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Gorgeous, stubborn Esme Brentmor, daughter of a disgraced lord, is used to a wild, dangerous life among the tribes of Albania, to whom her father is the legendary, controversial Red Lion whose death she's courageously vowed to avenge - even if it leads to her own. Instead, her quest finds her rescued by the most unlikely (and very reluctant) hero! Lazy and spoiled, Lord Varian St. George has gambled away his heritage and lives on his considerable looks, charm and wits.
Darius Carsington is a spectacularly attractive rake, who's all brains and brawn...and no heart; a man who's equally expert at bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. Then why is he so intrigued by the supposedly faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward? Darius senses a crack under her polished surface - and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.
War hero Alistair Carsington really really loves women, and his romantic impulses have landed him in nearly as much danger as the Battle of Waterloo. To avoid his usual temptations and perhaps even repay the friend who saved his life, he's exiled himself to a place far from civilization - Derbyshire - in winter! Fate laughs at his good intentions and drives him straight into conflict with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, his match in tenacity, intelligence, and deviousness - who also happens to be wildly irresistible.
Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, will never win prizes for virtue. But even he draws the line at running off with his best friend's bride. All he's trying to do is recapture the slightly inebriated Lady Olympia Hightower and return her to her intended bridegroom. For reasons that elude her, bookish, bespectacled Olympia is supposed to marry a gorgeous rake of a duke. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family's ecstatic. And Olympia? She's climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway.
The first novel in a new historical romance series from Kelly Bowen.
At the advanced age of 26, the independent, wealthy and imminently practical Isabella Latham has no expectation of marriage. But, good-hearted and dutiful, Isabella accompanies her two young country cousins to oversee their London debut...only to find that it's she who is attracting suitors...all of whom do seem to have quite an excess of creditors!
Gorgeous, stubborn Esme Brentmor, daughter of a disgraced lord, is used to a wild, dangerous life among the tribes of Albania, to whom her father is the legendary, controversial Red Lion whose death she's courageously vowed to avenge - even if it leads to her own. Instead, her quest finds her rescued by the most unlikely (and very reluctant) hero! Lazy and spoiled, Lord Varian St. George has gambled away his heritage and lives on his considerable looks, charm and wits.
Darius Carsington is a spectacularly attractive rake, who's all brains and brawn...and no heart; a man who's equally expert at bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. Then why is he so intrigued by the supposedly faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward? Darius senses a crack under her polished surface - and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.
War hero Alistair Carsington really really loves women, and his romantic impulses have landed him in nearly as much danger as the Battle of Waterloo. To avoid his usual temptations and perhaps even repay the friend who saved his life, he's exiled himself to a place far from civilization - Derbyshire - in winter! Fate laughs at his good intentions and drives him straight into conflict with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, his match in tenacity, intelligence, and deviousness - who also happens to be wildly irresistible.
Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, will never win prizes for virtue. But even he draws the line at running off with his best friend's bride. All he's trying to do is recapture the slightly inebriated Lady Olympia Hightower and return her to her intended bridegroom. For reasons that elude her, bookish, bespectacled Olympia is supposed to marry a gorgeous rake of a duke. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family's ecstatic. And Olympia? She's climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway.
The first novel in a new historical romance series from Kelly Bowen.
At the advanced age of 26, the independent, wealthy and imminently practical Isabella Latham has no expectation of marriage. But, good-hearted and dutiful, Isabella accompanies her two young country cousins to oversee their London debut...only to find that it's she who is attracting suitors...all of whom do seem to have quite an excess of creditors!
Catherine Pelliston has just escaped a forced marriage to an obnoxious friend of her unreliable father; and now she's truly in the soup; kidnapped and helpless in a London brothel! And though she's been rescued by the very inebriated Max Demowery, Viscount Rand, she may be in even greater danger of falling in love with the shockingly outrageous, scandalously improper Viscount Vagabond!
