Mischief, Adventure, and Scandal

A lady’s reputation is in tatters, and a rake comes to her rescue. There is much more to this rake than meets the eye, and Hazel finds herself revising her opinion of him. She also finds herself losing her heart. Can a lady with a ruined reputation have a chance at love? This is an entertaining story, filled with adventure, mischief, and mayhem. There is romance, of course, but it comes closer to the end. Throughout the story, it is more implied than explicit because Joe and Hazel have mischievous children to chaperone, a villain to catch, and a reputation to salvage.

Four handmaidens for the Princess of Wales are set up to spend the night waiting the Princess only to find out she’s already left the country and they’ve been unchaperoned while a wild party was going on around them. Miss Hazel Curwen knows her life is ruined when Lord Barden sees her unless she can reach her family to offer her their protection from scandal. She travels to see her old governess then on to her grandmother where she meets Sir Joseph Sayle drunk at an Inn. The infamous rake who offers to help her retain her reputation. Hazel and Joe have quite adventure where she discovers he’s actually quite nice, funny and the perfect gentlemen. This is an entertaining story with a few twists and turns as they encounter the governess’s brother and sister, An Ottoman Prince and a vengeful villain. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.

Pursued by the Rake by Mary Lancaster is the first in a new series; the premise being that an underhanded lord wishes to ruin four young ladies who are ladies-in-waiting to the Princess of Wales. To do this he plans an "orgy" at the princess' palace and summons the four young ladies, ostensibly to wait upon the princess. When the four arrive, they become quickly aware that things are not as they should be so t hey hurried to the princess' chambers, only to wait all night to be assigned duties. They knew better than to enter he bedchamber without being invited. When they discover the princess is not there and has not been, they rush to their homes to avoid anyone finding out and creating a scandal. Miss Hazel Curwen has nowhere to go. Her father, a sea captain, has left for a voyage and her grandmother has returned to Scotland. She realizes her only option was her former governess, now married and living in the country east of London so she travels to the Blue Board from whence she can travel on the mail coach to the Armitage home. While she is waiting, she spies a "scandal" sheet which carries a story about last evening's shenanigans and mentions the young woman, not by name, but using initials. She is ruined. She misses the coach and runs into Sir Joseph Sayle, a man she know from watching him exit the princess' bedroom. He volunteers to take her where she needs to go. As there is not another coach that day, she accepts.

Hazel is a bright and courageous young woman who has successfully managed to be acceptable to the ton, despite being only marginally born into it. She is responsible and level-headed. As such, the next several weeks severely test her mettle. There are love affairs, sword fights, people from the past, and the wicked man who set this all up. All have to be dealt with at the same time maintaining a semblance of respectability. This is a complicated plot with lots of cast members and some truly memorable twists and turns. It tests Hazel beyond what she though she could endure, including Sir Joseph's plan to regain her reputation. It's fun; it's challenging; and it becomes a happily-ever-after for her, but what about her friends? I enjoyed it. You will, too. I recommend Pursued by the Rake.

I was invited to read an ARC of Pursued by the Rake by Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #pursuedbytherake

Pursued by the Rake by Mary Lancaster presents the story of Hazel, and of Sir Joseph Sayle. The reputation of Sir Joe is not super good, he is known to be a charmer. Hazel was caught at the wrong place at the wrong moment, and her reputation goes down fast. She has no choice but to accept the help of Sir Joe.
I loved the story, but I found the characters a little bland to my taste. Yet, I really liked the story and I think you should read it.

A lovely adventure that does not stop until the end! Will she be ruined or will he save her?
Hazel was one of the Princess of Wales Ladies in waiting and was to attend her at a house before they all left to travel. Unfortunately, all was not as it seemed and she was left on her own to out run her ruin!
With nowhere to go but her old governess, Miss Sprigg's home, she ends up through several mishaps with Sir Joseph, a gentleman she had met around the Princess. He ended up driving her to Essex and the journey begins! Oh yes, I loved Joe and Hazel! Their banter and attraction that only grew!
"Slowly, he raised one hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Then he raised the other and and turned it so that he could drop a kiss on the inside of her wrist. This time, his lips lingered, and a thrill seemed to run through her veins like fire." Sigh...
Someone is trying to ruin Hazel and it keeps the mystery going as to why. With some delightful children, a mystery and a simmering romance, that was a perfect story as only Mary Lancaster can write! Wonderful start to a new series and cannot wait for more!

Mary Lancaster is one of my all-time favorite authors and I eagerly wait for each of her books to be published. I am so excited for this first book in her new Season of Scandal Series.
Sir Joseph Sayle a diplomat and a rake, and Miss Hazel Curwen a lady-in-waiting to the Princess of Wales have one adventure after another throughout. The story is filled with humor and excitement, and once you start reading you won't want to put it down.
Thank you Mary for another wonderful story!

Running Away From A Scandal
In a mad dash from London, Miss Hazel Curwen, an attendant to Princess Caroline, is running away from scandal. Sir Joseph Sayle, one of England's diplomats known as a rake, not only rescues Hazel, but several of her former governess's siblings. Joe decides to take them all to his ancestral home. The villain behind Hazel's scandal is traveling to the same destination. One hilarious escapade follows another, until Joe finally convinces Hazel that rakes do change and fall in love. A laugh out loud and maybe cry a little bit book. I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book.

If Pursued by the Rake is an example of this series, I can hardly wait for the next journey. What a sweet and charming love story of Hazel, a young innocent lady-in-waiting to the Princess of Wales, and the handsome rake, Sir Joseph Sayle, a diplomat for the Crown. The Princess leaves without notifying her ladies of her plans and the ladies are trapped in a bedroom with a wild party held in her residence. Knowing she was seen, her reputation in ruins, it is time to leave London and find sanctuary. She decides to go to her old governess and stay there. However, with no money, Sir Joe, offers to aid her in her travels. She does not trust him, knows his reputation, and really has no other choice. This is where the plot thickens, and the story really comes alive. What an enjoyable read and one that you will want to read again.

A very intriguing start to a series. Unique and exciting adventure that starts with Hazel running to save her reputation. Sir Joseph and Hazel have not met in the best of circumstances but now he is her only chance. This is an awesome read and can't wait to see what will next in this series.

This was my first Mary Lancaster book and I really enjoyed it! The story hooks you from the beginning! There’s scandal, danger, dancing, and amazing chemistry between the main characters! It was hard to put down which made it a quick and enjoyable read. I wish it were a little more steamy but I still liked the love story and would totally continue on with the series If the characters are just as enjoyable going forward. I also really loved that the villain was thwarted at every turn. Would totally recommend to anyone who loves a cute HR!

Escaping a ruinous situation, Miss Hazel Curwen comes face to face with the one man whose notice she would prefer to avoid. However, her luck runs out, and she realises that she has no other option than to accept his spontaneous and somewhat inebriated offer. As Hazel and Lord Joseph Sayle spend time in each other's company, she discovers that the infamous rake is not only a humorous companion but a gentleman as well. After delivering her to her destination, she thought he would go on his way, but when they come face to face with a pistol in the hands of a bunch of children, Joseph takes the situation in his stride and becomes embroiled in their problems as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its interesting and quirky characters. There are a number of laugh out loud moments, as well as suspenseful interludes that keep the reader's attention. Although Hazel is without resources, that does not mean she is without gumption, rather she is innovative and takes matters into her own hands when necessary. Sir Joe, as the children call him, has had years of experience at problem-solving and finding solutions to sticky problems, and this book has a plethora of awkward situations. The story is well written and entertaining and comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Pursued by the Rake by Mary Lancaster

I remember from 1st grade our teacher had us stand in a line and she whispered into the ear of the person next to her and it went down the line. At the end of the line there was 14 or 15 of us and she asked the last person at the end to tell us what they were told and she asked the first person what they were told by her. Just in that small class room and not that many kids the thing said did not match at all! So, can you imagine how a person who was intending to destroy someone’s reputation and was not only doing it by a gossip tattle paper but by innuendo at a packed ballroom party!! Perception and Evil Tongues!
Hazel was an amazing lady who attended the Princess of Wales and during this time she spurned a creepy guy, Lord Barden who decided he only wanted her as a mistress because her father was just a illegitimate son of the Duke of York who was dead even though he was the Kings brother. But because the Duke was dead her father would have no political value. What a total loser!
So, Lord Barden felt that since she turned him down he was going to get even with her by ruining her reputation!
The true hero steps in, Sir Joe Sayles even though Hazel at first thinks he is a lothario!
There is a lot of adventures in this book with Hazels old governesses family and then with Joe & Hazel which are comical and amusing. At first I wasn’t so sure about the book, but then the adventures started and the drama brought the book together !
What Joe & his friend Prince Selim did to Lord Barden was hilarious! I do wish that the author would have touched more on the repercussions against Lord Barden because he was so dastardly that I think he needed more done! I hope that there is a book about Emma and Prince Selim!
A great read for a relaxing afternoon!
I received an advanced copy from netgally and I willingly give my thoughts and opinions!

