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The Lost Lords #2
The Vanishing of Lord Vale
Book Two in the bestselling 'The Lost Lords' Series! Read for free in Kindle Unlimited!Elizabeth Masters has put her scandalous and painful past behind her. She’s taken a position as companion to the tragic Lady Vale and her primary duty is to dissuade the woman from believing that everyone from the butcher’s delivery boy to the ostler at an inn is her missing son. But a late night visit to an alleged mystic in the city of Bath results in near tragedy as Elizabeth is nearly abducted by ruffians waiting for them outside. They are rescued by a handsome and mysterious stranger who calls himself Benedict, the very name of Lady Vale’s lost son.Benedict has his own reasons for being in Bath—to locate his missing sister and see her safe once more. Waylaid by a pistol ball from the men who attacked Miss Masters, he finds himself dependent upon the assistance of Lady Vale to rescue his Mary. In exchange, he must consent to her investigation of his past to determine if he is, in fact, her missing son, an unlikely scenario in his mind. As their investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the danger they face, the attempted abduction of Elizabeth and Mary’s disappearance are all connected to the fateful night twenty-four years earlier when Lady Vale’s son was ripped from her arms, never to be seen again.Forced to work together, Benedict and Elizabeth cannot fight the attraction they feel for one another. Yet with every piece of evidence uncovered, the truth of Benedict’s identity threatens their burgeoning relationship… and the danger that brought them together looms larger at every turn.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2017
722 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
142 books525 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 13, 2020
4 excellent tale, could have used more juice stars
This book is the 2nd in the Lost Lords series by Chasity Bowlin, one of my fave HR authors because she tends to consistently delivery the goods, which for me include: strong story line, interesting and likeable characters, and some delish steam. In this case, it gave me 2.5/3.
Benedict Mason does not remember his true parents. When he was a small boy of around 4 years old, he was taken from his home and sold to a couple who said they were unable but wanted to have children of their own. It turns out that what his adoptive father really wanted was free labor while his adoptive mother wanted someone else for her husband to use as a punching bag. As they were masons by trade, Benedict never knew their surname as they were simply called by their occupation. After managing to finally flee his abusive family life, Benedict took along his adoptive sister, Mary - the only person he cares about in the world. He was able to rise from the stews to obtain ownership of a gaming hell where he has been able to provide a sheltered life for his beloved sister... until she went to visit a friend in Bath and is now missing without a trace. After gathering as much information as possible about her whereabouts prior to her abduction, Benedict has picked up somewhat of a trail by following a man who stands out in the decidedly homogeneous Bath population in his large size and general ruffian-esque appearance. When the suspicious man seems to be trailing another young lady, Benedict intervenes to save her from a fate much like his sister's, but ends up putting himself in harm's way and potentially stumbling upon the answer to the long ago, mysterious disappearance of a lord.
Elizabeth Masters is a paid companion to Lady Vale, a still very beautiful woman in her 40s that has endured more loss in her life than many could withstand. Elizabeth was hired by Lady Vale's brother-in-law to not only serve as a companion but also as a bit of a keeper, as he worries about Lady Vale's obsession with finding her son who was ripped from her arms 20+ years ago. Though most believe him to be dead, Lady Vale has never given up hope, and many have tried to take advantage of her unwillingness to give up hope by posing as her dearest son. Elizabeth's job is to ensure that her "charge" is not swindled by reporting back to her employer with any purported sightings of the missing Lord Vale. While she does not relish playing babysitter and spy, the position was the only one she could find after her reputation was shattered by a man she thought loved her, but who, in the end, destroyed her. Being able to stay in Bath instead of having to face those who recall her previous station in life is a relief, and Elizabeth is finally feeling as though her life can move forward... until she is accosted outside of a psychic's establishment after attending yet another reading with Lady Vale, a handsome stranger steps in to save her from certain peril. In the process, he is injured and is taken back to the manor where Lady Vale insists he belongs as she is convinced the man with the features so like her own is her long lost son. Benedict is equally certain he is not and does not wish to be Lord Vale - all he cares about is his sister's safe return. But after his rescue heroics, he is in need of recovery time, so he takes the crazy lady up on her offer of assistance. It also makes his stay more bearable to be in the company of Miss Masters, a woman he feels an instant spark and connection with. But whether or not he is the lost lord, there is no possibility of a future with Elizabeth either way - she is either too elevated for a gaming hell owner, or too "lower class" for a lost Viscount. As both of their pasts return with a vengeance and danger surrounds their every move, can they find a way to escape those pasts and be together despite their differences?
What I liked:
--- Fast-moving and interesting story line that kept me hooked to the end and wanting more
--- The main characters were likeable and had depth
--- There was mystery and intrigue galore throughout... and it didn't end with the epilogue so I have even more to look forward to!
What I didn't like as much:
--- A little heavy on the "thou doth protest too much" aspect - it was clear they liked each other, so the angsty aspect there (while not overly long) was a bit overplayed, imo
--- Only one dose of steamy goodness?! Don't do me like that :(
Overall, a strong story line that kept me glued to the pages to the end (though I would have liked a little more steamy goodness)!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This book is the 2nd in the Lost Lords series by Chasity Bowlin, one of my fave HR authors because she tends to consistently delivery the goods, which for me include: strong story line, interesting and likeable characters, and some delish steam. In this case, it gave me 2.5/3.
Benedict Mason does not remember his true parents. When he was a small boy of around 4 years old, he was taken from his home and sold to a couple who said they were unable but wanted to have children of their own. It turns out that what his adoptive father really wanted was free labor while his adoptive mother wanted someone else for her husband to use as a punching bag. As they were masons by trade, Benedict never knew their surname as they were simply called by their occupation. After managing to finally flee his abusive family life, Benedict took along his adoptive sister, Mary - the only person he cares about in the world. He was able to rise from the stews to obtain ownership of a gaming hell where he has been able to provide a sheltered life for his beloved sister... until she went to visit a friend in Bath and is now missing without a trace. After gathering as much information as possible about her whereabouts prior to her abduction, Benedict has picked up somewhat of a trail by following a man who stands out in the decidedly homogeneous Bath population in his large size and general ruffian-esque appearance. When the suspicious man seems to be trailing another young lady, Benedict intervenes to save her from a fate much like his sister's, but ends up putting himself in harm's way and potentially stumbling upon the answer to the long ago, mysterious disappearance of a lord.
Elizabeth Masters is a paid companion to Lady Vale, a still very beautiful woman in her 40s that has endured more loss in her life than many could withstand. Elizabeth was hired by Lady Vale's brother-in-law to not only serve as a companion but also as a bit of a keeper, as he worries about Lady Vale's obsession with finding her son who was ripped from her arms 20+ years ago. Though most believe him to be dead, Lady Vale has never given up hope, and many have tried to take advantage of her unwillingness to give up hope by posing as her dearest son. Elizabeth's job is to ensure that her "charge" is not swindled by reporting back to her employer with any purported sightings of the missing Lord Vale. While she does not relish playing babysitter and spy, the position was the only one she could find after her reputation was shattered by a man she thought loved her, but who, in the end, destroyed her. Being able to stay in Bath instead of having to face those who recall her previous station in life is a relief, and Elizabeth is finally feeling as though her life can move forward... until she is accosted outside of a psychic's establishment after attending yet another reading with Lady Vale, a handsome stranger steps in to save her from certain peril. In the process, he is injured and is taken back to the manor where Lady Vale insists he belongs as she is convinced the man with the features so like her own is her long lost son. Benedict is equally certain he is not and does not wish to be Lord Vale - all he cares about is his sister's safe return. But after his rescue heroics, he is in need of recovery time, so he takes the crazy lady up on her offer of assistance. It also makes his stay more bearable to be in the company of Miss Masters, a woman he feels an instant spark and connection with. But whether or not he is the lost lord, there is no possibility of a future with Elizabeth either way - she is either too elevated for a gaming hell owner, or too "lower class" for a lost Viscount. As both of their pasts return with a vengeance and danger surrounds their every move, can they find a way to escape those pasts and be together despite their differences?
What I liked:
--- Fast-moving and interesting story line that kept me hooked to the end and wanting more
--- The main characters were likeable and had depth
--- There was mystery and intrigue galore throughout... and it didn't end with the epilogue so I have even more to look forward to!
What I didn't like as much:
--- A little heavy on the "thou doth protest too much" aspect - it was clear they liked each other, so the angsty aspect there (while not overly long) was a bit overplayed, imo
--- Only one dose of steamy goodness?! Don't do me like that :(
Overall, a strong story line that kept me glued to the pages to the end (though I would have liked a little more steamy goodness)!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
February 14, 2020
Absolutely loving this series!!
January 17, 2018
The writing was good, the hero likeable, the heroine irritating and the plot far fetched and contrived....But the most disappointing aspect was this book was the huge cliff hanger at the end which I know have to wait years to be resolved in another book if it gets written. I hate that....I have too many loose ends in my life.....I don't need it in my books too....there should be a warning in the end of the book.....sigh. The things people will do to exploit others for money. If I ever decide to write I would never repay the loyalty of my fans but giving them one unsatisfactory ending after another just to stretch the series for more money.
