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The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #4
How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart
In USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret’s latest steamy romance, a determined debutante discovers that making a deal with a notorious rake might just give her more than she ever bargained for…
Ruined debutante Prudence Thorogood lost everything when she was ousted from polite society, including her inheritance. Now she’ll do anything to take back what’s hers… even if she has to steal it. Accepting a scandalous offer from Lord Savage seems like the perfect solution to disguise her criminal intentions from the ton. Until she discovers that there’s more to this scoundrel than meets the eye.
Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, has everything except for a heart. That organ dried up long ago after a devastating betrayal. Since then, he vowed never to trust or love again. He ensures that his dalliances are mutually satisfying, but always temporary… until he meets the reserved Miss Thorogood. Not one of his previous lovers has ever beguiled him the way she does. Not one has made him want to break his own rules. Not one has tempted him to keep her… forever.
Prue has every intention of disappearing from London after their affair ends. But her plan falters when she finds herself falling hopelessly in love with a man who may never love her in return. With time running out and so much at stake, she cannot help but wonder…
How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart?
Ruined debutante Prudence Thorogood lost everything when she was ousted from polite society, including her inheritance. Now she’ll do anything to take back what’s hers… even if she has to steal it. Accepting a scandalous offer from Lord Savage seems like the perfect solution to disguise her criminal intentions from the ton. Until she discovers that there’s more to this scoundrel than meets the eye.
Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, has everything except for a heart. That organ dried up long ago after a devastating betrayal. Since then, he vowed never to trust or love again. He ensures that his dalliances are mutually satisfying, but always temporary… until he meets the reserved Miss Thorogood. Not one of his previous lovers has ever beguiled him the way she does. Not one has made him want to break his own rules. Not one has tempted him to keep her… forever.
Prue has every intention of disappearing from London after their affair ends. But her plan falters when she finds herself falling hopelessly in love with a man who may never love her in return. With time running out and so much at stake, she cannot help but wonder…
How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart?
369 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
82 people are currently reading
5612 people want to read
About the author
Vivienne Lorret
37 books1,306 followersUSA Today bestselling author VIVIENNE LORRET writes fun and steamy Regency historical romances. She lives in the Midwest where she coaxes words out of giant mugs of tea and attempts to jot them down before they can escape. For her entire catalog of books, including the Liars’ Club, her latest series from Avon, please visit www.vivlorret.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
June 10, 2022
Read 6/5/22
The author waited too long for the MC to have sex. I expect a mistress and Rake to have sex not wait weeks and be satisfied with a cuddle. They didn't have sex till 70% into the book. It was frustrating 😒! That frustration took away from the positives of the plot.
Still, this was a pretty good book! It just could have been better.
The author waited too long for the MC to have sex. I expect a mistress and Rake to have sex not wait weeks and be satisfied with a cuddle. They didn't have sex till 70% into the book. It was frustrating 😒! That frustration took away from the positives of the plot.
Still, this was a pretty good book! It just could have been better.
January 23, 2022
Wow. Have me and this book been on a journey together.
First, it should be noted, that there’s a dog on the cover. And it’s not like the bunny in the field on the Minx by Julie Quinn cover. It’s very clearly put on there in a drawing room clinch cover. Making it seem like the dog is a big part of the plot. Because why else would a dog be sitting on the heroine’s train while she’s trying to kiss the hero in a drawing room? So my expectation was similar to the expectation when I read How Sweet it is by Dylan Newton. There’s a little doggie on that cover who is a big part of the meet cute and shows up being cute throughout the book.
That is not the case.
In fact, a DIFFERENT dog plays part in the meeting of the hero and heroine and the Pekingese on the cover is only briefly mentioned throughout this book.
Was I distracted needlessly waiting for this dog throughout the book?! Yes. But, I think I let it consume me too much. If I hadn’t seen the cover, I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. But just the fact that the dog is ON THERE made me think he should play a bigger role.
Anyway, moving on from the dog…
I liked this book. I don’t usually like mistress tropes but I liked this one. There were some unexpected things that happened and a whole mess of drama that I was reeling from a little bit to try to understand. (Just WHY was the ton so freaking rude and diabolical?!)
Leo is your classic rake with trust issues and Prue is your classic fallen from grace debutant who just wants to live her life. She’s a little surprising in that she decides to be Leo’s mistress? But I had a lot of respect for her to realize she hasn’t got much else going for her and take advantage of Leo’s generosity. How sweet that he’s willing to pay so much for her…? Okay, the mistress trope is so weird, but I liked that Leo is as respectful as a scoundrel could possibly be, even though he was a bit dense at times to not realize his true feelings.
I love Viv Lorret’s writing. It’s always a beautiful regency feel that I loooove.
Thank you Avon for the ARC. Review is my own.
First, it should be noted, that there’s a dog on the cover. And it’s not like the bunny in the field on the Minx by Julie Quinn cover. It’s very clearly put on there in a drawing room clinch cover. Making it seem like the dog is a big part of the plot. Because why else would a dog be sitting on the heroine’s train while she’s trying to kiss the hero in a drawing room? So my expectation was similar to the expectation when I read How Sweet it is by Dylan Newton. There’s a little doggie on that cover who is a big part of the meet cute and shows up being cute throughout the book.
That is not the case.
In fact, a DIFFERENT dog plays part in the meeting of the hero and heroine and the Pekingese on the cover is only briefly mentioned throughout this book.
Was I distracted needlessly waiting for this dog throughout the book?! Yes. But, I think I let it consume me too much. If I hadn’t seen the cover, I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. But just the fact that the dog is ON THERE made me think he should play a bigger role.
Anyway, moving on from the dog…
I liked this book. I don’t usually like mistress tropes but I liked this one. There were some unexpected things that happened and a whole mess of drama that I was reeling from a little bit to try to understand. (Just WHY was the ton so freaking rude and diabolical?!)
Leo is your classic rake with trust issues and Prue is your classic fallen from grace debutant who just wants to live her life. She’s a little surprising in that she decides to be Leo’s mistress? But I had a lot of respect for her to realize she hasn’t got much else going for her and take advantage of Leo’s generosity. How sweet that he’s willing to pay so much for her…? Okay, the mistress trope is so weird, but I liked that Leo is as respectful as a scoundrel could possibly be, even though he was a bit dense at times to not realize his true feelings.
I love Viv Lorret’s writing. It’s always a beautiful regency feel that I loooove.
Thank you Avon for the ARC. Review is my own.
November 2, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 - this is generous – the last couple are on the shorter side but I still counted them
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Not long at all 3% in the prologue
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, ten months later
Format: listened to the audiobook from the library (Hoopla) but also have a very old and neglected e-book version from NetGalley….
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not tooootally necessary but I think reading at least the prior book, The Wrong Marquess, will give you some of this heroine’s background. And I adore that book so you should read it! I didn’t read book 1 of the series but did read book 2. They are all loosely connected by a group of heroines that are friends.
Basic plot:
Prue is out to steal back her inheritance and finds help in a relationship bargain with Lord Savage.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (?)
- Marquess/rake hero
- ruined heroine
- mistress
- Vauxhall
- bargain – hero will help the heroine steal back her inheritance if she becomes his mistress
- character focused
- mid steam – I have 4 full scenes but the last 2 are on the lighter side
Ages:
- I don’t recall them mentioned. If I had to guess I would say late 20s/early 30s for hero and early to mid 20s for heroine?
First line:
Prudence Thorogood drew the hood of her tattered mantle over her head and reached for the lion’s head door knocker.
My thoughts:
Oh I just love Vivienne Lorret. I love the time she takes on the little romantic things. I love all the little touches, and the back and forth banter and the emotional build up of her scenes. I just adored this book so much.
I was worried with it being a mistress theme I might not get into it because I find the tension can kind of dwindle for me with a ‘business transaction’ feel going on but I loved how it played out there. It even feels like more of a slow burn (the steam is definitely later in the book) but I appreciated that because it let the tension build up for me.
