What an enjoyable book. I found it very hard to put down. The characters where well developed and I found myself feeling for their different situations. I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what was going to happen next. I also found the support characters very engaging and look forward to reading their stories in future books. Overall I would strongly suggest someone reading this as it is an easy read but still has you on your toes waiting and wanting to get back to reading it.

'Lord of Pleasure' by Erica Ridley is book Two in the "Rogues to Riches" series. This is the story of Michael, Lord Wainwrigh and Camellia Grenville.
Camellia is very quiet spinster who as reported by her mother has never 'given them parents a minutes trouble'. Now Camellia finds out that her parents has settle a older husband for her to marry. That gentlemen asked for her hand in marriage and didn't even stay around to ask her...he will be back in a month to sign the marriage contract.
Camellia is upset but knows that she will be a good daughter and will more than likely go along with this. The same day her sister is to go to a masquerade party but can't make it. So Camellia ends up going in her place. Which leads her to meet Michael who is in disguised as she is, so they don't recognize each other. But they are attracted to one another and agree to meet again at the next party.
Michael has a handsome face and his reputation is that of a rake and charmer. But Michael is getting tired of acting and being taken that way. So he has made a bet that he can be respectable in 40 days.
This was another great story by Ms. Ridley.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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This is a romantic and amusing story. Michael and Camellia meet at a very exclusive masquerade party. Both feel drawn to each other, so they agree to keep meeting at the weekly masquerade party, not knowing that they aren't unknown to each other. Michael is trying to clean up his image, Camellia is trying to have a little fun before she has to marry a man she doesn't know. It turns out that Michael is actually sweet, romantic, and not immune to love. Camellia finds out that she isn't as much of a "good girl" as she thought. This has a brilliant storyline, entertaining characters and it's an engaging and fun read. It belongs on your TBR list, along with the first book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.

Its a buy book.....
However! I seesawed back and forth on this one. I was not impressed by how long the females took to become "realistic" in their dealings with others. Now having said that. I sincerely enjoyed this story! It was quite different then many of the regular historical romances today in the way the plot line was. I was surprised and then delighted by the plot. I did as usual with some authors skip what I considered non readable areas.... Sexual scenes that were a little to graphic for me. But having said that, I will also say it is only my preference. I love the old time historical romances that had passion and hid the actual sex scenes. This author is a very talented story teller and you will enjoy her writing. While this is a part of a series, it can be read alone. But I admit to having enjoyed revisiting some of the characters. I was given this book in return for an honest review. However, I enjoyed it enought that I have also purchased the book on its publication date. Regards, Anna

This book was definitely better than the first in the series it held my attention a bit more, I found the characters a lot more interesting and Camellia and Michael were well suited loved the masquerade balls would recommend it ....

Known as a rake and a despoiler of young ladies, the Lord of Pleasure, Lord Wainwright wearies of the erroneous reports and the façade the Ton expects from him. Sure, he has his wild ways, but the cartoonists have had a field day exposing his every move, real or not and that’s how a wager was made, that he could keep his “hands” clean for forty days. He is determined to win that wager, no matter how boring it will be. Besides, there are always the very secretive masquerade balls where anything goes and identities are kept secret.

Camellia is bordering on being a complete non-entity, a spinster, but as the eldest of three daughters, her days happily spent on the shelf may be coming to a brutal end. Her father has struck a deal for her marriage, thus opening the door for her younger sisters to seek their marital fortunes. Known as the “mouse” of the family, it is her beautiful voice that gives her any notice. Other than that, she prefers to blend into the woodwork, maintaining the ultimate of poise and social propriety.

When the opportunity arrives to be scandalous, mysterious and anonymous, Camellia will take a dance on the wild side by attending the by invitation only masquerade ball, just so she can feel like a wanton woman without repercussions, just once in her milk toast life.

How could she know she would find a gentleman, a man with feelings and a poetic heart who would talk of things freely and with respect for her brilliant mind? How could she know he would steal her heart without meaning to and that his kisses would melt her very soul all without a hint of who he is? How could she know he is known by the Ton as the Lord of Pleasure?

Lord Wainwright has never fallen for a skirt or the woman that fills it, but the mysterious Madame X is more than just a rare beauty with the poise of a goddess and the intelligence of a peer? He wants her to know the man he is, not the buffoon the world sees. But how can he discover who she is? What would she say if she knew who he was?

Erica Ridley’s LORD OF PLEASURE has her signature strong-willed heroine, way ahead her time with an inner fire that holds the flames of her hidden hopes and dreams. Ms. Ridley also gives us the shallow rake who hides his true self from the prying Ton who only wants scandal. Together, these two, while hidden behind their feathered masks discover a true soulmate who runs deep and sincere in their emotions. With a few faux pas moments that lead to some brutal tongue lashings and well polished boots-in-mouth, a few rushes to judgment, and two painfully longing hearts, Erica Ridley delivers another historical romance that is light enough to laugh with, yet warm enough to make one sigh! Ahhh, isn’t love grand?

I received an ARC edition from WebMotion in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Rogues to Riches - Book 2
Publisher: WebMotion (May 2, 2017)
Publication Date: May 2, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 272 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Love the Rogues to Riches series even more after reading the second book. As an ARC reader offered by Net Galley, I did not like either of the covers, but once I read the books, the cover pictures made sense and truly fit the heroes of each book. I need to reserve judgment on future covers.

Shy, quiet, timid, obedient Camillia becomes our herself when at a masquerade ball upon meeting handsome, charming, arrogant Lord Wainwright. Both wore masks to the ball and the rules did not allow you to ask the name of any attendee. From the description, I was expecting the ‘bedding’ to happen quickly, especially considering the description of Michael, Lord Wainwright. Their romance and his ‘wooing’ of Camillia could not have been sweeter. He truly came to care for her as she did him. Their ‘masked’ meetings became the highlight of their weeks. They both looked forward to the masked balls when they could be together and enjoy each others company. This was the only time each felt like they could truly be themselves.

Lord Wainwright had been a disreputable rake, but also, had a good heart. His ‘wickedness’ had ethics. No virgins and no married women. His reputation was actually a lot worse than he actually was, considering he really was not that person. Michael wanted to become a better person and for his life to count for something. He willingly accepted the challenge from his friends to not be in the scandal sheets or in another caricature for the forty days because he wanted to prove to himself and others that he could do it. Michael lost his parents when fairly young and still protected his respect and love for his mother in preserving her collection of harps.

Interestingly, Michael and Camilla kept running into each other in public and felt a connection although they did not want to. Camillia’s sister runs a home for girls and was in the middle of ‘fund-raising’ when Lord Wainwright ruined her funding by a simple sentence. Crazy thing was he did not even know he had done it. That did not stop Camillia and her sisters from ‘hating’ him for hurting the girl’s home. Michael’s observation of Camilla and her sisters helped him to see another side of the female gender.

You will love this story as I did once you start reading it. I am looking forward to the next book as it is about the ‘secret’ life of Camillia’s sister Dahlia. I am sure it will be just as good as Erica’s previous books. Erica includes some brief appearances of Fairfax from the first books, but this is a standalone book, too. Enjoy!

This was a very sweet, emotional, Cinderella-inspired story. 3.5 stars!

"I want to be bolder. It's the one thing about my life I would alter." "I can grant you that wish ... Be fearless here. Tonight. With me."

My first full-length book by Erica Ridley. I've read a few of her novellas and liked them, so when I saw this I jumped at the opportunity to read a longer story by her.

Michael Rutland, the Earl of Wainwright, always seems to be misjudged. With his angelic good looks, a smile that makes women everywhere melt, no one bothers to get to know the real him. The caricaturists love to blow his actions out of proportions until he is known everywhere simply as "The Lord of Pleasure". After that particular picture is published, Michael decides he has had enough: he bets his friends he can go 40 days without appearing in the scandal sheets and prove to people that he is more than his reputation. But can he really convince the ton that he is more than just a pretty face?

Camellia Grenville is the eldest sister to two scandalous sisters. She's the good one, the sensible one, the shy one. The one who accepts a proposal her father received from a "mature, respectable gentleman" (translation: an old, boring man who plans to have her live out the rest of her life secluded in the country) just so her sisters, with her finally settled, will have a chance to get married themselves. But underneath the quiet, unassuming facade is a woman who longs to be on stage to share her gift for music with the world, a woman who wants more than what society dictates she should have. But will she have the courage to pursue her dreams and finally let her true self show?

Luckily for Camellia, one of her scandalous sisters received an invitation to a secret masked party and let's her go in her place so she can have a last chance at doing as she pleases before she marries. Dressed in a scandalous gown and hidden behind a mask, Camellia revels in the chance to be her true self. And when she meets Michael, known to her only as the mysterious "Lord X", sparks fly instantly. Both open up to each other in a way neither imagined possible in real life. But of course real life intrudes on the fantasy. With their identities revealed, both have to make a choice: is what they shared in those fleeting moments worth risking everything?

I LOVED those magical encounters at the masked parties. They were bittersweet, and gut-wrenching, and I loved Michael's desperate attempts to prove to everyone that he was more. The letters he wrote to his mystery lady were incredibly sweet. Camellia also made for a likeable heroine. I liked her change from a mousy, quiet girl to someone who would fight for her dreams.

But there are a few little things that didn't work for me. The masks, for one. They spend four nights in each others company, share their deepest secrets with each other, and ultimately fall in love. I just can't suspend my belief enough to accept that they didn't recognize each other in real life. Surely if you fall that hard for someone you're able to pick out little things about them even with half their face covered by a mask?
I also had some issues with the pacing. While the scenes where both were masked were beautiful, in real life they were both a little annoying to me. Michael had a habit of saying careless things that resulted in the Grenville sisters hating his guts. Up until the 60% mark, Camellia was convinced he was the devil, an all-around bad guy, etc. because something he said caused a gaggle of females to withdraw their funding for the school one of her sisters runs. Instead of being mad at the women for being so easily distracted, she chose to focus her hatred (and she really hated him...) on him. All the while complaining to her mysterious "Lord X" how awful it is when people misjudge you. It took too long for me until they realized who their mystery dates were and that they both had misjudged them. But then, the last few pages where Michael starts fighting for her were truly wonderful, so that made up for that in my opinion.

Overall, this was a nice read. I liked spending time with these characters, the story was interesting, and I will definitely check out the sequel!

I really loved this story. It is funny and the bantering between the sisters will enchant you. The family is not scandalous but very proper. So there are so surprises in store. The plot is not the usual, far from it. I was so entranced, I read this in one sitting. I am so glad I got the chance to read it. It may be my favorite of Erica Ridley's stories but I still have a few to read. I should mention there is a racy scene. I know you will enjoy this as much as I have. I was given this book for an honest review.

I loved Lord Wainwright and "Good Girl" Camilla. Their story had me excited to turn the page to see what happened next. This was an easy story to get lost in and what a pleasant journey of self discovery I felt like I was taking with these two. I would definately recommend and cannot wait for the next one.

a good read

1817, and 'Lord of Pleasure' Michael decides it's time to change society's perception of him. Which becomes easier when he meets Lady X at a masquerade.
Meanwhile Camellia Grenville, with an arranged loveless marriage to look forward to, no longer wants to be thought of as a mouse.
Can either of these two have what they really want.
This well written story is an enjoyable addition to the series. With some interesting characters and a good plot.

Good girl meets bad boy and sparks fly!

By night, as Lord and Lady X they banter and flirt and come to like, respect and appreciate each other. And, a friendship forms. By day, as Camellia and Michael, they go toe to toe and take potshots at each other. And, a rivalry forms. I really enjoyed being the proverbial fly on the wall and having a laugh at their expense, as I am aware of what they are not... their true identities.

This book was entertaining, very smartly written and a nice continuation of the Rogues to Riches series. Although it could be read as a stand alone, I think I enjoyed it that much more for having read the first book in the series, Lord of Chance. I am anxiously awaiting the next story in this series.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Season Publishing/WebMotion in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

I was highly anticipating Lord Wainwright's story and I wasn't disappointed! I absolutely loved Michael and Camellia. I thought the premise was hysterical and at the same time extremely romantic. These two people couldn't be more opposite in the eyes of high society and their interactions make them the least likely people to fall in love with each other. But then they meet as Lady X and Lord X at the masquerades, becoming their true selves and it's clear from their first encounter that they're meant to be together. It was so interesting having their double lives unfold parallel to each other as you read the story. It's so fulfilling when these double lives come crashing together and you're left wondering if these two people that belong together will truly get their chance to be together. Equal parts funny and romantic--the chemistry is there between Michael and Camellia but it's different from other books because of their double lives. This book is sexy and sensual without being explicit.

I'm truly enjoying the Rogues to Riches series. Erica Ridley is so good at crafting well developed, lovable characters and intriguing plots. I got so lost in this story and couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading. Once again, I cannot wait for the next book in this delightful series!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

The power of fame... Are you really what they talk about out there?

Camillia Grenville has the voice of an angel; she is a great daughter and prefers to be surrounded by books and her family than to live with other people.
Her two younger sisters, Dahlia and Bryony, seem to have a more adventurous life.
But Camellia will always be the good daughter.
Exactly so, now, she knows from her mother that she will marry Mr. Irving Bost.
Camellia would have nothing against Mr Bost except that he is mature, respectable and will take her to live in Northumberland, Scotland, six days away from her family.

She does not want to marry him.
Although already considered a spinster, she always believed that she could choose her future husband. No longer.

As she looks at her siblings, Camellia sees the possibilities she has deprived herself of having.
His brother Heath is one who seems to always do what is not expected of him; Dahlia was already caught stealing (even though it was because of a noble cause) and was almost disinherited by her parents; Bryony, the youngest, had a solicitor for whom she nursed fodder and would not stand at home waiting for him to come to her. So tonight she would go to Lord Lambley's infamous masquerade ball. But just before leaving, a missive from her solicitor arrives. Not wanting to miss the invitation, Bryony tells one of her sisters to go to the ball and then tell them how it went.

Camellia is the one who ends up going to the ball.
There the rules were severe. It couldn't insist that any guest reveal their identity. The guests were called Lord and Lady X.

At the ball, Camellia is almost dragged by a more insistent Lord X, but she is saved by another, who takes her to breathe the garden air. Other than what she thought, he did not try to kiss her, but they began a conversation that made her feel safe.

Lord X was impressed with her and wanted her to return to the next ball for a week.

Lord Michael, Earl of Wainwright was handsome, with very light blond hair. Even his friends admitted it, which made him a target of women. His fame came before him, like the rake he was. He was rich and had a title.
But this sometimes became a burden, and it was worse because there's a caricature of him, surrounded by women who admired him as a god.
He had so much more to offer! He was a connoisseur of Nature, Music and Astronomy. Why were people only talking about his romantic achievements?

Going to masquarade balls gave him a sense of freedom because he could be himself without having to live up to his friends' expectations.
Michael did not imagine that he would be fascinated by a Lady X, with a beautiful sapphire dress and a princess posture. And he wanted to see her again, and again...

In real life, they could not be more enemies, since thanks to a comment from Michael, Dahlia's charitable work was doomed to failure. Camellia would never forgive him for that.
But when fate makes them stay in the same environment, where the gossip rushes faster than a gazelle, even though she has a commitment to Mr Bost, Camellia found herself trapped.

Could the famous rake be Camellia's intended husband, giving her the freedom she so badly needed?
I loved the characters, their strength, their fears and their frustrations.
Not everything is what it seems ... people can surprise.
5 stars

Really, truly enjoyed this book. The h is clever and interesting , the H is more than the rake society sees, a couple destined for love. She is 26, close to spinsterhood, and eleven closer to an unwanted betrothal and marriage, to a stranger. He is a rake, with a wicked reputation, , most but not all of it , deserved. They meet at a masquerade ball, and are soon smitten, though still unknown to one another. As they meet in society, neither recognizes the other, though they do learn more about each other. Eventually,passion ensues, as well as the revelation of their identities. A great story,highly recommended.

Oh this story! I absolutely adored these characters! It was funny watching Lord and Lady X as they were called while attending the masquerades open up to one another and foster a deeper connection, while then seeing their "real life" selves go at each other verbally. I kept wondering how long it would take them to figure out who they really were, but even I could not have guessed how the story would play out.Each and every time these two were on the pages together, it was nothing short of magical and entertaining.


There may be some elements of this story that fans of a more true to the time type stories may have issue with. Not only are the masquerades themselves quite scandalous, but there are a few other announcements along the way that some may feel wouldn't have happened in the time period in which this story is set.


Overall, I do think this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novel (and those who can suspend a bit of the social protocols). I would read more from this author!


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.

Ms. Ridley had done it again. Another well-rounded historical with a good plot. Enjoyed!

This is the second book of the Rogues to Riches. It is standalone. I loved Lord Wainwright as a hero and the character change he undergoes in this story. I also like Camellia and how she goes from always following expectations to going after what she wants.

I liked these two characters as a couple. This story is a light-hearted enjoyable read.