Member Reviews
Only a Viscount Will Do is Book 3 of the To Marry a Rogue Series. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Each book centers around one particular child of the Duke of Penworth and is their own story.
Explosive! This is a smashing follow-up to Book 2 of the series. I lurveeeeee Ms. Gill and her amazing writing style; smooth as silk with a flawless delivery has me grabbing up all her book as soon as they become available and her captivating characters really bring her original storylines to life. A must-read!
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
'Only a Viscount Will Do' by Tamara Gill is book Three in the "To Marry a Rogue" series. This is the story of Lady Alice Worthingham and Callum Edwards, Viscount Arndel. I have read the other books in this series (all great books!!) but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Callum inherited the estate and Title of Viscount Arndel from his cousin when he past. But Callum quickly learned there was an outstanding debt from a Moneylender that his cousin has ...and now the moneylender is expecting him to pay it. The debt is too high to pay and the lender gives him the option to become a Highway Man and rob people of a list of jewelry he wants that will pay off the debt. Callum has no choice but to do what he is asked because if not they will hurt his daughter. But now Callum in almost completed his mission with just one more thing to steal. Which leads him to rob Alice's mother and her. Alice is Callum neighbor and also someone he has feelings for. When he pulls them over to rob them, Callum can't help but tease Alice. But Alice takes action against him and gets away...but no before he takes her mother's beloved broach.
I really felt for Callum being put in a hard place to take items from his fellow towns people. Alice was a pretty strong main character. I enjoyed 'watching' these two interact and them getting together.
I am a big Fan of Ms. Gill's writing and all her books are ones I can't put down. Once I start I cannot stop until I know the end. This one was another one that I couldn't put down...loved it!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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In this straight historical romance, Callum, the new Lord Arndel has not just inherited his title and lands, but according to the moneylender threatening Lord Arndel's daughter,his dead cousin's massive debts as well. So he becomes the Surrey Bandit stealing jewellery to order.
Near neighbour, duke's daughter, Lady Alice Worthingham is an unconventional female. But what does happen when she discovers his secret.
An enjoyable story though I am not sure I took to Alice that much, probably too calculating in her actions. But Arndel was an interesting character.
Love Callum, love that he wanted to protect his daughter, whose mother was dead. Like Lady Slice, and her sister Lady Victoria, I found them lady like, funny, and willing to fight for what is right! I don't like it, if this is another hook for feminist! How much money do they really spend on books? I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee 👒
*Arc received from Netgalley for an honest review*
*Did not finish*
I really wanted to like this book but I couldn't get past the first few chapters, enjoyed the second book of the series more.
I will come back to this book one day & try again.
(Review posted on my GoodReads account)
Callum is new to the peerage due to the death of a cousin. His mother had been disowned by her family for marrying for love and beneath her station. When Callum, Lord Arndel, unexpected inherits the title and estates, he is, also, forced to inherite the viscounts debts. The moneylender has even kidnapped Callum’s daughter to show him he will do whatever is necessary to force Callum to pay his predecessor’s debts.
In order to pay this huge debt, Callum was required to steal particular jewels from the ton. He did not have the money and the moneylender wanted the debt repaid with a list of jewels. So, Callum became the Surrey Bandit, stealing only from the wealthy and titled to repay the debt. He even kept the horse he rode to do his thieving somewhat hidden so others would not figure out it was him stealing.
Callum used the ‘season’ to get close to those from whom he had to steal and determine the best way to get the jewels. During the season he caught the eye of Lady Alice Worthingham, sister of a duke who also happened to be his neighbors. There was a connection between them almost immediately, although he fought it and even spoke negatively about her to discourage Alice.
Alice W is an amazing woman before her time. She has the traits and characteristics of a very modern woman, saying the Worthingham women are allowed to be themselves regardless of what the ton thought of her. She insisted on buying cottages to repair them for the needy. She took food and helpful items to the villagers. She rode a horse like a man, could apparently, shoot like a man when necessary. Alice liked Callum despite herself. Once she realized he was the Surrey Bandit, she decided to exact her revenge. Alice believed him when he said he would not steal again and had only done it to protect his family.
