This is the second installment of The Rake Chronicles and brings us a tantalizing mix of scandal and forbidden attraction. This tale is as much about navigating love as it is about personal redemption and the power of loyalty.
The story starts out with a scandal as Lord Hugh Aldershot, the Viscount of Tremberley, overhears a brash and drunken claim by the Earl of Hartley regarding Lady Henrietta Breminster. Trem confronts Henrietta, only to find himself irresistibly drawn to her vulnerability and charm. And thus the stage is set for a delightful and tension-filled relationship.
Henrietta is mortified at her misstep with the Earl of Hartley, but she is determined to save her reputation. Trem is protective, principled, and torn between his duty to Henrietta’s brother and his growing attraction to her. Henrietta's longstanding affection for Trem adds an aching sweetness to their interactions, while her self-respect and desire to marry for love bring depth to her character. His struggle to remain honorable in the face of temptation adds significant emotional stakes to their relationship, making their eventual union all the more rewarding. The chemistry between Trem and Henrietta is palpable, and their mutual respect and growing trust provide a solid foundation for their romance, elevating it beyond mere physical attraction.
Overall, I found this to be an entertaining and satisfying read. The author deftly combines passionate romance with a touch of humor and heart, making this a highly enjoyable novel.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

If you're looking for spice, this is a great choice! Lots of spice, and a little trouble, in historical context was very enjoyable and fun to read.

"He knew he was in trouble. In a way he had never before experienced."

Good, very steamy regency romance with a delightful hero and unusual heroine and a nuof interesting and enjoyable secondary characters. My favorite part of the book was the unexpected bits of humor sprinkled throughout. It's long and there is a lot of descriptions, to be honest I thought it drug occasionally due to the explicit details. And it was a bit predictable, not that it made the story less fun.

I didn't read the first book about Henrietta's brother, John, the first of the Rank Rakes to fall in love. I actually didn't really care for him as much as the other three Rakes, although maybe if I had read his book first I might feel differently. I did however adore Trem, who won me over pretty quickly, and I totally understand why Henrietta has loved him for so long. I also really liked Monty, the Earl of Montaigne, and am very much looking forward to his book. We've already been given hints about his secrets and I agree with Trem that he is hiding a heart broken long ago. And Leith, the final Rake, there's just something about him... I suspect he will provide the biggest suprises of all.

I enjoyed the chaos that was Trem & Henrietta. There’s was not a straight path but rather an ever-twisting road of discovery. Discovery of character, of oneself, of emotion and body. I truly enjoyed the similarities between the main characters. So much shared experience and history makes for a great foundation. The story is told in a way that keeps you interested and thoroughly entertained. I love watching a rake fall.

Lydia Lloyd has a passion for historical romance and it certainly shines through in her writing. This book is the second book in the Rake Chronicles series and it features Lady Henrietta Bremster and her longtime crush and older brothers best friend Viscount Tremberly who proposes to save her honor after he hears a drunken young lord bragging about sleeping with her. If a very spicy brothers best friend trope historical is what you’re in the mood for then this book is for you! I’m a huge fan of Lydia’s well researched, sexy novels. This one didn’t hit as hard as her debut novel did, but When the Duke Loved me was an absolute masterpiece! If you haven’t read her first novel I recommend reading this as a standalone and then going back and reading the first one.

I loved this, the characters, the story, the series building, and the love scenes and the banter and dialogue!

**Review of "When the Viscount Wanted Me" by Lydia Lloyd**

"When the Viscount Wanted Me" by Lydia Lloyd unfolds with a scandalous setup that promises an intriguing Regency romance. The story begins when Lord Hugh Aldershot, Viscount of Tremberley, overhears a drunken Earl claiming to have bedded Lady Henrietta Breminster. Furious, Tremberley drags the unconscious Earl to Henrietta’s home, where she panics at the potential scandal.

Henrietta, who has long harbored feelings for Tremberley, must now rely on him to avert the impending gossip. As they work together to manage the situation, their forbidden attraction grows. The plot centers on their struggle to keep the jealous Earl in check while grappling with their feelings. Henrietta is adamant that marriage should be for love, not convenience, adding tension to their budding relationship.

The narrative combines elements of scandal, loyalty, and the challenge of navigating societal expectations with personal desires. While the chemistry between Tremberley and Henrietta is palpable, the story occasionally falls into predictable patterns typical of the genre. Still, an enjoyable read.

I love everything Lydia Lloyd does!

This book is just another example of someone who truly loves historical romance adding an installment to the genre that reflects both her knowledge and her love! The characters, the story, the micro-tropes are all so well done and so much fun.
Basically, if Lydia Lloyd writes it, I’m there and you should be too!

Star Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Best friend’s brother, long time crush, friends to lovers
TW: Toxic relationship, sexual harassment

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When the Viscount Wanted Me transports you to the elegant and scandal-prone world of Regency England. The narrative kicks off with Lord Hugh Aldershot, the Viscount of Tremberley, overhearing a scandalous claim from a drunken Earl of Hartley about having bedded Lady Henrietta Breminster, the sister of Tremberley's best friend. Incensed by the slander against Henrietta, Tremberley drags the unconscious earl to Breminster House to confront him, only to come face-to-face with a scantily clad Henrietta.

Lady Henrietta Breminster, caught off guard in her nightdress, panics at the sight of Tremberley with the unconscious earl. She has long harboured secret feelings for Tremberley and is mortified by the potential scandal. Henrietta must now rely on Tremberley to help her avert gossip and protect her reputation.

As Tremberley and Henrietta work together to manage the repercussions of the earl's indiscretions, they find themselves drawn into an unexpected and forbidden attraction. Their efforts to keep the jealous earl in check only bring them closer, stirring deep emotions and desires. However, Henrietta is resolute in her belief that marriage should be for love, not convenience or duty, leaving her torn between passion and principle.

Review
"When the Viscount Wanted Me" is a delightful addition to the Regency romance genre, blending scandal, loyalty, and forbidden love into a compelling narrative. Lydia Lloyd masterfully crafts a story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The chemistry between Tremberley and Henrietta is palpable, and their interactions are filled with tension, passion, and wit.

The character development is particularly strong. Tremberley is portrayed as a man of honour, fiercely protective of those he cares about, while Henrietta is a determined and intelligent heroine, struggling to navigate her feelings and societal expectations. Their journey from mutual respect to deep affection is both believable and heartwarming.

Lloyd's attention to historical detail adds depth to the setting, immersing readers in the intricacies of Regency society. The secondary characters, including the jealous earl and Henrietta's supportive brother, add richness to the plot and provide additional layers of intrigue and conflict.

The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense emotion interspersed with lighter, humorous scenes. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the formal yet flirtatious nature of the period.

Tropes
-Marriage of Convenience
-Forbidden Love
-Protective Hero
-Strong Heroine
-Friends to Lovers

Overall, "When the Viscount Wanted Me" is a captivating read for fans of historical romance, offering a perfect blend of love, loyalty, and societal intrigue. Lydia Lloyd delivers a story that is sure to resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

This book didn't work for me. The heroine seemed more like she was written for the 21st century. She did not act or think like the women of the 1700's.

Henrietta Breminster is an aristocrat who is not afraid of testing the boundaries of the ton. When her brother's best friend, Viscount Tremberley, overhears another peer in his club speaking about being intimate with her, he drags the peer to her home in an attempt to stop his talking such nonsense in public. Hugh, Viscount Tremberley is shocked when Henrietta admits to the indiscretion with her friend, Lord Justin and he agrees to keep her secret from her brother. While Henrietta thinks Hugh will think badly of her, he actually reacts in an opposite fashion and they embark on an affair. In an effort to prevent the rumors that Justin threatens, Henrietta and Hugh become engaged. As they prepare for their wedding in one month, they face several obstacles- her brother and Hugh argue over the quickness of the wedding and their long standing relationship will be tested. Also Henrietta has a secret about her birth that she hasn't shared with Hugh but wants to, especially before they marry. When the Viscount wanted me is fast paced, spicy story which shows love is possible even though secrets and fear threaten to prevent the H and h from having a HEA.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review

Thank you for the ARC!

I requested this book for the Bridgerton vibes and it did not disappoint. I'm not usually the biggest fan of brother's best-friend trope but this one I feel was done well enough that it didn't bother me all too much. What I did find that bothered me was the amount of monologue's throughout the book. I feel heavy monologues slow down the book tremendously and I usually prefer dialogue-heavy books, anyways.

I apprecaite the opportunity to read!

Lydia Lloyd's When the Viscount Wanted Me is a wonderful story about two people who are attracted to each other but some hidden secrets from the past prevent them from moving forward to form a true marriage based on trust. I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of the story from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed the story. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Lord Hugh Aldershot, Viscount Tremberley hears a man lamenting the refusal to a marriage proposal he made to a lady who he had slept with. Hugh initially ignores this man's crying and wailing until he hears the name of the lady he claims to have bed. Lady Henrietta Breminster, is Hugh's best friend's younger sister, who he now suddenly realizes has matured into a captivating beautiful young lady and who he is imagining in all sorts of naughty ways. Their attraction seems impossible as they are almost ten years apart in age, yet the magnetism between them is real and electrifying. Can Henrietta truly settle down with Hugh, whom she has always had a crush on? Can Hugh really settle down with Henrietta when he has always been a ladies man. A very fun read!

This was a one-click for me after reading the first in the series. And oh boy did Lydia deliver with this second scorching romance.
"When the Viscount wanted me" is for all who love unconventional heroines, those who live by their own rules, and are not afraid to go after what and who they want.

It can be read as a standalone but this series has captured me fully so I'd also recommend to read every book you can get your hands on from this series.

5/5

Lady Henrietta Breminister had an indiscretion with a gentleman she has no intention of marrying. Except the gentleman thinks otherwise and won't give up. Viscount Temberley comes to her defense. Soon he wants to marry her himself, but he's going to have to do some pretty seductive persuasion.
Scandal seems to follow them where ever they go. Will this wedding ever happen! Passionate and erotic, they can't keep their hand off each other. Not a short read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

2.5 Stars! I couldn’t get into this book. This is the second book in ‘The Rake Chronicles’ series and for the most part, can be read as a standalone. The main characters, Henrietta & Trem, and neither one was really likable, in my opinion. She was a childish, spoiled, brat & had no consideration for others. He wasn’t so bad but I still wasn’t really feeling him. Considering the regency time period, Henrietta was a bit too sexual. I swear, the main characters were having ‘sexy times’ every other page. It got old, fast. I need more in a romance than constant ‘sexy times’. Sex doesn’t equal love & I was wondering if these characters were just in lust, not love. It was an interesting plot, however & could be a really great book. It did drag on often & I had to skim through a lot. I don’t need 3 pages describing something that I got 2 and a half pages ago. But hey, if you read romance mostly for the ‘sexy times’ & don’t care about the love & romance in a book, then you should check this one out.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I love a heroine in a historical that isn’t sexually innocent, knows what she wants and finds a guy who is super into that. This book delivered and then some. The ex lover plot was great, the sex was spicy and hot and often, and this was tons of fun.

For those who love regency romance and want to see multiracial characters in the story this could fit the bill. The book tells the story of a man limited by his past and his own demons. Erotic in the extreme it is not for those who don't enjoy descriptive love scenes. I found the attitudes lacking in reality for the norms of the period. A bit far-fetched for me.

Hugh Aldershot, the Viscount of Tremberley, overhears a drunk Earl of Hartley spreading rumors about his best friend's younger sister, Lady Henrietta Breminster, so Hugh decides it is his responsibility to quiet them. He is shocked to learn the rumors were true and it causes him to view Henrietta in a new, more adult light when he realises that his true feeling is jealousy of their affair. Hartley can't accept that Henrietta only wanted to gain experience and not marry him causing him to react badly and begin stalking her. In Hugh's effort to rescue her, he offers marriage to Henrietta to thwart Hartley. Henrietta has long admired Hugh and vice versa, but neither did anything about it given Hugh is her brother's best friend.

Will they find their Happily Ever After? Of course, they will - it's the beauty of Romance after all, but it is a thoroughly good plot to get readers to the end.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own. I just reviewed When the Viscount Wanted Me by Lydia Lloyd. #NetGalley

When the Viscount Wanted Me by Lydia Lloyd is the second novel in The Rake Chronicles series. It is a historical romance with more modern elements. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first in the series beforehand.

Lady Henrietta Breminster had an indiscretion with an Earl and realized that she didn’t want to marry him, even though she would have to if society found out. Lord Hugh Aldershot AKA Viscount Tremberley overheard said Earl drunkenly sharing his indiscretion to a friend and knew he had to put a stop to it. Henrietta is his best friend’s sister after all. When Trem decided to bring the drunk Earl to Henrietta’s house to sort the matter with her brother, he was transfixed with her beauty. Henrietta also had a crush on him since she was young. She asked Trem for help with the Earl problem and to not tell her brother and he reluctantly agrees. Sparks fly between them as they spend more time with each other.

Lloyd’s posts about this book intrigued me and I knew I had to read it, especially since I read the first book in this series. I really liked both characters in the previous book, so I was really curious to see how their story would pan out. I liked the major plot line where Henrietta and Trem are trying to solve the Earl problem. I also didn’t mind the subplot (which is a spoiler) either. I didn’t enjoy the romance between the main characters. They seemed to be more in lust with each other than in love. There didn’t seem to be any chemistry between them except physically. I also found it hard to believe Trem didn’t notice Henrietta in a romantic way until the start of the book. I wish there were more scenes with them having more heartfelt moments. There are a lot of spicy scenes, which were well written. I am excited for the next book, which is about Montaigne, my favorite rake in the series so far.

If you love historical romance, forced proximity, age gaps, instalust, and a touch of forbidden romance, then this book is for you!