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Rescued from Ruin #1
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne
His revenge will be her seduction.
The night that changes everything…
Life for Victoria Lacey should be perfect. And it is—perfectly boring. Agree to marry a lord who has yet to inspire a single, solitary tingle? Why, of course. Smile as though this is not the thousandth time he’s mentioned hounds and hunting? It’s all in a day’s work for the oh-so-proper sister of the Duke of Blackmore. Surely no one would suspect her secret longing for heart-racing, head-spinning passion. Except, perhaps, a dark stranger… on a terrace… at a ball where she should definitely not be kissing a man she has only just met.
The obsession that leads to ruin…
Hatred, not love, drives Lucien Wyatt, Viscount Atherbourne, to tempt the “Flower of Blackmore” into sin. Her brother has done unthinkable damage to Lucien’s family, and he intends to exact revenge in the only way left to him: Ruining his enemy’s sister, then stealing her from Blackmore by making her his own.
The woman who will set fire to her husband’s heart…
As Lucien carries out his ruthless plan, tutoring his new bride in the finer points of pleasure, her surrender leaves him breathless… and soon a new obsession awakens—a scandalous fascination with his irresistible wife.
The night that changes everything…
Life for Victoria Lacey should be perfect. And it is—perfectly boring. Agree to marry a lord who has yet to inspire a single, solitary tingle? Why, of course. Smile as though this is not the thousandth time he’s mentioned hounds and hunting? It’s all in a day’s work for the oh-so-proper sister of the Duke of Blackmore. Surely no one would suspect her secret longing for heart-racing, head-spinning passion. Except, perhaps, a dark stranger… on a terrace… at a ball where she should definitely not be kissing a man she has only just met.
The obsession that leads to ruin…
Hatred, not love, drives Lucien Wyatt, Viscount Atherbourne, to tempt the “Flower of Blackmore” into sin. Her brother has done unthinkable damage to Lucien’s family, and he intends to exact revenge in the only way left to him: Ruining his enemy’s sister, then stealing her from Blackmore by making her his own.
The woman who will set fire to her husband’s heart…
As Lucien carries out his ruthless plan, tutoring his new bride in the finer points of pleasure, her surrender leaves him breathless… and soon a new obsession awakens—a scandalous fascination with his irresistible wife.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2015
811 people are currently reading
3280 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Braden
25 books1,745 followersReading romance novels came easily to Elisa Braden. Writing them? That took a little longer. After graduating with degrees in creative writing and history, Elisa spent too many years in “real” jobs writing T-shirt copy ... and other people’s resumes ... and articles about giftware displays. But that was before she woke up and started dreaming about the very unreal job of being a romance novelist. Better late than never.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews
February 9, 2024
*******SPOILERS AHEAD**********
You can read from my status updates below that I was NOT impressed with this book, and regret the purchase of it. I TRIED to return the thing and DNF this so I don't have to write a bad review, but since I don't have my $ back and is therefore "forced" to finish something I don't want to read, and waste my time, I can't avoid giving the low rating.
Here's the stupid revenge plot (typically not something I enjoy but will tolerate if done well, which is not the case here):
* Lucien (Hero) instantaneously seduces Victoria at a party (where she is already engaged to Lord Stickley, who is handsome, young, but boring). Like - with NO effort at all, L's got V totally compromised and wrapped around his little finger. They've never met before.
* This was all to get back at V's older brother the Duke of Blackmore for killing L's brother in a duel (BY ACCIDENT).
* Duke of B was in the duel in the first place bc L's brother called him out for getting his and L's sister pregnant - she's 17 AND she committed suicide bc Duke didn't love her back (BUT THEY GOT THE WRONG GUY!!)
You see where this is going... stay with me...
So... L's masterful revenge plan was to debaunch the Duke's sister and keep her from him forever, amen. The way L lost both his siblings after all the deaths at Waterloo.
Yes, that makes sooooooo much sense. I'll get back at the man who killed my bro in a duel the bro issued and the Duke answered by ruining his sister and never letting the bro see her again. BRAVO ON THIS SPECTACULARLY VILE REVENGE! MUST BE SOOOOO SATISFYING!
Stupidest thing I've heard. Totally invented by a woman. What man goes through a revenge plot like that????? Yeah. To get back at a guy I hate, I'm going to SHACKLE MYSELF FOR ETERNITY TO A STRANGER and keep this stranger from her bro. That's my revenge.
It is my observation, and after conferring with my guy friends, that men are much simpler-- going to call the bastard out to a fight, a duel or get a bunch of my buds and beat him up within an inch of his life or ruin him financially or whatever, but MARRYING WHEN MEN HAVE NO INTENTION OF MARRYING, AND TO A STRANGER NO LESS is NEVER in a man's idea of most impactful revenge plots. I'm pretty certain and am willing cough up expert witnesses to testify on this subject!
So.... the whole drama between the MCs revolve around this. Then, added to below--let's talk about how stupid, naive and ridiculous the heroine is:
* She's engaged to a perfectly bland but quite a good catch sort of man. She feels no spark, oh drat. She sees this gorgeous creature (not the guy on the cover) at a ball and is all ablaze with curiosity and passion.
* The stranger accosts her on the terrace and within seconds, she's in his arms with her skirts up and his tongue in her mouth.... SAY WHAT???
* Oh and she's a Duke's sister. She's a lady of impeccable breeding and decorum. And her inner thought process is like a teenager - "OMG look at that hunky bad boy! Think I'll ruin my entire life and cause a HUGE scandal by letting him do whatever he wants with me! I just can't resist!!"
Shoot me now. Better yet, SHOOT HER!!
And then, they get married. Bc, of COURSE they should. It's all part of the revenge plot.
And then, somehow, though it's not at all apparent how, they fall in love. It's the spectacular sex that has addled their brain. They've mistaken it for love, I'm sure. But no! It's her amazing portraits of him that he saw finally at 90% in the book - how she was able to capture his very soul in those drawings - halleluja! She loves him!
RIDICULOUS!!!
I've marked several books in this series by this author as not to read bc I knew I wouldn't like them - they just made all my sixth sense bad-book vibes tingle. But bc I HAVE liked several of her books, I thought, why not. And many GR friends liked this book a lot.
I should have stuck to my instincts!! MUST resist any further temptation.
Arrrrgggghhhhhh, sooooo mad!
OK, I have GOT to get the image of the man on the cover out of my mind! And replace him with this:
and this:
aaaannnnndddd:
Now there's someone I'd throw away a handsome, boring, lordly fiance for... maybe.
You can read from my status updates below that I was NOT impressed with this book, and regret the purchase of it. I TRIED to return the thing and DNF this so I don't have to write a bad review, but since I don't have my $ back and is therefore "forced" to finish something I don't want to read, and waste my time, I can't avoid giving the low rating.
Here's the stupid revenge plot (typically not something I enjoy but will tolerate if done well, which is not the case here):
* Lucien (Hero) instantaneously seduces Victoria at a party (where she is already engaged to Lord Stickley, who is handsome, young, but boring). Like - with NO effort at all, L's got V totally compromised and wrapped around his little finger. They've never met before.
* This was all to get back at V's older brother the Duke of Blackmore for killing L's brother in a duel (BY ACCIDENT).
* Duke of B was in the duel in the first place bc L's brother called him out for getting his and L's sister pregnant - she's 17 AND she committed suicide bc Duke didn't love her back (BUT THEY GOT THE WRONG GUY!!)
You see where this is going... stay with me...
So... L's masterful revenge plan was to debaunch the Duke's sister and keep her from him forever, amen. The way L lost both his siblings after all the deaths at Waterloo.
Yes, that makes sooooooo much sense. I'll get back at the man who killed my bro in a duel the bro issued and the Duke answered by ruining his sister and never letting the bro see her again. BRAVO ON THIS SPECTACULARLY VILE REVENGE! MUST BE SOOOOO SATISFYING!
Stupidest thing I've heard. Totally invented by a woman. What man goes through a revenge plot like that????? Yeah. To get back at a guy I hate, I'm going to SHACKLE MYSELF FOR ETERNITY TO A STRANGER and keep this stranger from her bro. That's my revenge.
It is my observation, and after conferring with my guy friends, that men are much simpler-- going to call the bastard out to a fight, a duel or get a bunch of my buds and beat him up within an inch of his life or ruin him financially or whatever, but MARRYING WHEN MEN HAVE NO INTENTION OF MARRYING, AND TO A STRANGER NO LESS is NEVER in a man's idea of most impactful revenge plots. I'm pretty certain and am willing cough up expert witnesses to testify on this subject!
So.... the whole drama between the MCs revolve around this. Then, added to below--let's talk about how stupid, naive and ridiculous the heroine is:
* She's engaged to a perfectly bland but quite a good catch sort of man. She feels no spark, oh drat. She sees this gorgeous creature (not the guy on the cover) at a ball and is all ablaze with curiosity and passion.
* The stranger accosts her on the terrace and within seconds, she's in his arms with her skirts up and his tongue in her mouth.... SAY WHAT???
* Oh and she's a Duke's sister. She's a lady of impeccable breeding and decorum. And her inner thought process is like a teenager - "OMG look at that hunky bad boy! Think I'll ruin my entire life and cause a HUGE scandal by letting him do whatever he wants with me! I just can't resist!!"
Shoot me now. Better yet, SHOOT HER!!
And then, they get married. Bc, of COURSE they should. It's all part of the revenge plot.
And then, somehow, though it's not at all apparent how, they fall in love. It's the spectacular sex that has addled their brain. They've mistaken it for love, I'm sure. But no! It's her amazing portraits of him that he saw finally at 90% in the book - how she was able to capture his very soul in those drawings - halleluja! She loves him!
RIDICULOUS!!!
I've marked several books in this series by this author as not to read bc I knew I wouldn't like them - they just made all my sixth sense bad-book vibes tingle. But bc I HAVE liked several of her books, I thought, why not. And many GR friends liked this book a lot.
I should have stuck to my instincts!! MUST resist any further temptation.
Arrrrgggghhhhhh, sooooo mad!
OK, I have GOT to get the image of the man on the cover out of my mind! And replace him with this:
and this:
aaaannnnndddd:
Now there's someone I'd throw away a handsome, boring, lordly fiance for... maybe.
January 18, 2024
Reread: 1/16/23
I still love this book and never tire of it! The best selling point is the chemistry between the MC and the sex scenes are incredibly hot! I kind of like Lucien's possessiveness. Only in my hr do I find this trait romantic.
I think I've read this book at least once a year. So I definitely highly recommend it! 😉
Reread: 2021, 2020, 2018, 2016
Read: 7/20/15
One of my favorite stories!
I still love this book and never tire of it! The best selling point is the chemistry between the MC and the sex scenes are incredibly hot! I kind of like Lucien's possessiveness. Only in my hr do I find this trait romantic.
