he is for years , the way he treats his tenants is shameful.
But is she right ?
Or has he been left in the dark as much as those who relied on him.
Together with two friends Drake and Dariell he’s back in charge of the estate and things are going to change, drastically.
The tension is built throughout the book , so is the attraction between the two leading characters ,so thick you could cut it ,resulting in an explosive conclusion for the couple , who’s feelings are too powerful to hide.
It’s a great book and a perfect beginning to this series.
More please as soon as possible!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/27/2019)! 🎁

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do you have any idea what you're doing to me?" Greystone stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. "I came home for vengeance and found something infinitely more rewarding."

4.5 stars!

Even though it took me damn near an entire month to finish this book, it's not because I didn't enjoy it. I simply kept being swept away by my beta reads, but I am happy I finally had the opportunity to finish this lovely novel.

This is a hate-to-love story between a scorned lord bent on revenge and a suppressed yet headstrong lady who yearns for freedom. Fate throws these two 'enemies' together and forces Lydia to realize that Greystone isn't the devil she has believed him to be, while Miles finds himself desperate to protect Lydia from all the forces that seem to be conspiring against her. Their story was genuine as there is no instalust and they must fight for the other's love while staying true to themselves. Both Greystone and Lydia have suffered similar heartbreak at the hands of their callous families and are simply two souls searching for acceptance and love.

Another great historical romance from one of my go-to authors; I don't know why I doubted her story-telling ability for a second. I am excited to continue this series and read how Greystone's friends ultimately succumb to their hearts as well :)

My Miles Oakley, Viscount Greystone, wandering the misty woods separating him from Lydia...

[Niki (mustreadalltheromance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Lydia Lovell has done her best to help the neglected and impoverished tenants of Greystone Manor for the last several years, even if it’s not her place. When the lord himself returns home, Lydia is determined to have justice for these dependents who suffered in his absence.

Miles Oakley, Viscount Greystone, has spent the past five years in India making his fortune, all with the goal of seeing to the ruination of those who facilitated his mother’s humiliation. Now a wealthy man, things are falling into place until an irate woman meets him with outrageous accusations before he’s even set foot in his house and he discovers a betrayal that leaves him reeling and livid.

Beyond the drama with Greystone’s tenants, Lydia has other problems. She’s just weeks away from getting her inheritance and her weak brother and his shrewish wife are constantly scheming ways to wrest control of her fortune. She also has an inconvenient attraction to Greystone, despite the years she spent misguidedly loathing him. When it becomes clear that someone is trying to ruin them both, Miles and Lydia find their relationship deepening and become determined to foil their enemies’ plots and find a way to be together.

Overall, this was a nice, fast-paced, entertaining story. I really enjoyed Miles as a hero. I only wish we’d seen a bit more comeuppance for the villains and that Lydia had referred to Miles by his given name more, but this is just an odd pet peeve of mine. Lydia did at times make ridiculously stupid decisions, but at least she did acknowledge her naivete and learn from it. I enjoyed that Miles came to her rescue and that they both openly admitted their true feelings for each other with no game-playing. This was an enjoyable story with a lively narration and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele Clee does an amazing job of weaving together a story of mystery, suspense, intrigue and a romantic connection that had me from the first page. Each book I have read of hers I thought "this is my favorite" but I have realized every story is the best!
Lydia Lovell has been on a mission for the past few years. Trying to help the tenants of her neighbor, Lord Greystone who has been suspiciously absent and not provided for his people. She cannot wait to confront him if he ever shows up and give him the grief he deserves.
Miles Oakley, Lord Greystone has been away trying to make his fortune and has now returned to avenge the wrongs done to his mother. Thinking everything is well because he had left a steward in charge of his estate, he soon finds out he has been deceived. Lydia confronts him right at his gate and gives him an earful of how despicable he is to have left his tenants with no help or funds.
Lydia has her own story that will have you clenching your teeth at her termagant sister in law and her pathetic brother who should have protected her!
What happens next as Miles spends time with Lydia, is a journey of discovery with a chance at healing old wounds and making a future. I am so excited this is the first book in a new series because there will be more to come and I cannot wait to see how other secondary characters get their own story. Another winner and a keeper for my shelf.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent start to a new series! I just couldn’t stop reading until the end. The characters were both interesting and intriguing and all set, mainly in the countryside. Lydia was such a lovely character, she had such thoughtful ways, particularly for the poorer members of their community. Miles, too, was all you could ask for in a hero, strong, handsome, caring for those he loved. There are a number of secret to be revealed and a few villains to add interest to the story. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommend this book.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele Clee’s book At Last the Rogue Returns starts with mistaken identity, an angry confrontation, instant attraction, & lots of questions. I was hooked immediately. An entertaining friendship & love story unfolds as Miles & Lydia work together to right the wrongs of his lying land steward, foil the plans of greedy family members, & exact some long awaited revenge.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF around 40% in, when the main character is nearly raped, the hero rescues her, they then start immediately making out and almost have sex. In the exact same spot where she was nearly raped literally a few minutes earlier. Hero also declares that "he can't be held responsible" for what he does to her while they're making out. Again, he's saying this to a woman who was just nearly raped.

[Rickie Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele Clee has another winner. I love a strong heroine. A hero with only revenge on his mind meets an independent woman who refuses to give in to her family. Surrounded by people who try to do them harm.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this series starter for free to try out a new author and I really enjoyed this! I will be continuing the series and checking out the author's other titles. This is book 1 in the Avenging Lords series.

Here we meet Miss Lydia Lovell, a young lady that lives next door to the neglected estate of Greystone Manor. While doing her best to help out the impoverished Greystone tenants due to raised rents, and lack of attention and funds by the owner who stays abroad, Lydia can't wait to have strong words with the owner, Viscount Greystone, if he ever chooses to show his face.

Lydia gets her chance when she encounters Greystone returning home on a mission of revenge. But first he has to deal with his steward, Gilligan, who mishandled all the funds that were provided for upkeep of Greystone. Lydia isn't convinced Greystone had no knowledge of the tenant issues until she accompanies him to visit the families affected and sees his interest in their welfare and hears his sincere apologies for what they endured at the hands of Gilligan. Once she sees he's genuine, and he sees how she has helped his people, things shift and Lydia and Miles change their initial impressions of each other.

Meanwhile, Lydia has a milestone to reach in just a few weeks when she will inherit everything from her father that was not entailed and passed to her brother, Cecil, Lord Lovell. His wife Arabella is a greedy schemer and is trying to get her hands on Lydia's inheritance by coercion, unfounded guilt, even arranging a marriage between Lydia and dandy Lord Randall. Lydia is not having it, and is only interested in making it to her birthday so she can inherit and move to London away from her brother and sister-in-law. But while Greystone is cleaning up the mess Gilligan created, he also needs to confront his two half brothers and set things straight with the family's shipping business. However, thoughts of the girl next door are invading at every turn and Lydia is having second thoughts about moving to London when she can't stop thinking about Greystone's master living next door.

There's lots going on in this book, which is how I like it. It keeps the story trucking along. Rumors are spread, scandals are witnessed, Greystone's friends Drake and Darrell add to the mix of characters, and -trigger warning- there are two attempted rapes. The first, Greystone comes to the rescue. The second, Lydia manages to escape and flees to Greystone's open arms.

I think what I liked most about this book is that it was a nice breath of fresh air. Most of the story takes place in the countryside. Greystone makes one trip to London, but then returns. There is one local assembly at the beginning, but no romantic dances, no hobnobbing with society, no evening at the opera, no walk in Hyde Park, he doesn't need her inheritance, she doesn't need his title, etc., All the usual secondary tropey stuff is non-existent in this story. This is a revenge, enemies to lovers, and attempted forced marriage story. I also enjoyed Greystone's character and the fact that he liked Lydia almost instantly. There also wasn't all the push and pull with their feelings or the 'should we be together?' or 'I'm not what you need' crap that often muddies the story further. Both realize they want each other, are good for each other, and any threats to their growing relationship are from outside sources, not them individually. And their romance was paced well. I loved it. The only thing that really bugged me in this book was that Lydia always called him Greystone even after he told her to call him Miles. Even in the spicy scenes it was still Greystone.

This is a solid 4 stars from me. Spice would be a solid 3 🔥🔥🔥. What spice was there was justified and flowed with the story. The end definitely paves way for the next in the series. (And I want to know what Cecil is up to in Burgess Hill.)

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars? I’m a little unsure what to rate this book. It was entertaining enough and an easy read (or audiobook listen), but something about it felt a little uneven. There were parts I really liked and other parts where I was starting to lose interest. I enjoyed the 2nd book in this series though, so will continue with the others.

