Cover Image: The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington

The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I thought this was a solid read to round out the series. Emma and Lymington have great chemistry and the suspense kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. I appreciate how strong Emma has become throughout the story and keeps fighting to help others. Lymington's character was hard to adjust to at first, but once the story picked up more I grew more fond of him. There were a few loose ends that I felt could have been tied up more thoroughly, but it doesn't detract from the overall storyline.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Will the secrets between them tear them part for ever …

I do not know if this book is the last or if there will be a story related to Lady Clifford’s daughter, as some things were left unresolved.
But here it is Emma’s tale, the mouse of the group of friends.
Of the four, she is the one who experienced the worst, damaged in the inside as much as the outside.
So when maids disappear and one lands in a brothel with a tale of abuse to share. It takes little to persuade them to investigate the case and expose the culprit.
So Emma is tasked to impersonate a lady and to set her sight on the designed villain to find the truth. And she is good at attracting his attention, if only it did not put her on the path of her prey’s older cousin. A man who seems to see past her acting and smiles, a man who crawls under her skin. This investigation is a means for Emma to give back what she has been offered, to redeem her broken self by giving justice to other less fortunate souls. She is so scarred in her psyche, she feels she is unable to love, parts of herself missing after the ordeal she survived through.
Samuel is a honorable man, even if he made mistakes, leaving his estates and family to create his own journey. But he can’t shun his duties to his title anymore now his uncle has met his ultimate end. He knew when he left, he was putting his home and his people’s fate in the wrong hands. So now he must undo what had been done during his absence.
Firstly, put back on the right path his young cousin. So here they are in the city, helping him winning back the young woman he loves. So he won’t accept any interference, even from a bewitching lady, but is she really a lady as he glimpsed her in a brothel a few nights ago.

In their own way, both want justice and to understand what happened to the missing maids. And while sparks fly, the secrets between might create an unbridgeable rift as there is more than Emma’s mission between them.

In all, it is a lovely tale of forgiveness, healing and resilience, but what will arrive when the truth about Emma’s past will be known and when the lady whose name she used will enter society.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington is the fourth and final book in Anna Bradley’s Swooning Virgins Society series. It can be read as a stand-alone, although all the previous books are fairly enjoyable, and I also recommend checking them out.

Emma is one of the more intriguing characters in the series so far, given that she dealt with a lot of adversity in her past. She was taken to a brothel as a teen, where her virginity was auctioned off, and the person who won her subsequently abused her. While I am dismayed to see another dark portrayal of sex work as a facet of the heroine’s story, given how common it is, I appreciate what it means for Emma’s character as she tries to look out for other women in the present.

Samuel took time to grow on me, as he is outwardly gruff and standoffish. But he has his reasons to be distant, and as his walls came down and he began to understand Emma, I warmed up to him more.

I enjoyed seeing them navigate the mystery, first in opposition, then as a team. That part of the plot is well executed with a decent amount of twists and turns.

This is a satisfactory end to the series, complete with an epilogue that shows the couples from all four books in their respective HEAs together. If you like your historical romance with a generous helping of mystery/suspense, you’ll enjoy this one.

Was this review helpful?

Emma Downing knows, far worse perils often lurk within the lavish homes of high society. Emma has been tasked with uncovering secrets at the Lymington family’s country estate.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Anna is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book ..

Was this review helpful?

This is the fourth in the series, I've read this series from the beginning but you can pick up the series at any point and not have too many spoilers.

The title is a bit of a misnomer. Emma is not a virgin, she has worked as a courtesan and she has suffered because of it. I'm assuming the title is to keep in line with the others in the series.

The plot was well thought out I was surprised at who the baddie turned out to be. I'm usually not surprised so fair play to the author for keeping me guessing. I'm not enamored with the series but it is an entertaining read.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

I have previously been a big fan of Bradley's 'Besotted Scots' series which gave me high hopes for this book. Sadly, I found very little to excite me. It was not bad, it just didn't make an impression on me. It did not make me want to read the rest of this series and it did not make me feel anything besides slightly entertained.

Was this review helpful?

Lady Amanda Clifford runs the Clifford Charity School For Wayward Girls. Each of the girls who have been featured in the series was found in truly dire circumstances and has been taught to be strong, resourceful young ladies. They have also been taught to have a strong sense of vengeance and respect for justice. Five years ago, fifteen-year-old Emma Downing was the fourth girl rescued by Lady Amanda and possibly the most damaged by her circumstances. Now, it is Emma’s turn to take on an assignment for the school and it will take all of her skills and talents to succeed.

