When a lady discovers stars shine even in the blackest sky.Ruined by a lord purely as a means to exact revenge on her brother, Lady Lillian Sandford has given up all hope of ever finding love. The two years spent abroad did nothing to quell the gossips. And with her brother’s notorious reputation, it’s hard to hide in the shadows. Vane is viciously protective and threatens any man who so much as … threatens any man who so much as glances her way.
Only one man has the nerve to defy him. The one they call The Raven.
After inheriting an estate on the verge of bankruptcy, Fabian Darcy, Baron Ravenscroft, made his fortune sailing the high seas. Haunted by the death of his sister, he lives far away from the society he detests, in a castle on an island off the Devonshire coast. But when he receives information that his sister may not have perished in the shipwreck, the search is on to find his missing sibling. Where better to start his investigation than with the scoundrel who ruined her life? But Vane’s refusal to respond to his missive forces Fabian to take drastic action.
Kidnapping Lillian Sandford serves Fabian’s goal on numerous counts. Vane will have no choice but to offer his help. Marrying the chit will prove a fitting retribution. What lady wants to live on a desolate island with a crew of seafaring men? What lady wants a loveless marriage to a rogue?
Regency historical romance with some descriptive sex scenes.
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Two people meant to be together. Each having heartache from losses in their life. Lady Lillian Sandford is ruined and feels she will never find love or companionship. Her brother Vane keeps her close and dares anyone to cause her harm or even look at her. He was the one who defended her two years ago and has earned a fierce reputation to stay clear. But the best laid plans see Lilian kidnapped and taken to an island where she finds herself a captive of Fabian Darcy. Fabian has he own agenda in trying to make Vane help him find his sister who was once ruined by Vane. Thought dead, he had received information his sister was alive and needed all the help he could get. Fabian wants Lillian to marry him for so many reasons and she agrees. You see, they had known each other years ago and there is a story from the past Not to give anything else away, as in all of Adele Clee’s books, I was enmeshed quickly into the story and it held me spellbound until the end. As I turned the last page, I could only think of Vane’s story which I know may be her next addition to this series. Yes, please hurry!
Each book in this series is better than the one preceding it. This novel has everything … adventure, mystery, and romance. Lillian is a strong, capable woman who holds her head high against the catty London society. In the face of adversity, she must choose whether to let her guard down or continue to hold her pain inside. As she makes her choice, she finds the other half of her soul, and an undying love. I enjoyed the drama and the sizzling romance this story offers, and look forward to the 4th and final installment of Lost Ladies of London.
The mood of this story is darker than that of books 1 and 2 in the Lost Ladies series; the atmosphere is downright gothic at the castle on a lonesome island, complete with dungeons, storms and mysterious goings-on. Lady Lillian’s situation is very difficult and she’s lonely, being shunned in society. Once her kidnapper whispers she’d not be hurt, she accepts everything happening to her with aplomb. There are several secrets and misunderstandings regarding events in the past. I find it difficult to write much about the plot beyond what is already in the synopsis without giving too much away. Well-written, as usual.
I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Very good story. Loved the suspense, as well as the tension between the hero and heroine. The author’s style really draws you in. I received this book from the author.
After a lord’s plot to get revenge on her brother saw her thoroughly ruined, Lady Lillian Sandford gave up her hopes of a love match. Spending two years in Italy has done nothing to lessen the gossip she faces on her return to London. That, along with her brother’s reputation makes them both notable and Vane’s over-protectiveness keeps all gentlemen at bay.
Fabian Darcy, Baron Ravenscoft, inherited a bankrupt estate and managed to earn his own fortune as a seafaring tradesman, better known as the Raven. He is still reeling from his sister’s death eight years previously and lives apart from the society he loathes in a grand castle on an island off the coast of Devonshire. When he learns that his sister may still be alive, he immediately commences a search for her. The logical first place to start is with Vane, the scoundrel who ruined her, but when Vane refuses Fabian’s request for aide, Fabian resorts to the drastic measure of kidnapping his sister, Lillian.
With Lillian on his island, Vane will be forced to acquiesce to Fabian’s request for help and a loveless marriage for Lillian will serve as a fitting punishment for his initial refusal. But the more time Fabian spends with Lillian, the harder it is for him to hid the feelings he’s harbored for her since they were children.
I rather loved this story. I’m a complete sucker for the hero who’s quietly loved the heroine for years and Fabian didn’t disappoint. The pacing was excellent and kept me intrigued and the mystery elements were great. I loved the interactions between Vane and Fabian and now I can’t wait for Vane’s story. I listened to the audio version of this book and I think the drama of the narration added a little extra oomph to the mystery vibe here.
As soon as we meet Lady Lillian Sanford at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, she is kidnapped and taken by ship to a castle on Raven’s Island were we meet Fabian Darcy, Lord Ravenscroft. What will happen in his quest to get assistance from her brother and why is she scandalous? And where is Estelle?
I Highly Recommend this fast-paced, suspenseful novel by one of my very favorite authors, filled with twists, turns and blackguards
A pirate and his lady, her brother and the pirate’s missing sister combine to make this story a captivating mystery romance.
There are so many exciting twists and turns in this page-turner and because they have been well plotted and cleverly written and equally well narrated, I found myself listening with the thought of “just one more chapter and…”, but it became more and more difficult as the story unfolded to get on with the mundane everyday tasks.
I just love it when this happens! To me it means that I am reading or listening to a story that is really worth raving about.
Did I enjoy this story? Most definitely!
Am I happy to recommend it? Again, most definitely!
Should you read it? I think you should.
Why? Well, you might be very pleasantly entertained and that makes it worth your while.
I requested and received a free copy of the audiobook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.