Unmanageable by Lavinia Kent

A woman with a plan—and the man who shakes it all up.

Veronica Andersen might not need a man in her life, but in the bedroom... well, that’s a different story. With her eye on making partner at her father’s law firm, she doesn’t have time to think about much beyond a fling. So when she can’t get her mind off the hot young thing who walks her dog, Veronica knows exactly what to do.

Brian Walsh isn’t just a dog walker. He’s a former hockey pro who’s rebuilding his life after a career-ending injury on the ice. He’s taking his time and enjoying his current freedom—and the four-legged companionship. If only he could stop fantasizing about the best two legs he’s ever seen...

Brian and Veronica can’t help coming together. Again. And again. Suddenly, Veronica finds herself throwing all her best-laid plans out the window. Could she possibly have fallen in love with a man who’s wrong in every way—except the only one that matters?

Lavinia Kent’s seductive Forbidden Cove novels can be enjoyed together or separately.

Book 2
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars rounded up for Baxter!

This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend book one to you, although it is not essential to have read it to enjoy this one.

I rather like that this series is unconventional in its romantic choices. The last book was about an older woman having a relationship with her stepdaughter's ex. In fact, there was nothing really seedy or sordid about it, but the idea is one which we are conditioned to have preconceptions about. Here Veronica is also older than Brian, but the issue here is one of snobbery about his seeming lack of a proper job. For a lawyer, she is hopeless at keeping her thoughts to herself and she is extremely offensive at times, possibly not even realising that she is doing it. It is not an attractive trait, and one that the reader is forced to confront. I imagine that some people will judge her poorly, and yet be guilty of similar, as we are often swift to form opinions of others... even if reluctant to admit it. So I felt that Kent was making a clever point (as she has done in many books before), although there will some who do not appreciate it.

As we get to see how Veronica has lived her life and how her family have shaped her thinking, it is easy to see why she has become so conditioned by it. I forgave her a great deal when we see what a misogynistic culture she works within, and how lonely she is – with the exception of her dead brother's Basset hound, Baxter. So, she really isn't very skilled in the art of relationships, and certainly struggles to recognise love, or even some levels of human decency. Brian is fascinated by her I think, as she is the opposite of the puck bunnies who have been following him around, and his anonymity is a pleasurable change. Of course, it is that which causes much of the trouble between them, and it was interesting to see how Kent could possibly pull that around. Her solution is the absolute best, and I was very happy by the end of the book that everyone got their just desserts.

Also Available in the Forbidden Cove Series

Book 1
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For reviews & more info, check out our Unsuitable post.

Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Lavinia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Unmanageable (Forbidden Cove #2) by Lavinia Kent to read and review.

Unsuitable by Lavinia Kent

Cougar... MILF... Mrs. Robinson.

Jordan Robinson knows firsthand that when a woman marries a rich older man, people are going to talk. But now, with her husband gone, Jordan lives a quiet life of seclusion, managing her charities and staying away from the limelight. Then everything changes after an unexpected kiss leads to the best sex of her life—and a secret affair Jordan never wants to end.

A sexy young mogul who’s used to getting what he wants, Clay has wanted Jordan Robinson ever since he was seventeen and saw her emerge dripping from a swimming pool in a white bikini. But now he’s all grown up... and now she’s his. But when their relationship is exposed, the fallout is devastating. Yet Clay’s a man in his prime—and Jordan’s a woman worth fighting for. They may have started as a fling, but Jordan Robinson belongs in his bed, in his life... and forever in his heart.

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series – and I am really hopeful that Veronica gets her chance... Jordan didn't give her a chance to explain herself!

I very much enjoyed Lavinia Kent's Bound and Determined series, so was fascinated to see how her skills translated to a present day romance. I was suitably impressed – without a doubt her skills of describing hot and steamy moments translate just fine!

Apart from the hot and steamy encounters between Jordan and Clay, which definitely bring Jordan back to life, I really enjoyed watching her grow to understand herself. We get the superficial information about her life early on, but as she realises how her feelings are progressing with Clay, she also reveals more about her life with Mark. Her best friend Veronica, and Mark's daughter, Amelia, help her to unpack some of her issues. For a woman who has lived a full life as a wife and step-mum, she has missed a number of growing up steps, which she can finally lay to rest.

Once Dolly arrived, I think we all knew that things would work out, and I have a feeling that Marta may have lost a gig!

Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Lavinia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Unsuitable (Forbidden Cove #1) by Lavinia Kent to read and review.

Ravishing Ruby by Lavinia Kent

Eloisa James meets E. L. James in Lavinia Kent’s deeply sensual Regency romance! Torn between duty and desire, London’s most infamous madam fights for a future with the love of her life: an insatiable, ruggedly charming American sailor.

Emma Scanton’s grandfather wants her to marry. Though he means well, he has no idea that his sweet, shy granddaughter leads a double life as the proprietress of Madame Rouge’s. “Ruby” doesn’t mean to disappoint her family—in fact, there’s quite a bit about the job she would gladly leave behind—but she cannot bear the thought of losing her most beloved admirer: Captain Derek Price. What would she do without his muscular arms encircling her waist or his rough chin scraping her cheek? No, marriage is out of the question, for Ruby and for Emma.

Beckoned back to England to assume his role as heir to the family fortune, Derek will soon enter into a suitable marriage. But not without one last visit to see Madame Rouge. During the long months away, Derek could only think of Ruby: her luscious lips and cobalt eyes, the swell of her breasts against the bodice of her gown. Derek’s rich, attractive fiancée, selected for him by his family, is perfectly lovely. But Derek wants the ravenous, ravishing Ruby . . . for far more than one night.

Ravishing Ruby is intended for mature audiences.

Book 3
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This follows on from the novella Revealing Ruby, and it would serve the reader well to read it before this book. It is set many months after the first encounter between Derek Price and Ruby/Emma. I would recommend that you read all the books in order, as they build up the picture of Madame Rouge and her ways.

I really enjoyed this story as the plot developed – the first goodly proportion is hot and steamy, although it failed to move the story forward for me. Once Emma is given an ultimatum by her Grandfather, and with Captain Price also having some pressing issues, it is a fight to get the story turned around before the pages run out...but Ms. Kent knows what she is doing, and even the most cynical of us should enjoy how everything gets tidied up and moved forward. After a number of stories where Ruby is helping solve other people's issues, it was frustrating at times that she took so long to work out her own solution – but at the same time, it did make sense that she wouldn't see the wood for the trees when it came to how to resolve her future plans.


Erica – ☆☆☆
3 Ravishing Stars.
Finally a complete novel dedicated to the intriguing madam of the series, after giving readers a small taste in an earlier short novella. After so much buildup, there was a lot to live up to in this novel. Was it a success?

Ravishing? Yes.
Ruby? No.

I will admit, I have a love/hate affair with this series. There are elements I absolutely adore, while there are more I don't. I love historical romance, and prefer one that is more character & story-driven, versus insta-love/lust-driven. So keep that in mind during the following review.

In previous books, I loved the underlying story until it became a between-the-sheets-fest that buried the plot underneath the bed. Ravishing Ruby is lacking any and all development & buildup.

Ravishing Ruby begins 3 months after Revealing Ruby. Emma's pining away for Derek as she counsels one of her clients. I was actually interested in his particular story but knew it was just a lead in. In walks Derek, who throws himself because Ruby is touching the hand of said client.

From this point forward, it was most definitely page after page of Ravishing Ruby. Two scenes before the 10% mark. Which leaves little time for the reader to connect to the characters, or understand why they're always 'connected' to each other. This is coming from a reader who also read Revealing Ruby. Unless I read it immediately prior, this story felt instantaneous with no build up. So fast that instead of hot, I felt whiplash.

Narration: Ruby/Emma's narration was more enjoyable to read, because she was more serious and developed in the beginning, then more juvenile and wishy-washy. While, at first, Derek had a one-track mind that left me feeling as he is was written one-dimensional. So I had a hard time buying their intense connection past the shallow lust, because Derek showed no interest in anything but Ruby's 'dumplings' & 'rear view.' Derek says several times over how Emma is not the wh*re Ruby portrays, yet all he sees in her is his sexual fantasies playing out and instant gratification.

Frankly, other than playing together, I felt nothing between these characters, even with a previous novella dedicated to them. As a reader, I was disconnected emotionally. As a female reader, my mind and emotions are connected to the heat source the author is trying to spark in me. With my mind not engaged and not connecting to the characters, none of it came together.

The underlying story itself felt drawn-out and bogged down with repetition. All conflict could have been resolved if the characters didn't drag their feet every step of the way except to the bedroom. The story was the passenger with the lust scenes as the driver.

Even with my critical review, I highly recommend Ravishing Ruby to fans of the Bound & Determined series, who love more smexy than story. If this type of read is your thing, guaranteed it will leave you flushed with delight.

Will I continue on with this series: No, it's obviously not to my taste. I need more. I just need... more than sex. More.

Also Available in the Bound and Determined Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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For reviews & more info, check out our Mastering the Marquess blog post.

Book 1.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Revealing Ruby blog post.

Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Bound by Bliss Blog Tour.

Book 2.5
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Sarah’s Surrender Blog Tour.

Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Lavinia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ravishing Ruby (Bound and Determined #3) by Lavinia Kent to read and review.

Sarah's Surrender by Lavinia Kent Blog Tour

In Lavinia Kent’s scorching new eBook original novella, two wounded hearts find that only the sweet release of temptations long denied can heal the pain of past sins.

Five years ago, Miss Sarah Swilp had been deeply in love with Jonathan Perry, the second son of an earl. But when Jonathan inherited his aunt’s lands and money, he turned cold, demanding Sarah’s maidenhood and uttering those unforgettably cruel words: “You do know I won’t marry you.” She refused, of course, and that spoiled everything. Now, just as she’s agreed to a marriage of convenience, Jonathan reappears—and after Sarah gets one look at his lean, hard body, the embers of desire burst back into flame.

Over time, Jonathan has learned quite a bit about the art of pleasure—though nothing has ever given him so much joy as the husky timbre of Sarah’s laugh. It had hurt to leave her, but what other choice did he have? Perhaps he’d been too afraid of ending up like his brother, targeted by a woman seeking a title. Seeing her again, Jonathan can’t help wondering what might have been if only Sarah had surrendered to red-hot lust. Fortunately, judging by the wicked look in her eyes, it may not be too late to find out.

Sarah’s Surrender is intended for mature audiences.

Book 2.5
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He could not be here. Miss Sarah Swilp closed her eyes and prayed that when she opened them she would find it had all been an illusion, that he would be an illusion. He could not possibly be here. He’d been gone for five years, been out of England for five years. Why would he return now? And why here? He’d been a rich man when he left; now he was supposedly beyond rich. Why would he possibly choose the Carringtons’ ball as his first appearance in London?

Keeping her eyes closed, she continued to pray. This night was bad enough without Mr. Jonathan Perry deciding to appear.

He couldn’t be here. He couldn’t.

All the pain and anger of that night five years ago descended on her. She’d fought so hard to forget and now he was here—and on this night of all nights. Wasn’t it bad enough that she’d just discovered Lord Duldon was to marry Lady Bliss Danser, that her own foolish hopes were to be dashed? She should have known better. Not since that night five years ago had her life ever worked out the way that she wished.

She would have to open her eyes soon. Somebody would notice. And people thought her strange and moody already.

Still, perhaps she could afford one more moment.

No, she would be brave; nothing was ever gained by delay.

With slow deliberation she cracked her eyes, and squinted.

And against her will, her eyes sought out the strong figure of the man across the room, then lingered over his long, lean frame. He seemed taller, broader than she remembered, different from the man she had once thought she loved.

Love. Had it ever been love or had it all been the foolish imaginings of a child? It had certainly felt real at the time, but she’d learned her lesson. It had been burnt into her soul.

You do know I won’t marry you.

Had there ever been a phrase so hateful? So designed to cut a woman to the quick?

She’d been glad that he’d been gone these last five years, glad not to see him, not to remember him. Glad to forget he’d ever existed.

Glad to forget those dark eyes and their piercing stare; those endless shoulders that had protected her from the world; the scent of green grass and leather that always clung to him when she pressed her face against his chest. Glad to forget the safety of his embrace. Glad to forget how hard he’d felt against her cheek; the delicious sensations she’d felt when his hands skimmed over her. Glad to forget how happy his grin could make her; how constantly he’d made her laugh. Glad to forget the feel of his lips pressed against hers, his tongue sliding along the crease. Glad to forget . . .

And now he was back. And of course he’d arrived tonight, when it felt as though her world were falling about her. He’d have loved to laugh at her dreams, to have laughed at poor Miss Swilp reaching so far above herself once again, to have laughed that she’d ever imagined Duldon could be interested in her.

God, Jonathan looked good though, better than she’d remembered—and that should have been impossible. Why couldn’t he have grown thick about the waist or lost some of that dark hair? Why did he stand there so tall and proud, the black of his evening wear so stark and elegant? There simply was no justice in the world.

His head turned.

His chin dropped slightly, and his eyes met hers, pierced hers—and then moved on.

Did he not recognize her? She knew she had changed, but . . . Then his gaze returned, swept her from head to toe. His lips tightened. He turned away.

She knew what that look and gesture meant. Pity was all too apparent when aimed at oneself.

Without another thought, she turned and fled, pushing through the crush and up the stairs. The retiring room. She would find a moment’s peace there, a chance to collect herself before risking a confrontation with Jonathan.

She paused at the door. Hopefully, it would be empty. The evening was still too young for torn hems, and the ball was so glorious in its intensity that she couldn’t imagine that anyone would want to miss a moment of the excitement.

She slipped through the door and into the chamber, releasing a long sigh. Not even a maid was present. She was alone. Pouring cold water from a pitcher, she splashed her face, hoping to draw some color into her pallid cheeks. It didn’t take a glance in the mirror to know she lacked color. She’d felt it all drain the moment she’d seen him. Not that there had been much to begin with; the days when her cheeks shone like roses were rare indeed, and this certainly was not one of them.

No. No mirror was needed.

She knew exactly what she looked like, knew exactly what Jonathan had seen.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
5 stars for the first 60%
3 stars for the last 40%
4 stars overall.

I have a love/hate relationship with this series, and I mean that in the best way possible. "Why can't I quit you?" I was asked to review this title after swearing it off, and I caved when its allure dragged me back in.

The Bound and Determined novellas baffle me. In the beginning half of each of the novellas, I'm passing out the rarely given 5 star. I fall madly in lust with the story, ready to give it my virtue, and when I wake in the morning I'm filled with regrets and no ring on my finger.

Okay. Enough metaphors.

Lavinia Kent has a way with her words, her writing style, where it pulls me right in from page one. Her characters are relate-able and likable, even if you didn't like them in previous titles. As soon as they narrate their stories you're on their team. I respect that ability in a writer.

I can't explain the following. There is nothing I can pinpoint. I will be in mad-lust with the book, and something shifts, drags a bit, like I felt it should have ended by now, even with its so few pages. In Sarah's Surrender's case, I was way into it, but when the 'action' was interrupted by hate BJs and endless angsty miscommunication chat, and then they explained their reasons for their initial separation for pages on end, the grip lessened and its hold on me was gone. Then the last 30% was sex scene after sex scene with relationship chat interrupting the good parts.

