A PopSugar Best New Romance of NovemberA She Reads Fall Historical Romance PickA Bookclubz Recommended Read “Unique characters and emotional depth…a winner. Spencer gives you all the feels!”—Sabrina Jeffries“Brilliantly crafted…an irresistible cocktail of smart characterization, sophisticated sensuality, and sharp wit.” —Booklist STARRED REVIEW “Sparkling…impossible not to love.” —PopsugarFans … and sharp wit.”
—Booklist STARRED REVIEW
“Sparkling…impossible not to love.”
—Popsugar
Fans of Evie Dunmore, Sarah MacLean, and Eloisa James will delight in this innovative, empowering, and sexy story from acclaimed author Minerva Spencer. Join the Rebels of the Ton as they subvert Regency norms and expectations…and manage to find true love along the way.
The cure for a willful wife . . .
Drusilla Clare is full of opinions about why a woman shouldn’t marry. But that doesn’t stop the rush of desire she feels each time her best friend’s brother, notorious rake Gabriel Marlington, crosses her path. So imagine her dismay when she finds herself in the clutches of a scoundrel, only to be rescued by Gabriel himself. And when Gabriel’s heartless—and heart-pounding—proposal comes, it’s enough to make Dru’s formidable resolve crumble . . .
. . . is a smitten husband.
She’s sharp-tongued, exasperating—and due to one careless moment—about to become his wife. Still, something about Drusilla has Gabriel intrigued. First there’s the delicious flush of her skin every time she delivers a barb—and then the surprisingly sensual feel of her in his arms. Gabriel even finds himself challenged by her unusual philosophies. And when he discovers a clandestine rival for Dru’s affection, his temperature flares even hotter. But the real threat to their happiness is one neither of the newlyweds sees coming. If they’re to save their future—and their very lives—they’ll need to trust in each other and their growing love.
“Packed full of fiery exchanges and passionate embraces, this is for those who prefer their Regencies on the scandalous side.”
—Library Journal
“Strong, complex, and believable.”
—Publishers Weekly
more
That was my first Minerva Spencer book and trust me it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the atmosphere of the book. I know that from other reviews that there are characters in this book that are part of previous series. Even though I haven’t anything else from the author, I didn’t feel that I’m missing something. She makes feel this need to read more of her books in order to meet and learn more about these characters.
Dru and Gabriel are amazing together. I can’t think of a better couple in England 1800. Their chemistry is undeniable and their characters just compliment each other.
I just liked this story and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Notorious” by Minerva Spencer
I read the description of this Regency story and couldn’t wait to dive into Drusilla & Gabriel’s world. And, what a wonderful sojourn it was. I was so enjoying myself I was not ready for the story to end. Yes there are some spicy scenes, just in case you have an aversion to them, but you can skip them if you wish. Because you really don’t want to miss this light but intense, fun but suspense-filled story. Of course, this is just my honest opinion. Happy Reading ! !
note: I requested and received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley with request I post my honest review.
I found this book to be different from books that I have read from Minerva Spencer. The characters I found quite entertaining. They brought great dialogue to the book. The plot was good. I was looking more for the Victorian history romance aspects from the book.
I would like to read details from the wedding. It’s was hard to push through reading Gabriel making out with his mistress the day before his wedding. I would like to have seen more romance scenes from Gabriel and Drusila. The book started out good with the banter between Drusila and Gabriel, but after Gabriel went to talk to his parents the book hit a slump. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Starring Mr. Gabriel Marlington and Miss Drusilla Clare.
This is a Taming of the Shrew, Enemies to Lovers, Unrequited Love, and Best Friend’s Older Brother tropes.
I was on the fence about Drusilla for most of the book. She’s been in love with Gabriel for 5 years, but she has build spikes around her heart, where he’s concerned, so that she doesn’t hurt every time she hears about his philandering ways. I get it, her being snappish at him was a defense mechanism, but sometimes it got to be a bit too much. I did like her towards the end when she started letting Gabe see the real her.
I love that Gabe is not the typical hero. He is a son of a sultan, was born and raised in Oran, Algeria… which makes him quite exotic. He is also half English and adapting to that side of his heritage has been a struggle, but he’s making it work. I wanted to give him a hug every time Drusilla showed him her claws. He really did not deserve her animosity.
There were a few scene changes that I thought were very abrupt… that made me think that I missed a chunk of the story. We went from Drusilla secretly going to see Gabe’s ex-mistresses… then page turn and we are suddenly at the masquerade ball. It took my mind out of the book coz I actually had to go back and forth within that section (and skimmed ahead to see if there were any mention of the meeting) was coz I thought I had pages missing.
This is my first Minerva Spencer experience and I did enjoy it enough to want to read more of her stories. I’m really curious to see what happened to Eva, Drusilla’s best friend/Gabe’s Step sister.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 3 1/2 stars
Characters and storyline were good. There was just a few things that distracted me from the story.
This the first book in a new series. It was a great read, with a lot of emotion, surprise and suspense. The characters were wonderfully different from the usual Ton society and where very easy to warm too. The storyline was a wonderful change also, with the ending having you ready to read the next instalment. This book can be read alone and does not leave you hanging except for the wonderful set up the next book. There was a fair bit of sex in this book that this reviewer skipped and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this book as an ARC and freely give my review.
NOTORIOUS is Minerva Spencer’s first book of The Rebels of The Ton. Gabriel Marlington is the son Mia, Lady Euphemia Marlington de Courtney (DANGEROUS of the Outcast series where his background as the son of a Sultan explains his personality and his place within his family and English society). He had left everything behind: his country and his cultural upbringing to live as a gentleman, but the Ton’s gossips about his ethnically mixed background make his life difficult. Thanks to the Earl of Visel’s hatred, Gabriel finds himself in a compromising position that forces him to marry Drusilla, a seemingly cold, and sharp-tongued and strong-minded but insecure woman. He soon discovers that under her cold façade is a warm, passionate woman.
The banter between Gabriel and Dru is engaging. Notorious is a well-written, slow burn romance that is funny and sexy with the right amount of drama. Minerva Spencer is a phenomenal writer. I received this complimentary advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. I am looking forward to Minerva Spencer’s next book: Outrageous
This was a wonderfully written regency romance, full of wit, humour and steamy scenes. An emotionally deep read, loved every page. My first book by Minerva Spencer but definitely not my last.
Anyone who read the story of Gabriel’s mom — Mia, now the Marchioness of Exley (Dangerous) — had to wonder how her son would adjust to English life. It’s hard to go from being an almost sultan to a young man of mixed heritage in an England that is all about bloodlines. But here is Gabriel Marlington, man about town, the scourge of his sister’s best friend, Drusilla Clare. The two do NOT get along, mostly because Drusilla uses her needle-sharp wit to plague Gabriel. And that, because she has loved him for years and as a dowdy heiress, she is hardly going to attract him. He might be exotic, but he also has connections to some of England’s first families (grandson of a duke) and he is gorgeous. Drusilla is so sharp, she’s almost unlikable but the gift of author Minerva Spencer is to make us understand why she is the way she is. Spencer also explores what made Gabriel such a hedonist and goes beyond stereotypes in his culture clash; the young man literally went from fighting for a crown to English boarding school. Think of the adjustments. Caught in a compromising situation, the two have to marry, and more complications follow. This is a layered story, with Gabriel bidding goodbye to his (2) mistresses who love him and each other, taking care of a child from the past (his? you’ll have to read to find out) and trying to make a go of his marriage. Which isn’t easy because Drusilla is so determined not be hurt. The side characters add much to the story (oh, we can’t wait to see what happened to sister Eva). All in all, a rousing read. Minerva Spencer is a witty writer who can tell a complicated story. So glad I received an e-ARC from NetGalley. Opinions mine.
Drusilla Clare is best friends with Lady Eva de Courtney. Both are most noteworthy as
Wallflowers. Drusilla has loved Eva’s half brother Gabriel Markington ever since he came to England five years ago. Gabe was born in a harem, the son of the former sultan and the current Marquess of Exley’s wife (Dangerous /The Outcasts Book 1). Drusilla considers herself unattractive and never imagines anything romantic from someone like Gabe. When he comes to Dru’s rescue they find themselves quickly married, but it’s a rocky start. Drusilla is afraid of rejection, but Gabe starts to really see his wife and understand her insecurities. These two definitely have no problem in the bedroom. An emotional rollercoaster with jealousy, kidnapping and a ransom that will bring to light what they will sacrifice for each other.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.