This is a lovely historical romance about two people from two very different backgrounds brought together by fate and other people. Lady Helen is the sister of an Earl and sister in law of a Duke. Clary is the personal secretary to Lady Helen’s sister, a duchess.
One might think it’s going to be a simple romantic trope about wanting someone unattainable, from another class in a time and place when people would have found such choices unacceptable, and that is part of this tale, but only part.
Clary has a dark past which he has risen above, with the help of others. Even with his rise into a respectable position in society,he still harbors fear that his past could become public knowledge and harm those about whom he cares. He is forced to work closely with Lady Helen on a project that has risks, and he feels he must protect her, not only from the inherent dangers of their work, but also from his desire for her.
Lady Helen is not the usual vapid, self absorbed debutante. She cares little for social events, gossip, and balls, but does care deeply for her family, and for Clary.
As the plot becomes filled with action and intrigue, can the two protect each other not only from the dangers around them but from what they face should they succumb to their feelings for each other?
This is a great story, and it is a definite page turner. The plot was fast paced, it resonates with present times, and the heat between the two main characters captivating. The additional characters were well written, especially Marissa and Simon, and the HEA well done.
I highly recommend this book to romance readers who like some excitement with their romance.

Growing Up. Learning our past does not determine our future. Redemption. An emotional story of two people who are very different in society but who know what it is like to be pulled down emotionally. This heart-rendering tale is not a light read and brings to light the plight of orphans and the people who should care for them. Seeing how the situation changes the lives of the hero and heroine and their journey to happiness is worth the read. It was great to see some of the Libertine Scholars. The Disgraced Lords is a fantastic series that makes you think and care.

I’m not sure how I feel about this book, it’s well written and has an interesting theme, the rescue of orphans from barbarous orphanages. The h is the sister of a Duke, and is attracted to the young man who works as her friends/sisters? (I can’t remember) secretary in management of her charity, purchasing and improving orphanages. I can believe that far, and even to the acquisition of the latest orpanage. I can believe their mutual attraction, but the rest became less believable. Most unbelievable is the affair that ensued. The sexual encounters were not of a nature one would expect from a virtuous English unmarried Lady. When that happens I begin to skip over said passages. And it’s obvious the passages are merely to insert sexual scenarios. I’ve read this entire series and the sexual content escalates with each book, and has really become overwhelming. If you prefer such a book, it’s a good story for you.

This is a fine author and I typically love her books this one was a little dark for me.

Publisher's Description:

A forbidden love and a chilling mystery tease the senses in this sensuous historical romance from the USA Today bestselling author of A Kiss of Lies and A Love to Remember.

Bookish and independent Lady Helen Hawkestone is expected to marry well. But, having grown up with warring parents, the institution holds little appeal. The trick, she realizes, is to marry for love—a task that’s easier said than done. Only while Helen is raising funds for her do-gooder sister’s orphanage does she meet a man who arouses her curiosity. Lowborn and yet so dignified that Helen can’t help but try to elicit a response, Clary Homeward is an enigma—a heart-stopping, body-stirring, forget-her-social-upbringing enigma.

A single offense against a noblewoman such as Lady Helen would ruin a man like Clary. Her sister, Marisa, rescued him from hellish poverty and employs him with her charity work. Try as he might to push her away, Helen tempts him to want things he could never have. But when girls from the orphanage start disappearing, destined for a grim fate Clary knows all too well, Helen insists on helping. And soon Clary wonders whether something more were not just possible but inevitable—even right.

My Thoughts:

Bronwen Evans has written another winner in this series.
This is book #8 in the Disgraced Lords series.
I have read several of them and they become more enjoyable with each addition.
I look forward to each new book.
Clary is so far below Helen in birth it seems inconceivable that they would be attracted to each other, but that is what has happened. Clary may be attracted to Helen but he must push her away because Helen's mutual attraction to him could be his ruin.
When girls start disappearing from the orphanage Clary is helping with Helen wants to help. This isn't a place for a lady like Helen. Clary can't let her continue to be involved.
How will these mysterious disappearances of young girls end and will it throw Clary and Helen together?
I gave this mixture of love and mystery 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. Our hero and heroine have a palpable attraction.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This is a very emotional story. Two young boys abandoned by their Mother, in the harrowing alleys of London. It doesn't take long, for the younger brother, six years old, to become deathly ill. The older brother, 9 years old, is near death also, he calls himself Clarence, he is desperate to take care of his brother. I won't go into what happens in their childhood. They grow up, and have a new start in life. Clarence is the Private Secretary to a Duchess, Lady Marisa, before she became the Duchess, has a younger sister, Lady Helen, both are beautiful ladies inside, and out. They all have one thing in common, they care desperately for the orphans, left on the sordid streets of London. This would have been a 5 star book, however, TMSFM. I see no need for gratuitous sex, the loving sexual relationship between two people in love, not graphic detail of every moment. I skipped over those pages, since I buy every book that I Review, my Reviews are honest.
I recommend! Thanks!
carolintallahassee 👒

