To Vex a ViscountAt a scandalous house party, Lizzie Doherty recognizes the masked Lord Hugo Wakely. One impromptu kiss leaves her wanting more. If he’s willing…To Dare a DuchessAn indiscretion tore Nina and Byron apart. Now back in London, free from restraint a love affair ensues. But for how long when secrets still remain.To Marry a MarchionessNewly appointed Marquess, Marcus Duncan is thrown … Marquess, Marcus Duncan is thrown into the path of his cousin’s widow. Henrietta instantly charms him, and now he wants her for himself.
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1. TO VEX A VISCOUNT – 4 STARS
This is my 4th book by this author and I realize she writes very steamy stories, so be warned. Heat level 4-4.5 out of 5.
I like some spice in my stories, but this for me was a lot – all outside of marriage. This would have been a better story without so much steam.
There is no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance build slowly and we discover out H likes taking the easy way out. It wasn’t until the h called him on it, did he become the man she deserved.
I can’t improve on the blurb, so not attempting.
2. TO DARE A DUCHESS – 3 STARS
Well, the h caused all her own problems and didn’t accept her part until the end. I felt sorry for the H because he has loved her, but he didn’t do anything because she loved his twin.
I dislike secrets kept with a passion and this story had secrets in spades. Two by the h and one by the H. The blow up at the end was upsetting, because again she played the victim. She is the one who entered the bedroom hoping to lose her virginity to the man she loved. Not all goes as planned!
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. I didn’t feel a connection to them so it was just lust. Can’t have a connection, if holding secrets.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and some spice.
3. TO MARRY A MARCHIONESS – 3.25 STARS
The h is now a widow after one year of marriage. She grieves for her deceased husband for the required amount of time – one year. The H enters the picture and after a brief time they begin an affair.
The H has a child out of wedlock with his maid, who was willing but also taboo because under his protection. Did the H learn anything about consequences in not pulling out? No, because when he and the h take up their affair, he never once thinks he may get her with child. They both are keeping secrets which is never a story line I enjoy.
Lovemaking outside of marriage many times, heat level 4.5 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA and steam. (ljb)
If you want a fun read, 3 books in one, here it is
I have read all three books in this box set, each of which is a standalone and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
To Vex a Viscount: An undeniable attraction pulls them together, but the limitations placed on them by their individual bequests almost destroys one of the most explosive romances of the decade. This Regency romance takes a new turn when Lizzie Doherty’s traveling party winds up at the wrong estate during a storm. Although Lizzie immediately recognises what has happened, it takes a little longer for Lady X and Lord Hugo, Viscount Wakely to realise why she has arrived at a scandalous house party. This novel is fast-paced and romantic, although somewhat scandalous as Lizzie and Hugo discover the depths of their feelings for one another. It is only when it would appear that he will lose the one thing that is most precious to him, that Hugo eventually realises that there is more than one way to solve a problem.
To Dare a Duchess: Secrets long hidden rise to the surface in this Regency romance that touches the heart. Nina Granville returns to London for the season, knowing that she may well meet her nemesis, little realising that there is far more to the situation than she thought. Byron Hill is torn between protecting Nina and doing the right thing. With his manipulative brother insinuating himself into the situation, Byron realises that telling Nina the truth may destroy their new-found love for one another, but before he can do anything about it, his brother takes great pleasure in once more destroying the happiness that could be his. One man’s destructive ploys have done enough damage in their lives and it is up to Nina and Byron to move beyond his ability to hurt them.
To Marry a Marchioness: Widowed after so short a time of marriage, leaves Lady Henrietta in despair. Whilst her family would love for her to return to London and find another husband, Henrietta knows that it will be in vain. After all, her husband has left her the estate and her new purpose in life is running it and ensuring the future of the people who live there. She does not take into account the arrival of the new Marquess of Zetland and the discovery that the estate belongs to him after all. Marcus is immediately attracted to his cousin’s widow and after the estate problems are ironed out, he and Henrietta discover a passion that knows no limits. It’s unfortunate that both of them are holding secrets and put a damper on any future they may have. The plot of this romance is sensuous but tinged with sadness and Marcus and Henrietta have to deal with their secrets. I found myself rooting for the couple and hoping that they would see their way forward to happiness.
I received copies of the above novelettes as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.