Unmasking Sin

Pleasure Garden #3

by Mary Lancaster

A more intriguing option…

Rebecca, Lady Cornish, is lonely. She comes to Maida Pleasure Gardens, masked and alone, just to feel part of a world that still dances and laughs. But she repels all company—until the mysterious Ludovic Dunne refuses to be dismissed. Intrigued and unwillingly attracted, Rebecca begins to wonder if he might become a friend.

And she is badly in need of friends.

Twice widowed by the age of two-and-twenty, Rebecca is shunned by the ton and reviled as “The Black Widow”, convicted by rumor of murdering her husbands. She endures her isolation but refuses to give up her son to hostile family. Surely Ludovic, a solicitor who specializes in solving people’s knotty problems, is the man to help her fight?

Ludovic, however, is already on a mission to find evidence against her. Haunted by the past, he will never let his heart interfere with justice. By the time he proves the sin is not Rebecca’s, he has lost her trust. But that will not stop him from helping her, even if she never knows.

Mystery and danger culminate inevitably at Maida Gardens, but when Ludovic’s past catches up with him, will love be enough to save him and the woman he loves beyond reason?

Genres: Historical, Romance

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2021

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

Connect with Mary on-line:
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Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice widowed by the age of two-and-twenty, Rebecca, Lady Cornish is shunned by the ton and reviled as “The Black Widow”, convicted by rumour of murdering her husbands. She endures her isolation but refuses to give up her son Tom to hostile family. Solicitor Ludovic Dunne, is already on a mission to find evidence against her. Haunted by the past, he will never let his heart interfere with justice. By the time he proves the sin is not Rebecca’s, he has lost her trust. But that will not stop him from helping her, even if she never knows.
This is the third book in the series & is easily read on its own. I found this to be a well written book with strong characters & it flowed effortlessly in fact so well that I read it in a sitting & it was turned 3am when I finished it. I loved both Ludovic & Rebecca & was totally invested in their journey to a HEA. Whilst they were attracted to each other from their first meeting it wasn't insta love & I how loved how they gradually became friends & grew to trust whilst falling in love. I also thoroughly enjoyed the uncles getting their comeuppances plus a villain from Ludovic’s past made an appearance. I also loved catching up with some characters from a previous series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

She only wanted to be left alone, but needed to be near people, so she had gone to Maida Pleasure gardens to watch the festivities.

He had been hired to prove her guilty of murdering her second husband so that her in laws could get total custody of her son.

But everything was not as it seemed and he began to believe her innocent.. Oh yes and began to have feelings for her. When he figures out she is not guilty, it just might be too late!

Mystery, a little suspense, amazing characters and a journey to find true love if only they can survive it and trust each other! Another fabulous addition to this intriguing series!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..  


I'm in love with this cover...  Unmasking Sin is a 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟 I feel bad for Rebecca she's had bad luck with husband they call her The Black Widow she winders if she can find ture love and keep him alive. 




Happy Reading Lisa 📚 

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Rebecca, Lady Cornish, has been widowed twice at the young age of 22. There's rumours about her late husbands in the ton, and so she is gossiped about, and reviled as a murderess. Her only solace is her young son, though her in laws want to take him from her, and have her punished. Enter Ludovic Dunne, hired to find evidence about her crimes by the in laws, and who needs to get close to her and hope she slips up. So when she goes to Maida Gardens, it would be the perfect opportunity, yes? However, it soon seems that Rebecca has cracked Ludovic's hard shell, and though he prides himself on always achieving his goal, he may have to admit defeat this time around.