[Phoenix77 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's O.K.

I read the second one first and to me this one suffered by comparison. The heroine seemed a little ditzy at times and had a tstl moment at the end that bumped it down to a 3. Glad I read the second one first or I probably wouldn't have bothered.

[SassyLeg · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars nice but predictable enemies to lovers romance.
He is scarred/tortured/grumpy- she is sassy/stubborn but with a heart of gold.
One time read

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Last the Rogue Returns by Adele Clee was actually my first foray into reading this genre. Prior to this book the majority of my experience with the romance genre comes in the form of fanfiction. This book was on par with some of the better ones I’ve read.

Adele Clee’s writing is light and fun, and seems to poke fun at itself frequently. Most of what I read is usually more self-important and so it was a very nice change of pace to read something that was more the equivalent of cotton candy or sweet fizzy drinks than dumplings or coffee. (Not that I don’t love all of the above but sometimes one’s sweet tooth simply must be indulged. And I’ve always had a rather rampant one.)

I found Lydia to be a delightful character – particularly as her acknowledgements of her own fallibilities and her desires and affections do naught to lessen her own personal strength and determination throughout the novel. She does not become a docile maiden to be rescued as I had expected the plot to go and that was fantastic.

Miles too proved to be a fun character. While the brooding-but-noble vengeance seeker is not necessarily the most original of character archetypes I thought Miles was excellently executed and not a simple caricature of the trope but someone whose experiences and motivations are fully fleshed.

Additionally while the positive side characters (Ada, Drake, Dariell, etc) are often defined by their most prominent feature of personality they are fun to see cross the page and don’t feel as if their lives are simply ornaments to highlight the main characters. (I would very much like to see where things go with Ada and Dariell in the future. ^^’)

All in all while not my usual choice in reading I actually had a ton of fun reading At Last the Rogue Returns and will definitely add the next book in the series to my ‘To-Read’ list and check out some more of Adele Clee’s works to see if more catch my eye.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Lydia Lovell was trying to get some sense out of Ada, the maid. She was panting, trembling and nervous and unable to get the message out that she was trying to convey. She finally said that Seth, the stable groom, had gone for supplies and saw the devil! Lydia sighed, knowing Seth loved to tease the innocent Ada who believed all that he said. But Ada repeated that he had seen a huge, hulking beast! Just like a detective, Lydia asked questions and logically pieced together the clues to determine who this devil-man must be! She had a suspicion that the rogue had returned and she was blazing with anger!

Miles Oakley -- Lord Greystone -- had been away from his estate for years, trying to make his fortune. He left a steward in charge to keep his property maintained and repairs made as needed, as well as to care for his tenants. But the steward deceived him and the home deteriorated, the tenants cruelly left starving. Lydia, in a fury, confronts him at his gate and accuses him of abandoning his tenants with no assistance or funds to survive. He would not have believed her if he had not just seen the condition of his ruined manor for himself! Will the two join in discovering what has been going on? Will Miles help her when her scheming sister-in-law and brother try to keep her from her inheritance and try to marry her off to Lord Randall in whom she had no interest at all!

This was a very exciting book to read! The mystery and intrigue captures the reader’s attention immediately. The plot’s twists and turns keep the reader involved every step of the way. The characters are developed well and are very convincing through their actions. I highly recommend this one. A very enjoyable book, and I look forward to more from this author!

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Lydia Lovell has a bone to pick with Lord Greystone, Milles Oakley for the longest time. He’s been away from his home and his tenants have suffered because of his neglect. She dreams of confronting him and giving him a proper set down! She vows to give him a piece of her mind. Her dream or more like nightmare becomes reality when Lydia rushes to confront him and sees a man that looks like the very Devil that has her heart racing but it’s not fear it’s something else entirely!

Lord Greystone Miles Oakley has been away to make a fortune, return and exact revenge to make things right. Instead he’s accosted by a very delectable young woman with the most absurd accusations. By the shambles his estates are in and the interlopers in his home he’s forced to believe the lovely Lydia Lovell. Someone has been fleecing him, instead of repairing and caring for his tenants!

I just LOVE, LOVE Adele Clee! She brings the right amount of intrigue, mystery and twisted plots. And let’s not forget the sizzle, it’s downright scorching! This was a well written story that kept me intrigued with all the mystery and emotions I found myself holding my breath. I truly enjoyed the mystery and outcome i never expected the ending with her sister-in law but it fit her crime.
I’m excited for this new series and can’t wait for the second one. I highly recommend Adele Clee’s Books she has everything a historical romance reader looks for plenty of mystery, intrigue descriptive action, emotions that truly grab you and of course the sizzle between the well developed Hero and Heroine. All in one package!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in this series was really good & I am looking forward to reading more from Adele Clee in the future. Miss Lydia Lovell, our heroine, was an independent, brave, kind, lovely & openly honest with her opinions & she has been trying to help the tenants of Greystone who are starving, sick & their houses in disrepair. Miles Oakley, Lord Greystone, our hero, has been away from his estate earning his fortune. He left a steward in charge to handle tenants, repairs & upkeep on his estate but upon returning finds property in shambles, tenants suffering & the money he sent the steward gambled away. Lydia, wild with anger, confronts Miles when he returns at his front gate & accuses him of abandoning his tenants with no assistance or funds to survive. He would not have believed her if he had not just seen the condition of his ruined manor for himself! He begins to believe her as he see the condition of the estate but will they be able to work together, can he convince her that he didn't know about the situation? Lydia is being forced into marriage by her money hungry sister-in-law & milk toast brother, who want to keep her inheritance by marrying scheming Lord Randall - can Miles help her? Lydia & Miles make a very fun, sexy, romantic, witty & happy couple & I really enjoyed their playful bantering as their journey led them to their HEA.

I enjoyed the mystery, suspense & all the twists that took place - it kept me turning pages until I read "The End". The characters ranged from disgusting "bottom feeders" to wonderful loving people with well developed personalities. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance readers - you won't be disappointed!

[Nazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Last the Rogue Returns is the first of a new series called the Avenging Lords by Adele Clee.

Miles Oakley, Viscount Greystone, returns to England after 5 years away making his fortune. He has his own agenda – he is back for revenge against the people who humiliated his mother. He had left his estate in the care of his secretary Gilligan who let the land go to ruin and embezzled the funds he had been sending.

Miss Lydia Lovell, who lives on the neighbouring estate, has been waiting for the ‘wicked’ Viscount Greystone to return so she can give him a piece of her mind. She has watched the estate fall into rack and ruin and seen the hardship suffered by his tenants. She believes him to be heartless and cruel.

Confronting him on the first night of his return, she is taken aback to find that he may not be the monster she thought all these years.

There is an immediate and powerful attraction between the two despite their initial bad start but Greystone and Lydia both have powerful enemies and plots to foil before they can reach their HEA.

I really liked Lydia and Greystone as a couple. Lydia is lovely heroine, loyal and clever. Miles is as a hero should be, strong, handsome and honourable.

I have said this before, but I really like Adele Clee’s writing. Her characters are believable, down to earth and the situations are never so convoluted that you have to suspend your disbelief.

The story also introduces Miles’ friends, Drake and Dariell who sound as though they will have equally compelling stories. I can’t wait to read Drake’s story in ‘A Wicked Wager’.

I would highly recommend this book and all of Adele’s past series. She rarely disappoints.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of Adele's books and am never disappointed. This is the start of wonderful new series with powerful strong men.
This book is about Lord Greystone, who has just returned home after years in India to find his home in total upheaval.
Lady Lydia Lovell his neighbor has disliked or closer to hated him for years for leaving the manor to ruin, and his tenants to rot, no work, high rents and little food. All of which she has been trying to help with. Her life at home with her spineless brother Cecil (or is he) and hateful, mean sister in law, Arabella is not at all pleasant. Arabella wants to marry her off to a snob Lord Randall with hidden reasons of her own.
She is the first to attack Lord Greystone on the night of his return. This meeting does not go anything like she thought it would.
Devlin Drake, a friend of Lord Greystone, adds a lot to the story, he is large, powerful and dark.
The evil caretaker, Mr Gilligan is someone you will dislike, distrust, and just what to slap for his actions.
Not wanting to give anything away and their are lot's of twist and turns to solve.
Am hoping you will dive into this great story. I read it in one sitting during a rainy afternoon .
I received an ARC of this book from Adele for my honest review.
Can't wait for the next book, hope it is about Devlin Drake !