It seems maids have been disappearing off the country estate of Samuel Fitzroy, the Marquess of Lymington and no trace of any of them have been found – until one turns up as a courtesan at Madam Marchand’s brothel. That maid, Caroline Frances, shares a tale of a Lord who seduced and debauched her, then left her on the steps of Madam Marchands. She even names the Lord who did the deed. It is now up to Emma to investigate Lancelot Banning, Viscount Lovell, and come up with the evidence to either exonerate him or convict him. To do that, Emma will live with Lady Amanda’s friend Lady Crosby and pretend to be her granddaughter, Emma Crosby, who just happens to be on the continent with her father.

Lord Lovell is the cousin of Lord Lymington and the two of them grew up together – in the same house. They are more like brothers than cousins and Samuel is very protective of Lovell. When a young debutante (Emma) starts flirting with Lovell, Samuel warns her away because he knows Lovell is head-over-heels in love with Lady Flora.

Samuel nor Lovell have any idea that Emma suspects Lovell of some very dire deeds, but Samuel certainly comes to question her and her motives when he keeps encountering her at places no well-bred young lady should be. She intrigues him – and she repels him. Yet, when Emma’s life is in danger, Samuel knows he has to save her.

I believe this was the final book in the series and it had a lovely epilogue that included visits with Sophia (The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray), Cecilia (The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington), and Georgiana (The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere). I’m always a sucker for a good epilogue.

I enjoyed this story but was left with a number of questions and no answers. First, since Emma is impersonating a real-life person, how will the person, the grandmother, and Emma explain all of that to the ton when the actual granddaughter appears? Emma and Samuel – and the entire family – will be shunned by the ton when they discover Emma’s time in Madam Marchand’s service – how would they explain that away? It just seems it was made much too easy and there was a rather blasé attitude to a very serious social issue.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

Bewitched is book 4 in Ms Bradley's The Swooning Virgins Society. Emmy will make you want to cry, her life was a horror story come true. Mrs. Clifford saved her in more ways than one. She's a little jaded & cynical but hasn't forgotten her girlhood wishes. She's also not a simpering English virgin but plays one very well. Samuel is a military man & that's hard to let go, in real life too. He's rigid & his smile is more like a grimace, he's forgotten how to enjoy himself, laugh & smile. They're an unlikely pair but in the end it works out. I read this book in one evening, straight through. I rarely do that so I can honestly say I enjoyed the story.

#AnnaBradley #TheSwooningVerginsScoiety #TheVirginWhoBewitchedLordLymington #Lyrical Press #historicalromance

Was this review helpful?

My only advice is not to read this book without reading the previous two books in the series. I felt like I was constantly chasing the story and at one point I even started reading again from the beginning. When I finished reading the book everything finally made sense. There is a HEA and a long epilogue which includes all of the characters from the previous books. The mystery plot was interesting.
I think I'd be willing to give this author another chance, but I will make a point of starting at the beginning of a different series.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington is a 5 star read. Compelling, romantic, sweet, thrilling. The suspense/mystery was very well done, as was the development of the romance. Both main characters were wonderful and you can really believe in their love and their relationship. Some complaints that I had concerning one of the previous books in this series are nowhere to be seen here: everything was well-balanced and just right for the story, there is some heat, the pacing is also very good. I really enjoyed this novel.

5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Like its predecessors, The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington is a sharp, passionate mystery that adds to the sparkling romantic world of the Swooning Virgin Society. Fiery and shrouded in secrets, Samuel and Emma’s epic love story is not soon forgotten. Readers will be enchanted with Samuel and Emma’s sensual, dangerous journey from enemies to lovers.

Emma Downing has been victim to horrors no young woman should ever endure. Hone in the fires of fear and violence, Emma has vowed to save the young ladies who society has forgotten and thrown away. Samuel Fitzroy, Marquess of Lymington, has returned from the navy to find his family in shambles. His guilt at abandoning his cousin enflames him to correct many wrongs. Samuel discovers that several female servants at his estate are missing. Emma, disguised as an innocent debutante, is determined to find out the truth of the missing girls, even if it implicates Samuel’s family. Samuel is both mistrusting and drawn to the mysterious Emma.

Samuel and Emma must navigate a web of deceit and lies that threatens to tear them apart. This couple, who meet as enemies, ignite the page from their first encounter. Emma was written with such love, respect, and detail. My heart ached for Emma’s lost innocence and tragic past. Samuel seems distant and gruff at first, but deep down, he is a man with inner fire, and that loves fiercely. The couple’s connection is off-the-charts at first sight. The anger leads to undeniable attraction. Samuel and Emma are perfect for each other. The couple’s heart-wrenching journey has the most beautiful of endings.

The plot marries a lovely romance and fantastic mystery beautifully. There is enough balance of intrigue and passion to keep the reader entertained. The story moves quickly, and the mystery kept my interest and had me questioning until the last chapter. The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington is the fourth book in The Swooning Virgin Society. This was a well-crafted, detailed, poignant love story amidst a backdrop of murder during a London season. We witness the gilded, rich ballrooms while simultaneously seeing the sordid underbelly of London’s back alleys. Samuel and Emma’s love story is stunning in its complexity and realism. Anna Bradley has created magic yet again!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was sooo good. I thought it might be the best of the series, but that’s not really true. They are all so different. But this one had a certain punch to the energy that got me hyped up ❤️🔥
You can tell there are lots of layers and grey areas…incredible depth. That’s why it struck me as perhaps being the best of the series; it has an intense layering effect.

The hero feels real and his concerns and cynicism is there for good reason. Likewise, the heroine is strong and intelligent. Their chemistry worked and dialogue felt authentic.

Glad to provide the honest feedback!

Was this review helpful?

The cast of characters in The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington is perfect! Emma is as independent as she is broken. While Samuel is as headstrong as he is loving. They are a perfect match. I will say that every time I read Lymington, I couldn't help but picture little Lemmings, and he is nothing like a Lemming. There was also so much left without an explanation at the end. Even though it wasn't completely wrapped up at the end, all of the important stuff was, and I would read it again!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A captivating romance and well written story had me turning the pages far too quickly. Samuel and Emma are both strong and determined, Emma in particular was the heroine of this story, her resilience shown through. It was an enjoyable journey to be a part of, their slow burn mutual desire and love built to a wonderful ending.

Was this review helpful?

The fourth instalment in Anna Bradley's series The Swooning Virgin Society adds another wonderful story to the previous three. The interaction between heroine Emma and hero Samuel is a tingly wonder. I think everyone can agree that a tall, dark, and broody hero is always wonderful to read about especially when faced with a smart, fearless heroine. The interaction between Emma and Samuel is a delight. The sensuality and passion conveyed through kisses and conversation made this book a thrill to read. I commend Anna Bradley for make each main character brave, but vulnerable. The mystery was an added bonus to the overall story. I highly recommend this instalment.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book in this series. I truly loved Emma's story. She is such an awesome character. Book has it all: romance, adventure and lots of secrets.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Definitely my favorite in the series. Great characters, and Lord Lymington is such a great, gruff, pining hero. And Emma is a total badass. Fun read!

Was this review helpful?

I kept waiting for Samuel to make a frontal assault. As much as his cousin talked about it I wanted it to happen so badly. I guess in a way he did in the end he finally does. Emma keeps Samuel on his toes throughout the book. The problem is he just wants her to tell the truth. She's not sure if he's trustworthy or Not. By the time she figures it out it's almost too late.

Was this review helpful?

Anna Bradley made this story come alive. Emma and Lymington were wonderful characters to conclude this series. Emma was sent to spy on his nephew and falls for Lymington along the way. This book has adventure, heartache and proves love conquers all.

Was this review helpful?

Samuel Fitzroy, Marquess of Lymington, returned to England to take up his title only to find out that two young servants have disappeared from his countryseat. He travels to London to try and find the one young woman who may be able to shed light on the missing girls. While waiting at the Pink Pearl to interview Caroline, he overhears a conversation between one of the courtesans and a mysterious young woman who has the most distinctive voice. When he encounters Lady Emma Crosby, he knows she's the one that had visited the whore house. Why was she there and how did she know the courtesans? Samuel is determined to find the killer, that is, if he can rein in his growing attraction for Lady Emma.

I've read the other books in the series and was happy to finally read Emma's story. Ms. Bradley does a good job of teasing out the details of Emma's past, but I knew right away the title was steering readers in the wrong direction. Emma was no virgin and I was disappointed that I started reading this book expecting one scenario only to find out it was something totally different. The mystery in the story kept the plot moving along nicely and the growing attraction between Emma and Samuel was sizzling.

Was this review helpful?