Scan barcode
mslori's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
talknerdybookblog's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Representation: Indian biracial supporting character / secondary Hero
Safety Rating for Augusta and Sebastian: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have mild OM drama
The Hero mistakenly believes that Augusta wants to marry a Lord, which causes some misunderstandings between them. The Heroine doesn't set the Hero straight because she wants to protect her sister's reputation.
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
Safety Rating for Phoebe and Adam: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
- Heroine is pregnant with OM's baby. While she doesn't want to marry the OM, she's terrified of being "ruined" and the implications in such a class-based society. Plus, her child would be taken care of if she were to marry him (she and her sister are destitute).
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away for the above reasons (plus the Hero is unaware she's pregnant with the OM's baby and doesn't think the Hero could overlook that)
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Sexism
• Classism
• Racism
• Child abuse
• Physical abuse
• Infertility discussed
Ending:HEA with epilogue
Safety Rating for Augusta and Sebastian: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have mild OM drama
The Hero mistakenly believes that Augusta wants to marry a Lord, which causes some misunderstandings between them. The Heroine doesn't set the Hero straight because she wants to protect her sister's reputation.
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
Safety Rating for Phoebe and Adam: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
- Heroine is pregnant with OM's baby. While she doesn't want to marry the OM, she's terrified of being "ruined" and the implications in such a class-based society. Plus, her child would be taken care of if she were to marry him (she and her sister are destitute).
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away for the above reasons (plus the Hero is unaware she's pregnant with the OM's baby and doesn't think the Hero could overlook that)
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Sexism
• Classism
• Racism
• Child abuse
• Physical abuse
• Infertility discussed
Ending:
qsheen's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alisoun's review
5.0
Sebastian and Augusta
Gaming hell owners / spinster
How do these books keep making bigger men 😤 like I thought lord tannenbrook was maxed out already lol
ADORED Adam and Phoebe's side quest romance!!!!!!!! This also includes a sweet little sex scene from them but it's not the main star.
3/ 2.5 spicy scenes (a good ol dry hump at the start and then *nothing* until like 60% in)
It was extremely hot how Gus and Bastian argued and were so into it lol
Gaming hell owners / spinster
How do these books keep making bigger men 😤 like I thought lord tannenbrook was maxed out already lol
ADORED Adam and Phoebe's side quest romance!!!!!!!! This also includes a sweet little sex scene from them but it's not the main star.
3/ 2.5 spicy scenes (a good ol dry hump at the start and then *nothing* until like 60% in)
It was extremely hot how Gus and Bastian argued and were so into it lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Infertility, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
sharonwb's review
3.0
This book could have been so much better. I just didn't feel enough chemistry between H and h. The switch from enemies to lovers was too quick and the steam was too little too late for a great read. I did however really enjoy the angst and love between Phoebe and Shaw now this secondary story was very satifying.
winterreader40's review
4.0
This was my favourite story so far in this series. The female lead is exceptionally strong, the male lead is interesting as are the secondary characters. There’s actually a bit of variation in the smut for once.
samanatha's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this one in the series. So far, it is by far my favorite. While I felt the MCs came together too quickly and easily, they were so loveable and the story so joyful and fun and sweet, that I loved it all. This is likely to be a repeat read (or audiobook re-listen).
jcmbank's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rjordan19's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from Reaver (main hero), Augusta (main heroine), and Augusta’s sister, Phoebe (secondary heroine) – there may have also been a bit from Shaw (the secondary hero)
When mains are first on page together: I didn’t mark it but think it was pretty soon in
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to audiobook from library (Hoopla)
Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. There are quite a few characters from prior books. If you don’t mind that it might be okay to pick up alone. Reaver has some page time in the prior book. There is quite a bit of mention of other characters though, and to get into those other characters stories, you really have to start at the beginning 😄
Basic plot:
Augusta is out of options – she simply MUST secure her sister’s ‘betrothed’s’ markers from the gaming club to assist in some heavy persuasion. But to get those markers she must make a deal with Reaver...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1819)
- tall heroine but taller hero (Augusta is several inches taller than average height but Reaver is a foot taller than her – he can barely squeeze himself into carriages)
- bargain – Augusta wants a man’s gambling markers from Reaver’s club – Reaver says he’ll give them to her if she becomes his mistress for 6 weeks
- bespectacled hero
- celibate hero [Hero hasn’t had a mistress in 6 months (hide spoiler)]
- medium steam – there’s 4 scenes but it feels slower because 3 of them are after 80%
Ages: (for main couple)
- Heroine is 28, didn’t catch hero but would guess mid 30s?
