I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in the Once Wicked series. In this book we have Diana who is cultivating a wicked reputation she unfairly earned to protect her friend. I don’t know that I was over the moon about the story. It just didn’t pull me in.

After Lady Diana Haversham's reputation was left in tatters and she was all but thrown out of her home, she reinvented herself as a courtesan for Lord Harrow. She is also friends with his wife and lover Rene and is helping to preserve all of their reputations. Lord Lucas Blackthorn is recently returned to London after performing duties for the Home Office and is intrigued by her behavior. It doesn't quite add up to the licentious reputation she carries now, and he's determined to get to the bottom of it.

While this is part of the "Once Wicked" series, each book is a standalone and doesn't rely on having read any of the other books in the series. Diana is very loyal to her friends and is understanding of the precarious position her aunt and cousins had been when her uncle disowned her rather than believe in her innocence. She shows far more grace and patience than I would in a situation like this, that's for certain! Lucas is going after the secret behind all of their relationships because he is attracted to Diana and can't help but puzzle out a mystery. It's a fairly selfish reason to get involved, so it fits with the selfish reputation that he has. Throughout the pursuit, it remains the same.

There's a fair amount of queerbaiting as Lucas pretends to flirt with Harrow to try to get to Diana. For all of the obvious "Leave her alone!" messages that everyone around him keeps giving, he ignores them. A few convenient instances throw the pair together so that Diana can't avoid him to keep her secrets intact. We definitely have amusing antics throughout the "courtship" phase of the novel, and we see all of the close friendships in action. We get our happily ever after, of course, and those that put Diana in the precarious position in the first place do get their comeuppance by the end.

Really not sure how to rate this book. The story line is a bit preposterous. Virginal girl is ruined by being jilted and having lies regarding her behavior, so she became a courtesan. What? Then, wait, she hasn’t really been a courtesan all these years, she’s a beard for a Lord who prefers men. Not only is she his beard, they pretend to have threesomes to make sure the rumor mill keeps their reputations scandalous. Our H, a Lord who likes to walk the wild side, meets and lusts after her, and ultimately decides to pursue her, even if it means he has to fake an interest in her protector, whom he has discovered is not her lover. If you’re just looking for a book with some hot scenery, this has a pretty fiery scene, but only one. An interesting and thought provoking story, but doesn’t seem realistic. Though this is part of a series, it stands alone well, I don’t even know how it would intersect. It is well written, if it’s your cup of tea.

I was grateful to receive a free copy of a Wicked Reputation in exchange for an honest review. The description of the book really piqued my interest, and I couldn't wait to get started. The book was well written and had a very unique plot. The beginning really got me hooked, and I kept trying to read more to discover what the connection was with Diana and her benefactor. Without spoiling it for other readers, the story took off in a completely unexpected direction which was a great twist. However, the story stalled here, and I began to loose interest.

I never really felt the connection with Lucas and Diana. However, I was happy to see Diana get her happy ending after she was wronged by her ex fiance and uncle,and forced into an unwinnable situation.

Overall, this was a good read, and i would recommend it to friends and family with open minds.

This is the first book in the series that I've read, and I felt it read well as a stand alone. There were several parts of this book I liked and others I did not. While the author did a good job of making me appreciate the plight of Lady Diana and empathize with her, there seemed to be a bit of a jump from the beginning of the story until the action of the majority of the book that I would have enjoyed reading about and it felt like something was missing. I thought Lucas and Diana made a good pair and their romance really carried the story. The biggest issue I had with the book is the amount of angst in the writing, and yes, the story does have conflicts between what each characters needs and wants, the level to which they are struggled over felt a little over the top. Overall this book was OK, but it just didn't fully connect with me.

I received a complementary copy of this book for honest review through NetGalley and the publisher.

Lady Diana Haversham lost both her parents ten years ago and has since been at her uncle's house. The man is a worm. Her fiance jilted her and ran off and married her best friend. Then he went about the ton and absolutely ruined her reputation. Her step-uncle believed it, mainly because he wanted to, he wanted her dowry. She has these last few years been taken care of by Lord Harrow. Lord Lucas Blackthorn has been out of the country for the last two years. He went mainly for the state Dept. but his dad was afraid he was going to do something stupid and end up in a duel and dead.
This is put together nicely and it is clear and concise. It is also easy to read. The characters are engaging and have depth. I think her uncle is definitely a bad guy and gets all he deserves. Lord Harrow and Lady Diana are friends, loyal and will protect each other no matter what. Lucas started falling in love with Diana from the second time he met her. I hope I get the opurtunity to read more of the author's books. They were great.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting love triangle more on the erotica side than romance. Diana is forced to find a protector after her uncle kicks out of his house under false accusations. She befriends a man who becomes her protector and benefactor under the pretense of a love affair with her being the courtesan. Lucas meets her and little by little uncovers her secrets and facade. At first I was intrigued by their intimate relationship but Lucas became a bit too desperate and reckless. I felt like he just wanted what he wanted at any price. I'm glad it all worked out in the end.

The title is perfect for this book. It is an incredible journey of the rise and fall of an innocent Duke's daughter. The complicated intrigues are fascinating. There are unexpected twists and turns in this book guaranteed to keep you glued to each page. This is a well written story of different types of love (MM, MF), loyalty and friendship. The horror that our heroine suffers, I could not imagine anyone dealing with it better than her. The H/h and the supporting characters were well developed, have wonderful personalities and admirable traits. The romance in this book blew me away. It is sensual, seductive, erotic without being trashy. The loving sexual interactions between the H/h are truly a beautiful thing to read. Justice was served to those who dared sully and dishonor the heroine. The ending of the book ties up all the loose ends superbly. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Did not want to put this book down!! Fresh storyline full of scandal, intrigue, and PASSION. Diana is a strong female lead, wronged by many people while Lucas is used to getting what and who he wants...battle ensues. And Lord Harrow ❤️❤️. LeFey does not disappoint.

A Wicked Reputation by Liana LeFey is Book 3 of the Once Wicked Series. While this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. This was the first of the series I read and I had no issues whatsoever in following the story.

A Wicked Reputation is a steamy historical read that will sweep you off your feet! A highly recommended read...WTG Ms. LeFey!

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

I enjoyed this book, it was unbelievable what woman went thru back then, one lie and there life as they knew could be ruined. Lady Diane was betrayed by her fiance and best friend and found an ally in Harrow, he was so good to her and crazingly enough Harrow's wife was also not only accepting of the relationship that Harrow and Diana had, but had also become a very good or more like family. Lord Blackthorn comes back after being banished by his family for causing a scandal and you would think that he would stay far away from it, but not the case the minute that he sees Diana he wants her and he thinks that something is not right with her relationship with her protector and he sets out to find out what it is since he is determined to have her..wow, we have some twist and turns and eventually justice and redemption..Enjoy!

Betrayed by her uncle, fiance and bestfriend and cast out by the ton Lady Diana pretends to be a courtesan and catches the eye of Lord Lucas Blackthorn, this was a good read and really captivating, couldn't put it down.

I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

This book had me hooked from line one! The plot twist has made this book one I will always hold close to my heart. This book is an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of the wild ride!! Lady Diana shows so much strength and loyalty it has endeared her to me in so many ways I can’t even begin to list them all. Seeing her get her happy ending consumed my life while I read this book.
Diana Havershamhas been jilted by her best friend and her fiancé and disowned by her family. With no other options she becomes the widely coveted, and well taken care of, mistress of Lord Harrow. Her entire existence hinges on her relationship with Harrow and her unrelenting desire for Lucas can ruin it all.
Lucas Blackthorn is a rogue with a wicked reputation for doing whatever it takes to get what wants. And right now he wants the one woman everyone says he can’t have. Will the ends be worth the means for Lucas as he pursues another man’s notorious mistress?
A fun book that I couldn’t put down, with characters that I am crazy about. I’m very excited to see who Liana LeFay introduces me to next

