The Last Hellion

Scoundrels, Book 4

By: Loretta Chase

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

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!

©1998 Loretta Chekani (P)2015 Loretta Chekani

More scoundrels

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.

"I want a love that feels like a dream"

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.

One of the best in the Genre

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.

Sensual transformation.....loved it!

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.

Some books just cry out to be told aloud

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.

Will Go Down as One of My All Time FAVES!!

I thought I adored, “Lord of Scoundrels” but this is right up there with it. I loved each character and especially so our hero. Secondary characters like, Bertie and even Susan the Mastiff, were an adorable addition. When I cry in a novel and can feel real emotions even though I fully understand I’m listening to a fictional romance, I know I’ve found a winner and a story I’ll remember forever.

The narration was wonderful, never distracting, and Kate Reading doesn’t speed through the story and/or lines of the characters. You can just sit back and enjoy without the need to rewind repeatedly because you missed something or it was horribly garbled. If I had to do that, it was an outside distraction only.

I pay special attention to reviews and comments about each narrator. They can definitely make or break an audiobook. I definitely have a list of my favorites now and also those I stay away from or listen to only when absolutely necessary.

For sure add this heartwarming story to your library!

Terrific banter between this well matched couple..

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.

Great book!

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.

Just right.

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.

Love it so much I hate it

I adore this book. It is only narrowly beat out by Lord of Scoundrels as best Loretta Chase, but only barely.

Each time I reread it I feel so reluctant to go back to reality, I am so sad to reach the end. Hence, why i also hate it! I want to stay with these two forever!

Their love story is vivid and wonderfully developed and there's not a false note anywhere. How I love Vere! I like him even more than Dain. He is just absolutely to die for. His tragic story is so touching and moving, as is hers. The sadness and pain at the core makes their happiness all the more wonderful at the end.

Loretta Chase at her best is the absolute best romance writer in existence. What makes her so good is her writing style, on top of everything else--the story, the characters. They're fantastic, but her writing just takes it to another level. It is brilliant. Just so intelligent and witty and funny. It is a sheet delight to read.

My only criticism is I don't like how Kate Reading does the heroine in this book. All her heroines have the same voice and it just doesn't suit Lydia that well. She comes across as heartless and harsh and never really softens up, but that's the narration not the character.

The Last Hellion

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.

So authentic!

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.

Fun and wit

Kate Reading's narration brought this witty ridiculous romp to entertaining life. I laughed out loud frequently.