I think I've read this book at least once a year. So I definitely highly recommend it! 😉
Reread: 2021, 2020, 2018, 2016
Read: 7/20/15
One of my favorite stories!
February 9, 2017
★★★★★ 5 Enchanted Lisa Kleypas -book-alike Stars★★★★★
So I've been hunting for reads,where the H/h are aMarried couple for a whole week now,by navigating through piles of book with my travel guide being GR Recommendations..And I've got to say so far so good.
❅First I hit off with To Kiss A Rake
(Link here if interested-https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
❅Then came Miss Winthorpe's Elopement (which was another fantastic read revolving a married couple...The only reason I did not end up reviewing the book was because I was too buys re-reading it.:)
❅And now The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne - A surprisingly delightful read.
Surprising...Because I may or may not have judged this book by the cover.But I'm so glad I took a chance and read this book anyway.
"If it were possible to swoon from boredom,Victoria Lacey expected she would now be lying on the gray marble floor of Lady Gattingford's ballroom,scrumped to a fit of vapors."
The Madness of Viscount starts off with our female protagonist,Victoria Lacey,contemplating on how prefect her life turned out to be....Perfectly boring that is.
Engaged to Lord Stickley,much to her brother's happiness,Victoria has resigned finally to accept the loveless proposal and just make the best of it.
All of a sudden fate,decides to throw a wrench in her plans in the form of Viscount Atherbourne,Lucien Wyatt, truly Lord Tall,dark & handsome.When one conversation lead to a kiss and that kiss lead to a heated embrace in front of society's most gossipy matrons.Humiliated and left with little choice Victoria agrees to marriage to Viscount Atherbourne thinking it to be nothing but a happy coincidence.
But Lucien knows the truth.Comprising & humiliating Harrison Lacey's prim&proper sister in front of his enemy's beloved society and leaving her with no choice but marriage to himself,had been his plan all.
He had been waiting years for an opportunity to get back at the Laceys for everything The duke has done to his family.And what better way to punish The duke, than keeping his precious sister apart from him,when he knows that is what will hurt his opponent the most.
But the question he must now ask himself is,If love is indeed sweeter than revenge?
Oooh ! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this story ! Delightful heroine and a strong story-line with a great backstory and three dimensional secondary characters,this book had it all.
And the hero ! *sign* He was everything I hoped it would be so much more <3
An Anti-hero falling in love with a delicate heroine is quite a difficult plot to pen down, to be honest.Books like Devil in Winter and Dreaming of You balanced out this concept perfectly...and well,I'm so glad to say. So did this my dears,so did this.
“I would do anything for you, Victoria,” he rasped. “For your happiness. Anything. I would swim until I drown. Walk until no ground remained. You asked once if you mattered to me at all. The answer is this—you are the only thing that matters.”
Yes,this book had drama..but it was mostly centered around the society and the secondary characters than among themselves as a couple.
I'm finding it really hard to pen down a proper review,right now if I'm being honest.I can't say a lot without giving away too much of the plot-line,no matter how hard I try.But what I CAN say,is this book is a definite must read for all HR lovers out there.
This book has now been officially elevated to my Favorites status..So yes ! Would defiantly recommend!
March 10, 2019
I have been on the hunt for a good historical author for a long while now.I used to love these kinds of romances ,but sadly the " newer" crop of historical authors did not do it for me.They made their heroines sound and act like a modern contemporary chick,so I stopped reading them until I came across a review by my Goodreads friend,Lyndsy A.
Well,hello Elisa Braden!! The book was called THE MADDNES OF VISCOUNT ANTHERBOURNE. I loved her review and this spurred me on to go in search of this " new to me" author.
So,I got a copy of this book and set down to read and read.From the first to the very last page of the main couple's story,I was glued to my tablet. To say I enjoyed this romance,well,I enjoyed the heck out of this romance.
The couple was great together and I really liked this hero.To say he had his jealous and possessive moments,well I laughed at his inner musings. Of course ,he had his " moments" and period of darkness like a true alpha hero,but he acquitted himself.
There are several minor characters who I see will get their own books,and I can't wait to delve further into the world of Ms. Braden.
When revenge turns to love is the trope.
Well,hello Elisa Braden!! The book was called THE MADDNES OF VISCOUNT ANTHERBOURNE. I loved her review and this spurred me on to go in search of this " new to me" author.
So,I got a copy of this book and set down to read and read.From the first to the very last page of the main couple's story,I was glued to my tablet. To say I enjoyed this romance,well,I enjoyed the heck out of this romance.
The couple was great together and I really liked this hero.To say he had his jealous and possessive moments,well I laughed at his inner musings. Of course ,he had his " moments" and period of darkness like a true alpha hero,but he acquitted himself.
There are several minor characters who I see will get their own books,and I can't wait to delve further into the world of Ms. Braden.
When revenge turns to love is the trope.
June 9, 2022
"I have a love/hate relationship with Braden. I bought a book package of the first 4 books after reading book #4 (the Devil is a Marquess) and so enjoying it. This audio version includes the prequil (I gave it a 2*) as I did not enjoy the narration on that book or this one. I have decided I am not a fan of the narrator Mary Sarah. This book is a love it or leave it type story and I did not like it.
The premise of the insta insta lust.... like go out on the porch and forget I am at a party in the early 1800's and let a man I just met remove my top and proceed to make out. I thought the revenge plot was so weak and went on way too long. The reason it's not a 1* is that the end was a surprise, and I did find sympathy for Atherbourne. Since I own the next 2 books I will continue with the series.
The premise of the insta insta lust.... like go out on the porch and forget I am at a party in the early 1800's and let a man I just met remove my top and proceed to make out. I thought the revenge plot was so weak and went on way too long. The reason it's not a 1* is that the end was a surprise, and I did find sympathy for Atherbourne. Since I own the next 2 books I will continue with the series.
July 31, 2015
Aaahhh...one of those rare books that I could not put down and stayed up until 4.am. reading. My body is too old for this, but my brain would not shut down until I had read every last word.
I'm not going to get into too many details because readers need to experience this for themselves. Suffice it to say that Victoria is an innocent pawn in a battle between her husband and her brother. Though you may want to hate Lucien for what he is doing, you won't. It's true that he destroys Victoria's reputation, but he also plays a key role in restoring it.
This was definitely my kind of book - smokin' hot attraction between Lucien and Victoria that transcends the physical - intrigue but not OTT dramatic (drama is based on something real and heart-wrenching, giving true meaning behind Lucien's actions) - and truly likable H/h. I was rooting for this couple the whole time, heartbroken because they both had valid viewpoints, and oh so happy when they finally worked it all out.
Wonderful, wonderful book.
I'm not going to get into too many details because readers need to experience this for themselves. Suffice it to say that Victoria is an innocent pawn in a battle between her husband and her brother. Though you may want to hate Lucien for what he is doing, you won't. It's true that he destroys Victoria's reputation, but he also plays a key role in restoring it.
This was definitely my kind of book - smokin' hot attraction between Lucien and Victoria that transcends the physical - intrigue but not OTT dramatic (drama is based on something real and heart-wrenching, giving true meaning behind Lucien's actions) - and truly likable H/h. I was rooting for this couple the whole time, heartbroken because they both had valid viewpoints, and oh so happy when they finally worked it all out.
Wonderful, wonderful book.
December 22, 2017
The writing and heartfelt ending saved this for me some, but I had issues with the characters and story. I will freely admit that revenge stories are difficult ones for me. I have enjoyed plenty of revenge stories, but the conflict is tricky for me to buy-in. Often they feature a key moment or moments of miscommunication, and, well, this was one of those. In addition to miscommunication, the use of a character as an innocent pawn in the game of revenge is another aspect I find troublesome, and this again had that in spades.
The hero and heroine meet at a ball in a shady balcony. She doesn't know who he is, but he knows who she is and has been anticipating the opportunity to ruin her, which he does, very publicly. I couldn't help by feel her embarrassment and shame at that moment, and it also had me despising the hero of this story. Grrrrr. The hero, a little struck by how affecting their embrace was to him, decided the best revenge was to marry the heroine and keep her brothers out of contact. They have many ups and downs in their relationship, but they always have a connection in the physical sense. All others be damned. Does it matter that the heroine is hurt by his controlling who she sees and what she does? No, revenge, of course is much more important. I rolled my eyes a lot in this book.
I was feeling sorry for the heroine, but then there was the rage moment that took much of that away. I get rage. I rage. There was a scene where one of her brothers left the room when they saw the rage come on. It was understandable. She had been spending much of her time with her imbecilic husband, but then she started beating up the hero and giving him a black eye. This really irked me. If you are going to feature domestic abuse of this sort, it would be beneficial, in my opinion, to address how this is wrong. We know that the hero's behavior was wrong or misguided, even if, when you fully understand the reason for hero's gripe against the heroine's brother. His transformation and understanding was integral to the story, but the heroine needed redeemed after that scene.
The heroine's family ended up being a piece of work. I am not excited for the younger brother's book, but I plan to read the older's. The younger brother was the villain of this story in some ways, and I don't see how he could be redeemed. He was useful in transferring much of my anger at the hero toward the brother, which allowed for the heartfelt ending.
Narration for this story was decent. I don't believe it either enhanced or detracted from the story.
Overall, a rather disappointing read for me from an author I was really excited to read. I do intend to read the next in series as it came highly recommended, but this one has me wondering if it will suit me. I did think the writing well done, so I am hopeful the next one will be more to my taste.
The hero and heroine meet at a ball in a shady balcony. She doesn't know who he is, but he knows who she is and has been anticipating the opportunity to ruin her, which he does, very publicly. I couldn't help by feel her embarrassment and shame at that moment, and it also had me despising the hero of this story. Grrrrr. The hero, a little struck by how affecting their embrace was to him, decided the best revenge was to marry the heroine and keep her brothers out of contact. They have many ups and downs in their relationship, but they always have a connection in the physical sense. All others be damned. Does it matter that the heroine is hurt by his controlling who she sees and what she does? No, revenge, of course is much more important. I rolled my eyes a lot in this book.
I was feeling sorry for the heroine, but then there was the rage moment that took much of that away. I get rage. I rage. There was a scene where one of her brothers left the room when they saw the rage come on. It was understandable. She had been spending much of her time with her imbecilic husband, but then she started beating up the hero and giving him a black eye. This really irked me. If you are going to feature domestic abuse of this sort, it would be beneficial, in my opinion, to address how this is wrong. We know that the hero's behavior was wrong or misguided, even if, when you fully understand the reason for hero's gripe against the heroine's brother. His transformation and understanding was integral to the story, but the heroine needed redeemed after that scene.
The heroine's family ended up being a piece of work. I am not excited for the younger brother's book, but I plan to read the older's. The younger brother was the villain of this story in some ways, and I don't see how he could be redeemed. He was useful in transferring much of my anger at the hero toward the brother, which allowed for the heartfelt ending.
Narration for this story was decent. I don't believe it either enhanced or detracted from the story.
Overall, a rather disappointing read for me from an author I was really excited to read. I do intend to read the next in series as it came highly recommended, but this one has me wondering if it will suit me. I did think the writing well done, so I am hopeful the next one will be more to my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2021
I loved this.
The revenge plot that goes all wrong, love conquers all.
The hero was brooding and all alpha male. Was bound and determined to get his revenge and the sister of his enemy was the target.
Heroine was caught in a compromising embrace with our hero and forced to marry. She again is one of my favorite types of heroines, sweet and kind, but also very strong and determined.
I really loved the chemistry between these two, sexual tension abounds in this love story.
Lucien, our hero could not resist Victoria's appeal and love.
The angst and chemistry was wonderful and really enjoyed their love story.
Lucien was a favorite hero, but Henry right now (currently reading) is about even here.
The revenge plot that goes all wrong, love conquers all.
The hero was brooding and all alpha male. Was bound and determined to get his revenge and the sister of his enemy was the target.
Heroine was caught in a compromising embrace with our hero and forced to marry. She again is one of my favorite types of heroines, sweet and kind, but also very strong and determined.
I really loved the chemistry between these two, sexual tension abounds in this love story.
Lucien, our hero could not resist Victoria's appeal and love.
The angst and chemistry was wonderful and really enjoyed their love story.
Lucien was a favorite hero, but Henry right now (currently reading) is about even here.
December 28, 2020
This is the first book I read by this author, and I have since re-read it several times. Strong characters; hot love scenes; great plot development with some twists & turns; and a redeemable hero in the end. Great start to this series.
September 17, 2021
This had a bit of a dark vibe, which was really enjoyable, and a hint of sadness and grief threaded throughout. The writing was beautiful and I'm really impressed with this first installment in the series. Very sensual and the H and h had excellent chemistry.
January 12, 2022
3.5 stars.
“I would do anything for you, Victoria,” he rasped. “For your happiness. Anything. I would swim until I drown. Walk until no ground remained. You asked once if you mattered to me at all. The answer is this—you are the only thing that matters.” Lady Victoria Lacey is the perfect English lady. As a duke’s daughter and sister, she has her whole life planned out for her, and that includes marrying a perfectly boring aristocrat. With her pristine reputation, she is known as the “The Flower of Blackmore”, and that makes her the perfect revenge instrument for Lucien Wyatt, Viscount Atherbourne. The plan is simple: Tempt and seduce the girl, ruin her perfect reputation…and somehow, marriage. He will take Victoria away from her brother, the very same thing that the Duke had done to Lucien: took away everyone Lucien holds dear.
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne is the first book from Elisa Braden’s historical romance series, Rescued from ruin. This is about Lucien Wyatt and Lady Victoria Lacey. I am aware that before this book, there is: Ever Yours Annabelle, but I was in no mood to read it at the time I started this. However, I will most likely read that book too. I think this was an okay introduction to the rest of the series and the characters who have their own respective books. Some of them definitely intrigued me.
Meet Victoria Lacey: She is the sister to the Duke of Blackmore. Although she is no great beauty, she is considered the model of what a lady should be: what other debutantes should aspire to be. She was regarded as a paragon of quiet grace, perfect comportment, and impeccable lineage. And a lady must do what duty demands, she is also set to marry a marquess. By all means, her life was perfect, albeit boring.
Meet Lucien Wyatt: He is a second son to a viscount. He was a cavalry officer, never meant to inherit the title. But then, in a duel, his elder brother was killed by none other than the Duke of Blackmore. Add to that, his sister was apparently seduced by Blackmore too, and when she could not take the shame of innocence taken, proceeded to take her life. Now, as the viscount Atherbourne, he is determined to have his revenge and make Blackmore pay for taking away everyone important to him.
Lady Victoria’s life is perfect…perfectly boring, at least to her. Although she is engaged to a respectable marquess, she could not help but be intrigued by the newly arrived gentleman at the ballroom. Soon enough, Victoria and the stranger were doing things a respectable lady shouldn’t be doing, and at the terrace too! Caught by the hostess at a questionable position, Victoria’s reputation is utterly ruined. No man would have her now. Which is just perfect for Lucien’s plans. He will propose marriage to the lady whose reputation he ruined, and then by the time they’re married, he will not let Victoria have any contact with her family. The lady is what the Duke holds dear, and what better way to make Blackmore suffer than to take away his dearest sister?...But soon, what he feels for Victoria is not what he had planned, all of a sudden, she is all he could think about…but surrendering to his heart means surrendering to his wife’s wishes, and that is to forget his revenge against her brother…conflict here and there, and finally a HEA!
The heroine is the usual prim and proper English lady. She was sweet, she had no trauma, no secrets, nothing. I like characters like her. They’re comfortable, no sense of anxiety about what might come next. And although she does what duty as a lady demands, she is a romantic at heart. She’s just the usual heroine I would like. And I liked her quite enough. But sadly, there was nothing special about her that made her stand out to all the other heroines I’ve read about before. There are times when she annoyed me, times when I felt sorry for her, and times when she was a perfectly okay heroine. I love how she calls Lucien, “My lord Husband” or just “Husband”, it is so simple and yet so cute. She was just so sweet and most of the time, understanding. Aside from that, she also fights for what she wants. She was compliant at first, but then she could not allow her husband to cut all her connections with her brother just like that. It is also cute how from the first moment she saw the hero, she wanted to draw him. And draw him she did, many, many times. And because she had a great life growing up, she might seem boring but to me that was just okay. I find I don’t like it much when there are secrets lurking behind the character, it gives me great anxiety. I like comfortable, and because Victoria was comfortable, I liked her well enough.
The hero was the usual hero who is set on vengeance. He too, should have a perfect life seeing as he came from nobility. But apparently, during his time at the cavalry, it inflicted damage to him (at least, internally) and then add to that, he comes home and boom! All of his remaining family are gone. His brother? Killed from a duel. His sister? Took her own life. And Lucien? He wants revenge. For months, the thought of revenge was the only thing that could make him sleep. He loved his family, and losing them was too much to endure for him. His sob story is the usual story heroes in HRs have, but you still feel sorry for them all the same. Lucien was not the best of heroes. In all honesty, he was manipulative, obsessive, possessive and full of hatred. But instead of being annoying, (un)fortunately, those are the traits that made him an enjoyable hero. This man was whipped for his wife! He treated her well, except for the part that he wanted Victoria for himself only, with no more connection with her family, especially the Duke. But of course, the heroine does not give up easily. I like how he was soon ashamed of himself, and thinks himself not worthy of the heroine (partly true), and although he does not forgive (Understandable! I would be forever angry, methinks) he realizes that the most important of all is his wife. Don’t you just like a seemingly unlikeable hero who turns into a besotted fool for the heroine? Lucien is not my favorite hero, and he probably will not be in my list of favorite heroes, but he was okay. The feelings I have for him are the similar feelings I had for the heroine: Liked him well enough to continue on with the story.
The synopsis piqued my interest. And what I had in mind before I began reading the story was so different from what I got. I thought the story would revolve around Lucien trying to seduce Victoria, at least for half of the book. I was so surprised when it took no less than four chapters for the ruination to take place. I guess it felt too fast at first because I was not expecting them to be married for most of the book. So basically, the whole book is the two characters figuring out married life.
I enjoyed how this had so many side characters and how the presence of the Ton is felt in the story. I really like books with that feel. It adds fun to the story. Lady Wallingham was an interesting character, I found myself laughing at the little quotes each chapter had at the beginning. There were many characters who are introduced and you just know they have their own books, so each time there is a Lord or Lady mentioned, I had to go to Goodreads to see which book is theirs. Lucien’s scottish earl friend was so cute, I find myself excited for his story. Blackmore was a typical honor-bound duke, and seeing as his future heroine is shy, I wonder how the author would make their book interesting. And then there is Colin…he is a literal wastrel, along with his friend, Chatham (Future Marquess, If I recall properly).. I find Colin’s actions to be despicable, and seeing as he also causes harm for the heroine of the next book, I wonder how the author would redeem him. Now, Chatham! This man was interesting…how he was described? I was intrigued. I hope he is as interesting in his own book. While the main characters were likeable, I think what really made this story for me was the interesting side characters who are main characters in their own books.
At times, I find myself struggling with the main characters. Surely, a Happily-Ever-After seems impossible. Although I know there will be, it does not feel quite right. I just would not marry the sibling of my brother’s murderer (although it was by accident, if I remember correctly). Victoria wants to maintain her relationship with her brothers, but Lucien forbids her. And it is the case where you understand where both of the characters are coming from. But then again, if Lucien had not ruined her reputation, she would’ve had a peaceful marriage to another. In short, she settled for him, and he manipulated the events to happen for his revenge to take place. Honestly, they were both so frustrating at times! On another note, I liked the resolution. It feels just the right thing for both Victoria and Lucien to make their marriage work and be happy together.
This is my first Elisa Braden book. I have seen many friends on Goodreads enjoy her stories, so I decided to start and read her books as well. While I am not overly-impressed, I do not regret reading it. It is likely that I will read the remaining books in the series. I enjoy the revenge trope, the heroine being the means to an end, and then suddenly the hero falls..hard. Cliche, but I enjoy it all the same. Although this one did not play out like how I expected, it was still a decent book to escape to.
Some quotes:
In a low, fierce voice, she hissed, “You, my lord, are despicable.” He turned toward her slowly, even nonchalantly, and arched one brow. “But you knew that already, my sweet.” “I have never been treated so in all my life—” “Yes, and what a long life it has been. Twenty years, is it? Give yourself time, darling.”
He gave her a small shake. “Stop this. You are upsetting yourself needlessly.”She braced her palms on his gray woolen lapels and leaned closer to him. Her forehead slowly fell into the cushion of his cravat. Her eyes squeezed closed, forcing tears down her face in a warm trickle. When she spoke, her voice was raw, muffled. “Please just tell me, Lucien. Do I matter to you?”
“But if realizing my mistakes has taught me anything, it is this: The choice between your happiness and making Colin pay for his sins is an easy one. I will always choose your happiness. I will choose you above all else."
“Our marriage is far from perfect. He is far from perfect, as am I. But we are connected—bound to one another in a way I cannot explain. I love him. It gives me great hope for the future.”
Heart thumping painfully inside his chest, Lucien stared into his own eyes and suddenly understood. The woman who painted this saw him. Knew him down to his very soul. And she loved him deeply. It could not have been clearer. Spinning and tilting, his world changed, expanding to include this new knowledge. Joy—precious and fragile—sprang from a part of himself he had thought lost. She loved him. (this part <3)
“I would do anything for you, Victoria,” he rasped. “For your happiness. Anything. I would swim until I drown. Walk until no ground remained. You asked once if you mattered to me at all. The answer is this—you are the only thing that matters.” Lady Victoria Lacey is the perfect English lady. As a duke’s daughter and sister, she has her whole life planned out for her, and that includes marrying a perfectly boring aristocrat. With her pristine reputation, she is known as the “The Flower of Blackmore”, and that makes her the perfect revenge instrument for Lucien Wyatt, Viscount Atherbourne. The plan is simple: Tempt and seduce the girl, ruin her perfect reputation…and somehow, marriage. He will take Victoria away from her brother, the very same thing that the Duke had done to Lucien: took away everyone Lucien holds dear.
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne is the first book from Elisa Braden’s historical romance series, Rescued from ruin. This is about Lucien Wyatt and Lady Victoria Lacey. I am aware that before this book, there is: Ever Yours Annabelle, but I was in no mood to read it at the time I started this. However, I will most likely read that book too. I think this was an okay introduction to the rest of the series and the characters who have their own respective books. Some of them definitely intrigued me.
Meet Victoria Lacey: She is the sister to the Duke of Blackmore. Although she is no great beauty, she is considered the model of what a lady should be: what other debutantes should aspire to be. She was regarded as a paragon of quiet grace, perfect comportment, and impeccable lineage. And a lady must do what duty demands, she is also set to marry a marquess. By all means, her life was perfect, albeit boring.
Meet Lucien Wyatt: He is a second son to a viscount. He was a cavalry officer, never meant to inherit the title. But then, in a duel, his elder brother was killed by none other than the Duke of Blackmore. Add to that, his sister was apparently seduced by Blackmore too, and when she could not take the shame of innocence taken, proceeded to take her life. Now, as the viscount Atherbourne, he is determined to have his revenge and make Blackmore pay for taking away everyone important to him.
Lady Victoria’s life is perfect…perfectly boring, at least to her. Although she is engaged to a respectable marquess, she could not help but be intrigued by the newly arrived gentleman at the ballroom. Soon enough, Victoria and the stranger were doing things a respectable lady shouldn’t be doing, and at the terrace too! Caught by the hostess at a questionable position, Victoria’s reputation is utterly ruined. No man would have her now. Which is just perfect for Lucien’s plans. He will propose marriage to the lady whose reputation he ruined, and then by the time they’re married, he will not let Victoria have any contact with her family. The lady is what the Duke holds dear, and what better way to make Blackmore suffer than to take away his dearest sister?...But soon, what he feels for Victoria is not what he had planned, all of a sudden, she is all he could think about…but surrendering to his heart means surrendering to his wife’s wishes, and that is to forget his revenge against her brother…conflict here and there, and finally a HEA!
The heroine is the usual prim and proper English lady. She was sweet, she had no trauma, no secrets, nothing. I like characters like her. They’re comfortable, no sense of anxiety about what might come next. And although she does what duty as a lady demands, she is a romantic at heart. She’s just the usual heroine I would like. And I liked her quite enough. But sadly, there was nothing special about her that made her stand out to all the other heroines I’ve read about before. There are times when she annoyed me, times when I felt sorry for her, and times when she was a perfectly okay heroine. I love how she calls Lucien, “My lord Husband” or just “Husband”, it is so simple and yet so cute. She was just so sweet and most of the time, understanding. Aside from that, she also fights for what she wants. She was compliant at first, but then she could not allow her husband to cut all her connections with her brother just like that. It is also cute how from the first moment she saw the hero, she wanted to draw him. And draw him she did, many, many times. And because she had a great life growing up, she might seem boring but to me that was just okay. I find I don’t like it much when there are secrets lurking behind the character, it gives me great anxiety. I like comfortable, and because Victoria was comfortable, I liked her well enough.
The hero was the usual hero who is set on vengeance. He too, should have a perfect life seeing as he came from nobility. But apparently, during his time at the cavalry, it inflicted damage to him (at least, internally) and then add to that, he comes home and boom! All of his remaining family are gone. His brother? Killed from a duel. His sister? Took her own life. And Lucien? He wants revenge. For months, the thought of revenge was the only thing that could make him sleep. He loved his family, and losing them was too much to endure for him. His sob story is the usual story heroes in HRs have, but you still feel sorry for them all the same. Lucien was not the best of heroes. In all honesty, he was manipulative, obsessive, possessive and full of hatred. But instead of being annoying, (un)fortunately, those are the traits that made him an enjoyable hero. This man was whipped for his wife! He treated her well, except for the part that he wanted Victoria for himself only, with no more connection with her family, especially the Duke. But of course, the heroine does not give up easily. I like how he was soon ashamed of himself, and thinks himself not worthy of the heroine (partly true), and although he does not forgive (Understandable! I would be forever angry, methinks) he realizes that the most important of all is his wife. Don’t you just like a seemingly unlikeable hero who turns into a besotted fool for the heroine? Lucien is not my favorite hero, and he probably will not be in my list of favorite heroes, but he was okay. The feelings I have for him are the similar feelings I had for the heroine: Liked him well enough to continue on with the story.
The synopsis piqued my interest. And what I had in mind before I began reading the story was so different from what I got. I thought the story would revolve around Lucien trying to seduce Victoria, at least for half of the book. I was so surprised when it took no less than four chapters for the ruination to take place. I guess it felt too fast at first because I was not expecting them to be married for most of the book. So basically, the whole book is the two characters figuring out married life.
I enjoyed how this had so many side characters and how the presence of the Ton is felt in the story. I really like books with that feel. It adds fun to the story. Lady Wallingham was an interesting character, I found myself laughing at the little quotes each chapter had at the beginning. There were many characters who are introduced and you just know they have their own books, so each time there is a Lord or Lady mentioned, I had to go to Goodreads to see which book is theirs. Lucien’s scottish earl friend was so cute, I find myself excited for his story. Blackmore was a typical honor-bound duke, and seeing as his future heroine is shy, I wonder how the author would make their book interesting. And then there is Colin…he is a literal wastrel, along with his friend, Chatham (Future Marquess, If I recall properly).. I find Colin’s actions to be despicable, and seeing as he also causes harm for the heroine of the next book, I wonder how the author would redeem him. Now, Chatham! This man was interesting…how he was described? I was intrigued. I hope he is as interesting in his own book. While the main characters were likeable, I think what really made this story for me was the interesting side characters who are main characters in their own books.
At times, I find myself struggling with the main characters. Surely, a Happily-Ever-After seems impossible. Although I know there will be, it does not feel quite right. I just would not marry the sibling of my brother’s murderer (although it was by accident, if I remember correctly). Victoria wants to maintain her relationship with her brothers, but Lucien forbids her. And it is the case where you understand where both of the characters are coming from. But then again, if Lucien had not ruined her reputation, she would’ve had a peaceful marriage to another. In short, she settled for him, and he manipulated the events to happen for his revenge to take place. Honestly, they were both so frustrating at times! On another note, I liked the resolution. It feels just the right thing for both Victoria and Lucien to make their marriage work and be happy together.
This is my first Elisa Braden book. I have seen many friends on Goodreads enjoy her stories, so I decided to start and read her books as well. While I am not overly-impressed, I do not regret reading it. It is likely that I will read the remaining books in the series. I enjoy the revenge trope, the heroine being the means to an end, and then suddenly the hero falls..hard. Cliche, but I enjoy it all the same. Although this one did not play out like how I expected, it was still a decent book to escape to.
Some quotes:
In a low, fierce voice, she hissed, “You, my lord, are despicable.” He turned toward her slowly, even nonchalantly, and arched one brow. “But you knew that already, my sweet.” “I have never been treated so in all my life—” “Yes, and what a long life it has been. Twenty years, is it? Give yourself time, darling.”
He gave her a small shake. “Stop this. You are upsetting yourself needlessly.”She braced her palms on his gray woolen lapels and leaned closer to him. Her forehead slowly fell into the cushion of his cravat. Her eyes squeezed closed, forcing tears down her face in a warm trickle. When she spoke, her voice was raw, muffled. “Please just tell me, Lucien. Do I matter to you?”
“But if realizing my mistakes has taught me anything, it is this: The choice between your happiness and making Colin pay for his sins is an easy one. I will always choose your happiness. I will choose you above all else."
“Our marriage is far from perfect. He is far from perfect, as am I. But we are connected—bound to one another in a way I cannot explain. I love him. It gives me great hope for the future.”
Heart thumping painfully inside his chest, Lucien stared into his own eyes and suddenly understood. The woman who painted this saw him. Knew him down to his very soul. And she loved him deeply. It could not have been clearer. Spinning and tilting, his world changed, expanding to include this new knowledge. Joy—precious and fragile—sprang from a part of himself he had thought lost. She loved him. (this part <3)
August 14, 2025
5 Delicate, Romantic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧
Why have I never seen this series before?! If you’re in the same position I was in yesterday, completely unaware of the wizardry that is this beautiful story, you should remedy that immediately.
This book is so carefully and exquisitely woven, with tidbits and Easter eggs slowly unfolding as you read. It’s one of the most rewarding historical romances I’ve come across in a long time. It’s witty, romantic, and heartfelt, my heart ached only to be healed again and again.
I adored and devoured this story.
And how could you not love a book that delivers this line while breaking your heart and making you smile:
“I could throw you in horseshit and you would still come out with Crown Jewels.” Words between two fighting friends 😃
Yes, I’m adding that to my vocabulary.
THE DUEL:
Harrison duels the Viscount of Atherbourne. The Viscount dies.
REVENGE:
The new Viscount, Lucian, dark, damaged, and dangerous, wants revenge. He sets his sights on the one thing Harrison loves: his sister. And he is… possessive with her.
SCANDAL:
Lucian seduces Victoria at a party. Scandal erupts.
THE STORY:
Lucian marries Victoria, then isolates her from her family, no letters, no visits. All to punish Harrison. But he punishes her too, by doing so.
“You claim Harrison robbed you of your family. Did you expect me to sacrifice mine without a fight?”
VICTORIA:
One of the best FMCs I’ve ever read. A powerhouse wrapped in gentleness. She’s strong and gentle, and willing to cut through the BS when it counts. ❤️
LUCIAN:
A villain, but also deeply in love, deeply broken. His cruelty is real and yet he is so vulnerable. He’s selfish and soft all at once, and it works. ❤️
THE STAFF:
The household has this quiet, Beauty and the Beast vibe I loved. I adored them!
It’s dual POV, and very rarely do I say this, but I loved being in their heads ❤️
Should you read it? YES. Absolutely.
P.S. I started with book 1, and I’m glad I did—it’s character-driven and rich with backstory I suspect will matter a lot later on.
Why have I never seen this series before?! If you’re in the same position I was in yesterday, completely unaware of the wizardry that is this beautiful story, you should remedy that immediately.
This book is so carefully and exquisitely woven, with tidbits and Easter eggs slowly unfolding as you read. It’s one of the most rewarding historical romances I’ve come across in a long time. It’s witty, romantic, and heartfelt, my heart ached only to be healed again and again.
I adored and devoured this story.
And how could you not love a book that delivers this line while breaking your heart and making you smile:
“I could throw you in horseshit and you would still come out with Crown Jewels.” Words between two fighting friends 😃
Yes, I’m adding that to my vocabulary.
THE DUEL:
Harrison duels the Viscount of Atherbourne. The Viscount dies.
REVENGE:
The new Viscount, Lucian, dark, damaged, and dangerous, wants revenge. He sets his sights on the one thing Harrison loves: his sister. And he is… possessive with her.
SCANDAL:
Lucian seduces Victoria at a party. Scandal erupts.
THE STORY:
Lucian marries Victoria, then isolates her from her family, no letters, no visits. All to punish Harrison. But he punishes her too, by doing so.
“You claim Harrison robbed you of your family. Did you expect me to sacrifice mine without a fight?”
VICTORIA:
One of the best FMCs I’ve ever read. A powerhouse wrapped in gentleness. She’s strong and gentle, and willing to cut through the BS when it counts. ❤️
LUCIAN:
A villain, but also deeply in love, deeply broken. His cruelty is real and yet he is so vulnerable. He’s selfish and soft all at once, and it works. ❤️
THE STAFF:
The household has this quiet, Beauty and the Beast vibe I loved. I adored them!
It’s dual POV, and very rarely do I say this, but I loved being in their heads ❤️
Should you read it? YES. Absolutely.
P.S. I started with book 1, and I’m glad I did—it’s character-driven and rich with backstory I suspect will matter a lot later on.
February 25, 2021
Reread February 24,2021
Still love this book!! I just love Lucien and Victoria so much!
Original review October 11,2019
Loved it!!! Lucien and Victoria are so perfect for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts and the love they have for each other is so beautiful.
I am so happy I found this author! Love her writing style. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Still love this book!! I just love Lucien and Victoria so much!
Original review October 11,2019
Loved it!!! Lucien and Victoria are so perfect for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts and the love they have for each other is so beautiful.
I am so happy I found this author! Love her writing style. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
October 7, 2025
For a debut novel, this wasn’t bad. I’ve read much worse from authors who have many books under their belt. But that doesn’t make it good.
This is the “I’ll get revenge on you by ruining your sister” plot, followed by the “oops, I fell in love with her” plot twist.
The ruination required the bethrothed sister of a duke to allow a man she just met to kiss her and pull her bodice down so he can suck her breasts on a terrace outside a crowded ballroom.
“Your familiarity is insulting. We have not been properly introduced. I could not possibly call you by your first name.”
Three minutes later he was yanking down her dress. That would never happen. Never. The author tried to sell it by putting the heroine’s brain in a lust haze, but no way. In fact, most things in this book would never happen, and those never-happen things are followed by ridiculous reactions to those things, which are then followed by things which don’t make sense.
For example, Victoria is so upset with Lucien for blocking contact between herself and her brother that she stops having marital relations with him. Then when she asks the servants to bring the carriage so she can go and visit her brother and they inform her they’re not allowed to take her there, she’s incensed! What do you mean I can’t go see my brother? And GASP! I’ll bet our letters have been withheld also!!!
Did she miss the part where she’s already refusing to have sex with her husband because he’s blocking contact with her brother? Why is this such a big surprise to her?
But not to worry: she gets to her brother’s house. Did she walk? Hail a hackney? No, that would make sense. What she did instead was ask the servants to drive her to her modiste’s establishment, sit down and explain everything to the modiste, and then ask if there’s a back door to the shop. She exits into a filthy alley, dodges her carriage driver, and THEN walks to her brother’s house.
Astonishingly, after all the manufactured drama and nonsense, a scene with the potential to really establish a connection between Lucien and Victoria, the big reveal about Lucien’s past, is blown off in a side conversation between Victoria and Lucien’s friend.
Wholly unconvincing, but at least the writing shows promise and Ms. Braden did go on to write much better books than this.
This is the “I’ll get revenge on you by ruining your sister” plot, followed by the “oops, I fell in love with her” plot twist.
The ruination required the bethrothed sister of a duke to allow a man she just met to kiss her and pull her bodice down so he can suck her breasts on a terrace outside a crowded ballroom.
“Your familiarity is insulting. We have not been properly introduced. I could not possibly call you by your first name.”
Three minutes later he was yanking down her dress. That would never happen. Never. The author tried to sell it by putting the heroine’s brain in a lust haze, but no way. In fact, most things in this book would never happen, and those never-happen things are followed by ridiculous reactions to those things, which are then followed by things which don’t make sense.
For example, Victoria is so upset with Lucien for blocking contact between herself and her brother that she stops having marital relations with him. Then when she asks the servants to bring the carriage so she can go and visit her brother and they inform her they’re not allowed to take her there, she’s incensed! What do you mean I can’t go see my brother? And GASP! I’ll bet our letters have been withheld also!!!
Did she miss the part where she’s already refusing to have sex with her husband because he’s blocking contact with her brother? Why is this such a big surprise to her?
But not to worry: she gets to her brother’s house. Did she walk? Hail a hackney? No, that would make sense. What she did instead was ask the servants to drive her to her modiste’s establishment, sit down and explain everything to the modiste, and then ask if there’s a back door to the shop. She exits into a filthy alley, dodges her carriage driver, and THEN walks to her brother’s house.
Astonishingly, after all the manufactured drama and nonsense, a scene with the potential to really establish a connection between Lucien and Victoria, the big reveal about Lucien’s past, is blown off in a side conversation between Victoria and Lucien’s friend.
Wholly unconvincing, but at least the writing shows promise and Ms. Braden did go on to write much better books than this.
January 20, 2016
This book is perfect for someone just starting out in the historical romance genre. For a veteran reader of a certain age in the genre, such as yours truly, this book was a little too predictable.
May I just say that I love this name Lucien for a hero, all the way on top of my list together with Harry. Alas I have never met any Lucien in my life. I swear to God if I ever have a son I would so name him Lucien.
OK back to the book.
This book has an age-old revenge plot and not a very clever one, that. Lucien was out for blood, Blackmore's blood to be precise. Somehow he was led to be believe that Harrison, Duke of Blackmore, was responsible for his sister's death and then killed Lucient's brother in a duel over the said sister's honor. So what did our clever Lucien do? He married Blackmore's sister of course! Naturally some level of ruination was commited. So Victoria, Blackmore's sister, was either to to be shunned from society or marry Lucien.
I don't usually mind cliche in my romances. But it has to be cleverly done. In this book it was just too simple. It made Lucien look kind of dumb. I mean to marry his sister, how is that fitting revenge? I am always wondering about that while reading these revenge-based plots in romance novels.
But let's not get technical here.
The writing is pleasant enough, but the plot is too simple for this book to be a great read. I am being very generous with my 2 stars because it is her debut novel and it is not poorly written. The characters are ok, at least not annoying. But they are thin characters, Lucient especially. His "madness", if any, is not fleshed out and seemed hollow at best. Victoria is an easier-to-understand character.
For plot development this book has got 1 star. There really isn't much else to say except that Lucient wanted to keep Victoria from her beloved brother and used that as revenge against Blackmore. But of course he fell in love with Victoria and for reasons none other than her thighs and you-know-where. So character development is also shot. Ms. Elisa Braden is not a poor writer but her storytelling skills could use further development, as are her plots and characters.
2 encouraging stars for a new writer
May I just say that I love this name Lucien for a hero, all the way on top of my list together with Harry. Alas I have never met any Lucien in my life. I swear to God if I ever have a son I would so name him Lucien.
OK back to the book.
This book has an age-old revenge plot and not a very clever one, that. Lucien was out for blood, Blackmore's blood to be precise. Somehow he was led to be believe that Harrison, Duke of Blackmore, was responsible for his sister's death and then killed Lucient's brother in a duel over the said sister's honor. So what did our clever Lucien do? He married Blackmore's sister of course! Naturally some level of ruination was commited. So Victoria, Blackmore's sister, was either to to be shunned from society or marry Lucien.
I don't usually mind cliche in my romances. But it has to be cleverly done. In this book it was just too simple. It made Lucien look kind of dumb. I mean to marry his sister, how is that fitting revenge? I am always wondering about that while reading these revenge-based plots in romance novels.
But let's not get technical here.
The writing is pleasant enough, but the plot is too simple for this book to be a great read. I am being very generous with my 2 stars because it is her debut novel and it is not poorly written. The characters are ok, at least not annoying. But they are thin characters, Lucient especially. His "madness", if any, is not fleshed out and seemed hollow at best. Victoria is an easier-to-understand character.
For plot development this book has got 1 star. There really isn't much else to say except that Lucient wanted to keep Victoria from her beloved brother and used that as revenge against Blackmore. But of course he fell in love with Victoria and for reasons none other than her thighs and you-know-where. So character development is also shot. Ms. Elisa Braden is not a poor writer but her storytelling skills could use further development, as are her plots and characters.
2 encouraging stars for a new writer
June 12, 2017
Nothing original to see here. Just another standard fare of asshat hero and TSTL doormat heroine. Honestly, I haven't read a single satisfying revenge story so far that had a clever heroine or a redeemable hero.
This one too, has the usual plot-line where something bad happened to the hero (heroine's brother killed hero's in a duel and also ) but instead of dealing with it directly, like a true douchebag, he decides to use heroine for revenge by destroying her reputation in front of the ton. And then offers her marriage to use her further. All of this in order to spite her brother.
I had no sympathy for the heroine in this one because she's betrothed to someone else but has no issues getting hot and heavy with the hero at a ball. He then exposes her to the guests as part of his revenge. Does the heroine learn her lesson and be more wiser and cautious around him? Nope. The moment she sees him in her house (when he visits to offer marriage) she thinks he looks"magnificent." LOL.
It's hilarious how she trusts him fully right off the bat. Like, your brother shot and killed his brother in a duel. He already destroyed your social standing as revenge. Maybe, just maybe marrying him is not a good idea? Just putting it out there.
Cue shitty hero doing shitty stuff. There is no grovelling whatsoever. There was a pathetic attempt, yes, but I don't count it as it lasted for barely two lines. They don't confess until after the 90% mark. Hero gives a weak apology and an out-of-character "i wuv you" and that's it.
This one too, has the usual plot-line where something bad happened to the hero (heroine's brother killed hero's in a duel and also ) but instead of dealing with it directly, like a true douchebag, he decides to use heroine for revenge by destroying her reputation in front of the ton. And then offers her marriage to use her further. All of this in order to spite her brother.
I had no sympathy for the heroine in this one because she's betrothed to someone else but has no issues getting hot and heavy with the hero at a ball. He then exposes her to the guests as part of his revenge. Does the heroine learn her lesson and be more wiser and cautious around him? Nope. The moment she sees him in her house (when he visits to offer marriage) she thinks he looks"magnificent." LOL.
It's hilarious how she trusts him fully right off the bat. Like, your brother shot and killed his brother in a duel. He already destroyed your social standing as revenge. Maybe, just maybe marrying him is not a good idea? Just putting it out there.
Cue shitty hero doing shitty stuff. There is no grovelling whatsoever. There was a pathetic attempt, yes, but I don't count it as it lasted for barely two lines. They don't confess until after the 90% mark. Hero gives a weak apology and an out-of-character "i wuv you" and that's it.
October 24, 2021
5 Very sexy, very swoon-worthy stars!
I read this book in July, re-read it this week, and this was a smashing debut by Elisa Braden.
Plot Summary
Lucien, the current Viscount Atherbourne, is out for revenge, on Harrison, the Duke of Blackmore, for killing his older brother (Gregory, the late Viscount Atherbourne) in a duel. There is one other, most important reason for his revenge, and that is, to seek justice for their sister. But Harrison is virtually untouchable. The only pinch point available is Victoria, the duke's sister. Lucien's plan is simple, ruin Victoria, create a mega-scandal, marry her (as he cannot seem to stay away from her), keep her away from her brothers and let the powerful Duke of Blackmore suffer. But we all know what happens to the best-laid plans! In Lucien & Victoria's case, it is the temptation, friendship, companionship, love and the unlikely truth that shakes them to the core.
My Thoughts
- This author knows how to spin a tale and what a tale it is. The story is riveting. I found zero faults with this book. It is exceedingly well written, well-paced and keeps you hooked.
- I love me some revenge trope. This story did justice not only to the central plotline but also to the romance. The sub-trope of marriage by scandal is one of my favourites, in this story, it was played out in perfect harmony.
- Elisa Braden is the queen of characters. Lucien & Victoria were beautifully fleshed out and endearing to a fault. This is remarkable, considering Lucien's ways were not particularly gentlemanly and Victoria was the key to his revenge. They were both unique and their chemistry, togetherness and involvement in each other's lives, was what made the romance, a pretty sight.
- The emotional intensity in this story sings through, as a reader you feel everything the author is describing.
- Generally, the story is narrated only from the couple's point of view, but in this one there were certain chapters with Harrison's POV. That lent additional insight into the next book's hero.
- The secondary characters too, were great. Harrison the honour-bound Duke, Colin (Victoria's other brother) the drunken degenerate, James, Lord Tannerbrook the grunting hulk of a man, Jane the bookish, shy best friend and of course, the dragon Lady Wallingham. It's not easy to weave these many people in and leave room for the hero & heroine's story, fortunately for all of us, Ms Braden has managed it successfully.
- Lucien was an interestingly contrary hero. I got his need to seek justice and empathized with him, did not hurt that he was a gorgeous alpha rake. What I loved was he treated Victoria so nicely, he was a besotted fool with her, it was adorable. His reaction when he found out the truth, had me weeping for him, he showed great restraint and chose love over revenge (it's a HEA after all) but did not forgive, nor should he have, I wouldn't.
- Victoria, on the first appearance, felt naive, because she was sheltered but came into her own. For the most part, she was clueless as no one told her shit until she decided to take the reins and figure things out. I loved the girl on a mission mode. Considering her limited power, in the context, she manoeuvred quite well.
- The prose was intelligent, humorous, sexy, romantic and lovely. The character development was steady and believeable. As I said, nothing at all was wrong with this book!
My Recommendation
Most things written by Elisa Braden come highly recommended by me! This series, barring 2 books will not disappoint you. I am re-reading this series as I write.
I read this book in July, re-read it this week, and this was a smashing debut by Elisa Braden.
Plot Summary
Lucien, the current Viscount Atherbourne, is out for revenge, on Harrison, the Duke of Blackmore, for killing his older brother (Gregory, the late Viscount Atherbourne) in a duel. There is one other, most important reason for his revenge, and that is, to seek justice for their sister. But Harrison is virtually untouchable. The only pinch point available is Victoria, the duke's sister. Lucien's plan is simple, ruin Victoria, create a mega-scandal, marry her (as he cannot seem to stay away from her), keep her away from her brothers and let the powerful Duke of Blackmore suffer. But we all know what happens to the best-laid plans! In Lucien & Victoria's case, it is the temptation, friendship, companionship, love and the unlikely truth that shakes them to the core.
My Thoughts
- This author knows how to spin a tale and what a tale it is. The story is riveting. I found zero faults with this book. It is exceedingly well written, well-paced and keeps you hooked.
- I love me some revenge trope. This story did justice not only to the central plotline but also to the romance. The sub-trope of marriage by scandal is one of my favourites, in this story, it was played out in perfect harmony.
- Elisa Braden is the queen of characters. Lucien & Victoria were beautifully fleshed out and endearing to a fault. This is remarkable, considering Lucien's ways were not particularly gentlemanly and Victoria was the key to his revenge. They were both unique and their chemistry, togetherness and involvement in each other's lives, was what made the romance, a pretty sight.
- The emotional intensity in this story sings through, as a reader you feel everything the author is describing.
- Generally, the story is narrated only from the couple's point of view, but in this one there were certain chapters with Harrison's POV. That lent additional insight into the next book's hero.
- The secondary characters too, were great. Harrison the honour-bound Duke, Colin (Victoria's other brother) the drunken degenerate, James, Lord Tannerbrook the grunting hulk of a man, Jane the bookish, shy best friend and of course, the dragon Lady Wallingham. It's not easy to weave these many people in and leave room for the hero & heroine's story, fortunately for all of us, Ms Braden has managed it successfully.
- Lucien was an interestingly contrary hero. I got his need to seek justice and empathized with him, did not hurt that he was a gorgeous alpha rake. What I loved was he treated Victoria so nicely, he was a besotted fool with her, it was adorable. His reaction when he found out the truth, had me weeping for him, he showed great restraint and chose love over revenge (it's a HEA after all) but did not forgive, nor should he have, I wouldn't.
- Victoria, on the first appearance, felt naive, because she was sheltered but came into her own. For the most part, she was clueless as no one told her shit until she decided to take the reins and figure things out. I loved the girl on a mission mode. Considering her limited power, in the context, she manoeuvred quite well.
- The prose was intelligent, humorous, sexy, romantic and lovely. The character development was steady and believeable. As I said, nothing at all was wrong with this book!
My Recommendation
Most things written by Elisa Braden come highly recommended by me! This series, barring 2 books will not disappoint you. I am re-reading this series as I write.
May 26, 2022
Nuances of spoilers ahead:
I can only say that I am glad that I started this series in the second book. This one was a disappointment to me. I cannot fathom someone accepting a stranger liberties upon her body without the least bit of resistance. The way the heroine was compromised was ludicrous. And I absolutely hated how she couldn't control her body urges and that he could lead her so easily through the chains of sex.
And I also dislike revenge plots where the undeserving suffer. I don't begrudge the hero's right to revenge and make whoever he thinks in the wrong some hurt, but he didn't even go deep to figure everything out. Never even passed his or his brothers mind that they are going after the wrong person. Understanding what happened fully was the first step to acceptance. And everyone that knows the heroine's brother could see he's too honorable to do the horrible things the hero was asking revenge for.
And worst of all was the fact that after figuring it all out, the person that deserved something, received nothing. On the contrary, the heroine asks the hero to forgive the villain. Ha! I hated that part. Specially after the villain's explanation.
Anyway, I am just glad that I started this series in the second book and I just read this one because I want to read the series again.
Most people enjoyed this book. It is a pity that I didn't but I know the series is a good one. (Although I read only until book #5)
I can only say that I am glad that I started this series in the second book. This one was a disappointment to me. I cannot fathom someone accepting a stranger liberties upon her body without the least bit of resistance. The way the heroine was compromised was ludicrous. And I absolutely hated how she couldn't control her body urges and that he could lead her so easily through the chains of sex.
And I also dislike revenge plots where the undeserving suffer. I don't begrudge the hero's right to revenge and make whoever he thinks in the wrong some hurt, but he didn't even go deep to figure everything out. Never even passed his or his brothers mind that they are going after the wrong person. Understanding what happened fully was the first step to acceptance. And everyone that knows the heroine's brother could see he's too honorable to do the horrible things the hero was asking revenge for.
And worst of all was the fact that after figuring it all out, the person that deserved something, received nothing. On the contrary, the heroine asks the hero to forgive the villain. Ha! I hated that part. Specially after the villain's explanation.
Anyway, I am just glad that I started this series in the second book and I just read this one because I want to read the series again.
Most people enjoyed this book. It is a pity that I didn't but I know the series is a good one. (Although I read only until book #5)
April 27, 2021
2.5☆
I wanted to like this more but just couldn't...
I can't see a forever happy ending for this couple. His wife's brothers are the cause for his own siblings death. Even if it was because of some circumstances, still... I couldn't even enjoy their hot scenes. The atmosphere was charged, it was really not something I could cope with.
Too bad that it was so tragic for Luc, I would have loved too see more of his character and story, there were so many missing pieces in his character development.
Hopefully the next one is not so dramatic and emotionally charged where is not the case.
I wanted to like this more but just couldn't...
I can't see a forever happy ending for this couple. His wife's brothers are the cause for his own siblings death. Even if it was because of some circumstances, still... I couldn't even enjoy their hot scenes. The atmosphere was charged, it was really not something I could cope with.
Too bad that it was so tragic for Luc, I would have loved too see more of his character and story, there were so many missing pieces in his character development.
Hopefully the next one is not so dramatic and emotionally charged where is not the case.
October 21, 2017
Really enjoying this author's HR. She's good at humor, banter, romantic scenes, and pathos. I love the variety of emotions she stirs.
Viscount Atherbourne -- Lucien -- is out to avenge his brother, the previous Viscount Atherbourne. Gregory was killed in a duel with the Duke of Blackmore.
Victoria Lacey is the younger sister of the Duke. She's betrothed to a boring marquess in what should be considered a splendid match. She is dreading her wedding day and wishes she could feel some kind of spark or ... anything.
Enter the aforementioned viscount. And "enter" is the correct word. His entrance to the ball where Victoria is about to scream her boredom gives her just the spark she'd been looking for. But it's oh so inappropriate and she has always been upright and appropriate. Shenanigans ensue.
