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emma_caputi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
juliereadsromance's review
4.0
The Last Hellion
By Loretta Chase
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 out of 5 stars
I think my attention span has been so squashed by our modern daily barrage of rapid fire sights and sounds that I can’t enjoy some objectively good classic Romance.
The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase, for example, is by all standards a very good book. It is not a slow book, and yet I felt the effort it took me to slog through it.
In brief, in Regency era London, a tall, non-aristocratic writer / newspaper reporter crosses paths and horns with a handsome, dissolute Duke. Obviously, they get over themselves and fall madly, deeply in love. It’s a delightful story. And yet, like I said, here I was- a modern day half-brain - unable to fully enjoy it.
This made it a 4 star read for me. I just wasn’t IN IT. But it’s a classic romance for a reason! Loretta Chase is a master and these characters are memorable and it’s a great story with SO much plot. So if you like a lot of plot in your romance novels, definitely give it a try!
meggie82461's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars ✨
I loved this. It did drag just a bit at the end, hence the half star deduction. But overall, it was an absolute delight, the perfect continuation of [b:Lord of Scoundrels|5948657|Lord of Scoundrels|Loretta Chase|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588567161l/5948657._SY75_.jpg|414437]. This is damn near the perfect historical romance, and I would first assign Lord of Scoundrels, followed by this, in the syllabus for my (entirely fantastical) Intro to HR class.
Not unlike LoS, the FMC is what set it apart. Lydia is one of the best HR heroines I have ever read. She is a journalist and all-around philanthropist, an independent woman that tries to make a difference in a world that just barely lets her exist. It was pretty amazing to see the issues she lobbied for and how they could apply nowadays (e.g. the legalization of prostitution). Unlike most single women, she does well for herself, due to her very well-paying job. Honestly, she doesn't need a man, and she knows it. In fact, that is one of her main arguments to a marriage proposal: why should she say yes, when she will only lose her independence? She was an interesting mix of accomplished and naïve, possessing plenty of skills but also having no experience with men. And her friendship with Tamsin? Perfection. It should have been on unequal ground, what with the age difference and the way Lydia saved her... but it wasn't. They both needed each other, and I loved their dynamic.
As for the MMC, Vere Mallory AKA the Duke of Ainswood, he does to the reader what he does to Lydia: grows on you (yes, Lydia, like a fungus). At first, I was very unsure of how I felt about him. A few times, people say that he hates women, which I never thought was actually true- he simply just didn't value them. There is a difference, after all; actively hating women isn't the same as thinking they are all the same. But at some point, all his bluster fell away and he became obviously just a lost soul looking for someone to wake him up. He fell first, and he fell hard, and I loved the lengths he would go to make Lydia happy.
One thing about these two books- you get just as invested in the side characters as well. I just about kicked my feet with glee when Bertie Trent made his appearance. Jaynes is an excellent supporting character in the role of wisecracking valet. But the best part of this story is the banter between Ainswood and Lydia. They’re both having a blast with each other but refuse to admit it, which keeps things interesting, and Ainswood is the one who can’t stop from seeking her out. The reader is the same: I couldn't stop picking up the book and reading it to see how he would "randomly run into her again" and how that would go.
This is just a delightful HR read. If you are in the mood for one, and you haven't read it, remedy that immediately.
I loved this. It did drag just a bit at the end, hence the half star deduction. But overall, it was an absolute delight, the perfect continuation of [b:Lord of Scoundrels|5948657|Lord of Scoundrels|Loretta Chase|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588567161l/5948657._SY75_.jpg|414437]. This is damn near the perfect historical romance, and I would first assign Lord of Scoundrels, followed by this, in the syllabus for my (entirely fantastical) Intro to HR class.
Not unlike LoS, the FMC is what set it apart. Lydia is one of the best HR heroines I have ever read. She is a journalist and all-around philanthropist, an independent woman that tries to make a difference in a world that just barely lets her exist. It was pretty amazing to see the issues she lobbied for and how they could apply nowadays (e.g. the legalization of prostitution). Unlike most single women, she does well for herself, due to her very well-paying job. Honestly, she doesn't need a man, and she knows it. In fact, that is one of her main arguments to a marriage proposal: why should she say yes, when she will only lose her independence? She was an interesting mix of accomplished and naïve, possessing plenty of skills but also having no experience with men. And her friendship with Tamsin? Perfection. It should have been on unequal ground, what with the age difference and the way Lydia saved her... but it wasn't. They both needed each other, and I loved their dynamic.
As for the MMC, Vere Mallory AKA the Duke of Ainswood, he does to the reader what he does to Lydia: grows on you (yes, Lydia, like a fungus). At first, I was very unsure of how I felt about him. A few times, people say that he hates women, which I never thought was actually true- he simply just didn't value them. There is a difference, after all; actively hating women isn't the same as thinking they are all the same. But at some point, all his bluster fell away and he became obviously just a lost soul looking for someone to wake him up. He fell first, and he fell hard, and I loved the lengths he would go to make Lydia happy.
One thing about these two books- you get just as invested in the side characters as well. I just about kicked my feet with glee when Bertie Trent made his appearance. Jaynes is an excellent supporting character in the role of wisecracking valet. But the best part of this story is the banter between Ainswood and Lydia. They’re both having a blast with each other but refuse to admit it, which keeps things interesting, and Ainswood is the one who can’t stop from seeking her out. The reader is the same: I couldn't stop picking up the book and reading it to see how he would "randomly run into her again" and how that would go.
This is just a delightful HR read. If you are in the mood for one, and you haven't read it, remedy that immediately.
tristrams's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
jemmiller's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
3.75
Vere was far superior to Dain. I also liked Lydia a lot. Overall enjoyed the read, romance was good secondary plot was fine.
milicasbookshelf's review
5.0
4.5 ♥
I just love the previous part of this series little more than this one, but that aside, this one is pretty perfect! ♥
I just love the previous part of this series little more than this one, but that aside, this one is pretty perfect! ♥
guiltlesspleasures's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Is this the most under-the-radar Loretta Chase book? I think it might be. I've seen a handful of likeminded souls on Bookstagram singing its praises, but IMO it numbers among her very best, so what gives?
The Last Hellion follows Lord of Scoundrels, and while you could read it as a standalone, I really think you should read LoS first. Dain, Jessica, Bertie Trent and Francis Beaumont play decently sized roles, and it's lovely to see them (except for Beaumont, that snake!).
But the real stars here are our hero and heroine, Vere and Lydia, and their brilliantly fun and combative relationship. After a gut punch of a prologue, we meet Vere Mallory, the Duke of Ainswood, who is very much in the vein of Dain: he's a crass misogynist who has the weight of an unwanted dukedom on his shoulders and who is the eponymous Last Hellion. But he is no match for Lydia Grenville, a caustic newspaper columnist who champions lost causes (primarily supporting sex workers), usually by disguising herself and often with a performance attached.
Their paths keep crossing, largely because Vere is fascinated against his will and takes it upon himself to rescue Lydia from situations she doesn't especially want to be rescued from. It's a sort of Batman and Robin situation and it is brilliant. Except for when he kisses her against her will, which is perhaps because this is a 90s romance but probably because it's in line with Vere's modus operandi. He's just trying SO hard to be bad.
Scenes of note (no spoilers):
- Their "act" in Covent Garden is amazing and clever and sexy and is one of the best set pieces Chase has written.
- When they sneak into her friend's house to retrieve Lydia's clothes; it's both hot and hilarious.
- All the times they forget where they are because they're so horny for each other.
- The wedding night scene: the best I've ever read and up there with my favorite Chase set pieces generally.
A special mention goes to Lydia's mastiff, Susan, who steals every scene she's in.
I think this is probably one of Chase's horniest books, which only adds to its appeal. But it's also so tender and heartbreaking; I teared up at the epilogue, and it's only a page long.
A final note: Maybe I love it so much because I think Lydia is the romance heroine I most strongly identify with? Who can tell. It's a masterpiece either way.
The Last Hellion follows Lord of Scoundrels, and while you could read it as a standalone, I really think you should read LoS first. Dain, Jessica, Bertie Trent and Francis Beaumont play decently sized roles, and it's lovely to see them (except for Beaumont, that snake!).
But the real stars here are our hero and heroine, Vere and Lydia, and their brilliantly fun and combative relationship. After a gut punch of a prologue, we meet Vere Mallory, the Duke of Ainswood, who is very much in the vein of Dain: he's a crass misogynist who has the weight of an unwanted dukedom on his shoulders and who is the eponymous Last Hellion. But he is no match for Lydia Grenville, a caustic newspaper columnist who champions lost causes (primarily supporting sex workers), usually by disguising herself and often with a performance attached.
Their paths keep crossing, largely because Vere is fascinated against his will and takes it upon himself to rescue Lydia from situations she doesn't especially want to be rescued from. It's a sort of Batman and Robin situation and it is brilliant. Except for when he kisses her against her will, which is perhaps because this is a 90s romance but probably because it's in line with Vere's modus operandi. He's just trying SO hard to be bad.
Scenes of note (no spoilers):
- Their "act" in Covent Garden is amazing and clever and sexy and is one of the best set pieces Chase has written.
- When they sneak into her friend's house to retrieve Lydia's clothes; it's both hot and hilarious.
- All the times they forget where they are because they're so horny for each other.
- The wedding night scene: the best I've ever read and up there with my favorite Chase set pieces generally.
A special mention goes to Lydia's mastiff, Susan, who steals every scene she's in.
I think this is probably one of Chase's horniest books, which only adds to its appeal. But it's also so tender and heartbreaking; I teared up at the epilogue, and it's only a page long.
A final note: Maybe I love it so much because I think Lydia is the romance heroine I most strongly identify with? Who can tell. It's a masterpiece either way.
mhbee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.75
adelie_wants_books_and_snacks's review against another edition
4.0
This is definitely my favourite of the series. I loved the story and the pace. I loved Grenville. She was such a badass without throwing tantrums like the heroines in the first 2 books. I LOVED Susan. She’s the bestest doggy ever lol. I really enjoyed the intrigue and the banter. Omg the banter was absolute gold and had me laughing so hard at times.
I also loved that Bertie got a story too.
I really liked Ainswood. Ismal is still my favourite lol. But Ainswood is a close second. I guess I just wasn’t really into his misogyny. Ainswood isn’t as bad as Dain but still he was a bit gross especially at the start of the book.
I’m not sure if it’s just me but I feel like there are fewer sex scenes than in the Carsington books. I definitely preferred that series and the heroes and heroines of the Carsington series. But I still really enjoyed this book.
I also loved that Bertie got a story too.
I really liked Ainswood. Ismal is still my favourite lol. But Ainswood is a close second. I guess I just wasn’t really into his misogyny. Ainswood isn’t as bad as Dain but still he was a bit gross especially at the start of the book.
I’m not sure if it’s just me but I feel like there are fewer sex scenes than in the Carsington books. I definitely preferred that series and the heroes and heroines of the Carsington series. But I still really enjoyed this book.
420blazeit's review
4.0
for some reason this one took me a lot longer to get through than the other scoundrel books, even tho it had fewer pages. but regardless, this was a good wrap-up to the series. i really liked lydia and aisnwood, both together and separately they were strong characters, and their development was done really well. loretta chase can really write believable strong victorians. i loved seeing lady and lord dain from the previous book again, and also francis beaumont coming in with a villainous streak as per usual. The only thing that bothers me is the order of the books. i think that the second book with ismal should've been the last in the series, and therefore the best way to wrap up the Beaumont crimes. maybe they are just out of order here, but still i feel like that would've been a better judgement call. anyway, overall the series was a 10/10, it started out being very mystery/adventure but then became full bloom All About The Romance for the last couple books, and i ate that shit UP. excited to add loretta chase as another go-to historical romance author.