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Sisterhood of Scandal #1
A Lady Never Surrenders
A group of ladies whose friendship is based on ensuring they can take on the world dominated by their men folk. No male relative is going to choose their destinies.
Shhh. Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. No. In society’s eyes she will remain the poor orphaned ward of the Earl of Marlowe. Only then will she ensure the man who eventually professes his love for her is genuine.
Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. He’s a renowned investment guru with everything he touches turning to gold. Or is he? Society may think so, but mostly his investments have been blind luck, and he’s pretty sure his luck is about to run out. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him. But what's a man to do when the one thing a woman wants isn't his looks, title or money—it's his heart and Wolfarth's heart is shattered beyond repair.
Shhh. Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. No. In society’s eyes she will remain the poor orphaned ward of the Earl of Marlowe. Only then will she ensure the man who eventually professes his love for her is genuine.
Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. He’s a renowned investment guru with everything he touches turning to gold. Or is he? Society may think so, but mostly his investments have been blind luck, and he’s pretty sure his luck is about to run out. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him. But what's a man to do when the one thing a woman wants isn't his looks, title or money—it's his heart and Wolfarth's heart is shattered beyond repair.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
80 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Bronwen Evans
165 books977 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. Evans is a three-time winner of the RomCon Readers’ Crown and has been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. She lives in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand with her dogs Brandy and Duke.
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Join my book club newsletter and receive a FREE eBook.
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Bronwen loves hearing from avid romance readers at Bronwen@bronwenevans.com
You can keep up with Bronwen’s news by visiting her website www.bronwenevans.com
Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronwenevans...
Or Twitter: https://twitter.com/bronwenevans_NZ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 5, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
Percentage which mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes – the second to last chapter takes place 2 months after and the labeled ‘epilogue’ is about Rockwell and Farah who get their own story next
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy that is 10 months old because I let it languish on my kindle forever
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first in the Sisterhood of Scandal series.
Basic plot:
Tiffany will only marry for love, but she soon finds herself in wager with her guardian’s best friend, Wolf, who requests the right to court her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian (1808)
- heroine is good with numbers and investing
- almost a brother’s best friend feel, except it’s the heroine and her guardian’s best friend
- artist, Marquess hero
- hero pursues
- hero paints the heroine
- bargain
- low steam – 1 full scene (I could have missed something??)
Ages:
- heroine is 23, didn’t catch hero but I think a touch older than her
First line:
The carriage slowly rolled to a stop in front of an imposing country house.
My thoughts:
After a decent start, this book sadly fell flat for me.
I loved the beginning scenes. The guardian’s best friend vibes, hero pursues – I love that stuff. I enjoyed the heroine being an investor. That was interesting and not a career I’ve read much, especially for historical. I enjoyed their playfulness with each other.
But then as the book went on, it was a bit high on the drama and low on the romance and feels for me. I kept finding myself wishing the mains were together more often. It felt like they were separated a lot of the book, each with their own circles of friends. Perhaps it’s the first in a series syndrome where it’s trying to set up multiple character’s personalities and themes for the series. When they were together I was liking it!
The steam was also a big disappointment. I have read one other by Evans, years ago and I thought I remembered it being steamy, but this one was pretty tame for me. It had a decent amount of kisses though!
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
Percentage which mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes – the second to last chapter takes place 2 months after and the labeled ‘epilogue’ is about Rockwell and Farah who get their own story next
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy that is 10 months old because I let it languish on my kindle forever
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first in the Sisterhood of Scandal series.
Basic plot:
Tiffany will only marry for love, but she soon finds herself in wager with her guardian’s best friend, Wolf, who requests the right to court her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian (1808)
- heroine is good with numbers and investing
- almost a brother’s best friend feel, except it’s the heroine and her guardian’s best friend
- artist, Marquess hero
- hero pursues
- hero paints the heroine
- bargain
- low steam – 1 full scene (I could have missed something??)
Ages:
- heroine is 23, didn’t catch hero but I think a touch older than her
First line:
The carriage slowly rolled to a stop in front of an imposing country house.
My thoughts:
After a decent start, this book sadly fell flat for me.
I loved the beginning scenes. The guardian’s best friend vibes, hero pursues – I love that stuff. I enjoyed the heroine being an investor. That was interesting and not a career I’ve read much, especially for historical. I enjoyed their playfulness with each other.
But then as the book went on, it was a bit high on the drama and low on the romance and feels for me. I kept finding myself wishing the mains were together more often. It felt like they were separated a lot of the book, each with their own circles of friends. Perhaps it’s the first in a series syndrome where it’s trying to set up multiple character’s personalities and themes for the series. When they were together I was liking it!
The steam was also a big disappointment. I have read one other by Evans, years ago and I thought I remembered it being steamy, but this one was pretty tame for me. It had a decent amount of kisses though!
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
September 14, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Years ago, Miss Tiffany Deveraux lost everything when her parents were killed by highwaymen. She went to live with her Uncle, the Earl of Marlowe and it was then that she met Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth, Wolf to his friends. She fell a little in love that night, but to her dismay, her young heart was broken when she learned that Wolf was not only engaged but madly in love with his fiancee.
Fast forward six years, not wanting to marry for anything less than love, Tiffany uses the skills she learned from her father and begins to invest her pin money with the same man her father used. She is incredibly successful and soon her friends in the “Sisterhood of Scandal” learn of her ability and ask for her help. She gladly invests for them, happy to prove that women are just as capable as men in that arena. Her investments are doing so well that soon she will be financially secure and no longer dependant on her cousin for funds. Impressed with her success and tired of being treated like helpless children by their brothers/guardians, her friends decide to teach them a lesson and secretly challenge the men to an investment wager. She is confident they will win, but when her stockjobber doesn’t send her statements, she goes to see him and ends up being found out by Wolf.
Not long after Tiffany came to live with her cousins, Wolf’s world fell apart too, when he and his fiancee, Lady Margo are attacked by highwaymen and Margo dies not long after. Leaving Wolf with a broken heart and no desire to ever love again. But marriage is necessary and when he finds out Tiffany is very good at investing (something he struggles with), he decides that marriage to her is the answer to both of their problems, she will be able to continue investing and he will benefit from her knowledge and be able to concentrate on his true passion – painting. But Tiffany isn’t going to give up on her dreams of independence or love that easily and instead agrees to a wager – if she wins, he will keep her investing a secret and if he wins, she will let him court her. It is a bet she can’t lose – that is until the past rears up and crushes her dreams and threatens her chance for a HEA.
This installment of the Sisterhood of Scandal was a non-stop adventure from beginning to end! Wolf and Tiffany are perfect for each other, but will both have to learn to trust and maybe even compromise a bit to they get their HEA. The book is filled with secrets, scandals, great secondary characters, a few warmish love scenes, a little heartache, uncertainty, surprising revelations, wagers, a bit of a battle of the sexes, a nasty villain, abduction and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue that includes of glimpse of the next “Sister” to find her HEA. This is the first full book (there is a prologue short story that is available on the author’s website) in the series, and while it was not as steamy as I had hoped, I can still wholeheartedly recommend this title, it is a fun read that is not to be missed!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Years ago, Miss Tiffany Deveraux lost everything when her parents were killed by highwaymen. She went to live with her Uncle, the Earl of Marlowe and it was then that she met Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth, Wolf to his friends. She fell a little in love that night, but to her dismay, her young heart was broken when she learned that Wolf was not only engaged but madly in love with his fiancee.
Fast forward six years, not wanting to marry for anything less than love, Tiffany uses the skills she learned from her father and begins to invest her pin money with the same man her father used. She is incredibly successful and soon her friends in the “Sisterhood of Scandal” learn of her ability and ask for her help. She gladly invests for them, happy to prove that women are just as capable as men in that arena. Her investments are doing so well that soon she will be financially secure and no longer dependant on her cousin for funds. Impressed with her success and tired of being treated like helpless children by their brothers/guardians, her friends decide to teach them a lesson and secretly challenge the men to an investment wager. She is confident they will win, but when her stockjobber doesn’t send her statements, she goes to see him and ends up being found out by Wolf.
Not long after Tiffany came to live with her cousins, Wolf’s world fell apart too, when he and his fiancee, Lady Margo are attacked by highwaymen and Margo dies not long after. Leaving Wolf with a broken heart and no desire to ever love again. But marriage is necessary and when he finds out Tiffany is very good at investing (something he struggles with), he decides that marriage to her is the answer to both of their problems, she will be able to continue investing and he will benefit from her knowledge and be able to concentrate on his true passion – painting. But Tiffany isn’t going to give up on her dreams of independence or love that easily and instead agrees to a wager – if she wins, he will keep her investing a secret and if he wins, she will let him court her. It is a bet she can’t lose – that is until the past rears up and crushes her dreams and threatens her chance for a HEA.
This installment of the Sisterhood of Scandal was a non-stop adventure from beginning to end! Wolf and Tiffany are perfect for each other, but will both have to learn to trust and maybe even compromise a bit to they get their HEA. The book is filled with secrets, scandals, great secondary characters, a few warmish love scenes, a little heartache, uncertainty, surprising revelations, wagers, a bit of a battle of the sexes, a nasty villain, abduction and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue that includes of glimpse of the next “Sister” to find her HEA. This is the first full book (there is a prologue short story that is available on the author’s website) in the series, and while it was not as steamy as I had hoped, I can still wholeheartedly recommend this title, it is a fun read that is not to be missed!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
September 21, 2022
Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan, ward of the Earl of Marlowe is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. Lord Slade Ware, the Marquis of Wolfarth whilst wealthy he’s an uncle who seems intent on bleeding the earldom dry with his gambling. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him plus he’s starting to really see her. However she wants to marry for love & his heart was shattered years ago so they make a wager involving investments.
This is the first in a new series & what a lovely read it was. The characters have depth with the friends being lovely & the bad guy horrid. There are quite a few members of the Sisterhood so I’m hoping all of them have their stories. Some time is spent getting to know the friends & their families so the start of the book starts off slowly & then the pace gradually increases as a mystery unfolds too. I loved both Tiffany & Wolf, she thinks she’s the plain blustocking but he gradually draws her out & makes her feel beautiful, she’s also straight talking & a bit of a risk taker. He's the wealthy handsome marquis who believes he can no longer love. I loved their journey to a HEA & once they were on the trail of the villain I couldn’t put it down. I loved the epilogue which not only brought this book to a lovely conclusion but gave hints for the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first in a new series & what a lovely read it was. The characters have depth with the friends being lovely & the bad guy horrid. There are quite a few members of the Sisterhood so I’m hoping all of them have their stories. Some time is spent getting to know the friends & their families so the start of the book starts off slowly & then the pace gradually increases as a mystery unfolds too. I loved both Tiffany & Wolf, she thinks she’s the plain blustocking but he gradually draws her out & makes her feel beautiful, she’s also straight talking & a bit of a risk taker. He's the wealthy handsome marquis who believes he can no longer love. I loved their journey to a HEA & once they were on the trail of the villain I couldn’t put it down. I loved the epilogue which not only brought this book to a lovely conclusion but gave hints for the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 3, 2022
Tiffany Deveraux is very good with numbers. She's learned to make successful investments, not only for herself, but her friends in The Sisterhood. The Marquess of Wolfarth discovers Tiffany's secret of investing. He starts to notice she is more than a bluestocking. Tiffany has loved him several years, but she knows he is afraid to love. If only he would open his heart. A thief and murderer threatens their happiness. Only when he is captured and punished will they be free. A friends to lovers trope. Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 11, 2022
“A Lady Never Surrenders” is a lovely tale about broken people who find out that love can conquer all.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 22, 2022
I simply surrender to my need for more; fabulous!!
Words fail me ... I had such a visceral connection to this book and it's (more than projected) personalities, from the get go that I'm still seeing scenes unfold in my mind days after!
I loved the close connection between the characters and the promise of so much more to come, unravel and discover. The deep loyalty, fun, compassion and love steeped in the ladies of the 'Sisterhood of Scandal' have for each other and the men who have sparked their desires, vexations and longings, will have me waiting in anticipation for the next book. The little hints of the direction the pairings yet to come, and that will surely develop, have already peaked my interest and has me assuredly emotionally invested and championing them wholeheartedly. The nuiances that make up each of them and the subtle contrasts in intellect, strengths, confidence, vulnerabilities and insecurities of those exposed really ring true, radiate clear and hit deep and this was no less true for Tiffany and Wolf.
The chemistry between them shimmered and quietly thrummed as Tiffany's internal resilience, intelligence and openess broke through the charismatic bravado of Wolf and exposed his inner struggles and uncertainities. Whilst his warmth, loyalty and reassurance that lay at his core, under the charm and shield of cocksure charismatic swagger, ultimately gave Tiffany the confidence to shine and reveal the beauty he saw her to be. So wonderfully far removed from the invisible bluestocking orphan others dismissed her to be.
I loved the pace and well crafted plot. It had mystery, danger, intrigue, suspense, thrumming chemistry, sweet intimate romance, exposed vulnerabilities and dark painful secrets as well as a thread of comforting humour, deep set warmth and a sense of fun threaded throughout, that the encroaching heinous villiany, that crept from the shadows, had me thoroughly absorbed and dreaded being pulled away from until the end. I could see equally how the plot would unfold and the dangers that lay ahead as alarm bells rang their warning and yet it had enough twists and turns to have me surprised and on edge in places. Making me want so desperately to see how they would deal with each in turn as a team, meeting the challenges together. For me, marking this as one unputdownable adventure read I'm so glad I didn't miss - I just couldn't unravel the mysteries and secrets fast enough or saver the romance long enough!
A thoroughly marvellous start to a series that will have me coming back for more time and time again!! Tiffany and Wolf simply dazzled! LOVED IT!!
Words fail me ... I had such a visceral connection to this book and it's (more than projected) personalities, from the get go that I'm still seeing scenes unfold in my mind days after!
I loved the close connection between the characters and the promise of so much more to come, unravel and discover. The deep loyalty, fun, compassion and love steeped in the ladies of the 'Sisterhood of Scandal' have for each other and the men who have sparked their desires, vexations and longings, will have me waiting in anticipation for the next book. The little hints of the direction the pairings yet to come, and that will surely develop, have already peaked my interest and has me assuredly emotionally invested and championing them wholeheartedly. The nuiances that make up each of them and the subtle contrasts in intellect, strengths, confidence, vulnerabilities and insecurities of those exposed really ring true, radiate clear and hit deep and this was no less true for Tiffany and Wolf.
The chemistry between them shimmered and quietly thrummed as Tiffany's internal resilience, intelligence and openess broke through the charismatic bravado of Wolf and exposed his inner struggles and uncertainities. Whilst his warmth, loyalty and reassurance that lay at his core, under the charm and shield of cocksure charismatic swagger, ultimately gave Tiffany the confidence to shine and reveal the beauty he saw her to be. So wonderfully far removed from the invisible bluestocking orphan others dismissed her to be.
I loved the pace and well crafted plot. It had mystery, danger, intrigue, suspense, thrumming chemistry, sweet intimate romance, exposed vulnerabilities and dark painful secrets as well as a thread of comforting humour, deep set warmth and a sense of fun threaded throughout, that the encroaching heinous villiany, that crept from the shadows, had me thoroughly absorbed and dreaded being pulled away from until the end. I could see equally how the plot would unfold and the dangers that lay ahead as alarm bells rang their warning and yet it had enough twists and turns to have me surprised and on edge in places. Making me want so desperately to see how they would deal with each in turn as a team, meeting the challenges together. For me, marking this as one unputdownable adventure read I'm so glad I didn't miss - I just couldn't unravel the mysteries and secrets fast enough or saver the romance long enough!
A thoroughly marvellous start to a series that will have me coming back for more time and time again!! Tiffany and Wolf simply dazzled! LOVED IT!!
September 24, 2022
I have been reading Bronwen Evans since 2016 and this is my 24th book by her. I read 5 of her books in 2016 but didn’t pick her up again until 2018 and have read any new ones she has had out since. She does have other genres I won’t read. I wrote in my notes that I love her books; great stories and pretty good detailed sex scenes. It did seem like she disappeared for awhile or just took a long time between books. I'm so glad she started writing more.
I was worried at first about this series because the Prequel read "rushed" to me but I really liked this book a lot. I loved Wolf and Tiffany's relationship and their interactions. I liked this story. Just overall good read.
I was worried at first about this series because the Prequel read "rushed" to me but I really liked this book a lot. I loved Wolf and Tiffany's relationship and their interactions. I liked this story. Just overall good read.
December 12, 2022
THE REVIEW
Wolf immediately begins courting Tiffany, much to the surprise their friends and the ton, and, slowly, the stakes become higher as they find themselves falling in love. When the some investments go bad and the danger increases, Wolf is forced to admit that he loves Tiffany and is willing to let her into his heart.
This was a very sweet first book of a new series; the development of the other characters made me so excited to read their HEA stories! Tiffany was a self-conscious and didn’t understand why someone like Wolf would be interested in her, but it wasn’t annoying. She is independent enough to be mindful and let it ruin the storyline. Wolf was so sweet and genuine towards Tiffany and again, although I saw his struggles, it wasn’t over the top annoying. Ms. Evans did a great job building the story without overpowering the narrative. There was steam, not as much as I like, but the fire between these two was palpable! I am very eager to read the next in the series!
Tiffany Deveraux’s parents were murdered by highwaymen and she went to live with her cousins. She is very smart and good with investing so after her parents death, she continues working with her fathers stockjobber hoping to make enough money to take care of herself and never be forced to marry as she would only marry for love.
Lord Slade Ware, Marquess of Wolfarth lost his first love when, after being raped during a robbery, she killed herself on their wedding day. He has blamed himself for her death ever since.
When Wolf stumbles upon Tiffany alone visiting her investor, he threatens to reveal her activities to her cousin who is also Wolf’s best friend. Tiffany decides to distract him with a wager; at the end of the month, whoever has the most return on their investments wins. If Tiffany wins, Wolf will continue to keep her secret, but if Wold wins, Tiffany will marry him!
TROPES
Historical Romance, Georgian Era, Artist Hero, Widowed Hero, Orphan Heroine, Childhood Crush, Bluestocking Heroine, Best Friend’s Sibling, Unrequited Love, Dare or Bet, Virgin Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Gamma Hero, Titled Hero, First Cut is the Deepest, I Can't Believe a Guy Like You Would Notice Me, Abduction/Kidnapped, Four Star, Two Flame
Wolf immediately begins courting Tiffany, much to the surprise their friends and the ton, and, slowly, the stakes become higher as they find themselves falling in love. When the some investments go bad and the danger increases, Wolf is forced to admit that he loves Tiffany and is willing to let her into his heart.
This was a very sweet first book of a new series; the development of the other characters made me so excited to read their HEA stories! Tiffany was a self-conscious and didn’t understand why someone like Wolf would be interested in her, but it wasn’t annoying. She is independent enough to be mindful and let it ruin the storyline. Wolf was so sweet and genuine towards Tiffany and again, although I saw his struggles, it wasn’t over the top annoying. Ms. Evans did a great job building the story without overpowering the narrative. There was steam, not as much as I like, but the fire between these two was palpable! I am very eager to read the next in the series!
Tiffany Deveraux’s parents were murdered by highwaymen and she went to live with her cousins. She is very smart and good with investing so after her parents death, she continues working with her fathers stockjobber hoping to make enough money to take care of herself and never be forced to marry as she would only marry for love.
Lord Slade Ware, Marquess of Wolfarth lost his first love when, after being raped during a robbery, she killed herself on their wedding day. He has blamed himself for her death ever since.
When Wolf stumbles upon Tiffany alone visiting her investor, he threatens to reveal her activities to her cousin who is also Wolf’s best friend. Tiffany decides to distract him with a wager; at the end of the month, whoever has the most return on their investments wins. If Tiffany wins, Wolf will continue to keep her secret, but if Wold wins, Tiffany will marry him!
TROPES
Historical Romance, Georgian Era, Artist Hero, Widowed Hero, Orphan Heroine, Childhood Crush, Bluestocking Heroine, Best Friend’s Sibling, Unrequited Love, Dare or Bet, Virgin Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Gamma Hero, Titled Hero, First Cut is the Deepest, I Can't Believe a Guy Like You Would Notice Me, Abduction/Kidnapped, Four Star, Two Flame
September 23, 2022
Betrayed!
Tiffany Deveraux had made an art of disappearing into a crowd. The effectiveness of being a wallflower was one she carried off with aplomb, intelligence and astuteness. No-one, except her friends, knew she had an incisive mathematical mind and had taken their pin money, invested it, and was so profitable, that she for one, would be able to have an annual income to live off in a place far from prying eyes.
Mr Sprat, her stockjobber had been tardy with her accounts, so in widow’s weeds she payed him a visit at the London Stock Exchange. Scandalous!
Unfortunately Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfath, her guardian Fane Deveraux, the Earl of Marlow’s closest friend, discovers her there.
Ever since she’d been carried into her uncle’s house at seventeen, distraught at the death of her parents at the hands of highway men, she’d carried a torch for Wolf.
Now Wolf is seeing Tiffany for who she really is and is weighing up the idea of marrying her. A marriage of convenience for him and to his mind, Tiffany as well. Tiffany has other plans. Wolf is not part of that, but he’s standing squarely in the doorway of all her dreams.
What’s a girl to do but to try and get around the hand now dealt to her. Tiffany will not settle for anything less than love. But has the damaged Wolf any love to give?
A somewhat convoluted tale of Second chance love (for Wolf) and Marriage of convenience trope meeting somewhere in the middle.
An exciting beginning to the new series, Sisters of Scandal.
An Xpresso Tours ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Tiffany Deveraux had made an art of disappearing into a crowd. The effectiveness of being a wallflower was one she carried off with aplomb, intelligence and astuteness. No-one, except her friends, knew she had an incisive mathematical mind and had taken their pin money, invested it, and was so profitable, that she for one, would be able to have an annual income to live off in a place far from prying eyes.
Mr Sprat, her stockjobber had been tardy with her accounts, so in widow’s weeds she payed him a visit at the London Stock Exchange. Scandalous!
Unfortunately Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfath, her guardian Fane Deveraux, the Earl of Marlow’s closest friend, discovers her there.
Ever since she’d been carried into her uncle’s house at seventeen, distraught at the death of her parents at the hands of highway men, she’d carried a torch for Wolf.
Now Wolf is seeing Tiffany for who she really is and is weighing up the idea of marrying her. A marriage of convenience for him and to his mind, Tiffany as well. Tiffany has other plans. Wolf is not part of that, but he’s standing squarely in the doorway of all her dreams.
What’s a girl to do but to try and get around the hand now dealt to her. Tiffany will not settle for anything less than love. But has the damaged Wolf any love to give?
A somewhat convoluted tale of Second chance love (for Wolf) and Marriage of convenience trope meeting somewhere in the middle.
An exciting beginning to the new series, Sisters of Scandal.
An Xpresso Tours ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
September 21, 2022
I like the premise of this series, but this first book suffered a bit from having to introduce all the characters a bit to make it palatable.
Our heroine is a little too quick to accept a potentially unsentimental dating situation, and our hero puts a stop to his past extremely abruptly. But I have faith for the next couple because usually this author never disappoints me.
Mi piacciono le premesse di questa serie, ma questo primo libro ha un po' sofferto il fatto di dover presentare un po' tutti i personaggi per renderla appetibile.
La nostra eroina é un po' troppo rapida ad accettare una situazione sentimentale potenzialmente non sentimentale e il nostro eroe mette una pietra sopra al suo passato in modo estremamente repentino. Ma ho fiducia per le prossime coppie perché di solito questa autrice non mi delude mai.
Our heroine is a little too quick to accept a potentially unsentimental dating situation, and our hero puts a stop to his past extremely abruptly. But I have faith for the next couple because usually this author never disappoints me.
Mi piacciono le premesse di questa serie, ma questo primo libro ha un po' sofferto il fatto di dover presentare un po' tutti i personaggi per renderla appetibile.
La nostra eroina é un po' troppo rapida ad accettare una situazione sentimentale potenzialmente non sentimentale e il nostro eroe mette una pietra sopra al suo passato in modo estremamente repentino. Ma ho fiducia per le prossime coppie perché di solito questa autrice non mi delude mai.
September 29, 2022
Bronwen Evans sure knows how to keep a reader entertained! This new series looks like it’s going to be a hit.
This was such an intriguing story, I loved Tiffany Deveraux she was really not what she portrayed, she isn’t the typical wallflower. Orphaned as a young girl she was dependent on her late uncle and now her cousin. Unfortunately for her, her father left her destitute. What he did leave her was knowledge but this knowledge can destroy her if it becomes public knowledge to the ton.
Tiffany has a knack playing the stock market her father taught her the knowledge and she put it to use. She made herself a tidy little fortune and helped her friends as well. She wasn’t so lucky in keeping it a secret from her cousins friend the Marquess of Wolfarth (Wolf).
Wolf never thought he’d be attracted to plain Tiffany, but he can’t keep his thoughts away from her. Wolf never really looked at Tffany but now she’s all he thinks about!
Plenty of intrigue with villains and interesting side characters. The story kept on getting better and better. The romance was tangible with plenty of sizzle and chemistry.
Bronwen Evans keeps you invested in the story and lives of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such an intriguing story, I loved Tiffany Deveraux she was really not what she portrayed, she isn’t the typical wallflower. Orphaned as a young girl she was dependent on her late uncle and now her cousin. Unfortunately for her, her father left her destitute. What he did leave her was knowledge but this knowledge can destroy her if it becomes public knowledge to the ton.
Tiffany has a knack playing the stock market her father taught her the knowledge and she put it to use. She made herself a tidy little fortune and helped her friends as well. She wasn’t so lucky in keeping it a secret from her cousins friend the Marquess of Wolfarth (Wolf).
Wolf never thought he’d be attracted to plain Tiffany, but he can’t keep his thoughts away from her. Wolf never really looked at Tffany but now she’s all he thinks about!
Plenty of intrigue with villains and interesting side characters. The story kept on getting better and better. The romance was tangible with plenty of sizzle and chemistry.
Bronwen Evans keeps you invested in the story and lives of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2022
This was a very enjoyable book in a new series. I loved that Tiffany was intelligent, and Wolf recognizes that and doesn't try to minimize her. The more time he spends with her, the more he appreciates her wit and investment strategies. The villain was easily recognizable, but the plot moved along nicely with a few twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. A couple of minor criticisms were there were so many ladies in the story, and it was hard to remember who was who. Also, throughout the book, everyone kept saying Tiffany would make a fantastic countess, but if she married Wolf, she would be a marchioness, not a countess. That was irritating, but certainly not a fatal flaw in the story. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
September 12, 2022
A bit of intrigue, a cocksure lord, shenanigans by a circle of ladies and plenty of interesting characters whose stories will be featured in the upcoming series. Bluestocking Tiffany is used to being overlooked. As the man she is infatuated with is out of her reach, she uses her financial acumen to build up a nest egg so that she will not be forced into a loveless marriage. What is she to think when Wolf suddenly shows an interest in her? Will he ever open his heart again after the tragic death of his first love, or will her heart be torn apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I thought it read very easily and it held my attention well. The story offers an entertaining combination of emotion, drama, heart and intrigue. I liked Tiffany and Wolf and felt they made a good couple. I look forward to book 2. I am volitionally posting a forthright review.
December 3, 2022
The book was a good read. I found moments where the romance was sweet and engaging. The story moved pretty easy. The dialogue among the characters was witty and humorous. The book is entertaining. I enjoyed reading the fresh romance of two lonely souls brought together.
December 31, 2022
Rated 3.5
October 18, 2022
2.75 stars
This series starter is okay, sometimes a hair above three stars, but often a hair below. Its premise is one I usually really like: Shy-but-clever and terminally overlooked bluestocking captures handsome rake's eye. But too many critical pieces of the trope are missing for me to rate it much above an "a'ight."
So Tiffany is supposedly a secret investment guru, and she clearly has a nose for a good opportunity, but mostly we see her make a could-be-catastrophic error out of naivete. (Not with a stock per se, but I'll leave my description there to avoid spoilers.) The idea behind her character is that she's going to make her own way financially so that she doesn't have to depend on a man to be responsible for her. All that is well and good except that she kind of does need a man to be responsible for her. I needed to see more of her so-called genius with money to buy into the idea that she's financial genius.
And then there's Wolf. The book's blurb tells us that he is perceived to be a financial guru but is really skirting by on luck alone. We're told that he begins to court Tiffany because he needs her expertise, and yet nothing really ever happens there beyond one simple wager between the two of them. Yes, he has an uncle who is an unapologetic gambler, but the marquisette doesn't appear to be on the edge of financial ruin. Really, it's just one moment where he barely knows she exists, and then after running into each other while visiting their respective stockbrokers, he's suddenly determined to marry her. For her investment skill. That she doesn't even appear to really use or he to really need.
Now, while I love a story where a previously overlooked young woman is suddenly seen for who she really is, I just don't understand why Wolf finally saw her that way after years of feeling nothing for her. In fact, although he's definitely respectful towards her intelligence, it also seems like he thinks she should be grateful for his attention. Now that by itself is not uncommon in this type of trope, but it usually results in the hero realizing that HE'S the one who should be grateful. I'm not certain that Wolf ever arrives to that conclusion.
In fact, a second trope is thrown in at us in the form of him having been madly in love with the fiance who died on it their wedding day years earlier. It takes a little bit of time for the full story of her death to come out, but when it does, the way his former fiancee is written comes out really insensitively (not just by Wolf but by the author... See trigger warning at the very end of this review). But the whole "I'm in mourning and can never love again" hero trope just doesn't play out convincingly.
Finally, can we talk about the secondary characters? It's pretty clear that Tiffany's large group of friends are going to be matched up with Wolf's. And that's fine. It's just that's so far, the guys are not really coming off well. One or two might be okay, but the rest of them are either boorish, man 'hos, or just plain domineering, and not in a good way. There better be some pretty good back stories for some of these guys to redeem themselves.
I think a lot of people will like this story, but it just really wasn't one for me. I'm not certain that I would pick up more in the series.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Trigger warnings: (All in the past and not of the main or secondary characters) Rape, depression, suicide, murder
This series starter is okay, sometimes a hair above three stars, but often a hair below. Its premise is one I usually really like: Shy-but-clever and terminally overlooked bluestocking captures handsome rake's eye. But too many critical pieces of the trope are missing for me to rate it much above an "a'ight."
So Tiffany is supposedly a secret investment guru, and she clearly has a nose for a good opportunity, but mostly we see her make a could-be-catastrophic error out of naivete. (Not with a stock per se, but I'll leave my description there to avoid spoilers.) The idea behind her character is that she's going to make her own way financially so that she doesn't have to depend on a man to be responsible for her. All that is well and good except that she kind of does need a man to be responsible for her. I needed to see more of her so-called genius with money to buy into the idea that she's financial genius.
And then there's Wolf. The book's blurb tells us that he is perceived to be a financial guru but is really skirting by on luck alone. We're told that he begins to court Tiffany because he needs her expertise, and yet nothing really ever happens there beyond one simple wager between the two of them. Yes, he has an uncle who is an unapologetic gambler, but the marquisette doesn't appear to be on the edge of financial ruin. Really, it's just one moment where he barely knows she exists, and then after running into each other while visiting their respective stockbrokers, he's suddenly determined to marry her. For her investment skill. That she doesn't even appear to really use or he to really need.
Now, while I love a story where a previously overlooked young woman is suddenly seen for who she really is, I just don't understand why Wolf finally saw her that way after years of feeling nothing for her. In fact, although he's definitely respectful towards her intelligence, it also seems like he thinks she should be grateful for his attention. Now that by itself is not uncommon in this type of trope, but it usually results in the hero realizing that HE'S the one who should be grateful. I'm not certain that Wolf ever arrives to that conclusion.
In fact, a second trope is thrown in at us in the form of him having been madly in love with the fiance who died on it their wedding day years earlier. It takes a little bit of time for the full story of her death to come out, but when it does, the way his former fiancee is written comes out really insensitively (not just by Wolf but by the author... See trigger warning at the very end of this review). But the whole "I'm in mourning and can never love again" hero trope just doesn't play out convincingly.
Finally, can we talk about the secondary characters? It's pretty clear that Tiffany's large group of friends are going to be matched up with Wolf's. And that's fine. It's just that's so far, the guys are not really coming off well. One or two might be okay, but the rest of them are either boorish, man 'hos, or just plain domineering, and not in a good way. There better be some pretty good back stories for some of these guys to redeem themselves.
I think a lot of people will like this story, but it just really wasn't one for me. I'm not certain that I would pick up more in the series.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Trigger warnings: (All in the past and not of the main or secondary characters) Rape, depression, suicide, murder
October 7, 2022
Terrific start to the new series. The book opens as seventeen-year-old Tiffany, who has lost her parents in a brutal murder, arrives at her guardian's home after days of travel. Visitor Slade Ware, aka Wolf, assists by carrying the exhausted girl to her room. Tiffany is immediately smitten by the handsome young man. Six years later, her feelings for him haven't changed, but she may as well be invisible to him.
Tiffany has plans for her future. Resigned to the fact that she is unlikely to marry, Tiffany has used her father's stock market training and her affinity for numbers to set herself up with enough money to live independently. She wants to marry for love, if she marries at all, and not be forced to marry for security. She has done well enough for herself that her friends, who call themselves the Sisterhood, have also invested through her to fund their dreams and projects. Their investments are a secret because it isn't done for a lady to be involved in trading, and their reputations would be ruined if discovered. Unfortunately for Tiffany, on a rare visit to her stockjobber, she is seen by Wolf, who is horrified by the potential scandal.
Wolf is at the Exchange to see his stockjobber, hoping for good news about his investments. He has a reputation as a knowledgeable investor but feels he has mostly been lucky. With estates to run, a family to support, and an uncle rapidly running up gambling debts, Wolf constantly worries about his financial health. When he learns Tiffany's secret, he decides that marrying her would solve all his problems. He's stunned to discover that Tiffany disagrees and, in desperation, enters into a wager with her. At the end of a month, whichever one of them profits the most from their investments wins. If Tiffany wins, Wolf will keep her secret, while if Wolf wins, Tiffany will marry him. He decides to hedge his bets by making her fall in love with him.
I loved watching this relationship develop. Wolf is unaware that Tiffany already loves him, but she won't settle for anything less than his love. Several years earlier, Wolf lost his fiancée, and he has closed himself off to love ever since. He tells himself that he is intrigued by her wit, intelligence, and beauty, which is why he can't get her off his mind. I loved that he so quickly sees her inner and outer beauty while most people only see a plain Jane. Tiffany is puzzled by Wolf's pursuit; she doesn't know what he sees in her. When Tiffany receives disturbing news about her investments, she turns to Wolf for help. Tiffany's feelings for Wolf deepen in the time they spend together working to solve her troubles. Wolf begins to suspect that his feelings for her are deeper than he thought but isn't sure he's ready to risk his heart again. I loved seeing Tiffany break down the walls he built around his heart with her kindness, compassion, and refusal to accept anything less than all of him. Their chemistry is fantastic, and their banter is fun. They are perfect for each other.
A bit of mystery and danger is attached to Tiffany's stock trading as she discovers her stockjobber isn't who she thought he was. I loved Wolf's protectiveness as he uncovered links to his past and hers and his determination to keep her safe. I enjoyed the investigative process and seeing them work to recover Tiffany's funds. The final confrontation is intense and stirs up Wolf's greatest fears before everything is resolved. I loved Tiffany's understanding and refusal to allow Wolf to backslide into his old ways. The epilogue was terrific.
As the first in the series, there is a fair amount of time spent introducing all the characters. We have Tiffany, her cousins, Wolf's sisters, and several of their friends - eight young ladies in all. All of them are intelligent, and each suffers from male relatives who treat them like empty-headed children. I enjoyed their Sisterhood meetings and seeing their close friendships and support of each other. I laughed out loud at their plan to show the men up by placing an anonymous investing wager.
On the male side, we have Wolf, Tiffany's cousin Marlowe, and other brothers, cousins, etc. Tiffany's cousin Marlowe loves her and his sisters, but his general attitude toward women is appalling. I can't wait for his story, as I hope whichever lady ends up with him makes his life miserable as he learns his lesson. Wolf's brother, Rockwell, seems an okay guy but also has a few things to learn. I loved the guys' reactions to the challenge and their arrogant belief that they had nothing to worry about. I can't wait to see their responses when the challenge is over, and they lose (as I'm sure they will) to a bunch of women.
#netgalley
Tiffany has plans for her future. Resigned to the fact that she is unlikely to marry, Tiffany has used her father's stock market training and her affinity for numbers to set herself up with enough money to live independently. She wants to marry for love, if she marries at all, and not be forced to marry for security. She has done well enough for herself that her friends, who call themselves the Sisterhood, have also invested through her to fund their dreams and projects. Their investments are a secret because it isn't done for a lady to be involved in trading, and their reputations would be ruined if discovered. Unfortunately for Tiffany, on a rare visit to her stockjobber, she is seen by Wolf, who is horrified by the potential scandal.
Wolf is at the Exchange to see his stockjobber, hoping for good news about his investments. He has a reputation as a knowledgeable investor but feels he has mostly been lucky. With estates to run, a family to support, and an uncle rapidly running up gambling debts, Wolf constantly worries about his financial health. When he learns Tiffany's secret, he decides that marrying her would solve all his problems. He's stunned to discover that Tiffany disagrees and, in desperation, enters into a wager with her. At the end of a month, whichever one of them profits the most from their investments wins. If Tiffany wins, Wolf will keep her secret, while if Wolf wins, Tiffany will marry him. He decides to hedge his bets by making her fall in love with him.
I loved watching this relationship develop. Wolf is unaware that Tiffany already loves him, but she won't settle for anything less than his love. Several years earlier, Wolf lost his fiancée, and he has closed himself off to love ever since. He tells himself that he is intrigued by her wit, intelligence, and beauty, which is why he can't get her off his mind. I loved that he so quickly sees her inner and outer beauty while most people only see a plain Jane. Tiffany is puzzled by Wolf's pursuit; she doesn't know what he sees in her. When Tiffany receives disturbing news about her investments, she turns to Wolf for help. Tiffany's feelings for Wolf deepen in the time they spend together working to solve her troubles. Wolf begins to suspect that his feelings for her are deeper than he thought but isn't sure he's ready to risk his heart again. I loved seeing Tiffany break down the walls he built around his heart with her kindness, compassion, and refusal to accept anything less than all of him. Their chemistry is fantastic, and their banter is fun. They are perfect for each other.
A bit of mystery and danger is attached to Tiffany's stock trading as she discovers her stockjobber isn't who she thought he was. I loved Wolf's protectiveness as he uncovered links to his past and hers and his determination to keep her safe. I enjoyed the investigative process and seeing them work to recover Tiffany's funds. The final confrontation is intense and stirs up Wolf's greatest fears before everything is resolved. I loved Tiffany's understanding and refusal to allow Wolf to backslide into his old ways. The epilogue was terrific.
As the first in the series, there is a fair amount of time spent introducing all the characters. We have Tiffany, her cousins, Wolf's sisters, and several of their friends - eight young ladies in all. All of them are intelligent, and each suffers from male relatives who treat them like empty-headed children. I enjoyed their Sisterhood meetings and seeing their close friendships and support of each other. I laughed out loud at their plan to show the men up by placing an anonymous investing wager.
On the male side, we have Wolf, Tiffany's cousin Marlowe, and other brothers, cousins, etc. Tiffany's cousin Marlowe loves her and his sisters, but his general attitude toward women is appalling. I can't wait for his story, as I hope whichever lady ends up with him makes his life miserable as he learns his lesson. Wolf's brother, Rockwell, seems an okay guy but also has a few things to learn. I loved the guys' reactions to the challenge and their arrogant belief that they had nothing to worry about. I can't wait to see their responses when the challenge is over, and they lose (as I'm sure they will) to a bunch of women.
#netgalley
September 25, 2022
I received a preview copy from the author and publisher and this is my freely given opinion.
After the murder of her beloved parents by highwaymen when she was a young teen girl Tiffany Deveraux was left a ward of her uncle, the Earl of Marlowe, and now under the guardianship of her cousin. Just prior to their deaths, her father lost all his wealth in poor investments and she was left an impoverished orphan. However, her father taught her a great deal about numbers and investments before his passing. She did not want to be a financial dependent on her cousin, nor did she want to be sold into an arranged marriage, so she secretively and successfully invested in stocks, abetted by her father's old stockjobber, since most other stock jobbers would not deal with women.
When her other friends found out, they entrusted her with their pin money to invest on their behalf also, in the hopes of attaining funds for their own individual projects. But investments and stocks are below a lady of the ton and to be caught would be quite scandalous for Tiffany.
Slade, the Marquess of Wolfarth, also know as Wolf, is a close friend of the Earl, Tiffany's cousin, and has known Tiffany since she came to the Marlowe home as an orphan. There was quite a sweet opening scene about how they met, that opened the novel actually. However, he had suffered a tragic loss of his own shortly after, and it forced him to close his heart off to the thought of love and marriage afterwards. He, as the head of his household, is caught between his love and passion to create art, and managing the coffers to ensure their financial well being. He is thought to be a talent at money making, but the reality is that his brother has the talent and he has luck in his choices. But he has several large drains on his funds, including a profligate gambling uncle his mother insists on aiding. He runs into Tiffany one day when he is dealing with his own stocks, and finds out her secret.
Wolf never really saw Tiffany before, since she went out of her way to play the wallflower, and wants to avoid notice. But their run in and his discovery of her secret gives him the idea of wedding her for her talent for investments. It would be a marriage of convenience, as he figures his heart would be safe, but he would be bolstering his family finances, solidifying a connection with his friends family, ensuring his line's future, and providing Tiffany with a good marriage and title of Marchioness. Tiffany disagrees though, as if she cannot have a love match, she would rather have freedom and independence. Wolf cannot believe or accept this and this leads to a wager between the two, where they invest in different stocks and whoever makes the most in a period of time would win. The prizes would be either he keeps her secret or she marries him. In the meantime, he engages in a courtship to convince Tiffany that a marriage would be a good idea, and to bring her into the eye of society as he cannot understand why others do not see her as he is beginning to; an interesting, beautiful, intelligent woman.
I enjoyed this story and the give and take between Wolf and Tiffany, especially in the context of their greater intermingled friendships and familial relationships. It rather felt like a bit of a friend to lovers type trope, with Tiffany in the role of an overlooked younger sibling since Wolf and her cousin were friends. I quite liked the development of the other characters in the story, the other Sisters in their sisterhood, and would like to see how it fleshes out. I am definitely building curiosity in how relationships play out amongst the sisters and other characters introduced. Who will bring the womanizing rake Marlowe down? What the heck is the scandal that fellow Sister (and Wolf's real sister) Ashleigh was involved in that was so bad??
There is a bit of a murder/intrigue drama that links the present and the past that added a note of tension and drama to the story, beyond the love story, which I initially did not expect, but did enjoy the inclusion of. I see that Ms. Evans used that in her other story I enjoyed as well, the Seduction of Lord Sin.
4 stars out of 5
After the murder of her beloved parents by highwaymen when she was a young teen girl Tiffany Deveraux was left a ward of her uncle, the Earl of Marlowe, and now under the guardianship of her cousin. Just prior to their deaths, her father lost all his wealth in poor investments and she was left an impoverished orphan. However, her father taught her a great deal about numbers and investments before his passing. She did not want to be a financial dependent on her cousin, nor did she want to be sold into an arranged marriage, so she secretively and successfully invested in stocks, abetted by her father's old stockjobber, since most other stock jobbers would not deal with women.
When her other friends found out, they entrusted her with their pin money to invest on their behalf also, in the hopes of attaining funds for their own individual projects. But investments and stocks are below a lady of the ton and to be caught would be quite scandalous for Tiffany.
Slade, the Marquess of Wolfarth, also know as Wolf, is a close friend of the Earl, Tiffany's cousin, and has known Tiffany since she came to the Marlowe home as an orphan. There was quite a sweet opening scene about how they met, that opened the novel actually. However, he had suffered a tragic loss of his own shortly after, and it forced him to close his heart off to the thought of love and marriage afterwards. He, as the head of his household, is caught between his love and passion to create art, and managing the coffers to ensure their financial well being. He is thought to be a talent at money making, but the reality is that his brother has the talent and he has luck in his choices. But he has several large drains on his funds, including a profligate gambling uncle his mother insists on aiding. He runs into Tiffany one day when he is dealing with his own stocks, and finds out her secret.
Wolf never really saw Tiffany before, since she went out of her way to play the wallflower, and wants to avoid notice. But their run in and his discovery of her secret gives him the idea of wedding her for her talent for investments. It would be a marriage of convenience, as he figures his heart would be safe, but he would be bolstering his family finances, solidifying a connection with his friends family, ensuring his line's future, and providing Tiffany with a good marriage and title of Marchioness. Tiffany disagrees though, as if she cannot have a love match, she would rather have freedom and independence. Wolf cannot believe or accept this and this leads to a wager between the two, where they invest in different stocks and whoever makes the most in a period of time would win. The prizes would be either he keeps her secret or she marries him. In the meantime, he engages in a courtship to convince Tiffany that a marriage would be a good idea, and to bring her into the eye of society as he cannot understand why others do not see her as he is beginning to; an interesting, beautiful, intelligent woman.
I enjoyed this story and the give and take between Wolf and Tiffany, especially in the context of their greater intermingled friendships and familial relationships. It rather felt like a bit of a friend to lovers type trope, with Tiffany in the role of an overlooked younger sibling since Wolf and her cousin were friends. I quite liked the development of the other characters in the story, the other Sisters in their sisterhood, and would like to see how it fleshes out. I am definitely building curiosity in how relationships play out amongst the sisters and other characters introduced. Who will bring the womanizing rake Marlowe down? What the heck is the scandal that fellow Sister (and Wolf's real sister) Ashleigh was involved in that was so bad??
There is a bit of a murder/intrigue drama that links the present and the past that added a note of tension and drama to the story, beyond the love story, which I initially did not expect, but did enjoy the inclusion of. I see that Ms. Evans used that in her other story I enjoyed as well, the Seduction of Lord Sin.
4 stars out of 5
September 14, 2022
💷 A Lady Never Surrenders 🎭
Regency Best Friend's Brother Romance
Sisterhood of Scandal Book 1
✒️ Bronwen Evans
https://www.facebook.com/bronwenevans...
Release Date 09/22/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R21F429/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From USA Today Bestselling Author, Bronwen Evans comes her new Sisterhood of Scandal series. A group of ladies whose friendship is based on ensuring they can take on the world dominated by their men folk. No male relative is going to choose their destinies.
Shhh. Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. No. In society’s eyes she will remain the poor orphaned ward of the Earl of Marlowe. Only then will she ensure the man who eventually professes his love for her is genuine. Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. He’s a renowned investment guru with everything he touches turning to gold. Or is he? Society may think so, but mostly his investments have been blind luck, and he’s pretty sure his luck is about to run out. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him. But what's a man to do when the one thing a woman wants isn't his looks, title or money—it's his heart and Wolfarth's heart is shattered beyond repair.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he leave his guilt behind to embrace a new love …
I confess I considered passing this book as I am focused on preparing for an epic trip in the coming weeks, yet something in it called to me.
So I finally gave up and downloaded it.
With such a blurb, I expected a tale full of secrets, oh it has some but it was more a tale of winning trust and facing foes.
Tiffany has her future all mapped out, she will choose spinsterhood over a loveless mariage. As a plain Jane with little dowry, she knows as some remind her plus a flagrant lack of suitors that she is unlikely to attract a man’s regard. Why she is determined to make the most of her pin money and invest it to built the future of her choice.
Wolfarth has been in love once and by having been unable to protect his betrothed, he lost her. He then swore off the feeling. A marriage of convenience he will have, nothing more. And who is best to check the list of his requirements that a friend’s relative with no great beauty nor money. She will be of course eager to accept his suit, how could she reject him, handsome, wealthy and kind.
He just forgot, not in love.
Yet at every turn, Tiffany surprises him, she is not so mousy and plain, her cleverness, eyes for the right investment and wit shred Wolfarth’s blinders, making him not just seeing her but really looking at her.
This is really a fun, entertaining with some action tale, as while they really get to know one another that also chase a villain linked to their past tragedies.
I loved they are able to open their heart and speak their thoughts when time is right. They are honest and straightforward, accepting the other as they are, demonstrating their spirit’s maturity.
Not like Tiffany’s cousin who views women as unable to sort out their own business and only to be remarked for their figure and appearance, I hope when his tale comes that he will have to grovel for his very simplistic vision of women.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cif7-c...
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Regency Best Friend's Brother Romance
Sisterhood of Scandal Book 1
✒️ Bronwen Evans
https://www.facebook.com/bronwenevans...
Release Date 09/22/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R21F429/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From USA Today Bestselling Author, Bronwen Evans comes her new Sisterhood of Scandal series. A group of ladies whose friendship is based on ensuring they can take on the world dominated by their men folk. No male relative is going to choose their destinies.
Shhh. Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. No. In society’s eyes she will remain the poor orphaned ward of the Earl of Marlowe. Only then will she ensure the man who eventually professes his love for her is genuine. Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. He’s a renowned investment guru with everything he touches turning to gold. Or is he? Society may think so, but mostly his investments have been blind luck, and he’s pretty sure his luck is about to run out. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him. But what's a man to do when the one thing a woman wants isn't his looks, title or money—it's his heart and Wolfarth's heart is shattered beyond repair.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he leave his guilt behind to embrace a new love …
I confess I considered passing this book as I am focused on preparing for an epic trip in the coming weeks, yet something in it called to me.
So I finally gave up and downloaded it.
With such a blurb, I expected a tale full of secrets, oh it has some but it was more a tale of winning trust and facing foes.
Tiffany has her future all mapped out, she will choose spinsterhood over a loveless mariage. As a plain Jane with little dowry, she knows as some remind her plus a flagrant lack of suitors that she is unlikely to attract a man’s regard. Why she is determined to make the most of her pin money and invest it to built the future of her choice.
Wolfarth has been in love once and by having been unable to protect his betrothed, he lost her. He then swore off the feeling. A marriage of convenience he will have, nothing more. And who is best to check the list of his requirements that a friend’s relative with no great beauty nor money. She will be of course eager to accept his suit, how could she reject him, handsome, wealthy and kind.
He just forgot, not in love.
Yet at every turn, Tiffany surprises him, she is not so mousy and plain, her cleverness, eyes for the right investment and wit shred Wolfarth’s blinders, making him not just seeing her but really looking at her.
This is really a fun, entertaining with some action tale, as while they really get to know one another that also chase a villain linked to their past tragedies.
I loved they are able to open their heart and speak their thoughts when time is right. They are honest and straightforward, accepting the other as they are, demonstrating their spirit’s maturity.
Not like Tiffany’s cousin who views women as unable to sort out their own business and only to be remarked for their figure and appearance, I hope when his tale comes that he will have to grovel for his very simplistic vision of women.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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September 15, 2022
This is a well-plotted Regency romance with likable MC's and a bit of mystery and mayhem, which, though fairly easy to predict, I enjoyed. I also appreciated that the book involved an intelligent woman of the time period investing; the terminology and language regarding the early days of the Exchange seemed well researched but wasn't overdone or boring. The romance is slow-burn and not graphic, but there is steam and innuendo, mostly in the last 30%. The epilogue focuses on the MC's for the next book, but I didn't mind, since Tiffany and Wolf's storyline was wrapped up sufficiently. I liked Farah and Rockwell (they were easily my favorite secondary characters in this book) and am looking forward to their story coming up.
My only caveats: there are many secondary characters and, with the exception of Farah and Rockwell, they're on the generic side. I feel like Ashleigh, Wolf's sister, definitely could have been better fleshed out; the way she blurted her suspicions about Wolf's interest in Tiffany in the middle of a ballroom so all could hear made her seem resentful and catty, which I'm not sure the author intended. Also, at times the exposition about the characters became repetitive; I wanted more "show" than "tell."
Finally, I have to mention that the story of Wolf's late betrothed could have been handled with more care. I didn't feel it was necessary to make her seem like "less than" to elevate Tiffany's character, especially considering the circumstances the other woman faced. It's too easy to presume what someone would or wouldn't be like or do in that situation, until the reality happens.
Bottom line: I enjoyed the plot and felt that it rarely dragged or lost my interest, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Booksprout.
My only caveats: there are many secondary characters and, with the exception of Farah and Rockwell, they're on the generic side. I feel like Ashleigh, Wolf's sister, definitely could have been better fleshed out; the way she blurted her suspicions about Wolf's interest in Tiffany in the middle of a ballroom so all could hear made her seem resentful and catty, which I'm not sure the author intended. Also, at times the exposition about the characters became repetitive; I wanted more "show" than "tell."
Finally, I have to mention that the story of Wolf's late betrothed could have been handled with more care. I didn't feel it was necessary to make her seem like "less than" to elevate Tiffany's character, especially considering the circumstances the other woman faced. It's too easy to presume what someone would or wouldn't be like or do in that situation, until the reality happens.
Bottom line: I enjoyed the plot and felt that it rarely dragged or lost my interest, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Booksprout.
September 17, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this story and I connected with it straight away. For me it was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down until the last page. I loved all the secondary characters of the ladies of the Sisterhood and even their brothers and cousins. It gives you a tempting view into their characters and I cannot wait to read all their stories. Yes the names were not of the time period but for me a name is a name and it definitely did not spoil the story! A recommended read!
Miss Tiffany Deveraux was a whiz at the stock exchange and together with her Sisterhood of ladies, had been investing through her parent’s broker for a while. She wanted to take charge of her destiny with financial security so that she could marry someone who truly loved her!
Wolf, the Marquess of Wolfarth was a painter and after his fiancée died, he vowed never to love again and barely noticed Tiffany. Upon a visit to his broker at the stock exchange bumped into Tiffany. After seeing her home and realising how passionate she was about investments, he proposed they marry in a marriage of convenience.
Tiffany always hid herself behind her glasses and wore drab clothes with her hair tied back so she could be as inconspicuous as possible but all of a sudden Wolf had started to notice her and he wanted her!
What a fun packed entertaining story. I loved that Tiffany wore glasses and how intelligent she was. Wolf character complimented her and although he was adamant he would not fall in love, his personality shone through. He was a very caring and passionate person who once he set his mind on something, wouldn’t stop until it was his.
The story was full of fun, romance, steam and an evil plot to keep you guessing. Bring on the next story in the series, I cannot wait!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this story and all thoughts and opinions are my own
Miss Tiffany Deveraux was a whiz at the stock exchange and together with her Sisterhood of ladies, had been investing through her parent’s broker for a while. She wanted to take charge of her destiny with financial security so that she could marry someone who truly loved her!
Wolf, the Marquess of Wolfarth was a painter and after his fiancée died, he vowed never to love again and barely noticed Tiffany. Upon a visit to his broker at the stock exchange bumped into Tiffany. After seeing her home and realising how passionate she was about investments, he proposed they marry in a marriage of convenience.
Tiffany always hid herself behind her glasses and wore drab clothes with her hair tied back so she could be as inconspicuous as possible but all of a sudden Wolf had started to notice her and he wanted her!
What a fun packed entertaining story. I loved that Tiffany wore glasses and how intelligent she was. Wolf character complimented her and although he was adamant he would not fall in love, his personality shone through. He was a very caring and passionate person who once he set his mind on something, wouldn’t stop until it was his.
The story was full of fun, romance, steam and an evil plot to keep you guessing. Bring on the next story in the series, I cannot wait!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this story and all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 2, 2022
Bronwen Evans writes historical romances that tug at the heart with her characters. The book cover lists this book as the first in a series called Sisterhood of Scandal. These novels focus on a group of young women and their brothers etc. The women band together to make money to help with their future. However, it is a secret they need to keep from their nearest and dearest or it will be a huge scandal!
A Lady Never Surrenders is about Miss Tiffany Deveraux and Lord Slade Ware, the Marquis of Wolfarth. Tiffany’s parents were killed in an accident and she was raised by her relatives. She knows she only has a small dowry and is dependent on her family for everything else. However, she has mad skills with investing money and is presently working with her friends to help earn them money.
Meanwhile Wolf needs or wants help to keep up the investing his father started. For Wolf marrying Tiffany for her investing prowess would be a great stop forward. Tiffany is less than impressed as she would like to marry for love. Then things become a bit more twisted when Wolf and Tiffany suspect her stock person is cheating her and maybe accidents happen when people question where their money is. It is time to keep everyone safe as they figure it all out.
Tiffany and Wolf need to depend on each other and just maybe fall in love? A Lady Never Surrenders by Bronwen Evans is a good read.
A Lady Never Surrenders is about Miss Tiffany Deveraux and Lord Slade Ware, the Marquis of Wolfarth. Tiffany’s parents were killed in an accident and she was raised by her relatives. She knows she only has a small dowry and is dependent on her family for everything else. However, she has mad skills with investing money and is presently working with her friends to help earn them money.
Meanwhile Wolf needs or wants help to keep up the investing his father started. For Wolf marrying Tiffany for her investing prowess would be a great stop forward. Tiffany is less than impressed as she would like to marry for love. Then things become a bit more twisted when Wolf and Tiffany suspect her stock person is cheating her and maybe accidents happen when people question where their money is. It is time to keep everyone safe as they figure it all out.
Tiffany and Wolf need to depend on each other and just maybe fall in love? A Lady Never Surrenders by Bronwen Evans is a good read.
September 12, 2022
Will he open his heart, so she will give him hers.
Tiffany Deveraux may be invisible to the ton, but she has a plan and a secret. Suddenly, Lord Ware (known to his friends as Wolf) is now interested in her, but he doesn't want to love her, he just wants to marry her.
Lord Slade Wane, the Marquess of Wolfarth's heart turned to ice years ago, but if he wants to convince Lady Tiffany to marry him, he will need to thaw it out.
Overall, I liked A Lady Never Surrenders.
Bronwen Evan's has an easy to follow writing style with a nice balance between dialogue, thoughts, angst and actions. The story begins slow, but it becomes more interesting as it progresses, especially the mystery/dangerous parts. The characters are all well developed, likable and believable. The ending is sweet, but the epilogue only seems to be there as a set up for the next book.
Content 411: In addition to a mild amount of secular and religious swearing, there is some passionate kissing, fondling and an oral sex scene. All other intimacy is implied not described.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Reader, please note that since I read an ARC, I will not comment on all of the errors I noticed. I sent them to the author and I hope she fixed them before releasing the e-book.
Tiffany Deveraux may be invisible to the ton, but she has a plan and a secret. Suddenly, Lord Ware (known to his friends as Wolf) is now interested in her, but he doesn't want to love her, he just wants to marry her.
Lord Slade Wane, the Marquess of Wolfarth's heart turned to ice years ago, but if he wants to convince Lady Tiffany to marry him, he will need to thaw it out.
Overall, I liked A Lady Never Surrenders.
Bronwen Evan's has an easy to follow writing style with a nice balance between dialogue, thoughts, angst and actions. The story begins slow, but it becomes more interesting as it progresses, especially the mystery/dangerous parts. The characters are all well developed, likable and believable. The ending is sweet, but the epilogue only seems to be there as a set up for the next book.
Content 411: In addition to a mild amount of secular and religious swearing, there is some passionate kissing, fondling and an oral sex scene. All other intimacy is implied not described.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Reader, please note that since I read an ARC, I will not comment on all of the errors I noticed. I sent them to the author and I hope she fixed them before releasing the e-book.
September 14, 2022
Tiffany and Wolf are an incredible couple. Tiffany wants a relationship with another man. This is an amazing story.
Shhh. Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. No. In society’s eyes she will remain the poor orphaned ward of the Earl of Marlowe. Only then will she ensure the man who eventually professes his love for her is genuine.
Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. He’s a renowned investment guru with everything he touches turning to gold. Or is he? Society may think so, but mostly his investments have been blind luck, and he’s pretty sure his luck is about to run out. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him. But what's a man to do when the one thing a woman wants isn't his looks, title or money—it's his heart and Wolfarth's heart is shattered beyond repair.
Bronwen Evans writes an exciting book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Shhh. Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux has a secret. The poor orphan is not so poor. But she doesn't want that information to become common knowledge. Being a plain Jane, any hint of money would just bring fortune hunters to her door. No. In society’s eyes she will remain the poor orphaned ward of the Earl of Marlowe. Only then will she ensure the man who eventually professes his love for her is genuine.
Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. He’s a renowned investment guru with everything he touches turning to gold. Or is he? Society may think so, but mostly his investments have been blind luck, and he’s pretty sure his luck is about to run out. Help comes in the form of his best friend’s ward. He’s learned Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s secret. She’s an investment guru who has accumulated a considerable sum. Marriage would seem a sensible option with so many dependents relying on him. But what's a man to do when the one thing a woman wants isn't his looks, title or money—it's his heart and Wolfarth's heart is shattered beyond repair.
Bronwen Evans writes an exciting book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
September 21, 2022
This is the first book in Bronwen's new series. If all the rest are this good, I can't wait to read them too.
Tiffany Deveraux lost her parents when just fifteen and went to live with her Uncle the Earl of Marlow and her cousins. She fell in love with Lord Slade Ware (Wolf) when he carried her to her room. He was the most handsome, strong man she had ever seen.
Now eight years later she still is in awe of him. But knows after a tragedy with the Lady he was going to marry he is off limits. He always has been as she is a bluestocking, plain Jane, with no money and mostly goes unnoticed at society events. But unknown to all Tiffany has a secret, her father taught her how to make wise investments, she has always been good with numbers. Her goal is to make enough to be financially secure and live on her own. She knows she will be a spinster and that is fine as she will never marry for anything but love.
Wolf finds out her secret or part of it and to keep from telling Fane, her cousin and his best friend they make a bet. Oh, what a bet it is....
This book has a lot going one, the bet between them, a murderer, and a nasty, evil man they try to bring an end to. Lots of danger, suspense and growing attraction between them. Once you get started you can't stop reading.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Tiffany Deveraux lost her parents when just fifteen and went to live with her Uncle the Earl of Marlow and her cousins. She fell in love with Lord Slade Ware (Wolf) when he carried her to her room. He was the most handsome, strong man she had ever seen.
Now eight years later she still is in awe of him. But knows after a tragedy with the Lady he was going to marry he is off limits. He always has been as she is a bluestocking, plain Jane, with no money and mostly goes unnoticed at society events. But unknown to all Tiffany has a secret, her father taught her how to make wise investments, she has always been good with numbers. Her goal is to make enough to be financially secure and live on her own. She knows she will be a spinster and that is fine as she will never marry for anything but love.
Wolf finds out her secret or part of it and to keep from telling Fane, her cousin and his best friend they make a bet. Oh, what a bet it is....
This book has a lot going one, the bet between them, a murderer, and a nasty, evil man they try to bring an end to. Lots of danger, suspense and growing attraction between them. Once you get started you can't stop reading.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
September 22, 2022
A Lady Never Surrenders by Bronwen Evans.
Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux an orphaned ward under the care of the Earl of Marlowe is really not as poor as everyone thinks. She has been concealing a secret, and if it was discovered it could bring fortune hunters to her door. But with her secret fortune she will be the one in control of her own destiny, and she will only marry a man who loves her or she will not marry at all. Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. While all of society thinks he is an investment guru, it has been nothing but blind luck. So when he learns of Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s gift of being quite the investment guru, he would love to do nothing more than to ask her to marry him in a marriage of convenience. But although she has been in love with him for years she will not settle for anything but love. But with Wolfarth's heart shattered beyond repair from the loss of his previous engagement, is all lost?
This is an entertaining and captivating historical romance filled with secrets, intrigue and sizzling chemistry that leaps off the page and into your heart. This pulled me in from the begging and held my captivated until the end. Loved the secondary characters in this series!
I received an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
Blue Stocking Miss Tiffany Deveraux an orphaned ward under the care of the Earl of Marlowe is really not as poor as everyone thinks. She has been concealing a secret, and if it was discovered it could bring fortune hunters to her door. But with her secret fortune she will be the one in control of her own destiny, and she will only marry a man who loves her or she will not marry at all. Lord Slade Ware, the Marquess of Wolfarth also has a secret. While all of society thinks he is an investment guru, it has been nothing but blind luck. So when he learns of Miss Tiffany Deveraux’s gift of being quite the investment guru, he would love to do nothing more than to ask her to marry him in a marriage of convenience. But although she has been in love with him for years she will not settle for anything but love. But with Wolfarth's heart shattered beyond repair from the loss of his previous engagement, is all lost?
This is an entertaining and captivating historical romance filled with secrets, intrigue and sizzling chemistry that leaps off the page and into your heart. This pulled me in from the begging and held my captivated until the end. Loved the secondary characters in this series!
I received an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2024
I very much enjoyed this regency romance, the first in a new series from Bronwen Evans. I liked Tiffany a lot - she was smart if also naive, and she wanted so much to make things better for herself and for her friends. Wolf took a little time for me to like - mostly because he somehow went from never noticing Tiffany to deciding he needed her as his bride as soon as he learned she might be able to make him money.
I thought Ms. Evans did a good job weaving together the romance and the intrigue portions of the story. It was fairly obvious fairly early on what was going on and who did it, but it didn't necessarily detract from the story. The one thing I did find a little too neat was the link between a couple different story lines in the book revealed towards the end.
I will definitely look for the other books in this series. I liked the introductions to Tiffany's friends (though as another reviewed pointed out, could the names of the women be more non-Regency?) and the foreshadowing of how each will pair up with one of Wolf's circle. I even liked Marlowe - while a rake and rogue, he was still wanting to ensure his cousin was taken care of. 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this title. The opinions herein are entirely my own.
I thought Ms. Evans did a good job weaving together the romance and the intrigue portions of the story. It was fairly obvious fairly early on what was going on and who did it, but it didn't necessarily detract from the story. The one thing I did find a little too neat was the link between a couple different story lines in the book revealed towards the end.
I will definitely look for the other books in this series. I liked the introductions to Tiffany's friends (though as another reviewed pointed out, could the names of the women be more non-Regency?) and the foreshadowing of how each will pair up with one of Wolf's circle. I even liked Marlowe - while a rake and rogue, he was still wanting to ensure his cousin was taken care of. 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this title. The opinions herein are entirely my own.
September 22, 2022
5 stars
Great story and excellent start of a series.
Tiffany is an orphan staying at her guardian, Fane's house. He has two sisters who are also members of the sisterhood. Fane is over heard by his friend Wolf's sister Ashlegh suggesting that Wolf marry either Clare or Tiffany and he would marry Ashleigh marriage mart problems solved. She keeps this to herself. Tiffany is keep on investments and is working wth the sisterhoods moeny and her own money with the aim to be financially independant. Wolf catches her leaving her stockbroker. He's not that keen on working with investments and realises that if he marries Tiffany she can do the work she enjoys. Wolf has a sad back story with respect to his previous fiancee. Tiffany's stockbroker threatens Wolf because of his uncles gambling habits and then Wolf realises that the man is a fraud and a criminal. We meet other of Tiffany's friends I assume they will turn up in the other books. There's some passionate scenes. I enjoyed it.
Be mindful that there could be triggers: rape, suicide
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Great story and excellent start of a series.
Tiffany is an orphan staying at her guardian, Fane's house. He has two sisters who are also members of the sisterhood. Fane is over heard by his friend Wolf's sister Ashlegh suggesting that Wolf marry either Clare or Tiffany and he would marry Ashleigh marriage mart problems solved. She keeps this to herself. Tiffany is keep on investments and is working wth the sisterhoods moeny and her own money with the aim to be financially independant. Wolf catches her leaving her stockbroker. He's not that keen on working with investments and realises that if he marries Tiffany she can do the work she enjoys. Wolf has a sad back story with respect to his previous fiancee. Tiffany's stockbroker threatens Wolf because of his uncles gambling habits and then Wolf realises that the man is a fraud and a criminal. We meet other of Tiffany's friends I assume they will turn up in the other books. There's some passionate scenes. I enjoyed it.
Be mindful that there could be triggers: rape, suicide
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2022
Since her parents will killed by highwaymen, Miss Tiffany Deveraux has lived with her Uncle, the Earl of Marlowe. It is here that she meets Slade Ware (Wolf), the Marquess of Wolfarth, a man who has captivated her since they first met. Yet after the death of his fiancée, Wolf has never been the same. When Wolf discovers that Tiffany is skilled at making money, through her astute understanding of the money, his interest is piqued. Not only is Tiffany secretly wealthy, but she has helped her friends and in doing so, set up the “Sisterhood of Scandal” club. Together Tiffany and her friends decide to show the men in their lives, how clever they are, by challenging them to a financial wager. When Tiffany goes to meet her stockjobber, Wolf discovers her secret and challengers her to a wager which will see them married, if she loses.
An entertaining read with plenty of action and romance. The women in the Sisterhood of Scandal added to this story and look to be part of the series, so I look forward to reading their stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An entertaining read with plenty of action and romance. The women in the Sisterhood of Scandal added to this story and look to be part of the series, so I look forward to reading their stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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