Even though we know about the duel, there are still secrets. Easily sussed by the reader, but some characters don't know, and that gives the plot momentum. Lucien is being a jerk, but there is still sympathy for his pain. Poor Victoria is the pawn in the game, but she doesn't come off as weak. She's just trying to figure out what's going on in the midst of the Regency cocooning of females.
To be honest, I think I liked this book more because I read book 4 first. There is a character that appears in both stories, and knowing he's an honorable man softened Lucien for me as they're good friends. Braden does a good job with redemption, which is great since that's what this series seems to be about.
I'm devouring these books. It's been a long time since I've tried a new HR author and enjoyed them this much. Since I was in a slump and doing nothing but rereading, Elisa Braden is a really nice surprise.
Viscount Atherbourne -- Lucien -- is out to avenge his brother, the previous Viscount Atherbourne. Gregory was killed in a duel with the Duke of Blackmore.
Victoria Lacey is the younger sister of the Duke. She's betrothed to a boring marquess in what should be considered a splendid match. She is dreading her wedding day and wishes she could feel some kind of spark or ... anything.
Enter the aforementioned viscount. And "enter" is the correct word. His entrance to the ball where Victoria is about to scream her boredom gives her just the spark she'd been looking for. But it's oh so inappropriate and she has always been upright and appropriate. Shenanigans ensue.
Even though we know about the duel, there are still secrets. Easily sussed by the reader, but some characters don't know, and that gives the plot momentum. Lucien is being a jerk, but there is still sympathy for his pain. Poor Victoria is the pawn in the game, but she doesn't come off as weak. She's just trying to figure out what's going on in the midst of the Regency cocooning of females.
To be honest, I think I liked this book more because I read book 4 first. There is a character that appears in both stories, and knowing he's an honorable man softened Lucien for me as they're good friends. Braden does a good job with redemption, which is great since that's what this series seems to be about.
I'm devouring these books. It's been a long time since I've tried a new HR author and enjoyed them this much. Since I was in a slump and doing nothing but rereading, Elisa Braden is a really nice surprise.
September 9, 2025
While on FaceBook in the Old School Romance forum, the author Elisa Branden's name was recommended as a new author to check out. After reading the description of The Madness Of Viscount Atherbourne I decided to purchase it. I am certainly glad I did. What a wonderful romance...loved it.
The premise of the story is about Lucien Wyatt,Viscount Atherbourne, and the revenge he plans against the Duke of Blackmore, the man he believes is responsible for his sister's suicide and his brothers' death resulting in a duel with the Duke. After returning home from the war Lucien finds both his brother and sister dead, he is overcome with grief and anger at the man responsible. He plans to take from the Duke of Blackmore the one person he most loves, his sister Victoria. And he goes to a ball with the single purpose to find and cause the downfall of Victoria. Life for Victoria Lacey should be perfect. And it is—perfectly boring. For she has just agreed to marry a lord who has yet to inspire a single, solitary tingle. A man that's passion is for his hunting hounds and horses rather than his fiancé. No one would suspect her secret longing for heart-racing, head-spinning passion. Except, perhaps, a dark stranger… on a terrace… at a ball where she should definitely not be kissing a man she has only just met.
I highly recommend this romance novel. It will definitely be in my re read list of romances. I would rate the sensual level a 7. Looking forward to now reading The Truth About Cads and Dukes. Happy Reading....
The premise of the story is about Lucien Wyatt,Viscount Atherbourne, and the revenge he plans against the Duke of Blackmore, the man he believes is responsible for his sister's suicide and his brothers' death resulting in a duel with the Duke. After returning home from the war Lucien finds both his brother and sister dead, he is overcome with grief and anger at the man responsible. He plans to take from the Duke of Blackmore the one person he most loves, his sister Victoria. And he goes to a ball with the single purpose to find and cause the downfall of Victoria. Life for Victoria Lacey should be perfect. And it is—perfectly boring. For she has just agreed to marry a lord who has yet to inspire a single, solitary tingle. A man that's passion is for his hunting hounds and horses rather than his fiancé. No one would suspect her secret longing for heart-racing, head-spinning passion. Except, perhaps, a dark stranger… on a terrace… at a ball where she should definitely not be kissing a man she has only just met.
I highly recommend this romance novel. It will definitely be in my re read list of romances. I would rate the sensual level a 7. Looking forward to now reading The Truth About Cads and Dukes. Happy Reading....
March 18, 2019
3.60*
Nice start to the series.
A good revenge drama where the avenger, the H, despite swearing an all out vengeance, is incapable of being cold-blooded enough to hurt the h. They share a good chemistry - in and out of bed.
Book #2 is promising, the third I plan to skip (Colin is practically unredeemable as I see it - ruining two lives quite unconscionably!). Chatham is portrayed well as the lean hungry wolf!
James, I know is delicious in book #5! ♥️
Nice start to the series.
A good revenge drama where the avenger, the H, despite swearing an all out vengeance, is incapable of being cold-blooded enough to hurt the h. They share a good chemistry - in and out of bed.
Book #2 is promising, the third I plan to skip (Colin is practically unredeemable as I see it - ruining two lives quite unconscionably!). Chatham is portrayed well as the lean hungry wolf!
James, I know is delicious in book #5! ♥️
April 27, 2022
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne is the first book in the Rescued from Ruin series but I did read the prequel to the series first so that was my first Elisa Braden read. I just really love this series already and can’t wait to binge everything by her!
Hatred, not love, drives Lucien Wyatt, Viscount Atherbourne, to tempt the “Flower of Blackmore” into sin. After her brother did unthinkable damage to Lucien’s family, he intends to exact revenge the only way left to him: ruining his enemy’s sister, stealing her from Blackmore by making her his own. After the Duke of Blackmore killed his brother, the former Viscount, in a duel the year before, Lucien is out for revenge. So when he sees Victoria Lacey, the Duke’s sister, at a ball he takes the chance to ruin her…they share a passionate moment on the terrace and get caught. But when her brother is about to send Victoria away for her ruined reputation, Lucien sweeps in and proposes marriage instead!
I really liked this one! Victoria is betrothed to someone else when the story starts and is just bored of her ordinary life. Raised to be the prim and proper lady, Victoria has her world turned upside down when she meets Lucien. The chemistry between Lucien and Victoria was so good and I love the angst between them when they decide to keep their hands off one another. I liked seeing Victoria’s relationship with her brothers Harrison and Colin and really felt for Lucien’s losses. Their being happy together was dragged out a bit longer than I wanted as I did just want these 2 together and happy already. 😅
Hatred, not love, drives Lucien Wyatt, Viscount Atherbourne, to tempt the “Flower of Blackmore” into sin. After her brother did unthinkable damage to Lucien’s family, he intends to exact revenge the only way left to him: ruining his enemy’s sister, stealing her from Blackmore by making her his own. After the Duke of Blackmore killed his brother, the former Viscount, in a duel the year before, Lucien is out for revenge. So when he sees Victoria Lacey, the Duke’s sister, at a ball he takes the chance to ruin her…they share a passionate moment on the terrace and get caught. But when her brother is about to send Victoria away for her ruined reputation, Lucien sweeps in and proposes marriage instead!
I really liked this one! Victoria is betrothed to someone else when the story starts and is just bored of her ordinary life. Raised to be the prim and proper lady, Victoria has her world turned upside down when she meets Lucien. The chemistry between Lucien and Victoria was so good and I love the angst between them when they decide to keep their hands off one another. I liked seeing Victoria’s relationship with her brothers Harrison and Colin and really felt for Lucien’s losses. Their being happy together was dragged out a bit longer than I wanted as I did just want these 2 together and happy already. 😅
February 2, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne is the first book in the "Rescued From Ruin" and I immediately jumped into this one. I was very curious about this series after reading Colin's book last week. I did get quickly pulled into this one and I decided to go after this one in audio as it was available through my Hoopla. I found this story so much darker than Colin's book, its definitely a bit more edgier than I was expecting. The alpha is a bad boy alpha male and he is not someone to mess with he. He is controlling, possessive and demanding and out for revenge, so you put all that together and you just know the story is going to be wildin' However, this is the type of dark that I like to read in a historical romance. Its not a dark romance, but in comparison to the other books that I have read by this author previously, it definitely was edgier for sure. So don't expect a beta male in this one.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Viscount Atherbourne, Lucien Wyatt
-Alpha
-Rake/Rogue
-Revenge
-Dominating in the bedroom
The Heroine: Victoria Lacey
-Family's jewel
-Well Educated
-Independent
-Willful
Summary
When Victoria and Lucien first meet, they end up at a ballroom and when there is a scandalous kiss caught by the Ton, they are both forced into a marriage of convenience. However, there is some truths that Lucien hasn't been honest about including his vendetta against her brother who killed his brother in a duel. He has been out for revenge and he is determined to take something away from the Lacey family and that is now his wife. Victoria knows with the scandal, she has little choice but to marry Lucien. Even though their beginning is super rocky due to the circusmtances. But as Lucien and Victoria try to make their marriage work and come up with some common ground, there are secrets that Lucien is keeping from Victoria, and when all is revealed, it will throw the Lacey family a curveball they won't be expecting.
My Outlook
I found this story to be so delightful, I am actually enjoying the narration for these so I think I will continue with them or do a combo. If you are worried about engagement, I recommend listening to them for the first 35-40% and then switching back to the ebook and then it will really work out for you better as I know for quite a few readers her writing can be hard to get into. But I promise once you are into it, you can't put these down, and I am saying this as someone that struggles getting into historical's lately.
I really am enjoying the writing style that Elisa Braden is implementing into her books! They are just so delightful. I really have been so fascinated in seeing this story come to the truth and there were so many aspects to the story that I truly loved seeing come into place.
The first that I want to discuss is the steam type in this book. This author delivers on the STEAM, so if you feel like historical's lack in steam, you can do no wrong with Elisa Braden, she definitely knows how to incorporate it just right. I had little issues with the steam at all. And if you are wanting more alpha action in your historical's, look no further than this installment, because yeah he is definitely an alpha male. I absolutely adored how much this is played on in the story and whew he definitely has a powerful charisma to his character. I absolutely adore revenge books when it comes to the hero doing the revenge, the author handled this aspect so well. The heroine was his match though. I loved her character and how she works with the hero. Yay for non toxic historical heroines and she was definitely not modern (celebration)!!
And what we see happens in the end when everything gets revealed, yeah it definitely added more understanding to Colin's character and I am curious to see what else he does in book 2 and 3 haha
Overall View
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne is a superb installment that had me sucked into the story so completely. Its a story that is true to the time, a heroine that is honest and true, and a scandalous hero to adore!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4
Cover: 3
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4.5
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels: 4
Ending: 5
Overall View: 4
June 7, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No (though the overlying story continues through the whole series – characters stories are established and grown in each book)
Epilogue: Yes, but it focuses on Harrison, the hero from the next book (Book 2 - The Truth about Cads and Dukes)
Format: audiobook checked out on Hoopla
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
You can read the prequel novella (Ever Yours, Annabelle) and you SHOULD because it’s one of my FAVORITE BOOKS….but not totally necessary.
Basic plot:
Lucien is determined to see revenge against Blackmore and sees the perfect opportunity in his sister, the Flower of Blackmore.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1816)
- London setting
- ruined heroine
- revenge – hero wants revenge against the heroine’s brother
- plenty of angst
- bit of an antihero
- instalust
- you’re okay with a hero that can be a bit of a controlling jerk
- possessive, jealous hero
- medium steam – I have this at 3 full scenes and concentrated in the first half of the book. I could have missed something in the latter half of the book (I don’t do as well taking notes on audio)
First line
As the heat of her bath soaked into Marissa Wyatt's Skin, a single thought drifted through her mind, the words like acid dripping a constant stream.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed a lot about this one but I read it directly after Ever Yours, Annabelle, which I really REALLY loved. Like, one of my favorite books ever probably, I adored it so much. So this one had a lot to live up to and there were a few things I wasn’t a huge fan of so it didn’t get quite to 5 stars for me.
Overall this has a lot I love in romance. Compromised heroine is my jam. Revenge plot between the hero and the heroine’s family? Yes, please. I loved the characters and ate up the angst.
I struggled a touch with how Lucien and Victoria feel into lust so quickly. I like a tension buildup and just felt in minimally here. But what really made me struggle with this one compared to the prequel novel, is how they continued to have sex without the emotional aspect. Victoria would be hurt by him, angry with him and still submit to him and it just felt missing a little something for me.
I also got a little annoyed at the end how Lucien totally shut down and Victoria had to put in most of the effort to salvaging the relationship. I think it fit with the plot and Lucien’s prior problems, but I think it just drug on a touch too long for me, personally.
Still, I adored a lot about this one and loved how angsty their ending was. Lots of emotional focus. Also now I am starting to see why everyone complained that Colin couldn’t really recover as a hero from his previous actions...
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts: Taken from audio, any mistakes are my own
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: I felt like there was more than this? I could have missed some.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No (though the overlying story continues through the whole series – characters stories are established and grown in each book)
Epilogue: Yes, but it focuses on Harrison, the hero from the next book (Book 2 - The Truth about Cads and Dukes)
Format: audiobook checked out on Hoopla
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
You can read the prequel novella (Ever Yours, Annabelle) and you SHOULD because it’s one of my FAVORITE BOOKS….but not totally necessary.
Basic plot:
Lucien is determined to see revenge against Blackmore and sees the perfect opportunity in his sister, the Flower of Blackmore.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1816)
- London setting
- ruined heroine
- revenge – hero wants revenge against the heroine’s brother
- plenty of angst
- bit of an antihero
- instalust
- you’re okay with a hero that can be a bit of a controlling jerk
- possessive, jealous hero
- medium steam – I have this at 3 full scenes and concentrated in the first half of the book. I could have missed something in the latter half of the book (I don’t do as well taking notes on audio)
First line
As the heat of her bath soaked into Marissa Wyatt's Skin, a single thought drifted through her mind, the words like acid dripping a constant stream.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed a lot about this one but I read it directly after Ever Yours, Annabelle, which I really REALLY loved. Like, one of my favorite books ever probably, I adored it so much. So this one had a lot to live up to and there were a few things I wasn’t a huge fan of so it didn’t get quite to 5 stars for me.
Overall this has a lot I love in romance. Compromised heroine is my jam. Revenge plot between the hero and the heroine’s family? Yes, please. I loved the characters and ate up the angst.
I struggled a touch with how Lucien and Victoria feel into lust so quickly. I like a tension buildup and just felt in minimally here. But what really made me struggle with this one compared to the prequel novel, is how they continued to have sex without the emotional aspect. Victoria would be hurt by him, angry with him and still submit to him and it just felt missing a little something for me.
I also got a little annoyed at the end how Lucien totally shut down and Victoria had to put in most of the effort to salvaging the relationship. I think it fit with the plot and Lucien’s prior problems, but I think it just drug on a touch too long for me, personally.
Still, I adored a lot about this one and loved how angsty their ending was. Lots of emotional focus. Also now I am starting to see why everyone complained that Colin couldn’t really recover as a hero from his previous actions...
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts: Taken from audio, any mistakes are my own
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: I felt like there was more than this? I could have missed some.
May 28, 2022
“I would do anything for you, Victoria,” he rasped. “For your happiness. Anything. I would swim until I drown. Walk until no ground remained. You asked once if you mattered to me at all. The answer is this—you are the only thing that matters.”3.75 stars
I originally DNF'd this book quite quickly, because the beginning is truly ridiculous. And I still stand by that. That Victoria practically has sex at a ball on the terrace with some guy she's never met before (our hero, Lucien), is such BS. Okay, they don't get that far, but she goes topless—so given the times we’re talking about, they might as well.
For some reason, I decided to give this book another chance, since I love Braden's books generally speaking, and just told myself to read through this ridiculousness and see what happens. I'm glad I did, because I actually ended up really enjoying the book, the characters, and their relationship. Despite Victoria's ABSURD actions at the beginning, she ends up being a very sensible, practical, and brave heroine.
It's a revenge driven plot, but one that actually makes sense—Lucien is fully in right in hating Colin's guts. Granted, he hates Blackmore's guts, because he thinks it was him, and not his younger brother Colin, who ruined his sister and broke her heart. He also hates Blackmore's guts because he killed Lucien's older brother in a duel (the brother challenged Blackmore since he, also, didn't know it was in fact Colin who had ruined their sister). So yeah, Lucien has plenty of valid reasons to hate Victoria's entire family!
My Original Review (DNF).
I had to put this book down less than 10% in. I love some Elisa Braden books ... and others are huge misses for me (and this was one of them). Two words exchanged, and the hero and heroine are out on the balcony, her gown is pushed down with him making out with her chest and up with his hand up her skirts ... or were they just dry humping? Frankly, I don't remember anymore—I started and stopped it July 25th; it's now almost the end of October and I haven't picked it back up since (and will not be doing so). Whatever it was, it was over-the-top and absolutely ridiculous, and they get caught with half the ballroom watching her come after 3 pages of fooling around.
November 5, 2022
10 stars for a favourite couple. The sweet h is compliant but not considered a beauty. The H determines to take his revenge on her brother by ruining her. Then decides if he marries her, he can hurt her brother even more. Of course, he hurts her and himself even more. Loved the heroine, and that the H thinks she's gorgeous. Loved it.
March 15, 2021
4.75 stars
This is the first book in the Rescued from Ruin series and features Victoria and Lucien. Victoria is set to marry a bore of a man and laments on the fact while attending a ton party. Lucien walks in and it is at this moment that Victoria first sees Lucien.
Victoria who is quickly realizing the mediocrity that her life may be steps outside onto the terrace for some air and Lucien approaches her. Victoria succumbs to Lucien's charm and seduction and is caught...forcing scandal and ruin on Victoria. Unbeknownst to her, Lucien's attraction to Victoria was more self serving and vengeful. Victoria's brother Harrison killed Lucien's brother in a duel and Lucien also thinks that Harrison sent his sister to an early grave.
However, Lucien's original plan to take revenge on Harrison by ruining his sister backfires when he realizes his attraction to Victoria is stronger than he was expecting. He also realizes that Victoria is an innocent in many ways. So, he offers his hand in marriage so they may try and repair the damage and ruin to Victoria. Victoria, a hopeless romantic agrees.
However, Lucien is still set on punishing Harrison and Victoria quickly realizes that despite the heat and chemistry between them...that may never be enough to forge a lasting and loving relationship.
But things aren't always what they seem and truths come to light. Can Lucien give up his quest for revenge and share a life with Victoria? Can Victoria forgive Lucien? What will come of it all?
Victoria was such a wonderful heroine. She had a quiet strength and while naïve, I loved who she was...for herself and for Lucien. Lucien was a butt hole...I won't lie about that but I felt like he needed to be that way to really see how far he came. I believe he redeemed himself in the end.
Victoria and Lucien were also really hot together. I loved their passion and love...even when they were at odds with each other.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. While you did have to set aside some belief because the revenge plot was rather over the top...it didn't stop me from loving it. The only thing I did not like about this book was the cover....it's just really bad. Haha. If you like steamy historical romances with revenge and groveling, I would suggest picking this one up.
This is the first book in the Rescued from Ruin series and features Victoria and Lucien. Victoria is set to marry a bore of a man and laments on the fact while attending a ton party. Lucien walks in and it is at this moment that Victoria first sees Lucien.
Victoria who is quickly realizing the mediocrity that her life may be steps outside onto the terrace for some air and Lucien approaches her. Victoria succumbs to Lucien's charm and seduction and is caught...forcing scandal and ruin on Victoria. Unbeknownst to her, Lucien's attraction to Victoria was more self serving and vengeful. Victoria's brother Harrison killed Lucien's brother in a duel and Lucien also thinks that Harrison sent his sister to an early grave.
However, Lucien's original plan to take revenge on Harrison by ruining his sister backfires when he realizes his attraction to Victoria is stronger than he was expecting. He also realizes that Victoria is an innocent in many ways. So, he offers his hand in marriage so they may try and repair the damage and ruin to Victoria. Victoria, a hopeless romantic agrees.
However, Lucien is still set on punishing Harrison and Victoria quickly realizes that despite the heat and chemistry between them...that may never be enough to forge a lasting and loving relationship.
But things aren't always what they seem and truths come to light. Can Lucien give up his quest for revenge and share a life with Victoria? Can Victoria forgive Lucien? What will come of it all?
Victoria was such a wonderful heroine. She had a quiet strength and while naïve, I loved who she was...for herself and for Lucien. Lucien was a butt hole...I won't lie about that but I felt like he needed to be that way to really see how far he came. I believe he redeemed himself in the end.
Victoria and Lucien were also really hot together. I loved their passion and love...even when they were at odds with each other.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. While you did have to set aside some belief because the revenge plot was rather over the top...it didn't stop me from loving it. The only thing I did not like about this book was the cover....it's just really bad. Haha. If you like steamy historical romances with revenge and groveling, I would suggest picking this one up.
May 5, 2016
Elisa Braden is being added to my short list of auto-buy authors. This story reminds me of the kind of HR written by one of my favorite authors, Lisa Kleypas.
July 19, 2025
I really loved the Dowager Marchioness of Wallingham.
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