[Diana Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele Clee is one of the authors that when I start a new book by her, I know I am going to experience a really good story. At Last the Rogue Returns is no exception. It was outstanding. Our heroine, Lydia Lovell, has an ax to grind against the hero who returns after several years abroad making his fortune. As a neighbor, she is appalled at the deterioration and negligence his tenants and estate have endured in his absence. Miles Oakley, Viscount Greystone returns, expecting his estate to be in good condition as he had made provisions before he left, and forwarded additional funds upon requests from his appointed steward. The truth comes out when he returns and Lydia assists him at the beginning, in order to gain the trust of his tenants and make needed repairs. Lydia in a few weeks time will reach her majority and gain her inheritance, but her vile sister-in-law has other plans for Lydia and her inheritance. There is plenty of intrigue in this work, as well as a search for villains, the unveiling of nefarious plots, and a quest for revenge. But most of all, there is a slow growing, lovely romance between Lydia and Miles. A really great read.

The reasons why I enjoyed this book: it was original, unpredictable, twisted, had wonderful characters, entertaining, and most definitely romantic.

[dumbells · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not a fan of the "betraying body syndrome" and this one here both the MCs have it like bad. I mean at some point I started counting how many times the h thought of her "traitorous body" in those words. Eye roll. It was just making the main plot and important things got sidetracked by all these pauses and losses in thought the characters were taking while trying to determine what all this animal attraction means to them. Big clue, YOU GUYS WANNA DO EACH OTHER. Just get over it already and move on with some more interesting things…. All these getting lost in each other's eyes and wanting to kiss and wanting to kiss and wanting to kiss over and over and over and over again. Annoying no? And that was just one sentence. Imagine having to sit through hundreds of pages of the stuff. I do hope this thing pics up a bit more away from all of this teenage lust attraction and the h experiencing lust for the first time evaaaa.

If I was confronted by my scheming sister-in-law with a point-blank proclamation that she was gonna marry me off to that fop of a lord-wanna-be person I would not have brushed it off as easily as the h had. After all, that woman schemed her way into her family I do think she has more of that in her and she seems quite desperate. Why the h doesn't grab her fav maid and steal away in the middle of the night to her London townhouse to wait for her inheritance to kick in I do not understand. The threat of scheming relatives was a real danger then and a bit now days too. It further speaks to the h's cluelessness that she does not take that threat seriously despite her spunk and fortitude in other random places she just goes about her day daydreaming on the eyes of the new dastardly rogue lord that came back. *Eye roll*

So far only like H, sort of. He at least had a plan when he came back to his old place of residence and a purpose. He is blindsided by his attraction to the h and is working his way through that, but he still focused on making his plans come true. The h is just a classic maiden locked in a tower waiting for her prince charming to show up to rescue her, except she is just stuck in her small village and waiting for her inheritance to kick in and now that this handsome stranger showed up she is just all about that. Despite her proclaimed intelligence she keeps doing random things that land her in situations that require her to be rescued in one way or another. I swear to all the muses if she gets schemed to end up at the altar with that ne'er-do-well lordling person and need the H to show up to rescue her from that disaster in the classic romantic movie end scene I am burning this book. It's just so…ugh:


I can't believe I have to go through this thing again… I just seem to be trudging through another ridiculous convoluted unbelievable story again. I was wracking my brain why it was not jiving with me when it had all the makings of a successful historical read and came to the conclusion that it all felt so contrived. I mean this dastardly lord comes back seeking revenge in this sleeping small town village and the h that is not like the other ladies is just languishing there, never belonging but having a heart of gold as she cares about those bellow her in circumstances and status (unlike her other nobility contemporaries). They meet. There is this crazy attraction and she insults him which lights a fire in his loins. The rogue proves himself a misjudged rogue and they dance around each other for a while before ending up on some grand ending after some drama and contrived criminal actions from the villainous character/s. I mean come on.

There is very little focus on the plot or validity of these people's actions. Even in that scene when the h takes the H to introduce him to his tenants and this burly guy is all grief-stricken at the loss of his wife and asks the rogue lord if he has ever in love and the H looks at the h, jezus. I mean it was obviously set up that way for the H to think of the h in more than just sexual way than what he has been doing and indicate to the reader this subtle shift in that perspective. Except! It's not subtle at all. And this is what bugs me most! These authors are just spinning the same old tropes and plots and not even trying a bit to weave them a bit more seamlessly into their story. Everything is done so the MCs get time alone, so they can explore their attraction to one another and so H can keep on rescuing the h in one way or another. Gimmi a break. You what it looks like to us when we know the author is just exploiting the same old plots and tropes to make a quick buck and recognition? This way:


There are those who do lean on the old standard plot and trope but they make it work for their story because it's the story they wanna tell not just hit all the right notes with the people who like this or that genre of a book.

