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Guild of Hybrids #1
Dangerous Kisses
Miss Lavinia Halls is a member of the Guild of Hybrids, a secret society dedicated to helping women in need. When faced with a terrified new client, Lavinia declares that her client’s fiancé must pay for his sins. The fact that she can’t take her eyes off the man’s kissable lips only spurs her resolve to bring her assignment to a quick conclusion.
Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson, wishes nothing more than to distance himself from his treacherous fiancée, but in his quest to do so, he finds himself trapped in the clutches of the unconventional Miss Halls. The delectable yet annoyingly persistent woman seems intent on ruining his life no matter how much he tries to thwart her attempts.
Her efforts to seek and destroy meet their match in his determination to foil her plans, until their struggles collide in a scandal of enormous proportions. Fated together, they must overcome ruin, danger and heartbreak. Will they be able to survive their past or is their future together doomed?
Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson, wishes nothing more than to distance himself from his treacherous fiancée, but in his quest to do so, he finds himself trapped in the clutches of the unconventional Miss Halls. The delectable yet annoyingly persistent woman seems intent on ruining his life no matter how much he tries to thwart her attempts.
Her efforts to seek and destroy meet their match in his determination to foil her plans, until their struggles collide in a scandal of enormous proportions. Fated together, they must overcome ruin, danger and heartbreak. Will they be able to survive their past or is their future together doomed?
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Alice Lake
3 books28 followersAlice Lake’s interest in the unusual is reflected in the stories she puts down on paper. Along with her passion for romance and 19th century history, she is a champion for women’s rights. Who said women had no voice, no say and no choice during Victorian times? According to Alice, they had all that and more. They could teach and build, fight and heal, and do so many other things not traditionally deemed proper.
Alice is an unusual case herself. She grew up in three countries and on two continents. Suffering from a lack of cultural identity, she borrows whatever traditions suit her. Nothing is rigid and fluidity encompasses her world. This philosophy of open-mindedness spills into her writing, making for unexpected romance stories.
Alice also writes contemporary romance under the name Mila Rossi.
When she's not writing, she's beating her husband at whatever they're currently competing over, or chasing her girl around the house.
Visit her at www.milarossi.com and www.aliceinengland.com, or check out her books on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/alake1935/
Alice is an unusual case herself. She grew up in three countries and on two continents. Suffering from a lack of cultural identity, she borrows whatever traditions suit her. Nothing is rigid and fluidity encompasses her world. This philosophy of open-mindedness spills into her writing, making for unexpected romance stories.
Alice also writes contemporary romance under the name Mila Rossi.
When she's not writing, she's beating her husband at whatever they're currently competing over, or chasing her girl around the house.
Visit her at www.milarossi.com and www.aliceinengland.com, or check out her books on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/alake1935/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 2, 2016
This book was an immense surprise for me. Phenomenal writing, bad-ass ladies & humorous dialogues are just one of the amazing elements of this book. Absolutely loved it!
I absolutely loved my fierce, sassy Lavinia and be-still-my-beating-heart gorgeous Eric. These two made me smile, laugh out loud, blush & even shed a few tears. The chemistry between them is just beautiful. I loved the supporting characters, Cynthia and Larissa are kick-ass as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series since it’s going to be about my baby rebel Larissa! So excited! I would definitely recommend this book to all you Historical Romance readers out there who are not afraid of a unique story and rebellious characters.
You can read this review on BookishFever.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
“You are a bunch of dangerous women,” he concluded with a smile.
“You are correct, sir. You better not cross us,” she teased.
I absolutely loved my fierce, sassy Lavinia and be-still-my-beating-heart gorgeous Eric. These two made me smile, laugh out loud, blush & even shed a few tears. The chemistry between them is just beautiful. I loved the supporting characters, Cynthia and Larissa are kick-ass as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series since it’s going to be about my baby rebel Larissa! So excited! I would definitely recommend this book to all you Historical Romance readers out there who are not afraid of a unique story and rebellious characters.
You can read this review on BookishFever.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
September 6, 2016
Alice Lake is a newer author and by this book a really good author. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one by her to come out!
This is book one in the "A Guild of Hybrids" series.
Miss Lavinia Halls is a member of the Guild of Hybrids organisation that helps women who are mistreated, hurt or done wrong by a man. Each women in the organation has a specialized task or skill that are used. So depending on your skill you might be called up to work on a case. That is what happened to Lavinia. Lavinia was approached by a women that said her engagement needed to end because her fiancé had cheated on her with a friend and that she couldn't break it off with him as it would ruin her. So she wanted Lavinia to make it so that he ruin himself in the public eye and then she could end the engagement with a reason that would not hurt her. Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson is that fiancé. Eric starts to realizes that since meeting Lavinia his luck and public appearance is being called into question. Although Eric starts to give Lavinia a few set backs. They both are drawn to each other but try to fight it for different reason. In this book we find things aren't always what the seem. This book did provided some laughs and had really good secondary characters. You can total get into this book and enjoy it.
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This is book one in the "A Guild of Hybrids" series.
Miss Lavinia Halls is a member of the Guild of Hybrids organisation that helps women who are mistreated, hurt or done wrong by a man. Each women in the organation has a specialized task or skill that are used. So depending on your skill you might be called up to work on a case. That is what happened to Lavinia. Lavinia was approached by a women that said her engagement needed to end because her fiancé had cheated on her with a friend and that she couldn't break it off with him as it would ruin her. So she wanted Lavinia to make it so that he ruin himself in the public eye and then she could end the engagement with a reason that would not hurt her. Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson is that fiancé. Eric starts to realizes that since meeting Lavinia his luck and public appearance is being called into question. Although Eric starts to give Lavinia a few set backs. They both are drawn to each other but try to fight it for different reason. In this book we find things aren't always what the seem. This book did provided some laughs and had really good secondary characters. You can total get into this book and enjoy it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
June 8, 2016
Review to come.
June 29, 2016
Refreshing and hilarious new take on the roles of women in historical romances with strong female characters and a romance full of laughs, misunderstandings, and a little heartbreak.
**This book was provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
It took me awhile to finish Dangerous Kisses but I finally did it! I thoroughly enjoyed my first novel by Alice Lake and am slightly intrigued by the next book since it will be about Larissa, Lavinia's trouble sister. I found the chemistry and romance between Lavinia Halls and Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson, to be the real star of the show even though I also found the Guild of Hybrids to be somewhat interesting as well. Heck, a society where women of means could use their talents in order to help other women from harm is pretty cool.
I wasn't exactly a fan of Lavinia's at first considering she literally set out to destroy an innocent man's reputation without confirming whether or not the information was true. Funny enough, her plan actually backfires because she's constantly dazed by Eric whenever he's around and acts like a complete idiot which of course, made me like her a little bit more. The same thing happens to Eric because every time Lavinia is around, he becomes completely enamored by her appearance, personality, and scheming ways. Let's just say these two made me laugh a lot because of their misunderstandings of one another and lack of trust. Thankfully however, the romance does develop and we get to see a more romantic side of their relationship besides their compatibleness in the bedroom. Although the heat factor wasn't very high, I was still shocked by the number of times Lavinia and Eric coupled! As for the evil woman who asked Lavinia to help with Eric's ruination in the first place, I'm still slightly bitter we never got to see her get the ending she deserves.
In the end, I wouldn't have known about this book without the author asking for my review so I would like to wholeheartedly thank Alice Lake for providing me with a copy. If you love historical romances, a feisty and stubborn heroine with a similar hero to boot, then this is your book! Their relationship was hilarious from the get-go and I just loved how Lavinia tried so hard to sabotage his reputation but it never seems to work out. I look forward to Larissa's story in the next book and am intrigued by who her male lead is!
**This book was provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
It took me awhile to finish Dangerous Kisses but I finally did it! I thoroughly enjoyed my first novel by Alice Lake and am slightly intrigued by the next book since it will be about Larissa, Lavinia's trouble sister. I found the chemistry and romance between Lavinia Halls and Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson, to be the real star of the show even though I also found the Guild of Hybrids to be somewhat interesting as well. Heck, a society where women of means could use their talents in order to help other women from harm is pretty cool.
I wasn't exactly a fan of Lavinia's at first considering she literally set out to destroy an innocent man's reputation without confirming whether or not the information was true. Funny enough, her plan actually backfires because she's constantly dazed by Eric whenever he's around and acts like a complete idiot which of course, made me like her a little bit more. The same thing happens to Eric because every time Lavinia is around, he becomes completely enamored by her appearance, personality, and scheming ways. Let's just say these two made me laugh a lot because of their misunderstandings of one another and lack of trust. Thankfully however, the romance does develop and we get to see a more romantic side of their relationship besides their compatibleness in the bedroom. Although the heat factor wasn't very high, I was still shocked by the number of times Lavinia and Eric coupled! As for the evil woman who asked Lavinia to help with Eric's ruination in the first place, I'm still slightly bitter we never got to see her get the ending she deserves.
In the end, I wouldn't have known about this book without the author asking for my review so I would like to wholeheartedly thank Alice Lake for providing me with a copy. If you love historical romances, a feisty and stubborn heroine with a similar hero to boot, then this is your book! Their relationship was hilarious from the get-go and I just loved how Lavinia tried so hard to sabotage his reputation but it never seems to work out. I look forward to Larissa's story in the next book and am intrigued by who her male lead is!
May 2, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 chaotic stars.
