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Witches of Mayfair #3
Charming the Devil
She held him in her thrall, and he was powerless to resist...
To London society, they were nothing more than a group of well-bred ladies gathering to gossip about eligible bachelors. But the women of Lavender House share an uncommon gift that will lead them to days filled with danger—and nights of desire.
Faye Nettles seems like just another beguiling ingenue. But Faye came to Lavender House seeking refuge from a tragic past, a past she fears may find her at any moment. So though she finds lying detestable, she must keep her dark secrets—especially from Rogan McBain, the towering, muscle-bound Scotsman she has been tasked with investigating.
Rogan McBain seems like just another brutish soldier. But though he served admirably in His Majesty's army, Rogan has far more on his mind than fighting—like the golden-haired angel who's shown up at his door. Faye could bring even the strongest man to his knees, but she thinks he's a downright devil. If only he could find a way to charm himself into her delicate heart.
To London society, they were nothing more than a group of well-bred ladies gathering to gossip about eligible bachelors. But the women of Lavender House share an uncommon gift that will lead them to days filled with danger—and nights of desire.
Faye Nettles seems like just another beguiling ingenue. But Faye came to Lavender House seeking refuge from a tragic past, a past she fears may find her at any moment. So though she finds lying detestable, she must keep her dark secrets—especially from Rogan McBain, the towering, muscle-bound Scotsman she has been tasked with investigating.
Rogan McBain seems like just another brutish soldier. But though he served admirably in His Majesty's army, Rogan has far more on his mind than fighting—like the golden-haired angel who's shown up at his door. Faye could bring even the strongest man to his knees, but she thinks he's a downright devil. If only he could find a way to charm himself into her delicate heart.
377 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 26, 2010
6 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Lois Greiman
81 books293 followersBorn on a North Dakota cattle ranch, Lois Greiman graduated from a high school class of sixty students before moving to Minnesota where she professionally trained and showed Arabian Horses for several years. Since that time she's been a high fashion model, a fitness instructor, and a veterinary assistant. But an incurable case of writing fever put a stop to all those occupations.
Since selling her first book to Avon in 1992, she has sold twelve other historical romance novels, most of which are set in medieval Scotland and involve her very popular Forbes clan. In an attempt to pursue her love of humor, Ms. Greiman has also recently sold three romantic comedies to Harlequin Enterprises.
While caring for three children, fifteen horses, and a menagerie of pets on her small farm in Minnesota, Ms. Greiman writes full time, producing two or three novels a year and garnering much praise from readers and reviewers alike. Affaire de Coeur called HIGHLAND WOLF "magnificent." Romantic Times proclaimed LADY AND THE KNIGHT"...pure magic." Christina Dodd proclaims "Lois Greiman delivers....The Fraser Bride offers delightful characters, breathless adventure."
Her Highland novels have received Affaire de Couer's Critic's Choice Award, Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award, and been nominated for Romance Writer's of America's prestigious Rita. Her titles have appeared on Barnes and Nobles Best Selling Romance list and won her the Midwest Fiction Writer's Rising Star Award.
Since selling her first book to Avon in 1992, she has sold twelve other historical romance novels, most of which are set in medieval Scotland and involve her very popular Forbes clan. In an attempt to pursue her love of humor, Ms. Greiman has also recently sold three romantic comedies to Harlequin Enterprises.
While caring for three children, fifteen horses, and a menagerie of pets on her small farm in Minnesota, Ms. Greiman writes full time, producing two or three novels a year and garnering much praise from readers and reviewers alike. Affaire de Coeur called HIGHLAND WOLF "magnificent." Romantic Times proclaimed LADY AND THE KNIGHT"...pure magic." Christina Dodd proclaims "Lois Greiman delivers....The Fraser Bride offers delightful characters, breathless adventure."
Her Highland novels have received Affaire de Couer's Critic's Choice Award, Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award, and been nominated for Romance Writer's of America's prestigious Rita. Her titles have appeared on Barnes and Nobles Best Selling Romance list and won her the Midwest Fiction Writer's Rising Star Award.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 14, 2022
This was a kooky book. I don't know how else to describe it. I think this was my first HR dealing with witches in regency(?) London. It would have been cool and it had potential but the vague writing and weak plot ruined it. The only thing that held my interest and kept me going was the scrumptious Scottish hero Rogan McBain. Loved his name. He was so dear with how smitten he was. He's this big burly man who is self-conscious about his size and so sweet and socially awkward. He would say stuff that would really hit you at the knees in his sincerity and honesty. "You are a danger to me heart" ugh I loved him. The heroine Faye however was a useless ninny who was terrified of her own shadow. Literally terrified of everything. She's supposedly investigating a murder for her coven (which I still don't understand why? and the significance of the murdered man) and Rogan is their #1 suspect. Timid, scared, shy Faye is put to the task. This is like the 2nd consecutive book I've read this month with this type of heroine and I'm already over it. I normally love shy heroines but not the exaggerated "lemme run and hide" type. I was planning to give this a 3 star just for Rogan but the ridiculous plot and constant stop and start conversations and silly misunderstandings between our main couple just dragged things down for me in the end. I went along for the kooky fun until it was no longer fun.
The writing is all over the place and thin. With a heroine whose perspective on things is so loosey goosey and inconsistently confusing. Faye is confused and unsure through the whole dang book until the very end where she magically becomes fearless and shows common sense out of nowhere. She's suddenly convinced the hero is the murderer at the 90% mark because someone tells her he is with no proof or evidence until he shows up at the scene of a crime and tada! she believes him again. Just like that. lol So much for having faith in the guy who hasn't done a damn thing shady in all 377 pages of this book. <_< Hhhmp. She takes someone's word as a fact and believes what anyone tells her (even for a witch who can supposedly tell when someone is lying #confusion). I'm still not sure about Faye's powers beyond her ability to tell when someone is lying and that she can levitate shit when she's angry. The Lavender House is a coven of witches each with varying skills that for some reason is rarely shown or touched on. The only member from the club who stood out was Shaleena, she with the bountiful breasts with the temperament of a feral cat who loved to walk around naked and set things on fire. Like I said this book was weird. lol
Lois Greiman doesn't do a great job of setting up a scene or filling in the background information about her characters. The world building is near non-existent. I'm guessing this was regency? This was definitely a wallpaper historical. No details are given on anything beyond the breadth of the hero's huge shoulders and burly chest. This is the 3rd book in a series and yet I don't know what the intention behind The Lavender House is? They are a coven solving crimes....for who exactly? A reviewer said they are working for the government which is even more bizarre. And of course that wasn't even mentioned here. The opening of the book was so jarring and confusing and I assumed it was because I was reading this book out of order. But going off of reviews for the 1st book in this series readers had the same problem there. The writing is super confusing and very vague. There was never any straight answers, just questions left unanswered. A bunch of stuff is hinted at but not explained. Things are constantly alluded to but rarely explained and on top of that you have flowery purple prose sprinkled in which doesn't help. If you asked me how the hero was connected to the murder mystery plot I wouldn't be able to tell you.
The writing is all over the place and thin. With a heroine whose perspective on things is so loosey goosey and inconsistently confusing. Faye is confused and unsure through the whole dang book until the very end where she magically becomes fearless and shows common sense out of nowhere. She's suddenly convinced the hero is the murderer at the 90% mark because someone tells her he is with no proof or evidence until he shows up at the scene of a crime and tada! she believes him again. Just like that. lol So much for having faith in the guy who hasn't done a damn thing shady in all 377 pages of this book. <_< Hhhmp. She takes someone's word as a fact and believes what anyone tells her (even for a witch who can supposedly tell when someone is lying #confusion). I'm still not sure about Faye's powers beyond her ability to tell when someone is lying and that she can levitate shit when she's angry. The Lavender House is a coven of witches each with varying skills that for some reason is rarely shown or touched on. The only member from the club who stood out was Shaleena, she with the bountiful breasts with the temperament of a feral cat who loved to walk around naked and set things on fire. Like I said this book was weird. lol
Lois Greiman doesn't do a great job of setting up a scene or filling in the background information about her characters. The world building is near non-existent. I'm guessing this was regency? This was definitely a wallpaper historical. No details are given on anything beyond the breadth of the hero's huge shoulders and burly chest. This is the 3rd book in a series and yet I don't know what the intention behind The Lavender House is? They are a coven solving crimes....for who exactly? A reviewer said they are working for the government which is even more bizarre. And of course that wasn't even mentioned here. The opening of the book was so jarring and confusing and I assumed it was because I was reading this book out of order. But going off of reviews for the 1st book in this series readers had the same problem there. The writing is super confusing and very vague. There was never any straight answers, just questions left unanswered. A bunch of stuff is hinted at but not explained. Things are constantly alluded to but rarely explained and on top of that you have flowery purple prose sprinkled in which doesn't help. If you asked me how the hero was connected to the murder mystery plot I wouldn't be able to tell you.
April 30, 2010
Even though the cover exhibit sexual chemistry, inside it had none
January 29, 2011
3rd in the Witches of Mayfair (Lavender House series). Good, but very drawn out, and one just just wished they'd sit down and talk instead of dink around!
October 3, 2019
I’m not a big reader of historical romance, but this wasn’t at all what I expected (the back flap teaser is more about the series than the individual book). I was confused from the start by the “mystery”… Why are the occupants of the Lavender House interested in the death of this particular Baron? Why “assign” Faye to figure it out? Even the link between Rogan and the death was never very clear, or why Faye would think he’d have the answer. The prose was a little flowery (maybe that’s standard for historical) and the build-up of sexual tension was decent, but it wasn’t enough to hold the story together, at least not for me.
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December 28, 2020I only read a chapter and a half of this book. I had no idea what was going on. I have to assume you need to read the first two books in the series to understand what's happening.
November 24, 2022
Fun hot read
May 12, 2010
Witty, funny and sensuous – Charming the Devil will make historical romance fans out of all those who have been hiding from ripped bodices; I swear, I’m converted!
This is just such a delightful book. Third in the series, but the first that I have read, I am ashamed to say that I had this sitting on my shelf for a little while now and I have been dreading reading it. My avoidance of historical romance stems from the days of stealing my mother’s old Mills & Boons, but they (and I) have certainly come a long way since then if this is an example of the modern version of bodice ripper.
Ok, so it’s got a few paranormal elements to it, but overall it is a historical romance. Rogan McBain is our tortured soul; a handsome Scottish hero, back from fighting the wars as a Tommy, a giant of a man with a....’ heart’... to match. Faye ‘Nettles’ is our heroine, with an abusive past she’s trying to overcome and a few powers as a witch, she’s ready with a quick wit and a ready to discover a passion she never knew existed.
Actually, we’ve got a couple of murders, the machinations of the ever present ton, lost sons, found daughters and the result of a duel at dawn. As well as some wonderfully ripped bodices. This is steam with a very solid plot, and so much fun! The quick wit and clever lines our characters are able to deliver just make this story so much fun to read. The clever blend of traditional society proprieties and a more modern innuendo had me giggling my way through this.
Although the third in the Witches of Mayfair, I had no problems reading this as a standalone, of course I am now looking forward to getting into the first books in the series to understand the back story and they’re all looking to be just as witting and funny... and steamy as this.
http://www.fangtastic.com.au/books/sh...
This is just such a delightful book. Third in the series, but the first that I have read, I am ashamed to say that I had this sitting on my shelf for a little while now and I have been dreading reading it. My avoidance of historical romance stems from the days of stealing my mother’s old Mills & Boons, but they (and I) have certainly come a long way since then if this is an example of the modern version of bodice ripper.
Ok, so it’s got a few paranormal elements to it, but overall it is a historical romance. Rogan McBain is our tortured soul; a handsome Scottish hero, back from fighting the wars as a Tommy, a giant of a man with a....’ heart’... to match. Faye ‘Nettles’ is our heroine, with an abusive past she’s trying to overcome and a few powers as a witch, she’s ready with a quick wit and a ready to discover a passion she never knew existed.
Actually, we’ve got a couple of murders, the machinations of the ever present ton, lost sons, found daughters and the result of a duel at dawn. As well as some wonderfully ripped bodices. This is steam with a very solid plot, and so much fun! The quick wit and clever lines our characters are able to deliver just make this story so much fun to read. The clever blend of traditional society proprieties and a more modern innuendo had me giggling my way through this.
Although the third in the Witches of Mayfair, I had no problems reading this as a standalone, of course I am now looking forward to getting into the first books in the series to understand the back story and they’re all looking to be just as witting and funny... and steamy as this.
http://www.fangtastic.com.au/books/sh...
May 15, 2010
Faye, who is a witch and has been taken in by the members of Lavender House, is posing as widowed Mrs. Nettles to find answers about Lord Brendier's death. Faye must get close to Rogan McBain, who was one of the last people to see Lord Brendier alive. Because of Faye's "gift" in sensing the truth, she hopes to ferret out the killer, but issues from her past cause turmoil and interfere with her mission.
CHARMING THE DEVIL is a great historical, paranormal read with a marvelous hero, spunky heroine, and an enchanting cast of secondary characters. Let me just state upfront: I love Rogan McBain! McBain is a former military hero, who is described as very large and capable. Because of his great size, many fear McBain, but his rough exterior hides a tender soul. McBain can be tough, when needed, but he is protective and loving to those weaker than himself. Faye has not had it easy, for she was abused as a child and made to use her gifts for an evil man's purposes. As a result, Faye fears and distrusts men. It takes McBain's love and patience to help her overcome her past. The secondary characters are intriguing and come alive on their own, and I'm looking forward to reading the first two books in the series. CHARMING THE DEVIL goes on my keeper shelf.
CHARMING THE DEVIL is a great historical, paranormal read with a marvelous hero, spunky heroine, and an enchanting cast of secondary characters. Let me just state upfront: I love Rogan McBain! McBain is a former military hero, who is described as very large and capable. Because of his great size, many fear McBain, but his rough exterior hides a tender soul. McBain can be tough, when needed, but he is protective and loving to those weaker than himself. Faye has not had it easy, for she was abused as a child and made to use her gifts for an evil man's purposes. As a result, Faye fears and distrusts men. It takes McBain's love and patience to help her overcome her past. The secondary characters are intriguing and come alive on their own, and I'm looking forward to reading the first two books in the series. CHARMING THE DEVIL goes on my keeper shelf.
February 13, 2016
An 1800's London.England look into love, murder, the ton and a coven of gifted people who try to find answers using their gifts.. "Mrs. Nettles" learns how to control her gifts while dealing with her past and fitting in at Lavender House and helping Rogan learn to deal with his past and preception of himself as they both learn to love and trust. Not my usual genre of book but I found it captivating and enjoyed reading it.
April 24, 2011
Sorry this was a sleeper for me. What happen ? I have enjoyed the series so far but this one was a let down for me. Where was the magic and the romance ? The Scotsman was the only highlight of the book for me and the caring side he had and all his imaginary faults of his own. So many thing lacking in this story.... Not for me...
Want to read
February 18, 2014Reading for a face to face book club that meets next Friday...Hope I can finish it in time!
March 3, 2011
This one does not live up to others in the series.
September 9, 2016
The best of this series but what is it with extremely large males and fairy like females. The whole series only ranks about 2.75 on the 5 point scale.
September 7, 2012
I loved this book. I wish they would write another book for the series. If you haven't read this book you should
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July 30, 2016Finished 1st Reading:
Finished 2nd Reading: 01/27/2016 8:56A Wednesday
Purchased New - Paperback - $5.97 Walmart
ISBN -978-0-06-184933-6
Finished 2nd Reading: 01/27/2016 8:56A Wednesday
Purchased New - Paperback - $5.97 Walmart
ISBN -978-0-06-184933-6
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews