This was such a lovely historical romance!

“Lady Hell versus the Defiant Duke. The two most stubborn people in London putting on a show they think only they're watching.”

Enemies to lovers? Check.
Some serious pining? Check.
Unconventional, working heroine? Check.
Rakehell hero that’s secretly shy and nerdy? Check.

Roan, Duke of Leighton, has been in love with Helena, a shipping heiress, since he first set eyes in her on a beach 10 years ago. After overhearing the Duke call her a “lark” at a musicale 10 years ago, Helena has wanted nothing to do with the handsome Duke that first caught her eye. Cue ten years of longing, a Duke that just won’t stay away, and a two week Christmas vacation to the country side, and Helena, aka Hellie, aka Lady Hell, is in trouble if losing her heart. If it was ever hers to begin with.

I. Loved. Hellie. She was spunky, intelligent, driven, and a secret softie at heart. The fierce way she loves Theo, her half sister, was so heartwarming. Watching Hellie start to really see who Roan is melted my heart. I love a hero that’s more than meets the eye. Speaking of Roan, I adore an H that’s not all party and bravado. Roan has responsibilities. To himself, to his sister Pippa, and to the tenants that rely on the Duke for their livelihoods. But he also has things he’s passionate about. Fossils, his friends and family, and Hellie. Seeing him juggle the two really made me feel for him as a character. It stripped away the ducal veneer and showed the man underneath.

Watching these two fall in love was so romantic because they really start to see each other’s core and instead of it turning them off of each other, it just endears them to each other more. So so good.

The steam in this book was well written, well timed, super intimate, and so delicious.

I’m invested in this series and will be going back and reading the previous books because this one was fantastic!! Eagerly awaiting Pippa’s book next!!

ARC generously provided by Netgalley and Bookbuz.net in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are mine and are my own honest opinion.

The Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner is another Regency romance but it is a little different style than most. It is mostly told from a really disinterested third party point of view. Sometimes this disinterest rolls over onto the reader. It is the story of a man who has been in love since his late adolescence but said something early on to keep it from progressing at the time. He was a duke, too young and unsuited to the position. She was the common-born daughter of a shipping magnate. They ran into each other over the years. He always apologized. She always rejected him. The both thought of the other, often. She was so busy being independent that she almost missed the most important thing in her life. It was basically a dare that changed everything. But they were caught in a compromising position because of the dare. He did the right thing and proposed. She wondered if she would ever be more than the right thing.

A very different type of romance, all of his friends were all in. They knew him and knew who he felt, had felt for years. He realized he had won her the wrong way, and now needed to do it right. He did what he could. She realized that she did not give up her independence to love. In many ways it was a revealing and wonderful story. It was the writing style that was different.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Scandalous Vixen by Wolf Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #wolfpublishing #tracysumner #thescandalousvixen

This story started out a little slow for me. However, I never did feel it speed up. I enjoy stories with mystery, turns and turns and maybe a villain or two. This story, at least to me, did not have any of those things. There were some "steamy parts". But as a whole, I felt there was a little too much talking without any real excitement. The characters seem to do a lot of thinking than have any action. I have read and enjoyed other books by Tracy Sumner, but this will not be one of my favorites.

The Scandalous Vixen is another delicious Tracey Sumner book, part of The Duchess Society Series. Roan and
Hildegard meet while they are both young and finding their way in life, and they get off to a bad start that leaves them at odds. When they reconnect, ten years later, she is a very wealthy heiress and owner of a successful shipping company and he is a Duke working to keep his Ducal Estates prospering. There is definitely an attraction, but also concerns about the suitability of the relationship. There is quite a bit of angst, but not the annoying kind. The chemistry between the two is strong and hot, and both are strong, likeable characters. I am ready for the next book in the Series. 4-1/2 stars

I was given an ARC for my honest opinion.

Where a duke pursues a very reluctant duchess

Roan was such a delightful departure from the all-too-common "I'm never getting married and you can't make me!" aristocratic heroes we usually find in Regency romances. Not that I don't love that trope - and it's clear that the next romance in this series will feature such a leading man - but it is refreshing to see a male lead who pines for a wife and family, to the point of pursuing the object of his affection through more than ten years of constant rejection.

