Never a Duchess

Scandal Sheet Survivors #3

by Adele Clee

She refuses to be any man’s wife, let alone a duchess.

Having suffered a wicked betrayal, Miss Lillian Ware cannot trust anyone, least of all the scoundrels roaming the ballrooms. Indeed, what better way to help naive debutantes than to write a book detailing how one might spot a rogue? Gathering information is a dangerous game, especially when a certain duke discovers her secret.

A scandalous offer from a duke.

For five years, Callan Maclean has scored his name on Miss Ware’s dance card. For the last three years, she has disappeared before he can claim his dance. But when he finds her spying on the ton, he offers another suggestion. He will educate her in the ways of a scoundrel himself.

But matters take an unexpected turn when they witness an abduction and feel compelled to investigate.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Steamy, Crime

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.

Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee

Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.



➕ What I liked :


Scottish hero.

Interesting side characters.

Interesting main characters.

Rather good plot.

Good romantic build up and chemistry.

The hero is faithful and devoted to the heroine all through his pursuit of her.

Good and very patient hero.

Better balance between the romance and mystery parts of the story.



➖ What I disliked:

Dragged/verbose.

Too many side characters.

A little bit repetitive.

A little bit jumbled in some parts.

Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice.

Plot-holes and inconsistencies.
(The reader gets some of the info about why the heroine has issues with love etc… But it is never really explained why the heroine has such trust issues with men and marriage?)

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wind had shifted course. Change was a tangible thing in the air. Nothing would be the same again. And it had all started with a scandalous offer from the Duke of Dounreay.

4 stars!

I hate to admit that I wasn't as enthralled by this book as I usually am with Adele's mystery romance novels. I was a little frustrated by Lillian's continued lack of regard towards Callan's growing affection towards her. Although both characters were far from perfect, I couldn't help my heartbreak over their past traumas...even while I waited for Lillian to give in to her heart's desire. Their slow passion was sweet as they worked to bring about justice, and overall I enjoyed their story of acceptance and peace. I am so stoked for the Ailsa's book next as it promises to have a great enemies-to-lovers trope!

Tropes: he falls first, Scottish hero, cinnamon roll hero, tortured heroine, murder mystery, slow burn, tragic past, steamy🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a Duchess - Scandal Sheet Survivors book 3

by Adele Clee

Ms Adele Clee teases the reader with a mystery right of the bat. This author is fantastic at weaving a story full of mystery and intrigue. Her ability to intertwine a scorching hot loved you from a far story with mystery certainly keeps the reader interested and engaged with the story.

Lilian has difficulty trusting people especially the ones she loves, she suffers from feelings of desertion. She’s always had feelings for Callen MacLean the Duke of Dounreay but refused to let them surface, for five years she’s been avoiding him until the night he follows her and they’re witness to a kidnapping.

With every chapter the mystery gets deeper Callen and Lilian get deeper and deeper into they’re feelings and into some secrets that will definitely have an impact on their budding relationship.
As always I thoroughly enjoy reading Adele Clee’s books she’s one of my favourite authors…….now I’m so excited to read Lord Dentons and Ailsa’s story!

I received an advanced copy from the author, this is my honest unbiased opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lillian Ware has no interest in marrying and even less in undertaking the responsibilities of a duchess. She has no interest in ever experiencing the pain of heartbreak again and is convinced that all men, or at least most of them, are scoundrels out to dupe naïve ladies. To that end, Lillian decides to write a book to help ladies separate the rogues from the gentlemen, though her research puts her in dangerous positions, especially when the Duke of Dounreay learns her secret.

Callan MacLean, the Duke of Dounreay, has pined for Lillian for five years, marking his name on every waltz on her dance card, only for her to disappear before he has a chance to claim her. When he finds her attempting to spy on the gentlemen of the ton, he offers to teach her how to spot the less than gentlemanly ones himself. But when their lessons lead them to witness a woman being abducted, they both feel morally obligated to investigate, an activity that brings them even closer and forces Lillian out of her comfort zone and into a confrontation with her own feelings.

I love it when the MCs of a romance have a mystery to solve together and that’s definitely what brought Lillian and Callan fully into one another’s spheres in this story. Lillian had been avoiding Callan for years, mostly because she was afraid of what she thought she could feel for him, and afraid of being hurt by those feelings. Callan, on the other hand, was eager to settle down and embrace his feelings and let them grow, despite dealing with pain of his own. They both had traumas to work through and a bonkers mystery to solve, but I enjoyed seeing them finally let go and be honest with each other. It was especially gratifying to see Lillian embrace her inner strength to fight for Callan when she needed to, finally leaving behind the half-life she’d been living. The mystery was complicated and unlike anything I’ve read before and my only complaint here is a wish for more scenes between Callan and Lillian that came fully to fruition rather than simply being implied; I think I needed that a bit more simply because of how new trusting herself to a relationship was for Lillian after she spent so long resisting and running from it. Callan was utterly adorable as a hero and eagerness to love and be loved made it impossible not to root for him, even if Lillian took a bit more warming to. I’m now eager to read Ailsa and Lord Denton’s story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Natalie Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars. I liked the main characters as well as the mmc’s devotion to the fmc. But this book had too many side characters to keep track of and felt overly long, bringing down its score.

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this! The chemistry between Lillian and Callan (the Duke of Dounreay) had a good dash of Highlander-style cheese but was still veeerry steamy lol. That scene when he is on his knees? 🥵

The mystery plot was ultra convoluted though. I’m still not sure who all the different characters were. 😅

[Adele]

- He's loved her for years
- Damaged Heroine
- Hero is titled
- Mystery to solve
- Steamy open door scenes
- Protector hero
Available in ebook, paperback and KU: https://amzn.to/3UN26GF

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Clee’s Books

Callan and Lillian were a perfect pair, both wounded by their childhoods. Lillian fear of being left alone, made her completely closed off from living. She would rather be an observer of life than a participant. Callan lives life to the fullest, and his has set his cap on capturing Lillian. This was a fun romance and a intriguing mystery.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 35th book by Adele Clee. I’ve been reading her books since 2016. There are a few authors that I have read all their books and just wait for new releases, Adele Clee is one of those authors. I also read many books in between those new releases (I've probably read 90 books since book 2 came out) but once I start reading her, I remember how good she really is. She is such a great writer and on my favorites list.

I loved book 1 and 2 so was super happy to read this one.

I loved this story. I loved Lillian and Callen. What a great couple. I loved the suspense, the intrigue, the storyline was so damn good. They had such chemistry and it was so hot! I know I usually read a book a day so don't worry it took me 4 days to read. Nothing in regards to the book. I was sick a few days and now at a work thing until Tuesday. This book was great.

Can't wait for book 4.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: this is part of a series, and it doesn't work well as a standalone. I would recommend starting at least with the first Scandal Sheet Survivors book.)

3.75 stars rounded up to 4. It's hard for me to dislike a book by Adele Clee, although I found this one polarizing in some ways. It was as if the author started out with certain ideas, but decided to abandon them or water them down as the plot progressed.

For example, Callan and Lillian end up having very steamy chemistry together, but for about the first 60% of the story she stubbornly adheres to the "I'll never marry or love anyone" philosophy, and the reader doesn't know quite why. You learn early on that her mother took her own life due to a deep-seated sense of guilt, but never why Lillian distrusts men and marriage so completely. She's close to her brother and his wife, who are happily married, and he was traumatized just as much or more than his sister by their mother's suicide. It's mentioned early on that there had been a man Lillian was interested in five years previously, but turns out he was actually respectful toward her, and she knows now it was only a shallow infatuation. It wasn't as if he'd ravished her or asked her to marry him and then dumped her. So why the whole idea in the beginning that she's going to write a book warning women from rakes, when she has never been a victim of one? That whole book idea disappears by around the 30% mark anyway, along with mentions of whoever the guy was she'd had a crush on.

I loved super-patient, protective Callan. If anyone had a reason to be distrustful of relationships, in fact, it was him, not Lillian. It's very hard to believe that he, a gorgeous cinammon-roll hero of a duke, would put up with being dismissed by her for five years and not court one woman in the meanwhile. To be honest, I wasn't big on the instalust aspect of the relationship, which is tied into a fortune teller's prophecy, and that links all of the books in this series together. There's a definite amount of suspension of disbelief required.

The mystery element, which is usually the strength of Adele Clee's books, is overshadowed through most of the book, simply because the reader doesn't know enough to care about the threatened? kidnapped? woman at the beginning. Her disappearance is merely a way for Lillian to have an adventure, and of course for Callan to spend more time with Lillian. At the 80% mark there is an unexpected twist that suddenly makes the mystery more interesting, and personal, to the MC's, but it gets too convoluted in the end.

Danventry, a recurring character from Clee's Gentlemen of the Order series, is inconsistent here, sometimes protecting the MC's, other times putting them in danger unnecessarily.

I would say that if you've liked this author's books in the past, you'll like this one. But if you're new to this author, I would start with the Gentlemen or Ladies of the Order series first, or at least book one of this series.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner; an emotionally effecting romance led mystery!
NEVER A DUCHESS is another fabulous addition to what's turning into such a wonderfully immersive romance led mystery series. That sees our couples skirt the precarious fence between scandal and ruin as their feelings burn hot, experimentation ignites more that passion and time counts down dangerously quickly as they attempt to work together to route out and solve a heinous crime.
Clee has this beguiling ability to really make me feel, empathise and thrum with the emotions, vulnerabilities and desires of her characters, as they experience them, that keeps me riveted in the moment and cheering them on. And Lillian and Callan had my emotions cartwheeling as my tummy flipped, swooped and swirled so effortlessly from the first chapter, I had trouble distinguishing between where their emotions ended and mine began.
The palpable push and pull of heady attraction, that Lillian felt whenever Callan touched her, had me fully believing in her internal conflict and the anxiety, that fueled her fear, in any openness or trust she gave could be detrimentally misplaced, (and had her understandably running in the opposite direction in the past), is so cleverly and vividly conveyed. While Callan, so deeply besotted and aching with the want of five years of guarded, unrequited, feelings, made my heartache as he tried so desperately hard not to admit he is on the edge of falling irredeemably for the fear of scaring her away for good. Which all delightfully built, entangled and evolved to make this one believable cocktail of pent up wanting versus deepset vulnerability and insecurities... shadowed by the parental relationships that haunt and manifest from the pain they caused... that I just couldn't help but be sucked into the maelstrom.
As a result, this one really immersed me in Lillian and Callan's wants and desires as they so vividly came into life and sparked with a high definition crispness. That the tale became charged by their radiating chemistry as it thrummed into life with the quiet smoulder of sexual tension, cleverly worded wit, flirtatious banter and pent up longing and hidden fragility that it rang true for me and got under my skin! A highly recommended book and series that I can't wait to see where we are taken next!

[Nazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a Duchess is the third book in Adele Clee’s Scandal Sheet Survivors series following young ladies that have all had the misfortune to be mentioned in the scandal sheets for one reason or another. The friends have all been predicted to find love through various means by a fortune teller – all resist the idea until they find their happily ever after of course.
This book follows Lady Lillian Ware who has been predicted to marry ‘a man who bares his knees to all’. Having no intention of marrying Lillian is determined to avoid all suitors – most especially the very Scottish Duke of Dounreay – the man who has been relentlessly pursuing her for five long years.
Lillian has had a traumatic childhood event and faced betrayal in love before and guards her heart by forsaking all emotional attachments. She is even secretly carrying out research for a book to help naïve young debutantes in spotting the ways of a rogue.
But when the Duke finds out her secret and offers himself as a guide to her research they both get embroiled in a mystery they are compelled to investigate.
Callan MacLean has been patiently waiting for Lady Lillian to reciprocate his affections for years but cannot afford to wait any longer. When chance gives him an opportunity to spend time with her and make her acknowledge the spark between them he grabs it with both hands.
Propelled headlong into a case of abduction and poisoning Callan is reminded of his own unhappy past. But can both Lillian and Callan overcome their fears and risk everything for love?
This is an enjoyable addition to the series. It can be read as a stand alone but it would be worth reading Adele’s Mine at Midnight which is Lillian’s brothers story and explains more about Lillian’s past. Callan and Lillian are a lovely couple and it is great to see past characters such as Lillian’s brother Adam and his wife Eliza, Devon and Mina and of course Lucius Daventry – a most unlikely matchmaker if there was one.
The next book looks intriguing and I am looking forward to Ailsa and Lord Denton’s story. I received an ARC of this story from the author for my honest review.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lillian Ware is perfectly content being a spinster. She has been hurt by what she thought was love, and a mystic told her she would marry a man who showed his knees. After dancing with the handsome Scot wearing a kilt five years ago, she avoids Callan Maclean, the Duke of Dounreay, at all costs. But she also can't forget him and why does it bother her when people talk about him being in London for the season to find a bride.

Callan spends nine months of the year in Scotland and then he makes the trip to London for the season so he can see Lillian. Yes, he is obsessed with her and knows she would make him a perfect duchess, but he is having a hard time convincing her even after their dance five years ago. But he now has a plan and when he follows her at the ball to a room where she has a telescope and notepad; he finds out she is writing a book.

Lillian is writing a book on what young ladies to be aware of to avoid being ruined by rakes, or dowry hungry lords but when Callan points out that ladies won't buy books from someone who has no experience, and he volunteers (haha) to school her on things men do and how to ascertain whether they are sincere or out for what they can get. Lillian agrees but just for research and then the mystery happens when they see a lady being kidnapped in the garden at the ball they are attending. Lillian's curiosity and Callan's need to protect her and continue the agreement for her book research puts them together in clue searching, interviewing possible witnesses or possible guilty parties, which also puts them in danger. Oh, but love will overcome all the danger - Callan was the best of heroes, he was so loving and kind to Lillian. Lillian took some convincing, she had the passion, but it was harder to convince her she deserved to be loved and have a HEA. Another wonderful book by this author, which I always know will be the case. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Lana · Rating 1 out of 5]

For me this is the worst book in the entire series. I gave 1 point only for the main character, who is a real “unicorn” among the heroes of a romance novel, since such implausibly ideal men not only cannot be found in life, but the authors of novels do not invent such “mythical” heroes. As for the heroine, for me she takes first place in the “idiot of the year” category. The investigation is also monotonous and boring, I would say that it is more similar to the style of a book about her brother - boring, slow, dry and sluggish. The Chance Brothers Club, familiar from the series, was not in the plot. In general, irritation from reading and nothing more.
And now more about the characters and their relationships. It’s just a shock to me that the heroine is an idiot (!) and this is the same woman who gave lectures to her friends about seducing men and their characters. For a person who for 5 years, in all the dark corners, watched the sex of all the high society couples (which means she was subconsciously the same), analyzed all the rascals and scoundrels and systematized the information, she turned out to be the biggest fool in the world, since 5 (!) long years ran and hid from the most magnificent man (the only one of whom does not exist in nature) - young, dazzlingly handsome, rich and the most titled and at the same time infinitely devoted and decent (the man led a chaste life for 5 years dreaming about her!) - without recognizing him in him obvious decency. This is, of course, nonsense that a man will remain celibate for 5 whole years, dreaming about such an idiot - not only is she not beautiful, she also has a full spectrum of cockroaches in her head. In general, I still didn’t understand what her fears were, that she had been running for 5 years from a man whom she liked and whose integrity not a single soul doubted. Another woman would have broken herself to win such a man.
To summarize:
Love line - 0
Detective line-0
heroine - "-5"
Hero - 1 point.
And my loud verdict is that I don’t believe in such nonsense.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story! Adele knocks it out of the park with this one. I have read a lot of her books, and this is now my favorite! From the first couple of pages to the end I couldn’t put it down. Both Lillian and Callan have had traumatic events in their past, they handled them very differently. They met five years ago, and Callan asked her to dance, during that dance she feels things that leave her upset and wondering why only he makes her feel hot and shaken. Every year Callan returns to England for the season and fills in her dance card and every year she runs away. She was told by a mystic that she would marry a man who shows his knees in public, and Callan wears a kilt sometimes. Yikes. Callan spends nine months in Scotland thinking about when he will see Lillian again. This year will be different because he follows her and finds her spying on couples in the garden. When they see an abduction, they know they must help, and while searching for the bad guys they end up working for Daventry an old friend of ours, from the first books. While checking out clues, interviewing suspects dealing with poison they find time to talk. He learns she is writing a book to help young ladies tell a scoundrel from a gentleman. He volunteers to teach her everything she wants to know, oh my let the fun begin. With help from her very understanding brother and friends she learns all about her fears, passion and love. He learns how to let go and trust someone. Fast moving story with lots of twists and turns. This is a very steamy story so if that is not your style, it is best not to read this one. The heat is enough to melt your kindle (ha ha ). All the sex scenes are perfect for our couple and the story. The ending is amazing. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Never a Duchess” is the third book in the highly entertaining ‘Scandal Sheet Survivors’ series by Adele’s Clee, but it’s written so that it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story. It’s a beautifully written, slow burn, romantic mystery with great characters and a compelling story.

Lillian survived a traumatic childhood and subsequent event that has led her to protect her heart above all things. She is determined to never marry, despite the cryptic prediction of a fortune teller. Callin, the Scottish Duke of Dunreay, has not given up on winning her heart. He discovers that she’s secretly researching and writing a book for debutantes about how to protect themselves against rakish men. Callan sees it as an opportunity to seize the day and get even closer to her. When they become embroiled in a dangerous mystery, the tension of the attraction between them becomes overwhelming.

There are times Lillian is so frustrating; you may want to reach into the book and shake her just a little bit. Callan is a warm-hearted hero who has been willing to wait and fight for the woman who has his heart, but after five long years even he has to acknowledge that he can’t wait forever. The mystery they stumble into gives them a joint mission, and one that can potentially bridge the divide that Lillian insists on maintaining between them. As the reader, I wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery and also see these two characters get the ‘happily ever after’ they both deserved. The author leaves us with an indication of who will be featured in the next story, and I can’t wait!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Adele never fails in delivering an intriguing story with the mystery behind the who done it to the happily ever after.

Lillian is determined to avoid a man who shows his knees in public due to what a mystic told her and she definitely doesn't want to fall in love with one because she's had nothing but heartbreak and betrayal her entire life but with the ever persistent Callan from the Highlands of Scotland making her feel like a man in a kilt is worth risking it all including her heart.

Callan has been trying for years to just get her to dance with him but after one last time. He has feelings for her but he doesn't think he can ever love her or marry her because she's an English woman and he doesn't think his clan will ever accept her.

After finally having to get put together to solve a case they not only find out they will risk their lives for each other but they will risk everything to be with each other.

Whether it was a mystic, matchmaking agent or fate they have finally found their own happiness.


On a side note while this story can be read as a standalone I loved seeing some previous characters from some of the other stories and previous series.. I look forward to the next story in this series

I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an review and these are purely based off of my opinion and that of no one else's

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to be able to read an advance copy of Never A Duchess. These two have been dancing around each other for 5 years. Lillian’s convinced she doesn’t want to marry, insisting she just wants to finish her book & head off the Egypt. Of course this doesn’t stop her from being VERY aware of the Duke. And jealous when anyone mentions he’s seeking a wife. Callan is beyond infatuated with Lillian. He can’t get her out of his head, & hopes to change her mind about a future together. I think it’s hilarious she’s been avoiding the Scot after hearing from the mystic that she’ll marry a man who bears his knees in public.
What starts as “research” for her book turns into a whole lot more when they witness a crime. Love when sneaky ol’ Daventry gets involved & they’re soon investigating together. Their case had me guessing the whole time. They have a lot of emotional baggage to unpack before they can even think of heading for the highlands, but it’s interesting & fun reading while they do it.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callahan Dounreay is a Scottish Duke and almost ready to give up on Lillian Ware! Lillian was told by a mystic she would marry a man who bares his knees in public!
Of course this handsome wealthy braw Scot fits the bill!
Lilly is determined never to marry and Callan life is in the Highlands! But he is determined this year Lilly will not hide from him!
Every year for 5 years he requests a dance and she disappears!
When they witness what appears to be an abduction of a lady well they must work together to solve this mystery!
Mr Daventry and a few friends get involved in this tangled web!
Perfume can be deadly wow who knew! As the clues and body count rise. Callan is enraged to find out this diabolical perfumes had a hand is in beloved mothers death!
Lilly thought she knew what she wanted but the investigation might show her call she missed!
These two definitely take you on a roller coaster ride! But once they figure out where they belong will the clues they have unraveled stop their future? Bravo well done! Lillian never knew what she needs is what she ran from!

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Say Never

When fear and pain collide, only courage can lead two souls to the love of a lifetime. Such is the story of Lillian and Callan.

For five years Callan has pursued Lillian, and Lillian has run in the opposite direction. Then Callan changes his strategy with the hope of winning the heart of the only woman he will ever love. He must not fail.

As with all her other novels, Never a Duchess by Adele Clee is well written, and the characters are well developed. The beginning drew me into the story, and the sweet ending made. That said, I did have trouble getting into the plot mystery. Which is okay, because the story was really about Lillian and Callan.

Content 411: In addition to some secular and religious swearing, this book also contains passionate kissing and described onscreen sex.

Disclosure: I received a complementary ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Match

I just love Adele Clee’s books! She is an auto buy for me. Because of a tragedy in her past, Lillian has denied any feelings she has for Callan, for 5 years!. He has had his own demons to deal with, but Callan is determined to make Lillian his. When they work together to solve the mystery of a deadly poisoning, Callan urges Lillian to confront how the past has influenced her thoughts about marriage and family. When there is a new revelation about how their case is connected to his tragic past, Lillian is right by Callan’s side, loving and supporting him. The inner dialogues about their real feelings for one another (not yet verbalized) shows the the longing they have for each other and the strength of their love. Their actions prove how much they’re willing to fight and protect each other from any harm. Lillian comes into her own and is a true warrior!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Adele delivers an exciting tale of intrigue, murder and love. Adele has a knack for drawing readers into the lives of the characters and as a bonus she gives us an excellent mystery. And as she is a master of the red herring, you never know which direction the mystery is going. Along the way Lillian found her heart and gave her strength to Dounreay. What can I say, Dounreay was such a great hero. Sexy (that Scottish accent, oh la la), vulnerable, kind of alpha and oh so patient. I loved how Dounreay also healed Lillian. Their stories are tragic and seeing the way they leaned on each other was so beautiful. Love, love this story.

One of my favorite lines in the book, “Daventry is many things, but he is nae a matchmaker.” Oh really? Hehe!

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by a great author. This book is about Callan who is a Scottish Duke who comes to London three months of the year. He has liked Lillian for a few years, but in the last few years he can not even get Lillian to dance with him. Lillian is all set to be a spinster, after she was hurt in the past. Lillian has decided to write a book to help other wallflowers to avoid rakes. In one of Lillian observations, which Callan was with her, they see someone being kidnapped and decided to investigate. Callen is very protective of Lillian and while they fall in love, they have a mystery to solve. Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Lillian Ware is disillusioned with men and the marriage mart. She’s determined to avoid marriage and especially determined to avoid a certain Scottish Lord Dougreay because a soothsayer had predicted she’d marry a man who showed his knees in public. Callan McLean, Lord Dougreay is fascinated with Miss Ware and when they thrown together in a mystery, he vows to protect her as the story gets more convoluted and danger lurks. Racing together towards a climax where past secrets and crimes are revealed. Loved this! Read this once, and just had to read it again. Once again, amazing and joyous ride!

I received an arc copy of this from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callan and Lilian both lost their mothers in tragic circumstances. However, Callan will only marry a woman he loves and who loves him in return and his heart is set on Lilian. But Lilian is terrified of losing another person she loves so has decided to remain alone, avoid Callan at all costs and fill her life with adventures. Maybe the joint adventure they embark on can help them both. Fun read with lots of twists and turns, great characters and a perfect ending. I received an early copy from the author and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Adventure!
This story has a little bit of most of what I expect to find in a good read, like great characters, romance and a bit of heat, trust, compassion, following down leads to unravel a mystery and a really interesting story just to name a few things. And of course there is that link to ‘Mr Daventry – though he doesn’t play a big part in this story, he is still there.
Adele Clee never fails to deliver a great product!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and this is my voluntary review of it.

[June Karen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandal Sheet 3. The latest from one of my favourite authors Adele Clee. Lillian has vowed never to marry and Callan Duke of Dounray has been in love with her for 5 years while she has been avoiding him she has been researching information to help young ladies avoid rakes. On one such evening both find themselves seeing a woman abducted and begin to investigate. What follows is an awakening on Lillian’s part. Will they be successful in the investigation and the feelings that develop. Great story full of intrigue and romance.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I love this story, full of passion with a massive hit of Mystery and a lot of sweet chemistry.
It’s the perfect recipe for Adele’s new book, and it keeps you bound to your kindle, waiting for the next twist in the tale.

How she gets all the ends to meet up so perfectly I’ll never know, but she does it seamlessly.
Just wonderful!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story,

The third book in the series and it did not disappoint. Lillian and Calan, finally come together, though it took many years and with denial on Millions part. The story have mystery, intrigue, adventure and love, all the makings of a great story. I am looking forward to book four and hopefully not the last of the series. I do really like it that the author brings back characters from her previous books and series. Enjoy!

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand Lillian's desire not to be under any man's thumn and Callen's devotion was unceasing in spite of her stance.

It was enjoyable reading about their "dance" the length of the story and learning that Lillian was not immune to him at all -- she just hid it well.

I really like the added mystery/intrigue involved in the storyline, which keeps you glued to the book and not willing to stop reading, once started.