July 2, 2024
This was an interesting read.
Stolen as a child. While looking for his missing sister, he comes across a young lady being abducted. He is injured and taken back to her employers home. Where the Lady Vale, now believes he is her missing son.
Kidnapping, mystery.
Stolen as a child. While looking for his missing sister, he comes across a young lady being abducted. He is injured and taken back to her employers home. Where the Lady Vale, now believes he is her missing son.
Kidnapping, mystery.
January 31, 2021
Setting aside her scandalous past and retreating from society, Elizabeth Masters has taken a position as companion to Lady Sarah Vale, though her real job is ensuring the lady doesn't get swindled by unscrupulous men claiming to be her long-missing son. But when an evening visit to a psychic sees Elizabeth nearly kidnapped, she's fortunately rescued by a dashing man who just so happens to be called Benedict, the name of Lady Vale's missing son, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the lady.
Benedict is in Bath searching for his missing adoptive sister. When he sees another woman being accosted, he steps in to help, receiving a pistol ball for his trouble. Weakened, he finds himself recovering in Lady Vale's home and dependent on her resources to continue the search for his sister, Mary. Lady Vale is happy to help, but only if Benedict agrees to also allow her investigator to look into his past and determine if he could truly be her son. Benedict thinks the idea ludicrous but goes along for his sister's sake.
As both investigations develop, it becomes increasingly clear that everything is connected to the night Lady Vale's son was kidnapped. As they work together, Benedict and Elizabeth find themselves yielding to the attraction simmering between them. But as it seems increasingly likely that Benedict truly is Lord Vale, their relationship is threatened and they are both still in danger from the fiend who started this whole mess.
This is another reread I'm visiting through audio. It's a fast-paced read with mystery and intrigue, and a disturbing peak into the dark world of human trafficking. Elizabeth was rather annoying given how caustic her manner was and her staunch refusal to think outside of herself or change her opinions at all was a bit tiresome, though I suppose her behavior was understandable given how everyone in her life had utterly failed her. Overall I found Benedict's character to be the saving point for this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between him and Elizabeth's employer. Benedict was a fine hero and I appreciated his resolve and lack of care for the opinion's of others. He knew what he wanted and went for it without question. I liked Benedict and Elizabeth as a couple and I'm looking forward to finally getting to Mary's story on this audio revisit.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Benedict is in Bath searching for his missing adoptive sister. When he sees another woman being accosted, he steps in to help, receiving a pistol ball for his trouble. Weakened, he finds himself recovering in Lady Vale's home and dependent on her resources to continue the search for his sister, Mary. Lady Vale is happy to help, but only if Benedict agrees to also allow her investigator to look into his past and determine if he could truly be her son. Benedict thinks the idea ludicrous but goes along for his sister's sake.
As both investigations develop, it becomes increasingly clear that everything is connected to the night Lady Vale's son was kidnapped. As they work together, Benedict and Elizabeth find themselves yielding to the attraction simmering between them. But as it seems increasingly likely that Benedict truly is Lord Vale, their relationship is threatened and they are both still in danger from the fiend who started this whole mess.
This is another reread I'm visiting through audio. It's a fast-paced read with mystery and intrigue, and a disturbing peak into the dark world of human trafficking. Elizabeth was rather annoying given how caustic her manner was and her staunch refusal to think outside of herself or change her opinions at all was a bit tiresome, though I suppose her behavior was understandable given how everyone in her life had utterly failed her. Overall I found Benedict's character to be the saving point for this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between him and Elizabeth's employer. Benedict was a fine hero and I appreciated his resolve and lack of care for the opinion's of others. He knew what he wanted and went for it without question. I liked Benedict and Elizabeth as a couple and I'm looking forward to finally getting to Mary's story on this audio revisit.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 13, 2018
I did enjoy this story but I found the ending unsatisfactory. It has a good plot and strong characters. I understand that Mary will appear in another story but I still find it unsatisfactory! The book ends too abruptly for my liking.
November 22, 2017
There are so many mysteries and loose threads in this work that it boggled my mind. I literally had to take a notebook and list the cast of characters in order to keep track. I enjoyed following along to try to solve the mysteries as they cropped up. However, it seemed that the romance element was forced and interfered with a good, unfolding mystery. Sometimes you just want to dive down the rabbit hole and not worry so much about relationships, especially the main one in this book.
Sarah Middlethorp, Lady Vale comes off as a vague, vacuous, and tragic figure. She has lost her only child by means of violent abduction and spent the past 24 years fruitlessly searching for him. She is the central figure in this circus and to my mind everyone else revolves around her and her loss. However, she's hardly on the page.
Hero
Benedict Mason is a self made man. He has risen from a thoroughly abusive childhood to become a wealthy gaming hell owner. His younger sister is missing and he is prepared to move heaven and earth to find her. I liked Benedict, but I didn't understand what he saw in the heroine. There was no chemistry. It seemed manufactured and forced.
Heroine
Elizabeth Masters gives the appearance of a meek and mild lady's companion to cover a secret prior life. I didn't find her to be either a likable or sympathetic heroine. I just did not care about her at all. Her story interfered with Sarah's in my opinion.
Hero's Sister
Mary Mason, Benedict's younger sister, intrigued me and I am happy to see that she will have a story at some point. Her independent spirit and self determination was evident in the small amount of exposition devoted to her plight.
Antagonists
The antagonists were legion once again. I found the same issue with THE LOST LORD OF CASTLE BLACK, there were so many bad guys, I needed a guide. There were even more, if not villains, unsavory parties, that it was difficult to track.
The ending left much to be desired. Again, I find hanging threads that are not clearly connected to the hanging threads that I identified from the last book. Frustrating! I imagine based on the future book listing that there is a master plan to pull all of these mysteries together and connect the dots.
If you don't mind waiting for all of the dots to connect in the end, give this series a try. I enjoyed reading both books, but after the second book, I'm noticing a pattern. I'm not quitting until it is done.
I received an ARC of this book in advance of publication and am happy to provide my honest review.
Sarah Middlethorp, Lady Vale comes off as a vague, vacuous, and tragic figure. She has lost her only child by means of violent abduction and spent the past 24 years fruitlessly searching for him. She is the central figure in this circus and to my mind everyone else revolves around her and her loss. However, she's hardly on the page.
Hero
Benedict Mason is a self made man. He has risen from a thoroughly abusive childhood to become a wealthy gaming hell owner. His younger sister is missing and he is prepared to move heaven and earth to find her. I liked Benedict, but I didn't understand what he saw in the heroine. There was no chemistry. It seemed manufactured and forced.
Heroine
Elizabeth Masters gives the appearance of a meek and mild lady's companion to cover a secret prior life. I didn't find her to be either a likable or sympathetic heroine. I just did not care about her at all. Her story interfered with Sarah's in my opinion.
Hero's Sister
Mary Mason, Benedict's younger sister, intrigued me and I am happy to see that she will have a story at some point. Her independent spirit and self determination was evident in the small amount of exposition devoted to her plight.
Antagonists
The antagonists were legion once again. I found the same issue with THE LOST LORD OF CASTLE BLACK, there were so many bad guys, I needed a guide. There were even more, if not villains, unsavory parties, that it was difficult to track.
The ending left much to be desired. Again, I find hanging threads that are not clearly connected to the hanging threads that I identified from the last book. Frustrating! I imagine based on the future book listing that there is a master plan to pull all of these mysteries together and connect the dots.
If you don't mind waiting for all of the dots to connect in the end, give this series a try. I enjoyed reading both books, but after the second book, I'm noticing a pattern. I'm not quitting until it is done.
I received an ARC of this book in advance of publication and am happy to provide my honest review.
November 14, 2018
There are words and phrases here that are contemporary in context which make this not so authentic given the Timeline (and may offend some true blue Regency and Historical romances readers) BUT the compelling writing and the storyline more than make up for the anomaly. The vicious and criminal~like activities of Lord Vale were the root cause of all the drama and conflict in this story. The Viscount thought he could out~wit another peer more vicious and really criminal than him and that caused him his son and heir. This ends with a cliff~hanger, though. Whatever happened to the Targaryen~like Mary?
January 19, 2024
Completely independent of the first book in the series. Perhaps more story driven than character driven, but there’s enough time spent that I liked and was rooting for the characters! Overall enjoyed this one better than the first. It does leave one plot line unresolved, hopefully to be picked up in the next in series.
… update… plot line resolved in book 5!!! geez Not a fan of this delayed gratification on the cliffhanger. We should care enough about the characters, and their stories, that just not mentioning then for three more books is a problem
… update… plot line resolved in book 5!!! geez Not a fan of this delayed gratification on the cliffhanger. We should care enough about the characters, and their stories, that just not mentioning then for three more books is a problem
July 3, 2020
Second book in the series although there are no ties/references to book 1. Very little dialog between H and h. More mystery than a romance read. H/h get their hea. Unsatisfying ending with cliffhangers for other characters and subplots. Not interested enough to continue in this series.
