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The Bluestocking War #6
The Beast's Betrothed
Miss Mary Lucy is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the notorious bawd, Mrs. Hughes’, to pay off her father's debts. Just as she is certain she is about to become the possession of some lord who will do whatever he pleases for one night, a man comes out of the shadows and bids an astronomical sum of money. She is uncertain if he is the devil himself or her savior. But there is one thing that is true. The Earl of Blackmore is unlike any man she has ever met, and when he whisks her away from that place, she is shocked to find that the earl has no intention of using the night he purchased. She quickly hopes that she can convince him to be her permanent keeper. Instead, the enigmatic and dangerous lord offers her a chance at freedom she never expected.
The Earl of Blackmore is used to maneuvering people. All his adult life he has organized England from the shadows, but in one moment, his life changes entirely. For in that moment, he is determined to make a difference in Mary’s life. After purchasing her for the night, he knows that is not enough. He must ensure she is safe from her father for all time. But there is only one way to truly offer protection to a young lady. He will ask her to become his betrothed. But can he let her in? Or will their marriage be only one of convenience?
The Earl of Blackmore is used to maneuvering people. All his adult life he has organized England from the shadows, but in one moment, his life changes entirely. For in that moment, he is determined to make a difference in Mary’s life. After purchasing her for the night, he knows that is not enough. He must ensure she is safe from her father for all time. But there is only one way to truly offer protection to a young lady. He will ask her to become his betrothed. But can he let her in? Or will their marriage be only one of convenience?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2022
401 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 23, 2023
2.5 stars
I could not get interested in this story. Just seemed to be a repeat of the other story’s in the series.
I could not get interested in this story. Just seemed to be a repeat of the other story’s in the series.
January 13, 2023
dnf at 50%
lost interested, didnt care too much
first it was just something interesting and mysterious and later very boring, like 2 different people was writing this book
lost interested, didnt care too much
first it was just something interesting and mysterious and later very boring, like 2 different people was writing this book
November 2, 2022
Mary is in a panic. Her father is selling her to the highest bidder, because he needs the money. There were gentlemen sitting at tables waiting for the bidding to take place. Lord Blackmore comes to her rescue and pays £300 for Mary, but he has no intension of touching her, just to keep her safe.
Enjoyed reading this, and loving the series. Good plot. 4☆
Enjoyed reading this, and loving the series. Good plot. 4☆
June 7, 2022
Good book
Good book. Intriguing plot. Quick read. Sexy.
The heroines character could have been fleshed out a bit more than it was.
Good book. Intriguing plot. Quick read. Sexy.
The heroines character could have been fleshed out a bit more than it was.
June 7, 2022
Good read. I wasn't as enthralled by this story or it's heroine as much as the previous books. I think it's the way Mary acted while on the auction block as opposed to so much courage, that the beginning seemed like a lie. Now she has the courage to do just about anything? She just didn't do it for me. I did like the other characters, except her father. He was just a mean idiot. Having said that, I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
June 24, 2022
This is my 45th book I’ve read of Eva Devon’s. I read 1 book back in 2016 but didn’t pick her back up until 2018 and have been reading her ever since.
I am really enjoying this series.
I enjoyed Mary and Rafe's story. Quick read but a good one.
I am really enjoying this series.
I enjoyed Mary and Rafe's story. Quick read but a good one.
June 16, 2022
Was this by a different author? It was so fake and contrived. It’s like cotton candy in book form, too sweet and then it just dissolves.
June 8, 2022
Good Series
The Bluestocking Wars is a great series. Miss Mary Lucy is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the notorious bawd, Mrs. Hughes’, to pay off her father’s debts. Just as she is certain she is about to become the possession of some lord who will do whatever he pleases for one night, a man comes out of the shadows and bids an astronomical sum of money. She is uncertain if he is the devil himself or her savior. But there is one thing that is true. The Earl of Blakemore is unlike any man she has ever met, and when he whisks her away from that place, she is shocked to find that the earl has no intention of using the night he purchased. She quickly hopes that she can convince him to be her permanent keeper. Instead, the enigmatic and dangerous lord offers her a chance at freedom she never expected. The Earl of Blakemore is used to maneuvering people. All his adult life he has organized England from the shadows, but in one moment, his life changes entirely. For in that moment, he is determined to make a difference in Mary’s life. After purchasing her for the night, he knows that is not enough. He must ensure she is safe from her father for all time. But there is only one way to truly offer protection to a young lady. He will ask her to become his betrothed. But can he let her in? Or will their marriage be only one of convenience? I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
The Bluestocking Wars is a great series. Miss Mary Lucy is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the notorious bawd, Mrs. Hughes’, to pay off her father’s debts. Just as she is certain she is about to become the possession of some lord who will do whatever he pleases for one night, a man comes out of the shadows and bids an astronomical sum of money. She is uncertain if he is the devil himself or her savior. But there is one thing that is true. The Earl of Blakemore is unlike any man she has ever met, and when he whisks her away from that place, she is shocked to find that the earl has no intention of using the night he purchased. She quickly hopes that she can convince him to be her permanent keeper. Instead, the enigmatic and dangerous lord offers her a chance at freedom she never expected. The Earl of Blakemore is used to maneuvering people. All his adult life he has organized England from the shadows, but in one moment, his life changes entirely. For in that moment, he is determined to make a difference in Mary’s life. After purchasing her for the night, he knows that is not enough. He must ensure she is safe from her father for all time. But there is only one way to truly offer protection to a young lady. He will ask her to become his betrothed. But can he let her in? Or will their marriage be only one of convenience? I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 22, 2022
Delightful!