Alice Lake is a new-to-me author, and I found her writing style flowing at a rapid, chaotic pace, with intriguing storyline threads. I will warn, while the premise of Dangerous Kisses was addictive, there was a level of frustration while reading every single page for me. Basically, the book stressed me out from page one on. It took about a quarter of the book for me to become hooked because of this frustration.
Lavinia is a member of the guild of hybrids (this sounds paranormal in nature- it's not) A group of women who help women in need for a fee, of course. Overall, this part of the storyline is intriguing. Lavinia took on a new client, a woman who wanted to break off her engagement by ruining her fiance so she would look like the injured party without harming her own reputation.
From that moment forward, it was cat and mouse between Lavinia and Eric. The only parts of the book that I truly enjoyed were when Eric, the innocent man who was targeted, was able to get the upper-hand on Lavinia. Finally justice for the injustice he was dealt.
To be honest, I felt Lavinia an irredeemable character from the first page to the last. What was meant to look like an empowered woman, left me feeling cold with her calculating and abrasive, non-apologetic personality. Even after Lavinia knew she had targeted an innocent man, she never apologized and continued to act like he was in the wrong. In fact, every time someone blamed Eric for what happened, I became more and more irritated and frustrated with the read.
A woman doesn't become empowered by denigrating a man. She becomes empowered by her actions, and Lavinia's actions were just as bad as the villainess of this tale.
While most readers will see her as a strong character, I felt her very weak, arrogant, and narrow-sighted. Half of the time she was a plotter, yet she committed TSTL actions and never took responsibility for her actions. All the way to the end, she played games with Eric's head, not even realizing it. In reverse, with a man treating a woman as such, readers would have been calling foul. I realize this was to add a humorous bent, but it just left me frustrated and stressed out, as I'm someone who appreciates injustices being righted, not pushing the blame off on the injured party because he was male.
While the premise is exciting, the morality of it was hard for me to swallow. Right or wrong, there is always two sides to every story. Case in point, Clara and Eric. How many times had the guild inadvertently destroyed lives to satisfy one side's perception of injustice? In a way, at least Clara was honest about being a horrible person, while Lavinia hide behind it as if she was Robin Hood. Even her ultimate reason for marrying Eric left me cold- not because she couldn't live without him, because she felt him too stupid not to marry Clara and she didn't want the woman to have him. Then she pouted because their nuptials weren't romantic, meanwhile she turned down every single one of his proposals.
Sorry for going off on a tangent, but when you are personally offended by the heroine for the sake of the hero, it's hard to enjoy the book.
With my annoyance aside, there was a great deal of banter, cat and mouse between the pair at the expense of developing romance, and a handful of lusty scenes.
3.5 chaotic stars.
Alice Lake is a new-to-me author, and I found her writing style flowing at a rapid, chaotic pace, with intriguing storyline threads. I will warn, while the premise of Dangerous Kisses was addictive, there was a level of frustration while reading every single page for me. Basically, the book stressed me out from page one on. It took about a quarter of the book for me to become hooked because of this frustration.
Lavinia is a member of the guild of hybrids (this sounds paranormal in nature- it's not) A group of women who help women in need for a fee, of course. Overall, this part of the storyline is intriguing. Lavinia took on a new client, a woman who wanted to break off her engagement by ruining her fiance so she would look like the injured party without harming her own reputation.
From that moment forward, it was cat and mouse between Lavinia and Eric. The only parts of the book that I truly enjoyed were when Eric, the innocent man who was targeted, was able to get the upper-hand on Lavinia. Finally justice for the injustice he was dealt.
To be honest, I felt Lavinia an irredeemable character from the first page to the last. What was meant to look like an empowered woman, left me feeling cold with her calculating and abrasive, non-apologetic personality. Even after Lavinia knew she had targeted an innocent man, she never apologized and continued to act like he was in the wrong. In fact, every time someone blamed Eric for what happened, I became more and more irritated and frustrated with the read.
A woman doesn't become empowered by denigrating a man. She becomes empowered by her actions, and Lavinia's actions were just as bad as the villainess of this tale.
While most readers will see her as a strong character, I felt her very weak, arrogant, and narrow-sighted. Half of the time she was a plotter, yet she committed TSTL actions and never took responsibility for her actions. All the way to the end, she played games with Eric's head, not even realizing it. In reverse, with a man treating a woman as such, readers would have been calling foul. I realize this was to add a humorous bent, but it just left me frustrated and stressed out, as I'm someone who appreciates injustices being righted, not pushing the blame off on the injured party because he was male.
While the premise is exciting, the morality of it was hard for me to swallow. Right or wrong, there is always two sides to every story. Case in point, Clara and Eric. How many times had the guild inadvertently destroyed lives to satisfy one side's perception of injustice? In a way, at least Clara was honest about being a horrible person, while Lavinia hide behind it as if she was Robin Hood. Even her ultimate reason for marrying Eric left me cold- not because she couldn't live without him, because she felt him too stupid not to marry Clara and she didn't want the woman to have him. Then she pouted because their nuptials weren't romantic, meanwhile she turned down every single one of his proposals.
Sorry for going off on a tangent, but when you are personally offended by the heroine for the sake of the hero, it's hard to enjoy the book.
With my annoyance aside, there was a great deal of banter, cat and mouse between the pair at the expense of developing romance, and a handful of lusty scenes.
May 2, 2016
I received a review copy
I am not one who often reads historical fiction, but I do like stepping outside my reading box every once in a while. And I was so very happy that this book caught my attention right away. I was a little worried since it’s not my usual genre, but I had no worries once I got into the story. It was actually so much fun to be able to transport myself to 1870 in England. I also felt like I was learning a lot, like I was in history class all over again except this time it was so much more fun to learn! There is romance, deceit, betrayal, and lot of intrigue. Very good read!
I am not one who often reads historical fiction, but I do like stepping outside my reading box every once in a while. And I was so very happy that this book caught my attention right away. I was a little worried since it’s not my usual genre, but I had no worries once I got into the story. It was actually so much fun to be able to transport myself to 1870 in England. I also felt like I was learning a lot, like I was in history class all over again except this time it was so much more fun to learn! There is romance, deceit, betrayal, and lot of intrigue. Very good read!
September 4, 2019
First of all, I would like to thank Alice Lake for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :) you are a sweetheart and it was a pleasure reading your novel :) and before you guys start to question my honest judgement of this book just because I got it for free, I want to stop that right now... you should already know that about me, and if you don't, I'll tell it again :) I am very proud of the fact that I'm always sharing with you my honest opinions :) am I excited about getting ARCs and free books? of course :) does it affect my reviews? absolutely not :) so when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I mean it :) and now let me tell you more :)
This story fits perfectly with a lot of books I've been reading lately :) and by that, I mean stories where I have nothing against the hero, but it's the heroine who's my favourite :) as I said, I really liked Eric... the only thing going against him is his awful ex-fiancee... let me explain :) he was engaged for a very long time to Clara, a deceptively nice young woman... that is until he finds her in bed with another man... he immediately terminates their engagement, but gives her the opportunity to announce it, otherwise she would be completely ruined... unfortunately he underestimates how stubborn she is... because Clara has a revenge plan of her own... she hires Lavinia, a member of Guild of hybrids, a secret society of women who help other women... to ruin Eric... have I already mentioned how much I hate her? ;) she of course tells Lavinia a sob story to convince her to accept her case... so now let me go back to Lavinia and why I love her :) she's smart and logical... well, at least most of the time... or at least logical about other people, except Eric ;) she's clever and level-headed and I adored her... :) I loved how real their relationship was... there were sparks and everything, but it was definitely not love at first sight ;) even when they were thrown into a... well, let's call it a compromising situation, it wasn't magically and immediately resolved :) it's really hard for me to say more without spoiling you some stuff, so how about I tell you a bit more about some secondary characters :)
I was a big fan of the idea of a secret society of women... with different talents, helping other women... and remember, that we are talking about times when women were supposed to be wives and nothing more... so the idea of a whole bunch of them being brave and kick-ass and brilliant... I am a fan :) we get to actually meet a few of them in this book and I am looking forward to learn even more about the memebrs and the whole society in general, because it is still pretty mysterious :) but a real scene-stealer for me was Larissa, Lavinia's younger sister :) she's a belly-dancing-snake-charming-spitfire of a girl so imagine my joy when I discovered that she will be the heroine of book #2 :) I simply cannot wait to read her story :) I want to mention one more person, Charlotte :) she's Eric's cousin... young and romantic, but a sweetheart :) I would love to know more about her... :) that was my not-so-subtle wink to the author that maybe... you know... there's a story there somewhere... ;)
Overall I really enjoyed this book :) it was a fast read with a very good writing style :) and who doesn't love secret societies? ;) I loved how real the relationship between Lavinia and Eric was... how it changed with time... it was a lovely historical romance that you can totally read as a standalone, cause the whole situation with our main couple and all that is resolved before the end :) but I need to warn you... you're gonna want to read at least book #2 after this one... because Larissa is a hoot :) I think I need to go and pester Alice about the release date of that gem... ;) in a loving way of course ;) it's an absolutely fantastic introduction to this lovely series that will leave you wanting and needing to know more... ;)
I have just a few quotes for you, to show a glimpse of the interactions inside this lovely story :) there were of course much more in the actual book but they were either too long or way too spoilerific, so these three will have to suffice ;) happy reading :)
Part of a converstion between Lavinia and Eric :)
"'Why are you here?'
He shook his head as if addressing a child. 'Is that any way to talk to a caller?'
