When will Richard Howard, the Viscount of Marbay and the only legitimate son of the Duke of Ryland, ever grow up? Preferring gambling and drinking in shabby taverns, he is an embarrassment to his family. Especially to his older and illegitimate brother, Tristan. But Tristan cannot protect his brother from himself when Richard is stalked in the night and marked for murder. Thus, Tristan seeks the truth of who wants his brother dead, and finds himself hunted by a killer – his own brother, Richard.
The two brothers find themselves at odds over two beautiful women-Lady Emma Sutton, and her cousin, Lizzie. But as Emma falls in love with one of the Duke's sons, getting involved in a secret romance she doesn't expect will grow into so much more, it jeopardizes not only the siblings' fragile relationship, but also their own lives.
As the stakes are raised and the deception deepens, they all must face the truth about themselves or risk losing any chance at love or happiness.
In the end, will they break all the barriers that wish to keep them apart, or will internal battles and outside forces overpower them?
In this tale of love and jealousy, murder and redemption, two brothers must fight for one another if either of them is to survive.
The main character in this book is Tristan, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Ryland. The Duke and his wife agree to raise him because they have not been able to conceive a child of their own. Naturally, the Duchess gets pregnant with their own child. Then the book advances 20 years when both of the children, boys, are 19 yrs old. Then the book gets tough to read. Tristan grows up to be a very well mannered young man. No thanks to his atrocious family. The duchess, small d intended, is a horrible person. She doesn't just ignore Tristan, she is deliberately cruel. And the legitimate son, Richard, is the arrogant jerk his over indulged parents raised him to be. And Richard is extremely jealous of his older brother even though he is the won that will inherit everything.
Finally, Tristan decides to leave the home and strike out on his home in America. Naturally, a young woman enters the picture before he can leave. And the attraction between Lady Emma and Tristan is instantaneous and really strong. Of course, the Duke and duchess want Richard to court and marry her. Add to the mix that someone wants Richard dead (no surprise.) Now the fun begins. How will the young people handle all that is coming at them? Who will win Lady Emma? Will Richard get his comeuppance? Will the duchess get her own comeuppance? You have to get the book to find out. It is a interesting character study of a very dysfunctional family.
I received a ARC of this e-book to read and write an honest review.
ONE FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE!!! Leaping lizards! Hadley unleashes one helluva spin, laying this beautifully composed treat, riding an arresting storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Braided, bound and entangled, showcasing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe-inspiring in it's depth. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem rule the roost displaying the drama, animosity, turmoil, intrigue, danger, spiraling suspense and precarious situations, along with a boatload of determination, you have one intoxicating masterpiece. Crazy mishaps and unsettling happenstance, swirl with the formidable trials and taxing tribulations, spinning alongside the explosive twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never imagined. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Hedley, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
This was a very beautiful story. I especially liked the character of Tristan and how he always looked out for his brother Richard. Tristan is Richard's older, illegitimate brother. It was disheartening to see how Richard and his parents treated Tristan, although not surprising. Emma and Lizzie were a great addition to the story as well and the romantic pairings were also fun to read. The book had plenty of action, intrigue, and romance and I found it to be quite exciting and captivating. There were also a few tense moments near the end which kept me on the edge of my seat. The character development was well done and each had very real qualities and great personalities. I have been following Ms. Huntt for a while and her books are always amazing. I am looking forward to the next story she brings us. This book is definitely an entertaining read and I highly recommend you pick this one up!
I was given a complimentary advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
THE WAYWARD VISCOUNT, is no longer lost Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020 Verified Purchase Hedley has once again, produced another clean, regency historical romance book.
I love books based on the British aristocracy, especially regency and Victorian era.
I always try to start reading Hedley's books early in the day. I just don't seem to be able to put them down, until the last page has been read.
I will try not to ruin the book, by writing to much about it.
Two ladies, three brothers, the dynamics in any family can often be a headache. Jealousy, bastardry, drunkenness, evil, gambling, attempted murder,and so much more, add to the excitement of this novel.
This book really is a very good read.
I would recommend The wayward viscount, to all those other readers that like this era of books.
