Lord Percival Bretagne is used to playing games. He survived being a spy for a decade using his wits alone. But that was just life and death, now he’s playing for the most important prize of all—love. He’ll Stop at Nothing . . . Ten years after his family gave him up for dead, British spy Lord Percival Bretagne is back home, but his mission is far from over. Playing the aristocrat in … aristocrat in London gambling dens and at country house parties is just a cover for Percy’s real quest. He’s hunting the man who stole everything from him—his family, his marriage, even his identity. And this time nothing, and no one, will stand in his way. She’ll Risk it All . . . But one night with Isabel Galante changes everything. She’s willing to gamble a woman’s most intimate prize in order to save her imprisoned father, but she didn’t expect a devilishly handsome opponent with a dangerously attractive wicked streak. Isabel would do anything for her family, including betraying Percy, but she has no idea that she’s stumbled into the middle of a decade-long quest for revenge. Who Will Win in the Game Called Love? Percy has been betrayed before, and now the man who destroyed his life is using Isabel to strike again. With the fate of the government and his new life in the balance, he’ll have to keep Isabel seductively, scandalously close. They begin a passionate game of truth and lies, deception and dalliance, uncovering the heart of who they really are and realizing that winning might mean losing what matters the most—each other.
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If you have been following the series, you already know Lord Percival “Percy” Bretagne, he as been an ongoing character from the start and we finally get his story!!
Percy is back in London and looking for revenge against the man that took everything from him. Lord Bertrand Montford is a vile man who has destroyed many a life and because of his wealth and position has never had to answer for his actions. Percy plans to change that and ruin him financially, but he soon learns that Bertrand is plotting something that could potentially destroy the English government and has to stop him.
Isabel Galante is one of Bertrand’s many victims. To save her family she is forced to do Bertrand’s bidding, which on this night is to seduce the Earl of Pembroke at the gaming hell/brothel, but she makes a mistake at ends up with Percy instead. Percy thinks Isabel has information about Bertrand’s plans and takes Isabel when he leaves.
Neither is sure they can trust the other, but they share an undeniable attraction and a mutual desire to bring Lord Bertrand Montford to justice. And maybe, just maybe find the love of a lifetime…
This was a well written, fast paced story with likeable characters, betrayal, intrigue, revenge, secrets, steamyish love scenes and plenty of twists and turns before the villain finally gets his comeuppance and Percy and Isabel get their well deserved HEA. This is the fourth book in the series and while this book could be read as a stand-alone title, I would suggest reading the books in order for the best reading experience.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Although it’s from a series, they all read as standalones.
Percy has been a spy for ten long years, it’s something he’s good at, and he likes it. But he wasn’t always a spy, his past is an interesting one, and we get to see glimpses of it through the story. But we get the full story near the end of the book.
He uses people to his advantage, and has no conscience, it’s for the good of the country (well that’s his excuse) and when an opportunity to return to England presents itself, Percy takes it with both hands. He’s going to end this game once and for all. He lost everything once, he’s not prepared to lose again. But Percy also has a dark side, an addiction to the chase, can he simply give up this spy game and become a Lord once again?
Isabel is a seamstress, but blackmail has her pretending to be a prostitution. She has to win to keep her family together, but meeting Percy throws it all into chaos. I liked Isabel, she had deep family loyalty, but when she meets Percy, she’s torn, does she do as her blackmailer wants? Or can she find a way round this mess, and have Percy and her family?
This is basically a mystery/romance. The main characters are very well written, both have a sense of duty, neither will be taken for a fool, both have been let down in the past. Liked the premise of the book, usually a period romance had the female role as a simpering fool, a weak minded simpleton. But Isabel is more than that, she has a brain, and it’s fully engaged at all time’s.
Percy is your usual rogue, but he has a hidden side, and that becomes more evident the further you get into the book.
Scenes are well written, the romance side is steamy and it rolls at a steady pace.
To Win a Wicked Lord is a well written Regency Romantic Suspense. It’s full of emotion, blackmail, revenge, and passion. I liked the main characters and the secondary ones as well. His young daughter is full of spunk and her story (when she gets older) I’m sure will be a thrill to read. I wasn’t that into the characters in the beginning but it soon turned around for me. They’re both strong characters with secrets and scars. My first read by this author and I’ll soon check out her other books. It is part of a series, but is also a standalone.
Another great spy story from Ms. Darling. This time it is Percy (you know, the “dead” husband from a previous book) and Isabel’s love story. There is a bit of a mystery to the story (you know who the villain is, just how will they get caught). The story started off slow for me but picked up. Percy is quit the conundrum and you really don’t have him figured out while reading the book. Who is he and why is he doing it? Isabel is not along for the ride but an integral part in this play of spies. I did love the father/daughter relationship with Percy and Lucy. It is not always easy to forgive loved ones. A very nice read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
What fun I had reading this book that Sofie Darling’s magic fingers created for her reader’s entertainment!
Lord Percival Bretagne, aka “The Savior of St. Giles”and the younger son of one of the most influential dukes in England, the Duke of Arundel, has one purpose in life – revenge. Percy was so close to being able to exact his revenge on Lord Bertrand Montfort, younger son of the Earl of Surrey & servant of the Crown for himself & all the other people that had been hurt.
The man that helped Isabel Galante & her sister, Eva, escape Spain & come to London was Percy’s object of revenge, Montfort. The sister’s father was still in Spain in prison & Montfort is blackmailing Isabel, with the promise to get her father released freed from prison, if the plan to ruin Percy is successful.
When Percy & Isabel meet there was instant electricity between them but they both had plans & could not let their guards down. Lack of trust, revenge, blackmail, lies, secrets, danger were the dark things that led into the light with humor, lust, family, trust & love with a plot that keeps you guessing until the end.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
This is a well written suspenseful regency romance, and the main characters sizzle together. The chemistry is spot on. I wasn’t sure when I started this book that I would like the characters as much as I did. Lord Percival has been a spy and is looking to trap Montfort, the man that left him for dead. And Isabel, is trying to free her father from prison by doing Montfort’s bidding.
This well managed plot keeps you guessing as to which way it’s heading, but the reader will see the two fall in love long before they admit it themselves. Even though this book is part of series, it’s a standalone and complete story and it’s all rounded off with a bit of humor and a bit of sexy heat.
To Win A Wicked Lord is a phenomenal historical romance by Sofie Darling. Ms. Darling has provided readers with a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. Percy was wounded and left to die by Montfort, but now he’s back in England and is set to ruin Montfort. Isabel’s father is being held in prison and only by working with Montfort can she get her father released. Percy and Isabel’s story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by Sofie Darling. To Win A Wicked Lord is part of A Shadows and Silk Series but can easily 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 Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lord Percival Bretagne is used to playing games. He has survived by being a spy for a decade using his wits alone. That was to stay alive. Lord Percival Bretagne is determined to hunt the monster that took away his family, marriage & identity. Percy now goes undercover staging the ton to witness him playing the aristocrat Rake in London gambling dens & country house parties. All in the hopes to get closer to the villain Lord Mortfort who took away his life. Percy will not allow anything or anyone get in his way!
What he didn’t expect was to fall for a beautiful lady he met @ one of those gambling dens that Lord Mortfort owns. Now he is determined to find out who Isabel Galante really is. She doesn’t belong in the dens & sacrifice her innocent as payment. Could meeting Isabel Galante help to get his life back. Or is his meeting a trap to capture& kill & send him to the wolves?
She’ll Risk it All… Isabel Galante
When her sister has been violated, traumatized & with child by this monster. Her family will lose everything. Now this vicious creature has her father captive. The only way she can free him is by giving herself as collateral. The man she is to trap is none other Lord Percival Bretagne the devilishly handsome opponent w/ a dangerously attractive wicked streak.
While Isabel waits to seduce Lord Percy & lose her innocents as ordered by the man who holds her family hostage. Lord Percy wants to give into his wicked ways with the beauty Lady Isabel. He comes in with his wicked smile & chooses to be a gentleman & wants to protect Lady Isabel. He knows she is hiding a secret & fears Lord Mortfort but he doesn’t know if he can trust her? What does Lord Mortfort have over Isabel to have her willing to sacrifice her innocents?
Can she be trusted? Or is she just a distraction to fool him to get information or worse get him killed by his enemy? Lord Percival will take the change & play along to find out Who Lady Isabel really is? A victim with a history that Lord Mortford holdovers her head?
Percy thinks their is more to this woman & he is determined to know her truths!.
He wants to know why she works for the monster that took his life? What does that villain have over Lady Isabel to make her willing to sacrifice her innocent’s? Can he find out & still keep his quest for the truth & get vindication for himself. Or will he let attraction, lust & love keep him from getting his own preservation?
Does love take over revenge! Will passion, ignite trust, acceptance & sacrifice? The ultimate goal, build a life with Isabel Galante?
Or is it all a game of love & war & who will win?
Lady Isabel Galante will do anything for her family, that will include betraying Lord Percy. What she doesn’t realize is that this villain has been planning this plot for the middle of a decade-long quest for revenge.
Who Will Win in the Game Called Love?
Percy has been betrayed before, & he is determined to destroy the man that took his life away. With the fate of the government & his new life in the balance. Percy decides to keep Isabel seductively, scandalously close. They begin a passionate game of truth & lies, deception and dalliance. In the process of getting their lives back. They uncover they who they really are and who they belong too. Each other. They need to rely on trusting each other to survive & to build a life together.
:Lord Percival is used to playing games. He survived being a spy for a decade using his wits alone. That was just life and death. Now he is planning for the most important prize of all, love. Ten year after his family gave him up for dead, British spy Lord Percival is back home,, but his mission is far from over. Percy plays the aristocrat in London gambling dens and at country house parties, but that is a cover for his real quest. He is hunting the man who stole everything from his – his family, marriage, and even his identity. This time nothing and no one will stand in Percy’s way. One night Isabel Galante changes everything. She is willing to gamble a woman’s most intimate prize in order to save her imprisoned father. She did not expect a devilishly handsome opponent with a dangerously attractive wicked streak. Isabel would do anything for her family, including betraying Percy, but she has no idea that she stepped into the middle of a decade-long question for revenge. Percy has been betrayed before, and the man who destroyed his life is using Isabel to strike again. Percy will have to keep Isabel seductively, scandalously close. They begin a passionate game of truth and lies, deception and dalliance, uncovering the heart of who they really are and realizing that winning might mean losing what matters the most, each other. – I loved this historical romance. Percy is determined and loyal. I admired his actions for his country and enjoyed the game of truth and lies. Isabel likes Percy and is attracted to him, but she wants to help her family. This is an interesting well-written story,
Great book! Spies, lies, distrust, intrigue, and, of course, love.
To Win a Wicked Lord is the fourth book in the Shadows and Silk series. It’s the first book in the series that I have read but I don’t feel like I missed anything by not reading the previous books. The storyline was original, and the characters were interesting.
Lord Percival “Percy” Bretagne had been away from England for ten years working as a spy. He has returned to England to have his revenge on Lord Bertrand Montfort, but he finds himself surrounded by more intrigue than he expected. Now he has a fake bride at his father’s house party and a daughter that wants nothing to do with him.
Isabel Galante was on a mission to save her father who was in prison in Spain. All she must do is follow the direction Montfort gave her, but things aren’t as they appear. She ends up with the wrong man who insists she goes with him. Her attraction to Percy is an unwanted complication. She needs to finish her mission so her blackmailer will release her father.
Can outside forces keep Isabel and Percy apart? Or can they solve the mystery by working together?