While I could empathize with Jonathan (to a point), Sarah was wholeheartedly correct in how she felt about what happened in their past. She could explain that until she was blue in the face (and she did), and he was NOT going to understand. I still don't buy that he understood by book's end. Which infuriated me, considering the time and age this was set, Sarah's reasons were shoved down both boys’ and girls' throats from birth. If he hadn't explained, and explained, and beat his explanation like a dead horse, I could have overlooked it and went on my merry way. But it dragged the pacing down. "We get it already!" Following that was a bunch of redundant sex scenes that if they hadn't been one after the other they would have held my attention. But in that moment, it lessened the emotional impact and made it less in my eyes. Yet again losing me as a reader.

Yes, I recommend this series.
Yes, against my better judgment, when I'm asked to review the next, I'll hem and haw but I'll give in & just like every other toxic relationship, I'll be hoping things change.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and this lovely little novella is a great addition to the set.

We have met Sarah before, and heard of her woeful life due to her gambling father, and are too well aware that she deserves better. Now that we get her story it is even clearer that she is the victim of a great, yet foolish wrong. She is however pragmatic and resourceful – characteristics that will serve her well!

This is a delightful, sexy read, with a lovely ending – I recommend it to you.

Also Available in the Bound and Determined Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Mastering the Marquess blog post.

Book 1.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Revealing Ruby blog post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Bound by Bliss Blog Tour.

Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Lavinia

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Sarah’s Surrender (Bound and Determined #2.5) by Lavinia Kent to read and review for this tour.

Bound by Bliss by Lavinia Kent Blog Tour

In Lavinia Kent’s luscious, erotic historical romance, a free spirit learns her true desires from a master of the heart, of the body—and of the sweetest discipline.

Lady Bliss Danser, daughter of the Duke of Mirth, is a scandal waiting to erupt. Which is why her highly conventional brother wants to saddle her with Stephan Perth, Earl of Duldon, the only man he thinks will marry her. Worse, Stephan keeps threatening to punish her, to teach her just how a woman should behave. His words may cause Bliss to tingle in the strangest places, but that doesn’t mean she likes the man himself.

Stephan has secretly desired Bliss for years, but he knows how close he is to losing his beloved. Careful not to rile her impetuous heart, he promises only to aid Bliss in her search for another fiancé. And if she’s determined to understand the male body first, he’s happy to comply in that regard as well. However, she must follow his rules or face the consequences. Slowly he takes Bliss to the darker, steamier side of his world… where she realizes that Stephan is everything she’s ever wanted.

Bound by Bliss is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences

Book 2
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Lady Bliss Danser, second daughter of the Duke of Mirth, stared across the ballroom, her eyes fixed on the smiling blonde. The girl bounced up on her tiptoes, curls bobbing and the sunset ruffles of her skirt dancing. Her whole being radiated joy and happiness.

Bliss bit down on her lower lip. Hard. Her sharp incisors cut into the delicate skin, the pain holding her in the moment as it always did, keeping her firmly in the present. It was wrong to be miserable at another’s jubilation, but it was impossible to feel pleasure as the stones filling her belly multiplied. If Miss Amy Samson had received an invitation that meant there was one less to go around, one less chance at salvation.

Not that the invitation offered salvation exactly. More likely it led to a lesser ring of hell.

“Do you have yours yet? Do you have yours yet?” The soft, breathy voice floated over Bliss’s shoulder, disrupting her thoughts.

Pulling in a deep puff of air, Bliss forced the corners of her mouth up and relaxed the tension in her brow. “My what?” She turned to face her dearest friend, Angela. It was important that not even Angela realized the extent of her inner turmoil.

“Oh, don’t you pretend with me, Miss Danser. You know exactly what I mean.” Angela tried to sound cross, but her smile could not be kept down. Her dark pink cheeks glistened under her crown of ebony locks, her black eyes flashing.

