Wow. What a great book. This was one of those books where you start it and don't want to put it down until you finish it. Great story! Very likable characters!

Unreservedly 5 Stars for this wonderful historical romance. I will say that I think this one benefits from the groundwork laid in [book:The Duke of Shadows|3112394] and [book:A Lady's Code of Misconduct|30753719]. It can be read as a standalone, but you would be missing the full impact of this story, in my opinion.

Coming into this story, we knew that the very recently married Lord Lockwood had been abducted and taken to a penal colony. We also knew that his marriage was supposedly a love match and that society thinks he and his wife were on a grand tour during his absence. A question fore front in my mind was why a recently married wife would not have raised the alarm of her husband’s disappearance. While I have found every story I have read of Duran's interesting, there have been times that the romance has felt a little underdeveloped. This was, thankfully not the case here. While a majority of the chapters focus on the book’s present day, it does feature chapter flashbacks to their courtship. The flashbacks are clearly marked and not confusing.

The time of their original courtship was full of hope and promise and two people falling in unacknowledged love. They both had ideas for what their married life would bring, but they thought they had time. Time to understand and grow together as husband and wife. They didn’t, and the wrong words are said. Misunderstandings occur and opportunity is given for a clean abduction. One thing I thought striking was that their story would have been compelling and read-worthy without the separation and misunderstandings, BUT their eventual HEA is all the more sweeter because of it.

Knowing some of the background, it is interesting seeing Anna’s indignation and hurt when they reunite. In her mind, he left her with no word. Her feelings are real and true, and the way the story unfolds and progresses is very well paced and told. I relished reading this every second, and I finished reading with a smile on my face. It is going down as one my absolute favorites, and I can definitely recommend.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Pretty standard historical romance. Plot was easy to follow, but it seemed lacking, there was just a "spice" missing though I can't put my finger on what which is why I docked a star. The characters are well written, fairly descriptive, the love scenes aren't excessive or too short. It's just........missing something for me to be rushing back to finish it asap.

There are few authors who can tempt me back into historical romance and Meredith Duran is always one of them. But it certainly doesn’t hurt that the very peculiar situation of Lord Lockwood, or better known as Liam Devaliant—first revealed in ‘The Duke of Shadows’ as the man with an odd temper, an odder past and an obviously missing bride—is one that’s gripping and compelling enough to wait several years for.

‘The Sins of Lord Lockwood’ is an absolutely unexpected treat, dashing away all my expectations of a wimpy, hiding heroine and a man who constantly pushes her away for his shame at having been kidnapped and imprisoned. Instead, Duran presents a strong heroine capable of matching her husband’s changed mien—riddled with PTSD and a barely-concealed rage that leaks out as near-schizophrenia—and in doing so, has probably crafted one of the most memorable historical heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure of cheering for.

Lockwood’s and Anna’s present reality is interspersed with the lazy days of their meeting and their courtship 4 years prior, as Duran’s narrative weaves between the pragmatic (though flirty) circumstances of their initial union and the strained volatile interactions of their reconciliation. There are hints of what Liam suffered in Elland, but the details are fuzzy: Duran concentrates on sensation, conflict and pain rather than gives a blow-by-blow account of what really happened, as these help to explain why Lockwood seemingly vacillates between moments of forced indifference and letting the tormented beast loose at unexpected times.

What surprises me most perhaps, is how Anna comes across, though Duran—which I loudly applaud—writes very contemporary sensibilities into her heroines that make them three-dimensionally relatable. Anna’s capability, her management skills, her fearless leap into the affairs of men, her strength and determination to pull her husband back from the brink left me in awe...here is the ‘modern historical’ female protagonist whom I absolutely dig (though clearly this is not the norm of Victorian England), the woman whose alpha tendencies could probably have helped front the #MeToo movement if given the chance.

Duran’s superlative prose is as always, a big draw, pulling the nuances of emotions and desire together in a way that makes me stop and savour her written word. That alone is reason enough to put Duran on my reading list, though ‘The Sins of Lord Lockwood’—read it if only to revisit Emma and Julian—is one that I’ll remember for some time to come for a protagonist who stands starkly apart from so many others.

This was a really interesting plot as an English earl, Liam, and a Scottish titled lady meet and decide upon a marriage wherein they both get what they want. Liam will get his estate’s debts paid, and Anna will have a husband who will allow her to remain independent. What neither wishes to tell the other before the wedding is that they have feelings for each other. But on the wedding night, Liam disappeares and doesn’t return to England for four years. As one might guess, Anna is none too happy about the events that have taken place and demands some answers.
It is here that the plot begins to twist and turn, using flashbacks as a literary device to explain their past and present. Liam has been through an ordeal, and it might not yet be over. Anna is attempting to find those answers. All the while those “ feelings” these two had for each other haven’t gone away, they have changed, and the two are caught in a heated relationship that neither expected.
The additional characters in the story add color and interest and provide background as well as moments of humor too. This is a really good story, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romance with some intrigue and danger with some real heat.

I was rather intrigued by this story. It is dark and heartbreaking with perfectly placed light undertones. The story keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat. It will make you angry and sad, laugh and smile, heartbroken and awed.

"The Sins of Lord Lockwood" was a very intense read (in a good way). Lord Liam Lockwood was kidnapped on his wedding day. His wife, thinking that he left her after getting his hands on her dowry, returns to her Scottish island for the next 4 years. Liam was a young, charming, privileged aristocrat who ended up in a penal colony and four years later suffers PTSD. Normally I do not enjoy flashbacks but the flashbacks to Liam and Anna's first meeting, short courtship, and falling in love worked so well because it broke up the intense story of Liam's kidnapping and torture as well as gave insight as to their personalities and their subsequent actions. The dialogue was witty and not predictable. The heroine was intelligent, vulnerable, prideful, practical and strong. She was also contradictory in that she wanted her independence but was also very hurt by Liam's (supposed) abandonment. Liam, while fighting his demons, knows he loves Anna even when he could have blamed her for assuming the worst in him. This is not only on the keeper shelf but I now want to go back and re-read "A Lady's Code of Misconduct".

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

*4.5 stars*

A truly excellent historical romance. Strong woman, strong man, STRONG chemistry!

I was *this* close to lighting up that elusive 5th star for The Sins of Lord Lockwood by one of my favorite (and very underrated) historical romance authors, Meredith Duran. If it wasn't for my hatred of flashbacks, I would have done it in a heartbeat.

I've actually read a couple of historical romances that have vaguely similar themes to this one, heroes with complicated pasts and PTSD from unspeakable things done to them. However, this story still really shone. The plot was beautifully constructed with layers and layers of interest, and two MCs who felt like fully fleshed out characters. I adored the female MC, Anna, who was all fire and pride and just made of strong stuff. She is a woman to admire, and I wish I was as strong as her in my life. I was inspired by her confidence and her willingness to grow and learn.

The male MC, Liam, was also a man of many facets. He was so much more than a bored aristocrat, and I loved getting to know all of his sides, as dark and sad and resiliant as they were. He and Anna made a glorious couple, and I loved how the book really took its time making the romance develop slowly and naturally. It wasn't rushed, and it was extremely compelling.

If you like historical romances that make you FEEL and root for revenge, redemption, and second chances at love, than The Sins of Lord Lockwood is for you. Actually, I'd encourage you to read the whole Rules for the Reckless series, and Meredith Duran is an author to watch.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Review courtesy of NetGalley. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood, is back, and he wants revenge. He didn't make it through the hell that became his life just to let the past go. Liam will bring down the man who nearly cost him his life. Learning that man is his own cousin will not stray Liam from his purpose. When all that is taken care of, he will worry about the bride he left behind.

Anna has not seen her husband since he left her behind on their wedding night. Years have passed, but Liam has returned. Anna tires of waiting for Liam to seek her out so she seeks him out instead. She wants an explanation for the way things were left, but most importantly she wants Liam to do his duty and provide and heir. Anna has no idea what she is in for, but one thing is for certain, she still has feelings for Liam. Will this be a new start for them or will Liam abandon her once again?

A huge THANK YOU to author Meredith Duran for writing Lockwood's story. I have been waiting so long for it and it did not disappoint! In Ms. Duran's sixth book of the RULES FOR THE RECKLESS series, THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD, she delivers a hero so dangerous, strong and compelling that readers cannot help but fall for him. To top it all off, he is a man who has been to hell and back and survived through it all which makes him even more lovable. Next, she brings us a woman who is willful, courageous and desperately in love with said man, even though she has tried hard to deny it. My heart hurt for Liam and Anna and the time they lost, but they are getting a second chance, and they say time heals all wounds, as does love. Historical romance fans; Ms. Duran's THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD is a MUST READ!!!!

Loved both the h and H in this story, and you really can’t go wrong with Meredith Duran, always a reliable storyteller. Our wonderful H is a new bridegroom, kidnapped and transported from England , leaving his bride without a word. She assumes he’s abandoned her after an argument and though distraught, carries on with life. He returns almost 4 years later, but doesn’t contact her, though he has been in London several months. She comes to London to confront him, interfering with his plans to confront and punish the man responsible for his kidnapping, his cousin. Unfortunately, he doesn’t tell her what happened, and is instead confrontational and angry. Both had been falling in love prior to their separation, though they had agreed to a marriage of convenience, and are physically drawn to one another. I can only say I’m grateful the secret was revealed earlier in the story than I expected, so they were able to join forces in pursuit of vengeance. Overall, an excellent story, definitely worth a read.

This was a strong romance! Duran's previous release (A Lady's Code to Misconduct) blew me away, so I was highly anticipating this book. I wasn't *quite* as wowed by it as the previous book, but in comparison to the competition, this was a high-quality romance. She writes interesting characters who are more multi-layered than usual, and her plots often involve some historical tidbit that feels more unique and fresh. If you like second chance romances or romances with an estranged married couple, you'll really enjoy this!

This was another excellent entry in Meredith Duran’s series, “Rules for the Reckless.” As always, the heroine is smart and brave. I always enjoy that she has such strong heroines who rise above the limitations of their Victorian existence. THe hero, Liam Devaliant, suffered a terrible fate due to the jealousy of his cousin. He spent four years being tortured and worked as slave labor in an illegal labor camp in Australia. Now he’s back and out for revenge as well as trying to cope with PTSD. He doesn’t want to deal with his wife or have her pity him. But she’s not going to put up with that attitude for long.

Make sure you have time when you open up this book as you won’t want to put it down.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

A decade has spanned since Meredith Duran debuted Liam, Earl of Lockwood in her premiere novel The Duke of Shadows, and now the circle is complete.
The timing is apt for his published story, as he has intrigued audiences from the depths of Duran’s origins.

Duran has an extravagant gift for the written language which she does not waste; her tone’s dark description is a prominent feature in her novels and she shrouds her characters in complex emotion that pushes a reader to empathize with them.

Duran has taken a theme in romance done a plethora of times and made it new again with gritty resonance and stellar connection.

Meredith Duran is an autobuy author for me, and I would argue that she's one of the best romance writers of all time. I was so looking forward to seeing Lockwood's story after meeting him in The Duke of Shadows, and I was not disappointed. I loved Anna's character, particularly how independent and feminist she was, and I thought the two main characters meshed well together. Duran is so good at delivering intense emotions in her writing, and she treats the emotional relationship between the characters as important as the physical relationship between them, which is what made this book so good. Loved it!

The Sins of Lord Lockwood (Rules for the Reckless, #6)
by Meredith Duran
Anna Swedenmom's review Jan 25, 2018

Superbly Brilliant!
What a wonderful story. I have to go five stars on this one. From the beginning to the end, you will be enthralled, compelled and just plain delighted. Each and every page is an adventure in itself. This book has all the elements of the great historical romances then added a couple for more enjoyment. I absolutely adored the way it gave the background information from the past, to blending it into the here and now. The characters as well as the passion and romance in this one were off the charts. A romance with heart and soul. One that touches and gives you all that you could ask for and more. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna

I both liked and disliked this read. I enjoyed the author's exploration of someone from the past with PTSD. I also liked the character of Anna. Her independence and endurance to try to make it work with Liam were engaging. However, I felt like Liam was a complete jerk to Anna. I know he had turmoil that he was working through, but I felt many things he said or did were out of line. He was such a hot and cold husband to Anna and I admired that she never gave up. He was just a character that I didn't bond with and so it lessened my enjoyment of the book.

Duran's strong female characters are amongst my favorites and this last book of her 'Rules for the Reckless' does not disappoint.

Anna and Liam have arranged a marriage that would suit them both - giving Anna total control of her small island in Scotland, and Liam the funds to take care of his inherited properties while also allowing for his travels to explore the art world. As they draw closer to their wedding date they find each other falling in love, unsure if this is what the other wants neither bring up such a volatile subject. When Liam is kidnapped on their wedding night and abducted to a penal colony in New South Wales, Anna assumes she's been abandoned, again. Liam's return four years later will force the couple to decide between living separate lives or to trust in that early spark and find their ways back to each other's wounded hearts.

I had read a few other titles by this author and I liked the synopsis, so here we go.

I straight up loved Anna. She’s strong and sassy and she doesn’t back down. I loved that she spoke her mind. Lockwood has quite a backstory and that definitely comes into play here. He’s so good and loyal and I really enjoyed seeing him and Anna argue and banter. Plus their chemistry is insane.

Plot wise, it was clever to to have the snippets of their past. Very effective way to show us what happened instead of an info dump or vague thoughts. There were a lot of threads to this story and I’m not sure all of them were needed.

Overall, it was a story that kept me engaged and interested. I’ll definitely be looking into future titles.

**Huge thanks to Pocket Books for providing the arc free of charge**

I loved this addition the series. It was emotionally powerful and yet wonderfully entertaining.

I've read most of Meredith Duran's books and while they're all good, her last two are my favorites. "The Sins of Lord Lockwood" features all of her strengths as a writer - the attention to historical detail, her memorable characters with their honest, intelligent dialogue, the emotional intensity that never crosses into melodrama. This is a superb book and I loved reading it. Definitely picking up a copy or two once it's available for sale.