How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart by Vivienne Lorret

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The last book I read for my May 24th new releases binge was probably my most anticipated of the three, How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart. This is the the fourth book in Vivienne Lorret's The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. I was able to use this for the Taylor Swift Quarterly Challenge covering the prompt Look What You Made Me Do (cover with eyes on it), Summer of Swoon covering the prompt set outside of the USA and the Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo covering the prompt property inheritance.

Prudence has been ruined for kissing someone she thought was going to propose soon, but instead gets practically disowned by her father and sent to live with relatives in the country. When she receives a letter from her father that he is allowing her step-mother to use the small items of inheritance that was passed down from her birth mother, Prudence takes action. She heads to London, during the height of the season, to steal her mother's inheritance back. Since she is ruined, she struggles to find invitations to events around town. After running into Leo, the Marquess of Savage, a few times, she decides to take him up on his offer of help. Prudence and Leo sign and fourth month contract to have Pru become his mistress and in return she be rewarded as his previous mistresses, but also to help recover her mother's items.

How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart was one of my most anticipated books for 2022 and it did not disappoint. Going in all I knew about what was going on with Prudence was what we found out in the previous books. I tried to stay away from all blurbs and reviews and was so surprised about what the plotline was. I loved the first meeting of Leo and Pru and how when she was asked why she was headed to London her response was "Larceny" and walked off. From that moment Leo was intrigued by Pru and just wanted to know more about who she was. Now there is the "not like other girls" trope here, but it made more sense. Pru is not like other girls in the fact that she's not like other mistresses and doesn't understand or care to become apart of the demimonde. Her plan isn't to become a mistress that floats from protector to protector. One of the items of inheritance from her mother was a deed to a small cottage that's not entailed. Her plan once she get's all of these items is to move to the cottage and live the rest of her life as a spinster in the country.

The way that Pru really pushes against all the money that Leo tries to spend on her was so funny to watch because Leo gets so frustrated that she's not trying to take advantage of him. She genuinely wants to get to know him as a person since they are going to spend the next four months together, but all his previous mistresses were outwardly happy to just stay surface level. Now I do want to kind of also mention that this might be triggering to others, but there is talk about a forced sex situation. It's not rape, but after her "ruination," the gentleman tracks Pru down in the country and tups her in a field. She is more than happy to not have sex again since he left her really sore and covered in bruises. He also apparently didn't enter her all the way to break her hymen. She doesn't see it as raped, but with the injuries she received Leo thinks that the guy forced himself on her. This is one of those odd situations, so if you are super sensitive to things like that I just wanted to mention it. I also do want to mention that there is some miscommunication at the end that was a little frustrating and I've seen quite a few people giving this 4-stars because of it. I totally understand why, but the rest of the book just gave me so much joy that it didn't detract from my reading experience overall. I do have to say that I might be a little bit biased as well though.

I was so happy to read a new book by Vivienne Lorret and am so hyped for the next book in the series. It's announced at the end that Meg's book will be next. There's also a hint as to what's going on in the 2nd half of the epilogue and I am certainly intrigued. I have so many thoughts about what's going on and as soon as the release date and pre-order is announced I will be getting my order in. Vivienne Lorret is one of my favorite modern historical romance authors and I cannot wait to read more!

Have you read How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart, Vivienne Lorret, 5-stars, 1 day, Paperbook, 384 pages, published in 2022, traditionally published

Daring Miss Danvers by Vivienne Lorret

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The 2nd book I read for the Historical Romance Readathon is Daring Miss Danvers. This is the first book (outside of the prequel novella) for Vivienne Lorret's Wallflower Wedding series. This counted for the prompts in a series, wallflower, book you own and clinch cover. I also read applied Daring Miss Danvers to the Winter's Kiss board 1  prompt fake dating, Merry + Bright Readathon prompt Elf on the Shelf and Banging Through the Snow prompt hot chocolate (warm, steamy and cozy).

Emma is the straight-laced daughter of two peerage turned artists. After her parents were snubbed after her father starting painting those not in the ton, they've been pushed out. Emma has fought against the prejudice and tries to be the perfect debutante to not bring further shame upon her family. Oliver, Viscount Rathburn, has been friends with both Emma and her brother for the longest time. His grandmother has froze the inheritance he was supposed to receive upon gaining his majority, but has put several conditions on it's receival. The most recent is to marry someone that she approves. Emma is the only one so Oliver proposes a fake-engagement scenario to her parents. They whole-heartedly agree and Emma agrees to help. When they seal the agreement with a kiss they become aware of each other in a new way and are forced to face the feelings that they've been denying.

