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The Lovelocks of London #3
A Perilous Flirtation
Her prospects ruined by scandal. His hopes crushed by cowardice.
A journey. A twist of fate. A reckoning.
Her desire betrayed her. Arabella Lovelock, seduced and disgraced at age eighteen by a tall, dark stranger, flees to Scotland and builds a new life for herself in a remote village.
Her wealth and beauty made him sure she was beyond his reach. Dr. Alasdair Andrews, lonely and longing for Arabella, must bring her home to her family.
A brutal snowstorm blocks their way. Forced to take shelter at a manor house in the north of England, Arabella must face the man who stole her innocence and convince the man of her dreams that she hungers for him and only him.
Sometimes your second chance is your destiny.
A Perilous Flirtation is book three of the steamy Regency romance series The Lovelocks of London from author Felicity Niven. However, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book. It has a happily-ever-after ending, a false marriage, a second-chance, one bed, and no cliffhanger.
Content warning: steamy sexual material, explicit medical descriptions, coarse language.
A journey. A twist of fate. A reckoning.
Her desire betrayed her. Arabella Lovelock, seduced and disgraced at age eighteen by a tall, dark stranger, flees to Scotland and builds a new life for herself in a remote village.
Her wealth and beauty made him sure she was beyond his reach. Dr. Alasdair Andrews, lonely and longing for Arabella, must bring her home to her family.
A brutal snowstorm blocks their way. Forced to take shelter at a manor house in the north of England, Arabella must face the man who stole her innocence and convince the man of her dreams that she hungers for him and only him.
Sometimes your second chance is your destiny.
A Perilous Flirtation is book three of the steamy Regency romance series The Lovelocks of London from author Felicity Niven. However, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book. It has a happily-ever-after ending, a false marriage, a second-chance, one bed, and no cliffhanger.
Content warning: steamy sexual material, explicit medical descriptions, coarse language.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2022
112 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Felicity Niven
11 books346 followersSign up for Felicity Niven's newsletter and to receive a free prequel novella to the series The Lovelocks of London at https://www.felicityniven.com/reviews....
Felicity Niven is a hopeful romantic. Writing Regency romance is her third career after two degrees from Harvard. And you know what they say about third things? Yep, it’s a charm. She splits her time between the temperate South in the winter and the cool Great Lakes in the summer and thinks there can be no greater comforts than a pot of soup on the stove, a set of clean sheets on the bed, and a Jimmy Stewart film on a screen in the living room.
Felicity Niven is a hopeful romantic. Writing Regency romance is her third career after two degrees from Harvard. And you know what they say about third things? Yep, it’s a charm. She splits her time between the temperate South in the winter and the cool Great Lakes in the summer and thinks there can be no greater comforts than a pot of soup on the stove, a set of clean sheets on the bed, and a Jimmy Stewart film on a screen in the living room.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 28, 2022
Ah, the perils of first and young love. This is basically the gist of the book where 'dauntless' Arabella meets Alasdair, a country doctor (you've probably met him if you have read Convergence of Desire), at a house party and instantly falls in love with him.
I get Arabella, and I understand her actions and where she's coming from. She was surrounded by couples deeply in love, which rubbed on her. She was young, too, so it's a recipe for disaster. Alasdair, on the other hand, made me want to gnash my teeth together in frustration. I know that he was written as a beta hero. However, I wanted him to be more decisive. It feels as if he has to be pushed into a corner before doing anything.
Things I wanted to happen:
1) I would have liked to see the villain gets his comeuppance. I mean, come on, he is a bounder of the first-rate. He gets to live with his wife and mistress? Yeesh.
2) I wished there was a conversation between Arabella and Catherine. When she was in Scotland, she never contacted her mother but did contact her sisters. She blamed her mother for not cautioning her about men's baser nature. Catherine had a somewhat lax view of sex for that time (she was an actress and a mistress before marrying her late husband). Instead of having a heartfelt mother-daughter conversation, Arabella's resentment towards Catherine was glossed over.
This book isn't as charming and riveting as 'Convergence of Desire', but I still think this book is way better than the current offerings of HR out there. The title is memorable and unique as well. I hope Ms. Niven will keep writing HRs as she is clearly talented in this genre. Everything is tied neatly in the epilogue, and it does feel like there will be a couple more books in the works (finger-crossed, and one can hope!). In conclusion, another good book by Ms. Niven.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the author. All opinions are my own. Thank you, Ms. Niven, for the opportunity.
I get Arabella, and I understand her actions and where she's coming from. She was surrounded by couples deeply in love, which rubbed on her. She was young, too, so it's a recipe for disaster. Alasdair, on the other hand, made me want to gnash my teeth together in frustration. I know that he was written as a beta hero. However, I wanted him to be more decisive. It feels as if he has to be pushed into a corner before doing anything.
Things I wanted to happen:
1) I would have liked to see the villain gets his comeuppance. I mean, come on, he is a bounder of the first-rate. He gets to live with his wife and mistress? Yeesh.
2) I wished there was a conversation between Arabella and Catherine. When she was in Scotland, she never contacted her mother but did contact her sisters. She blamed her mother for not cautioning her about men's baser nature. Catherine had a somewhat lax view of sex for that time (she was an actress and a mistress before marrying her late husband). Instead of having a heartfelt mother-daughter conversation, Arabella's resentment towards Catherine was glossed over.
This book isn't as charming and riveting as 'Convergence of Desire', but I still think this book is way better than the current offerings of HR out there. The title is memorable and unique as well. I hope Ms. Niven will keep writing HRs as she is clearly talented in this genre. Everything is tied neatly in the epilogue, and it does feel like there will be a couple more books in the works (finger-crossed, and one can hope!). In conclusion, another good book by Ms. Niven.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the author. All opinions are my own. Thank you, Ms. Niven, for the opportunity.
April 10, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit, Niven has a deliciously witty writing style
Perspective: third person from the heroine and hero (and a bit from the heroine’s mother)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: It takes quite a bit – though they have a light history upon starting the story (a prior 10 minute meet up), they aren’t actually on page together until chapter 12 (of 35)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a number of years later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of the boxset The Collection which included this novel
Why I chose this book: I was gifted Niven’s box set for The Collection and had always been meaning to read book 3 of the series (I read books 1 and 2 years ago) so I took the opportunity to do so!
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think you should! You will get a much better establishment of these characters and their personalities and relationships. All the characters from the prior books are in this story so it’s helpful to know them. But at its heart the romance does stand alone.
Basic plot:
Arabella starts a new life in Scotland after being ruined. Years settled, the first crush of her heart, Doctor Alasdair Andrews comes to bring her home to assist with her sister’s pregnancy.
Give this a try if you want:
- 1820 for the first few chapters, then 1823
- English heroine / Scottish hero
- age gap – he’s older by 10 years
- dimpled hero
- strong family ties
- unrequited longing from both
- teacher heroine
- road trip
- never been kissed virgin hero
- doctor hero
- snowed in
- fake marriage
- short heroine
- low to mid steam with a slow burn – 2ish full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is almost 18 at the start of the story but for the ‘main’ part of the story, she is almost 21, hero is 31
First line:
Twenty-five-year-old Mary Lovelock Vaughan, the Viscountess Tregaron, leaned over and picked up a flat stone from the shingle.
My thoughts:
My god Niven can really pull on the heartstrings. I have never read a book with a ruined heroine that gutted me like this set up did. The entire first section of chapters was so, so emotional and such a deep set up for our heroine, Arabella.
I really loved both of these main characters. They were so real and I was rooting for them so hard. When the focus was on them I was sooo happy. I think my favorite was the carriage ride before they get snowed in because it was all about them.
My struggle with this book was the things that pulled us away from the mains. It takes a long while before the mains are on page together and then for the latter half of the book they are snowed in and together, but at a country manor with other guests that for me took away from the story a bit after awhile. I loved the twist of Arabella coming back to face her tormentor and coming out on top though. This was another totally unique HR read.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 9
Average rating: 4.67 stars
Favorite book: Bed Me Baron but don’t hold me to it.
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit, Niven has a deliciously witty writing style
Perspective: third person from the heroine and hero (and a bit from the heroine’s mother)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: It takes quite a bit – though they have a light history upon starting the story (a prior 10 minute meet up), they aren’t actually on page together until chapter 12 (of 35)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a number of years later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of the boxset The Collection which included this novel
Why I chose this book: I was gifted Niven’s box set for The Collection and had always been meaning to read book 3 of the series (I read books 1 and 2 years ago) so I took the opportunity to do so!
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think you should! You will get a much better establishment of these characters and their personalities and relationships. All the characters from the prior books are in this story so it’s helpful to know them. But at its heart the romance does stand alone.
Basic plot:
Arabella starts a new life in Scotland after being ruined. Years settled, the first crush of her heart, Doctor Alasdair Andrews comes to bring her home to assist with her sister’s pregnancy.
Give this a try if you want:
- 1820 for the first few chapters, then 1823
- English heroine / Scottish hero
- age gap – he’s older by 10 years
- dimpled hero
- strong family ties
- unrequited longing from both
- teacher heroine
- road trip
- never been kissed virgin hero
- doctor hero
- snowed in
- fake marriage
- short heroine
- low to mid steam with a slow burn – 2ish full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is almost 18 at the start of the story but for the ‘main’ part of the story, she is almost 21, hero is 31
First line:
Twenty-five-year-old Mary Lovelock Vaughan, the Viscountess Tregaron, leaned over and picked up a flat stone from the shingle.
My thoughts:
My god Niven can really pull on the heartstrings. I have never read a book with a ruined heroine that gutted me like this set up did. The entire first section of chapters was so, so emotional and such a deep set up for our heroine, Arabella.
I really loved both of these main characters. They were so real and I was rooting for them so hard. When the focus was on them I was sooo happy. I think my favorite was the carriage ride before they get snowed in because it was all about them.
My struggle with this book was the things that pulled us away from the mains. It takes a long while before the mains are on page together and then for the latter half of the book they are snowed in and together, but at a country manor with other guests that for me took away from the story a bit after awhile. I loved the twist of Arabella coming back to face her tormentor and coming out on top though. This was another totally unique HR read.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 9
Average rating: 4.67 stars
Favorite book: Bed Me Baron but don’t hold me to it.
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
October 20, 2022
It’s difficult for a new author to write an astounding debut novel such as Convergence of Desire and then live up to her readers’ expectations with her following books. But Felicity Niven certainly did that with her second book, Clandestine Passion, and really surpassed herself with this third! As it happens far too often with a good book, I started reading this one and couldn’t put it down, so I ended up reading well into the night! The characters are wonderful, vivid, unforgettable. Alasdair is a big cinnamon roll, sweet and capable and gorgeous and loving… Just maybe a tad too timid in his approach to Arabella. Arabella is “dauntless”, as her doctor calls her, brave, sweet and passionate. The writing flows beautifully and it’s deceptively simple, while in reality it’s craftily constructed to elicit emotions in the reader instead of handing them on a silver platter. My love for this author is increasing with every book and I really hope she’ll be known and loved by many in the future. As always, five stars are not enough to express my admiration!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 26, 2024
i dinnae ken what to think... no, but really, i thought this was sweet, but the characters had the potential to make a much more interesting story. the first book of this series was so much better. i also don’t care enough (or should i say dinnae care enough) about their mum to read her book! 😭
October 17, 2022
❄️ A Perilous Flirtation 🩺
The Lovelocks of London Book 3
✒️ Felicity Niven
https://www.facebook.com/felicityniven
Release Date 10/20/2022
Publisher Bletherskite Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDSHJBBP/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Her prospects ruined by scandal. His hopes crushed by cowardice. A journey. A twist of fate. A reckoning.
Her desire betrayed her. Arabella Lovelock, seduced and disgraced at age eighteen by a tall, dark stranger, flees to Scotland and builds a new life for herself in a remote village. Her wealth and beauty made him sure she was beyond his reach. Dr. Alasdair Andrews, lonely and longing for Arabella, must bring her home to her family.
A brutal snowstorm blocks their way. Forced to take shelter at a manor house in the north of England, Arabella must face the man who stole her innocence and convince the man of her dreams that she hungers for him and only him.
Sometimes your second chance is your destiny.
A Perilous Flirtation is book three of the steamy Regency romance series The Lovelocks of London from author Felicity Niven. However, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book. It has a happily-ever-after ending, a false marriage, a second-chance, one bed, and no cliffhanger.
Content warning: steamy sexual material, explicit medical descriptions, coarse language.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let their misguided thoughts keep them apart …
Once more the author derailed my view of romance, from the moment the hero and heroine meet, there must be no one else.
I had in the past stopped my reading of a book because the hero/heroine “cheated”, but as I did not do it for Harry’s story, so I held on and continued my reading of her sister own journey.
The author’s stories while with a guaranteed HEA, are more than romance, they are women’s fiction, exploring the flaws of her characters until they find the right path.
Harry tolerated her husband’s infidelities because she needed time to see him as more than a means to an end, Catherine played hit and cold with James and rejected him, lied to him, now Arabella like her mother, meddled lust and love in her mind, so determined to find the later she misinterpreted the first for it, paying the heavy price of her restlessness.
Arabella is really her mother’s daughter, reading too much in others’ gestures, but she is not the only one, Alasdair too lets his mind fool him about what others think or what he must do. Both tell themselves stories, tales that make them make mistakes.
In her eagerness to find love, Arabella mistook it for her inner’s needs of passion, while Alasdair has spent so much time repressing his own, he does not know when to go after what he wants and how.
Why they turn in circle around one another, their thoughts and feelings matching but keeping them apart by fear of being too straightforward, too wanton, too demanding …
With talent, the author portrays the weight every women had to carry from the moment she is born, with only the most considerate of men to accept them like they were all, flawed like them.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cj0UMm...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #felicityniven #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
The Lovelocks of London Book 3
✒️ Felicity Niven
https://www.facebook.com/felicityniven
Release Date 10/20/2022
Publisher Bletherskite Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDSHJBBP/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Her prospects ruined by scandal. His hopes crushed by cowardice. A journey. A twist of fate. A reckoning.
Her desire betrayed her. Arabella Lovelock, seduced and disgraced at age eighteen by a tall, dark stranger, flees to Scotland and builds a new life for herself in a remote village. Her wealth and beauty made him sure she was beyond his reach. Dr. Alasdair Andrews, lonely and longing for Arabella, must bring her home to her family.
A brutal snowstorm blocks their way. Forced to take shelter at a manor house in the north of England, Arabella must face the man who stole her innocence and convince the man of her dreams that she hungers for him and only him.
Sometimes your second chance is your destiny.
A Perilous Flirtation is book three of the steamy Regency romance series The Lovelocks of London from author Felicity Niven. However, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book. It has a happily-ever-after ending, a false marriage, a second-chance, one bed, and no cliffhanger.
Content warning: steamy sexual material, explicit medical descriptions, coarse language.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let their misguided thoughts keep them apart …
Once more the author derailed my view of romance, from the moment the hero and heroine meet, there must be no one else.
I had in the past stopped my reading of a book because the hero/heroine “cheated”, but as I did not do it for Harry’s story, so I held on and continued my reading of her sister own journey.
The author’s stories while with a guaranteed HEA, are more than romance, they are women’s fiction, exploring the flaws of her characters until they find the right path.
Harry tolerated her husband’s infidelities because she needed time to see him as more than a means to an end, Catherine played hit and cold with James and rejected him, lied to him, now Arabella like her mother, meddled lust and love in her mind, so determined to find the later she misinterpreted the first for it, paying the heavy price of her restlessness.
Arabella is really her mother’s daughter, reading too much in others’ gestures, but she is not the only one, Alasdair too lets his mind fool him about what others think or what he must do. Both tell themselves stories, tales that make them make mistakes.
In her eagerness to find love, Arabella mistook it for her inner’s needs of passion, while Alasdair has spent so much time repressing his own, he does not know when to go after what he wants and how.
Why they turn in circle around one another, their thoughts and feelings matching but keeping them apart by fear of being too straightforward, too wanton, too demanding …
With talent, the author portrays the weight every women had to carry from the moment she is born, with only the most considerate of men to accept them like they were all, flawed like them.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cj0UMm...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #felicityniven #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
October 17, 2022
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. My review contains some spoilers.
I have read all 3 of the novels and the prequels of the Lovelocks of London series and have really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. This last book of the series touches on all of the MCs of the other books as well, so while it can be read as a standalone, it was rather like coming home to visit family. I was delighted to revisit the lives of Harry, Mary, and Catherine again, and to see how their stories and families were progressing. It was especially fun to see Harry, and experience the humor associated with her character again. I admit I laughed out loud to the part about labor being good for concentrating. That was so funny, and completely Harry.
I have one word for Arabella's story: sweet. Not sweet in a way that makes it a closed door romance, but sweet in the way that she and her H get to know each other. I LOVED Alasdair as an H, purely because he was so unconventional in the way of the romance novel. Rake he is not, and that makes the love he feels and gives to Arabella genuine and sweet. This book gives you all the feels of a first romance, in the way that not many romance novels do. Usually the trope is that the female is the untouched virgin, and in this novel, although technically not untouched, Arabella is experiencing love and pleasure, and physical intimacy for the first time alongside her guy. It was so sweet and romantic, and yes, I wanted to scream at them sometimes for their hardheadedness in not listening to each other when they go back and forth about being together/not being together, but in that way it really captured how early romance between two inexperienced people can be. You can tell that a woman wrote this book and the lovemaking scenes. They are very in depth on the female anatomy, female pleasure, what women like and want, and I loved that too. Coming from a person who began reading romance in the bodice ripper genre, lovemaking scenes like this are extremely refreshing to read. I still love all types of romance, but sometimes it is nice to have different perspectives, and I think it's time to enhance romance novels by focusing more on female pleasures, whether is be solo, partnered, or foreplay scenes, from the female perspective, and this book does this brilliantly, while still retaining the (there's that word again) sweet but also very sexy lovemaking between these two MCs who are completely in love with each other. Many times in romance novels we still focus on the "male gaze" during the lovemaking scenes, then shift back to the female afterward, and in this book the male and female perspective really melt into each other as Niven switches back and forth between the two characters mid-kiss/romp. I will add that I loved the H spending himself on the sheets instead of just giving it all to the h. As I'm getting older I think about that a lot in romances that I read, and sometimes cringe due the lack of regard to whether the woman will get pregnant or not. I'm happy the H was prepared for that and we got to look inside his mind as he thought about certain consequences.
Only one con that I would have liked to rectify, is I'd like to see more of Arabella and her mother hashing things out and really coming to a heart to heart. I could tell they did that off the page, but I would have loved to have a chapter thrown in there to tie up that thread a bit more.
I loved the flyover epilogue at the end, that updated all the characters, even minor ones. I always wonder about certain characters, or how many kids they have, etc, and this part was great. I loved Alasdair's nickname of the "carrots" for his children, very cute!
I highly recommend this book, and all of the other books of the Lovelocks of London series. I am so glad that I found these books, and I'm so glad I found this new author. "Where has this lady been hiding all this time??" has been a constant thought in my head while reading this series. I really look forward to reading more of Niven's work, because I have thoroughly enjoyed the Lovelock family and the ride and feels they have given me.
I have read all 3 of the novels and the prequels of the Lovelocks of London series and have really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. This last book of the series touches on all of the MCs of the other books as well, so while it can be read as a standalone, it was rather like coming home to visit family. I was delighted to revisit the lives of Harry, Mary, and Catherine again, and to see how their stories and families were progressing. It was especially fun to see Harry, and experience the humor associated with her character again. I admit I laughed out loud to the part about labor being good for concentrating. That was so funny, and completely Harry.
I have one word for Arabella's story: sweet. Not sweet in a way that makes it a closed door romance, but sweet in the way that she and her H get to know each other. I LOVED Alasdair as an H, purely because he was so unconventional in the way of the romance novel. Rake he is not, and that makes the love he feels and gives to Arabella genuine and sweet. This book gives you all the feels of a first romance, in the way that not many romance novels do. Usually the trope is that the female is the untouched virgin, and in this novel, although technically not untouched, Arabella is experiencing love and pleasure, and physical intimacy for the first time alongside her guy. It was so sweet and romantic, and yes, I wanted to scream at them sometimes for their hardheadedness in not listening to each other when they go back and forth about being together/not being together, but in that way it really captured how early romance between two inexperienced people can be. You can tell that a woman wrote this book and the lovemaking scenes. They are very in depth on the female anatomy, female pleasure, what women like and want, and I loved that too. Coming from a person who began reading romance in the bodice ripper genre, lovemaking scenes like this are extremely refreshing to read. I still love all types of romance, but sometimes it is nice to have different perspectives, and I think it's time to enhance romance novels by focusing more on female pleasures, whether is be solo, partnered, or foreplay scenes, from the female perspective, and this book does this brilliantly, while still retaining the (there's that word again) sweet but also very sexy lovemaking between these two MCs who are completely in love with each other. Many times in romance novels we still focus on the "male gaze" during the lovemaking scenes, then shift back to the female afterward, and in this book the male and female perspective really melt into each other as Niven switches back and forth between the two characters mid-kiss/romp. I will add that I loved the H spending himself on the sheets instead of just giving it all to the h. As I'm getting older I think about that a lot in romances that I read, and sometimes cringe due the lack of regard to whether the woman will get pregnant or not. I'm happy the H was prepared for that and we got to look inside his mind as he thought about certain consequences.
Only one con that I would have liked to rectify, is I'd like to see more of Arabella and her mother hashing things out and really coming to a heart to heart. I could tell they did that off the page, but I would have loved to have a chapter thrown in there to tie up that thread a bit more.
I loved the flyover epilogue at the end, that updated all the characters, even minor ones. I always wonder about certain characters, or how many kids they have, etc, and this part was great. I loved Alasdair's nickname of the "carrots" for his children, very cute!
I highly recommend this book, and all of the other books of the Lovelocks of London series. I am so glad that I found these books, and I'm so glad I found this new author. "Where has this lady been hiding all this time??" has been a constant thought in my head while reading this series. I really look forward to reading more of Niven's work, because I have thoroughly enjoyed the Lovelock family and the ride and feels they have given me.
October 18, 2022
This is Book 3 of The Lovelocks of London series. Arabella is lucky her sister talked to her about making love and the pleasures that can be had with someone you love. After a chance meeting in church, Arabella is sure that Dr. Alistair Andrews is the one for her. She hasn’t heard from him at all in a year. Then, after being used by a married man, Arabella goes off to a small village in Scotland to teach.
Throughout the book there’s a push and pull of “will they be together or won’t they”. It gave me a bit of angst because just when things were going great, one of them pulls away. Arabella felt like she is never looked at by her mother as an adult. Alistair is a virgin and doesn’t want to confuse lust and love, but his hesitation with Arabella makes her believe she’s not good enough for him after her ruination.
I loved that Arabella was able to aid the doctor at the time of emergency surgery. Doing all that fine embroidery came in handy! That would have been a harrowing experience.
I hope there will be more books in this series. And I really loved the dedication at the end.
I received a free copy of the book in advance and my review is given voluntarily.
Throughout the book there’s a push and pull of “will they be together or won’t they”. It gave me a bit of angst because just when things were going great, one of them pulls away. Arabella felt like she is never looked at by her mother as an adult. Alistair is a virgin and doesn’t want to confuse lust and love, but his hesitation with Arabella makes her believe she’s not good enough for him after her ruination.
I loved that Arabella was able to aid the doctor at the time of emergency surgery. Doing all that fine embroidery came in handy! That would have been a harrowing experience.
I hope there will be more books in this series. And I really loved the dedication at the end.
I received a free copy of the book in advance and my review is given voluntarily.
October 21, 2022
The Lovelock ladies stories are each uniquely their own! Felicity does a masterful job developing each unique character, and Arabella is no exception. Her mother has sheltered her so much that she is taken in by a married rake and discarded with the ensuing scandal that immediately ruins her prospects. It’s what she does afterwards that proves her mettle and builds her character. Perilous flirtation is a delightful steamy romance that clearly depicts the medical misunderstandings of women’s psyche and physical desires and the social double standard. Even though Dr. Andrews considers himself to be more enlightened, he too has major knowledge gaps. Arabella would have made a wonderful physician had the option been available to her. Who knew the airhead had so much potential? I found myself thinking of Reese Witherspoon’s character Elle in “Legally Blonde.” I loved the way the bully received his comeuppance! I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 18, 2022
I received an ARC of this book. This review is given freely, voluntarily, and without outside influence. All opinions are my own.
Phenomenal! Another stunningly beautiful book by Felicity Niven! I was enthralled by the sweet love story between Arabella and Alisdair, all the way from a very cute meet cute to their happily ever after. This book gives all the warm fuzzies. Definitely recommend.
Phenomenal! Another stunningly beautiful book by Felicity Niven! I was enthralled by the sweet love story between Arabella and Alisdair, all the way from a very cute meet cute to their happily ever after. This book gives all the warm fuzzies. Definitely recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2022
"A Perilous Flirtation" is an interesting hybrid of the previous two books in the series. On the one hand, it's a slow burn, and the two main characters must each grapple with their own internal demons as well as persistent miscommunication with each other (much as in "Convergence of Desire"). On the other hand, the troubles of Catherine in "Clandestine Passion" haven't been completely laid to rest: Arabella, her daughter, fears that she herself may be "afflicted" with her mother's promiscuity. I wasn't crazy about "Clandestine Passion", primarily because I love a slow burn and a couple getting to know each other before anything physical happens, so I was a little worried about the "lust demon" thing getting used again--after all, Catherine and James hopped into bed quite early on.
Fortunately for me, Arabella's story arc turned out to be very different from her mother's. Although there was a hint of "insta-love" in Arabella and Alasdair's first meeting, it takes YEARS and lots of getting to know each other for anything to come of it.
Other things I liked:
-- Alasdair being a doctor was a critical element of the story, not just window dressing.
-- Arabella assisting during the surgery -- I don't know what to tell you, I think it's so swoony when the couple has to really rely on each other in high pressure situations.
-- Arabella telling Alasdair off for saying that women don't feel lust. Get him, girl!
So, to recap: slow burn, character-driven story with lots of angst and some more intense medical bits toward the end. A book I will definitely read again.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Fortunately for me, Arabella's story arc turned out to be very different from her mother's. Although there was a hint of "insta-love" in Arabella and Alasdair's first meeting, it takes YEARS and lots of getting to know each other for anything to come of it.
Other things I liked:
-- Alasdair being a doctor was a critical element of the story, not just window dressing.
-- Arabella assisting during the surgery -- I don't know what to tell you, I think it's so swoony when the couple has to really rely on each other in high pressure situations.
-- Arabella telling Alasdair off for saying that women don't feel lust. Get him, girl!
So, to recap: slow burn, character-driven story with lots of angst and some more intense medical bits toward the end. A book I will definitely read again.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
Like the previous two books in the series I appreciated that the main characters were unlike the norm in historical romance. “Dauntless” Arabella was an alpha who had to awaken Alasdair’s hidden depths. If it were any other author, I’d back button out. However, Niven handled the situation skillfully.
The plot and pacing were where I took issue. The slow burn story went on far too long with endless miscommunications and a kiss-a-thon before it burst into a three alarm blaze at the very end. Kiss/kisses/kissing/kissed was used 216 times.
As for the plot, it really stretched my suspension of disbelief, yet on the strength of the characters, I stayed onboard. It wasn’t until the end when there was no satisfying resolution for several secondary characters that I felt genuinely disappointed. The epilogue was a letdown too. It resembled a laundry list, ticking off future events, and the author breaking the fourth wall to hint at a future book.
The plot and pacing were where I took issue. The slow burn story went on far too long with endless miscommunications and a kiss-a-thon before it burst into a three alarm blaze at the very end. Kiss/kisses/kissing/kissed was used 216 times.
As for the plot, it really stretched my suspension of disbelief, yet on the strength of the characters, I stayed onboard. It wasn’t until the end when there was no satisfying resolution for several secondary characters that I felt genuinely disappointed. The epilogue was a letdown too. It resembled a laundry list, ticking off future events, and the author breaking the fourth wall to hint at a future book.
February 25, 2023
2.5/5
October 16, 2022
This is the third book in this series by Felicity Niven, which began with Convergence of Desire. Convergence is one of the best Regency romances by a new author I’ve read in a long time, and this book also has its strong points. It works as a standalone, but I do recommend that you read the first two books beforehand, just for some background on the characters’ relationships.
First off, I have to give kudos to the author’s smart, engaging writing style and medical research. But I have to admit that I mostly love the fact that she allowed Alasdair, one of my favorite characters from Convergence, his own book. He is unlike the typical MMC: intellectual, rather bookish and shy, with a strong sense of ethics–and virginal. (It seems like more Regencies are coming out lately with virginal or almost virginal heroes, and I’m here for it. Nice break from the rakes). Alasdair has strong chemistry with Arabella; I can’t imagine her with anyone else. Their scenes together are romantic while having an endearing realistic quality–something this author does so well–and they’re the perfect level of steaminess. I also appreciate that the plot doesn’t go in quite the direction you expect, with a slight twist in the form of a mystery at the end.
Reasons for the 4 stars: the book opens rather slowly, not picking up pace until Alasdair is re-introduced in chapter 8. I loved the scenes in Scotland and wished more of the storyline could have stayed there, fleshing out Alasdair’s relationships with his family and friends and helping him to get reacquainted with Arabella. I found myself really warming up to her around chapter 10, when she’s re-introduced as an “older but wiser” young woman, but something changed with her character once she and Alasdair departed Scotland and found themselves snowed in with a villainous host. At that point, Arabella seemed to become more self-obsessed. Her fixation with her physical wants/needs mirrored that of her mother from the last book, and although you sympathize with her, her musings start to feel repetitive. You can understand Alasdair and Arabella’s clash between beliefs involving women’s sexuality, but he seemed trainable, and she ended up coming across as strident. I felt she could have made her points in a more mature fashion. (And a nitpick, but it irritated me: why was she constantly calling the odious villain by his first name, as if they still had some kind of relationship, when she kept refusing to call Alasdair by his first name?)
On to my only other issue, the baddie, Giles. His condition in the last quarter of the book seems to occur out of the blue, and it just feels like a plot machination to bring the MC’s back together. I didn’t find his character arc really satisfying. He could have been shaded as more sympathetic earlier on, but because he’s such a gross and gropey bully, I felt both of the MC’s deserved some on-page groveling. (Just the vengeful reader in me, I guess.)
Bottom line: while this doesn’t reach the levels of Convergence of Desire, I enjoyed learning more about Alasdair and his background. He’s such a refreshing MMC, breaking the stereotype of the Regency romance lead, and he shows through his actions as this book goes on that he is a true hero. I would have loved for more of the storyline to be set in his homeland, and hope that maybe these characters will be re-visited in a future book or novella there?
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.
First off, I have to give kudos to the author’s smart, engaging writing style and medical research. But I have to admit that I mostly love the fact that she allowed Alasdair, one of my favorite characters from Convergence, his own book. He is unlike the typical MMC: intellectual, rather bookish and shy, with a strong sense of ethics–and virginal. (It seems like more Regencies are coming out lately with virginal or almost virginal heroes, and I’m here for it. Nice break from the rakes). Alasdair has strong chemistry with Arabella; I can’t imagine her with anyone else. Their scenes together are romantic while having an endearing realistic quality–something this author does so well–and they’re the perfect level of steaminess. I also appreciate that the plot doesn’t go in quite the direction you expect, with a slight twist in the form of a mystery at the end.
Reasons for the 4 stars: the book opens rather slowly, not picking up pace until Alasdair is re-introduced in chapter 8. I loved the scenes in Scotland and wished more of the storyline could have stayed there, fleshing out Alasdair’s relationships with his family and friends and helping him to get reacquainted with Arabella. I found myself really warming up to her around chapter 10, when she’s re-introduced as an “older but wiser” young woman, but something changed with her character once she and Alasdair departed Scotland and found themselves snowed in with a villainous host. At that point, Arabella seemed to become more self-obsessed. Her fixation with her physical wants/needs mirrored that of her mother from the last book, and although you sympathize with her, her musings start to feel repetitive. You can understand Alasdair and Arabella’s clash between beliefs involving women’s sexuality, but he seemed trainable, and she ended up coming across as strident. I felt she could have made her points in a more mature fashion. (And a nitpick, but it irritated me: why was she constantly calling the odious villain by his first name, as if they still had some kind of relationship, when she kept refusing to call Alasdair by his first name?)
On to my only other issue, the baddie, Giles. His condition in the last quarter of the book seems to occur out of the blue, and it just feels like a plot machination to bring the MC’s back together. I didn’t find his character arc really satisfying. He could have been shaded as more sympathetic earlier on, but because he’s such a gross and gropey bully, I felt both of the MC’s deserved some on-page groveling. (Just the vengeful reader in me, I guess.)
Bottom line: while this doesn’t reach the levels of Convergence of Desire, I enjoyed learning more about Alasdair and his background. He’s such a refreshing MMC, breaking the stereotype of the Regency romance lead, and he shows through his actions as this book goes on that he is a true hero. I would have loved for more of the storyline to be set in his homeland, and hope that maybe these characters will be re-visited in a future book or novella there?
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.
July 7, 2023
There’s a corner of my book rating system with a population of two: Sherry Thomas and Jennifer McQuiston. In this corner, ratings become difficult. Every book by these authors is wonderfully written, and even if I give them four stars or even three, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t love them.
Well, welcome to the corner, Felicity Niven. Like Thomas and McQuiston, she does something different than pretty much everyone else writing historical romance today, and I stand in awe of her craft.
That’s not to say her books are perfect. In this one, for example, I needed a setdown of Giles and a little less agonizing by Alasdair and Arabella about whether the other person truly loved them. I also found it hard to pin down Arabella’s personality for ages—in the beginning, she comes across as quite dim and childish, but then we are told she’s very smart and “dauntless.” Finally, I wish they’d known each other for just a titch longer than 10 minutes before they fell madly in love (unbeknownst to each other).
But those notes aside, I loved watching these two romantics fall in love properly: Arabella with her bold flirtation and wandering hands, and Alasdair with his awkwardness and virginal shyness. Their experimentation is hot (and realistic) throughout and then sets the page ablaze when they finally get their sh*t together.
There are two medical scenes that made my toes curl, a road trip (yay!) and even a little mystery.
And throughout, Niven’s exquisite prose and finely drawn characters.
Well, welcome to the corner, Felicity Niven. Like Thomas and McQuiston, she does something different than pretty much everyone else writing historical romance today, and I stand in awe of her craft.
That’s not to say her books are perfect. In this one, for example, I needed a setdown of Giles and a little less agonizing by Alasdair and Arabella about whether the other person truly loved them. I also found it hard to pin down Arabella’s personality for ages—in the beginning, she comes across as quite dim and childish, but then we are told she’s very smart and “dauntless.” Finally, I wish they’d known each other for just a titch longer than 10 minutes before they fell madly in love (unbeknownst to each other).
But those notes aside, I loved watching these two romantics fall in love properly: Arabella with her bold flirtation and wandering hands, and Alasdair with his awkwardness and virginal shyness. Their experimentation is hot (and realistic) throughout and then sets the page ablaze when they finally get their sh*t together.
There are two medical scenes that made my toes curl, a road trip (yay!) and even a little mystery.
And throughout, Niven’s exquisite prose and finely drawn characters.
October 23, 2022
Niven continues to delight with this third book in the Lovelocks of London series.
Youngest daughter Arabella is just as tenacious as her mother, and possesses the same passion led spirit as all the women of her family. That passion leads her to the fool-hardy state of ruination. But after 4 years of pining for the one man that got away, their paths cross as he travels to bring her home from Scotland to be with her family.
Alasdair and Arabella’s love story is fraught with delicious tension, undeniable passion and tender love. Alasdair’s biggest hurdle is overcoming his lack of courage, having missed out on 4 years when fear kept him from pursuing Arabella whom he had already fallen for. I especially delighted in the bits about his family’s tartan, and her use of the Ross Hunting Tartan for his scarf. As my family heritage is also linked to the Ross clan, this gave me a surprise connection that I loved. The story features all your favorite tropes from forced proximity to fake marriage and everything in between. You can’t help but ship these two who seem so perfectly matched. Both slightly naive in their inexperience and both longing for love & understanding. They easily settle in your heart as you experience each moment of their mutual pining. A delightful story that is sure to make you smile.
Youngest daughter Arabella is just as tenacious as her mother, and possesses the same passion led spirit as all the women of her family. That passion leads her to the fool-hardy state of ruination. But after 4 years of pining for the one man that got away, their paths cross as he travels to bring her home from Scotland to be with her family.