Bliss pushed her own cheeks higher, hoping the strain did not show. “Lady Perse’s tea invitation? But why would I be wanting one of those? You know I’ve no interest in marriage.” Oh, if only that were true. If only the events of the past month had not forced her hand.

“You don’t fool me, Bliss. I saw you watching Miss Samson. There was no mistaking the look of desire upon your face. The more you smile, the more I see your disappointment.”

Blast. Angela knew her far too well. “I was just amazed at how happy she looked. She’s never still, but I’ve never before seen her quivering with emotion. I am surprised all the crystal within ten feet of her didn’t shatter.”

“You’re the only one I know who can accomplish that feat.” Angela wrinkled her nose.

“It was only once and you know very well it was because I’d tried to sew coins onto my dress so I’d look like a gypsy dancer. I never imagined that they’d all go flying off when I twirled. Can I help it if I like to twirl—and that I am a lousy seamstress?”

“Don’t try to distract me. I saw you watching Miss Samson and it wasn’t merely interest that I saw cross your face. It was envy.”

Bliss tried again. She was not yet ready to admit to her own desires. “Maybe I simply wanted her dress.”

“Bliss, I understand you too well, and besides, her dress is the color of tangerine and has more ruffles than a bird has feathers. Even you”—Angela’s eyes swept over Bliss’s pink creation—“would not wear that shade.”

“Fine. Yes, I was watching her and yes, it upset me to see that she’d received an invitation. And I don’t see what is wrong with her dress.” The color really was quite cheerful.

“I don’t see why it should bother you to admit that you want an invitation. Every unmarried woman here dreams of receiving an invitation to one of Lady Perse’s teas. We all want a love match and nobody manages those as well as Lady Perse. And I will not comment again on Miss Samson’s dress.”

Bliss pulled in a long, deep breath and released it slowly. “But I’ve never wanted to marry. You know that.” She might want many things, things she did not understand, but marriage was not one of them. Marriage led to heartache and loss. And a love match only more so. She already knew the pain that love could bring.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
3.5 Stars
I have a love-hate relationship with this series. I will begin the book, loving it. It’s fresh. The characters are fun yet deep. The storyline is engrossing. I enjoy the author’s voice and the storytelling.

This same phenomenon occurred when I read the first book in this series, to the point that I was nervous to begin this book, in fear it would happen again.

While reading the beginning of the book, I think to myself that I’ll be handing out a rare 5 star review. The book is so original, and I’m riveted to the point of snapping at people when they interrupt my reading time. But something always happens around the 30% mark of the book, where it begins to drag because of repetition and inner monologue. By the time I reach the 50% mark, my emotions sour and I feel bewildered.

It’s very rarely I wish a book was shorter. I know that sounds insane. Who would wish a book to be a novella when you want to get your money’s worth? But with this type of storyline, where it takes ages to get to the foregone conclusion…

A story I was thrilled to read becomes tedious. I love Historical Romance because you are given a pair of characters, and the reader is taken on a journey to their Happily Ever After. But for the same reason I find a comfort in it, if not done with a level of angst or twists and turns, it becomes predictable. Especially when the angst is misunderstandings or just bull-headedness. The Hero knew they were going to end up together. The reader knew they were going to end up together. But the heroine doth protest to the point of irritation, where I lost interest.

I also had a love/hate relationship with our heroine, while I felt the hero was too perfect- too understanding –too amazingly patient for a dominant. What I loved about our hero, his actions and words were consistent. If he said he was going to do something, he did it. His emotions mirrored this, yet the heroine never believed him. Bliss would go from insecure to arrogant in a heartbeat. She would do and say things to the Hero with no consideration to his feelings, which takes away from the reader believing there is love present.

I don’t want to marry you, even though we both know I will, and that we’re both in love with each other. But I’m going to smear it in your face, and tell you I want to marry someone else- kiss someone else. I’m a grown woman acting like a thoughtless child.

