I enjoyed the previous book in the Lords of Vice series, so I was really looking forward to this one. Fletcher made a good hero. He was tired of having to seduce women in his job, while he couldn't have the one woman he really wanted...who was the sister of his superior. The relationship of Fletcher and his grandfather, and that of Agnes and her mother, were quite interesting. I also enjoyed seeing characters from the previous book.

However, the book took place during the same time period as the previous book, so the story had a been-there-done-that vibe. Also, a mystery cliffhanger from the previous story was not resolved. My main issue, however, was the heroine. I just didn't particularly like her. Don't lecture the man about his vice (lust) when you suffer from the same one yourself...though it was only directed towards one man. The book was entertaining enough, though, that I want to read the next installment.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Title: The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
Author: Robyn DeHart
Series: Lords of Vice #3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Pub Date: November 12th 2018
Pages: 249
My Copy: Courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing

Book Summary:

Rakish playboy, Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield has wanted Agnes Watkins since the first time he saw her. But her older brother is his direct supervisor and makes it very clear that Agnes is off limits. Fletcher does his best to forget her and instead focuses on his spying assignments that have him seducing women for needed information. 

But when Agnes corners him at a ball and proclaims she’s going to reform his scoundrel ways, Fletcher knows he can ignore her no longer. Initially he considers this an opportunity to rid himself of his fascination with her. But the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that what he feels for her isn’t a passing infatuation, but real love. He uses her goal as an excuse to pursue her full throttle despite warning glances from her brother. But can he convince her that he’s mended his scandalous ways?

Book Review:

A fun historical romance that makes you smile from start to finish. Agnes Watkins and Fletcher Banks are two people who are so different from one another, yet they find themselves exploring an attraction that neither of them expected.

Agnes has decided that she doesn’t want to have a husband because she has seen terrible things that happen to people who decide to get married. Her parents marriage is a sham since her mother is always sleeping around and having affairs. So she thinks people can’t be faithful and then her brother, Christopher got engaged and the woman he was engaged to cancelled it and left his brother heart broken. Fletcher Banks is a man who seduces women to get information because of his job for the government. His boss is Christopher Banks, Agnes brother. So at a party these two meet. Fletcher is smitten with this women who he sees and knows she is the woman for him. Things are going to get complicated for him as he is warned by her brother to stay away from her or he will regret it. So he does for a period of three years.

We are then fast forwarded three years later, which is a good amount of time and Agnes still has not married. Also Agnes is part of a group of women called the Ladies of Virtue and they fight crime in a different way because they are women. This is important because these ladies also have become friends to Agnes and give each other advice to do so. Then Agnes finds out that she has a stalker who very much wants her to be his and hence begins something she is not used to. Also Fletcher sees her again and realizes that he only wants this woman he has desired for so long. So then Agnes finds herself doing something she never thought possible and they find themselves pursuing a relationship and agree to fake courtship to lure out her stalker.

This book took some very interesting directions and twists. I like the fact that Agnes and Fletcher decide to publicly court one another, but Agnes knows its a fake courtship to draw out her attacker/stalker. She feels like he is a rake and will never reform. Fletcher knows that he will be able to protect her and do whatever is necessary to make her fall in love with him. He knows that she is in danger. What happens is a real relationship develops and I like that this happens in a way. Plus we get to see some of the other things that are happening around Agnes mostly. Her admirer gets even more bolder and does some pretty weird and terrifying things.

At a party things get more intense as an old lover of Fletchers comes on to him and he tries to turn the woman away and she is very determined. The lady lays a kiss on him and Agnes sees this, but gets very jealous and tries not to show it, but you can tell she is. She tells herself that this is not real and he is being a typical man. Yet, Fletcher tells Agnes later about what happened and that he is not interested in this woman. The only woman he is interested is in her. This makes Agnes see Fletcher in a new light.

Things escalate as we learn who is the admirer and it’s someone that we didn’t see coming. It is one of her mothers former lover who realizes that her mother was just a cheap imitation and that she is the only one for him after a party and finds that she needs to find a way out of this situation and then Fletcher comes to her rescue. Plus both Agnes and Fletcher realize that there will never be anyone else for them.
I like the book because these were two characters who had to fight for the things that they wanted and needed. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more books in this series.

Rating:

4.5 Hearts

I loved the storyline to this book. Who doesn't want someone they aren't supposed to have. Characters were well written. Next one please!!

I really liked this story. Loved the characters with a nice mix of positive and negative qualities. This is the third in a series, is standalone, but book 2 is happening in conjunction with this book so may be better read in order if minor spoilers bug you. This was my first time reading Robyn DeHart and I will have to search out her other books as I liked her characters and writing style. Overall, a good story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield, has been in love with Agnes Watkins for years. Unfortunately, with Agnes' brother being his superior, he cannot possibly pursue her. If Fletcher wants to re-establish himself in his field and earn a living, he will have to move on from her. When Agnes seeks him out herself with a proposition, Fletcher cannot resist getting closer to her.

Fletcher tries to avoid his true feelings for Agnes, but it proves even more difficult when her brother asks Fletcher to keep an eye on her while he's away. Knowing Agnes is in potential danger due to her secret Ladies Club, draws out Fletcher's protective side. His rakish tendencies have only ever been a mask. Deep down lies a man who wants more to life... a wife, Agnes. Could she want him to?

Author Robyn DeHart's LORDS OF VICE series is bewitching. The first novel, THE SCOUNDREL AND THE LADY was well-written and thoroughly enjoyable, but the second installment, THE EARL AND THE RELUCTANT LADY, stole my heart. Fletcher is a complex character. You know the saying, there are two sides to every coin, it is certainly true for Fletcher. Everyone puts so much stock into his being a rake, but really, it's all mostly in the name of his profession. Fletcher actually has a very big heart and there is so much depth to his character. Agnes is kind of the same. Both just need to take some risks in order to achieve the greatest rewards, love and happiness. Their story is superb! I cannot wait for the next addition in the LORDS OF VICE series.

While this is the third novel in the series (and there are overlapping story-lines and characters), each book is written as a stand-alone to the point where you do not need to have read the others in order to enjoy this one.

This is the kind of novel that I have come to expect from this author. The characters are engaging and complex (to a point), who have an obvious attraction to each other, but fight it to the point that it becomes tedious.

I fell in love with Fletcher and Agnes (although god what a name) during their first exchange. I loved them even more when it came out that he saved one dance with her each year (on the anniversary of their first).

What I didn't love?

Fletcher's unwillingness to stand up to her brother for one thing. If he had felt that strongly about her for that long, he should have been willing to fight for her. Instead he seemed content to do anything but until he figured out that she had feelings for him as well. He claims the men in his life "hurt women", but we never see any real examples of this. Was it simply because they were unfaithful? We know his Grandfather was a horrid old man, but his father simply seems a man in mourning.

Once again, we are reminded of Lady X and her threat against the Ladies group of which Agnes is a part of, but we still do not know who she is. Only time will tell I suppose.

Overall, I believe this novel will appeal to those who enjoy well written historical novels and I would read more from this author (in fact I am looking forward to completing this series because I need to know how it all ends).

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.

He knew he could never have her...

She thought she could change him...

Together their desire is undeniable.

My Thoughts:

This latest Robyn DeHart, Lords of Vice book is the best so far in this series.
I have read all three books in the series and two others by this author. I have enjoyed them all but must say this one really drew me in.

We met Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield in a previous book. He is known for his prowess with the fairer sex and because of this his assignments as a spy for the crown lean toward extracting information from ladies he takes to his bed. This fact has earned him a somewhat unfair reputation.
Agnes Watkins is the only woman Fletcher has ever really wanted and one he most assuredly can not have.
She's the sister of the man who holds Fletcher's career as a spy in his hands. And that makes her completely off-limits.
Agnes as a member of the Ladies of Virtue means to reform the known rake as her next assignment.
Sparks fly when Fletcher is assigned the duty of guarding Agnes.
Will their feelings for each other survive or will her secret suitor win out?
I gave this newest book in this series 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.. Readers of this series had previously been introduced to our hero and heroine and now we get to read their story.
This romance gets a warm sensual rating of 3.0 of 5.0 flames. There is some intimacy but not a great deal.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher by invitation to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

4.5 stars - Elements of this storyline were very similar to An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen. The hero is a rake, but that’s also his job. He’s charged by the crown to seduce secrets from women to help keep his country safe. That reputation does little good, of course, when he finds the lady he wishes to share the rest of his life with. This is further complicated by the fact that the heroine is stunning, by all accounts, and looks just like her mother, who had a rotating door of lovers. Sadly, many men of the ton think, like mother like daughter, and she spends most nights in the ballrooms of London fighting off unwanted advances. The hero has been attracted to her since their first meeting, but her brother is his boss (of a sort) and refuses any thought of them together. Add a creepy stalker to the mix and you have a historical romance filled with judgement, heat, attempts at correction, a bit of thrill and finally surrender.

There’s a lot here and it’s all pretty good.

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

The Earl and the Reluctant Lady by Robyn DeHart this is book Three in the Lords of Vice Series. This is the story of Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield and Agnes Watkins. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Fletcher has been attracted to Agnes from the start but her brother is his supervisor and he is warned against her. So Fletcher tries to keep his feelings to himself...besides his spying job sets him to seduce women to get information from them. Agnes likes Fletcher a lot and doesn't understand his distance to her sometimes. When Agnes approaches him he starts to give into to his desire to be with her.
Really enjoyed reading their story!

This beautifully written story grabbed my heart and did not let go. Upon first sight, Fletcher, Earl of Wakefield saw her at a ball from a distance and knew he had to meet her. Unbeknownst to him, Agnes is the sister of the man who holds his job as a spy in his hands. Agnes is of course attracted to him as well, but with a warning he stays away and does not see her until three years later!
A reputed rake and scoundrel, Fletcher plays his role well in getting information out of women for the good of the country. What you say? Well somebody has got to do it and he is a master of seduction. But when he sees Agnes again, he just cannot resist!!
These two characters came alive with the wonderful words of Robyn Dehart. She captured my imagination with the storyline and I could not wait to see what happened! When they were together, sparks seemed to fly and they could not keep their feelings contained.
Prepare to be delighted in this next installment of this amazing series!!

I loved Fletcher and Agnes story!!

Fletcher meets Agnes at a ball and it instantly infatuated with her, but her brother, who happens to be his boss, has warned him away from her. He allows himself one dance with her a year, any more and he would end up defying her brother's wishes. But that all changes when he is charged with protecting her. Can he do his job and still keep his distance?

Agnes was just as smitten with Fletcher as he was with her after their dance and doesn't understand why he keeps his distance. But when her brother tasks him to watch over her, she gets her chance to spend more time with him. Will she still feel the same about him when he is no longer out of her reach?

I loved watching these two come together. Fletcher trying to keep Agnes safe and she still doing as she wants. Their antics had me laughing out loud!

This was a great addition to the Lords of Vice series and I can't wait to see what DeHart has in store for us next!

I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book from NetGalley. Absolutely love historical romance novels where the heroine changes the hero's roguish ways! That is exactly what Agnes does to Fletcher! Fletcher, who needs to protect Agnes is having an extremely difficult time keeping his hands to himself. Agnes has sworn off men. They do nothing for her. Until Fletcher that is!!! Well written, fun read!

I love the fact that Robin DeHart has managed to seamlessly integrate the stories in the Lord of Vice Series together. They are taking place simultaneously and without giving away plot lines and outcomes she is able to keep the storyline and characters running alongside each other in the same direction.

This is Fletcher and Agnes’ story. She is a pragmatist and he is a flirt. Both have been hurt by the indifference shown to them by their parents and believe that love and marriage are not in their futures. From the moment they meet they are drawn to each other and develop a friendship of sorts. When Agnes finds herself in danger, her brother puts Fletcher in charge of watching over her. This task leads to more close encounters and a chance to explore a deeper relationship.

Robyn DeHart is a brand new author to me, but I will quickly familiarise myself with her back catalogue. In fact, in the time since I finished this book, I've already added the previous books from this series to my next anticipated purchase list!
I absolutely love the premise of the genteel ladies in the Ladies of Virtue series, it's so much fun to read about these strong, independent ladies in such restraining times. Their unwillingness to bend or be apologetic for their thoughts, feelings or actions, is admirable. Agnes is a woman after my own heart, though I venture I am stubborn enough to stick to my guns, even if Fletcher were to turn up on my doorstep.
The humbling of our hero in this book as he realises his feelings, as well as Agnes's facade cracking, are some of the lovelier moments. There is great banter and humour between the pair, and their chemistry is something we could all aspire to.
Many thanks for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Earl and the Reluctant Lady (ebook) by Robyn DeHart ..this is the 3rd LORDS OF VICE book and I want to thank the Robyn for letting me preview this book. Agnes Watkins (member o Ladies of Virtue and is against marriage) Fletcher Banks (Earl of Wakefield works for the 7 ..also against marriage) This books is full of adventure, danger, relatives who are not very nice, some laughs and tears, a stalker, steamy sex and a very HEA... Who will be the next Lord of Vice? and who is Lady X?

Historical romances are so much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

The author does a wonderful job describing the scenario so I will let her words speak for themselves.
Agnes corners him at a ball and proclaims she’s going to reform his scoundrel ways, Fletcher knows he can ignore her no longer. Initially he considers this an opportunity to rid himself of his fascination with her. But the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that what he feels for her isn’t a passing infatuation, but real love.

I thought this was a delightful story. Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield, was a spy and had been for two years but he also lived the lifestyle. He had a horrible reputation. He met Agnes Watkins at a ball, he couldn't keep his eyes off her. She found him equally attractive. His boss turns out to be her brother and Christopher Watkins does not like him or his reputation. He warns Fletcher to leave his sister alone. Lady Watkins is a sweet lady and she has decided to remain unmarried. She is invited to join the Ladies of Virtue, they are a group of the ton. They fight pickpockets and injustice they find. They train in hand to hand fighting and with weapons. Fletcher stays away from her, but the night they met, each year they have a waltz as they did that night.
The characters were great and well developed. The plot weaves around them while keeping the tale fresh and smooth so you can read an intriguing, sinister and dangerous plot. It is hard to put down, you keep wanting to know what is coming next. I highly recommend this wonderful tale.

I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is an adorable story. I loved both Fletcher and Agnes. Their interactions with each other are so sweet and interesting. I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction and would recommend it to all romance lovers.

Agnes has lived in her mother's shadow all her life. Finally, she gives up on love and romance. She can afford to stay single forever. Her brother supports her decision and thus she is safely off the marriage market. Now she can do what she enjoys to do. That's how she becomes part of a Ladies' group helping people of London. However, things are not as simple as they seem and her life might be in danger. She also finds it very difficult to ignore Lord Fletcher's. She has no idea why but for some reason she enjoys his company and maybe even feel lust towards him.

Fletcher likes Agnes but she is off-limits. There is no way he will jeopardize his carrier and her reputation just because he can't keep his hands to himself. That's also why he avoids her. But now that's not an option. He has to protect her and that means staying close to her. Will he be able to protect her without compromising her or maybe he will end up convincing her to marry him? But is that even a possibility for the two of them?

It's a well-written story. I find it to be a light-hearted romance which I think everyone can enjoy reading. I definitely did!

This is book 3 in the Lord's of Vice series. The story is about Agnes and Fletcher.
Agnes is a Member of the Ladies of Virtue Society. They try to rid society of petty thieves and pick pockets. They are trained how to defend themselves and others. They also try to guide others on the right course.
Fletcher is guilty of one of the 7 deadly sins, lust. He has a reputation as a rake. Agnes is determined to help him on the right path.
The path takes many twists and turns.
A great story

From the very moment Agnes Watkins walked into his life, Fletcher Banks, Earl of Wakefield, has wanted her. Agnes is not just beautiful, she's clever and determined. Despite her uncommon beauty, she refuses to conform to society's standards. She's also the sister of Christopher the man who holds Fletcher's career as a spy in his hands & Christopher warns Fletcher off in no uncertain terms. Tall, impossibly broad, and handsome as a sin, Fletcher Banks is a brazen scoundrel. Known for his reputation as the greatest lover in London, he's the only man who's ever proved a temptation for Agnes. Her duties with the Ladies of Virtue means she can't overlook his lustful ways. Three years have passed & he time has come to reform this rake.
With Agnes setting her virtuous sights on him, Fletcher can't ignore her any longer. Especially when she starts to receive disturbing letters, Chris asks Fletcher to guard .
A well written engrossing read, this is the third book in the series & easily stands on its own, some of the timeframe is parallel to the second book, which I found an added bonus. I loved both Agnes & Fletcher & how they denied their feelings for so long even though their attraction sizzled but they could also talk to each other & liked each other too. I look forward to more in the series after all there are seven sins & of course Matilda & Sullivan disliking one another so much has to be a story

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read