Hell in A Hand Basket (Devilish Debutantes Book 2)

3.5 stars.

This is an incredibly difficult review to write, I liked the idea of the story, but it is not a light, easy read and the HEA is bittersweet and tainted with incredible heartbreak. I also feel obligated to mention that this book has several “triggers” that might be upsetting to some readers, such as homosexuality, child molestation, rape and adultery.

Devlin Brooks and Sophia Babineaux meet when Dev saves her. Sophia is trapped under an overturned circus wagon – complete with a lion! Dev organizes men to move the wagon and climbs down to Sophia. He calms her and claims a kiss. He is immediately smitten with her and asks to call on her. Sophia is equally taken by him, but replies that her fiancée would most likely object to him calling on her. Sophia introduces Dev to her friend Rhoda and is annoyed when they flirt. But when Dev cuddles her dog, she knows her heart is lost to him.

Dev leaves Sophia and goes to visit his family. He is shocked to learn his cousin Harold is engaged to be married – he knows that Harold is not attracted to women and is in a relationship with his longtime lover and valet. He agrees to join the family at the theater and then takes his leave. He visits the park the next day, hoping to find Sophia, even knowing she is promised to another, he tells himself to think of her as a friend, but he knows in his heart that what he feels for her is much more than friendship. They talk and a bond forms, he asks about her betrothed and she is vague. They seem to be getting along fine, until Sophia sees her stepbrother Dudley. Not wanting him to tell her parents, she rushes home and tells her mother she is having second thoughts about marrying Harold. This is when she learns the truth – Harold’s family has paid hers to ensure they marry. Sophia cannot back out of the marriage without ruining her family.

Things become more complicated when they attend the theater. Sophia finds out that Dev is Harold’s cousin and Dudley attempts to make trouble. Thankfully, Rhoda has attended with them and steps in. Harold seems agitated and tells Sophia they are moving up the wedding. Sophia is feeling desperate and when they return home, her stepfather tells her that she already signed the license and cannot back out – basically she is already married.

Dev talks to Harold and learns that he tricked Sophia, she doesn’t know the real reason he needs to marry her, he feels badly about it, but says it is too late, the license is signed.

Dev sends Sophia a message via Rhoda and asks her to meet him. When they meet, he tells her that Harold doesn’t want to marry her and that they are forming a plan to end the marriage. Sophia blurts out that she loves Dev, he is touched by her admission and asks her to trust him.

Sophia tries to speak to Harold, but the opportunity doesn’t arise until the night before the wedding. She asks him if it is true that he is in love with another and he nods, but they are interrupted before she can question him further. She dances with Dev and again he tells her to trust him.

The wedding takes place and on her wedding night, Sophia learns the truth about Harold. She returns to her room and tries to take in what she has witnessed, confused and restless, she decides to sneak down to the kitchen for something to eat. She ends up trapped and needs to be rescued again. Dev finds her and once he frees her, takes her to her room. He brings her something to eat and they talk. She tells him that knows about Harold and Dev tells her that they have a plan. She thinks he means annulment and begins to cry, she tells him that it won’t work because she is not a virgin – she was raped by Dudley. Dev calms her and tells her that the plan is not annulment. Harold will fake his own death and go into hiding with his lover. Then they can marry. Dev then repeats the marriage vows to Sophia and they make love.

The next day, Harold and Sophia leave for the family’s country estate. They talk and over the course of a few days, they form a true friendship. Sophia is worried about the plan and tells Harold that they can find another way – but Harold is firm in his resolve to carry through with the plan.

They carry out the plan and then are overcome with guilt for the pain it causes the family. Dev leaves the estate and promises Sophia that they will be together, they just need to let some time pass. But when tragedy strikes again, can their love be enough to overcome the guilt they feel?

I like this story, but I did have some issues – One there is adultery, I don’t care that they didn’t want to marry, I don’t care that they didn’t consummate it – they took vows, they are married and they sleep with other people – that is adultery. Two, the whole marriage license angle is questionable and frankly, unbelievable, but I can chalk that up to creative license by the author for the sake of the story. This was an incredibly emotional story and the cost for their HEA is extremely high and frankly, I was not satisfied with how it played out. I did believe that Dev and Sophia were in love, but I don’t know if I believe their love was worth the pain it caused so many others. I would recommend this book, but be warned, it is not an easy read. It is well written and flows nicely, but it is an emotional rollercoaster and you might want to have some tissues at the ready.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the author*

Hell in a Handbasket is book two of the Devilish Debutantes series by Annabelle Anders. These books just keep getting better and better. Miss Sophia Babineaux is betrothed. But her life is turned upside down when she narrowly escapes death one day and is rescued by Captain Devlin Brooks. This story has one of the most heart pounding kissing scenes I have ever read. I can’t wait for book three in the series. Bravo Ms. Anders!

I have been anticipating this story since I read the first in this series, Hell Hath No Fury. Thinking there was no way it could be as great as that one, boy was I wrong!! When your first scene involves our heroine Sophia, her small dog Peaches and a Lion in a cage falling over and trapping her, what more can you ask for? A hero to rescue you of course by the name of Captain Devlin Brookes!! That was really a strange way to meet but it was destiny. There was an immediate attraction when he kissed her.. yes he did! The descriptions and visuals that the author gives you is priceless because I could see it happening! Devlin and Sophia manage to meet again several times and Sophia decides to stop her wedding due to the feelings they develop for each other. This is the story of an arranged marriage with Sophia feeling her betrothed, Lord Harold loved her and she had great affection for him until she met Devlin and realized how it could be. Funny how things play out though and in the end, Sophia was basically being forced into marriage due to money. In a twist that can only happen when meant to be, Sophia learns that Devlin is actually Harold’s cousin and nephew of the Duke, Harold’s father. There are many surprises, secrets revealed and unexpected outcomes that you will be wondering what can happen next! It really does not stop and the outcome is anybody’s guess. But I encourage you to read this exciting story because when you turn the last page, you will have a smile on your face. Cannot wait until the rest of the series!!!

I love regency romance. Specifically the heroines. Despite social restrictions and the prejudices of the time, the courage these women find in themselves to rise above the norm is an example every woman should aspire to. Hell in a Hand Basket is tale of three people finding the strength to be bold. A woman yearning to follow her heart. A man struggling to find his voice and a Captain searching for a new beginning. Sophia, Harold and Dev find themselves in a complicated dance of hearts. Others are pulling the strings each is struggling to break free of the ties that bind them. Through the scheming and dreaming emerges a tale of heartbreak and intrigue that reads like a soap opera. The twists are endless but the endgame is worth the chase.