Rafe, the Earl of Blackmore, is such a wonderful character. Caring for the downtrodden, but collector of information, he tries to "save" those he can. His quiet understanding and ability to deliver truth about the harshness of the world with calm intention, not meaning to scare, but educate. He believes one should have as much information so you can make an informed decision.
Mary, like many women of the time , is a piece of property for her father's gain. Through his arrogance and entitlement, he intends to sell her to pay his gambling debt. Instead of using the marriage mart, he chooses a brothel. His total disregard for her makes me terribly sad. Mary is astute, observant, caring and worried for her mother and sisters, given her father's decision and lack of caring about them.
When Rafe rescues Mary, together they find a family they both deserve and Mary's mother and sisters are safe. Rather discovers a peace and belonging he has missed in his life. They are supportive of the other and that is wonderful. We meet some new friends and visit with an old friend, the Duke of Clyde. The climax is very tense, but good does triumph and all is right in their world.
Ms. Devon has a sense of humor that is fun and relatable. Her characters are beautifully written and created so you have an instant connection with them. She creates tension with the villain so that too is instant dislike, no slow burn. I am enjoying this series immensely!
Rafe, the Earl of Blackmore, is such a wonderful character. Caring for the downtrodden, but collector of information, he tries to "save" those he can. His quiet understanding and ability to deliver truth about the harshness of the world with calm intention, not meaning to scare, but educate. He believes one should have as much information so you can make an informed decision.
Mary, like many women of the time , is a piece of property for her father's gain. Through his arrogance and entitlement, he intends to sell her to pay his gambling debt. Instead of using the marriage mart, he chooses a brothel. His total disregard for her makes me terribly sad. Mary is astute, observant, caring and worried for her mother and sisters, given her father's decision and lack of caring about them.
When Rafe rescues Mary, together they find a family they both deserve and Mary's mother and sisters are safe. Rather discovers a peace and belonging he has missed in his life. They are supportive of the other and that is wonderful. We meet some new friends and visit with an old friend, the Duke of Clyde. The climax is very tense, but good does triumph and all is right in their world.
Ms. Devon has a sense of humor that is fun and relatable. Her characters are beautifully written and created so you have an instant connection with them. She creates tension with the villain so that too is instant dislike, no slow burn. I am enjoying this series immensely!
June 5, 2022
Adam is a Earl and used to the shadows and covert operations keeping Britain safe!
Mary is just a pawn in her father’s scheme for money! She is auctioned off for her virginity in one of the worst bawdy houses imaginable. She does not have a true comprehension of the evil that could come upon her not just invasion of her body and pride. Mary believes somehow if she conforms to her fathers evil she can save her sisters but no! I have no doubt he would have visited the same evil upon them.
Used to the Shadows Adam knows as the Earl of Blackmore who learned more about in the previous story! He is really good at connecting others but never himself until now!
He rescues Mary from the auction. He had no idea what to do with her until Courtney his best friend says Marry her!
It seems simple but both know Mary’s father will not go away quietly!
All is not how it seems as these two stumble into love. The threat to their future is real and they see how much when they are well on the road to happiness uglies rears it’s head! Will Mary succumb to her fears or allow Adam and his friends to save her and mother from this evil threat! Bravo!
Mary is just a pawn in her father’s scheme for money! She is auctioned off for her virginity in one of the worst bawdy houses imaginable. She does not have a true comprehension of the evil that could come upon her not just invasion of her body and pride. Mary believes somehow if she conforms to her fathers evil she can save her sisters but no! I have no doubt he would have visited the same evil upon them.
Used to the Shadows Adam knows as the Earl of Blackmore who learned more about in the previous story! He is really good at connecting others but never himself until now!
He rescues Mary from the auction. He had no idea what to do with her until Courtney his best friend says Marry her!
It seems simple but both know Mary’s father will not go away quietly!