Alasdair and Arabella’s love story is fraught with delicious tension, undeniable passion and tender love. Alasdair’s biggest hurdle is overcoming his lack of courage, having missed out on 4 years when fear kept him from pursuing Arabella whom he had already fallen for. I especially delighted in the bits about his family’s tartan, and her use of the Ross Hunting Tartan for his scarf. As my family heritage is also linked to the Ross clan, this gave me a surprise connection that I loved. The story features all your favorite tropes from forced proximity to fake marriage and everything in between. You can’t help but ship these two who seem so perfectly matched. Both slightly naive in their inexperience and both longing for love & understanding. They easily settle in your heart as you experience each moment of their mutual pining. A delightful story that is sure to make you smile.
April 20, 2024
This is really even a 2.5.
I liked the surgery scene a lot, but the rest of the book was so meh and weird! The couple didn’t even really like each other! And his behavior was weird and hers was super strange. The handjob scene in the carriage was heartbreaking. I couldn’t really forgive her for that.
Also, I found myself way more interested in what was going on with Giles and his wife. Def not a good sign!
I liked the surgery scene a lot, but the rest of the book was so meh and weird! The couple didn’t even really like each other! And his behavior was weird and hers was super strange. The handjob scene in the carriage was heartbreaking. I couldn’t really forgive her for that.
Also, I found myself way more interested in what was going on with Giles and his wife. Def not a good sign!
April 21, 2023
I thought clever Harry was my favorite but now I'm not sure. Arabella and Alasdair were so sweet. Either way. Highly recommend this whole series. I want more.
October 18, 2022
This is Book 3 of the Lovelocks of London series, and I received a copy of this from Booksirens and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the story of the youngest child of the Lovelocks, Arabella, the daughter of Catherine, and half sister to Harry and Mary.
Arabella learned about love and passion from her sister Mary, prior to her come out, and being a romantic, rather naive young lady, thought she would be able to tell when she met the right man through her reactions to him. She was immediately attracted to and felt a profound connection in the first and only meeting she had with Dr. Alisdair Andrews when they met, during the story of Harry and Thomas (a Convergence of Desire). Alisdair is a good friend of her sister and brother in law, as well as their doctor. She dreams about meeting him again and furthering their relationship, but fails to contrive a way to further their acquaintance. Eventually she decides to leave off her girlish crush as he has never indicated any desire to communicate with her.
Eventually she gains the notice and attraction of Giles Fortescue, an attractive man who turns Arabella's head and steals her innocence; she is caught by her mother and the men in her family. Arabella is convinced that Giles will marry her, but he fails to show up to ask for her hand, and they find out that he is married and took Arabella's virginity as part of a large wager based on debauching well known society innocents. To prevent any disasters through duels, Arabella and Catherine keep the identity of Giles hidden from the men in the family. Arabella is desolated by her public humiliation and shunning and takes her fortune and runs away to Scotland, where she learns to live simply, and independently in a small village. Deep in her heart, she has a fondness for Scotland because of it's association with Dr. Andrews.
Alisdair, in the meantime, is regretful that he never acted on his first desires to communicate with Arabella, having felt that connection with her as well. He travels to Scotland to be at the deathbed of his mentor, and finds out that he is the beneficiary of his estate. Harry also entreats him to find Arabella, and have the both of them return to be with Harry while she goes into confinement for her pregnancy. Alisdair is hopeful this will be his chance to renew their acquaintance and for him to declare his feelings. But he finds he is almost too late again.
For one, another man had asked for her hand in marriage. For another, Arabella is a stronger, less naive woman who knows her mind much more than she did years earlier. They travel together, but they have to overcome barriers of misunderstanding and miscommunication, as they grow to learn more about each other.
They are prevented from reaching their destination because of a perilous snowstorm, causing them to be snowbound at the estate of a local baron. It turns out to be the same man who ruined Arabella, and to protect herself, Arabella and Alisdair masquerade as a married couple. This creates some forced intimacy, causing growing feelings and attraction, but also forcing some secrets to come out as well. Giles and his household throw some serious complications their way, but Arabella and Alisdair learn to trust each other, work together, and Alisdair learns to appreciate Arabella's strength and appreciate the woman she had grown into.
I really enjoyed the growth and development of Arabella's character from a dreamy naive young woman easily taken advantage of by a heartless rake, into a strong independent woman who learned to trust in herself and own her desires. Alisdair wanted to be a protective hero, but really, it was up to Arabella to save herself; she knew this, knew what she wanted, and she wanted him to realize, respect, and appreciate that. She also did not want to live in the past, and I love how she would not allow Alisdair to do so and not accepting his regrets.
This was a story, in a series, of strong and interesting female characters. I even appreciated the characters of Lady Morpeth and Lady Lyndmouth and the interesting dynamic they had. The dynamic of Giles, Lord Morpeth, was intriguing and I quite enjoyed how he was not treated as a straight up villain of the piece, and the resolution of his and Arabella's past was very interesting and I quite enjoyed it. The world is not black and white after all.
The medical bits were interesting to me as well, as always, and enjoyed the detail and thought that went into it, and it reinforces the dynamic of equality and respect between Arabella and Alisdair.
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest incarnation of the series and the series in it's entirety.
4.25 stars out of 5.
This is the story of the youngest child of the Lovelocks, Arabella, the daughter of Catherine, and half sister to Harry and Mary.
Arabella learned about love and passion from her sister Mary, prior to her come out, and being a romantic, rather naive young lady, thought she would be able to tell when she met the right man through her reactions to him. She was immediately attracted to and felt a profound connection in the first and only meeting she had with Dr. Alisdair Andrews when they met, during the story of Harry and Thomas (a Convergence of Desire). Alisdair is a good friend of her sister and brother in law, as well as their doctor. She dreams about meeting him again and furthering their relationship, but fails to contrive a way to further their acquaintance. Eventually she decides to leave off her girlish crush as he has never indicated any desire to communicate with her.
Eventually she gains the notice and attraction of Giles Fortescue, an attractive man who turns Arabella's head and steals her innocence; she is caught by her mother and the men in her family. Arabella is convinced that Giles will marry her, but he fails to show up to ask for her hand, and they find out that he is married and took Arabella's virginity as part of a large wager based on debauching well known society innocents. To prevent any disasters through duels, Arabella and Catherine keep the identity of Giles hidden from the men in the family. Arabella is desolated by her public humiliation and shunning and takes her fortune and runs away to Scotland, where she learns to live simply, and independently in a small village. Deep in her heart, she has a fondness for Scotland because of it's association with Dr. Andrews.
Alisdair, in the meantime, is regretful that he never acted on his first desires to communicate with Arabella, having felt that connection with her as well. He travels to Scotland to be at the deathbed of his mentor, and finds out that he is the beneficiary of his estate. Harry also entreats him to find Arabella, and have the both of them return to be with Harry while she goes into confinement for her pregnancy. Alisdair is hopeful this will be his chance to renew their acquaintance and for him to declare his feelings. But he finds he is almost too late again.
For one, another man had asked for her hand in marriage. For another, Arabella is a stronger, less naive woman who knows her mind much more than she did years earlier. They travel together, but they have to overcome barriers of misunderstanding and miscommunication, as they grow to learn more about each other.
They are prevented from reaching their destination because of a perilous snowstorm, causing them to be snowbound at the estate of a local baron. It turns out to be the same man who ruined Arabella, and to protect herself, Arabella and Alisdair masquerade as a married couple. This creates some forced intimacy, causing growing feelings and attraction, but also forcing some secrets to come out as well. Giles and his household throw some serious complications their way, but Arabella and Alisdair learn to trust each other, work together, and Alisdair learns to appreciate Arabella's strength and appreciate the woman she had grown into.
I really enjoyed the growth and development of Arabella's character from a dreamy naive young woman easily taken advantage of by a heartless rake, into a strong independent woman who learned to trust in herself and own her desires. Alisdair wanted to be a protective hero, but really, it was up to Arabella to save herself; she knew this, knew what she wanted, and she wanted him to realize, respect, and appreciate that. She also did not want to live in the past, and I love how she would not allow Alisdair to do so and not accepting his regrets.
This was a story, in a series, of strong and interesting female characters. I even appreciated the characters of Lady Morpeth and Lady Lyndmouth and the interesting dynamic they had. The dynamic of Giles, Lord Morpeth, was intriguing and I quite enjoyed how he was not treated as a straight up villain of the piece, and the resolution of his and Arabella's past was very interesting and I quite enjoyed it. The world is not black and white after all.
The medical bits were interesting to me as well, as always, and enjoyed the detail and thought that went into it, and it reinforces the dynamic of equality and respect between Arabella and Alisdair.
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest incarnation of the series and the series in it's entirety.
4.25 stars out of 5.
October 21, 2022
Instead of love conquers all…you must conquer all to love!!!
MFC: Arabella Lovelock
MMC:Dr. Alasdair Andrews
Tropes: Virgin hero, forced proximity, second chance
The final book in the Lovelock series proves the road to love is often filled with hazards, but is definitely worth the trip! Arabella falls head over heels in love with Alasdair Andrews the first time they meet. Because of propriety, she must sit and wait and hope that Alasdair will make a move. Alasdair is equally smitten, but doesn’t think she would consider him…so he does nothing. His inaction sets off a series of unfortunate events that leads to Arabella’s “ruination”. Lucky for these two, Harry (from book 1) does some maneuvering to bring them together. There is a road trip, house party crashing, lots of drama, a bit of intrigue and emergency surgery…all leading up to a HEA for Arabella and Alasdair. What sets Felicity Niven’s books apart from the typical HR novel is the “messiness” of her characters. There are no stereotypical, cookie-cutter heroes and heroines here. Alasdair is confidant and intelligent as a doctor, but is insecure and timid as a man. Arabella has realized from experience that sex and love are not always intertwined and that society’s views and treatment of women is unfair and unjust. Her journey to self discovery is heartbreaking, but she emerges on the other side stronger, if not world weary. There is a bit of a role reversal with their physical relationship, as Arabella is more the aggressor who constantly pushes the boundaries of propriety. She has had enough of polite society. Alasdair, meanwhile, struggles to maintain decorum. There is a lot of emotional growth with both characters…Arabella’s developing from picking up the pieces in the aftermath of a horrible betrayal…Alastair’s developing from reconnecting with Arabella. Both have a lot to untangle to be together but it’s all worth it in the end. The book can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the previous books as there is character and story overlap.
I was given this book as an ARC and voluntarily given my honest review.
MFC: Arabella Lovelock
MMC:Dr. Alasdair Andrews
Tropes: Virgin hero, forced proximity, second chance
The final book in the Lovelock series proves the road to love is often filled with hazards, but is definitely worth the trip! Arabella falls head over heels in love with Alasdair Andrews the first time they meet. Because of propriety, she must sit and wait and hope that Alasdair will make a move. Alasdair is equally smitten, but doesn’t think she would consider him…so he does nothing. His inaction sets off a series of unfortunate events that leads to Arabella’s “ruination”. Lucky for these two, Harry (from book 1) does some maneuvering to bring them together. There is a road trip, house party crashing, lots of drama, a bit of intrigue and emergency surgery…all leading up to a HEA for Arabella and Alasdair. What sets Felicity Niven’s books apart from the typical HR novel is the “messiness” of her characters. There are no stereotypical, cookie-cutter heroes and heroines here. Alasdair is confidant and intelligent as a doctor, but is insecure and timid as a man. Arabella has realized from experience that sex and love are not always intertwined and that society’s views and treatment of women is unfair and unjust. Her journey to self discovery is heartbreaking, but she emerges on the other side stronger, if not world weary. There is a bit of a role reversal with their physical relationship, as Arabella is more the aggressor who constantly pushes the boundaries of propriety. She has had enough of polite society. Alasdair, meanwhile, struggles to maintain decorum. There is a lot of emotional growth with both characters…Arabella’s developing from picking up the pieces in the aftermath of a horrible betrayal…Alastair’s developing from reconnecting with Arabella. Both have a lot to untangle to be together but it’s all worth it in the end. The book can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the previous books as there is character and story overlap.
I was given this book as an ARC and voluntarily given my honest review.
January 17, 2023
A ridiculously honourable virgin hero with a Scottish accent, pining for the heroine for years. Need I say more??
This book was so unputdownable, I read it in a day!
We had a ‘ruined’ heroine (all on page btw—I’m obsessed with the way this author plots books), a hero who didn’t think he deserved her, a roadtrip, pretending to be a married couple (and feeling so many feelings about it), and soo much one bed trope, holy moly 🔥🔥
There was also some alchemical magic going on here and I think it was this: Arabella and Alasdair were such romantic, kind, and emotional people—they were almost too good for this world. But then they’d get put into situations that were so bad, so stressful (this author really knows how to write an ominous house party, damn) and they would.. thrive? I just loved this whole plot and I don’t want to tell you anything about it, you have to read it!
This romance felt really unique. The characters were so compatible and their growth was well-earned. They had so many important and intimate conversations. What a sweet HEA!
This book was so unputdownable, I read it in a day!
We had a ‘ruined’ heroine (all on page btw—I’m obsessed with the way this author plots books), a hero who didn’t think he deserved her, a roadtrip, pretending to be a married couple (and feeling so many feelings about it), and soo much one bed trope, holy moly 🔥🔥
There was also some alchemical magic going on here and I think it was this: Arabella and Alasdair were such romantic, kind, and emotional people—they were almost too good for this world. But then they’d get put into situations that were so bad, so stressful (this author really knows how to write an ominous house party, damn) and they would.. thrive? I just loved this whole plot and I don’t want to tell you anything about it, you have to read it!
This romance felt really unique. The characters were so compatible and their growth was well-earned. They had so many important and intimate conversations. What a sweet HEA!
October 23, 2022
What's Love💘 Got To Do With It?
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Adventure Road Trip🐎🏰
This is a great story of Arabella💃💋, the eighteen year old daughter of a Duke, who is ruined by a Baron👺 she thought she fell in love with. but it was only lust. Once a naive but lustful young lady, she has a lot of growing up to do.
She leaves her family and goes to Scotland🏰🐎, looking for Doctor Andrews, the man she once met at her sister's wedding and felt a strong connection to. Not finding him, she starts a school for girls.
The book has some angsty moments But overall, its well worth reading. Tasteful but very hotly 🔥 written ADULT scenes are appropriate in a few places in the book.
ARC provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon with KU.
This is the third book in this series about sisters💃💃💃, with each book being about one of the sisters. It is a stand alone novel but has most of the same characters throughout the books📚.
I read the book about Harriet, Clandestine Passiom, the most eccentric of the three sisters, and loved it as well.
The author makes the huge mistake of basically giving the plot away in her blurb.
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Adventure Road Trip🐎🏰
This is a great story of Arabella💃💋, the eighteen year old daughter of a Duke, who is ruined by a Baron👺 she thought she fell in love with. but it was only lust. Once a naive but lustful young lady, she has a lot of growing up to do.
She leaves her family and goes to Scotland🏰🐎, looking for Doctor Andrews, the man she once met at her sister's wedding and felt a strong connection to. Not finding him, she starts a school for girls.
The book has some angsty moments But overall, its well worth reading. Tasteful but very hotly 🔥 written ADULT scenes are appropriate in a few places in the book.
ARC provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon with KU.
This is the third book in this series about sisters💃💃💃, with each book being about one of the sisters. It is a stand alone novel but has most of the same characters throughout the books📚.
I read the book about Harriet, Clandestine Passiom, the most eccentric of the three sisters, and loved it as well.
The author makes the huge mistake of basically giving the plot away in her blurb.
March 20, 2023
What a great book about second chances, forgiveness and family - with a huge heap of romance! Great tropes covered like fake marriage, one bed, snowed in.
Alasdair Andrews is an atypical hero from what you find in HR books and it was refreshing. He is not an alpha, he is a virgin and he has to really find his voice and his way throughout the book. There were times when I wished he was more assertive but overall he is a great hero who rises to the occasion and in the process learns a lot about himself.
Arabella is Fiesty but has a lot of guilt (again with the theme as in the second book of feeling guilt about sexual desire and losing virginity). I didn’t always get her logic but she and Alasdair are a great pair, very balanced when together. In many ways opposites attract.
The epilogue concluded very thoroughly which I appreciated.
Alasdair Andrews is an atypical hero from what you find in HR books and it was refreshing. He is not an alpha, he is a virgin and he has to really find his voice and his way throughout the book. There were times when I wished he was more assertive but overall he is a great hero who rises to the occasion and in the process learns a lot about himself.
Arabella is Fiesty but has a lot of guilt (again with the theme as in the second book of feeling guilt about sexual desire and losing virginity). I didn’t always get her logic but she and Alasdair are a great pair, very balanced when together. In many ways opposites attract.
The epilogue concluded very thoroughly which I appreciated.
October 20, 2022
I've really enjoyed reading "The Lovelocks of London" series and I'm hoping that this book doesn't end up being the final installment. This story differed from the first two in the sense that Dr. Alasdair Andrews was not a rake. Arabella was definitely the naughtier of the two. It took a long time for Alasdair and Arabella to overcome their obstacles and finally get together. The HEA was very satisfying. There was some interesting medical drama and many previous characters were revisited. The epilogue had a very nice summary outlining everyone's future.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
October 26, 2022
4 1/2 * STARS*
This is not your usual romance.
Arabella Lovestock fell in love with Dr. Alasdair Andrews the first time she met him. For about ten minutes, in the study of the bishop. All hope of seeing him again fizzled away over time. The attention she gets from Giles Fortescue, Marquess of Painswick, turns her eighteen year old head and she's ruined. Arabella flees London to disappear in Scotland. Starts a school for young girls and has a satisfying life. Fate steps in and Alasdair appears in her life just when she was thinking to make a life changing decision. Alasdair is to escort her back to England to her sister Henry. Delayed by a snowstorm, Alasdair may have a second chance to win Arabella for his wife. Arabella confronts her past and plans the seduction of Alasdair. A painful past is overcome by the love she's always wanted. The characters in this book are complex and complicated. You can easily get lost in the story.
HEAT LEVEL 5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This is not your usual romance.
Arabella Lovestock fell in love with Dr. Alasdair Andrews the first time she met him. For about ten minutes, in the study of the bishop. All hope of seeing him again fizzled away over time. The attention she gets from Giles Fortescue, Marquess of Painswick, turns her eighteen year old head and she's ruined. Arabella flees London to disappear in Scotland. Starts a school for young girls and has a satisfying life. Fate steps in and Alasdair appears in her life just when she was thinking to make a life changing decision. Alasdair is to escort her back to England to her sister Henry. Delayed by a snowstorm, Alasdair may have a second chance to win Arabella for his wife. Arabella confronts her past and plans the seduction of Alasdair. A painful past is overcome by the love she's always wanted. The characters in this book are complex and complicated. You can easily get lost in the story.
HEAT LEVEL 5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 25, 2023
I’ve been reading some bangers the last couple of weeks!
This is my favorite of the series. Felicity Negin knows how to do a slow burn right!.
Also, we got to see the together and happy for the last 20-35% of the book, which is rare in slow burns.
This is my favorite of the series. Felicity Negin knows how to do a slow burn right!.
Also, we got to see the together and happy for the last 20-35% of the book, which is rare in slow burns.
February 11, 2025
Great historical romance
But I have to admit I cringed at Arabella's rashness and gullibility at the book's beginning. The doctor is a lovely, albeit slightly deluded, character. There is angst on the part of both main characters. Ewen is wonderful. And the ever after is great.
But I have to admit I cringed at Arabella's rashness and gullibility at the book's beginning. The doctor is a lovely, albeit slightly deluded, character. There is angst on the part of both main characters. Ewen is wonderful. And the ever after is great.
March 20, 2023
Excellent
June 14, 2025
The perfect ending for the Lovelocks of London series, I had so much fun.
Felicity specializes in writingteenage crushes. I think this is the third book of hers where I've read about people having a happy ending with their crushes and I love it. I didn't know it was one of my favorite tropes until i read this author, lol.
One of my favorite things was that Harry, of all people, was matchmaking 😆
Felicity specializes in writing
One of my favorite things was that Harry, of all people, was matchmaking 😆
June 13, 2023
I think I like this book more than book 1, mainly because I adore Alasdair. He is such a sweet cinnamon roll. There is still miscommunication in this book but it was resolved quicker than book 1 which I appreciate tremendously.
I really enjoyed the epilogue cuz it was more of an extended epilogue to the entire series where you see what happens to all the other characters and that was a nice wrap-up to this series.
I really enjoyed the epilogue cuz it was more of an extended epilogue to the entire series where you see what happens to all the other characters and that was a nice wrap-up to this series.
May 13, 2024
This was my favorite of the Lovelocks of London series. I loved Arabella and Alasdair’s eventual reunion, and how shy and uncertain Alasdair was with Arabella.
It ended up being perhaps a bit too spicy for me, though? Towards the end it felt like they were just going at it like rabbits and that was a lot.
I also felt that the SA storyline, and Alasdair’s handling of it, needed a sensitivity edit. Did not like how he got mad, even for a moment, that his dream girl had been touched by someone else. We can do better than this.
Overall, for this series, I’m struggling a bit to understand the author’s stance on women’s sexuality. In this and Catherine’s book there is a LOT of interior monologue about how the FMCs feel sinful or evil for normal human behavior like wanting to kiss someone. Possibly this was meant to be a statement about the mores of the time period? But whatever validation the FMCs eventually got felt inadequate, and ultimately the lack of clarity here was a little off-putting as a reader.
It ended up being perhaps a bit too spicy for me, though? Towards the end it felt like they were just going at it like rabbits and that was a lot.
I also felt that the SA storyline, and Alasdair’s handling of it, needed a sensitivity edit. Did not like how he got mad, even for a moment, that his dream girl had been touched by someone else. We can do better than this.
Overall, for this series, I’m struggling a bit to understand the author’s stance on women’s sexuality. In this and Catherine’s book there is a LOT of interior monologue about how the FMCs feel sinful or evil for normal human behavior like wanting to kiss someone. Possibly this was meant to be a statement about the mores of the time period? But whatever validation the FMCs eventually got felt inadequate, and ultimately the lack of clarity here was a little off-putting as a reader.
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