Meredith Duran has written a solid hot historical romance with an intriguing plotline. I loved how she brought about such a descriptive and colorful world. Liam and Anna were married but tragedy seemed to end their marriage too early. But what really happened. Read it in under a day and loved it.

Thanks Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and netgalley for this ARC.

This book has a concept that carries over from a previous novel. It's horrendous but probably really happened back in those days. Anna has to make a choice to forgive or leave. This is one of the best tortured love stories out there today.

I loved this historical romance. This story was unique and deep. Liam, Lord Lockwood, is ruthlessly kidnapped on his wedding day and sent to a penal colony. Due to a misunderstanding, his new bride, Anna, does not realize her husband has been kidnapped and believes that he has abandoned her. He returns unexpectedly years later, a changed man who seeks revenge on the one responsible for his kidnapping.

There were times of darkness in this book, including a realistic and sensitive portrayal of PTSD, that made the eventual resolution with love winning out seem especially satisfying. Anna was an especially strong and courageous leading lady. Liam was an appealingly complex hero, and a true Earl to root for. As a couple, they were well matched. There were sizzling and romantic moments between them.

This story unfolded very well through the use of flashbacks. The true situation was slowly revealed, element by element. Although this is the sixth book of the Rules for the Reckless series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

I loved this book, it is a complex story with many layers that converge into an intense and gripping read.

The book opens days after William Dcvaliant, the Earl of Lockwood aka Liam marries Anna Wallace, the Countess of Forth (in her own right). He is aboard a prison hulk being beaten, he was abducted and traded for another prisoner. Later he realizes who orchestrated his abduction, his cousin Stephen and he vows revenge.

Fast forward 3 years, 8 months - Anna has left Scotland and traveled to London to confront her errant husband, he disappeared on their wedding night and she hasn't heard from him since. But she learns he is back in England and is spending HER money and sponsoring artists in his London townhouse and she is going to set him straight. She enters the house and there is a party in full swing, she is appalled by his servants and the debauchery going on around her. She finds Liam on a sofa with a courtesan attached to him like a leech. He rises to greet her and tells her to leave. She refuses and tells him to send his "guests" home. Liam is not in good shape, he took some drug to gain oblivion, but it has only made him muddled. He can't believe Anna is here and needs to send her on her way. She flat out refuses to go and wants answers - answers he is not willing to give.

Anna makes herself at home and takes every opportunity to vent her anger on Liam. She has come to town to settle some business matters and to get answers - so far she has only more questions. Liam is not the young man she married, but she sees glimpses of him. Where has he been and why did he leave her? The next day they talk again and he tells her what happened to him, but she thinks he is lying. She makes accusations that he does not deny and she seethes.

Liam doesn't want Anna in his home, he has put his plan into motion and she is a complication he doesn't need. But seeing her again brings back something he thought he lost, feelings, he FEELS for the first time in years and feelings he thought gone forever. And when she demands he give her an heir and lays down her rules, he agrees, but has a rule of his own. The passion between them is white hot, but neither is willing to bend and they wage a major war of wills.

Liam is no longer the young love-struck boy she married, the past four years have changed him, irrevocably. But Anna is no simpering maiden and she stands up to this new callous Liam. And when she learns the truth, Anna will stop at nothing to save Liam.

The story has several flashbacks to their first meeting, their courtship, wedding day and the fight they had before he disappeared. These flashbacks are well placed in the story and give the read a much better understanding of these two people.

This is not a light read, but neither is it overtly dark. It is a meaty, stick to your ribs kind of story with two very flawed people finding their way back to each other, it is a story of revenge, acceptance, forgiveness and love. I was hooked from the first page, it is extremely well written and even with flashbacks, it is paced perfectly. There are steamy love scenes, moments of heartbreak and sorrow, moments of horror, great secondary characters (including Julian and Emma), a shocking twist and a very sweet epilogue. This is the sixth book in the series, but it could be read as a stand alone title with no problems. I loved this book and would be happy to recommend it!

Lord Lockwood is a (literally) tortured soul, and the way back to sanity, if its even possible, seems to lead to his condemnation as a murderer. Little surprise, then, that he doesn’t want to drag his wife into the hell of his life. Anna, Lady Lockwood, though, has another view on matters, and she is more than a match for her husband, once she has all the facts in hand.

Duran writes adventure novels par excellence, and this is no exception. You won’t be disappointed by the sparks between Anna and Liam, either.

Publisher's Description:

Steamy romance sizzles between a resurrected earl and his repentant bride in USA TODAY bestselling author Meredith Duran's latest historical romance.

BACK FROM THE DEAD, AN EARL SEEKS VENGEANCE...

Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood, was born into a charmed life. Charismatic, powerful, and wild, he had the world at his feet—and one woman as his aim. His wedding to Anna was meant to be his greatest triumph. Instead, in a single moment, a wicked conspiracy robbed him of his future and freedom.

...BUT WILL HIS LONG-LOST COUNTESS PAY THE PRICE?

Four years later, Liam has returned from death with plans for revenge. Standing in his way, though, is his long-absent bride. Once, he adored Anna's courage. Now it seems like a curse, for Anna refuses to fear or forget him. If she can't win back Liam's love, then she means at least to save his soul...no matter the cost.

My Thoughts:

This is another page turning must read by Meredith Duran!
The Sins of Lord Lockwood is book # 6 in the Rules For The Reckless series and the second one I have read in this series
Both books were amazingly well thought out with strong characters and page turning storylines.
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Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood, had just married the woman he had set his cap for but instead of the joyous occasion it should have been it turns disastrous. Liam's cousin, Stephen carries out a plot to make our young Earl disappear. He has him abducted and sent to a penal colony where he is beaten and imprisoned. Liam's identity and all that is dear to him is taken away but he finds a way to eventually escape and return home.

Anna, Liam's wife thinks he has purposely abandoned her., while Stephen, his cousin, insists that Liam is dead. If Anna will have him declared dead Stephen will inherit the title and all that Liam holds dear.

Four years later Liam's returns and Anna, after discovering his return comes to London to join her husband. She is a most unwelcome surprise.

Will Liam be forthcoming about the lost time between them? Will Anna forgive his forced absence and can these two find their way back to each other?

I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames. Although he is haunted by the last four years, Liam wants his wife in every way but doesn't want her to see his scars.

I received a complimentary paperback and digital copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

The Sins of Lord Lockwood is amazing. These two strong people were meant for each other. Lockwood having been kidnapped on their wedding day with Anna thinking he left her due to an argument keeps you turning page after page to find out how this happened. Anna and Lockwood are so very in love, but pride is keeping them from working this out upon his return. Lockwood is convinced he is no longer worth anything except to seek vengeance for his kidnapping. Anna is so hurt and not willing to let him get away with having abandoned her until she realizes he did not choose to leave her.

I love their strength, the way neither gives quarter to the other. It truly does take Anna’s strength to keep them together once she sees and believes what he has told her about those missing years. Liam Lockwood and his servants lived through the most horrible of conditions at the penal colony. Ms. Duran handles the difficult situation carefully and in a respectful way when Liam suffers through the memory attacks. She is careful to assist the reader in knowing it is not Liam's fault the dreams and/or attacks are his fault.

Complicating Liam and Anna's relationship is her being the wealthy Scottish Countess of Forth heir to an entire island. This caused a bit of difficulty on their wedding day and even after his return. Their marriage contract allowed them to live separate lives. She thought he left on their wedding day because he now had access to her funds. To make it even worse, once she learned he had walked off of the boat to take them to France, she did not even search or have the authorities search for him.

The secondary characters being the ‘servants’ Lockwood brought back with him from his travels are an interesting group of men and so much a part of his story. They do not give up on Liam, either. His servants do what they can to help protect Lockwood from his wife and from himself when in a nightmarish condition.

The Sins is a really good book that deals with the difficulty of the era when one person wanted to get rid of another. The cousins growing up together, being raised together, but coming into adulthood with such differing views of their childhood is hard on both cousins. This is not a light-hearted or feel good book, but it is an excellent one in sharing with you the devious nature of an evil person. Great book to read.

I don’t think I’ve ever met a Meredith Duran book that I didn’t like. This one is – WOW – just WOW! The story is riveting, heartbreaking and inspiring. I haven’t read the other books in the series and I don’t think that detracted from my enjoyment of the book. However, I’m heading straight out to purchase all of them because I think that background into the characters will add to my memories and enjoyment of this book – plus I’ll have five other great books to read. I was really afraid that this book was going to be dark – and I just don’t do dark – but it wasn’t. Our intrepid author dealt beautifully with the dark events that led to this story. She told us what happened – in small manageable chunks – but she didn’t dwell on it. The story she told us was the aftermath of those horrendous events, how our hero and heroine dealt with them and how they grew as individuals and as a couple. Kudos to Ms. Duran!

I loved our hero from the very first page. He was a happy, charismatic young man with impoverished estates due to his father’s mismanagement. He had to find a wealthy bride, but not just any bride would do. Then, he meets our heroine and he is lost. I really loved our heroine for the way she was in the early part of their courtship. She was intelligent and funny and full of self-confidence. At least you thought she was. She loved our hero – and he loved her – even though neither had told the other. They spent months together getting to know one another – the kind of people they were. So, when the chips are down – she just accepts that he’s left her and makes absolutely no demands that people search for him. I don’t buy it. Even if she really thought he’d left her – wouldn’t she question that he walked off with nothing? He didn’t take his belongings – nothing. No, I just can’t buy it. I know our author did her best to explain it all, but – still – I don’t buy it. I absolutely LOVED the book – just didn’t buy that part. Of course, not buying that part kind of negates the rest of the story.

William Alexander Knollys (Liam) Devaliant, fifth Earl of Lockwood, was handsome, charming, intelligent, honorable, loving and the world was his to command – until it wasn’t. Liam disappears on his wedding night. He and his new wife had a tiff and he headed out to the tavern – and never returned. Four years later, he is back. He’s in London and set on revenge. When you read the book, you’ll wonder why he was as patient as he was! He’s been in London for almost eight months and he knows that his wife will soon learn of his return and he’ll have to deal with that. Imagine his surprise when she turns up at his door – and she plans to stay!

Anna Winterslow Wallace, Countess of Forth is the rarest of things – a countess in her own right. However, she cannot inherit one part of her inheritance, the island of Rawsey, until she is married. She’s been looking for a suitable candidate over the last couple of years, but just can’t find a suitor she can picture being leg-shackled to. Then, at a house party, she meets Liam. She’s determined not to like him – after all, he is English and she is a Scot through-and-through. He’s just so engaging and funny that she can’t help herself. She’s in love! Anna has been left behind her whole life – by her father, by aunts who shuffle her from one to the other – can she really have found someone to be hers?

Liam and Anna love each other, but each falls back on their excuse of a marriage of convenience because they are afraid the other doesn’t return their feelings. What a mistake that lack of sharing is! When Liam leaves and doesn’t come back – Anna just assumes he’s left her. Four years later, when she arrives in London to confront Liam, she is shocked at the cold man she meets. She wonders why he is the one to be so cold – she is the one who was left behind while he was off adventuring for four years on HER money. As she learns more of what has happened to Liam, and there is an attempt on his life, she knows she has wronged him dreadfully and she realizes she still loves him. How can she help heal the darkness in him (today we would call it PTSD) or can he be helped at all?

I hope you will read this well-written, fast-paced, gripping and poignant book. You will be transported to that time and place and won’t be able to put it down.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Meredith Duran is an ambitious writer and always interesting. I loved some of her books; I hated more of them. In the end I appreciate that she takes risks because when the plot work, the story is amazing.

Lord Lockwood (Liam) had been kidnapped the day he got married and sent to a penal colony in South Wales for three years. He is back bent on revenge - very Count of Monte Cristo like. All the time he was gone, his wife thought he abandoned her and decided to travel the world on his own. Their marriage was a marriage of convenience, where she needed a husband to take control of her inheritance and he needed money to pay off his debt. But it was clear that they were falling in love and had hope for a good marriage.

A plot based on a lack of communication would normally annoy me. But Ms. Duran really made it work. Liam did not want to reveal anything to Anna because he did not see a future anyways. His reluctance to let her see his scars was based on self-preservation. Anna also was not ready to show her feelings because she did not want to be left and hurt again. So we get to know the characters and see their emotions and relationship grow. The story is interspersed with flashbacks from their first meeting and the weeks before the wedding, giving some lightness and making our heart break for the separation.

The book does have flaws. The premise (a lord kidnapped and brawling with prisoners) is ridiculous the revenge arc did not go anywhere for a while. But the strength of the main characters makes up for it all. And we got to see more of Julian and Emma from the Duke of Shadows. And did I mention that I love the writing? I am going to read it again.

This story enthralled me right from the first page. The characters of Liam and Anna are beautifully written. They are complicated and intriguing and I wanted to know more about their background as much as I wanted to read the romance. The story is a little darker with the hero’s history but I adore the scenes where the heroine teaches the hero about self love and forgiveness. Usually in romance novels, this role is reversed and played by the hero but I love how the author has written this part in the story. I would highly recommend this book. Although this book does have some characters show up from previous books, it can definitely be read as a standalone.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

4.5 stars

This feels like an instant classic. The Sins of Lord Lockwood dovetails with Duran’s debut, The Duke of Shadows, and sheds light on the story of Ash’s friend, Liam, and Liam’s estranged wife, Anna. The story is told in alternating timelines, showing flashbacks to how Liam and Anna first met, leading up to his dramatic disappearance on their wedding night. In the present, Anna confronts Liam after his sudden reappearance, believing that he had abandoned her. Rather than sharing the truth of his horrific experiences — being kidnapped and shipped to an Australian penal camp where he suffered unspeakable physical and mental torture — Liam does his best to keep Anna at a distant and scare her away. What results is an intense battle of the wills, which makes for very compelling reading.

Duran manages to very successfully strike the right balance with Liam and Anna’s angsty struggles. While Liam’s stubbornness and nastiness to Anna could be a massive turnoff, Anna doesn’t accept any crap from him and turns the tables on him quickly to take control of their relationship. I was frequently surprised (in a good way) by how the story developed, which made it even more enjoyable. The exploration of Liam’s PTSD and panic attacks, which he tries to handle in secret, also added an interesting layer.

Overall, this is very well written and compulsively readable. I definitely recommend it to fans of intelligent and slightly dark/angsty romances.

Thank you to Pocket Books, Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

A good Historical romance with of lot of emotion and angst.
Lian & Anna are good strong characters.
Loved the drama and passion.
Voluntarily reviewed.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The Sins of Lord Lockwood is an angsty story about a couple who planned a marriage of convenience, but end up with so much more. Told in sections alternating between current day and 4 years prior, Duran slowly reveals how Anna and her husband Liam, Lord Lockwood met and the events that led to their four year separation on their wedding night. Anna grew up with a father who was in and out of her life and spent her youth shuffling between aunts; the one place she felt a sense of belonging and happiness was on her grandmother's island in Scotland. Due to family superstition, the island couldn't be Anna's until after marriage; as her guardian neglected the island, she decided that a marriage of convenience was her only option. Upon his father's death, Liam found that he needed an large infusion of cash to save the family properties; as he and Anna get to know each other, they determine that marriage will solve each of their problems. After a fight on their wedding night, Liam leaves for air and never comes back; used to being deserted, Anna is convinced that Liam left after getting what he wanted and doesn't look for him. Four years later, Anna hears that Liam has arrived back in London and travels to confront him and demand an heir. Liam's four years away were hell on earth; kidnapped and transported to Australia, he suffered abuse and degradation on a daily basis. Finally making his way back to England, he is convinced that he is not fit company for his wife and is ashamed for anyone to know of his experiences. Despite his attempts to push her away, Anna's reaction when she learns what happened to him is far from what he expected. I loved Anna's determination to fight the battle to win Liam's soul and save him from his demons no matter how much he attempted to push her away. Duran does a wonderful job portraying the conflict and sense of shame Liam feels for his experiences during his captivity. I can't say enough good things about the writing and characters other than read this book - you won't be disappointed!

"A man can learn to live for revenge."

FINAL DECISION: At times dark and sad, this book is ultimately about the ability of the human spirit to endure and ultimately triumph. A wonderful companion to THE DUKE OF SHADOWS, I loved Liam and Anna's story.

THE STORY: Liam Devaliant, Earl of Lockwood, was kidnapped on his wedding day and sent as a prisoner to the colonies. He has returned a changed man bent on making the man who betrayed him pay. What he doesn't expect is the arrival of his bride who believes he deserted her on their wedding day. The four years that have passed have made Anna bitter.  The two talked of a marriage where each would be free, but she did not expect her groom to disappear without a wedding night. Anna, however, does have something she needs from Liam and is determined to get it and then return to her home in Scotland.

OPINION: Powerful, emotional and sometimes dark, this is the story of a man who lost everything and how the love he left behind brings him back.

I loved this story become of the complex emotional heart of it. Anna and Liam lost so much four years ago. The structure of the book makes this especially poignant by intermixing the story of their courtship with their current reality. The switching between these time periods brings emphasis on the pain of their separation.

Liam is an honorable man who is struggling. Seeing the difference between the man he was four years ago and the man he is now is sometimes difficult. The way the book is written puts the reader in the same place as Anna who has to discover who the man she married is. He is a wonderful hero who centers this book.

Anna is strong-willed and independent and yet vulnerable under the face she shows others. That is another theme of this book, the faces that one shows. As Liam and Anna both discover the complexity of one another. That no face is false, but rather an aspect of character. But that there is a face that only can be shown to the one you love.

I alternately found this book sad and triumphant. While these two were torn apart, they manage to find their way to one another and build something different and perhaps stronger than what they would have had four years before.

Some characters are so vivid and fascinating that it is hard to close the book on them. Anna and Liam are those kinds of characters to me.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book deals with what we now call PTSD in a complicated and sober fashion.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD is the sixth book in the Rules for the Reckless series. While the romance is separate, I recommend reading A LADY'S CODE OF MISCONDUCT and then a related book THE DUKE OF SHADOWS because this book flows nicely from those two books.  The events of this book run somewhat concurrently with THE DUKE OF SHADOWS.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received and ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Review to be published on February 27th.

This was my first time reading a book by Ms. Duran and she didn't disappoint. Liam and Anna have such a chemistry. When the two of them end up together after so much time apart, I loved how strong willed Anna was. This is definitely a book of misunderstandings. I will be reading much more of Ms. Duran's books.

I absolutely loved this story. It was a bit confusing to be switching back and forth between 4 years, but that being said...the story itself was wonderful. Liam was such a tortured hero, and Anna was cold and hard because her hope was gone.

Together they discover themselves all over again and it was well written and touched my heart. I think you'll enjoy this story. I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved it!

Meredith Duran is one of my go to historical romance novelists, and she has not disappointed me with The Sins Of Lord Lockwood.
What I love about Duran, and about this book, is that she does not shy away from very complex emotions. In this case, we have a very traumatized hero, who feels shame and that he is only good for violence, and nothing else. The heroine likewise has been abandoned several times and this plays into the relationship that the two pick up after four years of separation.
I found myself asking a few times why they couldn't just talk and work through their problems. And each time I asked, Duran worked magic, showing the depth of hurt of the characters, that it was not just something they could move past with an easy apology. And that made the connection between the hero and heroine that much deeper when they do finally mend their relationship.
I also appreciated that even after they make up, it's not just easy, as if love solves all problems. They have to work through the consequences of what pulled them apart in the first place (in this case, a satisfyingly slimy cousin), and there are no easy answers.
The stakes are high, the sex was hot, and the resolution satisfying. Everything I love in a historical, but enough to make it a very unique story and reading experience.

Another page turner from Meredith Duran. Liam is a tortured soul with the scars to prove it. Anna is his wife who felt abandoned by him on their wedding night. But Liam is back after 4 years and Anna wants answers. Liam feels that he has no answers for himself or Anna.

This book delves into the dark world of torture, slavery and corrupt politics in 1860’s Britain. The theme is Liam’s revenge against the persons who caused his harm and Anna’s attempt to bring back his humanity.

The format of the early to middle of the book is back and forth each chapter between Liam and Anna’s courtship and their present reunion. This gave the story added interest. We see their relationship as it developed and how Anna’s past impacted her reaction to Liam’s disappearance.

I loved this book and this author never disappoints. The ending was just a bit too pat for me but that is my only complaint. I highly recommend this book to romance readers who don’t mind some graphic descriptions of violence.

As always a fantastic read from an amazing author. I loved the flashbacks and the glimpses into their sweet beginning.

Beautifully written sequel to <i>The Duke of Shadows</i>. Duran has over the years since her first book explored the damaging effects of trauma to a person, particularly violence against women. In her new release though, it is her hero who is the victim and it is the heroine who finds ways to help her partner counter the consequences of violence and find a way back from darkness. This may be one of the best books, if not the best, I've read on coping with PTSD. Many of the ideas explored here about how to live after unspeakable violence to one's self and spirit gave me pause and allowed me to rethink the issue. It's a dark and emotional read, but it is also hopeful and full of life. I think it's easily one of her very best books.

The book also features a very touching romance that feels so believable. The flashbacks really worked for me, and that is not always true for me in many romances. Here though they are interjected at just the right moments when the present day feels overladen with sadness and despair. The past shows us there is hope for Anna ad Liam and that they will find a way forward if they can rediscover why they fell in love in the first place.

I have no criticisms of this book. It was perfectly constructed and beautifully written. I felt teary toward the end and it's a rare romance that makes me cry. Loved it!