Plot: I really enjoyed the plot! Having Olivia be the Phantom was a nice twist to the book, and those parts of the book were quite suspenseful. And I loved the romance between Olivia and Anthony!

Characters: I liked all the characters in the book, and I found the Grandmother entertaining in her grouchy ways!

The Cover: I like it! The dress is really pretty!

Overall: I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it to any historical romance readers!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Never Mix Sin with Pleasure is book 5 in the Infamous Lords series and doesn't disappoint, it has plenty of romance and intrigue. Anthony and Olivia are engaging characters with not always a smooth journey but a worthwhile happily ever after. They both have secrets and their passion, desire and deception some how turn into true love that can't be denied and can surmount the impossible.

3.5 stars

Never Mix Sin with Pleasure was my first foray into Renee Ann Miller's writing and it was a immensely enjoyable experience. It hits all of the major beats that you look for in a good historical romance novel: roguish lord, heroine with a secret, a grumpy older female character, and even a surprise saucy animal companion. The little twist on the formula with our heroine being a thief was fun, although I did wish that we had gotten to see more thievery and action with that plotline. All in all, this is a solid historical romance pick for anyone looking to expand their romance library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Will they be able to overcome the challenges rising on their path...

With this lovely tale of two persons with secrets leading them to a specific life’s journey, the author infuses air and blood in her damaged but kind characters.
Olivia is not the usual pauper miss, she is on a mission, one she is now close to have fulfilled. But when she finds herself dismissed for no fault from her part, she is willing to take risk to get her job back. Instead she is offered not once but two positions.
She is a much resilient young woman, she has lived a life with few to none pleasures, marked by the sins of her spawner. She is compassionate and determined. Not afraid of taking matter in her own hands to get what she believes she deserves, yet she does not indulge in anything. She just wants to right some wrongs, even if her course of action is dangerously walking on the wrong side of the law.
Anthony has geared his life in order to avoid his failing to be acknowledged. He prefers to be seen as a cad than a lowly fellow with his a damaged wit. So yes, he is the rogue of his family, enjoying scandalous liaisons and in appearance the idle life of many peers. But it is only a facade, to mask his inner struggle.
Why with Olivia, he feels like at home, he does not appear he has to hide who he is, she expects nothing from him, which frees him from his society’s cloak. And more open to anything he has until now closed his heart to.

Yet as time passes and Olivia get closer to her final goal, will their differences in rank and secrets come between them.

A fun Robin Hood kind of retelling with a smart and strong female lead and her sweet and caring counterpart.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Renee Anne Miller has once again created an amazing historical romance. Her characters are superb, the plots are wonderful, and the steam is top notch.

Oliva and Anthony are a wonderful couple, and from the moment a misunderstanding lands them as employer and employee, the sexual tension is on point. Personally, I love the lady's companion/assistant trope, and Miller does an excellent job in creating a believable plot AND sexual tension between the two. What starts out as an offer of employment out of pity, becomes so much more to the both of them. One of my favorite things in a romance novel is when the hero falls fast and hard for the heroine, and buddy, does Anthony fall hard and fast. He is a excellent teddy bear of a hero.

Olivia was also a delightful character. She takes the job with Anthony's family to gain entrance into the gossip of high society. This way she can gain access to the devious lords of the ton, where she steals money from them in order to help tossed-out women and orphans. She's dubbed "the Phantom," and honestly, this was the part of the plot that was really unnecessary, even though it starts to get a little better towards the end.

I absolutely adored this book, and I've read all of Miller's other novels (which are great, too). Olivia and Anthony were such a wonderfully adorable couple, and I can't wait to recommend this to all of my friends and social media platforms.

This is the story of Olivia and Anthony. Olivia is an orphan, set out on a path of revenge. She has made herself in to a famous thief, The Phantom.
Anthony is a 2nd son. He has dyslexia. Numbers dont make sense to him. It's a secret no one knows about.
The two meet by accident when Olivia is entering the wrong carriage and trips and falls on top of Anthony. Olivia loses her position as companion and asks Anthony for help to get it back. Instead he hires her to be a companion to his grandmother and an assistant to him when he realizes she is very good with numbers. Their relationship develops from there with a few twists and turns.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship actually develop right in front of you. It wasn't an instantaneous love at first sight.
My only issue with this book is that it ended too abruptly. His grandmother, a focal point in the story, would never have approved of Olivia. I was waiting for that confrontation, waiting for Anthony to stand up to her and say this is who I want. Also I would have loved to see Anthony share his issue with dyslexia with his family.
All in all it was a very good story.
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Our Olivia is the Phantom, a thief, an honorable, avenging, angelic thief, but still a thief. So, I did not think of her as someone who was doing wrong. Sad, huh? But there it is. Sweet children who had done no wrong, other than being born on the wrong side of the blanket, lived, and some died, in the orphanage. Olivia’s sister of her heart died asking Olivia to avenge her death. Although Olivia’s life in that orphanage was a huge part of the why behind the stealing, Ms. Miller centered this book more about Olivia and Anthony’s relationship, than stealing, until the end.

Yes, Anthony, handsome devil! I cannot say his and Olivia’s meeting was ‘cute,’ but it was life changing for both of them. He really made a misstep with the mistress agenda, putting Olivia off of a long-term relationship with him. He had to come a long way before trusting Olivia with his secret – his disability with numbers which we now know as dyscalculia. And, they made a great team in and out of the family office.

I rooted for these two. His grandmother is still adorable! I kind of thought she might be rooting for them, too, but that never came across. Granny does know how to wield her power in society, though. Mix in the adorable parrot to make a sweet, adorable romance for Olivia and Anthony! It was good to include James and Caroline still very much in love from Never Kiss a Notorious Marquess.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it, but in the end, I thought everything was wrapped up too easily so that Anthony and Olivia could get their happily ever after. Olivia was a thief and yet that was overlooked because the men she stole from were horrible men??

I think Anthony's grandmother and that silly parrot Atticus were much more entertaining. I loved the power in the ton that the grandmother wielded especially among modistes in London. Don't mess with her! I did like that Anthony wasn't the perfect hero and Olivia complemented his deficiency with numbers so well. In the end, this was an okay book for me. I do enjoy Ms. Miller's stories so I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Renee is a fresh breath in the romance world and her stories are always intriguing and witty. This newest entry in the Infamous Lords series is about the brother of two characters with books in this series. While I did not see Anthony as a very upstanding character at first (I don’t mind them having previous mistresses so that is not it) but he seemed to be going through life without a real purpose. Slowly, I began to like him more and more especially when I found out why he was that way. He is not a layabout, he is industrious and has a problem that is he ashamed of. Renee has portrayed Olivia is a very different way from most other stories during this time period. We know Olivia’s secret and it is for a purpose that I am sure was common. At the end of the story, I was surprised and elated at Anthony’s reaction to Olivia’s secret. It is a beautiful ending.

Sadly, my favorite characters were Anthony's bad-tempered grand-mother and his foul-mouthed parrot Atticus as I felt they at least had something to make them stand out. Olivia and Anthony however? Were no different than any of the other couples I've read in any other historical romance novel.

Please don't get me wrong, I enjoyed their slow burn romance, as well as the addition of each of their character flaws, but again it wasn't anything new. Anthony had a problem with numbers that he kept hidden from everyone, while Olivia was on a secret mission for revenge.

Also, to me, it seemed as though the things that made them interesting were too conveniently wrapped up for the sake of them getting their happily-ever-after. I wanted to feel a deeper connection into them understanding each other, and a little more build-up before the resolution of Olivia's side-story would have been nice as well.

However, I do enjoy this author's work, and have read other stand alone novels in this series, so I would read more from the author at a future time!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novel was an exciting, romantic, adventurous escapade! The writing was beautifully executed. The plot was multifaceted and innovative. I was delighted as I read the turbulent love story of Anthony and Olivia unfold.

This ultimately was a story about forbidden love, revenge, and self-discovery. Anthony and Olivia are from two different worlds, he was born into privilege, and she was an orphan. Through a twist of fate, they meet, and they start working together. Both hold self-destructive secrets. One is covering up what is perceived as mental weakness, and one is hiding a dark secret that could prove disastrous. I believe dyslexia is portrayed well in this novel—the plot deals with preconceived prejudices attached to learning challenges in this era where differences were not tolerated. Anthony was so much more than a rake. With Olivia’s help, he discovers talents he did not know he possessed. I enjoyed Anthony’s journey into the man he could be rather than what society portrays. Olivia was a complex, haunted character. Driven by the past, it nearly destroys her chance at a happy future. I admired her determination and grit. The couple’s romance is built throughout the entirety of the story. Their attraction started slowly but evolved into a fiery passion.

The plot was well-paced and exhilarating. Several different plot points merged perfectly at the end. My one critique had to do with the ending. The conclusion was a little rushed. I wished the ending was better developed, giving a clearer insight into the resolution and future of the couple. Also, a secondary character’s reaction to the couple’s future is not addressed. It left me curious. However brief, it was a very satisfying happily ever after.

This author has created a delightful, intriguing romance. It was bursting with content yet held its own. I enjoyed the many layers and emotions the book conveyed. The couple’s love story was endearing and electric. I enjoyed this romantic adventure. A can’t miss read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Renee Ann Miller has done a fabulous job of making the reader fall in love with these two characters. Anthony is the town rake but soon finds he needs Olivia's help. Olivia was released from her position because of Anthony, she feels it is only right that he give her a new one.

Both of them are keeping secrets but soon realize their love can overcome it. Readers will love this book.

Olivia grew up in an orphanage for girls, never knowing who her parents were. The other girls were like sisters to her. Especially Helen. They discovered a list of men's names while in the Matron's office. A list of noblemen who had raped and abandoned their female servants when they became pregnant. It was Helen's dying wish that these men be punished, her father being one of them. Olivia moved to London as a companion to an elderly dowager. Becoming know as the Phantom, robbing these men's homes and sending the money to the orphanage. After accidentally stumbling against Anthony, the dowager fires her for being unseemly in public. Olivia becomes the companion to Anthony's crotchety grandmother, and, when he discovers her genius with numbers, his assistant. Anthony is hiding the fact he's sees numbers all jumbled, embarrassed and ashamed to tell his family. Anthony evolves from an aimless Rake to finding his purpose in life. I would have liked more background in how Olivia stole from the previous men before we meet her and how she developed her skill of jumping among rooftops and climbing drainpipes. That she climbed an apple tree was the given explanation. What I REALLY would have liked is for these men to have suffered more. Stealing some money out of their house wasn't enough of a punishment in my eyes. They're rich. It wouldn't have an affect on their lives and they never knew the reason they were robbed. I guess I'm vindictive! Overall, I enjoyed it very much.

The introduction between Olivia Michaels and Lord Anthony Trent had me hooked at the beginning. The romantic feelings on!y really began to develop between the pair when they both had an indication that the other was of good character. I appreciated it didn't start at just lust at first sight. There was so much development in the other characters that I was surprised they didn't play a greater role in the conflict resolution of the story (the parrot and the grandmother in particular). The backstory on the villains was very minimal, but it didn't take away from the story. This was a very enjoyable weekend read.

I love that Olivia is a thief.. a thief with a mission.. When she gets fired from her position as a ladys companion due to a small innocent thing blown out of proportion.. So she sets off to find a way back into a companion position.. she needs it to get all the gossip to complete her mission... What she doesn't expect is Anthony.. He is being left in charge of things for his brother while he is off with his wife, and Anthony feels out of his depth.. He has trouble mixing up numbers, and when Olivia reveals that she is great at numbers a friendship is formed..

Olivia is also a companion for his cracky grandmother.. a lady who has no problem throwing things at your head when she is upset about something.. and she seems to be upset ALOT.

I really enjoyed watching these two people come together, and unraveling Olivias secrets and why she is doing what shes doing, and how its all going to be revealed..

I also how when Anthony realized that he was in love with Olivia and told his brother, all he said was to go and get her. It didn't matter to anyone that she was an orphan, or a ladies maid.. it only mattered that they love each other.

I havent read any other books in this series, but I would really like to.. Especially to get James (Anthonys brother) and his wife Carolines story.

I was fascinated to see how Ms. Miller would achieve an HEA with these two very different characters. But she did it! Olivia and Anthony were very enjoyable characters. I would smile when Olivia would win over the Dowager Duchess. This was an entertaining book with wonderful characters and storyline.

I received an advance reader copy through NetGalley. These opinions are my own voluntarily given.

Never Mix Sin with Pleasure, by Renee Ann Miller. What an exciting love story this book was for me to read. I loved everything about it. I can only give good praises about it. The author totally blew me away with the love the blossoms between Olivia and Anthony.
For me it was like will they kiss or they won’t kiss. Their where so many at the edge of my seat cases that I had continue on reading the book to find out. I loved all the characters, except for maybe one or two. But the ones who have stolen my heart are the peacock and Andrews grandmother. These two had me giggling non-stop.
Every time their character made an appearance, I found myself excited to see what they would contribute to the on goings in the house. I will have to say this though, “I never heard of bird soup”. The drama and the plot played a great part with the book. My enjoyment from this story is the beautiful love story that left me sighing in the end. My fellow readers, until next time... read on!

I fell in love with this story and the characters. Olivia is determined to take revenge on wealthy privileged men of the ton. She puts herself in the position of companion to gather information on certain lords to carry out her plans. When a single tumble turns her plans upside down, she has to make new plans that throws her directly in the path of Anthony, a renowned rake.

I will be adding this book to my re-read list and going through Miller's other books. This is a wonderful story that is told beautifully. I would absolutely recommend!

Olivia is a thief in disguise as a dowager's companion.
Anthony has a secret of his own. Numbers are jumbled and obligations are left to him.
Will these two people have a lasting relationship?
Renee Ann Miller writes a book that is filled with amazing qualities.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Stumbling into the wrong carriage has cost Olivia Michaels one job, but helped her gain another. But Olivia is more than meets the eye...her work as a lady's companion allows her to overhear ton gossip and plan vengeance against debauched lords. Lord Anthony Trent has his own secret. His brother has left him in charge of the family businesses but he has been hiding a struggle with numbers his whole life. When Anthony discovers Olivia's genius for sums, the two get closer than is proper and start to let down their guards.

This is the fifth book in the Infamous Lords series. It can read alone. Anthony is brother to book three's hero James and book four's heroine Nina.

This is another enjoyable story from Miller. The characters are flawed and that makes them easy to connect with. Olivia is trying to right a wrong in the only way she knows how: stealing from powerful men who ruin and discard women in their employ. Anthony longs for a love like his brother James and sister Caroline have, but he thinks his personal struggle will always be a wedge that keeps him from connecting in a loving and honest way. I thought Olivia's revenge plot was well developed, but I appreciated that it didn't overtake the relationship-building. There's also a cantankerous grandmother and foul-mouthed parrot added in for some comic relief.

Tropes: Class Difference, Revenge, Disability Hero

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #NeverMixSinWithPleasure #NetGalley