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Tom Courtney is a beast of the East End. Fighting his way up through the warrens, clubs, and halls of sins in London's darkest part of town, he has but one goal. . .

To survive and ensure that the weak aren't preyed upon. When he discovers a young lady is victim of a vicious bet. . . He cannot stop himself from coming to her aid. . .

Even if it might cost him everything he has ever won.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2022

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Eva Devon

108 books553 followers

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5 stars
466 (52%)
4 stars
267 (30%)
3 stars
111 (12%)
2 stars
29 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia.
838 reviews
October 5, 2022
HAPPINESS WINS!

This is classic Maire Claremont.
A little darker, with tougher people faced with maybe nastier things than Eva Devon, but still people who rise to the occasion and succeed.
A heroine who decides to reach out with both hands, to GRAB what she needs. A hero with an empty spot that only she can fill. And a series of fortunate coincidences and actions (these characters tend to be the masters of their fates) that lead to the happiest of endings.
While the book stands alone, it will be stronger if read after the other books in the series...it explains how these men can be so tight with each other, and why their wives are so understanding.
Profile Image for Dew.
770 reviews63 followers
October 8, 2022
Cold Fish

There wasn’t much emotional drama to the plot or characters, leaving me a bit cold. It was an okay read, but I am going to forget that I read it within 5 minutes of submitting this review. The first book of the series was good, but everything thereafter has been lackluster. The evil father keeps coming back for his wayward daughters. Then a slew of other women all have books with equally mustache-twirling men in their lives as the ladies get young and younger and younger and the authors scrabble to find more Dukes for them to wed.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews147 followers
October 11, 2022
Her White Knight🐺💪🗡🔫 Wears Black.
ADULT Regency historical romance💕 and adventure.
The Bad Boy🐺💪🗡🔫🍆⛲ from St. Giles gets the Heiress💃💋.

I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,704 reviews94 followers
November 8, 2022
I'm in two minds....some of it I really liked - and some I didn't. This story didn't grab me like the previous stories. Not my favourite of this series. 2.5☆
Profile Image for CB.
893 reviews30 followers
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
January 4, 2026
Not interested - plot
Profile Image for Lynn.
997 reviews34 followers
March 27, 2023
Romantic with missing pieces

Tom Courtney came from the East End, and no matter how much money he amassed or that he bought a title, the stain of his early life would alway follow him.

Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl of Greystone was perfect in every way. She was perfectly groomed, walked and danced as if she were floating, spoke like a princess, and of course she was beautiful. Lady Elizabeth was the diamond of the season and four evil rakes made a bet who could be the first to ruin her. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Lady Elizabeth’s father was cruel and demanding and expected her to make an advantageous match this season, so the pressure was on.

Tom overheard the bet being made at a masquerade ball, but he had no idea who was planning on ruining Lady Elizabeth. He would stop them if he knew who they were, but all he could do was warn the lady. She wasn’t sure she believed Mr. Courtney, but when one gentleman she hoped was going to ask for her hand invited her for a walk, it set off alarms, but how else could he propose? When the man attacked her, she knew Courtney was telling the truth, and wondered if he was also truthful when he said she could always turn to him for help?

Lady Elizabeth wanted to escape her father so badly, she asked Courtney to be the one to ruin her so that she could no longer be used for her father’s machinations. Tom was already half in love with her, and of course agreed.

Tom’s friend, the Earl of Blackwood bought Tom a title with the help of friends among the royals, and made Tom the Earl of Glenbroch. Tom asked why, and Blackwood said that he knew his friend would want to marry the Elizabeth.

Tom took her away from Elizabeth’s father to the Highlands, and with little else happening they lived happily ever after.

This is a pretty good series, but the author has a bad habit of getting lazy and not giving us satisfactory endings. The people tend to have dark backstories and then suddenly “poof” they’re all jolly good and have three kids. That’s why I can’t give this five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
119 reviews
October 5, 2022
Wonderful story full of heart!

Absolutely loved this story. The best way I can describe Tom is he is a white night with a black streak. He is that guy that stands up and defends those around him that can’t and helps those in need with a heart of gold, but can be ruthless and tough when necessary. Not someone you want to cross. A true Alpha. Absolutely loved him. And Elizabeth was a wonderful match for him. Her father is pure evil and she has a backbone of steel. She fought for what she wanted. I would be remiss if I didn’t say something about the Duke of Blackwood. Although a secondary character in the book he was outstanding and I can’t wait to see more of him. Loved it!
Profile Image for AZsenorita.
255 reviews
February 2, 2023
Tom & Elizabeth