October 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book right up until the end. It ended VERY abruptly, and didn't tie up many (any) loose ends. It needed an epilogue at a minimum
December 2, 2017
This read was most intriguing. We all know you can’t rearrange the person you are by simply changing your hairstyle and clothes. Elizabeth Masters is determined to do just that. Her scandalous past no longer is a part of her. She seems prim and proper and does well in her new job, companion to Lady Vale. But...
Lady Vale is heart-broken, having searched for her abducted son for the last ten years. Her husband, Lord Vale, wouldn’t let her search for him, therefore she had to wait until after his death to try to find her dear boy. The trail has long been cold. She’s a woman who is weary of the search, but she doesn’t want to give up, even searching through unconventional means. Even when her brother-in-law saddles her with a companion to watch her actions (reporting back to him) for young men who would take advantage of her search.
Circumstances are quickly propelled forward when someone tries to abduct Elizabeth. Luckily, a young man, who had been looking for his sister, happened upon the abduction. He (his name is Benedict – coincidentally, the same name as Lady Vale’s son) aborts the abduction receiving a bullet. He’s taken back to Lady Vale’s home and cared for by Elizabeth.
Lady Vale is convinced the man is her long, lost son. Elizabeth sees him as an imposter. He doesn’t want to have anything to do with the mad old woman and Elizabeth who stirs his emotions. He needs to find his sister, Mary, and get back to the gaming hell he owns.
Bowlin writes a fast-paced, action-packed story keeping my interest. The story tells of the burgeoning relationship between Elizabeth (who just wants to go back to the prim and proper lady) and Benedict who’s led a life of hardship and has no particular liking for the ton.
The story shifts into high gear, as Benedict cares more for Elizabeth than he wants when Mary isn’t to be found, when men are sniffing around Elizabeth and those characters in play provide bits of information about the head pin who is responsible for trafficking of human flesh.
I’ve enjoyed reading this series. Bowlin’s stories are entertaining, with an edge of fear, danger, and mystery I love in a Regency/Victorian read.
Lady Vale is heart-broken, having searched for her abducted son for the last ten years. Her husband, Lord Vale, wouldn’t let her search for him, therefore she had to wait until after his death to try to find her dear boy. The trail has long been cold. She’s a woman who is weary of the search, but she doesn’t want to give up, even searching through unconventional means. Even when her brother-in-law saddles her with a companion to watch her actions (reporting back to him) for young men who would take advantage of her search.
Circumstances are quickly propelled forward when someone tries to abduct Elizabeth. Luckily, a young man, who had been looking for his sister, happened upon the abduction. He (his name is Benedict – coincidentally, the same name as Lady Vale’s son) aborts the abduction receiving a bullet. He’s taken back to Lady Vale’s home and cared for by Elizabeth.
Lady Vale is convinced the man is her long, lost son. Elizabeth sees him as an imposter. He doesn’t want to have anything to do with the mad old woman and Elizabeth who stirs his emotions. He needs to find his sister, Mary, and get back to the gaming hell he owns.
Bowlin writes a fast-paced, action-packed story keeping my interest. The story tells of the burgeoning relationship between Elizabeth (who just wants to go back to the prim and proper lady) and Benedict who’s led a life of hardship and has no particular liking for the ton.
The story shifts into high gear, as Benedict cares more for Elizabeth than he wants when Mary isn’t to be found, when men are sniffing around Elizabeth and those characters in play provide bits of information about the head pin who is responsible for trafficking of human flesh.
I’ve enjoyed reading this series. Bowlin’s stories are entertaining, with an edge of fear, danger, and mystery I love in a Regency/Victorian read.
December 7, 2017
I really enjoyed The Vanishing of Lord Vale, The Lost Lords Book 2. The story is just filled with unexplained mysteries, and unexpected events. It is almost like a tapestry being sawn... knots and loose threads one one side yet a lovely tapestry on the other. All 4 of what I think of as the main characters have experienced extraordinary tragedies in their earlier lives, which have affected the outcome they’ve experienced as the people/characters they are at the time of the story. It is virtually impossible to change who you are as a person after your past experiences have had a effect on you. I don’t like to give away the story, but suffice it to say, a Mother’s Love and grief is not easily understood by others, therefore a Lady Vale had reason to be the ever hopeful character looking for her son. I thought this was a very good read. I will say, to me, the authors main concentration is centered on her characters and their emotional make up and responses more so than the exterior location of the story,. That however made perfect sense to me, but may not to others who are use to tying the story to real life events or social morays of the time.
August 3, 2020
I purchased this as part of a bundle the author offered called THE LOST LORDS BOX SET: Books 1-3.
This was a 5 star read for me until the ending. Our H's sister is kidnapped, escapes only to be abducted again and it ends. The poor H has no idea where she is and we are left with a cliffhanger for the sister. Her story is in book 5 of the series called THE MYSTERY OF MISS MASON. It is also part of a bundle called THE LOST LORDS BOX SET: Books 4-6.