This is the first book I read by Liana LeFey and the story was quite unusual but I did enjoy it! Lady Diana Haversham, daughter of a Duke, should have been the darling of the ton but instead she finds herself with her reputation in shambles, even though she's innocent. Thrown out by her uncle, she ends up agreeing to pretend to be a courtesan to protect her benefactor's secret. Lord Lucas Blackthorn arrives back in town and after taking one look at her, he decides he wants her as HIS mistress! I had a few giggles when Lucas has to pretend to come on to Diana's benefactor, Harrow:) It all becomes quite the tangled web before Diana and Lucas can have their HEA!!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I could not wait to read this book because I had read a previous story by this author and loved it. This one contained all the elements of a great regency romance with heartache, a woman betrayed and so many emotions that kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. The dictates of the time and gossip could have a lady ruined even if she did nothing scandalous and that was the case with Diana. To make things worse her betrothed married her good friend and left her ruined with untruths.
Living with her aunt and uncle, she was pushed out after they believed the rumors and she had to find a way to support herself. She finds a way by posing as a courtesan to a gentleman that would help him keep his secrets and give her money to survive. She learned all the ways of that scandalous title and was really good at playing her part. That is until she catches the eye of Lord Lucas Blackthorn who threatens to expose her lie.
An exquisite romance with a strong heroine I could only cheer for and great characters that came to life. I cannot wait to read more by this author and encourage you not to miss this historical romance!! Plus don't you love the gorgeous cover?

What a great book. When Lady Diana Haversham is jilted by her betrothed and best friend, she is thrown out of her uncle's house. She must now find a way to survive. She meets Lord Harrow who becomes her protector. He has a wife and now Diana is his mistress. All is not as it seems. She goes to balls with Lord Harrow and shopping with his wife. Does she warm both of their beds? Everything is going along fine until Lucas, Lord Blackthorn comes into the picture. He wants her badly. There is a wager with Diana, the prize. When Lucas wins, he is very surprised by their night together. It's a great story with twists and turns that lead into a Happily Ever After. It is definitely worth a first and second read. I would absolutely recommend it as I couldn't put it down. I received this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This story shows the depth people will go for their friends. The author writes a beautiful story of love between friends and lovers. Diana is forced to make a drastic choice in her life but is lucky enough to find comfort and shelter with three people who love and protect her at all costs. Lucas sees her and despite all the roadblocks in his way decides he wants her in his life. The way the writer brings about this event is simply beautiful. It is a witty and funny story that will keep you turning the pages and make you happy with the ending.

A Wicked Reputation by Liana LeFey is book Three in the Once Wicked Series. This is the story of Diana Haversham and Lucas Blackthorn. I feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Diana was a daughter of a Duke but became a orphan who was taken in by her Uncle. Then she was set to marry but that man ran off with her best friend but not before ruining her reputations. Diana Uncle kicked her out which left her no where to go until Harrow comes forward. They come up with a bargain that she will be his 'courtesan' but he will help her achieve her goals along with keeping his secrets. All was going along the way they planned until Lucas showed up. Lucas was taken with Diana and knows that she is hiding something, which he starts to look into. Now the chase is on to uncover secrets that are being kept that might lead to a shocking outcome. Enjoyed their story.

4.5 Stars
Betrayed by her fiancé and her best friend, Lady Diana Haversham's reputation is left in ruins, and she is unjustly cast out by her family. Left with little choice, she agrees to pretend to be a courtesan to protect her benefactor's Harrow's secret. What she didn't count on was meeting temptation in the form of one Lord Lucas Blackthorn.
Lucas is fascinated by the shameless Diana, whom his friends claim is his perfect counterpart.
This is the third in the series but definitely stands on its own. A well written book whose strength was in the cat & mouse game Lucas & Diana played their verbal sparring was highly entertaining. I also loved Harrow’s story & lengths he had to go to, to live the way he wanted & to avoid being charged & hung. The book highlighted how a Lady’s reputation hung by a thread & a malicious rumour could utterally ruin her life, I loved how Charles set things to rights. Well portrayed characters & an engrossing read that I found myself totally absorbed in
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Fun, sexy, and full of convoluted shenanigans, this was an enjoyable read. Some of the side characters were my favorites—I adore Harrow, and I wish we had gotten more of René.

I also found myself wanting more romance-building to go alongside the excellent twists and turns of plot and intrigue. While Lucas and Diana have a very convincing interest in each other, the love aspect of the match isn’t particularly convincing, since they spend most of their time either lying to each other, flirting, or both. Of course, the whole plot revolves around scandal, but it would have been nice to have a more layered romantic entanglement.