Callum was not raised with the luxuries of which Alice had been raised. His family was one of those who were the needy in his village. Callum had lost his wife and was blamed by her father for her death. His daughter was saved, but he still paid the price of the accident that took her life. Not only was his mother disowned, before he inherited the title he had been left with nothing by her family. He, basically, had very little to help him in bring the estate back to its former beauty, nor to help him pay back his cousin’s debts.
You will enjoy the spunk Alice and her sister have in their part of this book. Alice is witty, a hellion and a charmer. She and Callum make the perfect couple!
Callum Edwards inherited the title of a spendthrift cousin... and his debts.
Because of this, and in order to save his daughter Amelia, Callum had to undergo a blackmail from a moneylender, and in the next few months he would have to steal several jewels from people of society until he paid off all of his cousin Robert's debt.
Without having the money to pay, Callum obeyed. And soon he became known as the Surrey Bandit.
The last item on the list to be stolen was the famous brooch of Dowager Duchess of Penworth. And at this meeting, Callum and Alice Worthingham come face-to-face.
Alice's family was neighbor of the Viscount Arndel, and although she found him the most handsome man she had ever met, he did not seem to be charmed by her last season. In fact, he looked at her like she had pox!! So she decided that although he and she were meeting quite a bit, because Callum was selling part of his land to the new Duke, Alice's brother, she would rather marry someone away from Surrey.
But the big question was, would Callum this time let Alice be courted by other men?
It was certain that he was poor and could not woo a duke's daughter/sister, but the feeling he had for her was greater than reason, and soon Callum found himself doing craziness to be able to have Alice.
However clever as it was, since the Worthingham sisters were raised quite differently from the other ladies in society, Alice discovers Callum's secret... and now, she would have to choose between handing him over to the police to be hanged or hear her heart...
4,5 stars
The love that slowly develops between Callum and Alice makes this story a feel good tale. I loved the bandit theme and the turning of tables. Alice and Victoria taking charge is priceless. A nice read.
only a viscount will do is the third book in the to marry a rogue series. lady alice worthingham may be a duke's daughter, but she believes that she can do more than play the role society would box her into. she wants to make people's lives better and she isn't above using her own inheritance to ensure that she does good.
when she and her mother are accosted by the surrey bandit one evening, alice is appalled and curiously attracted to the villain. her attraction makes sense when she eventually figures out that callum, lord ardnel is the surrey bandit.
she's been attracted to lord ardnel for over a season. she keeps trying to forget him because he's been nothing but a jerk to her, but even so, she finds him compelling. the thing about callum is, he's not a typical society gentleman. he didn't grow up expecting the title. and the one he has inherited is facing crippling debt to moneylenders.
the reason he resorted to being a highwayman was because the moneylenders insisted that the jewels were the only form of payment they would accept. and they threatened the life of callum's daughter, amelia. when alice confronts callum about his thievery he admits the truth, although he hesitates at giving her the full story.
as alice spends more time with neil she forgives him for his transgressions, and their chemistry continures to grow. but given everything that callum has done, and the desperate state of his finances, the way forward for them is not clear. and because callum hasn't been completely honest with alice, there is still a sliver of distrust between them. and alice will need to risk everything to prove that she can put callum's past behind them in order to ensure they have a future.
This is my first book to have read by Tamara Gill and even though this is book three in the (To Marry a Rogue) series it can be read as a standalone. As soon as I started reading this story I loved her style of writing so much that I read this book in one sitting. Im a big fan of historical romance and I especially love it when the heroine is the one who comes in and saves the day and Lady Alice Worthingham was an amazingly strong woman with a clever mind that never lets anyone get one up on her and she is a very kind and caring soul that helps those in need and the poor who live in the nearby village. She is a character that I warmed to easily and liked her very much for her strong sensibilities and compassion toward others.
Lord Callum Arndel also know as the Surrey Bandit is a charming and handsome rogue that is forced into the life of crime to pay off debts left from the previous Viscount, as he was brought up without wealth and status because his mother was disowned by the family for marrying for love and beneath her status he cant afford to pay them. Callum knows that what he is doing is wrong but has no other choice but to protect his young daughter from the threats of the moneylender by doing their bidding until the debts are paid. He knows that there is a strong attraction between Lady Alice and himself but he also knows that she is above his status and it could never be if she found out who his pseudonym is, so at first he tries to distance himself from her but neither of them can fight the spark and chemistry that they have going on between them. Lord Arndel's character is one I could easily fall in love with, he is a handsome and caring man that is passionate about trying to put things right by doing the right thing and for being the fearless protector that he is.
This story is an exciting mix of action, romance and adventure that has a little of everything that includes highway robbery at gunpoint, a beautiful ball to introduce the new Viscount into society and a dark and seedy endeavour in the back streets of London. This book will thrill you and excite you and the sexual tension and romance will set your heart on fire.
I look forward to reading many more stories from this very talented author if they live up to the quality of this book.
An amazing 5 Stars!
Publisher's Description:
Lady Alice Worthingham never conforms to Society’s norms. Ever. She loves adventure, new experiences, and approaches life with a sassy attitude Society can take or leave. But even for her, robbery by a highwayman is a bit much.
Lord Arndel, Lady Alice’s neighbor, is playing a dangerous game—acting the proper viscount by day and the Surrey Bandit by night. And to brazenly steal from the woman who’s captured his attention is no mean feat, or the wisest of moves.
When Lady Alice learns the truth, the viscount finds that when a well-bred woman seeks revenge, she’ll make a gentleman thief pay for his crimes with everything…including his heart.
Each book in the To Marry a Rogue series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Only an Earl Will Do
Book #2 Only a Duke Will Do
Book #3 Only a Viscount Will Do
My Thoughts:
This is book #3 of this series, but only the second one I have had the privilege to read.. I totally missed book #1.
It seems to me that although part of the To Marry a Rogue series each of these books reads quite well as a standalone title.
The book is well written with interesting and well developed characters and a well thought out storyline that is both imaginative and well executed.
Collum, Lord Arndel has inherited a title with issues. His cousin has left the estate with so much debt that there seems to be no way out from under the burden. He is contacted by an unscrupulous moneylender to whom his cousin owed this tremendous amount of money. When Collum at first refuses to do the man's bidding he finds that the man has kidnapped his daughter and intends her harm. Hence our story begins.
Alice has never felt any attraction to men that she has met except for one. That man being her newly acquired neighbor, Lord Arndel.
Alice is more than a little headstrong and pretty much does things her own way. So when the coach she and her mother are returning home in is accosted by a notorious thief, the Surrey Bandit she endeavors to extricate them from the situation.
Now it seems she is attracted to a second man, or is she?
I gave this title 4.5 of 5 stars fro storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5 flames. The sensuality is pretty much just implied except for one scene.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I have voluntarily reviewed.
For the sake of his daughter, Callum Edwards, has taken on the land, title, and debts of his cousin, the late Viscount Arndel. A shady moneylender informs Callum that he must payback the eighteen thousand pounds his cousin, Robert, still owed upon his death. To do so, Callum is forced to steal jewels and deliver them to the moneylender under the guise of The Surrey Bandit. His final score after two years is to steal from his neighbors, the Worthingham’s.
Lady Alice Worthingham is only a little frightened when The Surrey Bandit hits her family carriage carrying herself and her mother. A fire ignites inside her as the charming bandit relieves her mother of one of her most precious jewels. Alice is intrigued by a stranger who tempts her like only one other man has ever done, Callum Edwards.
Through a lot of detective work and perseverance, Alice discovers Callum’s secret. Alice’s response to the news took me by surprise. The verbal sparring and sexual tension between the pair could’ve set the pages on fire!
Gill once again gives us a story full of suspense, intrigue, lust, and love. The quick pace and intricate plot had me reading it in only two days. Alice and Callum are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. I loved every word and can’t wait to read more from Tamara Gill!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY! Okay arguably there are a couple of things that could be marked off! HOWEVER, from beginning to end I did not stop reading this story until I was finished the book! I absolutely loved the characters, the plot and the writing. I sincerely enjoy this author she just keeps getting better and better and better! There is plots instead of just sex! There is humor and life and passion and romance. Most of all there is a story that just wraps around the reader and pulls them in and keeps them entertained! So buy the book and enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review! Regards, Anna
I received this from Netgalley/ Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in a new series by Tamara Gill. In this book we meet the third sister Alice Worthingham. She loves helping the poor. The viscount is a thief but only because he is being blackmailed into it. They find romance and just love each other. I enjoyed the story a great deal and just couldn't put it down. I want the next one already!
A really good historical romance with a solid plot. Well-written. Thanks!
Really enjoyed this book love the time period and the story
Lady Alice Worthingham never conforms to Society's norms. Ever. She loves adventure, new experiences even for her, robbery by a highwayman is a bit much & she’s shocked that she’s actually not afraid of the rogue but attracted to him
Callum. Lord Arndel, Lady Alice's neighbour, is playing a dangerous game, acting the proper viscount by day and the Surrey Bandit by night. And to brazenly steal from the woman who's captured his attention is no mean feat, or the wisest of moves. But Callum is only acting the rogue to pay a huge debt his deceased cousin had with an unscrupulous moneylender, it’s either steal for the blackguard or his daughter Amelia will be harmed.
This is the third in the series featuring the Worhington sisters but could well be read as a stand alone book. The characters have depth & are well portrayed. The pace of the book doesn’t lag at all. There’s plenty to hold your interest, blackmail, secrets, misunderstandings, murder & of course romance. Callum & Alice are very likeable, their attraction is obvious from the start & builds throughout the book. Victoria is also heavily featured & someone seems to have his eye on her, so I hope she’s soon to have her story & I mustn’t forget Josh who needs someone to ‘lighten him up’ a bit. In conclusion another well written, easy reading but page turning novel from the author, I’m loving the series.
Unfortuantely, I never felt a connection between the lead characters. Additionally, I felt the author took too long to develop the romantic storyline and lost interest. The supporting characters distracted, rather than added to the story. DNF.
This novel was a good read. The plot was good. This novel contains romance, action, and nothing is as it appears. People have hidden motives, some good and others bad. It the end, which triumphs?
Callum, Lord Arndel, inherits a viscountcy after his cousin dies, which also includes his debts. When his daughter is threatened, he has no choice but to become the Surrey Bandit in order to pay back the debt and protect his family. After 2 years, he finally has one item left to steal.
Lady Alice Worthingham believes those who have should help those who have not. She is a very strong character, spoiled, but compassionate. She and Callum are attracted to each other when he inherited, but after words he said about her, she wanted to avoid him. When they meet 2 years later, he is robbing her mother. I enjoyed their meeting and how the situation was handled. When he offers to sell her brother land, they see each other face to face and the attraction has not faded.
However, Alice is very observant and puts together Callum's alter ego. She is very angry and cannot understand why and blackmails him into helping her oversee her project. Callum wants to put aside stealing and focus on his life with his daughter. He promises Alice he will not steal again. When Alice's mother's jewelry, which was returned, goes missing again, Alice cannot help but suspect Callum. Callum is very hurt that Alice does not trust him and their once budding relationship is on thin ice. When Callum goes to pay the remainder of the debt, he learns the truth about the debt and his cousin's death. Will Callum be able to get out the mess that he was forced into? Will Alice forgive Callum and trust him, the man she loves as he loves her?