I'm at 33% now and this is not looking good for now.

Yeah… shortly after writing this I just could not take any more of these characters… It was just so googlie-eyeish. The inner narration when they were experiencing their mutual attraction was escrutiatinly flowery and it was just… so… slow. I felt like the character in the movie that just been stuck in a car/truck for 12hours and been drinking coffee and energy drinks and now have to line up in front of a huge line of people for the bathroom and the reason for the delay was just some teenagers inside chatting about some teenage stuff that is just so unimportant. And there I was, as a reader, just bursting with annoyance saying "Hurry up, hurry up, HURRY UP!" I couldn't take these two anymore!

So I skipped to the end and even that I could not engage to finish off once the h started lamenting to the H how unfair it was that his friend was gonna end up with some evil woman or another. I. Just. Do. Not. Care. Frivolous characters with frivolous personalities and frivolous lives with little to no plot whatsoever to support a reader's interest in their frivolous HEA.

Clearly, I and this author do not jive and I just do not stand her writing style. So this is gonna have to be another pass for any future readings.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when you begin a book you just know that it is going to be good because all the author's previous one's have been really good, but this one surpassed my expectations.
I have been reading virtually non-stop and loving every second of it. I really think that this new story/series is Adele Clee's best so far. This writer just gets better and better the more she writes.
I loved the two main characters, Miles and Lydia. They prove to be very passionate and caring people and plan and execute things to improve not only their loves but also the lives of those around them.
I even loved the sister-in-law with her greedy and selfish nature - if only s
he focussed on what really mattered.
All in all, a very enjoyable story which is definitely a page turner and one that is really worth while reading.
I read an Advance Readers Copy of the ebook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly and improbable

I generally enjoy Adele Clee’s books, but I found this one silly, shallow, cliched, and rife with improbabilities. I laughed out loud when the sexually naive heroine expressed shock and commented at the villain’s hairless groin when he tried to rape her. My question is, how does she know it’s not typical given that she talks about “not knowing anything” because her mother died when she was very young and no one ever talked to her about intimacy.

Bottom line: it’s one thing to mine to the tropes of Regency romance but the author at least try to make it entertaining. This book was not.

[Carolyn Overcash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is action-packed with a strong manly hero who makes his own destiny. The heroine thinks the worst of the lord who was absent from the family home.

Our hero(?) has enough on his plate, with illegitimate half-brothers and a thieving factor who has let his inheritance go to rack and ruin. What can he do when the next-door neighbor confronts him?

Our heroine has troubles of her own, mainly her sister-in-law and an unwelcome suitor. Why is she sticking her nose in the next-door neighbor's business?

Read and find out if romance can bloom. Recommended for over 18. And yes, I will gladly read anything written by Adele Clee, she is that good!

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There were many things happening, misunderstandings, mysterious events, underhanded schemes, and a mating of souls. I fell in love with Miles, his coldness to cover up his pain not a deterrent. Under all, he was gallant, sexy, and very accepting of how his outlook was changing. Lydia was determined to have her own freedom, and I loved her strength, her innocence, and caring. I look forward to the next book in this series, as Drake was a man in need of the right woman.

I received an ARC of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

[S.T. Rucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia felt kind of like one of those wealthy white ladies who donates to charities and helps "the lower classes" because it "makes her feel good". All the while never understanding or acknowledging that she's a part of a system that creates the oppression she feels so good fixing. It felt so patronising. That's the messed up thing about (white) privilege. That stuck out to me.

Dariell, the mysterious Frenchman with the pearls of wisdom and fighting skills, was kind of annoying for some reason.

Overall I found the book a more enjoyable read than I'm used to. Especially for its time period.

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like 'bodice ripper' type plots with very silly characters, you might like this. The H fell for the h at first sight, although she 'knew' him to be a bad man. She also new her brother was weak but knew he was a good man who would see reason. Of course it's all back to front, and even when she finds out the truth, she's still determined e.g. stupid, to right the wrongs herself. I disliked that she didn't learn anything, but then she was very stupid. The end.