What do you think?
Rate this book
Sinful Wallflowers #3
A Scoundrel of Her Own
Lady Ophelia Darby exists in two worlds. In one, she is the impudent, willful daughter of a powerful marquess and darling of the ton. In the other, she moves through the underworld’s shadows as songstress Lady Starlight, protected only by the notoriously wealthy scoundrel Devlin Byrne. But when she stumbles upon her beloved father’s darkest secrets, the line between her two worlds quickly blurs. Now she needs the help of the one man a lady should never trust.
Devlin Byrne stands on the edge of London society, knowing he will never be accepted. No one else knows that his obscene wealth and ruthlessness aren’t without purpose. Or that his purpose has golden-brown eyes that shimmer with mischief, the palest of skin, and a lush mouth that beckons to be kissed, and deeply. But having Ophelia is only the beginning of Devlin’s plans.
It’s undeniable that Devlin Byrne is a dangerous temptation—but just as Ophelia begins to trust him, maybe even fall for him, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. And his would lead her down more than just the path of scandal…
Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess
* A Scoundrel of Her Own
Devlin Byrne stands on the edge of London society, knowing he will never be accepted. No one else knows that his obscene wealth and ruthlessness aren’t without purpose. Or that his purpose has golden-brown eyes that shimmer with mischief, the palest of skin, and a lush mouth that beckons to be kissed, and deeply. But having Ophelia is only the beginning of Devlin’s plans.
It’s undeniable that Devlin Byrne is a dangerous temptation—but just as Ophelia begins to trust him, maybe even fall for him, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. And his would lead her down more than just the path of scandal…
Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess
* A Scoundrel of Her Own
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 28, 2021
289 people are currently reading
6248 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Reid
86 books3,431 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 773 reviews
December 28, 2021
I can’t believe I only read one book by stacie Reid that I dnfed so early just because I wasn’t in the mood for it and it got a slow beginning. But this?? Omg this was so good!!! And how ironic is that only after I finished this did I realize that the book I dnfed was the first book in this series. I need to go back and read the previous two books if they are as any good as this one.
I loved these two so much! Their chemistry? The angst? The steam? I loved how Fifi was with Devlin, so carefree and wild. And I loved how he was such a sucker for her!! How he was willing to give up everything for her!!! I loved how he waited for her all those years and did everything with the thought of her on his mind. I just really loved the way he loved her!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for providing this.
I loved these two so much! Their chemistry? The angst? The steam? I loved how Fifi was with Devlin, so carefree and wild. And I loved how he was such a sucker for her!! How he was willing to give up everything for her!!! I loved how he waited for her all those years and did everything with the thought of her on his mind. I just really loved the way he loved her!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for providing this.
January 19, 2022
4.5 rounded up because I loved the hero and I’m feeling generous - stars!
“She simply stopped and stared at him, beyond words—but not feelings.” When Devlin Byrne saved a little girl from drowning and looked after her for many days, they formed a special bond and made promises to marry each other in the future. After Lady Ophelia (Fifi) was finally found by her parents, Devlin was reminded by her father that she would never marry anyone like him. It had been Devlin’s driving force to make his own way in London and to accumulate as much wealth and power as he could. Fifteen years later, when Devlin gave up on the thought of ever seeing Fifi again, he sees her masquerading as Lady Starlight. Ophelia walks in the most dangerous places in London unharmed because she is protected by a man named Devlin Byrne whom she does not know at all… and when the man finally invited her to sing for him, she was surprised to discover that it was her dear friend, Niall, who saved her from drowning when she was but a little girl. Ophelia is eager to discover a family secret and the only man she could trust is Devlin who has secrets of his own. When feelings get involved, Ophelia must decide whether her family’s reputation and the life she’s always lived is more important than the man who has saved her all those years ago.
A scoundrel of her own is the third book from Stacy Reid’s historical romance series, Sinful Wallflowers. Seriously, I am glad I did not give up on Stacy Reid after not being very fond of the first book from this series. Book two and this are both so good. I am so excited for the future installments to this series. This author had been hinting about Fanny and Charlotte and I must say I can’t wait to read their respective books! Please release them now, I can’t wait any longer!
Meet Lady Ophelia Darby: She is the only daughter to the marquess and marchioness of Shelton. Ophelia is part of the Sinful Wallflowers group, and many are confused as to why. She is beautiful, her father is a powerful marquess, and apparently her dowry is about fifty thousand pounds! Ophelia is a wallflower by choice for she has not granted any gentleman a dance for two years because the Ton’s frivolities aged rather quickly. Besides, she is in no rush to marry a gentleman because her parents allowed her to marry only if it’s a love match.
Meet Devlin Byrne: He is no gentleman. When he was younger, his father had been a carpenter and there were even days when they couldn’t eat at all. Although poor, his parents had been content and loved each other truly. As a young boy, he had plans to follow his father’s career path, but it all changed when he met Lady Ophelia. She was a nob, he was no one. The idea of Fifi was what motivated Devlin to run away to London and acquire an insane amount of money. So he could be worthy of her. Now, he is a wealthy industrialist but although rich and powerful, it does not change the fact that he had a lowly upbringing. He would never be truly accepted within the Ton.
When Ophelia’s father thought that he was dying, he told her about a family secret he would not have told her if he weren’t on the brink of death. And when the marquess recovered, he was set on keeping his mouth shut. With no means to get information from her father, Ophelia masquerades as Lady Starlight in the darkest corners of London to uncover this decades old secret. This is what led her towards Devlin Byrne. When they saw each other, Devlin revealed his real identity to Ophelia. And from then on, things between them progressed. Although Devlin is her dear friend, Niall, she knows associating with him comes with risk and scandal. In denial, Forbidden romance, class difference, internal conflict, shitty parents, decisions to be made and finally a Happily ever after!
I am actually torn about my feelings regarding the heroine. There was not anything particularly interesting about her. The subplot about the family secret she’s been dying to uncover was not intriguing at all. Apparently, she is quite decisive and always chasing after what she wanted but I did not see it at all until the very last moment of the book. This does not give her credit, she’s actually an okay character. She is a good daughter to her parents and a good friend to the Sinful wallflowers. I liked that she was a wallflower by choice. She is an ideal regency lady, raised to be prim and proper and to care for her reputation more than anything else. I can’t blame her for that. She had her cute moments, she was naive but not to the point where it’s annoying. That one scene where she asked Devlin where’s her cunny…I was both embarrassed and endeared! At times, it felt like she was lacking something as a heroine. Like her parents, she cares so much for her reputation because her family name had not been touched by scandal for a long time, and like I said, I can’t really blame her for that! But I think it is okay to say that it annoyed me? My God, when I tell you, she kept the hero a secret for like 90% of the book. She does defend his name to her parents and to her snobbish cousin and I liked that about her but it wasn’t enough for me. I feel like her decision about the hero was way too late. Still, I don’t dislike her. In fact, she was an okay character, her personality and upbringing, I think, was somehow true to the era. But I guess my problem was with her as Devlin’s partner, it felt like she wasn’t as devoted to him as he was to her. But Devlin loves her, and I love Devlin and want his happiness, so I liked her well enough to care for her. God, I am so contradictory! I hated some of her actions but at the same time she’s totally my type of heroine. It’s complicated, but that is how I feel.
Now let’s move on to the hero. When I tell you I loved this man, I mean it! But I am gonna be honest, his devotion to Ophelia might come off as obsessive but I was so endeared with him. Imagine a man shaping his entire life just so he could be worthy of you? A man who would do anything to protect you from any danger that may come? A man willing to give up everything for you? A man who is willing to embarrass himself for your sake? A man who would not berate you for things that you have no control of? A man who would be there for you when things go bad? We can blame my daddy issues but Devlin is just the ideal partner and I want him so bad. I am gonna cry. What is with Stacy Reid heroes and always making me wish someone cared for me the way her heroes do for her heroines? This man was the perfect hero. He is probably one of my favorite heroes of all time. His devotion to Ophelia was steadfast. At the beginning, he was in denial, saying his “Love” for her had been a young child’s musings, and was convincing himself he was only courting her to his bed but no one believes that! You would not work hard to make yourself worthy of someone if they did not mean something to you. His love for her never faltered even when she publicly snubbed him. I was literally crying for him [that scene where he whistled to call his dog had me in tears and ranting furiously on twitter about the heroine]. Ophelia put him through so much pain before she decided that he was important to her! I also loved that he wasn’t very experienced and only had one lover his entire life. Frankly, rakes get tiring and it breaks my heart when several books later it is revealed that they have a bastard. (I have someone in mind.) Unlike most HR heroes, he comes from a family who are actually very happy together. So there is no “I can’t love someone” type of shit in here. He was so besotted with Ophelia from the very beginning towards the end. And I liked it. Simply put, to me, he is one of the best heroes I’ve read about. He is by no means perfect, but to me he is.
Just like Maryann and Nicolas, the chemistry between Ophelia and Devlin was undeniable. From the moment I started the book, I knew it was going to be good. Even just from the tidbits about Ophelia and Devlin in Her wicked marquess made me giddy, what more in their own book? The prologue was so good and it really backed up the claim of Devlin’s love for Ophelia so when they met again, it did not feel insta-loveish. Of course, they were children fifteen years ago when they made silly promises to marry each other, and now that they’ve seen each other again, many things have changed. Technically, they do not know each other very well aside from what they knew when they had formed a special friendship as kids. So, their journey to being together and once again renewing the bond they had fifteen years ago tugged at my heartstrings. I cried so many times while reading this book but I guess it had to do with the fact that I was already having a very bad day and then I decided to start this and whenever there were emotional scenes, I would cry. I think out of all the books in this series thus far, this one was what made me cry the most. The best chemistry goes to Nicolas and Maryann but the most emotional (at least, to me) goes to Devlin and Ophelia. There were so many times that I cried but I won’t specify them all for the sake of not spoiling anyone who wanted to read this book. Just know that Devlin is one of the best heroes ever. He’s not my most favorite but he’s up there.
I had so much hatred towards Ophelia’s parents for their nasty treatment towards Devlin. From the very beginning until the end, they were so prejudiced towards him. I hated that the ending felt rushed. They are going to be family for a long time, and Ophelia’s parents are very important to her, will their contempt towards Devlin ever subside? I felt sorry for the marchioness because of the family secret, and I like that she had been a very good parent to Ophelia despite the truth of it all. The marquess, I would never like. He acted so high and mighty when he couldn't even pay his debts. So embarrassing. Of course, he is a peer so he is highly respected and will always be better than Devlin when it comes to social position, thus his prejudice is accurate and true to the era, but it does not mean I can’t hate him. I hated his guts. Such a snob for someone with no money, but of course it is considered coarse to talk about someone’s wealth. Devlin deserved better! But then again, I guess the class-difference was portrayed well enough because the readers really see how many people think that Devlin is unfit for Ophelia, and at times, even she thought so. Their main problem wasn’t solved magically, her parents did not accept him, even with everything he offered. Ophelia was torn between society’s expectations (her parents) and her love for Devlin, so there’s really a struggle there that took a long time to be resolved, and even when it is resolved, you know that many people would still think that Devlin is beneath Ophelia in all aspects, as he’s always reminded by everyone.
The subplot about the family secret was just…there. Ophelia’s Lady Starlight persona was not felt at all, it only went on for about four or five chapters and it was quickly brushed aside, I don’t really mind though because it was boring to me. Of course, this wasn’t a perfect book at all. We have the hero who went from being poor to a wealthy self made man (I eat it up everytime) and a heroine who’s well-bred and came from a well-connected family, so it is of course angsty. These are two people who want to be together but for many reasons, they can't be together. But it is romance, so they’ll somehow make it work.
There were times when I felt like the heroine was undeserving of the hero and I wanted him to just move on and find someone whose family will not belittle him. Find someone who would be ready to fight for him. She did not fight for him, she only did for the last 10 or 5 %, so if you’re looking for a devoted heroine, find other books. What this book has, however, is a hero who is very much in love with the heroine, so if that’s your thing, you have to pick up this book right now!
Like my review for Her Wicked Marquess, I fear that I am not doing this book and the characters justice with my words. I really loved this book and I can’t find the right words to say so forgive me for my somewhat contradictory and messy review. The mutual pining, the forbidden aspect, their clandestine meetings and their sweet moments together were so well put together I couldn’t help but love Ophelia and Devlin as a couple even if the heroine annoyed me at some points. Anyway, at least she came to her senses towards the end and fought for Devlin so A+ for effort, Am I right? Like I said, I can’t blame her for not knowing what to do. I'm sure if I were an aristocratic lady living in the 1800’s, giving up my position would be harder than I imagined. So at the end of the day, she still makes a fine heroine.
