Review: The Earl and the Reluctant Lady (Lords of Vice #3) by Robyn DeHart

Print Length: 249 pages

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (November 12, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: Rakish playboy, Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield has wanted Agnes Watkins since the first time he saw her. But her older brother is his direct supervisor and makes it very clear that Agnes is off limits. Fletcher does his best to forget her and instead focuses on his spying assignments that have him seducing women for needed information. 

But when Agnes corners him at a ball and proclaims she’s going to reform his scoundrel ways, Fletcher knows he can ignore her no longer. Initially he considers this an opportunity to rid himself of his fascination with her. But the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that what he feels for her isn’t a passing infatuation, but real love. He uses her goal as an excuse to pursue her full throttle despite warning glances from her brother. But can he convince her that he’s mended his scandalous ways?

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

While this is the third novel in the series (and there are overlapping story-lines and characters), each book is written as a stand-alone to the point where you do not need to have read the others in order to enjoy this one. 

This is the kind of novel that I have come to expect from this author. The characters are engaging and complex (to a point), who have an obvious attraction to each other, but fight it to the point that it becomes tedious. 

I fell in love with Fletcher and Agnes (although god what a name) during their first exchange. I loved them even more when it came out that he saved one dance with her each year (on the anniversary of their first). 

What I didn't love? 

Fletcher's unwillingness to stand up to her brother for one thing. If he had felt that strongly about her for that long, he should have been willing to fight for her. Instead he seemed content to do anything but until he figured out that she had feelings for him as well. He claims the men in his life "hurt women", but we never see any real examples of this. Was it simply because they were unfaithful? We know his Grandfather was a horrid old man, but his father simply seems a man in mourning. 

Once again, we are reminded of Lady X and her threat against the Ladies group of which Agnes is a part of, but we still do not know who she is. Only time will tell I suppose. 

Overall, I believe this novel will appeal to those who enjoy well written historical novels and I would read more from this author (in fact I am looking forward to completing this series because I need to know how it all ends).  

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                The Earl and the Reluctant Lady is available from Amazon.com