For Miss Charlotte Windham, the best way to maintain her spinsterhood - and her independence - is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses wealthy, handsome upstart Lucas Sherbourne as her unwitting accomplice. He's intelligent, logical, and ambitious. What Charlotte doesn't count on is that one kiss will lead them straight to the altar. Sherbourne has no love for polite society, nor is he keen on being anybody's husband of last resort. He is attracted to Charlotte's boldness, though - and her family's influence. Without a title, he knows he'll never truly be part of their world.
Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house - along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.
Lilith Davenant has ample reason to detest Julian Wyndhurst, Marquess of Brandon: He's exactly the kind of man who hastened the demise of her profligate husband, and the debt he owed to Julian has forced her to an engagement with a wealthy suitor for the sake of supporting her beloved nieces and nephews. Besides that, Lord Julian somehow manages to ignite disturbing...feelings...she's never felt before!
When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can't afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life.... A recluse for more than 20 years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate and oh-so-dashing earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will agree only to a proper courtship.
When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer's library, she's convinced someone is playing a cruel joke. With three younger siblings to support, she knows she has to marry for money, but who might have guessed how desperate she's become? A guidebook to seduction might be just the thing she needs - and what harm could there be in taking a little peek?
Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury's to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne'er-do-wells by night. Now there's a new item on the list. He needs an heir - which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar's daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she'll do.
Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry - though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.
Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth - to the rakishly handsome aristocrat himself....
Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart - and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier's request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man's sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection, nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart.
Forced to marry an American heiress to save his family, Graeme Parr, Earl of Montclair, vowed their marriage would be in name only. Abigail Price thought handsome, aristocratic Graeme was her knight in shining armor, rescuing her from her overbearing father. But when she was spurned by her husband on their wedding night, Abigail fled home to New York. Now, years later, Abigail has returned. But this sophisticated, alluring woman is not the drab girl Graeme remembers. Appalled by her bold American ways but drawn to her beauty, Graeme follows her on a merry chase.
The Duke of Ainswood, Vere Mallory - the last of the infamous Mallory hellions - lives a charmed life: he's rich, titled, and exceedingly handsome. And he's seemingly bent on throwing it all away in his reckless race toward self-destruction, until a devastatingly beautiful blonde amazon literally knocks him off his feet.
Lydia Grenville has devoted herself to protecting London's less fortunate. She has no patience for dissolute aristocrats and would like nothing more than to get his big, strong, handsome carcass out of her path so she can continue her work. But Ainswood could never resist a challenge - especially in female form - or trouble, which seems to follow Lydia like a stray puppy. When real trouble appears it's all or nothing for the duke and his annoyingly headstrong female!
Any additional comments?
Just a quick note to say that this wonderful book is more wonderful because Dane and Jessica play a part in it. I wondered about that when I considered ordering it, so others might wonder as well.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
A VERY well written book and very engaging storyline. Characters are very well developed and the story is well thought out. I liked everything about it. The only reason I gave it a 4 star is because as good as the book was it was just not what I give a 5 star for. I give 5 stars to the ones I spend every minute of my life I can spare listening to. I even cut from sleep to know what happens next. This however was an excellent book.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Second best book in the series. More comparable to The Lord of Scoundrels...but not quite there but so dang close. Way better than book 1 and 2. I felt like 3 and 4 were in a class of their own.
It is amazing how Chase can make us love a previously hated character. Ainswood is wonderful. Lydia and Ainswood's banter makes the story so fun and interesting. Lydia is a great heroine....perfect combo of beauty and strength....independent but not off putting.
Loved Susan. Could not get enough of the way Ainswood spoke to Susan.
Had trouble understanding the time line with book 2, but I don't guess it mattered much....just odd and it made no difference in the grand scheme of things.
I didn't want it to end. Seriously credit worthy...but must read AFTER Lord of Scoundrels.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
5/5; 5 stars; A+
Since I listened to Lord of Scoundrels last week I thought I'd go dig up the rest of my Loretta Chase books. I read this and then, recently, when I saw it available on Audible, I listened to it. I am so glad that this book is available at Audible. It has long been one of my favorite historical romance books but with the addition of Kate Reading as a narrator, it becomes even better.
