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Ladies of the Order #1
The Devereaux Affair
Two lonely children form a bond.
As the daughter of a famed courtesan, Julianna de Lacy had seen more than her share of heartbreak. As a child, her own heart was broken the night her mother dragged her from the Marquess Devereaux’s mansion and forced her into a stranger’s carriage. It was not the fear of meeting her mother’s new lover that had Julianna sobbing, but the fact she was leaving Bennet Devereaux—the marquess’ young son and Julianna’s only friend. Their parting words became a mantra she recited every night before bed.
Promise you’ll find me when you’re old enough.
Promise you’ll return if you can.
Two promises made and broken.
Someone is trying to kill Bennet Devereaux. The twenty-seven-year-old marquess has received copies of his obituary, witnessed two staged murder scenes and fears the third might be his last. Desperate to uncover the culprit, he seeks to hire an enquiry agent. Imagine his surprise when the only available agent is a woman—a woman who was once his childhood friend and confidante.
Two people thrown together by fate.
Bennet and Julianna must find the villain before it’s too late. But the deep bond they forged as children quickly develops into an intense attraction. How will they navigate these uncharted waters when Julianna refuses to be any man’s mistress? What options are left for Bennet when he can’t make a courtesan’s daughter his wife?
Find out in The Devereaux Affair - Ladies of the Order Book 1
As the daughter of a famed courtesan, Julianna de Lacy had seen more than her share of heartbreak. As a child, her own heart was broken the night her mother dragged her from the Marquess Devereaux’s mansion and forced her into a stranger’s carriage. It was not the fear of meeting her mother’s new lover that had Julianna sobbing, but the fact she was leaving Bennet Devereaux—the marquess’ young son and Julianna’s only friend. Their parting words became a mantra she recited every night before bed.
Promise you’ll find me when you’re old enough.
Promise you’ll return if you can.
Two promises made and broken.
Someone is trying to kill Bennet Devereaux. The twenty-seven-year-old marquess has received copies of his obituary, witnessed two staged murder scenes and fears the third might be his last. Desperate to uncover the culprit, he seeks to hire an enquiry agent. Imagine his surprise when the only available agent is a woman—a woman who was once his childhood friend and confidante.
Two people thrown together by fate.
Bennet and Julianna must find the villain before it’s too late. But the deep bond they forged as children quickly develops into an intense attraction. How will they navigate these uncharted waters when Julianna refuses to be any man’s mistress? What options are left for Bennet when he can’t make a courtesan’s daughter his wife?
Find out in The Devereaux Affair - Ladies of the Order Book 1
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2021
328 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Adele Clee
56 books532 followersAdele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
dnf
August 23, 2022Too much talk of mistresses and past relationships
June 18, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up!
Daughter of an infamous courtesan, Julianna Eden has known pain and doesn’t trust easily. Her heart has been damaged since her mother forced her to leave Witherdeen, home of the Marquess Deveraux, and his son, her beloved childhood friend. Bennet Deveraux had been Julianna’s only friend then and he still is now, even if they didn’t keep their promises to find each other again.
Now the Marquess himself, Bennet is receiving disturbing obituaries detailing his own death and grisly scenes around his estate make it obvious someone wants him dead. With the threats escalating, Bennet decides it’s time to hire an inquiry agent and is shocked when said agent turns out to be his childhood friend.
Thrown together amidst painful memories, Bennet and Julianna must work together to identify the villain before the incidents escalate. It quickly becomes apparent that their childhood bond is still intact and has now grown into an adult attraction. But Julianna refuses to follow in her mother’s footsteps by becoming any man’s mistress and society would never accept her as Bennet’s wife.
I’m so happy we’re getting more stories of the Order. I loved the childhood friends to lovers angle and the gothic tinged mystery elements really worked here. Daventry is delightful as a shrewd matchmaker and master of solving mysteries and his machinations were very entertaining. Julianna did frustrate me with her tendency to pull away from Bennet, even to the detriment of the case, and it took him a little long to come to his senses. Thankfully, Daventry was there to force Bennet to admit what he already knew in his heart to be true, and everything came together very nicely. As always, the mystery was well plotted and kept me turning pages and flying through this one. This spinoff is off to a splendid start, and I look forward to the next story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Daughter of an infamous courtesan, Julianna Eden has known pain and doesn’t trust easily. Her heart has been damaged since her mother forced her to leave Witherdeen, home of the Marquess Deveraux, and his son, her beloved childhood friend. Bennet Deveraux had been Julianna’s only friend then and he still is now, even if they didn’t keep their promises to find each other again.
Now the Marquess himself, Bennet is receiving disturbing obituaries detailing his own death and grisly scenes around his estate make it obvious someone wants him dead. With the threats escalating, Bennet decides it’s time to hire an inquiry agent and is shocked when said agent turns out to be his childhood friend.
Thrown together amidst painful memories, Bennet and Julianna must work together to identify the villain before the incidents escalate. It quickly becomes apparent that their childhood bond is still intact and has now grown into an adult attraction. But Julianna refuses to follow in her mother’s footsteps by becoming any man’s mistress and society would never accept her as Bennet’s wife.
I’m so happy we’re getting more stories of the Order. I loved the childhood friends to lovers angle and the gothic tinged mystery elements really worked here. Daventry is delightful as a shrewd matchmaker and master of solving mysteries and his machinations were very entertaining. Julianna did frustrate me with her tendency to pull away from Bennet, even to the detriment of the case, and it took him a little long to come to his senses. Thankfully, Daventry was there to force Bennet to admit what he already knew in his heart to be true, and everything came together very nicely. As always, the mystery was well plotted and kept me turning pages and flying through this one. This spinoff is off to a splendid start, and I look forward to the next story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
June 28, 2021
Bloody hell! Bennet couldn't kiss her deeply enough or passionately enough to satisfy his craving. He'd never wanted a woman the way he wanted her. They were connected. Their hearts and souls entwined in ways that defied logic.
4 stars!
Even though I love Adele's writing and her ability to weave a great mystery into a heartwarming romance, I have to say that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I wanted to, simply because I'm not a fan of certain tropes contained within this novel. Julianna is a widow, and even though she has no affection for her former husband, the widow trope is something I usually avoid. There was also a lot of talk about Bennet's former mistresses--one in particular plays a fairly big role in the storyline--and while I understand this was the norm for Society bachelors at that time, I don't enjoy reading about it over and over.
Nevertheless, Adele succeeded in pulling me into the story and the mystery surrounding the multiple attempts on Bennet's life. The romance between Bennet and Julianna was a slow-burn, but the chemistry and attraction between them was undeniable. My heart broke for Julianna and all that she's been through, although I wanted to shake her after some of the poor decisions she made. Bennet was a sweet and passionate hero who was determined not to let Julianna slip through his fingers once again, and I loved his devotion to Julianna. The mystery kept me guessing the entire way through, and the ending was so sweet. I'm so stoked to read about Rachel and Hunter's book next as it sounds especially promising! ♡
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
June 27, 2022
Loved this book— the storytelling, the writing and the characters. This is my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed. Someone recommended this book in one of the groups I follow. So glad I read it. I like this author’s approach to the love story. The characters are honest… there are no trite misunderstandings for the plot, nor holding back information to create unnecessary drama in the story. The plot centered around a mystery and threat to the Hero, the heroine helping him solve it. The love story then revolved around these themes. It felt natural and honest. Too often authors use the cop out themes to create conflicts in their books— misunderstandings and arguing for no reason. There was none of that here. This was a substantive story with multiple layers in the plot and both main characters acting like adults. It was refreshing! Now I plan to read this entire series and all books by this author!
September 7, 2021
London, England. 1824. Adele Clee’s The Devereaux Affair (Ladies of the Order #1) finds 27 year old Marquess Devereaux at the townhouse of the Order, “a group of enquiry agents who help victim of crimes….”. The master of the Order is Mr. Daventry, who develops certain ideas where & when he hires his agents. His latest plan is to hire young women who through no fault of their own may be headed for “debtor’s prison” or “the workhouse”. Hurray for Mr. Daventry! He realizes that women have a brain, and in 1824 that is an unbelievably revolutionary idea. Julianna de Lacy and Bennet Devereaux had been best friends when they were young. They lost touch with one another for 17 years. Reason for Marquess’s visit to the Order: The present Marquess has been receiving his own obituary notices. Why? The enquiry agent, Julianna, is hired to uncover whom and why the Marquess is in this situation, but there is 1 major difficulty plus the reputation of her mother as a well-known courtesan becomes attached to her daughter. Does Mr. Daventry have all under control? Please remember the class system is entrenched within society during the Regency Period. The author handles the ‘sticky’ business beautifully. Very enjoyable! 4.5 stars
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May 5, 2023DNF at 46%
Some things and the way the author wrote about them rubbed me the wrong way. I do not like the marquess at all. The leading lady is okay. Overall, I lost interest in continuing.
Some things and the way the author wrote about them rubbed me the wrong way. I do not like the marquess at all. The leading lady is okay. Overall, I lost interest in continuing.
October 5, 2021
Ok
I had problems believing this book at several points. The heroine does the stupid thing to endanger herself and has to be rescued - not a ploy I’m fond of. The way the sexy bits were mixed with the story felt awkward. I would not read more by this author.
Spoiler Alert****
He’s loved & missed her and only chose mistresses that looked like her but he’s never once in 17 years looked for her?? Too inconsistent
Her conviction to keep him at arms length seems to last less than an hour making her appear weak.
Having friends like the hero does makes him appear dissipated and the opposite of serious.
They are looking for a spy, but the heroine doesn’t seem to investigate the man she immediately mistrusts.
Of course I had great trouble with the ending. The hero senses danger & leaves the heroine alone. The heroine sees the villain and confronts them alone when help is so nearby. Making idiots of them both.
I had problems believing this book at several points. The heroine does the stupid thing to endanger herself and has to be rescued - not a ploy I’m fond of. The way the sexy bits were mixed with the story felt awkward. I would not read more by this author.
Spoiler Alert****
He’s loved & missed her and only chose mistresses that looked like her but he’s never once in 17 years looked for her?? Too inconsistent
Her conviction to keep him at arms length seems to last less than an hour making her appear weak.
Having friends like the hero does makes him appear dissipated and the opposite of serious.
They are looking for a spy, but the heroine doesn’t seem to investigate the man she immediately mistrusts.
Of course I had great trouble with the ending. The hero senses danger & leaves the heroine alone. The heroine sees the villain and confronts them alone when help is so nearby. Making idiots of them both.
June 29, 2021
WOW!! Adele Clee knows how to weave an intricate tale of heartbreak, intrigue and a fast paced mystery. Bennet has never forgotten the little girl that was much more than his playmate she was his soulmate! A promise broken that was never really forgotten. Julianna had never forgotten Bennet and the promise they once had made, but as the years came and went Julianna’s life was forever altered when her mother sold her to the highest bidder. From there her life only got worse until the day her husband died. A captivating story that kept me entertained and itching to find out the truth, I can’t wait to read the next one!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion freely given.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion freely given.
July 1, 2021
London 1824
"Julianna pressed her palm to the glass. "Promise you'll find me when you are old enough." But she knew she would never see Bennet Devereaux again."
That happened 17 years ago, when she had to flee with her mother from Bennet's home when they were children. Now she was coming face to face with him after all that time... and he had never tried to find her...
Bennett had never forgotten her and had never had a friend like Julianna. Why had she never come to visit him? Of course he had not tried to find her either. They were on different levels of society.
So happy to see this new series which ties in with the fabulous "Gentlemen of the Order!" One of my favorite authors, Adele Clee is in her element, weaving together a story full of angst, mystery, drama and a love that could not be denied. I cannot wait for the next in this series and I hope you read this story and anything Adele has written. You can thank me later!!
"Julianna pressed her palm to the glass. "Promise you'll find me when you are old enough." But she knew she would never see Bennet Devereaux again."
That happened 17 years ago, when she had to flee with her mother from Bennet's home when they were children. Now she was coming face to face with him after all that time... and he had never tried to find her...
Bennett had never forgotten her and had never had a friend like Julianna. Why had she never come to visit him? Of course he had not tried to find her either. They were on different levels of society.
So happy to see this new series which ties in with the fabulous "Gentlemen of the Order!" One of my favorite authors, Adele Clee is in her element, weaving together a story full of angst, mystery, drama and a love that could not be denied. I cannot wait for the next in this series and I hope you read this story and anything Adele has written. You can thank me later!!
June 21, 2021
Couldn't put this down!
In this first of the series story we follow Julianna and Bennet who are lucky enough to have a second chance at love.
It is filled with a mystery to be solved, a beautiful love story and well thought out, wonderful (and some not so wonderful) characters who allow us into their lives and loves.
I loved how strong Julianna is and also how once Bennet sees her again, he just won't let go.
I have enjoyed this book so much and am looking forward to the next one in this series.
I read an Advance Reader Copy and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
In this first of the series story we follow Julianna and Bennet who are lucky enough to have a second chance at love.
It is filled with a mystery to be solved, a beautiful love story and well thought out, wonderful (and some not so wonderful) characters who allow us into their lives and loves.
I loved how strong Julianna is and also how once Bennet sees her again, he just won't let go.
I have enjoyed this book so much and am looking forward to the next one in this series.
I read an Advance Reader Copy and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
July 3, 2021
Loved it
What an amazing story to begin a new series from a spin-off series.. I can say that I was captivated by the characters from beginning of the story.. The heartbreak of them losing each other as children then finding each other again to work a case that involves saving his life. With the help of a character who we met in previous series they manage to solve the case and rekindle their love.. I look forward to the next book in this series
What an amazing story to begin a new series from a spin-off series.. I can say that I was captivated by the characters from beginning of the story.. The heartbreak of them losing each other as children then finding each other again to work a case that involves saving his life. With the help of a character who we met in previous series they manage to solve the case and rekindle their love.. I look forward to the next book in this series
June 20, 2021
This is the first book of Ladies of the Order and a great start for others to follow. I loved this story as it tells of two children who were close friends, were ripped apart for seventeen years and are not reunited. Julianna, an agent of the Order, is chosen to assist Bennet, the Marquess of Devereaux, in finding out who wants him dead. It is a great love story with a mystery that needs solving. The story is well written and catches your attention in trying to figure out who the villains are in this story. The feelings between Julianna and Bennet have never waived all through the years of separation and are now too intense to ignore. This is a great story that is worth your time to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Never a dull moment from Adele Clee’s pen, alway intrigue, passion and romance.
This author ticks all my boxes, in the required section of my brain.
The Devereaux Affair/ Ladies of the Order, is a new series but is closely linked to The Gentleman of the Order.
