An enemies-to-lovers trope with a sprinkle of a fake dating plot, “The Scandalous Vixen” by Tracy Sumner is the perfect winter read for those who love Lisa Kleypas’ “It Happened One Autumn”. The book follows Helena, a shipping company heiress referred to as “Lady Hell” by society, and Roan, a duke with a passion for archeology (and, of course, Helena Astley), as they navigate a holiday away from Regency Era London with Roan’s friends in pursuit of a Ton-education by the Duchess Society for their sisters. The fast pace of this book sets you squarely at Leighton House estate by Chapter 5 and, with the exception of one or two cut scenes, keeps the focus squarely on the mutual pining between the hero and the heroine. By the end of the book, I was flying to Sumner’s Instagram to see when the next book in the series would be released. Finished in two days, keeping on my shelf forever.

Will she left her heart staying untouched by fear of the price she may have to pay …

I do not know why but I have always some moments of confusion each time I begin a book by the author, she has a voice so multi layered, I need to dig into them to find my way but once I’m settle in the story, everything goes smoothly.
I thought I loved Tobias from the previous book but fickle thing that I am, I am now in love with Roan.
He is so perfect in al’ his flaws, he makes mistakes, fails this and there, but he does never give up.
A man in love for ten years, who never since ceased to try to apologize, a man who loves with all his heart, as once you come under his radar and pass the first tests, you will be surrounded by his grander than life persona, tempestuous character and protective soul. As he might brawl, toss people in the Thames, cause scandal after scandal, it is always with a good reason at heart.
I was less sure about Helena at first, as she is the one to hold on. Yet it was how her life has. Even spent, living in the fringes, from one world then another. No more a pauper but never a peer.
So all alone, not like Roan who created his own family, as what he has not by blood, he brought together with his fierce temper and kind spirit.
So Helena needs someone to show her the way, to help her open her heart instead of burying it under tonnes of reasons to keep it well caged and untouched.
Roan is up to the task if she only lets him step in and if she drops a bit her guard.
I loved them together, they are flawed but each balances the other, making up for the other failing.
Yet as a woman who swore to never give her heart, can she resist Roan’s besieging it without running away, afraid of what loving this Duke might imply.
5 stars

Now I can not wait for Pippa and Macaulay’s full of promises adventure, and the others to come after with the growing cast of this clan.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot!

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

Love that the characters are all reunited and the laugh out loud parts in this book. This is Roan and Helene story, a attraction that is 10 years old and still going strong. A chance meeting on a deserted beach, a young man suddenly, unexpectedly is now a Duke. A shipping tycoon daughter born in the rookery of London’s waterfront, Helene would never be blue enough for a Duke. Still after all those years of wondering what if? They finally act on their attraction. A warning it does get steamy! Helps if you read the previous books in the series, not not necessary.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheScandalousVixen #TracySumner

The Duchess Society strikes again.
Helena is in charge of her life and her shipping business and deals in antiques and objects that are hard to find. One day, 10 years ago, she was walking by the sea when she got the eye of Roan, the Duke of Leighton. For Roan, it was instant love but being a young lord he made some mistakes and made Helena push him away.
Now, he finally can marry for love and Helena will always be his one and only. He has decided he will have her and might ask her later if she agrees.
I loved their story - two young people that fell in love across a room (by the ocean in their case) and made some mistakes that cost them 10 years of their lives. But the fact that they both grew into their own person was the reason I liked the story.
Once again, a five-star read by Ms. Sumner.

The Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner

Helena Astley, an extremely wealthy businesswoman, took over her father’s shipping business when he died known as Lady Hell by the ton. The Duke of Leighton has been in love with Helena from afar since he saw her when he was a young man and unsure of himself having suddenly become a duke. Their relationship is very much a love/hate one as she is a strong businesswoman working in a man’s environment and won’t be beholden to anyone. Over time Helena realises she is attracted to Roan Duke of Leighton. Will they ever be able to overcome their differences and secret?

A well written enjoyable novel with a few steamy moments .

Helena Astley, Lady Hell to the ton, has plans. To control her father’s shipping business, to live her way, by her rules. Her plan is going remarkably well until one ill-advised kiss invites the duke she doesn’t want but cannot resist into her life.
Hardnosed Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, cares little for society or finding a duchess. The only person ever to challenge him is the incorrigible, infuriating Helena Astley. The one woman he’s never been able to forget. When they’re caught in a ruinous situation, Roan offers her an alternative. A sham engagement she can break off after Christmas.
In this enemies to lovers title we find Helena and Roan the duke who loves her beyond anything!
This is an amazing story..
Tracy Sumner has done it again!

A captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, The Scandalous Vixen is the second book in The Duchess Society series and follows Roan Darlington, the Duke of Leighton, and Helena Astley, a pair who met years ago and have a tumultuous history. Roan has been in love with Helena for years, ever since he was a young man. However, he lost his chances and became her adversary when she overheard him speaking unflatteringly about her.