This is a story of a rags to riches for the H. He grew up in the poorest slums and sacrificed himself to become a wealthy gambling owner with a heart for the underprivileged especially children. He helps them by taking them out of the slums and transferring them to one of his houses In the country to be raised by nanny’s and tutors. The h also suffers her father’s cruel impossible restrictions to have her behave like the perfect debutant and make a perfect match with a lofty title. The H overheard 4 men at a ball wager who can ruin h and win the pot. H goes to warn h and she’s not sure if she believes him until one of the weasels makes an attempt. She runs to H for protection and that’s where their relationship begins. The father finds out she has given herself to H and tries to send her off to a remote estate in Scotland to keep her away from H until he can marry her off. She struggles with the father and stabs him in the leg getting away. The H is furious and vows to marry h asap. With the help of H peer friends they get away to Gretna Green and marry. The father becomes sick because of the wound and dies. In the meantime one of his Duke friend finagles an Earl title H which comes to a modest castle and estate in Scotland. They have 3 children and get their HEA. It was a cute interesting steamy romance and was a good read.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,637 reviews30 followers
October 24, 2022
4.75
A perfect ice Queen
Elizabeth is considered perfect and a diamond of the first water! Her father demands perfection and takes a stick to her!
She is considered his property and her only use is to make an advantageous match!
Tom is East end Born but a regency Sir Galahad who can not stand for the weak, women and children to be abused!
He has loads of money and does good with it! He also has 2 best friends that are Dukes! He has done a mysterious service for the crown and that reward was very surprising to me!
Tom overhears some masked Lords wagering to ruin a lady! He does not know them but he knows the lady is in danger!
They are planning this malicious act for fun! Tom goes to warn the lady but she is not convinced?
What transpires next is not what Elizabeth thought could ever happen to her!?? An Earls daughter with a powerful and wealthy father!
Tom is found and he helps her understand the truth of both their actions!
Freedom is never free but this is what Elizabeth wants! But the price is too high!!
Can Tom and Elizabeth rally against the evil Lords, her father and a another bet?
Tom is a good book boyfriend as in asking for help for their HEA!! Bravo
Profile Image for Lisa.
540 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2022
Outrageous men!

We get to know Tom better in the story and I am so glad to have had the pleasure. His ability to protect those who are oppressed and without opportunity is heart warming. His easy laugh is infectious. His friends are important to him and he will go to great lengths for them. He is also humble enough to know when he needs to ask for help.

Lady Elizabeth has never known love, safety, security or her own capacity to love. Once she makes a decision, she grabs hold and doesn't yield. She has never had friends and discovers the wonder and joy that can be found there.

With her father as the villain, not a spoiler...you know before the first chapter is over, and his comeuppance is so very satisfying. Seeing Tom and his friends close ranks was very satisfying.

I have enjoyed this series and I have decided for me, Ms. Devon's Bluestockings are women of such inner strength and determination, as well as intelligent. The men these ladies have had the misfortune to be burdened with is beyond sad, occasionally bordering on horrifying. I count myself blessed that I have always had the heroes in my life.
1,117 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2023
Freedom is sort from an unlikely place, and friends rise to protect

I’m beginning to adore this series. It’s about strong women who are repressed by the men in their family and who seek assistance to gain their freedom. Elizabeth is a diamond forced to be such by a father who demands it. Tom has risen from the East End to affluence and power. He has connections with many powerful men who he is loyal to and they are loyal to him. He is known as a good man and one who can solve problems. Four cruel and dangerous lords are out to ruin her and Tom tries to prevent it. The story contains past characters who have strong roles in this story. It’s more a cat and mouse game to out smart the villain and to protect both Tom and Elizabeth. It’s an enjoyable story. Tom appears a little different in this story and less a libertine. I suggest reading the series in order. I do have a little difficulty with The Duke of Blackwood, the Earl of Blackmore and the Duke of Blacktower. I think I need a Black score card. They all know the Duke of Clyde who is my absolute favorite character. I’m so glad he keeps showing up.
Profile Image for Louisa Cornell.
Author 56 books123 followers
October 6, 2022
The thing I like best about this book is that the hero, Tom Courtney, has had a hell of a life, but instead of dwelling on the wrong, he uses his past to become a really good guy who doesn't want anyone else to have to suffer. He's a decent guy in spite of the circumstances of his birth and he actually ends up reaping some pretty good benefits from being a good guy. Then you have Elizabeth who is a good person because she has been raised and forced to be nothing else. Her goodness is a prison and rather than giving her the right to live a fulfilling life it has crippled her. Until an act of kindness on Tom's part gives her a brief look at what real goodness really is. The secondary characters are loads of fun and interfere just enough to annoy Tom and Elizabeth and to amuse those of us reading the story. With a touch of adventure, a great deal of humor, and some real insight into the human condition, Devon delivers a unique story with an even more unique heart.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,648 reviews52 followers
October 9, 2022
Tom Courtney is a beast of the East End. Fighting his way up through the warrens, clubs, and halls of sins in London's darkest part of town, he has but one goal. . .
To survive and ensure that the weak aren't preyed upon. When he discovers a young lady is victim of a vicious bet. . . He cannot stop himself from coming to her aid. . .
Even if it might cost him everything he has ever won.
Lady Elizabeth and Tom were meant to be together.
With a evil father that is up to no good he couldn't do more than love her.
Eva Devon has written another good book.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,142 reviews90 followers
October 15, 2022
Lady Elizabeth is perfect.  She has to be.  Her father will not permit anything less. 

