Minerva Spencer’s Outrageous is the second book in her Rebels of the Ton historical romance series. I hadn’t read the first book, but I decided to give it a try when I received a copy from NetGalley.

The story takes place in 1816, but instead of the usual balls and operas of London, it’s mostly set in carriages and seedy inns of the English countryside. Godric Fleming, a decorated war hero and a man bent on avenging his dead family on Gabriel Marlington, has decided to abduct Gabriel’s wife. Only to be abducted himself by Gabriel’s sister Evie de Courtney who has learned of his plan. Her intention is to keep him away from London long enough for Godric to give up his revenge, but weather and other unforeseen factors keep them on the road for days. And, as Godric points out, she’s now compromised in the eyes of the society and they have to marry. She’s not instantly agreeable to the plan, and he isn’t thrilled either.

This was a competent and interesting story. It relied heavily on some tropes of historical romances like forced intimacy and a clandestine marriage, but they were handled so that they felt fresh. I liked Evie and Godric both, and their inevitable falling in love happened organically and felt believable. The intimate setting meant that most of the time there was just the two of them, but they could carry the story well enough. There were enough twists and turns, some of them beggaring belief, to keep the reader entertained. The cover is somewhat misleading, making the reader expect a romance without sex scenes, but there were plenty of those.

I have a couple of complaints though. The book was too long. Especially the ending that took place after the climax was unnecessary, as it was basically a long filler scene that took several chapters. There’s only so much a reader is willing to learn about the mechanics of horse breeding. And then the reconciliation was handled hastily and was basically a sex scene and not much else despite the issues the couple had. There was nothing romantic or emotional about it. It was followed by a change in the point of view, which gave the conclusion to secondary characters. I found it highly unsatisfying, and it marred my enjoyment of the book.

I would also have liked the author to do a better work with introducing the characters from the first book. Evie had complicated family relations that I presume were handled in the previous book (and some in an earlier series even). They had some bearing in this one, yet the reader was left completely in the dark about who they were and why they mattered for this story. Not everyone read all the books in a series, so a few words here and there would’ve gone a long way to help the reader to understand some plot twists that relied on those relationships.

Nevertheless, I liked the book. It stands out in the mass of historical romances, which isn’t easy to pull off. I’ll be reading the next one too.

Outrageous is the second book of a thrilling historical regency romance trilogy by S.M. LaViolette, writing under the pen name of Minerva Spencer. The first book, Notorious, hooked me on the genre. Before that, I hadn’t read many romance novels, nevermind Regency Romance. Now? I can’t get enough! The cover art for Outrageous is just as beautiful and original as the first, which is what made me pick up the series to begin with.

Lady Eva de Courtney has just seen her best friend marry her beloved stepbrother, but Godrick Fleming, Earl of Visel, is out to destroy their happiness. Eva has devised a plot to stop him, with the assistance of her groom, James. She kidnaps Lord Visel with hopes to persuade him to leave her brother and his new family alone. Eva is confident he’ll acquiesce and won’t tell a soul he was bested by a mere girl. But of course, nothing goes as planned. Chaos ensues, as well as romance. It’s all quite amusing.

It’s a delightful book with many twists and turns and I look forward to reading the third book, Infamous, which is currently scheduled for September 28 of this year.

This is the second book in a series and one I didn’t enjoy as much as the first.

The ML was very different from the first book and there was not a lot of justification why. I had to reread some aspects in Notorious (the first book) just to be sure I wasn’t misremembering things but indeed his actions here were almost completely different from the first. I still enjoyed Eva from the first book.

One main thing that took me out of the story and actually dimmed my enjoyment of the book was the references that kept being made about the age gap in the strangest circumstances. I read a lot of books that I enjoy with huge age gaps, but they kept being referred to in a strange way here and that interfered with my ability to stay and be immersed in the world built.

Overall, this was an okay read but I will admit to preferring the first book in the series over it.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved reading Eva and Godric’s amazing story in Outrageous by Minevera Spencer, book two in her Rebels of the Ton series. This amazing story brings together two people under unusual circumstances despite a number of obstacles placed along their journey. Eva de Courtney decided that kidnapping Godric Fleming was the only way to stop the irritating man from harassing her beloved brother and his wife. Once she has the intriguing rogue within her carriage, she realizes just how much she misjudged her mission. The confines of the carriage forces Eva to realize and sense the passion Godric has hidden beneath his gruff exterior; wanting him in a way she never knew existed. Unexpectedly, Godric surprises Eva, turning the table on her, taking her hostage and demanding they marry at once. Being alone, unchaperoned with a man, Eva is now considered ruined and despite his questionable behavior toward her brother, Godric was honorable and would do the right thing; not that he wanted an impulsive, fiery, stubborn, wife with a mouth that was perfect for kissing. Eva will do all she could to keep from having to marry Godric; wanting to keep her independence and fulfill her dreams for the future. While on the road to the Scottish border, Eva and Godric find themselves getting to better know and understand each other while encountering trouble and danger at almost every turn. Soon, Godric discovers his greatest challenge is to keep his hands, and his heart, from his beautiful, intriguing, innocent bride-to-be; swearing to never love, or have a family.

Ms. Spencer wrote a charming, clever, entertaining and amusing story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, sizzling chemistry and endearing characters giving Eva and Godric a chance to obtain all each desires. I highly recommend Outrageous to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

ARC from NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.

Eva de Courtney is one of Adam de Courtney daughters, and Lady Euphemia's stepdaughter (both of them the protagonists of "Dangerous"). Eva is a very stubborn and independent young woman who, like her sisters, carries the stigma of being the daughters of a woman who succumbed to madness and ended up committing suicide. Because of this, Eva always feared succumbing to the same madness as her mother did, or worse, having a child and passing it on to her/him.

Godric Fleming is a war hero and an unusual protagonist, considering he was the villain of ''Notorius'', which tells the story of Drusilla and Gabriel/Jibril who are, respectively, Eva's best friend and stepbrother. Fearing that Godric was part of a nefarious plan to kidnap Drusilla (because apparently Godric hated Gabriel and was willing to drastic acts to harm him), Eva decides to kidnap Godric and thus prevent him from disturbing the newfound happiness of two people very dear to her.

Godric is, to say the least, quite annoyed to discover that he had been kidnapped by a young woman who has barely left school, although he admits that his previous actions against Gabriel were wrong, and that Eva did indeed have a reason to believe he could kidnap Drusilla. However, his irritation with Eva dosen’t last long, and in the midst of a lot of arguments, sexual tension and dangerous situations, these two sturbborn charaters end up falling in love and having to face their own demons in order to be happly togheter.

I liked Godric a lot more than I thought I would. Ok, the reasons why he was so angry with Gabriel seemed stupid to me, and once he admitted to himself how stupid they were, he abandoned his revenge. But other than that, his tragic past and the way he handled it made me empathize with his character. Also, in general, I thought Godric was quite mature and considerate with Eva, which was another point that made me like him.

Sadly, I couldn't feel this same affinity for Eva. Although I could understand Eva was a 19-year-old who wanted to rebel against the rigid standards that society imposed on women of her time, for most of the book Eva seemed to act as an petulant and spoiled girl, who did what she wanted without considering the consequences of her actions or how they might affect others. Taking into account her age, I don't think this is na strange behavior for a teenager, however when compared to the hero (who, if I'm not mistaken, is 17 years older than her) Eva seemed very immature.

Overall, I found ‘’Outrageous’’ a fun read. And I ended up very curious about the fate of Eva's younger sister, Melissa. Hopefully, like the twins Lucien and Richard (who will be the protagonists of the next book in the series), Melissa will also get her own book.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. The book was fast-paced, it held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Outrageous is the second book in Minerva Spencer's Rebels of the Ton series. I don't think it's necessary to read the first one to enjoy this book. I enjoyed Eva and Godrick a lot for the most part. Eva is not your typical Regency heroine. She's short tempered and often speaks before she thinks...and often acts as though she is 9 instead of 19....this is a side of her I didn't care for. But she's smart and independent and cares deeply for those she loves. She kidnaps Godric Lord Visel to stop him from kidnapping her sister-in-law....but it doesn't take long before he turns the table on her and becomes her captor and then declares that he must now marry her so she won't be ruined. They embark on a journey north to Scotland and face danger from the horrible weather and from bandits that are connected to Godric's time as a cavalry officer. As they spend time together they grow closer and sparks begin to fly. The dialog between the two of them is sharp, funny and clever! I found myself smiling often. While Eva falls in love with Godric he has a painful past to overcome which forces them apart for a time. Fortunately Eva's stepmother gets involved before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a fresh take on Regency romance that was fun to read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Now that is what I call a road trip romance! This book delivered a wild ride with many twists and turns, and I loved every minute of it!

Lady Eva decides that she needs to protect her brother and his new wife from the evil Lord Visel, whom has been after him since his return to London. She decides to kidnap him in order to put an end to all his schemes… and ends up in more trouble than she imagined!

Shortly in to her fist foray into kidnapping the finds out that this isn’t going to turn out in her favour… a young unmarried lady can not spends days alone with a man and expect her reputation to stay intact. Not so thankfully for Eva, Visel announces that the only outcome to this kidnapping will be their marriage and sends them in the direction of Scotland and then the adventure really begins!

This enemies to lovers story brings together two people who would never be together for many reasons and they end up finding a true connection despite it all.

I absolutely loved Eva’s spitfire personality. Lord Visel grew on me throughout the book and his honour bound duty to do right by Eva, even though she had made the mess they were in and they had started off as enemies was endearing.

Overall, this was an historical romance with great characters, action and witty banter to keep you reading!

Outrageous by Minerva Spencer is scheduled to release June 29th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#Outrageous #MinervaSpencer #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Outrageous is a continuation of The Rebels of the Ton series where now the readers focus on a new potential couple. This one takes place after Notorious (#1) ends and sets up the third novel, Infamous. I continue to love the covers of this series as they are lovely and I love the silhouettes. I was very excited to read this story as it featured two characters as the mains when they were both second in the previous novel.

Eva de Courtney is the 19-year-old step-sister of Gabriel, the love interest in the first novel, and the best friend of Drusilla, the main character from the first novel. After learning about a plot by Godric Fleming, the Earl of Visel and the heir to the Duke of Tyndale, involving the kidnapping of Drusilla, Eva decides to take it into her own hands to stop him. She ends up kidnapping him without thinking about the consequences of these actions. Godric and Eva are slow-burn enemies to lovers’ story that was set into motion by Eva involving herself with Godric and kidnapping him. Although they may not like each other, they have a lot of chemistry between them and maybe this relationship could work if either of them put in the effort.

There is a large (17 year) age difference between the two characters as Eva is 19 and Godric is 36. For me, I did not mind the age difference as I know plenty of couples with large differences who have successful relationships. In the era of the story, the age differences were also not unheard of, so it did not bother me. However, at times, I did wish that there were different wording choices as Godric referred to Eva as a child or a girl fresh out of the schoolyard, which tended to come across as cringe-y. I feel that perhaps different wording could have kept the sediments the same without triggering a creepy vibe from him, at times. If a reader is not comfortable with this larger age difference, I would recommend that they give this novel a skip as the difference is brought up multiple times. For me, their circumstances where they must marry after being alone together to not be shunned from society is what brought them together rather than each actively seeking out someone older/younger.

Eva stood out as a character as she was feisty, but she tended to act before thinking it through. I love that she was not afraid to just be herself and she was open to romance, but she never wanted to be in a position where she is controlled. I think this is where I liked Godric as a potential partner as he may not have agreed with Eva’s way of life at first, but he accepted her and tried to support her as best as he could for the time period. My main wish for Godric is his personality “change” from the first novel. Once I finished this novel and his background is revealed, his personality made a lot of sense. However, I just wish he was a little bit more like Lord Visel from the first novel and then gradually became the man in this novel rather than the seemingly sudden change.

Overall, this was a fun sequel in the series and I would definitely want to continue and read the next one. While it did not quite live up to Notorious, for me, there were a lot of excellent elements that made this a good read. I love Eva’s independence and Godric’s support. While Eva started off a little immature, she grew a lot over the course of the novel. Godric opened up a lot as the story went on and I liked how he treated Eva by the end. Godric lets Eva be who she is and Eva does the same, so the author did a great job in pairing these characters together. Again, I cannot wait to see the story that accompanies our next couple when the newest novel in the series releases!

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Kensington Books, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I have to admit - when I first started this book, I found Eva de Courtney so annoying I almost DNF. However, the more I read, the more I realized it's just her age showing. Once I realized that, I was able to enjoy the book very much.

The main plot is very simple - Eva decides to kidnap Godric Fleming, Earl of Visel, in order to keep him from ruining her brother's marriage, and in doing so sets off a comedy of errors that keeps the action rolling. Godric has his reasons for being a thorn in Eva's brother's side, and while you won't excuse his actions you will understand his motivations.

Godric is not evil at heart - he's just a man who has suffered great personal tragedy, and is still processing his grief (albeit in all the wrong ways). Eva and her indominable spirit is exactly what he needs to work through his history, and come out a better, stronger person.

This is the second in the series, and it does stand on its own but I would recommend starting with the first if only to understand why Eva is so angry with Godric at the beginning.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

Outrageous by Minerva Spencer
Rebels of the Ton #2

Mixed bag, this one. I had trouble remembering the last book and then, I began to remember it a bit SO with that said, I didn’t remember how horrible Godric Visel was in the previous book and that may have helped in reading this one as I read in other reviews that they had whiplash with the personality change he exhibited from end of book one to beginning of book two.

The book begins with nineteen-year-old Eva de Courtney kidnapping Visel believing it would in some way benefit her family. She was tired of him causing her best friend Drusilla, her brother Gabriel and the rest of her family trouble. So, with help from her groom James, Eva manages to puts Godric in a carriage and off they head to Scotland. There were highs and lows in the story and I had mixed feeling about the story as I read.


What I liked:
* The writing allowed me to see and experience all that was happening and all senses were engaged
* Eva’s boldness and love for her family
* Visel’s ability to continue in spite of all that he lost – enjoyed learning what his motivation was and how it was explained in the book.
* James: the groom seemed a good fellow and a person I would like to know more about
* Andrew: a young man found on the side of the road that deserved better than life handed him – wondering if he will show up in the future.
* Eva’s father: a bit stern and cool but also loving, kind and there for his family
* Wondering if Byers will end up with Eva’s sister
* That Eva was curious and independent with a sense of what she really wanted to do with her life – even if it was probably not in keeping with the times.
* The real fear that was exhibited related to madness in that era.
* The steamy bits
* That Eva admitted she “liked to argue” just because…although it might be her most redeeming quality
* That Eva, though a virgin, was informed on the mechanics of consummating a relationship
* That the two finally “woke up” and did manage to get their HEA

What I found harder to understand-like-appreciate
* All of the kidnappings…there were a few.
* The immaturity Eva exhibited and her inability to think things through or see the consequences. She was 19 BUT I sometimes felt she seemed more like 12.
* The age gap of seventeen years between Eva and Godric could have been made to feel less vast if Eva had acted with more maturity or Godric hadn’t so often seen her as childish…though she…was.
* The fear of madness that loomed heavily on Eva and her siblings
* Wondering how Eva got away with going to Mill Houses, spending time with James, and getting up to some of the activities that she did…like kidnapping Godric.
* The about turns that Visel made
* Why most of the story took place traveling
* I didn’t see the attraction between Eva and Godric. True, my husband is nearly fourteen years older than I am but we met when I was 26. I am not sure that at 19 a man 36 would have appealed to me or that we would have had anything in common.

Did I enjoy this book? I did with some reservations
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

I guess this was a case where it helps not to have read the first of the series!

I had no expectations for our hero, Godric Fleming, Lord Visel. Although he was cold and controlling towards Eva de Courtney at the start of the book, it was understandable, given that she was trying to kidnap him!

I won’t say that the twists and turns of this enemies turned lovers romance aren’t silly and Outrageous, but that made it a fun summer read with just enough sizzle to keep me reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Outrageous is the second book of Minerva Spencer's Rebels of the Ton Series and is the beautiful love story of Eva and Godric.
Both appear in the first book and... well let's just say they can't stand each other.
When Eva kidnaps him she really doesn't expect all the things that'll happen on their journey together.
So Eva and Godric have to deal with each other on this really surprising adventure and well... OMG there's A LOT that happens!
I won't spoil too much!!
The first time I met Eva in Notorious I fell in love with her and couldn't wait to experience her story! She's a great character and I loved her development!
Aaand... honestly... Lord Visel (Godric) was a character I really didn't like in the first book! Buuuuut I got to know him better and YES, I like him now! ;)
Outrageous was a funny and exciting love story and I can't wait to read more books of this series!
Thanks to Kensington Books and Minerva Spencer for this ARC via Netgalley!

♡ This is my honest review with my own words. ♡

When Eva de Courtney kidnaps Godric Fleming, Lord Visel her only plan is to stop the irritating earl from persecuting her beloved brother. Her forbidden plan is foiled, however, when Godric turns the tables, taking her hostage instead—and demanding they marry at once. The last thing Godric wants to do is make the fiery, impulsive Eva his wife, despite her delectable mouth and alluring innocence. He knows from experience that nothing is forever, not even love. But honour demands he do right by the lady, no matter how stubbornly Eva tries to hold on to her independence. And while the road to the Scottish border is beset with danger.
This is the second book in the series & could easily be read on its own. We’ve met both Godric & Eva
In previous books & I must admit I’d disliked Godric as he'd been the villain so I seriously wondered if he could be redeemed & to be honest if he deserved to be redeemed. There was also the age difference, which didn’t sit well with modern me but in the time setting it wasn't unusual. A very well written book with strong characters of depth & a pace that never lags. I loved how Godric's backstory was gradually revealed & as it was he gained not only my sympathy but I actually grew to like him. Eva was in many ways adorable but immature I loved her energy & her loyalty. The banter between the pair was priceless. Whilst not my favourite book by the author I did find it to be a captivating read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the second book I read from this series and the third of this author, and is definitely not going to be the last.
When Eva de Courtney kidnaps Godric Fleming, her only plan is to stop the irritating earl from persecuting her beloved brother. But once she has the intriguing rogue in the confines of her carriage, she longs to taste the passion she senses simmering beneath his rugged exterior. Her forbidden plan is foiled, however, when Godric turns the tables, taking her hostage instead—and demanding they marry at once…
The last thing Godric wants to do is make the fiery, impulsive Eva his wife, despite her delectable mouth and alluring innocence. He knows from experience that nothing is forever, not even love. But honor demands he do right by the lady, no matter how stubbornly Eva tries to hold on to her independence. And while the road to the Scottish border is beset with danger, Godric’s greatest challenge is to keep his hands—and his heart—from his captivating bride-to-be…
What I like most about this book is that it’s charming and compelling at the same time. Both characters are well developed and they have this amazing chemistry between them that makes this book a page-turner. I have some issues with Eva’s personality, but I loved Godric. There are great side characters like Andrew and James, and of course Mia.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didnt read the first in this series but while there is a strong connection between the two stories I wasn't lost. The focus is on a new couple.

Eva is headstrong and naive which leads her into disastrous situations. She didn't fully think through her plan when she kidnapped Godric and now she must suffer the consequences.

Godric has alot of emotional baggage. He lost all of his family in a very short space of time and he blames himself. Losing his parents and siblings was hard enough but the loss of his wife and son has made him afraid to ever risk his heart again.

I loved the chemistry between Eva and Godric, it was explosive. I didn't like the estrangement when Eva's father came for her. I feel like Godric should have fought for her.
I have fallen in love with this series and look forward to reading more by this author

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

“ We both know what we must do- marry each other- and if you are looking for somebody to blame, I’m sure there will be a mirror in your room at the inn.” His tone and words stung all the more because she knew he was probably right. “Who do you think you are?” she retorted, for lack of anything better to say. He gave a bitter laugh. “I’m the man you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, sweetheart.”
I loved the first book in this series. Loaded with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and lots of bumps on the road to a happily ever after. In Outrageous, #2 in Minerva Spencer’s Rebels of the Ton series, Godric and Eva don’t just have bumps. They have craters! And each one is even more outrageous than the last.
There’s nothing better than the sexual tension between a couple that starts out as enemies and ends up as lovers. Attraction coupled with animosity makes it exciting. I love watching the relationship develop. The clash of personalities and the sparks that fly. And the sparks between Godric and Eva were bigger than the fourth of July!
Never has my opinion of two characters changed so much while reading a book. In the beginning, I found Godric and Eva to be impulsive and immature. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to love them, much less like them. But oh was I wrong! Minerva Spencer must have a PHD in redemption because I came to absolutely adore these two and was completely invested in their story. Godric and Eva were so perfect for each other. They were amusing, surprising, and kind. Both behaved in ways that gained censure from the ton. She set in corners with the wallflowers and dared to associate with the merchant class while Godric never hid the fact that he loathed society. Their individual behaviors were driven by their pasts. And once I learned that past, I began to feel a connection to them. Just as Godric and Eva managed to work their way under each other’s skin, they did so for me as well.
This story was so fun to read. Every character was a delight and added so much to the excitement of the story. While I imagine you could read it as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend it. I strongly suggest reading the first book in the series as it provides so much insight into why these characters were at odds with one another to begin with. Plus, why would you want to miss a single minute of this series?
If you’re looking for a fascinating plot, unique characters, outrageously witty banter, and scorching chemistry, this is the perfect book to add to your

Protecting her sister-in-law from being kidnapped, Eva kidnaps.the kidnapper instead. Goderic didn't expect to be hit over the head and kidnapped, but Eva's argumentative personality and the banter between them keeps him highly amused. Once opportunity presents itself, Godric turns the table and kidnaps her. IBecause of ruining her reputation he demands they get marry, but Eva is not so sure. A broken down carriage, highway robbers, more kidnapping and lies confuse the wicked protective Godric and his feelings for Eva. He better hurry up and make up his mind. Explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I loved Eva, especially her relationship with James, but her interactions with Godric were the best! This book had me laughing throughout. It is the first book I’ve read from this author, but I will definitely be reading more. Well written and very entertaining, I highly recommend it.

Fantastic follow-up book in this series! I loved every moment. Gosh did I laugh in this one. The events that occur certainly live up to the title and are sure to make this highly rated by many. I enjoyed the banter (arguing), chaos, steamy encounters and emotional heart to heart conversations. And I really love the stepmother! #netgalley #outrageous