Reviews

Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith

adelie_wants_books_and_snacks's review against another edition

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4.0

Ok so I can’t believe I’m saying this considering Ash is my favourite but this book has to be my least favourite of the series in terms of the plot/intrigue/suspense (compared to the story arc of book 2-3). It felt like it was missing something. The fact that the rest of the league wasn’t really present until the last part of the story was also a bit disappointing.
BUT
The reason why I’m still giving it 4/5 is because that was the book that had the strongest female lead in my humble opinion. Rosalind was absolutely amazing! She is perfect for Ash. I loved how she valued her freedom and self sufficiency and would not settle for anything less. And I love that she made those boundaries very clear from the start to Ash and told him that what she expects from a man is love and freedom. What Ash resorted to in order to win in the beginning of the book really shocked me as he is supposed to be the nice one of the league. The whole “I own you” thing was a bit gross lol
I was hoping for more scenes between Emily and Rosalind since they are both business minded and since Emily has such a close friendship with Ash. I was quite disappointed when that didn’t happen because the interaction between Anne and the girls in book 3 was something that I had enjoyed so much.
The sex scenes were also very disappointing but the lead up moments were so good and intense. I LOVED the chess game scene. That was SO Ash I fucking loved it. That was hot af. So I was so disappointed that this mirror above his bed never really was used much.
The banter between the boys as they’re preparing to storm the castle had me dying of laughter. And wow that scene where Ash has his near death experience and sees his father was just so emotional and beautifully written.
Still a great book but not my fav in the series.

rcrg's review against another edition

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5.0

I ask myself how I can thoroughly enjoy a series where I want to throat punch the heroes in every book? How?!?

Ashton is a ruthless a$s throughout most of this book, but just as Rosalyn begins to care for him, I do too. By the end, I was a mesmerized as she was, and can’t wait to see what other gems this series has for me.

sonja_ahrb's review against another edition

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5.0

I have wanted to read Ashton's story since the beginning of The League of Rogues series and I was so excited when I realized that Wicked Rivals was indeed about him and his woman! It was worth the wait and even better than I could have imagined it to be. It was an absolutely outstanding read and I loved it immensely!

Well, if you want to read about a kicka*s heroine, then look no further that this book's own lady hero, Lady Rosalind Melbourne! Rosalind embodies everything you would think when it comes to a Scottish lass: she's passionate, fiery, stubborn, and made of steel. She's strong and brave, but she's also sweet and kind and even though she's tough most of the time, she does have her soft, vulnerable moments too. I couldn't have loved Rosalind anymore if I tried - she's just completely amazing and I know that you're going to love her just as much as I do!

Oh, Ashton, Ashton, Ashton - that man can be such a turkey bird (and yes, I made that up) sometimes, I just wanted to smack him! He's definitely frustrating at times and he'll make your heart ache in both the good and not-so-good ways, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Yes, he can be cold, calculating, and manipulative, but he is truly a good man with a good heart. Ashton can be so sweet and playful and loving when it comes to Rosalind. You never have to doubt how much he loves her and that's only one of the reasons he stole my heart, .

With all the craziness that has been going on lately, I've had a little bit of a hard time focusing on my reading lately, but I had no such problem with Wicked Rivals. I'm telling you, this book captured me wholly and I could barely tear myself away from it. It was full of heartbreak, mystery, action, and passion - so much passion. It was beautiful and heartwarming, it made me laugh and whoop and I just couldn't get enough! Wicked Rivals was positively fascinating, utterly wonderful, and totally incredible - there's no question that it is one of, if not the, best historical romances I have read this year - I wholeheartedly LOVED it!

Wicked Rivals is the fourth book in The League of Rogues series but it can be read as a standalone, it's told from multiple points of view, and even though Ashton and Rosalind get their happily-ever-after, I can't wait to see what comes next for these characters!

~ Sonja, 5 Stars

bookishmya's review against another edition

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4.0

Love a good enemies to lovers trope. I truly appreciated the mistrust of emotions, after knowing that a person was hell-bent on your destruction (materially on this case) it would certainly be hard to trust their affections later on. I often find that romance always leans towards the “he couldn’t truly care” synopsis but in this case it is warranted and expected. Loved how this story came together and the evolution of this rogue.

abeohar97's review against another edition

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Ashton

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Rosalind

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sassysmutlover's review against another edition

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5.0

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was so glad to see Ashton was getting his own story and was not disappointed. Rosalind and Ashton are perfect for each other even though they don't realize it. Like the other books, I never knew what was going to happen and I couldn't wait to see what would happen between them and with Waverly. I loved how many people were trying to put them together and at first, it was just about saving their own businesses, but it turned into more. I was shocked to learn she might hold the key to saving the league and loved how it all ended. The chess game was a favorite.

Rosalind is one of my favorite heroines. She is a strong business woman and won't let anyone control her. I loved her from the start because she fought for what she wanted and could compete with the men in more ways than one.

Ashton took his business dealing serious and not out of greed. I loved how he thought about things and the way he protected his family. His past explained a lot about him and why he fought so hard in business.

I loved meeting both of their families. His family is very unique and you have to love his mother and sister. Her brothers would do anything to protect her even after all this time. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.

kchenry1514's review against another edition

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5.0

As I read through the League of Rogue books they continue to get better and better. This has been the best one I have read to date. It was one of those books I could barely put down and ready it in two days. I really loved the power struggle between Ashton and his rival Rosalind. Even though they are constantly at odds there is still a lot of respect between the two. Of the League Ashton is the one I most respect.

excel_spreadsheet_book_nerd's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

jessreads137's review against another edition

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One of my least favourite troupes is when a man removes any power that a woman has and we are supposed to find it exciting. Men taking away women's power is oppression, it is not sexy and alluring. 

teaandbooklover's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

I kept picking up and putting this book down. I was so angry at the "Hero" the first few times I tried to read it that I wouldn't pick it back up. The way he treated Rosalind by talking to the bankers to refuse to extend her credit and kept saying he "owned" her was maddening to me. I really didn't like him until the book was almost finished. I did however think the H&H had excellent chemistry together and I like the closeness of the other characters from past books.

I haven't read any of the other books to know the other characters but I would like to, as long as the heroes aren't as selfish and domineering as this one.