I received an ARC and am voluntarily writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Buckle your seatbelts because you are in for a ride in this exciting story filled with intrigue, betrayal, revenge, secrets, unexpected passion, a dangerous villain and what more could you ask for? Oh yes, the wounded hero, which I can never resist and I did fall in love with Percival (that name always brings a smile thinking of King Arthur and the knights). Plus beautiful, mysterious Isabel who is being managed by the same villain that Percy is seeking. To save her family she is to dupe the Earl of Pembroke, a gambler and drunk, but she picks out the wrong man and ends up thinking he is Percy.
You can just image… well maybe not because this story has so many twist and turns that kept me absorbed in the pages.
I always look forward to anything by the fabulous story teller Sofie Darling because I know it will leave me sighing as I turn the last page! Simply irresistible!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is in the genre I mostly read. It lived up to my expectation of tantalizing romance and mysterious going ons. I read an excerpt by the author which teased, whetted my appetite and tantalized me despite the fact I had already read the book. Lord Percy had been given for dead as his family had not heard from him in ten years. He was back searching for the man responsible for all he had lost. After meeting with Isabel Galante little did he know she was threat by the same Lord. In their unexpected meeting it turned out he was not the man she was suppose to seduce. As a consequence Isabel and her small entourage had to make a fast exit from their dressmaking establishment n Cheapside. Lord Percy took them to the one place he thought they would be safe little knowing the man he was seeking was involved with Lord Percy’s family. It became a tangled relationship between all players. In the end there was a Happy Ever After for those involved and the root of the angst got what he deserved.
I highly recommend reading this book. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved, loved, loved this book. It is not your typical Regency type romance. This deals with marrying young, off to war with ideas of grandeur, becoming an amnesiac, exploited, recover memory and the result is revenge for the man who exploited him. The H is at the top of his game in the spy business. When he returns to England after ten years on the continent, he must face some harsh realities. He has a teenage daughter he does not know and wants nothing to do with him. His wife divorced him with the help of his own father. But he is focused on one indelible mission, ruin the man who used him at his most vulnerable. The H is handsome, debonair, confident to a fault, holds his cards close to his chest, has a winning poker face and due to his occupation as a spy can easily evaluate situations and people quickly and accurately. One evening working towards his goal he comes across the h and she is dressed as a harlot. She is on a mission to seduce him but it is not working. The H’s restraint is phenomenal. But if she fails in her mission her family is in jeopardy. The H quickly realizes something is wrong and he takes the h with him and tries to flee. The h will not leave without taking one of the harlots she has become friends with. The three of them have to fight their way out. Before the H realizes the h as brought another two females and a baby. The H says no. She says all or nothing. He needs her to gain information on her mission, why and by whom. The H and her sister are from Spain. Olive skinned beauties with accents. The h is no wallflower and resists the commands of the H. She has to pick her battles when it comes to him. When the H whisks them to his country estate, he is met by more problems. His parents, his daughter and their friends are there. He did not expect anyone to be there. They get the sleeping arrangements settled and lies are told to cover for the ladies’ presence the H just has to take it one hour at a time one day at a time. The h is confused and is not sure she can trust the H. But fate is not looking favorably on her. The man who set her on her mission is a guest of the H’s parents and is responsible for unspeakable acts against members of her family. What is she to do? She gets to know the H and finds him to be an upstanding, honorable gentleman. Not at all what she expected. Does she trust him or not? Will she continue to take directions from the man who caused the problems in her family? The H needs to know what the h is doing and why. But he will not push her. At the same time, he has to deal with his belligerent teenage daughter that he has no idea how to deal with. He feels she is better off without him because he feels he can never be the father she deserves. Now to compound all the issues surrounding the H and h, the same guest that has control over the h is the same as the one he wants to ruin and destroy all he has. What a complex situation or shall I say situations the H and h have to deal with. This is such an exciting, suspenseful, nail biting, sitting at the edge of your seat, holding your breath waiting for the other shoe to drop and such tension that I had to stop reading a few times just to relax my shoulder muscles. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is nonstop action until the very end. I highly recommend this book. You will definitely not be disappointed.
This is a smoking hot read in every respect. Lord Percival is out for revenge. Isabel is trying to save her family. Sofie Darling takes us on another tale of love and intrigue as these two lives become entangled. I was especially delighted by young Lucy’s character and would love to see her and her step-sister grow into adult roles. The Duke and his Duchess also added depth and wisdom to the story. The author has a gorgeous way of describing scenes and actresses that totally captures the imagination of the readers. I am always delighted to read her books.
His addiction.
Oh, what an excellent book it was so exciting and engaging this one is a two thumbs up. The author has given the reader a book full of action, drama, and, danger with a wonderful mix of love. You will find it is full of twists that will keep you completely captivated with this tale. Percival Bretagne is not he seems and Isabel Galante is on a mission. I admired Isabel she did what she had to do to protect not just her family but another’s too that takes a very special person. The secondary characters were awesome too. This was a good book well worth owning. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Great Read!! To Win a Wicked Lord by Sofie Darling is book 4 in the Shadows and Silk series. I find that Sofie is very detailed in her writing which make the story seem so much more real. I found myself getting lost in this book and the world around me no longer existed and I just love that. Her characters are just wonderful and the evil is truly evil and you end up just hating him which is a true writer’s gift. There is a mystery about this story and I found that intriguing. This story has blackmail, a spy, a hero, rescue, a love for a father, a bit of a cat and mouse game, evil, loss of innocence and love. I highly recommend you read this book. It will keep you on your toes!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Lord Percival Bretagne is out for revenge. He is determined to destroy the man who stole his life. Isabel Galante will give anything, including herself, to save her family. Brought together by a common enemy and a case of mistaken these two must learn to trust each other and their hearts if they stand a chance of future happiness.
Sofie Darling is one of my “ go to “authors. There are few things I like more than curling up and escaping with a couple of her characters. That said, I must admit that I had a hard time connecting to these two. For some unknown reason I found it hard to like Percy. That coloured my whole experience of the book, but I highly recommend it to others. It is a well written and very engaging story. I only mention my feelings because I promised an honest review when I received an advance copy.
To Win a Wicked Lord was a story that was absolutely captivating from the start! Lord Percival Bretagne and Isabel Galante were characters driven to extremes by emotional needs and those needs were the reason that their two worlds collided. For Percy, it was his absolute and complete need for revenge that drove his every waking moment. He had spent years waiting for the perfect moment to strike his nemesis and when he met Isabel, though he might not have had all the facts, he was certain that she was going be of use to him in his plot for revenge. Isabel was a woman whose family had been torn apart by the same person that Percy hates. After regretful choices that led her younger sister to great harm, Isabel has found herself engaged in a deal with Percy’s enemy but all Isabel wanted was to protect her family and see them made whole again.****
There were many dangerous moments in To Win a Wicked Lord and also many moments of such sweet sincerity my heart wanted to swoon! Both Percy and Isabel were extremely likable characters and I loved their interactions. I could feel the emotions, passion, and fears that these characters were struggling with and I loved the sweet progression of belief that they developed in each other. There was a dastardly villain as well as a character that behaved surprisingly, which was just delightful. My only complaint is that I felt Isabel was a little naive, I mean after the treatment that her sister endured why the heck would she think that dealing with the same person would have a different outcome? I would have liked her to be a little more devious but luckily, she showed her backbone when it was necessary. Overall, To Win a Wicked Lord was a wonderfully written historical romance that will delight any and all readers with its action, suspense, and irresistible romance!****
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Aurora Publicity. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
This book has it all, mystery, a manipulative villain, a hero, family, attraction, hot attraction, and love. This book is part of a series, but I have not read the other books and I did not feel I missed anything. The hero in this book is Percival, who has been away from England for years being a Spy. He wants to get even with the villain who he feels stole his life and family away from him. In his quest to get even he meets Isabel who is being controlled by the manipulative villain. The attraction and spark between Percival and Isabel is very strong. Sofie Darling writes a kind of story which just takes you in, the time pass so quickly. I think I am going to put the other books from this series on my to be read list.