Tom Courtney has dragged himself out of the gutters of the St. Giles area of London. He had to use all his skills,  nefarious and good.  Now he has more money than most of the "ton" and some very powerful friends.  He also has a deep seated rage against those who hurt women.  

Our hero will need to use all he's learnt to save the brave heroine. 

An emotional historical romance on the darker side.  Unusual, strong characters that you will easily fall in love with.  You will meet characters from some other books in the series, but each book can be read alone.  

I loved it.  
Profile Image for Cindy Woltman.
290 reviews
October 10, 2022
Completely unexpectedly wonderful!

This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. Tom, a man who had escaped London’s East End to gain power and wealth. He also gained powerful friends. Lady Elizabeth was defined as “perfect” felt hollow and beaten inside, abused by her dominating father, longed for freedom. A overheard conversation beings Tom to her rescue.
There were moments tears came to my eyes. There is a tremendous sweetness in love and a free heart. I want more stories just like this.
Great characters, fantastic storyline and a perfect bet!
651 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2022
A great read

I enjoyed reading about Tom and Elizabeth, how they met to how they fell in love. Her father was a cruel and controlling person he wasn't pleased that she wasn't a son instead. He made sure that she was perfect before she left the house to go to balls and wouldn't let her go anywhere on her own. Tom became her safe place and then he married her to keep her safe from her father, which in the end her father became ill and passed in his sleep. In the end they got their HEA. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
131 reviews
December 27, 2022
Intriguing story of Tom who raised himself from the gutter who wants to protect others who cannot protect themselves. He sees through Elizabeth's haughty act that she is forced to be perfect and tries to protect her from so-called gentlemen who are determined to ruin her to win a bet and humiliate her.
I like the dynamics of their relationship as Tom guides her to trusting herself and not being the woman her father expects.
The end was a let down when the villain dies quietly in his sleep. Elizabeth could have just waited him out. But she got Tom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
41 reviews
October 7, 2022
The story wasn't bad, but it felt underdeveloped and the characters were a bit flat for me, especially based on previous books by Eva Devon. A lot of telling vs showing. Also, the book desperately needed a final look through - my Kindle copy had notes from the editor (like whether or not there should be an indent, etc), a ton of weird ellipses that seemed like place markers, as well as inconsistencies in character names (switching Clyde and Blackwood around for example).
975 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2022
Tom and Elizabeth

Wonderful book and characters. Tom has known hardship since the day he was born growing up in the east end if London. He rose above it building his empire and helping others . He over heard dukes discussing to ruin a lady , and warned her little knowing that one day she would be his wife and the mother of his children. Exceptional story you will love to read from the beginning to the end. They get their HEA and so much more. 🙂
Profile Image for Angela Harriman.
456 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2022
Very satisfying

I enjoyed this sweet little romance. Couldn't put it down. I love how the hero tries to help rescue the heroine before they have even met. A true hero with strong principles and even greater heart. I did take a while to warm to the heroine but her reasoning was logical and her reactions understandable. I was a little disappointed with the climax. It felt a little flat but the wrapup was nicely done.
Profile Image for Aj.
2,556 reviews
October 6, 2022
A beautiful heartfelt regency romance. Tom is a knight in shining armour, the Beast from the East End but with a true heart of a gentleman, and Elizabeth is the perfect diamond of the Ton who only wants to break free. A wonderful journey, a true love from the beginning towards an everlasting happiness.
1,146 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2022
Good read by Devon. I liked these characters and the plot. Although I'm not a fan of quick romances or marriages even if they're needed for the storyline, but that's just me. Elizabeth was a brave woman especially with Tom by her side. Not leading her but letting her be herself at long last. Looking forward o reading the next installment of this series.
27 reviews
October 18, 2022
The Beast’s Bet (The Bluestocking War)

Oh my God! Eva Devon has done it again. From the very first page to the lady pages , you can not put the book down. I highly recommend reading this book. The whole series is excellent. I have not read book by Eva Devon that I didn’t like. Excellent author.








508 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2023
Fabulous story

I love this series, though the books can be read as a stand alone, I enjoy series that have previous and future characters showing up with the story. You will enjoy this story line though I would have liked Elizabeth to be a bit older that 18, we do not know Tom's age but there is immediate attraction and the story continues from there with great characters.
1,290 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2023
Another magnificent addition to the series

This is another magnificently created story that is a brilliant addition to this amazing series. The plot which has some steamy passages, is full of wonderfully crafted characters, and a bit of suspense, which keeps the a thrilling read, all the way through.
379 reviews
January 22, 2023
Great Read!

This is the first book I’ve read by these authors and I can honestly say that I am extremely pleased with the results. I thoroughly loved the characters, the supporting cast and the story line. While at first it might seem a bit far fetched, as the story unfolded it continued to make such perfect sense. I cannot wait to read more of the books in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews