When I saw the cover of A Dream of Redemption, I immediately judged the book. Yes, I am guilty of the old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I knew that this book was historical romance from the blurb and the fact that I reviewed A Night of Forever. I assumed that it would be one of those books that would be light on plot and heavy on sex. Oh, was I proven wrong. A Dream of Redemption is not only about the power of love but healing after abuse. This was a book that brought tears to my eyes several times and made me laugh out loud.

A Dream of Redemption takes place in Regency England. I have read a lot of books for this period and I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, the author knows her stuff. She did her research and I thank her for that. The division between classes was vividly detailed. I thought the whole scene with the Duke and Clary was very telling and true to that era. Broke my heart to read it.

The plot for A Dream of Redemption was not an easy one to read.The book explores child exploitation, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Clary is an ex-child prostitute who overcame his past. He works for Marissa, overseeing orphanages. He is happy in his life and he avoids any type of relationship. He considers himself damaged because of the abuse he experienced as a child. But, Helen (who is Marissa’s sister) makes him feel things that he thought he would never feel. He tries to keep away from Helen but events keep throwing them together. The Duke would never allow his sister-in-law to marry a commoner much less an ex-prostitute. But fate has a funny way of throwing people together. When Helen’s life is threatened by the same people who are kidnapping children from one of her sister’s orphanages, Clary realizes that he keeping his feelings from Helen might be a mistake.

Helen was a woman who knew what she wanted and she wanted Clary. Honestly, the only reason I think she wanted him, to begin with, was because he ignored her. He was something that she needed to figure out. She did try to press Marissa for his information. Marissa told her “Stop asking me. You need to ask him about his past“. That fascination grew into love during the book. I liked that Helen was a woman who knew what she wants and who she didn’t want. I also liked that she was willing to do anything to be with Clary. She didn’t care about class. All she knew is that she loved him and wanted to be with him.

Clary broke my heart. I liked that the author chose to gradually reveal what happened to Clary and his brother. Everything Clary did was for his younger brother. He endured things so his brother would be spared the same fate as him. I wanted to reach through the book and hug young Clary. He couldn’t have any meaningful relations because of what was done to him. He thought that Helen would be disgusted by his past.

The secondary characters were very well written and added depth to this story. I like it when secondary characters are so well written that you start to care (or hate in this case) them. I also liked that these characters did not overwhelm the book. I loved that the secondary characters got what they deserved.

The secondary plotline, with the orphanage, was very well written. I did some research while reading this book and found out that children going missing in this period was very common. Very few people cared about what happened to those children. It was refreshing to see a fictional character go above and beyond what society expected them too.

The romance between Clary and Helen was beautiful to read. It was a push/pull relationship for most of the book. Clary tried to keep Helen at arm’s length and Helen chased Clary. In some books, I would have rolled my eyes and said to myself “Desperate” but not this book.

The sex that Clary and Helen had been hot. Now, I shouldn’t be saying Regency England and hot sex in the same sentence but it was. The author was wise enough to save Helen and Clary’s sexual exploits until the latter half of the book. Loved it!!

The end of the book was great. The author resolved all storylines in ways that made me very happy. I loved the epilogue. Just reading that made me have a huge grin.

Pros of A Dream of Redemption:

A) Not your typical romance

B) Helen’s dedication to help find the missing children

C) Clary

Cons of A Dream of Redemption:

A) Reason why Clary became a child prostitute

B) Lord Fairfax

C) Helen’s upbringing

I would give A Dream of Redemption a rating of Adult. I would recommend that no one under the age of 20 read this book. While there is no language, there is explicit sex scenes and violence. There are also triggers with this book. They are: talk of past sexual abuse, child abuse and child trafficking.

I would recommend A Dream of Redemption to family and friends but I would include a warning about the triggers and sex scenes. This is a book that I would reread.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

A Dream of Redemption is a gripping story that illustrates the high and the low of life in London. Marissa, Duchess of Lyttleton, rescued Clarence Homeward from a life of poverty and degradation. He now works as her secretary. When he and Lady Helen, Marissa’s sister, work together to reform the latest of her orphanage acquisitions, they find horrible conditions and more.

This is a story of awareness, excitement, danger, forgiveness and an out-of-the-ordinary romance. Strong characters and a hold-your-breath story make this one not to miss.

I received and ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s wonderful to see characters from the other books in the series. I liked how the past played a major role in the lives of the characters present. Looking forward to the next book!

Lady Helen Hawkestone has decided to stop looking for a husband. In A Dream of Redemption, she has decided instead to let fate find the right man for her.

Clary Homeward is the private secretary of Lady Helen’s sister Marisa, but he is no gentleman. He can’t admit where he came from to her, his past must remain a closely guarded secret.

The two are thrown together when Helen decides to take the lead on her sister’s new orphanage project. Horrified by the conditions at the orphanage, they work together to make the children comfortable and set-up new caretakers.

Trouble starts when they investigate missing children. It seems that something sinister has happened to the attractive children with no siblings to miss them. The former caretaker is suspected of selling them and Helen will not sit back and let Clary investigate alone.

Well Woven Story Lines

I felt that the author did a terrific job of weaving the story while bringing the two closer together bit by bit. With the combination of the romance between the two and the suspense as they attempt to stop the ring of child kidnappers, it makes for a compelling read.

This is one of several novels in the Disgraced Lords series:

A Kiss Of Lies
A Promise Of More
A Touch Of Passion
A Whisper Of Desire
A Taste Of Seduction
A Night Of Forever
Addicted To The Duke
A Love To Remember
A Dream Of Redemption

Bronwen Evans is definitely an author to keep an eye on.

Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.

A Dream of Redemption by Bronwen Evans it the Eight book in "The Disgraced Lords" series. This is the story of Lady Helen Hawkestone and Clarence Homeward. I have read some of the previous books but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Clarey and his brother Simon came in to Helen's sisters life when about 5 years ago when Marisa needed help. From then on Marisa gave Clarey a job as her private secretary. Marisa has a few projects that help the less fortunate. Helen always felt that Clarey though less of her or didn't like her as he see to keep his distant and always acted funny around her. When her sister takes over a new orphanage Helen asked to over see it. At first Helen does it to spite Clarey but since she doesn't plan on marry for anything less than love she feels she wants to move forward with finding something else with her time. Clarey has been hiding his feelings for Helen and thinks of her as his 'Angel" but he doesn't want to let on about his feelings so he tries to act cold toward her.
I really enjoyed this book! Another great book by Ms. Evans!!

Thanks Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and netgalley for this ARC.

Not my favorite by Bronwen Evans. I just thought it was too far fetched and not like her usual novels.

London - 1815

Lady Marisa, the Duchess of Lyttleton, is the beloved wife of Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton. She has recently undergone an operation to save her life after having been wounded. Her sister, Lady Helen, has arrived to be with her. Outside her sister’s room, Helen encounters a young man about her own age, (18) but dressed with lots of frills. He says his name is Clarence and asks to know the condition of Lady Marisa. Helen discovers that he has a younger brother Simon, and now she wants to know why they are staying in her sister’s house.

London - 1820

Marisa is trying to interest Helen in Lord Gerald Portman, but she is not interested. Even their brother, Sebastian, has tried to find a husband for her. At age 23, Helen informs Marisa that she has decided to stop looking for a husband for the time being.

Marisa operates several orphanages and over the years has adopted many children from them. Mr. Clarence (Clary) Homeward is Marisa’s private secretary and overseer of the orphanages. With Marisa so busy, Helen volunteers to help so she will accompany Clary to inspect a new orphanage they are planning to acquire in Southwark. Clary appears to not be pleased because he thinks Helen is just a society girl. He secretly thinks Helen is a beautiful angel and has loved her from afar for years, yet he feels he is not good enough for her. He has no title and it is expected that Helen will marry a titled man.

Clary and Simon were dumped on the streets at a young age and Clary endured horrible things to care for both of them. He knows his past does not make him good enough for Helen no matter how much he loves her.

As they work together with the new orphanage, they encounter danger and very distasteful sights. Helen shows her mettle and she and Clary fall deeply in love. But they know they have to be secretive about it. Clary is reluctant to tell Helen the horrible things he was victim too when he was young. Yet he endured it to save his brother Simon. How can he ever expect Helen to understand?

This is a very emotional story with what some people may find as offensive events but is real and is still happening. The author handled this subject beautifully and I commend her for it. Readers will find this very touching.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I think this one is another favorite of mine, in THE DISGRACED LORDS, #8 series! I absolutely loved Helen and Cleary. Although, I must say Helen is a bit naive of the world's orphans, but she redeems herself rather quickly. I loved her bookish and independent ways and her desire to help the orphans and find the ones responsible for the human trafficking that is taking place. I loved Clary, his secrets, and his past, though no fault of his own, made him the man he became. His love to help children was totally hero material. His love for his younger brother was definitely family oriented. Clary understood how orphans could be treated, due to his past, which made him feel unworthy of Helen, absolutely brilliant.

The author did a remarkable job with her characterization,and her descriptions, which both are emotional and made me cry. The conditions of these orphans were realistic, dramatic and thought provoking.

Thank you for your wonderful, thought provoking and emotional stories. The romance was perfect, the sensual tension and the passion was not over the top to me. Tentative, emotional and dramatic with mystery and suspense. Definitely a page turner and another true treasure!! Brilliantly and masterfully written, as your fans have come to appreciate from you. You certainly can tell a powerful and emotional romance!!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own, I enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy as well.

I was really on the fence with Helen and Clary at the beginning. I didn't feel instant chemistry between them, but the growing tension is what saved this book. I think that had to do with the things Clary was holding in and if you read it, you'll understand what I mean. Once everything was laid bare, I loved the characters together. I really wish Fairfax would have gotten some sort of retribution though. Overall, this was an entertaining read!

ARC provided by NetGalley.

Clarence Homestead was too good looking for his own comfort and he avoided the admiring glances from the females he encountered. Little did he expect to catch the eye of Lady Helen Hawkestone, the sister of his patroness, Marissa Maitland, the Duchess of Lyttleton. Although Clary has considered the beautiful Helen an angel ever since their first meeting five years prior (when he was awaiting news of the fate of the wounded Marisa), he knew that his low born life and past indiscretions nixed any thought of a relationship. His focus was on serving Maitland and his wife who together had rescued him from a sleazy existence in a brothel. In return, he acted as Her Grace's personal secretary and overseer of the numerous orphanages the couple acquired and "renovated".

Yet when Lady Helen decides to get involved in this charitable endeavor, Clary balked, not only because of his inner feelings of attraction, but to protect the innocent twenty three year old from the sordidness of life on the other side of aristocracy. His instincts were correct when the newest acquisition revealed a manager who more than dabbled in the human trafficking of children. At Helen's urging, they not only rescued the most recent abduction but put a stop, at least temporarily, to these nefarious activities.

Helen, as stubborn as her unconventional sister Marissa, refuses to accept Clary's objections to a future together, despite the revelation of his disreputable upbringing. After placing herself in numerous compromising situations, the two finally succumb to their mutual passion. Despite Helen's feelings, convincing her over-protective, hot-headed brother Sebastian, the Marquess of Coldhurst, to sanction their relationship is an insurmountable task. A twist of fate necessitating a life or death rescue changes the dynamics leading to a relatively happily ever after for a couple who prefer a quiet life in the country to the scandal mongering attitudes of London and The Ton.

A Dream of Redemption by Bronwen Evans is the eighth book in the Disgraced Lords series. While you don't need to have read the other seven books dealing with the Libertine Scholars and their romances to enjoy this one, I would recommend reading book four, A Whisper of Desire, to familiarize yourself with Marisa and Maitland's unlikely marriage as well as the gritty details of the circumstances surrounding their involvement with a den of inquiry and the unfortunate experience which followed. The dark tone begun in this book is continued in book eight, which deals with the seedier side of life instead of focusing on the frivolities of a season in London. Of necessity is the constant reference to marrying the "wrong sort of person" which would lead to ostracism not only by polite society but even ones own family (in fear of their reputations being tarnished by association). Although 1820 is just past the era of the Prince Regent, I would still call this a Regency Romance.

While this action packed plot had such potential, the constant repetitious back and forth between Cary and Helen detracted from the whole. A bit of consolidating/editing would have definitely improved the tale, despite several hot and steamy scenes between the two lovebirds which are sure to entertain. Catching up with some of the Libertine Scholars and their wives was a definite plus for those of us who have been along for the ride from the beginning. Three and a half stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly loved this story. I thought that Clary and Helen were the perfect match. I thought Clary was brave to eventually tell Helen that he had been abused by men but I also wanted to shake him for allowing himself to carry the guilt for so long. Thanks for allowing me to read this story.

Second chances at life rarely come. Especially when you were abandoned as a child on the streets with your little brother and are taken in by an awful person. Forced to live a life beyond description, Clary Homeward and his brother Simon, were saved by Lady Marisa. Clary becomes Lady Marisa's secretary and helps with her endeavors to save orphans and children on the street. When Marisa's sister, Helen wants to become involved in the orphanages, she is thrown together with Clary and it is his worst fear. You see, he had seen Helen a few years back when he was first rescued by Marisa and he had a memory of her as an Angel. That image does not go away as they spend time together but he knows he is not good enough for her. Helen has really been sheltered her whole life and is shocked to see the fate of children from the streets and wholeheartedly becomes involved. With a villain who is stealing children for nefarious reasons and a struggle to save them, this story will uncover some of the darker places during this time period. But there is so much light to be found and with the strong characters that come to life, hope is possible. This was a story of the very bases of emotion and love and that there is sometimes a lot to be said for perseverance and realizing that life can be good with wonderful support and believing in yourself! This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone story

Will love overcome, in this immersing historical read! Abandonment, abuse, sexual predators and, especially, guilt are effectively engaged in this standalone journey. Helen is the quiet intellectual ton member. Clarence is honorable and street savvy. They are attracted but he is far below her station. Coming together could cause them both to lose so much...(8th book in series).
Voluntarily read ARC, thru Netgalley and Loveswept, for honest review.

4.5☆
A darker romance...
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Clary
Part of a series: The Disgraced Lords
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from Bronwen Evans.

Lady Helen Hawkestone is expected to make a match worthy of her station, after all her sister is the Duchess of Lyttelton. But what Helen wants is not the ton marriage, the kind her parents had, she wants a love match, the kind her brother and sister have.!
And she feels that connection with the mysterious Clary Homeward.
Clary Homeward has seen and lived hell, from the time he was abandoned with his younger brother by his mother. Through his brave actions he had saved Marisa’s life and in turn was given the opportunity for a better life. But this better life didn’t include the only woman he’d give his soul to have as his own. But angels don’t belong to men like him. Try as he might their attraction is undeniable and the further he pushes her the closer she gets! Will his secret destroy the love of the woman that’s his other half?
This was a PHENOMENAL, ENGROSSING READ! Bronson Evans does not ever disappoint! She delivers her HAE for the characters, she touched on social status differences and made the romance work.
There was danger and heartbreak, emotionally heart wrenching moments. The plot keeps the reader captivated in this emotionally charged read! I highly recommend this and every book that Bronwen Evans has written.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my unbiased opinion.

After living through her parents volatile marriage Lady Helen Hawkestone has no interest in marriage unless fate brings her love. She had no idea it would be the boy she once met outside her sister Marisa’s sick room five years ago. Clarence “Clary” Homeward knows how low in life one can get even if he had no choice in the matter. When he helped to save Lady Marisa she in turn gave him and his brother Simon a chance at a new life with a future that he craved.
Clary sparks feeling in Helen that she’s never had for another man and she knows fate has lead him to her. Wanting to spend time with him Helen begs Marisa to let her help with the new orphanage. Clary has pined for Helen since the day he met her and knows this will lead to heartbreak but he longs to spend time with her. Helen could not of foreseen how her life would change that day. Her innocent and naive look at the world would be forever shattered and her feelings for Clary would only grow by the day.
Clary loves Helen but his shame of the past still chocks him and the fear of losing the life and freedom he’s worked so hard for was a wall Helen may never break through. Helen wants Clary but only if he’s willing to fight for her and the life he deserves.
Helen was beautiful but cared nothing for the ton and their ways. She was a strong and very bullheaded woman and when she wanted something she went after it. Clary was a strong proud but conflicted man, he had a life’s path and goal that he would not sway from. Fate had other plans if he’d only believe and see he deserved more.
I love this series and I can’t wait for the next book.

4.5 stars

Lady Helen Hawkestone has decided to stop looking for a husband and let fate lead her to her perfect mate. She is the younger sister of Marisa, the Duchess of Lyttleton and Sebastian, the Marquess of Coldhurst and she has seen her brother and sister as well as their friends find their soulmates and will settle for nothing less for herself.

Fate thrusts the most unlikely candidate at her, Clarence Homeward aka Clarey, her sister's personal secretary. Clarey was instrumental in rescuing Marisa from Victoria and in turn Marisa rescued him and his younger brother Simon from Angelo. Clarey has worked hard in the five years since to make sure he and Simon never ended up back on the streets and nothing and no one will deter him from his path, not even the absolutely gorgeous angel that he has been half in love with for five years. But fate clearly has other ideas.

When Helen offers to help with a newly acquired orphanage, so her sister can go on a surprise anniversary trip, Clarey is opposed, but Helen persists and Marisa gives in to her. Helen has long admired Clarey and most definitely appreciates his good looks, but besides spending time with him, she really wants to help.

Nothing could have prepared her for the harsh reality of the orphanage or her desire to help these children, against Clarey's advice, she stays and learns that some children are missing - she tells Clarey they must be found. He goes to look and she finagles a way to follow him. He is livid when she shows up and when the fired orphanage master Glover spots them, he kisses her to throw him off their trail. As they return to the home, they are attacked and Clarey is injured. Helen feels awful and cares for him. They both feel the pull of attraction, but Clarey knows what he could lose if he pursues it but Helen wants to explore it. He asks her to go home and reluctantly she agrees, but this is not over between them.

When Clarey returns to work, Helen is waiting, he tries to keep her at arm's length, but she is sure they could have a future. But Clarey has a dark past that Helen has no knowledge of, he tries to tell her, but she says she doesn't care. He begins to think that maybe she does love him enough, but when a walk in the park has him encountering a person from his past, he knows that he will never be accepted. Helen is not going to let him walk away, she insists on taking him home after he is re-injured and they move beyond kisses, she tells him that he has to fight for her.

When he is warned off and tries to distance himself, she has doubts, but she still isn't ready to give him up. She goes to his home and he tells her most of his past, she is shocked, but she still wants him, they make love and reality returns when her brother bursts in.

Helen stands up to Sebastian and will find a way to be with Clarey. But before she can get to him, Glover reappears and Helen is in danger. Clarey goes to the only man who can help him get her back, Sebastian. They find Helen and Glover reveals all of Clarey's shame to her. Clarey is sure she will turn from him, but to his surprise, she tells Glover she doesn't care and punches him, enabling a clear shot to kill him. Helen is saved, but that is not the end of their story, they still have to gain her families blessing and based on Sebastian's reaction, that dream seems impossible.

This was a very emotional read, with a lot of darkness, triggers and angst - but I loved it. It was a beautiful story of acceptance, self-forgiveness, familial love and learning to not let your past define you. It did not have many light moments, but there is action and steamy love scenes, there are villains that get what they deserve and a very sweet epilogue that left me a little teary eyed.

If you have been following this series, you MUST read this book, if you are new to the series, it could be read as a stand alone, but it would be best to start at the beginning of the series and work your way to this book!!

Bronwen Evans is back on form with the latest in the Disgraced Lords series. I really think this is best read after the previous books in the series in order to fully understand the “orphans” plot line. But as a stand-alone novel, “Dream” is a steamy hot read with a tortured hero and a steadfast, but not wimpy heroine.

I really enjoyed reading this book. With the author’s style of writing, I could picture everything perfectly in my mind and I felt like I was back in time. I found the characters to be fascinating. Helen and Clary were delightful and I fell totally in love with them. Definitely a wonderful book to read.

I've been super into historical romances lately and was expecting to enjoy this one, but unfortunately I was let down. The story was darker than I thought it would be, and I think it brought some attention to what orphanages were like in the past.

Part of the story is a mystery, but it's too easy for the main characters to figure it out. There's a chapter from the villain's point of view where he talks about his plan with his henchmen, and the next chapter the love interest and the rest of the characters solve the whole mystery immediately with barely anything to go off of.

Overall I felt this book was too vague, there's really no other way I know how to describe this. The story was fine, but it felt like there was something missing.