'Lord Mathieson, as far as I'm concerned, you have ceased to be worthy of any kind of polite manners whatsoever.'
This elicited a bark of laughter from him.
'I was not joking in the slightest,' she said dryly.
'I believe you wholeheartedly,' he replied with good humor."
A little scene between Lavinia, Eric and Larissa, to show you why the younger Halls sister is my favourite ;)
"'Good Lord, what happened to you?' Larissa declared upon seeing Lord Mathieson.
'Larissa, where are your manners?' Lavinia said through clipped teeth.
Larissa looked at her sideways and shrugged. 'Good day, my lord. That is a mighty black eye you got there,' she remarked, causing Lord Mathieson to chuckle.
'Is it that noticeable?'
'Yes sir!' Larissa grinned. Lavinia nudged her in the ribs.
'Am I a fright?' He examined his reflection in the mirror.
'Apart from the eye, the rest of you will do,' Larissa replied with a smile."
Part of a conversation between Eric and his cousins :)
"'How was your journey?' Eric asked once the butler left.
Margaret handed out the cups and made herself comfortable. Her skirts billowed around her like a cloud. 'The journey was as it always is, tedious and boring.'
Charlotte nodded quickly before taking a sip. 'But then we arrived here only to find scandal and adventures and murder have been afoot!' she said all in one breath.
Eric's heart skipped a beat. 'Murder?!'
'Well, perhaps not murder,' Charlotte waved the comment away with a grin, 'but you have to admit, it does sound so much more exciting put that way.'"
XOXO
A
This story fits perfectly with a lot of books I've been reading lately :) and by that, I mean stories where I have nothing against the hero, but it's the heroine who's my favourite :) as I said, I really liked Eric... the only thing going against him is his awful ex-fiancee... let me explain :) he was engaged for a very long time to Clara, a deceptively nice young woman... that is until he finds her in bed with another man... he immediately terminates their engagement, but gives her the opportunity to announce it, otherwise she would be completely ruined... unfortunately he underestimates how stubborn she is... because Clara has a revenge plan of her own... she hires Lavinia, a member of Guild of hybrids, a secret society of women who help other women... to ruin Eric... have I already mentioned how much I hate her? ;) she of course tells Lavinia a sob story to convince her to accept her case... so now let me go back to Lavinia and why I love her :) she's smart and logical... well, at least most of the time... or at least logical about other people, except Eric ;) she's clever and level-headed and I adored her... :) I loved how real their relationship was... there were sparks and everything, but it was definitely not love at first sight ;) even when they were thrown into a... well, let's call it a compromising situation, it wasn't magically and immediately resolved :) it's really hard for me to say more without spoiling you some stuff, so how about I tell you a bit more about some secondary characters :)
I was a big fan of the idea of a secret society of women... with different talents, helping other women... and remember, that we are talking about times when women were supposed to be wives and nothing more... so the idea of a whole bunch of them being brave and kick-ass and brilliant... I am a fan :) we get to actually meet a few of them in this book and I am looking forward to learn even more about the memebrs and the whole society in general, because it is still pretty mysterious :) but a real scene-stealer for me was Larissa, Lavinia's younger sister :) she's a belly-dancing-snake-charming-spitfire of a girl so imagine my joy when I discovered that she will be the heroine of book #2 :) I simply cannot wait to read her story :) I want to mention one more person, Charlotte :) she's Eric's cousin... young and romantic, but a sweetheart :) I would love to know more about her... :) that was my not-so-subtle wink to the author that maybe... you know... there's a story there somewhere... ;)
Overall I really enjoyed this book :) it was a fast read with a very good writing style :) and who doesn't love secret societies? ;) I loved how real the relationship between Lavinia and Eric was... how it changed with time... it was a lovely historical romance that you can totally read as a standalone, cause the whole situation with our main couple and all that is resolved before the end :) but I need to warn you... you're gonna want to read at least book #2 after this one... because Larissa is a hoot :) I think I need to go and pester Alice about the release date of that gem... ;) in a loving way of course ;) it's an absolutely fantastic introduction to this lovely series that will leave you wanting and needing to know more... ;)
I have just a few quotes for you, to show a glimpse of the interactions inside this lovely story :) there were of course much more in the actual book but they were either too long or way too spoilerific, so these three will have to suffice ;) happy reading :)
Part of a converstion between Lavinia and Eric :)
"'Why are you here?'
He shook his head as if addressing a child. 'Is that any way to talk to a caller?'
'Lord Mathieson, as far as I'm concerned, you have ceased to be worthy of any kind of polite manners whatsoever.'
This elicited a bark of laughter from him.
'I was not joking in the slightest,' she said dryly.
'I believe you wholeheartedly,' he replied with good humor."
A little scene between Lavinia, Eric and Larissa, to show you why the younger Halls sister is my favourite ;)
"'Good Lord, what happened to you?' Larissa declared upon seeing Lord Mathieson.
'Larissa, where are your manners?' Lavinia said through clipped teeth.
Larissa looked at her sideways and shrugged. 'Good day, my lord. That is a mighty black eye you got there,' she remarked, causing Lord Mathieson to chuckle.
'Is it that noticeable?'
'Yes sir!' Larissa grinned. Lavinia nudged her in the ribs.
'Am I a fright?' He examined his reflection in the mirror.
'Apart from the eye, the rest of you will do,' Larissa replied with a smile."
Part of a conversation between Eric and his cousins :)
"'How was your journey?' Eric asked once the butler left.
Margaret handed out the cups and made herself comfortable. Her skirts billowed around her like a cloud. 'The journey was as it always is, tedious and boring.'
Charlotte nodded quickly before taking a sip. 'But then we arrived here only to find scandal and adventures and murder have been afoot!' she said all in one breath.
Eric's heart skipped a beat. 'Murder?!'
'Well, perhaps not murder,' Charlotte waved the comment away with a grin, 'but you have to admit, it does sound so much more exciting put that way.'"
XOXO
A
March 30, 2016
The assignment was supposed to be easy: get in, ruin the man, and get out. Sounded simple, even to me. So what happened?
Halfway through the story, Lavinia was trying to figure out that very thing. It wasn't that she couldn't find anything wrong with Eric. It wasn't that he creeped her out. It wasn't even that he refused to be cowed by her outspoken, argumentative self. What happened, what she refused to acknowledge until much later, was her heart got in the way of her work. For the first time since becoming a member of the Guild of Hybrids, Lavinia was uncertain at how to proceed with an assignment.
Eric, for his part, was one upstanding man. He was wealthy, titled, and honorable. He just couldn't figure out what Lavinia's game was. Of course, he might've had a little too much on his mind at the beginning what with his former fiancee's betrayal, the death glares she sent his way whenever possible, and the demands from his father that he marry. But the man is a quick learner.
Discovering what Lavinia was up to and why wasn't enough to quell his desire for her though. The woman drove him crazy but intrigued him like no other woman had. Getting caught in a compromising situation should have tipped the scales in his favor, right? He wanted the passion they shared to be his and his alone for the rest of his life. Except, as he found out, Lavinia wasn't the type of woman to jump merely because it was expected of her.
This story is equal parts intrigue and romance, though the intrigue has nothing to do with mystery, suspense, or horror. It stems from the simmering attraction between Eric and Lavinia who, initially, want nothing to do with one another yet end up completely enamored with each other. It comes from watching them come to terms why they feel the way they do, their reluctance to accept those feelings, and the uncertainty of eventually acting on those feelings. Given that their relationship didn't start on the right foot, it made sense why all of these things were slow to play out.
Attraction, anticipation, and lust between two characters almost always makes sex inevitable and (sometimes) easy for me to accept. But it's the matters of the heart that I need to have drawn out for me. I need to be a part of the characters coming to terms with the change in themselves and what they feel for each other. If it's quick, it's harder for me to accept they can have a meaningful and fulfilling relationship. Thankfully, Ms. Lake didn't do that.
Eric and Lavinia's story is the most interesting historical romance I've read this year. Ms. Lake has a solid beginning to what promises to be engaging series. She is definitely an author worth watching.
Halfway through the story, Lavinia was trying to figure out that very thing. It wasn't that she couldn't find anything wrong with Eric. It wasn't that he creeped her out. It wasn't even that he refused to be cowed by her outspoken, argumentative self. What happened, what she refused to acknowledge until much later, was her heart got in the way of her work. For the first time since becoming a member of the Guild of Hybrids, Lavinia was uncertain at how to proceed with an assignment.
Eric, for his part, was one upstanding man. He was wealthy, titled, and honorable. He just couldn't figure out what Lavinia's game was. Of course, he might've had a little too much on his mind at the beginning what with his former fiancee's betrayal, the death glares she sent his way whenever possible, and the demands from his father that he marry. But the man is a quick learner.
Discovering what Lavinia was up to and why wasn't enough to quell his desire for her though. The woman drove him crazy but intrigued him like no other woman had. Getting caught in a compromising situation should have tipped the scales in his favor, right? He wanted the passion they shared to be his and his alone for the rest of his life. Except, as he found out, Lavinia wasn't the type of woman to jump merely because it was expected of her.
This story is equal parts intrigue and romance, though the intrigue has nothing to do with mystery, suspense, or horror. It stems from the simmering attraction between Eric and Lavinia who, initially, want nothing to do with one another yet end up completely enamored with each other. It comes from watching them come to terms why they feel the way they do, their reluctance to accept those feelings, and the uncertainty of eventually acting on those feelings. Given that their relationship didn't start on the right foot, it made sense why all of these things were slow to play out.
Attraction, anticipation, and lust between two characters almost always makes sex inevitable and (sometimes) easy for me to accept. But it's the matters of the heart that I need to have drawn out for me. I need to be a part of the characters coming to terms with the change in themselves and what they feel for each other. If it's quick, it's harder for me to accept they can have a meaningful and fulfilling relationship. Thankfully, Ms. Lake didn't do that.
Eric and Lavinia's story is the most interesting historical romance I've read this year. Ms. Lake has a solid beginning to what promises to be engaging series. She is definitely an author worth watching.
April 29, 2016
Originally posted on my blog: Blog Tour & Review of Dangerous Kisses by Alice Lake [Author Q & A]
Dangerous Kisses is book 1 in the Guild of Hybrids series. I have to say it is not a bad way to start off a series. It had enough of everything to keep me satisfied. It focuses on independent women who have various skill sets and experience. No innocence in this story. It’s a tad bit more gritty than your usual romance and the heroine is more alpha than the hero.
I found that the tone of the story changed half way through reading it, the first half had some humorous scenes, but then the arguments and head butting between Eric and Lavinia was a little too adversarial. I was beginning to wonder where the romance part of the story was. Sure, they were sexually attracted to each other, but neither expressed romantic notions. However, I had to keep reading in order to find out what event would cause both of them to realize their love for each other. Reader, you must be patient with this story.
Lavinia’s main issue is letting her emotions getting in the way. She’s been hurt before and is now jaded.
She has one job in this story and it was satisfying to find that the perfectly calm and collected Lavinia became frazzled.
The verbal assaults between Eric and Lavinia were at times amusing.
It was a good story that moved at a steady pace. Reading more in the series is something that I can look forward to.
Favorite quote:
*I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.*
Dangerous Kisses is book 1 in the Guild of Hybrids series. I have to say it is not a bad way to start off a series. It had enough of everything to keep me satisfied. It focuses on independent women who have various skill sets and experience. No innocence in this story. It’s a tad bit more gritty than your usual romance and the heroine is more alpha than the hero.
I found that the tone of the story changed half way through reading it, the first half had some humorous scenes, but then the arguments and head butting between Eric and Lavinia was a little too adversarial. I was beginning to wonder where the romance part of the story was. Sure, they were sexually attracted to each other, but neither expressed romantic notions. However, I had to keep reading in order to find out what event would cause both of them to realize their love for each other. Reader, you must be patient with this story.
Lavinia’s main issue is letting her emotions getting in the way. She’s been hurt before and is now jaded.
“Once again she had allowed her emotions to get in the way. Her assignment was to ruin his reputation, and instead, it felt distinctly as though her quest was becoming personal.”
She has one job in this story and it was satisfying to find that the perfectly calm and collected Lavinia became frazzled.
The verbal assaults between Eric and Lavinia were at times amusing.
“I did not think blood ran through your veins, but it’s good to know you are human after all.”
It was a good story that moved at a steady pace. Reading more in the series is something that I can look forward to.
Favorite quote:
“He snuck in and yelled something about knowing what I had done,” she said, “and the next thing I knew, he kissed me.” A very dangerous kiss.
*I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.*
March 20, 2016
4.5 stars
**eCopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
This novel was so different, good different. It's not your typical ton HR novel, what with its unique characters and breath-of-fresh-air plot. I absolutely loved it.
Lavinia was a strong and stubborn heroine, and she definitely was not your typical wilting wallflower. First off, she was of mixed race (shocking!!!) and partook in certain "gypsy practices" that women are not supposed to be doing. I loved her relationship with her sister, as it reminded me somewhat of my relationship with my sister. Eric was such a great hero to fall for. He was stubborn, sweet, and so caring, and I really wish they would have admitted their feelings for each other sooner.
There were some surprises in this novel that had me fooled almost until the very end of the novel, which is always nice for a reader. The progression of the story was great, though I do have one complaint. I felt some passages were repetitive. It seemed like Lavinia kept worrying and thinking about and just assuming that Eric would never forgive her for what she did, but that marrying him was still her best option. Instead of just talking to him, she pretty much does everything she can to avoid talking to him. Although when Eric connects the dots about her past with her failed engagement and her feelings now about marriage and being rushed into it, it made a lot of sense to me and helped me understand Lavinia more as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was different with engaging characters and a twisty and fun plot. Definitely recommend this one when you're in the mood for a good HR!
My Eric!
**eCopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
This novel was so different, good different. It's not your typical ton HR novel, what with its unique characters and breath-of-fresh-air plot. I absolutely loved it.
Lavinia was a strong and stubborn heroine, and she definitely was not your typical wilting wallflower. First off, she was of mixed race (shocking!!!) and partook in certain "gypsy practices" that women are not supposed to be doing. I loved her relationship with her sister, as it reminded me somewhat of my relationship with my sister. Eric was such a great hero to fall for. He was stubborn, sweet, and so caring, and I really wish they would have admitted their feelings for each other sooner.
There were some surprises in this novel that had me fooled almost until the very end of the novel, which is always nice for a reader. The progression of the story was great, though I do have one complaint. I felt some passages were repetitive. It seemed like Lavinia kept worrying and thinking about and just assuming that Eric would never forgive her for what she did, but that marrying him was still her best option. Instead of just talking to him, she pretty much does everything she can to avoid talking to him. Although when Eric connects the dots about her past with her failed engagement and her feelings now about marriage and being rushed into it, it made a lot of sense to me and helped me understand Lavinia more as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was different with engaging characters and a twisty and fun plot. Definitely recommend this one when you're in the mood for a good HR!
My Eric!
March 1, 2016
Dangerous kisses is book 1 in Alive Lake's A Guild of Hybrids series.
Set in the 1870 England, Miss Lavinia Halls is a member of the Guild of Hybrids. A secret society of women for women. Their sole mission is to use their varied talents to assist other women in need who have been wronged in some way. Lavinia agrees to help her nest client sabotage her fiancée, if only she can stop focusing on his kissable lips and bring her assignment to a speedy Conclusion
Eric Yorke, viscount Mathieson just wants to move on from his ill-fated engagement, but rather finds himself drawn to the strong willed and argumentative Miss Halls, bent on dragging his name through the mud and ruining his life despite his best efforts to sway her.
After becoming embroiled in scandal, the two must learn to live with their consequences, but when a threat emerges bent on causing havoc and disturbing the peace, will they overcome these hurdles or is their present and future doomed?
Dangerous Kisses was a very enjoyable read and what Alice Lake has managed to do so well here, is create a wonderfully detailed and believable 19th century London in which to set her story. The language she uses never falters and the characterisation and scene setting make it easy to picture the era.
My genre of choice is paranormal romance and I picked this novel up thinking that the Guild members talents held a supernatural edge, however, there is no supernatural element to the story. If I'd known, I may have bypassed this story of Lakes and not read it but I'm really glad I misjudged it. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone pays off and this story was fairly gripping from start to end and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I now cannot wait to see what mischief the other members of the Guild get up to.
Set in the 1870 England, Miss Lavinia Halls is a member of the Guild of Hybrids. A secret society of women for women. Their sole mission is to use their varied talents to assist other women in need who have been wronged in some way. Lavinia agrees to help her nest client sabotage her fiancée, if only she can stop focusing on his kissable lips and bring her assignment to a speedy Conclusion
Eric Yorke, viscount Mathieson just wants to move on from his ill-fated engagement, but rather finds himself drawn to the strong willed and argumentative Miss Halls, bent on dragging his name through the mud and ruining his life despite his best efforts to sway her.
After becoming embroiled in scandal, the two must learn to live with their consequences, but when a threat emerges bent on causing havoc and disturbing the peace, will they overcome these hurdles or is their present and future doomed?
Dangerous Kisses was a very enjoyable read and what Alice Lake has managed to do so well here, is create a wonderfully detailed and believable 19th century London in which to set her story. The language she uses never falters and the characterisation and scene setting make it easy to picture the era.
My genre of choice is paranormal romance and I picked this novel up thinking that the Guild members talents held a supernatural edge, however, there is no supernatural element to the story. If I'd known, I may have bypassed this story of Lakes and not read it but I'm really glad I misjudged it. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone pays off and this story was fairly gripping from start to end and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I now cannot wait to see what mischief the other members of the Guild get up to.
March 6, 2016
A well crafted story that had me glued to the page.
Lavinia and Eric make a brilliant couple. Their attraction to each other is matched in their ability to outwit and verbally spar with one another. I had a few laugh out loud moments at their antics and verbal exchanges most of which take place with tight lipped smiles in full view and within earshot of polite society. The fact that they are also attracted to each other added to my amusement. The scene involving the orphans was my favourite between the pair. It showed Eric in an endearing light and it sealed my liking of him.
I loved the idea of women from this time period being involved in and running a secret society where their aim is to get revenge on the men who have wronged their female clients. These are no demure women lounging around drinking tea and doing embroidery. They are a force to be reckoned with and are good at what they do. That is until Lavinia accepts her latest mission and things don't go according to plan.
The romantic exchanges between Lavinia and Eric were refreshingly well written, and a necessary element of the plot rather than just cringey page fillers that you so often find in historical romance. The scenes are kept short and you really get pulled into the moment along with them.
I also loved the suspense element towards of the end of the book which I wasn't expecting but I love it when there is a bit of excitement like this included in the story. The menace was realistic and I got a real sense of the danger Lavinia found herself in.
