Welcome to a London Gaming Hell like no other. A place where anonymity is your security—no names, no faces, no strings. But that doesn’t mean no surprises . . . Lucas Mayfield, the Eighth Earl of Heightford, couldn’t be more pleased with the private club that is his brainchild. But when a young courtesan at the club’s masquerade appears far too innocent, his suspicions are raised—along with his … are raised—along with his interest. . . . Until her gleaming hair tumbles down and he recognizes her as the Duke of Chatterwood’s beautiful daughter. How did the minx even know the place existed? And how has he allowed himself to give in to temptation and kiss her? More perplexing: she has vowed the kiss won’t be the last . . .
Liliah Durary’s father has cruelly demanded she marry her best friend, Meyer, though no romantic feeling exists between them. In fact, Meyer and Liliah’s other best friend, Rebecca, are truly in love. Liliah sees only one option: She and Meyer will maintain a platonic marriage until some other arrangement can be made. Still, she intends to experience pleasure before she is wed. An intriguing new club seems the perfect place—and when Lucas Mayfield kisses her, he seems the perfect other arrangement she seeks. All Liliah has to do is convince him . . .
“Obsessed. That’s how I felt while reading this book, like every page was better than the previous. Just try to put this down, I dare you.”
—#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken on Heart of a Cowboy
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Anyone who knows me know Im OBSESSED with regency romance and gah this one is no different, if you read no other regency this year, read this one and savor it. Kristin Vayden is the author that made me stop writing regency because she does it so much better. You’ll love this laugh out loud swoon worthy romance about a girl ready to fight for what she wants, against a Duke no less. Enter in the gaming hell from…well. Hell!
I loved this one! I really enjoyed the characters and the dialogue was great.
Falling from his Grace by Kristin Vayden
Gentlemen of Temptation #1
Highly realistic – probably not
Well written – yes
Likable characters – big smile on my face
Predictable ending – there is definitely a HEA for the couple
Did I enjoy the book – another big smile and a definite yes
Do I want to read more in the series – without a doubt!
Lady Liliah Durary is a bit of a handful and often seems to go against her father’s wishes sneaking out to ride her horse or do as she will and that is likely not something that took place in the early 1800’s. The fact that she is being forced into a marriage neither she nor the husband to be wants to be included in makes her decide to experience pleasure at least one before the nuptials…so…hearing of an exclusive rather risqué club she heads off in disguise to see what will happen…realistic? Probably not. Of course she runs into a gentleman that assumes one thing only to find out that she is not the courtesan that she appears to be. And, with a bit of the Cinderella idea in play she flees into the night.
Lucas and his two friends have established “Temptations” as a place of gambling and pleasure for men of means. He has a backstory that makes him leery of marriage and ties though Liliah begins to break down his walls a bit at a time. Finding out more about Liliah seems to be a must and keeping her silent about the club a necessity. And thus the story begins with an agreement that will change both of their lives in more ways than one.
With two father’s to thwart, a marriage to prevent, a sister to save and a romance or two in the making this is a fun story that feels of the era in the way it is written even if the likelihood of such a story happening in real life beggars belief…at least a bit…or more than a bit 😉 But…fiction is written to help us escape, stimulate our minds and…entertain and this book did all of that and more. I do want to read more in this series and can’t wait to read what comes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
A new-to-me author who dishes up laughs, antics and a nice love story. There is no hidden meaning in this story, it is just fun. I loved the dialog between Lucas, Heathcliff and Ramsey and between Lucas and Liliah. It was a refreshing story that kept me interested until the end. The antics of how they were going to get around the machinations of their parents was fascinating. A very happy reader.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Falling From His Grace was such an enjoyable read! I loved Liliah’s spirit. She saw the predicament she was in and while she didn’t see a way to change it, she still managed to grab life by the reins and live it for herself. The banter in this book was witty and so much fun. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Rule number 1. Never force your daughter to marry her best male friend because it can lead to some interesting events for said daughter! Lilah as been ordered by her father to marry and the man is her best male friend. No romance involved. So she decides to step out and find some pleasure before she is in a platonic marriage. She goes to a private gaming club owned by none other than Lucas Mayfield, the Eighth Earl of Heightford and two of his friends. When Lucas sees her, he knows she is an innocent with no business being in his club. But when they meet, there is a strong attraction and Lilah makes him a proposition he least expected!
This is a fast paced entertaining read that will have you smiling and also holding your breath to see what happens! Kristin Vayden is a new author to me, but I intend to read more by her in the future! It will be interesting to see the next two in the series about the other club owners, Heathcliff and Ramsey!
4.5 Stars
Lucas Mayfield, the Eighth Earl of Heightfield, couldn’t be more pleased with the private club Temptations, that is his brainchild. But when a young courtesan at the club’s masquerade appears far too innocent, his suspicions are raised along with his interest. Until her gleaming hair tumbles down and he recognizes her as a debutante, it’s his friend & partner, Heathcliff who recognises her as the Duke of Chatterwood’s beautiful daughter, Liliah.
Liliah Durary’s father has demanded she marry her best friend, Meyer, though no romantic feeling exists between them. In fact, Meyer and Liliah’s other best friend, Rebecca, are truly in love. Liliah sees only one option: She and Meyer will maintain a platonic marriage until some other arrangement can be made. Liliah has a proposition for Lucas.
A well written well paced book, the characters were well portrayed. Three lords opening & running a club was a slightly different trope, I liked all three Lucas, Heathcliff & Ramsey although Ramsey was very much a secondary character, no doubt he’ll have his day! Liliah is headstrong & feisty which is surprising considering her father. There is instant attraction between Lucas & Liliah & their bargain certainly isn’t the unemotional tryst Lucas was expecting. One of the delights of the book was the verbal sparring between characters which at times had me laughing out loud, I look forward to Heathcliff & Ramsey’s stories.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
No one does historical romance like Kristin Vayden!
This is a good Hea romance book Kristin Vayden as is the rest of the books in this series.. This series is about 2 sisters who escape their controlling father to find their own love match and not have an arranged marriage. One of the sisters wards also finds her own love match.
Scandalously delicious
Lady Liliah’s father has set her up with an arranged marriage to her best friend Lord Meyer, who happens to be in love with their other best friend Lady Rebecca. Trying to find a way out of the marriage she has deemed it hopeless and that she would end up with a platonic marriage. When one of her adventures leads to her a different path something or someone that maybe able to help her. Lucas the Earl of Height?? Is known as a rogue someone who will never fall for another women again. However when he agrees to help lady Lilian that may have just been his downfall. I loved this book. I could not put it down. There was some scandalously intriguing behavior. I loved the characters involved, love the draw that Lilian seems to have over Lucas. This book had a few turns I did not see coming and completely grabbed my attention from the beginning.
Awesome can’t wait for the next book
This one had me feeling a little scandalous and a little naughty. It had mystery and deceitfulness, but at the same time there was so much love and sacrifice. It showed what one would do for loyalty and friendship. It was also sexy and a little dangerous. I got chills at times.
Lord Lucas is one of three lords who own a notorious gaming hell. One evening while managing the club, Lucas comes upon a young woman who sticks out like a sore thumb. She is dressed like a courtesan, but is a bit too “ wide eyed” to be convincing in that role.
Lady Liliah is a duke’s daughter. With a bit of secret information, she has snuck into a masquerade party at the hell, and cannot escape Lucas’ notice, nor does she wish to, until she has no choice.
The two are drawn together despite her father’s less than stellar plans for her future. Can she change those plans, escape her controlling father’s machinations?
This story is the first in a series by this author, with a number of colorful and interesting characters, moments of humor, and heated romance. I recommend it for readers of historical romance and am looking forward to the next!
After staring at the guy on the cover for several minutes, I opened the book! I was quickly pulled into the storyline. I wanted to read the next chapter, then the next! You’ll enjoy reading Falling from His Grace if you like men who are oblivious to his feelings while everyone around him see the obvious. He denies but can’t defy his feelings for Liliah while Liliah defies convention. Enjoy!
I received this book as part of a giveaway without expectations of posting a review. This is my honest opinion.
Falling from His Grace by Kristin Vayden is book One in the Gentlemen of Temptation Series. This is the story of Lucas Mayfield, the Eighth Earl of Heightford and Liliah Durary.
Lucas and his friends have set up and started running the Gentleman’s club called Temptation. There he happens to see a young lady who doesn’t look to be a true courtesan but does happen to capture his desire. Liliah father has set forth in motion a marriage to her good friend Meyer for her. Which might not be so bad even though they have no romantic feeling for each other but Meyer is truly in love with their other friend Rebecca. With her plan to just be a platonic marriage since neither can get out of it, Liliah goes forward to taste what excitement she will be missing. This leads her to the Temptation and meeting Lucas. Lucas is someone she finds very attractive along with her growing feelings for him but there can’t be anything to them since she is promised to another….right?
Enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait for the other stories to come.
Liliah’s father is demanding she marry her best friend Meyer, even though Meyer is in love with Liliah’s other best friend, Rebecca. Liliah wants to experience pleasure before being forced into a platonic marriage, and hears about a new club. Lucas, the owner of the club, catches Liliah when she sneaks into his club, and the next thing he knows, he gives into temptation and kisses her. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.