Last season, Lady Nina Trent fell for a scoundrel. This year, she intends to choose more wisely . . . When a duke more interested in fox hunting and sports than womanizing comes to town, Nina thinks him the perfect catch. Sadly, he doesn’t seem to notice her. But Lord Elliot Havenford, Baron Ralston, a notorious flirt, has a proposition: he’ll not only pretend to vie for her hand, hoping to draw … vie for her hand, hoping to draw forth the duke’s competitive nature, he’ll also give Nina lessons in seduction.
An aristocrat in possession of two dilapidated properties must be in want of a fortune. Elliot’s proposition is a subterfuge, for he hopes to capture Nina’s hand—and her dowry—by slyly seducing her himself. Though he feels guilty over his deception, their interludes, filled with dancing, flirtation, and increasingly heated kisses, are impossible to regret . . . until he realizes he has unwittingly placed Nina in grave danger.
What’s a scoundrel in love to do, except finally risk his heart for real?
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An ok Read
This is the first book I have read by this author. I am not opposed to reading more from her. But the Story kinda drug out a little more than I liked.
It switches up & kinda throws you off. But in the end, the plot was good as well as the characters.
Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron was a fantastic read featuring a delightful romance that starts with a scandalous proposition.
After a disastrous engagement last season, Lady Nina Trent is determined that this season will be better. When a duke more interested in horses than womanizing arrives in town, Nina thinks he’s the answer to all of her problems. But when the man fails to notice her, she finds herself agreeing to a proposition from Lord Elliot Haverford, Baron Ralston, wherein he will pretend to court her to draw out the duke’s competitive side. Included in the proposition are lessons in seduction which Nina finds are doing a better job at making her fall for Elliot than the duke. What Nina doesn’t know is that Elliot is in dire need of funds and his plan all along was to get Nina to fall for him instead. But when Elliot finds himself falling for Nina in truth, he will have to use all of his charms to win her hand.
Nina was engaged a year ago to a man she discovered had a mistress he had no intention of giving up, so she quickly broke that engagement as she refused to have a marriage like her parents. Nina feels an obligation to marry well for her family as she feels she owes it to them, a sentiment echoed by Nina’s grandmother (who I had a hard time liking because of her pushiness). Elliot inherited a nearly bankrupted barony which he has spent the last year trying to fix. Elliot is a man who once his word is given, he won’t go back on it which is something I appreciated. With his barony, he inherited several ancient servants and an enormous dog older than dirt that most would have gotten rid but because he gave his word to keep them, he does.
Prior to the start of this book, Nina and Elliot knew each other in passing as Nina has been friends with Elliot’s cousin for several years. I enjoyed the banter between these two and how clear it was that they genuinely liked each other. Elliot’s proposition to coach Nina to win the duke was a fun one and I loved the scenes of the lessons they had. The lessons gets progressively steamier as the book goes on which was fantastic. The chemistry between Nina and Elliot is amazing and the steamy scenes are very well done. My one complaint about the romance was that Nina didn’t find out about Elliot’s initial intentions towards her, i.e. wanting her for her dowry, until very late in the book. I wish it had come up sooner and the pair could have talked it out.
Overall Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron was a very enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the release of the next book in the series, Never Mix Sin with Pleasure. I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for a fun, historical romance to pick up.
Lady Nina Trent is under a great deal of pressure from her grandmother, the Dowager Marchioness of Huntington to make a good match and protect her family’s good name and reputation. The Duke of Fernbridge seems the perfect candidate, even if he is more interested in his own sportsmanly prowess than anything else. The only problem is that the Duke doesn’t really seem to notice Nina. So when Lord Elliot Haverford, Baron Ralston, a well-known flirt, comes up with a plan to catch the Duke’s attention, Nina readily agrees. Elliot will feign interest in courting Nina in order to coax the competitive duke to notice her, and he’ll also teach her all about the art of seduction.
Having inherited a rundown estate and a title lean in the coffers, Elliot has his own reasons for his plan to help Nina. He’s in need of funds and her dowry would help him restore his estates. Though there are other ladies who fit the bill, Elliot is set on Nina. The more time Elliot spends with Nina, the more his feelings become all too real, even as Nina seems to be getting serious with the Duke. Elliot feels guilty, but not enough to stop him pursuing Nina, until it becomes apparent that he’s in danger, and therefore Nina is too.
I really enjoyed Elliot in this one, but I’m always a sucker for the reformed rake who learns to recognize feelings. Nina took some getting used to for me and I just kept wishing she’d stick up for herself more. She never really did, although she did at least follow her heart with her actions if not her words. I enjoyed the plot, but the pacing was just a bit odd and the final drama felt a bit anticlimactic and rather random and didn’t make all that much sense to me. This did hit on a pet peeve of mine as well. Nina was all for saying how much she trusted Elliot and yet the moment that was tested, she shut him out for days rather than allowing him to explain himself or clarify. This made it that much harder for me to like Nina and undermined their relationship too close to the end of the book for my liking. Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable book overall with some good moments of humor and it was a nice way to pass the time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. After a failed engagement, Nina’s well-heeled family pressures her to wed for status, not love. She and Elliot are long acquainted, but he is a rake and needs funds to restore the rundown estates he’s inherited. He offers to help her win the affections of a self-absorbed duke.
While Nina and Elliot try to explain away the physical attraction they feel for each other, they impress each other with unexpected discoveries: Elliot secretly loves gardening; Nina sketches plants. Nina longs to stargaze; Elliot knows astronomy. Nina wants skill in lovemaking; Elliot wants her for his wife.
I won’t reveal any more of the plot, but the unexpected twists in this story kept me turning the pages.
‘Never Conspire With A Sinful Baron’, the fourth title in ‘The Infamous Lords’ series caught my attention, my interest, and definitely my laughter early on and never let go until the ending. Although I have not yet read the earlier titles (which is unusual and will be remedied soon) I had no trouble falling into the rhythm of this romance. So, with that background, I’d say you “could” read Elliot and Nina’s story on its own.
Most of what you’d want to know before picking this one up can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the emotion of the story. A young lady who was wronged (even if the polite society of the time turns a blind eye) and will never allow herself to be used again. And a man who has no belief in this thing called true love but does know that he needs Nina’s dowry to repair his newly inherited estates. It’s a risk he’s willing to take to pretend to teach Nina what she needs to know to land her ideal husband, all the while drawing her closer into his own web. The funny thing about webs – often the wrong person gets caught up in them.
I enjoyed ‘Never Conspire With A Sinful Baron’ very much. The writing is smooth, the world easily fell in place, the characters are true to their natures (even the vile ones). I loved the secondary characters I met, several definitely kept me in laughter whenever they were around. Nina and Elliot’s journey to falling in love is hampered only by the danger in Elliot’s life – and perhaps that danger brought to the forefront just how precious loving and protecting someone can be. While their road to a happy ending wasn’t without potholes, there was nothing that could stop two people who are truly right for each other. If you love a really good Historical Romance then you’d feel right at home with this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I’m a fan of Ms. Miller’s books and this one was a pleasant read. The first two books in the series were outstanding and this one was a little bland compared to those. Lord Elliot Haverford, Baron Ralston needs to marry a heiress to save his crumbling estates. His only choice is to marry this Season and he has set his sights on Lady Nina Trent whom he has admired for some time. Lady Nina is being pressured by her strict and cranky grandmother that it is her duty to marry well and make her brother proud. When Elliot comes up with a plan to help her catch the eye of the duke, she reluctantly agrees to his plan, but much to her dismay, she is beginning to think of Elliot and less about the duke. Can she tame this notorious rake and win his heart?
While there was some witty banter especially from Elliot, the plot moved along more slowly than I usually enjoy. Of course, there is a villain in the story and it turns out to be a nice twist, but not enough to win this book a higher rating than 3 stars.
I’m looking forward to Elliot’s sister’s story and hoping it’s the next one in the series. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
An utterly delightful story filled with humor, wonderful dialogue and two people, who thought they wanted different things, but in the end would come to see what mattered most.
Elliot Havenford, Baron Ralston needed a wife. A rich wife. Having been left an estate and properties that were literally falling down around him, plus his sister Meg, who deserved so much, he came to the conclusion he would focus on Lady Nina Trent.
Nina had been engaged to Lord Avalon and thought he cared for her until she found out he had a mistress he would not give up. Humiliation.
As Elliott puts his plan into action, he learns Nina is trying to get the attention of a Duke. One who is boring, safe and without excitement. Or at least that is Elliott’s opinion. He puts a proposition to her that he will help make him jealous by seeming to court her and teaching her how to snare a gentleman, all the while winning her for himself.
There is so much more to it than that and honestly, I was laughing out loud many times and especially when it came to Zeb and their walk!!
This has to be on one of my favorite books I have read and I encourage you to read. Trust me, you will love it! I read this through NetGallery and the publisher.
Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron employs the he-pretends-to-court-her-to make-another-guy-want-her trope, as well as he-gives-her-lessons-in-seduction. The twist in this book is that Lord Elliot Haverford really wants Nina Trent for himself. She is a wealthy heiress and he needs money badly. Nina has already been burned by a near-marriage to a cad in love with his mistress; she has no use for the flirtatious Elliot and wants to marry the dull duke. But she slowly falls under his spell during their subterfuge.
This is definitely an enjoyable book. I especially enjoyed Elliot who was a much better man than he realized. I loved how he accepted the aging servants that came with his run-down property and his uncle’s old bloodhound. There was a danger plot that added to the story. Elliot and Nina had quite a bit of work to do to make it to their HEA, but it was a fun trip.
ARC provided through Netgalley.
Nina knows what she wants which is a bland, safe, reliable husband. Elliot knows what he needs which is an heiress. They both find much more in each other! I received an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley for my honest review.
He’s a cad.
Elliot is Baron Ralston, a farthing-less cad who shamelessly flirts and then moves on to his next conquest. He went shopping in DeBrett’s and chose Nina as his bride. She would come with a large dowry to save his insolvent estates and he wouldn’t mind bedding her. Oh, and he doesn’t believe in love. His family for generations as NOT married for love.
Nina is smitten with a duke, a very safe duke and Elliott proposes he could act interested in her, to make the duke take notice of Nina. But this is a ruse. He’s gonna double cross her so she marries him instead (so he can save his properties and launch his sister).
So, who will Nina choose? A mere baron or a duke?
And what will happen when she finds out Elliot’s ruse?
Recommend.
4.5 Stars
Last season, Lady Nina Trent fell for a scoundrel. When a duke more interested in fox hunting and sports than womanising comes to town, Nina thinks him the perfect catch as does her grandmother & brother. Sadly, he doesn’t seem to notice her. But Lord Elliot Havenford, Baron Ralston, a notorious flirt, has a proposition: he’ll not only pretend to vie for her hand, hoping to draw forth the duke’s competitive nature, he’ll also give Nina lessons in seduction. An aristocrat in possession of two dilapidated properties must be in want of a fortune. Elliot’s proposition is a subterfuge, for he hopes to capture Nina’s hand—and her dowry—by slyly seducing her himself.
This is the fourth book in the series but it could easily be read on its own even though James, Nina’s brother had his story in the previous book. I loved Elliot from the start, a loveable rogue who was honourable & his word was his bond, hence a house with elderly retainers & a very old bloodhound. I also loved Nina who had had the strength to turn down a proposal from a philandering lord the previous year. The chemistry between the pair was sizzling, I loved how their relationship developed. I also loved Meg & would love for her to have her HEA as there was a very likely contender! I was engrossed in the book & the pages flew by as I read it in a sitting, all be it a long sitting but I was routing for things to go right for Elliot
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron
The Infamous Lords Series #4
Renee Ann Miller
https://www.facebook.com/Reneeannmillerauthor/
Release date 05/26/2020
Publisher Kensington
Blurb :
Last season, Lady Nina Trent fell for a scoundrel. This year, she intends to choose more wisely . . .
When a duke more interested in fox hunting and sports than womanizing comes to town, Nina thinks him the perfect catch. Sadly, he doesn’t seem to notice her. But Lord Elliot Havenford, Baron Ralston, a notorious flirt, has a proposition: he’ll not only pretend to vie for her hand, hoping to draw forth the duke’s competitive nature, he’ll also give Nina lessons in seduction.
An aristocrat in possession of two dilapidated properties must be in want of a fortune. Elliot’s proposition is a subterfuge, for he hopes to capture Nina’s hand—and her dowry—by slyly seducing her himself. Though he feels guilty over his deception, their interludes, filled with dancing, flirtation, and increasingly heated kisses, are impossible to regret . . . until he realizes he has unwittingly placed Nina in grave danger.
What’s a scoundrel in love to do, except finally risk his heart for real?
My review :
As truth always comes out, will his initial deceit weight too much in the balance between love and hate …
I haven’t read none of the other books in this series but after my first read by Mrs Renee Ann Miller, a Christmas themed novella, I immediately preordered her next release, this book.
And I do not regret it, this book is as funny and lovely as I expected.
Elliot while far from flawless is a sweet man, behind his mask of cynicism, there is a kind and caring man who’s living in a collapsing home with a half-blind valet, a deaf housekeeper and a bed-invader aging bloodhound. He also guilt-trips for his sister’s circumstances, why he even more feels pressured to better his state of affairs.
And what ever his ill-guided plan, I just loved Elliot, he is desperate, nearly destitute so he first acts like most peers, but he also tries to better himself by not merely watching his holdings crumble to the ground, he works to find a solution outside a marriage to a heiress.
So while he enters his game of deceit with Nina, he has too many restraints, second-thoughts plus he is a too good man to really follow his design. So soon he is more in the mood to help her if getting her duke is what she is truly after.
Nina was hurt the season’s before, and as it was common, her failed engagement is seen as defect from her side, never from to-be-fiancé. Why to silent the viper’s tongues she accepts to listen to her grandmother’s advices, whatever good or not they are.
She wants to do safe and dull, so be it the Duke of Fernbridge, a man who will never increase her heartbeats nor make her dream of sensual escapes. And while she is at first retissant to agree to Elliot’s knowledge in capturing someone’s eyes, yet he is more often right than wrong. So she soon finds herself more eager to be in Elliot’s presence than with the Duke. If only he was not this devil-may-care scoundrel.
I just loved this book, Mrs Renee Ann Miller offers a light and sensual read, with quips, witty banters and some humorous scenes. It is also a moving tale displaying how guilt and someone’s failure can reflect on one’s own decisions.
A well deserved 5 stars read as I was unable to put down this book until I reached its very last word. I can only recommend it to any Tessa Dare and Virginia Heath’s lovers.
I have only one complain, the story is set in Victorian era, so why a cover with a heroine dressed in a regency gown?
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Hats off to Renee Ann Miller, again! Another very enjoyable, fun story! I love when the hero falls into his own trap and then grapples with his feelings. Ms. Miller’s stories are some of my favorites! Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron is wonderfully written with a storyline that moves along through dialogue and action. I never want to put her books down!
You should definitely never conspire with a sinful Baron because you will never be able to go back. This series is so good and this book fits right in. Elliot convinces Nina to go along with a plan to make another gentleman jealous but who would have thought it would have backfired, yes everyone raise your hand! Of course it does. It takes a lot in a book for me to laugh out loud and this one, Zeb I am looking at you, definitely had me chuckling out loud. Funny dialog, great characters, a great story all adds up to a wonderful read.
I received a complimentary copy from publisher through NetGalley.
I love historical romance books, I love reading about the ton, however while i didn’t hate it, i didn;t love it, I just wish that it was a little faster pace, I like go go go and I think I lost the love in the pacing. Now we have a supposed Rake Elliot, Baron Ralston who needs a rich heiress to save his crumbling estate and wants Lady Nina Trent who is the one who caught his eye. In his mind he figures I will claim to help her catch the eye of Duke and have her really falling in love with him. Nina has been recently jilted after finding out that her fiance was a cheating scoundrel. The book passed the time but again I like things a little faster..The author had stated that this book was pleasant and that is exactly what it is pleasant she took the words right out of my mouth.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Elliot Havenford, Baron Ralston, inherited a title from his uncle, debt and property that’s draining him dry. His only option is to marry a lady with a substantial dowry. Going through Debreet’s Peerage, Elliot makes his choice. Lady Nina Trent is a young lady he already admires, only she’s after a Duke. To get close to her, Elliot offers to help her catch her Duke, but Elliot didn’t count on falling in love. Elliot is a flirt and very charming. I was definitely on his side. Laughter can definitely win the lady, but there are a few tears. Throw in someone who seriously wants to hurt Elliot and you have even more of an interesting plot. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed reading this book. A definite winner. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.