Many of the same characters inhabit this world and are on hand to help our ladies in their work.
Our heroine is a Courtesan’s daughter and her childhood friend is our hero.
The storyline centres around these two and their relationship, as children separated, and then onto the adult lives as they meet again in very tense situations.
The book is full of life and passion, the story full of tension and romance.
It’s perfect really, wether you’ve read Adele’s books before or not you’ll find yourself addicted to her world and characters in a matter of moments.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Never a dull moment from Adele Clee’s pen, alway intrigue, passion and romance.
This author ticks all my boxes, in the required section of my brain.
The Devereaux Affair/ Ladies of the Order, is a new series but is closely linked to The Gentleman of the Order.
Many of the same characters inhabit this world and are on hand to help our ladies in their work.
Our heroine is a Courtesan’s daughter and her childhood friend is our hero.
The storyline centres around these two and their relationship, as children separated, and then onto the adult lives as they meet again in very tense situations.
The book is full of life and passion, the story full of tension and romance.
It’s perfect really, wether you’ve read Adele’s books before or not you’ll find yourself addicted to her world and characters in a matter of moments.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
June 24, 2021
“The Devereaux Affair” is the first book in the ‘Ladies of the Order’ series by author Adele Clee. After having enjoyed the ‘Gentlemen of the Order’ series, I was really looking forward to the start of this series. I’m happy to say that the author honestly surpassed all my high expectations.
I’m going to be very careful to not give away anything from the plot that isn’t already divulged in the book blurb. Julianna and Bennett became the best of friends when they were both children, and Julianna’s courtesan mother was the mistress of Bennett’s aristocratic father. When the relationship between their respective parents suddenly ambitiously ended, the relationship between the two children also ended. Now, years later, Bennett has succeeded his late father as Marquess and he is being targeted by ominous threats to his life. Julianna has started working as an inquiry agent for a renowned investigative agency, after struggling for years to support herself without following in her late mother’s path as a mistress. Her first case is an assignment to figure out who has targeted Bennett. The treasured memory of an innocent love between children quickly and smoothly morphs into a decidedly grown-up attraction between adults. They have a huge problem though, beyond the danger Bennett is facing. He’s going to have to marry and have children eventually, and Julianna is definitely not somebody society would consider appropriate.
There is some serious angst and heartbreak in this story. In fact, some of what each of the lead characters experience is breathtakingly, heart-wrenchingly painful but in the very best of ways, if you know what I mean, because the ending makes it all worthwhile. The separate experiences of these two individuals will pull you into the story. The intrigue and the romance will pull you into the story. The beautiful writing and the wonderful main and secondary characters will pull you into the story. One way or another, once you begin reading this excellent book, you’re getting pulled into the story so be prepared to set your world aside for a bit and experience the world Adele Clee has created for us. Then you can join me in eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I read an advanced copy of this book and agreed to give my honest opinion. It was so good, nobody could've stopped me from writing about it!
I’m going to be very careful to not give away anything from the plot that isn’t already divulged in the book blurb. Julianna and Bennett became the best of friends when they were both children, and Julianna’s courtesan mother was the mistress of Bennett’s aristocratic father. When the relationship between their respective parents suddenly ambitiously ended, the relationship between the two children also ended. Now, years later, Bennett has succeeded his late father as Marquess and he is being targeted by ominous threats to his life. Julianna has started working as an inquiry agent for a renowned investigative agency, after struggling for years to support herself without following in her late mother’s path as a mistress. Her first case is an assignment to figure out who has targeted Bennett. The treasured memory of an innocent love between children quickly and smoothly morphs into a decidedly grown-up attraction between adults. They have a huge problem though, beyond the danger Bennett is facing. He’s going to have to marry and have children eventually, and Julianna is definitely not somebody society would consider appropriate.
There is some serious angst and heartbreak in this story. In fact, some of what each of the lead characters experience is breathtakingly, heart-wrenchingly painful but in the very best of ways, if you know what I mean, because the ending makes it all worthwhile. The separate experiences of these two individuals will pull you into the story. The intrigue and the romance will pull you into the story. The beautiful writing and the wonderful main and secondary characters will pull you into the story. One way or another, once you begin reading this excellent book, you’re getting pulled into the story so be prepared to set your world aside for a bit and experience the world Adele Clee has created for us. Then you can join me in eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I read an advanced copy of this book and agreed to give my honest opinion. It was so good, nobody could've stopped me from writing about it!
August 8, 2021
If your not reading Clee you should.
Adele Clee is a hidden treasure in the historical romance world. As she can write a good mystery and a love story and neither aspect is lacking. The Devereaux Affair is the first in the Ladies of the Order series but has some characters from her previous series mixed in. The book can be read as a standalone , but I highly recommend the Gentleman of the Order. Clee’s characters have wit and charm; and Julianne and Bennet the leads in this book have a visceral connection, that pulled me in from the first page.
I highly recommend this kindle unlimited read!
