The Sins of Lord Lockwood by Meredith Duran

The sixth book in the Rules of the Reckless series

3.75 stars

Lord Lockwood once lived a charmed life, but his life was drastically altered on the night of his wedding and became a nightmare when he was kidnapped and thrown into a boat headed to Australia. Branded a convict and forced to work as a slave, the things he sees and experiences forever changes him. The wife he left behind, Anna, has always thought they Liam abandoned her. When they are reunited it becomes obvious that things are not what they seem and that Lockwood’s quest for revenge is reaching its highest peak. Will Lockwood survive or be defeated once more by the man who ruined his life? This was a fun historical romance that I was not expected to really enjoy. I thought that I might like it, but it far surpassed my expectations. I think what makes this novel so enjoyable is the topics that Duran tackles. She doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of history and her incorporation of the Australian convicts was incredibly fascinating. I’ve never seen an author bring this aspect of history into a historical romance before and it was a hard subject to read about, but one that I greatly appreciated because it was a new aspect to a story that has been told numerous times in this expansive genre. Duran’s writing style is also fast-paced and gripping. This is always, in my opinion, the best style of writing to have for this genre. I don’t want to read a HR novel that is boring and feels like I’m slugging to get through. HRs should be fast-paced in Duran excels in this area. In fact, I would say she excels too much and at times, completely misses informing readers of important sections. It could be jarring every now and then, but her pacing was done well enough that it wasn’t too troublesome.


Whimsical Writing Scale: 3.75

The main male character is Lord Lockwood. I think Lockwood is a very strong character. He has a hulking presence within the story, but also a character. I really admired the direction his character took and how he was struggling to cope with the events he experienced. It was an interesting look into PTSD, but my biggest qualm was the his PTSD seemed to be cured by one conversation at the end of the novel and that just isn’t realistic and it also sends out the message that love heals all wounds, so find yourself a partner and that’s just unrealistic. I did really enjoy Lockwood’s character and he was my favorite thing about this novel.


Swoon Worthy Scale: 4.5

The main female character is Anna. Anna isn’t nearly as likable as Lockwood, which is odd but this novel is very centered on Lockwood and the page that Anna gets portrays her to be slightly annoying and insufferable. She isn’t horrible and I’ve come across worse heroines in romance stories, but she isn’t particularly strong and I believe if this novel wasn’t so heavily centered on Lockwood and more so on her, it would be a bland one.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3

The Villain- We know who the villain is from the start, but that doesn’t take away from this novel’s plot. It’s really fun to see Lockwood’s quest for revenge and the power struggle that occurs between these two characters. Plus, the final showdown was not at all what I expected it to be.


Villain Scale: 3.5

There aren’t a whole lot of prominent side characters in this novel. There are side characters, but none of them really shine and I would have loved if a couple more of them had been fleshed out and given larger roles.


Character Scale: 3.5

Overall, this is a really fun historical romance novel that tackles darker themes and focuses on more than just the romance. The romance is there, but it wasn’t what sold me on this story and I think many readers will feel the same way. I definitely recommend this novel to romance fans looking for something fast-paced and less romance-centered.


Plotastic Scale: 4.25

Cover Thoughts: Her feet look awkward, but I want that dress.

Thank you, Netgalley and Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Anna, Lady Forth, is a Scottish heiress who must marry in order to control a property dear to her heart. None of her suitors has tempted her until she meets Liam Devaliant, English Earl of Lockwood. Liam is handsome and charming, but needs to marry money if he's to improve his estates. This couple quickly realizes that a union between them would be advantageous, and their undeniable chemistry is just a bonus. They agree to a convenient marriage in which neither would restrict the other's travels, but during their engagement, they find themselves falling in love, although they haven't admitted it as such. They look forward to their wedding day, (and night) only to quarrel, and to have Liam storm away and not return.