I really enjoyed the role Lydia Grenville played in this story. Some authors can portray the bluestocking as a bit of a harridan. Not so, here. As a Journalist, she was in a very unconventional profession for the time but she approached it with courage and dignity. She was devoted to her 'cause' but was funny and kindhearted as well as incredibly determined. Her sidekick, the Mastiff, Susan, really added a lot to the story for me.
So, Vere Mallory, the Duke of Ainswood. The rather lengthy prologue gives the reader a chance to see Vere's soft underbelly and maybe not judge him too harshly for being a massive doofus in the first part of the book.
Loretta Chase does a great job of defining these two characters and having them fall in love. I had quite a few chuckles as the story progressed. If you have the opportunity, listen to Lord of Scoundrels then this book. They take place in the same world and time frame but the stories each have interesting, unique personalities.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Hellion to be better than the print version?
I read the print version when it came out, and I liked it, though it didn't inspire me with a wow! response like mega-favorite The Last Scoundrel, but I bought the audio the instant it was available, and I am now listening for the second time. Wow! For me, this is the edition that brings out all the grace-notes.
Who was your favorite character and why?
It's usually a bit challenging to decide a favorite character in books I really like, but I have to say the two teenagers Elizabeth and Emily, Vere's nieces, really won my heart.
Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I've listened to many Kate Reading performances, and this one is top notch - note-perfect and not over done.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Spoiler Warning - the scene that moved me most was Vere climbing back into their bedroom window with Lydia's mother's family documents. First time through (well, ok, second time as well...) I teared up. The scene was written beautifully - understated and yet thick with emotion and smooth melodic prose. Just lovely.
Any additional comments?
It is a great pleasure that I have been able to acquire so much of Loretta's back-list in audio, and I hope the rest of them will become available in the near future, and with such good performances.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
After reading the first review of this book, I was worried. I've had issues with Reading's narration before, which goes a long way to whether or not we like a character. But I have to say that I completely disagree.
The female protagonist, Lydia, is a first rate character! She is a feminist in a time when that was just not done. Her fortitude and strength end up being a result of "good breeding" though she certainly did not grow up as such. She is a person that understands the disenfranchised of her city and is trying to help in the only way her DNA knows how.
Again, Chase brings to the fore a character, Ainsword, that was a complete ass in the last book. Time and perhaps the marriages of friends has brought him to a different place in life. He suddenly becomes likable; not a debauched rake-hell. We see in this book why he became such a person in the first place. I do enjoy the layers and depth of these characters.
One thing I think I am beginning to understand is the timeline of this series. I did not get why they all basically take place at or around the same time. However, Chase continues in every book to give us more and more reasons to despise Francis Beaumont (as if there needed to be any further explanation). He is always there, spreading his poison. It is understandable why a good man (for all intents & purposes) killed him.
All in all, if this is a conclusion to a series, it is a good one. If not, I look forward to the next.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
The more of Ms. Chase's books that I read, the more I like her writing. Her usual portrayal of strong, intelligent women is particularly entertaining in this book. Ms. Reading is a great narrator. She interprets these books beautifully.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
These two were a fun couple to get to know.
She was a successful independant writer.
He was a Duke that loved danger and risk.
They cross paths, irritate each other, and we the readers enjoy the ride.
The book tied into Lord of Scoundrals as an added bonus.
Kate Reading's narration wss superb as usual this time including Susan the dog.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wonderful series with villains, handsome irritating hero’s, and intelligent beautiful women. This 4th book does not disappoint. Full of humor and passion the story brings together the perfect combination of sadness, strength, and patience. The Chase-Reading combination is outstanding. What a wonderful experience.
A great listen. Kate Redding is the perfect reader. Loretta Chase never disappoints, great characters. The dog, Susan, is irresistible.
This was a very good story in this genre, good amount of humour, adventure to keep interest and also a nice balance of romance and sex, the principal characters were very likeable and that is what made this so enjoyable, I'll definitely listen or read more of this authors work.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love Loretta Chase but had it not been read by Kate Reading who is a master it would not have been so enjoyable I'm sure. Well done Loretta and Kate.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful