Member Reviews
To escape the drudgery of life as a spinster, Lady Ophelia Darby moonlights as songstress Lady Starlight, protected only by the notoriously wealthy scoundrel Devlin Byrne who she claimed was her lover. Unbeknownst to her, Devlin Byrne is the man who was one a boy that saved her from an icy river in a carriage accident as a child and then took care of her until she was found and returned to her family. Devlin was rejected by Ophelia's father when she was dropped off at her house after being rescued and the ambition to better himself pushed him to be ruthless enough to earn an extreme amount of wealth.
This book was an absolute delight and I couldn't put it down once I started to read it! I highly recommend it.
I#AScoundrelofHerOwn #NetGalley
I love Stacy Reid's Sinful Wallflowers series, and this book was just as wonderful as the two previous! Lady Ophelia and Devlin's story had me rooting for them from the prologue, and kept me turning the page to see what would happen next. I can't resist a self made hero, and not only did Devlin impress me with all that he's accomplished, but I was also swooning. 🔥 And I appreciated that Ophelia didn't fit the typical society mold, seeking her own happiness regardless of the expectations. I was seriously questioning how these two would find their HEA, but Stacy Reid tied this one up in a beautiful (and believable) bow!
A Scoundrel of Her Own thrums with the nostalgic ache of "the one that got away." The prologue gives us a window onto a childhood scene of friendship and devotion across class lines. When Niall saves Lady Ophelia from drowning, they spend a week together in the forest, making happy memories while they wait for rescue. Once found, they do not see one another for 15 years. Chapter one whisks us away from that fateful goodbye to our characters in adulthood. It's an intriguing start, wondering how two hearts have grown and changed in the intervening years, how they can come back into one another's orbit after the abrupt way they were parted as youths. The way the author gradually fills in the gaps of their stories is engaging and feels like a discovery of what each person stands for and what they have endured.
This is the kind of romantic whirlwind I can get behind because the tension and history of emotions, both tangled and true, came through so beautifully in the writing that I just gave a wistful sigh and came along for the ride. Our couple's angst comes from a daunting source aka the entire, rigid class system of Regency England. I was desperately curious to know how they would surmount the obstacle and anxious for them to rise victorious together. It was refreshing to feel that they weren't at odds with one another but rather on the same team against steep odds. This is one of the best historical romances I've read for addressing class differences in a way that feeds the drama but is also about something deeper. Not only is it the reason our characters have to fight for one another, but it also provides specific, clear criticism of the upper class and how they swan through life at the expense of everyone else.
Stacy Reid evokes feelings and atmosphere with ease, painting vivid, deep relationships that are messy and lived-in. I especially enjoyed the nuances of Ophelia's relationships with her parents-- they're unmistakably loving, but when new secrets come to light, there is new distance and uncertainty. Ophelia discovers their prejudices as her shifting understanding of the world allows her to see them through new eyes. Also, I LIVE for fictional dogs almost as much as real ones, and Devlin's canine best friend, Conan, was such a gift.
This will not be my last read by this author. I look forward to diving into her backlist. Thanks to Entangled for my copy of this book to read and review!
I have been waiting for this book…..and it was amazing! I absolutely loved every single page! Ophelia & Devlin are perfect for one another! I loved that we start with them as kids….it pulled at my heart strings! So sweet to see how they started and later on found one another as adults. Ophelia is our bold heroine who is an amazing singer! She learns of a past secret from her father that changes everything! Ophelia decides she needs answers and to also help her family get the money they so desperately need. Devlin is a self made man not looking for love, just a good time & paying Ophelia for kisses! These two have amazing chemistry and the steam to prove it throughout! I enjoyed watching these two fall for one another while Ophelia found herself too! *I really love when authors have steamy carriage rides!* Devlin really has a heart of gold!! All in all a wonderful read & a 2021 favorite for me!
📖Summary: When your father is a marquess and all you want to do is sing and find out the truth about who you are, the only logical answer is to don a secret identity. Lady Ophelia Darby better known as Lady Starlight does just this. When her father believes he is on his death bed, he shares the one secret he promised to take to his grave; Ophelia’s mother is Miss Sally Martin, NOT the marquees’ wife. With the help of her old friend, Devlin Bryne, turn forbidden love, Ophelia searches to find the woman who gave birth to her. While searching, she realizes the love she held for Devlin as a child has only grown over the years.
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✨Rating & Review✨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Y’all know I’m new to the regency romance clique, but let me tell ya, a woman who will stand up to her parents and tell them of their prejudice? WE STANNNN!!! FIFI is that woman and she is not afraid to show up. Straight up tells Papa Darby he can go kick rocks because she WILL be marrying for love and only love, thank you very much. A love story for the ages, where they meet as children and find each other again as adults. Absolutely wonderful. Maybe not the different descriptions of male and female genitalia, but you get me point. Wonderful book by a wonderful author. Thank you @netgalley and @stacy_romanceaddict for giving me this opportunity to read and review this book. It was an absolute joy.
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Ah Devlin! What a character- the perfect romance novel male. I really liked his characterization and his unwavering love for Ophelia. Despite everything he goes through, he knows what his heart wants. Ophelia on the other hand while strong in some cases, came off as dumb in others which didn't make me like her all that much. The storyline is good, and of course, the writing is strong. You cannot go wrong with a Stacy Reid novel, she's top ten in my opinion as far as romance writers go.
So why a 4-star rating? Well basically, formatting and story layout. This did not read smoothly for me. There was a lot of 'say something and then backtrack' and then only tell bits and pieces of backstory instead of the full story. Sometimes this is fine, but when it happens all the time, it makes for confusion. There were several incidences of things that had happened to both characters from the time of childhood to adulthood that are mentioned. Some of those things arent really expanded on which to me makes things muddled. There was a lot going on in this book so to have it be a smooth and clear read was needed but it was not.
-Also lack of chemistry. Devlin is head over heels for her and devoted but she's rather cool and odd towards him, even as children, Fifi came off as not connected to him.
-Her parents- huge dislike from the start.
-A slow burn which is fine but then way too quick to resolve and then it's over.
This book is a part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone. I do recommend this book and it is a good read, very entertaining, and somewhat a unique storyline.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
After watching Bridgerton, I was in the mood for something salacious and Victorian with a strong-will female lead and devilishly handsome Duke.
A Scoundrel of Her Own definitely scratched that itch, and teased me enough to look up the other books in this series.
Mr. Devlin Bryne is someone that I immediately became attached to. His rags to riches story was one forged out of strength, determination and sheer effort. We see this from the get-go even as a child as his love for Ophelia never once wavered.
Our Lady Ophelia is a breath of fresh air. "Then society will just have to carry on without me in it!" A lady born of privilege and high standing, she had every reason to turn down Mr.Bryne's advances. To shudder under the weight of her title and societal expectations. But she knew her worth and seeing her fight for the right to live by her own standards was absolutely refreshing!
So for that, this book earns a beautiful 4 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
This book is *so* right up my alley. From the first lines I bought in, and it carried me away from there. The story is romantic, I like both the hero and heroine as characters, and I approved of their relationship together. It was a delightful read.. It reminded me a bit of Kerrigan Byrne's Victorian Rebels novels actually, which is a high compliment coming from me. =D I'm always looking for more books with that level of intensity, drama, and romance.
A Scoundrel of Her Own is Book 3 in The Sinful Wallflower series which introduces us to Lady Ophelia "Fifi" Darby and Devlin Niall Byrne. Their lives are worlds apart but just for a few months as young children, they are thrown together as survivors and friends only to be wrenched away by their social status.
Ophelia is rebellious and uninhibited. She's 24 years old and considered a long-in-the-tooth wallflower. Her parents have given her the freedom to choose the man she wants to marry just as long as he has wealth and a title. Unbeknownst to her, she has a champion and protector in a man who asked her to wait for him so many years ago. When her father tells her a secret that changes her life she needs to tread carefully to track down someone she has never met. The man who has vowed to keep her safe has connections and can help her with her quest.
Devlin is a driven man who has gone through hell to remake himself and marry the beautiful and daring woman for which he would walk through fire. He is a wealthy rogue and scoundrel who pulled himself from the gutter and can now buy many of the titled gentries many times over. He feels undeserving of someone with her prestige, but his heart feels differently.
Devlin and Ophelia meet under covert circumstances and reminisce about their short time together as children, become lovers knowing their affair will eventually come to an end, and hide from the judgment and consequences of getting caught. However, when their decision to "not yet" be in love shatters for him and crumbles for her there is no turning back. Devlin is a lovely book boyfriend who is an enigma. He has a notorious and dangerous reputation in London where when his name is mentioned men shake in their boots. Yet, he is a huge advocate for prison reform, notably imprisoning children, and he also builds boarding schools for poor uneducated children. But most importantly the man is utterly and completely devoted to Ophelia as he promises to put back her pieces when she falls apart and gives her an unforgettable birthday gift. His declaration of what love means to him is beautiful and memorable. Ophelia is bold and reckless and she trusts Devlin completely. Her unraveling by Devlin is sensual and divine. And her determination to obtain closure on a dark and regrettable secret that is bittersweet but necessary for her peace of mind shows her growth as a woman who loves her family with all of their faults. It was worth the slow burn to read Devlin and Ophelia's HEA.
I'll add that Devlin's Bullmastiff Conan is adorable and Barbosa the charming goat is so cute.
One pet peeve I have is with artwork on book covers actually matching the characters and, unfortunately, this one does not.
This love story gave me the feels with the sacrifices and unrequited love the main characters endure to be together. I highly recommend you pick up this book and please meet the other wallflowers in My Darling Duke and Her Wicked Marquess which are standalone books 1 and 2 in The Sinful Wallflowers series.
Thank you to Ms. Reid for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
A Scoundrel of Her Own is the third book in Stacy Reid's Sinful Wallflowers series. I didn't read the first two and had no issues understanding the story, as the romance stood alone. However, references are made to previous characters and events, so you'll want to read those eventually. If you like your historical romances hot and steamy, this is the book for you!
Lady Ophelia Darby is the impertinent daughter of a powerful marquess and is well respected by the ton; however, she has a secret life her parents know nothing about. She performs as songstress Lady Starlight in London's underworld occasionally. She discovers she is being watched over by notorious and impossibly wealthy Devlin Byrne, who worked his way up from the gutter to become prosperous. Lady Ophelia's (Fifi) life is upended when she is told a horrible secret by her beloved father. Fifi needs Devlin's help, but as the two become closer it appears that Devlin has some secrets of his own. How does he know so much about Fifi?
This book goes from one extreme to another, from being heartbreakingly sweet to extremely steamy. I love the steam, don't get me wrong, but the sweet times were my favorite parts of the story. I wasn't a big fan of Fifi's during most of the book, and I have trouble putting my finger on the reason why. I got really mad at her when she was falling for Devlin but was still very concerned what the ton and family thought about her and her reputation. I realize that's the way it was in the time period this book takes place, but still.. However, she ultimately redeemed herself in my eyes. Now Devlin... Devlin's my man! He is among my favorite historical romance heroes. He was a hard man with a hard past, but he ultimately had a pure heart. So much of what he did was to lift up others. That's one of the reasons he was so hated by the ton - he tried to help the poor in all sorts of ways, and the lords felt he was an interloper and was not fit for their company. He wanted Fifi but still respected her feelings. When Devlin and Fifi get together (literally!) one needs to have a pitcher of ice water at hand. I did have another favorite character besides Devlin, however: Conan the bullmastiff, who was Devlin's dog. I couldn't resist him. I am really looking forward to checking out the rest of the books in this series; I've been thrilled with every Stacy Reid book I've read so far.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Loved it! Gorgeous, titillating, forbidden slow burn.
"He could not control his heartbeat or the naked longing, which felt like it erupted through his very soul. For her."
The day that 12YO Devlin Niall Byrne saved 8YO Lady Ophelia Darby was the day that changed his life. It set him along an arduous path that took him out of poverty to become one of the wealthiest men in the country, even though he never sets eyes on her again for another fifteen years. In addition, no matter how much money he has, his blood will never be blue enough for the ton. Just as he's given up hope of ever finding his Fifi again, fate puts her in his sights, and she exceeds his wildest dreams.
" She was wildly, outrageously attracted to Devlin Byrne. If this was wickedness, she wanted it...to swallow it whole and let it consume her."
Ophelia has just made a shocking discovery. A discovery that drives her into a reckless pursuit that takes her to seedier parts of London and has her going incognito as a songstress. She becomes aware of a silent protector and, one day, a letter arrives at her house with a proposition that will mean she'll finally meet the man behind the mystery.
"I would give all the money in the world for a taste of you, and to have that taste every morning and every night."
This was such a fabulous read! Ophelia was strong-willed, daring and kind. She was gutsy, direct, and had courage in her convictions. I loved that she had no airs and graces and treated everyone equally. Devlin was ruthless and determined, yet his love and care for those that meant something to him melted my heart. I loved that he didn't care what people thought - he'd fought tooth and nail to get to where he was in the present, and I adored that he paid it forward. He was forward-thinking and had the means to do something about it. He and Ophelia were electric together! I loved the trust she put in him, and I loved how raw he was with her. Sometimes, he could be coarse and graphic with her, but he meant everything he said. I thrilled at the animalistic attraction he had for her, but also how much deeper his feelings went. This was an addictive story and I can't wait for the next one in this fantastic series!
I love Stacy Reid. Her books are just amazing, and this one is not exception. I really liked Ophelia and Devlin and I found the circumstances of their relationship really interesting. I really liked how strong and determined both of these characters are in creating a life of their own and ending up how society thinks they should. Also, the humor and steaminess are on point. Love it.
Book 3 of Stacey Reid series. It can be read as a stand alone. I have read a few of Stacey books.
Stacey wrote about true love no matter what your station in life is.
Heroine is Lady Ophelia , a marquess daughter, hero is Devlin.
Lady Ophelia has a soft spot for Devlin when he saved her as a young lady. As she got older her feelings got stronger. Meanwhile Devlin only wants Lady Ophelia.
Devlin knows that Lady Ophelia family won’t accept him into the family, so he’s determined to better himself, he sets out for London to make his fortune. He does make his fortune but the Ton still won’t accept him. Until something happens to Lady Ophelia at his part of town and they reconnected again . Grab it and see what happened to Devlin true love
This was just the book I needed! Ophelia is definitely more than meets the eye and Devlin is exactly the same. Together they are everything I like in my HR Storytelling. A healthy dose of emotions, lies and secrets made for a fantastic read.
I really enjoyed this wonderful romance. The writing is nicely done and the story entertaining. I loved Ophelia & Devlin. They are the kind of couple that is cute, sweet, but still capable of tugging firmly on your heartstrings. The writing was well done and the story engaging. A skillfully crafted combination of drama, heat, heart and twists deliver a solid one, two punch of swoon and feels straight to your heart.
When Ophelia was eight, she was saved from drowning by Niall Byrne. Only twelve years old and not of her class. he promises to always take care of her and to wait for him to grow up. Clawing and fighting his way up to wealth and power, he's made a name for himself in London. It's been fifteen years and six months and he's ready to approach Ophelia. Not of quality and not accepted by society, he is determined to have what he wants. Ophelia can't believe that the notorious Devlin Byrne is really Niall. A powerful attraction leads to a passionate affair. She has a secret. He offers his help. As their affair becomes more than "not yet,* Ophelia must decide if she is willing to give up life in society for love. Nothing like waiting on pins and needles for a happy ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid
The Sinful Wallflowers Series #3
Great addition to the series – I read and loved book one, missed book two, and thoroughly enjoyed book three. I am going to have to see if I can find book two as I am sure I must have missed another wonderful story!
What I liked:
* Lady Ophelia “Fifi” Darby: strong willed, musically talented, beautiful, nearly lost as a child, has an intriguing backstory that came out while her father was ill, willing to flout societies expectations for true love
* Devlin Niall Byrne: self-made man, wealthy, attractive, powerful, generous, kind but also ruthless, became who he was due to a young girl he met when he was twelve, and found her again in this story
* The idea of the Sinful Wallflowers and the few that I have met in the series
* That Ophelia was willing to do what she wanted even though her parents and cousin were in opposition to her desires
* The glimpses of some of those that Devlin helped
* Ophelia’s quest to find an important woman in her past and the assistance Devlin gave her
* The meeting Ophelia had with the woman once she was found
* The dinner with Devlin’s family
* Thinking about what I would like to have said/done to Ophelia’s cousin and parents
* That the HEA for Devlin and Ophelia was achieved by the end of the story
What I didn’t like:
* Ophelia’s cousin and her parents…her parents loved her but still…
* Society’s expectations and class divisions
* The legal system of the time and its impact on the poor
* Missing book two and thinking about what that story might have been about
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled-Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review
5 Stars
Oh my! This was such an emotional read! I just loved the characters of Fifi and Devlin. Fifi, was such a kind and considerate lady but she didn’t fit the mould of the usual lady of the ton. Devlin was a self made man and he had endured many struggles and hardships to get where he was now. I must admit her parent’s attitude were typical for their class and as for the cousin, words fail me! I enjoyed the fact that Fifi was her own woman and did what she thought was right. There were times I had to hold back the tears and there were some very passionate moments, but it does have a happy ending and a teaser for the next book, which I will look forward to reading. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Sigh. The premise of this book is right up my alley. The heroine and hero meet as children and are star-crossed. Ophelia (Fifi) is the daughter of a marquess and Devlin is from humble beginnings but is now a self-made man in the underworld of London.
There are mysteries to solve and unusual circumstances of Ophelia’s origins and I wanted to love this story but I couldn’t get past the second chapter, skipped to the end to read the last chapter and epilogue and decided to DNF it.
It’s well written. Reid paints a clear picture of the setting and the characters. What didn’t work for me was the required suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader that two young children, eight and twelve, having survived a harrowing experience in nature, would not be found for days and that they BATHED themselves daily until found! I mean, how many young children would choose to bathe (in a cold stream!) if there was no one to make them? Especially in this period of history when adults didn’t even bathe frequently?
Then, that a daughter of a marquess would be able to roam the seedier area of London independently was also too much to ask of me.
I am receptive to the evolution of a less patriarchal structured society in modern day historical romances, but there has to be some roots in reality for me to trust the author and this book didn’t provide that for me.
The things that don’t work for me may not bother you at all, and if so, I’d give this book a try as the author has taken some uncommon forks in the road of historical romance.
Spectacular, Loved, loved, loved this book. The author has astonished me again. I love her work. This book covers a childhood friendship torn apart by their differences in class. Although their childhood friendship never forgotten. Fast forward over ten years and they discover each other again. Facing scandal and heartbreak Ophelia makes some life changing decisions that if uncovered would ruin her and the reputation of her family. On top of all that when her father thought he was dying he revealed a deep dark secret to her. Being inquisitive she wanted to know more but her father forbade her from ever discussing it especially in front of her mother. I really liked Ophelia's character. She was happy by nature, considerate, thoughtful, daring and did not care for the ton's prejudice against the lower class. And yet her acquaintance with Niall caused her to throw caution to the wind. And so, a budding friendship/romance began. Niall was a self-made man. His heart was always Ophelia's from the time he was twelve. Niall despised the ton. He clawed his way from desperate poverty to become so wealthy that he rivaled those peers that looked down on him. His journey was painful and difficult to read about. But he made it. I felt Niall's pain, humiliation just to survive in London. But he learned, was inspired, and worked hard for what he had. His charity knew no bounds when it came to urchins who lived like he had. He helped any way he could. Now Ophelia and Niall faced such severe challenges that Ophelia because of her tender heart was so conflicted but never confused. That dark secret her father had told her about she followed up in secret until she uncovered the truth of the matter. Shocking what she found out that it pained her so very much. Thank goodness Niall was always by her side through it all. But they they were betrayed and scandal hit. Because of Ophelia's strong convictions she took her life into her own hands and wanted to be loved, cherished and protected. She never wavered in her convictions. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
I just reviewed A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid. And am voluntarily leaving a review. #AScoundrelofHerOwn #NetGalley
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Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters