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Virtue & Vice #2
Rosalyn
Virtue & Vice and everything spice...
When innocent Rosalyn Fernsby went in search of help for her family, she witnessed shocking deeds...and now, she can't stop thinking about them. Can she resist a forbidden earl, or will she submit to his searing kisses?
Alexander de Lucey prides himself upon being an honorable gentleman, yet his desire for Miss Fernsby stirs in him is anything but proper. He can't back out of his engagement. Nor can he stop himself from kissing Miss Fernsby. But Rosalyn refuses to live in shame...
When an explosive secret comes to light, can he win her trust, or has he lost her forever?
This is a full-length, steamy, age-gap Victorian romance with a Happy Ever After. One-click and get your copy today!
"Fiery, scandalous, enticing read!" - Review
When innocent Rosalyn Fernsby went in search of help for her family, she witnessed shocking deeds...and now, she can't stop thinking about them. Can she resist a forbidden earl, or will she submit to his searing kisses?
Alexander de Lucey prides himself upon being an honorable gentleman, yet his desire for Miss Fernsby stirs in him is anything but proper. He can't back out of his engagement. Nor can he stop himself from kissing Miss Fernsby. But Rosalyn refuses to live in shame...
When an explosive secret comes to light, can he win her trust, or has he lost her forever?
This is a full-length, steamy, age-gap Victorian romance with a Happy Ever After. One-click and get your copy today!
"Fiery, scandalous, enticing read!" - Review
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2023
235 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 18, 2023
Rosalyn and Alex’s story
“Rosalyn� is book two in Carrie Lomax’s Virtue and Vice series. What I found interesting was this story and book one, “Annalise� have overlapping timelines. The Fernsby siblings were left in dire straits after their father died. The oldest girls found Countess Oreste’s name among their father’s papers and decided to follow the only lead they had, hoping to improve the family finances. Surprisingly, Countess Oreste, also known as Belladonna, ran the House of Virtue and the House of Vice. The House of Virtue was for the benefit of the general public who believed the Countess was rescuing fallen women. On the other hand, the House of Vice was known only to select clientele as an upscale brothel dedicated to debauchery. Rosalyn was critical and judgmental of the Countess and the women sex workers, she saw the world in black and white, she declined a full tour of the premises whereas her sister, Annalise, was accepting and admiring of the women and their difficult choices they had to make in a male dominated world, Annalise understood the grey around the edges of society. Unbeknownst to Rosalyn, Annalise was going to sell herself in a one time auction. Alexander, an Earl Rosalyn encountered in the House of Vice, offered Rosalyn summer employment at his country estate as companion to his ward and future bride, Isabelle. Rosalyn was allowed to bring along her younger siblings, ensuring everyone had a place for the summer. Rosalyn thought all was aboveboard, she was not aware of Alex’s growing lust, desire, and seduction as his motivation behind her employment. As the summer rolled on, Rosalyn became friends with Isabelle, Alex’s ward, and she became enamored with and attracted to Alex himself. There were steamy kisses exchanged between Alex and Rosalyn as they grew closer together. Rosalyn was torn because of her friendship with Isabelle and her overwhelming desire for Alex. Guilt began inching its way into her consciousness. Rosalyn could also see Alex and Isabelle didn’t belong together. Alex knew he didn’t want Isabelle for a wife. Even Isabelle was unsure of her impending nuptials. Not wanting to go back on his word or cause a scandal, Alex was unwilling to cancel the wedding. The road to a happy ever after was bumpy with sharp curves, a lot of tears, surprises, and thrown objects.
I must say I enjoyed book one of the series, the story of Annalise and Eryx a lot more than this offering. The flow of book one was smoother with stronger characters. It was more passionate and steamy. This offering was choppier and more disjointed. The relationship between Alex and Rosalyn seemed more forced, instead of a natural progression. I didn’t like the character of Rosalyn so much weaker than her older sister Annalise. Switching gears, the sexual tension and mysterious connection between Belladonna and Hawke was more intriguing. The mystery and subsequent murder they are involved in held my attention as it is weaved through the prequel, books one and two. I am glad I read the prequel to this series entitled “Belladonna � and would recommend reading it before delving into the Virtue and Vice series. It sets up some backstory that adds understanding to both books and the main characters. It is a free download, relatively short, and worth the reading time. I hope there is more of Hawke and Belladonna in the future. I would recommend reading the series in order, after reading the prequel first.
“Rosalyn� is book two in Carrie Lomax’s Virtue and Vice series. What I found interesting was this story and book one, “Annalise� have overlapping timelines. The Fernsby siblings were left in dire straits after their father died. The oldest girls found Countess Oreste’s name among their father’s papers and decided to follow the only lead they had, hoping to improve the family finances. Surprisingly, Countess Oreste, also known as Belladonna, ran the House of Virtue and the House of Vice. The House of Virtue was for the benefit of the general public who believed the Countess was rescuing fallen women. On the other hand, the House of Vice was known only to select clientele as an upscale brothel dedicated to debauchery. Rosalyn was critical and judgmental of the Countess and the women sex workers, she saw the world in black and white, she declined a full tour of the premises whereas her sister, Annalise, was accepting and admiring of the women and their difficult choices they had to make in a male dominated world, Annalise understood the grey around the edges of society. Unbeknownst to Rosalyn, Annalise was going to sell herself in a one time auction. Alexander, an Earl Rosalyn encountered in the House of Vice, offered Rosalyn summer employment at his country estate as companion to his ward and future bride, Isabelle. Rosalyn was allowed to bring along her younger siblings, ensuring everyone had a place for the summer. Rosalyn thought all was aboveboard, she was not aware of Alex’s growing lust, desire, and seduction as his motivation behind her employment. As the summer rolled on, Rosalyn became friends with Isabelle, Alex’s ward, and she became enamored with and attracted to Alex himself. There were steamy kisses exchanged between Alex and Rosalyn as they grew closer together. Rosalyn was torn because of her friendship with Isabelle and her overwhelming desire for Alex. Guilt began inching its way into her consciousness. Rosalyn could also see Alex and Isabelle didn’t belong together. Alex knew he didn’t want Isabelle for a wife. Even Isabelle was unsure of her impending nuptials. Not wanting to go back on his word or cause a scandal, Alex was unwilling to cancel the wedding. The road to a happy ever after was bumpy with sharp curves, a lot of tears, surprises, and thrown objects.
I must say I enjoyed book one of the series, the story of Annalise and Eryx a lot more than this offering. The flow of book one was smoother with stronger characters. It was more passionate and steamy. This offering was choppier and more disjointed. The relationship between Alex and Rosalyn seemed more forced, instead of a natural progression. I didn’t like the character of Rosalyn so much weaker than her older sister Annalise. Switching gears, the sexual tension and mysterious connection between Belladonna and Hawke was more intriguing. The mystery and subsequent murder they are involved in held my attention as it is weaved through the prequel, books one and two. I am glad I read the prequel to this series entitled “Belladonna � and would recommend reading it before delving into the Virtue and Vice series. It sets up some backstory that adds understanding to both books and the main characters. It is a free download, relatively short, and worth the reading time. I hope there is more of Hawke and Belladonna in the future. I would recommend reading the series in order, after reading the prequel first.
July 7, 2023
Rosalyn, by Carrie Lomax, is a steamy historical romance set in Victorian England. It is the second book in the Virtue and Vice Series, but can be read as a standalone (I didn't read the first book, and it didn't hinder my understanding of the book). The titular character, Rosalyn, the second eldest of five children recently orphaned after their father dies and essentially destitute despite being raised with fine manners, joins her eldest sister to visit Countess Belladonna (Bella) Oreste who appears to be a “close friend� of their late father’s. At the Countess’s home in Mayfair, they learn that her home for “destitute women� is actually a brothel. Here, Rosalyn inadvertently witnesses a handsome man, whom we later learn is Alexander, Earl de Lucey, being orally pleasured by a prostitute. Despite her complete innocence, she cannot look away. Alex, who locks eyes with her and cannot get her out of his mind, later concocts a spontaneous and impulsive plan to have her and her siblings join him at his country estate where Rosalyn can be a companion to his new ward and recent fiancée, Isabelle. Due to their desperate situation, Rosalyn agrees. In no time at all, sparks fly between Alex and Rosalyn (after their highly original meet-cute, not surprising!). The engagement to 17 year-old Isabelle was made out of a sense of duty to her late father, a close family friend, but neither Isabelle nor Alex can tolerate each other’s company. From here, a story is built around the ideas of duty, forbidden love, an older, cynical man attempting to have a mistress and a wife, and the difficult choices to be made for love. There are some dark secrets that emerge and lots of steamy scenes leading to the eventual HEA.
This is my first time reading Carrie Lomax’s work, and I found Rosalyn to be a highly original story. I particularly liked the skillful writing, witty humour, and the multiple points-of-view (not just from the two main characters). I really enjoyed how the novel showed women working together to support each other through challenging circumstances. The character development was well done, and it was gratifying to see Alex do some major groveling after his inconsiderate behaviour. Likewise, Rosalyn tries to do the right thing, but her black and white way of thinking gets in the way and is eventually challenged which leads to her growth and maturity. There’s a subplot that runs through this series centred on Bella and Hawke (a spy) who have a simmering attraction to each other while they deal with nefarious forces in their government. I generally don’t like these kinds of subplots, but it was handled well here and didn’t detract from the main story. The epilogue is solely focused on this secondary plot and ends on a cliffhanger. Personally, I would’ve preferred an epilogue focused on Alex and Rosalyn, but overall, this book was a great read! I’ll definitely be reading more from this new-to-me author.
I received an advance review copy for free, I and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first time reading Carrie Lomax’s work, and I found Rosalyn to be a highly original story. I particularly liked the skillful writing, witty humour, and the multiple points-of-view (not just from the two main characters). I really enjoyed how the novel showed women working together to support each other through challenging circumstances. The character development was well done, and it was gratifying to see Alex do some major groveling after his inconsiderate behaviour. Likewise, Rosalyn tries to do the right thing, but her black and white way of thinking gets in the way and is eventually challenged which leads to her growth and maturity. There’s a subplot that runs through this series centred on Bella and Hawke (a spy) who have a simmering attraction to each other while they deal with nefarious forces in their government. I generally don’t like these kinds of subplots, but it was handled well here and didn’t detract from the main story. The epilogue is solely focused on this secondary plot and ends on a cliffhanger. Personally, I would’ve preferred an epilogue focused on Alex and Rosalyn, but overall, this book was a great read! I’ll definitely be reading more from this new-to-me author.
I received an advance review copy for free, I and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2023
Wow! I enjoyed Rosalyn, book two in Carrie Lomax’s Virtue & Vice series. Although each book is a stand-alone, there are common story lines running throughout the series. Ms. Lomax provides enough information from prior books (Annalise and Belladonna, the prequel) so you aren’t lost while reading Rosalyn and Alex’s story.
Rosalyn Fernsby is introduced to Alexander, Earl de Lucey in what she considers a scandalous manner. In Belladonna’s House of Virtue. Rosalyn and her sister Annalise are there investigating their father’s interest in the House, after his death leaves their family penniless.
Alex hires Rosalyn to be companion to his fiancé, Isabelle. Isabelle’s father was the Earl de Lucey’s closest friend and asked Alex to look after Isabelle upon his death. Alex believes marrying Isabelle is what her father would have wanted. Isabelle says yes, also believing it is what her father would have wanted. Rosalyn sees almost immediately that there is no love between Isabelle and Alex. Not to mention, Rosalyn is starting to have feelings for Alex.
Alex makes a huge miscalculation when he asks Rosalyn if she will be his mistress when he marries Isabelle. He can’t/won’t back out of his engagement, yet his can’t keep his hands (and lips) off Rosalyn. Rosalyn cannot believe he will marry someone he does not love so she leaves rather than live in the same house.
A colossal secret comes to light and Alex is off to find Rosalyn. He is willing to do anything to get her back, but can she trust him again? Not hardly! If he was willing to cheat with her behind Isabelle, what is to stop him from cheating on her?
I loved Alex as he stumbled along trying to right his wrongs. His feelings are so foreign to him he resorts to reciting Shakespeare, and even bumbles that a bit. But his heart is in the right place the whole time! Rosalyn is very stubborn and unwilling to see Alex may have changed.
Ms. Lomax has given us another story filled with intrigue, scandal, secrets, some humor, steamy scenes, and an HEA. The underlying story/mystery involving Belladonna and Hawke continues to grow more interesting. In fact, the next book is set up nicely toward the end and in the epilogue. Oh, I am looking forward to reading Justine’s story! Thank you to Carrie Lomax and BookFunnel for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rosalyn Fernsby is introduced to Alexander, Earl de Lucey in what she considers a scandalous manner. In Belladonna’s House of Virtue. Rosalyn and her sister Annalise are there investigating their father’s interest in the House, after his death leaves their family penniless.
Alex hires Rosalyn to be companion to his fiancé, Isabelle. Isabelle’s father was the Earl de Lucey’s closest friend and asked Alex to look after Isabelle upon his death. Alex believes marrying Isabelle is what her father would have wanted. Isabelle says yes, also believing it is what her father would have wanted. Rosalyn sees almost immediately that there is no love between Isabelle and Alex. Not to mention, Rosalyn is starting to have feelings for Alex.
Alex makes a huge miscalculation when he asks Rosalyn if she will be his mistress when he marries Isabelle. He can’t/won’t back out of his engagement, yet his can’t keep his hands (and lips) off Rosalyn. Rosalyn cannot believe he will marry someone he does not love so she leaves rather than live in the same house.
A colossal secret comes to light and Alex is off to find Rosalyn. He is willing to do anything to get her back, but can she trust him again? Not hardly! If he was willing to cheat with her behind Isabelle, what is to stop him from cheating on her?
I loved Alex as he stumbled along trying to right his wrongs. His feelings are so foreign to him he resorts to reciting Shakespeare, and even bumbles that a bit. But his heart is in the right place the whole time! Rosalyn is very stubborn and unwilling to see Alex may have changed.
Ms. Lomax has given us another story filled with intrigue, scandal, secrets, some humor, steamy scenes, and an HEA. The underlying story/mystery involving Belladonna and Hawke continues to grow more interesting. In fact, the next book is set up nicely toward the end and in the epilogue. Oh, I am looking forward to reading Justine’s story! Thank you to Carrie Lomax and BookFunnel for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 26, 2023
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Rosalyn Fernsby� daughter of Jack Fernsby, father death left her family near ruin, has an innocent and one-sided view of life. Alexander Hotchkiss de Lucey� an Earl, guardian of Isabelle, intrigued by Rosalyn after meeting her for the first time. The MCs first meeting is in the unlikeliest of places. The h seems curious about the H but is trying to act as if she is not. The H instantly devised a plan to get access to the h. Ooh I don’t think the h is going to like the decision being made by her older sister. The H made the h an offer she believed to be a dream come true. The h is really really innocent in her thinking. I must retract my previous statement about the h, she has a very vivid imagination. The H really is being despicable right now, of course the h isn’t how I perceived her to be either, LOL. The reasoning of the H is so one-sided. Oh my a big family secret has changed things dramatically. Oops, the H’s actions and beliefs did not have the desired effect. The MCs seem to be going through a great deal of unnecessary stress. LOL the h cannot decide what she wants or desires from the H. I’m tickled because a scene that was just discussed in one my groups is in this book, the h can’t resist the H even though she wants to. Hahaha, the h finally figured out what she wanted and the H was only too happy to oblige, a HEA. This is book two of the Virtue & Vice series, I have not read book one but I am tempted to read it now. Although it’s part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I didn’t like the H in the beginning nor was I overly fond of the h either, but as the story continued I began to slightly change my view point. There is definitely adult language and steamy steam. This book is not for the faint or those who like close door scenes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2023
Innocent Rosalyn Fernsby had accompanied her elder sister to the House of Virtues, an exclusive brothel hidden under the cloak of a sham charity. Now thoroughly disillusioned but also rather captivated, especially by one particular gentleman, she was angry at her dead father. How could he have left his five children in such dire and dubious straits?
Suddenly a job offer too good to be true. A summer in the country and her siblings can accompany her. He’s engaged after all, and she can resist temptation, can’t she?
Intrigued by the virtuous young lady he, Alexander Hotchkiss, Earl de Lucey, met in Belladonna’s parlour, he begs the madam for an opportunity at a closer, more intimate acquaintance with the girl. Everyone knows he’s to marry his ward in a few months, a dreadful fate he cannot escape, but the girl stirs his desires. He must have her!
So what does he do? He offers her the position of companion to his fiancée at his country estate. Keep your friends close, and you’re your greatest temptation closer?
📚 Be ready for some explosive revelations, naughty discoveries and major grovelling in this playful and tasty tale! Scandal, secrets, lust, humour and family. He’s entitled, dutiful and arrogant. She’s naïve, righteous and caring. Ultimately they want the same. Nothing is what it seems, and the twisty road to love has dangerous turns.
This story has real growth for the MCs, and some interesting points on women’s rights and options in Victorian England. A truly entertaining read!
📚 Age gap 19/35(ish), frosty fiancée/lusty lord/green girl, steamy, open door
Thank you Carrie Lomax and BookSirens for this eARC! All opinions expressed are my own.
Suddenly a job offer too good to be true. A summer in the country and her siblings can accompany her. He’s engaged after all, and she can resist temptation, can’t she?
Intrigued by the virtuous young lady he, Alexander Hotchkiss, Earl de Lucey, met in Belladonna’s parlour, he begs the madam for an opportunity at a closer, more intimate acquaintance with the girl. Everyone knows he’s to marry his ward in a few months, a dreadful fate he cannot escape, but the girl stirs his desires. He must have her!
So what does he do? He offers her the position of companion to his fiancée at his country estate. Keep your friends close, and you’re your greatest temptation closer?
📚 Be ready for some explosive revelations, naughty discoveries and major grovelling in this playful and tasty tale! Scandal, secrets, lust, humour and family. He’s entitled, dutiful and arrogant. She’s naïve, righteous and caring. Ultimately they want the same. Nothing is what it seems, and the twisty road to love has dangerous turns.
This story has real growth for the MCs, and some interesting points on women’s rights and options in Victorian England. A truly entertaining read!
📚 Age gap 19/35(ish), frosty fiancée/lusty lord/green girl, steamy, open door
Thank you Carrie Lomax and BookSirens for this eARC! All opinions expressed are my own.
July 17, 2023
Rosalyn first encounters Earl Alexander de Lucey at Belladonna's House of Virtue, with his pants down, literally, being serviced by one of the house's "flowers", Rosalyn is properly scandalized and promptly takes her leave of this house of debauchery . The Earl, more than intrigued by the proper young lady, wanting her for his own, mistress would be most pleasing a role for her, he seeks out Belladonna to try and uncover the ladies identity. Knowing a proper lady such as she would never agree to being his mistress, he makes a offer she can not refuse, a role as companion to his ward, who happens to also be his betrothed. Rosalyn can't refuse such a generous offer, one that will help save her and her siblings from a winter filled with hunger and freezing conditions. But as the attraction between her and the Earl grow, she feels guilt about her companion, who's friendship she truly enjoys. What will happen with this unlikely trio?
This is a steamy, hot, regency romance that sizzles from beginning to end. With Rosalyn feeling guilty but almost surrendering to becoming Alexander's mistress, and his icy-queen of a fiancée, this makes for a delightful, tension filled story that holds you captive from page one to the end. I enjoyed every minute of it and when I was done I went back and looked up the others in the series and read them too!! All of the books were worth the read! I recommend the whole series, there isn't a bad one in the bunch!
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This is a steamy, hot, regency romance that sizzles from beginning to end. With Rosalyn feeling guilty but almost surrendering to becoming Alexander's mistress, and his icy-queen of a fiancée, this makes for a delightful, tension filled story that holds you captive from page one to the end. I enjoyed every minute of it and when I was done I went back and looked up the others in the series and read them too!! All of the books were worth the read! I recommend the whole series, there isn't a bad one in the bunch!
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
I read this book after reading the "Belladonna" prequel. I highly recommend reading that first because it sets the stage for both this book and for "Annalise." "Annalise" and "Rosalyn" seem to take place simultaneously, so they could probably be read in any order.
The relationship of Rosalyn and Alex gets off to a very awkward start. Rosalyn and her sister are visiting Belladonna, a friend of their late father's. Bella happens to be the owner of a high-class brothel. During the visit, Rosalyn and Alex see one another. Unfortunately, Alex was there as a client and this does not sit very well with Rosalyn.
Alex is very taken with the spirited Rosalyn. With some help from Bella, he cooks up a plan to hire Rosalyn as a companion for his lackluster fiancé. Rosalyn, being in dire financial straits, takes the bait, even though the offer seems suspect.
The relationship is a slow burn, mostly due to the presence of the unwanted fiancé. It also takes time for Rosalyn to trust the handsome older man.
This was a steamy read. There is a bit of an age gap, but Alex is only 31, so it's not really a deal breaker. Everyone, even the jilted fiancé, gets a happy ending. I'm looking forward to reading the story of Rosalyn's sister Annalise. Apparently Rosalyn wasn't the only one to catch the eye of a gentleman that day!
I received a free ARC from BookSIrens and this is my honest review.
The relationship of Rosalyn and Alex gets off to a very awkward start. Rosalyn and her sister are visiting Belladonna, a friend of their late father's. Bella happens to be the owner of a high-class brothel. During the visit, Rosalyn and Alex see one another. Unfortunately, Alex was there as a client and this does not sit very well with Rosalyn.
Alex is very taken with the spirited Rosalyn. With some help from Bella, he cooks up a plan to hire Rosalyn as a companion for his lackluster fiancé. Rosalyn, being in dire financial straits, takes the bait, even though the offer seems suspect.
The relationship is a slow burn, mostly due to the presence of the unwanted fiancé. It also takes time for Rosalyn to trust the handsome older man.
This was a steamy read. There is a bit of an age gap, but Alex is only 31, so it's not really a deal breaker. Everyone, even the jilted fiancé, gets a happy ending. I'm looking forward to reading the story of Rosalyn's sister Annalise. Apparently Rosalyn wasn't the only one to catch the eye of a gentleman that day!
I received a free ARC from BookSIrens and this is my honest review.
February 23, 2025
Enjoyable, steamy read, with a HEA, though not as good as I would’ve hoped (no baby announcement or birth). Even in the incredibly short bonus epilogue, no baby mentions.
Alex is an earl betrothed to his ward. Already sounds scandalous, but he became engaged to a 17yo upon her father’s death and took her into his home until she became of age and could be wed. Isabelle, the 17yo is reserved and while beautiful the two don’t feel passionate for the other. But that isn’t the case for Alex and Rosalyn. As soon as he saw 19yo Rosalyn he knew he wanted her. The problem is he’s engaged and can’t break the engagement and won’t, so his plan is to help poor Rosalyn and her three younger siblings and invite her to be Isabelle’s companion for the summer. While she’s there he hopes to convince her to become his mistress, the person he turns to for passion.
Rosalyn held out stronger than I thought she would so bravo to her. And she leaves Alex (virginity in tact) when she realizes he won’t marry her.
Then shocking news breaks Alex and Isabelle’s engagement and Alex immediately goes to win back Rosalyn. But she will make him work for it. And then suddenly she won't and yeah...HEA I guess.
There were times in the story where scenes seemed to jump ahead without warning or a page break and it threw me off a bit, but overall, it was an easy read.
Alex is an earl betrothed to his ward. Already sounds scandalous, but he became engaged to a 17yo upon her father’s death and took her into his home until she became of age and could be wed. Isabelle, the 17yo is reserved and while beautiful the two don’t feel passionate for the other. But that isn’t the case for Alex and Rosalyn. As soon as he saw 19yo Rosalyn he knew he wanted her. The problem is he’s engaged and can’t break the engagement and won’t, so his plan is to help poor Rosalyn and her three younger siblings and invite her to be Isabelle’s companion for the summer. While she’s there he hopes to convince her to become his mistress, the person he turns to for passion.
Rosalyn held out stronger than I thought she would so bravo to her. And she leaves Alex (virginity in tact) when she realizes he won’t marry her.
Then shocking news breaks Alex and Isabelle’s engagement and Alex immediately goes to win back Rosalyn. But she will make him work for it. And then suddenly she won't and yeah...HEA I guess.
There were times in the story where scenes seemed to jump ahead without warning or a page break and it threw me off a bit, but overall, it was an easy read.
June 1, 2023
This is an engaging read with a powerful point or two to make. Its statement message is to point out the inequality of opportunity for women compared to men in Victorian England. The landed gentry could get away with an arrogant dissolute lifestyle while the women they inflict this on are expected to be shamed in society. There is also an acceptance of those women who receive payment for sexual favours and rather being seen as hopelessly irredeemable, they are seen as ordinary people with the same appetites as anyone else but who do this job as a way from avoiding penury. To me though, the main character was annoying. A strong, principled women but put her in the company of a particular handsome, vigorous man, she is incapable of controlling her passions even though she found his behaviour intolerable. She should have had more gumption and sent him packing long before she actually did so. This however, did not stop the book being an enjoyable read, even if it was a bit too sexually explicit for me tastes.
June 26, 2023
This was my first time reading anything by Carrie Lomax and I can't decide how I feel about this book. If I could, I'd give it 3.5 stars!
I found I couldn't really take to either the male or female protagonist, although I found some of their witty repartee very amusing; in truth I found myself huffing and rolling my eyes at them both more than once, I found them that frustrating.
That said, some of the background/supplementary characters absolutely loved; particularly the Countess and her Flowers and the male lead's ward; I will definitely keep a look out for their stories (if they're not already available).
Perhaps I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for this book at the present time, but I found myself flitting in and out of it or skipping sections to find out what happened to the other characters rather than the main two.
That said, I will definitely want to pick up the stories of the two aforementioned characters so I'll give the series another chance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found I couldn't really take to either the male or female protagonist, although I found some of their witty repartee very amusing; in truth I found myself huffing and rolling my eyes at them both more than once, I found them that frustrating.
That said, some of the background/supplementary characters absolutely loved; particularly the Countess and her Flowers and the male lead's ward; I will definitely keep a look out for their stories (if they're not already available).
Perhaps I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for this book at the present time, but I found myself flitting in and out of it or skipping sections to find out what happened to the other characters rather than the main two.
That said, I will definitely want to pick up the stories of the two aforementioned characters so I'll give the series another chance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
A riveting, raunchy read, as sumptuous as it is surprising, bursting with unforgettable characters from the highest to the lowest of Victorian society. Full of temptation and denial, warmth and intrigue, lavish lifestyles and bawdy house fun.
This masterfully written story sees a naive and destitute Rosalyn becoming a companion to Alexander de Lucey's betrothed. After developing feelings for Alex and he desiring her for a mistress, Rosalyn leaves his employ and seeks the company of the ladies at the House of Virtue for a little education.
Alex has his own problems to contend with but knows he would rather have Rosalyn as his wife and Countess. He just has a few things to learn before that can ever happen.
With the antics at the House of Virtue there's never a dull moment in the story. Oh, and watch out for the very clever ending that will leave you wanting more! Can't wait to read the next installment!!
I received this book as a free arc and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This masterfully written story sees a naive and destitute Rosalyn becoming a companion to Alexander de Lucey's betrothed. After developing feelings for Alex and he desiring her for a mistress, Rosalyn leaves his employ and seeks the company of the ladies at the House of Virtue for a little education.
Alex has his own problems to contend with but knows he would rather have Rosalyn as his wife and Countess. He just has a few things to learn before that can ever happen.
With the antics at the House of Virtue there's never a dull moment in the story. Oh, and watch out for the very clever ending that will leave you wanting more! Can't wait to read the next installment!!
I received this book as a free arc and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 29, 2024
Rosalyn Fernsby is happy to be a companion to a young lady engaged to an earl as it gives herself and her siblings a place to live after being orphaned. Yet Alexander de Lucey is no stuffy old earl. He's vibrant and handsome, and Rosalyn finds she can't resist his charms. Alexander thinks he's doing his duty to an old friend marrying his ward Isabelle, but he doesn't love her. In fact, Rosalyn is the only thing on his mind and he wants her to be all his.
This is the second book in the steamy Victorian romance series, Virtue & Vice. The first book featured Rosalyn's older sister, Annalise. Rosalyn disapproved of her sister's choices and wants to keep herself pure and marry for love. Yet she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the earl. The internal struggle is well done, and I love the tension it creates. The cast of characters is wonderful and varied. I especially liked the peeks into Isabelle's head. I can't wait for her story.
This is the second book in the steamy Victorian romance series, Virtue & Vice. The first book featured Rosalyn's older sister, Annalise. Rosalyn disapproved of her sister's choices and wants to keep herself pure and marry for love. Yet she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the earl. The internal struggle is well done, and I love the tension it creates. The cast of characters is wonderful and varied. I especially liked the peeks into Isabelle's head. I can't wait for her story.
June 17, 2023
Rosalyn had been dealt a rough hand in life. Left orphaned, she and her sister were left caring and providing for three more younger siblings. Fate smiles on her when a handsome young Earl invites her and her young family members to spend the summer at his estate , as a companion to his betrothed. He is drawn to her, as she is to him, and although his intentions may be nefarious, they do fall in love. He ,however, is duty bound to marry his betrothed, and can only ask her to be his mistress. I loved how Rosalyn always knew her own worth , and as much as she loved him, she could not compromise her values or the security of her siblings! She put that poor Earl through the hoops, and caused him to evaluate his own shortcomings and the needs of others. Great message and storyline! Loved it!
September 6, 2023
Rosalyn meets Alex at the House of Virtue when she and her sister visit Belladonna. Alex is with one of the girls, and Rosalyn is not impressed. On the other hand, Alex is quite interested in getting to know her better. He hires her to be companion to his fiancé (that’s another story). Needing money, she accepts the job. She soon realizes his real goal is to convince her to be his mistress. Again, Rosalyn is not impressed. This is quite a story. There are secrets, schemes, shocking revelations, a slow-burn romance, a bit of groveling, and a happy ending. I like the main characters, but Alex needed a good kick in the pants, and Rosalyn a good shake. A good story. Interesting series.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 9, 2025
To begin with, I loved this one. The plot was interesting and the characters actually had personalities, it wasn't just a smut. And then when the story ended, the book kept going. The second half is just pointless sex scenes and silly conflicts. The main male admits he doesn't love the main female and is too selfish to love anyone and then in the next chapter he's going on about how he loves her more than he's ever loved anything and he's always loved her since the first time he saw her and blah blah blah. I think if the author had made the ending fit nicely after they got together, I'd have enjoyed it more and been interested in the rest of the series, but the waffle at the end of this one really puts me off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
At nineteen, Rosalyn Fernsby is innocent and naive. Her oldest sister has taken responsibility of her four siblings by offering herself for an auction at Belladonna's House of Virtue. Rosalyn doesn't approve and expresses her opinion to the ladies of the house.
She meets Lord Alexander with two of the ladies. He is determined to have Rosalyn even though he is engaged to his ward. Duty demanded he propose, but he has no desire to really marry her. A very erotic romance of an earl who doesn't always get what he wants, when he wants it and the young lady that demands he prove his commitment to fidelity and marriage.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
She meets Lord Alexander with two of the ladies. He is determined to have Rosalyn even though he is engaged to his ward. Duty demanded he propose, but he has no desire to really marry her. A very erotic romance of an earl who doesn't always get what he wants, when he wants it and the young lady that demands he prove his commitment to fidelity and marriage.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 29, 2024
2024 reads, #62. This is one of the books I judged for a romance literary contest this year, and so as such, I feel it probablywouldn't be ethically proper for me to do a full public review of it. To be honest, I'm mostly listing it here merely so that it will count towards my total number of books read at ŷ in 2024, so that in the future it won't look like I was lazy this particular year. All the books I read as part of literarycontests this year were great, not a single clunker in the bunch, so I recommend them all!
January 9, 2025
Rosalyn's story
I loved the story of Rosalyn's love, betrayal and marriage to Earl Alex De Lucey. When I read her sister Annailise's book I thought Rosalyn seamed like a egotistical young woman. But it helped me to better understand her when I read the book from her point of view. Rosalyn learns the error of her former misjudgment and becomes much more accepting and understanding of Bella and the flowers. I love Carrie" s vivid historical characters and her storyline is always top notch.
Read this book, you'll love it as much as I do.
I loved the story of Rosalyn's love, betrayal and marriage to Earl Alex De Lucey. When I read her sister Annailise's book I thought Rosalyn seamed like a egotistical young woman. But it helped me to better understand her when I read the book from her point of view. Rosalyn learns the error of her former misjudgment and becomes much more accepting and understanding of Bella and the flowers. I love Carrie" s vivid historical characters and her storyline is always top notch.
Read this book, you'll love it as much as I do.
July 18, 2023
Good book
I liked the two main characters, Rosalyn and Alex, but I found their story a bit too complicated. The book is still enjoyable, despite their complex relationship. The Belladonna sections bothered me, and I thought they interrupted the tempo (note: I haven’t read any other books in the series; maybe I should have).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the two main characters, Rosalyn and Alex, but I found their story a bit too complicated. The book is still enjoyable, despite their complex relationship. The Belladonna sections bothered me, and I thought they interrupted the tempo (note: I haven’t read any other books in the series; maybe I should have).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2024
A young woman and her siblings have fallen on financially hard times when she meets an earl. He is engaged to be married but does not love his fiancee. So he hopes to make Rosalyn his mistress.
Nothing very 'new' but it is a nice read. It is part of a serie with an arc that barges in and I could have done without. Steamy wise: yes it is about couples doing things couples do but that is not the main ingredient nor extraordinary.
A fun read.
Nothing very 'new' but it is a nice read. It is part of a serie with an arc that barges in and I could have done without. Steamy wise: yes it is about couples doing things couples do but that is not the main ingredient nor extraordinary.
A fun read.
November 9, 2023
Good read
Ms, Lomax is a new author to me and I am enjoying her books. They are on the steamier side, but the story lines keep you turning the pages! Book 2 is a good book and I liked learning more about Bella and Hawke. It did have some funny parts and the characters just pull you in! Looking forward to more in the series!
Ms, Lomax is a new author to me and I am enjoying her books. They are on the steamier side, but the story lines keep you turning the pages! Book 2 is a good book and I liked learning more about Bella and Hawke. It did have some funny parts and the characters just pull you in! Looking forward to more in the series!
July 26, 2024
Fiery!
In this fast moving and exciting story, Rosalyn finds her Man - Alex. The cat and mouse game between them from their very unusual start was intriguing and sensual. It was so nicely written that I began to feel I really knew these two characters and that I was actually part of their lives.
Yes, this was a great story and I have enjoyed every single moment of it.
In this fast moving and exciting story, Rosalyn finds her Man - Alex. The cat and mouse game between them from their very unusual start was intriguing and sensual. It was so nicely written that I began to feel I really knew these two characters and that I was actually part of their lives.
Yes, this was a great story and I have enjoyed every single moment of it.
June 6, 2023
Trangle of Love? Alex and Isabelle is to be married, but Alex hires Rosalyn to be Isabelle's companion. But what will happen when Alex want Rosalyn as his mistress? What will Alex do to have Roxalyn? What will happen if Isabelle finds out?
July 21, 2024
3.5 stars
1. Opened Door Romance
2. Multiple POVs
3. Character development of both MCs
4. Didn't really like the povs of others except the MCs
5. Liked the side changes
6. Forced Proximity
7. Forbidden Romance
1. Opened Door Romance
2. Multiple POVs
3. Character development of both MCs
4. Didn't really like the povs of others except the MCs
5. Liked the side changes
6. Forced Proximity
7. Forbidden Romance
November 4, 2023
Great read just like everything Carrie Lomax writes! 🔥🔥❤️❤️ R. K. C.
November 5, 2023
An entertaining steamy, age-gap Victorian romance. I enjoyed Roaslyn and Alexander's journey to love.
July 30, 2024
This is the first book by Carrie Lomax I've read. While some fun along the way I just didn't like it very well. I won't be reading another sad to say.
August 3, 2023
Desperate times call for desperate measures in this unusual romance. Tracking down her late father's movements, Roslyn finds herself in a shocking situation, and once she has seen what happens at Belladonna's House of Virtue, she cannot unsee or forget it. Surprisingly, Belladonna fights for Rosalyn when Alexander de Lucey makes an offer for her services, and it's not at all what Rosalyn expected. Discovering an attraction for the Earl makes things difficult for Rosalyn, especially as she becomes aware that he is promised elsewhere. Alexander is a surprising character in that he was torn between duty and temptation, but when the truth of his parents' past actions comes out, he has to face up to his mistakes, and in order to do so, he has to humble himself. Despite the ups and downs, the novel does come to a sweet conclusion and Rosalyn ad her siblings receive the greatest gift of all. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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