The mystery in this book wasn't too hard to crack. I felt sorry for Rebecca, and all she needed, really, was a friend and confidante. Neither of the main character's were trusting people, and it was hard for both to allow the other to get too close. They had been through heartbreak in the past, so were wary to open themselves up again, but I liked the way they came together, especially with Rebecca's son too. This was a really quick book to read, enjoyable though not entirely memorable, and I'm hoping we'll see the couple in subsequent books.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better! Amidst treachery, libel, and embezzlement, a beautiful romance emerges between two people who are undoubtedly soul mates. Tasking with proving Lady Cornish's guilt at any price, Ludovic, solicitors, and private investigator, quickly comes to the realization that he has been seriously misled by her in-laws. However, as danger against her and Rebecca's young son is ramped up, Ludovic goes the extra mile in proving her innocence and in doing so falls irrevocably in love with her. Rebecca has been used and abused by her family and has learned to face society with a calm facade, but when her son is threatened she becomes a lioness and stands again anyone who would take him from her. However, when Ludovic's past and Rebecca's present collide, it takes careful planning to expose the plots afoot. This romance is well-written, fast-paced, and exciting and as it careens into an exciting conclusion, justice is served. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

"Unmasking Sin" is a sensuous historical romance that is packed with intrigue, slander and treason!

Read full review in the 2022 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing two husbands at a young age makes for a lot of rumors that Rebecca, Lady Cornish, murdered both of her husbands. Her son's great uncles are trying to prove she is an unfit mother. They hire solicitor, Ludovic Dunne, who digs for the truth, a truth they find doesn't work in their favor. Once Ludovic no longer works for the uncles, he immediately goes to aid Rebecca. Discovering embezzlement, a traitor and attempted murder close up the loose ends. It all started with an encounter in Maida Gardens.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca is known as “The Black Widow” as she has had two husbands die on her. Her second husband’s family starts rumors that she killed him off and she is shunned by society. Ludovic, a solicitor, is sent to investigate. Not only does he find the beautiful and kind Rebecca not guilty, but he begins to have feelings for her. Together they fight to restore her good name. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unmasking Sin by Mary Lancaster is another of her Maida Pleasure Gardens series. Lady Rebecca Cornish is a widow with a young son. As a woman, she can't be the guardian to her son so instead his great uncles are and make Rebecca's life a misery and, she believes, are stealing from him. There is little she can do to prove and of it until she meets solicitor, Ludovic Dunne. She is known as the Black Widow since both of her husband's have died. Her first husband was elderly and died of natural causes, as did Lord Cornish. The gossip doesn't support those facts and so she has been ostracized. She goes some evening to the Maida Pleasure Gardens where she wears a mask, orders one glass of wine, and speaks to no one. This she does to be around people. This is where Dunne first meets her. He is in the employ of her son's great uncles and is charged with finding evidence that she is unfit as a mother. Since that is not true, he is unable to complete is mission and resigns from that particular mission. As they get to know one another, it becomes apparent that she is being poorly used by her husband's family and Dunne sets out to right this wrong.

This is a charming series, and Rebecca is a horrifying example of the power men held in this time period. Dunne does not have a positive view of himself, primarily because he has failed to prove his brother innocent of charges, which led to his execution years earlier. He is not a rich solicitor, instead is more interested in justice. They make a lovely couple, despite the fact of their different social rank. Lancaster has chosen a subject that is prevalent even today when people with money and power, often men, take advantage of those in a lesser situation. It is a well-written story with excellent characters that makes the reader want to go after the bad guys.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Unmasking Sin by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #marylancaster #unmaskingsin

[Riddhi Mazumder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this free digital copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Rebecca is called “The Black Widow” as she has had two husbands die on her. She was widowed by the age of two-and-twenty. She's lonely and in dire need of a companion. She meets Ludovic Dunne at the Maide Pleasure Gardens and she feels an attraction. That is until she realizes that Ludovic is working for her son's uncles--the same people who have been trying to take her son away from her. When Ludovic realizes he has been working for the wrong party, he tries to reconcile, but the damage is already done. Will he be able to convince her that he only wants to help her clear her name?

Yes! A million times yes!

This book started out a bit slow. The characters were fine, the descriptions were great, and the plot fantastic. But something just wasn't fitting. But after a few chapters, the plot began to lure me in with its merciless twists and turns.
The story is well-written and entertaining, The plot is fast-paced, just how I like it. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is full of drama, scandal, secrets, betrayal, and a beautiful romance developing between two intense characters. It has witty and smart dialogues. The sexual moments are very tastefully written. What's not to love?
In case I haven't made it clear, I loved Ludovic with all my mangled heart. He was charming and had similar a tone similar to Simon from Bridgerton and the story also played out like a true Regency romance. Just the perfect book to curl up with, in the winters.

This book is part of a series, and we see some appearances of characters from previous books, but it can be read as a standalone. I will definitely recommend this book and series to my friends.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to purchase this book while it was on sale because the plot sounded so unusual. Lady Rebecca Cornish, twice widowed and only twenty-three years old, is dubbed the Black Widow. Her late husband’s family is determined to rescue her young son from her terrible influence and they hire Ludovic Dunne to find evidence of her evil deeds and immoral behavior since the death of her husband. Instead, he finds evidence of her innocence and finds himself falling in love with her. After some initial challenges, like the sense he deceived her by investigating her on behalf of her husband’s family, she also feels a tendre for him. They become friends.

At some point, she meets Ludovic’s friend Franciso who hints to Rebecca that Ludovic has feelings for her. He explains that Ludovic looks at her in a way he doesn’t look at other friends, “...as if I am the last cake in the baker’s shop that some cruel fate prevents him from eating.”

He then goes on to tell her: “...you are the only woman I have ever seen get under his skin. In plain language, my lady, he is in love with you and will never act upon that before you both are so miserable he finally decides it might be more honorable to speak than to let you suffer. If you love him, show him, or you will waste a lot of precious time on this earth.” Fortunately, she takes his words to heart.

Meanwhile, there are evil forces looking to harm both Rebecca and Ludovic, each for different reasons, and they help one another to vanquish their enemies. The story is full of action, unpleasant characters, as well as nice ones, and a plot unlike any I have read before. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series and this is a stand alone story.

There's a mystery in trying to get at the truth of the H's brother being convicted of treason. Even though you have several villains, they're all known to you quickly. That didn't diminish the suspense at times in the story. You will be waiting to see what mistakes they would hopefully make so they pay for their crimes.

Parts were filled with suspense, intrigue, twists and romance. I liked that the H/h didn't fall instant in love but grew to love each other. Neither felt worthy of the other especially the H. The middle dragged somewhat but the ending made up for it.

The h didn't make dumb choices or play the victim to the hilt. She figures out quickly the intent of the H and I thought how she reacted was appropriately. The H is loyal and a problem solver. When the H finds out the motives of the h's uncles he acts as you thought he would. Neither reacted out of character and I appreciated that. I dislike stories when you read it feels like the character's have split personalities, not with this author.

There is lovemaking outside of marriage and described a few times. Heat level 2 out of 5 and since I felt a connection to this couple it was filled with love.

A few editing errors but nothing major. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, wonderful and satisfying ending and a tad of spice. (ljb)

[Debra Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Rebecca Cornish has not had the best of luck with husbands. Having been widowed twice, scandal has named her The Black Widow and accuse her of killing them. She's friendless and lonely. When she meets Ludovic Dunne at the Maide Pleasure Gardens, she feels a stirring of desire until she realizes he's working for her son's uncles--the very men who have been trying to take her son away from her. Ludovic soon discovers he's working for the wrong party, but the damage is done and Rebecca no longer trusts him. Can he convince her that he's done working for the uncles and only wants to help her clear her name and keep her son?

I really enjoyed this book. I felt so bad for Rebecca and her situation was unfortunately not unique with women having no voice of their own. She has done nothing wrong, but rumor paints her as a murderess. I loved Ludovic and his fight for justice. He only wants to get at the truth, but the more involved he is with Rebecca's problems, the more he's attracted to her. Their love story takes most of the story to work toward a HEA. The author does a great job of letting their love blossom without any insta love. There's also a mystery that is resolved involving Ludovic's brother. I'm looking forward to reading the next story in the series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca, Lady Cornish goes to the Maida Pleasure Gardens to surround herself with company, whilst never talking to anyone, until Ludovic Dunne refuses to accept her silent treatment. Having been widowed twice by the age of two-and-twenty, Rebecca is now called “The Black Widow” and shunned by family and society. When she asks Ludovic to help, in his role as solicitor, she is hurt when he refuses. However, Ludovic must first separate himself from Rebecca’s uncles who are determined to take her son away from her. Soon Ludovic cannot stay away and is resolute in solving all of her problems.
The third book in the series ‘Pleasure Gardens’, has a similar intensity as that of Book 1, which I loved. Two very captivating characters with Ludovic’s quiet, intense and honourable nature being the one thing that Rebecca has missed in her life. Rebecca’s strength is apparent but the hardship she has faced, means that her façade hides her determination to care for her son, in the manner that she believes will be best for him. The attraction and love that follows for Rebecca and Ludovic are well deserved and drawn out beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the intensity of the story. I look forward to reading more in this great series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is lonely. She comes to Maida Pleasure Gardens, masked and alone, just to feel part of a world that still dances and laughs. But she repels all company—until the mysterious Ludovic Dunne refuses to be dismissed. Intrigued and unwillingly attracted, Rebecca begins to wonder if he might become a friend.
And she is badly in need of friends.
Twice widowed by the age of two-and-twenty, Rebecca is shunned by the ton and reviled as “The Black Widow”, convicted by rumor of murdering her husbands. She endures her isolation but refuses to give up her son to hostile family. Surely Ludovic, a solicitor who specializes in solving people’s knotty problems, is the man to help her fight?
Ludovic, however, is already on a mission to find evidence against her. Haunted by the past, he will never let his heart interfere with justice. By the time he proves the sin is not Rebecca’s, he has lost her trust. But that will not stop him from helping her, even if she never knows.
Mystery and danger culminate inevitably at Maida Gardens, but when Ludovic’s past catches up with him, will love be enough to save him and the woman he loves beyond reason?
This is an amazing story of treachery and love.
Rebecca and Ludovic make an amazing couple in that there is a love that is undeniable. I love this Cover Design.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

This is the first full novel from Mary Lancaster that I have read (I discovered her in the Dragonblade Halloween and Christmas anthologies) and it did not disappoint! It draws you in right from the first page and the pacing is perfect to keep you interested for the entire story. I really liked both Rebecca and Ludovic as individual characters and as a couple. Her anger with him when she finds out he was working for her uncles-in-law was justified - the scene where she gets him to offer his assistance just to turn him down was pretty great (maybe a little petty, but great). That being said, I was glad that she was willing to forgive him and let him use his resources to help her. I also really liked that the author keeps a balance to this relationship by having Rebecca help Ludovic with Dauncy. That way she was not just some damsel in need of rescuing, but a strong woman capable of pulling her own weight. The scene with the uncles-in-law was pretty great too - it's always good to see the villains get what they have coming to them. I'll definitely be searching for more novels by this author!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each book in this series is so wildly different, even the styles and tones differ. So I never know what to expect and I must admit it took me a minute to get into. When I was reading this, I kept picturing an old school film noir.

Rebecca, Lady Cornish, a widow twice over, is believed to have killed both her husbands. When Ludovic Dunne is hired to find evidence of her guilt, he finds himself falling in love with Rebecca and wanting to rescue the lonely widow. I found Ludovic to be such a rich character, I loved that he had a moral code to correct injustices. I also loved when he comes to the realization that Rebecca needs someone to stand by her. And it's such an easy switch for him to make. I hate it when the heroine is a victim and is then victimized by the hero. Thankfully this was not the case.

Rebecca finds herself attracted to Ludovic but angry that he's working against her. When she finds out he has his own injustices he is fighting, she works with him to solve both of their dilemmas. The book sort of wrapped up neatly and every clue and question were answered in order. This basically never happens so it was a nice conclusion.

It wasn't what I usually expect from Lancaster but it was still an enjoyable story.

[Alicia Marsland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rerun in a way

This author seems to come up with a good plot every time but the people, especially the main characters, lack 3 dimensions and many of the tropes are trite though time-honored. Also the works ( well-written and entertaining) contribute to the silliness of our times. The illicit love is always titillating. I get it. As an old married woman, I am immune, but I worry about the more susceptible, especially the young women. Sudden passion is more conducive to a short romance novel but long acquaintance is much more sure. Every fictional couple marries at some point but in real life nonfictional couples break up at an astounding rate (those live together first are most likely to fail) and media is, to a large extent, responsible for not setting the most enduring path in a more alluring light. I am not sure which series is in what order, but at some point, this author saved the bliss and ecstasy for after the wedding. I hope it was the more recent development.

An author is also custodian of language. One should always doublecheck spellings, especially of homophones, names and such. Plus, commas are invaluable, when used properly.

Lancaster has the talent to be a truly great writer.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I expect an excellent story from Mary Lancaster and again I'm not disappointed.

Rebecca has had poor marriages. The first to an elderly friend of her parents and then an impetuous marriage to a handsome rake. She's got a delightful son, Tom and some hideous Uncles in Law and Mother-in-law. The Uncles are spreading rumours and employ Ludovic, a solicitor, to dig up some dirt. He's annoyed at himself for not doing due diligence on these creeps but does the work and quickly produces a report so that he can then legitimately support Rebecca.

There are two sins to resolve, one involving Rebecca and a more difficult one involving Ludo.

We see some characters from previous books which is delightful and enhances my enjoyment. The romance is just kisses until near the end but done tastefully so I'd think would be OK for those that prefer clean romances.

I have no problems recommending this book and series and I now I shall re-read it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, intrigue & love. All the markers of a truly great romance. Mary Lancaster has a way of writing characters that instantly makes them take root in your heart. Not only the hero and heroine but even secondary characters like Francisco and even servants like Simmie and Dawson, stand out in an endearing manner.
From the very start, you longed to see Rebecca find friendship in a society that had turned their backs on her. For Ludovic to understand that need and ask for assistance from the Duke of Dearham was such a touching and selfless act. His sisters stepping in and being won over by her kind and charming personality, show how mistaken people were in their esteem of her. I also really enjoyed getting another glimpse of Napper and his unyielding loyalty. He was one of my favourite characters in Dominic’s story. Like each of the Pleasure Garden series, I could not put this book down until I knew the end.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the series and my first opportunity reading one of Ms. Lancaster's books. Although I have not read the previous books, I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Rebecca has been widowed twice and is shunned by society. Being rumored to have murdered her husbands, Ludovic is hired to prove her guilty of the crime. As the investigation progresses, he begins to believe in her innocence and does what he can to try and prove it and in the process has fallen in love with her, but by then has he lost her trust? As he helps her prove her innocence, he also discovers other dangers at play. This story was truly captivating with elements of mystery, intrigue, danger and romance. The story captured my attention from the start and kept it all the way through. Great story and wonderful characters!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Maria Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book

This was a sweet romance, a dash of spice, very mild, but an upfront couple, not denying their feelings or dragging it out so much.

I gave it four stars because I thought they could have spent a bit more time together. The first half of the book the couple barely have any interactions. The chemistry is there though, almost a love at first sight feeling to it. They both are just instantly drawn to the other and it leaves you wanting more.

In the end I did think they needed a few more interactions before declaring their love for each other. But I really enjoyed seeing them support each other! NO ridiculous misunderstanding or poor communication! Very refreshing in that aspect.

Def recommend.

HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Steam: 0.5/5* more a summarized love scene.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice widowed Lady Rebecca Cornish bravely faces the loneliness of being ostracized from society by donning a mask and sitting on the sidelines to watch others enjoying themselves. 