Adele Clee is a hidden treasure in the historical romance world. As she can write a good mystery and a love story and neither aspect is lacking. The Devereaux Affair is the first in the Ladies of the Order series but has some characters from her previous series mixed in. The book can be read as a standalone , but I highly recommend the Gentleman of the Order. Clee’s characters have wit and charm; and Julianne and Bennet the leads in this book have a visceral connection, that pulled me in from the first page.
I highly recommend this kindle unlimited read!
June 17, 2021
4 stars as I really liked it. The story is well-paced and smoothly written. The prologue provides a very poignant introduction to the two main characters as children. They are reunited when Juliana, desperately in need of her new job as an enquiry agent, meets her first client, Bennet.
The mystery and its resolution are well-spun
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
The mystery and its resolution are well-spun
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
July 1, 2021
Mystery
This never-ending mystery is an amazing story. I am in love with the storyline.
Adele Glee is quite the story teller.
This never-ending mystery is an amazing story. I am in love with the storyline.
Adele Glee is quite the story teller.
July 10, 2022
A bit on the Gothic side...
Yes, just a bit Gothic in feeling this one. A lot of stumbling around in the dark in graveyards and ruins. There's even a ghost sighting or two. The heroine is much too self-sacrificing for my taste. The hero's determined to have her after 17 years though, one way or another. The boss is a bit manipulative and I'd like to know where he gets all his information. Interesting.
Yes, just a bit Gothic in feeling this one. A lot of stumbling around in the dark in graveyards and ruins. There's even a ghost sighting or two. The heroine is much too self-sacrificing for my taste. The hero's determined to have her after 17 years though, one way or another. The boss is a bit manipulative and I'd like to know where he gets all his information. Interesting.
July 12, 2021
Really good read.
Loving the Gentlemen and Ladies of the Order books.
Loving the Gentlemen and Ladies of the Order books.
June 17, 2021
This is the first book in a great new series. It is a takeoff of the 'Gentleman of the Order' series.
If you have read that series, you will find some of your old friends in this book too.
Julianna de Lacy has had more heartbreak as a child then most people have in a life time. She is the daughter of a famous courtesan. She has been looked down on her whole life. Woman don't want her around their husbands thinking she is just like her mother because she looks like her. Most men who meet her only want to bed her also thinking her just like her mother. Left with nothing after her husband's death she was rescued by Mr. Daventry, one very powerful man and the master of The Order. They help victims of crimes usually those without funds. She is to be an enquiry agent.
Marguess of Devereaux. Bennet has a problem; someone wants him dead and has been sending him
threatening handbills. When he is introduced to the agent, he is shocked. It is an old childhood friend of his, the one and only person he has every loved. Julianna Eden(de Lacy). Both Bennet and Julianna have secrets and hard feeling about the other. As children they formed a bond to make living with his father and her mother bearable. They were more them friends then one night after another fight between their parents they were tore apart. Her to move into her mother's new protectors house and he was left with his father and his violent ways. Both made a promise neither keep.
Now they will not only have to work together to figure out who is trying to kill him. But in the one place that meant so much to them, Witherdeen the only place both were happy for a short time.
Regrets, feelings from the past, new attractions, danger from the unknown, and a growing love make for a fast-paced story with lots of twists and turns. Can they ever have a happy ever after.
With one being on the top of the ton and one at the very bottom?? Will they find the person before he gets to Bennet?
There is so much going on in this story, once you start you just can't put it down. I read in in one night. I hope you get a copy so you start the series as the next book sounds just a good . I can't wait.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
If you have read that series, you will find some of your old friends in this book too.
Julianna de Lacy has had more heartbreak as a child then most people have in a life time. She is the daughter of a famous courtesan. She has been looked down on her whole life. Woman don't want her around their husbands thinking she is just like her mother because she looks like her. Most men who meet her only want to bed her also thinking her just like her mother. Left with nothing after her husband's death she was rescued by Mr. Daventry, one very powerful man and the master of The Order. They help victims of crimes usually those without funds. She is to be an enquiry agent.
Marguess of Devereaux. Bennet has a problem; someone wants him dead and has been sending him
threatening handbills. When he is introduced to the agent, he is shocked. It is an old childhood friend of his, the one and only person he has every loved. Julianna Eden(de Lacy). Both Bennet and Julianna have secrets and hard feeling about the other. As children they formed a bond to make living with his father and her mother bearable. They were more them friends then one night after another fight between their parents they were tore apart. Her to move into her mother's new protectors house and he was left with his father and his violent ways. Both made a promise neither keep.
Now they will not only have to work together to figure out who is trying to kill him. But in the one place that meant so much to them, Witherdeen the only place both were happy for a short time.
Regrets, feelings from the past, new attractions, danger from the unknown, and a growing love make for a fast-paced story with lots of twists and turns. Can they ever have a happy ever after.
With one being on the top of the ton and one at the very bottom?? Will they find the person before he gets to Bennet?
There is so much going on in this story, once you start you just can't put it down. I read in in one night. I hope you get a copy so you start the series as the next book sounds just a good . I can't wait.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
June 18, 2021
This new series is a take off of Ms. Clee's previous series "Gentlemen of the Order". This can be easily read as a standalone but you will meet characters in this book that were part of the previous series & it was very good also.
Julianna de Lacy was the daughter of a high demand courtesan & grew up moving from one titled gentleman to another. Julianna's mother never outstayed her welcome & left before the man tired of her. She will never forget her heartbreak when her mother pulled her out of the evil Marquess Devereaux's house away from her best friend for the last year, Bennet Devereaux. They promised each other they would find the other when the were old enough. Julianna's mother began suffering hard times & addictions & in order to fund her habit, she sold Julianna to Mr. Eden - the next heartbreak in her life but then he died. Mr. Daventry, the master of The Order found her & offered her a job as an enquiry agent & her first assignment was a shock. After 17 years the man who would be her client & who was being threatened with death notes was the new marquess, Bennet Devereaux.
The strife of seeing each other after all these years was emotional but the good times they remembered were fun. But their past friendship had to remain just that - she was a courtesan's waif & he is now a marquess living in two different worlds. However, they needed to catch a villain or villains, follow clues, interview people, travel to places looking for answers. I had me on the edge of my seat & when I thought I knew who it was, I was wrong. This was a really good whodunit & the good guys were wonderful, the bad guys deserved everything they would get & of course we get our HEA. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Julianna de Lacy was the daughter of a high demand courtesan & grew up moving from one titled gentleman to another. Julianna's mother never outstayed her welcome & left before the man tired of her. She will never forget her heartbreak when her mother pulled her out of the evil Marquess Devereaux's house away from her best friend for the last year, Bennet Devereaux. They promised each other they would find the other when the were old enough. Julianna's mother began suffering hard times & addictions & in order to fund her habit, she sold Julianna to Mr. Eden - the next heartbreak in her life but then he died. Mr. Daventry, the master of The Order found her & offered her a job as an enquiry agent & her first assignment was a shock. After 17 years the man who would be her client & who was being threatened with death notes was the new marquess, Bennet Devereaux.
The strife of seeing each other after all these years was emotional but the good times they remembered were fun. But their past friendship had to remain just that - she was a courtesan's waif & he is now a marquess living in two different worlds. However, they needed to catch a villain or villains, follow clues, interview people, travel to places looking for answers. I had me on the edge of my seat & when I thought I knew who it was, I was wrong. This was a really good whodunit & the good guys were wonderful, the bad guys deserved everything they would get & of course we get our HEA. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
June 23, 2021
The Devereux Affair is the first in Adele Clee’s ‘Ladies of the Order’ series. The series is a spinoff from her ‘Gentlemen od the Order’ series. The Order was created by Lucius Daventry as an investigative society to help the poor and desperate. This series now focuses on the women that have joined.
Julianna de Lacy has grown up being dragged from one of her mother’s protector’s houses to another. Her only friend was Bennet Devereux – the son of one of her mother’s protectors. Her heart broke when she was forced to leave him as well. The childhood promise to find each other when they grew up is the one thing that has sustained her. But life pulls them further apart.
Bennet Devereux is in danger. Someone is trying to kill him. Desperate, he hires an enquiry agent to find his would be killer but to his surprise not only is the agent female, she is his childhood friend. Bennet and Juliana’s friendship quickly turns into a heartfelt passion. But can two people from such opposite ends of society be together? Can a Marquess make a courtesan’s daughter his wife? And they must find the villain before he succeeds in his attempts on Bennet’s life.
I love how Adele has focused on women agents in this series. It is refreshingly different. Bennet and Julianna are a nice couple. Juliana has faced so many hardships in her life. Her mother was awful. She really deserves her happy ever after with Bennet. Adele’s writing is as strong and engaging as ever. The story is as usual fast paced and keeps you guessing to the end with numerous twists and turns. It’s nice to meet the previous characters of the Order series and I look forward to the next.
I received and ARC from the author for my honest review. Adele never disappoints.
Julianna de Lacy has grown up being dragged from one of her mother’s protector’s houses to another. Her only friend was Bennet Devereux – the son of one of her mother’s protectors. Her heart broke when she was forced to leave him as well. The childhood promise to find each other when they grew up is the one thing that has sustained her. But life pulls them further apart.
Bennet Devereux is in danger. Someone is trying to kill him. Desperate, he hires an enquiry agent to find his would be killer but to his surprise not only is the agent female, she is his childhood friend. Bennet and Juliana’s friendship quickly turns into a heartfelt passion. But can two people from such opposite ends of society be together? Can a Marquess make a courtesan’s daughter his wife? And they must find the villain before he succeeds in his attempts on Bennet’s life.
I love how Adele has focused on women agents in this series. It is refreshingly different. Bennet and Julianna are a nice couple. Juliana has faced so many hardships in her life. Her mother was awful. She really deserves her happy ever after with Bennet. Adele’s writing is as strong and engaging as ever. The story is as usual fast paced and keeps you guessing to the end with numerous twists and turns. It’s nice to meet the previous characters of the Order series and I look forward to the next.
I received and ARC from the author for my honest review. Adele never disappoints.
July 12, 2021
5 STARS, HISTORICAL REGENCY ERA ROMANCE DRAMA
It's here, Book 1 of the new exciting interesting Series ( Ladies of the Order Book 1). The Ladies are all woman, they are trained in all the various ways of investigation, weapons, & basic physical protection. This is a Sister Series to that wonderful 5 STARS Series, ( The Gentlemen of the Order ) also by Adele Clee.
The characters are great & really fleshed out so the reader can almost feel their emotions. Going on, those sexy intelligent men of the Order with their Ladies plus other characters from their Series are included in this new Series. What's not to love?
The plot is given clearly in the Blurb, back of books, etc. & wherever the book descriptions are where the reader looks at them; so that reason I don't feel it's needed here because the official Blurb is a good one.
A boy & a girl when they were children formed a lifelong emotional bond between them, one a son of a Lord of the Ton & the other a daughter of a courtesan. Yet, 15 years or so had passed & neither had seen the other for whatever this said.
Lord Devereaux was stunned when he was being introduced to her as his inquiry agent, holding onto the door jam to assist him in standing or leaning just as she felt her pirate of a boss should use another Lady Inquiry Agent. ( Only out of emotional heartbreak & fear of breaking down.) However, someone is trying to kill Lord Devereaux & she knew she had to help.
In finding a murderer maybe the young boy in the man & the young girl in the woman can finally make peace for themselves. Furthermore, the emotional dance of love, hate & fear that our couple moves to is a poignant one.
Recommend, Thanks Adele for this Series!
s
It's here, Book 1 of the new exciting interesting Series ( Ladies of the Order Book 1). The Ladies are all woman, they are trained in all the various ways of investigation, weapons, & basic physical protection. This is a Sister Series to that wonderful 5 STARS Series, ( The Gentlemen of the Order ) also by Adele Clee.
The characters are great & really fleshed out so the reader can almost feel their emotions. Going on, those sexy intelligent men of the Order with their Ladies plus other characters from their Series are included in this new Series. What's not to love?
The plot is given clearly in the Blurb, back of books, etc. & wherever the book descriptions are where the reader looks at them; so that reason I don't feel it's needed here because the official Blurb is a good one.
A boy & a girl when they were children formed a lifelong emotional bond between them, one a son of a Lord of the Ton & the other a daughter of a courtesan. Yet, 15 years or so had passed & neither had seen the other for whatever this said.
Lord Devereaux was stunned when he was being introduced to her as his inquiry agent, holding onto the door jam to assist him in standing or leaning just as she felt her pirate of a boss should use another Lady Inquiry Agent. ( Only out of emotional heartbreak & fear of breaking down.) However, someone is trying to kill Lord Devereaux & she knew she had to help.
In finding a murderer maybe the young boy in the man & the young girl in the woman can finally make peace for themselves. Furthermore, the emotional dance of love, hate & fear that our couple moves to is a poignant one.
Recommend, Thanks Adele for this Series!
s
June 28, 2021
Their hope for a better future.
Left destitute on the streets of London with no where to go, The Order saved Julianna and gave her an income and a purpose.
With danger lurking, Lord Devereaux must trust The Order to uncover the perpetrator and protect his life.
What happens next in The Devereaux Affair is an enthralling mystery filled with danger, as well as love lost and love found.
Adele Clee has again written an entertaining Regency era love story with enough plot twists to fool even the most accomplished who-done-it puzzle solver. Just because the characters are paramount does not mean that the story lacks depth. On the contrary, I thought I had it figured out, until I didn't. Which is so Adele. What I did know was that in spite of the impossible odds, Julianna and Bennet would eventually find their happy ending and I would be sad to see them exit stage right.
Content 411: This book contains a moderate amount of swearing, as well as a couple of sexually intimate scenes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Left destitute on the streets of London with no where to go, The Order saved Julianna and gave her an income and a purpose.
With danger lurking, Lord Devereaux must trust The Order to uncover the perpetrator and protect his life.
What happens next in The Devereaux Affair is an enthralling mystery filled with danger, as well as love lost and love found.
Adele Clee has again written an entertaining Regency era love story with enough plot twists to fool even the most accomplished who-done-it puzzle solver. Just because the characters are paramount does not mean that the story lacks depth. On the contrary, I thought I had it figured out, until I didn't. Which is so Adele. What I did know was that in spite of the impossible odds, Julianna and Bennet would eventually find their happy ending and I would be sad to see them exit stage right.
Content 411: This book contains a moderate amount of swearing, as well as a couple of sexually intimate scenes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
January 12, 2025
Julianna and Bennet were childhood friends who were torn apart as children. Years later Julianna is an agent for an Order who helps solve crimes etc, and Bennet, now a Marquess, needs help from the Order as he’s receiving threats. The time they’ve been separated has only made them yearn for each other all the more and they soon become more than friends. Both Julianna and Bennet weren’t treated well by their Mother & Father respectively and past family secrets threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. - I enjoyed this book. I found it well-written with no typos. I did find the mystery in the story got a little confusing at times but it didn’t really matter in the long run. I also found Julianna’s character seemed to blow a bit hot & cold when it came to her feelings which got annoying. I just think I found one thing was getting in the way of the other when it came to the narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2021
A spinoff of the Gentlemen of the Order series and it starts with a bang. From the minute I opened this book I was enthralled with Julianna and Bennet’s story. Characters from the Gentlemen of the Order series are featured in this story and it was a joy to see them again. The history with Julianna and Bennet is so intense and heartbreaking that when they decide that their lives are eternally entwined it is beautiful and special and lovely. Again, Adele throws some red herrings our way when we are trying to figure out the villain. Her mysteries are not obvious and are usually a surprise. Adele’s writing is so good and the characters are so well developed that if you have not read Adele’s stories before, give her a try. You will not want to stop.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
June 25, 2021
This book has it all, love, romance, chemistry, mystery, and intrigue. Bennet Devereaux need to hire an enquiry agent, so he hired Julianna who was one of the Ladies of the Order. Bennet and Julianna knew each other in the past, they had a special bond, but they have not seen each other in seventeen years. While Julianna was helping Bennet find out who was threatening him, they rekindled their friendship and love. The romance was sexy and sizzling, but it made it more special because you knew there was true love. This book had a major mystery, which I did not guess until the last few chapters, which had the book moving along and I did not want to put it down, I wanted to finish it to find out who was doing these things to Bennet.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
July 19, 2021
The Promise💔
ADULT Historical Recency Romance💕 and Mystery
Julianna👩, The daughter of a mistress to the Marquess of Devereaux is playmates with the Marquess' son, Bennet, until , after a violent argument, her mother is ejected from His house with nothing. Bennett promises to find Julianna when he is old enough, but Julianna knows he never will....
Her mother eventually dies from laudanum and excess, but not before she sells Julianna 💃💔to an archeologist wanting a wife👰. He dies a few years later, leaving her penniless.
Now, Julianna💃💔 works for the Order, as an operative. The Marquess🐺🍆⛲💪 comes to the Order because he is getting death threats. Julianna💃💔 is assigned to his case!
Bennet🐺🍆⛲💪 sees in Julianna💃💋💔 a chance to start over, if she would only allow him into her heart💕 again.
Great Romance with a mystery, too!
ADULT Historical Recency Romance💕 and Mystery
Julianna👩, The daughter of a mistress to the Marquess of Devereaux is playmates with the Marquess' son, Bennet, until , after a violent argument, her mother is ejected from His house with nothing. Bennett promises to find Julianna when he is old enough, but Julianna knows he never will....
Her mother eventually dies from laudanum and excess, but not before she sells Julianna 💃💔to an archeologist wanting a wife👰. He dies a few years later, leaving her penniless.
Now, Julianna💃💔 works for the Order, as an operative. The Marquess🐺🍆⛲💪 comes to the Order because he is getting death threats. Julianna💃💔 is assigned to his case!
Bennet🐺🍆⛲💪 sees in Julianna💃💋💔 a chance to start over, if she would only allow him into her heart💕 again.
Great Romance with a mystery, too!
November 4, 2023
LADIES OF THE ORDER
This is only the first book, but I was definitely disappointed in the first female enquiry agent. After the last series, I expected the cases to proceed a certain way. Julianna was terrible at her job and although she realized that and was resigning she still made really stupid decisions and that was annoying. The female leads in the other series just seemed so much stronger. She spent a lot of the book seeing herself as a victim and not trusting Bennett enough to just be open and honest. It took away from what should have been honest love built from their childhood friendship and love. This one could have been better, but I did like Bennett and of course, the men of the order and their wives never disappoint in providing entertainment.
This is only the first book, but I was definitely disappointed in the first female enquiry agent. After the last series, I expected the cases to proceed a certain way. Julianna was terrible at her job and although she realized that and was resigning she still made really stupid decisions and that was annoying. The female leads in the other series just seemed so much stronger. She spent a lot of the book seeing herself as a victim and not trusting Bennett enough to just be open and honest. It took away from what should have been honest love built from their childhood friendship and love. This one could have been better, but I did like Bennett and of course, the men of the order and their wives never disappoint in providing entertainment.
July 7, 2021
I loved it! From the first page to the last The Devereaux Affair will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Bennett and Julianna until the very end! This is the first novel to the series Ladies of the Order and is an Outstanding beginning. Adele Clee has written a heartfelt story, filled it with characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, steamy passion, a story that is well-written and a plott full of mystery. It's a suspenseful rollercoaster ride with tension-building twist and turns as Julianna tries to figure out who the villain is that keeps sending Bennett threatening messages.
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