A quick and pleasurable read from Ms. Lancaster. This series just keeps getting better. The characters were real; the storyline original and well thought out. Loved it!
Thank you Mary Lancaster, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Capturing the Soldier’s Heart

She captured his heart with her music, but he was a man, damaged by war. Could love heal his soul? Natalie had a past, and it was about to find her. Could her mysterious soldier be her salvation? Perhaps, the two of them could be the shelter they need. This is a lovely story about two people who find each other, just in time. The social gap between Richard and Natalie is much too great, but will they care about it? They have obstacles to overcome, and that social gap just might be the least of their worries even though it might not have been to people of their time. This story has romance, mystery, secrets, and a bit of suspense. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to lovers of Regency romance with a wounded hero and a woman with a secret past.

The third book in the Gentlemen of Pleasure series brings us the story of Captain Lord Richard Gorse, a soldier with a wounded body and soul. Back from the war, he regularly attends Natalie's concerts, which provide some semblance of peace for him. Natalie notices this and finds her own peace each time he comes. Both are troubled souls and seem to find solice in each other's presence. When Natalie's past catches up with her and she is in danger, Roger doesn't hesitate to step in and offer his protection. With each other's help, they are able to fight the demons haunting them and have a chance at moving forward.
This was a lovely story that captivated me from the start and kept my interest and attention till the end. The characters were well-developed and endearing, and my heart went out to them both. Ms. Lancaster did a really nice job of creating scenes that came alive and I could easily picture them in my mind's eye. This was an engaging and entertaining story and I really enjoyed it. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Sin and the Soldier by Mary Lancaster is the third book in the Gentlemen of Pleasure series. Captain Lord Richard Gorse, wounded both internally and externally from war, finds peace whenever he hears Natalie play her harp in Maida Gardens. The two had never spoken before, so one evening Richard decides to change that. It is that very day that Natalie becomes in danger. Her former betrothed that she had escaped has found her despite her best efforts to hide. Richard has decided to become her protector. Together, they work to free each other from struggles old and new as passion grows between them.

I liked Richard the most in this story. He has been through a lot and it was nice to see that Natalie could bring him such peace. His protectiveness of her was sweet.

The third in Gentlemen of Pleasure series does not disappoint. From the first page to the last Sin and the Soldier will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Natalie and Captain Lord Richard Gorse until the very end. It unfolds beautifully as it weaves an emotional story from beginning to end as Richard tries to overcome his emotional and body scars as music played by a beautiful harpist helps a peacefulness enter his soul . Marry Lancaster has given readers a book that is well-written, with passion, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride, with a fiend from Natalie's past, and one fantastic plot that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

This was a quick and easy read. I thought Lancaster did a good job of building out who these characters were in the short amount of time she had. Of course with shorter stories you run the risk of missing out on some detail but I thought Lancaster hit the right points and gave me enough information to get invested in these characters.

The story itself was interesting and the pacing was just right. If you're looing for a quick read - definitely check this one out.

Mary Lancaster has a way of writing that makes me forget I am reading. I am so lost in the story that all else fades. The Gorse men have always stood out as spectacular heroes. Lord Richard Gorse, may have been injured in the war but he lacks nothing in character. It is easy to understand how Natalie was blind to his injuries, for they are no part of the gentleman he is. The connection between these two characters is so pure having been created solely through her music for years before they even spoke. Yet they were already bonded to each other through that music. I love how well this story conveys the pure power of music. How it can heal even the most tragic heart and bring such pure contentment. Gerald Monck is well-written as a epitome of a classic slimeball. There is nothing even remotely likeable in this character, yet you can still see how easily charm can mislead. A beauty story not to be missed.

3.5 stars.
A tortured, wounded hero finds redemption and healing in the heroine’s music in “Sin and the Soldier”, by Mary Lancaster (Dragonblade Publishing).
The beginning of their relationship was wonderful; the way they both fantasized about each other during some time and at a distance was interesting. I liked how our “troubled, haunted” hero found solace and some kind of healing in the heroine’s performances.
My first time reading this author and I liked her writing style and enjoyed the story. The hero is honorable and thoughtful, and the heroine is smart and creative.
I also liked watching Richard heal while playing the “knight in shining armor” role by helping the heroine get rid of the nasty villain. It was as if the task revealed his worth and strength despite the differently abled body, and how he learned to adapt.
I appreciated that the author didn’t forget the hero’s new characteristics, yet conveyed them in a matter-of-fact and even humorous manner.
Natalie accepts these features as part of the man she loves, without drama, and this is refreshing, too.
For my own taste, intimacy happened a bit suddenly and too easily, which isn’t unexpected in historical romance.

This is a beautiful romantic story that brings a talented harpist and a wounded soldier together as only Mary Lancaster can do. What a treat, and the best story of the series so far.
Natalie is a very talented musician. She plays the harp and writes music.
Richard is a former soldier that has sat for Natalie's harp concerts at the Maida Gardens for two years. Richard found that Natalie's music calms him as he recovers from wounds he got at Waterloo. Natalie is also aware Richard is there and looks for him when she performs. Natalie is hiding from an old fiance, Gerald Monck, who took credit for her music and stole money from her. When Gerald finds her, Richard steps up to help her.
I highly recommend this beautiful story!

I absolutely love this story. Natalie Derwent is a musician For two years Natalie Derwent has noticed the wounded soldier at her concerts. For Richard she gives him peace, he gives her confidence but when her past shows up to threaten her Richard vows to protect her at all cost.

Captain Richard is a Waterloo war hero with scars and is a partial amputee. He is entranced by the calming music of harpist Natalie. After a concert one night, Natalie is ambushed by her former betrothed and Captain Richard steps in to protect her. Richard and Natalie's relationship develops as they work to uncover sinister behavior by her former fiance.

The book is described in a synopsis as being a "scorching hot read," but this was lukewarm sexiness at best. It was a very quick read with not much plot development. I didn't feel much chemistry between Richard and Natalie. There also needed to be more explanation of the backstory between Natalie and her ex-fiance. 3 stars is pretty generous.

Captain Lord Richard Gorse has only recently begun to truly heal from the effects of the war. Listening to and watching the beautiful hatpist at Maida Pleasure Gardens has done wonders for his soul.

To Natalie Derwent music is everything it provides for her financial needs and nourishes her heart. Unfortunately for her it was also providing for someone else before she escaped him. Now he has found her again. She will not run again.

A short but eventful historical romance. Our wonderful hero might be slightly damaged but that doesn't stop him. Our heroine finds that with a little help, she has more courage than she thought. Lots of great characters in this book and the others in the series based around Maida Pleasure Gardens. They are all very good stories with a very varied cast of characters.

Great fun.

A sigh worthy story of the heart and how two people who needed each other come together.

He was injured from the war and found little pleasure except in her playing of the harp. It has brought he peace and comfort found from no other place.

She has noticed him in the audience for a long time and when she gets into trouble from a previous fiance, he comes to her aid.

A lovely story that is a wonderful addition to this fabulous series!

Captain Lord Richard Gorse came
back from the war against Napoleon missing part of his arm and with a damaged leg. For two years Natalie Derwent has noticed the wounded soldier at her concerts. For Richard she gives him peace. Natalie's past shows up bringing fear. Gerald Monck, her former fiancee, makes threats with lies. Richard gives his protection and his love. With the help of friends, he has a plans to make sure Monck never hurts her again. A sweet romance once again at Madia Gardens.
Heat level 2
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Truly a Captivating, and Heartwarming Story:
Richard, the soldier in this story is wounded both with physical scars and emotional ones.
His only enjoyment and escape are listening to the harpist play music in the park.
Natalie sees Richard at every concert sitting in the same place and sees how her music
seems to relax the man.
They meet when Natalie is being unwantedly accosted by a man after one of her
performances and the brave soldier steps into her rescue.
It's obvious she needs protection. Natalie is grateful for his help and not only
do they develop a friendship, but a beautiful romance story also takes them into
a dangerous situation, along with much passion, trusting, and so much more.
Richard was a terrific caring character, and I loved the little snippets with the forgotten
soldiers and his plans for them. Another heartwarming part of this emotional story.
I truly enjoyed the story that put a smile on my face and some warmth in my heart.
Adult Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinions.
5 Star Plot
5 Star Cover: Depicted Richard as I could imagine him.

They have never spoken. But for two years, the haunted soldier has attended harpist Natalie’s concerts at Maida Gardens, bringing her a little self-belief and a few harmless daydreams. Captain Lord Richard Gorse, wounded in body and soul, finds the beautiful harpist’s music is the only thing that soothes his troubled spirit. Until, one evening, he finally has something to say to her. Unfortunately, it is also the evening that Natalie’s past catches up with her. The man to whom she was once engaged will go to any lengths to bring her back under his thumb. Richard appoints himself her protector and together they fight their old ghosts and new dangers.
A well written quick read, which I devoured in a sitting. The third in the series & it was a delight. I loved both Richard & Natalie who were both trying to fight their pasts & found peace & then love in each others company. He at last moves on fro the horrors of war & she decides to stop running & hiding & to face her nemesis. There’s the threat to them from Gerald & I loved how previous characters helped them achieve their HEA.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Physically and emotionally scarred battle hero Richard finds listening to a harpist play her music soothing to his soul. When he finally decides to tell Natalie how much her music means to him, he realizes she is in danger from a man from her past. Working to keep her safe, they both find many things to admire about each other. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Book 3 of Gentlemen of Pleasure series from Mary Lancaster, and what a pleasure these are to read.

Slightly steamy, excellent storyline and characters, these books are some of my favourites atm.

I love the relationships and how Mary builds up the story, so good.
I recommend them wholeheartedly.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

He draws healing and comfort from her beautiful harp music and she feels safer when he is there. They have never spoken to each other, but on the night when Natalie's past intrudes on her present, Captain Lord Richard Gorse rises to the occasion and helps her make her escape. As with the previous books in this series, the author continues with the Maida Pleasure Gardens theme, bringing romance, adventure, and a delightful conclusion. I loved both the main characters in this novel and was glad when characters from previous stories took their bow. I received a copy of this lovely romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

An engaging and beautifully written romance. I was quickly captivated by Richard and Natalie, they become the perfect couple in an imperfect situation, he becomes her hero and forever love. A touching and heartfelt happy ending.