Oh what a wonderful start to a new series !! This is a very different kind of regency romance.
It has lots going on from the start . Four of the Queens Lady in waiting are tricked to come to a house the Queen is suppose to be at. When they all met up they find there is a very wild sexy party going on . They assume the Queen is in her bedroom with a gentleman. Afraid to disturb her and make her mad they hid it the waiting room all night. At first light they find the Queen was never there;
All of their reputations are ruined. Some of the Ladies come from very good families. Dukes and Earl's. All the girls head for home till they can find out who tricked them and why.
Hazel Curwen is not from a wealthy family, her father is a Sea Captain, her mother is deceased, she has no brother's or sister's. Her only other family is a Grandmother who has taken off to Scotland.
Her plot couldn't get much worst, as she has no money also.
When she tries to escape using the boarding coach she runs into the one person she hoped never to see again.... One Sir Joseph Sayle, an agent for the foreign office.
Joseph is a rake that Hazel feels took advantage of the Princess she works for. She saw him coming out of the Princess room early one morning. He was arrogance and said some very smug thing to her.
Now she is in real trouble, as she has missed the coach, has no money for other, doesn't know who is out to ruin her, or when everyone in London will know about the house party. Not knowing what else to do she lets Joe take her to her governess. She is unsure if this is a good idea as he has been up all night carousing and is drunk.
As she and Joe set out to get her to her former governess's and find out who caused her problems.
Joe also has someone following him and doesn't know if they are friend or foe.
With the help of some really cute and sweet children all five of them !! Help from family
and a trained horse. This story has it all fun, laughter , tears, fears of both the H & H.
Mix all that up with the attraction growing slowly but steady thru out the story... Hazel will learn not to believe first impressions. The ton believes the papers, and she is finding out how wrong
she was about Joe. He is turning out to be relaxed good company,amusing, kind and a flirt too.
I can't wait to see if the rest of this series is as good. Be sure to get your copy.
There is even more going on but I don't want to ruin the story for you.
I received and ARC from the author and am giving my honesty opinion voluntarily.

Mary Lancaster writes light and entertaining Regency romps. I ALWAYS enjoy her books because she has likable characters in unique situations.

Four young women, ladies-in-waiting to Princess Caroline, the Prince Regent's estranged wife, are left behind when she suddenly leaves England to go abroad. The young women were tricked into showing up at her home, thinking they would accompany her to the continent, but instead there is an orgy in progress. This being Regency England, it blows up into a huge scandal and the ladies are ruined.

Of course, our heroine, Hazel, runs into a chivalrous, handsome, fun, and kind hero, Joe, who rescues her and along the way they pick up some charming young people (siblings of her governess) who also need rescuing. They embark on a trip that has adventure, danger, fun, and excitement to help save Hazel's reputation. Mary Lancaster's secondary characters (usually precocious and fun loving) always add charm and humor to her stories.

I found the growing attraction between Hazel and Joe very romantic (a slow burn) and was so happy they got together without any silly or prolonged miscommunications or villains. I enjoyed this book very much and was happy to read that it is Book One of a new series entitled, Season of Scandal. I am looking forward to reading what happened to the other ladies caught up in the scandal at the Princess's residence.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
# Pursued by the Rake #NetGalley

Pursued by the Rake by Mary Lancaster

The beginning of the story finds 4 ladies in waiting to the Princess of Wales at her royal highness’s home as they are there in preparations for her impending overseas trip. Unfortunately the ladies find themselves in a situation where guest of highness are getting out of hand and what looks like an orgy is going on! The ladies hide themselves in a safe part of the house to protect themselves and their virtue . The next morning it transpires that that her highness was not at home and someone is trying to destroy the Ladies reputation and gives an untrue story to a newspaper. The ladies discover this and try London. 3 come from wealthy home but Hazel Curwen is not but is trying to get to the home of her old governess til she can return to her family there is a disaster caused by a slightly drunk diplomat Sir Joseph Sayle an infamous rake. After causing her to miss her stagecoach he takes her to his family home to protect her.

Much enjoyed book. Many twists and humour in this tale. I look forward to reading the next 3 books in the series.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Different and fresh.
Because of this it was all the more enjoyable in the reading.

Handmaidens of the Princess , 4 Ladies are set up and inadvertently made to stay the night in the same place where debauchery and other things occur.
Now ruined the Ladies attempt to return to their families.

In this book Hazel is helped in her hour of need by a Rake and Ladies man Sir Joe Sayle.
Unbeknown to them both ,the people responsible are closing in , but they have more problems on the horizon, the main one is their passionate attraction to each other.

Very enjoyable and addictive reading, with excellent characters and storyline, looking forward to more from the Ladies of the court.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Four innocent young ladies-in-waiting to the Princess of Wales spend the night sheltering from a wild party in her residence – only to discover in the morning that Her Highness was never there. And the news is already out. The ladies flee the scene to fight as best they can for their lost reputations. And to confront the man who tricked them.
Hazel Curwen is ruined. With no money, no near family, and the stagecoach to her old governess’s home vanishing into the distance, she is forced to accept the help of the one man she never wished to set eyes on again. To Hazel, the handsome and respected diplomat Sir Joseph Sayle is an infamous rake who took advantage of the princess she served. Under normal circumstances she would never have dreamed of setting foot in his curricle, least of all when he was, by his own admission, “not entirely sober” after a night’s carousing. However, the journey in his relaxed company is unexpectedly fun, and when they reach their destination and are threatened by a parcel of eccentric children with a pistol, he enters the adventure with enthusiasm.
The start of a new series - I loved it & read it in two sittings finishing it well into the night, as I couldn’t put it down. A very well written engrossing read with very well portrayed characters who all had plenty of depth. I loved Hazel who was a strong woman who didn’t 'fall apart' when she was left to fend for herself whilst also facing ruin. Oh Joe! toe curlingly gorgeous, caring, honourable and with a lovely sense of humour. The road to their HEA was highly entertaining with a vengeful villain, highwaymen, an Ottoman prince & several delightful children. I look forward to the rest of the series & can’t wait for the villain's plan to be fully revealed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

What a good book. I liked how it let you get to know Hazel and the personalities of each of the four girls. The story was engaging. Joe was a great guy and so likable. Can't wait for the next story!

I received an arc of this via netgally to review.
I feel like 3 stars doesn't convey very well that I did enjoy this book for the most part. It was very easy to read and it had a lot of the elements of historical romances that I tend to enjoy. It just didn't rise to the level of originality and storytelling where I felt like I would rate it 4 stars.

The first part of this book started off a bit too fast for me. There was so much going on in the first part of this book and I would have preferred for their to be a little bit more establishment of the characters of Joe and Hazel. The fact that the beginning of the book was so quick made it hard for me to feel like I really knew the characters that well throughout the whole book.

What we did learn about Hazel and Joe I did really like. I liked seeing the way they interacted with the people around them, especially the children. I think that can be one of the best ways to introduce their personality to the reader and I think that has done well here.

I thought the plot with the Lord was interesting but a little messy at parts. I never got a really good sense of his motivation and I wish his reasoning was expanded upon a bit more so I could understand it more. I also felt like some of the other side plots felt a little disjointed and it made the book almost seen it was originally a collection of short stories. I also thought this was slightly repetitive in some parts. I think that may be partially due to its length because I felt like it could have been a bit shorter.

Also just something minor, it seems like this series will follow all four of the ladies who were stuck at this party at the beginning of this book but we don't get to know any of those other ladies in this book. In romance series set up like this, I like to get to know the characters that will get their own books so I'm excited for their stories, but that's a minor complaint.

I don't know if I would read more books in this series but I think I would consider reading more books by this author. This was pretty good and I liked it for this most part, it just wasn't quite a four star read for me.

Pursued by the Rake by Mary Lancaster


‘And yet still, he had touched no more than her hand, her wrist.

Dear God, to be closer to him now, feel his kisses on her mouth, the hardness of his body, naked and caressing...She could not control the tiny gasp.

They stood a yard away from her bedchamber door.

“Why,” he whispered, “do I always find it so hard to say goodnight to you?”’


This was such a cleverly mapped out, beautifully written, wonderfully executed love story. It was a delicious, sensual, slow-burning tale of second-chances, unlikely friendships, bravery, highway robberies, scandal and a touch of royal salaciousness to give it all a bit more bite.


I adored our heroine, Hazel. Although she started out this story fleeing, in peril, unsure and a little aggravated by her circumstances, she never let those negative emotions swamp her. She merely gathered her courage and set off on a different route. I loved her wit and intelligence, how she bantered and threw barbs at Joe. She wasn’t intimidated by him or her situation. It was wonderful to watch their reluctant friendship blossom and grow, to see the initial reactions and misconceptions fall by the wayside as they were forced into close proximity with each other. The slow-burn, stoke the embers and watch it flare kind of passion, is always a thousand times more thrilling, seductie and elevating than the love stories that rush everything, leaving readers feeling dissatisfied.


Joe was a truly sublime hero. He had that rakish air about him when we first encountered him but you just knew going in that there were as many layers to his personality as there was to Hazel’s. He was a little reckless, a bit of a mischievous hellion and a flirt to boot, but there was no mistaking his depth of loyalty, chivalry and adoration when it came to our intrepid female protagonist, Hazel.


Having two perfectly matched, exceptionally well written lead characters such as Hazel and Joe certainly brings the story to life in vivid technicolour. The descriptions were impeccable, the children adding humour and devilry, the dialogue sparkling and amusing. In a nutshell, Pursued By the Rake was an absolutely joyful and thoroughly entertaining madcap adventure, full of romance, comedy, bad guys, revenge, absurd jailbreak plans and an Ottoman prince.


‘Slowly, he raised one hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Then he raised the other and turned it so that he could drop a kiss on the inside of her wrist. This time, his lips lingered, and a thrill seemed to run through her veins like fire.’