I’m not the hero, but that got old- fast –and I’m just the reader. I felt as if the entire time as the heroine waffled back and forth between ‘showing’ the hero she wanted him, while ‘telling’ him she didn’t, that it was disrespectful. As a dominant, to be disrespected and to put up with it, is to relinquish your power. The longer the hero put up with the heroine’s BS, the less respect I had for him.

In book 1, I didn’t think I could stand being inside Bliss’s head for a nanosecond. I felt her a spoiled, selfish, thoughtless brat with no redeeming qualities, and I feared I wouldn’t be able to read with her as the narrator.

I give mad props to the author for redeeming Bliss. From page one, I’d forgotten that *expletive*. Bliss was strong. A grown woman who wanted to break free from societal chains. Her first trip to Ruby’s was one of my favorite scenes of the entire book, and I wish the pacing and flow would have continued on as the book went. That scene showed a plethora of emotions through a peephole, because our heroine was ‘feeling’ and describing, and our hero was supporting. If the author could have captured that and had it bleed over into the rest of the book, I would have been blown away. Proving page count doesn’t matter. A shorter book that is unforgettable, is more entertaining than a long book with unforgettable scenes and too much of everything else.

I only enjoyed Bliss when she wasn’t thinking or speaking- in those times, that vapid character from the first book returned, not someone who was our heroine. I preferred our woman of action. When Bliss owned what she wanted, when she allowed herself to feel empowered, I fell back in love with her character…

But there was a problem with that, as Bliss was forever thinking, rambling, or speaking.

On multiple occasions during the same scene, the Hero continually commented on the heroine’s lack of focus, how her mind wandered, and how she rambled. He went as far as to chastise her for thinking in the middle of ‘playing’. In the beginning this was endearing, amusing even. But not during sex scenes.

This was a point of contention for me, as I felt a bit like the Hero myself. It was in moments like these that I became bored, and felt guilty because the need to skim was upon me. While inner monologue gives a reader great insight to character development, too much can be detrimental to the story itself. If the reader is driven to skim the book, they aren’t reading it, so how are they connecting with the character’s private thoughts? When too much, it becomes background noise, never digested and comprehended.

The reader is deep into a great scene, only to be thrust out with endless rumination. The Hero would ask the heroine a question, only for it to be several pages later before she would answer- her mind wandering for pages on end, usually to the same location it had flowed on the page before- the chapter before.

By the time the heroine finally answered our Hero, there was a good chance the reader forgot the initial question. I should point out, these questions were of a sexual nature. So in the middle of being hot and bothered, the reader is subjected to the heroine’s insecure thought process, memories of childhood, where she shored up her nerve with a rehash of how the heroine felt in a previous scene- a scene we already read in great detail. This fizzled the heat level for me because it tore me from the story.

I apologize for my harshness. There is only one thing that brings enough passion out of me to write a review such as this, and that is that I care. I actually feel a bond with the author, with the story, with the characters.

In truth, I loved the author’s voice and writing style. I loved how the characters could be witty and charming, how humor was brought in without being over the top. I enjoyed the tender yet never too sweet moments. As a writer of BDSM in contemporary times, I felt the power exchange and the needs and wants of what the lifestyle entails were perfectly portrayed, especially emotionally. I thought the sex was hot and naughty, and yanked the reader right in as if they were the one being pleasured.

So why my critical review? Because I want to read the 3rd book in this series, and I want to enjoy it without it going down a similar path as its predecessors. No, my opinion isn’t the only one that matters, but a review is just that- opinion.

Genre: Historical Romance | BDSM
Historical Authenticity: Accurate
Heat Level: Smoking HOT
Would I recommend this series/book/author: Yes, if what I listed above in the review isn’t on your pet peeve list.
Will I read more from this author: One more try. I think the author is fabulous, but perhaps I’m not meant to be one of her readers, as it just isn’t to my reading tastes.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third in this series, and just as enjoyable as the previous two – if not even better. Possibly that is the case as I knew what and who to expect, and why. If I ever get to travel back in fictional time, Ruby is high on my list of people I'd like to meet. She doesn't play a huge role here, but continues to be such a great character. If you have not read the others yet then may I recommend that you do.

I still have visions of Louisa on her first visit to Madame Rouge – and laugh at the memory – so the fact that Bliss was also so innocent was not a surprise. The way that she gained her knowledge, and had revelations about romance in general was both funny and also hot. He was no dull don in the bedroom for sure!

At points I felt that the story could have moved along somewhat more quickly, and that I didn't need the issue reinforced again. However it is well written and certainly no hardship to read. I would maybe have liked more about Bliss's current family situation, given that her brother is now married etc. but her feelings were well explained.

I'm hoping that there is more to come, as I am very fond of the gang, and that letter from Manchester gave me some hope for Ruby too!

Also Available in the Bound and Determined Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Mastering the Marquess blog post.

Book 1.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Revealing Ruby blog post.

Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Lavinia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2) by Lavinia Kent to read and review for this tour.

Wicked Reads Reviews – Revealing Ruby by Lavinia Kent

Unmasked by smoldering desire, a rigidly disciplined madame gives in to the ultimate temptation in Lavinia Kent’s seductive new eBook original novella.

As the proprietress of London’s most discreet house of pleasure, Madame Rouge—Ruby to her clientele—prefers to keep her own company. The first rule in her establishment? She never, ever personally entertains the customers. However, the tall, dark, and provocatively tattooed American sailor who shows up on her doorstep makes Ruby wonder whether some rules were made to be broken. If she indulges, even just once, Ruby’s loyal patrons might get the wrong idea. If she doesn’t, she may never stop fantasizing about where that tattoo leads. . . .

No complications: That’s all Derek Price, captain of the Dawn’s Light, asks of his consorts on shore, and he’s willing to pay handsomely for the favor. But of all the women at Madame Rouge’s, the one he wants is the only one he can’t have, for any sum. Derek is not a man with an abundance of patience. However, for a night with Madame Rouge, Ruby, whoever she is, he’s willing to make those lush curves and sapphire eyes come to him.

Revealing Ruby is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Book 1.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
Revealing Ruby is a lusty novella, with everything centering around the physical, with a thread of suspenseful mystery lying deep beneath the seduction.

Heavy on the description of the characters' attributes, the clothing, & their surroundings, but very light on the content of their character. Monologue & dialogue are essentially about wanting & how to get.

Physical chemistry & smoldering scenes ended with a cliffhanger, when the next book is a different set of narrators.

Recommended: Historical fans who aren't too picky about the details of the era. Erotica fans who enjoy sexy scenes with a very small slice of story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed the writing and the story in book 1, so was sure that this would be good – and it certainly is.

Ruby was central to the plot in Mastering the Marquess and here we get a snippet of her true self, or is that selves. It is definitely hot, but also poignant and amusing. Captain Price, (oh what I would give for a picture of his tattoo) I am hoping we will meet again in future installments. Once again, good writing and interesting plot lines that had this reader up till late and wanting to know what happens next.

Also Available in the Bound and Determined Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Mastering the Marquess blog post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

I live in Washington, DC with my husband, kids, two cats and a changing menagerie of other small beasts.

I worked in both the arts and in the business world before giving into my love of storytelling after the birth of my oldest -- although it wasn't until after the birth of my youngest when I suddenly had full-time childcare that it all came together for me.

I love discussing books -- almost any books at any time.

One of my great joys is having my children get old enough that we can all read the same things and talk. I am so happy that YA is the flourishing world that it is.

And of course I love Romance. I started back with Kathleen Woodiwiss and Johanna Lindsay and have never given them up since -- although there were a few slow spots along the way.

Connect with Lavinia

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Revealing Ruby (Bound and Determined #2) by Lavinia Kent to read and review.