First line:
“I’ll keep it, the whole lot.”
My thoughts:
I started out REALLY loving this one. I adored the premise (I mean, telling someone they need to be your mistress in exchange for what you want is right up my alley), I loved the characters and plot. But...I wasn’t expecting a secondary romance. And with this series, I wasn’t quite sure for awhile if it was a secondary romance or a preview of the relationship dynamic of the next book…
Personally I’m not a big fan of secondary romances. I don’t like being pulled away from the main couple. I am usually left wanting more from both stories. And I kind of felt that here, though I individually loved both relationships. I think both deserved a full book and they would have been amazing. Especially with Shaw’s background.
I really loved all 4 characters here, so I think if you don’t mind, or prefer, secondary romance plots, this will really work for you. There was a lot of sweetness in both relationships. I felt like there was a lot of protectiveness and romantic things (like how Reaver carried around a special license for 3 weeks because HE KNEW) so I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
I guess about halfway through (maybe when it started giving more time to Shaw and Phoebe) my interest started to dwindle a bit and I wasn’t as excited to pick up the book and finish it. By the end, I was basically ready for it to be over. So, I did like it, but I didn’t love it.
Endearments
Heroine calls the hero ‘Bastion’ and hero calls the heroine ‘Gus’. Not really endearments but nicknames...
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
“Mad is not better, you gigantic dunderpate.”
Black eyes glittered with...excitement?
“Take down your hair.”
“I will not.” She ran a hand above her ear, tidying what she could.
“I wish to see it.”
“With the greatest respect, Mister Reaver, your wishes mean less to me than the deposits made into the privy this morning.”
His head tilted, and his mouth curved in a wicked half smile.
I love it!
“Come and take it,” he rumbled softly. Her eyes narrowed upon him. Without warning she feinted left and darted right. Perhaps she should have done the opposite, because in a blink, a steely arm snagged her waist, seizing her firmly against him. She squirmed against outlandish muscles, her hands pressing his chest, her hips grinding and arching into his thighs. A warm massive hand gripped her nape, tilting her head back so she could not avoid his gaze. The sight struck her hard and low. Onyx had gone molten. One muscle, impossibly long and thick, had gone hard as stone against her belly. Oh, dear heaven. Did he want her? As his mouth swooped towards hers, she knew. Preposterous as it seems, he wanted her. And nothing could have surprised her more.
---
“Take me home then,” she said, attempting nonchalance. Next was his cravat tied carelessly. She reached to help him but he brushed her hand away and snatched his waistcoat. “Promise me you will comission a taller carriage, Sebastian. The one you currently possess could not be comfortable for you.” As he shrugged into his tailcoat, tugging it into place across massive shoulders, he shot her a heated glare.
“I haven’t been comfortable since the day I met ye, Augusta Whitmore. A right nuisance, you are.”
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- child abuse remembered/seen on children
- child abduction
- man lies and takes advantage of heroine’s sister sexually resulting in pregnancy
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: I was bad with noting which couple was which...I THINK all the steam was for Augusta Reaver except one scene between Shaw and Phoebe
Safe sex: No
33% - 🔥 kiss, dry humping orgasm for the heroine
49% - kiss
62% - kiss (this one might be Phoebe? Sorry I suck and am too lazy to go back and listen to these)
65% - kiss76%- kiss
80% - 🔥 kisses, fingering for her, missionary
90% - 🔥 kisses, doggy style
96% - 🔥 missionary between Shaw and Phoebe
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from Reaver (main hero), Augusta (main heroine), and Augusta’s sister, Phoebe (secondary heroine) – there may have also been a bit from Shaw (the secondary hero)
When mains are first on page together: I didn’t mark it but think it was pretty soon in
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to audiobook from library (Hoopla)
Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. There are quite a few characters from prior books. If you don’t mind that it might be okay to pick up alone. Reaver has some page time in the prior book. There is quite a bit of mention of other characters though, and to get into those other characters stories, you really have to start at the beginning 😄
Basic plot:
Augusta is out of options – she simply MUST secure her sister’s ‘betrothed’s’ markers from the gaming club to assist in some heavy persuasion. But to get those markers she must make a deal with Reaver...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1819)
- tall heroine but taller hero (Augusta is several inches taller than average height but Reaver is a foot taller than her – he can barely squeeze himself into carriages)
- bargain – Augusta wants a man’s gambling markers from Reaver’s club – Reaver says he’ll give them to her if she becomes his mistress for 6 weeks
- bespectacled hero
- celibate hero [Hero hasn’t had a mistress in 6 months (hide spoiler)]
- medium steam – there’s 4 scenes but it feels slower because 3 of them are after 80%
Ages: (for main couple)
- Heroine is 28, didn’t catch hero but would guess mid 30s?
First line:
“I’ll keep it, the whole lot.”
My thoughts:
I started out REALLY loving this one. I adored the premise (I mean, telling someone they need to be your mistress in exchange for what you want is right up my alley), I loved the characters and plot. But...I wasn’t expecting a secondary romance. And with this series, I wasn’t quite sure for awhile if it was a secondary romance or a preview of the relationship dynamic of the next book…
Personally I’m not a big fan of secondary romances. I don’t like being pulled away from the main couple. I am usually left wanting more from both stories. And I kind of felt that here, though I individually loved both relationships. I think both deserved a full book and they would have been amazing. Especially with Shaw’s background.
I really loved all 4 characters here, so I think if you don’t mind, or prefer, secondary romance plots, this will really work for you. There was a lot of sweetness in both relationships. I felt like there was a lot of protectiveness and romantic things (like how Reaver carried around a special license for 3 weeks because HE KNEW) so I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
I guess about halfway through (maybe when it started giving more time to Shaw and Phoebe) my interest started to dwindle a bit and I wasn’t as excited to pick up the book and finish it. By the end, I was basically ready for it to be over. So, I did like it, but I didn’t love it.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
“Mad is not better, you gigantic dunderpate.”
Black eyes glittered with...excitement?
“Take down your hair.”
“I will not.” She ran a hand above her ear, tidying what she could.
“I wish to see it.”
“With the greatest respect, Mister Reaver, your wishes mean less to me than the deposits made into the privy this morning.”
His head tilted, and his mouth curved in a wicked half smile.
I love it!
“Come and take it,” he rumbled softly. Her eyes narrowed upon him. Without warning she feinted left and darted right. Perhaps she should have done the opposite, because in a blink, a steely arm snagged her waist, seizing her firmly against him. She squirmed against outlandish muscles, her hands pressing his chest, her hips grinding and arching into his thighs. A warm massive hand gripped her nape, tilting her head back so she could not avoid his gaze. The sight struck her hard and low. Onyx had gone molten. One muscle, impossibly long and thick, had gone hard as stone against her belly. Oh, dear heaven. Did he want her? As his mouth swooped towards hers, she knew. Preposterous as it seems, he wanted her. And nothing could have surprised her more.
---
“Take me home then,” she said, attempting nonchalance. Next was his cravat tied carelessly. She reached to help him but he brushed her hand away and snatched his waistcoat. “Promise me you will comission a taller carriage, Sebastian. The one you currently possess could not be comfortable for you.” As he shrugged into his tailcoat, tugging it into place across massive shoulders, he shot her a heated glare.
“I haven’t been comfortable since the day I met ye, Augusta Whitmore. A right nuisance, you are.”
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- child abuse remembered/seen on children
- child abduction
- man lies and takes advantage of heroine’s sister sexually resulting in pregnancy
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: I was bad with noting which couple was which...I THINK all the steam was for Augusta Reaver except one scene between Shaw and Phoebe
Safe sex:
33% - 🔥 kiss, dry humping orgasm for the heroine
49% - kiss
62% - kiss (this one might be Phoebe? Sorry I suck and am too lazy to go back and listen to these)
65% - kiss76%- kiss
80% - 🔥 kisses, fingering for her, missionary
90% - 🔥 kisses, doggy style
96% - 🔥 missionary between Shaw and Phoebe