I don't think I will be able to get enough of this series!
Highly recommended
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 9, 2016
This isn't your typical Historical Romance, which made reading this book exciting to read. I was curious to see from the very beginning how everything would play out and how far one character in particular would go to seek out her plan. You don't see the strong independent women a lot in Historical Romances, but not only was the main character, Lavinia, all of that, but she's in a secret society and that really intrigued me. Lavinia is tasked with ruining Eric, but not everything is as it seems. I thought it was kinda funny and ironic how Lavinia's task wasn't her usual case, and it really made things interesting between her and Eric. While I liked Lavinia, some of her stubbornness really frustrated me, but then again, it's to be expected with a woman so strong willed. Eric on the other hand, was different than I thought he'd be. He's kind and caring, not to mention honorable.
The only thing I would say that made me give this one a 4, was because some parts lost my interest. I felt those parts weren't really needed and in the beginning it was slow paced. Overall, the book was a great read and that ending really had me on edge. I would recommend checking this one out and I'm interested to see what Alice Lake has in store next.
The only thing I would say that made me give this one a 4, was because some parts lost my interest. I felt those parts weren't really needed and in the beginning it was slow paced. Overall, the book was a great read and that ending really had me on edge. I would recommend checking this one out and I'm interested to see what Alice Lake has in store next.
April 4, 2016
Lavinia Halls has a job to do. Ruin Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson. As a member of the Guild of Hybrids, a secret society that works to aide women in need, Lavinia is eager to complete her assignment. When approached by Lady Clara and told of how mistreated she was by her fiancé Eric, Lavinia knows this is a job she must take. She wasn't prepared for the handsome, intriguing man she encountered though. Eric Yorke is ready to be rid of his unfaithful fiancé, but unfortunately he seems to be the target of a woman determined to disgrace him. As Eric and Lavinia battle it out, they find it harder and harder to resist their attraction to one another. When I first read the description of this book, I thought it sounded too strange to be entertaining. Was I wrong! Lavinia and Eric were hysterical as they matched wits, both trying to avoid their obvious desire. Each attempt of Lavinia's becomes more outrageous and Eric's counter attacks are wonderful. I can't wait to see what's in store next for The Guild. I hope we hear more of Lavinia's sister Larissa! Alice Lake is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more from her. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
April 11, 2016
What a marvellous debut Historical novel. Very well written with full fledged characters, and an intriguing story.
Lavinia Halls is a very unusual Victorian Miss. She, along with her aunt and sister belong to the Guild of Hybrids. The guild is dedicated to helping women who are in trouble. Their methods are unorthodox and not always strictly legal. The members are all mixed race and have a variety of special talents.
Lavinia's latest client wants a way to escape her engagement to a man who she claims is unsavoury.
Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson has told his fiancee that he will not marry her, but will allow her to say the decision was hers. She is taking a long time to announce it.
This is a fascinating story that caught me on the first page. The various ways our heroine uses just her words to accomplish her goals proves there is very little an intelligent woman can't do, IF she keeps her mind on the job. Our heroine's family is so much fun. The possibilities for this Guild is endless. I felt quite sorry for our innocent hero. He doesn't stand a chance against such a formidable woman. Or does he?.
Really very good fun, and I can´t wait to read Larissa´s story.
Lavinia Halls is a very unusual Victorian Miss. She, along with her aunt and sister belong to the Guild of Hybrids. The guild is dedicated to helping women who are in trouble. Their methods are unorthodox and not always strictly legal. The members are all mixed race and have a variety of special talents.
Lavinia's latest client wants a way to escape her engagement to a man who she claims is unsavoury.
Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson has told his fiancee that he will not marry her, but will allow her to say the decision was hers. She is taking a long time to announce it.
This is a fascinating story that caught me on the first page. The various ways our heroine uses just her words to accomplish her goals proves there is very little an intelligent woman can't do, IF she keeps her mind on the job. Our heroine's family is so much fun. The possibilities for this Guild is endless. I felt quite sorry for our innocent hero. He doesn't stand a chance against such a formidable woman. Or does he?.
Really very good fun, and I can´t wait to read Larissa´s story.
March 7, 2016
This is from a new author and I have to say that I loved this book. The characters show strong women who help other women in need.
This is book 1 of A Guild of Hybrids Novel by the author. I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I am going to be reading more from this author and I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
This is book 1 of A Guild of Hybrids Novel by the author. I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I am going to be reading more from this author and I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
March 15, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I loved it. It’s impossible not to get emotionally involved with the multi-dimensional characters, and the many plot twists keep you excited, wondering what challenge Lavinia would meet (and conquer) next. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Lake has in store for us as the series continues.
April 1, 2016
This book was a refreshing breath of fresh air. I love it. Lavina was such an alpha heroine and completely lovable. I enjoy plots like these so it wasn't hard for this book to grab my attention. This is a debut book for the author and it's a strong way to start the series. I can't wait to read about Larissa.
August 30, 2016
Originally Posted on the blog http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2016/0...
~~This book was received in exchange for an honest review~~
The first book in the Guild of Hybrids series:
I had high hopes for the premise of this book and began reading with great expectation. I am a lover of historical romance with Victorian being one of my favorite periods to read about. Well into the fourth chapter however, I found the story moving a bit slow, with a lot of the same thoughts being reiterated over, and over. I found myself frustrated, a bit confused and really hoping that this book would pick up.
Miss Lavinia Halls, along with her Aunt Cynthia, and Sister Larissa, is a member of a secret society of women called "The Guild of Hybrids", who's mission is to help other women in need. By the Guilds motto they don't discriminate and help every women when faced with despair. "Payment is requested beforehand" of course. The Society is not a charity after all.
Lavinia was hired by Lady Clara Stratton to destroy her fiance, Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson's reputation. According to Lady Clara she caught Eric trying to compromise her friend, and in an attempt to silence her, he mistreated her. Lavinia takes the assignment and sets on a mission to ruin Eric.
The first problem I have is that for Lavinia to not only be a top member of the Guild and a teacher of new members, She didn't verify that the information was true about Eric, before she set out on her mission to destroy him.
Secondly, her idea's of ruination were a bit ridiculous to me. I honestly do not see how any of her ideas would ruin him to the point of a justifiable end of his engagement. He was a Viscount, wealthy and attractive after all.
I genuinely liked Eric. He seemed like a real caring gentleman, who unfortunately has the wool pulled over him by two scheming women. After all Lavinia has done to him, he still want to do the right thing by her.
I did enjoy Eric turning the cards on Lavinia at most of her attempts to humiliate him, and while there was an attraction between them, I felt no real chemistry between them! Eric an Lavinia seemed to have more conversations in their own minds than with each other.
And if Lavinia, stuck out, lifted or raised her chin one more time I was going to scream!! And wouldn't you know, she squared her shoulders and raised that chin in defiance again. AAAARRRGGGHHH!!! 11x in one book.
Lavinia was stubborn and extremely selfish! We read REPEATEDLY, REPEATEDLY, REPEATEDLY, and again I say REPEATEDLY (yeah, repetition is annoying isn't it) through out the book how "The Guild is her utmost priority, and must be protected". Yet Lavinia runs away after the scandal erupts that she has created, and leaves her aunt and sister to deal with her mess. Even though it is within her power to put a stop to the scandal immediately. She does not and instead continues in her own selfish, reckless behavior,and continues to deceive Eric, even after she finds out he was a victim. Not the actions of a strong empowered woman.
I did like Lavinia standing up to Lady Clara who is nothing more than a lying Thot(don't know what a thot is?, check in urban dictionary)!
The book took me longer to read than normal because of the repetition. By page 147 Lavinia is still having rants with herself about her failure, how she didn't deserve the honor of being a member of the Guild.
The suspense finally picks up at the end of the book, and I found myself engaged to see if the "villain", not to give away any spoilers, was truly working for Clara or if she was in on a scheme derived by Cynthia and Larissa to help Erica an Lavinia finally realize and admit their true feelings for one another. You will have to read the book if you want to find the answer.
One thing I really wanted to know, was what happened to that thot, Clara(I left off the Lady on purpose)after her true nature was revealed. I would have loved to see her get her just deserts!! We instead are left to wonder what her outcome was.
Would I read book 2? Yes, because I think Miss Lake does have talent, and Larissa was more real to me than Lavinia. I would hope Larissa's story moves along with less repetition.
~~This book was received in exchange for an honest review~~
The first book in the Guild of Hybrids series:
I had high hopes for the premise of this book and began reading with great expectation. I am a lover of historical romance with Victorian being one of my favorite periods to read about. Well into the fourth chapter however, I found the story moving a bit slow, with a lot of the same thoughts being reiterated over, and over. I found myself frustrated, a bit confused and really hoping that this book would pick up.
Miss Lavinia Halls, along with her Aunt Cynthia, and Sister Larissa, is a member of a secret society of women called "The Guild of Hybrids", who's mission is to help other women in need. By the Guilds motto they don't discriminate and help every women when faced with despair. "Payment is requested beforehand" of course. The Society is not a charity after all.
Lavinia was hired by Lady Clara Stratton to destroy her fiance, Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson's reputation. According to Lady Clara she caught Eric trying to compromise her friend, and in an attempt to silence her, he mistreated her. Lavinia takes the assignment and sets on a mission to ruin Eric.
The first problem I have is that for Lavinia to not only be a top member of the Guild and a teacher of new members, She didn't verify that the information was true about Eric, before she set out on her mission to destroy him.
Secondly, her idea's of ruination were a bit ridiculous to me. I honestly do not see how any of her ideas would ruin him to the point of a justifiable end of his engagement. He was a Viscount, wealthy and attractive after all.
I genuinely liked Eric. He seemed like a real caring gentleman, who unfortunately has the wool pulled over him by two scheming women. After all Lavinia has done to him, he still want to do the right thing by her.
I did enjoy Eric turning the cards on Lavinia at most of her attempts to humiliate him, and while there was an attraction between them, I felt no real chemistry between them! Eric an Lavinia seemed to have more conversations in their own minds than with each other.
And if Lavinia, stuck out, lifted or raised her chin one more time I was going to scream!! And wouldn't you know, she squared her shoulders and raised that chin in defiance again. AAAARRRGGGHHH!!! 11x in one book.
Lavinia was stubborn and extremely selfish! We read REPEATEDLY, REPEATEDLY, REPEATEDLY, and again I say REPEATEDLY (yeah, repetition is annoying isn't it) through out the book how "The Guild is her utmost priority, and must be protected". Yet Lavinia runs away after the scandal erupts that she has created, and leaves her aunt and sister to deal with her mess. Even though it is within her power to put a stop to the scandal immediately. She does not and instead continues in her own selfish, reckless behavior,and continues to deceive Eric, even after she finds out he was a victim. Not the actions of a strong empowered woman.
I did like Lavinia standing up to Lady Clara who is nothing more than a lying Thot(don't know what a thot is?, check in urban dictionary)!
The book took me longer to read than normal because of the repetition. By page 147 Lavinia is still having rants with herself about her failure, how she didn't deserve the honor of being a member of the Guild.
The suspense finally picks up at the end of the book, and I found myself engaged to see if the "villain", not to give away any spoilers, was truly working for Clara or if she was in on a scheme derived by Cynthia and Larissa to help Erica an Lavinia finally realize and admit their true feelings for one another. You will have to read the book if you want to find the answer.
One thing I really wanted to know, was what happened to that thot, Clara(I left off the Lady on purpose)after her true nature was revealed. I would have loved to see her get her just deserts!! We instead are left to wonder what her outcome was.
Would I read book 2? Yes, because I think Miss Lake does have talent, and Larissa was more real to me than Lavinia. I would hope Larissa's story moves along with less repetition.
May 5, 2016
In 1870 London, The Guild of Hybrids is a women’s society that was formed to help women in need. Whether they may require legal aid, need medical assistance, or perhaps a woman has been the victim of a man. Whatever the need, the Guild of Hybrids is there to help.
It seemed like a good cause. Help Lady Stratton exact revenge on her fiancé. But the task takes some unexpected turns for Miss Lavinia Halls. The goal of turning Viscount Mathieson, Eric Yorke, into a public spectacle should be easy for someone as skilled in rhetoric as Lavinia. In the past, Lavinia’s clever use of words and logic has been her particular skill that gets the job done. But in Dangerous Kisses, there seems to be a backfire effect that leaves Lavinia speechless. The irony and humor was completely lost to Lavinia, but not to me.
There is a complication with this case. That is, Lavinia cannot seem to get Eric out of her mind (and the feeling seems to be mutual). Which makes her continued attempts to embarrass him more difficult. The fact that Lavinia’s attempts keep backfiring and she must keep trying to complete her task has the side affect of putting her in a situation with Eric more times than either will admit to enjoying. As the reader, I kept looking forward to the next time they would meet and cross metaphorical swords and when something else would ultimately go wrong.
The exchanges between Lavinia and Eric were quite entertaining. While I had a hard time believing that someone as intelligent as Lavinia could get herself into such a predicament, I finally told myself that when the heart is involved, intelligence sometimes takes a back seat.
Lavinia’s character was fairly well developed, complete with the mistakes of her past which motivate her in the present. Eric – not so much. We do get to meet his blowhard father, but I would have liked to know more about this engaging man who seemed a little thick when it came to women.
I would also like to know more about the Guild of Hybrids. I understand the basic premise, but, based on Dangerous Kisses, I want to know more about their structure, their leadership and their principles. Since this is a series, perhaps more detail will be forthcoming in future novels.
A couple odd changes in point of view threw me off. 95% of the book revolves around Lavinia and Eric and is told through their points of view. When it switched to the treacherous fiancée, it was brief and slightly out of place. Since I always appreciate a ‘good’ bad guy/gal, I would have liked to see more of the fiancée’s point of view. With a bigger role, her thoughts and opinions would be most pertinent.
Dangerous Kisses has several secondary characters that had important roles. Lavinia’s sister Larissa is a delight and Aunt Cynthia is the cool head. Maybe these two will get their own stories in future books. I think it would be really fun to match the in-charge Cynthia with Eric’s always-yelling-about-everything father. At any rate, there is an entire Guild of ladies, each with their own talents, to provide characters for coming stories.
The first book in the Guild of Hybrids series sets up a series based on strong women trying to help other women in a time when men had all the rights and privilages. I found Dangerous Kisses to be ever so slightly rough around the edges, but with a solid story and an unconventional, lovely romance.
Ms. Lake provided a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Whiskey With My Book.
It seemed like a good cause. Help Lady Stratton exact revenge on her fiancé. But the task takes some unexpected turns for Miss Lavinia Halls. The goal of turning Viscount Mathieson, Eric Yorke, into a public spectacle should be easy for someone as skilled in rhetoric as Lavinia. In the past, Lavinia’s clever use of words and logic has been her particular skill that gets the job done. But in Dangerous Kisses, there seems to be a backfire effect that leaves Lavinia speechless. The irony and humor was completely lost to Lavinia, but not to me.
There is a complication with this case. That is, Lavinia cannot seem to get Eric out of her mind (and the feeling seems to be mutual). Which makes her continued attempts to embarrass him more difficult. The fact that Lavinia’s attempts keep backfiring and she must keep trying to complete her task has the side affect of putting her in a situation with Eric more times than either will admit to enjoying. As the reader, I kept looking forward to the next time they would meet and cross metaphorical swords and when something else would ultimately go wrong.
The exchanges between Lavinia and Eric were quite entertaining. While I had a hard time believing that someone as intelligent as Lavinia could get herself into such a predicament, I finally told myself that when the heart is involved, intelligence sometimes takes a back seat.
Lavinia’s character was fairly well developed, complete with the mistakes of her past which motivate her in the present. Eric – not so much. We do get to meet his blowhard father, but I would have liked to know more about this engaging man who seemed a little thick when it came to women.
I would also like to know more about the Guild of Hybrids. I understand the basic premise, but, based on Dangerous Kisses, I want to know more about their structure, their leadership and their principles. Since this is a series, perhaps more detail will be forthcoming in future novels.
A couple odd changes in point of view threw me off. 95% of the book revolves around Lavinia and Eric and is told through their points of view. When it switched to the treacherous fiancée, it was brief and slightly out of place. Since I always appreciate a ‘good’ bad guy/gal, I would have liked to see more of the fiancée’s point of view. With a bigger role, her thoughts and opinions would be most pertinent.
Dangerous Kisses has several secondary characters that had important roles. Lavinia’s sister Larissa is a delight and Aunt Cynthia is the cool head. Maybe these two will get their own stories in future books. I think it would be really fun to match the in-charge Cynthia with Eric’s always-yelling-about-everything father. At any rate, there is an entire Guild of ladies, each with their own talents, to provide characters for coming stories.
The first book in the Guild of Hybrids series sets up a series based on strong women trying to help other women in a time when men had all the rights and privilages. I found Dangerous Kisses to be ever so slightly rough around the edges, but with a solid story and an unconventional, lovely romance.
Ms. Lake provided a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Whiskey With My Book.
September 30, 2016
I found Dangerous Kisses through NetGalley and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I had never read the author before, but I liked the cover (those red lips!) and the blurb sounded new and different, so I was excited to give it a read. That being said, I liked it, but not as much as I hoped.
The concept of a Guild of Hybrids is very new and different to me. It is a group made up of women at all levels of the social strata, each with their own secret skill or trade, and each bi-racial (unusual for a book set in Victorian England). They secretly work towards social justice and women’s liberation and their skills and cause almost lend a Steampunk vibe to the book. In fact, I think the author missed a chance to really move the book in that direction and open up a wide range of possibilities for the Guild. And, it is the Guild that employs our heroine, her aunt, and her sister – thus providing the opportunity for Lavinia and Eric to meet when she is hired to perform a job.
I enjoyed Lavinia and Larissa’s sisterly bond and banter, and as I mentioned, I really like the idea of the Guild. But, this book loses two stars for me because that was about all I enjoyed. Eric and Lavinia’s interactions seemed sporadic and unevenly paced. They needle and bait each other, then tumble into bed. She resists his proposals, then rushes into his arms. It is a constant yo-yo of resist and rush, but without any sort of conversation or shared experiences to back up that emotional play.
But, the main reason I am giving this book only 3 stars is that I felt wholly unsatisfied at the ending. Eric has railed and fought against her work, then suddenly accepts it. The villain is never brought to justice and her pawn sort of disappears into the Guild’s machinations. There are no concrete results for the reader except a Happily Ever After that felt stilted and forced. And, honestly, I was a little surprised at the ending when she reveals to gypsy blood, since in my head I had pictured her to be part Indian – a reasonable conclusion since there were discussions about India and the descriptions of Lavinia’s private chamber, costumes, and meditation techniques used.
In general, I enjoyed this book, as well as the author’s pintrest board showing her inspirations. I look forward to more books by this author and will keep my eye out for more from the Guild of Hybrids.
The concept of a Guild of Hybrids is very new and different to me. It is a group made up of women at all levels of the social strata, each with their own secret skill or trade, and each bi-racial (unusual for a book set in Victorian England). They secretly work towards social justice and women’s liberation and their skills and cause almost lend a Steampunk vibe to the book. In fact, I think the author missed a chance to really move the book in that direction and open up a wide range of possibilities for the Guild. And, it is the Guild that employs our heroine, her aunt, and her sister – thus providing the opportunity for Lavinia and Eric to meet when she is hired to perform a job.
I enjoyed Lavinia and Larissa’s sisterly bond and banter, and as I mentioned, I really like the idea of the Guild. But, this book loses two stars for me because that was about all I enjoyed. Eric and Lavinia’s interactions seemed sporadic and unevenly paced. They needle and bait each other, then tumble into bed. She resists his proposals, then rushes into his arms. It is a constant yo-yo of resist and rush, but without any sort of conversation or shared experiences to back up that emotional play.
But, the main reason I am giving this book only 3 stars is that I felt wholly unsatisfied at the ending. Eric has railed and fought against her work, then suddenly accepts it. The villain is never brought to justice and her pawn sort of disappears into the Guild’s machinations. There are no concrete results for the reader except a Happily Ever After that felt stilted and forced. And, honestly, I was a little surprised at the ending when she reveals to gypsy blood, since in my head I had pictured her to be part Indian – a reasonable conclusion since there were discussions about India and the descriptions of Lavinia’s private chamber, costumes, and meditation techniques used.
In general, I enjoyed this book, as well as the author’s pintrest board showing her inspirations. I look forward to more books by this author and will keep my eye out for more from the Guild of Hybrids.
June 24, 2016
Welcome to The Guild of Hybrids. A secret society of women of different , nationalities, social and economic standing.
that strives to help every women in need.
Lavinia Halls was on a mission, one that she accepted as a agent for The Guild of Hybrids. Her mission is to ruin Eric York, Viscount Mathieson, because of his treatment of his Fiance, Lady Clara. But from the beginning something felt wrong with this case, but she choose to ignore it, because she had been the wounded party in the past, and she would never want another women to feel her pain.
Eric York, Viscount Mathieson has called the end of his engagement to Lady Clara Stratton because she betrayed him. But he continues to keep a stiff upper lip even in society. Then Miss Lavinia Hall enters his world and the sparks between them ignite. But when Lavinia exposes their affair and causes a great scandal, Eric is left angry and maybe a little heart sick.
But the the world corrects itself and Eric and Lavinia get married, only to find themselves under attack, but this time Lavinia's life is in danger…but will the Guild and Eric get there in time to save her…
Normally I dislike historical romantic suspense books, but when I was reading the synopsis for Dangerous Kisses I knew I just had to read it, but after reading it, I found it was even more than I thought.
The characters were amazing! I loved Lavinia's independent spirit and her soft heart. I loved Eric's…well everything! His determination and his love for Lavinia. I will say that Larissa stole every seen that she was in! The writing was smooth and the decryption a were detailed and were to the point. The plot was brilliant! It literally grips you from the get go and I found that I couldn't put it down! The ending blew me away, I honestly didn't see it coming.
Dangerous Kisses is an amazing start for a new series and it leaves you breathless in anticipation for the next book.
I give Dangerous Kisses 5 stars!
that strives to help every women in need.
Lavinia Halls was on a mission, one that she accepted as a agent for The Guild of Hybrids. Her mission is to ruin Eric York, Viscount Mathieson, because of his treatment of his Fiance, Lady Clara. But from the beginning something felt wrong with this case, but she choose to ignore it, because she had been the wounded party in the past, and she would never want another women to feel her pain.
Eric York, Viscount Mathieson has called the end of his engagement to Lady Clara Stratton because she betrayed him. But he continues to keep a stiff upper lip even in society. Then Miss Lavinia Hall enters his world and the sparks between them ignite. But when Lavinia exposes their affair and causes a great scandal, Eric is left angry and maybe a little heart sick.
But the the world corrects itself and Eric and Lavinia get married, only to find themselves under attack, but this time Lavinia's life is in danger…but will the Guild and Eric get there in time to save her…
Normally I dislike historical romantic suspense books, but when I was reading the synopsis for Dangerous Kisses I knew I just had to read it, but after reading it, I found it was even more than I thought.
The characters were amazing! I loved Lavinia's independent spirit and her soft heart. I loved Eric's…well everything! His determination and his love for Lavinia. I will say that Larissa stole every seen that she was in! The writing was smooth and the decryption a were detailed and were to the point. The plot was brilliant! It literally grips you from the get go and I found that I couldn't put it down! The ending blew me away, I honestly didn't see it coming.
Dangerous Kisses is an amazing start for a new series and it leaves you breathless in anticipation for the next book.
I give Dangerous Kisses 5 stars!
September 2, 2016
I was very pleased to try out an historical romantic fiction novel. This was a new-to-me genre – I love historical dramas on TV and was looking forward to getting stuck into Dangerous Kisses.
On the surface this book had all the ingredients of an addictive read – Victorian England, intrigue, secret societies and scandal. Sadly, I was not immediately hooked as I had hoped.
I think the problem was that I did not engage with the leading female character – Lavinia. I did not find her impressive or inspiring, I found her irritating. I skipped through some of her endless self-analysis because it did not interest me and seemed repetitive. I even found her quite arrogant at times. I found it hard to believe that a leading member of such an established guild would not do her homework properly before embarking on a mission. This seemed to be at odds with Lavinia’s capable character and yet it is what the whole story hangs off.
In contrast, I thought that the male lead character, Eric, was superb and I loved the exchanges between him and his father in particular. I also liked Aunt Cynthia and felt that I was getting a fascinating glimpse into Victorian society which I thoroughly enjoyed. There are a few ‘bedroom’ scenes which I felt were handled well and fitted in perfectly with the plot.
I did sigh a lot about Lavinia’s ‘she’s in love but doesn’t realise it’ issues. This added an astonishing lack of self-awareness to her arrogance but perhaps I’m just not a romantic fiction fan!
On the plus side, the novel is perfectly paced and well written. I would love to read more books by Alice Lake because she weaves a great tale. I need to discover if I genuinely don’t have a taste for romantic fiction, or if it was just this character that annoyed me so much.
Reviewed by Sharon at www.whisperingstories.com
On the surface this book had all the ingredients of an addictive read – Victorian England, intrigue, secret societies and scandal. Sadly, I was not immediately hooked as I had hoped.
I think the problem was that I did not engage with the leading female character – Lavinia. I did not find her impressive or inspiring, I found her irritating. I skipped through some of her endless self-analysis because it did not interest me and seemed repetitive. I even found her quite arrogant at times. I found it hard to believe that a leading member of such an established guild would not do her homework properly before embarking on a mission. This seemed to be at odds with Lavinia’s capable character and yet it is what the whole story hangs off.
In contrast, I thought that the male lead character, Eric, was superb and I loved the exchanges between him and his father in particular. I also liked Aunt Cynthia and felt that I was getting a fascinating glimpse into Victorian society which I thoroughly enjoyed. There are a few ‘bedroom’ scenes which I felt were handled well and fitted in perfectly with the plot.
I did sigh a lot about Lavinia’s ‘she’s in love but doesn’t realise it’ issues. This added an astonishing lack of self-awareness to her arrogance but perhaps I’m just not a romantic fiction fan!
On the plus side, the novel is perfectly paced and well written. I would love to read more books by Alice Lake because she weaves a great tale. I need to discover if I genuinely don’t have a taste for romantic fiction, or if it was just this character that annoyed me so much.
Reviewed by Sharon at www.whisperingstories.com
September 19, 2016
Review to come.
July 31, 2016
Historical Romance
The Guild of Hybrids is a secret society that is dedicated to helping women in need and Miss Lavinia Halls is one of the members. Lavinia has a new terrified client and Lavinia is determined to make her client’s fiancé pay for his sins. She resolves to bring her assignment to a quick conclusion when she can’t take her eyes of the man’s kissable lips.
Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson wishes for nothing more than to distance himself from his treacherous fiancée. He soon finds himself in the clutches of the unconventional Miss Halls in his quest for distance. The woman is annoyingly persistent and also delectable and she seems intent on ruining his life no matter how hard he tries to thwart her attempts.
His determination to foil her plans is a match for her efforts to seek and destroy. Their struggles with each other soon collide in a scandal of enormous proportions. They seem to be fated together and they must now overcome danger, heartbreak, and ruin. Now they have to see if they will be able to survive their past and if their future together is doomed.
This is a very different historical book that proves to be very interesting and intriguing. It will pull readers into the book and will have them wanting to read the next book in the series. The story is character driven and proves to be a book that is very hard to put down once the reader starts it. It will be interesting to see where the next book goes and what happens in it. This is definitely an author to check out. The story also adds some humor to it and makes it fun to see what will happen next.
The Guild of Hybrids is a secret society that is dedicated to helping women in need and Miss Lavinia Halls is one of the members. Lavinia has a new terrified client and Lavinia is determined to make her client’s fiancé pay for his sins. She resolves to bring her assignment to a quick conclusion when she can’t take her eyes of the man’s kissable lips.
Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson wishes for nothing more than to distance himself from his treacherous fiancée. He soon finds himself in the clutches of the unconventional Miss Halls in his quest for distance. The woman is annoyingly persistent and also delectable and she seems intent on ruining his life no matter how hard he tries to thwart her attempts.
His determination to foil her plans is a match for her efforts to seek and destroy. Their struggles with each other soon collide in a scandal of enormous proportions. They seem to be fated together and they must now overcome danger, heartbreak, and ruin. Now they have to see if they will be able to survive their past and if their future together is doomed.
This is a very different historical book that proves to be very interesting and intriguing. It will pull readers into the book and will have them wanting to read the next book in the series. The story is character driven and proves to be a book that is very hard to put down once the reader starts it. It will be interesting to see where the next book goes and what happens in it. This is definitely an author to check out. The story also adds some humor to it and makes it fun to see what will happen next.
May 30, 2016
3.5 stars/3 flames
As a member of a secret society that assists women in need, Lavinia Hall has helped many unfortunate women but she has a gut feeling something is wrong about Lady Clara Stratton's request to ruin Lord Eric Mathieson. Against her better judgement she accepts the assignment but no good deed ever goes unpunished.
Lavinia is opinionated, stubborn, and very hard headed. She goes above and beyond in her attempts to ruin Eric and ends up learning he gives as good as he gets. Eric is courteous and proper..really a perfect pairing to Lavinia but there are many lies between them to resolve.
Lavinia and Eric's banter is the best part of the book! The veiled insults and implied misconduct lead to very heated discussions and places them in inappropriate situations. The byplay between these two reflect an attraction neither one is willing to acknowledge right away but with a little outside help who knows what can happen?
Dangerous Kisses was a good story but anticlimactic. Some scenes dragged out and others could have had a touch of suspense but the villain let the cat out of the bag beforehand. Overall, the characters had personality and the plot was executed with detailed precision.
Bambi Unbridled received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Julie H. for Bambi_Unbridled
http://www.bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com/
As a member of a secret society that assists women in need, Lavinia Hall has helped many unfortunate women but she has a gut feeling something is wrong about Lady Clara Stratton's request to ruin Lord Eric Mathieson. Against her better judgement she accepts the assignment but no good deed ever goes unpunished.
Lavinia is opinionated, stubborn, and very hard headed. She goes above and beyond in her attempts to ruin Eric and ends up learning he gives as good as he gets. Eric is courteous and proper..really a perfect pairing to Lavinia but there are many lies between them to resolve.
Lavinia and Eric's banter is the best part of the book! The veiled insults and implied misconduct lead to very heated discussions and places them in inappropriate situations. The byplay between these two reflect an attraction neither one is willing to acknowledge right away but with a little outside help who knows what can happen?
Dangerous Kisses was a good story but anticlimactic. Some scenes dragged out and others could have had a touch of suspense but the villain let the cat out of the bag beforehand. Overall, the characters had personality and the plot was executed with detailed precision.
Bambi Unbridled received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Julie H. for Bambi_Unbridled
http://www.bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com/
September 10, 2016
I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!
This was a good and quick read. We first meet Lavinia, a member on the guild of hybrids. This is a secret organization composed of women who help, defend, protect, get revenge on other women who have been hurt, in particularly by men. This guild was founded by a woman who was betrayed by a man she thought loved her. Women who join this society each have particular abilities that assist with their assignments. I wish there was more information about the founding of the guild and abilities. Lavinia takes an assignment from Lady Clara, who wants to ruin her "fiancee", claiming he has made her suffer. Lavinia takes this assignment, but is rather intrigued by Eric, Lord Mathieson. Eric broke engagement to Lady Clara because he found out the truth about who she really is. Lavinia goes out to ruin Eric, but they end up in a precarious situation which has consequences. They are attracted to each other by Lavinia has issues due to her past relations with a man, in which I wish there was a little more backstory to. When Eric finds out the truth about Lavinia's mission, he is angry with her and when he find out why she accepted his proposal after asking multiple times, passion erupts. They play a cat and mouse game, each trying to outdue the other, but in the end the power of love is stronger.
This was a good and quick read. We first meet Lavinia, a member on the guild of hybrids. This is a secret organization composed of women who help, defend, protect, get revenge on other women who have been hurt, in particularly by men. This guild was founded by a woman who was betrayed by a man she thought loved her. Women who join this society each have particular abilities that assist with their assignments. I wish there was more information about the founding of the guild and abilities. Lavinia takes an assignment from Lady Clara, who wants to ruin her "fiancee", claiming he has made her suffer. Lavinia takes this assignment, but is rather intrigued by Eric, Lord Mathieson. Eric broke engagement to Lady Clara because he found out the truth about who she really is. Lavinia goes out to ruin Eric, but they end up in a precarious situation which has consequences. They are attracted to each other by Lavinia has issues due to her past relations with a man, in which I wish there was a little more backstory to. When Eric finds out the truth about Lavinia's mission, he is angry with her and when he find out why she accepted his proposal after asking multiple times, passion erupts. They play a cat and mouse game, each trying to outdue the other, but in the end the power of love is stronger.
June 27, 2016
My Mini Thoughts
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Dangerous Kisses isn’t your run-of-the-mill historical romance. I love the time period, late Victorian era, and there was some suspense. That’s about all that I really enjoyed about this story. And there’s certainly a lot about Eric that I like, but Lavinia is not the heroine I thought her to be going in. I like badass girls. I love even more when there are badass girls looking out for the weak. And while Lavinia is both of those things, she’s also shady. She was always one step ahead and twisted things around, to where they didn’t make any sense. There is a lot of betrayal going on in this tale, and I would have liked to actually have a little more history to the story. There was a lot of cat and mouse between Eric and Lavinia, who can’t deny the attraction between them. The premise of this would have been a better historical account if it had weaved in more Women’s Acts that were very important to the time period; as that’s the whole point of the Guild of Hybrids. Overall, I liked all the excitement to the story, but I was hoping for a more historical tale. It almost felt modern at times. Somewhat recommended!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Dangerous Kisses isn’t your run-of-the-mill historical romance. I love the time period, late Victorian era, and there was some suspense. That’s about all that I really enjoyed about this story. And there’s certainly a lot about Eric that I like, but Lavinia is not the heroine I thought her to be going in. I like badass girls. I love even more when there are badass girls looking out for the weak. And while Lavinia is both of those things, she’s also shady. She was always one step ahead and twisted things around, to where they didn’t make any sense. There is a lot of betrayal going on in this tale, and I would have liked to actually have a little more history to the story. There was a lot of cat and mouse between Eric and Lavinia, who can’t deny the attraction between them. The premise of this would have been a better historical account if it had weaved in more Women’s Acts that were very important to the time period; as that’s the whole point of the Guild of Hybrids. Overall, I liked all the excitement to the story, but I was hoping for a more historical tale. It almost felt modern at times. Somewhat recommended!
April 15, 2016
Dangerous Kisses and loads of fun!
The Guild of Hybrids. What an intriguing group! Author Alice Lake has created a marvelous world full of secrets, danger, and not a little romance. Dangerous Kisses is the first book in the amazing series, and I am eagerly anticipating the rest of the series. Ms. Lake has created a highly dynamic world, and the characters are fun and engaging. I adored this novel. Ms. Lavinia Halls is a character I can definitely relate to, with skills few have and even fewer understand. Erik Yorke, Viscount Matheison is a dark and dangerous character, who will do anything he can to stop Ms. Halls machinations. When the two come together after a scandalous night, the hidden goals of an unknown terror come to be known. This is an outstanding novel that anyone seeking a thrilling read will love. I did receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Guild of Hybrids. What an intriguing group! Author Alice Lake has created a marvelous world full of secrets, danger, and not a little romance. Dangerous Kisses is the first book in the amazing series, and I am eagerly anticipating the rest of the series. Ms. Lake has created a highly dynamic world, and the characters are fun and engaging. I adored this novel. Ms. Lavinia Halls is a character I can definitely relate to, with skills few have and even fewer understand. Erik Yorke, Viscount Matheison is a dark and dangerous character, who will do anything he can to stop Ms. Halls machinations. When the two come together after a scandalous night, the hidden goals of an unknown terror come to be known. This is an outstanding novel that anyone seeking a thrilling read will love. I did receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2016
****ARC provided by NetGalley****
3.5 Stars!
What a surprising unique and enjoyable read. I didn't realize this was a historical read and I don't normally read those types but I liked it. Lavinia and Erica had good chemistry. Sub characters were pretty kick ass (Cynthia and Larissa)
What like about this story was that it had a "I am woman, hear me roar" type thing going on but in a good way. Historically women were viewed as "to be seen, not heard". The secret society helped women get out of bad arranged relationships while keeping their good reputation. The fun of it was that it had to be a secret and be all covert.
Each book in the series will feature a new character. But it's recommended to read this first.
3.5 Stars!
What a surprising unique and enjoyable read. I didn't realize this was a historical read and I don't normally read those types but I liked it. Lavinia and Erica had good chemistry. Sub characters were pretty kick ass (Cynthia and Larissa)
What like about this story was that it had a "I am woman, hear me roar" type thing going on but in a good way. Historically women were viewed as "to be seen, not heard". The secret society helped women get out of bad arranged relationships while keeping their good reputation. The fun of it was that it had to be a secret and be all covert.
Each book in the series will feature a new character. But it's recommended to read this first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews