London's Wicked Affair by Anabelle Bryant is the First book in the Midnight Secrets series. This is the story of Amelia Strathmore and Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale.
Lunden put himself in exile from London after a scandal broke. No wanting to return but having to do so to attend business after his brother's death goes to stay at his friends Matthew's house. There, he is ask by his good friend to help with Matthew's sister Amelia. To me Lunden does feel he deserves a good women and does not know what to do with the feelings that Amelia is bring out in him. Amelia has always had a place in her heart for her brother good friend and that just seem to keep growing each day with him. Amelia wants some small adventures before turning her life over and works to get Lunden to achieve them.
I am such a fan of Ms. Bryant's writing that I became so happy to know she is starting a new series. This book was such a great start to that series...loved it!!

This was a wonderful start to the new series Midnight Secrets. My favorite trope of the damaged hero who needs to be redeemed and find love. Lunden, Duke of Scarsdale has so many terrible and painful memories, he tries to seclude himself away from society. Forced to go to town on business he has also promised to help his friend's sister Amelia find a suitable husband. Having admired Lunden when she was a child, she agrees to his help, but look out for her spirited and outspoken nature!
I loved Lunden and Amelia. He was so complex and tried to hide all of his pent up angst and feelings. Amelia was really not looking forward to being married and basically being her husband's property.
A delightful story that will keep you turning the pages as the relationship develops between these two!
They both need love and hopefully they will find it with each other!! A really great story.

Annabelle Bryant amazes again!

Lunden Beckford, the Duke of Scarsdale, left London after the death of his brother, who harbored a grave secret. Becoming a recluse, wracked with grief and guilt. Returning years later to tie up loose ends, he reunites with his best friend Matthew, Duke of Whittingham, who knows the secret about Lunden’s brother, and was injured the night of his death.

In comes Amelia Strathmore, Whittingham’s younger sister, who in the past had a crush on Lunden. She’s being forced into marriage by her father and brother, but she has other plans.

Recruiting Lunden’s help before agreeing to an unwanted marriage, Amelia wants to learn skills to help herself be independent. Lunden reluctantly agrees, at first.

Chaos, deception, guilt, betrayal, and misery ensues, but so does love, forgiveness and a wonderful HEA.

Such a beautiful story of love after loss. Anabelle Bryant never disappoints. So looking forward to the other books in this series.

Firstly, I want to say a huge congratulations to Anabelle Bryant for her first in-print book!! So hugely deserved and what a wonderful start to this new series, I have been looking forward to reading this for ages, and I can honestly say that this does not disappoint. Ms Bryant’s Midnight Secret’s series has started with a blast and going by this first instalment, I can say that we are in for something very special. As always with this fine ladies writing, the story is spell-binging with drama and flawlessly written with real wit an skill.

After years away from London the notorious and equally mysterious Lundon is back, having been forced from his voluntary exile with the death of his brother and rightful Duke, Lundon has to face the one thing that he has been dreading and hiding from, actual public and people. He has been traumatised by the cruel and backstabbing nature of society, which was one of the reason’s he chose to stay away in the first place. But, now he has not choice! But before he can do what he intends to do and then return to his reclusive life he must do one thing; he has been giving the task by his best friend; Matthew to help find Matthew’s rebellious and spirited sister Amelia a husband. Lundon is very reluctant, but he agree’s but he soon finds that the task given to him is far more challenging then he thought, especially once he reacquaints himself with the tantalizing beauty.

Lundon is a wonderfully sensual and complex man, there is so much about this mysterious man he has deep pain and issues that he hides well behind his glacial mask, but I just wanted him to find his happiness that he so deserves. He is so very hard on himself over thing’s that were out of his control, he has been through the mill and doesn’t deserve all the anguish he puts himself through. He is such great hero, he doesn’t think of himself as anything worth loving but I think he is, Lundon is kind, generous, protective and honourable. If you are lucky enough to be under this man intelligent and soothing gaze, you are a very lucky lady.

Amelia has a romantic heart and soul, she refuses to marry any man just because society and her brother dictate it. She believes in love, she wants that in her life and she will not be coerced into something she doesn’t want. At first I thought that Amelia was a little brash and spoilt little thing, she as been indulged to the point she thinks a little too much of herself, But, I love tat my initial thought of her was challenged and soon changed as I soon saw her for the women that she really is; a soulful and a tenacious young woman just wanting love. She is also very high-spirited and free- thinking, and she knows exactly what she wants, and she isn’t afraid to voice those wishes.

This is a delightful, energising read that will keep the reader on their toes. I love the intricate storyline and the relationship between Amelia and Lundon is tense and sensual, there is a spark that jumps at you off the page and keeps you engaged as you wonder what is going to happen between these two. Ms Bryant has created a fun, wonderfully atmospheric and engaging love story that will dazzle and enthral the reader with every page.

Romantic, thrilling and beautifully written, very highly recommended!

This was an entertaining read. I loved the character of Amelia, she had such spirit and a zest for life. She also had a caring side for her family and her friend Charlotte. Lunden, Duke of Scarsdale, had issues from his past that he had trouble coming to terms with, but was a likeable character. He was just the perfect match for Amelia, as he had no intentions of curbing her spirit, if only he could allow himself to be happy. I’ve mixed feelings about her brother, Matthew, Earl of Whittingham as he was quite self serving, although he did redeem himself a little. I’m looking forward to the next book which features on the troubles of Charlotte’s marriage. There was some amusing dialogue between friends and siblings and also secrets to uncover. Just a few niggles, there aren’t any whippoorwills in England and cattails are called bullrushes. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

London’s Wicked Affair kicks off Anabelle Bryant’s new Midnight Secrets series with a couple that on the surface shouldn’t work… but they actually do eventually and deliciously so as well.

Amelia is a young woman ahead of her time in many ways – and a headstrong young girl in others. She is an intriguing mixture of innocence, determination to at least experience some freedoms before being shackled into a boring marriage, and a longing for a man who shuns London and society with a clouded past. Amelia would just as soon set a gentleman’s lap on fire as she would sit in a corner simpering and sending flirtatious glances across the room. She saw no reason why she could not have some adventures, speak her opinion freely and enjoy life before settling down into marriage. After all, gentlemen did so every single day, why was she denied that simply because of her gender. She’s also realistic in that she knows, even if she hates the fact, that her brother has every right to insist that she marry. So be it. But when Lunden arrives in town for business and to fulfill a promise to her brother, Amelia sees no reason why he should not help her have a few adventures before he seals her fate by helping her brother marry her off.

Lunden is a man who is best discovered by the reader as he is slowly revealed, and not by the opinion of another reader. There is such sadness to the man, and honor as well. His past defines him, imprisons him in some ways and to watch him come alive again with hope and possibilities through his arrangement with Amelia was truly a delight. Together they make a formidable, passionate couple. It will be interesting to me to see how or if Ms Bryant will deal with Matthew in a future story. To be frank, the man can do little to redeem himself in my eyes. However, I’ve learned to never close the door to possibilities, especially in the hands and imagination of a skilled storyteller like Anabelle Bryant.

London’s Wicked Affair is an intriguing romance filled with passion, secrets, dangers from the past and the present, as well as some truly enjoyable secondary characters that I want to have their own stories told. I lost myself in this world and enjoyed every single minute of that adventure. If you enjoy a really good Regency Romance with believable characters, secrets and a couple that will heal each other eventually, then I’d highly recommend this story for you. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the next story in the Midnight Secrets series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, and his best friend, Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, share a secret regarding the night his elder brother died. Lunden, just a teenager at the time, inherited the Dukedom and all that went with it, including the ton’s speculation that he had something to do with his brother’s death. Young Lunden ran from London to his country estate, where he mourned the brother he loved and lived alone with regret for 10 years.

When he returns to London to deal with some estate business, Lunden is eager to do it quickly and return to his lonely life, but Matthew asks a favor that will not only delay Lunden’s departure, but will change his life forever. Matthew has asked his friend to help him find a suitable husband for his sister Amelia, a young woman who Lunden has not seen since she was a girl and is now shocked to discover has grown into a stunning beauty.

Amelia’s beauty and family name should be more than enough to lure a proper husband, but she is far too clever, opinionated and independent for a woman of her time. She has fond childhood memories of Lunden Beckford, but seeing him again has awakened much more womanly feelings that she is eager to explore. Lunden owes Matthew this favor, so he will promise Amelia anything to gain her compliance. The question is how can Lunden keep his eye on the prize and his hands off Amelia, when she embodies the greatest temptation he has ever known?

Anabelle Bryant is known for her beautiful writing style. She is so good at creating memorable characters, imaginative storylines and passionate love stories. “London’s Wicked Affair” contains all these things, in addition to a mysterious set of circumstances that may finally reveal the truth surrounding Lunden’s brother’s death and put an end to his self-imposed exile. Therein lie the reasons that you’ll be tempted to read this book straight through, as I did. Trust me, it’s worth every minute of lost sleep. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittington, is determined to get his sister, Amelia, married and out of his London townhouse. Their parents live in the country as his father can’t breathe well in the London air. She wants a love match, not the men he introduces her to. He has a hidden agenda having to do with the Society for the Intellectually Advanced.

Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, despises London and the memories it brings him. He inherited his title from his deceased brother and has come to town to sell his townhouse. As he doesn’t want to socialize and asks to stay with Matthew. Matthew agrees if he’ll help find Amelia a husband.

Amelia’s best friend, Lady Charlotte Dearing is in an arranged marriage. Amelia believes she is unhappy and does not want her marriage to be like that. She likes Lunden and is glad her brother foisted her on him as she talks him into 3 adventures before having to marry. He’s attracted to her but believes he would be a bad choice. The rest, you must read for yourself. This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more by her.

Lunden was such a broken man. My heart went out to him. He needed to find out that love may hurt but was a necessity. I loved Amelia's determination to find her own husband and to torment her brother somewhat for his choices for her. Her views were based on what she saw around her, including the bad. Amelia and Lunden connected so strongly, but neither recognized it for what it was. The secondary characters also need healing and made the story that much better. I look forward to Matthew and Charlotte finding their respective HEAs (hopefully they will come). I recommend this story, and I look forward to more in this series.

I received an ARC of this story through Netgalley, and it is also a Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection. This is my unsolicited review.

Lundon Beckford, the Duke of Scarsdale, left London behind ten years ago after a family tragedy, only to return to conduct unfinished business.

Lundon resides at his best friend’s Matthew’s house while he conducts his business. Matthew in turn asks Lundon to help him find a suitable husband for his vivacious sister, Amelia.

Lundon wants to be done with London and to escape to the country until he meets Amelia. Her outgoing personality and ardor for love and life begins to warm Lundon’s heart. But he believes he isn’t husband material. The question is will Lundon quest to try to remain aloof in Amelia’s presence work or will she continue to knock down the wall surrounding his heart. Well written and fast paced. A keeper.

Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, has returned to London, after ten years away from the gossip of his brother’s death. He return to wrap up business and to keep a low profile, asks his friend Matthew Strathmore, the Earl of Whittingham if he can reside with him for the duration of his visit. Matthew agrees so long as Lunden assists him in trying to find a husband for his sister, Amelia. Amelia wants to marry for love, and her passion and zest for life, so has Lunden spellbound. Watching him fall in love, despite his protestations was delightful but at the same time, quite frustrating. Matthew is so insistent on marrying Amelia off and Lunden so desperate to avoid marriage, that it almost appears as if the two main characters will never end up together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the slow reveal of the events leading up to the death of Lunden’s brother. His death is such a central part of the novel, adding to the complexity of Lunden. This is such a great story and one worth savouring.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Wicked page turner, wonderfully written!

Lunden Beckford is the Duke of Scarsdale, he’s been living in a self imposed exile for the last ten years. Since the night his life changed and the death of his brother, he’s been living away from the gossiping ton and the memories of that long ago night.

Amelia Strathmore has been avoiding making a match for a while now, every eligible man is lacking the one thing she wants, LOVE! She’s looking for what her parents have, to fall in love! Until her brother does the unthinkable and asks Lunden his oldest friend for help in finding a match for Amelia.
Lunden sees that finding a match for Amelia will not be the easy task her brother makes it appear, especially when he finds her so appealing.

An intriguing page turner with plenty of twists that you never expected.
Anabelle Bryant has a gem in this new series, the characters are amazing and Amelia is a strong unconventional spitfire of a heroine, she’s devoted to her friend and sticks to her guns to what she wants for herself, a LOVE match! You can’t help but love her. Lunden is a very uptight and brooding man who believes that he’s not worthy of love, especially a woman like Amelia. I enjoyed watching Amelia just break the walls he had around his heart. All in all this was a fantastic read with plenty of secrets that once exposed the reader will not be disappointed with.

I recieved a complimentary copy from the author via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

Lunden, Duke of Scarsdale has lived the last ten years in seclusion after his brother died and the ton turned against him. Lunden wants nothing to do with London and the memories it holds. He’s there for business and then he will be gone, that is until his friend Matthew asks him for help to find his sister a husband before he leaves. The minute he sees Amelia he knows he’s in deep water. She’s everything he wants and everything he can not have.
Amelia Strathmore’s Family is determined to see her settled, her father is in poor health and her brother can’t wait to get the troublemaker out of his hair. She wants only a love match like her parents, it’s not her fault the men of the ton are useless blunders, that is until Lunden walks in to her life again. Lunden has secrets and a sadness that Amelia knows holds him back. If she can only draw him out and prove there’s a future for them.
I adored the main characters Lunden and Amelia, they had great chemistry and sexual tension. Charlotte the heroines best friend was fun and you definitely felt sorry for her relationship with her husband. The downer of the book was Matthew, Amelia’s brother. He was so heartless in his pursuit of a husband for Amelia and how it would benefit him. I totally disliked him and it made it hard to enjoy the book because he was so rude and nasty, I really wanted to throat punch him.
I am looking forward to reading the next book London’s Best Kept Secret, Charlotte and Lord Deraing’s Book.

Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, is back in London to settle some affairs with his properties. He has no taste for society and their vicious tongues, having been at the receiving end after his late brother's death years ago. Lunden wishes to conclude his business and be on his way, but soon finds escape won't be so easy. First, he must do a favor for a close friend, Matthew... help Matthew's sister Amelia make a match. Easy enough, right?

Marriage can make or break a woman, and Amelia prefers the former. She wants what her parents have, a marriage based on love. Before Amelia settles down, she wants to experience something exciting. Lunden is the best choice for a partner-in-crime since he is here to help her brother find her a suitable husband. Amelia has not forgotten Lunden and her attraction has only grown. How can she convince Lunden he is her perfect match.

LONDON'S WICKED AFFAIR just falls short of a 4 star rating for me so I'm giving it a 3.5 out of 5. I just couldn't get very invested in the two lead male characters, Lunden and Amelia's brother, Matthew. They both kind of did what they wanted with little thought to the consequences and without taking Amelia's feelings or thoughts into consideration. Lunden starts to understand and support Amelia more and more as the story goes on, but I felt the connection between them was a little one-sided. Amelia certainly puts a lot more work into her and Lunden's relationship. As time goes on, Lunden begins to realize basically what an idiot he is and that's when things really turn around for them both. All in all, LONDON'S WICKED AFFAIR is an enjoyable read.

Beautifully written. Amelia is a wild conundrum and Lundun is a clock wound too tight. They make a magnificent couple as their characters play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The air of mystery is also pervasive throughout the book which lends an even more interesting facet to the story.

Lunden and Ameilia are everything I look for in a romance. They have a chemistry that just keeps pulling them back together. Ms. Bryant knows how to add sexual attraction to her characters and it comes out in full force in this book. I absolutely loved the whole story and cannot wait for her next book.

London's Wicked Affair (Midnight Secrets, #1)
by Anabelle Bryant

A totally entertaining read. One that will keep you happily turning the pages until the very end. I cannot say this is an in depth book. However, I can say it is a enjoyable read that kept my attention. The characters were a little too selfish at times so I have given it four instead of the five stars. The author has a great way of writing, pulling the readers inside the story and keeping you there until the end. That was a great plus in this one. I must say this was a book well worth my time to read. I was given this arc via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna

3.5 Stars
Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, has chosen to exile himself far from London, with its painful memories and cruel gossip. Now ten years later he’s forced back to town on business, he’s eager to make his stay as brief as possible. However first, he must honour his promise to find a suitable husband for his friend Matthew’s little sister. On one hand, Amelia Strathmore has grown into a stunning, statuesque beauty. On the other, the willful chit is more likely to scandalize a drawing room with her outspoken opinions than blush prettily. At least she agrees to accept his help—if he fulfills
certain three conditions. Though duty-bound to marry, Amelia longs to secretly enjoy some of life’s freedoms first. In this, as in many things, Lunden proves an excellent guide.
Whilst I enjoyed reading this book I didn’t love it. It was a well written book & the plot flowed very well & held my interest all the way through. The characters had plenty of flesh but I didn’t love them & I disliked Matthew & I’m not sure if he’s redeemable – I hope he has his story as I’ll be very interested to see if the author can achieve this. I found Amelia to be a feisty, independent & selfish but also I could empathise with her. I had conflicting feelings about Lunden, although he was tortured I thought he was honourable & was shocked to find he wasn’t but he did redeem himself in the end. I found Charlotte & Lord Dearing intriguing & look forward to their story.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I thought this had a lot of humor in it. Like the time Amelia went to a dinner party with her brother and a suitable suitor was there and she was put across the table from him. He must have said something and Amelia jumped up, knocked the candelabra over onto his lap. Six lite candles, thank goodness her brother threw a pitcher of water on his lap. Amelia was always getting into trouble. Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, ten years ago his older brother fell off his horse and died. Lunden felt it was his fault, he had followed him to find out where he went every night. He had exiled himself to his family country estate for that ten years.
The plot was interesting and well written. There are some surprises and it gets a little twisty. The author has written an amazing story. The characters were very readable. I am trying to patiently wait for her next book. I enjoyed her tale and the way she handled all these different strings and put it into a coherent novel.
I received this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

This one was cute but a bit of a slow burn. The H and h are likeable and you root for them to get/stay together, but the tension was not really there as a build up. This one is more of a light,entertainment than a must-read. 3.5 rounded up.