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Lords of Vice #4
The Virgin and the Viscount
As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. Well, he may not be the most despicable, but he is certainly arrogant, flirtatious, and entirely too charming. To make matters worse, he has the irritating tendency to poke fun at her and rile her emotions as no other man does. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways.
But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever.
Each book in the Lords of Vice series is
* The Scoundrel and the Lady
* The Marquess and the Maiden
* The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
* The Virgin and the Viscount
But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever.
Each book in the Lords of Vice series is
* The Scoundrel and the Lady
* The Marquess and the Maiden
* The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
* The Virgin and the Viscount
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2021
34 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Robyn DeHart
34 books528 followersNational Bestselling author, Robyn DeHart’s novels have appeared in the top bestselling romance and historical romance lists. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages. Her historical romantic adventure series, The Legend Hunters, were not only bestsellers, but also award-winners, snagging a Reader’s Crown and a Reviewer’s Choice award. She had three releases in 2013 and 2014 will see four more, all set in the popular historical romance Regency and Victorian eras.
Known for her “strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page” (RT Bookclub) and her “sizzling romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.
When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it.
You can find Robyn online in a variety of places.
Sign up for Robyn’s newsletter www.robyndehart.com/newsletter/
Robyn’s website www.robyndehart.com
Robyn on Twitter twitter.com/RobynDeHart
Robyn on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-DeHart-H...
Robyn on Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/288853....
What others say about Robyn’s books.
“Robyn DeHart’s vibrant characters sweep the reader into a clever and sensual romp that is not to be missed.” – Julia London, NYT Bestselling Author
“Robyn DeHart proves that falling in love is the greatest adventure of all.” – Teresa Medeiros, NYT Bestselling Author
“Sizzling romance…DeHart makes the romance believable and enticing.” - Publishers Weekly
“DeHart is a genuine treasure.” – Booklist
“Robyn DeHart has become one of my favorite authors…where she shines is in creating character…. DeHart’s romances are tender and adventurous, and funny enough you may laugh your nethers off.” – FreshFiction
“One of the best historical romance authors writing today.” - Shana Galen, National Bestselling Author
Known for her “strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page” (RT Bookclub) and her “sizzling romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.
When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it.
You can find Robyn online in a variety of places.
Sign up for Robyn’s newsletter www.robyndehart.com/newsletter/
Robyn’s website www.robyndehart.com
Robyn on Twitter twitter.com/RobynDeHart
Robyn on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-DeHart-H...
Robyn on Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/288853....
What others say about Robyn’s books.
“Robyn DeHart’s vibrant characters sweep the reader into a clever and sensual romp that is not to be missed.” – Julia London, NYT Bestselling Author
“Robyn DeHart proves that falling in love is the greatest adventure of all.” – Teresa Medeiros, NYT Bestselling Author
“Sizzling romance…DeHart makes the romance believable and enticing.” - Publishers Weekly
“DeHart is a genuine treasure.” – Booklist
“Robyn DeHart has become one of my favorite authors…where she shines is in creating character…. DeHart’s romances are tender and adventurous, and funny enough you may laugh your nethers off.” – FreshFiction
“One of the best historical romance authors writing today.” - Shana Galen, National Bestselling Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 14, 2021
The heroine in this story was not very likable.
She seemed combative, unhappy and was a underdeveloped character.
The story line was light and didn't really engage me.
She seemed combative, unhappy and was a underdeveloped character.
The story line was light and didn't really engage me.
July 7, 2024
I didn’t like the heroine. There were some Pride and Prejudice similarities, particularly the whole Elizabeth, Wickham, and Darcy lie/misunderstanding. This heroine made me rolled my eyes and groaned in frustration with her low opinions of her looks and her defense of her bother-in-law (also the hero’s younger brother). Usually, I don’t mind that heroines don’t feel pretty because they grew up with prettier sisters, but it got old in this story.
If there was angst, I didn’t feel it.
Intimate scenes were steamy. I thought they’d be spicier though based on the reviews.
Other reviewers were correct in that the book ended abruptly. No epilogue.
If there was angst, I didn’t feel it.
Intimate scenes were steamy. I thought they’d be spicier though based on the reviews.
Other reviewers were correct in that the book ended abruptly. No epilogue.
December 19, 2021
Well this was disappointing. The cover is beautiful and i had higher expectations for this one because i liked the interactions between Matilda and Sullivan in the previous books.
But alas, i felt their relationship had some problems mainly because i did not like how they both lied, had secrets or refused to communicate with each other. It was hard for me to like either of them, i was only okay with them.
Also, i did not believe that they actually fell in love with each other when they spent very little time talking and bonding, and majority of their time was spent on going to bed with each other—which served no other purpose aside from them just having sex.
Matilda did speak a little about her insecurities, about her sister in which Sullivan was able to make her feel better about it but Sullivan did not speak in detail about his time in the army, not being able to protect people. Had he spoke to tilly about it, she would have understood why he was so concerned about her continue in her work and wanting her to stop her work.
This book only had 13 chapters. It was rushed, the romance underdeveloped, only alright hero and heroine and plot holes remaining (Roderick’s death mystery).
But alas, i felt their relationship had some problems mainly because i did not like how they both lied, had secrets or refused to communicate with each other. It was hard for me to like either of them, i was only okay with them.
Also, i did not believe that they actually fell in love with each other when they spent very little time talking and bonding, and majority of their time was spent on going to bed with each other—which served no other purpose aside from them just having sex.
Matilda did speak a little about her insecurities, about her sister in which Sullivan was able to make her feel better about it but Sullivan did not speak in detail about his time in the army, not being able to protect people. Had he spoke to tilly about it, she would have understood why he was so concerned about her continue in her work and wanting her to stop her work.
This book only had 13 chapters. It was rushed, the romance underdeveloped, only alright hero and heroine and plot holes remaining (Roderick’s death mystery).
April 8, 2021
3.65 Stars of ANNNGSSTTTT!
This was a very tricky book to rate. There were plenty of things I adored.
I thought Matilda ‘Tilly’ Brooks was super cool. I loved that she was tall, lanky, gap-toothed, and COVERED in freckles. I liked that she was belligerent and extremely vulnerable due to her low self-esteem. I thought Sullivan was great with his confused pining after Tilly for six(ish) years. I liked that they were forced to marry and then struggle to let their guards down, that was all wonderful.
I am generally ambivalent about premises where there are secret vigilante clubs, but that is just me and so I won’t factor that opinion into the rating. I will say I did not hate this one, it was kind of cool.
I should preface the rest of this by saying that 1) I love this kind of trope: forced marriage and lack of communication and endless misunderstanding; but 2) one of my favourite Historical Romances of all time is, in fact in my opinion, the ULTIMATE ‘couple suffering because they just don’t talk’… which is The Mésalliance. My GoodReads friends probably know this. I love that book. There are several others I enjoy, from Mary Balogh and Scarlett Scott, and most recently (and it was a *Chef’s Kiss*) Eve Pendle’s Falling for a Rake. It is a tricky trope though, because you have to achieve the ‘push-and-pull’ but you also need relationship and character arcs so that the story has direction and readers sense progress (it makes the set-backs and the eventual HEA more emotionally poignant, ya know?). Here? This book was absolutely bursting with potential. Like a maple tree simply waiting to be stabbed to release its delicious sap into the world (too much? is my Canadian coming out? is it obvious my cans of maple syrup have run out and I need to ask my mother to mail me more?). There were endless moments of me essentially being like, “C’mon DeHart, TAP THE MAPLE TREE!” and she didn’t. Instead of there being milestone moments where the characters progressively let their guards down, only to lose ground again (which is, I think, the aim in this trope) it felt more ‘1 step forward, 200 steps back,’ with no sharing, ever. Not even a moment of, "I like you." Which didn’t relent until the last moment. While the sex is being used as an intimacy device, I needed some more sharing.
BUT SPEAKING OF THE SEX! Wowza, Robyn. Very well done. The sexual tension was extremely well done and made sense here!!
So, like I said, this is tricky to rate. There is a lot to love, but a lot of untapped maple syrup for me. If you love angst, this is sweet and gut-wrenching at the same time. Robyn DeHart is a very talented writer, and clearly can write a kicker of a story, so I’d still recommend this book.
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley for this ARC. I read and reviewed this of my own volition and all opinions are honest and my own.
This was a very tricky book to rate. There were plenty of things I adored.
I thought Matilda ‘Tilly’ Brooks was super cool. I loved that she was tall, lanky, gap-toothed, and COVERED in freckles. I liked that she was belligerent and extremely vulnerable due to her low self-esteem. I thought Sullivan was great with his confused pining after Tilly for six(ish) years. I liked that they were forced to marry and then struggle to let their guards down, that was all wonderful.
I am generally ambivalent about premises where there are secret vigilante clubs, but that is just me and so I won’t factor that opinion into the rating. I will say I did not hate this one, it was kind of cool.
I should preface the rest of this by saying that 1) I love this kind of trope: forced marriage and lack of communication and endless misunderstanding; but 2) one of my favourite Historical Romances of all time is, in fact in my opinion, the ULTIMATE ‘couple suffering because they just don’t talk’… which is The Mésalliance. My GoodReads friends probably know this. I love that book. There are several others I enjoy, from Mary Balogh and Scarlett Scott, and most recently (and it was a *Chef’s Kiss*) Eve Pendle’s Falling for a Rake. It is a tricky trope though, because you have to achieve the ‘push-and-pull’ but you also need relationship and character arcs so that the story has direction and readers sense progress (it makes the set-backs and the eventual HEA more emotionally poignant, ya know?). Here? This book was absolutely bursting with potential. Like a maple tree simply waiting to be stabbed to release its delicious sap into the world (too much? is my Canadian coming out? is it obvious my cans of maple syrup have run out and I need to ask my mother to mail me more?). There were endless moments of me essentially being like, “C’mon DeHart, TAP THE MAPLE TREE!” and she didn’t. Instead of there being milestone moments where the characters progressively let their guards down, only to lose ground again (which is, I think, the aim in this trope) it felt more ‘1 step forward, 200 steps back,’ with no sharing, ever. Not even a moment of, "I like you." Which didn’t relent until the last moment. While the sex is being used as an intimacy device, I needed some more sharing.
BUT SPEAKING OF THE SEX! Wowza, Robyn. Very well done. The sexual tension was extremely well done and made sense here!!
So, like I said, this is tricky to rate. There is a lot to love, but a lot of untapped maple syrup for me. If you love angst, this is sweet and gut-wrenching at the same time. Robyn DeHart is a very talented writer, and clearly can write a kicker of a story, so I’d still recommend this book.
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley for this ARC. I read and reviewed this of my own volition and all opinions are honest and my own.
April 2, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review..
The Virgin and the Viscount I love this cover I know how the saying goes don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’m not a big fan of enemies to lovers, this sure surprised me.. The Virgin and the Viscount has me hooked to the end 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy Reading
Lisa
The Virgin and the Viscount I love this cover I know how the saying goes don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’m not a big fan of enemies to lovers, this sure surprised me.. The Virgin and the Viscount has me hooked to the end 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Happy Reading
Lisa
April 2, 2021
3.5/4 stars ⭐️
I was looking to lose myself in a sexy historical romance and The Virgin And The Viscount fit the bill quite nicely. This was my second book by Robyn DeHart and I enjoyed it this enemies to lovers romance. Mathilda is not your typical heroine, she stands out, because of her unique looks and strong personality. Sullivan was sexy and funny and completely besotted by Tilly. Sparks fly as they spar with each other and eventually, they are forced together or are they? I read this entertaining book in one sitting and look forward to reading the other books in the Lord Of Vice series. TBR and Enjoy.
I was looking to lose myself in a sexy historical romance and The Virgin And The Viscount fit the bill quite nicely. This was my second book by Robyn DeHart and I enjoyed it this enemies to lovers romance. Mathilda is not your typical heroine, she stands out, because of her unique looks and strong personality. Sullivan was sexy and funny and completely besotted by Tilly. Sparks fly as they spar with each other and eventually, they are forced together or are they? I read this entertaining book in one sitting and look forward to reading the other books in the Lord Of Vice series. TBR and Enjoy.
March 21, 2021
An amazing enemies to lovers story if I could give it a 10 star I would..
The characters are absolutely amazing.. Very erotic, very well detailed, the side characters are amazing.. This main characters have that instant connection between them but you feel it for yourself..
The only thing I would have loved is to have known what happened to the villain!! Lol but overall an amazing story by this author.
I voluntarily received this as an arc from netgalley in return for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views..
The characters are absolutely amazing.. Very erotic, very well detailed, the side characters are amazing.. This main characters have that instant connection between them but you feel it for yourself..
The only thing I would have loved is to have known what happened to the villain!! Lol but overall an amazing story by this author.
I voluntarily received this as an arc from netgalley in return for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views..
March 19, 2021
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received the book from NetGalley.
-My Thoughts
I enjoyed this book very much, even though I haven't read the first three books in this series, this one can for sure be read as a standalone. All the angst and heat was addictive, I was hooked for sure. And I couldn't put it down until I had finished it (I finished it in one day).
The characters are so beautifully written. I fell in love with Sullivan and Matilda's relationship. Yes, there were time when I wanted to strangle them both because they were acting stupid about their feelings about each other. But there were times when I just wanted to hug them both as they were so, so sweet.
The side characters were also very well written and all of them had a purpose that added beautifully to the story. Matilda's friends and their husbands were definitely my favourite out of all the side characters.
I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to read a fast paced, enticing romance with a lot of angst and a bit of the enemies to lovers trope.
-My Thoughts
I enjoyed this book very much, even though I haven't read the first three books in this series, this one can for sure be read as a standalone. All the angst and heat was addictive, I was hooked for sure. And I couldn't put it down until I had finished it (I finished it in one day).
The characters are so beautifully written. I fell in love with Sullivan and Matilda's relationship. Yes, there were time when I wanted to strangle them both because they were acting stupid about their feelings about each other. But there were times when I just wanted to hug them both as they were so, so sweet.
The side characters were also very well written and all of them had a purpose that added beautifully to the story. Matilda's friends and their husbands were definitely my favourite out of all the side characters.
I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to read a fast paced, enticing romance with a lot of angst and a bit of the enemies to lovers trope.
April 12, 2021
4 1/2* STARS VICTORIAN ROMANCE
Matilda Brooks has always been told she isn't as pretty as her sister, Melanie. She has none of the social graces considered for a diamond of the first water, like Melanie. Is it any wonder that Tilly's insecurities are reinforced by being tall and slender, with small breasts, a space between her teeth and most unattractive of all, she's covered in freckles. Her most painful secret is her love for Thomas who is marrying her sister. Only one person knows her secret, Thomas's older brother, Sullivan. Years later, Sullivan ends his time in the army to take the reins after his older brother's death. A death he found out about two years later. He believes it wasn't accidental. It doesn't help his investigation when rescuing Tilly ends up compromising her reputation. This will be an emotional rollercoaster marriage from the start. Insecurities and mistrust are just the beginning.
Explicit sex/steamy encounters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Matilda Brooks has always been told she isn't as pretty as her sister, Melanie. She has none of the social graces considered for a diamond of the first water, like Melanie. Is it any wonder that Tilly's insecurities are reinforced by being tall and slender, with small breasts, a space between her teeth and most unattractive of all, she's covered in freckles. Her most painful secret is her love for Thomas who is marrying her sister. Only one person knows her secret, Thomas's older brother, Sullivan. Years later, Sullivan ends his time in the army to take the reins after his older brother's death. A death he found out about two years later. He believes it wasn't accidental. It doesn't help his investigation when rescuing Tilly ends up compromising her reputation. This will be an emotional rollercoaster marriage from the start. Insecurities and mistrust are just the beginning.
Explicit sex/steamy encounters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
April 14, 2021
The Virgin and the Viscount, by Robyn DeHart. First I have to say that I absolutely love this book cover. The colors just pop. And the flowers in her red hair, simply gorgeous! This Is new author for me and I must say that I have become a huge fan of hers. Reading this one book, Robyn DeHart has convinced me that she is a very good writer.
The talent that Robyn shares with her readers in this book leads me to believe that she wants to give them a good story that they will love and remember. That’s how I feel now. I feel happy and content after reading such a romantic love story. You already heard my thoughts on the cover. Again, I find it elegant and beautiful.
The author gave me a love story that had me giggling and simply enjoying a good book. For few hours it felt good to read a love story where the male character was madly in love with the female character. And every step of the way, the male character manages to sweep the woman off her feet. The characters were well written. Some I thought were witty and charming.
Their description and personalities were well written. Other characters descriptions, fit them to a “T” . This made their characters all the more believable. I enjoyed the entertainment that Sullivan and Tilly gave the readers. Their flirtatious ways definitely extracted their sultry feelings for one another.
The drama reads like a well written play that at times had me getting agitated with the characters, but that’s was a good thing. I believe that the writer intentionally did this, so that her readers could feel what the characters felt at that time in the book. The author wanted me to understand what that character was going through. Then for me, as a gift from the writer I can truly enjoy reading her book. Let’s have some fun, and get to the good stuff.
I’m bursting at the seems to talk about the “oh so naughty stuff”. Let me say that I find Sullivan, swoon worthy. Oh that man! Mmm. He has me shaking my head due to my over extensive, wild imaginations of him standing their like Thor with his rippling thighs muscles and massive shoulders.
His rock hard torso and his member silently waving hello to me as he stands over me at the foot of the bed. Ladies, Sullivan devours Tilly in all the deliciously and succulent ways in this love story. The man has an Insatiable appetite for me. Tilly! I meant Tilly.
Do you think that she had any complaints? She better not, because I don’t mind being and the under study. I don’t mind being under Sullivan, studying his glistening, well endowed muscled body. It seems, Tilly surprised Sullivan with a trick or two of her own in the Boudoir department. There are some intense moments in the book as well.
Sullivan and Tilly constantly battled family and adversaries that have agendas that could change how London would survive. I find this book to be an awesome read. I give this book two snaps and a, “Put the knives down and come here Freckles, your husband needs some attention”. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!
The talent that Robyn shares with her readers in this book leads me to believe that she wants to give them a good story that they will love and remember. That’s how I feel now. I feel happy and content after reading such a romantic love story. You already heard my thoughts on the cover. Again, I find it elegant and beautiful.
The author gave me a love story that had me giggling and simply enjoying a good book. For few hours it felt good to read a love story where the male character was madly in love with the female character. And every step of the way, the male character manages to sweep the woman off her feet. The characters were well written. Some I thought were witty and charming.
Their description and personalities were well written. Other characters descriptions, fit them to a “T” . This made their characters all the more believable. I enjoyed the entertainment that Sullivan and Tilly gave the readers. Their flirtatious ways definitely extracted their sultry feelings for one another.
The drama reads like a well written play that at times had me getting agitated with the characters, but that’s was a good thing. I believe that the writer intentionally did this, so that her readers could feel what the characters felt at that time in the book. The author wanted me to understand what that character was going through. Then for me, as a gift from the writer I can truly enjoy reading her book. Let’s have some fun, and get to the good stuff.
I’m bursting at the seems to talk about the “oh so naughty stuff”. Let me say that I find Sullivan, swoon worthy. Oh that man! Mmm. He has me shaking my head due to my over extensive, wild imaginations of him standing their like Thor with his rippling thighs muscles and massive shoulders.
His rock hard torso and his member silently waving hello to me as he stands over me at the foot of the bed. Ladies, Sullivan devours Tilly in all the deliciously and succulent ways in this love story. The man has an Insatiable appetite for me. Tilly! I meant Tilly.
Do you think that she had any complaints? She better not, because I don’t mind being and the under study. I don’t mind being under Sullivan, studying his glistening, well endowed muscled body. It seems, Tilly surprised Sullivan with a trick or two of her own in the Boudoir department. There are some intense moments in the book as well.
Sullivan and Tilly constantly battled family and adversaries that have agendas that could change how London would survive. I find this book to be an awesome read. I give this book two snaps and a, “Put the knives down and come here Freckles, your husband needs some attention”. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!
December 31, 2021
I expected something more…. But I will try again with this author
March 22, 2021
This book is part of a series, but I did not read the preceding books. It does fine as a standalone.
I fell in love with Sullivan. He is everything a romance hero should be. Yes, there were time when I wanted to strangle them both because they were acting stupid but I loved watching their relationship unfold. The very first scene they have together in the book hooked me. Matilda knows who she is and is unapologetic about it. Sullivan has had feelings for her for years and I loved the angst.
This is an enemies to lovers, unrequited love story with a strong villainous plot thrown in also. However, the storyline with the villain felt unfinished.
I fell in love with Sullivan. He is everything a romance hero should be. Yes, there were time when I wanted to strangle them both because they were acting stupid but I loved watching their relationship unfold. The very first scene they have together in the book hooked me. Matilda knows who she is and is unapologetic about it. Sullivan has had feelings for her for years and I loved the angst.
This is an enemies to lovers, unrequited love story with a strong villainous plot thrown in also. However, the storyline with the villain felt unfinished.
April 19, 2021
While I wish I had read the prior books in this series, because it seems there is a plot that runs throughout the series, this story was incredibly easy to get lost in.
The characters, Matilda and Sullivan, had such great banter between each other and I love a great enemies-to-lovers story! Sullivan knew which buttons to push to make Tilly (Matilda) fluster.
Both characters were stubborn yet each had their self doubt but in different ways than the other.
The great declaration of love that makes these stories so great was one of my favorites in a long time.
I only wish more of the story was resolved. I can only hope that it continues in the next story and I get my answers.
The characters, Matilda and Sullivan, had such great banter between each other and I love a great enemies-to-lovers story! Sullivan knew which buttons to push to make Tilly (Matilda) fluster.
Both characters were stubborn yet each had their self doubt but in different ways than the other.
The great declaration of love that makes these stories so great was one of my favorites in a long time.
I only wish more of the story was resolved. I can only hope that it continues in the next story and I get my answers.
March 21, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley, but my rating and review are all my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
I LOVED this book!❤️ I have been on a bit of a regency romance kick as of late and this book did not disappoint. Going into this book I had no clue that this was a part of a series (YAY more books to read), but this can definitely be read as a standalone novel. I mean, what’s not to love? Matilda is a strong independent woman and Sullivan is the perfect gentleman (except for in the bedroom😉)! I love a good enemies to lovers troupe and now I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the Lords of Vice series! I highly recommend this steamy read if you enjoy historical/regency romance novels! Add this one to your TBR list!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
I LOVED this book!❤️ I have been on a bit of a regency romance kick as of late and this book did not disappoint. Going into this book I had no clue that this was a part of a series (YAY more books to read), but this can definitely be read as a standalone novel. I mean, what’s not to love? Matilda is a strong independent woman and Sullivan is the perfect gentleman (except for in the bedroom😉)! I love a good enemies to lovers troupe and now I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the Lords of Vice series! I highly recommend this steamy read if you enjoy historical/regency romance novels! Add this one to your TBR list!
July 20, 2021
The angst is over done and the reasoning paper thin. I made it through to the end based on potential alone. It never pulled through.
March 16, 2021
Matilda is a character who suffers no illusions about her rakish brother-in-law, Sullivan. She knows that Sullivan cannot be trusted and thinks that the attention he pays towards her has some kind of hidden agenda. As a part of the Ladies of Virtue, she has been taught to handle petty thieves and other criminals. However, nothing could have prepared her for reforming a man like Sullivan.
Sullivan knows that beneath Matilda's virtuous countenance lies a spirited woman. He tries to resist his attraction to her even though he wants to keep her for himself. Sullivan knows that he's not good enough for her and yet, he can't control his desire for her.
Robyn DeHart spins a beautiful tale between two opposite characters who later discover that they actually have a lot in common, being perfect for each other. Their back-and-forth interactions were quite entertaining. Overall, this is a wonderful story with wonderful characters. I highly recommend it to lovers of historical and romantic fiction.
Sullivan knows that beneath Matilda's virtuous countenance lies a spirited woman. He tries to resist his attraction to her even though he wants to keep her for himself. Sullivan knows that he's not good enough for her and yet, he can't control his desire for her.
Robyn DeHart spins a beautiful tale between two opposite characters who later discover that they actually have a lot in common, being perfect for each other. Their back-and-forth interactions were quite entertaining. Overall, this is a wonderful story with wonderful characters. I highly recommend it to lovers of historical and romantic fiction.
April 28, 2021
Forced marriage, enemies to lovers.
The Virgin and the Viscount is the fourth book in the Lords of Vice series.
The Lords of Vice fall hard for the Ladies of Virtue!
This is the first book I've read in this series and I had no problem jumping in to the story.
What worked? The main characters! Tilly is a gap-toothed, tall, confident (except around her sister), woman, covered in freckles ("Freckles" is the hero's adorable nickname for her). Sullivan is the second son, a soldier, who wasn't prepared to take over the responsibilities of his titles.
I liked them together. Some VERY steamy moments. Sullivan had been pining for Tilly for years, but was too stubborn to let his feelings be known.
Through a series of events, the possibility of ruination (by forced proximity) leads to a forced marriage.
What didn't work? There were a lot of loose ends. Nothing happened to the whole mystery surrounding the death of Sullivan's older brother. Nothing. Nothing happened with the Lady who was blackmailing Sullivan. Nothing. Nothing happened to the villain of the story. Nothing happened with Sullivan's concerns that someone was trying to kill his wife or sister in law. Nothing. In fact, he mentions the possibility of them being targets, but then has a spat with Tilly and leaves town instead of staying to protect her! The story just ended. There was a happily ever after for the couple, but too many unfinished threads. It was actually really bizarre. I can't see this being a big cliffhanger, because if the next book isn't about Tilly and Sullivan, it just wouldn't make sense.
So this was a hard one for me to rate. I liked the characters. I liked the dialogue. I liked the sexy scenes. There was a lot of potential, but there was also so much missing.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
The Virgin and the Viscount is the fourth book in the Lords of Vice series.
The Lords of Vice fall hard for the Ladies of Virtue!
This is the first book I've read in this series and I had no problem jumping in to the story.
What worked? The main characters! Tilly is a gap-toothed, tall, confident (except around her sister), woman, covered in freckles ("Freckles" is the hero's adorable nickname for her). Sullivan is the second son, a soldier, who wasn't prepared to take over the responsibilities of his titles.
I liked them together. Some VERY steamy moments. Sullivan had been pining for Tilly for years, but was too stubborn to let his feelings be known.
Through a series of events, the possibility of ruination (by forced proximity) leads to a forced marriage.
What didn't work? There were a lot of loose ends. Nothing happened to the whole mystery surrounding the death of Sullivan's older brother. Nothing. Nothing happened with the Lady who was blackmailing Sullivan. Nothing. Nothing happened to the villain of the story. Nothing happened with Sullivan's concerns that someone was trying to kill his wife or sister in law. Nothing. In fact, he mentions the possibility of them being targets, but then has a spat with Tilly and leaves town instead of staying to protect her! The story just ended. There was a happily ever after for the couple, but too many unfinished threads. It was actually really bizarre. I can't see this being a big cliffhanger, because if the next book isn't about Tilly and Sullivan, it just wouldn't make sense.
So this was a hard one for me to rate. I liked the characters. I liked the dialogue. I liked the sexy scenes. There was a lot of potential, but there was also so much missing.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
March 18, 2021
This was a solid enemies-to-lovers storyline. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sullivan. I'm a sucker for a London-based regency romance.
I do read a fair amount of historical romance and while this one was good, I do feel that readers that are devout HisRom readers might find some issues with the writing style—as it has a more contemporary feel—making it a good bridge for readers who like contemporary romance and want to read more historical romance books.
Also, while taking into consideration that I read an ARC copy and not a final one, I feel the need to comment that I found many elements of the storyline too contrived for my taste. Not all may feel this way, but it did hinder my enjoyment of the overall romance.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the advance copy.
Merged review:
This was a solid enemies-to-lovers storyline. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sullivan. I'm a sucker for a London-based regency romance.
I do read a fair amount of historical romance and while this one was good, I do feel that readers that are devout HisRom readers might find some issues with the writing style—as it has a more contemporary feel—making it a good bridge for readers who like contemporary romance and want to read more historical romance books.
Also, while taking into consideration that I read an ARC copy and not a final one, I feel the need to comment that I found many elements of the storyline too contrived for my taste. Not all may feel this way, but it did hinder my enjoyment of the overall romance.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the advance copy.
I do read a fair amount of historical romance and while this one was good, I do feel that readers that are devout HisRom readers might find some issues with the writing style—as it has a more contemporary feel—making it a good bridge for readers who like contemporary romance and want to read more historical romance books.
Also, while taking into consideration that I read an ARC copy and not a final one, I feel the need to comment that I found many elements of the storyline too contrived for my taste. Not all may feel this way, but it did hinder my enjoyment of the overall romance.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the advance copy.
Merged review:
This was a solid enemies-to-lovers storyline. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sullivan. I'm a sucker for a London-based regency romance.
I do read a fair amount of historical romance and while this one was good, I do feel that readers that are devout HisRom readers might find some issues with the writing style—as it has a more contemporary feel—making it a good bridge for readers who like contemporary romance and want to read more historical romance books.
Also, while taking into consideration that I read an ARC copy and not a final one, I feel the need to comment that I found many elements of the storyline too contrived for my taste. Not all may feel this way, but it did hinder my enjoyment of the overall romance.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the advance copy.
March 26, 2021
A continuation in the Lord's of Vice series but luckily it worked as a standalone being that I read it out of order.
Low self-esteem has Lady Matilda Brooks thinking the only thing she has going for her in life is being a member of the Ladies of Virtue Society. As a member of the club, she has chosen to take on Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook, to provide unsolicited lessons on reforming his ways. She just hopes she can keep him at arms length so she doesn't lose her heart to him in the process.
Little does Tilly know but Sullivan has desired her since before she told him of her infatuation with his younger brother. Protecting himself from hurt and disappointment, he has kept his feelings well hidden by masking them with a devil may care attitude and lighthearted banter.
When circumstances cause Sullivan to keep her from ruin, can they keep the wall that has built up between them or will love be the bigger lesson learned for both of them?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only criticism was that although a villain was introduced, a lot was left answered. That may be due to reading the series out of order but with no epilogue, I hope more is mentioned in the upcoming books.
Overall, an enjoyable historical romance!
Low self-esteem has Lady Matilda Brooks thinking the only thing she has going for her in life is being a member of the Ladies of Virtue Society. As a member of the club, she has chosen to take on Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook, to provide unsolicited lessons on reforming his ways. She just hopes she can keep him at arms length so she doesn't lose her heart to him in the process.
Little does Tilly know but Sullivan has desired her since before she told him of her infatuation with his younger brother. Protecting himself from hurt and disappointment, he has kept his feelings well hidden by masking them with a devil may care attitude and lighthearted banter.
When circumstances cause Sullivan to keep her from ruin, can they keep the wall that has built up between them or will love be the bigger lesson learned for both of them?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only criticism was that although a villain was introduced, a lot was left answered. That may be due to reading the series out of order but with no epilogue, I hope more is mentioned in the upcoming books.
Overall, an enjoyable historical romance!
March 23, 2021
Tilly, inadvertently tells Sullivan she is in love with his brother Thomas who is about to marry her sister. Sullivan knows Thomas is not a good person and he is happy Tilly is not the person Thomas marries. Both of them are afraid to trust their hearts and find love. When they are caught in an unchaperoned situation they are forced to marry. They can not fight the attraction and the love they have for each other. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for my honest review.
April 17, 2021
When a carriage accident throws them together Matilda finds herself married to a scoundrel of the first order.
Sullivan is not quite the scoundrel he's made out to be.
This book is a enemy to friends to lovers title by Robyn DeHart.
It is a fun tale of inconvenience and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Sullivan is not quite the scoundrel he's made out to be.
This book is a enemy to friends to lovers title by Robyn DeHart.
It is a fun tale of inconvenience and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
April 11, 2021
A swoon-worthy enemies-to-lovers romance, The Virgin and the Viscount follows Tilly, a member of the Ladies of Virtue, as she tries to reform Sullivan from his slothful ways. The Ladies of Virtue is a secret organization of women trained to deal with thieves and criminals on the streets of London. I love the Ladies of Virtue! They are strong and skilled women who defy societal norms and work to protect potential victims. This close-knit group feels like a found family, especially for Tilly, who has little support, understanding, or affection from her own family.
In addition to ridding the streets of thieves and other criminals, the Ladies of Virtue have also made it their duty to reform some of the noblemen exhibiting sinful behavior. Tilly set her sights on Sullivan, her brother-in-law through marriage, who she has known and disliked for years. Distrustful of attractive people, Tilly knows that Sullivan must be a scoundrel. She loathes him for his arrogance and slothful nature. However, the more Tilly gets to know Sullivan, the more she realizes that first impressions and outward appearances are not always accurate. The man beneath the cool and arrogant facade is honorable and true. I find it interesting that Tilly thinks the worst of Sullivan mainly because of his good looks. Events and people from the past definitely affect her impressions of others, and it takes her time to come to this realization.
When a carriage accident puts Tilly in a scandalous position, Sullivan honorably offers to marry her, and unable to figure another way out of the situation, Tilly agrees. Tilly is certain this is a marriage in name only, but she can’t deny her growing feelings and desire for her husband.
Sullivan knows he doesn’t deserve a woman like Tilly and that Tilly despises him. Sullivan has liked Tilly for years but has never admitted or even realized the depth of his feelings. However, when he finds out that she is involved in the Ladies of Virtue, his fear for her safety show just how much he cares for her. Tilly, however, won’t bow to his demands that she leave the organization. This couple has a lot to work through and must decide if their feelings are worth fighting for. However, it’s pretty clear from the beginning that they are attracted to each other.
The romance between Tilly and Sullivan is fantastic! Neither really understand nor want to acknowledge the depth of their feelings, and they both feel unworthy for different reasons. These opposites try to resist their feelings, and there is this whole “will they or won’t they” vibe that I love!! I also love watching them slowly open up to each other. They both find it so difficult to trust in each other and their feelings. When they do, it leads to some sizzling chemistry, and their sexy scenes are pretty swoon-tastic!
Other characters in the story intrigue me, and I’m curious to see what happens to many of them in future books in the series. I’m also curious to find out how some of the over-arching plots turn out. Will they find out who Lady X is? What really happened to Sullivan’s brother? Will Tilly’s main antagonists get what they deserve? Will the Ladies of Virtue continue with their missions? I can’t wait to find out the answers to all of my questions!
Another aspect of the story that I really liked is the wonderful imagery, especially in relation to flowers which are often used metaphorically and symbolically. Sullivan often describes Tilly in the most wonderful of ways, showing how much he admires and likes her. I love his powerful and beautiful comparisons and how they reinforce not only his passion for Tilly but also his astute understanding of others.
Though this is the fourth book in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone. However, if you have read the first few books, you won’t be disappointed. Many of the characters (and couples) make appearances in this book. I love this! It’s wonderful to see what the couples from the first books are up to and how their lives have progressed.
An entertaining and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance, this is a great book for readers who like an opposites-attract love story with great characters and a bit of mystery. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Robyn DeHart for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
In addition to ridding the streets of thieves and other criminals, the Ladies of Virtue have also made it their duty to reform some of the noblemen exhibiting sinful behavior. Tilly set her sights on Sullivan, her brother-in-law through marriage, who she has known and disliked for years. Distrustful of attractive people, Tilly knows that Sullivan must be a scoundrel. She loathes him for his arrogance and slothful nature. However, the more Tilly gets to know Sullivan, the more she realizes that first impressions and outward appearances are not always accurate. The man beneath the cool and arrogant facade is honorable and true. I find it interesting that Tilly thinks the worst of Sullivan mainly because of his good looks. Events and people from the past definitely affect her impressions of others, and it takes her time to come to this realization.
When a carriage accident puts Tilly in a scandalous position, Sullivan honorably offers to marry her, and unable to figure another way out of the situation, Tilly agrees. Tilly is certain this is a marriage in name only, but she can’t deny her growing feelings and desire for her husband.
Sullivan knows he doesn’t deserve a woman like Tilly and that Tilly despises him. Sullivan has liked Tilly for years but has never admitted or even realized the depth of his feelings. However, when he finds out that she is involved in the Ladies of Virtue, his fear for her safety show just how much he cares for her. Tilly, however, won’t bow to his demands that she leave the organization. This couple has a lot to work through and must decide if their feelings are worth fighting for. However, it’s pretty clear from the beginning that they are attracted to each other.
The romance between Tilly and Sullivan is fantastic! Neither really understand nor want to acknowledge the depth of their feelings, and they both feel unworthy for different reasons. These opposites try to resist their feelings, and there is this whole “will they or won’t they” vibe that I love!! I also love watching them slowly open up to each other. They both find it so difficult to trust in each other and their feelings. When they do, it leads to some sizzling chemistry, and their sexy scenes are pretty swoon-tastic!
Other characters in the story intrigue me, and I’m curious to see what happens to many of them in future books in the series. I’m also curious to find out how some of the over-arching plots turn out. Will they find out who Lady X is? What really happened to Sullivan’s brother? Will Tilly’s main antagonists get what they deserve? Will the Ladies of Virtue continue with their missions? I can’t wait to find out the answers to all of my questions!
Another aspect of the story that I really liked is the wonderful imagery, especially in relation to flowers which are often used metaphorically and symbolically. Sullivan often describes Tilly in the most wonderful of ways, showing how much he admires and likes her. I love his powerful and beautiful comparisons and how they reinforce not only his passion for Tilly but also his astute understanding of others.
Though this is the fourth book in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone. However, if you have read the first few books, you won’t be disappointed. Many of the characters (and couples) make appearances in this book. I love this! It’s wonderful to see what the couples from the first books are up to and how their lives have progressed.
An entertaining and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance, this is a great book for readers who like an opposites-attract love story with great characters and a bit of mystery. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Robyn DeHart for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2021
Four and a half stars. The Virgin and the Viscount is the fourth book in Robyn DeHart’s Lords of Vice Series. The books are centred around a group of ladies who are members of a secret institution called the Ladies of Virtue, an organisation of women who are trained to deal with petty thieves and nuisances on the street. A few of the ladies decide to each tackle some form of reformation of the cads in the ballroom as part of their duties based on the seven deadly sins which is where the Lords of Vice originates from. I have not actually read the previous books and it is not too difficult to read without feeling you have missed out.
Lady Matilda Ramsey is a member of this group and it is her turn to select a member of the peerage to try to reform. She decides upon Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook who it seems suffers from sloth, leading a carefree life whilst his younger brother runs his estates. Sullivan and she share a history as he is the brother of her sister’s husband Thomas and had unfortunately been the one who had inadvertently heard her profession of love for Thomas years ago. He has kept her secret all these years but there is something about him that she does not trust. He is arrogant, flirtatious and just too charming.
But a carriage accident and her subsequent rescue by Sullivan leads to scandal and her reputation being compromised. Forced to marry, can Tilly make a success of life with a man she despises?
I have to say I loved Sullivan. He is honourable, charming, handsome and kind. He had a lot of issues from his time in the wars and his discoveries about his brother which I do not think were explored as much as they could be. They were acknowledged but he didn’t receive the support he could have. He was quite high handed and maybe unreasonable about Tilly working as she does but his issues do explain a little about his behaviour towards Tilly’s work with the Ladies of Virtue. He also had the patience of a saint whilst putting up with all of Tilly’s mistrust.
I had mixed feelings about Tilly. It took me a while to warm to her and I am not sure I really did. You can sympathise with the way she has been treated by her mother and sister all her life and appreciate her insecurities, but she was so relentlessly judgemental towards Sullivan almost the entirety of the book. She was so quick to judge him and find him wanting in almost every aspect of the story despite him never ever having given her any indication that her prejudices were correct. He did tease her a lot but that was almost always as a reaction against her disdainful attitude. He never treated her with anything but kindness and honour and she really threw a lot of it back in his face. She even acknowledges that she may wrong about him [far too late, in my opinion] but at the end, at a pivotal moment, she still immediately tries him and finds him guilty with no consideration of his feelings and motives. Added to that, matters are only resolved when Sullivan apologises to her but there is no acknowledgement back. Her blind acceptance of Thomas’s words against her actual experience of Sullivan’s goodness didn’t feel right.
The story was interesting, and I read it in a couple of sittings. I was happy that Sullivan and Tilly received their happy ever after but I felt that a few things were left unresolved. Sullivan’s quest to obtain justice for his elder brother seems like it was almost casually abandoned. I felt Sullivan and [Roderick] deserved better. Also, Thomas did not get his comeuppance at all. Since this is a series, I am hoping that these issues get addressed in the next books. I would also have loved an epilogue of some sort to show that they were happy.
I did enjoy the story and will go back and read the previous books in the series. I am adding an extra half star just for Sullivan!
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Lady Matilda Ramsey is a member of this group and it is her turn to select a member of the peerage to try to reform. She decides upon Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook who it seems suffers from sloth, leading a carefree life whilst his younger brother runs his estates. Sullivan and she share a history as he is the brother of her sister’s husband Thomas and had unfortunately been the one who had inadvertently heard her profession of love for Thomas years ago. He has kept her secret all these years but there is something about him that she does not trust. He is arrogant, flirtatious and just too charming.
But a carriage accident and her subsequent rescue by Sullivan leads to scandal and her reputation being compromised. Forced to marry, can Tilly make a success of life with a man she despises?
I have to say I loved Sullivan. He is honourable, charming, handsome and kind. He had a lot of issues from his time in the wars and his discoveries about his brother which I do not think were explored as much as they could be. They were acknowledged but he didn’t receive the support he could have. He was quite high handed and maybe unreasonable about Tilly working as she does but his issues do explain a little about his behaviour towards Tilly’s work with the Ladies of Virtue. He also had the patience of a saint whilst putting up with all of Tilly’s mistrust.
I had mixed feelings about Tilly. It took me a while to warm to her and I am not sure I really did. You can sympathise with the way she has been treated by her mother and sister all her life and appreciate her insecurities, but she was so relentlessly judgemental towards Sullivan almost the entirety of the book. She was so quick to judge him and find him wanting in almost every aspect of the story despite him never ever having given her any indication that her prejudices were correct. He did tease her a lot but that was almost always as a reaction against her disdainful attitude. He never treated her with anything but kindness and honour and she really threw a lot of it back in his face. She even acknowledges that she may wrong about him [far too late, in my opinion] but at the end, at a pivotal moment, she still immediately tries him and finds him guilty with no consideration of his feelings and motives. Added to that, matters are only resolved when Sullivan apologises to her but there is no acknowledgement back. Her blind acceptance of Thomas’s words against her actual experience of Sullivan’s goodness didn’t feel right.
The story was interesting, and I read it in a couple of sittings. I was happy that Sullivan and Tilly received their happy ever after but I felt that a few things were left unresolved. Sullivan’s quest to obtain justice for his elder brother seems like it was almost casually abandoned. I felt Sullivan and [Roderick] deserved better. Also, Thomas did not get his comeuppance at all. Since this is a series, I am hoping that these issues get addressed in the next books. I would also have loved an epilogue of some sort to show that they were happy.
I did enjoy the story and will go back and read the previous books in the series. I am adding an extra half star just for Sullivan!
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley for my honest opinion.
June 2, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Matilda Brooks made a mistake five years ago when she tried to proclaim her love for her friend, Thomas, before he married her wicked sister, and instead told Thomas' elder brother, Sullivan, who's held it over her ever since. Now, she is over the puppy love, and cares too much about her work as a Lady of Virtue, when she sets her eyes on Sullivan, now Viscount Glenbrook, to reform him from his slovenly ways. But, Sullivan has been harbouring an affection for Tilly for years, and though he may poke fun at her, he will protect her, which leads to a compromising situation following a carriage accident. Now, they need to marry, and both feel that though the other probably doesn't have strong feelings for the other, the chemistry and sexual tension is enough. But will the truth about Thomas come out, and can Sullivan get over his feelings about Tilly being a 'Lady of Virtue', or will it push them away.
This is book 4 in a series, which I hadn't realised when I requested the review copy, but I never felt like I was missing out on too much. Really, it could be a standalone, albeit one with characters who have their own stories which may add to the overarching plotline. I really liked both Tilly and Sullivan. Tilly has always been in her elder sister, Melanie's, spotlight, constantly compared to her, and somewhat ridiculed for her height, her freckles, etc. She might not be a diamond of the first water, but she is funny and vivacious, and Sullivan has always had a tendre for her. But, Tilly was in love with his brother Thomas, who Melanie did 'steal' away from her, and that's always put a damper on Sullivan's feelings. He went off to war, and in the meantime, his eldest brother died, in a shooting 'accident', and Thomas has been the de facto Viscount. Did Thomas have a hand in the 'accident', and is he dangerous? Sullivan, following the marriage, is still wary about Thomas and Tilly's friendship, and his jealousy could get a little much at times, but it was well meant. The chemistry and sexual tension between Tilly and Sullivan was perfect, and their relationship was one where they both talked, and didn't talk, about issues, which was a little annoying. Their main problem was about Tilly's involvement with the Ladies of Virtue, and I just wish they had spoken about it a lot more. All in all, an enjoyable romance read!
Matilda Brooks made a mistake five years ago when she tried to proclaim her love for her friend, Thomas, before he married her wicked sister, and instead told Thomas' elder brother, Sullivan, who's held it over her ever since. Now, she is over the puppy love, and cares too much about her work as a Lady of Virtue, when she sets her eyes on Sullivan, now Viscount Glenbrook, to reform him from his slovenly ways. But, Sullivan has been harbouring an affection for Tilly for years, and though he may poke fun at her, he will protect her, which leads to a compromising situation following a carriage accident. Now, they need to marry, and both feel that though the other probably doesn't have strong feelings for the other, the chemistry and sexual tension is enough. But will the truth about Thomas come out, and can Sullivan get over his feelings about Tilly being a 'Lady of Virtue', or will it push them away.
This is book 4 in a series, which I hadn't realised when I requested the review copy, but I never felt like I was missing out on too much. Really, it could be a standalone, albeit one with characters who have their own stories which may add to the overarching plotline. I really liked both Tilly and Sullivan. Tilly has always been in her elder sister, Melanie's, spotlight, constantly compared to her, and somewhat ridiculed for her height, her freckles, etc. She might not be a diamond of the first water, but she is funny and vivacious, and Sullivan has always had a tendre for her. But, Tilly was in love with his brother Thomas, who Melanie did 'steal' away from her, and that's always put a damper on Sullivan's feelings. He went off to war, and in the meantime, his eldest brother died, in a shooting 'accident', and Thomas has been the de facto Viscount. Did Thomas have a hand in the 'accident', and is he dangerous? Sullivan, following the marriage, is still wary about Thomas and Tilly's friendship, and his jealousy could get a little much at times, but it was well meant. The chemistry and sexual tension between Tilly and Sullivan was perfect, and their relationship was one where they both talked, and didn't talk, about issues, which was a little annoying. Their main problem was about Tilly's involvement with the Ladies of Virtue, and I just wish they had spoken about it a lot more. All in all, an enjoyable romance read!
April 14, 2021
A historical romance nicely combined with a little mystery. What a beautiful book. The cover is absolutely gorgeous. Tilly is sweet and kind as well as fierce and feisty. Growing up practically invisible in her sister’s shadow has left her with some real inferiority issues, yet she remains strong and capable. Sullivan is so much more than he initially seems. Strong, protective and honorable, though he has some issues of his own. I love that there is some mystery included in this historical romance. And an ample dose of steam. Well done.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2021
This one was ok. There is another story in this series that is better. I felt like Matilda came off as a little immature. For that matter I think Sullivan did too. I think having an honest conversation with each other would have been helpful in the overall flow of the story and that we wouldn't have had to keep rehashing the same things over and over again.
February 8, 2023
ADULT Regency Romance💕 and Adventure.
Novella.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU.
Novella.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU.
April 10, 2021
As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways. When Tilly's carriage suffers an accident, Sullivan happens by & rescues her but his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honourable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants.
This is the fourth book in this very enjoyable series, it could be read on its own but I feel to fully appreciate it then it would be better to read the series in order. I thoroughly enjoyed the misunderstandings, secrets & mistrust between the pair. The chemistry between them sizzled but both didn’t realise they were falling in love until it was nearly too late. I loved how Till grew in confidence throughout the book & how the pair complemented each other. There was a mystery which wasn't resolved & whilst I felt 95% of the book was a five star read the ending left me with questions which weren’t answered & unresolved issues, I hope these will be resolved in future books & as ever I would have loved an epilogue to round everything off.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth book in this very enjoyable series, it could be read on its own but I feel to fully appreciate it then it would be better to read the series in order. I thoroughly enjoyed the misunderstandings, secrets & mistrust between the pair. The chemistry between them sizzled but both didn’t realise they were falling in love until it was nearly too late. I loved how Till grew in confidence throughout the book & how the pair complemented each other. There was a mystery which wasn't resolved & whilst I felt 95% of the book was a five star read the ending left me with questions which weren’t answered & unresolved issues, I hope these will be resolved in future books & as ever I would have loved an epilogue to round everything off.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 25, 2021
Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook, never expected to inherit the title. Two years after his older brother's death, he returns to London only to find out he's now Glenbrook. His younger brother Thomas has been running things in his absence, but Sullivan isn't sure Thomas is looking out for the tenants as he should. Sullivan has always had a tendre for Matilda Brooks and when he rescues her from a carriage accident and they are forced to share a room for the night, he finds out they've been seen coming out of the room together and he does the honorable things and offers for her. Matilda Brooks has nothing but disdain for her brother-in-law Sullivan, but feeling she has no choice, she agrees to marry him. Can they find some common ground and give their forced marriage a go?
This book started out great. There was angst, tension and things neither Sullivan or Tilly could foresee or control. I loved how independent Tilly is and how hard she tries to hold onto that. Sullivan finds Tilly irresistible, but he doesn't want to frighten her with the intensity of his desire so he doesn't sleep with her right away. That only adds to Tilly's insecurities. Sullivan was such an honorable character and Ms. DeHart does a great job of letting the reader into his thoughts. Most of the book is devoted to his suspicions surrounding his brother's death. While the writing is well done, I found the ending to be abrupt and the plot surrounding the villain was not resolved and just left hanging. I think an epilogue would have been helpful even if the villain has his own book coming. These two things dropped the book down from a 4 star rating.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
This book started out great. There was angst, tension and things neither Sullivan or Tilly could foresee or control. I loved how independent Tilly is and how hard she tries to hold onto that. Sullivan finds Tilly irresistible, but he doesn't want to frighten her with the intensity of his desire so he doesn't sleep with her right away. That only adds to Tilly's insecurities. Sullivan was such an honorable character and Ms. DeHart does a great job of letting the reader into his thoughts. Most of the book is devoted to his suspicions surrounding his brother's death. While the writing is well done, I found the ending to be abrupt and the plot surrounding the villain was not resolved and just left hanging. I think an epilogue would have been helpful even if the villain has his own book coming. These two things dropped the book down from a 4 star rating.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
April 4, 2021
Roderick and Sullivan Chase are the two older brothers of the five. He is a soldier and goes off to war. He has been gone five years. When he returns, he finds out Roderick is dead and has been for two years. Nobody notified him. Thomas, third in line has taken up Sullivan's responsibilities. He and his older brother were the best of friends. The way he died leads Sullivan to believe he was murdered, but by whom?
Matilda Ramsey, a sweet but independent lady. She thought Sullivan was Sloth full. She felt Thomas was being taken advantage of, guess by who. On the way home from the ball she got stranded the wheel on her carriage broke. As he was passing he helped her out. They ended up in an Inn. When they got home the next day she was called to her father's study. Sullivan was there with his mother and her parents. Someone had seen them at the Inn.
The story was wonderful. The way they bantered back and forth you actually thought they hated each other. But he cared for her but she spent time thinking about him and how great he looked. The characters were charming and delightful. It was important to her, she remains with the League it was the only thing she did by herself and she was proud of it. As she should have been.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed this.
she was in love with Thomas but he married her older sister. She was the true beauty.
Matilda Ramsey, a sweet but independent lady. She thought Sullivan was Sloth full. She felt Thomas was being taken advantage of, guess by who. On the way home from the ball she got stranded the wheel on her carriage broke. As he was passing he helped her out. They ended up in an Inn. When they got home the next day she was called to her father's study. Sullivan was there with his mother and her parents. Someone had seen them at the Inn.
The story was wonderful. The way they bantered back and forth you actually thought they hated each other. But he cared for her but she spent time thinking about him and how great he looked. The characters were charming and delightful. It was important to her, she remains with the League it was the only thing she did by herself and she was proud of it. As she should have been.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed this.
she was in love with Thomas but he married her older sister. She was the true beauty.
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