Rumors have judged her guilty of being a black widow.

Ludovic Dunne is a solicitor known for uncovering the truth.  Perhaps certain people should have thought a bit more about that before they hired him.  

Society can be very cruel and also easily led by malicious gossip. 

A very entertaining historical romance with fabulous characters.  There is danger, excitment and a few giggles.  

This is part of a series but each book can be read on it's own.  

Good fun.  

[Samsbookspot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebecca is shunned by the ton and reviled as “The Black Widow”, due to her first two husband’s dying. The rumours are she is guilty of murdering them. She endures her isolation from polite society but refuses to give up her son to her dead husband’s hostile family. Ludovic, a solicitor who specializes in solving people’s knotty problems, could be the man to help her fight?

Ludovic, however, has already been employed by the dead husband’s family to find evidence against her. Haunted by the past, he will never let his heart interfere with justice. By the time he proves Rebecca’s innocence, he has lost her trust. But that will not stop him from helping her, even if she never knows.

This is book three of the pleasure garden series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I loved Ludovic and Rebecca’s story they were great characters, the romance between them was a bit of a slow burn but I like that. There also was a bit of danger and excitement in this story also a few laugh out loud moments.

Thank you to Netgalley, Dragonblade publishing and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

[Linda A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and Turns in the Plot, a Great Read!

There is so much in this novel that keeps the reader.
Interested - a brave, beautiful heroine who is wrongly accused of killing her 2 prior husbands, and really cares about her son. Add hostile in laws who are trying to take her son away and hire the H to investigate her to prove her an unfit mother. But the H realizes she is innocent and his investigation proves it, and that the boy's geat uncles and grandmother are embezzling funds. The H has his own enemy, who ends up joining the uncles in a plot to kill both of them. The ending was totally satisfactory, with all the bad actors getting there just deserts.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilty of wrong choices

Ludovic was hired by greedy grasping relatives of Rebecca's! He never dived into the character of his clients until his investigations showed him he was on the wrong side! My heart ached for Rebecca callously misused by her first husband and cheated on by the second who legit thought he loved her!?
Ludovic realizes he's wrong and goes to great lengths to restore her reputation and her fortunes! Somewhere along the way they fall for each other and their enemies want blood literally! Love does conquer all but its almost too late!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pleasure Garden series by Mary Lancaster is a winner! Unmasking Sin is the second book in the series and it is a pleasure to read. The books are based on experiences in Maida Gardens, a semi-glamorous pleasure garden in London. Lady Cornish, the Black Widow, has buried two husbands and now her son's family wants custody of her son. They have hired Ludovic Dunne to prove she is an unfit mother. He sees her at Maida Gardens sitting alone, watching the dancing, but she doesn't participate. He may have his work cut out for him! I love how Mrs. Lancaster always writes more than one story into her books. There are always multiple actions occuring at one time that revolve around the theme of the story. You just cannot put her books down once you pick one up. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt like your formulaic regency romance with not enough intrigue or spice to keep it interesting.

I was hoping for more from our masked heroine Rebecca, but it was only in the last 25% that her character started to shine through and the book quickly ended following that.

A good, quick read but could have had a little more to it! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca goes to the Pleasure Gardens because she is lonely. After both her first and second husband die, she is shunned by society and believed to have had something to do with the death of her second husband. Her late husband's family are having her investigated by Ludovic, but he finds the beautiful widow not guilty. As he starts to have feelings for her, they discover that her dead husband's brothers are stealing from her son's estate and trying to get custody of him.
There are many twists and turns in this book and I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable 5 star read.
Mary Lancaster never disappoints.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Integrity

She had been named the Black Widow because her two husbands had died. She now has her second husband's family not only spreading vicious rumors but trying g to get custody of her son. But there's a hero on the scene now that not only realizes the rumors can't be true but sees the relatives for what they are. I love Mary Lancaster's stories. The characters are so real.