Helena freely admits she's fiercely attracted to the Defiant Duke, yet his behavior long ago left an indelible mark on her heart, despite his many, many attempts to apologize for what he said when he was too young to know his heart.

Roan's offer to help her younger sister take lessons in how to navigate society alongside his own younger sister brings them all together for a house party with Georgie and Hildy and their husbands - Roan's best friends - just before Christmas.

Their attraction to each other is a wild animal all its own, reducing them both to the impossible-to-ignore primal forces despite the chasm that separates them socially. And when the inevitable happens, a whole new ballgame is begun as both Roan and Hellie have to protect their own and their families' reputations even as it costs them the ultimate sacrifice of baring their souls to each other.

Eventually their path to their HEA is paved by focusing on what they have in common rather than what separates them. These two truly are equals in every way, and watching them come together was divinely entertaining. This author has a brilliant writing style, capturing all the highs and lows and deep personal insights, turning these unforgettable characters into my new best friends. We're also introduced to the main characters in the next book, delivering a delicious beginning to an even more forbidden romance.

If you love sweet and snarky characters in a duel-to-the-death love story, you don't want to miss this one. It's an outstanding romance from one of my all-time favorite authors. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Thanks to the publishers, author and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this second instalment of the Duchess Society series (the third actually, but I haven't read the prequel).

Roan, the Duke of Leighton, is obsessed with two things - palaeontology and Helena Astley. She's not highborn and she's not from his world but she captivates him whenever they meet and indulge in a clash of wits. Helena (fondly known as Hellie) is the mistress of her domain - she runs her own shipping business and has a reputation for being shrewd, fair and yes, maybe a bit of a hellion. She does enjoy her bouts with Leighton, although she thinks he's a rake with a temper. Once she gets to know him better, she likes his kindness, intelligence and loyalty and finds herself guarding her heart against deeper feelings - she's not good with trust.

There are plenty of fireworks in and out of the bedroom in this witty novel and I enjoyed it even more than the last. I think Tracey Sumner is fast becoming one of my favourite historical romance writers.

Roan Darlington, seventh Duke of Leighton, also known as the Defiant Duke, has to had learn the responsibilities and duties of being a duke without any help from family. There's only him and his sister left. He has a few close friends whom he trusts implicitly and the rest of Society can jump into the Thames for all Roan cares for their good opinion. Ten years ago he saw Helena Astley on a barren beach and knew this was the woman for him, but due to his youthful careless comments, she vows never to let him near her again. But, attraction has a way of getting past hurt feelings especially when a handsome duke is involved. Can Roan convince the independently minded Helena that he only cares for her?

This was such an enjoyable story. I loved the chemistry between Roan and Helena and how each of them tried to resist their mutual attraction. Helena was a smart business woman having inherited her father's shipping business and the fact that Roan understands this is the key to capturing her heart. The writing is superb although be warned this is a steamy romance with graphic sex scenes. They are written beautifully and fit the story so well. I can't wait to read Pippa's story next.

Step aside, Princess Bride, because Roan + Helena stole the title for the kiss the end all kisses.

Independent & fierce heiress who doesn’t want to get married ✅
Rough around the edges scoundrel who never wanted to be a duke ✅
Forced proximity that gives each the opportunity to let go of past grudges and explore the undeniable chemistry between them ✅

Hot DAMN this was good! Tracy’s writing is breathtakingly descriptive and poignant. I felt like I was standing on the beach the fateful day these two met!

My first from this author for me but will definitely be going back for more.

This is the second in The Duchess Society series, and third overall if you count a prequel. I've read the other two and was happy to read this as my first historical romance of the year. Helena Astley has wealth and runs a successful shipping business. Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton (The Defiant Duke) wasn't born or raised to be a Duke. But he takes his responsibilities to him dukedom and his younger sister seriously. After insulting Helena he invites her and her sister to visit his castle for Christmas. Once there, sparks fly and there is a majorly intense kissing scene which results in them being compromised. The whole series is about misfits and those not fitting the society norms but yet go together and compliment each other perfectly. He's actually wanted her for ten years. She's always longed for him. It is just the best of stories when both want the other and yet are unsure of the others feelings. the stormy is streamy and also takes some unexpected turns. I wish there were a few more conversations between the two. The writing is very much sharing what is going on within their own minds and not dialogue with each other. I will anxiously await for Pippa's romance in the next book. Thank you to Wolf Publishing, Tracy Sumner and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

Another great entry into the Duchess Society series! The tension between Roan and Helena is perfectly crafted and they are so obviously perfect for one another. As always, it was great to have a strong female lead - she's tough and smart, but also has some insecurities that make her all the more likable. I also really liked that while Roan and Helena are physically attracted to one another, that is not at the root of why they fall in love. I'm totally on Helena's side when it comes to her continuing to hold a grudge against Roan for what he had said about her in the past, but I was also really glad she was willing to listen to him and ultimately move past that one moment. Roan is a complicated man and I was happy to see he was also the kind of man who is able to talk about his feelings. I did not, however, like the circumstances surrounding their engagement and marriage - but concede that it did have to happen that way because these two just could not get it together on their own. The situation with Norcross at the end was amusing and I'm hoping to get to see more of him in later novels (maybe even a novel of his own). And of course the subplot between Pippa and Macauley has me anxiously awaiting the next installment of the series. Does the man doth protest too much or is he really adamant about never falling in love or getting married? Can't wait to find out!

The Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner
The Duchess Society Series #2

Smiling as I think about this book. Why? Because the story made me happy. Opposites on the social spectrum but more aligned than they should be, this couple was a treat to get to know and watch fall in love.

What I liked:
* Roan: a duke unprepared for the position, debt, and expectations that became his when his father died. A younger sister is only the tip of the iceberg in regard to the load he carries on his shoulders. A man that could fall in love at first sight…maybe?
* Helena: daughter of a sailor who moved up in the world, heiress of a shipping company – shipping magnata, grudge holder, caretaker of a stepsister, lonely. A woman that could fall in love at first sight…maybe?
* The prologue that set up the sighting of one another from a distance
* The secret, when revealed, that so impacted Roan
* Roan’s friends and remembering how two of them found their Happily Ever After
* Wondering if perhaps the next book will involve Macauley and Pippa or perhaps Norcross will be up next.
* Hoping that the Duchess Society will thrive with many books to follow
* The “realness”of both Helena and Roan and how they cared about others
* That Helena reached out for what she wanted, learned from mistakes, and grew on m as the story progressed.
* That Roan was more than the Rake many said he was and deeper than expected wanting so much more than I first thought he would.
* Looking forward to finding out more about Theodosia (Helena’s step-sister), Phillipa (Roan’s sister), Kieran (adopted son of the couple), and also about the children of the various couples as they are added and grow and perhaps have stories/a series of their own
* Wondering about Macauley and his backstory…he sounds…intriguing
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about the pressures of society – whether rich or poor, titled or commoner, male or female, working class or not.
* Having to say goodbye to the characters and having to wait for the next book in the series.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

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

5 Stars

Roan Darlington, seventh Duke of Leighton, the Defiant Duke, is mad for fossils. Wanting to study Paleontology he is thrown in to the madcap would of "The Ton" when he cousin dies suddenky. Not being prepared or ever thinking he would inherit the dukedo m, he escapes as much as possible to his country estate.

Helena Astley, Lady Hell, owns and operates the shipping industry her father left her. As she is not from society, she does not care what they think of her. However, she does her best to stay out of the gossip tags as much as possible.

To an first meets Helena when he inherits but so she he never did. He fumbles his introduction to her and the friendlies relationship begins. Stubborn, witty banter these two have in spades. Competing against one another is a guarantee. Who wins is about even.

When Roan offers an invitation for Christmas and lessons for her half sister as an apology, Helena accepts so Thea can have a better, happier life. She was not counting on anything else. As the mischief of the season infects Roan he does his usual thing with Helena and gives her a challenge. Hoping to win her forgiveness finalky, only to find he land in more trouble of his own making!

With the Dutchess Society you are guaranteed to have reluctant couples falling in love only to make sure the woman is secure in her outcone. Who is their target now, other than giving Lady Pipoa, Roan's sister, and Thea lessons in navigating ton events.

Enjoy the season in the country and part of London in this delightful, intriguing story that will reaquaint you with old friends and introduce you to new ones. Find out what Roan does and how he attempts to fix his blunder. Does Helena forgive him his past misdeed? Will two stubborn people find they are better together, just being friends, or need to stay away from each other?

Quite possible the cutest start to a story I have read in a long time, The Scandalous Vixen captured my heart from the very first page. This is one of those times that illustrate perfectly why having dual point-of-view in romance can be the cherry on top of an already amazing story. The hero's perspective in the prologue showed us a side to him that the heroine doesn't discover until much later in the story, and as you see the years pass and their animosity has grown, you can look back at the prologue and wonder what happened to make such a wonderful man anger a strong, independent woman. It was an enemies-to-lovers tale with Tracy Sumner's signature humor embedded in the story and in the colorful side characters. I was excited to read each new page, and I was sad when it ended. Thankfully, there was a third point-of-view introduced for the hero's sister, who gets her own book next, and I am absolutely here for it already.

Ten years ago, Roan Darlington fell in love with Helena Astley from afar, watching her discover rocks on the beach and be completely carefree. Her joy was his joy. Which made it all the worse when he made a few stupid remarks at a party, which left Helena in a position of vulnerability and their budding relationship in tatters. Now they are dubbed the Defiant Duke and Lady Hell, respectively, and their feud has grown over time. Helena knows Roan has a fascination with fossils, and she does whatever she can to ensure he doesn't get his hands on those he wants. While Roan wishes things were easier between them, he would be lying if he didn't relish seeing her eyes sparkler with ire. When the opportunity presents itself to finally be in her presence without flames spitting from her mouth, he grabs it with both hands, and soon they are staying in the same house. Nothing fuels love more than forced proximity, and with the line between love and hate blurring, Helena realizes that she can't deny her feelings for Roan any longer. Her barriers come down, Roan showed her how much he appreciates her, and they begin to see the love that could form between them. Love isn't easy...but it is worth it.

I adored Roan and Helena. So, so much! Helena was fiery, strong, and inspirational in how she had become an independent businesswoman after her father left her his shipping business upon his passing. While some women may have left the management to others, Helena took the reins and was unafraid to go toe-to-toe with men who felt women had no place in a man's world. Which made Roan's faux paux ten years ago all the more aggravating. Still, she kept the fossil he had given her just before their rift occurred, and while she could keep him from her thoughts during the day, at night was an entirely different story. Roan hadn't been a monk since they parted ways, but he had never settled down and he knew why, though he would never admit it. His admiration and, ultimately, love for Helena was so strong. Their road to happiness was rocky, but they were so perfect for each other. Their friends and family could see it, the servants adored them both, and soon they saw it for themselves. So romantic and a must read.

The next book is sure to be amazing, as the main characters appear to be both a forbidden romance and perhaps enemies to lovers as well. Two of my favorite tropes, and if forced proximity is thrown in there, I will be in heaven.

What’s a Duke supposed to do when the one woman he’s dreamed about for a decade he can’t have. She’s not of his class and honestly she’s out of his league.
I loved every minute of this romantic love story between Helena Astley and Roan Darlington. He had pined for her for years but as the only woman in the country running her own, very successful shipping company she doesn’t need him. And she doesn’t want a husband!
When he makes her an offer to join him and his friends for a Christmas holiday that will benefit her sister’s social status she can’t say no. As the days move on she realizes there’s much more about the Defiant Duke she can’t say no to.
I loved this book. Hands down best first kiss I’ve read! This is my first Tracy Sumner book but it won’t be my last. I have The Brazen Bluestockings and The Ice Duchess waiting for me! Oh and I’ll be first in line to find out what happens to Pippa and Xander.

That was marvelous. I adore Hellie so much. She's an amazing, complex character and it was a joy to get to know her. Roan, likewise, was a delight. Strong and vulnerable and caring and arrogant. Loved their dynamic. His fossil-obsession felt very.. tack on though. I don't know. I feel like his bookishness should have been more a core piece of his character rather than a thing that was trotted out when convenient. I'm so excited for the next book. Meeting Pippa was great. Roan and Xander and the Duchess Society are absolutely doomed and I'm so here for it.

The Scandalous Vixen is the third book of The Duchess Society. Roan's father died when was a young man. Becoming a duke with no training and unfortunately debt, he has to become an adult quickly to provide a life for him and his younger sister as well as the many people he is responsible for in the dukedom.

Helena is an heiress due to the hard work and success of her dad's shipping business. Both Roan and Helena have a reputation of being difficult to deal with. Roan has quietly wanted to court Helena, but after a terrible first meeting he yearns to make amends. Roan will suggest Helena visit him with her sister. He thinks Helena's new found sister may be in need of the Duchess Society's assistance. This will enable him to woo her. He will have his work cut out for him as she suspects there maybe ulterior motives. He will have to let her see that he is willing to give up everything for her. And he will need to make her see that she is just perfect exactly as she is.

This is a wonderful story of two strong willed people that need each other.

"Today was the day he talked to the young woman on the beach."

That is how it started. Having just inherited the dukedom at twenty one, overwhelmed with responsibilities and women throwing themselves at him, he had taken a trip away to his great aunt's by the seaside. This is where he saw her everyday, walking on the beach, picking up shells or other treasures. It was love at first sight. Unfortunately, in his youth, he had made a mistake, she would not soon forgive.

Ten years later, they are thrown back together, she a successful businesswoman and he an established Duke, and the attraction could not be denied!

A wonderful story, full of witty banter, old hurts, steamy attraction and a slow journey to the happy ending they both needed!!

Helena Astley only wants to live life by her rules. She is more than capable of doing so, controlling her father’s shipping business making her an incredibly wealthy woman. Yet, Roan Darlington, the Duke of Leighton, manages to make her think of an alternate life. For the past ten years, he has only thought of Helena and she is the only person who has ever challenged him, in all ways. So when they are caught in a scandalous situation, Roan quickly offers an engagement that she is free to break from, hoping that she will at last be his. But Helena is uncertain whether she will ever fit the role of a duchess.
The romance between Roan and Helena is intense, beginning with Roan’s first glimpse of Helena on the rocky Dorset seashore. With a relationship fraught with desire and angst, their conversations are infuriatingly entertaining. Theirs is not a smooth sailing relationship but it is interesting to witness the fascination that they have for one another. In particular, Roan is incredibly in awe of Helena, showing respect for her intelligence. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, with a glimpse of the romance for Roan’s sister.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Ever since an ill advised comment ruined any chance of friends between them, Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, and Helena Astley have been at loggerheads with one another. Helena, or Lady Hell to the ton, knows that as a shipping heiress, and a businesswoman, she faces scorn and ridicule, but she doesn't allow it to change her plans. But a kiss with the handsome duke, who she can't stay away from, has taken over her thoughts. Roan knew from the moment he met Helena that she was the one, but his mistakes in the past ruined all chance of a future, or did they? They're constantly thrown together, and when he gives her an offer she can't refuse - travel to his estate so her young sister can learn social skills alongside his own sister, ready for her debut - Helena would be stupid to refuse. The longer they spend together, the more in love they are, but are they willing to overcome social expectations, and be together?

I found this book even better than The Brazen Bluestocking. Now that we know the characters in the series, and a little of the backstories between the group that Helena dubs the Leighton Cluster, it's so much easier to sink into the story. Leighton never expected to be Duke, but after some relatives passed, and he was the closest male heir, he had to step up and take on the responsibilities he never wanted. He was really sensitive and felt things deeply, but his public persona was one meant to keep people out - apart from his friends. Helena managed to get under his skin, and the way they acted in the years since their first meetings was almost as if they were courting, but without each other really knowing it. There were so many humourous moments in this book, but also really heartfelt ones too - I really felt as if this was a couple made for each other, and they proved they were worthy of one another. Book 3, The Wicked Wallflower, is already set up to be fantastic, and I can't wait to read it!

What a fun match between Defiant Duke and Lady Hell! I love this series due to all of the strong independent women.

This is a great love story that was 10 years in the making. Hellie and her upbringing at the docks and her running a shipping business and Roan not being a typical Duke and wanting to show his true self.

This book was steamy throughout without being overwhelming. It could also serve as a stand alone book, but I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous two books. The integration of the Duchess Society was perfect without being the main focus in this book. I'm excited for the next book in the series!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC for my honest review.