*4.5 Stars*

“Very few people truly know themselves…we all invent ourselves daily”

Lady Diana Haversham finds herself an outcast in a time when gossip and perception rule all and a person’s reputation mean everything. But never one to back down from a fight, Lady Diana rebrands herself and with the help of a benefactor, finds herself one of the most wanted courtesans in England.

Lord Lucas Blackthorn has recently returned from his exile imposed by his family. His eyes can’t believe that the once meek and shy Lady Haversham is now the mistress of Lord Harrow—a man with certain deviances according to stories circulating amongst the ton. The gambler in him sees getting her into his bed as a high stakes game he’s eager to play, but when the truth of her wicked reputation comes to light, he finds that his heart is all in and the rules of the ton be damned.

“In truth, life was painful, unfair, and utterly without mercy. Especially when it came to love.”

A Wicked Reputation is a delicious historical with a heroine that is no shrinking wallflower. Loved Diana and her approach to life and not giving a damn what others thought of her, but fought fiercely for those she loves. While this is the third installment to the Once Wicked series, it may be read standalone. Liana LeFey is a new to me author, and I can’t wait to read more! Absolutely loved, and highly recommend!

After being on a psychological thriller and YA book reading surge, I was in need of a good historical romance to switch it up and refresh my mind. And after quickly getting through the first 20% of this book, I knew I had made the right decision! This really was WICKED and it was so well done. There was a perfect blend of love, lust, heartache, and realism that could tie into anyone’s modern world. I LOVED Diana. She was such a no-f’s given seductress (and total badass) when she was playing her part but underneath it all, she was the most innocent and gentle soul. I also found myself being hopelessly charmed by Lucas and just absolutely loving Harrow for his caring and kindness.