Thank you, Hedley for sharing your talent with us.
Brothers Tristan and Richard have dealt with Tristan’s illegitimacy all their lives. I was quite taken back by just how mature and supportive Tristan was while Richard came across as a spoiled jealous entitled child. I enjoyed the fun banter between Emma and cousin Lizzy in addition to their frank discussions and efforts to solve several problems. I just wish I could have seen Tristan in one of his disguises! The mystery of the attempted murderer kept the story moving along. Although not all details had closure, it was nice the see this couple and other characters a year into the future.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
From the beginning of this story I loved the character of Tristan. As you read on the story evolves and I loved the sense and wit of Emma and Lizzie. It was nice to see the change in Richard's demeanor for the love of a woman. One character everyone can fall in love with is Jefferson. This was a bit of everything I personally would want in a book but all wrapped into one. Thank You Miss Hunt for allowing me a chance to read this as a ARC, It was well worth the time and I thoroughly enjoyed your writing!
I received an ARC to review: This book was a pleasant mix of genres - regency, action, intrigue and romance. The tale of the wayward viscount and his brother and their love story with a Lady and her cousin, was exciting and captivating and became quite tense toward the end! Whilst I really enjoyed the story and all the detailed narrative, I did feel that the story could be slightly condensed and still be as delightful.
Profanity / blasphemy - yes Sex - allusion to ; only sweet kisses Triggers - death, drunkenness, whoredom, illegitimate child
A great book to read while having to remain in my home. A trip back in time. Two brothers and two cousins, who are all from noble families. But one son was born out of wed and a brother who is not living up to his position in life. They meet the cousins and each man likes a girl but the wrong one. Add a person who desires the daughter and will do whatever to have her. Then each brother thinks the other brother is trying to kill him. But all comes right in the end.
As we've read so often, marriage within the ton was n seldom without pressure from some source. That is certainly the case in this story, it's just that the unwelcome rush is external and unwanted. Then things get interesting!
You'll not want to miss the star crossed lovers, the family dysfunction, and the obsession that could change everything. You won't want to miss this suspenseful tale of love, near loss, and treachery!
I enjoyed reading this book, though it seems more like a mystery than a romance. The Tale of the Wayward Viscount is an entertaining book with mystery, adventure, and romance.
There is quite a bit of humor in the predominant romance which features the wayward viscount's brother. The wayward viscount's romance seems to stop and start dramatically, but there is a happy ending in this story that is full of action.
The Tale of the Wayward Viscount by Hedley Huntt was such a great read. This book had everything: jealousy, debauchery, a maniac, and a mystery; but, most of all this book had growth and love! I enjoyed all the characters development. And no cliffhangers! The story was wrapped up quite nicely.
Very good and enjoyable story that kept you enthralled till the end. Glad they all reconciled in the end. Not sure that I could forgive that much. I enjoy finishing a story and it continues with an extended epilogue. Unfortunately, link didn’t work.
I really enjoyed reading this book! Two brothers, one being born out of wedlock and the other a slush, both of which fall in love with a lady and her cousin! I recommend this book to anyone who likes the victorian or regency eras!
Tale of the Wayward Viscount This was an exceptionally thrilling romance. At least two stories in one. I never knew what would lurk around the corner. A merry and dangerous chase. I couldn’t get enough of it, nor could I put it down.
This is another book from the pen of Hedley J Huntt which I loved. It has two brothers who fall in love with two young women. There are lots of twists and turns in the story. It is well worth reading. It is a wonderful story.
"The Tale of the Wayward Viscount" by Hedley J. Huntt is a wonderful, clean, historical romance. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy reading Historical romances.
Oh my word, what a beautiful story. I really loved the story line of the two brothers though very painful how Tristan is treated by his parents and brother earlier which letter change when they realise the brothers Tristan and Richard have a common enemy who wants them out of the way Tristan has good morals while Richard although the legitimate heir, his character leaves nothing to be desired, he was doing a good job destroying himself, until he realized what really matters to him was Lizzie and his brother . I love the character of Tristan, he is the voice of reason. And the cherry on top is that each brother ended up with the true love of his heart.