All is not how it seems as these two stumble into love. The threat to their future is real and they see how much when they are well on the road to happiness uglies rears it’s head! Will Mary succumb to her fears or allow Adam and his friends to save her and mother from this evil threat! Bravo!
January 21, 2023
he’s a jaded spy she’s a daughter betrayed
Again this book deals with the difficulty of women being a man’s property to do with as 5hey please. Blackmore rescues Mary from a auction of her virginity. He respects her and shelters her. 5his is a quick story with little tension once they get together. It’s also the story of the coming together of a family. It’s sweet even though they deal with the horrors of prostitution. Blackmore is a good honorable guy who trades in secrets and controls a network of spy’s. Mary is strong, intelligent and resilient. She engages him from the moment They meet and she recognizes in him his strength and goodness. They are immediately attracted to each other. It’s another story that just makes you say aah so happy they found each other. My favorite character is the Duke of Clyde and his comment theses “fathers and brothers keep popping up like bad Pennie’s.” If you read in sequence this is true. Each novel introduces the next hero or heroine of the series but they also bring back characters which is fun to read.
Again this book deals with the difficulty of women being a man’s property to do with as 5hey please. Blackmore rescues Mary from a auction of her virginity. He respects her and shelters her. 5his is a quick story with little tension once they get together. It’s also the story of the coming together of a family. It’s sweet even though they deal with the horrors of prostitution. Blackmore is a good honorable guy who trades in secrets and controls a network of spy’s. Mary is strong, intelligent and resilient. She engages him from the moment They meet and she recognizes in him his strength and goodness. They are immediately attracted to each other. It’s another story that just makes you say aah so happy they found each other. My favorite character is the Duke of Clyde and his comment theses “fathers and brothers keep popping up like bad Pennie’s.” If you read in sequence this is true. Each novel introduces the next hero or heroine of the series but they also bring back characters which is fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
This was very disappointing. It was very boring. I liked the premise and I was intrigued by the alleged ‘darkness’ of the male lead but I got halfway and it felt like nothing really happened. It felt like an outline more than a fleshed out story and it did not have the delightfulness of romance about it. I’ve read books with this premise before that were good. This was not it. I found myself not caring at all about their relationship because there was really no connection. It wasn’t even exactly instalove. The main characters barely spend time together at the beginning, and then we barely get any depth about Mary. It was a weird one.
December 22, 2022
I have read the entire series and have enjoyed each book. I enjoyed meeting the Duke of Clyde and Tom Courtney again. I’ve been anticipating Hugh Blackmore’s story. As Blackmore rescues Mary Lucy from a life of prostitution, her father emerges as the villain he truly is. Hugh and Mary find love. I do wish their story has bee developed a bit more. Mary turns out to be strong and courageous. I wondered if she was strong and courageous before her father was selling her virginity? I would have liked hearing more about Hugh and his service to king and country. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a quick read.
I was given an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I was given an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
June 4, 2022
A great read! I loved this one!
I enjoyed reading about Rafe and Mary, how they met to how they fell in love. Her father was not a good man anymore, he decided he needed money and she was the one to make it happen, he sold her to a bawdy house. Rafe was an important person he was a gatherer of information, he happened upon this auction of Mary and bought her. There was a lot of action and romance in this book, it was a hard one to put down. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading about Rafe and Mary, how they met to how they fell in love. Her father was not a good man anymore, he decided he needed money and she was the one to make it happen, he sold her to a bawdy house. Rafe was an important person he was a gatherer of information, he happened upon this auction of Mary and bought her. There was a lot of action and romance in this book, it was a hard one to put down. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤
July 15, 2022
Rafe and Mary
Wonderful book and well written. Race goes through life helping people have better lives. He chances upon Mary .being g sold to the highest b border in a Brady house to cover her fathers debts. He refuses her in then realizes that I a way she is rescuing him to. They had hardship along the way with her father returning but Race solve s that problem to with his friends help. They are dedicated and will love each other always..they get their HEA and live a fulfilled life. Would highly recommend. 🙂
Wonderful book and well written. Race goes through life helping people have better lives. He chances upon Mary .being g sold to the highest b border in a Brady house to cover her fathers debts. He refuses her in then realizes that I a way she is rescuing him to. They had hardship along the way with her father returning but Race solve s that problem to with his friends help. They are dedicated and will love each other always..they get their HEA and live a fulfilled life. Would highly recommend. 🙂
June 4, 2022
Glorious!
I keep thinking "this is surely the best book Eva has created"... I keep being wrong.
The characters repeat - the Duke of Clyde of course. Others mentioned in the background.
The cast is generally small - but totally entangled.
There are villains and villainesses, and heroes and heroines, and a whole supporting cast of characters, inhabiting streets, and rooms, appropriate to their roles.
