Niall(12) rescues Ophelia(8) when she falls in a river and then carries her to shelter and keeps her safe until they are found many days later. Over those days they become good friends despite the class difference, and in a childish way decide to get married exchanging rings made out of vines. Once they are rescued though they are separated for many many years.
Niall changed his entire life in order to be worthy of the beautiful girl he met in the woods, but he gave up on ever finding her again years ago, until one night when he's out walking the streets and he see's a raven haired beauty fending off an attack with a sword in the slums and recognizes the girl from the forest in the strong woman before him.
This book has a bit of cat and mouse, class difference, scandalous secrets and of course a sinful wallflower to love, and as much as I did love this book, of the 3 in this series, so far it's my least favorite(book 2 will be hard to beat), but I did like the nod to Rhys and Riordan from the Rebellious Desires series and I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!

Stacy Reid does it again! I must admit, I am
A huge fan and I was so happy to get an ARC.

This is the third in the series but you can totally read as a standalone. If you’re familiar with the other characters, Kitty was mentioned but did not make an appearance. Maryann had her wedding and Ophelia, our book’s heroine was in attendance. I really wish Charlotte was next but I think it’s going to be Fanny.
Anyway, back to the book. This had a really long prologue about Devlin and Ophelia’s childhood experience. It was from that shared experience that Devlin, at a mere age of 12 and Ophelia, at 8, decided that they were meant for each other.
The only problem is that Devin is poor and not of aristocratic lineage. Ophelia is the daughter of an earl. Her parents are a love match, and they want the same for her. So fast forward to her being in her 20s. Her dad is ill and thought he was dying so he told her a huge secret that has Ophelia searching in the seedier parts on London. Meanwhile, Devlin has made himself immensely rich and powerful. Only he hasn’t found his Fifi after years of searching. While on one of her journeys out on town, strangely alone and without a chaperone, Devlin spots her at last! He doesn’t introduce himself immediately and instead tries to buy a song, then a dance…and finally a kiss from her. Did I mention her parents are super broke?!

As far as her romantic life, She has turned down many suitors because she was not in love with any of them. And her parents are ok with it. But apparently…… only unless she falls in love with someone suitable. They refuse to accept Devlin no matter what.

I really enjoyed this. It was great to watch the chase, their reunion, and their insecurities about each other’s feelings. I liked Ophelia’s growth and her defiance of her parents’ prejudice to be with Devin. I LOVED Devin’s loyalty to Ophelia through the years. (Spoiler alert: he had one mistress in his life but immediately cut ties after finding Ophelia).

The book does need more editing. There are some parts where there is a weird transition and it was not obvious that we have a new chapter and the setting/place/POV has changed. There were also some Americanisms and modern language (e.g. p.m. instead of evening) that were jarring. I also thought the prologue was a bit too long. Wedded by Scandal remain my favorite SR series but overall I would still highly recommend this book.
Thank you so much for the ARC!

A SCOUNDREL OF HER OWN is a fun and steamy historical romance. When she was 8, Ophelia was going over an old bridge in a carriage when the bridge broke. She plunged into the water and was saved by a 12-year-old boy, Niall. In the days they spent together, trapped in a cottage, they became the best of friends and promised to marry each other. When they finally returned to the real world, Ophelia's wealthy parents informed them in no uncertain terms that they would never marry as he is a common boy and she is a marquess.

Fifteen years have passed, and Niall has worked hard to accumulate wealth and standing for the day when he might again find his Fifi. Now known as Devlin Byrne, his reputation proceeds him. Although not accepted by the ton, when he finds Fifi again, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers.

With scandals abounding and plenty of steam, this historical romance is about star-crossed lovers, socioeconomic disparity, and following your heart. The premise felt unique with the way that they met and connected as children to reconnect later as adults. There are also some side stories/mysteries that really make the story move quickly, as Ophelia searches for answers after learning a secret about her heritage.

This is a really steamy read with plenty of sizzle and chemistry between the leading pair. It was easy to cheer for them together, and I loved the way they met and reconnected - the notes that were nearly dares and their irresistible pull. Overall, A SCOUNDREL OF HER OWN is a delicious historical romance read. Would recommend for fans of forbidden romance and star-crossed lovers.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have been in a reading slump; however, A Scoundrel Of Her Own catapulted me into book lover’s heaven! The book pulled at my heartstrings, challenged me intellectually, and steamed up the pages! The plot is exquisite, and I will not elaborate much about it; Please turn that page breathlessly, waiting for the following sentence eagerly. Devlin Byrne and Lady Ophelia Derby have a past. As adults, their paths converge. However, they are very different people. Devlin is a lord of the underworld and gaming hell owner. Ophelia is privileged and the darling of the ton. In this tale of forbidden love, we experience prejudice and cruelty while also feeling the joy of burgeoning love and indescribable passion.

The characters of Devlin and Ophelia are stunning. Devlin is my new book boyfriend! Devlin’s ruthlessness is tempered with his fierce loyalty and love for Ophelia. What Devlin experienced took my breath away, and I had tears during some of the snippets of his past he shared with Ophelia. Ophelia has been raised in privilege, yet she is not tarnished by it. Ophelia appreciates her life and is somewhat cognizant of the dichotomy between the poor and the aristocracy. Secrets and realizations crack Ophelia's perfect life. The couple’s journeys throughout the novel were so organic that they seemed more like real people than characters.

The prologue was breathtaking, grabbing my attention and never letting go. The plot moved perfectly, allowing the dialogue and characters to unfold while still keeping the reader glued to the page. The subject matter – class difference was written with gritty determination, not shying away from the disturbing nature of the world the privileged lived in.

The couple’s connection was instant. It was achingly sweet yet scorchingly passionate simultaneously. Devlin and Ophelia’s love story is one I will not soon forget. A Scoundrel Of Her Own is the third book in The Sinful Wallflowers series. This book was understood as a stand-alone, yet I want to go back and read the previous books. Stacy Reid has delivered a hauntingly epic romance that took my breath away. One final word for those who have read this book…Niall and Fifi, you have stolen my heart!

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

I just managed to finish one book(to my surprise) after picking and dropping a few ones. It was an ARC of A Scoundrel Of Her Own by Stacy Reid which comes out on 28th Dec and I loved it! My Darling Duke was a favorite of mine and book 2 was good, so I was quite excited for this!
So, we've got Ophelia, the daughter of a Marquess who has a secret. She's also the famous songstress - Lady Starlight who is rumored to be under the protection of Devlin Byrne. And he's one of the wealthy men who has worked his way up from poverty but is still never accepted by the ton.

But what most don't know is that they knew each other when they were kids. She's one of the reasons he came to London and worked so hard to change his future. And Ophelia has recently discovered some secrets about her origin and needs his help uncovering them.
The class difference is bound to keep them divided, so there is a whole lot of forbidden romance vibes, which tbh I loved. The childhood meeting was really cute(though it was just for a few days), but I think it had a huge impact on both of them. Quite surprising to think that even though he was just a kid and never saw her again, he wanted to climb his way up just for a chance.
And then their first meeting after so many years was equally delightful to read about! Plus that tension!🔥 The forbidden factor really added a lot to the chemistry. I've got to say that the relationship development was my favorite part. I loved how they were so honest with each other!

Ophelia's parents do have a LOT of opinions. I just wanted to be like 🤷🏻‍♀️ to her father. He wasn't that great in terms of character but he's going around judging people based on their origins lol. Her parents have always given her the freedom to choose her own spouse and love who she wants, provided she chooses within their circle. Lol how does that work.

And the next book is Fanny's I think? I love females who crossdress in HR - one of my fave tropes so I wanna see what happens when she becomes a valet!😂

This story burned me. A forever love. Loved every page of Devlin (Niall) and Fifi! Stacy Reid weaves a seductive and romantic story.

Ophelia and Devlin meet each other as children and their stay together makes them fall for each other. Do they still hold similar affection once they grow up in different classes of society? Now Devlin is Niall and has amassed both wealth and reputation in life but is Ophelia ready to accept him again? They make such an endearing couple and their second chance romance is absolutely steamy! Their banter and chemistry was such fun and loved all the steam. I seem to continue enjoy the author's novels and they continue to be fun!

This is the third book in Stacy Reid's Wicked Wallflower series. Lady Ophelia Darby first met Devlin Byrne as a child, when after he saves her from near-drowning, they spend a few magical days in the woods together. Things were simple when they were 8 and 12, and they vowed to marry, despite (or unaware of) their differences in class.

Years later, Lady Ophelia's father reveals some secrets about his past, and so she dives into the London underworld to uncover the truth, moonlighting as Lady Starlight. Devlin is a self-made man, the wealthy and powerful owner of a gaming hell, secretly protecting Lady Starlight. As Ophelia unravels her father's secrets, Devlin is there making offers she can't refuse, and she realizes he's the boy she fell in love with so long ago.

This book did have a somewhat slow start, but Reid does a great job building tension and chemistry. The characters were delightful, engaging, and complex. Devlin's desperation and desire for Ophelia is so romantic, and Ophelia's growing independence is supported by Her family, on the other hand, is puzzling. On one hand, her parents are doting and indulgent, but on the other hand, they are intense snobs. Her cousin Effie is spiteful and pompous.

Highly recommend this book, it unravels into a beautiful, funny, and romantic story.

*Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*

How this book started was perhaps one of my favorite prologues ever - I was hooked! I was invested in their relationship already and they were 8 and 12 years old. I could already see that love was in the air, albeit a childish love where neither really knew what love was. But I think we all know how that first crush feels, when you find a person who just "fits" with you, and even at a young age, you know they're important. They may be there for a season, they may be there for a reason, and they be there for the rest of your life. Who knows? It was heartbreaking when they were separated, and thus began a wondrous romantic tale of second chance romance. That wonderful moment when you think you've lost someone, and then you meet again years later and the sparks burn bright again. Stacy Reid has always impressed me with her books, particularly her ability to write characters with depth and a sense of realism that touches my heart.

Fifteen years have passed since Lady Ophelia Darby was saved from a rushing river by a young boy, after her carriage overtuned. They spent a week together in a cottage, staying alive by living off the land, not knowing when they would be found. Niall Byrne was set on marrying her, until reality crashed their solitude and he was reminded that she was far above his station and could never be his. Time passed, and as the young boy worked to deserve her, the young girl was forced to move on without him. But they never forgot each other. Now adults, him with a jaded view of love and her with a need to get money for her indebted family, they come together in an unexpected way. They know a future is as impossible now as it was when they were children, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Soon their time together grows heated, and the love in their hearts grows bigger, and they realize that as life will find a way to overcome obstacles, so will love.

Ophelia and Niall were such a romantic and endearing couple. Niall had only never forgotten Ophelia, but he dedicated most of his life to building himself up to be worthy of her. Talk about a swoonworthy hero! While I fully expected that he had let go of her enough to be sleeping around with all sorts of women throughout the years, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that, unlike many heroes in historical romance, he didn't actually sleep around. He's no virgin, but he also isn't a player. Nice change of pace! Ophelia hadn't been with anyone either, having turned down a marriage proposal in hopes that she would find true love. After finding out a devastating truth about her past, she was determined to find out more, and that's how she crossed paths with Niall. He had searched for her for so long, he was in shock that all of a sudden there she was. Desperate for her presence, he kept thinking of ways for her to see him, and then finally she realized she wanted to see him just as much. She was looking for love in all the wrong places, and once she found out, she wasn't going to let it go.

This story will make you believe in second chances, so if you haven't been a fan of this trope before...now is your opportunity to give it a second chance. You can't see me, but I'm winking right now. I know, it's not a good joke, but seriously. Read this book.

Lady Ophelia has uncovered some information leading her to seek out information as the underworlds songstress Lady Starlight. Devlin Byrne is noted to be her protector but when she comes face to face with him she realizes she's met him before. He's the sweet boy who saved her when she was a girl and has made himself into a man worthy of her. But will her family be prejudice of his upbringing and source of wealth?

This book was delightfully steamy. As Ophelia was an old spinster of 24 and Devlin had been waiting for her forever. Their banter, sexy talk, letters, eye communication was titillating!!
I didn't want it to end.

The other Sinful Wallflowers are with Lady O in this book encouraging her and continuing their stories. I need to read the first two books in this series.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you entangled_publishing and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Can a hero be more transparent in his love for the heroine? I think not. He loved her from the beginning even if he denied it. I loved him. I loved loved loved the forbidden aspect of it a lot.

Will she let others’ prejudices come between them…

What a beautiful read the author gifts us for this end of year.
A moving heartbreaking of a childhood love who turned into a lifeline for a little boy.
Ophelia is the obedient, scandal-less daughter of a marquess when inside she boils with spirit, fire, determination and now a life changing secret. One she must, no, needs to unravel, else she would never feel whole complete again.
So she roams the seediest parts of the city, soon under the protection of a man of the shadow, one she does not know but feels in her guts would never hurt her when she should fear to have come into his sight.
I did not love Niall, I fell in love with him. He is a young boy who reshaped and built his own life on a mere days life changing’s event. And while he altered his future to be worthy of his Fifi, his gorgeous inner self never morphed, he would forever be this little boy who has met a fairy and protected her from the outside world. He was already and will always be a defender and protector of the most vulnerable. Whatever he went through it was with one goal in sight, to be deceiving of his lady’s love.

I loved them together, how even when they lie to themselves, they are honest with one another. Their journey toward one another is not a smooth one, impeded and thwarted by others’ view of their differences and their prejudices against those they consider below them. As Fifi forays in Devlin’s world, she realizes their disparities and when time will come to make a choice, it will be with a price.
A five stars read.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

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

When Lady Ophelia Darby and Devlin Byrne first meet, they are but eight and twelve. Yet Devlin has never forgotten Fifi and has risen from poverty to become obscenely wealthy if not quite accepted by the ton. Yet having Fifi is all he can think of whilst she struggles to fit into her world as the daughter of a marquess and alternately, as a songstress, Lady Starlight. However, when she is with Devlin, she comes alive. As she begins to trust Devlin and helping him to open up, her secrets may also lead to another scandal.
Without revealing too much of the story, the characters of Fifi and Devlin will draw you in with the intensity of their romance. Every action of Devlin is done with only Fifi in mind. Whilst at first, they are driven by lust, their time spent together reveals the depth of their feelings for each other. Definitely a page-turner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

UGH~ I loved Ophelia and Devlin so much! I love them individually and when they come together, I just can’t take the cuteness (I literally squealed out loud a few times which has been a while). They are THAT book couple that everyone is routing for a HEA. I like how they openly speak about their feelings/intentions about each other without any miscommunication and their love for each other was so strong and steady throughout the story.

A Scoundrel of Her Own is the conclusion to Stacy Reid’s bestselling Sinful Wallflowers series. It starts with how Lady Ophelia Darby met our hero Devlin when they were kids and Devlin saved her. This is a friends-to-lovers romance with so much angst and longing from both characters. I normally don’t really like reading friends-to-lovers because usually the reason why they aren’t together already is stupid but this one has a good legit reason and realistic (for the set period of time). Ophelia is the daughter of a powerful marquess meanwhile Devlin is commoner and they can never be together due to society norms. Fast forward fifteen years later, Ophelia’s father thought he was on his deathbed and revealed a secret that changed her life and can’t be ignored which led her to re-encounter with the boy who saved her when she was young.

It’s been a while since I have swooned so hard for a hero but also, the couple. Devlin Niall Byrne has his heart set on Lady Ophelia since he was twelve. He has been working so hard and became a self-made man just to be worthy of his Fifi. After finding her, he still persevered and never gave up on pursuing her despite their class difference.

Devlin: “Then never apologize to me. I’ll always help you put back the pieces.” (queue the ugly cry and swooning)

I haven’t read My Darling Duke nor Her Wicked Marquess but after reading A Scoundrel of Her Own, I went and got both on my Kindle! If you can’t already tell… I 100% recommend this book and you should totally go grab your copy on release day (Dec 28th)! Even if you haven’t read the previous two instalments, this can be read as a standalone.

If you are looking for a beautiful and sensual historical romance novel, look no further! Stacy Reid is a master of her craft, she expertly weaves together a love story between two people taking the reader on an emotional journey that is well rounded and impactful. Reid's writing is engaging, intriguing, fun and sexy. Reid's characters are dimensional in all aspects encouraging the reader to feel for them, root for them and join them along their journey.

This story is between Lady Ophelia and Niall/Devlin. When Niall rescues Fifi/Ophelia from drowning in a river, they find themselves stranded in a small groundkeeper's cabin, unsure of where they are. Niall is 12 and Fifi is 8, but Niall knows how to take care of Fifi, he hunts and cooks food for her and keeps her happy and safe. They strike up a friendship around trust and promise to marry each other when they are older. After they are rescued, Niall is strongly made aware that he is from a different world than Ophelia and should never expect to marry her. Sixteen years down the road they meet again, this time Niall/Devlin is a man of means and Ophelia's family is low on funds. So Ophelia is moonlighting as a singer to earn some money and to unmask a secret. Devlin is still fascinated and taken with Ophelia and he is drawn to protect her and help her with her mystery and awaken her to the pleasures of love.

This story is delightfully woven together with the perfect amount of pining, friendship, angst, sensuality, understanding and hard work. I love the determination Ophelia has in understanding who she is, where she comes from, while learning and understanding the meaning of love and respect in a different way. I loved watching Devlin be swept up in Ophelia, watching him fight his feelings while being unable to stay away from her is delightfully charming. Watching Ophelia internal struggle between being the well behaved daughter her parents expect her to be and embracing the love she has for Devlin is gratifying and understanding. Her internal conflict never puts Devlin off from her, Devlin does not judge her for this, rather he understands but also choses to fight for his feelings for her and their future. I loved watching Ophelia and Devlin work together, trust each other, understand each other and learn to fight for each other. Their chemistry is spicy and sensual, Devlin is able to help Ophelia explore a physical relationship that she feels safe in, confident, taken care of and strong.

I strongly recommend this novel, this beautiful romance is one that will warm your heart, put a smile on your face and have you embrace a beautiful love story between two people who love each other and complement each other in a perfect way. Stacy Reid is an auto buy author for me, she never disappoints and I am so excited to continue watching this series grow.

*Thank you NetGalley & Publisher for an e-copy of this*
I love Stacy Reid she was an author I discovered in 2021. Book 3 of the sinful wallflowers series follows Ophelia and Devlin, and I loved them! The banter, the steam, the chemistry between the two of them was absolutely perfect! After jumping into the river to save Ophelia, Devlin carries her to a cottage and cares for her while they wait for help to come. As naive children they promised to get married one day. When the owner of the cottage finds them he returns them to Ophelias family. Her father does not approve and tells him he would never be worthy of his daughter. 15 years later Ophelia and Devlin meet again. After years of back breaking work and hardship making himself a better man for Ophelia he is determined to have her. After a shocking death bed confession from her father ophelia is determined to find answers even if it means moonlighting in clubs as a singer. As they grow closer the spark that’s there gets harder and harder to ignore.

Lady Ophelia is a forced to be reckoned with in this story, I loved her strength and how she refused to bow down to societal standards. Devlin was a hero that absolutely melted my heart, he was all in for her since they met as children and never stopped. His entire life revolved around being the man deserving of his Fifi. They aren't meant to be together, but the forbidden love of their story just adds that extra depth I craved. The twists and ending showcase this story and make the journey just that much more enjoyable. Such a truly beautiful story that melted my heart.

POV: 3rd
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: Low/Medium

"Niall is my slice of wickedness…"

Whew! Same, Ophelia. Same. Niall (Devlin) is such a yummy slice of every bad boy fantasy in 1823, but underneath all that wicked strength lies the tender heart of a boy who fell in love long, long ago.

The prologue to this story moved me like no other ever has. Such a pure love, transcending all obstacles, beautifully set the stage for their later romance. Even though they would both grow up to be so very different, their HEA was exquisitely inevitable.

The only flaw in this story is the cover image - Ophelia is recognized by her raven-black hair, not the blonde on the cover. But that's a forgettable error in an otherwise perfect book. The way the author drew us in was absolutely breathtaking: the haunting backstory for Devlin, the steadfastness of his feelings for the girl he couldn't forget, the determination of Ophelia's family to see her fulfill their plans, her struggle to reconcile her love for her parents with her need to find the answers she needs. This was a book I could neither put down nor rush through. Many times I had to reread a scene just to savor the depth of emotions and I was truly captivated all the way to the end.

As Devlin and Ophelia fearlessly challenge society's class rules, one realizes that this is almost an anti-Regency romance. Sure, we all love reading about the romances of the aristocracy and their opulent lives, but this book reminds us that the vast majority of heroes and heroines throughout history were not of the privileged set. I welcomed that reminder here, as it made the story all the more authentic and relatable.

The author brilliantly describes the true hallmark of soulmates by showing Devlin and Ophelia being completely relaxed and unmasked with each other. Their story is hauntingly romantic, aptly described by him as "mutually assured madness." Love, when done right, certainly is that.

This is one of the best, if not the very best, of the more than 300 books I've read this year. If you enjoy historical romances at all, you owe it to yourself to indulge in this exceptional story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

4.5 stars

Devlin Niall Byrne and Lady Ophelia Darby met years ago when they were children and he saved her from drowning and then kept her safe for days before they were found. Back then they were simply Niall and Fifi – and Niall fell into love with her and swore to always keep her safe and asked her to marry him - then 8-year-old Ophelia agreed, not realizing the difference in their stations would keep them apart. When she was returned to her parents, her father made it very clear to Niall that he would never be good enough for Ophelia and sent him on his way. But Niall knew that from that moment on, he would do whatever was necessary to become worthy of his Fifi.

Many years later Devlin Byrne is a very rich man who has just about given up trying to find Fifi when fate steps in and brings these two together again. Not a day has gone by that Devlin hasn’t thought about his Fifi, but Ophelia can’t say the same – of course, she remembers the boy who saved her, but their promises were not burned into her mind the way they were for him. Ophelia’s life has been good, but recently she has learned much of what she believed was a lie – her father believing he was on his death bed revealed that Ophelia was not his wife’s child, but rather the product of a dalliance he had when he first married. But this isn’t the only secret her father has kept from her. But Ophelia becomes consumed with learning all she can about her birth mother, Ophelia ventures into the darker side of London and finds Devlin, but doesn’t recognize him as Niall right away – that comes later when he makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

They spend more and more time together, but Ophelia is aware that Devlin will never be accepted by the ton and tells herself that this happiness is just temporary, that she can’t let her heart be engaged and at the same time, Devlin is denying any stronger feelings for Fifi, he tries to convince everyone she is just an itch to be scratched and soon they will part ways. But what is between them is too strong to deny and when they are betrayed, choices will have to be made.

This was a well-written, nicely paced story and I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. Devlin is a nearly perfect hero and Ophelia is his perfect match. The book has a bit of everything, secrets, lies, betrayal, forbidden love, steamy love scenes and, finally an ending that will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I enjoyed this book and would enthusiastically recommend this title to anyone!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

“Lady Ophelia… Fifi… I’ve found you when I was no longer looking”.

This incredibly beautiful ‘friends to lovers’, ‘childhood sweethearts’, story starts like a fairytale. A 9 year old Lady Ophelia is traveling in a carriage with her governess when the bridge they are crossing collapses and the little lady falls into the river. There was a boy, 12 year old Niall, who witnessed the accident and jumped into the river to save her. The river was strong so the two children end up in the middle of nowhere, she’s hurt, they’re wet, he carries her… but they’re lost in a forest. They find a cottage and take shelter for several days, waiting for someone to find them. And very innocently they fall in love with each other, in their sweetness they make promises. But she is a lady of the ton and he’s no one, the son of a worker, he will never be allowed into her world and the marquess, her father, promises him he will never see her again. But promises are made for a reason, they will wait.

Fifteen years later Ophelia, who had been betrothed to some earl since childhood, is still unmarried. One day her father falls ill and thinking he’s on his deathbed makes a terrible revelation, yet he doesn’t tell her the full truth, and it’s not the only secret he’s keeping. Ophelia is now disguising as a singer trying to untie the knot that was presented to her. And she’s aware that while undercover, she has a ghost following her, protecting her. There’s a very powerful man who is looking after her, a ruthless man, a cold man. And his name is Devlin Byrne, he’s the little boy she knew once as Niall, who made himself a fortune trading secret and running gambling dens. He’s no longer a no one, he holds many secrets of the ton. But the most precious secret he keeps is her double identity, her quest and the love they once promised to protect.

Of course there’s a lot more to this story but I wouldn’t want to go deeper for I would like every reader to enjoy every turn and twist of the story. I want to keep Niall’s and Fifi’s secrets for they are theirs to unveil. Just, this story was amazing. I have read several books by Stacy Reid before and I have enjoyed them well enough, now this one is the first one that gets full rating, this is her best work to this day.

Stacy Reid has created an incredibly romantic story here, the most romantic of the stories I’ve read in 2021 and perhaps even longer than that. It was so well worded, so masterfully crafted, all of the characters grow so much. You see them so young, so innocent, so unaware of their circumstances, why would the world want to separate them? It made no sense! But the truth is, this is a cruel world, and it was crueler in the past. The circumstances of one’s birth would give them a specific place in society without a chance of ever moving from there. It’s hard, and unfair, but Devlin and Fifi are willing to fight for themselves and for their love. Because yes, this is a love story and a strong one at that, but both of them fight in their own way against the odds that were sent to them. She has loving parents who would never agree to see her married below her station and they’re unmoving about that. And he literally fights his way from the gutter to wealth, he starves, he pickpockets, he dances around the fine line between right and wrong, all to be worthy of her, all for her, knowing that it would probably be in vain. He will never be accepted in her world. They never give up their love, they’d give anything up, but not their love.

Niall Devlin Byrne is a dream of a man. He’s got this hard shield that he wears as his personality, he is notorious, he’s feared by people of all kinds in London. The upper world, the lower world and the underworld. But in reality he’s still that innocent boy who believed that love was enough, that he didn’t need anything else but his Fifi to be happy in life, just like his ma and da. He’s so protective, so caring, so comforting, and most importantly so supportive of her, helping her through financial troubles and through her quest, without questioning. She feels so trusting that she grows stronger and braver, because she knows that he will be there for her. And all that was delivered so well that I could almost touch it, it was real. That is Reid’s magic, she made this story real. Her writing is a force of nature and after reading her other books it felt like “Oh my god she’s blooming, this incredible writer is at her peak, it all lead here!”.

The book is incredibly sweet and romantic. And hot and steamy too. They really have an incredible chemistry, it’s electric, it’s raw, it’s… natural.

“Who would I be if I had not met you, Fifi? If I had not lost my damn senses and rushed to London?”