“He’s completely unsuitable…
he’s a rake.”
Part of The Beauchamp Heirs: After being plucked from peril by resolute bachelor Lord Hugo Alastair, Lady Olivia Beauchamp is secretly outraged that he doesn’t even try to steal a kiss! He’s a notorious rake among the ton, and as a result, utterly forbidden to an innocent debutante like her. But their attraction is magnetic. Will she risk her reputation for a passionate encounter?
My View
Well, what can I say about this? Only that it is perfection! I have been really looking forward to meeting the newest branch of the Beauchamp family, this is book one in the Beauchamp Heirs mini-series and what a doozy it is! Oh Ms Preston, what are you doing to me? First, you steal my heart and enchant me with gorgeously mysterious Zach and now we have the sinful rake with a heart; Hugo!
When she wins a bet with her brother Alex, she forces him to take her on a night out to Vauxhall Gardens. She thinks that as long as she stays masked will be fine, after all, how much danger can she be in while with her brother and anonymous? Well, let me tell you, a lot of trouble. One thing leads to another and Olivia is stranded amongst the revellers as Alex is nowhere to be found, a hint of blackmail and scandal hanging over her head and being rescued by the deadliest rake of all (not to mention the swoon on the spot, sexy as hell rake;-)).
As soon as he sees the masked young woman in Vauxhall Garden Hugo knows that she isn’t like the rest of the women that usually frequent the gardens at that time of night, especially within the company she finds herself in. After whisking her away from what could be her downfall, sparks fly between the two. He is amused and rather taken with her fire and tenacity as well as her nativity and goodness, even though he does think of her as a spoilt little madam. But even though he acted like the knight in shining armour doesn’t mean that he is going to go down that path, he is determined that their encounter is purely platonic. He will not be giving into the troublesome chit, he believes that she is way above him and that she is too good for just a brief affair, as what he usually goes for – plus there is his aversion to marriage. But alas fate and Olivia soon have other plans for him.
Olivia, well what a little spirited minx she is, wild and impetuous and immensely naïve to the ways of the world. Like all ladies from society, she has been cloistered away, protected from the world and any nastiness by her powerful father and brothers. Which as we soon see with Olivia, isn’t really the best course of action, especially as this headstrong young lady can get into trouble faster than you can blink. Yet I found Olivia, not just a spoilt little girl she is very protective of her brothers, especially Alex she will do all she can to make sure that he gets the inheritance he deserves, and she wants nothing more than to prove to the family that her brother isn’t just a tear away, that there is some goodness in him. I really like that part of her personality, she is quite the contradiction. Flighty, but caring!
Oh, Hugo, be still my beating heart, that is if my heart is still there as I am pretty sure this man has blatantly stolen from me. What a delicious rogue he is! Hugo has a reputation, one that he has well and truly earned but now as he gets older he starts to tire of the very thing that at one time gave him some joy and he is beginning to mend his ways. He really wants to do the right thing for everyone and I love that trait in him.
As well to the glorious ‘will they, won’t they romance, that Ms Preston always writes to perfection, there is also another secondary plot that concerns Olivia’s brother; Alex. Now, Alex is a fascinating character and one that I am looking forward to learning more about.
This is a riveting, enthralling utterly romantic, love story that captures the reader’s attention from the first page, and takes you on a beautifully romantic and thrilling journey. I love how the romance blossoms between Hugo and Olivia, there is a real passion between them and I love how the author keeps the mutual lusty, and hunger between the two leads present throughout, which is so engrossing. I loved this one, I am completely and utterly smitten with these two hugely lovable characters, the story is brilliantly paced, and Hugo and Olivia’s romance develops at a steady and completely believable pace.
A wonderfully captivating love story! Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended book roll on the next Beauchamp Heir!
This was an ARC copy via the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake is to be released on 23rd August and can be pre-ordered at Amazon.
Chicks,Rogues and Scandals 