The Scoundrel's Honor by Christi Caldwell - Historical Romance.

The Tidemore family have attracted attention for their scandalous behaviour.  Try as she might Lady Penelope Tidemore cannot avoid the viciousness of some of the ton that like to spread and create gossip.  So when she finds herself in the position of being beneath the Viscount Ryker Black in his sisters garden.  Her reputation is ruined and history repeats for another member of the Tidemore family..  Ryker Black is a man that has risen from the gutter along with his brothers and sister and is the owner of a gambling hell.  For his heroic actions Ryker was granted a title. (I will be looking for this book that turns Rykers sister Helena into the Duchess of Somerset - I don't care if I read them backwards)  With the gossip sheets spreading the news, Ryker sees a drastic decline in his patronage at his tables.  Wanting to repair the damage he agrees to take Penelope as wife.

I love watching the development of Penelope and Rykers relationship.  The many steps they took from barely tolerating all the way to love and fighting to be worthy of that love.  I could not put this book down!  I was so emotionally attached I found tears running down my face. You can’t help but fall in love with everyone of the characters.

Behind the image, Lady Penelope years for adventure. Her desires are hidden in her heart and must remain only in her dreams, if she hopes to make her family proud. What happens with the Lady meets her heart's desire in a shocking twist? Sparks fly, lines are crossed and danger ensues. Mr. Black has the soul of a rogue. He lives on the edge and scandal is his calling card, but the biggest surprise of all is he has the heart of a gentleman, even if it is somewhat tarnished. The Scoundrel's Honor blends wicked behavior with an emotionally charged story. I loved the message behind these two lost souls. You don't have to be perfect to find your perfect match. Ms. Caldwell is on a roll and I was happy to come along for the ride.

The second book in the Sinful Brides Series is definitely a keeper.   Ryker and Penny are two completely opposites that wind up together in a incredible story of danger, redemption, forgiveness and most of all Love.

Ryker grew up on the streets in St. GIles and has no use for anyone or anything that will take him away from his gaming hell and his adopted brothers.  He is ruthless and believes this is the only way to live.  Don't let anyone into his world that will jeopardize his club.  He especially has no use for the nobility, having been born the bastard son of a Duke, and then sold to a ruthless criminal hours after he was born.  Unfortunately his younger sister is married to a nobleman and she has talked him into attending a ball at her home.  Scandal erupts when he drags a young lady out from under a bench in the garden where he escaped from the Ballroom.  He is discovered by the young ladies brother while he is holding her down and looking for a weapon.  Ryker thinks that she is in league with his competition and enemy.

Penny Tidemore is determined to prove to her family that she will be the exception to the numerous scandals that have plagued her family over the years.  Penny is a dreamer who only sees the good in people and she will have her happily ever after with her Prince Charming.  As to mock her and her efforts to find love she winds up a participant in a major scandal with a gambling hell owner.  They are forced to marry to save her reputation and his club.  

From the start Ryker has avoided her and shuts her out of his life.  She cannot compete with the most important thing in his life, his club.  Ryker does not know how to treat a wife, especially a noble one.  He restricts her their room,  never to enter the gaming floor and bother him while he is working.  Penny has no 
intention of being locked away from the world.  She will push and test Ryker's patience to see that she is not going to blindly follow his dictates.  Penny is convinced that she can bring Ryker out of the darkness that has been his life, and into the light of day with love and determination.

Christi writes a beautiful, heart wrenching story that will make you smile as Penny pushes all of husband's buttons.  Her writing is poignant, strong and you can actually feel the emotions that Ryker and Penny feel while reading.  You can read the strength that she instills in Ryker and Penny.  Christi's books are a pure joy to read.  Christi is an amazing writer and she should be at the top of your must read list!

Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

Another in this historical series. Good to meet up with previous characters. A good, light read, just as expected. The story highlighted some social issues of the time as well as the formal and social lives of the characters. The characters were alllikeable, particularly when their personal histories were revealed. Whilst very serious in parts, there were some laugh out loud moments, particularly in the first half of the book. Would recommend this book to anyone who is fond of this genre

I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review. I enjoyed this story as I had read the story of Helena and was wondering about Black. Overall, it was a good storyline but the ending was a bit flat. I think it would have been better to develop the relationship a bit more as it seemed a bit far-fetched for Black to change with a few days when he was stuck in his ways for years. I would still recommend it.

“Be everything and all things proper.”  The mantra drilled into every female Tidemore sibling.  Penelope, Penny, Tidemore is no exception.  The fact that Penny has seen her siblings create their fair share of scandal has Penelope determined she will go through her season with a whisper of scandal.  What she didn’t count on was cruel whispers, a torn gown, and the dark, handsome stranger in a garden.
Ryker Black, bastard son of a Duke, brother-in-law to a Duke, and gaming hell owner.  Only one of those descriptions does Ryker embrace.  Despite his hatred of the aristocracy Ryker’s love for his sister has him making an appearance at a ton event – an appearance that will change everything he believes about those snobbish people.
Forced to do the right thing, Ryker vows nothing will change; however, the force of nature that is his wife may soon change Ryker in ways he never thought possible.   
Penny knew she’d only marry for love but then circumstances have Penny making a sacrifice to protect her family.  But as she soon learns it may not have been a sacrifice after all.
Christi Caldwell has a knack for creating stories that pull at every emotion and this second book of her Sinful Brides series is no exception.  With the intention to read over several days Penny and Ryker drew me in until I had finished in a single setting and their story stuck with me for several more.  In my opinion any book that can do that while is well worth a five-star rating.

I am not sure how Christi Caldwell manages to make me cry but I have done so again when reading 'The Scoundrel's Honor'. Her characters worm their way into your heart, so that you feel every emotion that they do (or nearly!!)
This is the second book in the "Sinful Brides" series and follows on with Penelope Tidemore and Viscount Ryker Black. The Tidemore family members have appeared in several Caldwell novels and just enough is revealed about their personality to make you feel that you know them from the start. This story could be read as a stand alone as Caldwell, does such a great job of delving into their personalities, that you just have to keep reading! 
Penny finds herself in a scandalous situation after being found together at Ryker’s sister’s ball. To save her sister from remaining a spinster due to her behaviour, Penny Ryker agrees to marry Penny in order to save his gambling hall, known as the Hell and Sin. This story shows the stark reality of the London underbelly which Penelope struggles to fit into. Her efforts to befriend Ryker’s family proves difficult and she struggles to gain acceptance from the ton due to her marriage.
 I loved all the characters. It was so good to see old characters such as the Earl of Sinclair and each of Penny’s sisters especially Poppy. I enjoyed how Ryker’s brothers grudgingly showed their love for their brother through their actions, not their words. 
It was wonderful to see the characters develop in this series. The opportunity to see into the darker side of London and reveal the true strength of those who don’t quite fit into society and those who feel they have no part it is, is very enlightening.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review in exchange for a copy of Caldwell’s novel.

This is book two in the Sinful brides series. Lady Penelope Tidemore has molded herself into a perfect lady to stay away from the scandals that have plagued her entire family. She wants to be the first Tidemore that doesn't have any scandals associated with her name. But then she is caught in a compromising position with Ryker Black, the newly minted Viscount Chatham. As Ryker and Penelope navigate their new relationship and come to terms with the changes in their life, it turns into a passionate and loving path to marriage. This is an awesome book with beautifully written intricate characters and I would definitely recommend reading it. 

* I received this ARC from netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*

You know what? I was so ready to not like this story mainly because I couldn't stand Ryker in the first book, but MAN. I finished this in one sitting because I couldn't stop; I love seeing Ryker's world being turned upside down by Penelope's entrance. She is so wonderful I admire her for sticking with the gloomy cloud that is Ryker. I love how Ryker's changed the more time he's spent with Penny, despite him not wanting to change. 

This is such a step up from the first book, and I will surely anticipate the rest of the Black brothers getting their own books.

I'm a little in love with this scarred bad boy and could relate to Penelope's hidden spirit on many levels. With such well developed, passionate characters, it will come as no surprise for me to say this was one of the best historical romances I have read. Ryker, a bastard son of a duke, is damaged, scarred, and angry. His life has been hard and abusive and he hates the ton that he has become part of. Given a title for bravery, Ryker shuns his viscount title and society as a whole. His whole life is his gaming hell and the family that he's collected there. Guilted by his sister the Duchess of Somerset, Ryker attends a ball for the first time only to find himself in a compromising position with Penelope Tidemore. Sister to the Earl of Sinclair, Penelope has spent the last few years trying to be all that is proper. She's tired of the ton watching for her family's next scandal and the whispers that happen behind her back. A stolen moment of peace finds her ruined and begging the scoundrel Ryker Black to marry her for her little sister's future. A marriage of necessity transforms into so much more as Penny teaches Ryker how to smile and love through danger and strife to find an HEA.

The Scoundrel's Honor by Christi Caldwell is another example of writing from the heart. Set in 1822 London. While, Book 2 in her mesmerizing series, "Sinful Brides", it can easily be read as a stand alone. See, "The Rogue's Wager".  If you have read Ms. Caldwell's intriguing stories before, you will probably remember  Lady Penelope Tidemore and Ryker Black, as appearing characters.  

Lady Penelope Tidemore is in no way a stranger to scandal. Her older siblings caused such a scandal,  her family's good name was mudged. She longs for adventure,  romance  and passion for herself, as well. The enigmatic but darkly Viscount Ryker Black, is a very dangerous man,  he owns a gambling hell and does not enjoy, in fact, he despises the nick picking society, he was raised from the streets of London, afterall. He lives in a world filled with danger and  debauchery. Therefore, does not desire a society miss to marry, until he meets the enchanting Lady Penelope who makes him burn with desire. When, Penelope is caught in a compromising postion, due to no fault of her own,  will Ryker take responsibility and marry Penelope? Even through she is his sister's new friend, will he leave Penelope to face the gossip,  whispers and innuendoes alone? Can Ryker and Penelope find their HEA as danger lurks?

Fast paced, emotionally charged,  intriguing, suspenseful,  with mystery, and adventure.   Christi Caldwell has a way with her stories that draws readers in and holds them spellbound throughout.  I love her details to a story, her charactizations in my opinion are right on, the detail to the era is enlightened and the reader can tell she researches her topics to give the reader a more realistic view of the era, characters,  their challenges and the storyline. The depth of her stories are heart stirring, powerful, as well as, captivating and seductively intriguing.  Please, don't get me wrong she in no way writes explicit scenes nor scenes that may embarrass the reader in anyway. Or to me, at least.  Readers will find a read where ladies were treated as property and gentlemen their owners. But will Ryker be able to protect his cherished, and enchanting Penelope from the dangers his choice of  living may cause? And society gossip? 

Fans of Regency Romance,  Historical Romance  with complications, challenges, a bit of  violence, ton scandal, intrigue and passionate characters,  "The Scoundrel's Honor" is a perfect read for you to start reading. 

Ms. Caldwell is one of my favorite Regency Romance  authors.  She is such a dedicated author to her readers, her fans, and family, she simply is a powerful and compelling author of Regency Romance.   "The Scoundrel's Honor" is a not to miss Regency,  it will capture your heart and hold you in awe! Well done again, Cthristi Caldwell!
Simply compelling and powerful! 
I received a complimentary copy.   

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild 
Reviewed by: AprilR

I loved The Rogue’s Wager, and I have to say I wondered what would happen to Helena’s brother, Ryker.  Well, when a big man falls,  he falls hard!  This was a fun continuation of the story of the people of the Hell and Sin club.  Ryker has a couple of brothers, and I can’t wait to hear *their* stories!

Penelope Tidemore is an earl's sister and comes from a family that has faced quite a few scandals. Ryker Black a gaming hell owner, is the bastard son of a duke who grew up in the dark side of London. Caught in a compromising position, they now have to wed. She-because she cares for her family; he-for the sake of his business. How they get on is the rest of the book. (The to and fro between Ryker and Penelope is fairly entertaining.)

Obviously, it being a romance, there is a good ending.

Definitely a buy book. One of the things I love the most about this author is her creativity. By far most of her books leave you experiencing a wide range of emotions. This is no different. I laughed, I became a little sad, a lot uneasy and just kept reading my way through it all. A book that has such a real life range of happenings is hard to review for me. It has darkness, it has light, laughter and finally love. The characters are strong and the heroine is one of depths. The book is well written and creative and witty. One thing made me take off a star, it is a little too dark for me. That is a personal preference only. So buy the book and enjoy the story. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

I loved Christi's last book, and thought it was the absolute best yet- but this one stretched to new heights!  The story of Penelope and Ryker is fabulous!  I found Ryker to be a hero with the silver lining. Not only is he a great hero- but he really figured out how to love - and live! 

There was so much depth to the characters in this book.  Just when you had them figured out - the last 1/4 of the book proved you still had a lot to discover. 

I laughed throughout the book. At one time my husband came into the room and asked what I was watching. I told him I was reading, and I kept laughing- with tears. Penelope was written with such wit.  

And then, good heavens, I began to cry!  I cried so hard  when a situation happened towards the end. (I won't describe what happened for everyone that NEEDS ago read this book.) It wasn't so much over the incident - we know there is a HEA. But tears spilled because of  the way Christi Caldwell described the reactions and emotions of key characters- Niall, Ryker, the Dowager Countess and Jonathan. She has an uncanny ability to move you into the room and be with the characters in their worst and best moments. 

I was not a fan of the Dowager Duchess but Christi made her  more likable--and  more relatable to me-- a totally different side to her. 

I loved Jonathan and Juliet's story, but this book three a different light on Penelope's brother and transported Jonathan to become so much more- and he was good to start with!  Could there even be two heroes in a book?  I guess not. 

I will be excited to read Poppy's story. She is bound to be hilarious and full of fun. 

This book is a winner. Loved every.single.page. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Sinful Bride series is a raw and emotional journey into the underbelly of Regency England. As we step into this dangerous land of the forgotten, abused and discarded, we begin to see men and women of incomparable strength ,who blazed their own path in life despite the cruelties of their conditions. 

The Tidemore family is a true oddity in the Ton world. They are a family who love each other above are else. A family who allowes cheer and happiness invade all areas of their life, despite the Ton's unspoken rule on what makes a proper family. The Tidemore's refusal to bend to the will of the Society have forced this family to live within its fringes. 

Penelope Tidemore always dreamed of living a grand adventure away from the strict rules of Society. Her older siblings refusal play the Ton's games, has left the reputation of the Tidemore's in tatters. Penelope believes it is her responsibility to repair her family's reputation by being all things proper. She stifles all her dreams and desires in order to be accepted by the Ton. However, the Ton is a cruel and unforgiven place and instead of welcoming Penelope with open arms, she is welcomed with rumors and vicious whispers. 

Penelope's hopes for the Season are ruined when she is found in the arms of a notorious gaming hell owner, Ryker Black. Ryker is the illegitimate son a Duke, who grew up on the streets of St. Giles doing anything to survive. This latest scandal leaves little option for these two and they are forced to wed in order to save what they love most. 

Ryker has lead a well ordered life. He has suffered horrors no child should endure. He crawled and scratched his way from the gutter to the top. His marriage to Penelope throws his carefully constructed world into chaos. 

Ryker soon learns that Penelope is not some spoiled pampered miss, but is a women who has suffered her own loss and pain. As the two spend more time together, Ryker begins to let Penelope in. The more Ryker gives in the harder he pushes back and Penelope struggles to find her footing in this new world. 

I loved finally getting to know Ryker and his brothers. These are strong yet vulnerable man. They have been forced to grow up at a far to young age, but still harbor the shame and guilt of their choices behind gruff exterior. Ryker was so scared to let anyone in, that when Penelope finally broke through it was amazing to see. 

Penelope also went through so much growth in this book. She had buried who she was under the weight of Society's expectation that once she was out of that world, she truly started to develop into the strong Tidemore women we new she was. I love how she took responsibility for her actions and dealt with the consequences head on and refused to let her family intervene. 

Ms. Caldwell has crafted yet another amazing story in this series. As she opens the door to the other side of England, we begin to fall in love with the people who learn to blaze their own path in life and refuse to bow to the demands society places on them.

Really enjoyed this story. Christ Caldwell never disappoints. The characters are very engaging and easy to warm too. Even Ryker, a man made hard by a difficult childhood., but his transformation i s beleiveable and sincere. No gushiness, but a gradual realisation that he has to be willing to change. Of course, our heroine loves him just as he is, but this is described so well. Enough spice to make you dream of a man like Ryker! A really engaging read and can thoroughly recommend it.

I can't believe I doubted Christi Caldwell's ability to make the cold, unfeeling Ryker Black into a romantic hero.  For I truly did - I looked back at my review of the previous book, and this is what I said: "I am a bit wary of reading a book with Helena's brother as the hero. I guess we will see when the time comes how much redemption can be done."  I  am sorry, Christi, and I am also brilliantly happy that I was wrong!

Ryker Black is hardened from a life of blood, crime, and no love.  Surrounding himself with his brothers but refusing to let anyone beyond the walls of his heart, he lives day by day for his security and that of his gaming hell.  But he didn't plan on Lady Penelope Tidesmore, and when she comes blazing into his life after a mishap at a ball, those walls which have kept him controlled for so long gradually begin to crumble.  Penelope had her heart set on respectability, but one mistake at a ball leaves her with no choice but to marry a scoundrel like Ryker.  It doesn't take her long to see the possibilities, though, and she sees Ryker and his makeshift family as a challenge she is determined to meet.  

It is fitting that this book is released on Valentine's Day, because it truly is a masterpiece of romantic literature.  There is such depth in both characters that one minute you think you know all there is to know about them, and the next you are blown away by that extra layer you never knew was there.  Given that Ryker had been introduced as an unfeeling jerk in the previous book, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he really is just very guarded.  Never knowing love, he can't even recognize it anymore, and emotions are only a display of weakness.  That is why it was so beautiful to see the way Penelope allowed his true character to blossom, and I fell in love with him right alongside Penelope.  She was a gem herself, never allowing the cruelty of others to make her become cruel herself.  Ultimately, in the end, her kindness and selflessness showed in an amazing way.  If only we all could be a little more like Penelope.

The ending is fantastic, so if you're on the fence about finishing the book, you need to rethink that.  It was magical, truly one of the most romantic scenes I have read in a long time.  Christi Caldwell has proven to be incapable of producing a bad book.  I have yet to read one book of hers I did not like.  All I can say is, if you haven't read her books yet, you are missing out.

I do not know how to put into words how in love I am with this book and these characters. I didn't think it was  possible for me to fall head over heals again! I am completely enamored with this book....this series. It has just the right amount of angst and passion.  Ryker was so impenetrable I found myself wanting to crack his code myself. I absolutely loved the pairing of Penelope and Ryker...who would have thought this spunky Miss could tame this savage beast? I utterly and thoroughly loved the heart of these characters. I am heartbroken to see the story end. But I am hopeful and looking forward to seeing Ryker's brothers' stories. Please tell me it is in the works. My heart can't take the wait.