A wealthy business owner who is often looked down upon because of the career she inherited from her father, Helena has never forgotten Roan’s humiliating words. Known as Lady Hell by the ton, Helena butts heads with Roan every time they see each other in polite society, but Roan wants to make things right. A proposition to accompany Roan, his sister, and his friends to his country home forces the pair to face their long-standing feelings for each other. But will Helena and Roan forget the missteps of the past and embrace a future together?

Roan and Helena have an amazing, chemistry-laden romance, and I loved every minute of it. They are both such interesting and layered characters, and their history is long and filled with angst, frustration, anger, and pent-up desire. I love how this couple challenges each other, and their conversations have the best banter – quick-witted, passionate, and, oftentimes humorously antagonistic. The sparks between these two are impossible to ignore, that’s for sure! They are so well-matched, and I really like that their relationship is a give and take between equals. Roan never treats Helena as anything less than the intelligent, capable woman that she is.

Throughout the story, it feels as if Roan will do anything to prove he is not the irresponsible and immature man Helena first met. Sometimes, I don’t think he even realizes that’s what he is trying to do, but her animosity toward him definitely affects Roan. Helena struggles to forget the hurt she felt by his comments when they were teens. The woman sure knows how to hold a grudge, but this grudge shows how deep her feelings for Roan really run. It’s so lovely to see them slowly grow closer, open up to each other, and face their feelings. Their transition from squabbling enemies to begrudging allies to lovers is so well done. And oh my word, the scene where they have their first kiss is super swoon-worthy and filled with so much chemistry! Get a fan, because you’ll need it! There’s so much emotion and desire between them, and it really shows.

This is a fabulous addition to the series, and I adored Roan and Helena’s love story! They make enemies-to-lovers look good! Other characters in the story are equally intriguing, and I’m eager to read the next book in the series. This story hints at the next romance, and their chemistry is as supercharged as Roan and Helena’s. Plus, it has a forbidden element that promises some intriguing obstacles.

Though this is the second book in The Duchess Society series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I read this book before I read the first book and easily followed the story. That being said, as soon as I finished this book, I got a copy of the first book and began reading it. I was so intrigued by the main couple from The Brazen Bluestocking and needed to read their love story! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Tracy Sumner, and WOLF Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

A thoroughly absorbing tale about misfits finding their way with others and the society they’ve been thrown in with. One a rich, business owner who is looked down upon for being both a woman and one who works. The other a man brought up on the wrong side of town who is thrust in a position he never sought to have. Both have deep secrets that has closed them off to practically everyone. Yet it is the very nature of their of eschewing the wealthy that draws them to each other. Do not expect a quick romance or a simple and easy bringing of together of two minds. It is though long-endured and more satisfying when finally achieved.
For those who enjoy the courting process, and really enjoy reading about the spark between a man and woman, the section when Roan and Helena kiss is the longest section ever! And to read how the kiss affects them both is amazing and unlike anything I have read before.
I received a free copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Scandalous Vixen is the latest installment in the Duchess Society series. I have reviewed the first two books in the series and couldn't wait to start this one once I saw it available on NetGalley. Roan Darlington, the Duke of Leighton, knew it was love at first sight when he saw Helena Astley on the beach searching for fossils. Unfortunately, Roan was young and struggling with his new position as duke. He made some stupid mistakes interacting with Helena that led to them becoming adversaries every time they would interact. Ten years later, Roan still can't stop thinking about Helena. He proposes a fake engagement so that her sister can gain some refinement from the Duchess Society while they stay at his country home.

Helena (Hellie to her family) is known as Lady Hell to the ton. She is an incredibly rich heiress who is often snubbed by the ton because she runs the family shipping business. She is such a strong and independent character but yearns for real family and friends. Roan was not groomed to become a duke. He fell into it after multiple heirs passed unexpectedly. He is trying his best to fit in with the ton when he really just wants to explore his passion for fossils. He is known for being a bit of a scoundrel and for starting fights (to defend Helena's honor.)

Roan and Hellie's chemistry is undeniable. I never really understood when people claimed to have a book boyfriend...until I met Roan. For ten years, he is pining for Hellie. He defends her honor from the sidelines and yet supports her position as an independent woman. When Helena wanted to discuss the marriage contracts, he told her she could have whatever she wanted. He wasn't in a position to support all of his estates without some sort of influx of money but he never once tried to take charge of her fortune when he would have been entitled to as much. I loved all the steam and the dirty talk. Helena was so sex positive and Roan was all in on giving her the best experience possible. They couldn't keep their hands off each other.

The scenes setting up Pippa and Xander for the next book excite me so much! I can't wait to see their story play out. It was great getting a peek into the previous couples marriages and families throughout the book. Roan uses them as an example of what he wants in a marriage. This series is exceptional and Sumner is a supremely talented writer.

Tropes include: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake engagement, different classes, working women, mutual pining, compromised, country house

Thank you to NetGalley, Wolf Publishing, and Tracy Sumner for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Directly after having enjoyed The Brazen Bluestocking, I saw The Scandalous Vixen on Netgalley, so I went and grabbed it.

After Tobias has fallen in love with Hildy, Roan feels a bit envious. He has been in love with Helena Astley for years now. But as a young bloke, he embarrased her in front of everyone and she has hated him ever since.

Lady Hell – as she is called by the ton – is no lady at all: her father has build an empire in the shipping business from scratch. And Helena has taken over the business after his death. She although is wealthier than Crousus, she still doesn’t belong among the dukes and duchesses. Which is of no importance to her, but it is to her halfsister Theo. She wants her sister to be accepted by society, whereas she is often shunned. When Roan offers her to have Theo educated by the Duchess Society at his estate. To avoid rumors, she would need to come as well, as his fiance. Eager for her sister’s well being, Helena agrees.

Roan never wanted to be a duke. But due to unfortunate deaths of some relations, he is now the Duke of Leighton. With a lot of people depending on him and with very little funds. But he makes do. When Helena is at his estate, she realizes there is so much more to the duke than the silly boy who broke her heart all those years ago. But when a little kiss turns into something more, can Helena overcome her fear of the ton? Or will she turn her back on them forever? A wonderful story about expectations and dreams and brazen women who wish to follow their own path. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

The best series are those that, after each book you finish, make you go: yes, but how will I live until the next one?! So I desperately await for Pippa's book.

With the first book in the series I was super invested in each detail. And pretty blinded by the hero :)) So this second installment was not earthshattering to me, but it stole my nights in the lovelies way.

It's the love story of Hellie and Roan as they finally found a resolve for their teenage attraction. She is a powerhouse, every moment her strength is there but she is also a woman in all her fullness. He is quick to jump on a fight but so charming, caring and smart. And pretty smitten with the woman, and very respectful toward her. And very lustful. So it is all pretty perfect :)

The actions is well paced, the writing is beautiful, there are some very interesting scenes in here, full of life in all its fullness. I loved the feeling of time suspended, most of the action happens when they are far from the ton. I loved how in the end they chose the perfect life for them, despite what other people my thing. A winner, this one!

I received a copy of this in order to offer my honest opinion.

An enemies to lovers romance where they booth are secretly pining for the other?!?! Yes please!!! I adore Tracy’s books and am on her street team, so I was thrilled to see this one become available on NetGalley. It is the second (third if you count the prequel) in her The Duchess Society series and tells the story of Roan, the Duke of Leighton, and Helena Astley, a commoner who inherited and runs her father’s shipping company. Roan made a disparaging comment about Helena and ten years later they are still butting heads. The pair had been instantly attracted to each other and the affection has only grown as they have battled, but neither will admit they love let alone like the other. A stolen kiss turns into a forced marriage where neither knows where they stand.

It’s everything I love in a romance novel. I love it when it is clear from the get go that they are both madly in love with one another but are too stubborn to admit it. I can’t tell you how many passages of the two of them just pining for the other one I highlighted. I clearly loved both Roan and Helena. Both felt well formed and had very clear voices. I loved that the two were constantly on the page together and that their dialog was sharp while their thoughts were soft. I loved seeing the characters from the previous books and this one very nicely set up the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Thank you to Wolf Publishing, Tracy Sumner, and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is Hellie and Roan’s story. They met on the beach. She heard him say something that upset her. He tried to apologize. She is a shipping heiress. He is a Duke. They have business dealings that are very adversarial. He has wanted her for years. He invites her and her sister to his estate for Christmas. They make an assignation. They are caught in a compromising situation. They must marry. The attraction is intense. I loved the story. I can’t wait for the next one.

Independent and wealthy, Helena does not need any man. She especially doesn’t need Roan, a duke she has been attracted to for years. Roan, never feeling comfortable in his title, knows that Helena is the only one for him. They must decide to ignore society and go for what they desire. This is an author I have not read before. I look forward to reading her other books! I received an ARC from NetGalley and WOLF Publishing for my honest review.

The Scandalous Vixen by Tracy Sumner is my first read by this author, and I found the writing crisp, and the prologue nicely written. In this novel, Helena Astley is a wealthy heiress known as Lady Hell to to ton, as she inherited and runs her father's shipping business. But nothing about her is particularly scandalous or vixen-like, and her behavior is quite buttoned up. She manages to hold a significant grudge against the Duke of Leighton, who overwhelmed by newly (and unexpectedly) inherited responsibilities spies her and falls in love at first sight. While the writing is smooth, I didn't understand Leighton's characterization at all--is he shy? Or is he bold? A hot head? Or thoughful? He's written all ways, and I've never had that experience in a novel before. Also, I don't particularly like the trope of the hero pining for the heroine yet happily boinking all the ladies in sight. Not my thing. In the end the stakes were fairly low, but the confusion in the story distracted me. There is a set up between the hero's younger sister and his much older friend set for a future novel, and while I usually dislike that other trope, I'm willing to give Ms. Sumner another try.

3.5 stars rounded up. Happy holidays!

An ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.