I would have really liked this book with the exception of a couple of things. Sophie not knowing what Nate Smith is about. She sees the resemblance but is not curious, the ending was a bit of a drag, just marry the guy already. I did like Rafes steady and thoughtful explanation for why he thought Sophie was a nincompoop for not marrying him. What I liked, Rafe is a truly nice guy, protective, kind & loving, his grandmother was as sharp as a tack, but her role fell off in the end, the villians are truly nasty. Overall the storyline was interesting as well and the open door scenes were not badly written.

#TheViscountandtheThief #NetGalley

Sophie Delavallois is the new companion to the ageing Dowager Marchioness, but she also has another reason for coming to the infamous Wyverne mansion, one that will shake the family to their core.

Lord Drake left his childhood home many years ago, and only returns now to see his beloved grandmother. He takes little interest in the goings on of the house, until the arrival of Mademoiselle Delavallois. There’s something about her that he can’t put his finger on; it's as if he’s seen her before, but surely, that is not possible…

Sophie is also drawn to Drake, but he is a Wyverne, and she cannot allow herself to fall for him, because her intentions towards the family are resolute – revenge. But inside the walls of Wyverne Hall, she discovers the rumours about the family barely scratch the surface, and she can’t escape the dangerous allure of the Viscount.

Once her plans are set in motion, will he be her saviour or her ruin?

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

An enjoyable unique romance. I liked that the heroine being the hero’s mistress wasn’t completely demonised.

I really wanted to love this book but I was rather underwhelmed. I just felt like it was lacking emotion. I could not connect with the story the way I wanted to and the way I did with the Author's last book. The premise was great and I enjoyed the revenge aspect. The Grandmother was fabulous but her character involvement really dropped off towards the end and I missed her. I think a little more humour would have worked well in this book too. As to be expected with this author, the spice was fabulous.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood books and Emma Orchard for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.

I love Emma Orchard’s books, because they are written in the style of our beloved Jane Austen, but with steam and modern sensibilities. The characters of this book are intriguing, especially Sophie, and I loved the grandmother very, very much.
I just found the plot a little weak this time, with the villain having a unsatisfactory end in my opinion. And in general the book lacked the usual pathos. But of course I’m still an affectionate reader of this author and I would read everything she writes.

A bit too much open door spice. I'd rather use my imagination when it comes to romance. Just not for me.

This was a very different kind of regency romance and i really liked that about it. Not the usual enemies to lovers, to misunderstandings, to makeups and all is well. This is a down on her luck because a horrible man ruined her father and her life by a terrible wrong. The bad characters are bad and the protagonist is not your innocent, naïve girl, and not necessarily your typical good girl. What I really didn’t like was the usual, I can’t marry you because…insert stupid reason here…but it did resolve a bit faster than usual, and also, can we not have them in love within the first two weeks of meeting each other? This is on the spicier side with some graphic love scenes, which I’m not into, but it has no bearing on my rating,

The Viscount and the Thief is a fun addition to the series by Emma Orchard. The main characters are great and the chemistry is electric. I did feel it fell short in a few aspects with finding out who the thief was. But it was worth the read and I look forward to more stories by Emma.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of The Viscount and the Thief by Emma Orchard

Preferred the concept to the execution on this one. The spicy side of this was pretty good, what you'd expect for this type of read. Not quite as intense as other reviews might have you believe though. The plot felt convoluted and a little clunky. I didn't find myself going along with it at all, I was pulled from the narrative quite a bit because it felt silly. I would have loved some more initial tension between our two leads as well.

The idea and description for this sounded better than it turned out to be. The first part was very slow going as the back story was explained but it just took too long for me and nearly put me off all together. There also seemed a lack of drama and no chemistry between the characters although we were told there was it never felt like it to me. In short this book didn't quite live up to it promise for me. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Viscount and the Thief is a delightful Regency romance packed with intrigue, secrets, and a touch of revenge that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Emma Orchard has masterfully crafted a story where tension and romance intertwine against the backdrop of the mysterious Wyverne Hall.

Sophie Delavallois is a compelling heroine. Her determination and sense of justice are admirable, but it’s her vulnerability and the way she navigates her complex feelings for Lord Drake that truly make her relatable. Lord Drake himself is the perfect mix of brooding hero and compassionate man, and their chemistry is undeniable.

The setting of Wyverne Hall adds a gothic flair to the story, with its haunting secrets and familial undercurrents. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, especially as Sophie’s true motives begin to unfold and collide with her growing affection for Drake. The twist surrounding the family’s hidden truths was cleverly done, keeping the suspense alive without overshadowing the romance.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, some secondary characters felt underdeveloped, and I would have loved a deeper exploration of the Dowager Marchioness, whose presence hinted at untold stories.

Overall, The Viscount and the Thief is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and redemption that will appeal to fans of Regency romances with a dark edge. Emma Orchard has delivered a memorable story that left me eager to read more of her work.

This review is being posted as part of The Viscount And The Thief blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

The Viscount And The Thief is the latest compelling regency romance from author Emma Orchard.
One of the things which I think really sets Emma Orchard apart from other regency romance authors is what an incredible storyteller and wordsmith she is. Her compelling writing immerses you in the setting of Wyverne Hall and the narrative was perfectly paced, leaving the reader hooked from cover to cover.

The focus of the narrative is shared between the blossoming romance between Sophie and Rafe and Sophie’s plans to steal back her family heirloom, driven by a desire for revenge against Rafe’s father. This second aspect to the plot really added something different to a genre which more typically focuses on the world of debutantes and balls. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Sophie would succeed in her revenge and if Rafe would be a useful ally or her ruin.

Emma Orchard writes strong female protagonists beautifully and Sophie was no exception. She was feisty, headstrong and far from the typical wallflower you often see in a regency romance. Our handsome MMC is Rafe, Lord Drake. He initially appeared as your typically brooding regency hero but had a beautiful sweet side to him under the surface. The way he talked to and about Sophie just warmed my heart.

Sophie and Rafe had brilliant chemistry and the sexual tension between the two of them was palpable, particularly in the earlier chapters when they are trying to resist their mutual attraction. The spicy scenes were well written, varied and well placed throughout the plot.

Overall, The Viscount And The Thief is another fantastic steamy regency romp from Emma Orchard, perfect if you like a crime element to your books and a good long-overdue revenge plot against someone who most definitely deserved it.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ / 5 (Explicit Open Door)

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*Thank you to Emma Orchard, Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley.

Sophie Delavallois is an expert in disguise, and this new role is only the latest when she becomes a lady’s companion to the dowager marchioness of the Wyverne family. She has an ulterior motive, to bring the Wyverne family down for the crime that has forced her to a life of crime and thievery. However, when she does finally meet the marquis’ heir, Lord Drake, he is not the evil person she assumes him to be, given his father. He is very loving and protective of his grandmother who is one hundred years old and still very lucid. I liked the grandmother very much; such a wise lady who dispenses advise as and when required to both her companion and grandson. Overall, an interesting read.

Emma Orchard is a new author for me and I hope to read more from her soon. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley with thanks and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Who can resist a Regency romance filled with revenge and a jewel heist? My first Emma Orchard novel won’t be my last.

In a time where reputation is tantamount to success or ruination, Sophie’s strength and steadfast mission to take back what is hers is commendable. She is a resilient woman with a tragic and tumultuous past. Eight years ago, her life crumbled under circumstances that forced her into a world of crime and theft. Her desire for revenge against the despicable Lord Wyverne drives her to infiltrate his household, posing as a companion to the aging Dowager. This clever ploy reveals Sophie’s resourcefulness and determination, making her a relatable and admirable character.

Lord Drake “Rafe” is the son of Lord Wyverne, and he is nothing like his nasty father. His role is to protect his grandmother and siblings from his father’s nefarious dealings and acquaintances. I enjoy Rafe’s character as he reveals layers of complexity and kindness unhesitant in assisting Sophie in her mission of redemption. His journey of self-discovery and loyalty reveals his character’s depth and offers a fresh perspective on the consequences of family conduct.

The attraction between Sophie and Rafe is instant and surprising, considering the FMC is no longer an innocent debutante and the MMC is not your archetypical bad boy. In addition, the home of Lord Wyverne is an astonishing dark atmosphere of debauchery and depravity that holds some erotic undertones.

Rafe’s 100-year-old grandmother, Delphine, is a lovely supporting character who gives sage advice to both protagonists. Though Rafe’s brother Charles appears toward the end of the book, he’s welcome comic relief for all of the seriousness of the book.

The Viscount and the Thief is a must-read if you enjoy strong, compelling characters and a captivating story of redemption and rising above hopeless circumstances.

Thank you to Ms. Orchard for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

An enjoyable romp in this genre. Nicely characteristic and told well. Well constructed with good grammar.

The protagonists are a strong, smart, and independent heroine and a loyal, generous, and protective hero in a story full of passion and intrigue. Sophie Delavallois is a young woman who takes a job as companion to the Dowager Marchioness with every intention to get her revenge for what happened to her family, and Lord Drake, the Viscount of Wyverne, has always known the shame that his family name brings and only returns home to visit his grandmother.

Sophie is a thief, but she has also a more complex past that leads her to Wyverne mansion with a clear and well-thought out plan to get her revenge against the Marquess who destroyed her family. However, when she meets Lord Drake and their attraction keeps growing, that plan becomes more complicated. Lord Drake knows that his father’s cruel and repulsive behaviour has brought only shame and isolation to the family and he would do anything to protect those he cares about, including Sophie.

If you are looking for a Regency romance with lots of spice and a bit of mystery, then The Viscount and the Thief is the right read for you. It has enemies to lovers, fake identity, a heroine looking for revenge and with a plan for a heist, close proximity, and quite a few steamy scenes!

Full of romance, secrets, twists and turns, and so much more, "The Viscount and the Thief" is an intriguing Regency Romance! Fully immersed in the world of the story, I found myself reading late into the night to see what was going to happen next, and how everything would connect.

Firstly, such a beautiful cover!

Emma Orchard's writing is immersive, and she seamlessly weaves each aspect of her story into a novel that is simply impossible to put down. Every element jumps off of the page; from location, to characterization, to the plot itself, I truly felt like I had traveled back in time and was right there during the time period.

When Sophie takes a job as a companion at the Wyverne home, she has reasons and motives of wanting to get back at them for harm done to those she cares about. However, when Lord Drake (the heir of the family) comes home and also wants to protect those he cares about from the unkind members of his family, neither could he nor Sophie have imagined what will spark between them. Full of streamy moments, hidden motives, questions of whom really knows what and when, deep emotion, recognition, and building trust between someone where it is least expected, this novel truly has so much in it. What happens? You will just have to read to find out!

I highly recommend this book! I so look forward to reading what Ms. Orchard writes next!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Emma Orchard for the e-ARC of this novel, and to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Emma Orchard for having me on the blog tour! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Like many people, I have really enjoyed the recent Bridgerton series. I’ve read all the books in the series and of course I’m a big fan of Jane Austen too. So it’s fair to say I do enjoy a bit of Regency Romance. And yes, I very much enjoyed this one too.

Sophie isn’t your typical Regency heroine. Her aim isn’t to marry but rather to avenge the wrongs done to her family by the Wyvernes. So it’s rather inconvenient that she is attracted to Lord Drake, the Viscount of the title. Despite himself, he is drawn to her too and it’s fair to say there are some passionate scenes in this book which would make Austen or Heyer blush!

Sophie was a great central character. She’s a strong woman who has many skills perhaps not befitting a lady! While hiding her true identity, she takes on a position as companion to the elderly Dowager Marchioness. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between these two. Despite her advanced age, the dowager was very sharply witted and knew exactly who Sophie really was. Our hero Rafe is all a Regency hero should be. Brooding and handsome with a complicated relationship with his father (gosh he was horrible!) but devoted to his grandmother.

The Viscount and the Thief is a really entertaining read, a proper Regency romp! There’s tension of various kinds, secrets, danger, intrigue, villains to hate, protagonists to root for and of course passion. if you are a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters, this is a book for you.

BOOK: VISCOUNT AND THE THIEF
AUTHOR: EMMA ORCHARD
PUB DATE: NOVEMBER 2024
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REVIEW- 2.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I read and liked the previous book in this series, so I was eager to try this out. Unfortunately, I didn't have the same experience with this one. I didn't really like this. I liked the characters just fine, but there was no drama!
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The title, the synopsis, and the beginning of the book promised drama, but it fell short for me. I was expecting all he'll would let loose after discovering who the thief was, but it was not the case and it was disappointing. And I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters.
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I admired the FMC, Sophie, she and her family went through a lot and it was nice to see her as a survivor. I liked the MMC too, Rafe. I liked that he rose up his scandalous father.
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This book was just not it for me

Deception and revenge underpin this historical romance, which explores the sharp social divisions in early nineteenth-century society and its endemic undercurrent of immorality. Sophie manages to secure a companion position to the Dowager Marchioness of Wyvern. Her methods are deceitful, but her reasons are just. The Marquis of Wyvern is a libertine and revels in his notoriety. His wife is similarly minded, and these characters contrast with the Marquis' son, Drake, who avoids his father but seems unable to stop him from hurting others. The plot is complex and defined by betrayal, deceit, and revenge, but courage and love exist. I invested in the couple and disliked the villainous Marquis and his wife, although they remained shadowy figures and not relatable. The chemistry and emotion between Sophie and Drake are believable, and their passion reflects this.
I like the contrasts in this story, the passionate romance and the witty dialogue that balances the intrigue and sense of menace surrounding Sophie and Drake.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.