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Circle of Sin #1
To Sin With a Scoundrel
A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband... A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham—the Earl of Hadley—is not accused of murdering anything—save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.
Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive—and perhaps deadly—if they don't watch their step.
Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive—and perhaps deadly—if they don't watch their step.
349 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 16, 2010
69 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Cara Elliott
20 books225 followersCara Elliott started creating books at the age of five, or so her mother tells her. And Mom has the proof preserved in a family scrapbook—a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses. Cara has since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured her imagination ever since she opened the covers of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.
Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.
A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.
Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 19, 2010
H/H are gossip fodders, for different reasons. Ciara’s venomous, fork-tongued in-laws (nephew & sis-in-law) want to get their grubby paws on her 8 y/o son’s inheritance by feeding the tabloids w/ malicious, slanderous insinuations that Ciara murdered her abusive, drunkard hubby. Lucas is infamous as Mad, Bad, Had-Ley (tho’ I thought this was kinda exaggerated ‘cuz since the 1st chapter, he hardly ever did anything to live up to his rakish rep). Lucas has hidden depths & talents, w/ a big heart that encompasses fondness for Henry, his invalid guardian / uncle & also for Ciara’s son, Peregrine. B4 H/H meet, Ciara overhears some ladies sighing over Lucas’s prowess, esp his cunnilingus skills. The last man on earth she’d wanna hook up w/ is Lucas, but she’s left w/ no choice as her in-laws’ efforts to frame her for murder intensify. She reluctantly agrees to her buddies’ scheme, to enter a sham engagement, to throw a protective cloak over Ciara & Perry. In exchange, she agrees to translate an ancient manuscript for Lucas’s uncle. Lucas is stunned @ 1st sight ‘cuz nobody told him that Ciara’s a looker. He agrees to study ornithology & he proves to be an apt pupil. Both H/H have their own circle of friends that they can rely on, for morale support & brainstorming ideas. Lucas’s BFFs also help him out as Lucas parades Ciara to the society. When Ciara & Perry’s safety is jeopardized, Lucas decides to relocate Ciara & Perry - w/ chaperones, of course – to his country home but trouble follows wherever they go. They gotta convince 1 another that they’re worthy of luv, despite their vastly different lifestyles. I luved how Lucas always teases Ciara & charms the drawers outta her w/ sly innuendoes.
The romance progresses @ a steady pace. The plot is quite simple but it’s character-driven. What made the book come alive for me : the entire cast of characters (esp Lucas, the huggable hero), fun atmosphere, tongue-in-cheek humor, v. entertaining dialogues & thank gawd, no purple prose. Even tho’ it won’t win any artsy fartsy literary prizes, this was 1 of those books that made me loathe to go to work the next day but I needed my much-needed beauty sleep to preserve health & job security =)~
If U like a funny, strong but softie hero who interacts well w/ kids, a take-charge McRake who steps up to the plate effortlessly w/ his winning charm, this is the 1. Oh yeah he also has an unusual writing style, 1 that he’s tried v. hard not to reveal, he writes the letters in reverse, the E & F facing left. When I read that, I was like, huh, I write exactly like that ! Now what’s wrong w/ us ? Dyslexia ? LOL… Well I can certainly relate to him. He’s also a talented sketch artist & an avid bird observer. Whodathunk, a carefree, good-for-nuffink rascal has more than meets the nekid eye ? H/H’s realization that they’re in luv for the 1st time in their lives was smooth & believable. It’s cool that his transformation wasn’t an overnite process. He finally finds a greater purpose in life, other than wasting his time away w/ endless carousing. His fellow wastrel friends watch his puzzling transformation in disbelief & take sly jabs @ his gradual attitude changes, they can’t believe that he’s no longer the rakehell he used to be. He feels unworthy of Ciara. He appreciates her beauty & brains. He even admits to himself that she makes him wanna be a better man. Aaaawww… duncha just luv a hero who doesn’t go thru’ the self-denial process to the bitter end ? From his BFF, Ciara’s made aware that Lucas has carved up a shiny camouflage for himself as the devil-may-care scoundrel, to avoid being the butt of his peer’s jokes. He’s whip-smart, but he makes an error in judgment that results in almost-fatal consequences & he flogs himself for not keeping his trap shut (but he makes up for it @ the end when he plays the knight in shining armor who rescues the damsel’s precious son). Perry, starving for any morsels of paternal affection & guidance, is ecstatic in having a role model / fun playmate in Lucas. Ciara is quite torn, between wanting her son to be happy yet dreading the time if / when Lucas will break his son’s & her hearts once it’s all over. There’s also a sweet & subtle 2ndary romance between Lucas’s uncle & Ariel, Ciara’s dear friend from her ‘Circle of sin’, which goes to show that love knows no ages even if U got 1 foot in the grave.
I admit that usually the H/H can make / break a book & I’m a tad too generous in rating if the hero's to die for, but what the hell, this book was a boatload of fun & it hit all the right notes @ the right moment, on the heels of the other unmentionable book featuring asscrack wacko hero. Lucas is a balm to my bruised eyes, he has perched himself on my permanent luvable hero shelf. His character growth was excellent. I luved his exuberance & the different facets of his personalities. He’s the epitome of ‘don’t judge a man by his antics’, he doesn’t give a hoot ‘bout what others think of him, but he’s appalled as he realizes that his bad rep is not a badge of honor. He recognizes his faults & starts to regret his past actions, the more he hangs out w/ his BFF & Ciara. He actually extends himself to be a man worthy of Ciara’s regards. There’s something endearing ‘bout a quick & protective hero who’s willing to put his life on the line for a kid.
The noticeable minor deficiencies are prolly just me being too nitpicky ‘cuz that’s my line of work in real life. Whazzup w/ the plethora of ‘Lud’ ? There’s 1 page where it’s mentioned w/ ‘Lord’. Also, Ciara inexplicably stammers. A lot. The evil villains are too cartoonish, it’s like watching an episode of goofballs Tom & Jerry, they’re merely a prop. The mystery is no mystery @ all. It’s revealed from the beginning that they’ll stop @ nuffink to succeed, by eliminating all obstacles to their diabolical plan. None of these flaws detract the overall entertainment value of this fun romp. The luv scenes are sensual but not crass. I liked the crackling chemistry between H/H as they explored the mystery of passion. To my utter delight, it’s a potent relaxer.
I can’t wait to read the sequel ‘cuz here we get blistering dialogues between the lady w/ the mouth, fiery Alessandra (Ciara’s BFF) VS Black Jack, the Prince of Darkness (Lucas’s BFF). I also wanna read ‘bout Lucas’ other married friends.
The romance progresses @ a steady pace. The plot is quite simple but it’s character-driven. What made the book come alive for me : the entire cast of characters (esp Lucas, the huggable hero), fun atmosphere, tongue-in-cheek humor, v. entertaining dialogues & thank gawd, no purple prose. Even tho’ it won’t win any artsy fartsy literary prizes, this was 1 of those books that made me loathe to go to work the next day but I needed my much-needed beauty sleep to preserve health & job security =)~
If U like a funny, strong but softie hero who interacts well w/ kids, a take-charge McRake who steps up to the plate effortlessly w/ his winning charm, this is the 1. Oh yeah he also has an unusual writing style, 1 that he’s tried v. hard not to reveal, he writes the letters in reverse, the E & F facing left. When I read that, I was like, huh, I write exactly like that ! Now what’s wrong w/ us ? Dyslexia ? LOL… Well I can certainly relate to him. He’s also a talented sketch artist & an avid bird observer. Whodathunk, a carefree, good-for-nuffink rascal has more than meets the nekid eye ? H/H’s realization that they’re in luv for the 1st time in their lives was smooth & believable. It’s cool that his transformation wasn’t an overnite process. He finally finds a greater purpose in life, other than wasting his time away w/ endless carousing. His fellow wastrel friends watch his puzzling transformation in disbelief & take sly jabs @ his gradual attitude changes, they can’t believe that he’s no longer the rakehell he used to be. He feels unworthy of Ciara. He appreciates her beauty & brains. He even admits to himself that she makes him wanna be a better man. Aaaawww… duncha just luv a hero who doesn’t go thru’ the self-denial process to the bitter end ? From his BFF, Ciara’s made aware that Lucas has carved up a shiny camouflage for himself as the devil-may-care scoundrel, to avoid being the butt of his peer’s jokes. He’s whip-smart, but he makes an error in judgment that results in almost-fatal consequences & he flogs himself for not keeping his trap shut (but he makes up for it @ the end when he plays the knight in shining armor who rescues the damsel’s precious son). Perry, starving for any morsels of paternal affection & guidance, is ecstatic in having a role model / fun playmate in Lucas. Ciara is quite torn, between wanting her son to be happy yet dreading the time if / when Lucas will break his son’s & her hearts once it’s all over. There’s also a sweet & subtle 2ndary romance between Lucas’s uncle & Ariel, Ciara’s dear friend from her ‘Circle of sin’, which goes to show that love knows no ages even if U got 1 foot in the grave.
I admit that usually the H/H can make / break a book & I’m a tad too generous in rating if the hero's to die for, but what the hell, this book was a boatload of fun & it hit all the right notes @ the right moment, on the heels of the other unmentionable book featuring asscrack wacko hero. Lucas is a balm to my bruised eyes, he has perched himself on my permanent luvable hero shelf. His character growth was excellent. I luved his exuberance & the different facets of his personalities. He’s the epitome of ‘don’t judge a man by his antics’, he doesn’t give a hoot ‘bout what others think of him, but he’s appalled as he realizes that his bad rep is not a badge of honor. He recognizes his faults & starts to regret his past actions, the more he hangs out w/ his BFF & Ciara. He actually extends himself to be a man worthy of Ciara’s regards. There’s something endearing ‘bout a quick & protective hero who’s willing to put his life on the line for a kid.
The noticeable minor deficiencies are prolly just me being too nitpicky ‘cuz that’s my line of work in real life. Whazzup w/ the plethora of ‘Lud’ ? There’s 1 page where it’s mentioned w/ ‘Lord’. Also, Ciara inexplicably stammers. A lot. The evil villains are too cartoonish, it’s like watching an episode of goofballs Tom & Jerry, they’re merely a prop. The mystery is no mystery @ all. It’s revealed from the beginning that they’ll stop @ nuffink to succeed, by eliminating all obstacles to their diabolical plan. None of these flaws detract the overall entertainment value of this fun romp. The luv scenes are sensual but not crass. I liked the crackling chemistry between H/H as they explored the mystery of passion. To my utter delight, it’s a potent relaxer.
I can’t wait to read the sequel ‘cuz here we get blistering dialogues between the lady w/ the mouth, fiery Alessandra (Ciara’s BFF) VS Black Jack, the Prince of Darkness (Lucas’s BFF). I also wanna read ‘bout Lucas’ other married friends.
July 12, 2021
~ A serious, intelligent outcast widow meets her match in a witty, rakish, devil-may-care charmer (4 stars) ~
I thought Cara Elliott was a newcomer on the historical romance scene, but it turns out she has been publishing under the pen name Andrea Pickens for about ten years. There were a lot of things I enjoyed about To Sin With a Scoundrel that were unusual or not commonly found in many other HRs and with all the romances out there, it's nice to read something that feels new and fresh. Overall, this book was a great read, though with some uneven parts or gaps in the story: it had strong and interesting leading characters, engaging supporting ones, sizzling chemistry, and humorous dialog and scenes.
This book is the first in Elliott's Circle of Sin trilogy and one of the things I appreciated right from the start was that the five women who are part of this "Circle of Sin" (officially called the Circle of Scientific Sibyls) are not all young marriage-aged single women. Kate is an American and all the aforementioned things, Ciara is a widow with a young son, Alessandra is a widow with a young daughter (and very mysterious past), and the other two women are elderly sisters who add humor and depth (one of whom gets her own sweet romance).
Lady Ciara Sheffield (love her name!) is a wonderful leading lady, both strong and soft. Despite challenging obstacles, she has persevered, is an extremely devoted mother, and maintains her integrity in the face of difficult circumstances. I liked that even when Lucas enters the scene and begins to help her, she doesn't fall all over herself at his feet - she's a strong woman and at no point does she lose that. Her interest in science is a nice twist; I always enjoy books where the heroine has unusual interests and/or talents (and where the author truly incorporates that into the character and isn't just doing lip-service).
Lucas Bingham, Earl of Hadley is the perfect match for Ciara, with his rakish and seemingly never-serious ways; she is almost too stern and Lucas balances this out so well. He's playful and smiles and laughs, yet his rakish devil-may-care facade hides an intelligent wit, a curious mind, and a great capacity for love and affection. His devotion to his uncle throughout the book is very sweet, his interactions with Peregrine (Ciara's son) are cute, and as we begin to see the "real" side of Lucas that he rarely shows to the world, we find ourselves falling in love with him right along with Ciara.
One of the things that Elliott did *so successfully* in this book was that she truly makes you believe in the development of the two main characters. So many times we start off with a rakish sleeps-with-everyone hero who undergoes a drastic transformation ... yet it happens unbelievably quickly and there's not enough explanation as to why he's changing and why now. Same with the heroines who are reserved, serious, and not very in touch with their sexuality - authors will often have them transform overnight into free-spirited, happy-go-lucky, sensual women and the reader is left floundering as to how it all happened.
Here, neither Ciara nor Lucas change the essentials of who they are, however they do slowly undergo a change in how they act towards people, deal with one another, and think about themselves. This is all done very believably, so that at times when you think Lucas is just about to be serious and say the sweet thing he actually wants to say, he reverts back to his rakish self and all three of you are disappointed (three being Ciara, Lucas, and the reader), yet know that this time the role seemed to feel a little less comfortable and ring a little less true. Similarly, Ciara will begin to be drawn in by Lucas and you think that she's just about to give in and let loose, when suddenly she'll pull back. The changes in them are gradual - as they would be in real life - but if I'm making it sound frustrating it is *not at all* that way. It actually makes for a much smoother and more authentic and enjoyable read.
My criticism of this book is that certain parts of the plot/story were uneven or had holes; some things didn't feel fully explored or you feel like you're missing information. For example, we gather that the husband was a mean cheating bastard, but there aren't any flashbacks, Ciara never talks about their marriage, and we don't really learn much about this person who has such a great influence over the story, since it's his family that is wreaking havoc on Ciara and Peregrine and he caused her distrust in men. Similarly, the mystery subplot was a little uneven; it's what propels Lucas and Ciara together, but at times it seems to fade away, feels somewhat contrived, or takes a turn for the melodramatic.
Regardless, this book was enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it! Isn't one you'll be staying up all night to finish, but is perfect for a light afternoon or weekend read.
CIRCLE OF SIN TRILOGY
1) To Sin With a Scoundrel - Lady Ciara Sheffield and Lucas Bingham, Earl of Hadley (March 2010)
2) To Surrender to a Rogue - Lady Alessandra della Giamatti and Lord James Jacquehart Pierson (June 2010)
3) To Tempt a Rogue - Kate Woodbridge and the Conte of Como (March 2011)
RECOMMENDATIONS
- A Woman of Virtue (Lorimer Family, Book 1) by Liz Carlyle, 5 stars
- Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran, 5 stars
- Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas, 5 stars
- A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Family prequel) by Mary Balogh, 4.5 stars
- A Dangerous Beauty (Widows Club, Book 1) by Sophia Nash, 4.5 stars
- Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne MacLean, 4 stars
- Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke, 4 stars
- Wicked Widow (Vanza Series, Book 4) by Amanda Quick
And if you love scientific-minded heroines or ones with unusual interests, Amanda Quick does as well, so check out Ravished (5 stars), Dangerous (4.5 stars), Scandal (4.5 stars), Reckless (4 stars), Mischief (4 stars), Deception, With This Ring, and her Lavinia Lake and Tobias March Trilogy.
I thought Cara Elliott was a newcomer on the historical romance scene, but it turns out she has been publishing under the pen name Andrea Pickens for about ten years. There were a lot of things I enjoyed about To Sin With a Scoundrel that were unusual or not commonly found in many other HRs and with all the romances out there, it's nice to read something that feels new and fresh. Overall, this book was a great read, though with some uneven parts or gaps in the story: it had strong and interesting leading characters, engaging supporting ones, sizzling chemistry, and humorous dialog and scenes.
This book is the first in Elliott's Circle of Sin trilogy and one of the things I appreciated right from the start was that the five women who are part of this "Circle of Sin" (officially called the Circle of Scientific Sibyls) are not all young marriage-aged single women. Kate is an American and all the aforementioned things, Ciara is a widow with a young son, Alessandra is a widow with a young daughter (and very mysterious past), and the other two women are elderly sisters who add humor and depth (one of whom gets her own sweet romance).
Lady Ciara Sheffield (love her name!) is a wonderful leading lady, both strong and soft. Despite challenging obstacles, she has persevered, is an extremely devoted mother, and maintains her integrity in the face of difficult circumstances. I liked that even when Lucas enters the scene and begins to help her, she doesn't fall all over herself at his feet - she's a strong woman and at no point does she lose that. Her interest in science is a nice twist; I always enjoy books where the heroine has unusual interests and/or talents (and where the author truly incorporates that into the character and isn't just doing lip-service).
Lucas Bingham, Earl of Hadley is the perfect match for Ciara, with his rakish and seemingly never-serious ways; she is almost too stern and Lucas balances this out so well. He's playful and smiles and laughs, yet his rakish devil-may-care facade hides an intelligent wit, a curious mind, and a great capacity for love and affection. His devotion to his uncle throughout the book is very sweet, his interactions with Peregrine (Ciara's son) are cute, and as we begin to see the "real" side of Lucas that he rarely shows to the world, we find ourselves falling in love with him right along with Ciara.
One of the things that Elliott did *so successfully* in this book was that she truly makes you believe in the development of the two main characters. So many times we start off with a rakish sleeps-with-everyone hero who undergoes a drastic transformation ... yet it happens unbelievably quickly and there's not enough explanation as to why he's changing and why now. Same with the heroines who are reserved, serious, and not very in touch with their sexuality - authors will often have them transform overnight into free-spirited, happy-go-lucky, sensual women and the reader is left floundering as to how it all happened.
Here, neither Ciara nor Lucas change the essentials of who they are, however they do slowly undergo a change in how they act towards people, deal with one another, and think about themselves. This is all done very believably, so that at times when you think Lucas is just about to be serious and say the sweet thing he actually wants to say, he reverts back to his rakish self and all three of you are disappointed (three being Ciara, Lucas, and the reader), yet know that this time the role seemed to feel a little less comfortable and ring a little less true. Similarly, Ciara will begin to be drawn in by Lucas and you think that she's just about to give in and let loose, when suddenly she'll pull back. The changes in them are gradual - as they would be in real life - but if I'm making it sound frustrating it is *not at all* that way. It actually makes for a much smoother and more authentic and enjoyable read.
My criticism of this book is that certain parts of the plot/story were uneven or had holes; some things didn't feel fully explored or you feel like you're missing information. For example, we gather that the husband was a mean cheating bastard, but there aren't any flashbacks, Ciara never talks about their marriage, and we don't really learn much about this person who has such a great influence over the story, since it's his family that is wreaking havoc on Ciara and Peregrine and he caused her distrust in men. Similarly, the mystery subplot was a little uneven; it's what propels Lucas and Ciara together, but at times it seems to fade away, feels somewhat contrived, or takes a turn for the melodramatic.
Regardless, this book was enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it! Isn't one you'll be staying up all night to finish, but is perfect for a light afternoon or weekend read.
CIRCLE OF SIN TRILOGY
1) To Sin With a Scoundrel - Lady Ciara Sheffield and Lucas Bingham, Earl of Hadley (March 2010)
2) To Surrender to a Rogue - Lady Alessandra della Giamatti and Lord James Jacquehart Pierson (June 2010)
3) To Tempt a Rogue - Kate Woodbridge and the Conte of Como (March 2011)
RECOMMENDATIONS
- A Woman of Virtue (Lorimer Family, Book 1) by Liz Carlyle, 5 stars
- Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran, 5 stars
- Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas, 5 stars
- A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Family prequel) by Mary Balogh, 4.5 stars
- A Dangerous Beauty (Widows Club, Book 1) by Sophia Nash, 4.5 stars
- Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne MacLean, 4 stars
- Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke, 4 stars
- Wicked Widow (Vanza Series, Book 4) by Amanda Quick
And if you love scientific-minded heroines or ones with unusual interests, Amanda Quick does as well, so check out Ravished (5 stars), Dangerous (4.5 stars), Scandal (4.5 stars), Reckless (4 stars), Mischief (4 stars), Deception, With This Ring, and her Lavinia Lake and Tobias March Trilogy.
December 3, 2010
I think I would have really enjoyed this book if I was in the mood to read HR, as I once was. Afterall, it had all my favorite components, a bluestocking, sharp-tongued heroine, a rakish hero, some science, a cute 8-year-old, and witty dialogue.
Ciara Sheffield is rumored to have murdered her husband. She also has a young son to protect from her dead husband's diabolical relatives, who want his inheritance. And she is part of a female science group called the Circle of Sin. Somehow, they have decided to solve all her problems by getting her married again. Strangely (really, I don't understand why they would ever consider this), they pick Mad, Bad Had-ley, Lucus, to play this part. He is a charming and handsome Earl with the most scandalous reputation on the block. And his womanizing isn't a rebellious response to his broken family or horrendous childhood. He had a nice and affectionate uncle, who he was equally affectionate toward. Anyway, they become attached through a sham engagement, to save Ciara's reputation and to keep Lucus' promise to help his uncle translate some historical medical document about Penicillin. Obviously, their proximity only deepens their attraction, and once they act upon it and after Lucus starts acting like a male figure to Ciara's son, they fall in love.
Ciara was pretty awesome, being a widowed scientist and mother. She didn't succumb to all the BS Lucus kept saying, though its hard not to jump a man who is so amazing with her son. She's really strong, yet vulnerable, because what other people said about her, still hurt.
Lucus changed throughout the book, from being a careless rake to an actual responsible human being. I don't understand why it took him so long - he was nearing 30. His introspection on what he used to be was also enjoyable, because we actually get to see him change to be a better person. Still, what I liked most was the scandalous things he said, purposely trying to shock everyone.
I do think that the whole 'Mad, Bad Had-ley' thing was overdone. I don't think that he was really that much of a scapegrace. True, he was a rake, but he was still an earl, and still welcome to Ton events, so he can't really be that bad. I must admit, he was a little too public with his vices. His relationship with his uncle was cute and I wish there was more like that in these HR books. Not everyone needs to have terrible pasts to be Rakes. His friends and his old self were pretty gross. Why haven't these people got a VD yet? How are they even getting laid? They sound like overgrown frat boys and I don't think that's very cool after college.
Overall, I really liked this book and I would recommend it to all HR readers. The writing is pretty good, except for the repetitions of 'Lud' and the historical synonyms for girly intimate parts. 'Quim', seriously? That's so unsexy. It doesn't sound like a fruit, it sounds like 'snot'. At least, no 'manroots' and 'velvet sheaths', right?
Btw, the next book sounds delightful. I can't wait to read that.
Ciara Sheffield is rumored to have murdered her husband. She also has a young son to protect from her dead husband's diabolical relatives, who want his inheritance. And she is part of a female science group called the Circle of Sin. Somehow, they have decided to solve all her problems by getting her married again. Strangely (really, I don't understand why they would ever consider this), they pick Mad, Bad Had-ley, Lucus, to play this part. He is a charming and handsome Earl with the most scandalous reputation on the block. And his womanizing isn't a rebellious response to his broken family or horrendous childhood. He had a nice and affectionate uncle, who he was equally affectionate toward. Anyway, they become attached through a sham engagement, to save Ciara's reputation and to keep Lucus' promise to help his uncle translate some historical medical document about Penicillin. Obviously, their proximity only deepens their attraction, and once they act upon it and after Lucus starts acting like a male figure to Ciara's son, they fall in love.
Ciara was pretty awesome, being a widowed scientist and mother. She didn't succumb to all the BS Lucus kept saying, though its hard not to jump a man who is so amazing with her son. She's really strong, yet vulnerable, because what other people said about her, still hurt.
Lucus changed throughout the book, from being a careless rake to an actual responsible human being. I don't understand why it took him so long - he was nearing 30. His introspection on what he used to be was also enjoyable, because we actually get to see him change to be a better person. Still, what I liked most was the scandalous things he said, purposely trying to shock everyone.
I do think that the whole 'Mad, Bad Had-ley' thing was overdone. I don't think that he was really that much of a scapegrace. True, he was a rake, but he was still an earl, and still welcome to Ton events, so he can't really be that bad. I must admit, he was a little too public with his vices. His relationship with his uncle was cute and I wish there was more like that in these HR books. Not everyone needs to have terrible pasts to be Rakes. His friends and his old self were pretty gross. Why haven't these people got a VD yet? How are they even getting laid? They sound like overgrown frat boys and I don't think that's very cool after college.
Overall, I really liked this book and I would recommend it to all HR readers. The writing is pretty good, except for the repetitions of 'Lud' and the historical synonyms for girly intimate parts. 'Quim', seriously? That's so unsexy. It doesn't sound like a fruit, it sounds like 'snot'. At least, no 'manroots' and 'velvet sheaths', right?
Btw, the next book sounds delightful. I can't wait to read that.
December 19, 2016
2.75 Stars
A star of the children in this book and the other for an original climax.
A star of the children in this book and the other for an original climax.
March 6, 2010
REVIEWED BY TORI
Cara Elliot-the alter ego of Andrea Pickens-takes us on a romantic suspenseful journey through Regency England in a brand new series. In the first of her Circle Of Sin trilogy, To Sin With A Scoundrel, we are introduced to Lady Clare Sheffield and Lord Lucas Hadley. Lord Hadley-called Mad Bad Had-Ley is a rakehell of the first degree. Pursued by all women, he is interested in nothing more then falling into the nearest bed with them.
Hadley's uncle, Sir Henry Phelps, is a brilliant scholar who has come into possession of a document and needs Lady Clara's help in deciphering it. But Lady Clara Sheffield is busy dealing with her own problems. She is a widow and single mother who is rumored to have "helped" her husband along to the grave with her alchemy skills. Her husband's relatives would love nothing better than to see her hang and take control of her child's inheritance.
So Clara's friends, The Scientific ladies of the Circle of Sin, devise a plan to help save Clara's life. Lord Hadley and Lady Clara will pretend to be engaged. Hadley will offer his name and social ties for protection and Lady Clara will decipher the document for Lord Hadley's uncle.
And here is where the fun begins.
I adored Clara and Lucas from the beginning. The heat generated between these two set the pages on fire. Elliott's writing is reminiscent of earlier works by Julie Garwood. The heroine is feisty and opinionated while the hero "attempts" to be in control. Clara relies on science and logic to keep her life orderly. Lucas relies on his looks and, urrr, expertise in the bedroom to keep life at bay. As they work together to resolve Clara's problem they engage in a delightful battle of the wills that had me laughing & groaning at the same time. Each has something to teach the other if only they will let down their guards and learn.
I loved watching Lucas "grow up" as he comes to care for Clara and her little boy and tries to keep them safe. The only problem I had with the story were the hoops Lucas has to jump through in order for society to take him seriously.
Even though his friends and even Clara see that that the face he shows the world is but a mere fraction of who he really is, I found the constant criticism of his past behavior to be a bit tedious. In one breath they would excuse his behavior and rally around him in a show of support, then in the next breathe they bring up past indiscretions and disparage his character. Once he meets Clara you don't see or hear of him doing anything irresponsible so I was a bit disheartened by judgmental attitudes of those involved.
Although you are told right off the cuff who the villain is, the journey towards the HEA is very romantic, somewhat steamy, and delightfully funny.
All in all I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series that comes out in June-To Surrender To A Rogue.
Cara Elliot-the alter ego of Andrea Pickens-takes us on a romantic suspenseful journey through Regency England in a brand new series. In the first of her Circle Of Sin trilogy, To Sin With A Scoundrel, we are introduced to Lady Clare Sheffield and Lord Lucas Hadley. Lord Hadley-called Mad Bad Had-Ley is a rakehell of the first degree. Pursued by all women, he is interested in nothing more then falling into the nearest bed with them.
Hadley's uncle, Sir Henry Phelps, is a brilliant scholar who has come into possession of a document and needs Lady Clara's help in deciphering it. But Lady Clara Sheffield is busy dealing with her own problems. She is a widow and single mother who is rumored to have "helped" her husband along to the grave with her alchemy skills. Her husband's relatives would love nothing better than to see her hang and take control of her child's inheritance.
So Clara's friends, The Scientific ladies of the Circle of Sin, devise a plan to help save Clara's life. Lord Hadley and Lady Clara will pretend to be engaged. Hadley will offer his name and social ties for protection and Lady Clara will decipher the document for Lord Hadley's uncle.
And here is where the fun begins.
I adored Clara and Lucas from the beginning. The heat generated between these two set the pages on fire. Elliott's writing is reminiscent of earlier works by Julie Garwood. The heroine is feisty and opinionated while the hero "attempts" to be in control. Clara relies on science and logic to keep her life orderly. Lucas relies on his looks and, urrr, expertise in the bedroom to keep life at bay. As they work together to resolve Clara's problem they engage in a delightful battle of the wills that had me laughing & groaning at the same time. Each has something to teach the other if only they will let down their guards and learn.
I loved watching Lucas "grow up" as he comes to care for Clara and her little boy and tries to keep them safe. The only problem I had with the story were the hoops Lucas has to jump through in order for society to take him seriously.
Even though his friends and even Clara see that that the face he shows the world is but a mere fraction of who he really is, I found the constant criticism of his past behavior to be a bit tedious. In one breath they would excuse his behavior and rally around him in a show of support, then in the next breathe they bring up past indiscretions and disparage his character. Once he meets Clara you don't see or hear of him doing anything irresponsible so I was a bit disheartened by judgmental attitudes of those involved.
Although you are told right off the cuff who the villain is, the journey towards the HEA is very romantic, somewhat steamy, and delightfully funny.
All in all I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series that comes out in June-To Surrender To A Rogue.
Read
February 28, 2010DNF by page 120. Typical been there, done that historical romance with disillusioned walked STD hero lord and stiff and proper heroine who is into science type things.
July 2, 2018
2,5/5
Gaziantep dönüşü okuyacak kitap olsun diye girdiğim ilk kitapçıdan aldım Sahte Nişanlı'yı. Taa çıktığı dönemde okumayı düşünmüştüm ama sonra unutmuşum gitmiş. Ben de %50 indirimle bulunca alayım dedim. Kendini okutan bir kitap ama akılda kalacak, ay açıp bir daha okuyayım dedirtecek bir yanı yok.
Ciara ayyaş ve kumarbaz fakat unvan sahibi kocası ölünce kocasının ailesi tarafından cinayetle suçlanıyor. Bunda Ciara'nın bilimle haşır neşir olması da etken. Neyse işte Ciara'nın adı Hain Dul'a çıkıyor, o da oğlunun velayeti elinden alınmasın diye çaba gösteriyor. Tam bu sırada çapkın, arlanmaz fakat amcasını çok seven, ona yardım etmek isteyen fakat bilimle, çeviriyle işi olmadığı için Leydi Ciara'dan yardım istemek zorunda kalan Lucas'ı görüyoruz. İkisi bir anlaşma yapıyor, Ciara'nın hakkındaki dedikodular dininceye kadar ikisi nişanlı gibi davranacak, bunun karşılığında da Ciara Lucas'ın amcası için kıymetli bir keşfi içeren belgeleri tercüme edecek. Ama historical okurken meselesin sadece bununla kalmayacağını bilirsiniz :D
Bu türden mantık beklediğim için çok zevk alamayan biriyim. Bunda da 5 kadının okula bile gitmeleri sıkıntıyken bilim hakkında bu kadar bilgili olmasını garip karşıladım. Lucas'ın uslanmadan önceki aşırılıkları ve hovardalığından hoşlanmadım. Ama Ciara'nın oğlu Perry'yle olan ilişkilerini çok sevdim. Genel olarakkitabı bitirmemin üstünden sadece iki gün geçtiyse bile aklımda hiçbir şey kalmadı. Ama kendini okuttu mu okuttu. Yani denk gelinse okunacak ama öyle aman aman aranıp bulunup alınacak bir kitap değil.
Bir de çeviriye kötü demek istemiyorum ama yanlış ve eksikti. Mesela inatla "hamil" diyorlar. Hamil diye bir şey yok, "hami"dir o. Böyle böyle hatalar vardı.
Gaziantep dönüşü okuyacak kitap olsun diye girdiğim ilk kitapçıdan aldım Sahte Nişanlı'yı. Taa çıktığı dönemde okumayı düşünmüştüm ama sonra unutmuşum gitmiş. Ben de %50 indirimle bulunca alayım dedim. Kendini okutan bir kitap ama akılda kalacak, ay açıp bir daha okuyayım dedirtecek bir yanı yok.
Ciara ayyaş ve kumarbaz fakat unvan sahibi kocası ölünce kocasının ailesi tarafından cinayetle suçlanıyor. Bunda Ciara'nın bilimle haşır neşir olması da etken. Neyse işte Ciara'nın adı Hain Dul'a çıkıyor, o da oğlunun velayeti elinden alınmasın diye çaba gösteriyor. Tam bu sırada çapkın, arlanmaz fakat amcasını çok seven, ona yardım etmek isteyen fakat bilimle, çeviriyle işi olmadığı için Leydi Ciara'dan yardım istemek zorunda kalan Lucas'ı görüyoruz. İkisi bir anlaşma yapıyor, Ciara'nın hakkındaki dedikodular dininceye kadar ikisi nişanlı gibi davranacak, bunun karşılığında da Ciara Lucas'ın amcası için kıymetli bir keşfi içeren belgeleri tercüme edecek. Ama historical okurken meselesin sadece bununla kalmayacağını bilirsiniz :D
Bu türden mantık beklediğim için çok zevk alamayan biriyim. Bunda da 5 kadının okula bile gitmeleri sıkıntıyken bilim hakkında bu kadar bilgili olmasını garip karşıladım. Lucas'ın uslanmadan önceki aşırılıkları ve hovardalığından hoşlanmadım. Ama Ciara'nın oğlu Perry'yle olan ilişkilerini çok sevdim. Genel olarakkitabı bitirmemin üstünden sadece iki gün geçtiyse bile aklımda hiçbir şey kalmadı. Ama kendini okuttu mu okuttu. Yani denk gelinse okunacak ama öyle aman aman aranıp bulunup alınacak bir kitap değil.
Bir de çeviriye kötü demek istemiyorum ama yanlış ve eksikti. Mesela inatla "hamil" diyorlar. Hamil diye bir şey yok, "hami"dir o. Böyle böyle hatalar vardı.
July 12, 2020
Tarihi aşk romanı okumayalı baya olmuş ki bu kitaba balıklama atladım 🥺 İki güne bitirdim. Çok güzel bir kitaptı, keşke bitirmeseydim. Ah Lucas benim şeker parem 🤤❤
March 2, 2010
Author Cara Elliott is a graduate of Yale University and now works in New York at a lifestyle sports magazine when she’s not penning historical romances. Her job allows her to travel, her favorite spot being London, where she enjoys used book stores and antique markets. Other titles include: To Surrender To A Rogue and To Tempt A Rake-- both coming later this year for this Circle of Sin series.
Lady Ciara Sheffield is disturbed by rumors that she poisoned her husband. As a widow, she was best known for her scientific scholarship before the rumors began. Now she needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations threatening to send her to the gallows. Except the Earl of Hadley has been sharing the society pages with her. A sly rogue known for his ridiculous antics, Hadley also needs something from Ciara---A mysterious manuscript in his possession that needs deciphering. When they agree on a temporary alliance, the sparks fly. But with danger lurking through the mansions of Mayfair, they may need more than luck and love to see them through.
I found this to be a delightful beginning to what promises to be a wonderful series. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and honestly historicals aren’t my favorite, but Cara Elliott writes with such elegance and wit that you immediately are drawn in. London as the setting was perfect for this story, and the old world feel leapt from the book. She has a knack for description and body language that makes the reader feel like they are right there in the pages with the characters. The secondary characters were delightful, some downright rueful, but I feel that what really shined was the dialog. The humor and bantering was just hilarious, and the heat between Hadley and Ciara was quite the tease. Nothing better than a misunderstood rakish hero, and a damsel heroine who doesn’t want to be rescued, distress or not. These two played off each other phenomenally. The mystery element of whodunit was clever, with enough twists and turns to shake ones head. I very much look forward to the other books in this series, coming in June 2010 and March 2011. Sexy, sassy, and sweet. What’s not to love!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Lady Ciara Sheffield is disturbed by rumors that she poisoned her husband. As a widow, she was best known for her scientific scholarship before the rumors began. Now she needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations threatening to send her to the gallows. Except the Earl of Hadley has been sharing the society pages with her. A sly rogue known for his ridiculous antics, Hadley also needs something from Ciara---A mysterious manuscript in his possession that needs deciphering. When they agree on a temporary alliance, the sparks fly. But with danger lurking through the mansions of Mayfair, they may need more than luck and love to see them through.
I found this to be a delightful beginning to what promises to be a wonderful series. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and honestly historicals aren’t my favorite, but Cara Elliott writes with such elegance and wit that you immediately are drawn in. London as the setting was perfect for this story, and the old world feel leapt from the book. She has a knack for description and body language that makes the reader feel like they are right there in the pages with the characters. The secondary characters were delightful, some downright rueful, but I feel that what really shined was the dialog. The humor and bantering was just hilarious, and the heat between Hadley and Ciara was quite the tease. Nothing better than a misunderstood rakish hero, and a damsel heroine who doesn’t want to be rescued, distress or not. These two played off each other phenomenally. The mystery element of whodunit was clever, with enough twists and turns to shake ones head. I very much look forward to the other books in this series, coming in June 2010 and March 2011. Sexy, sassy, and sweet. What’s not to love!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
September 18, 2019
I have a lot of older romances in my stash, so normally the “read a book at least ten years old” prompt is easy-peasy. I must be feeling a little contrary this year because everything I’m REALLY wanting to read seems to be of the shiny and new variety. So, I’m fudging it a little bit. To Sin With a Scoundrel is actually a 2010 release (though it’s early 2010, so I’m technically reading a book that’s 9.5 years old here!!) I’ve been off historicals a bit this year, and this novel really was a breath of fresh air to me.
First of all, I loved that we got to see the lead characters both being exactly what we’re told they are. Lady Ciara Sheffield really is something of a recluse, and she’s the real deal when it comes to scientist heroines. She experiments in her home, and participates actively in a women’s intellectual society. Likewise, not only are we told that Lucas, Earl of Hadley is a rake – complete with a catchy nickname – but we see him in action. Given some of his opening scenes in the book, it’s fair to say that he is no fake rake.
For a fake engagement to work, there has to be a truly believable reason for it. Ciara has believability in spades. Not only was her late husband an abusive jerk, but he has grasping relatives who want to get control of her son so that they can then control his inheritance. Said relatives have embarked on a whisper campaign to convince both Society and the authorities that Ciara murdered her husband.This leaves Ciara in a vulnerable position.
And then there’s Lucas. He’s got a terrible reputation in the scandal sheets, and is also in a bit of a pickle. He may not take much in his life seriously, but he does dearly love the uncle who raised him. Said uncle has stumbled upon a mysterious manuscript which needs translating and Ciara may be just the person for the job. So the two strike a bargain. A false engagement will help defend Ciara from the whispering campaign as well as help Lucas appear at least a little less disreputable. Throw in some work on the manuscript and a spicy side-bet involving the study of ornithology and we’re off to the races.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/september...
First of all, I loved that we got to see the lead characters both being exactly what we’re told they are. Lady Ciara Sheffield really is something of a recluse, and she’s the real deal when it comes to scientist heroines. She experiments in her home, and participates actively in a women’s intellectual society. Likewise, not only are we told that Lucas, Earl of Hadley is a rake – complete with a catchy nickname – but we see him in action. Given some of his opening scenes in the book, it’s fair to say that he is no fake rake.
For a fake engagement to work, there has to be a truly believable reason for it. Ciara has believability in spades. Not only was her late husband an abusive jerk, but he has grasping relatives who want to get control of her son so that they can then control his inheritance. Said relatives have embarked on a whisper campaign to convince both Society and the authorities that Ciara murdered her husband.This leaves Ciara in a vulnerable position.
And then there’s Lucas. He’s got a terrible reputation in the scandal sheets, and is also in a bit of a pickle. He may not take much in his life seriously, but he does dearly love the uncle who raised him. Said uncle has stumbled upon a mysterious manuscript which needs translating and Ciara may be just the person for the job. So the two strike a bargain. A false engagement will help defend Ciara from the whispering campaign as well as help Lucas appear at least a little less disreputable. Throw in some work on the manuscript and a spicy side-bet involving the study of ornithology and we’re off to the races.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/september...
July 28, 2019
-325167 beklentiyle başladığım için bayıldım! lucas beni çok güldürdü, şirin bir herif!
March 3, 2010
*Note: Read and reviewed for The Season for Romance.
I've read some fantastic books lately, but I have to say that this has become one of my faves and what I think is a great start to a new series by a new author!
Lady Ciara Sheffield is a brilliant mind who lives for two things: her passion for science and her love for her son. She has been gracing the pages of London's premier tabloid thanks to her deceased husband's awful family who insists on blaming her [publicly to-boot:] for his death. She has made every attempt to take it all in stride, but their slanderous accusations can land her in some seriously hot water.
Lucas, Earl of Hadley who is better known as "Mad, Bad, Had-ley" because of his outrageous antics and flip-skirt behavior has been sharing the limelight with Ciara. He is sly, sarcastic and couldn't care less about what others think.
Ciara and Lucas both need something from each other. Ciara needs a titled fiancé to have squash the terrible rumors once and for all and Lucas needs to have a mysterious manuscript deciphered and only Ciara has the know-how. So in an effort to both get what they want, they agree to alliance that led them to lose their hearts.
I couldn't put this book down! I'd read during lunch, at a red light on my way home from work, at night before bed, and any other chance I got, etc. Cara gave us delightful characters and witty, clever dialogue. In addition, she has a knack for describing the setting without overdoing it. Not to mention that the body language of each character spoke volumes. I loved the banter between Ciara and Lucas. Their banter was a great diversion to the sizzling heat between them. He pretended he was attracted to her body when her mind turned him on more than he ever expected. Who-da thunk he'd like a smart, independent woman? Ciara was put-off by his notorious reputation, but was surprised to find a much more sensitive man hidden underneath. (This is good stuff folks!)
If all this isn't enough, we've got a little side action going on with the mystery of who broke into Ciara's home and ransacked her laboratory and who would want to kidnap her son
I can't wait for the following books in this series coming in June 2010 and March 2011.
I've read some fantastic books lately, but I have to say that this has become one of my faves and what I think is a great start to a new series by a new author!
Lady Ciara Sheffield is a brilliant mind who lives for two things: her passion for science and her love for her son. She has been gracing the pages of London's premier tabloid thanks to her deceased husband's awful family who insists on blaming her [publicly to-boot:] for his death. She has made every attempt to take it all in stride, but their slanderous accusations can land her in some seriously hot water.
Lucas, Earl of Hadley who is better known as "Mad, Bad, Had-ley" because of his outrageous antics and flip-skirt behavior has been sharing the limelight with Ciara. He is sly, sarcastic and couldn't care less about what others think.
Ciara and Lucas both need something from each other. Ciara needs a titled fiancé to have squash the terrible rumors once and for all and Lucas needs to have a mysterious manuscript deciphered and only Ciara has the know-how. So in an effort to both get what they want, they agree to alliance that led them to lose their hearts.
I couldn't put this book down! I'd read during lunch, at a red light on my way home from work, at night before bed, and any other chance I got, etc. Cara gave us delightful characters and witty, clever dialogue. In addition, she has a knack for describing the setting without overdoing it. Not to mention that the body language of each character spoke volumes. I loved the banter between Ciara and Lucas. Their banter was a great diversion to the sizzling heat between them. He pretended he was attracted to her body when her mind turned him on more than he ever expected. Who-da thunk he'd like a smart, independent woman? Ciara was put-off by his notorious reputation, but was surprised to find a much more sensitive man hidden underneath. (This is good stuff folks!)
If all this isn't enough, we've got a little side action going on with the mystery of who broke into Ciara's home and ransacked her laboratory and who would want to kidnap her son
I can't wait for the following books in this series coming in June 2010 and March 2011.
May 25, 2010
This story of a widow and a rake sounds a bit so-so from the description but the widow is a chemistry scholar and the dialogue between the two is deliciously naughty. The rake is rampant, wicked and witty and absolutely adorable, with a wonderfully attractive joie de vivre, and both the hero and heroine are intelligent and forthright, sonething i really like in my historical romances The general dialogue is more similar to what I imagine people would have actually said at drunken parties than the normal brooding formalities and that helped to make it a thoroughly entertaining, refreshing read.
June 14, 2010
I will follow this series for sure... I liked the difference in the h/h... I know we have seen so many rakes of our day... but he truly seemed to change and everytime you thought the worse you were surprised. I am looking forward to the next in this series... the h/h are antagonistic at the beginning... I love those! :)
November 28, 2010
This book had all the ingredients I usually like in a romance. There is the smart and beautiful h who needs a knight in shining armor. Then there is the beyond handsome rake who is willing to give it all up for her. Mix in some sinister plot against h by her dead husbands family. Ciara and Luke were very likable characters, and I enjoyed reading their tale.
July 12, 2013
This is one of those historical romance novels that does not bother to capture the time period. The dialogue is very modern and unbelievable. Elliot has dropped essentially modern characters into a historical setting. I liked the heroine and how the hero's gradually changes from a rake to a moral man. However, I found the double entendres, puns, and sex scenes tedious.
May 1, 2010
Kind of boring, kind of cliche. I did not really care about the characters.
July 20, 2010
Oh FFS, why do I even bother. I am done with all romance novels about ~tortured rakes~.
December 27, 2011
Super awkward dialogue...DNF
November 25, 2015
okurken bitsin artık dediğimi itiraf ediyorum
November 18, 2015
Fena değildi ..
July 28, 2024
This was fine. I think that Madame Cara Elliott has a tendency to force hostility in her romantic pairings for the sake of that enemies to lovers pull, but they rarely work to full effect. For the most part, Ciara and Lucas' "tension" felt forced, and halfway through I wanted to bang my head on a hard surface every time Ciara mentioned anything close to "I can't believe Mad Bad Had-ley is capable of something that every other human being on this planet does like feel emotions" because it was just ridiculous.
Both Ciara and Lucas had a tendency to be really annoying, and the story didn't really help their characters to grow on me. First of all, why were they so stupid? I know I'm talking in the position of someone who knows what's going on fully as a reader outside the book, but could two adults collectively possess such little common sense? Their enemies were so stupid, all the way through, and yet somehow two supposedly clever people couldn't even outsmart them? And secondly, which I find more offensive, why were the villains constantly being hyped up to be these formidable society ruffians when in reality they were absolute dimwits? Being told to be wary of the Sheffields' sway in society and their scheming while being shown the absolute most stupid excuses for villains in the realm of fiction was frankly insulting. Hadley's an earl with powerful friends and a shit ton of money, the Sheffields are in debt and have as much respectability as Hadley does, minus this little thing called connections. There was absolutely no way they were going to make a scratch if the plot didn't require them to raise stakes and lower the protagonists' level of thinking by three notches.
But I did finish this, and I did go through it rather quickly, so for the most part I think this deserves a lower three.
Both Ciara and Lucas had a tendency to be really annoying, and the story didn't really help their characters to grow on me. First of all, why were they so stupid? I know I'm talking in the position of someone who knows what's going on fully as a reader outside the book, but could two adults collectively possess such little common sense? Their enemies were so stupid, all the way through, and yet somehow two supposedly clever people couldn't even outsmart them? And secondly, which I find more offensive, why were the villains constantly being hyped up to be these formidable society ruffians when in reality they were absolute dimwits? Being told to be wary of the Sheffields' sway in society and their scheming while being shown the absolute most stupid excuses for villains in the realm of fiction was frankly insulting. Hadley's an earl with powerful friends and a shit ton of money, the Sheffields are in debt and have as much respectability as Hadley does, minus this little thing called connections. There was absolutely no way they were going to make a scratch if the plot didn't require them to raise stakes and lower the protagonists' level of thinking by three notches.
But I did finish this, and I did go through it rather quickly, so for the most part I think this deserves a lower three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
Lady Ciara Sheffield is intelligent and beautiful but she will only believe the first! She has been accused publicly of poisoning the lout of her deceased husband!
His villainous family has fanned the lies and flames and would love to take her son and heir from her only with the money!
We have the most unlikely hero ever imagined Lord Lucas Hadley an Earl! Who has publicly done some of the most ridiculous things publicly with the most brazen of the demimonde! His exploits are written about daily and women of all classes have slept with him!
He has one weakness and it is uncle who has requested his assistance with an ancient manuscript! The expert on the subject is one Lady Ciara who views him a disrupt-able rogue with lettuce for brains!
These two come with very much preconceived notions about the other!
Lucas friends think he has lost his mind and Ciara friends see something beyond his handsome face!
But the threats against Ciara and her son won’t go away! If the strange accidents that befall them aren’t enough her in-laws make a desperate attempt to end Lucas and her son’s life!
Can a wastrel womanizing gambler change? We all know that reformed rogues make the best husbands! But can Lucas change? Does he even want to? Bravo well done!
His villainous family has fanned the lies and flames and would love to take her son and heir from her only with the money!
We have the most unlikely hero ever imagined Lord Lucas Hadley an Earl! Who has publicly done some of the most ridiculous things publicly with the most brazen of the demimonde! His exploits are written about daily and women of all classes have slept with him!
He has one weakness and it is uncle who has requested his assistance with an ancient manuscript! The expert on the subject is one Lady Ciara who views him a disrupt-able rogue with lettuce for brains!
These two come with very much preconceived notions about the other!
Lucas friends think he has lost his mind and Ciara friends see something beyond his handsome face!
But the threats against Ciara and her son won’t go away! If the strange accidents that befall them aren’t enough her in-laws make a desperate attempt to end Lucas and her son’s life!
Can a wastrel womanizing gambler change? We all know that reformed rogues make the best husbands! But can Lucas change? Does he even want to? Bravo well done!
November 20, 2017
Sexy, sweet, romantic, witty and hilarious. Just the right balance of humor and romance with clever dialogue, amazing and lovable characters, interesting and sizzling chemistry between H/h, and believable characterization and character development. Didn’t give 5 stars for there were few parts that felt contrived such as the heroine’s dead husband’s cad character. Elliot didn’t elaborate on it. Still, it’s a fun tale and an enjoyable read. The main characters may fall into typical archetypes, bluestocking and scoundrel, but this is different and fresh if that makes sense. Find out for yourself why and how it’s fresh and different. I recommend it! :)
September 26, 2024
Loved It!
Absolutely delightful Regency romance! Not typical! Characters are all great and certainly unusual! The ladies circle for scientific investigation is hilarious and frequently diverted to other interesting topic! The 2 children are a wonderful addition and quite adventurous themselves. The hilarious adventures of this sham engagement to save the lady from her nasty, greedy, scheming in-laws is very well written!
Absolutely delightful Regency romance! Not typical! Characters are all great and certainly unusual! The ladies circle for scientific investigation is hilarious and frequently diverted to other interesting topic! The 2 children are a wonderful addition and quite adventurous themselves. The hilarious adventures of this sham engagement to save the lady from her nasty, greedy, scheming in-laws is very well written!
November 19, 2024
Kinda dull. I liked how intelligent Ciara was but I'm not a fan of her personality. It was entirely too difficult to warm-up to her. That said, I didn't hate her. As for Lucas, it took a while but I ended up thinking he made a decent hero. The plot was a tad far-fetched in some ways but, overall, it was ok. I found the secondary characters were much more interesting than the plot, so I'm not opposed to picking up the next one in this trilogy.
February 24, 2025
Lots of comfortably familiar elements in this courtship of convenience between a rake and a widowed bluestocking, but very well done (and since the book is fifteen years old, some of these elements may have been more novel when it came out). Great sexual tension, thanks in part to the hero's penchant for double entendres, and a couple of running gags also keep things amusing (and contribute to tight plotting).
June 20, 2025
I finally finished this book. I started to read in the wrong time that is why i couldn’t give the attention it deserved. If i read some other time I would enjoy it more.
I love a man who changes for the woman he loves. Lucas is very thoughtful i enjoyed reading him. I really liked Ciara too. Their relationship was beautiful. I felt their connection and chemistry. And they ended up together without a third-act breakup which is a bonus.
Like i said i wish i read in some other time.
I love a man who changes for the woman he loves. Lucas is very thoughtful i enjoyed reading him. I really liked Ciara too. Their relationship was beautiful. I felt their connection and chemistry. And they ended up together without a third-act breakup which is a bonus.
Like i said i wish i read in some other time.
May 9, 2024
Great book!
Totally enjoyable! Will be reading second in series. So glad I found this book and author. Well written,good plot and Dialog and humor. Recommend this author Cara Elliott!
Totally enjoyable! Will be reading second in series. So glad I found this book and author. Well written,good plot and Dialog and humor. Recommend this author Cara Elliott!
November 11, 2018
A great adventure woven into this staged romance. Wonderful lead story for this series!
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