The Last Hellion (Scoundrels, #4) in Alpha Heroes & Spitfire Heroines

Feb 27, 2012 Megan M. rated it it was amazing

Wow! 5+ stars! I like Loretta Chase's previous story, Lord Of Scoundrels, but this one . . . it blows it out of the water.

I won't recount the story, because that's already been done plenty of times - what I do want to add is how much I LOVE the heroine of the book, Lydia. I've always been attracted to strong heroines in romance novels, which is hard to find because ladies where not supposed to be that way. Lydia is a breath of fresh air, original and funny to boot. She is the female version of Wow! 5+ stars! I like Loretta Chase's previous story, Lord Of Scoundrels, but this one . . . it blows it out of the water.

I won't recount the story, because that's already been done plenty of times - what I do want to add is how much I LOVE the heroine of the book, Lydia. I've always been attracted to strong heroines in romance novels, which is hard to find because ladies where not supposed to be that way. Lydia is a breath of fresh air, original and funny to boot. She is the female version of Ainswood and I thought it hilarious that he didn't see that at first. There were many times that I laughed so hard because of her antics. My one problem may actually be that she was a bit TOO much at times. I realize that she wasn't one of the peerage so that will account for some of it, but then, Chase's heroines are so much more forceful. Take for example, Jessica from Lord of Scoundrels. Still, as much as I loved Lydia, I do think Loretta Chase may have taken her a bit over the top at times, to the point where at times her actions seemed a farce. Still, I loved her.

As for Ainswood, I thought it was most excellent for him to get his comeuppance finally, and in the form of a female who was definitely his match. His struggle to deny his attraction to her was a bit muddled at times and hard to follow, not very clear, but other than that he was a strong funny character. Although . . . the one thing that Chase didn't address in the book was the question of his bastards I do believe he had. If memory serves me correctly, in Lord Of Scoundrels it was mentioned that he had lots (I may be wrong), and at some point in The Last Hellion, the thought of them was raised because of Dain's "Demon Seed", but he slid away from it. I don't think it was imperative that it come up in the book, because it would of given the story a darker edge, but I think Chase a bit of a coward for not including it.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the side character story with Bertie Trent, who I don't think is as much of an airhead as everybody believes him to be. I think he exaggerates his stupidness to people at times, from some of the actions he takes in the novel.

Overall, a very excellent read, one that will be going on my all time favorites list, and that I will re-read. Right now in fact! ...more

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Sep 19, 2011 Zumbagirl rated it really liked it

Shelves: rake, adorable-dog, bluestocking-heroine, dark-cynical-hero, favorite-author, spinster-rake, two-love-stories, amazing-dialogue, unlikely-husband, hatred-love

4.5 stars

The Last Hellion is another winner! After reading Lord of Scoundrels, it's hard to find another that matches up. But this one comes pretty close. It starts out with our hero, Vere, or Duke of Ainswood. He's 32 years old, extremely tall and good-looking. There have been many, many deaths in his family - (view spoiler) Vere has decided to live a very deba 4.5 stars

The Last Hellion is another winner! After reading Lord of Scoundrels, it's hard to find another that matches up. But this one comes pretty close. It starts out with our hero, Vere, or Duke of Ainswood. He's 32 years old, extremely tall and good-looking. There have been many, many deaths in his family - (view spoiler) Vere has decided to live a very debauched lifestyle with little care for responsibilities or other people.

Our heroine Lydia Grenville is 28, also extremely tall and lost her family in death. She's a writer/journalist, very independent, and always has a cause she's working on. Her dog, a mastiff, Susan, is her sidekick/bodyguard in her various escapades through town. During one of these incidents, she literally almost runs into/over the hero and Bertie Trent (also in LofS).

The relationship between Vere and Lydia is hate-to-love, filled with constant bickering and name calling. After a while, that started to get old. But there are so many other characters in this book and it has a great storyline, that it more than makes up for it. Elizabeth and Emily, both cousins to Vere, Vere's valet, Jaynes, and even Bertie Trent, who was useless and annoying in LofS, was a pleasant surprise and I really liked him. Lydia rescues a young woman, going by the name of Tasmin Price, who had runaway from home, and fell into the clutches of one of London's most notorious brothel madam (Coralie) who would kidnap/force young women to become prostitutes for her.

It turns out, Vere does have a heart and decides keep an eye on Lydia. And eventually, he plans to get her into his bed. But due to the nature of their friendship, he has to wager her into marriage. This was very cute, especially when we see how much they care for each other.
(view spoiler)

Dain and Jessica are also in this book. Bertie falls in love, becomes uber responsible and helpful, and makes some very sensible and un-Bertie like decisions. I was cheering him on!

At the end of all the drama, it was awesome to see how Vere was able to let go of his very painful past and venture into his new life and enjoy it with Lydia and the girls. He also was very supportive of Lydia's writing, which was another facet to this story. Lydia wasn't holding on to the past, but found out some very enlightening history about her family, thanks to Vere's diligence. Loved it and recommend it:) (PG-13, maybe even PG) ...more

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