Lady Helen Hawkestone was tired of being paraded in front of eligible bachelors in an effort to find a husband. She decided to let fate handle it. To take her mind off of her marriage woes, she started helping her sister raise some funds for an orphanage. Clary Homeward is also dealing with the orphanage, and doesn’t believe he needs help from a debutante who sets his blood aflame with desire. When children go missing, Helen and Clary team up to find the culprits and rescue the children. But, when secrets are revealed about Clary, will it ruin his chance with Helen?
Ms. Evans is one of my favorite authors. She writes romantic fiction with a sense of history and a gift to showcase the ills of the world in a hopeful light. Romantic historical fiction can seem fake and full of fluff, nothing real or substantial. This series is different. The world is not viewed through rose colored glasses. But, with a bunch of characters who are full of flaws, yet look to better themselves and the world around them. The events of these tales test the character’s determination and sanity. This story is a wonderful installment, and I can’t wait to read the next one. An advanced reader’s copy was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

I received a copy of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. A Dream of Redemption is the eighth book in Bronwen Evans The Disgraced Lord Series. It can be read as a stand-alone but as many of the characters from this book have stories in the other books it’s probably best to read them all. Lady Helen Hawkestone raised in a sheltered life of wealth and privilege has her eyes opened when tired of the marriage mart she asks her sister to help out at one of her orphanages in order to give her life purpose. Clarence (Clary) Homeward comes from less than nothing he doesn’t know who his parents were or even his last name. After Helen’s sister Marisa rescues him from a brothel he becomes her devoted assistant helping her with the day to day running of the orphanages. Helen and Clary spend time together working to help save some of the orphans from a child slavery ring and fall in love. Clary burdened by his horrible past feels that he would never be good enough for the sweet pure angel that is Helen. Very steamy. Publishing Date February 20, 2018. #AdreamOfRedemption #NetGalley.

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book through Netgalley. The Disgraced Lord Series has been a great series and this book is a great addition. Helen has decided if she is to marry, fate will step in and present him to her. Clary’s past is not what any family would want their daughter to marry but Helen does not hold to these standards. The story is full of intrigue, danger, kidnapping and a new found love. I have loved all the books in this series and this one is a great read. I would highly recommend this book and any of the others in this series.

A Dream of Redemption (The Disgraced Lords, #8)
by Bronwen Evans
Anna Swedenmom's review Jan 08, 2018 · edit
it was amazing

BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY

BUT WARNING!!! Not for the faint of heart reader.
This book was a mix of a heart rending , emotional and soul touching instrument. Not only has this author written a magnificent historical, she has written a book of real time events in a way that makes each reader stop and think and feel. I had such a time with the book. Totally captivated and completely oblivious to all things happening in the world until I was finished reading. From start until finished, the book is a GREAT READ! Not all sex. A passionate, stormy, mysterious, captivating plot line with characters that were strong and wonderful. If you want a book that you will fall into and be oblivious for hours to other things, get this one. Its a keeper and a soul sweeper. I absolutely adore this authors work in this book. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. But I am serious when I say not for the faint of heart for the story touches areas of life that criminal and heart rending. Again, a great great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

A historical romance that incorporates a sensitive social issue, child trafficking, and a happy ending (which given one of its themes, seems appropriate). This novel is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone book. Both MCs illustrate strength in their own way, and even if not completely relatable, are described in a way that readers will be rooting for them. Not your typical romance.

Net Galley Feedback

A Dream of Redemption ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Bronwen Evans
(The Disgraced Lord #8)

As a historical novel this story is so appropriately named for its forbidden love and somber look at sex trafficking of children.

This is a not a book for the faint of heart reader nor is it a book to render a solution to a problem such as this even today. It is an eye opener to another Underworld.

Helen Hawkestone lived her own high born life so unaware of all around her until she began work with her sister Marisa. Marisa has dedicated her life and money to open orphanages to care for the many children cast into the street by circumstances beyond their control.

Clarence Homeward is Marisa’s secretary in charge of all the orphanages. He is beyond handsome and harbors a deep secret of his own past life. Clary working so closely with Helen has opened feelings for her he did not think he had. This, however, is not possible for they are from two different worlds. Her pure and untainted and his sordid and shameful.

Ms Evans is such a skilled writer and her descriptive powers with her pen are unmatchable. This is a story that will remain in your memory and hopefully instill the reader to pay it forward.

I'm so happy Bronwen Evans has given us more from the Libertine Scholars and supporting cast. Clary is such a worthy hero and while Helen had a few dumb “throw myself into a perilous situation moments" she too is a kind-hearted, love worthy heroine.

Every book in this series has brought the goods -- romance, mystery and smoking-hot sexy times. What’s not to love?!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Just wow! I've read all of Bronwens books and she never ceases to amaze me. This book is one of my top
Faves of hers. It's got intrigue and spice and laughter. And it's hot. Love it and can't wait for more of the Disgraced Lords.

A Dream of Redemption is next in the Disgraced Lords Series. Having been with the series since the beginning, I continue to enjoy Evans books. She brings the seedier part of life into her books while bringing her couples together. Clary (odd name) and Helen met years earlier when Helen’s sister Marissa was going through the difficult aftermath of the accident that left her unable to bear children.

Fast forward to the opportunity for them to spend time together due to a romantic trip for Marissa and her husband, the duke. By this time in Helen’s life, she is seeing the fulfillment her sister has from the work she does in local orphanages. Helen realizes she, too, needs to be helping make the world a better place and can do so by assisting her sister. Thus, the time she will be spending with Clary since he is her sister’s secretary.

Through much of the book Clary battles with his feelings for Helen due to his sordid past. With Marissa and sister-in-law, Beatrice, both telling Helen she needs to talk with Clary about his past, he still does not want to disgust Helen with his story. Nor does he feel he is good enough for her, not only due to his past, but just to their difference in their stations. Strong willed Helen is not going to let anything stop her.

Interwoven in their romance is the difficult subject of child trafficking. Evans handles it with style and grace though not diminishing it at all. She writes of the sellers and users in a way to make sure the shame is on them and not the children.

Reading A Dream is not light-hearted reading and it is not meant to be, but it is still a good read. You can count on Evans to bring awareness of the bad side of life surrounded by goodness, too.

I tried to read this book a few times but just couldn't get through it. I think there needed to be a trigger warning about child sexual abuse.

I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review,  so thank you netgalley and publishers for offering me this book! ♡
This story is a about Lady Helen who is expected to marry well.She realizes, she should marry for love. But that is a task that’s easier said than done.
This was my first book by this author, I did enjoy it, It was fast paced for the most part but at times it felt slow and just alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a 3.5 star rating!

I really enjoyed this book! I admit it took me a little bit to adjust to the hero's name, Clary, I don't know why, but it really through me off. Seemed like a name more for the annoying guy than the hero, but as a character I loved him. I liked getting to see our heroine come into her own and realize the harsh world outside of the ton. The ending was super sweet!!!

Lady Helen has decided to let fate find her perfect marriage partner. She envies her sister Marissa's successful marriage and that fate was a major factor. Her sister has married one of the Libertine Scholars, all close friends who have been in her life forever. Her brother is one of the group. While waiting Helen decides to help her sister with her orphanages. Marissa's man of business is an efficient and gorgeous man, Clarence. He came into their lives five years previously, helping to save Marissa's life. He and Helen feel an attraction to one another but he is reluctant to pursue it. His past and the fact he is not a gentleman precludes his having a future with her. He finds he has to work with her to evaluate the state of an orphanage Marissa has recently purchased. This is Helen's introduction to a dirty, seamy underworld where children are bought and sold. Clarence does not want to spoil her innocence. Helen does not want to be sheltered. Their story is full of action and intrigue and passion.

While I like the plot of a Duchess reforming London orphanages, I did not care for the dark elements of this romance. This was the first book I've read by this author so I did not know what to expect. I do believe there should be more warning on the description of this book of certain elements that should warn sensitive readers or that may turn off readers who were not expecting child trafficking, abuse and attempted rape. I am no stranger to dark, angsty heroes but found the naive and sheltered heroine, ignoring everyone's advice and running out alone into the dark and dangerous streets pushed my limits of reality and just served as a manipulative plot device.