I really loved this story. Such a great mix of friends-to-lovers, fake-dating and mutual pining. I loved seeing both perspectives and how much they noticed about each other. I also loved that they both constantly were still finding out new aspects of each other and became insatiable. Especially Oliver; he just wanted to see the core of Emma and get her to open up to him completely. If I were to be really strict with myself, maybe this is closer to a 4.5-star rating, but the way that I feel when I read Vivienne Lorret's writing just gives me more excuses to round it up to 5.

I did think that the final conflict was a little stereotypical, but at the same time the way it was resolved was not. Spoilers incoming: Emma hears a rumor that the actress that was Oliver's former mistress ran away with a man with a lot of money. Since at this point Emma is still under the impression that Oliver only received his inheritance after marriage, she worries that it was Oliver. Even more so since he was cold in the morning because he wants her so bad to say she loves him. (Nevermind he hasn't quite said it yet either.) I loved that it wasn't drawn out. Emma came home, he was there and was open about where he was all day. Emma trusts and believes him and it's not made into a bigger deal than it should've been. I just loved that it didn't follow the typical plot line.

Back from spoilers! I did glance at the other two books in the series and it looks like we are focusing on Emma's other two friends in their needlework club Merribeth and Delaney. I wasn't sure if her brother would have a book or not, but I did see a Mr. Danvers on my shelf as well. When I pulled it to find the names he is book two in The Rakes of Fallow Hall series. That's a series I haven't read yet either and am happy that I am reading these in order. I think I might reread the ones I already have and just go through her backlist in order. It might take a bit, but maybe I can get through everything by May 24th. It was recently announced that that'll be the release date of book 4 in her Mating Habits of Scoundrels series and I've already preordered it! I can't wait!

Have you read Daring Miss Danvers?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Daring Miss Danvers, Vivienne Lorret, 5-stars, 3 days, Paperback, 288 pages, published in 2014

Tempting Mr. Weatherstone by Vivienne Lorret

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The first book I read for the Historical Romance Readathon was Tempting Mr. Weatherstone by Vivienne Lorret. This is the first book in her Wallflower Weddings series and was originally released in the Five Golden Rings anthology, and how I read it. It covers the prompts takes place during winter, non-titled hero, in a series, clinch cover and book I already owned. I was also able to use this for the first board of Winter's Kiss covering the holiday novella prompt. For Banging Through the Snow it applied to characters exchange gifts.

Penelope is feeling worn and after her sister heads home for the holidays is left feeling lonely. She has been feeling melancholy lately and is finally coming to terms that she's in love with her best friend Ethan. They have been friends and neighbors since childhood after their families connected by sharing in grief. Ethan is a second son and very meticulous. He tries to keep everything in it's place and likes knowing what things will happen when. After Pen decides to change her life and mentions going on an adventure (to gain some distance from Ethan and hopefully get over him), his regimented life is thrown into chaos.

Oh my gosh. This was the prefect way to start the Historical Romance Readathon and I've missed Vivienne's writing. There's something about it that just hits what I want and need from a historical author. I loved the mutual pining on both sides, although there's more angst from Pen since Ethan fights his feelings. I think the childhood friends-to-lovers trope was really well done and worked perfectly for a shorter book. I was immediately drawn in and was able to connect with the characters fairly quickly. Also, I could really relate to Pen when she's talking about the handkerchiefs she embroiders for Ethan every year. Since I usually try to just make present for Christmas and not buy much (outside of assisting Santa with stockings), I really understood and empathized with her. Even though she's not expecting a gift in return, sometimes it's hurtful when appreciation isn't expressed; especially when it's a gift for someone that's seen or knows the amount of time and care that went into it.

This little novella had me smiling and tearing up and was just the perfect read to get me into a historical mood. I'm so happy to finally be reading more Vivienne Lorret and am hoping that I can get through the rest of her backlist next year. I'll definitely be picking up book 1, Daring Miss Danvers, next for the readathon and can't wait to read more. If you are looking for a modern historical romance author and are frustrated with a lot of the newer releases, definitely give Vivienne Lorret a try. She's one of my favorites!

Have you read Tempting Mr. Weatherstone?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

    STATISTICS: Tempting Mr. Weatherstone, Vivienne Lorret, 5-stars, 0 days, paperback, 96 pages, published in 2012

The Wrong Marquess by Vivienne Lorret

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The final book I read for June was a new release on the 29th, The Wrong Marquess by Vivienne Lorret. This is the 3rd book in her Mating Habits of Scoundrels series and one of my most anticipated releases of 2021. This is my 3rd read of the Historical Romance Readathon. The Wrong Marquess covers the prompts spinster, wallflower, clinch cover and in a series. I am also able to apply it to the prompts summer release for the Romancing Summer Challenge, anticipated 2021 release for Summer of Swoon and fiends to lovers for the Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo.

This book is centered around Ellie. Of the friend group she's been tasked to write the portion of their book on marriage-minded gentlemen. She's thought to be perfect for this because she has had an understanding with her childhood neighbor and friend George, a Marquess. Since it has always been there, she's never really pursued anyone. As Ellie is 25 now, she is out for one last season and hoping that George finally gets his act together and proposes. At a garden party, she runs into Brandon, the Marquess of Hullsworth. He has been monikered the "most elusive bachelor" of the ton and is constantly fending off marriage-minded mamas and debutantes. They literally run into each other and Brandon assumes Ellie is like everyone else and gives her the cut. She however isn't and gets the worst first impression of Brandon. She soon meets his sister Meg and they become fast friends.

As mentioned above, this is one of my most anticipated books of the year and Vivienne Lorret did not disappoint. This surpassed all of my expectations. I was laughing at the antics of Ellie's Aunts and everyone's banter. I was tearing up when George was treating Ellie so horribly. He just expected that she'd always be there when he was ready and really didn't treat her how she deserved. Brandon and Ellie had such a visceral connection and I loved every moment they were together, even when he was still pushing against her when he thought her friendship was all a ploy to be near him. While I can see how others might not enjoy it as much, Vivienne just writes in a way that speaks to me. Stepping back I can see how others might not enjoy how obsessed she was about being 25 years old and on the precipice of "old age." I just found it humorous because it was a little over the top.

I also loved how once they had their encounter at the zoo, Brandon was straight out just saying that he was going to pursue Ellie. Granted at that point he still thought George was imaginary. He didn't push too much and when Ellie needed him to back off he did. This just hit all of the notes I like in the more modern historicals and can't wait for the next two books. I knew from her newsletter that book 4 is supposed to be Prue's book and that there would be a 5th book about a character we met her. The instant Ellie met Meg I was really hoping that she was the new heroine. I also was really drawn to Lord Savage and was guessing maybe he'd be paired with Meg. The end of the epilogue teases that Prue and Lord Savage will be the couple for book 4. I can't wait for the next installment and it looks like it'll be out sometime next year.

This book has further cemented Vivienne Lorret as a favorite author and I really need to get to the few remaining books I have in her backlist to read. I loved this book so much and almost want to reread it again after the readathon. I might wait until later in the year though. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year and I went through a little bit of a book hangover after getting through it. I almost feel like I should've saved it as my last read for the readathon. If you haven't tried Vivienne Lorret, certainly give her a try. If anything maybe start with this book. The only thing I thing that's not really covered as much is the set-up of the book they're writing. You get the basics about Ellie's portion though. Also, I received a pre-order bonus of a short story from Avon about Aunt Lolly and Pirate, Sir Roderick Divine. They were both in the first book of the series, Lord Holt Takes a Bride. I can't wait to get to it as well!

Have you read The Wrong Marquess?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: The Wrong Marquess, Vivienne Lorret, 5-stars, 0 days, Paperback, 384 pages, published in 2021

My Kind of Earl by Vivienne Lorret

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The first book I read for the Kindle Clear Out Readathon was Vivienne Lorret's My Kind of Earl. This is the second in her Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. Before the readathon, I reread the first book. This was for the anticipated read prompt on my bingo board. 

I absolutely adored this book. I think I liked the overarching plot better than the first, but couple wise they are tied. Jane, our bookish and scientifically minded debutante, is taking charge in writing the book on scoundrels. The book starts off with her sneaking into a brothel for research. Raven, our hero, sees her sneak in and keeps an eye on her. Quickly she is found. Raven rescues her and he ends up being dyed pink by her smoke bomb. This book started off so fun and I loved how drawn they were to each other right away.

Jane recognizes a "birthmark" on Raven's arm and eventually this leads to him being the lost baby and heir to an Earldom. I loved how Jane and Raven interacted with each other and just seemed to be in sync. Even though she was scientifically minded, she wasn't like other characters I've read like that. A lot of the time they come across almost stupid in emotions. She is not as emotionally minded, but she also doesn't disregard them as unnecessary or understand them. It was such a nice change of pace. It was interesting to see the love match of her parents, but in a selfish way since they ignore all of their children and focus on each other. Jane is left to almost be a mother to them and even when eating her parents don't notice her most of the time and seem surprised when they realize she's there.

Raven is there for Jane and isn't afraid of the "hoarde" as she affectionately calls her siblings. Raven was interesting as well, being an orphan and raised on the streets. He did still have some aristocratic tendencies which was interesting. It was also fun to see that some of his most cherished possessions were books. He did fight against becoming apart of the aristocracy, but I loved that he made it a point to get to know his grandfather and that he constantly emphasized that what he really wanted was a family. 

While both books were 5-stars for me, I think that My Kind of Earl is slightly above Lord Holt Takes a Bride. The third book, focusing on the third friend Ellie, is due to come out June of this year and I can't wait! I'm excited to see how her HEA unfolds. And even though Prue isn't really in these books outside of letters to them as she's in exile, I'm intrigued to see if we'll ever meet her in person and if she'll get a book as well.

Have you read My Kind of Earl?

Bookishly Yours, 

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: My Kind of Earl, Vivienne Lorret, 5-stars, 0 days, eBook, 384 pages, published in 2020

Lord Holt Takes a Bride by Vivienne Lorret

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Before starting round two of  the Kindle Clear Out Readathon, I wanted to re-read Lord Holt Takes a Bride by Vivienne Lorret. This is the first book in her The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. The second book, My Kind of Earl, is what I'm planning to read for the "anticipated read I never got to" prompt. I read this book for the first time back in June 2020 and gave it 3-stars. However after thinking on it for a bit, I ended up changing my rating to 4-stars. Upon my reread however, I have to move this to 5-stars.

Lord Holt Takes a Bride is such a fun, twisty, road-trip romance that I absolutely adore. Winnifred is an heiress that is being forced by her father to wed a man that could become a duke. He is horrible and on their wedding day sends pearls accidentally to Win, with a note for his mistress. Win is more on the plus-size and she has freckles. Lord Asher Holt is trapped by his father's debt and his addiction to gambling. His father has sold most of what was his mother's and constantly uses Asher's name for credit and sends the regency-time (or England-time as Erin from Heaving Bosoms would say) loan sharks after him for payment. After Win's friends Julie and Ellie "accidentally" kidnap Asher for their book on scoundrels, Asher loses the money he had for passage on a ship to look for treasure. So begins the reverse kidnapping to get his money back from the girls. 

I loved the way that Asher and Win just seemed to fit and the forced proximity keeps them depending on each other to reach her Aunt's estate. Asher is so taken with Win but keeps trying to not fall for her because he's hiding something. He also doesn't want to marry her with her dowry because he doesn't want his father to take advantage and ruin her as well. They are so drawn together and constantly are getting wet from rain and rivers and various activities. I loved when they pretended to be the Strewsberrys, a travelling quartet with the other two members having been murdered by highwaymen. While I know my rating was lower on the first read for Win's misunderstanding and not willing to listen to Asher or his explanations, this time it didn't bother me near as much. It was still angsty and I just wanted them to go back to communicating, but maybe I'm more into angst now? Although I did feel like I saw more of her side on the re-read instead of just being frustrated with her choices.

I have read Vivienne's Season's Original series as well and gave all those 4-stars. I'm super excited to continue getting through her backlist and she's definitely on my list of favorite historical romance authors and one that I think deserves more recognition. Plus her covers are absolutely gorgeous! I planned (and did) read My Kind of Earl first for the readathon!

Have you read Lord Holt Takes a Bride?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Lord Holt Takes a Bride, Vivienne Lorret, 5-stars, 4 days, paperback, 367 pages, published in 2020