I have only read three Stacy Reid books so far and I don’t know if I am interested to read her work out of this series but we’ll have to see. This series, however, is quickly becoming a favorite. This book and book 2 was so good and I can’t wait for what this author has to offer when it comes to the other Sinful wallflowers books. I am particularly excited about Charlotte, and if I am right, it seems that Lord Sands would be her hero…or if not, then the author had been hinting for nothing at all.
I have no more words to say except that this was a good addition to the series and it had all the right tropes that I love when reading a historical romance book. The writing was of course, a touch modern, but the prose is beautiful so I don’t really mind. The chemistry was amazing. The angst was just what I was looking for. The connection between the characters was superb. I had been so eager to read this book and I am so glad it did not disappoint! Lastly, I just have to end this review by saying that Devlin Byrne is what dreams are made of.
Some quotes:
“Once you hold my hand and step forward, I will never let you go.”
“But I cannot believe love is really about racing hearts.” (...) “I think love does not lie. Even if it is painful and frightening, love is honest. Love is also about trust…faithfulness and loyalty to each other. I think most importantly…love must be in the kindness a couple shows each other, and there must be laughter in love.” All the things I have been slowly finding with you. (Taylor swift when she wrote Daylight)
“Whenever she was with Devlin, Ophelia felt as if she lived. She never felt that she had to slip on a mask of perfection, no matter how small their interactions were. A faint stirring of anticipation went through her, and in that moment she understood so much why Maryann had urged them all to be wicked and daring and free and to hunger after the things they wanted. Life was not limitless… It would invariably end, and the idea that she might never experience something as beautiful as she witnessed cut her to her soul.”
“You built a cabin similar to the one that provided a safe haven for us.” “Yes. Is it as you remember?” Ophelia did not face him. She couldn’t, not in this moment, not with this peculiar vulnerability roiling through her heart. “Perhaps. It feels just as peaceful. More beautiful, I think. Why…why did you build it?” A low chuckle sounded. “More so in defiance of everyone who insisted you were not real.” Silence fell, and she stood there, staring down at the book, gasping at the realization that her vision was blurred…by tears. (She wasn’t the only one in tears)
“I feel I have been waiting all my life for this moment to love you,” she said. “I feel no regret in knowing you…I feel no regret in loving you…and I do love you most astonishingly. ‘Not yet’ crumbled a long time ago. I want to take your hand and step forward.” Devlin jerked, the umbrella shaking, before he stilled. Then he smiled, and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. “I will marry you,” she said with a light laugh. “And I promise to love and cherish you for all my lifetimes.”
Ps. Afterglow by Taylor Swift is definitely written for Ophelia and Devlin.
“She simply stopped and stared at him, beyond words—but not feelings.” When Devlin Byrne saved a little girl from drowning and looked after her for many days, they formed a special bond and made promises to marry each other in the future. After Lady Ophelia (Fifi) was finally found by her parents, Devlin was reminded by her father that she would never marry anyone like him. It had been Devlin’s driving force to make his own way in London and to accumulate as much wealth and power as he could. Fifteen years later, when Devlin gave up on the thought of ever seeing Fifi again, he sees her masquerading as Lady Starlight. Ophelia walks in the most dangerous places in London unharmed because she is protected by a man named Devlin Byrne whom she does not know at all… and when the man finally invited her to sing for him, she was surprised to discover that it was her dear friend, Niall, who saved her from drowning when she was but a little girl. Ophelia is eager to discover a family secret and the only man she could trust is Devlin who has secrets of his own. When feelings get involved, Ophelia must decide whether her family’s reputation and the life she’s always lived is more important than the man who has saved her all those years ago.
A scoundrel of her own is the third book from Stacy Reid’s historical romance series, Sinful Wallflowers. Seriously, I am glad I did not give up on Stacy Reid after not being very fond of the first book from this series. Book two and this are both so good. I am so excited for the future installments to this series. This author had been hinting about Fanny and Charlotte and I must say I can’t wait to read their respective books! Please release them now, I can’t wait any longer!
Meet Lady Ophelia Darby: She is the only daughter to the marquess and marchioness of Shelton. Ophelia is part of the Sinful Wallflowers group, and many are confused as to why. She is beautiful, her father is a powerful marquess, and apparently her dowry is about fifty thousand pounds! Ophelia is a wallflower by choice for she has not granted any gentleman a dance for two years because the Ton’s frivolities aged rather quickly. Besides, she is in no rush to marry a gentleman because her parents allowed her to marry only if it’s a love match.
Meet Devlin Byrne: He is no gentleman. When he was younger, his father had been a carpenter and there were even days when they couldn’t eat at all. Although poor, his parents had been content and loved each other truly. As a young boy, he had plans to follow his father’s career path, but it all changed when he met Lady Ophelia. She was a nob, he was no one. The idea of Fifi was what motivated Devlin to run away to London and acquire an insane amount of money. So he could be worthy of her. Now, he is a wealthy industrialist but although rich and powerful, it does not change the fact that he had a lowly upbringing. He would never be truly accepted within the Ton.
When Ophelia’s father thought that he was dying, he told her about a family secret he would not have told her if he weren’t on the brink of death. And when the marquess recovered, he was set on keeping his mouth shut. With no means to get information from her father, Ophelia masquerades as Lady Starlight in the darkest corners of London to uncover this decades old secret. This is what led her towards Devlin Byrne. When they saw each other, Devlin revealed his real identity to Ophelia. And from then on, things between them progressed. Although Devlin is her dear friend, Niall, she knows associating with him comes with risk and scandal. In denial, Forbidden romance, class difference, internal conflict, shitty parents, decisions to be made and finally a Happily ever after!
I am actually torn about my feelings regarding the heroine. There was not anything particularly interesting about her. The subplot about the family secret she’s been dying to uncover was not intriguing at all. Apparently, she is quite decisive and always chasing after what she wanted but I did not see it at all until the very last moment of the book. This does not give her credit, she’s actually an okay character. She is a good daughter to her parents and a good friend to the Sinful wallflowers. I liked that she was a wallflower by choice. She is an ideal regency lady, raised to be prim and proper and to care for her reputation more than anything else. I can’t blame her for that. She had her cute moments, she was naive but not to the point where it’s annoying. That one scene where she asked Devlin where’s her cunny…I was both embarrassed and endeared! At times, it felt like she was lacking something as a heroine. Like her parents, she cares so much for her reputation because her family name had not been touched by scandal for a long time, and like I said, I can’t really blame her for that! But I think it is okay to say that it annoyed me? My God, when I tell you, she kept the hero a secret for like 90% of the book. She does defend his name to her parents and to her snobbish cousin and I liked that about her but it wasn’t enough for me. I feel like her decision about the hero was way too late. Still, I don’t dislike her. In fact, she was an okay character, her personality and upbringing, I think, was somehow true to the era. But I guess my problem was with her as Devlin’s partner, it felt like she wasn’t as devoted to him as he was to her. But Devlin loves her, and I love Devlin and want his happiness, so I liked her well enough to care for her. God, I am so contradictory! I hated some of her actions but at the same time she’s totally my type of heroine. It’s complicated, but that is how I feel.
Now let’s move on to the hero. When I tell you I loved this man, I mean it! But I am gonna be honest, his devotion to Ophelia might come off as obsessive but I was so endeared with him. Imagine a man shaping his entire life just so he could be worthy of you? A man who would do anything to protect you from any danger that may come? A man willing to give up everything for you? A man who is willing to embarrass himself for your sake? A man who would not berate you for things that you have no control of? A man who would be there for you when things go bad? We can blame my daddy issues but Devlin is just the ideal partner and I want him so bad. I am gonna cry. What is with Stacy Reid heroes and always making me wish someone cared for me the way her heroes do for her heroines? This man was the perfect hero. He is probably one of my favorite heroes of all time. His devotion to Ophelia was steadfast. At the beginning, he was in denial, saying his “Love” for her had been a young child’s musings, and was convincing himself he was only courting her to his bed but no one believes that! You would not work hard to make yourself worthy of someone if they did not mean something to you. His love for her never faltered even when she publicly snubbed him. I was literally crying for him [that scene where he whistled to call his dog had me in tears and ranting furiously on twitter about the heroine]. Ophelia put him through so much pain before she decided that he was important to her! I also loved that he wasn’t very experienced and only had one lover his entire life. Frankly, rakes get tiring and it breaks my heart when several books later it is revealed that they have a bastard. (I have someone in mind.) Unlike most HR heroes, he comes from a family who are actually very happy together. So there is no “I can’t love someone” type of shit in here. He was so besotted with Ophelia from the very beginning towards the end. And I liked it. Simply put, to me, he is one of the best heroes I’ve read about. He is by no means perfect, but to me he is.
Just like Maryann and Nicolas, the chemistry between Ophelia and Devlin was undeniable. From the moment I started the book, I knew it was going to be good. Even just from the tidbits about Ophelia and Devlin in Her wicked marquess made me giddy, what more in their own book? The prologue was so good and it really backed up the claim of Devlin’s love for Ophelia so when they met again, it did not feel insta-loveish. Of course, they were children fifteen years ago when they made silly promises to marry each other, and now that they’ve seen each other again, many things have changed. Technically, they do not know each other very well aside from what they knew when they had formed a special friendship as kids. So, their journey to being together and once again renewing the bond they had fifteen years ago tugged at my heartstrings. I cried so many times while reading this book but I guess it had to do with the fact that I was already having a very bad day and then I decided to start this and whenever there were emotional scenes, I would cry. I think out of all the books in this series thus far, this one was what made me cry the most. The best chemistry goes to Nicolas and Maryann but the most emotional (at least, to me) goes to Devlin and Ophelia. There were so many times that I cried but I won’t specify them all for the sake of not spoiling anyone who wanted to read this book. Just know that Devlin is one of the best heroes ever. He’s not my most favorite but he’s up there.
I had so much hatred towards Ophelia’s parents for their nasty treatment towards Devlin. From the very beginning until the end, they were so prejudiced towards him. I hated that the ending felt rushed. They are going to be family for a long time, and Ophelia’s parents are very important to her, will their contempt towards Devlin ever subside? I felt sorry for the marchioness because of the family secret, and I like that she had been a very good parent to Ophelia despite the truth of it all. The marquess, I would never like. He acted so high and mighty when he couldn't even pay his debts. So embarrassing. Of course, he is a peer so he is highly respected and will always be better than Devlin when it comes to social position, thus his prejudice is accurate and true to the era, but it does not mean I can’t hate him. I hated his guts. Such a snob for someone with no money, but of course it is considered coarse to talk about someone’s wealth. Devlin deserved better! But then again, I guess the class-difference was portrayed well enough because the readers really see how many people think that Devlin is unfit for Ophelia, and at times, even she thought so. Their main problem wasn’t solved magically, her parents did not accept him, even with everything he offered. Ophelia was torn between society’s expectations (her parents) and her love for Devlin, so there’s really a struggle there that took a long time to be resolved, and even when it is resolved, you know that many people would still think that Devlin is beneath Ophelia in all aspects, as he’s always reminded by everyone.
The subplot about the family secret was just…there. Ophelia’s Lady Starlight persona was not felt at all, it only went on for about four or five chapters and it was quickly brushed aside, I don’t really mind though because it was boring to me. Of course, this wasn’t a perfect book at all. We have the hero who went from being poor to a wealthy self made man (I eat it up everytime) and a heroine who’s well-bred and came from a well-connected family, so it is of course angsty. These are two people who want to be together but for many reasons, they can't be together. But it is romance, so they’ll somehow make it work.
There were times when I felt like the heroine was undeserving of the hero and I wanted him to just move on and find someone whose family will not belittle him. Find someone who would be ready to fight for him. She did not fight for him, she only did for the last 10 or 5 %, so if you’re looking for a devoted heroine, find other books. What this book has, however, is a hero who is very much in love with the heroine, so if that’s your thing, you have to pick up this book right now!
Like my review for Her Wicked Marquess, I fear that I am not doing this book and the characters justice with my words. I really loved this book and I can’t find the right words to say so forgive me for my somewhat contradictory and messy review. The mutual pining, the forbidden aspect, their clandestine meetings and their sweet moments together were so well put together I couldn’t help but love Ophelia and Devlin as a couple even if the heroine annoyed me at some points. Anyway, at least she came to her senses towards the end and fought for Devlin so A+ for effort, Am I right? Like I said, I can’t blame her for not knowing what to do. I'm sure if I were an aristocratic lady living in the 1800’s, giving up my position would be harder than I imagined. So at the end of the day, she still makes a fine heroine.
I have only read three Stacy Reid books so far and I don’t know if I am interested to read her work out of this series but we’ll have to see. This series, however, is quickly becoming a favorite. This book and book 2 was so good and I can’t wait for what this author has to offer when it comes to the other Sinful wallflowers books. I am particularly excited about Charlotte, and if I am right, it seems that Lord Sands would be her hero…or if not, then the author had been hinting for nothing at all.
I have no more words to say except that this was a good addition to the series and it had all the right tropes that I love when reading a historical romance book. The writing was of course, a touch modern, but the prose is beautiful so I don’t really mind. The chemistry was amazing. The angst was just what I was looking for. The connection between the characters was superb. I had been so eager to read this book and I am so glad it did not disappoint! Lastly, I just have to end this review by saying that Devlin Byrne is what dreams are made of.
Some quotes:
“Once you hold my hand and step forward, I will never let you go.”
“But I cannot believe love is really about racing hearts.” (...) “I think love does not lie. Even if it is painful and frightening, love is honest. Love is also about trust…faithfulness and loyalty to each other. I think most importantly…love must be in the kindness a couple shows each other, and there must be laughter in love.” All the things I have been slowly finding with you. (Taylor swift when she wrote Daylight)
“Whenever she was with Devlin, Ophelia felt as if she lived. She never felt that she had to slip on a mask of perfection, no matter how small their interactions were. A faint stirring of anticipation went through her, and in that moment she understood so much why Maryann had urged them all to be wicked and daring and free and to hunger after the things they wanted. Life was not limitless… It would invariably end, and the idea that she might never experience something as beautiful as she witnessed cut her to her soul.”
“You built a cabin similar to the one that provided a safe haven for us.” “Yes. Is it as you remember?” Ophelia did not face him. She couldn’t, not in this moment, not with this peculiar vulnerability roiling through her heart. “Perhaps. It feels just as peaceful. More beautiful, I think. Why…why did you build it?” A low chuckle sounded. “More so in defiance of everyone who insisted you were not real.” Silence fell, and she stood there, staring down at the book, gasping at the realization that her vision was blurred…by tears. (She wasn’t the only one in tears)
“I feel I have been waiting all my life for this moment to love you,” she said. “I feel no regret in knowing you…I feel no regret in loving you…and I do love you most astonishingly. ‘Not yet’ crumbled a long time ago. I want to take your hand and step forward.” Devlin jerked, the umbrella shaking, before he stilled. Then he smiled, and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. “I will marry you,” she said with a light laugh. “And I promise to love and cherish you for all my lifetimes.”
Ps. Afterglow by Taylor Swift is definitely written for Ophelia and Devlin.
December 28, 2021
BOOK: A Scoundrel of Her Own
SERIES: Sinful Wallflowers #3 - it can be read as standalone
GENRE: historical romance
TROPES & THEMES: childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers, class difference, from rags to riches, opposites attract, sweet & self-made hero
CLIFFHANGER: no
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE: December 28th, 2021
How do you spell one of my favorites of the year?
HEROINE: Ophelia Fifi, 24, an independent daughter of a marquess, verified wallflower, masquerades as Lady Starlight an underground singer to uncover a family secret
HERO: Devlin Niall, 28, self-made man, a wealthy, notorious scoundrel who is actually very sweet and gives back to those who are less fortunate, and his best friend is his Bullmastiff, Conan
MEET CUTE: They meet as children when Devlin saves Ophelia from drowning. Maybe because the first crushes are so sweet or they are children, but this part was so adorable.
BLURB: This is a story about two people on the opposite spectrum of London society in early 1800. Ophelia, a marques' daughter, shouldn't even acknowledge Devlin's presence, say yes to dance, or seek him out. Yet, she does. They met as children and liked each other instantly. Some big promises are made, but they are too young and innocent to understand the different world they live in. After 15 years of not hearing about each other, a chance encounter changes everything. Despite the class difference, the love they share is stronger than anything.
MY THOUGHTS & FEELINGS: I love Stacy Reid's writing. The choices she makes and the way she sprinkles so much life into her characters. There is no denying her ability to make a reader fall in love with her books. Because I sure do, every single time and this book was no exception. Ophelia is a smart, strong, brave, and loyal woman. Devlin is a hardworking, honorable, trustworthy, and daring man. Together they are magical. I love how they care for their family and each other. She can be herself with him, and he is willing to give up everything for her.
Extra points for:
-conflict being realistic regarding their class difference
- how heroine acknowledges her privilege
- they way she tells him immediately when she remembers him
OVERALL: All the stars. This book took me on a journey where I swooned, laughed, cried, and even blushed. I recommend it to all the fans of the genre and/or tropes. I am beyond excited for future books in the series.
Minor note to the person responsible for the cover: Why? Why is the heroine blonde? Yes, Ophelia wears a blue dress and blonde wig when she goes to meet Devlin, but that is just one scene. Otherwise numerous times in the book it is pointed out she has the blackest hair everyone has ever seen. So, I'm confused about the choices here?!
* I received an arc copy of the book through NetGalley. All thoughts, grammar errors, and opinions are my own. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this copy of the book.
SERIES: Sinful Wallflowers #3 - it can be read as standalone
GENRE: historical romance
TROPES & THEMES: childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers, class difference, from rags to riches, opposites attract, sweet & self-made hero
CLIFFHANGER: no
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE: December 28th, 2021
How do you spell one of my favorites of the year?
"She simply stopped and stared at him, beyond words— but not feelings."
HEROINE: Ophelia Fifi, 24, an independent daughter of a marquess, verified wallflower, masquerades as Lady Starlight an underground singer to uncover a family secret
"Devlin Byrne was like the gambling den he associated with… sparkling, extravagant, forbidden. Accepting his kiss was surrendering to the things Ophelia craved in the dark of night."
HERO: Devlin Niall, 28, self-made man, a wealthy, notorious scoundrel who is actually very sweet and gives back to those who are less fortunate, and his best friend is his Bullmastiff, Conan
MEET CUTE: They meet as children when Devlin saves Ophelia from drowning. Maybe because the first crushes are so sweet or they are children, but this part was so adorable.
"Silence fell in the drawing room. “You remember,” he said gruffly. “Every moment. We climbed a tree together, and somewhere out there, across the great landscape of England, a rather large and impressive willow tree bears our carved initials."
BLURB: This is a story about two people on the opposite spectrum of London society in early 1800. Ophelia, a marques' daughter, shouldn't even acknowledge Devlin's presence, say yes to dance, or seek him out. Yet, she does. They met as children and liked each other instantly. Some big promises are made, but they are too young and innocent to understand the different world they live in. After 15 years of not hearing about each other, a chance encounter changes everything. Despite the class difference, the love they share is stronger than anything.
MY THOUGHTS & FEELINGS: I love Stacy Reid's writing. The choices she makes and the way she sprinkles so much life into her characters. There is no denying her ability to make a reader fall in love with her books. Because I sure do, every single time and this book was no exception. Ophelia is a smart, strong, brave, and loyal woman. Devlin is a hardworking, honorable, trustworthy, and daring man. Together they are magical. I love how they care for their family and each other. She can be herself with him, and he is willing to give up everything for her.
Extra points for:
-conflict being realistic regarding their class difference
- how heroine acknowledges her privilege
- they way she tells him immediately when she remembers him
OVERALL: All the stars. This book took me on a journey where I swooned, laughed, cried, and even blushed. I recommend it to all the fans of the genre and/or tropes. I am beyond excited for future books in the series.
“I feel I have been waiting all my life for this moment to love you,” she said. “I feel no regret in knowing you… I feel no regret in loving you… and I do love you most astonishingly. "
Minor note to the person responsible for the cover: Why? Why is the heroine blonde? Yes, Ophelia wears a blue dress and blonde wig when she goes to meet Devlin, but that is just one scene. Otherwise numerous times in the book it is pointed out she has the blackest hair everyone has ever seen. So, I'm confused about the choices here?!
* I received an arc copy of the book through NetGalley. All thoughts, grammar errors, and opinions are my own. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this copy of the book.
March 7, 2023
Hello new favourite! 🤩
Stacy Reid has this way of writing that I find extremely difficult to put into words, to express what her storytelling is capable off and what it does to me.
The woman knows how to write, first of all. Fuckin’ hell.
And secondly, this book was immaculate. Start to finish.
So when you read a book from an author who’s writing style you just vibe with… you’re dreaming. It’s a dream to read. Because everything about that story just works. You become really familiar with the characters and their world, their struggles, joy and pain. And you just root for them. You want the absolute best for them.
The protagonists here met when they were kids due to an incident that happened in where they crossed paths. After spending some time together, they decided that they’d marry when they’d get older. However, they are worlds apart.
Ophelia comes from wealth and has a standing in society that Niall was not born into. Niall is considered a commoner and very much aware of the class difference from a young age, which was heartbreaking, honestly.
They get separated and are reunited years later and have never forgotten each other. Especially on the hero’s end.
“I like a lady who knows her worth…and you, Fifi, are worth kingdoms.”
I just adored this. I love how Stacy Reid built this story. There’s angst, there’s tension. I wasn’t sure how they were going to make this work, because there were things standing in their way. But the HEA really came through.
I don’t want to give too much away. There’s so much beauty to this story that tugs at your heart and if you are looking for one that’ll give you an achingly good time, then here you go. You have to read this.
Stacy Reid has this way of writing that I find extremely difficult to put into words, to express what her storytelling is capable off and what it does to me.
The woman knows how to write, first of all. Fuckin’ hell.
And secondly, this book was immaculate. Start to finish.
So when you read a book from an author who’s writing style you just vibe with… you’re dreaming. It’s a dream to read. Because everything about that story just works. You become really familiar with the characters and their world, their struggles, joy and pain. And you just root for them. You want the absolute best for them.
The protagonists here met when they were kids due to an incident that happened in where they crossed paths. After spending some time together, they decided that they’d marry when they’d get older. However, they are worlds apart.
Ophelia comes from wealth and has a standing in society that Niall was not born into. Niall is considered a commoner and very much aware of the class difference from a young age, which was heartbreaking, honestly.
They get separated and are reunited years later and have never forgotten each other. Especially on the hero’s end.
“I like a lady who knows her worth…and you, Fifi, are worth kingdoms.”
I just adored this. I love how Stacy Reid built this story. There’s angst, there’s tension. I wasn’t sure how they were going to make this work, because there were things standing in their way. But the HEA really came through.
I don’t want to give too much away. There’s so much beauty to this story that tugs at your heart and if you are looking for one that’ll give you an achingly good time, then here you go. You have to read this.
April 27, 2022
✨The feminine urge to make eye contact with my crush of 15 years and 6 months across the dance floor at a ball.✨
To sum the situation up Devlin saved Ophelia from a carriage accident when she was 8 and he was 12. They had to fend for themselves in a cottage for many days because a river swept them away. Devlin was very positive she was the girl he would marry and Ophelia was happy about it too. When they were rescued Devlin was basically banished from her life because she was of the upper class and he was a son of a carpenter. Fast forward 15 years and 6 months to a very handsome and successful Devlin (he did it all for her) who spots Ophelia on the street. He’s like 0.O ₒₕ ₛₕᵢₜ ₒₕ 𝒻ᵤ𝒸ₖ and decides to take a few months to get his game plan situated. Ophelia knows he’s her protector but doesn’t initially know he’s the little boy who saved her. They finally meet after he’s all sexy and mysterious and the rest of the book is about them falling in love and sneaking around. Super amazing friends to lovers situation I am a changed woman. Tbh there wasn’t much angst because they both pretty much accepted that they were absolutely gone for the other. That’s exactly what I wanted and needed.
This man never gave up. He was like “literally whatever I can get of this woman I will take because I respect her decisions and I really hope I get all of her but I’d settle for an eyebrow raise every other year if that’s all she can give me but I’ll still care for her and protect her and give her everything she needs with no repayment because I’ve loved her so desperately since I was twelve and she was eight.” Never gave up in a good way. She didn’t want him to give up either. The pining was mutual. The pining was enough to fill a forest. The pining had pining.
He didn’t hold anything against her, not her position in society, not her parents, not her need to feel his love and know that he loved her. He didn’t give up in the face of adversity. When her parents rejected the suit he didn’t run away. He waited for her. He didn’t go against her wishes. He listened to her and loved her and trusted her to feel the same and to do the same for him.
There was no third act breakup because they were truly and irrevocably in love and didn’t need a breakup to bring them back together once they realized what they were missing. No, they understood what they would be missing if they split up. They worked for it and made the active choice to stay together through it all.
The moment I knew this book could never disappoint me was when Devlin asked Rhys for wooing tips with his whole heart. That man asked another man for wooing tips. He brought it BACK up in the conversation. There was no saving him. He was gone and never wanted to return. The way I cried.
He was a cinnamon roll with extra icing and a four course breakfast on the side with freshly squeezed orange juice, a latte, and an untouched crossword puzzle all served up on a cute little tray in bed. There was probably even a disgustingly thoughtful flower in a mini milk bottle vase on the cute little tray as well. He’s THAT delicious. He brushed her hair and the amount of nose and forehead kisses? Enough to melt me into a gooey cinnamony puddle.
I mean the fact that he understood that she couldn’t speak to him in the park (although I wanted her to run to him) and just kept on loving her and understanding her absolutely sent me. LET ME REPEAT HE DIDN'T GET MAD AT HER. It didn’t lead to a breakup! Tears! So many tears! Pride? Who is she. Ego? Don’t know her. The irrational male urge to leave because “that’s what’s best for her?” Never even entered the chat.
I talked so much about Devlin but Ophelia was wonderful too. Her own story was very touching and fun and emotional. I liked that she was Lady Starlight but that it didn’t overtake the plot. I loved watching her fall in love Devlin, especially when she realized just how good he really was. Damn I am so jealous of her. I love that she chose her own happiness over her parents’. I love that she chose him. I love that she told Effie to go fuck herself in lady of the ton terms.
As for sex, this book did it everywhere. Carriages, under the stars, desks, beds, cottages. There was dirty talk, educational language, and just so many “I can’t believe this is actually happening, so pinch me but in a hot way” moments. Hell I couldn’t believe it was happening. I still can’t believe a book this full of love exists.
Overall, this book was just disgustingly good. Like so good. The second book in the series was also just so goddamn perfect. Stacy Reid is such a force and is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. She just gets it all. She knows what the characters need and what the readers need and she really knows how to fuck me right up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5*/5
*Truly my only qualms come from Devlin imagining things to do with Ophelia but they never actually do most of them. This always irks me because as soon as I read the suggestions I’m like a bear with honey. I need them. I will do bad things for them. I dream about them. Most of the scenes we got were missionary (one of her on top I believe) and I wanted a bit more variety. Maybe a bit more of her exploring him too. But this is picky to the extreme so don’t mind me.
________
Initial reaction:
What the FUCK was this book my GOD 😭😭😭 I was not emotionally prepared for this I fear I won’t recover. If I were you I would simply READ THIS MOTHERFUCKIN BOOK WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR DO IT DO IT DOOOOO IIIIIIIIT IF YOU DONT I WILL KNOW AND I WILL BE SOOOOO DISAPPOINTED IN YOU AND FROM ME TO YOU MY EYES CAN MAKE YOU FEEL REAL BAD ABOUT YOURSELF LIKE IM NOT A MOTHER BUT I GOT THAT MOM LOOK DOWN I WILL JUST STARE AT YOU FORVER AND EVER AND EVER. I WILL LEARN HOW TO RAISE MY EYEBROW FOR THAT EXACT OCCASION.
To sum the situation up Devlin saved Ophelia from a carriage accident when she was 8 and he was 12. They had to fend for themselves in a cottage for many days because a river swept them away. Devlin was very positive she was the girl he would marry and Ophelia was happy about it too. When they were rescued Devlin was basically banished from her life because she was of the upper class and he was a son of a carpenter. Fast forward 15 years and 6 months to a very handsome and successful Devlin (he did it all for her) who spots Ophelia on the street. He’s like 0.O ₒₕ ₛₕᵢₜ ₒₕ 𝒻ᵤ𝒸ₖ and decides to take a few months to get his game plan situated. Ophelia knows he’s her protector but doesn’t initially know he’s the little boy who saved her. They finally meet after he’s all sexy and mysterious and the rest of the book is about them falling in love and sneaking around. Super amazing friends to lovers situation I am a changed woman. Tbh there wasn’t much angst because they both pretty much accepted that they were absolutely gone for the other. That’s exactly what I wanted and needed.
This man never gave up. He was like “literally whatever I can get of this woman I will take because I respect her decisions and I really hope I get all of her but I’d settle for an eyebrow raise every other year if that’s all she can give me but I’ll still care for her and protect her and give her everything she needs with no repayment because I’ve loved her so desperately since I was twelve and she was eight.” Never gave up in a good way. She didn’t want him to give up either. The pining was mutual. The pining was enough to fill a forest. The pining had pining.
He didn’t hold anything against her, not her position in society, not her parents, not her need to feel his love and know that he loved her. He didn’t give up in the face of adversity. When her parents rejected the suit he didn’t run away. He waited for her. He didn’t go against her wishes. He listened to her and loved her and trusted her to feel the same and to do the same for him.
There was no third act breakup because they were truly and irrevocably in love and didn’t need a breakup to bring them back together once they realized what they were missing. No, they understood what they would be missing if they split up. They worked for it and made the active choice to stay together through it all.
The moment I knew this book could never disappoint me was when Devlin asked Rhys for wooing tips with his whole heart. That man asked another man for wooing tips. He brought it BACK up in the conversation. There was no saving him. He was gone and never wanted to return. The way I cried.
He was a cinnamon roll with extra icing and a four course breakfast on the side with freshly squeezed orange juice, a latte, and an untouched crossword puzzle all served up on a cute little tray in bed. There was probably even a disgustingly thoughtful flower in a mini milk bottle vase on the cute little tray as well. He’s THAT delicious. He brushed her hair and the amount of nose and forehead kisses? Enough to melt me into a gooey cinnamony puddle.
I mean the fact that he understood that she couldn’t speak to him in the park (although I wanted her to run to him) and just kept on loving her and understanding her absolutely sent me. LET ME REPEAT HE DIDN'T GET MAD AT HER. It didn’t lead to a breakup! Tears! So many tears! Pride? Who is she. Ego? Don’t know her. The irrational male urge to leave because “that’s what’s best for her?” Never even entered the chat.
I talked so much about Devlin but Ophelia was wonderful too. Her own story was very touching and fun and emotional. I liked that she was Lady Starlight but that it didn’t overtake the plot. I loved watching her fall in love Devlin, especially when she realized just how good he really was. Damn I am so jealous of her. I love that she chose her own happiness over her parents’. I love that she chose him. I love that she told Effie to go fuck herself in lady of the ton terms.
As for sex, this book did it everywhere. Carriages, under the stars, desks, beds, cottages. There was dirty talk, educational language, and just so many “I can’t believe this is actually happening, so pinch me but in a hot way” moments. Hell I couldn’t believe it was happening. I still can’t believe a book this full of love exists.
Overall, this book was just disgustingly good. Like so good. The second book in the series was also just so goddamn perfect. Stacy Reid is such a force and is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. She just gets it all. She knows what the characters need and what the readers need and she really knows how to fuck me right up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5*/5
*Truly my only qualms come from Devlin imagining things to do with Ophelia but they never actually do most of them. This always irks me because as soon as I read the suggestions I’m like a bear with honey. I need them. I will do bad things for them. I dream about them. Most of the scenes we got were missionary (one of her on top I believe) and I wanted a bit more variety. Maybe a bit more of her exploring him too. But this is picky to the extreme so don’t mind me.
________
Initial reaction:
What the FUCK was this book my GOD 😭😭😭 I was not emotionally prepared for this I fear I won’t recover. If I were you I would simply READ THIS MOTHERFUCKIN BOOK WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR DO IT DO IT DOOOOO IIIIIIIIT IF YOU DONT I WILL KNOW AND I WILL BE SOOOOO DISAPPOINTED IN YOU AND FROM ME TO YOU MY EYES CAN MAKE YOU FEEL REAL BAD ABOUT YOURSELF LIKE IM NOT A MOTHER BUT I GOT THAT MOM LOOK DOWN I WILL JUST STARE AT YOU FORVER AND EVER AND EVER. I WILL LEARN HOW TO RAISE MY EYEBROW FOR THAT EXACT OCCASION.
May 14, 2022
3.5 stars
I really wanted to fall head over heels for this book. The romance was amazing. I loved how Ophelia and Devlin met when they were young and Devlin helped save Ophelia and keep Ophelia alive while they were stranded in a cabin in the woods. When they were found, Devlin promised to marry her and Ophelia's family laughed in his face. Now, Devlin has grown up and become a self-made man. He owns a gambling hell and has quite the reputation. Ophelia sings under asecret persona and is shocked when she receives a note asking her to sing for an outrageous amount of money that could help her family's debt. The two are reunited and Ophelia learns the note is from the boy who saved her. I really loved their connection and their romance, but the romance was soooooo slow burn and there wasn't really a whole lot else to the plot. This book was over 370 pages and only focused on the slow burn romance. The only other part of the plot was Ophelia trying to track down her birth mother. I would have loved more from Devlin's storyline and cool things could have been done with his past or the things he was involved in. Like I said, the romance was so sweet and I loved them coming together despite the odds, but I wanted more from the book overall.
I really wanted to fall head over heels for this book. The romance was amazing. I loved how Ophelia and Devlin met when they were young and Devlin helped save Ophelia and keep Ophelia alive while they were stranded in a cabin in the woods. When they were found, Devlin promised to marry her and Ophelia's family laughed in his face. Now, Devlin has grown up and become a self-made man. He owns a gambling hell and has quite the reputation. Ophelia sings under asecret persona and is shocked when she receives a note asking her to sing for an outrageous amount of money that could help her family's debt. The two are reunited and Ophelia learns the note is from the boy who saved her. I really loved their connection and their romance, but the romance was soooooo slow burn and there wasn't really a whole lot else to the plot. This book was over 370 pages and only focused on the slow burn romance. The only other part of the plot was Ophelia trying to track down her birth mother. I would have loved more from Devlin's storyline and cool things could have been done with his past or the things he was involved in. Like I said, the romance was so sweet and I loved them coming together despite the odds, but I wanted more from the book overall.
November 12, 2023
I wanted the prologue to continue, the sweet innocence of youth. Young Fifi and Devlin were perfect.
Childhood friends to adult lovers
Time jump
A parentage mystery
Singer/songwriter
Social class differences
Dirty talk on point
Fine as a standalone
No cheating (he had one lover before her)
HEA
“I was not…raised as a gentleman. Do not hold me to those standards I might never understand. Know I would never hurt you or allow a hair on your head to be hurt. I would not lie to you. Nor would I ever show you discourtesy. Even with the years between us, I know you to be precious.”
Reid knows how to write dreamy heroes!
Childhood friends to adult lovers
Time jump
A parentage mystery
Singer/songwriter
Social class differences
Dirty talk on point
Fine as a standalone
No cheating (he had one lover before her)
HEA
“I was not…raised as a gentleman. Do not hold me to those standards I might never understand. Know I would never hurt you or allow a hair on your head to be hurt. I would not lie to you. Nor would I ever show you discourtesy. Even with the years between us, I know you to be precious.”
Reid knows how to write dreamy heroes!
October 24, 2021
I cannot wait for you guys to meet Fifi and Devlin!
April 29, 2022
5 Stars
There are some stories which make you wish you did not have a job, things to do, or a house to run. This tale was the one. All I wanted to do was keep turning pages and not stop. Every interruption irritated me because it took me away from the book. God, it was perfect. There is no other adjective that would do it justice. Just so damn perfect. This is what a beautiful romance looks like.
I want a Scoundrel of My Own. I want a Devlin of my own. As I type this review, my dear husband is reading over my shoulder, shaking his head cursing Stacy Reid, romance novels, and men created by women, all in one breath, while mumbling something that sounds remarkably like, "Woman, what more could you possibly want...?"
So, how does one review perfection? Fucking hell, words are elusive. Let's keep it to some exceedingly flattering adjectives, shall we?
The Beauty of Sheer Perfection...
- Ms Reid's writing is unparalleled. I bow to the master.
- This exquisite plot flawlessly conveyed a combination of friendship, love, separation, longing, angst, determination, ambition, individuality, prejudice, and class difference. None of it is overdone. None of it was underdelivered. It just fit, like pieces of a puzzle, that came together to form an unmitigated picture.
- Devlin, dear sweet Lord, Devlin. Where can I get one? I want, no, I need a Devlin. This was his story, his love, his fight and his win. Ophelia was special because he chose her, saved her, fought for her, and loved her. I cried for him, rooted for him, and I would have dropped everything to run to him.
- Ophelia was nice enough, I guess, but it was all Devlin for me. When she did not recognize him, I was heartbroken and every time she hesitated was like a gut punch. I understood where she was coming from, I did not want to, but I got it and hated it nonetheless.
Highlights...
- Conan
- The Cottage
- The birthday fireworks
- The ring
- Asking for wooing advice
- The "not yet..."
- The heartfelt monologue to the Marquess by Devlin
- The steam
PS - Cousin Effie was a bitch, rot in hell woman.
My Recommendation
Drop everything and read this book. It was love, pure and simple.
There are some stories which make you wish you did not have a job, things to do, or a house to run. This tale was the one. All I wanted to do was keep turning pages and not stop. Every interruption irritated me because it took me away from the book. God, it was perfect. There is no other adjective that would do it justice. Just so damn perfect. This is what a beautiful romance looks like.
I want a Scoundrel of My Own. I want a Devlin of my own. As I type this review, my dear husband is reading over my shoulder, shaking his head cursing Stacy Reid, romance novels, and men created by women, all in one breath, while mumbling something that sounds remarkably like, "Woman, what more could you possibly want...?"
So, how does one review perfection? Fucking hell, words are elusive. Let's keep it to some exceedingly flattering adjectives, shall we?
The Beauty of Sheer Perfection...
- Ms Reid's writing is unparalleled. I bow to the master.
- This exquisite plot flawlessly conveyed a combination of friendship, love, separation, longing, angst, determination, ambition, individuality, prejudice, and class difference. None of it is overdone. None of it was underdelivered. It just fit, like pieces of a puzzle, that came together to form an unmitigated picture.
- Devlin, dear sweet Lord, Devlin. Where can I get one? I want, no, I need a Devlin. This was his story, his love, his fight and his win. Ophelia was special because he chose her, saved her, fought for her, and loved her. I cried for him, rooted for him, and I would have dropped everything to run to him.
- Ophelia was nice enough, I guess, but it was all Devlin for me. When she did not recognize him, I was heartbroken and every time she hesitated was like a gut punch. I understood where she was coming from, I did not want to, but I got it and hated it nonetheless.
Highlights...
- Conan
- The Cottage
- The birthday fireworks
- The ring
- Asking for wooing advice
- The "not yet..."
- The heartfelt monologue to the Marquess by Devlin
- The steam
PS - Cousin Effie was a bitch, rot in hell woman.
My Recommendation
Drop everything and read this book. It was love, pure and simple.
December 5, 2021
An accident, a very brave 12 year old boy, and the girl he rescues is the beginning to this absolutely WONDERFUL childhood friends to lovers romance. But they're forbidden from each other, even though they vow to wait for each other. They come from two different worlds, she a gently bred lady of the ton, and he a commoner from a poor family scraping by to survive.
This book had me by the heart from page one until the end.
I loved the simmering heat between these two, the self made hero Devlin turned out to be, how absolutely gone for Ophelia he was, and the overall message of dismantling class barriers to see the true nature of people.
This was steamy, swoony, gripping, dramatic, and breathtakingly romantic.
I loved every page.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review *
This book had me by the heart from page one until the end.
I loved the simmering heat between these two, the self made hero Devlin turned out to be, how absolutely gone for Ophelia he was, and the overall message of dismantling class barriers to see the true nature of people.
This was steamy, swoony, gripping, dramatic, and breathtakingly romantic.
I loved every page.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review *
January 14, 2022
I loved so many moments in this book! I do feel like she was a little reckless in a way that seemed naïve and her parents were intense in one moment that seemed hypocritical, and I am not 100% on board with the heroine forgiving her father. But still 4 stars!
March 27, 2022
This was so much more than a romance; it was a love story. True love; a beautiful, sensual, soulmate love; an angsty, heart-pounding forbidden love. A love that transcended years, suffering, class difference, family disapproval and societal expectations. A love that made me swoon 😍
It was there in the shadows of his stare—as if she were the answer to all the secret dreams and cravings he’d ever owned. And she felt the answering call deep inside her heart…her body.
The next time I close my eyes and make a wish on the first evening star, I’ll be wishing for a man who will love me the way Devlin loved Fifi ❤️
“Wait for me…”
It was there in the shadows of his stare—as if she were the answer to all the secret dreams and cravings he’d ever owned. And she felt the answering call deep inside her heart…her body.
The next time I close my eyes and make a wish on the first evening star, I’ll be wishing for a man who will love me the way Devlin loved Fifi ❤️
“Wait for me…”
April 27, 2022
"I am not sure whether to be proud or scandalized."
"Be both."
Genre: historical romance
Trope: class difference, childhood friend, forbidden love
Series: Sinful Wallflowers #3 (can be read as a stand-alone)
Cliffhanger: No
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶
Rating: 4.25 ⭐
I have received an ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.
For the fans of Bridgerton, here comes the perfect new series. If you are in the mood for some steamy historical romance, with scenes that will make you laugh and scandalize your inner Lady (who am I kidding, she won't be scandalized, she'll be delighted!), then definitely pick this up. This book is part of the Sinful Wallflowers series, but can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone (that's actually what I did and it worked perfectly!).
"There is no need for any concern. It was but a dance and a mild discourse. " And the very beginning of my fall from the tedium of life and into the fires of temptation.
》》The Plot《《
The story follows the delicious blooming of a love between two people from different social classes: Lady Ophelia, sweetheart of the ton who has discovered her life isn't really how it seemed, and Devlin Byrne, the man who went from rags to riches through sheer determination and his own wits. Separated by social status and society rules, the two of them seek to change their condition and turn the stars to their favor. It's wonderfully written, easy to follow and even easier to love.
"You are a dangerous temptation, Devlin Byrne."
"`Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall. Will you fall with me, Fifi?"
》》Characters and Relationships《《
Dark, brooding, mysterious, scary for everyone but his loved ones? That's the recipe for my favorite male MC and Devlin Byrne is all that and more. He's determined and strong willed, caring, generous and constantly fighting for his dreams, for what he thinks is right and for a better life for those who need a helping hand.
Ophelia, the other side of this coin, is this sweet and beautiful lady, aware of her privileges and gilded cage, in search of the real thrills of living. She's shaken by the secrets her father has spilled and wishes to know more about the truth, even if that means having to sneak around and visit very un-ladylike areas of London. But what I like the most about her is that, even in spite of her upbringing, she's willing to ignore the rules of society and risk becoming an outcast for her heart.
The two of them are opposites in everything, but they have more than just their common past binding them and, watching their relationship develop from strangers to protector and protégé, to reunited friends and finally to secret lovers is a delightful journey.
》》Thoughts and Conclusion 《《
I really loved this book more than I was anticipating and I'm happy to have discovered Stacy Reid's writing. It was a definite page-turner, with writing that turns words into feelings, sprinkled with adorable moments, authentic characters and a steamy romance. Extra golden points for Barbosa, the baby goat that apparently can inspire blushes into young ladies and Connan, the enormous and loyal hound dog.
It was really good and I'll be keeping and eye on the author as I definitely intend to read more of her work.
"Be both."
Genre: historical romance
Trope: class difference, childhood friend, forbidden love
Series: Sinful Wallflowers #3 (can be read as a stand-alone)
Cliffhanger: No
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶
Rating: 4.25 ⭐
I have received an ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.
For the fans of Bridgerton, here comes the perfect new series. If you are in the mood for some steamy historical romance, with scenes that will make you laugh and scandalize your inner Lady (who am I kidding, she won't be scandalized, she'll be delighted!), then definitely pick this up. This book is part of the Sinful Wallflowers series, but can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone (that's actually what I did and it worked perfectly!).
"There is no need for any concern. It was but a dance and a mild discourse. " And the very beginning of my fall from the tedium of life and into the fires of temptation.
》》The Plot《《
The story follows the delicious blooming of a love between two people from different social classes: Lady Ophelia, sweetheart of the ton who has discovered her life isn't really how it seemed, and Devlin Byrne, the man who went from rags to riches through sheer determination and his own wits. Separated by social status and society rules, the two of them seek to change their condition and turn the stars to their favor. It's wonderfully written, easy to follow and even easier to love.
"You are a dangerous temptation, Devlin Byrne."
"`Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall. Will you fall with me, Fifi?"
》》Characters and Relationships《《
Dark, brooding, mysterious, scary for everyone but his loved ones? That's the recipe for my favorite male MC and Devlin Byrne is all that and more. He's determined and strong willed, caring, generous and constantly fighting for his dreams, for what he thinks is right and for a better life for those who need a helping hand.
Ophelia, the other side of this coin, is this sweet and beautiful lady, aware of her privileges and gilded cage, in search of the real thrills of living. She's shaken by the secrets her father has spilled and wishes to know more about the truth, even if that means having to sneak around and visit very un-ladylike areas of London. But what I like the most about her is that, even in spite of her upbringing, she's willing to ignore the rules of society and risk becoming an outcast for her heart.
The two of them are opposites in everything, but they have more than just their common past binding them and, watching their relationship develop from strangers to protector and protégé, to reunited friends and finally to secret lovers is a delightful journey.
》》Thoughts and Conclusion 《《
I really loved this book more than I was anticipating and I'm happy to have discovered Stacy Reid's writing. It was a definite page-turner, with writing that turns words into feelings, sprinkled with adorable moments, authentic characters and a steamy romance. Extra golden points for Barbosa, the baby goat that apparently can inspire blushes into young ladies and Connan, the enormous and loyal hound dog.
It was really good and I'll be keeping and eye on the author as I definitely intend to read more of her work.
November 22, 2021
Emotional and deep love story like none other! ❤️❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is book 3 in the series and as I look back on the other stories I read, I rated them all the same, five stars. For me a five star rating in a historical romance is very difficult.
But Reid’s a storyteller unlike anyone else. The characters are not typical. Her plots are definitely not typical. She pushes the boundaries with her flaming hot, intense, passionate scenes that just get into your soul.
This story is definitely my favorite. A Scoundrel of Her Own is unique and the deep, burning love story is unlike any you have read before. All consuming, intensely passionate, and a deep love unheard of in this setting.
Tears, smiles, and much happiness!
Reid has become a compulsion for me. Her storytelling ability is like none other and she simply stands out in this genre. An author not to be missed.
* copy received for review
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-scoundrel-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is book 3 in the series and as I look back on the other stories I read, I rated them all the same, five stars. For me a five star rating in a historical romance is very difficult.
But Reid’s a storyteller unlike anyone else. The characters are not typical. Her plots are definitely not typical. She pushes the boundaries with her flaming hot, intense, passionate scenes that just get into your soul.
This story is definitely my favorite. A Scoundrel of Her Own is unique and the deep, burning love story is unlike any you have read before. All consuming, intensely passionate, and a deep love unheard of in this setting.
Tears, smiles, and much happiness!
Reid has become a compulsion for me. Her storytelling ability is like none other and she simply stands out in this genre. An author not to be missed.
* copy received for review
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-scoundrel-...
March 12, 2022
This is my favorite from Stacy Reid! I love hero Devlin so much! he’s just so swoon worthy!!!
PS I loved Devlin’s dog Conan:)
PS I loved Devlin’s dog Conan:)
May 7, 2024
Series officially complete! I can see that the author was tackling some heavy topics alongside the romance in these last two books. Book 2 covered the unpleasantness of the Lords of the ton taking advantage of/sexually assaulting the lower class servants. Book 3 here covers the injustices and prejudices towards the lower class.
This story starts very sweetly, as our hero and heroine are children. The 12 yr old poor hero jumped in to a river to save the 8 yr old gentry heroine after her carriage crashed into the river. He took care of her for days until they were rescued. During that time, they became the best of friends, the seeds of love bloomed and they promised to get married one day. He never forgot her, thought of her daily and fought hard to improve his status and wealth to be able to be with her again one day. As for her….. I think she went more than a few years without thinking of him. 😖
So it’s a forbidden love story due to class difference. Not my favorite trope, as it’s always a guaranteed angst fest.
Favorite parts - how the heroine didn’t know what the word “cunny” was and asked the hero to explain. 😂 Or when the hero asked her for a dance at a ball:
“Will you honor me with the upcoming dance?”
To permit Devlin Byrne to dance with her now was courting scandal. He straightened from his bow, and in his eyes, she spied the dare. With a jolt, she realized he had come fully prepared for her to deny him. He was aware that no lady in attendance would ever risk her reputation by dancing with him.
She dipped into a curtsy and lifted her hand to his. A few gasps reached her ears, but she looked nowhere except at him.
Shock flashed in his eyes for the briefest moment before his expression became inscrutable. They walked out to the dance floor.
“Your fingers are trembling,” he murmured, the cadence of his voice ragged and a bit uneven.
Their gazes collided, and for the briefest moment, the intensity of his expression frightened her. Ophelia swallowed, and then she became aware of it…and more.
“So are yours,” she whispered.”
Didn’t like as much - as in Book 2, this story also had oodles of opportunities for the heroine to galavant around town alone and find herself enjoying a plethora of scandalous activities with the hero. On the one hand, we wouldn’t have had any of those steamy scenes, but on the other hand, theres no way the heroines could come and go so freely like that alone. But so much was done off page and only told to us. Like the heroine sneaking out of her house and going in disguise to sing at taverns in the poor district. Unless I accidentally skipped it, I never read about those as they happened, just afterwards. I never really knew what the hero’s main job was either, I think he ran a gambling hell? Lastly, I didn’t like the final moment of when the heroine finally met her birth mother. I just thought the heroine would have been more emotional (happier) to finally meet and actually want to hug her long-lost family.
Didn’t like at all - the prejudiced high society people. Specifically the heroine’s parents. At first, I was thinking they were loving parents, allowing the heroine to wait to marry for love… but the more the story went along, the more I found them despicable. Take the heroine’s father for example, what he did to the heroine’s birth mother, how he treated the hero when he was a child after saving his daughter’s life (dumped him while injured in a field to find his way home), the horrible hateful things he said to the hero as an adult…. Yet after learning all of this, the heroine still stood strong that she loved her father dearly and wouldn’t want to lose contact with her “loving” parents by marrying the hero. I don’t know, I kept asking myself, how would I have reacted if I was in her shoes. Thankfully she grows a spine and stands up for true love, but…
And I’m not saying I would want Stacy Reid to have written Book 2 or 3 any differently. The prejudices all felt plausible for the time period. Sometimes history is uncomfortable, but we can’t change how history is written. Doesn’t mean it’s fluffy fun to read about though. But better that we know about it, so we don’t repeat it. Regardless, I felt horrible for the hero, he was honorable, passionate about helping educate and care for orphans, and did not deserve the contempt from his “betters”.
“Really, Ophelia, I thought you had better sense than to wear your emotions so on your sleeve—and for someone so disreputable.”
She gripped her fan until her fingers ached. “Is there something objectionable about Mr. Byrne of which I am unaware? That I should be embarrassed to show my happiness in seeing him?”
Effie sniffed. “He is not of our set. Do you need another reason? I know plenty that the newssheets have mentioned over the last two years.”
“Mr. Byrne is a gentleman of great character and fortitude. He does not deserve your contempt.” 😢
Heavy issues aside, the storytelling is typical Stacy Reid greatness. Book 1 was my fav though!
This story starts very sweetly, as our hero and heroine are children. The 12 yr old poor hero jumped in to a river to save the 8 yr old gentry heroine after her carriage crashed into the river. He took care of her for days until they were rescued. During that time, they became the best of friends, the seeds of love bloomed and they promised to get married one day. He never forgot her, thought of her daily and fought hard to improve his status and wealth to be able to be with her again one day. As for her….. I think she went more than a few years without thinking of him. 😖
So it’s a forbidden love story due to class difference. Not my favorite trope, as it’s always a guaranteed angst fest.
Favorite parts - how the heroine didn’t know what the word “cunny” was and asked the hero to explain. 😂 Or when the hero asked her for a dance at a ball:
“Will you honor me with the upcoming dance?”
To permit Devlin Byrne to dance with her now was courting scandal. He straightened from his bow, and in his eyes, she spied the dare. With a jolt, she realized he had come fully prepared for her to deny him. He was aware that no lady in attendance would ever risk her reputation by dancing with him.
She dipped into a curtsy and lifted her hand to his. A few gasps reached her ears, but she looked nowhere except at him.
Shock flashed in his eyes for the briefest moment before his expression became inscrutable. They walked out to the dance floor.
“Your fingers are trembling,” he murmured, the cadence of his voice ragged and a bit uneven.
Their gazes collided, and for the briefest moment, the intensity of his expression frightened her. Ophelia swallowed, and then she became aware of it…and more.
“So are yours,” she whispered.”
Didn’t like as much - as in Book 2, this story also had oodles of opportunities for the heroine to galavant around town alone and find herself enjoying a plethora of scandalous activities with the hero. On the one hand, we wouldn’t have had any of those steamy scenes, but on the other hand, theres no way the heroines could come and go so freely like that alone. But so much was done off page and only told to us. Like the heroine sneaking out of her house and going in disguise to sing at taverns in the poor district. Unless I accidentally skipped it, I never read about those as they happened, just afterwards. I never really knew what the hero’s main job was either, I think he ran a gambling hell? Lastly, I didn’t like the final moment of when the heroine finally met her birth mother. I just thought the heroine would have been more emotional (happier) to finally meet and actually want to hug her long-lost family.
Didn’t like at all - the prejudiced high society people. Specifically the heroine’s parents. At first, I was thinking they were loving parents, allowing the heroine to wait to marry for love… but the more the story went along, the more I found them despicable. Take the heroine’s father for example, what he did to the heroine’s birth mother, how he treated the hero when he was a child after saving his daughter’s life (dumped him while injured in a field to find his way home), the horrible hateful things he said to the hero as an adult…. Yet after learning all of this, the heroine still stood strong that she loved her father dearly and wouldn’t want to lose contact with her “loving” parents by marrying the hero. I don’t know, I kept asking myself, how would I have reacted if I was in her shoes. Thankfully she grows a spine and stands up for true love, but…
And I’m not saying I would want Stacy Reid to have written Book 2 or 3 any differently. The prejudices all felt plausible for the time period. Sometimes history is uncomfortable, but we can’t change how history is written. Doesn’t mean it’s fluffy fun to read about though. But better that we know about it, so we don’t repeat it. Regardless, I felt horrible for the hero, he was honorable, passionate about helping educate and care for orphans, and did not deserve the contempt from his “betters”.
“Really, Ophelia, I thought you had better sense than to wear your emotions so on your sleeve—and for someone so disreputable.”
She gripped her fan until her fingers ached. “Is there something objectionable about Mr. Byrne of which I am unaware? That I should be embarrassed to show my happiness in seeing him?”
Effie sniffed. “He is not of our set. Do you need another reason? I know plenty that the newssheets have mentioned over the last two years.”
“Mr. Byrne is a gentleman of great character and fortitude. He does not deserve your contempt.” 😢
Heavy issues aside, the storytelling is typical Stacy Reid greatness. Book 1 was my fav though!
December 9, 2021
*Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.*
A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid is exactly the kind of Historical Romance I have been craving in 2021. Of course it would come right at the end of the year but such is life. Stacy Reid is able to bring the glamour and sexiness of time period with edginess and fun.
There was childhood magic, class-differences, secrets, and goats! Yes.. There is a goat! I absolutely devoured this book and it was so refreshing to read about a heroine who was just so genuinely good and sweet. Ophelia was a little naïve but not in the way that annoys me too much.
Let's talk about this hero… Devlin is the man of my historical romance dreams. He may be a scoundrel and a rogue and a man in control of everything around him. But he has his eyes and heart set on Ophelia and no matter what comes in the way. He is set on wooing her. He even lies to himself about it a bit but everyone who knows him… knows about his obsession.
I am just running in circles with this because I don't want to spoil anything, and a lot of my favorite things are the spoilers. So I will save some of that gush for myself. But I'll say this.
Stacy Reid is always able to suck me in, get me on the sides of her characters and have me rooting for them the whole way through. No matter the obstacles, their love will win out. Which is our promise of the HEA but she makes the ride so enjoyable. The chemistry, the sweetness, the naughtiness, it was all a delight.
I can't wait to read more in this series and the set up for where I think the next book will go has me hyped!
The one thing that really bugged me were her parents. I needed there to be more closer in that arena, especially because her relationship with them was so vital to this story. It felt like we just dropped it at the very end. But I will leave it that for now.
But you are in for a good time with this one.
4.5/5 stars
A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid is exactly the kind of Historical Romance I have been craving in 2021. Of course it would come right at the end of the year but such is life. Stacy Reid is able to bring the glamour and sexiness of time period with edginess and fun.
There was childhood magic, class-differences, secrets, and goats! Yes.. There is a goat! I absolutely devoured this book and it was so refreshing to read about a heroine who was just so genuinely good and sweet. Ophelia was a little naïve but not in the way that annoys me too much.
Let's talk about this hero… Devlin is the man of my historical romance dreams. He may be a scoundrel and a rogue and a man in control of everything around him. But he has his eyes and heart set on Ophelia and no matter what comes in the way. He is set on wooing her. He even lies to himself about it a bit but everyone who knows him… knows about his obsession.
I am just running in circles with this because I don't want to spoil anything, and a lot of my favorite things are the spoilers. So I will save some of that gush for myself. But I'll say this.
Stacy Reid is always able to suck me in, get me on the sides of her characters and have me rooting for them the whole way through. No matter the obstacles, their love will win out. Which is our promise of the HEA but she makes the ride so enjoyable. The chemistry, the sweetness, the naughtiness, it was all a delight.
I can't wait to read more in this series and the set up for where I think the next book will go has me hyped!
The one thing that really bugged me were her parents. I needed there to be more closer in that arena, especially because her relationship with them was so vital to this story. It felt like we just dropped it at the very end. But I will leave it that for now.
But you are in for a good time with this one.
4.5/5 stars
December 11, 2021
Lady Ophelia Darby, daughter of a marquess, is masquerading as songstress Lady Starlight while she looks into a mystery from her past. She is protected by scoundrel, Devlin Byrne, whose notorious wealth and ruthlessness aren’t without purpose. They are fighting temptation, but their secrets could lead to more than just scandal.
This is the third book in the Sinful Wallflowers series. This book can be read alone, but the previous couples are mentioned, and the timeline of this book picks up near the end of the previous story.
Stacy Reid writes really engaging characters, and I was hooked from the prologue! I don't want to reveal much about the plot, but these characters have history and magnetic chemistry. It's beautiful to have a hero in Devlin who is so in love and heartbreakingly vulnerable! And Ophelia, too, was so open and increasingly loyal to him. I rooted for them the whole way through!
Tropes: Class Difference, Protector, Secret Job, Disguised, First Love
Steam: 4 (four scenes but two are on the shorter side)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the third book in the Sinful Wallflowers series. This book can be read alone, but the previous couples are mentioned, and the timeline of this book picks up near the end of the previous story.
Stacy Reid writes really engaging characters, and I was hooked from the prologue! I don't want to reveal much about the plot, but these characters have history and magnetic chemistry. It's beautiful to have a hero in Devlin who is so in love and heartbreakingly vulnerable! And Ophelia, too, was so open and increasingly loyal to him. I rooted for them the whole way through!
Tropes: Class Difference, Protector, Secret Job, Disguised, First Love
Steam: 4 (four scenes but two are on the shorter side)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 5, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
The majority of my GR friends loved this book and the hero Devlin. I didn't see why my friends love him so much until the final chapter (before the epilogue) because that's when I pressed a palm to my chest and went, "Awwww!!!"
"I am willing to sacrifice anything for Fifi. For you see, since she is of age, she does not need your permission to marry me, my lord, but your blessing seems important to her. I presume it will make her happy, and that is the only concern of mine. Money... pride...dignity...nothing is as important as her happiness."
Sadly, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed book 2 (Her Wicked Marquess) in the series. I think it's because I didn't feel the chemistry between the H/h (Devlin and Ophelia). My memory is already fuzzy but I don't think there were many witty banters/dialogues between the two main characters, which is probably what I missed the most while reading this book.
What I didn't like
- The flow of the story is choppy at times so I had to reread a few excerpts to understand what just occurred (I notice this in Stacy Reid's other books, too 😫).
- I felt that some events occurred off-page too conveniently and that I had to suspend my belief a couple of times (sometimes I can, sometimes I can't. This is one of those times that I couldn't suspend belief, which typically happens when I'm not enjoying the book). Since we weren't really shown how Devlin became a self-made man and was just told repeatedly that he is a ruthless man with extreme wealth and power, I had a hard time believing that he was one of the richest men in England and feared by anyone who hears his name on the bad side of London. I would have liked to see more of his ruthless side.
- I didn't like Ophelia's parents nor her cousin/chaperone's prejudice towards Devlin. It was probably historically accurate, but it still irritated me each time they brought up how he'll damage her reputation just by association. 😡 Like, okay, I get it! Stop shoving it in my face!
- I didn't like how Ophelia's parents encouraged her to marry for love but then kept pushing her to accept Lord Langdon's proposal. 🙄
- I still can't believe what her cousin did towards the end of the book. I was just as mad as the time I read what Evie did to Adeline in Accidentally Compromising the Duke. 🤬🤬🤬 I would like to know what happened to her cousin.
- The ending was rushed while some parts of the book dragged and made it hard for me to continue reading. I put this book down for a day or two and had to forced myself to read the last 20%.
What I liked
- The prologue was cute. I love it when the hero and heroine meet as children in HRs and the author actually includes a scene or two in the book. I don't know why, but I would have preferred to read about the accident that lead to Ophelia falling into the river and Nial/Devlin jumping in to rescue her. (This is an example of those events that occurred off-page).
- I got to see Rhys Tremaine and Riordan O'Malley again. I first met them in Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night. It's hinted in this book that O'Malley is in love with Rhy's younger sister Grace (who has a twin), so when are we going to get his book?! I would have liked to see more interactions between these three men but Rhys and O'Malley just disappeared in the second half.
- I was glad there weren't any scenes where Ophelia performed as Lady Starlight with an audience. This is one event that occurred off-page that I was 100% okay with. Lady Starlight just didn't appeal to me and I was initially hesitant to read this book because I thought Lady Starlight was going to be part of the plot.
- That scene where Ophelia asks Devlin where her is. 🤣 Although now that I think about it, Ophelia is 24 years old. Could she truly be that naive?
- How Devlin's family believed he because they thought he made her up all of these years. 🤣
- The steamy scenes were great as usual. We get two steamy scenes Those are always the best! And one scene How romantic! There were a few more but these are the memorable ones for me.
Other things
- The heroine has raven black hair yet the model on the book cover has blonde hair.
- Towards the end, I was finally convinced of Devlin's love for Ophelia. I like how he is there to help, support, and comfort her in her search for a family secret. I felt that he was more in love with the idea of her in the first half of the book.
- The family secret was okay, I guess. I shed a few tears during the reunion.
- The epilogue briefly mentions Fanny's book (which is the next book), which I'm beginning to think is something Stacy Reid does in her epilogues. Since I like the secret identities trope, I do plan to read her book.
The majority of my GR friends loved this book and the hero Devlin. I didn't see why my friends love him so much until the final chapter (before the epilogue) because that's when I pressed a palm to my chest and went, "Awwww!!!"
"I am willing to sacrifice anything for Fifi. For you see, since she is of age, she does not need your permission to marry me, my lord, but your blessing seems important to her. I presume it will make her happy, and that is the only concern of mine. Money... pride...dignity...nothing is as important as her happiness."
Sadly, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed book 2 (Her Wicked Marquess) in the series. I think it's because I didn't feel the chemistry between the H/h (Devlin and Ophelia). My memory is already fuzzy but I don't think there were many witty banters/dialogues between the two main characters, which is probably what I missed the most while reading this book.
What I didn't like
- The flow of the story is choppy at times so I had to reread a few excerpts to understand what just occurred (I notice this in Stacy Reid's other books, too 😫).
- I felt that some events occurred off-page too conveniently and that I had to suspend my belief a couple of times (sometimes I can, sometimes I can't. This is one of those times that I couldn't suspend belief, which typically happens when I'm not enjoying the book). Since we weren't really shown how Devlin became a self-made man and was just told repeatedly that he is a ruthless man with extreme wealth and power, I had a hard time believing that he was one of the richest men in England and feared by anyone who hears his name on the bad side of London. I would have liked to see more of his ruthless side.
- I didn't like Ophelia's parents nor her cousin/chaperone's prejudice towards Devlin. It was probably historically accurate, but it still irritated me each time they brought up how he'll damage her reputation just by association. 😡 Like, okay, I get it! Stop shoving it in my face!
- I didn't like how Ophelia's parents encouraged her to marry for love but then kept pushing her to accept Lord Langdon's proposal. 🙄
- I still can't believe what her cousin did towards the end of the book. I was just as mad as the time I read what Evie did to Adeline in Accidentally Compromising the Duke. 🤬🤬🤬 I would like to know what happened to her cousin.
- The ending was rushed while some parts of the book dragged and made it hard for me to continue reading. I put this book down for a day or two and had to forced myself to read the last 20%.
What I liked
- The prologue was cute. I love it when the hero and heroine meet as children in HRs and the author actually includes a scene or two in the book. I don't know why, but I would have preferred to read about the accident that lead to Ophelia falling into the river and Nial/Devlin jumping in to rescue her. (This is an example of those events that occurred off-page).
- I got to see Rhys Tremaine and Riordan O'Malley again. I first met them in Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night. It's hinted in this book that O'Malley is in love with Rhy's younger sister Grace (who has a twin), so when are we going to get his book?! I would have liked to see more interactions between these three men but Rhys and O'Malley just disappeared in the second half.
- I was glad there weren't any scenes where Ophelia performed as Lady Starlight with an audience. This is one event that occurred off-page that I was 100% okay with. Lady Starlight just didn't appeal to me and I was initially hesitant to read this book because I thought Lady Starlight was going to be part of the plot.
- That scene where Ophelia asks Devlin where her is. 🤣 Although now that I think about it, Ophelia is 24 years old. Could she truly be that naive?
- How Devlin's family believed he because they thought he made her up all of these years. 🤣
- The steamy scenes were great as usual. We get two steamy scenes Those are always the best! And one scene How romantic! There were a few more but these are the memorable ones for me.
Other things
- The heroine has raven black hair yet the model on the book cover has blonde hair.
- Towards the end, I was finally convinced of Devlin's love for Ophelia. I like how he is there to help, support, and comfort her in her search for a family secret. I felt that he was more in love with the idea of her in the first half of the book.
- The family secret was okay, I guess. I shed a few tears during the reunion.
- The epilogue briefly mentions Fanny's book (which is the next book), which I'm beginning to think is something Stacy Reid does in her epilogues. Since I like the secret identities trope, I do plan to read her book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
This book has convinced me I need to pick up the rest of Stacy Reid's backlist because I LOVE how she writes a historical romance! A Scoundrel of Her Own is smart, sexy, socially conscious, and truly swoonworthy. If you're looking for an author who writes characters who must confront historical class politics and the mistreatment of the underclass, while also delivering a steamy romance you can really root for, you need to try her books.
This one follows a high-born girl and a low-born boy who meet as children and bond when he saves her life. Now she's Lady Ophelia- unmarried society lady by day, underworld songstress by night, trying to uncover details of a dark secret her father revealed while deathly ill. He is Devlin Byrne, master of the underworld, incredibly wealthy, but not accepted in polite society.
Ooh this was SO good! Deliciously angsty and full of yearning with chemistry that sizzles on the page. Reid does an incredible job of writing nuanced characters and weaving social issues into a romance you won't want to put down. Definitely recommend!
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
This one follows a high-born girl and a low-born boy who meet as children and bond when he saves her life. Now she's Lady Ophelia- unmarried society lady by day, underworld songstress by night, trying to uncover details of a dark secret her father revealed while deathly ill. He is Devlin Byrne, master of the underworld, incredibly wealthy, but not accepted in polite society.
Ooh this was SO good! Deliciously angsty and full of yearning with chemistry that sizzles on the page. Reid does an incredible job of writing nuanced characters and weaving social issues into a romance you won't want to put down. Definitely recommend!
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
December 8, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Scoundrel of Her Own is the third book in the Sinful Wallflowers series. Part of this book takes place at the same time as Her Wicked Marquess, but it can most definitely be read as a standalone.
Lady Ophelia is moonlighting as songtress Lady Starlight in the underworld. She's protected by a mysterious but powerful man named Devlin Byrne. Little does she know that Devlin is the same young boy who saved her life when she was 8 years old.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ophelia and Devlin's story was a childhood friends to lovers romance. Class difference is the main conflict that pushes the characters to interact with each other in secret. Ophelia also has a quest to complete, which is why she masquerades as Lady Starlight.
I loved Ophelia and Devlin's first meeting so much that I was highly anticipating their reunion. As it is with the previous books in the series, the build up of chemistry, intimacy, and sexual tension is a work of art. I really enjoy Stacy Reid's brand of friends to lovers 🥰
I was thoroughly enthralled with Ophelia and Devlin and I was constantly anticipating their scenes together. There is quite a bit of angst, which makes sense because of the class difference. But there are also some very memorable comedic scenes that I will forever remember 😂 The steam level is very high, with the added bonus of dirty talk 🔥
I won't lie though: there were a few times where I felt that Devlin loved Ophelia more than she loved him. I really felt for Devlin because he was Ophelia's dark secret for the longest time. I could understand why Ophelia didn't want to disappoint her parents, but I just wanted her to give it all up for Devlin sooner rather than later.
My main complaint is that Ophelia's parents got away with their awful behaviour. It's a bit of an odd situation here: her parents dote on her, but they are also prejudiced in an almost villainous fashion. So by the time I got to the HEA, I wasn't convinced about her parents being decent people. I'm surprised they even capitulated lol.
There are some hints about who Charlotte and Fanny will end up with. I believe Fanny's story is next and it's going to be a deliciously tropestatic one 😏
P.S. I know this may annoy some readers, so I'll put it out there: the heroine actually has black hair, but she often wears a blonde wig. So...the hair colour on the cover is not entirely inaccurate.
A Scoundrel of Her Own is the third book in the Sinful Wallflowers series. Part of this book takes place at the same time as Her Wicked Marquess, but it can most definitely be read as a standalone.
Lady Ophelia is moonlighting as songtress Lady Starlight in the underworld. She's protected by a mysterious but powerful man named Devlin Byrne. Little does she know that Devlin is the same young boy who saved her life when she was 8 years old.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ophelia and Devlin's story was a childhood friends to lovers romance. Class difference is the main conflict that pushes the characters to interact with each other in secret. Ophelia also has a quest to complete, which is why she masquerades as Lady Starlight.
I loved Ophelia and Devlin's first meeting so much that I was highly anticipating their reunion. As it is with the previous books in the series, the build up of chemistry, intimacy, and sexual tension is a work of art. I really enjoy Stacy Reid's brand of friends to lovers 🥰
I was thoroughly enthralled with Ophelia and Devlin and I was constantly anticipating their scenes together. There is quite a bit of angst, which makes sense because of the class difference. But there are also some very memorable comedic scenes that I will forever remember 😂 The steam level is very high, with the added bonus of dirty talk 🔥
I won't lie though: there were a few times where I felt that Devlin loved Ophelia more than she loved him. I really felt for Devlin because he was Ophelia's dark secret for the longest time. I could understand why Ophelia didn't want to disappoint her parents, but I just wanted her to give it all up for Devlin sooner rather than later.
My main complaint is that Ophelia's parents got away with their awful behaviour. It's a bit of an odd situation here: her parents dote on her, but they are also prejudiced in an almost villainous fashion. So by the time I got to the HEA, I wasn't convinced about her parents being decent people. I'm surprised they even capitulated lol.
There are some hints about who Charlotte and Fanny will end up with. I believe Fanny's story is next and it's going to be a deliciously tropestatic one 😏
P.S. I know this may annoy some readers, so I'll put it out there: the heroine actually has black hair, but she often wears a blonde wig. So...the hair colour on the cover is not entirely inaccurate.
November 11, 2021
I, unfortunately, didn’t like this. It started off really cute with them as children and their magical time together. However, 15/16 years, it was off for me. Devlin is of a lower class and has built himself up to be a very wealthy man. Ophelia is the daughter of a Marquis and has every advantage in life. When a secret is revealed, it changes her whole perspective. Devlin has never forgotten Ophelia and when he sees her again the stars align.
I really didn’t like their love story. I never felt chemistry between them and I felt it a tad weird that he fell in love with her when she was only 8. Basically built his entire life based on her. I just personally didn’t like that. Ophelia was ok but I didn’t like Devlin. There were also times I felt there were too many inner thoughts rather than actual conversations. I was rather bored at times and just wanted the book to end.
I really didn’t like their love story. I never felt chemistry between them and I felt it a tad weird that he fell in love with her when she was only 8. Basically built his entire life based on her. I just personally didn’t like that. Ophelia was ok but I didn’t like Devlin. There were also times I felt there were too many inner thoughts rather than actual conversations. I was rather bored at times and just wanted the book to end.
June 30, 2025
Read: 6/23/25
4.5 Stars
Setting: Regency England
Wow! SR does it again! This time, the story had more of a dark undertone with such complex characters.
notes:
liked:
1. The prologue captured my attention right away. It was such a beautiful beginning full of hope, love, loss, friendship, and risks. All great ingredients that kept me glued for the rest of the story.
2. It's hard to say who I loved more, Olpella or Devlin, because they were fantastic characters. Together, they were amazing. The more time they spent together, the more impossible it seemed they could ever be parted.
3. more of a note than like-The beginning reminded me of The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne. Though their stories take a different direction, there are some similarities.
dislike: Devlin definitely draws that fine line between romantic and stalking. IRL, I would recommend she run as fast as she can.
Conclusion: I can't believe I waited so long to read Olphella's story. What a mistake! I highly recommend this book!
4.5 Stars
Setting: Regency England
Wow! SR does it again! This time, the story had more of a dark undertone with such complex characters.
notes:
liked:
1. The prologue captured my attention right away. It was such a beautiful beginning full of hope, love, loss, friendship, and risks. All great ingredients that kept me glued for the rest of the story.
2. It's hard to say who I loved more, Olpella or Devlin, because they were fantastic characters. Together, they were amazing. The more time they spent together, the more impossible it seemed they could ever be parted.
3. more of a note than like-The beginning reminded me of The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne. Though their stories take a different direction, there are some similarities.
dislike: Devlin definitely draws that fine line between romantic and stalking. IRL, I would recommend she run as fast as she can.
Conclusion: I can't believe I waited so long to read Olphella's story. What a mistake! I highly recommend this book!
December 28, 2021
Please let this be Ophelia and Devlin!
April 29th, 2021
ITS OPHELIA AND DEVLIN 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
December 27th, 2021
Stacy has done it again! This one had me crying at 1AM bc of these two longing fools. Ophelia and Devlin are so freaking cute together. I could feel their joy with finding one another again. Devlin has a dirty dirty mouth with an adorable relationship with his bullmastiff and is GONE for his Fifi. Ophelia is moonlighting as a singer named Lady Starlight in search for answers as well as dealing with the conflict of family “duty” and following her heart.
There’s sexual tension out the wazoo and some of the swooniest moments.
“Fifi.”
“Yes?”
“Hold me.”
I DIED AFTER THAT
Ugh, Stacy, you’ve created one of my fave series.
This would’ve been five stars but Ophelia’s parents got away with far too much for my liking and I wanted them to grovel a bit
April 29th, 2021
ITS OPHELIA AND DEVLIN 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
December 27th, 2021
Stacy has done it again! This one had me crying at 1AM bc of these two longing fools. Ophelia and Devlin are so freaking cute together. I could feel their joy with finding one another again. Devlin has a dirty dirty mouth with an adorable relationship with his bullmastiff and is GONE for his Fifi. Ophelia is moonlighting as a singer named Lady Starlight in search for answers as well as dealing with the conflict of family “duty” and following her heart.
There’s sexual tension out the wazoo and some of the swooniest moments.
“Fifi.”
“Yes?”
“Hold me.”
I DIED AFTER THAT
Ugh, Stacy, you’ve created one of my fave series.
This would’ve been five stars but Ophelia’s parents got away with far too much for my liking and I wanted them to grovel a bit
November 14, 2021
This was a wickedly fun, hot and angsty read! I absolutely LOVED the beginning of Ophelia’s and Devlin’s story. My heart was instantly captivated and once I hit the time jump, I experienced such a riot of emotions I couldn’t stop reading.
Ophelia was a multi dimensional heroine and I adored everything about her. She was raised with a unique set of circumstances and I was anxious to learn all the ins and outs regarding it. There were definitely times that her actions hurt my heart, but I also understood the reasons behind them.
Devlin was an alpha hero to the core. From the first moment he interacted with Fifi his main objective was protection. That one incident was the foundation for everything he did from that point onward and holy heck, that’s the stuff of true romance!
This book ran me through a gamut of emotion. From laughter, danger, high angst and finally an ending that satisfied my soul. I feel like I’ve been tumbled upside down, right-side up and inside out and I’d gladly go through it all again for such a beautifully written story of love.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Ophelia was a multi dimensional heroine and I adored everything about her. She was raised with a unique set of circumstances and I was anxious to learn all the ins and outs regarding it. There were definitely times that her actions hurt my heart, but I also understood the reasons behind them.
Devlin was an alpha hero to the core. From the first moment he interacted with Fifi his main objective was protection. That one incident was the foundation for everything he did from that point onward and holy heck, that’s the stuff of true romance!
This book ran me through a gamut of emotion. From laughter, danger, high angst and finally an ending that satisfied my soul. I feel like I’ve been tumbled upside down, right-side up and inside out and I’d gladly go through it all again for such a beautifully written story of love.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
January 6, 2022
3 stars ✰
I thoroughly enjoyed 48%, but somewhere along the line, the story fell apart and ophelia's parents are very confusing. they say they want her to marry someone of her choice and that it must be a love match, but when devlin visits them to ask for their blessing, they refuse and forbid him to marry their daughter. lmao, what?
and don't even get me started on the frequent use of the word 'cunny.'
I thoroughly enjoyed 48%, but somewhere along the line, the story fell apart and ophelia's parents are very confusing. they say they want her to marry someone of her choice and that it must be a love match, but when devlin visits them to ask for their blessing, they refuse and forbid him to marry their daughter. lmao, what?
and don't even get me started on the frequent use of the word 'cunny.'
January 1, 2022
“Sometimes it was not the outcome that made the man, but the journey.”
I feel rather redundant in my reviews for this series. But with each book the story gets better, deeper and truly reading experience.
You are going to read the prologue and then stop. Because their first meeting left me with such profound feelings.
“You remember,” he said gruffly. “Every moment.” As the story progressed, I fell deeper in love with these fictional character. There was something about his vulnerability and longing. His understanding of what would come to be. Ophelia has her own demons to slay. As a reader you feel she wants to love Devlin openly but holds back because her place in society. Until she puts her past and future to rights does she know she can only make one true choice.
“You are a lady of quality. I am coarse and unfit for you. I know it, but I cannot stay away from you.”
It is the best of historical romance with nods to the tropes within Romeo & Juliet and Pride & Prejudice. It is another brilliant novel of storytelling with immersive experience for the reader. Recommendation: Buy it, Read it - experience it.
I feel rather redundant in my reviews for this series. But with each book the story gets better, deeper and truly reading experience.
You are going to read the prologue and then stop. Because their first meeting left me with such profound feelings.
“You remember,” he said gruffly. “Every moment.” As the story progressed, I fell deeper in love with these fictional character. There was something about his vulnerability and longing. His understanding of what would come to be. Ophelia has her own demons to slay. As a reader you feel she wants to love Devlin openly but holds back because her place in society. Until she puts her past and future to rights does she know she can only make one true choice.
“You are a lady of quality. I am coarse and unfit for you. I know it, but I cannot stay away from you.”
It is the best of historical romance with nods to the tropes within Romeo & Juliet and Pride & Prejudice. It is another brilliant novel of storytelling with immersive experience for the reader. Recommendation: Buy it, Read it - experience it.
March 23, 2022
I wish I was any good at writing reviews bc this book deserves it. This was such a cute and thrilling story! Love since childhood stories always make me melt. Devlin is definitely my kind of hero. Determined, fair, cares for his family and the heroine - yet ruthless.
What I really appreciate is the unfolding. They didn't just meet again and fell incurably in love. They got to know each other, be intimate and vulnerable.
Also, random but the fact that Devil only had one partner was a good change after reading about all those rakes (no offense).
What I really appreciate is the unfolding. They didn't just meet again and fell incurably in love. They got to know each other, be intimate and vulnerable.
Also, random but the fact that Devil only had one partner was a good change after reading about all those rakes (no offense).
January 1, 2022
3.5 🌟
To be precise I should give this one 3.8 🌟 and round it, to 4. However, I rate every new addition in a series based on previous books. And, the first book was one of my fav MF historical romances of 2021 and the 2nd too was an awesome read. So, although this one is a decent enough read, if we compare it with prior books, it feels lacklustre.
High points
Childhood sweethearts- Devlin saved Ophelia(fifi) from drowning when she was 8 and he was 12. They both spent a few days together and became friends before they were rescued. But, real-life crashed hard and he had to leave her. He asked her to wait and for years, fought hard to make his fortune.
The class divide- Fifteen years later, they meet again. Now, he is a rich owner of a gaming hell and one of the most notoriously feared men in London. She is a Wallflower of 24 who likes to sing in London's poorly-reputed places under disguise. But, a few things remain the same, He still wants her and there is still a huge class divide between them.
The hero- Well!!! I am a sucker for an alpha hero, who is ready to do anything for his love interest. Who thinks she is a fairy and his whole existence is because of her. 🤭🤭
"Who would I be if I had not met you, Fifi?"
Devlin reminded me so much of Derek Craven from Dreaming of you.
Steam- It's spicy hot… let's say 4 stars rated steamy.
Low points
1. I know most of the books by the author have a modern tone but sometimes this one needed too much suspension of belief.
2. I didn't like the way 'class divide' was handled and resolved in the end. Because I feel the author didn't give enough importance to an issue like marrying someone from another class.
See I feel cheated when the beginning till 95% of the book revolves around the forbidden aspect of romance and the end is resolved too quickly and without angst.
When I was young, I couldn't understand the allure of forbidden romance. But, I come from a society where marrying outside your caste or religion is still a big deal. And, soon my own experience, made me appreciate the appeal of forbidden romance. So, I don't like when the author plays with the idea of forbidden romance and then ends up resolving all the angst with the outside world in 1-2 pages.
To be precise I should give this one 3.8 🌟 and round it, to 4. However, I rate every new addition in a series based on previous books. And, the first book was one of my fav MF historical romances of 2021 and the 2nd too was an awesome read. So, although this one is a decent enough read, if we compare it with prior books, it feels lacklustre.
High points
Childhood sweethearts- Devlin saved Ophelia(fifi) from drowning when she was 8 and he was 12. They both spent a few days together and became friends before they were rescued. But, real-life crashed hard and he had to leave her. He asked her to wait and for years, fought hard to make his fortune.
The class divide- Fifteen years later, they meet again. Now, he is a rich owner of a gaming hell and one of the most notoriously feared men in London. She is a Wallflower of 24 who likes to sing in London's poorly-reputed places under disguise. But, a few things remain the same, He still wants her and there is still a huge class divide between them.
The hero- Well!!! I am a sucker for an alpha hero, who is ready to do anything for his love interest. Who thinks she is a fairy and his whole existence is because of her. 🤭🤭
"Who would I be if I had not met you, Fifi?"
Devlin reminded me so much of Derek Craven from Dreaming of you.
Steam- It's spicy hot… let's say 4 stars rated steamy.
Low points
1. I know most of the books by the author have a modern tone but sometimes this one needed too much suspension of belief.
2. I didn't like the way 'class divide' was handled and resolved in the end. Because I feel the author didn't give enough importance to an issue like marrying someone from another class.
See I feel cheated when the beginning till 95% of the book revolves around the forbidden aspect of romance and the end is resolved too quickly and without angst.
When I was young, I couldn't understand the allure of forbidden romance. But, I come from a society where marrying outside your caste or religion is still a big deal. And, soon my own experience, made me appreciate the appeal of forbidden romance. So, I don't like when the author plays with the idea of forbidden romance and then ends up resolving all the angst with the outside world in 1-2 pages.
May 12, 2022
2.5
dnf @50%
not bad just not feeling the chemistry
dnf @50%
not bad just not feeling the chemistry
Displaying 1 - 30 of 773 reviews