First of all the cover art is cheap and the story so much better than this art work. It nearly made me not want to read this book.

But it's the first book I finished since the term started and I absolutely loved it. It's a lovely an unconventional lovestory with a lot of baggage from the past. It's wonderful how Connolly gives the leads a more dimensional character, makes them more real - in contrary to so many other writers. It's a real story with lots of different developments.

Loved it. Well written and hot.

3.5 stars

There were aspects of this story I liked. The late Georgian time period was well researched, and there were interesting tidbits, such as “poisonous” face paint that was the cause of the hero’s first wife’ death and other details sprinkled throughout. This was my first by Connolly, and I would try more. Authors that clearly do their research are ones I want to try more of. The plot was interesting, though sometimes choppy and needing finesse. The characters were the weakest aspect for me. They didn’t always make sense, particularly the the heroine. I found her actions and thoughts confusing and contradictory at times.

Without getting into specifics, I thought this a decent, but not great read. I think it probably better to read as part of the series, as opposed to a stand-alone like I did here.


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

Attacked on the streets of London, Lady Livia Shaw is relieved when a gentleman comes to her aid—and startled to discover her rescuer is Adrian, the Duke of Preston, a notorious rogue. But their association—and instant attraction—does not end there, much to the Shaws’ distress. For Livia was robbed of a memento—one that is both her most precious possession and a reminder of a shameful secret. It is a secret she knows will cause her to lose Adrian forever, yet he is determined to track down the thief.
I haven’t read this author in a long time. I used to really love her books and then I got disinterested. This one was ok. The characters weren’t bad. Not sure if I’ll start reading her again on a regular basis though.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Stevie‘s review of Boundless (The Shaws, Book 3) by Lynne Connolly
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 04 Dec 18

I’m always sorry to see one of Lynne Connolly’s excellent historical series come to an end, and The Shaws has been particularly enjoyable. Of course, there was bound to come a point when everyone had been paired off, and the only remaining sibling of this bunch has already decided she won’t ever marry long before the start of our story. But then events transpire to make her change her mind.

Lady Livia Shaw cuts short her visit to an orphanage, only to be attacked and robbed by a gang of urchins as she makes her way to where she was scheduled to be collected. Fortunately, the occupant of a passing hackney cab comes to her rescue and takes her back to the house he just left. Unfortunately for Livia’s reputation, her saviour is Adrian, the notorious Duke of Preston, and the house belongs to his most recent, now former, mistress: an actress. Adrian is a widower, and the subject of many scandalous rumours, not least the one that states his father was not the previous duke’s son but instead was his mother’s favourite black page. Following his wife’s death, Adrian has all but vowed not to remarry, other than for the fact that he requires a direct heir if he is to prevent his cousin from inheriting the title and estates on Adrian’s death.

Livia, meanwhile, has secrets of her own, one of which lies behind her visit to the orphanage. Having returned home to a scolding from her mother, she realises that she has lost her treasured locket, also linked to that same secret. Hoping that it fell off while Adrian was attending to her, she asks him to help her find it.

Adrian goes beyond Livia’s initial request to check the house for the locket, returning also to the orphanage, where he acquires an unlikely sidekick and learns that the locket may have been stolen to order. Intrigued as to the importance of a cheap piece of jewellery, Adrian sets out to track down the thief and learn more about Livia in the process.

As the pair spend increasing amounts of time together, they grow closer, until they are eventually caught in a compromising situation, which, as is the way of these things, gets blown out of all proportion. Adrian tries to save Livia’s reputation and the pair agree to a betrothal, secretly planning to allow a prolonged engagement to eventually fizzle out, once Society has moved on to other scandals.

While Livia is keen to stick with this plan, Adrian finds that he can’t envision life without her – even after learning the full extent of her secrets – and eventually feels able to take her back to his ancestral home where he can best reveal the truth of his own background.

This was quite possibly my favourite book of the series. Although there are no great political intrigues, we get to follow Adrian through some less travelled parts of historical London and see some of its seedier sides. I’m still sorry to see this series end, but at least it went out on a high.

Grade: A

DNF 30.%. Either poorly written or poorly edited and so much did not quite make sense. Plot dragged on.

This was much cuter than I expected it to be? I also love a good rake falls head over heels trope, so there is that (but! this was adorably done!) so there is that.

~Review by Amy~~

I loved Dru and Oliver’s story in the previous book of this series but Boundless featuring Dru’s twin, Livia, was even better. The best in the series in my opinion. Like Dru’s story, Boundless is an adrenaline-charged read with steamy love scenes and humorous moments. But this book has a few dark and shocking revelations. Exactly what one would expect from the scandalous Shaw family. And I love dark!

Lady Livia Shaw is thankful to be rescued after being attacked on the London streets. Until she comes eye to eye with her rescuer. Adrian Sterling, Duke of Preston was the most scandalous peer in London. And Livia knew quite a bit about scandal, coming from the infamous Shaw family. Still, when Livia discovers that her brooch was lost in the attack, she turns to Adrian to recover it. Not only is the brooch a precious memento, it’s also the last link she had to a secret that had haunted her for years. Adrian was quite taken with Livia and insisted on tracking down the lost memento. Something niggled at him about her attachment to the brooch and the prospect of finding out what she was hiding intrigued him. With each encounter, they became more entranced with one another and began to see each other in a different light. Despite his appalling reputation, Livia saw a vulnerability in Adrian’s eyes. He was cynical to the world but when he smiled at her, she saw warmth, humor, and kindness. He was a man of far more integrity than she’d expected. Adrian was, of course, enamored with Livia’s beauty but there was more about her that affected him. He liked her independent spirit, her ability to fight back. For the first time since his wife died, he considered the prospect of remarrying. He couldn’t fight the desire to kiss her so he gave in to it. And Livia couldn’t help but reciprocate. Repeatedly. As much as they desired each other though, they knew they should walk away. Adrian couldn’t marry anyone. He was tainted. His disreputable behavior and defiled blood would prove scandalous for any woman. Livia felt she wasn’t for anyone. The secret she’d held dormant for so many years would turn any suitor away. She should send him away. Not be having thoughts she shouldn’t have. With each encounter, the attraction grew and soon they were the center of attention in the ton. Adrian wanted Livia and was eager to marry her so she might avoid scandal. But it was more than just saving her reputation. He’d never wanted a wife who would affect him personally but he wanted Livia. And now that he was ready, she wasn’t. They would marry. He just had to persuade her. He also needed to find out what secret was holding her back. And he needed to share his own.

I’ve loved Livia since the last book. She’s so loyal and protective of her family. I came to love her even more in this book. She’d been drowning under a secret for years. Guilt over what had happened weighed heavily on her heart. She felt no man would ever want her and she’d accepted that. But Adrian made her wish for more. She had deliberately put away attraction and desire for 10 years, but she felt it with Adrian. He made her feel pretty and desirable. He was comforting. She trusted him. But could she trust him with the truth?

Adrian broke my heart. So many in society wanted to bring him down but were coldly polite to him because of his rank. He didn’t show that society’s opinion affected him but it had. His anger and sense of injustice at society’s treatment of him drove him to be outrageous. That recklessness only made him stand out more and fueled the gossip. He’d been happy to live alone. Until Livia. She brought lightness to his soul. She gave him a reason to want to be a better man. If only he could get her to trust him with her secret. But was he ready to trust her with his own?

This was such a beautiful story of overcoming tragic pasts and creating a beautiful and hopeful future. I loved the buildup of Adrian and Livia’s relationship. They were attracted instantly and watching them try to resist their feelings was fun but I most loved watching their friendship develop. Once they were able to trust completely and share their burdens, their love grew even deeper. And boy were there some secrets to share! The revelations in the last few chapters really built up my angst and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The stakes got higher toward the end and I was starting to worry how much these two would have to endure before they got their HEA.

While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. You’ll love reading about this family that skirts scandal on a regular basis. Each book is filled with complicated characters and intriguing plots dealing with power, passion, family, and deeds and consequences. I’m hoping there’s a book for Darius and Andrew soon. I can’t get enough of this family!

Lady Livia Shaw first meets Aidrian, the Duke of Preston, when he saved her from being attacked in the streets. The Shaws are known scandals in the making but Aidrian may give them a run for their money.
I have liked previous books but there were a few too many unnecessary elements added in. Without the face powder issue or the crazy secret Aidrian held on to (or choosing just one of the two) the story would be more believable.

Historical romance is generally good. In this case, the author made you see the time. With two strong characters its a fun read.

Sometimes when characters have a Deep Dark Secret, the reveal is so underwhelming that I feel annoyed with them for getting so het up about something so trivial. That’s definitely not the case in Boundless; both Livia and Adrian have secrets which could destroy whole families, though Adrian’s was arguably the more shocking, he has less people who could be affected by the truth and therefore less to lose.

From the beginning of the book, we know Livia had a child when she was very you, who was taken from her. It’s obvious to the reader that she never processed this loss and is still grieving it, but it takes her twin sister to point that out and help Livia move on. (Never fear, there’s a happy ending to this part of the story as well).

Adrian, the Duke of Preston, is drawn into helping Livia when he spots her being attacked on the street in broad daylight. With his scandalous reputation, he knows he should stay far away from her, but she intrigues him and when she seeks him out a second time to ask his aid, he can’t resist accepting.

The attraction between Adrian and Livia leads them places it shouldn’t, and they get caught and pushed into a betrothal Livia in particular is very unsure about. This was where Adrian really shone; he demonstrated how much he cared about her in ways she couldn’t misinterpret, reassuring her by actions as well as words, which I really liked.

This is a great romance and the suspense subplots were based on real issues which would have dramatic consequences for the protagonists if their secrets were publicly revealed. Though it’s the third in a series, there’s no need to have read the others to thoroughly enjoy this one. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGallley.

4.5 stars

Lady Livia Shaw has secrets, secrets that very few people know and that would destroy her if they were ever revealed, secrets she believes even being a "Shaw" won't save her from. She meets Adrian Stirling, the Duke of Preston when he saves her from being attacked by a gang of street children. He fights them off and takes Livia to his former mistresses house to tend her injury. He then causes a bit of a scandal by kissing her on the street in full daylight. Livia is outraged and happy that she never has to see him again. But later, she learns that her brooch is missing and knows that either it was left at his mistress' house or was taken by the children. She has no choice, she will have to ask Adrian for help.


Adrian is a walking scandal with secrets of his own and he seems to relish his very tarnished reputation and questionable birth. Widowed with no plans to remarry, he usually stays away from "good" society, but something about Livia intrigues him and he ventures out in hopes of seeing her again. He finds Livia at the ball and she tells him that she needs to talk to him. They meet later and she tells him of her lost brooch, he knows she is hiding something and agrees to find her brooch - mostly because it means that he will see her again. Relieved, Livia returns to the ball and is approached by Sir Jeffery, a childhood sweetheart, a man she thought she loved and who loved her, but he broke her heart by marrying someone else and leaving. He is back in England and widowed, he makes his interest clear, but Livia is surprised to discover that she is no longer interested.

Adrian begins his quest for the brooch and gains a protege in the process, Mickey is a street child and may be able to help him find the missing jewerly, he hires the boy to be his page and sees his potential. Mickey informs him that Livia was targeted for the brooch and while he doesn't know the man's name, he would know him by sight.

Adrian ends up finding her brooch and returning it to her, but that is not the end of the story, they will have a lot to overcome, including a forced betrothal, a spurned former lover, shocking secrets, hurtful rumors and a terrifying ordeal before they get their hard won HEA.

I really loved this installment, I have a soft spot for "bad boy" heroes and Adrian certainly fits the bill, Livia was a little harder to warm up to, but she won me over in the end. The book has a little bit of everything, action, secrets, shocking revelations, steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, a truly demented villan and a very sweet epilogue. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to the series and would happily recommend this book! It is the last book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title with no problems - but be warned, the "Shaws" are addictive and you will want to read previous titles!!

*I am volunarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Boundless Lynne Connolly is book Three in The Shaws Series. This is the story of Adrian, the Duke of Preston and Livia Shaw. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone.
Preston turns into Livia hero when he helps her after being taken upon when leaving a orphanage in a bad area. But Livia has secrets that she can't let out. Secure in the thoughts to never marry due to her secretes she doen't plan on having feelings for Preston. But his reputation might not be what everyone thinks. Livia needs Preston help again in finding what she had lost or was taken during the indecent. Preston never caring what people thought of him or what they though he did, finds himself caring about Livia. But they both do a dance around their secrets and feelings.
Really enjoyed their story!

Boundless is the return of the Shaw family. This is Livias turn. I was impressed with the book and seriously enjoyed it. Livia has lost something very precious to her and will do anything now to find it. While on her wear she has something stolen that is precious.. enter Adrian. He’s known for scandal and this beauty has drawn him in. He will help her at any cost. Their journey is gonna be full of adventure and when that lost item is found it will be interesting how they survive.

This story highlights the divide between the glitter of the ton and the seamy underbelly of London particularly orphans. I have enjoyed how the author has explored how the various characters in this series have broken society's rules in their own quiet way to pursue their own interests and romance. While this series overall has appealed to me tremendously, this particular story is my favorite with the sweetness and spice and how the tables are turned on His Grace, the rake.
Lady Livia Shaw is content to be a wallflower, doing good works hiding in plain sight in penance for breaking the rules when she's a young girl. An adventure to a seedy part of London brings her into the sights of Adrian, the Duke of Preston. Adrian is the complete opposite. He's a rogue and content to smash all of society's boundaries in the pursuit of pleasure. I absolutely enjoyed his reaction when he finds out that his peccadillos are tame in comparison to Livia's past.
Both characters are carrying a heavy load of baggage. Adrian's story when told is a revelation that I totally did not expect particularly with the build up to his reputation. Livia's story and sadness is well told even though she's not alone in falling into the trap that she does. When her past catches up, I love Adrian's reaction when he finds that he's in the position to accept her mistakes rather than needing her to accept his risqué past. Despite Adrian's reputation his rescue of the young boy from the orphanage and his treatment of the same is a true revelation of his character.
Lady Shaw as always plays a delightful supporting role in her child's romance. I love the run-up to the wedding where she turns into Adrian's biggest supporter after originally urging her daughter to stay far away from his scandalous past. All in all I love the new characters that are introduced into the story and how neatly the bad guys are foiled and everything comes together nicely.
Ms. Connolly, I hope this does not mean an end to this time period and these characters? I look forward to seeing more stories involving the delightful characters we've met in the series so far.

I had to re-read the previous books so I could get hyped up for this one...and it didn't disappoint. Beautifully written, amazing story, and beautiful characters...you can't go wrong with this amazing read!

Step into history and lose yourself in a story that will pull at your emotions. Lady Livia Shaw had secrets that nobody should know. But in a unexpected encounter when she was being attacked by street urchins, none other than Adrian, Duke of Preston comes to her aid. Yes, one of the infamous Shaw's that she knew from the past when he was at a low point. The worst part is she later discovers she has lost her brooch that linked her past that she had never gotten over. What to do? She has to find it! Of course Adrian found Livia very attractive and was set on helping her find her missing piece of jewelry. As they spend time with each other, the attraction is off the charts.
There was so much to this story that I could hardly put it down.
Even though part of a series, this can be read as a standalone. Don't miss this fast paced read with with humor at times as well as dark and shocking revelations that will have you sighing as you turn the last page.

a wonderful historical! complex interesting characters. great story! fast paced and one you won't want to put down.

Connolly has outdone herself with this final installment of the powerful Shaw family. I'm already missing them, truth be told. They are easily one of my favorite literary families with amazingly interesting stories that are both realistic for the time period and demonstrative of diversity.

Livia, in this final book, was transformed from one of my least favorite characters into someone I was more than rooting for. I loved everything about her in her own book: her emotional struggles, her fears, her deep distrust, her heartbreak, but also her courage, her joy, her strength, her tenderness, her love, and her loyalty.

Livia's story is deeply timely and a stark reminder of the issues women faced then and still face now. Whether her story came out of recent news or was always planned for her is immaterial. That the book comes out now makes the story incredibly relevant. I was beyond impressed (as usual) with Connolly's deft touch in dealing with difficult (and easy to preach about) topics and how it never comes out as preachy or as if she is deliberately making a point as the author.

Livia's alone-ness, something that bothered me in previous books, is explained via her backstory here and she has such a heartbreaking backstory too. I can't touch too much on it without giving it away entirely though. Suffice to say that it touches on the core of who she is and also touches on who her mother is.

Enter Adrian, Duke of Preston. He is the one to save her when she is mugged in the street and divested of her most treasured possession. Preston has his own issues - and difficult ones too. In may ways, he is as broken as Livia, though he deals with his issues very differently. I found his way of dealing with them made a great deal of sense to me. His thinking on them and how he acts as a result are the same choices I made in similar but certainly not identical situations. He was easy for me to connect with.

Adrian's principal issue also feels very timely and, like Livia's backstory, is dealt with using Connolly's incredibly deft touch. Notorious simply for existing, Adrian is widely known to be the child of his mother and her black page. How he is treated and how people respond to him always includes how they feel and what they think about that. I loved Adrian as much for what he is as for how he treated Livia because Adrian is an incredibly nuanced, three dimensional character.

But this wouldn't be a Shaws book (or an Emperors book), if it didn't have a bit of a mystery - something to solve and overcome. For Livia, it's finding out who stole her most prized possession. It's also the sudden re-entry into her life of a former best friend. For Adrian, it's dealing with his desire for Livia balanced against his lack of desire to deal with Society. How these storylines work out was amazing and I loved how Connolly worked it all.

Bottom line, Connolly delivers an amazing story with amazing characters whose capacity for love is wonderful and heartwrenching and inspiring. It is more than a fitting ending to the Shaws series. It provides the perfect ending even as I desperately want more! Maybe we could have a novella about mother and father Shaw? I'd love to read their story because they are such amazing people!

I always know that I'm in for a treat when I pick up a book from this author. Even though they are all set within the same family, each one is not only a stand alone, but a unique treat.

As always, I enjoyed the chemistry the author creates between her two main characters, and you can never go wrong when the entire Shaw clan gets together. The characters (even the minor ones), were engaging, well written and deeply complex.

I do think this story was little "busier" than than others what with all the secrets and surprise twists that were included. There were times when it almost felt like the author went a little "overboard" with them (just there were some I feel that could have been used in a different book that I have no doubt she is planning for the future).

However, even with that I found myself unable to put this story down until the very end. I would definitely read more from this author, and I do believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy strong characters that are given seemingly impossible odds.

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.

Boundless by Lynne Connolly
The Shaws #3

Secrets, scandals and serious issues abound in this book. Lady Livia Shaw is saved one night by Adrian Sterling, the Duke of Preston and when she realizes she has lost something precious when she was attacked on the streets he offers his assistance in finding the missing object. I don’t want to give away the secrets or tell too much about this book as it all weaves together in a way that kept me interested from beginning to end. I loved the growing relationship between Livia and Adrian and the people they both were. I enjoyed the supportive family Livia was blessed with. At times I felt sad, angry and happy for the couple and also was angry that they had to suffer so much. They seemed to suit one another to a T and so deserved the happiness they achieved together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars