A Scoundrel of Her Own

November 22, 2021
Reid’s sensual third Sinful Wallflowers romance (after Her Wicked Marquess) explores love across class lines in Regency England. Twelve-year-old Niall Byrne risks his life to rescue eight-year-old Ophelia Darby from a river and cares for her in a nearby cottage until help arrives, sparking a friendship that ends as soon as it begins when Ophelia is returned to her aristocratic family, who openly mock Niall, the son of a poor carpenter. Shamed but smitten by Ophelia, Niall vows to make himself worthy of her and leaves home for London, where he endures poverty and imprisonment before achieving immense wealth through the smart investment of boxing winnings. Fifteen years later, Niall has reinvented himself as Devlin Byrne and given up on his childhood crush—until they’re thrown back together when Lady Ophelia enters the seedier part of London looking for Sally Martin, the biological mother she never met. As Devlin assists her search, the pair become reacquainted, and their sweet friendship blossoms into a scintillating romance. Reid injects their reunion with plenty of allure while keeping the plot zipping along. Historical romance fans will be drawn to the relationship between two characters willing to break societal convention for a chance at love. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary.

December 10, 2021

Lady Ophelia Darby is looking for love, and as the daughter of a marquess, she is in no hurry. When she finds out a family secret, however, it shakes up her life and leads her on a search for a piece of her past. Things get more complicated when a mysterious benefactor--and an old friend--re-emerges in her life. Though Ophelia knows they'll never be compatible as a marriage match, she can't deny the connection they established as children or the attraction that builds as adults. Devlin Byrne fought his way to the top, and now that he's found his Fifi again, he's ready to use any advantage to keep her close--and get her into his bed. As Devlin helps Ophelia on her search, however, his plans change. VERDICT Although the plot feels too convenient sometimes, Reid's (My Darling Duke) against-all-odds romance features a formidable couple and will keep readers enthralled.--Michaelene Malan, P.L. of Enid and Garfield Cty., OK

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