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sassysmutlover's review
5.0
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book had lots of twists and turns to me. I really wasn't sure if Lydia was going to be a character that I liked, but she turned out to be one I love because of how she changed from her aunt's little shy minion to a very bold girl. I was surprised by everything she said and did. I could not figure out her aunt's real motive for wanting to ruin the Lockwood family.
I don't know what it was about Jason, but I didn't like him until closer to the end of the book. Maybe I expected him to be a little more open about things, but by the end I was starting to like him because he wanted to help his brother and let go of the past.
I didn't figure out who was doing the robberies until after the last one and was shocked by who was killed.
This book had lots of twists and turns to me. I really wasn't sure if Lydia was going to be a character that I liked, but she turned out to be one I love because of how she changed from her aunt's little shy minion to a very bold girl. I was surprised by everything she said and did. I could not figure out her aunt's real motive for wanting to ruin the Lockwood family.
I don't know what it was about Jason, but I didn't like him until closer to the end of the book. Maybe I expected him to be a little more open about things, but by the end I was starting to like him because he wanted to help his brother and let go of the past.
I didn't figure out who was doing the robberies until after the last one and was shocked by who was killed.
floppybutton's review
3.0
What I liked:
1. The writing -I love Darcy Burke because she pushes the boundaries of historical romance. She knows how to tell a story, and she keeps me interested. I mean, there is a vice club in this book….that’s basically a sex club, ladies!!!
2. The characters - I am in love with Jason Lockwood. I mean, he’s tall, dark, handsome, broody, and he has a big scar across his face! What’s not to love?!
My Lockwood:
I loved Lydia in this book too! I didn’t think I would like her as much because of the previous book, but she was vulnerable and fantastic in this book.
My Lydia:
3. Jason and Lydia’s story - The story of Jason and Lydia was fabulous. I loved their chemistry, dialogue, sex!! The sex was fabulous! Ladies, there is a sex club and bondage in this book!! I know, right?!
What I didn’t like:
1. This was two books in one and the execution of blending the two stories fells short. I loved the two stories separately. I understand that Ms. Burke was setting us up for the next book (which I am excited about!!), but it was just too much set-up.
2. I WISH there was more of Jason and Lydia’s story!! The second story took up too much of the book. I wish there was more relationship development between the Jason and Lydia. I wanted to know so much more, and these characters were so fantastic, that it wouldn’t have been too hard to develop their story together a little more.
3. The ending was too abrupt. I really needed an epilogue. I think every book in the world could use an epilogue and no reader would complain.
Note to the author: I really like your writing, but I feel like you’re holding back. It’s like your stories are on the edge of something great, and I’m waiting for this ridiculous explosion of writing to burst forth from your books. I feel it. So I am asking you to push it. Pull that extra something out of your characters and blow me away, because I really think you can and I really want you to!
I am excited for the Ethan and Audrey’s book!!!!
Thanks for the buddy read Susanne!
1. The writing -I love Darcy Burke because she pushes the boundaries of historical romance. She knows how to tell a story, and she keeps me interested. I mean, there is a vice club in this book….that’s basically a sex club, ladies!!!
2. The characters - I am in love with Jason Lockwood. I mean, he’s tall, dark, handsome, broody, and he has a big scar across his face! What’s not to love?!
My Lockwood:
I loved Lydia in this book too! I didn’t think I would like her as much because of the previous book, but she was vulnerable and fantastic in this book.
My Lydia:
3. Jason and Lydia’s story - The story of Jason and Lydia was fabulous. I loved their chemistry, dialogue, sex!! The sex was fabulous! Ladies, there is a sex club and bondage in this book!! I know, right?!
What I didn’t like:
1. This was two books in one and the execution of blending the two stories fells short. I loved the two stories separately. I understand that Ms. Burke was setting us up for the next book (which I am excited about!!), but it was just too much set-up.
2. I WISH there was more of Jason and Lydia’s story!! The second story took up too much of the book. I wish there was more relationship development between the Jason and Lydia. I wanted to know so much more, and these characters were so fantastic, that it wouldn’t have been too hard to develop their story together a little more.
3. The ending was too abrupt. I really needed an epilogue. I think every book in the world could use an epilogue and no reader would complain.
Note to the author: I really like your writing, but I feel like you’re holding back. It’s like your stories are on the edge of something great, and I’m waiting for this ridiculous explosion of writing to burst forth from your books. I feel it. So I am asking you to push it. Pull that extra something out of your characters and blow me away, because I really think you can and I really want you to!
I am excited for the Ethan and Audrey’s book!!!!
Thanks for the buddy read Susanne!
mholles's review
4.0
Lord Jason Lockwood has been labeled a madman after his mother's breakdown and a destructive fight with his half-brother. Lady Lydia Prewitt is the grand-niece of the woman whose vicious gossip has brought the Lockwood so much grief. This is a sweet story as these two come together to right the wrongs of the gossipers. You don't need to have read the others in the series, but you are going to want to.
jaclynder's review
4.0
I had never read a Darcy Burke historical romance until this one – and now I realize that I’ve been missing out! Never Love a Scoundrel was a great historical romance that is book 5 of a series. I didn’t know that this was part of a series and I do not think that you have to read the others to enjoy this one. Although, I do want to read them now!
The romance between the scarred Jason Lockwood and the gossip Lydia Prewitt was fantastic. It may be bizarre, but I like the scarred hero trope in my romances – perhaps its because flawed people always get there happy ending in romances. At any rate, Jason had some other issues other than a scarred face. He has a temper that has led to his bad reputation among the ton. As for Lydia, she is a known gossip among the ton and is trying to break free of that image.
Jason intrigues Lydia from the moment she meets him; however, she is very conflicted about what she should do with her acquaintance with Jason. She could use their relationship to her advantage and spread gossip as she would have done in the past. In fact, Lydia’s aunt demands that Lydia gather gossip and continually threatens to send Lydia back to the country if she doesn’t like what she hears. There is some very subtle emotional abuse going on with Lydia’s aunt.
I also liked the fact that there was more going on in the plot than just a straight romance, and it was handled well that it didn’t overshadow the fact that this is a romance. Jason has a half-brother, Ethan, who just so happens to be the one responsible for Jason’s scar. Ethan has appeared on the scene again and his reappearance has prompted Jason’s return to the ton. Ethan wants to start over with his brother, and I really found myself rooting for him and Jason. Thankfully, it looks like Ethan’s book is next in the series, so I can’t wait to see how Ethan redeems himself and gets his own happily ever after.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I think it will appeal to many historical romance fans. So if you haven’t tried Darcy Burke yet – you better get a copy in your hands! After reading Never Love a Scoundrel and ended up buying To Seduce a Scoundrel and it was just as good. I’ll be on the lookout for more by this author.
Review copy provided via NetGalley.
The romance between the scarred Jason Lockwood and the gossip Lydia Prewitt was fantastic. It may be bizarre, but I like the scarred hero trope in my romances – perhaps its because flawed people always get there happy ending in romances. At any rate, Jason had some other issues other than a scarred face. He has a temper that has led to his bad reputation among the ton. As for Lydia, she is a known gossip among the ton and is trying to break free of that image.
Jason intrigues Lydia from the moment she meets him; however, she is very conflicted about what she should do with her acquaintance with Jason. She could use their relationship to her advantage and spread gossip as she would have done in the past. In fact, Lydia’s aunt demands that Lydia gather gossip and continually threatens to send Lydia back to the country if she doesn’t like what she hears. There is some very subtle emotional abuse going on with Lydia’s aunt.
I also liked the fact that there was more going on in the plot than just a straight romance, and it was handled well that it didn’t overshadow the fact that this is a romance. Jason has a half-brother, Ethan, who just so happens to be the one responsible for Jason’s scar. Ethan has appeared on the scene again and his reappearance has prompted Jason’s return to the ton. Ethan wants to start over with his brother, and I really found myself rooting for him and Jason. Thankfully, it looks like Ethan’s book is next in the series, so I can’t wait to see how Ethan redeems himself and gets his own happily ever after.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I think it will appeal to many historical romance fans. So if you haven’t tried Darcy Burke yet – you better get a copy in your hands! After reading Never Love a Scoundrel and ended up buying To Seduce a Scoundrel and it was just as good. I’ll be on the lookout for more by this author.
Review copy provided via NetGalley.
silvercal's review
4.0
Lord Jason Lockwood has his life turned upside down in the past when his father favored his half brother, who was illegitimate. After an altercation with him leaves him physically scarred, the worst gossip in town spreads vicious lies and it makes his mother seem mad and him as well. Now shunned by society, he delights in his debauchery by throwing vice parties and seemingly fitting in in his new role in the ton. Then he meets the lovely Lady Lydia Prewitt and just when he thinks he might be willing to change, he finds out she is the niece of said worst gossip in town. Trying to believe that Lydia is different takes some time and with their growing love being forbidden by Lydia's aunt, it seems like a long and bumpy road to their happiness especially as Jason is trying to mend fences with his half brother who has a very rocky past.
The latest addition to Darcy Burke's Secrets & Scandals series is another winner for me. Full of the healing power of love, a forbidden love and overcoming the past to grasp the future. This story fits very true with the present day and how gossip can really upset a person's life. I thought the whole subject was handled very well and I also liked that Jason did not immediately fall for Lydia after he found out about her gossiping aunt. Lydia proves her loyalty to Jason and she has her own problems to overcome with her bitter aunt and her need for friends, a home, a family. She is aware of her presence as an air-headed gossip but Jason learns the truth about her and in return, she helps set him free from his demons of his past. Jason's transformation for dissolute rake to upstanding charmer was also very well done and I was glad it was not a complete one-eighty so quickly. It took time and patience and in the end everything played out as it should. His relationship with his half brother added some depth and set up the next book very well and I can't wait to finally have Ethan (Jagger) story! Darcy Burke is an author to watch and each book I read of hers gets better and better and I feel she is an excellent storyteller and her romances are ones I would read again and again. 4 sigh worthy stars
The latest addition to Darcy Burke's Secrets & Scandals series is another winner for me. Full of the healing power of love, a forbidden love and overcoming the past to grasp the future. This story fits very true with the present day and how gossip can really upset a person's life. I thought the whole subject was handled very well and I also liked that Jason did not immediately fall for Lydia after he found out about her gossiping aunt. Lydia proves her loyalty to Jason and she has her own problems to overcome with her bitter aunt and her need for friends, a home, a family. She is aware of her presence as an air-headed gossip but Jason learns the truth about her and in return, she helps set him free from his demons of his past. Jason's transformation for dissolute rake to upstanding charmer was also very well done and I was glad it was not a complete one-eighty so quickly. It took time and patience and in the end everything played out as it should. His relationship with his half brother added some depth and set up the next book very well and I can't wait to finally have Ethan (Jagger) story! Darcy Burke is an author to watch and each book I read of hers gets better and better and I feel she is an excellent storyteller and her romances are ones I would read again and again. 4 sigh worthy stars
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