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The Wicked Waywards #1
The Devil's Own
All hell breaks loose, when the devil falls in love with an angel.
Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, the good reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return. He’s got an important deal that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock.
Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she'll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.
The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it's nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint.
Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, the good reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return. He’s got an important deal that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock.
Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she'll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.
The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it's nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2020
21 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Liana LeFey
16 books140 followersLiana loves to weave incendiary tales that capture the heart and the imagination, taking the reader out of the now and into another world. The glory and splendor of the 18th Century provides a lush, glittering backdrop for her fairy tale romances. It’s a time of sensuous lovers, passionate music, lavish royal courts and deadly intrigues.
Liana lives in Texas with her own dashing hero of nearly twenty years, their delightful progeny, one spoiled-rotten feline overlord, and several tanks of tropical fish. She’s been devouring historical romances since her early teens and is now delighted to be writing them for fellow enthusiasts.
Liana lives in Texas with her own dashing hero of nearly twenty years, their delightful progeny, one spoiled-rotten feline overlord, and several tanks of tropical fish. She’s been devouring historical romances since her early teens and is now delighted to be writing them for fellow enthusiasts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 6, 2020
MISTAKEN IDENTITIES LEAD TO SWEET ROMANCE
At the beginning of this book I was sort of on the fence - I liked that the romantic interest was a vicar (which isn't all that usual in Historical Romance, at least as far as I'm aware) but I was not a fan of Mary, the female main character. Soon I was taken over by the story, the evolution of Mary and the ending really had me going.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Premise: Devlin and Daniel, the local vicar, are identical twins. One day, during a prank where Devlin dressed up as Daniel to fool some of the parishioners, Devlin breaks his leg. With everyone believing that it was actually Daniel, the vicar, who broke his leg, the two twins decide to switch places until Devlin's leg heals. Honestly, it sounds ridiculous and far fetched but it was quite entertaining. Especially seeing Devlin, who is a bit of a scoundrel, taking over his brother's duties of vicar.
Mary: Like I said, at first I didn't like Mary. She felt very shallow, having firmly decided on marrying the vicar without ever having talked to him. But as she spent more and more time with Devlin (posing as the vicar) I saw her true character - kind, intelligent, tenacious. I really started to like her, care for her and want the best for her.
Ending: It is not often that a Historical Romance novel hits me so deeply that I actually start to tear up, but the ending of this book did it. It tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 11 Fairy Tale Retellings for Your Inner Villain
At the beginning of this book I was sort of on the fence - I liked that the romantic interest was a vicar (which isn't all that usual in Historical Romance, at least as far as I'm aware) but I was not a fan of Mary, the female main character. Soon I was taken over by the story, the evolution of Mary and the ending really had me going.
"Honey catches more vicars than vinegar."
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Premise: Devlin and Daniel, the local vicar, are identical twins. One day, during a prank where Devlin dressed up as Daniel to fool some of the parishioners, Devlin breaks his leg. With everyone believing that it was actually Daniel, the vicar, who broke his leg, the two twins decide to switch places until Devlin's leg heals. Honestly, it sounds ridiculous and far fetched but it was quite entertaining. Especially seeing Devlin, who is a bit of a scoundrel, taking over his brother's duties of vicar.
Mary: Like I said, at first I didn't like Mary. She felt very shallow, having firmly decided on marrying the vicar without ever having talked to him. But as she spent more and more time with Devlin (posing as the vicar) I saw her true character - kind, intelligent, tenacious. I really started to like her, care for her and want the best for her.
Ending: It is not often that a Historical Romance novel hits me so deeply that I actually start to tear up, but the ending of this book did it. It tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 11 Fairy Tale Retellings for Your Inner Villain
June 16, 2021
This was a very entertaining read concerning twin brothers. The brothers were completely different, Daniel was the local vicar and Devlin lived an hedonistic life in London. Mary was a parishioner who had her sights on becoming the vicar’s wife. I did feel for Mary, she had been on the move constantly due to her father’s work and hadn’t made any lasting friends. Now she wishes to settle in the village, as she had found one true friend. While Devlin is taking Daniel’s place, he is also trying to discourage Mary from an attachment with Daniel. There were some amusing antics between them but Mary is well matched to his tricks. Devlin feels attracted to Mary but doesn’t want to be. There are a number of events that have repercussions and Devlin doesn’t always act as he should. However, a happy ending is achieved. I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 5, 2021
I received a free e-ARC from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This is 4.5 stars, rounded up!
I absolutely loved reading this!!
I've been having a good set of historical romances lately, and this one is the latest of those really good ones I just couldn't stop reading!
I knew I wanted to read this as soon as I read the synopsis; The Parent Trap/The Princess Switch rolled up with pretending to be a vicar of all people, and that too in a historical romance? Sign me up! (Quite literally, because I signed up for this one on a form XD)
From the minute I started till this ended, I had a very hard time putting this down because this was so entertaining! There were a few things I had slight problems with, but all in all it was an amazing experience, and I will for sure be checking out more by this author in the future.
I just loved the switching part of this, especially because our rake had to become a celibate vicar who was representative of all things good and holy or something, so I had so much fun seeing Devlin trying not to curse loudly and not drinking and asking for help and having patience and spouting scripture and whatnot, but my favourite part of it was when that gate fell on his leg and he let out a very loud 'Bollocks!' and then Mary's expression *cracks up again*.
There were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way, which is why this is rated 4.5 and not 5. The first of these is the way Mary was very desperate? wantonly? I don't know how exactly to express this, but the way she used to think with the 'oh she couldn't wait until they were married' used to give the creeps, kinda like a book I finished recently, If Only by Angela Marsons, in which the character Sarah gave me similar vibes. Fortunately Mary was a better character.
The other thing was the way the whole marriage came about; I'm trying not to spoil anything, so I'm just gonna say that I didn't like how they both almost took advantage of each other, albeit in different ways. There was a whole lot of dubious consent, in my opinion, but I did like the way it was addressed in both POVs shortly after the matter.
Despite all its faults, I just loved the angst. I loved the way everything worked out, how the whole fake relationship came to be, how they got past their grievances, how they managed to fall in love all over again; I just loved the book.
On the whole, an amazing experience, and I will definitely be checking more out by this author. I just loved this, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys angsty historical romances, secret identities (or rather the parent trap switch), people pretending to be men of God and mostly failing, books that you just cannot put down, and small town romances that leave you with that feel good sense about your life.
This is 4.5 stars, rounded up!
I absolutely loved reading this!!
I've been having a good set of historical romances lately, and this one is the latest of those really good ones I just couldn't stop reading!
I knew I wanted to read this as soon as I read the synopsis; The Parent Trap/The Princess Switch rolled up with pretending to be a vicar of all people, and that too in a historical romance? Sign me up! (Quite literally, because I signed up for this one on a form XD)
From the minute I started till this ended, I had a very hard time putting this down because this was so entertaining! There were a few things I had slight problems with, but all in all it was an amazing experience, and I will for sure be checking out more by this author in the future.
I just loved the switching part of this, especially because our rake had to become a celibate vicar who was representative of all things good and holy or something, so I had so much fun seeing Devlin trying not to curse loudly and not drinking and asking for help and having patience and spouting scripture and whatnot, but my favourite part of it was when that gate fell on his leg and he let out a very loud 'Bollocks!' and then Mary's expression *cracks up again*.
There were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way, which is why this is rated 4.5 and not 5. The first of these is the way Mary was very desperate? wantonly? I don't know how exactly to express this, but the way she used to think with the 'oh she couldn't wait until they were married' used to give the creeps, kinda like a book I finished recently, If Only by Angela Marsons, in which the character Sarah gave me similar vibes. Fortunately Mary was a better character.
The other thing was the way the whole marriage came about; I'm trying not to spoil anything, so I'm just gonna say that I didn't like how they both almost took advantage of each other, albeit in different ways. There was a whole lot of dubious consent, in my opinion, but I did like the way it was addressed in both POVs shortly after the matter.
Despite all its faults, I just loved the angst. I loved the way everything worked out, how the whole fake relationship came to be, how they got past their grievances, how they managed to fall in love all over again; I just loved the book.
On the whole, an amazing experience, and I will definitely be checking more out by this author. I just loved this, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys angsty historical romances, secret identities (or rather the parent trap switch), people pretending to be men of God and mostly failing, books that you just cannot put down, and small town romances that leave you with that feel good sense about your life.
June 17, 2020
The Devil's Own
The Wicked Waywards Series #1
Liana LeFey
https://www.facebook.com/LianaLeFey/
Release date 06/19/2020
Publisher Entangled Amara
Blurb :
Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, the good reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return. He’s got an important deal that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock.
Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she'll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.
The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it's nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint.
My review :
Will his duplicity be the end of them when he will have to go back to his real life ...
Wow, this is my first read by Mrs Liana LeFey and I much loved it, such I can’t wait for its sequel.
It was so entertaining to watch the sinner impersonating the saint all while he must discourage the woman drawn to the holy man.
Devlin but for a letter bears well his name, for his age, he is still quite childish, and like for a child, his pranks have often consequences. Thus here he finds himself having to switch his room with his reverent of a twin. With the mission to not endangering her his brother’s living and fend off a very determined miss who has set her cap on the man of the cloth.
Least he expected to be charmed by said miss, and now he finds himself conflicted between the pull he feels toward Mary and the need to hide his deceit. And what ever he instigates to repel her, she thwarts his every attempts, by genuinely being kind and fair. And then arises feelings much deeper than everything else he has ever felt.
Mary after a heart’s deception has sworn of rogues and rakes, why the reverent has so much appeal, that and her need to put down some roots. But the holy man always finds a way to evade her attempts, until by some fate’s game she finally has her chance to get closer. But it is nothing like she expected, she goes from hot to cold and vice-versa at every turn. One moment, she feels like he likes her, then he rebuffs her. Her time with him is like going from Charybdis to Scylla. Yet, she discerns a very different than the one he shows to his other parishioners. The more time passes, the more his mask cracks, and he lets slip he is also a man of flesh and blood, not only of holy words and prayers.
A man she comes to like more and fall for, instead of his other more refrained self.
I loved to see Devlin and Mary getting to know one another as both came to see the errors of their way, Devlin and his meaningless pursuits of wealth and pleasures and Mary for considering a position before the man. Yet, I wondered when and how Devlin’s trickery will blow to his face.
Mrs LeFey gives her words full reign to explore the many faults of her characters, they are flawed, they make mistakes, they hurt one another yet they also lift a weight in the other’s heart, their love healing their soul.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Wicked Waywards Series #1
Liana LeFey
https://www.facebook.com/LianaLeFey/
Release date 06/19/2020
Publisher Entangled Amara
Blurb :
Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, the good reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return. He’s got an important deal that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock.
Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she'll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.
The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it's nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint.
My review :
Will his duplicity be the end of them when he will have to go back to his real life ...
Wow, this is my first read by Mrs Liana LeFey and I much loved it, such I can’t wait for its sequel.
It was so entertaining to watch the sinner impersonating the saint all while he must discourage the woman drawn to the holy man.
Devlin but for a letter bears well his name, for his age, he is still quite childish, and like for a child, his pranks have often consequences. Thus here he finds himself having to switch his room with his reverent of a twin. With the mission to not endangering her his brother’s living and fend off a very determined miss who has set her cap on the man of the cloth.
Least he expected to be charmed by said miss, and now he finds himself conflicted between the pull he feels toward Mary and the need to hide his deceit. And what ever he instigates to repel her, she thwarts his every attempts, by genuinely being kind and fair. And then arises feelings much deeper than everything else he has ever felt.
Mary after a heart’s deception has sworn of rogues and rakes, why the reverent has so much appeal, that and her need to put down some roots. But the holy man always finds a way to evade her attempts, until by some fate’s game she finally has her chance to get closer. But it is nothing like she expected, she goes from hot to cold and vice-versa at every turn. One moment, she feels like he likes her, then he rebuffs her. Her time with him is like going from Charybdis to Scylla. Yet, she discerns a very different than the one he shows to his other parishioners. The more time passes, the more his mask cracks, and he lets slip he is also a man of flesh and blood, not only of holy words and prayers.
A man she comes to like more and fall for, instead of his other more refrained self.
I loved to see Devlin and Mary getting to know one another as both came to see the errors of their way, Devlin and his meaningless pursuits of wealth and pleasures and Mary for considering a position before the man. Yet, I wondered when and how Devlin’s trickery will blow to his face.
Mrs LeFey gives her words full reign to explore the many faults of her characters, they are flawed, they make mistakes, they hurt one another yet they also lift a weight in the other’s heart, their love healing their soul.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 2, 2020
This book was infuriating. Dev is more villain than hero, devoid of integrity, courage, or, honestly, logic, and the way the entire book conspires to gaslight the poor heroine is appalling.
Full review will appear on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books in due course.
Full review will appear on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books in due course.
June 15, 2021
A historical twin swap! How delightful!
Reverend Daniel Wayward has found some unwanted attention from a parishioner, Miss Mary, who has set her sights on him.
His twin brother Devlin is visiting from London and hears this and decides to help him out by dressing as him and letting her down gently only to break his leg. Now he's stuck in this masquerade.
Daniel is very upset since Devlin is a rakehell that owns gambling hells in London and this can't end well. But seeing no other way out that won't destroy their families reputation and his position he's agreed. Daniel sets off to pretend to be him while he stays on as the vicar in this sleepy town.
Only to find that the more he tries to deter her the more he develops feelings for her. He keeps trying to get her to not like Daniel but Devlin is very interested.
I love a good unraveling of a twin swap and this one is a doozy. I was worried she would have to marry the wrong twin for a second but I'm giving a lot away.
Would you be able to trust someone that tricked you or trust that the love you felt was real?
Thank you entangled publishing and net galley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
Reverend Daniel Wayward has found some unwanted attention from a parishioner, Miss Mary, who has set her sights on him.
His twin brother Devlin is visiting from London and hears this and decides to help him out by dressing as him and letting her down gently only to break his leg. Now he's stuck in this masquerade.
Daniel is very upset since Devlin is a rakehell that owns gambling hells in London and this can't end well. But seeing no other way out that won't destroy their families reputation and his position he's agreed. Daniel sets off to pretend to be him while he stays on as the vicar in this sleepy town.
Only to find that the more he tries to deter her the more he develops feelings for her. He keeps trying to get her to not like Daniel but Devlin is very interested.
I love a good unraveling of a twin swap and this one is a doozy. I was worried she would have to marry the wrong twin for a second but I'm giving a lot away.
Would you be able to trust someone that tricked you or trust that the love you felt was real?
Thank you entangled publishing and net galley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
August 12, 2023
I give this book 3,5 stars.
The romance between Devlin and Mary is really sweet but also very dramatic and angsty.
Devlin's twin brother Daniel is the vicar in the town where Mary lives and he is also the man that Mary sees herself in love with. Unfortunately he doesn’t feel the same but he doesn’t know how to tell her.
While Devlin is visiting his family he injures his leg and they agree to switch places. Devlin stays in town as the vicar Daniel and Daniel becomes the rake and game house owner Devlin.
Devlin also agrees to try to discourage Mary from being in love with Daniel.
Unfortunately after spending a lot of time together tending to the villagers in town they fall for each other. But Mary thinks she is really falling for Daniel because they switched so what will happen when the truth comes out and will she ever be able to forgive Devlin for his actions and his deceit?
One of the things that doesn’t add completely up is how can Devlin suddenly go from being a rake to becoming a vicar just like that. Being a vicar is not easy and the sermons he has to keep every Sunday and everything that is expected of a chaste man shouldn’t come so easily to a rake.
I know that it becomes harder and harder for him the longer he spends his time with Mary but why doesn’t anybody notice that it isn’t Daniel who is the vicar. It surprises me a lot.
I think that all the characters are really great but I think that Devlin’s family treats him really bad in the end and that they don’t even want to listen to him and don’t trust him makes me really sad. The same with Mary she didn’t listen to him either and that is the reason for the whole misunderstanding.
The beginning is a little dragged out and I had some trouble with the ending but the middle where they get to know each other I loved. They are so cute together at that point.
I can recommend this book.
I got this book from Entangled publishing and Netgalley and this is my honest opinion and voluntary review.
The romance between Devlin and Mary is really sweet but also very dramatic and angsty.
Devlin's twin brother Daniel is the vicar in the town where Mary lives and he is also the man that Mary sees herself in love with. Unfortunately he doesn’t feel the same but he doesn’t know how to tell her.
While Devlin is visiting his family he injures his leg and they agree to switch places. Devlin stays in town as the vicar Daniel and Daniel becomes the rake and game house owner Devlin.
Devlin also agrees to try to discourage Mary from being in love with Daniel.
Unfortunately after spending a lot of time together tending to the villagers in town they fall for each other. But Mary thinks she is really falling for Daniel because they switched so what will happen when the truth comes out and will she ever be able to forgive Devlin for his actions and his deceit?
One of the things that doesn’t add completely up is how can Devlin suddenly go from being a rake to becoming a vicar just like that. Being a vicar is not easy and the sermons he has to keep every Sunday and everything that is expected of a chaste man shouldn’t come so easily to a rake.
I know that it becomes harder and harder for him the longer he spends his time with Mary but why doesn’t anybody notice that it isn’t Daniel who is the vicar. It surprises me a lot.
I think that all the characters are really great but I think that Devlin’s family treats him really bad in the end and that they don’t even want to listen to him and don’t trust him makes me really sad. The same with Mary she didn’t listen to him either and that is the reason for the whole misunderstanding.
The beginning is a little dragged out and I had some trouble with the ending but the middle where they get to know each other I loved. They are so cute together at that point.
I can recommend this book.
I got this book from Entangled publishing and Netgalley and this is my honest opinion and voluntary review.
May 16, 2021
Lord Devlin Wayward pretends to be his identical twin brother, Reverend Daniel Wayward, and in the process breaks his leg. Because Devlin is unable to travel to an important meeting in London, Devlin and Daniel switch places. Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the very handsome Reverend and believes him to possess the moral character she is looking for in a husband. Mary doesn’t understand why the Reverend keeps rebuffing her advances but, when he allows her to help with parish duties, she’s determined to show him what a perfect wife she could be.
I was drawn to this plot and I felt like it was well done. At first, Mary seems very shallow and her attraction to the Reverend superficial. As her character is revealed, she’s aching for normalcy and a settled home. Devlin tries to dissuade Mary for Daniel, but he’s drawn to her and sends constant mixed signals. I liked seeing them spend time together doing visitations to the elderly neighbors.
I believe this is a continuation of the author’s previous series, Once Wicked. I have never read her books before and this one can be read alone. This is Devlin’s story but there is a set up for a second book to describe what happened to Daniel during the switch. I look forward to that story!
Tropes: Twins, Disguised/Mistaken Identity, Vicar Hero (sort of), Nursed (sort of)
I was drawn to this plot and I felt like it was well done. At first, Mary seems very shallow and her attraction to the Reverend superficial. As her character is revealed, she’s aching for normalcy and a settled home. Devlin tries to dissuade Mary for Daniel, but he’s drawn to her and sends constant mixed signals. I liked seeing them spend time together doing visitations to the elderly neighbors.
I believe this is a continuation of the author’s previous series, Once Wicked. I have never read her books before and this one can be read alone. This is Devlin’s story but there is a set up for a second book to describe what happened to Daniel during the switch. I look forward to that story!
Tropes: Twins, Disguised/Mistaken Identity, Vicar Hero (sort of), Nursed (sort of)
June 14, 2021
Devlin and Daniel are identical twins and oooohhh what trouble they can cause!! Devlin, a gambler and a rake, and Daniel, a reverend, decide to trade identities for a bit and neither one of them could have predicted how it would all end. I really enjoyed this story and thought Liana LeFey did a really great job writing it!
When Devlin (as Daniel) meets Mary, he has a hard time forgetting his promise to his brother that he would make sure she would stop following him around and turn away her marriage minded ideas!! He tries....he really does....but he starts to fall for Mary and resisting her is almost impossible. When everything falls apart and hearts are broken, only he can right it all.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
When Devlin (as Daniel) meets Mary, he has a hard time forgetting his promise to his brother that he would make sure she would stop following him around and turn away her marriage minded ideas!! He tries....he really does....but he starts to fall for Mary and resisting her is almost impossible. When everything falls apart and hearts are broken, only he can right it all.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 28, 2020
Hello, I'd like to report a crime. This book stole my time and patience.
I'm not usually a historical romance person unless there's something paranormal afoot, but the premise of this one was too amusing for me to pass up. This plot is fueled by a twin-swap scenario. In a prank gone wrong, the gambling den magnate, Devlin, takes the place of his twin, Daniel, a vicar, only to absorb the affections of Mary. She has long been infatuated with the idea of both the reverend and settling down in their small town.
Devlin's frequent misogynistic thoughts were entirely unflattering. For one, he likes Mary as an alternative to the "immoral" women of London. These other women are unsuitable because they engaged in either consensual or paid sex with him in the past. How dare they 🧐? For another, he ponders wether Mary will become a "shrew" in marriage and decides it's not possible because his love is so fulfilling. There are so many upsetting layers to his thoughts, and I can't even unravel all my rage-hazed thoughts on the subject.
Mary is so innocent as to become not realistic, especially as her primary interest is getting herself married. Their courtship plays out in a battle of one-upmanship for the moral high ground, i.e. who helps others the most and for the most pure objectives. She readily accepts any moral judgment from Devlin and molds herself to suit his desires. Never mind that Devlin is lying about who he is the whole time...
I'm essentially disappointed that a book with this premise not only lacked the subversive humor I sought but endorsed norms where women have to maintain moral purity even to earn the affections of a liar. Mary is flattened into a character that seeks perfection to earn a man, and while I could not fault her for it, I did not love the author for locking her in that position. Not only was I not swept up in the romance, but the resolution left a bad taste in my mouth. I will keep my spoilery rage on that topic to myself.
I'm not usually a historical romance person unless there's something paranormal afoot, but the premise of this one was too amusing for me to pass up. This plot is fueled by a twin-swap scenario. In a prank gone wrong, the gambling den magnate, Devlin, takes the place of his twin, Daniel, a vicar, only to absorb the affections of Mary. She has long been infatuated with the idea of both the reverend and settling down in their small town.
Devlin's frequent misogynistic thoughts were entirely unflattering. For one, he likes Mary as an alternative to the "immoral" women of London. These other women are unsuitable because they engaged in either consensual or paid sex with him in the past. How dare they 🧐? For another, he ponders wether Mary will become a "shrew" in marriage and decides it's not possible because his love is so fulfilling. There are so many upsetting layers to his thoughts, and I can't even unravel all my rage-hazed thoughts on the subject.
Mary is so innocent as to become not realistic, especially as her primary interest is getting herself married. Their courtship plays out in a battle of one-upmanship for the moral high ground, i.e. who helps others the most and for the most pure objectives. She readily accepts any moral judgment from Devlin and molds herself to suit his desires. Never mind that Devlin is lying about who he is the whole time...
I'm essentially disappointed that a book with this premise not only lacked the subversive humor I sought but endorsed norms where women have to maintain moral purity even to earn the affections of a liar. Mary is flattened into a character that seeks perfection to earn a man, and while I could not fault her for it, I did not love the author for locking her in that position. Not only was I not swept up in the romance, but the resolution left a bad taste in my mouth. I will keep my spoilery rage on that topic to myself.
June 5, 2021
Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, a reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return as he’s got an important deal to finalise that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock. Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she'll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.
This is the first in a new series & was a well written entertaining read. I started by not particularly liking Mary but the more I read the more I came to like her as she became a caring young woman. I loved Devlin, at the beginning, the prodigal brother returning, he was also caring to the poorer parishioners & I loved the developing feelings he had for Mary. Then he blew it big time & I really wondered if he could be redeemed. I did love how Mary made her non negotiable terms – good on you girl! I look forward to reading Daniel’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first in a new series & was a well written entertaining read. I started by not particularly liking Mary but the more I read the more I came to like her as she became a caring young woman. I loved Devlin, at the beginning, the prodigal brother returning, he was also caring to the poorer parishioners & I loved the developing feelings he had for Mary. Then he blew it big time & I really wondered if he could be redeemed. I did love how Mary made her non negotiable terms – good on you girl! I look forward to reading Daniel’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 11, 2020
This wasn't for me. Although the writing was good and I thought the premise was fun, the execution wasn't. I couldn't get over how, first of all, flimsy the whole set-up was, but also how awful the characters were, particularly the so-called romantic hero. He was a terrible person and his internal thoughts did not endear me to him. I dislike a hero who's willing to throw lots of money after prostitutes or beds half of the ton, but then condemns the women for being 'impure'. Honestly, gross, so I did not appreciate how Mary was held up as this decent, moral woman in comparison to "all the whores of London". And don't get me started on how Devlin then treats her after their illicit tryst. He was just a major asshole throughout the whole thing.
My main problem, though, was simply that I wasn't captivated by this. It took me ages to get through the first 20% of it and then I just started skimming. It wasn't until the last 50 pages or so that I got into it. This may just be personal preference, but I thought the ending would have made a far more interesting beginning, but as it were, I was just bored throughout most of it.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My main problem, though, was simply that I wasn't captivated by this. It took me ages to get through the first 20% of it and then I just started skimming. It wasn't until the last 50 pages or so that I got into it. This may just be personal preference, but I thought the ending would have made a far more interesting beginning, but as it were, I was just bored throughout most of it.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2021
"It was perfectly acceptable to stare at the man she'd selected to become her husband. After all, wasn't she supposed to pay attention when the vicar spoke?" Thoughts of Miss Mary Tomblin.
Oh yes, the first line of the story drew me in and I could not wait to see what would happen! The Wayward siblings all had names that started with a "D', with this being Devlin's story. The rake of the family! His twin Daniel was the local vicar in the town they had grown up in.
Mary Tomlin was besotted with the handsome vicar. Unfortunately, she could not get him to notice Her. What was not expected was that Devlin would impersonate his brother and ends up breaking his leg. Oh yes and Mary was right there!
A fun adventure that takes Devlin to the pulpit and also in the path of the lovely Mary, where you never know what will happen!
Oh yes, the first line of the story drew me in and I could not wait to see what would happen! The Wayward siblings all had names that started with a "D', with this being Devlin's story. The rake of the family! His twin Daniel was the local vicar in the town they had grown up in.
Mary Tomlin was besotted with the handsome vicar. Unfortunately, she could not get him to notice Her. What was not expected was that Devlin would impersonate his brother and ends up breaking his leg. Oh yes and Mary was right there!
A fun adventure that takes Devlin to the pulpit and also in the path of the lovely Mary, where you never know what will happen!
May 31, 2020
The storyline got me all curious. Twins exchanging places, one is a vicar and the other one is a gambling lord. And the love story happened in the country and not in a London ballroom.
The hero and his brother exchanged places due to a series of events and they had to maintain a consistency (Of deceit) sort of. And the Innocent heroine originally liked the original vicar brother due to his qualities as a vicar. But when the gambling lord brother pretended to be the vicar the heroine felt attraction for the first time. Anyway, they develop feelings for each other and the heroine got compromised but the hero walked out. And I think this is the point where other readers might hate the hero. He abandoned the heroine literally and tried (unsuccessfully) to resume his old life. In the end he redeemed himself. The heroine made him work for it which is good. I just wish several chapters were dedicated to this. There is an epilogue as well as an intro to the next book.
The things I did not like about this book but is in no way a deal breaker was the narrative introspection part. I did appreciate getting i to the minds of the character but not maybe several pages at a time. It could have been more fast paced in my opinion but nonetheless it is well written.
The hero and his brother exchanged places due to a series of events and they had to maintain a consistency (Of deceit) sort of. And the Innocent heroine originally liked the original vicar brother due to his qualities as a vicar. But when the gambling lord brother pretended to be the vicar the heroine felt attraction for the first time. Anyway, they develop feelings for each other and the heroine got compromised but the hero walked out. And I think this is the point where other readers might hate the hero. He abandoned the heroine literally and tried (unsuccessfully) to resume his old life. In the end he redeemed himself. The heroine made him work for it which is good. I just wish several chapters were dedicated to this. There is an epilogue as well as an intro to the next book.
The things I did not like about this book but is in no way a deal breaker was the narrative introspection part. I did appreciate getting i to the minds of the character but not maybe several pages at a time. It could have been more fast paced in my opinion but nonetheless it is well written.
July 30, 2020
I loved the premise of this book, twins who switch places, in particular, a hell-raiser and a saint. This could have been amazing, but the execution left me nauseous. It felt to me that Devlin took advantage of a naive innocent girl.
The story itself dragged with most of the book focusing on Devlin carrying out the duties of a vicar. Not exactly exciting stuff. This is a definite miss for me.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story itself dragged with most of the book focusing on Devlin carrying out the duties of a vicar. Not exactly exciting stuff. This is a definite miss for me.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 12, 2020
It's an interesting read and I enjoyed it. The story is well-paced and as far as historical romances go, it's a fun one. I quite enjoyed the premise of identical twins switching places. The characters are all likable as well. I especially loved how everything concluded so well in the end. It has one of my favorite endings.
July 20, 2021
mein Fazit:
habe es als Rezensionsexemplar lesen dürfen, was aber keine Auswirkungen auf die anschließende Bewertung genommen hat.
Was passiert wenn sie die Rollen tauschen müssen ? Genau nichts gutes.
Die beiden Brüder Devlin , einem Draufgänger und den Dorfpfarrer Daniel müssen auf Grund eines Beinbruches die jeweiligen Rollen des anderen annehmen. Das führt bei einer jungen Lady zu Verwirrungen und auch schweren Herzklopfen. Aber auch wenn Devlin gewarnt worden ist, nimmt er die Herausforderung an um Mary von ihren Gefühlen gegenüber des Pfarrers abzubringen. Das dass nicht so einfach wird muss er sehr bald feststellen. Es kommen Komplikationen ins Spiel die beide Brüder nicht im Auge hatten. Denn es kommt die Liebe ins Spiel, und wie das endet sollte auf jeden Fall gelesen werden.
Was mich ein wenig überfordert hat waren die vielen Namen, denn wieso mussten alle Geschwister mit D anfangen, denke bei so vielen Geschwistern müssen doch auch die Eltern durch einander kommen, das ist aber auch mein einziger Kritikpunkt. Ansonsten ist es wieder ein typischer Genre Roman, der mit dem tollen Schreibstil glänzt aber auch mit Verständnis rund um die damaligen Verhältnissen .
Vergebe gerne 4 Sterne und lege es jedem ans Herz der Regency Romance mag
habe es als Rezensionsexemplar lesen dürfen, was aber keine Auswirkungen auf die anschließende Bewertung genommen hat.
Was passiert wenn sie die Rollen tauschen müssen ? Genau nichts gutes.
Die beiden Brüder Devlin , einem Draufgänger und den Dorfpfarrer Daniel müssen auf Grund eines Beinbruches die jeweiligen Rollen des anderen annehmen. Das führt bei einer jungen Lady zu Verwirrungen und auch schweren Herzklopfen. Aber auch wenn Devlin gewarnt worden ist, nimmt er die Herausforderung an um Mary von ihren Gefühlen gegenüber des Pfarrers abzubringen. Das dass nicht so einfach wird muss er sehr bald feststellen. Es kommen Komplikationen ins Spiel die beide Brüder nicht im Auge hatten. Denn es kommt die Liebe ins Spiel, und wie das endet sollte auf jeden Fall gelesen werden.
Was mich ein wenig überfordert hat waren die vielen Namen, denn wieso mussten alle Geschwister mit D anfangen, denke bei so vielen Geschwistern müssen doch auch die Eltern durch einander kommen, das ist aber auch mein einziger Kritikpunkt. Ansonsten ist es wieder ein typischer Genre Roman, der mit dem tollen Schreibstil glänzt aber auch mit Verständnis rund um die damaligen Verhältnissen .
Vergebe gerne 4 Sterne und lege es jedem ans Herz der Regency Romance mag
June 7, 2020
I was instantly intrigued by the plot of this one. How could a rake and the owner of some of the most infamous gaming halls in London possibly trick a town full of parishioners that he the vicar they have come to know and love?
And while this story definitely had its moments, I have questions. To start, with their families home close to the village (in fact, the family attends the very church Daniel is the vicar at), how did none of the older parishioners NOT know their vicar had a twin? Added to that, when the brother's personalities were so different from one another, how did no one (especially Mary who fancied herself in love with Daniel) guess the truth? There were moments when Mary started to question things (one example being before the switch, Daniel would barely look at her, another stronger example being when she found him drunk) and I was hoping she would figure it out - thinking that watching Devlin try to win her back would be an even more exciting story. Unfortunately, we don't get to see that except for a few rushed feeling pages at the end of the story.
For the most part, I enjoyed their interactions. I liked the way Devlin forced Mary to look inside herself and realize that she was not the pious person she had thought she was. I also liked how the two of them challenged one another to grow in other ways as well. In fact, I was surprised to find out that Devlin acted the way that he did (and seriously never considered there might be repercussions to his actions)?
Some of the interactions with his "flock" seemed to drag on a bit, as did some of the inner musings of our two characters. I also wish that Devlin hadn't been so "hot and cold" with Mary. I understand he was conflicted in his feelings, but at times he could be awfully confusing (not to mention judgemental of her actions and reactions considering he was the one who was a fraud). However, I can understand why the author chose to include them as a way to show character growth and give our two main characters a reason to be alone so that they could get to know one another.
All things considered, I do believe this story was a good start to a new series (and in fact am hoping to read book number two when it comes out - I am insanely curious to find out how a vicar managed the day-to-day business dealings of his brother, not to mention the countless women I'm sure his brother was "acquainted with". I am also hoping to find out just what happened between him and Miss St.Peters).
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
And while this story definitely had its moments, I have questions. To start, with their families home close to the village (in fact, the family attends the very church Daniel is the vicar at), how did none of the older parishioners NOT know their vicar had a twin? Added to that, when the brother's personalities were so different from one another, how did no one (especially Mary who fancied herself in love with Daniel) guess the truth? There were moments when Mary started to question things (one example being before the switch, Daniel would barely look at her, another stronger example being when she found him drunk) and I was hoping she would figure it out - thinking that watching Devlin try to win her back would be an even more exciting story. Unfortunately, we don't get to see that except for a few rushed feeling pages at the end of the story.
For the most part, I enjoyed their interactions. I liked the way Devlin forced Mary to look inside herself and realize that she was not the pious person she had thought she was. I also liked how the two of them challenged one another to grow in other ways as well. In fact, I was surprised to find out that Devlin acted the way that he did (and seriously never considered there might be repercussions to his actions)?
Some of the interactions with his "flock" seemed to drag on a bit, as did some of the inner musings of our two characters. I also wish that Devlin hadn't been so "hot and cold" with Mary. I understand he was conflicted in his feelings, but at times he could be awfully confusing (not to mention judgemental of her actions and reactions considering he was the one who was a fraud). However, I can understand why the author chose to include them as a way to show character growth and give our two main characters a reason to be alone so that they could get to know one another.
All things considered, I do believe this story was a good start to a new series (and in fact am hoping to read book number two when it comes out - I am insanely curious to find out how a vicar managed the day-to-day business dealings of his brother, not to mention the countless women I'm sure his brother was "acquainted with". I am also hoping to find out just what happened between him and Miss St.Peters).
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
June 6, 2021
DNF @46 %.
This book had an interesting premise. I liked the idea that Devlin, a hedonist, who owns a gambling den swap places with his twin brother, who is a priest.
Now to the story...
I am almost half in and I still don't know how Devlin broke his leg. Maybe it was mentioned in a sentence or maybe it wasn't, but it bother me even though I let it past. I really hoped this ruse would be over soon and he would tell the truth, at least to Mary. But no.
In all these chapters, all their interaction was in one way or another connected to the people in the village. Where they lived, how they lived and what were they doing.
Devlin's initial plan was for Mary to see how people who aren't so wealthy as her lived and that this will drive her away.
No luck.
Next he hoped that it would be the people who would make Mary see how awful would be to be the wife of a vicar, He drove her to people who don't like visitors or even woman in general. Of course, they all took a liking to Mary so the next time she visited they all welcomed her with open arms. Don't get me wrong, I love that Mary had this power but at the same time I was hoping for at least something interesting to happen.
I missed more chemistry between them. I also can't help but question how did Devlin manage to go around visiting people with a broken leg (that sure need a proper healing) and also mending fences and what not. This would be too much even for a healthy person let alone someone with a broken limb.
Like I said, halfway in, and still no kiss. He once showed up in a robe when Mary unexpectedly visited but that was all there was about them having any kind of chemistry or contact beyond talking.
I was hoping for more information about Devlin's family. We hear about them and how they all have a name that starts with D but I needed a little more background. He mentioned how his oldest brother doesn't like him and yet, there's no interaction with him (so far) to see the dynamic between them both. Seeing that the book starts with Devlin coming home to have dinner with his whole family, there's absolutely no interaction between him and the rest of his brothers, just his sister and his twin.
2 stars.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had an interesting premise. I liked the idea that Devlin, a hedonist, who owns a gambling den swap places with his twin brother, who is a priest.
Now to the story...
I am almost half in and I still don't know how Devlin broke his leg. Maybe it was mentioned in a sentence or maybe it wasn't, but it bother me even though I let it past. I really hoped this ruse would be over soon and he would tell the truth, at least to Mary. But no.
In all these chapters, all their interaction was in one way or another connected to the people in the village. Where they lived, how they lived and what were they doing.
Devlin's initial plan was for Mary to see how people who aren't so wealthy as her lived and that this will drive her away.
No luck.
Next he hoped that it would be the people who would make Mary see how awful would be to be the wife of a vicar, He drove her to people who don't like visitors or even woman in general. Of course, they all took a liking to Mary so the next time she visited they all welcomed her with open arms. Don't get me wrong, I love that Mary had this power but at the same time I was hoping for at least something interesting to happen.
I missed more chemistry between them. I also can't help but question how did Devlin manage to go around visiting people with a broken leg (that sure need a proper healing) and also mending fences and what not. This would be too much even for a healthy person let alone someone with a broken limb.
Like I said, halfway in, and still no kiss. He once showed up in a robe when Mary unexpectedly visited but that was all there was about them having any kind of chemistry or contact beyond talking.
I was hoping for more information about Devlin's family. We hear about them and how they all have a name that starts with D but I needed a little more background. He mentioned how his oldest brother doesn't like him and yet, there's no interaction with him (so far) to see the dynamic between them both. Seeing that the book starts with Devlin coming home to have dinner with his whole family, there's absolutely no interaction between him and the rest of his brothers, just his sister and his twin.
2 stars.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I adored historical romances and this is a wonderful example of why. Everything amongst the aristocracy is so prim and proper at least until they are not. The characters and plot are wonderful and totally believable. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the action. I appreciated the author leaving a great many superficial details to my imagination. To me the story just flows better as my imagination can really fill in much better than trying to see something from a description (at least while reading a novel.)
The Tomblin family move around so much due to Mr. Tomblin's vocation of designing bridges. Harper's Grove is the first village that has felt like a home to Mary. Mary is one and twenty (see how proper they are!) Come spring, she and her parents are going to London so she can have her season. The only thing wrong with that, Mary is infatuated with the vicar! Danial Wayward is from the aristocracy that has their "seat" just outside of the village. He and his twin brother, being further down the line for the dukedom, attended seminary. At the last minute, only Daniel took the vows. Devlin Wayward became a rake. He lives in London and owns several gaming hells. OH MY!
Devlin hasn't been back in Harper's Grove in years. Both his father and oldest brother disapproved of his choice. Both are gone now and the next oldest (now the duke) has invited Devlin home for Christmas. Daniel tells Devlin of Mary's declaration and Devlin decides to impersonate his twin. It isn't the first time as they used to do it all the time with family. Unfortunately while impersonating Daniel, Devlin breaks his leg! Now the twins are forced to live the "switch" until such time that the leg heals.
It is during this time that Devlin continues to "try" and deter Mary from Daniel, only he is becoming infatuated with her himself. Oh what tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!
This book has one heavy sexual scene in it. The foreplay was a more graphic than the actual act was as far as I am concerned. That being said, I would only highly recommend this to someone over the age of 18. I look forward to reading Daniel's adventure when he was impersonating Devlin in London in the sequel!
I adored historical romances and this is a wonderful example of why. Everything amongst the aristocracy is so prim and proper at least until they are not. The characters and plot are wonderful and totally believable. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the action. I appreciated the author leaving a great many superficial details to my imagination. To me the story just flows better as my imagination can really fill in much better than trying to see something from a description (at least while reading a novel.)
The Tomblin family move around so much due to Mr. Tomblin's vocation of designing bridges. Harper's Grove is the first village that has felt like a home to Mary. Mary is one and twenty (see how proper they are!) Come spring, she and her parents are going to London so she can have her season. The only thing wrong with that, Mary is infatuated with the vicar! Danial Wayward is from the aristocracy that has their "seat" just outside of the village. He and his twin brother, being further down the line for the dukedom, attended seminary. At the last minute, only Daniel took the vows. Devlin Wayward became a rake. He lives in London and owns several gaming hells. OH MY!
Devlin hasn't been back in Harper's Grove in years. Both his father and oldest brother disapproved of his choice. Both are gone now and the next oldest (now the duke) has invited Devlin home for Christmas. Daniel tells Devlin of Mary's declaration and Devlin decides to impersonate his twin. It isn't the first time as they used to do it all the time with family. Unfortunately while impersonating Daniel, Devlin breaks his leg! Now the twins are forced to live the "switch" until such time that the leg heals.
It is during this time that Devlin continues to "try" and deter Mary from Daniel, only he is becoming infatuated with her himself. Oh what tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!
This book has one heavy sexual scene in it. The foreplay was a more graphic than the actual act was as far as I am concerned. That being said, I would only highly recommend this to someone over the age of 18. I look forward to reading Daniel's adventure when he was impersonating Devlin in London in the sequel!
July 14, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
Miss Mary Tomblin has never had a true home, having to move around so much for her father's work. But, at her newest village, she starts to fall for the handsome vicar, Daniel Wayward, who hasn't so much as looked at her twice. But, all of a sudden, he starts to want to spend more time with her, and she has the opportunity to prove she is the perfect choice for a reverend's wife, tending to his parishioners and helping him with his troubles. The thing is, though, that the reverend who is paying attention to Mary is in fact Devlin Wayward, the vicar's rakish twin, who decided to masquerade as him one day, and broke his leg in full view of the village. Now he has to 'be' the vicar until he's healed, and he realises that though his brother is good and proper, he hasn't seen that perfection he has in front of him, and Devlin falls for Mary. Will the truth be revealed, or will they both be doomed to fall for the wrong person?
This book had everything you could want from a story of mixed identities. However, I found the main characters - Mary, Devlin, and Daniel - to be arrogant and annoying, especially at first. Devlin grew on me, as he matured a lot throughout the story, and it became clear that a lot of his initial impression was a facade of bravado to protect himself from the rejection he felt from his family. Mary was shallow and seemed only concerned with getting Daniel, at any cost, and I'm not surprised he wasn't interested with how full on she was being. There was no subtlety with her feelings, and though I liked her more towards the end of the book, she still never fully grew on me. We don't really see much of Daniel once Devlin takes on his role, as he travels to London to pretend to be Devlin instead. The relationship between Devlin - as 'Daniel' - and Mary was alright - nothing too special, but enjoyable nonetheless. The plot 'twist' was expected, and I think it just all felt a little too stereotypical and cliched that although I flew through the book, I didn't love it. I might read the sequel, to see what Daniel got up to in London, but I'm not in a big rush to do so.
Miss Mary Tomblin has never had a true home, having to move around so much for her father's work. But, at her newest village, she starts to fall for the handsome vicar, Daniel Wayward, who hasn't so much as looked at her twice. But, all of a sudden, he starts to want to spend more time with her, and she has the opportunity to prove she is the perfect choice for a reverend's wife, tending to his parishioners and helping him with his troubles. The thing is, though, that the reverend who is paying attention to Mary is in fact Devlin Wayward, the vicar's rakish twin, who decided to masquerade as him one day, and broke his leg in full view of the village. Now he has to 'be' the vicar until he's healed, and he realises that though his brother is good and proper, he hasn't seen that perfection he has in front of him, and Devlin falls for Mary. Will the truth be revealed, or will they both be doomed to fall for the wrong person?
This book had everything you could want from a story of mixed identities. However, I found the main characters - Mary, Devlin, and Daniel - to be arrogant and annoying, especially at first. Devlin grew on me, as he matured a lot throughout the story, and it became clear that a lot of his initial impression was a facade of bravado to protect himself from the rejection he felt from his family. Mary was shallow and seemed only concerned with getting Daniel, at any cost, and I'm not surprised he wasn't interested with how full on she was being. There was no subtlety with her feelings, and though I liked her more towards the end of the book, she still never fully grew on me. We don't really see much of Daniel once Devlin takes on his role, as he travels to London to pretend to be Devlin instead. The relationship between Devlin - as 'Daniel' - and Mary was alright - nothing too special, but enjoyable nonetheless. The plot 'twist' was expected, and I think it just all felt a little too stereotypical and cliched that although I flew through the book, I didn't love it. I might read the sequel, to see what Daniel got up to in London, but I'm not in a big rush to do so.
June 10, 2020
3.5 stars I went into this story with the expectation of a lot of funny situations. This was not the case, so if this is what you are looking for while choosing your next read, you are better to try a different book. Instead, we have a story with a surprising amount of character growth from our heroine Mary. Then there is our hero Devlin, who for someone who decided not to be ordained, seemed to really enjoy the majority of the duties of a vicar. His character growth was a steady feeling of finding the frivolities of London to be no longer appealing. I really liked seeing this couple get to know each other. I didn't care that much for Devlin's hot and cold, though I do understand that he was continually at war in his commitment to dissuade Mary from liking Danial (his twin brother) and from his own want of spending time with her. I will say the family aspect and some of Devlin's history just didn't make a bunch of sense - maybe this was in earlier books? All the family interactions just seemed off, and the fact that NOT ONE of his close living family attended Sunday service or came and helped him will he suffered, living alone, with a broken leg, just made we wonder WHY you would do anything to protect the reputation of this seemingly uncaring and selfish lot. The initial prank was also way overblown, easily explained away with little to no repercussion - but the resulting fall out for continuing with the switch? WOW. The other thing hit a nerve with me (I didn't research it to see if all the other books that I read were wrong) but he wore his priestly robes EVERYWHERE. I've never seen that before, in 20+ years of reading regency historical romances - so take that for what ever that's worth. Overall, I did enjoy the story, but some things just were a little off for me. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 3, 2020
This is one addictive historical romance novel, and I hope I get the chance to read this rest of this series. Devlin is the twin brother of a town pastor, but he is almost the complete opposite of Daniel. Devlin gambles, loves playing tricks on others, and does not care about people nearly as much as his brother does. He decides to play a trick on the town by dressing up and pretending to be his brother, but the joke goes awry when he injures his leg. He begs his brother to go to London in his stead to close out an important deal, and Devlin stays in the small town to play the part of a now-injured pastor. Mary is one of the unmarried town girls, and his brother warns him to stay away from her. Nevertheless, Mary is determined to prove herself to be a good pastor’s wife, so she volunteers to help him make his rounds in the town. Cue: slow burn romance.
I really didn’t like Devlin for the first part of the book. Rather than saying that he was not interested in Mary, he tries to “trick” her into being home by giving her the worst jobs as they go around to clean the church and help out the poor townsfolk. I feel like I’m tired of the poor communication trope, but I still liked Mary and Devlin as a couple in general so I will allow it! When Mary continues to help townsfolk even as she is exhausted and blistered day after day, Devlin starts to notice her more as the kind and caring woman she is. The minute I really started to care for Devlin and root for him, he did just about the worst thing possible (not abusive though) and I disliked him again. I never hated him, but there were a lot of times that I didn’t think he would be the best pick for Mary. The two did have a LOT of chemistry though, so I couldn’t completely write him off.
Oftentimes the girls in historical fiction novels can be rather boring. Mary is not one of those boring girls. She is stubborn, determined, and will do whatever it takes to become the wife of who she thinks is Daniel. She doesn’t want to be stuck being the wife of some rich snobby man from London, she would much rather be the wife of a truly kind and caring small-town preacher. I kind of wish Devlin had at least trusted her with this secret, but it would have ruined the story so I understand why things did not go that way. I also loved seeing Mary interact with the townsfolk that she visited with the “pastor,” especially her interactions with the lonely elderly woman.
The pacing and worldbuilding in this book were great. I didn’t think things near the beginning were rushed, and there was no real instalove that I noticed. The ending felt a tiny bit rushed, but it made sense for it to be rushed because of the actual in-story circumstances. I hope to be able to see where these characters end up as the series progresses.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical fiction novel.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I really didn’t like Devlin for the first part of the book. Rather than saying that he was not interested in Mary, he tries to “trick” her into being home by giving her the worst jobs as they go around to clean the church and help out the poor townsfolk. I feel like I’m tired of the poor communication trope, but I still liked Mary and Devlin as a couple in general so I will allow it! When Mary continues to help townsfolk even as she is exhausted and blistered day after day, Devlin starts to notice her more as the kind and caring woman she is. The minute I really started to care for Devlin and root for him, he did just about the worst thing possible (not abusive though) and I disliked him again. I never hated him, but there were a lot of times that I didn’t think he would be the best pick for Mary. The two did have a LOT of chemistry though, so I couldn’t completely write him off.
Oftentimes the girls in historical fiction novels can be rather boring. Mary is not one of those boring girls. She is stubborn, determined, and will do whatever it takes to become the wife of who she thinks is Daniel. She doesn’t want to be stuck being the wife of some rich snobby man from London, she would much rather be the wife of a truly kind and caring small-town preacher. I kind of wish Devlin had at least trusted her with this secret, but it would have ruined the story so I understand why things did not go that way. I also loved seeing Mary interact with the townsfolk that she visited with the “pastor,” especially her interactions with the lonely elderly woman.
The pacing and worldbuilding in this book were great. I didn’t think things near the beginning were rushed, and there was no real instalove that I noticed. The ending felt a tiny bit rushed, but it made sense for it to be rushed because of the actual in-story circumstances. I hope to be able to see where these characters end up as the series progresses.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical fiction novel.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
June 20, 2021
The Devil’s Own is the first book in the Wicked Waywards series, that follows the Wayword family as they find their HEAs. This book introduces briefly most of the family members, but focuses mostly on twins Devlin and Daniel. Daniel is the local vicar near the family estate, and mentions to his brother, who has come to visit for a holiday for the first time in years, that he has a problem with Mary, one of the local young ladies, who seems intent on drawing his interest. Devlin tells Daniel that they should trade places like they did when they were children and Dev will do the work of letting her off in a clear manner. Daniel says no, but Dev does it anyhow, and end up breaking a leg in a public accident while impersonating his brother, which requires him to stay behind and pretend to be the vicar for months while it heals. He ends up leaning on Mary for assistance with some of the vicarage duties, and they begin to develop feelings for each other. However, Devlin is definitely not his brother, and how can he come clean to Mary without losing everything he has gained?
I would rate this 3.5 stars overall. This was the first book in the series, and did a good job setting the scene for the entire family without dwelling too long on things that will probably be covered in subsequent books. The level of tension through the book, as the reader knows Dev’s identity but Mary does not, is fantastic. Their relationship develops naturally, and there is much reflection on feelings on the part of the characters. The ancillary characters met in the village area a delightful addition. My biggest complaint would be the ending felt rushed, and I can see an entire second book over the events that happen off the page before the epilogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would rate this 3.5 stars overall. This was the first book in the series, and did a good job setting the scene for the entire family without dwelling too long on things that will probably be covered in subsequent books. The level of tension through the book, as the reader knows Dev’s identity but Mary does not, is fantastic. Their relationship develops naturally, and there is much reflection on feelings on the part of the characters. The ancillary characters met in the village area a delightful addition. My biggest complaint would be the ending felt rushed, and I can see an entire second book over the events that happen off the page before the epilogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 23, 2020
When identical twins, Lord Devlin Wayward and Daniel, the local vicar, have to switch places, this was so going to be an interesting read. Whilst an age-old prank growing up, the events that transpire, have devastating consequences.
After Devlin returns home after several years, he finds himself unable to return to London. Having donned his brother’s clothing and posing as the vicar, he breaks his leg. Daniel fears that his parish will never trust him again for letting his brother impersonate him, that he agrees to take Devlin’s place in London, so long as Devlin behaves. Yet Mary Tomblin might be about to throw all of their plans asunder. Having dreamed of marrying the vicar who largely ignores her, she finds that if she can help the vicar during his recovery, that he will see her as a potential wife. Unlike Daniel, Devlin is not immune to Mary, and soon finds himself mesmerised by her. Before long, it is too late to tell Mary the truth.
This was such an entertaining story, with the sinful Devlin, trying his best to be a better person like his brother and find it so much easier to do around Mary. What I found fascinating was gradual transformation of both characters. Devlin shows a goodness that he believed he wasn’t capable of, nor what he thought was expected of him. Mary was also initially portrayed as a shallow young woman, yet together with Devlin, her strength and courage soon becomes apparent. Whilst believing Devlin to be the vicar, she does look beyond the role, and sees the person, which makes Devlin open up to her. The twist in the story made this even more interesting to read and demonstrating the fragility of a blossoming romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
After Devlin returns home after several years, he finds himself unable to return to London. Having donned his brother’s clothing and posing as the vicar, he breaks his leg. Daniel fears that his parish will never trust him again for letting his brother impersonate him, that he agrees to take Devlin’s place in London, so long as Devlin behaves. Yet Mary Tomblin might be about to throw all of their plans asunder. Having dreamed of marrying the vicar who largely ignores her, she finds that if she can help the vicar during his recovery, that he will see her as a potential wife. Unlike Daniel, Devlin is not immune to Mary, and soon finds himself mesmerised by her. Before long, it is too late to tell Mary the truth.
This was such an entertaining story, with the sinful Devlin, trying his best to be a better person like his brother and find it so much easier to do around Mary. What I found fascinating was gradual transformation of both characters. Devlin shows a goodness that he believed he wasn’t capable of, nor what he thought was expected of him. Mary was also initially portrayed as a shallow young woman, yet together with Devlin, her strength and courage soon becomes apparent. Whilst believing Devlin to be the vicar, she does look beyond the role, and sees the person, which makes Devlin open up to her. The twist in the story made this even more interesting to read and demonstrating the fragility of a blossoming romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2020
Reverend Daniel Wayward is an identical twin and lives in Harper's Grove. Devlin his twin, owns gambling halls and lives in London. Devlin has been estranged from his family for years. He is the black sheep of the family. He has finally been invited home after the death of his father and older brother. He is so happy. Then he tries to play a prank on the town and his family by taking his brother's clothes and play Daniel. He ends up breaking his leg and he has to play him for a while longer.
Miss Mary Tomblin is a sweet girl and she has not spent more than six months at any one place since she was born. Her dad builds bridges and when he is done with one he moves on to the next one. Making friends is very hard for her. She also believes she is in love with the Reverend. She goes through a lot of crazy twists trying to make her wish to come to fruition.
Lord Devlin Wayward is the other twin, both are handsome, well-spoken, gentle, and put on a good face. While he has changed his clothes to his brothers and everyone thought he was but the bad thing is he broke his leg. and he has to stay at least a few weeks he can't ride with his leg. Boy, what problems he causes but does not mean to.
A truly wonderful story about twins, one trying to play a prank and one a clergyman. There are some neat surprises coming. The author has entwined the three people into a difficult set of circumstances which are very hard to fix. She managed to keep it all straight and still write a coherent tale. I very much enjoyed it. I do recommend it to anyone over eighteen'
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Miss Mary Tomblin is a sweet girl and she has not spent more than six months at any one place since she was born. Her dad builds bridges and when he is done with one he moves on to the next one. Making friends is very hard for her. She also believes she is in love with the Reverend. She goes through a lot of crazy twists trying to make her wish to come to fruition.
Lord Devlin Wayward is the other twin, both are handsome, well-spoken, gentle, and put on a good face. While he has changed his clothes to his brothers and everyone thought he was but the bad thing is he broke his leg. and he has to stay at least a few weeks he can't ride with his leg. Boy, what problems he causes but does not mean to.
A truly wonderful story about twins, one trying to play a prank and one a clergyman. There are some neat surprises coming. The author has entwined the three people into a difficult set of circumstances which are very hard to fix. She managed to keep it all straight and still write a coherent tale. I very much enjoyed it. I do recommend it to anyone over eighteen'
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 14, 2021
This book is great! It is intriguing, romantic, interesting, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "The Devil's Own", I was whisked back in time, and went on quite the journey with this story.
This is the first book I have read by Liana LeFey, and it will not be my last! This is also the first book in her "The Wicked Waywards" series, and I am so looking forward to more! Her writing style is very vivid, and her characters jump off of the page. Many characters grow throughout the book as well.
Daniel and Devlin Wayward are identical twins who are very different in almost every imaginable way. Devlin is the wilder of the two, where Daniel is more calm. After Devlin is injured, Daniel must travel to London in his brother's place. Devlin must therefore pretend to be Daniel, who is the town vicar.
Mary Tomblin is a strong-willed and intelligent woman. She has a fancy for Daniel. When she begins to help those in need with who she believes to be Daniel (but is really Devlin), the two begin to get to know one another better. Never could either have imagined that perhaps all of this will lead them to happiness they had not imagined. Will Devlin tell Mary the truth? Will they be able to work through the deception? Will true love prevail? You will just need to read to find out.
If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend this book! It had me turning the pages to see what would happen next, and how everything would work out, and I so look forward to what Ms. LeFey will write next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing: Amara for the ARC of this book, it is great! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I have read by Liana LeFey, and it will not be my last! This is also the first book in her "The Wicked Waywards" series, and I am so looking forward to more! Her writing style is very vivid, and her characters jump off of the page. Many characters grow throughout the book as well.
Daniel and Devlin Wayward are identical twins who are very different in almost every imaginable way. Devlin is the wilder of the two, where Daniel is more calm. After Devlin is injured, Daniel must travel to London in his brother's place. Devlin must therefore pretend to be Daniel, who is the town vicar.
Mary Tomblin is a strong-willed and intelligent woman. She has a fancy for Daniel. When she begins to help those in need with who she believes to be Daniel (but is really Devlin), the two begin to get to know one another better. Never could either have imagined that perhaps all of this will lead them to happiness they had not imagined. Will Devlin tell Mary the truth? Will they be able to work through the deception? Will true love prevail? You will just need to read to find out.
If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend this book! It had me turning the pages to see what would happen next, and how everything would work out, and I so look forward to what Ms. LeFey will write next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing: Amara for the ARC of this book, it is great! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 14, 2021
Reverend Daniel Wayward is an identical twin and lives in Harper's Grove. Devlin his twin, owns gambling halls and lives in London. Devlin has been estranged from his family for years. He is the black sheep of the family. He has finally been invited home after the death of his father and older brother. He is so happy. Then he tries to play a prank on the town and his family by taking his brother's clothes and play Daniel. He ends up breaking his leg and he must play him for a while longer.
Miss Mary Tomblin is a sweet girl, and she has not spent more than six months at any one place since she was born. Her dad builds bridges and when he is done with one, he moves on to the next one. Making friends is hard for her. She also believes she is in love with the Reverend. She goes through a lot of crazy twists trying to make her wish to come to fruition.
Lord Devlin Wayward is the other twin, both are handsome, well-spoken, gentle, and put on a good face. While he has changed his clothes to his brothers, and everyone thought he was, but the sad thing is he broke his leg. and he must stay at least a few weeks he can't ride with his leg. Boy, what problems he causes but does not mean to.
A wonderful story about twins, one trying to play a prank and one a clergyman. There are some neat surprises coming. The author has entwined the three people into a difficult set of circumstances that are extremely hard to fix. She managed to keep it all straight and still write a coherent tale. I very much enjoyed it. I do recommend it to anyone over eighteen'
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Miss Mary Tomblin is a sweet girl, and she has not spent more than six months at any one place since she was born. Her dad builds bridges and when he is done with one, he moves on to the next one. Making friends is hard for her. She also believes she is in love with the Reverend. She goes through a lot of crazy twists trying to make her wish to come to fruition.
Lord Devlin Wayward is the other twin, both are handsome, well-spoken, gentle, and put on a good face. While he has changed his clothes to his brothers, and everyone thought he was, but the sad thing is he broke his leg. and he must stay at least a few weeks he can't ride with his leg. Boy, what problems he causes but does not mean to.
A wonderful story about twins, one trying to play a prank and one a clergyman. There are some neat surprises coming. The author has entwined the three people into a difficult set of circumstances that are extremely hard to fix. She managed to keep it all straight and still write a coherent tale. I very much enjoyed it. I do recommend it to anyone over eighteen'
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 7, 2020
Twins exchanging places due to an accident and a bold heroine? How can you go wrong with this one?? I absolutely love when such hijinks get used to bring a couple together. There are so many ways it can play out, and this one had romance, character growth, and funny moments. I couldn't put it down! This is my first book by Liana LeFey and I can unequivocally say it won't be my last.
Devlin and Daniel are twins that couldn't be more different. One runs a gaming hell and the other a vicar in the town where they grew up. Can you imagine which one our hero might be? When the vicar find himself the subject of a crush from our bold heroine, Devlin steps in to gently set the girl straight. Only to break his leg on his way back to his house, this results in our more outgoing and devilish brother having to keep up appearances and keep company with Mary.
Mary was a great character, she was bold and owned up to her mistakes. She started out hurt from previous wrongs and a little vain but came into her own. As she got to know the village elders, they got to know her too, which helped Devlin to see that she was more than a girl who didn't know her own mind.
The end was something special in itself, and set it up for us to get the Reverend Daniel's story next which I can't wait to read. The only pause I had in this book was how much the "flock" and the church played a part. But it didn't detract from the overall story. Definitely worth your time!
All opinions included are my own and freely given.
Devlin and Daniel are twins that couldn't be more different. One runs a gaming hell and the other a vicar in the town where they grew up. Can you imagine which one our hero might be? When the vicar find himself the subject of a crush from our bold heroine, Devlin steps in to gently set the girl straight. Only to break his leg on his way back to his house, this results in our more outgoing and devilish brother having to keep up appearances and keep company with Mary.
Mary was a great character, she was bold and owned up to her mistakes. She started out hurt from previous wrongs and a little vain but came into her own. As she got to know the village elders, they got to know her too, which helped Devlin to see that she was more than a girl who didn't know her own mind.
The end was something special in itself, and set it up for us to get the Reverend Daniel's story next which I can't wait to read. The only pause I had in this book was how much the "flock" and the church played a part. But it didn't detract from the overall story. Definitely worth your time!
All opinions included are my own and freely given.
June 17, 2020
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was hesitant about this book from the beginning because of the premise being set up around lying about an identity but by the end I was glad about the HEA. When Devlin shows up an injury results in no option but for Devlin to pretend to be his brother Daniel until his leg heals. While Daniel fulfills his obligations in London, Devlin will tend to his flock and convince Mary to set her sights on someone else.
Mary after being jilted by a man who left her for another woman , her best friend in fact, becomes infatuated with the vicar. Spending time with Devlin, who is pretending to be his vicar brother, turns the infatuation into love but she doesnt know the truth.
I hated how long the lie went on for and I feel like she forgave Devlin way to fast.
I did like how Devlin grew as a person and how he did try to do the honorable thing over and over again but couldn't help falling in love. Mary also develops as a person and learns about herself and becomes a better person having spent time with Devlin. I look forward to reading Daniel's story.
Mary after being jilted by a man who left her for another woman , her best friend in fact, becomes infatuated with the vicar. Spending time with Devlin, who is pretending to be his vicar brother, turns the infatuation into love but she doesnt know the truth.
I hated how long the lie went on for and I feel like she forgave Devlin way to fast.
I did like how Devlin grew as a person and how he did try to do the honorable thing over and over again but couldn't help falling in love. Mary also develops as a person and learns about herself and becomes a better person having spent time with Devlin. I look forward to reading Daniel's story.
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