If Lady Claire Albright had one wish, it would be to forget brooding, powerful Lord Flavian Monroe. Then, on the brink of her come out, they accidently meet. His ward is ill, and he begs her to use her knowledge of healing to help the girl. But this patient is sick in a way that’s far different from what Claire expected dangerously different.
A very enjoyable read although it was intense at times but it drew me in from the start. I particularly loved how Claire grew in confidence throughout the book. I also loved & appreciated the research that had gone into the book. This is my encounter with the author but it certainly won’t be my last
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This story follows Claire and Flavian. They were in love and Claire was expecting a proposal, but then Flavian ghosts her 19th century style. Claire is broken hearted but takes refuge in healing and making potions. Which is how they are reunited, Flavian is looking for something to heal his ward.
Claire agrees to go to his house and check it out. His ward is straight up crazy. Drama ensues.

There are several things I enjoyed about this book, but mostly I didn't like it.
There are several descriptions of the experience of being in the Navy in Spain during the war, which from what I have gathered are accurate and I did not know before. This was quite interesting. I also liked the descriptions of how herbs were used in healing during this time.

The Big Reveal at the end was also exciting.

Mostly though, I found this story a bit repetitive and melodramatic. And I kind of found Claire annoying :s

This is the second book of the series. You do not have to read the first one to enjoy this one. This was a quick one sitting read for me. A few issues not made known in Historical England and Spain was written into this book. It made the book different than other Historical Romances. Without going into details some subjects such as abuse and incest are mentioned. This book isn't light fluff. It does have a happy ever after.

After two years of silence, Viscount Flavian walks back into Lady Claire's life. Lady Claire is wary of him because he has been mission her life without giving her word as to why. He swears he sent word to her but she never received it. He needs her help with his young ward who is mentally ill. As
healer, she attempts and struggles to help the Viscount's ward. The book was well written with complex characters such as the young Arabella. The author's descriptions were well thought out and written. She gives a sense of dignity to these complex characters. It was a great historical novel with a wonderful ending. I recieved this book from Netgalley for an honest review and no compensation.

Lady Claire Albright was the youngest of her siblings and was very shy. She had met a man during a house party two years ago, and thought they had something. But she did not hear from him for two years. Lord Flavian Monroe, Viscount Monroe was sent to sea when he was eight years old. He liked the Navy but he had been so young how could he make informed decisions.
The story is complicated and with twists and turns, it keeps the tale interesting. The young ward of Lord Monroe, is Spanish, sings like an angel and is lovely to look at, Arabella. She is believed to be Mad. The characters are amazing and live life to the fullest. The descriptions are exciting. There is suicide, war, death, fire, and so much more that makes this book so special. I have never read this author before but I am so glad I did. The novel was great and look forward to more.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

Publisher's Description:
If Lady Claire Albright had one wish, it would be to forget brooding, powerful Lord Flavian Monroe. But even after two years of bewildering silence, she yearns to touch his sinuous arms and feel his calloused hands upon her cheeks. Then, on the brink of her come out, they accidently meet. His ward is ill, and he begs her to use her knowledge of healing to help the girl. But this patient is sick in a way that’s far different from what Claire expected—dangerously different. And, as she struggles to find a cure, Flavian resists rekindling their love. Is it the ward’s illness that keeps him cold and distant, or a dark and terrible secret?
The thought of Claire in the arms of another man is unbearable, but in his heart Flavian knows he mustn’t ask her to share the consequences of his mistake. Nor should he have brought her to his home and exposed her to his ward’s sickness. Yet he lacks the strength to send her away. Each time he looks into Claire’s eyes, the urge to feel her body pressed against his consumes all reason, and he is left unable to utter the word, ‘Goodbye.’

My Thoughts:

I had never read this author's work before and this was an interesting, well written introduction to her style.
This intriguing book was hard to read in many ways and also hard to put down. Filled with intrigue and misunderstandings, complex and well drawn characters this is a must read for historical romance fans.
This well researched book has imagery that makes you actually see and feel what is happening rather than just reading the written words.
Although this is book #2 in a series it easily stands on it's own.
I gave this complex tale 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
This is a very complex tale with many twists and turns and intimacy is not the main focus.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book almost one year after it's release through NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

There are many secrets in the home of Favian Bournemouth, Viscount Monroe as Lady Clare Albright slowly discovers. I liked the way Clare’s strength of character increased from a shy soul to one who believes in her own strength to confront her adversary. Flavian was quite a complex character caused by his earlier experiences. This was a engrossing read that was quite intense at times. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading the Secret Life of Lords. When you are in love with a Lord,you think everything is going to be wonderful. What secrets do they have? What if the Lord has a ward who is malicious and murderous? Claire finds herself in this situation. In love with Viscount Flavian Monroe, Claire is sure everything will work out. When Arabella, his ward, who is mentally ill shows her true colors to Claire, she refuses to live in the same house. It would be dangerous for all. Arabella runs away and Flavian has to get her back. Will Flavian fight for Claire or will Arabella's rage hurt them all. I loved the book,the ending is outstanding. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.