Who knew love would be her secret weapon? Cassandra Benton has always survived by her wits and wiles, even working for Bow Street alongside her twin brother. When injury takes him out of commission, Cass must support the family by taking on an intriguing new case: George, Lord Northbrook, believes someone is plotting to kill his father, the Duke of Ardmore. Decades before, the duke was one of ten … before, the duke was one of ten who formed a wager that would grant a fortune to the last survivor. But someone can’t wait for nature to take its course—and George hopes a seasoned investigator like Cass can find out who.
Cass relishes the chance to spy on the ton, shrewdly disguised as handsome Lord Northbrook’s notorious “cousin.” What she doesn’t expect is her irresistible attraction to her dashing employer, and days of investigation soon turn to passionate nights. But with a killer closing in and her charade as a lady of the ton in danger of collapsing at any moment, Cass has no choice but to put her life—and her heart—in the hands of the last man she ought to trust . . .
“Richly rewarding.”
—Booklist, Starred Review on Fortune Favors the Wicked
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Our wait for the next installment of Theresa Romain’s Royal Rewards series is over. Book 4, Lady Notorious, hit bookshelves, real and on-line, today, 2-26-19. I found Lady Notorious to be a pleasing combination of mystery and romance. It’s a hard line to walk and Ms Romain has done it beautifully.
Cassandra Benton is a female Bow Street Runner, unofficially. We all know women are too delicate to do more than embroider pillowcases. *snort*. Cass has a twin brother, Charles, who’s a pleasant man-child. He’s full of I’ll think of something and I’ll figure it out later. Cass has been his investigative partner, without extra pay, for years now, pulling most of the weight. If left up to Charles they would most likely be out on their ears. While working a case Charles manages to break his leg, sidelining him for most of the book. He’s super interesting and you’ll get a kick out his character.
George Godwin, Lord Northbrook, is the Marquess heir of the Duke of Ardmore. The Duke is one of the founding members of a very profitable tontine, a combination of wager and financial arrangement. The deal is winner take all, with all being the last man standing. There were a few deaths through the years but lately there has been an uptick in expirations. George hires the Benton’s to protect his godfather while he looks after his father. After Charles’ accident a plan is worked up for Cass to pretend to be the notorious cousin recently returned from the continent, a trap is set, attacks are made, mysteries are unraveled and love blossoms.
One sticking point is upon their first meeting George had a brain fart and said Cass was plain. He didn’t mean it that way and apologized but Cass is still a little hurt. While they’re attracted to each other, Cass is prickly and George is a bumbling, tongue-tied professor type. These two have got to learn to speak up. I truly enjoyed this romping tale and hope you do too. Happy reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#RoyalRewards #LadyNotorious @Netgalley Theresa Romain @KesingtonPublishing
I have really been enjoying this series because the characters are not typical. Cass and her twin brother have been asked to figure out why someone is killing or trying to kill different members of a tontine. George’s father is part of that tontine and George is sure that his life is in danger. After Cass’s brother is injured, she continues to find the truth. As they are looking for a killer, they grow so much closer, but since they come from such different backgrounds, she is sure it wouldn’t work. She is a Bow Street Runner and he is a member of the aristocracy. Could it work? Maybe, but first they have to find the killer before someone else is murdered
A tontine or wager from decades ago could cause the death of many since the one left living would win it all.
Interesting you say? Well, with our heroine working for Bow Street, along with her brother (who is soon out of commission.. think trist, fall from window…) and the case being more than intriguing, it was really more than interesting! Cass is hired by George, Lord Northbrook to ascertain who is trying to kill his father, the Duke of Admore. Tied to this decades old wager. Cass is thrown into proximity to George and it an subtle attraction begins to bloom!
Descriptive, wonderful characters and a mystery bring this story full circle with the inventive writing of this author, I always enjoy! Sit back and be fully entertained!
“WHO KNEW LOVE WOULD BE HER SECRET WEAPON?”
This is the story of Cassandra Benton and George, Lord Northbrook.
Cass has always gotten by with her wit and wiles. She works alongside her twin brother, Charles, for Bow Street. When Charles gets a broken leg from a fall, Cass must take on a new case to support the family. Lord Northbrook thinks someone is trying to kill his father, the Duke of Ardmore. Cass is intrigued by George and the story of the wager that was made decades before between his father and nine other men. The last survivor of the wager will inherit a fortune. Someone seems impatient to wait for things to progress on their own, and George hopes Cass can figure it out.
Cass loves being a seasoned investigator hired to spy on the ton. She is disguised as a distant “cousin” of George and comes to stay at his home. Never did she expect to have such an attraction to the irresistible Lord Northbrook. She finds herself having more feelings for him as the days go by, and it quickly turns into a passionate few evenings. Cass finds
herself with no other decision than to put herself on the line for the charming George. Cass is worried her disguise is about to be figured out and that her heart is about to be lost. A killer is being sought and she has a case to solve.
I love Theresa Romain’s writing style. She writes and story and pulls you into it. I love the banter George and Cass have. I love that Cass is a “modern” woman for her times and wants more for herself as a female.
Will be waiting for Ms. Romain’s next book.
It made for interesting reading because I was getting both of the M.C.’s points of view in the book. I have to admit to mixed feelings about this book. To be honest there were parts that I liked and others really didn’t draw me in. During the times that I didn’t like so much, of course the story felt like it dragged a bit. There were times when the pace of the story slowed too much for me.
The story was different with the tontine (the decades old wager), the mystery of who was behind the dangerous happenings. Probably the part I enjoyed the most was that Cass and George had some pretty amusing conversations and situations. George could be quite the joker when it came to words between them. So that was a plus as was some of the unusual secondary people.
Cassandra’s brother Charles may be a charming, attractive man but he is also more like a weight on her back too. He needs to grow up big time. Does that happen? And if it did what would it take to make it happen? Cass is used to doing the work of two and her twin is just wasting whatever money he gets.
There is dangers in the story of course because there is quite a lot of money involved. But there is also a a hard-won H.E.A. for Cass and George.
I just have to also say, what a beautiful eBook cover this book had.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and I was not required to post a positive review. These are my thoughts and opinions of the book.
George uses humor and wit to cloak his insecurities. Cass is accustomed to working hard and taking care of herself. They are working together on a case that they cannot seem to solve. They do however begin to get to know each other very well. The author weaves a tale of intrigue as the two characters slowly fall in love. The solve the mystery as their love for each other unfolds.
The story of a female investigator and a lord worried about whether someone is trying to kill his father is engaging and fast-paced. Cassandra Benton is a heroine who takes care of business amid a dangerous world, helping her twin brother at Bow Street, even stepping in while he is injured. George, Lord Northbrook, is an upright hero intent on saving his father. Neither is thinking about falling in love and when they do, despite their very different backgrounds, the story becomes all the sweeter. Theresa Romain is able to juggle the demands of a compelling mystery with a love story that touches the heart. This is a worthy addition to her series, Royal Rewards. I read it in one sitting. (I received an advance copy on NetGalley. Opinions are mine.)
Cassandra “Cass” Benton and her twin brother, Charles, have lived on their own for so long and do what they can to get by. She even helps him as a Bow Street Runner as their source of income. When Lord George Northbrook asks for Cass and Charles for help, they easily agree.
George thinks someone is out to kill his father the Duke of Ardmore. Years ago, the duke and his friends placed a bet and whoever lived the longest would collect the large sum of money. Now it seems like someone is trying to kill the remaining people alive so they can claim the prize and George wants to find out who before his father is murdered.
When Charles ends up hurt, Cass must investigate on her own and George doesn’t even hesitate to help because he is completely enamored with Cass. Together they come up with a plan that Cass is his long lost cousin and the illegitimate daughter of a duke. While spending a lot of time together trying to find the killer, feelings quickly come to the surface except Cass is too afraid to believe in them even if George is ready to throw caution to the wind. It will take a huge leap of faith for these two to end up where they belong….together.
I really enjoyed this story. Cass is a hardened and not easily trusting person because of the life she has lead so far. George is really almost too good to be true…sweet, kind and very good looking. Together they balance each other very well. I really enjoyed the journey they went on to find out who the killer was and was surprised to find out the actual answer. Overall this was a fun, enjoyable story with some mystery and sexy times added in.
Lady Notorious by Theresa Romain is book 4 in the Royal Rewards Series. This is the story of Cassandra Benton and George, Lord Northbrook. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Cass’s brother Charles is a Bow Street Runner. Because Cass is a women she is not allowed to be a official Bow Street Runner, but she is her brother’s partner. Cass does most any and all of the work needed, so she knows what she is doing. This leads her to help take on George’s case of someone trying to hurt his father, the Duke of Ardmore. Cass is to pretend to be a distant cousin of George to try to disguise herself into getting information for their case. Overall enjoyed this book and I have been in love with this series! I will be looking for more books from Ms. Romain!
3.5 Stars
Cassandra Benton has always survived by her wits and wiles, even working for Bow Street alongside her twin brother Charles. When Charles falls from a trellis & breaks his leg, Cass must support them by taking on an intriguing new case: George, Lord Northbrook, believes someone is plotting to kill his father, the Duke of Ardmore. Four decades before, the duke was one of ten who formed a tontine that would grant a fortune to the last survivor. But someone can’t wait for nature to take its course and members are dying in suspicious circumstances.
Cass relishes the chance to spy on the ton, shrewdly disguised as George’s notorious “cousin.”
I was drawn into the story from the first page & really enjoyed Cass working on the case, this was the highlight of the book for me. I liked both George & Cass but I felt that there was chemistry missing from their relationship & I found it hard to believe that they fell in love. Maybe it’s me as I find it hard to comprehend a Marquis & future Duke wanting to marry someone who is basically a nobody, no way does it fit with my understanding of society in the early nineteenth century. Apart from this aspect I enjoyed the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I love a hero with a sense of humour!! George, Lord Northbrook, hires Cassandra Benton to investigate if someone is plotting to kill his father, as well as the other surviving members who, decades before, had formed a wager that would grant a fortune to the last survivor. Cass works with her twin brother as a Bow Street runner but when he’s injured, she decides to take on the job Lord Northbrook offers her. I really enjoyed their banter and George really did have a wonderful sense of humour. Amidst danger and suspense, romance and love grows but there are a few issues that Cass has to solve before she gives that love a chance. All in all, an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I do love a mystery in a story and the one in this story was very good. The group of possible villains was varied and even though I knew something was off, I did not figure it out. I also loved the two main characters, George and Cassandra. Even though George was nobility, he had a very interesting hobby and of course, Cassandra was a quasi-Bow Street Runner which we knew from the previous story. These types of variances in historical romance make them interesting reads. Why the lower rating? The story was slow and a bit boring and the romance was pretty much non-existent. I hate that because this story had so much more potential.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this witty, well-written historical romance. Cassandra Benton works for Bow Street alongside her brother. He’s injured and she takes on a case on her own – George, Lord Northbrook, believes someone is plotting to kill his father, the Duke of Ardmore. In the midst of the intrigue Cass and George find a mutual attraction slowly, steadily building. The interactions between the two of them were wonderful as they got to know each other and love slowly developed. This was a very entertaining book and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Enjoyable.
Need to suspend disbelief due to the H and h’s difference in social status but once you have done that, this is an enjoyable romance with plenty of action and a mystery to be solved. I was hooked and now plan to go backwards in the series and read Lady Rogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
George, Lord Northbrook, needs help: he fears his godfather’s life might be in danger. However, the Bow Street Runner who was on the case, Charles Benton, got hurt. Again, Charles’ twin sister Cassandra will have to do her brother’s job; she knows the work, she is also a Runner, albeit unofficially. In order to gather information, Cass will go undercover as George’s notorious cousin.
If only a book blurb could aptly describe the magic that awaits us with starting a new novel by the incomparable Theresa Romain. LADY NOTORIOUS is like the first day of spring after a long, hard winter; like being enveloped in a cozy cashmere blanket: warm and elegant, soft and luxurious. The writing is exquisite, the dialogues are phenomenal and set the author apart from the masses. I found myself gigglin at Cass’ clever repartees, then entranced by the inadvertently philosophical musings that eventually colour her and George’s conversations. The author’s attention to historical detail is astounding, enlightening, yet woven effortlessly into the narrative, particularly with regards to the Bow Street Runners and George’s preoccupation with his camerae obscurae. Ms. Romain’s descriptions are precise, and colourful; her fictional world bursting with life; and the characters are enthralling creations, even minor ones such as Augustus, Charles, and the most delightful Janey Trewes.
The romance between George and Cass is the epitome of sensual loveliness, embodied in those fleeting touches and subtle looks; LADY NOTORIOUS is all show and no tell, and there is no higher compliment I could pay an author. Ms. Romain never rushes anything, and the easy pace allows the reader to fully embrace the story and the fabulous characters. What a marvelous and unforgettable world is that of LADY NOTORIOUS! I hope this series will go on for a long time, I honestly don’t want to let go of those characters! Theresa Romain has written a book about how one can matter, how important it is to follow one’s dreams, what love means, and that you should embrace who you are if you are to live, not merely exist. LADY NOTORIOUS is a delight for all the senses, and filled me with joy. A book so wonderful, no review could do it justice.
The subtle humor was just to my taste. Lots of good dialog, no repeated “thoughts” to put me to sleep. I have not yet read a book by Theresa Romain I did not like.
I felt this had a good pace with characters who are – for the most part – decent people. In his dealings with the pragmatic and capable Cass, George has a mild epiphany and changes his own outlook on his life.
I received a free advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my voluntarily given honest opinion.
Cassandra Benton has honed her investigative skills working as a Bow Street Runner alongside her brother, Charles. The twins are hired by George Godwin, Marquess of Northbrook to investigate what he believes to be a plot to kill his father, the Duke of Ardmore, and his godfather, Lord Deverell, both members a 40 year old tontine, of which one member apparently doesn’t want to wait for his fellows to die of natural causes. When Cass’ brother is injured, Northbrook asks her to stay on the investigation, delighted that she also believes something sinister is at work. They decide the best way for her to gain information is to listen to gossip in disguise as Northbrook’s scandalous cousin. This entails Cass moving into Ardmore house with George to pretend to be a lady of the ton, leading to lots of close-quarters time with George.
George has pretty much steered clear of any serious relationships with women since the death of his fiance several years prior and though Cassandra has taken several lovers, she has never become serious with any of them. But in this situation it’s unclear who can be trusted, lives are at stake, and Cass and George begin relying on each other more and more. The two struggle to ignore their mutual attraction, knowing that nothing can come of it, yet each opens the other’s eyes to another world and mindset they find hard to give up.
George was delightfully charming with his simultaneously arrogant, yet self-deprecating humor. Cass was that rare strong heroine who isn’t annoying. She still showed human weakness and an inner struggle with her feelings for George and her own place in the world that I found endearing and relatable. The female investigator concept was original and made believable due to Cass’ working at Bow Street with her twin brother. I found myself rooting for these two, George who realizes he’s never really been loved and Cass who has always taken on responsibility for others and is beginning to notice the crushing weight of it. There was good mystery here and those elements of uncertainty helped drive our hero and heroine together as both learned what it is to be able to rely on another person. I enjoyed the changes these two wrought on each other and this was a good read. Just when it was in danger of dragging or becoming tedious, the author added in something to move the plot along and kept the pacing up.
I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Notorious is an outstanding historical romance by Theresa Romain that had this reader glued to the Kindle from start to finish. This! This is my six star book of the week, it’s just that good. Ms. Romain has given readers a well-written book loaded with out-of-this-world characters. Usually, characters are my favorite part of the book, but with this book, my favorite part was the snappy dialog and character interaction. Kudos to Ms. Romain, it’s perfect for this story. Cassandra and her brother are Bow Street Runners hired by George when he suspects people are being murdered over an old wager. Cass and George’s story is loaded with drama, action, humor, sizzle and suspense. Lady Notorious captured me on page one and didn’t turn set me free until the end and I can’t wait for my next book by Theresa Romain. Lady Notorious is book 4 of the Royal Rewards Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.