My love-is reading of their love.
I keep thinking "this is surely the best book Eva has created"... I keep being wrong.
The characters repeat - the Duke of Clyde of course. Others mentioned in the background.
The cast is generally small - but totally entangled.
There are villains and villainesses, and heroes and heroines, and a whole supporting cast of characters, inhabiting streets, and rooms, appropriate to their roles.
My love-is reading of their love.
June 12, 2022
This was the storyline that bores me to tears! Papa has a drinking/ gambling problem and has lost all the money. We are about to be sent to debtors prison if I don't marry welp. The deviation here was not a good marriage. Her father was selling her directly into prostitution. The funds would pay for his gambling. He had two more daughters to keep him in the money.
The Earl of Darkmore was there the night Mary Lucy's virginity was being raffled off to the highest bidder. He won!
The Earl of Darkmore was there the night Mary Lucy's virginity was being raffled off to the highest bidder. He won!
June 6, 2022
This was an interesting story. Mary is being auctioned off to the highest bidder to pay off her fathers debts. But lord Blackmore just wants to save her. The characters were great and I enjoyed reading the book and seeing how they developed. I did enjoy the writing and plot of this story. I hope there will be more books in the series.
May 31, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! Fantastic storyline full of colorful characters who were wonderfully developed. The pace was great and I was so excited to finally see Blackmore get his own happy ending. Loved Mary’s spirit and backbone in this book. Wonderful read.
June 3, 2022
A regency romance where kindness and desire make a wonderful mix that soon leads to an enduring forever love. I was quickly intrigued and engaged by Blakemore and Mary. Their characters were strong and unwavering and they were soul mates from the start.
June 6, 2022
I loved this one! Mary is smart and gentle and strong, facing the world she is thrust into without losing who she is. Rafe is such a good hero and loved the friendship with him, Courtney, and Clyde. Definitely worth the read!!
June 16, 2022
Another brilliant book in series
This is another brilliantly crafted book that continues this great series. once again it is a plot that is full of steamy interludes and an element of suspense. All the characters are as usual amazing in this compelling read.
This is another brilliantly crafted book that continues this great series. once again it is a plot that is full of steamy interludes and an element of suspense. All the characters are as usual amazing in this compelling read.
November 16, 2022
Sweet if a bit dark
I loved the beginning. Riveting opening scene. But I found the story bogged down a bit in places. The final conflict was a bit fast but the ending was nice. On the whole I found the introspection a bit dark.
I loved the beginning. Riveting opening scene. But I found the story bogged down a bit in places. The final conflict was a bit fast but the ending was nice. On the whole I found the introspection a bit dark.
January 22, 2023
Very good Read
Thank goodness this book didn’t dawdle on the plots like so many others. The characters were interesting and true to the description and circumstances. The end felt a little bit rushed but I do like reasoned closure and that was still accomplished.
Thank goodness this book didn’t dawdle on the plots like so many others. The characters were interesting and true to the description and circumstances. The end felt a little bit rushed but I do like reasoned closure and that was still accomplished.
January 28, 2023
So so sweet
This book was so sweet. It had a little bit of spice as well. The male love interest was a cinnamon roll who falls for the heroine and in turn her mother and sisters as he gets the family he never had. This is such a good and quick feel good read
This book was so sweet. It had a little bit of spice as well. The male love interest was a cinnamon roll who falls for the heroine and in turn her mother and sisters as he gets the family he never had. This is such a good and quick feel good read
May 16, 2023
A very Good book
Blackthorne and Mary were destined for each other. He may have rescued her but it seems in her way she rescued him right back. This book was a great addition to the series
Blackthorne and Mary were destined for each other. He may have rescued her but it seems in her way she rescued him right back. This book was a great addition to the series
June 15, 2022
The matchmaker found his match
When he wasn't even looking his eyes landed on the light of his life. It took an old friend to help him figure that out and what to do about it.
When he wasn't even looking his eyes landed on the light of his life. It took an old friend to help him figure that out and what to do about it.
July 10, 2022
Fate Intervenes
From being sold by her father at a sex auction to finding love with the earl who purchased her life improved for Mary.
From being sold by her father at a sex auction to finding love with the earl who purchased her life improved for Mary.
July 19, 2022
Short and sweet
A Sweet light read with predictable characters and plots. Enjoyable like peach ice cream. A palate cleanser for stressful days.
A Sweet light read with predictable characters and plots. Enjoyable like peach ice cream. A palate cleanser for stressful days.
November 7, 2022
Short
This book seemed to be quite short. It was good just the same. Rage bought Mary from a bawd. Changed her life completely.
This book seemed to be quite short. It was good just the same. Rage bought Mary from a bawd. Changed her life completely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews