Tempting the Vicar takes considerable time to find its cadence to grab the reader. It is laddled in drama and scheming with both love interests for majority of the story and very little romance. Olivia and Dev a.k.a. Daniel are both likable and unlikable in the same breath. This slow-burn took forever, almost to the last page.

Truly an interesting premise for a story, but I couldn't wrap my head around this man's moral compass and the debauchery he was so agreeable too. Thank you Entangled Publishing for the advance reader copy.

I know this was paired with another book about Daniel's twin, which I haven't read, so I had no context other than the description coming into this. This book just really didn't do it for me - the pacing felt off, in that the first half, at least, felt so slow, and the ending was rushed and pushed the bounds of believability even in a romance novel.. It just left me with a lot of questions and was ultimately not very satisfying.

It might just be me but I had a really hard time getting into this story. There was just way too much thinking and talking and not enough action. The characters were likeable and I understood the plot but it just didn't grab my attention. I don't usually mind a slow burn romance but this was ridiculous. Page after page of the hero and heroine just talking with nothing really happening. It just seemed to be the same thing chapter after chapter. Others might love this book but it just wasn't for me.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

So this book worked in tandem with the first book, which was the other twin going on his own “spiritual” journey. They both fell in love in parallel. Well the end did a bad job summarizing how Devlin succeeded in getting Mary back. It was just so vague which didn’t work to make this a stand alone book. The story in itself was okay but the whole set up gave way to unpleasant situations and a lot of deception and cruelness.

Kissing didn’t begin until around 70% and it was with ANOTHER WOMAN. LITERALLY HE KISSED ANOTHER WOMAN BEFORE OLIVIA. I DON’T CARE THAT HE WAS REPULSED. We literally got ONE SCENE THAT INCLUDED THE ONLY KISS. I SWEAR THEY KISSED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AT LIKE 76% AND THEN DISROBED AND THEN ORAL ALL IN LIKE FIVE PAGES. WHAT KIND OF PACING IS THAT. HOW DO YOU JUST DO THAT.

There was a villain dude who just had absolutely nothing happen to him? She was gonna keep using to him to make Daniel jealous but then it just fizzled and we never heard from him again. In no way would he just go away quietly??? He was also super secretive and they made constant note of the secrecy but we never learned about it???? What?? The book just said her father ended the courtship in certain terms. Like that’s all! It happened off the page! What!

He was also a SUPERIOR dick to her. He was an asshole on many occasions because he needed to “break her heart” and then get out of dodge. It was just not enjoyable. Olivia was fine and good but lord save me from the rest. Also him even pretending to take court back up with the singer was just such a low blow. He also had a random thought to find her a suitable husband but nothing ever came from that. Like he never tried.

⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶.5/5

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions were honest and my own.

This was a new to me author, and the second in the series which worked as a standalone.  The story revolves around a twin swap/masquerade, which is normally my jam, but had some issues that made it a harder read for me.

Daniel is a devoted vicar, who has pledged his life to his faith and celibacy after a trauma in his youth.  This is never resolved in a way that makes sense to me, so that was disappointing, but it did help to give an otherwise pious character some depth.  Overall, he was likable although not, at least for me, lovable.  I will explain why in a bit.

Olivia is the daughter of a pirate-turned-privateer who has amassed great wealth.  Although this has bought entree into the Ton, it hasn't completely erased the prejudice.  When she meets Lord Devlin Wayward, she is head over heels because she feels he sees her.

This is what makes what follows super confusing for me as a reader.

Lord Devlin tries to damper her interest, and while on a holiday to visit family pulls a prank that means he and his twin have to swap places.  Daniel is given two missions: seal the deal with Olivia's father on a business venture and repel her interest.

He shows up in London only a bit different, and Olivia is still in hot pursuit.  Daniel finds himself attracted to her, despite his best intentions, and a dance ensues.

So here are the two things that were problematic for me that might be for other readers: 1) the swap continues until the last quarter of the book, with no reveal and some raising of stakes 2) what Olivia loves about Daniel is either super shallow or a lie, because he is pretending to be his brother the whole time.

The ending did have a nice enough resolution, although it still was a little eyebrow-raising on the probability factor, but hey, who am I to judge?

There was one intimate scene in an otherwise fairly hands-off book.  There are some adult themes and language, but no violence.

Overall, I think the premise was interesting but just went a bit too far in execution to be satisfying as a romance for me.  However, if twin swap is your jam, and you love a naughty vicar, then this may be your jelly.

Reverend Daniel Wayward heads to London to pose as his gamester rake brother Devin. In the first book in this series, Devin broke his leg and drunkenly gives a sermon posing as Daniel forcing them to switch places until he's healed.

Both twins have a woman that thinks they are in love with them and have offered to turn them off, instead falling for them. Olivia St. Peters is the daughter of Devin's business partner and is convinced Devin is attracted to her. She pursues him and Daniel tries to avoid her, falling instead and dealing with the guilt and shame he feels over his own issues with sex.

I did not love the last 1/3 of this book. After shamefully falling in love and then turning away Olivia, it takes way too long and way too much effort for them to come back together. Almost to the point that their original attraction seems to have completely disappeared. I really picked up this series for the twin switch, I didn't really love the execution of either novel. There was so much shame in both books that frankly it invoked unpleasant feelings when reading both. It was oozing with catholic guilt.

Though I think this author has promise, her storytelling leaves a lot to be desired.

This is the second in the Wicked Waywards series.

I was so curious what Daniel was doing in London after reading what Devlin was up to in The Devil's Own.  Especially how it ended he seemed kind of upset when the brothers met up again.

This is the other side of the historical romance twin swap. Daniel the Vicar goes to London to pretend to be his brother Devlin the business man but also serious rake. They couldn't be more different. Devlin had a young lady quite adamant about a suit which Daniel is aware of but still takes him by surprise.

She was not what his brother led him to believe. Despite trying to get her not to like him it only made her devise her own plans to make him jealous.

Then of course the twin swap had to revealed eventually cause things got out of control.

I loved how Olivia was a bluestocking without it even being acknowledged. It was just her and her father they lost their mother early so she sat in all his business meetings and picked up everything and even did a lot of his business dealings with him. She was clever and smart. 

Thank you entangled_publishing and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

I have to say that I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I loved Daniel. He was so kind and sweet. Just a delightful character all around. Much of the time I did find myself feeling sorry for the poor guy!

On the other hand, I found myself disliking Olivia more and more as I continued through the story. She was conniving and manipulative, completely throwing herself at him. It was not a great look for her and in some places I found it very annoying.

The saving grace is the fact that Daniel falls hard for her. He is smitten for sure but is in such a terrible arrangement and situation, he is in a lot of pain for much of the story. The author was highly creative in the situations and arrangements as she worked around the angst and misery.

Tempting the Vicar offers a very untraditional story with some heat and fire to keep us on our toes. The unique storyline is definitely a plus with the twin twist plus the author offers a backstory that is refreshing and different from the norm of the typical Regency romance.

Twin brothers change places when one breaks his leg and can't make it back to London for business. Daniel Wayward is the vicar of Harper's Grove. He's not comfortable impersonating his brother Devlin in London, a rake known for his scandalous reputation. Meeting his brother's business partner in London, he's swept off his feet by the man's daughter,
Olivia.
She knows what she wants and it's Devlin Wayward. A vicar with a guilty conscience tries to push away a persistent young lady, but it's hard when you're in love. The poor man has bruises on his knees praying for forgiveness. Not what I call an upbeat book. I feel so sorry for Daniel in his no win situation, but he's ready to give anything to win her back.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I was glad to have had the chance to be given a copy of this book by NetGalley. I read the previous book and it really got me curious about the story of the “good” twin brother.

The vicar hero traded places with his dissolute brother and while pretending to be his brother he met the heroine who was attempting to seduce him into marriage thinking he is his brother. But she did notice the change and appreciated him more for it. I enjoyed reading about the personality of the heroine. She is smart and innocent. I like how positive she is. And even if she should have seemed more manipulative by seducing the hero her innocence and innate goodness just shone through. The hero’s journey to falling for the heroine was just something to read. In terms of steaminess this was more subdued in spiciness than the previous book. Maybe because of the hero being a vicar haha. But the attraction between them is fun to read. Honestly, i liked the previous book more than this book but in terms of the quality of the writing both are good reads.

Second in the series of "Wicked Waywards". Two women admiring the wrong twin and not being aware of the switch.
Though this can be read as a standalone, reading the first book "The Devil's Own" would help understand few parts better.

I read the first book (Devlin's) after reading book#2 and felt that book#1 was better than book#2.


Book#2 - Tempting the Vicar is the story of the other twin - Daniel.
Olivia, the daughter of a privateer, has been eyeing Lord Devlin for a long time. While she keeps plotting to make him her husband, the switch happens and she doesn't know it's his twin and tries implement her plans.

Daniel's story left me with mixed reactions. I wanted to like it - so much, that I read it three times 😂... Had many questions but accepted them with the flow as the story developed.

Overall, 3.5 stars for a fine read.

A charming story. Danny switches places with his twin brother Devlin and havoc ensues. Olivia is determined to marry Devlin and will try all the many ways to get him to fall in love with her. It is a pretty fun story as Danny constantly has to remember to stay in character as his brother. Everyone seems to be playing a role that is about to fall apart at any moment. In the end the right guy still gets the girl.

Reverend Daniel Wayward’s peaceful country life is turned upside down when his twin brother impersonates him and in the process breaks his leg. Because Devlin is unable to travel to an important meeting in London, he and Daniel switch places. Further complications arise when Daniel encounters Miss Olivia St. Peters, the woman his brother has been trying to avoid. Olivia knows Lord Devlin is a rake, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting him. The more Daniel tries to put her off, the more determined she is to have “him.” Now Daniel is caught between his family, his faith, and the lure of Olivia’s temptation.

This is the second book in the Wicked Waywards duo, and a spin off of the author’s previous series, Once Wicked. I highly recommend reading the first book, The Devil’s Own, as it does a better job introducing the brothers and their swap.

I liked the first book a little more than this one because it was a bit more “couple focused.” This story had more obstacles in the way, with Olivia trying to make Daniel jealous with another suitor and Daniel balancing his faith, his attraction to Olivia, and his brother’s business interests. There was just a lot going on and I would have liked more chemistry-building. Nevertheless, I enjoy LeFey’s writing and this was a quick, fun read. I would definitely look for her future releases. (3.5 stars)

Tropes: Twin Swap, Disguised/Mistaken Identity, Vicar Hero

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

The premise: "good" and "bad" twin switch places, each falling in love with a woman they shouldn't. Daniel is a vicar who is well-respected in his local parish, while his twin, Devlin, is the complete opposite, a rake who breaks his leg due to a prank and takes on his brother's identity. Devlin has put his brother in an awkward situation, as Daniel wants to maintain his reputation with his congregation and doesn't want to be seen as complicit in Devlin's deception. Unfortunately, Devlin has business he must immediately tend to in London. So, Daniel ends up traveling to London in his brother's place in order to maintain their ruse.

Complications arise when Daniel encounters Olivia, the young woman his brother has been trying to avoid. Olivia has been pursuing Devlin avidly, with marriage in mind, and free-wheeling Devlin wants no commitments. Daniel finds himself strongly attracted to Olivia, however, and while she tries different tactics to catch his interest, Daniel must find ways of his own to keep their relationship platonic.

Liana LeFey is an excellent writer, but I must admit, I typically prefer historical romances where the hero and heroine have a bit more chemistry. While there is flirtation and subtle hints of sexuality, with Daniel frequently tempted by Olivia's charms and having to temper his physical reactions, this book is very low-key when it comes to the romance. The humor is dry, not of the "chuckle out loud" variety. I admired Daniel, but he was a bit self-righteous for my taste. Also, Olivia's tunnel vision when it came to Devlin/Daniel became frustrating at times; I wish the storyline had focused more on her demonstrating her intelligence and ability than chasing a man. I did think her relationship with her father was well fleshed-out.

Daniel's internal struggles, along with facing his childhood nemesis, inched this book up to 4 stars for me, even though everything resolves a bit too quickly to be believable. While Daniel seems like an ethical person, and his religious devotion is emphasized, it's surprising that he was willing to continue his ruse and deceive Olivia as long as he did.

I would recommend this book if you gravitate toward "sweet and clean" Regencies involving mistaken identities. The author's writing style is smooth and there are no glaring anachronisms.

4 stars

The first book dealt with an identical twin who was messing about, broke his leg and had to pretend to be a vicar. This one is about the Vicar who has to go and attend the ton party pretending to be hedonist brother.

Not a bad romance.

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

I received a free copy for review from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

I also have a copy of the first book of the series and read that prior to get the full story from both points of view from the twins.

I cannot say that I either loved or hated this book/series. The idea of the good twin/bad twin, and swapping places doesn't feel very fresh to me, and I did not feel a connection with either Devlin or Daniel falling in love with the romantic nemesis of their twin.

Maybe also both the heroines did not strike a tone with me, especially being so persistent in the face of rejection by the twins initially. Olivia struck me as being rather rapacious, and I could see where Devlin had that idea that she was a spoiled princess. I don't like that she hides her intelligence.

But I think the biggest problem I had was that both twins lived such extensive lies to these two women for so long, but then did redeem themselves so relatively quickly and gain the love and trust of them and their families. Seems a bit too far fetched and neat for me. Sweetly told (maybe a bit too sweetly at times), but beyond belief.

Three out of five stars.

After his twin brother pulls a foolish prank, Reverend Daniel Wayward's life is now decidedly complicated. With his family, his parish, and even his reputation at risk, there's only one way to avoid utter ruin—by swapping places with his rakish, wicked twin. And the second Daniel steps foot into his brother's worldly and sinful life in London, he's completely caught by temptation of the most enticing, green-eyed kind.
Miss Olivia St. Peters knows the son of the duke is a dangerous fellow, but something in those hooded, hungry blue eyes makes her blood sing with pleasure. She's determined to have this Wayward noble, no matter what Society—or even her father—says about the match. And if that means playing with fire, she'll gladly burn..
The more Daniel resists the oh-so-inviting charms of Olivia, the more determined she is to have him. Now he's caught between his vows of faith and the lure of sweet temptation. And the only thing standing between his heart and his immortal soul is one unforgivable deception...
Twins being mistaken for each other, a truly beautiful romantic tangle.
This book by Liana LeFey is truly a work of art.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

When a foolish prank by his devil-may-care twin brother forces vicar Daniel into a sticky situation, the only solution to maintain the family's reputation is for the brothers to temporarily switch places. This plunges Daniel into the unfamiliar world of good (and not-so-good) society in London, and right in the path of Olivia, who must be managed delicately as she is not only infatuated with his brother, but also happens to be the daughter of his wealthy and powerful business partner. Soon, however, Daniel realizes there's much more to Olivia than he imagined--much more than he can ignore!

Both Daniel and Olivia were really enjoyable characters. They're both decent, clever people who are easy to root for. I enjoyed their conversations and humor. I also really liked the author's treatment of Daniel's faith--he was a sincere believer who tried to exemplify at least as much as he preached and wasn't prone to harsh judgment of others. His agony at the increasingly complicated situation he found himself in was palpable and the path to resolution felt realistic and satisfying.

Pick this up for a smart, well-told story with likable characters and lots of heart!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I struggled with caring about Olivia. She just seemed a bit too selfish and over confident. I came around a bit when she started to become "friends" with Daniel/Devlin. The plot was interesting and at times even fun! I imagine twins change places a lot! Daniel was a good man put in a challenging situation. I liked that even though he struggled, he stayed true to the man he was.

"That's when she'd decided that Lord Devlin Wayward would become her husband"
"Into the lion's den, Daniel"
"You've not won until he's standing before the altar putting his ring on your finger!"
I absolutely loved this book!
I didn't have such high expectations for it given the fact that I knew exactly what I was looking for but , at the end, it really surprised me. Right where I thought action would have blossomed , it tricked me into waiting a chapter more and, at the end, I couldn't stop!
I loved how the tension between the characters built and built until a very turning point when nothing could happen but what it did!
I loved the chase that had nothing malicious in it ... well almost nothing ... and I loved the relationships and the banters and the problematics they both had to face!
I loved how determined the main female character is to fall in love and not settle down for nothing but passion and absolute love for the person she would have married. And in turn I loved the devotion and the passion of the main male character and how much troubled he was even in admitting his feelings!
The writing-style was amazing and I really loved how the author used it to manipulate words and expressions while also comparing it to the truth of one's thoughts! And don't get me even start with the connection with classical authors ...
"There's that woman who wrote Sense and Sensibility. She'd do nicely to start, if I can convince her to come"
The plot was easy to follow and you really don't need to read the first book in the series to understand this one!
Sometimes having a twin is tricky in more than one way but at the end everything turns out for the best ... which is exactly what I was looking for when I picked this book up.
I really hope to read more about this series and I absolutely recommend it, fan of Bridgerton or not!
"But it was a powerful attraction. Powerful enough to worry him"
"There in his face was the silent acknowledgment of what she knew he would never willingly admit - that he felt it, too"