Over three years later, Anna learns (via the newspaper) that Liam has returned to his London home. Anna never received one word from Liam during his entire absence, and he never advised her of his return. Of course, she believes he solely married her for her dowry, and then humiliatingly left her on their wedding day. She decides to confront Liam directly, but the man she finds is vastly different from the man she married. Unknown to Anna, Liam just wanted time to cool off from their wedding day quarrel, and had every intention of returning and making things right. However, he was kidnapped, and sent off on a prison ship to New South Wales. The identity of Liam's enemy is revealed very early, along with his motive.

Liam is not yet ready to face his wife. His only thought is for revenge on the man who destroyed his life and stole years from him, and he has already set his plan of vengeance into motion. It broke my heart to hear Liam refer to his younger self as dead, and as the man he used to be. Currently Liam's soul is full of darkness, and his mind and body full of scars. THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD alternates between the bleak present time back to the light and happy time of Liam and Anna's courtship. Their current relationship is fraught with mistrust, uncertainty, and a sense of betrayal. The situation looked so hopeless, that I began to despair of their finding any common ground.

Anna, however, is a force to be reckoned with. Even before she learns the full truth of what happened, she is determined to fight for some semblance of a marriage, and she won't be ignored or dismissed. I love this amazing woman - she is so strong and brave. Once she finally does learn the truth, she is just as determined to seek vengeance as Liam is, and then to help heal him. What Liam had to endure is obviously horrible, and he's not going to recover overnight. (Meredith Duran does excel in torturing her heroes!)

THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD is not an easy or light read, but it's brilliantly written, emotional, and powerful. The dark times Liam and Anna endure only make them stronger and their hard won happiness all the more satisfying. I'm finding it hard to find words to do justice to this magnificent book, except to conclude that it's full of darkness, despair, redemption, then healing, and a beautiful, passionate love.

Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars

Ever since reading The Duke of Shadows as everyone else I've been dying to read Lord Lockwood's story and Meredith Duran did not disappoint.

Ms. Duran did a wonderful job showing us how Liam and Anna ended up falling for each other and the flashbacks did not take away from the present time at all. And the bits and pieces that she showed us of what happened to Liam really demonstrated why he acted the way he did.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what else Meredith Duran has in store for us.

This is another beautifully written book by Meredith Duran. I love Duran's writing because she writes complex stories and characters, and this book is no exception. Liam and Anna's story is full of loss and heartbreak, but also redemption. I teared up multiple times while reading this book; Duran knows how to write with emotion and craft a compelling tale. There is no simple happily ever after to the story, but everyone gets what they deserve, and Liam's and Anna's love does prevail in the end.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

This is one of those books where you start to seriously doubt whether or not the two main characters would even end up together. There were just too many issues, so much hurt and misunderstanding between these characters that it seems like there might not be a solution to it all.

But Meredith Duran not only made me feel invested in Liam and Anna's story, she also convinced me that these two belong together therefore their love can overcome whatever obstacles they would face in the future.

The Sins of Lord Lockwood is another fabulous addition to Rules for the Reckless. Ms. Duran continues to write vivid and complex characters you can't help but root for. I was completely sucked into the story and its characters.

I highly recommend this author, and this series to anyone who reads or wants to read historical romance.

An Emotionally gripping story, The Sins of Lord Lockwood held me hostage until the last page was turned. On his wedding night, Liam, Earl of Lockwood was kidnapped and taken as a criminal to a penal colony for over three years. The horrors he had to endure just to stay alive would make even the strongest soul never the same and fraught with nightmares. Escaping, he comes back to England to seek revenge against his betrayer, who he figured out early on. His wife, Anna, had thought he abandoned her all the years he was gone and it seemed to fit in with her feelings of abandonment during her life. After all, their marriage had been more of convenience for her to gain her land outright and him to gain money to run his estates. But she thought there had been developing feelings between them and on her part there were. Hearing that Liam was back, she was so full of anger that he had abandoned her and not even let her know he was back. What she found when she confronted him was a different man who would not explain anything to her. Meredith Duran was a master in bringing the characters to life. I felt the intense feelings of Liam trying to deal with what he had been through and Anna, pushing her way back to help him face his demons while trying to stay strong. This story held intense darkness but also there was hope that there could be light in the end. The interactions between Liam and Anne, along with the wonderful secondary characters brought this heartfelt story to a satisfactory end. I was smiling as I turned the last page but it will be awhile before I forget this couple. Thank you Meredith Duran for such a thought provoking book. Cannot wait to read more.

I wish I’d known before starting that this book features a character introduced in the author’s earlier novel The Duke of Shadows. You can read this without having read the first one, but I think it would have added to the experience.

Meredith Duran excels at creating empathetic characters who often find themselves in difficult situations, and that’s certainly the case here. At the beginning of the novel, Anna comes to London to confront Liam, the husband she believes abandoned her on their wedding night. However, what she doesn’t know is that Liam was abducted by men hired by his cousin and then transported to a hellish prison camp in Australia. Liam managed to escape the camp, but he believes he is too damaged to be a husband, and all he is living for is revenge. Anna isn’t exactly eager to have him back, but the more time she spends around him, the more she becomes aware that all is not well with Liam, even if there are flashes of the man she fell in love with. Eventually the truth comes out, and then they both have to deal with the consequences.

I liked both Anna and Liam and enjoyed the way the author has them overcome their individual issues to find their way back to the love they once shared. Anna is strong and outspoken, but her past has led her to expect to be abandoned by those she loves, a fear she has to confront once she learns what happened to Liam. Liam is a complete mess, despising himself for some of the things he had to do to survive the prison camp and understandably suffering from post-traumatic stress. He has a much more difficult path to follow in finding a way to let Anna in and accept her attempts to help him.

Two aspects of the story kept this from being a great read for me, though. One is that Anna and Liam’s past is told through a series of flashbacks, and I could have done with fewer of them since I was much more invested in the present-day story. The other is that the ending veers a little too closely toward the idea that mental illness can be cured by love for my tastes. The author is careful to say that Liam isn’t magically fixed by their renewed feelings for each other, but the way the story ends gives that impression. I much prefer books that make it clear that love isn’t a fix for conditions like PTSD, even if the support of loved ones is a crucial factor in healing.

While this book isn’t my favorite by the author, it’s still a very good novel. Readers who like dark and angsty historical romances should give it a try.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

The Sins of Lord Lockwood by Meredith Duran is book Six in the "Rules for the Reckless" series. This is the story of Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood and Anna Winterslow Wallace. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Liam married Anna because she fit what he needed and also he was attracted to her. On the night of their wedding they had a tiff and he left but was kidnapped and torched. Now years later he is returning to seek to justices. Both Liam and Anna have changed over time due to their separation. But can they repair what feelings they had started to grow?
This was a exciting and emotional read! Loved it!

"What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mark 10:9 KJV)

Something Anna later says reminded me of this biblical quote...and a man did indeed intervene to tear apart Anna and Liam in this fabulous new work from Meredith Duran. A sizzling romance with a tortured hero and a wildly independent Scottish Lady, Anna, Countess of Firth and a wealthy woman.
When Anna's husband, Liam Devaliant, fifth Earl of Lockwood, disappeared after an argument on the eve of their wedding trip, she was alarmed and distressed but underneath, not surprised. After all the story of her life has been one of abandonment. That night their ship sailed without them both along with Anna's heart which would never be the same.
Anna leaves for her Scottish island, Hawsey her haven of safety. From here she conducts her own businesses and oversees her husband's vast estates.
Four years on Anna goes to London. Hawsey is under threat. What Anna finds is her husband in residence in the London house with some seiously strange inhabitants posing as servants.
As we discover, and Anna at a later date, Liam's disappearance was not abandonment but abduction. He was taken and smuggled away from England as part of a Transportation scam. "Rich men paid...to dispatch their enemies, [and] sent to serve as slaves at Elland.” These unscrupulous persons paid to have someone disappeared from their life and transported to the New South Wales colony. A further development was that some convicts and abductees would then be siphoned off to an illegal migration mining venture. A hell hole in a continent that at time was full of hell holes of varying natures.
Liam and his men survived. Now the perpetrators are being tracked and Anna's sudden return has put her in danger. Liam's plans for revenge could be seriously undermined.
A tortured soul, Liam finds it impossible to reveal his true self to anyone, including Anna. Anna throws down the gauntlet and declares she wants an heir. Their efforts will take place in darkness. Liam doesn't want to show his scars, figuratively and literally. It seems these two find satisfaction in the marital bed and for Anna this is both a revelation and reminder of all that was taken from her with Liam's abduction.
I love Anna when she realizes what really happened to Liam, and that not only was he cruelly treated but she was punished too. Four years of her life, her dreams were lost to her by the monstrous events and the monster responsible. As she says to Liam, "I am your wife. Whoever took you, took you from me. It is entirely my concern.” They had indeed been pulled "asunder" by man!
The action jumps between 1861 at the time of Anna and Liam's courtship and marriage to the present. This seamlessly gives us the background and knowledge to the current state of affairs.
Broken love, mystery, death and healing relationships are all part and parcel, of this sixth entry in the Rules for the Reckless series.
A hearty, anguished read with moments of humor and delight. Victorian Noir at its best!

A NetGalley ARC

At Sea - 1857

William (Liam) Alexander, Knolly Devalient, the fifth Earl of Lockwood, was abducted the night after marrying the very wealthy Anna. Then he was severely beaten and thrown into the hold of a boat headed for the Australian colonies. He knew that his cousin, Stephen, was responsible for this.

London - 1861

Anna has arrived unexpectedly at Liam’s townhouse. It has been over three years since he disappeared and he has been back in London for months without sending any word to Anna. Upon arrival, she finds a drunken party unfolding with people from all walks of life. Liam’s cousin, Stephen, has been invited too. He was shocked with Liam returned to London after three years. He thought Liam would surely have died. Stephen tries to appear to be a pious man, but Liam knows how poisonous he really is for Stephen was the one who had Liam abducted.

Anna decides to stay at the London residence and see that the place is cleaned up and the people do their jobs. Liam is suffering from the beatings and torture that he endured while living as a prisoner.

Anna is a tough woman whom people admire and respect. Having hurt for years, she thought Liam had just left her until finally he admitted that he had been abducted. Now, she demands an heir and that Liam is willing to do.

This is a harsh story of pain and suffering. I guess one could compare it to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I just did not enjoy the book at all. The brutality of it all is just not in keeping with what I would call a historical romance novel.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I just love Meredith Duran's books. The writing is flawless and she weaves such a pretty picture with words that I feel immersed in the world she's writing about. I could also feel all of the emotions that Liam and Anna went through, especially Liam. My heart broke for both characters in different ways, but you can't help but feel it the most for Liam. I loved the back and forth between past and present. You get to see how Anna and Liam fall in love and the growth they go through as the story progresses. The romance and steam was weaved in perfectly. Such a beautiful story from beginning to end; I couldn't put it down.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood, was born into a charmed life. Charismatic, powerful, and wild, he had the world at his feet except for one things he’s broke and on the hunt for an heiress bride. Anna Winterslow Wallace, Countess of Forth cannot inherit one part of her inheritance, the island of Rawsey, until she is married. For her Liam is the perfect solution to gaining her inheritance and he a rich wife. Liam’s kidnapped right of the ship and imprisoned by his enemy, he’s struggled to stay alive and return for his revenge.
Now four years later after his disappearance on their wedding night, Liam has returned from death with plans for revenge. Anna accepts that he left her and makes absolutely no demands that people search for him, but when she finds out he’s been in London for eight months she shows up in London she wants answers and gets more than she planned. Anna means to win back Liam's love, but first she needs to save his soul no matter the cost for them to find their HEA. A captivating read with so many dimensions mystery, passion and intrigues as the charismatic and powerful Lord Liam struggles to get back his old life and Anna tries to find her place in his world.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

4.5 stars

Meredith Duran’s previous book in the Rules for the Reckless series was such a hit for me, I knew I’d be picking up her next offering. And The Sins of Lord Lockwood did not disappoint. I loved this twist on an estranged couple who actually enjoyed each other’s company before the separation and who wouldn’t have left each other willingly.

This story is given to the reader while going back and forth between the past and present, and the author does this wonderfully. I was equally invested in both timelines; when I was reading the past, I couldn’t wait to get back to the present, and I was reading the present, I wanted to be back in the past. In both instances, I was desperate to know what was next for Anna and Liam. Lockwood was so incredibly charming when they first met, and I loved that it was Anna’s spunk that drew him to her, that he saw her as a worthy adversary and admired her. He changed so much between then and ‘now,’ and I think, without those glimpses of Anna and Liam’s past, it would have been impossible for the reader to understand just how much he’d changed from who he was. The events of what happened were so ingrained in Laim that that affable aura he had was gone, and the fact that he felt he had to fake the charm he once had for Anna in an attempt to hide who he was was devastating. He didn’t realize how determined and kind he was. I also loved Anna’s character. She had a rough past, but it made her stronger, not weaker. I love resilient characters that take what they’ve learned or been through and use it be successful. Ann was a woman who as not afraid to ask for what she wanted. It was so sad to me that she had been so conditioned to behind left behind that she never gave it a second thought when Liam disappeared directly following their wedding.

This book was so sexy and flirty in parts, and the past had me grinning like a fool, which I think made Anna and Liam’s current circumstances all the more heartbreaking. I thought the pacing and the way things developed between Anna and Liam was perfect; everything seemed to happen at just the right time. The secondary characters in this book were wonderful. Liam had his colorful crew of servants, and Anna had her cousin Moira who was always a voice of reason for her and never tried to placate Anna. I loved Moira and am hoping we get her story. There were a few times when Anna felt a bit too ‘modern,’, but  overall this author took issues relevant today and applied them to the characters in a way that kept it authentic to the time period. That’s not something a lot of historical romance writers can pull off.

The Sins of Lord Lockwood was a wonderful story that had me rooting for the characters from beginning to end, and my heart hurt for the life that was stolen from them. I loved Anna and Liam separately, but there was just something about them together that was so perfect. If you’re a fan of historical romance, you’re not going to want to miss this one.

This is one of the most beautiful historic romance I have read recently and I was totally hooked on this story. It’s absolutely engaging and enthralling. Loved it. A must recommend.
Thank you net gallery for providing me with an advance copy of this book.

Thinking they both wanted a marriage in name only, Liam and Anna start to find themselves more than attracted to one another by the time their marriage actually happens.
Thinking Liam is just another person abandoning her, Anna finally believes that his disappearance on their wedding night was all according to his plan. However, Liam was kidnapped and taken to a penal colony in Australia where his journey back to England is going to take more than physical distance traveled.
 
He was the fifth Earl of Lockwood. He had been abducted onto a prison hulk. He was chained and bound for the Australian colonies.
 
Sixth in the Rules for the Reckless series, there are characters that connect it to it but the book you'd most want to read before this one is The Duke of Shadows. The mystery and villains of what, why, who, and where are more comprehensively explained and dealt with there. I would have liked the main villain for Liam to have had more screen time here with more of a threaded in mystery plot than at the end condescended version we got. What we do get a lot of is the emotional turmoil and weight Liam lives with, Anna's thoughts, feelings, and how they swirl around and interact with Liam, and how these two fell in love initially and how they can find themselves back to one another.
 
Do not look at me. Or, more accurately: do not see me.
 
Stripped down to the frame, this is a story of a hero horribly done wrong, fighting his way back towards sanity, revenge, and a heroine working through her own hurts and trying to reach the hero. It is a tried and true formula but the author's writing ability infuses it with tragic and beautiful emotion; there are lines that will send tingles down your spine and ache to your heart. Liam's love for Anna is always evident, whether it’s shown through his marvel in the beginning, wall he puts up between them in the middle, or the eventual painful desire given into towards the end. I would have liked more of Anna's character flushed out a bit more through interactions with her cousin Moira (who gets a bit ignored at the end) or her people of the island, I felt like a depth of her character was missing because of the lack of friendships. Liam too could have stood to have more scenes with his household friends, imagine the light but incredible heavy scenes those moments could have produced. This was much focused on Anna and Liam's relationship, which I know some readers will love.
 
Unspeakable things had no reply. But he had survived them. So he could speak them.

There is a lot of anger, hurt, and love in this story, which as I mentioned, makes it a highly emotional read. I would have liked a little more outside of Liam and Anna's relationship influences but they could definitely carry the show. Flashback segments are used to show how Anna and Liam fall in love and except for, what I felt, was a too late placed one, I thought the character development was better for it. It has been a bit of wait to see why Lord Lockwood and his wife had such tension between them in The Duke of Shadows but it was worth it.

I absolutely loved Liam and Anna's story!!

Separated by forces out of their control, Liam and Anna had to fight to get their HEA! Anna was such a strong character and had to be to be a match for the returning Liam, as he was not the same man that she had married. I loved watching them come to know one another again and basically falling in love all over again.

This is definitely a must read for any historical romance lover!!

How can it be possible to like and loathe a character at the same time? Meredith Duran makes it possible. The Sins of Lord Lockwood proves how underrated of an author Duran truly is. My heart broke for the lovebirds who never got the chance to be happy. Fate played a cruel joke on two unsuspecting souls. They offered their hearts and instead received heartache. Liam lost his soul to a darkness intent on breaking his spirit. Anna lost her hopes and dreams to a cruelty she fails to understand. Just as easily as hope was snatched away, it suddenly reappears. A vengeful Lord, an emotional whirlwind and a mesmerizing race to a second chance, wage a courageous battle against fate, despair and heartbreak. An epic tale of hearts and faith is at the center of an awe inspiring romance.

First and foremost, I'd like to thank the many fans who apparently asked for this book. I can't believe it wasn't all part of the plan. Since I have only been reading Meredith Duran and historical romance for a very short time, I'm so thankful she listened to your pleas!

I was absolutely riveted by Lockwood from the first introduction in The Duke of Shadows. A strange, dark charm...I actually didn't realize till late in the book that her new release was to be about him, and I was so happy to hear it.

Now onto the review of this book....

It's almost not fair. What kind of brilliance does it take for an author to understand the human condition, make us understand and empathize with both characters nearly in equal measure, hurt and hope with them, and fall in love with them? A Meredith Duran level of brilliance. I know I haven't been reading romance long, but having read #1, #5,#6 from this series I unreservedly say that she is the one of the best that romance has to offer. Her books are instant classics with their meaty plots, incredible but not miraculous character development, and beautiful words. (Which I'll share upon a second reading).


I am realizing my reviews of her books are far less than adequate. I intend to reread and more heavily review this rich examples of romance. I can tell you in so many ways this book pushes you to the edges of your capacity to understand and creates a little fissure that eventually becomes something you can identify with. Though I still favor Duke of Shadows, this is equally poignant. She's taken flawed characters and made us love them more for it.

I shall stop with the gushing...well through writing, I still have a lot going on my up in my brain over this stunner of a book.

What an immensely pleasing story. Well done, Ms. Duran, well done!

I’m itching to review this so caution be darned, here we go (under spoiler tags for now):

[ The book starts with a glimpse of what Liam has suffered. A few chapters are set in 1857, when Anna and Liam first met, and show their dizzyingly fast courtship. Most of the book is a mix of 1857 chapters and 1861 chapters; I believe this weaving is a first for this author and it is done well. The scene immediately prior to their wedding is delightful and sadly foreboding, and I wanted to scream “bad luck, bad luck, don’t look at her!!”

The 1861 events are concomitant with most of the London events of The Duke of Shadows and post the events in A Lady’s Lesson in Misconduct (early on there’s a meeting with Lockwood, Crispin Burke, and Julian; Jane is already Crispin’s wife and Julian and Emma are still working out their relationship. Toward the end of the book, Emma and Julian are shown happily married, and it was a delight to meet them again!)

Shortly after meeting, Liam and Anna agree on a marriage of convenience --- he to set debts left by his father, she to be able to fully govern her life and help her tenants in Scotland -- but very soon recognize that strong feelings are also involved. Out of fear of each other’s reactions and overwhelmed by the whirlwind of their emotions, however, they keep such feelings hidden.

When Anna finds out Lockwood is back to England, in 1861, she’s mad at him and thinking he just abandoned her for fun times. However, she wants to remain married (for practical reasons or so she tells herself) so she moves in.

It doesn’t take long for Anna to learn what is truly going on and why her husband’s servants are more like a ragtag army. Right when the book could veer into hated “big mis” territory the characters have honest conversations, though. Lockwood still keeps Anna somewhat at arm’s length, however, and there’s an incident that triggers his fears he’s slowly going mad and he again distances himself from her.

Anna has so many delightful one-liners!! She recognizes that she’s the rare woman in the 1850s/60s to have a measure of independence and to be able to speak her mind. She is keenly interested in agricultural sciences and is super blunt. (Sidebar to say that I loved reading about a Scottish lady for a change, rather than about my nth laird and/or highlander).

I believe MD found at least partial inspiration for Anna in Scottish scientist Mary Somerville, who among her many other roles tutored Ada Lovelace (the name Ada surfaces later in the story as well). A few times I wished Anna to be less prickly, but I recognize that it would be out of character for her. She has had a tough childhood with feelings of abandonment, which go a long way in explaining why she never looked too deep into Liam’s disappearance.

I think habitual readers of romance such as myself will recognize Liam quicker: he is the consummate “charmer with hidden depths.” After his kidnapping and imprisonment, he emerges as a leader of men, but he’s deeply scarred by his experiences. He remains a kind person but underneath it all he’s plotting his revenge. He shies away from Anna upon their reuniting thinking himself too damaged by what he endured.

Julian plays a big part in the final confrontation and resolution, and the epilogue is deeply, insanely romantic and satisfying without being all “look at us, we have a gaggle of kids (well, they don’t) and we are so happy.” (hide spoiler)]


I believe this is the one to beat for the title of my favorite Meredith Duran book. (less)

Four years ago he married a Anna. It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience but they had each fallen in love. They never got to tell each other, however, as he was kidnapped, put on a ship and sent to Australia to live through starvation and torture. He managed to escape, while getting all the others in the camp out as well, and now he’s back in London and ready for revenge on the man who had him kidnapped.

Anna knew that it was a marriage of convenience but she thought that feelings had been involved. When her husband disappears right before they’re supposed to set sail to Paris on their honeymoon, Anna’s unfortunately, not surprised. Her whole life people had been leaving her and while she expects it, it still hurt. Not knowing where her husband has run off to, she returns to the island she inherited in Scotland and stays there for the next four years. When she hears that her husband is back in London, and has been for the past nine months, Anna is pissed. He’s there spending her money and she’s ready to give him a piece of her mind. She also demands an heir but what Anna thinks of as Liam’s sexual deviancy is actually Liam protecting them both from, what he believes, are the horrors of his body.

Liam was a good man. He’d not always been so but when he married Anna he intended to be a good husband, especially after falling head over heals for her. After his horrific ordeal he is a changed man. He has some of the convicts he freed working for him in his house as he has a kind heart, but his brain is stuck on revenge. When Anna shows up he tries to get rid of her, for her own good. She refuses and then demands a child. Still in love with her he agrees but wants to tie her up and blindfold her so that she can’t see or feel the scars on his body from years of torture. This creates issues, of course. Despite his thoughts of revenge he still loves Anna and in now way wants her around to get hurt.

Anna is stubborn to the core! That woman knew her mind and wasn’t afraid to speak it. I loved that about her! She wasn’t shy and retiring and wouldn’t put up with Liam’s shit and that’s exactly what he needed to get himself out of his own head. I loved the way she went about matters in the book and was proud of the woman that she became after all was said and done.

I admit it’s been a long time since I’ve read a Duran book so after finishing this one I decided it was the perfect book to be reintroduced to her writing. The love, heartache and revenge that play the biggest roles in this story were written so well and I thoroughly enjoyed the book because of it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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