How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart is the perfect combination of spice and angst. Prudence's story will have you rooting for her and Lord Savage. I can't wait for the next book in the series. A perfect beach read.

Absolutely loved this book. It has humor, wit ,and plenty of sexy bits You won't want to put it down. This is definitely a stand alone book but I can't wait for next book.

Since a relatively minor misstep saw her labeled as ruined and ejected from polite society, Prudence Thorogood has lost her family and her inheritance as well as her standing. She’s decided to get back what’s rightfully hers, even if it means resorting to larceny. When Lord Savage, ruthless scoundrel that he is, makes her an offer, Prue eventually sees it as her chance to gain the access to society she needs. But soon, what started as simply a means to an end begins to morph into something very different when Prue realizes that there’s much more to the marquess than anyone gives him credit for.

Leo Ramsgate, the Marquess of Savage, has been betrayed too deeply to ever allow himself to dabble in emotion again. He’s distrustful of everyone and certainly not capable of love. He keeps his relationships with women clear cut and satisfying, but short and always with a set end date. But when he meets Prue, he finds himself beguiled in a way he never has been before. For the first time, he wants to throw away his carefully constructed rules and keep someone forever, even if he’ll never admit it. Prue’s plan has always been to leave London for a quiet life in the country at the end of their affair, but she hesitates as she finds herself falling in love with a man who she knows will never love her back.

I didn’t realize this was a mistress trope when I first started it, not sure why but there you have it. I’m glad of that though because the mistress trope often just does not work for me so I’m always trying to go into books now without any biases against the plot devices used. Anyway, I liked this book a lot more than I thought I might. Don’t get me wrong, Leo’s emotional unavailability and need to distance himself from everyone/doubt that Prue was genuine in her dealings with him did get a bit repetitive sometimes, but his thought processes were totally valid. Having experienced virtually zero genuine love in his life, it’s no surprise that Leo doesn’t know how to give or receive it. Given the betrayals he’s suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to love him unconditionally or even just be a friend to him, his behavior does make complete sense, even if it is frustrating at times. Because of this, I found both Leo’s and Prue’s characters to be well drawn and I liked that they were both going on a sort of personal journey of development at the same time their relationship was also developing. This was a slow burn and that suited these two so well. They started getting to know each other on a more intimate level right away, without the impediments of societal strictures keeping stilted formality between them, but also without sex coming into play right away and complicating things. This way, Prue and Leo were able to develop a real rapport and foundation of trust, despite the resistance on both their parts and despite neither wanting to admit their rapidly developing feelings. I think this is the mistress trope done right. Sure, I could’ve done with less miscommunication/general lack of communication. These two were pretty good at even the most awkward discussions before feelings came into play, but given these two characters’ experiences, their reactions to the situations they were placed in did make perfect sense. Also, could’ve done with less other woman drama and more understanding from Leo about why other women would make Prue feel insecure in their relationship. Also, I do wish Leo had done more to put former mistresses in their place and not been quite so nice and generous all the time. In that same vein, I really wanted to see him put Prue’s father in his place as well. Regardless, I really did like that Leo was finally able to experience genuine love and put himself out there enough to give it in return and I’m now very excited that we’re getting a book for Meg. The aunts are possibly my favorite characters so I’m hoping this means more page time for them as well.

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

I really enjoyed Leo and Prue’s story. Leo and Prue had to learn to trust each other and figure out some stuff. A perfect beach read for the summer!

She’s not like other girls.

This was my first time reading the historical romance mistress trope and I was not a fan. Something about this guy having a revolving door of mistresses for exactly four months at a time and sleeping with them every single night except when they’re on their period was irritating to me. There's something so structured and odd about paying someone and buying them stuff to let you have sex for four months. He had a legit list of women. And planned them out in advance. And apparently women were dying to be next? I wouldn’t want near this dude with a 10 foot pole. This wasn't cute and fun like a typical rake story, it was super bizarre and the trauma that is the reason for this was pretty contrived.

Then we have our heroine who has been ousted from society because she’s ruined after letting a guy she thought was gonna marry her hit it. She’s on a mission to get her inheritance back and is planning on stealing back every diadem and bracelet from unsuspecting members of the ton. But when a man tries to give her jewelry she freaks out and won’t wear it (because she’s not like other girls). She agrees to be his mistress even though she is terrified of the pain of sex because she needs help stealing back all this stuff.

The man who uses women and pays them off like it’s an actual job is obsessed with this girl because she isn’t interested in him sexually or emotionally (because she’s not like other girls) and doesn’t want his money, just his help stealing things. He commences seducing her. She finds out sex isn’t that bad and immediately falls in love with this dude. And we pretty much forget about the stuff she is supposed to be stealing until the hero has some sort of high and mighty thing and tells her she can't be stealing stuff when she swipes a bracelet from another of his would be mistresses.

If this wasn’t bad enough, the last half of the book is dominated by the slighted wannabe mistress creating drama, (view spoiler) and some seriously lackluster professions of love.

This had too many issues for me to enjoy the rest of the story. I didn't really buy the romance or the connection and just didn't like either character very much at all. The ton was so over the top diabolical and rude, the hero's backstory was dumb, the villains were even more dumb, and all of the stealing ended up not mattering at all. I couldn't even enjoy the sex because the heroine was so hung up on being scared of the pain that it was definitely not a fun time.

But maybe the most irritating thing of all was how much the hero focused on how much the heroine was not like other girls. When really he had just never given a girl a chance to be anything other than a mistress and the only thing they got out of it was him buying them dresses so why would they say no? Women didn't have money or rights so duh they are gonna take a free dress.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My first title by this author, and I'll be returning. Normally I don't love mistress stories, but this one won me over. The steam didn't come until around 3/4 through, which may bother some, but I did think their chemistry built to a nice delayed gratification. I'll have to go back and read the other books in the series. And I'm really looking forward to Meg's story!

I thoroughly enjoyed How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart. Vivienne Lorret does a great job bringing this unlikely pair together. Prue was determined to cover her belongings back and Leo was the man to do it.
This was a true gem.

Thank you Avon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

CW: Death of parent, abandonment by parents, infidelity, child abuse (in past)

This whole series has been nothing but fun reads for me and this one did not disappoint. I was super excited when I got the ARC for the book and it totally lived up to my expectations. The characters were both flawed and developed, the plot was surprisingly unexpected, and the steam top notch. I can honestly say that this book went above expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Loves:

Prue- If you want a strong lead character look no further than Prue. She escapes from her strict aunt and uncle’s house after being exiled by her father and stepmother for being ruined. She’s determined to get back her mother’s inheritance at any cost as she wants to live for herself. Throughout the entire book you only want to root for her and watching her evolve is just magical. Also she was so much nicer to her family than I would have ever been.

Leo- He was a little much for me at the beginning of the novel, but oh wow did I grow to love him. I appreciated how he had his own skeletons in the closet and never pressured Prue to expose hers. Plus his actions towards her the entire time and his patience with wanting to Prue to appreciate herself--phenomenal.

Plot- There were some TWISTS in this book. Wow. I completely did not see some of them coming. While there was some over the topness to the book I REALLY enjoyed it. So much going on in between each moment propelled this book along with the characters. I thought that it was beautifully balanced.

Meh:

Like I said, a little bit of the plot was a bit over the top and there were some small plot holes, but not big enough moments for me to dislike this book in the slightest.

Long story short, I highly recommend this book. It’s amazing for any historical romance reader. There’s all the tropes that make historical romance magical while still having a lot to comment on. Oh, and the steam is delightful so I highly recommend it from that perspective. And that epilogue/preview for the next book? Uh, that’s a definite need for me now. Please and thank you.

Hard to believe, but this was my first Vivienne Lorret novel -- and if this is par for the course, I'll be playing all the way through. (Was that an accurate-ish golf analogy? I don't actually play, it just felt right.) This novel gives big Devil in Winter energy; while I haven't read the previous novels in this series, Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, has that bad-boy Sebastian St. Vincent vibe that always hits just right. Prue is innocent but brave, earnest and vivacious -- qualities the patriarchy has tried to smother but that come right to the surface with a little TLC.

Three-sentence summary: Ruined debutant Prudence Thorogood lost everything -- including the family heirlooms of her inheritance -- when her family decides she's not worth supporting. When the infamous Lothario, the Marquess of Savage, offers to help her steal back what's hers in exchange for four months as his exclusive mistress, Prue relents, with plans to leave society for good once her tenure is finished. But a woman determined to live on her own terms and a man entirely sure he doesn't have a heart, let alone feel feelings, just might find they enrich one another's lives in ways neither of them expected.

I adored this book. ADORED. Setting aside the overtly on-the-nose naming conventions (thorough-good! savage!), the prose here is dynamic, historically consistent, and evocative. Leo is hilarious -- sarcastic, caustic, even a bit self-deprecating. While reading, I realized that the major difference between a HistRom I like and one I love is humor -- the sharp-edged British wit that would have me reeling if the banter were directed at me personally. Prue serves up her fair share of sparkling conversation, but it's her personal growth from timid wallflower to empowered woman-of-the-moment that endeared her to me most.

Unreserved five=star recommendation!

I adored Prudence and Leo's story!! I loved watching them collaborate to get Prue's stuff back and then eventually turn into lovers. I just loved these two together!

I'm not gonna lie, it's been so long since I read this book that I don't really remember what happened. More specially, what happened in the second half. The set up of the book is great though! Prudence and Leo are a phenomenal couple. Prudence needs assistance recovering some personal objects, and finds that Leo might be the perfect partner in crime. While Leo can live up to the name "Savage", he can also be sweet and caring. Leo has been burned by love in the past (quite badly I might add), and is hesitant to care for Prue at first. But she's rather lovable, and inevitably he gives in to his heart.

I wanted to throttle some of Prue's family members when they showed up, but luckily she had both Leo and her friends for support. And at the end, we get a sneak peek for the next book, and I absolutely need it right now! I can't wait for Meg's book and might die in the meantime!

Prudence accepted her ruined status. She’s finally made her peace with her status as an outcast and has figured out a way to claim her future. The only hitch in her plans is that she must become larcenous to make that happen.
She’s on her way back to London when a handsome stranger offers her the use of his carriage in exchange for conversation. So Prue tells Leo her life’s story, or at least the whimsical, entertaining bits. Leo is enthralled by her forthright innocence, and once he finds out her status as a ruined woman, offers her the opportunity to become his next mistress.
Prue is both tempted and affronted by his offer. She turns him down cold but remembers him fondly. When her salacious reputation begins to affect the social standing and matrimonial prospects of her friends, she begins to rethink her refusal. This is compounded by the fact that all of her attempts to reclaim her inheritance have been disastrous. When she knocks on Leo’s door one night, she has reluctantly reached the conclusion that he is her only answer. She is determined to offer her companionship in exchange for his assistance finding all of the items that were stolen from her,
The bargain seems simple. Sexual congress in exchange for everything she needs to retire to a cottage in the country. The bargain becomes more when the intimacy between them colors every interaction. Their resistance to love, and their disbelief in happy endings, will drive a wedge between them that no amount of kisses can overcome.
The hero finally wins the heroine in an epic bout of groveling.
I loved the complex dynamic between this hero and heroine. The hero helps the heroine reclaim her own right to enjoy her own sexuality, and empowers her to appreciate her own charms. The heroine helps the hero realize that his empty existence will never bring him peace.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! Who doesn’t like a redeemable rake? And Leo is a rake with a capital R. He only engages with mistresses and they are each only allowed a four-month relationship, per the legal contract he has with them. His latest mistress just left so he is looking for the next in line. He thinks he has her set until he meets Prue. Prue has been thoroughly ruined in Society’s eyes and just wants to get her inheritance from her mother. But her father and stepmother have disowned her and given all of her mother’s possessions away. After Leo, Lord Savage, helps Prue get back one of the items, she forces herself to realize that Savage may be her only hope and she might have to become his next mistress.

I loved both Prue and Leo, especially as Prue tries to appear so strong and worldly and how you can tell that Leo is falling for her bit by bit. I thought the resolution however went a little too far as they were together and then something would happen then they were together again and then another thing would happen. I could have done with one less “thing” pushing them apart.

This was a fun read! I couldn’t put it down! This book was full of twists and turns and unexpected surprises. So thrilled that Leo and Prue got there Happily ever after after all their own trust issues, the scorn of the ton and the machinations of the others. Highly recommend!

This is book four in the Mating Habits of Scoundrels series but could be read as a standalone. I loved this beautiful story of Leo and Prue where they are both jaded from their previous life experiences but come together and find love with each other. Their chemistry burns really hot and I adored how caring and sweet they are with each other. Their history is heartrending and teared me up but the HEA was so worth it. I definitely recommend this book and series.

Trigger warning: (spoilers) There is mention of sexual assault in the back story.

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

I adore Vivienne Lorret. Her historical romances are somehow just the perfect everything for me - the perfect amount of drama, the perfect amount of witty banter, the perfect amount of heat... It's like I'm Goldilocks and her books are all of Baby Bear's things. (That sounded weird, didn't it?)

Aaaaanyway. Leo and Prue are my everything. This series has been so hit or miss for me (I DNF'd the second book and gave the third one 5 stars...) that I am SO GLAD to have another 5 star read by one of my favorite authors.

Thank-you NetGalley and Avon Publishing for the chance to review this ARC!

Wanna know how to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart?
Then this book is for you!

Was such a fun read! I needed a good Historical Romance and this one did the trick!

Prudence and Leo's chemistry was amazing! These characters take you on a journey.

Leo brings all the swoon here!

Overall this was a great read! If you're a fan of Historical Romance this is for you!

Note: This book is fine as a standalone, but there are some names of characters mentioned in the final chapter that might be confusing if you haven't read the previous entries in this series.

What happens when two fractured, alienated souls enter into a relationship of convenience? When I first started reading "Scoundrel's Heart", I was ready to tag it as my favorite of the series so far. I enjoyed Prue's character arc due to her relationship with Leo, and their interactions are the highlight of the book. She starts off as someone who constantly second-guesses herself and expects censure from others to blossoming into "new Prue." Leo also goes through a believable arc (until around the 90% mark), from being a serial monogamist who never lets his casual relationships last longer than 4 months and being haunted by a brutal past, to being able to accept and return affection and even experience love.

Leo and Prue have a strong sexual chemistry and well-written, witty banter. I loved the humor throughout this book, which reminded me at times of Tessa Dare (I actually think this author is more sophisticated in her writing style than Dare). The secondary characters are also fun, many returning from previous books. I thought Leo's butler, Grimsby, was a standout with his drollness.

Unfortunately, the plot seems to slow toward the halfway mark, with Leo and Prue's thoughts sometimes becoming repetitive and scenes being a bit too stretched out. More than once, for example, Leo waits impatiently while Prue changes into a beautiful gown, and her gown as she walks downstairs is described in detail along with his lustful reaction. This doesn't do much to deepen characterization or further plot. Meanwhile, the wry, worldly Lady Babcock stays too much on the sidelines; I felt more scenes could have been written around her, Prue, and Leo.

The central premise--that Leo is going to help Prue steal back her inheritance--is rather silly but could have led to some suspenseful twists. It ends up taking a backseat to the Big Misunderstanding, convoluted events, and puzzling decisions by the H/h.

For example (SPOILERS AHEAD................................)
--Why does Leo, throughout the book, continue to pay for the wardrobe of a woman who never signed a contract with him, he really has no sexual/personal interest in, and with whom he's tried to sever any attachment? How is buying her expensive clothes supposed to rescue her from penury? Anyone would have viewed this as him leading her on, not helping her.
--Leo knows his old nemesis is a manipulative liar, so why does he let him get into his head without talking things over with Prue?
--Even if Prue's beside herself about Leo's presumed infidelity, why would she get into the carriage of a virtual stranger whom she doesn't trust and allow him to take her to his house?
--Why does Leo suddenly become so cold toward the end, basically saying the same thing Prue overhead his non-mistress (falsely) saying at the ball? This doesn't seem in-character and negates the growth he was showing as a character.
--Where is the comeuppance for the villain and villainess? That part of the plot just fizzles, although there is a nice bit of closure involving the return of a character from chapter 1.

One last thing that might bother some readers: Once Prue and Leo's HEA is wrapped up, there is a sudden shift in character perspective and the epilogue ends on a cliffhanger. This is something that's becoming more common in book series and doesn't always bother me, as long as the cliffhanger seems to extend organically from the main plot, but this cliffhanger is startling and just feels inserted, with no clues given beforehand.

The bottom line: I really enjoyed Leo and Prue's chemistry and the humor in this book, just wish there had been more to the plot and everything didn't become so convoluted toward the end.

Reviews left on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#HowtoStealaScoundrelsHeart #NetGalley.

Thank you #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read #HowtoStealaScoundrelsHeart in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was my first Vivienne Lorret book. This book had my attention from the very beginning with interesting characters and a unique premise. I really want to read other books in this series so I can see more of the aunts and their recipe espionage and the blurb about the next book at the end of this one definitely makes me interested in the next book in this series. Where I think this one fell a little flat for me was the communication issues between the MCs at the third act breakup. They had some great conversations leading up to this point so it felt a little contrived and out of character for these two. Overall though, this book had some great things going on for it.

This was Leo and Prue’s story and it was so much fun from start to finish.

I loved the setup and finally getting to hear Prue’s story. She has been an outcast in society since a selfish, evil jerk named Viscount Marlow “ruined” her and then proposed to someone else. She’s been living with some awful relatives and has been shunned by her father and step-mother, which was no great loss! She’s trying to recover items that belonged to her mother that her witch of a step-mother callously gave away, but she needs help!

Leo has been looking for a new mistress, and when he meets Prue on the side of the road on her way to London, he is immediately smitten and decides to make her an indecent proposal.

Normally, I hate the mistress trope, but it made sense here AND things change between them somewhat quickly. If you hate the mistress trope, too, you might not mind it here.

This has a decent level of steam for a historical, too. Prue has had one other “experience” before Leo and is convinced he and everyone are lying about sex being pleasurable. Once she’s willing to try, Leo proves her wrong… thoroughly. 😉

This is a standalone in a series. Meaning you *can* read it on its own, but I suggest starting at the beginning for the best reading experience.

If you love historical romance and haven’t read this series yet, DO IT! ♥️