Couple stories within a story. Part of the story, the H was kidnapped as a child and 24 years later, may or may not be Lord Vale. Another part of the story is about human trafficking of women and children. Rape of innocents, off page, many nasty villains throughout the story.
I found the story very suspenseful and held my interest from beginning until the ending. Great main and secondary character's to keep the story from dragging.
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5.
No cliffhanger for our couple, but is for the H's sister, no cheating, HEA but not a smooth road, some romance and a tad of spice. We are not informed how Society viewed the H/h either. Still packs a punch for a story. (ljb)
This was a 5 star read for me until the ending. Our H's sister is kidnapped, escapes only to be abducted again and it ends. The poor H has no idea where she is and we are left with a cliffhanger for the sister. Her story is in book 5 of the series called THE MYSTERY OF MISS MASON. It is also part of a bundle called THE LOST LORDS BOX SET: Books 4-6.
Couple stories within a story. Part of the story, the H was kidnapped as a child and 24 years later, may or may not be Lord Vale. Another part of the story is about human trafficking of women and children. Rape of innocents, off page, many nasty villains throughout the story.
I found the story very suspenseful and held my interest from beginning until the ending. Great main and secondary character's to keep the story from dragging.
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5.
No cliffhanger for our couple, but is for the H's sister, no cheating, HEA but not a smooth road, some romance and a tad of spice. We are not informed how Society viewed the H/h either. Still packs a punch for a story. (ljb)
July 29, 2025
Is Benedict the missing Lord Vale?
Twenty years ago Lady Vale had her young son snatched from her arms to try and persuade her husband to return a blackmailer’s notebook.
Now in Bath a lady Vale and her companion Elizabeth Masters have made contact with a medium who claims to have knowledge of his existence. When they visit they are accosted outside the house and Benedict comes to their rescue. He is injured in the process and Lady Vale insists that he be taken to their home to recover.
He looks exactly as her son would have done had he not been snatched.
Gradually the truth of Benedict’s past is revealed as is a dreadful trade in young women which emanates from the house used by the medium.
This was another excellent story in the Lost Lords series. I just hope we discover what has happened to young Mary!
Twenty years ago Lady Vale had her young son snatched from her arms to try and persuade her husband to return a blackmailer’s notebook.
Now in Bath a lady Vale and her companion Elizabeth Masters have made contact with a medium who claims to have knowledge of his existence. When they visit they are accosted outside the house and Benedict comes to their rescue. He is injured in the process and Lady Vale insists that he be taken to their home to recover.
He looks exactly as her son would have done had he not been snatched.
Gradually the truth of Benedict’s past is revealed as is a dreadful trade in young women which emanates from the house used by the medium.
This was another excellent story in the Lost Lords series. I just hope we discover what has happened to young Mary!
March 21, 2024
Far Superior to Book 1
I listened to the audiobook version of this title. The same narrator, but a far better representation of the various characters, male and female. (Although her pronunciation of “hyperbole” and “caché” were curious…)
Also a much better storyline. (Except for one confusing/unresolved outcome).
Although this is a Regency Romance, the story is very much on the edge of Beau Monde, so there’s no society scenes; Balls, Hookum Library, Pump Room, etc. however, despite being mainly about one family, it isn’t claustrophobic or stiflingly insular.
I would actually recommend starting with this book, but as the series is part of the Plus Catalogue, I don’t suppose that it matters.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title. The same narrator, but a far better representation of the various characters, male and female. (Although her pronunciation of “hyperbole” and “caché” were curious…)
Also a much better storyline. (Except for one confusing/unresolved outcome).
Although this is a Regency Romance, the story is very much on the edge of Beau Monde, so there’s no society scenes; Balls, Hookum Library, Pump Room, etc. however, despite being mainly about one family, it isn’t claustrophobic or stiflingly insular.
I would actually recommend starting with this book, but as the series is part of the Plus Catalogue, I don’t suppose that it matters.
May 9, 2024
The missing Vicsount
Benedict and his sister Nancy had a difficult life with their adoptive parents but through hard work and determination he was now able to provide for them. When he goes to Bath to check on his sister he finds she is missing. His search brings him in contact with Lady Vale who is searching for her son and Elizabeth her hired companion. Their stories come together in a puzzle that is exciting to watch unfold. When the situation is most dire Mr Middlethorpe arrives on the scene. I was captivated by him. I think he deserves his own books!
I was disappointed in the end because I thought there were issues left unsettled. No spoilers. I still enjoyed reading this tale of a son restored.
Benedict and his sister Nancy had a difficult life with their adoptive parents but through hard work and determination he was now able to provide for them. When he goes to Bath to check on his sister he finds she is missing. His search brings him in contact with Lady Vale who is searching for her son and Elizabeth her hired companion. Their stories come together in a puzzle that is exciting to watch unfold. When the situation is most dire Mr Middlethorpe arrives on the scene. I was captivated by him. I think he deserves his own books!
I was disappointed in the end because I thought there were issues left unsettled. No spoilers. I still enjoyed reading this tale of a son restored.
November 28, 2017
A young boy abducted from his mother, a mother that will never end searching and the mystery of missing women. Sarah Vale will never stop searching for her son, Benedict, stolen due to her wastrel of a husband. Saving Lady Vale's companion from an abduction, Benedict is the presumed son and heir. Elizabeth, hired by Sarah's former brother in law, is appreciative and skeptical. As all the players begin to piece together the past, the present is much clearer.
There were so many characters in this book. The mystery was wonderful, but the story faltered at times. The ending-even though there is an Epilogue-seemed abrupt.
There were so many characters in this book. The mystery was wonderful, but the story faltered at times. The ending-even though there is an Epilogue-seemed abrupt.
December 8, 2023
3.50 / 3 Stars
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Elizabeth & Benedict
What happened to Mary? Benedict started out within this story trying to find out who took his adopted sister Mary, and where is she now. In the meantime he happens to be there when there was another attempted kidnapping, this time of Elizabeth. Naturally he stops it. Only to discover he could be the lost son of the lady Elizabeth is a companion for. A lot of convoluted ways & connections give us the history of Benedict and who was involved in his own kidnapping as a child.
I enjoyed the story, but dinged it down to 3 Stars because of the blaring question....What happened to Mary in the end?
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Elizabeth & Benedict
What happened to Mary? Benedict started out within this story trying to find out who took his adopted sister Mary, and where is she now. In the meantime he happens to be there when there was another attempted kidnapping, this time of Elizabeth. Naturally he stops it. Only to discover he could be the lost son of the lady Elizabeth is a companion for. A lot of convoluted ways & connections give us the history of Benedict and who was involved in his own kidnapping as a child.
I enjoyed the story, but dinged it down to 3 Stars because of the blaring question....What happened to Mary in the end?
May 16, 2018
Loved the book, from first page til the last
Elizabeth and Benedict story twists and turns and will keep you interested in finding out where the story line is heading. There are additional story lines involved, and you find yourself being drawn into their lives as well. This is not a book on just romance which changes things up a bit and I find that really enjoy how this author keeps things fresh and interesting between her characters and novels. I would recommend and you may find this author style will draw you in as well.
Elizabeth and Benedict story twists and turns and will keep you interested in finding out where the story line is heading. There are additional story lines involved, and you find yourself being drawn into their lives as well. This is not a book on just romance which changes things up a bit and I find that really enjoy how this author keeps things fresh and interesting between her characters and novels. I would recommend and you may find this author style will draw you in as well.
June 25, 2018
Very Good Read! 4 to 4 1/2 Stars!
Of the three Lost Lords books, this second one is my favorite. Chastity Bowlin succeeds at drawing one into this story and not letting up until the end. In The Vanishing of Lord Vale, a tragedy at the beginning turns into a story of reclamation (our hero) and redemption (our heroine) by the end. Mix in mystery, danger, and some reprehensible characters. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end regarding one of the secondary characters, which I trust will be resolved by the author in a later series. This is no way detracts from the HEA of this story.
Of the three Lost Lords books, this second one is my favorite. Chastity Bowlin succeeds at drawing one into this story and not letting up until the end. In The Vanishing of Lord Vale, a tragedy at the beginning turns into a story of reclamation (our hero) and redemption (our heroine) by the end. Mix in mystery, danger, and some reprehensible characters. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end regarding one of the secondary characters, which I trust will be resolved by the author in a later series. This is no way detracts from the HEA of this story.
December 7, 2021
Gone but not forgotten
Brilliantly written, reminiscent of the initial plot in book one, but well worth reading further to find the differences. A young mother who's child is taken from her arms in her home and her companion, hired to protect her nearly two decades later, whose life was shattered by a faithless man, find themselves caught up in the dark world of human trafficking. Her employer's life centers around continued efforts to recover her son, knowing in her heart that he still lives.
Spellbinding.
Brilliantly written, reminiscent of the initial plot in book one, but well worth reading further to find the differences. A young mother who's child is taken from her arms in her home and her companion, hired to protect her nearly two decades later, whose life was shattered by a faithless man, find themselves caught up in the dark world of human trafficking. Her employer's life centers around continued efforts to recover her son, knowing in her heart that he still lives.
Spellbinding.
July 4, 2018
A nice story.
The stories that CB writes are always interesting. The only problem that I have is that they aren't edited or proofed! This is the second book of hers that has remarked on wolves being in the wild in the UK! They were hunted to extinction hundred of years before the Regency! Plus all the other errors in spelling and omissions.
This is the story of a lost lord, a disgraced girl and hundreds of stolen girls. It's good but spoilt by the errors.
The stories that CB writes are always interesting. The only problem that I have is that they aren't edited or proofed! This is the second book of hers that has remarked on wolves being in the wild in the UK! They were hunted to extinction hundred of years before the Regency! Plus all the other errors in spelling and omissions.
This is the story of a lost lord, a disgraced girl and hundreds of stolen girls. It's good but spoilt by the errors.
November 15, 2019
The Vanishing of Lord Vale
This a well written story. It holds your interest, wondering what is happening next. Lady Vale has been searching for her son, Benedict, for twenty years. He was torn from her arms when he was only 4 yers old. Lady Vale and her companion, Elizabeth, went to a mystic, seeking information about her son. You will need to read this story, it contains much excitement and can’t wait to see what happens next.
This a well written story. It holds your interest, wondering what is happening next. Lady Vale has been searching for her son, Benedict, for twenty years. He was torn from her arms when he was only 4 yers old. Lady Vale and her companion, Elizabeth, went to a mystic, seeking information about her son. You will need to read this story, it contains much excitement and can’t wait to see what happens next.
April 10, 2022
interesting
I was very interested in how this story was going to proceed. I really like this author and love forward to reading her books as well as the story of “Mary”.
This particular story of the lost Duke was started well enough but I felt it dragged in the middle. The story picked up about 3/4 and raced to the end. I really didn’t feel that it was finished but hey
Another lost lord….
I was very interested in how this story was going to proceed. I really like this author and love forward to reading her books as well as the story of “Mary”.
This particular story of the lost Duke was started well enough but I felt it dragged in the middle. The story picked up about 3/4 and raced to the end. I really didn’t feel that it was finished but hey
Another lost lord….
December 4, 2017
SLOW, SOFT ROMANCE
With just a hint of mystery, this is a nice book to read if you want something slow and easy. While there is a mystery built into the plot, the suspense is underplayed and soft. The characters are only as full as they need to be, and the scenery is neglected almost to the point of being absent. Overall, it is a decent book, but second tier.
With just a hint of mystery, this is a nice book to read if you want something slow and easy. While there is a mystery built into the plot, the suspense is underplayed and soft. The characters are only as full as they need to be, and the scenery is neglected almost to the point of being absent. Overall, it is a decent book, but second tier.
January 3, 2018
Great book
The book was virtually unput downable from the beginning she certainly knows how to keep the interest page after page it was cleverly orchestrated from start to finish weaving the characters in and out I'm so glad there are more books in the series can't wait for February and the next one a very fine author on par with the greats
The book was virtually unput downable from the beginning she certainly knows how to keep the interest page after page it was cleverly orchestrated from start to finish weaving the characters in and out I'm so glad there are more books in the series can't wait for February and the next one a very fine author on par with the greats
April 1, 2018
An Enjoyable Historical Romance
I really enjoyed reading this book. There was something slightly incomplete about the ending, and I hope the author tells us more about Mary in the next book. This story tells of a lost lord and an evil one. Can the lost lord be found? Can the evil one be defeated? You must read this historical romance filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There was something slightly incomplete about the ending, and I hope the author tells us more about Mary in the next book. This story tells of a lost lord and an evil one. Can the lost lord be found? Can the evil one be defeated? You must read this historical romance filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue.
May 16, 2018
The Vanishing of Lord Vale (Book 2) By Chasity Bowlin
Five stars, love this story!!...good mystery hints of sensually and hopefully a continuation in book 3..Benedict and Elizabeth different but yet set in the same cast..Was he the the lost son?..Human trafficking of women this novel touch on a lot..But it had a good ending, with a sequel
Five stars, love this story!!...good mystery hints of sensually and hopefully a continuation in book 3..Benedict and Elizabeth different but yet set in the same cast..Was he the the lost son?..Human trafficking of women this novel touch on a lot..But it had a good ending, with a sequel
June 16, 2019
Good HEA gothic romance but there were a few loose ends. Sister Mary is kidnapped and escapes but her rescuer is not explained. I thought that it was the lead in to another Lost Lord story but doesn't seem to be or I haven't found it yet. Other than that it was a very good quick read with a lot of suspense.
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