Leo is smitten, everyone. He is head over heels, obsessed with Prue and I ate it up! The time he takes with her. The gentleness. The playfulness. Ahhhh I was swooning left and right over him.
And Prue is just the best. I loved her as a heroine. Her strength and recovery and her journey to healing was really heart warming to me.
I just found myself loving so many lines in this one. I found it really romantic and sweet and I loved it.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: Some of these are on the shorter/lighter side. There’s also some alluded to scenes/fading scenes.
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 - this is generous – the last couple are on the shorter side but I still counted them
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Not long at all 3% in the prologue
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, ten months later
Format: listened to the audiobook from the library (Hoopla) but also have a very old and neglected e-book version from NetGalley….
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not tooootally necessary but I think reading at least the prior book, The Wrong Marquess, will give you some of this heroine’s background. And I adore that book so you should read it! I didn’t read book 1 of the series but did read book 2. They are all loosely connected by a group of heroines that are friends.
Basic plot:
Prue is out to steal back her inheritance and finds help in a relationship bargain with Lord Savage.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (?)
- Marquess/rake hero
- ruined heroine
- mistress
- Vauxhall
- bargain – hero will help the heroine steal back her inheritance if she becomes his mistress
- character focused
- mid steam – I have 4 full scenes but the last 2 are on the lighter side
Ages:
- I don’t recall them mentioned. If I had to guess I would say late 20s/early 30s for hero and early to mid 20s for heroine?
First line:
Prudence Thorogood drew the hood of her tattered mantle over her head and reached for the lion’s head door knocker.
My thoughts:
Oh I just love Vivienne Lorret. I love the time she takes on the little romantic things. I love all the little touches, and the back and forth banter and the emotional build up of her scenes. I just adored this book so much.
I was worried with it being a mistress theme I might not get into it because I find the tension can kind of dwindle for me with a ‘business transaction’ feel going on but I loved how it played out there. It even feels like more of a slow burn (the steam is definitely later in the book) but I appreciated that because it let the tension build up for me.
Leo is smitten, everyone. He is head over heels, obsessed with Prue and I ate it up! The time he takes with her. The gentleness. The playfulness. Ahhhh I was swooning left and right over him.
And Prue is just the best. I loved her as a heroine. Her strength and recovery and her journey to healing was really heart warming to me.
I just found myself loving so many lines in this one. I found it really romantic and sweet and I loved it.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: Some of these are on the shorter/lighter side. There’s also some alluded to scenes/fading scenes.
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
March 14, 2022
Miss Prudence Thorogood was cast out of her family and polite society when she was ruined by a charming but callus rake. Now her awful stepmother has gambled and given away precious heirlooms and a piece of property that were part of her inheritance and she's desperate to get them back, by any means necessary! She makes a devil's bargain with perma-bachelor Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, agreeing to be his mistress for a period of four months. Prue has every intention of abandoning London after their affair ends, but both she and Leo didn't expect to develop feelings for one another.
This is the fourth book in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. I recommend at least reading book three (The Wrong Marquess), as Prue's background is introduced in that story. Another secondary character from book three is also important for the set up of the next novel.
The beginning of their story gave me serious Devil in Winter/Lord of Wicked Intentions vibes (Kleypas and Heath). Those are pretty big historical romance shoes to fill, but Vivienne Lorret makes this story her own. Prudence lost everything and refuses to live off the charity of her friends. She's determined to steal back what she feels is hers, and then leave London behind. The marquess was supposed to be a means to an end but, instead, he ends up helping her find herself again. Leo has been burned by his past: a wastrel rogue as a father, a faithless fiancée., and a jealous former friend. As such, he keeps his attachments brief and doesn't trust...but Prue breaks down his defenses because she isn't like all the other women scheming for his money and his time. Leo protects her at every turn, and is not quite the scoundrel he's made out to be. (4.5 stars rounded to 5).
Tropes: Ruined, Reform-a-Rake, Protector
Steam: 3.5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HowtoStealaScoundrelsHeart #NetGalley
This is the fourth book in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. I recommend at least reading book three (The Wrong Marquess), as Prue's background is introduced in that story. Another secondary character from book three is also important for the set up of the next novel.
The beginning of their story gave me serious Devil in Winter/Lord of Wicked Intentions vibes (Kleypas and Heath). Those are pretty big historical romance shoes to fill, but Vivienne Lorret makes this story her own. Prudence lost everything and refuses to live off the charity of her friends. She's determined to steal back what she feels is hers, and then leave London behind. The marquess was supposed to be a means to an end but, instead, he ends up helping her find herself again. Leo has been burned by his past: a wastrel rogue as a father, a faithless fiancée., and a jealous former friend. As such, he keeps his attachments brief and doesn't trust...but Prue breaks down his defenses because she isn't like all the other women scheming for his money and his time. Leo protects her at every turn, and is not quite the scoundrel he's made out to be. (4.5 stars rounded to 5).
Tropes: Ruined, Reform-a-Rake, Protector
Steam: 3.5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HowtoStealaScoundrelsHeart #NetGalley
August 17, 2023
Well hello Lord Savage 😏🥵 it seems you have stolen my heart, it’s ok if yours is already taken.
This was my first Vivienne Lorret book and it will not be my last. I loved every second of it! I will be going back to read the first three books in this series and I can’t wait for Never Seduce A Duke, I have got to know what happens to Meg!
How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart begins when Lord Savage is escorting his latest mistress out of London and they run into Prudence who is a “fallen” or ruined debutant. Prue is so determined to take her life back that she is literally walking to London in order to lie, cheat and steal all of her inheritance back after her father disowned her.
Lord Savage instantly likes her, who wouldn’t she’s spunky and will not being falling for his charms or the inappropriate offer her makes her. Lord Savage is used to getting what he wants, he has stupid amounts of money and uses most of it on his mistresses.
When Prue becomes desperate she knocks on Lord Savage’s door one night and within 24 hours her whole life changes.
This was my first Vivienne Lorret book and it will not be my last. I loved every second of it! I will be going back to read the first three books in this series and I can’t wait for Never Seduce A Duke, I have got to know what happens to Meg!
How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart begins when Lord Savage is escorting his latest mistress out of London and they run into Prudence who is a “fallen” or ruined debutant. Prue is so determined to take her life back that she is literally walking to London in order to lie, cheat and steal all of her inheritance back after her father disowned her.
Lord Savage instantly likes her, who wouldn’t she’s spunky and will not being falling for his charms or the inappropriate offer her makes her. Lord Savage is used to getting what he wants, he has stupid amounts of money and uses most of it on his mistresses.
When Prue becomes desperate she knocks on Lord Savage’s door one night and within 24 hours her whole life changes.
August 21, 2022
I love when a great book has a bad fucking ending I’m getting war flashbacks to book one bc GEORGE WAS BACK and even more terrible and it somehow included characters even WORSE and the only way both books should’ve ended was righteous 🔪🔪🔪 = ☠️ but did that happen????? No
January 21, 2022
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review
I loved reading
How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart. To be honest I haven't read many of work but what I have read I have enjoyed each book I have read by
Vivienne Lorret. This book was so delightful I can't wait to own a copy. The cover is beautiful 5 star read
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
I loved reading
How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart. To be honest I haven't read many of work but what I have read I have enjoyed each book I have read by
Vivienne Lorret. This book was so delightful I can't wait to own a copy. The cover is beautiful 5 star read
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
May 12, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #4
Publication Date: 5/24/22
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 384
Prue and Leo are the first characters, in a very long time, to reach out, grab me, and pull me right into their world. Their chemistry in this steamy book just sparks right off the page. You have to admire and like both of them because they had so much to overcome. The walls each of them had built around themselves were high-and-tight, so it was heartwarming to see those walls begin to crumble. The pacing is near perfect, and the writing is so well done you actually begin to believe the bad guys could succeed. Of course, there is just the right amount of humor interspersed with the tensions of the villains and the steaminess of the romance.
Prudence Wilhelmina Thorogood is ruined – completely and totally. Her self-esteem is non-existent because her straitlaced, puritanical, judgmental, unforgiving, fault-finding father and stepmother have been pointing out her flaws for years. Now, after her ruination, they packed her off to the country to live with an aunt and uncle who were even worse – they had all of the same character traits as her father and step-mother – but they were stingy old skinflints who used her as a drudge. When she’d had enough, she set out for London – even if she had to walk all the way. Being toyed with and admired by a huge sheepdog in the middle of a rainstorm didn’t make her journey any easier – and then, of course, was the humiliation of being seen in that situation by a gorgeously handsome man (and his mistress).
Leopold Edmund Truman Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, lives only for himself. He trusts no one, cares for no one, values no one, and will definitely never marry and fall in love. With a mother who walked out and left him when he was a babe, enduring a brutal life with a debauched self-serving father, and being betrayed by someone he should have been able to trust, he had every right to feel that way. Now, he is in control – and I do mean complete control. He leaves nothing to chance. He always keeps a mistress, but even that relationship is regulated; he has written contracts for the relationship spelling out the minutest details, especially the detail that the relationship will end in four months. That is how he came to enjoy watching a huge sheepdog toy with a young woman walking along the roadway – he was conveying his current (ex) mistress to where she wanted to be left.
Leo admired the young lady’s looks – even though she was covered in mud. They finally persuaded the young lady to accept a ride in their carriage so she wouldn’t get any wetter before she reached the coaching station. That same young woman kept turning up in the oddest places – there she was again walking along the road toward London – and then on the street dressed as a maid – and in attendance at an all-male party. What in the world is she up to? Her answer was – Larceny!
Along the way, Leo offers her the position as his mistress – more than once – but she declines, or doesn’t answer at all. Until she shows up at his home one evening and accepts. And then, the fun begins!
These two were so very right for each other and I loved seeing them bring each other’s strengths out. The attraction was there from the beginning and it was lovely to watch the love grow between them. For me, the story was good enough that I didn’t even deduct any stars for the author constantly referring to a Marquess as Mr., etc. Another thing I loved – and got a smile from – was some of the names – the beast of a Marquess was The Marquess of SAVAGE and wrongly ruined debutante was Prudence THOROGOOD. Those and a few others amused me.
I hope you will read this book and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #4
Publication Date: 5/24/22
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 384
Prue and Leo are the first characters, in a very long time, to reach out, grab me, and pull me right into their world. Their chemistry in this steamy book just sparks right off the page. You have to admire and like both of them because they had so much to overcome. The walls each of them had built around themselves were high-and-tight, so it was heartwarming to see those walls begin to crumble. The pacing is near perfect, and the writing is so well done you actually begin to believe the bad guys could succeed. Of course, there is just the right amount of humor interspersed with the tensions of the villains and the steaminess of the romance.
Prudence Wilhelmina Thorogood is ruined – completely and totally. Her self-esteem is non-existent because her straitlaced, puritanical, judgmental, unforgiving, fault-finding father and stepmother have been pointing out her flaws for years. Now, after her ruination, they packed her off to the country to live with an aunt and uncle who were even worse – they had all of the same character traits as her father and step-mother – but they were stingy old skinflints who used her as a drudge. When she’d had enough, she set out for London – even if she had to walk all the way. Being toyed with and admired by a huge sheepdog in the middle of a rainstorm didn’t make her journey any easier – and then, of course, was the humiliation of being seen in that situation by a gorgeously handsome man (and his mistress).
Leopold Edmund Truman Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, lives only for himself. He trusts no one, cares for no one, values no one, and will definitely never marry and fall in love. With a mother who walked out and left him when he was a babe, enduring a brutal life with a debauched self-serving father, and being betrayed by someone he should have been able to trust, he had every right to feel that way. Now, he is in control – and I do mean complete control. He leaves nothing to chance. He always keeps a mistress, but even that relationship is regulated; he has written contracts for the relationship spelling out the minutest details, especially the detail that the relationship will end in four months. That is how he came to enjoy watching a huge sheepdog toy with a young woman walking along the roadway – he was conveying his current (ex) mistress to where she wanted to be left.
Leo admired the young lady’s looks – even though she was covered in mud. They finally persuaded the young lady to accept a ride in their carriage so she wouldn’t get any wetter before she reached the coaching station. That same young woman kept turning up in the oddest places – there she was again walking along the road toward London – and then on the street dressed as a maid – and in attendance at an all-male party. What in the world is she up to? Her answer was – Larceny!
Along the way, Leo offers her the position as his mistress – more than once – but she declines, or doesn’t answer at all. Until she shows up at his home one evening and accepts. And then, the fun begins!
These two were so very right for each other and I loved seeing them bring each other’s strengths out. The attraction was there from the beginning and it was lovely to watch the love grow between them. For me, the story was good enough that I didn’t even deduct any stars for the author constantly referring to a Marquess as Mr., etc. Another thing I loved – and got a smile from – was some of the names – the beast of a Marquess was The Marquess of SAVAGE and wrongly ruined debutante was Prudence THOROGOOD. Those and a few others amused me.
I hope you will read this book and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Rather good chemistry.
OK banter.
Somewhat interesting side characters.
(Especially the heroines group of friends.)
Rather good slow-burn.
➖ What I disliked:
The heroine is too naive but also too ignorant about her own body. (even for the time period/era.)
She was also not very suspicious of the villain even-though she knew and had been told that the hero and the villain had a bad past/issues etc.
The heroine was too trusting of people.
The heroines father.
The villain got no real comeuppance.
Some parts dragged.
Some parts were repetitive.
The main characters needed a little bit more depth.
(Especially the heroine.)
Other woman drama.
The lack of communication and the misunderstandings.
Rather generic/formulaic character description (appearance.)
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Rather good chemistry.
OK banter.
Somewhat interesting side characters.
(Especially the heroines group of friends.)
Rather good slow-burn.
➖ What I disliked:
The heroine is too naive but also too ignorant about her own body. (even for the time period/era.)
She was also not very suspicious of the villain even-though she knew and had been told that the hero and the villain had a bad past/issues etc.
The heroine was too trusting of people.
The heroines father.
The villain got no real comeuppance.
Some parts dragged.
Some parts were repetitive.
The main characters needed a little bit more depth.
(Especially the heroine.)
Other woman drama.
The lack of communication and the misunderstandings.
Rather generic/formulaic character description (appearance.)
September 11, 2022
Finally in book four of Vivienne Lorret's The Mating Habits of Scoundrel's series, we get Prudence Thorogood's story. She is the friend that was compromised and sent to live in the country in the earlier books. Unfortunately she is now considered damaged goods and she's pinning all her hopes for her future on stealing back her inheritance.
Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage is looking for a new mistress and upon meeting Pru has decided on her. They strike a bargain for her to become his mistress for four months and he will help her retrieve the pieces of her inheritance.
I loved this one so much! It was definitely my favorite book of this series. Pru is delightful and Leo is wonderful. They are amazing together. I also loved the teaser for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage is looking for a new mistress and upon meeting Pru has decided on her. They strike a bargain for her to become his mistress for four months and he will help her retrieve the pieces of her inheritance.
I loved this one so much! It was definitely my favorite book of this series. Pru is delightful and Leo is wonderful. They are amazing together. I also loved the teaser for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
dnf
May 26, 2025Why oh why did I do this to myself? The third book in a row I DNFed. This was the first book I tried by Vivienne Lorret, and I think it might be the last for me.
There were just too many off-putting things about this book.
A rakish hero who proposes the heroine become his mistress… but somehow they never fall into bed (I stopped at 50%, and still no carnal acts in sight). The hero is being noble or something.
A "ruined" heroine who’s still friends with the upper echelon of society. The social mores of the time weren’t observed at all. And let’s be real—that’s half the fun, honey! If you’re not going to include period-appropriate constraints, just make it a contemporary romance.
This book has some great reviews, and I can see how it might work for readers who enjoy modern-feeling historicals. But for me? Not my cup of tea. The modern tone and lack of historical accuracy completely pulled me out of the story.
There were just too many off-putting things about this book.
A rakish hero who proposes the heroine become his mistress… but somehow they never fall into bed (I stopped at 50%, and still no carnal acts in sight). The hero is being noble or something.
A "ruined" heroine who’s still friends with the upper echelon of society. The social mores of the time weren’t observed at all. And let’s be real—that’s half the fun, honey! If you’re not going to include period-appropriate constraints, just make it a contemporary romance.
This book has some great reviews, and I can see how it might work for readers who enjoy modern-feeling historicals. But for me? Not my cup of tea. The modern tone and lack of historical accuracy completely pulled me out of the story.
February 17, 2025
Summary:
I just finished How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart by Vivienne Lorret, and we’re going with 3 stars. Can you guess what happened? That’s right—another third act breakup. At this point, I’m really getting the hang of her formula, and I’m begging Vivienne Lorret to just end her books 10-15% earlier. If she did, they would all be five-star reads. Instead, every time I get fully invested in a beautiful love story, she rips the couple apart for no reason, and my enjoyment takes a nosedive.
Characters:
Leo: Leo is exactly the kind of scoundrel-turned-devoted-lover I usually adore. As the infamous Marquess of Savage, he’s a man who enjoys his reputation and has no intention of getting tangled in love—until Prue crashes into his life with her impossible request. Watching him shift from a man offering her protection to one utterly obsessed with her was chef’s kiss. His arc had so much potential, but the third act breakup drained all the momentum.
Prue: Prue is a fallen woman determined to reclaim her independence, and I really liked her resilience. She’s desperate to secure a future where she’s in control of her own life, and her deal with Leo makes perfect sense for her character. Her journey should have been about realizing she could trust and love someone again, but instead, she gets tossed into a forced breakup scenario that made her story less satisfying than it should have been.
Overall Thoughts:
I really like Vivienne Lorret’s writing. Her characters are fun, her premises are unique, and her romances have so much potential. But every book takes me longer to read than it should because they’re just too long, and I know I’m going to hit the inevitable unnecessary breakup. I’m still looking forward to finishing the series, but I already know what’s coming. Everyone, stay tuned for my next review—maybe one day I’ll get a Lorret book where the couple just stays together.
Rating:
★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
I just finished How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart by Vivienne Lorret, and we’re going with 3 stars. Can you guess what happened? That’s right—another third act breakup. At this point, I’m really getting the hang of her formula, and I’m begging Vivienne Lorret to just end her books 10-15% earlier. If she did, they would all be five-star reads. Instead, every time I get fully invested in a beautiful love story, she rips the couple apart for no reason, and my enjoyment takes a nosedive.
Characters:
Leo: Leo is exactly the kind of scoundrel-turned-devoted-lover I usually adore. As the infamous Marquess of Savage, he’s a man who enjoys his reputation and has no intention of getting tangled in love—until Prue crashes into his life with her impossible request. Watching him shift from a man offering her protection to one utterly obsessed with her was chef’s kiss. His arc had so much potential, but the third act breakup drained all the momentum.
Prue: Prue is a fallen woman determined to reclaim her independence, and I really liked her resilience. She’s desperate to secure a future where she’s in control of her own life, and her deal with Leo makes perfect sense for her character. Her journey should have been about realizing she could trust and love someone again, but instead, she gets tossed into a forced breakup scenario that made her story less satisfying than it should have been.
Overall Thoughts:
I really like Vivienne Lorret’s writing. Her characters are fun, her premises are unique, and her romances have so much potential. But every book takes me longer to read than it should because they’re just too long, and I know I’m going to hit the inevitable unnecessary breakup. I’m still looking forward to finishing the series, but I already know what’s coming. Everyone, stay tuned for my next review—maybe one day I’ll get a Lorret book where the couple just stays together.
Rating:
★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
February 17, 2022
I recieved an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lady Prudence Thorogood is no longer a respectable lady, but an outcast and social pariah because of an indiscretion with a shameless rogue. She has lost her family, her inheritance, and even the ability to maintain her friendships. Lord Savage has no heart or so he says after he was betrayed by the only woman he has ever loved. It's because of this betrayel that he only keeps mistresses for four months, and requires them to sign a binding contract. Once Savage meets Prue, he knows he has to have her, but she isn't like most ladies of his acquaintance. She doesn't care about his money or what he can give her. She needs him to help steal back her inheritance that has been gambled away by her awful stepmother. She knows he isn't a saint, but is he really as devilish as they all say?
Man, I feel like I've been waiting so long for this book. It was worth the wait! I've been struggling so much to read or stay interested in anything that I moved this book to the top of my pile because Vivienne's books always make me smile. I found this to be very cheeky and pretty funny. These two never had a shortage of quick remarks back to each other. They had a lot of fun with each other in a few different ways, wink wink, and I just let myself sit back and enjoy the ride (no pun intended). I honestly wasn't totally sold on Leo in the beginning, and kept thinking how I loved Brandon from the previous book more, but the longer I read the more I started to adore Leo. He is fiercely loyal and loving. He protects Prue and treats her with the utmost respect even given her situation. He is funny and sarcastic, and possesses a quick wit that will make you fall a little bit in love with him yourself.
This is another great installment in the series, and I am glad there is going to be another book. I feel like I'll be a little sad when this series is over, but Vivienne always likes to sneak her characters in later books so I'm sure we will see them all again.
Lady Prudence Thorogood is no longer a respectable lady, but an outcast and social pariah because of an indiscretion with a shameless rogue. She has lost her family, her inheritance, and even the ability to maintain her friendships. Lord Savage has no heart or so he says after he was betrayed by the only woman he has ever loved. It's because of this betrayel that he only keeps mistresses for four months, and requires them to sign a binding contract. Once Savage meets Prue, he knows he has to have her, but she isn't like most ladies of his acquaintance. She doesn't care about his money or what he can give her. She needs him to help steal back her inheritance that has been gambled away by her awful stepmother. She knows he isn't a saint, but is he really as devilish as they all say?
Man, I feel like I've been waiting so long for this book. It was worth the wait! I've been struggling so much to read or stay interested in anything that I moved this book to the top of my pile because Vivienne's books always make me smile. I found this to be very cheeky and pretty funny. These two never had a shortage of quick remarks back to each other. They had a lot of fun with each other in a few different ways, wink wink, and I just let myself sit back and enjoy the ride (no pun intended). I honestly wasn't totally sold on Leo in the beginning, and kept thinking how I loved Brandon from the previous book more, but the longer I read the more I started to adore Leo. He is fiercely loyal and loving. He protects Prue and treats her with the utmost respect even given her situation. He is funny and sarcastic, and possesses a quick wit that will make you fall a little bit in love with him yourself.
This is another great installment in the series, and I am glad there is going to be another book. I feel like I'll be a little sad when this series is over, but Vivienne always likes to sneak her characters in later books so I'm sure we will see them all again.
July 24, 2022
3 stars! I thought the beginning was really strong and had a lot of potential but the middle and towards the end definitely dragged on which took my enjoyment away. What I did like was having an insecure heroine because of a poor relationship in the past. It felt realistic and nice to see. I'm still excited for more vivienne lorret books though!
March 25, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Although I have not read the first two books in this series, I did find the third worth the read and was glad to receive the opportunity to read this fourth book. “How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart” (The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #4) is an enjoyable story of a rake slowly being reformed by a ruined but naïve debutante.
Ms. Prudence “Prue” Thorogood ruined by a disreputable rake, was literally shunned by society and considered an outcast by her family. She has learned that her stepmother has gambled away all of her prized possessions she’s inherited and is willing to do anything to get them back. Not wanting to burden her friends and live off their charity, she seeks the help of Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage. Unfortunately, Leo’s reputation is one of ill-repute as he is a known rake who only contracts his paramours for a period of 4-months. She enters into a contract with Savage to become his mistress and hopes to move on with her life after the term and obtaining her family heirlooms. What she didn’t count on was Savage being the doing the ruin and marrying her out of honor.
This was such a delightful read and tropes I quite like…marriage of convenience and reformed rake. I enjoyed how Leo assisted Prue with retrieving her lost items that were not as important as finding herself in all of anguish she has endured. Leo has had his share of demons also. A rogue of a father and having his fiancée betray him with a former friend. Prue isn’t like all the women he’s put in a box. She helps him break down all the walls he has built of keeping himself unattached to the conniving women. I loved in the end how he protects and guards her from those that mean harm and Prue winning him over including his heart. Oh, I loved this couple although this was a sort of slow burn, well-written story that gradually got to romance and HEA. Such a fun read really loving this author’s writing style. Plan to read the first two in this series. Recommend the read.
Although I have not read the first two books in this series, I did find the third worth the read and was glad to receive the opportunity to read this fourth book. “How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart” (The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #4) is an enjoyable story of a rake slowly being reformed by a ruined but naïve debutante.
Ms. Prudence “Prue” Thorogood ruined by a disreputable rake, was literally shunned by society and considered an outcast by her family. She has learned that her stepmother has gambled away all of her prized possessions she’s inherited and is willing to do anything to get them back. Not wanting to burden her friends and live off their charity, she seeks the help of Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage. Unfortunately, Leo’s reputation is one of ill-repute as he is a known rake who only contracts his paramours for a period of 4-months. She enters into a contract with Savage to become his mistress and hopes to move on with her life after the term and obtaining her family heirlooms. What she didn’t count on was Savage being the doing the ruin and marrying her out of honor.
This was such a delightful read and tropes I quite like…marriage of convenience and reformed rake. I enjoyed how Leo assisted Prue with retrieving her lost items that were not as important as finding herself in all of anguish she has endured. Leo has had his share of demons also. A rogue of a father and having his fiancée betray him with a former friend. Prue isn’t like all the women he’s put in a box. She helps him break down all the walls he has built of keeping himself unattached to the conniving women. I loved in the end how he protects and guards her from those that mean harm and Prue winning him over including his heart. Oh, I loved this couple although this was a sort of slow burn, well-written story that gradually got to romance and HEA. Such a fun read really loving this author’s writing style. Plan to read the first two in this series. Recommend the read.
August 3, 2022
Vivienne Lorret has the best covers!!
May 27, 2022
Prue has been ruined in society, first because she allowed a suitor to steal a kiss (and more) in the gardens, but second because her father and stepmother banished her to the country because of her actions. They also sold off her inheritance. When this book begins, Prue has had enough: she leaves her abusive relatives and heads back to London with the intention of stealing back what's rightfully hers. When she realizes that might be harder than she thought, she decides to sign a contract with Leo Ramsgate to be his mistress - a contract that includes the stipulation that he assist her in regaining her inheritance.
The setup is fun and sexy, with the added touch of the forbidden (Prue is Leo's mistress despite the fact that she is not married or widowed). He also spends a lot of the book seducing her, since her previous experience with sexuality was less than optimal. However, the end of the book hinges on both parties' refusal to communicate with each other with a soupcon of villainy from another woman, making the denouement a bit of a letdown.
3.5 stars rounded to 4!
26-Word Summaries:
Laine: Prue needs all 13 of her mother's horcruxes or whatever to best her evil stepmother and gain her independence. Fucking a proficient thief is just efficient.
Meg: Prue is “ruined” so she decides to be RUINED by becoming Leo’s mistress. Too bad they fall in love except also Leo can’t fall in love.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The setup is fun and sexy, with the added touch of the forbidden (Prue is Leo's mistress despite the fact that she is not married or widowed). He also spends a lot of the book seducing her, since her previous experience with sexuality was less than optimal. However, the end of the book hinges on both parties' refusal to communicate with each other with a soupcon of villainy from another woman, making the denouement a bit of a letdown.
3.5 stars rounded to 4!
26-Word Summaries:
Laine: Prue needs all 13 of her mother's horcruxes or whatever to best her evil stepmother and gain her independence. Fucking a proficient thief is just efficient.
Meg: Prue is “ruined” so she decides to be RUINED by becoming Leo’s mistress. Too bad they fall in love except also Leo can’t fall in love.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
December 19, 2022
OW drama and lack of communication in the last 20% was frustrating but overall, I enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading the previous book before this one.
June 22, 2022
Since a relatively minor misstep saw her labeled as ruined and ejected from polite society, Prudence Thorogood has lost her family and her inheritance as well as her standing. She’s decided to get back what’s rightfully hers, even if it means resorting to larceny. When Lord Savage, ruthless scoundrel that he is, makes her an offer, Prue eventually sees it as her chance to gain the access to society she needs. But soon, what started as simply a means to an end begins to morph into something very different when Prue realizes that there’s much more to the marquess than anyone gives him credit for.
Leo Ramsgate, the Marquess of Savage, has been betrayed too deeply to ever allow himself to dabble in emotion again. He’s distrustful of everyone and certainly not capable of love. He keeps his relationships with women clear cut and satisfying, but short and always with a set end date. But when he meets Prue, he finds himself beguiled in a way he never has been before. For the first time, he wants to throw away his carefully constructed rules and keep someone forever, even if he’ll never admit it. Prue’s plan has always been to leave London for a quiet life in the country at the end of their affair, but she hesitates as she finds herself falling in love with a man who she knows will never love her back.
I didn’t realize this was a mistress trope when I first started it, not sure why but there you have it. I’m glad of that though because the mistress trope often just does not work for me so I’m always trying to go into books now without any biases against the plot devices used. Anyway, I liked this book a lot more than I thought I might. Don’t get me wrong, Leo’s emotional unavailability and need to distance himself from everyone/doubt that Prue was genuine in her dealings with him did get a bit repetitive sometimes, but his thought processes were totally valid. Having experienced virtually zero genuine love in his life, it’s no surprise that Leo doesn’t know how to give or receive it. Given the betrayals he’s suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to love him unconditionally or even just be a friend to him, his behavior does make complete sense, even if it is frustrating at times. Because of this, I found both Leo’s and Prue’s characters to be well drawn and I liked that they were both going on a sort of personal journey of development at the same time their relationship was also developing. This was a slow burn and that suited these two so well. They started getting to know each other on a more intimate level right away, without the impediments of societal strictures keeping stilted formality between them, but also without sex coming into play right away and complicating things. This way, Prue and Leo were able to develop a real rapport and foundation of trust, despite the resistance on both their parts and despite neither wanting to admit their rapidly developing feelings. I think this is the mistress trope done right. Sure, I could’ve done with less miscommunication/general lack of communication. These two were pretty good at even the most awkward discussions before feelings came into play, but given these two characters’ experiences, their reactions to the situations they were placed in did make perfect sense. Also, could’ve done with less other woman drama and more understanding from Leo about why other women would make Prue feel insecure in their relationship. Also, I do wish Leo had done more to put former mistresses in their place and not been quite so nice and generous all the time. In that same vein, I really wanted to see him put Prue’s father in his place as well. Regardless, I really did like that Leo was finally able to experience genuine love and put himself out there enough to give it in return and I’m now very excited that we’re getting a book for Meg. The aunts are possibly my favorite characters so I’m hoping this means more page time for them as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Leo Ramsgate, the Marquess of Savage, has been betrayed too deeply to ever allow himself to dabble in emotion again. He’s distrustful of everyone and certainly not capable of love. He keeps his relationships with women clear cut and satisfying, but short and always with a set end date. But when he meets Prue, he finds himself beguiled in a way he never has been before. For the first time, he wants to throw away his carefully constructed rules and keep someone forever, even if he’ll never admit it. Prue’s plan has always been to leave London for a quiet life in the country at the end of their affair, but she hesitates as she finds herself falling in love with a man who she knows will never love her back.
I didn’t realize this was a mistress trope when I first started it, not sure why but there you have it. I’m glad of that though because the mistress trope often just does not work for me so I’m always trying to go into books now without any biases against the plot devices used. Anyway, I liked this book a lot more than I thought I might. Don’t get me wrong, Leo’s emotional unavailability and need to distance himself from everyone/doubt that Prue was genuine in her dealings with him did get a bit repetitive sometimes, but his thought processes were totally valid. Having experienced virtually zero genuine love in his life, it’s no surprise that Leo doesn’t know how to give or receive it. Given the betrayals he’s suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to love him unconditionally or even just be a friend to him, his behavior does make complete sense, even if it is frustrating at times. Because of this, I found both Leo’s and Prue’s characters to be well drawn and I liked that they were both going on a sort of personal journey of development at the same time their relationship was also developing. This was a slow burn and that suited these two so well. They started getting to know each other on a more intimate level right away, without the impediments of societal strictures keeping stilted formality between them, but also without sex coming into play right away and complicating things. This way, Prue and Leo were able to develop a real rapport and foundation of trust, despite the resistance on both their parts and despite neither wanting to admit their rapidly developing feelings. I think this is the mistress trope done right. Sure, I could’ve done with less miscommunication/general lack of communication. These two were pretty good at even the most awkward discussions before feelings came into play, but given these two characters’ experiences, their reactions to the situations they were placed in did make perfect sense. Also, could’ve done with less other woman drama and more understanding from Leo about why other women would make Prue feel insecure in their relationship. Also, I do wish Leo had done more to put former mistresses in their place and not been quite so nice and generous all the time. In that same vein, I really wanted to see him put Prue’s father in his place as well. Regardless, I really did like that Leo was finally able to experience genuine love and put himself out there enough to give it in return and I’m now very excited that we’re getting a book for Meg. The aunts are possibly my favorite characters so I’m hoping this means more page time for them as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
July 19, 2022
Amusing Regency romance with the rake and innocent coming to an agreement that naturally has a few thousand complications, a bit of a twist, and a. Lot of the rake being somewhat disconcerted by his own behaviour.
Very readable!
Very readable!
May 13, 2022
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
I was initially wary of Prue after her history was revealed in The Wrong Marquess (which I loved), but this book completely won me over. I loved her fire and determination. Her meet disaster with Leo opened the book wonderfully and I was rooting for these two right from the start. Both have trust issues and deep hurts from their pasts, but I loved how their relationship and connection grew. The reformed rake is always a hard sell for me, but Leo was such a teddy bear. His inability to recognize his growing feelings had me laughing as these two fell slowly and quietly in love. Definitely a case of idiots to lovers here ;) The ending drama with Lady Sutton and Viscount Marlow didn't feel completely necessary (I felt Leo and Prue had enough baggage to sort through already), but it did make the ending more satisfying. I'm excited for Meg's book next!
The narration by Justine Eyre was wonderful as always and I enjoyed her performance so much. Her ability to voice all the different characters so well and distinctly has made her one of my favorite narrators. She truly enhanced the story and brought it to life.
Note: This is book 4 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. I feel that Prue and Leo's story will have more depth if you read The Wrong Marquess, but it isn't necessary. Characters from the previous books do appear.
CW: parental abandonment (past), death of parent (past), traumatic sexual experience (past), shunned by society as a "ruined" woman
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
I was initially wary of Prue after her history was revealed in The Wrong Marquess (which I loved), but this book completely won me over. I loved her fire and determination. Her meet disaster with Leo opened the book wonderfully and I was rooting for these two right from the start. Both have trust issues and deep hurts from their pasts, but I loved how their relationship and connection grew. The reformed rake is always a hard sell for me, but Leo was such a teddy bear. His inability to recognize his growing feelings had me laughing as these two fell slowly and quietly in love. Definitely a case of idiots to lovers here ;) The ending drama with Lady Sutton and Viscount Marlow didn't feel completely necessary (I felt Leo and Prue had enough baggage to sort through already), but it did make the ending more satisfying. I'm excited for Meg's book next!
The narration by Justine Eyre was wonderful as always and I enjoyed her performance so much. Her ability to voice all the different characters so well and distinctly has made her one of my favorite narrators. She truly enhanced the story and brought it to life.
Note: This is book 4 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. I feel that Prue and Leo's story will have more depth if you read The Wrong Marquess, but it isn't necessary. Characters from the previous books do appear.
CW: parental abandonment (past), death of parent (past), traumatic sexual experience (past), shunned by society as a "ruined" woman
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
June 5, 2022
Prudence accepted her ruined status. She’s finally made her peace with her status as an outcast and has figured out a way to claim her future. The only hitch in her plans is that she must become larcenous to make that happen.
She’s on her way back to London when a handsome stranger offers her the use of his carriage in exchange for conversation. So Prue tells Leo her life’s story, or at least the whimsical, entertaining bits. Leo is enthralled by her forthright innocence, and once he finds out her status as a ruined woman, offers her the opportunity to become his next mistress.
Prue is both tempted and affronted by his offer. She turns him down cold but remembers him fondly. When her salacious reputation begins to affect the social standing and matrimonial prospects of her friends, she begins to rethink her refusal. This is compounded by the fact that all of her attempts to reclaim her inheritance have been disastrous. When she knocks on Leo’s door one night, she has reluctantly reached the conclusion that he is her only answer. She is determined to offer her companionship in exchange for his assistance finding all of the items that were stolen from her,
The bargain seems simple. Sexual congress in exchange for everything she needs to retire to a cottage in the country. The bargain becomes more when the intimacy between them colors every interaction. Their resistance to love, and their disbelief in happy endings, will drive a wedge between them that no amount of kisses can overcome.
The hero finally wins the heroine in an epic bout of groveling.
I loved the complex dynamic between this hero and heroine. The hero helps the heroine reclaim her own right to enjoy her own sexuality, and empowers her to appreciate her own charms. The heroine helps the hero realize that his empty existence will never bring him peace.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
She’s on her way back to London when a handsome stranger offers her the use of his carriage in exchange for conversation. So Prue tells Leo her life’s story, or at least the whimsical, entertaining bits. Leo is enthralled by her forthright innocence, and once he finds out her status as a ruined woman, offers her the opportunity to become his next mistress.
Prue is both tempted and affronted by his offer. She turns him down cold but remembers him fondly. When her salacious reputation begins to affect the social standing and matrimonial prospects of her friends, she begins to rethink her refusal. This is compounded by the fact that all of her attempts to reclaim her inheritance have been disastrous. When she knocks on Leo’s door one night, she has reluctantly reached the conclusion that he is her only answer. She is determined to offer her companionship in exchange for his assistance finding all of the items that were stolen from her,
The bargain seems simple. Sexual congress in exchange for everything she needs to retire to a cottage in the country. The bargain becomes more when the intimacy between them colors every interaction. Their resistance to love, and their disbelief in happy endings, will drive a wedge between them that no amount of kisses can overcome.
The hero finally wins the heroine in an epic bout of groveling.
I loved the complex dynamic between this hero and heroine. The hero helps the heroine reclaim her own right to enjoy her own sexuality, and empowers her to appreciate her own charms. The heroine helps the hero realize that his empty existence will never bring him peace.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2025
Why didn't this taste as good as it should have?
Rakes with the emotional intelligence of seventeen year olds are the bread and butter of HRs. Add to that an originally quirky plot and you should have a winner.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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Rakes with the emotional intelligence of seventeen year olds are the bread and butter of HRs. Add to that an originally quirky plot and you should have a winner.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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May 7, 2024
Oh my, this is such a great story so far. Leo, Lord Savage goes from female to female. He gets what he wants then leaves them after a while, then on to the next. Although with Prue, Miss Thorogood, it's different.
It was an enjoyable story. I really loved the ending best! 5☆
It was an enjoyable story. I really loved the ending best! 5☆
May 12, 2022
As others have stated, this dragged in the middle quite a bit. The beginning was great, though, and I really liked Leo so I stuck with it and it picked back up. Prue’s utter naïveté got on my nerves near the end, because she’d been too smart to fall for what she did the rest of the book.
Most importantly, the extremely short tease for the next book reveals that that hero will wear glasses and I LOVE a man in glasses!!
Most importantly, the extremely short tease for the next book reveals that that hero will wear glasses and I LOVE a man in glasses!!
September 17, 2022
How to Steal A Scoundrels Heart is a amusing, steamy, and witty historical romance that kept me entertained from beginning to end. This story is book four in Vivienne Lorret’s “The Mating Habits of Scoundrels” a series full of notorious rakes and the determined ladies who school them in the art of love. 😉
This books MCs are ruined debutante Prudence “Prue” Thorogood and the scandalous rake Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage; these two have an immediate spark between them yet it is allowed to slowly build through the first part of the story. Each of these characters go into their “temporary” and highly improper relationship with different goals, yet they each come to find that sometimes fate changes the best laid plans. Prue soon discovers that there’s more to Lord Savage than meets the eye. Leo who was previously betrayed by the woman he loved now believes he has everything except for a heart. He now engages in four month, contract bound, temporary dalliances - no repeats, no extensions, and most of all no love is involved in his relationships. Then fate steps in and he meets the reserved Miss Thorogood. Not one of his previous lovers has ever beguiled him the way she does. Not one has made him want to break his own rules. Not one has tempted him to keep her… forever.
I greatly enjoyed watching Leo and Prue fall in love and really didn’t want their story to end. Yes, there were moments that I wanted to smack each of them upside their heads as they both wallowed in that “He will never love me-but I love him-this is temporary” phase, luckily they each realize what is right in-front of them.
The supporting characters throughout the story were either the type you immediately loved or loathed - yet they all improved upon the story. I am eager for the next book in the series, Never Seduce a Duke and hope that story lives up to the charm of the previous books in this series.
Overall 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Avon and Harper Voyager publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
This books MCs are ruined debutante Prudence “Prue” Thorogood and the scandalous rake Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage; these two have an immediate spark between them yet it is allowed to slowly build through the first part of the story. Each of these characters go into their “temporary” and highly improper relationship with different goals, yet they each come to find that sometimes fate changes the best laid plans. Prue soon discovers that there’s more to Lord Savage than meets the eye. Leo who was previously betrayed by the woman he loved now believes he has everything except for a heart. He now engages in four month, contract bound, temporary dalliances - no repeats, no extensions, and most of all no love is involved in his relationships. Then fate steps in and he meets the reserved Miss Thorogood. Not one of his previous lovers has ever beguiled him the way she does. Not one has made him want to break his own rules. Not one has tempted him to keep her… forever.
I greatly enjoyed watching Leo and Prue fall in love and really didn’t want their story to end. Yes, there were moments that I wanted to smack each of them upside their heads as they both wallowed in that “He will never love me-but I love him-this is temporary” phase, luckily they each realize what is right in-front of them.
The supporting characters throughout the story were either the type you immediately loved or loathed - yet they all improved upon the story. I am eager for the next book in the series, Never Seduce a Duke and hope that story lives up to the charm of the previous books in this series.
Overall 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Avon and Harper Voyager publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
May 30, 2022
In this fantastic fourth installment of The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series, Pru, a ruined debutante who has lost everything decides to make a bargain with Leo, a notorious rake. Vivienne Lorret has created such a delightful and charming series revolving around debutante's who are friends with each other and support each other through their ups and downs. Watching each of these women get their HEAs is wonderfully fun and amusing. Lorret's writing is extremely engaging, it has a lightness and allure that easily draws the reader in. Her characters are crafted with care and they all feel well rounded and dimensional. Lorret's plotting is crafted with humor, seriousness, lightness and sensuality, all working hand in hand to create the perfect backdrop for a romance.
Each of these novels has had an endearing and unique meet cute between the romantic couple which really starts the novels off on a great foot. In the case of How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart, which deals with Pru being splashed with mud as Leo's carriage rolls by her. These two might start off on a bit of a contentious foot, but quickly engage in a scandalous offer put forth by Leo. I really loved watching the relationship between Pru and Leo grow from attraction to a depth of understanding and love. Leo believes himself to be heartless after he was betrayed by a past fiance, so he has vowed to never trust and love again. But of course Pru will put him to the test with her kind heart and her true perception of who Leo truly is. These two have wonderfully chemistry, which Lorret takes great advantage of! This novel has a really great level of steam which helps the reader to see how these two are opening themselves up to the other and learning to trust.
This is a must read for any historical romance lover! Vivienne Lorret is definitely a gem in the genre and this series has been a fantastic one, I have enjoyed each novel in the series and I am so excited for the next one!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Each of these novels has had an endearing and unique meet cute between the romantic couple which really starts the novels off on a great foot. In the case of How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart, which deals with Pru being splashed with mud as Leo's carriage rolls by her. These two might start off on a bit of a contentious foot, but quickly engage in a scandalous offer put forth by Leo. I really loved watching the relationship between Pru and Leo grow from attraction to a depth of understanding and love. Leo believes himself to be heartless after he was betrayed by a past fiance, so he has vowed to never trust and love again. But of course Pru will put him to the test with her kind heart and her true perception of who Leo truly is. These two have wonderfully chemistry, which Lorret takes great advantage of! This novel has a really great level of steam which helps the reader to see how these two are opening themselves up to the other and learning to trust.
This is a must read for any historical romance lover! Vivienne Lorret is definitely a gem in the genre and this series has been a fantastic one, I have enjoyed each novel in the series and I am so excited for the next one!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2022
In How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart, Prue Thoroughgood, a ruined woman shunned by her family, wants to retrieve several heirlooms that she feels rightfully belong to her. Unfortunately, her awful stepmother has control of them and has gambled much of it away. So, Prue resorts to larceny and attempts to steal back her treasures. But when all seems hopeless, an arrangement with the Marquess of Savage offers Prue everything she wanted – her heirlooms, her family cottage, and a peaceful life out of the public eye.
Savage has sworn off love and vows no one will ever win his heart. However, he is surprisingly intrigued by Prue from the moment he meets her, and when she appears at his doorstep, he makes her an offer that’s impossible to refuse. Prue agrees to become his mistress for four months in return for his help, but will four months be enough for this couple?
Prue and Savage are great protagonists, and they have definite good girl/bad boy vibes. She is an innocent ruined from a kiss, and he is a scoundrel notorious for his sexual prowess and stream of mistresses. Though they seem quite different, they are alike in many ways, and their relationship is filled with chemistry from their first unconventional meeting.
Prue learned from her family and society that she was unlovable, replaceable, and unworthy. Savage learned from his that he was unloved and unwanted, and further relationships destroyed his faith in love and trust. They both are alone in many ways, and they have put walls around their hearts. When they enter this contract, neither hopes to find love or more than a brief connection. But they quickly realize that this is more than a passing fling, and both must face their fears and feelings.
I like how Prue and Savage slowly grow to understand each other, and I love how understanding and patient Savage is with Prue. He is way more sensitive and selfless than he admits! Prue has been traumatized by past experiences, and the way that he cares for her and shows her what it feels like to be cherished is swoon-worthy. Prue, in turn, makes Savage see that she likes him for him, not for his wealth or social standing. This is new for both characters, as their past relationships were not based on respect, care, or admiration. Even when Savage acts overbearing, it’s clear he is passionate about Prue and is determined to do right by her. I also love how oblivious they both are about how deep their feelings run. Neither has experience with being in love, and their cluelessness leads to some fun and some frustrating scenes for both of them.
Though Prue and Savage don’t have the support of love of their respective families, they both have people in their lives that care for them. Prue’s loyal friends and Savage’s friends and employees are all fantastic, and they are more like family than friends. I like how these characters help Prue and Savage see what they want in life and help them attain it. They are often the voices of reason when Prue and Savage can’t see past their own swirling and conflicting emotions.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It’s fun and sexy, and there’s a little bit of intrigue as Prue and Savage work to retrieve her heirlooms. Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, and I think readers of sexy historical romance will enjoy it. Thanks so much to NetGalley, the author, and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Savage has sworn off love and vows no one will ever win his heart. However, he is surprisingly intrigued by Prue from the moment he meets her, and when she appears at his doorstep, he makes her an offer that’s impossible to refuse. Prue agrees to become his mistress for four months in return for his help, but will four months be enough for this couple?
Prue and Savage are great protagonists, and they have definite good girl/bad boy vibes. She is an innocent ruined from a kiss, and he is a scoundrel notorious for his sexual prowess and stream of mistresses. Though they seem quite different, they are alike in many ways, and their relationship is filled with chemistry from their first unconventional meeting.
Prue learned from her family and society that she was unlovable, replaceable, and unworthy. Savage learned from his that he was unloved and unwanted, and further relationships destroyed his faith in love and trust. They both are alone in many ways, and they have put walls around their hearts. When they enter this contract, neither hopes to find love or more than a brief connection. But they quickly realize that this is more than a passing fling, and both must face their fears and feelings.
I like how Prue and Savage slowly grow to understand each other, and I love how understanding and patient Savage is with Prue. He is way more sensitive and selfless than he admits! Prue has been traumatized by past experiences, and the way that he cares for her and shows her what it feels like to be cherished is swoon-worthy. Prue, in turn, makes Savage see that she likes him for him, not for his wealth or social standing. This is new for both characters, as their past relationships were not based on respect, care, or admiration. Even when Savage acts overbearing, it’s clear he is passionate about Prue and is determined to do right by her. I also love how oblivious they both are about how deep their feelings run. Neither has experience with being in love, and their cluelessness leads to some fun and some frustrating scenes for both of them.
Though Prue and Savage don’t have the support of love of their respective families, they both have people in their lives that care for them. Prue’s loyal friends and Savage’s friends and employees are all fantastic, and they are more like family than friends. I like how these characters help Prue and Savage see what they want in life and help them attain it. They are often the voices of reason when Prue and Savage can’t see past their own swirling and conflicting emotions.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It’s fun and sexy, and there’s a little bit of intrigue as Prue and Savage work to retrieve her heirlooms. Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, and I think readers of sexy historical romance will enjoy it. Thanks so much to NetGalley, the author, and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
June 20, 2022
She’s not like other girls.
This was my first time reading the historical romance mistress trope and I was not a fan. Something about this guy having a revolving door of mistresses for exactly four months at a time and sleeping with them every single night except when they’re on their period was irritating to me. There's something so structured and odd about paying someone and buying them stuff to let you have sex for four months. He had a legit list of women. And planned them out in advance. And apparently women were dying to be next? I wouldn’t want near this dude with a 10 foot pole. This wasn't cute and fun like a typical rake story, it was super bizarre and the trauma that is the reason for this was pretty contrived.
Then we have our heroine who has been ousted from society because she’s ruined after letting a guy she thought was gonna marry her hit it. She’s on a mission to get her inheritance back and is planning on stealing back every diadem and bracelet from unsuspecting members of the ton. But when a man tries to give her jewelry she freaks out and won’t wear it (because she’s not like other girls). She agrees to be his mistress even though she is terrified of the pain of sex because she needs help stealing back all this stuff.
The man who uses women and pays them off like it’s an actual job is obsessed with this girl because she isn’t interested in him sexually or emotionally (because she’s not like other girls) and doesn’t want his money, just his help stealing things. He commences seducing her. She finds out sex isn’t that bad and immediately falls in love with this dude. And we pretty much forget about the stuff she is supposed to be stealing until the hero has some sort of high and mighty thing and tells her she can't be stealing stuff when she swipes a bracelet from another of his would be mistresses.
If this wasn’t bad enough, the last half of the book is dominated by the slighted wannabe mistress creating drama, and some seriously lackluster professions of love.
This had too many issues for me to enjoy the rest of the story. I didn't really buy the romance or the connection and just didn't like either character very much at all. The ton was so over the top diabolical and rude, the hero's backstory was dumb, the villains were even more dumb, and all of the stealing ended up not mattering at all. I couldn't even enjoy the sex because the heroine was so hung up on being scared of the pain that it was definitely not a fun time.
But maybe the most irritating thing of all was how much the hero focused on how much the heroine was not like other girls. When really he had just never given a girl a chance to be anything other than a mistress and the only thing they got out of it was him buying them dresses so why would they say no? Women didn't have money or rights so duh they are gonna take a free dress.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was my first time reading the historical romance mistress trope and I was not a fan. Something about this guy having a revolving door of mistresses for exactly four months at a time and sleeping with them every single night except when they’re on their period was irritating to me. There's something so structured and odd about paying someone and buying them stuff to let you have sex for four months. He had a legit list of women. And planned them out in advance. And apparently women were dying to be next? I wouldn’t want near this dude with a 10 foot pole. This wasn't cute and fun like a typical rake story, it was super bizarre and the trauma that is the reason for this was pretty contrived.
Then we have our heroine who has been ousted from society because she’s ruined after letting a guy she thought was gonna marry her hit it. She’s on a mission to get her inheritance back and is planning on stealing back every diadem and bracelet from unsuspecting members of the ton. But when a man tries to give her jewelry she freaks out and won’t wear it (because she’s not like other girls). She agrees to be his mistress even though she is terrified of the pain of sex because she needs help stealing back all this stuff.
The man who uses women and pays them off like it’s an actual job is obsessed with this girl because she isn’t interested in him sexually or emotionally (because she’s not like other girls) and doesn’t want his money, just his help stealing things. He commences seducing her. She finds out sex isn’t that bad and immediately falls in love with this dude. And we pretty much forget about the stuff she is supposed to be stealing until the hero has some sort of high and mighty thing and tells her she can't be stealing stuff when she swipes a bracelet from another of his would be mistresses.
If this wasn’t bad enough, the last half of the book is dominated by the slighted wannabe mistress creating drama, and some seriously lackluster professions of love.
This had too many issues for me to enjoy the rest of the story. I didn't really buy the romance or the connection and just didn't like either character very much at all. The ton was so over the top diabolical and rude, the hero's backstory was dumb, the villains were even more dumb, and all of the stealing ended up not mattering at all. I couldn't even enjoy the sex because the heroine was so hung up on being scared of the pain that it was definitely not a fun time.
But maybe the most irritating thing of all was how much the hero focused on how much the heroine was not like other girls. When really he had just never given a girl a chance to be anything other than a mistress and the only thing they got out of it was him buying them dresses so why would they say no? Women didn't have money or rights so duh they are gonna take a free dress.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 3, 2023
This was a mixed bag of likes, dislikes, and disinterest. At first I thought I wasn’t giving the story a fair shake because it was read on the rebound after Duke of Sin, which was *chef’s kiss.* But perhaps that only accounts for a little shade. There was a need for suspension of disbelief by the third act—a three ring circus featuring a magician pulling explanations and minor characters and subplots out of a hat. A little over the top for my taste.
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