A great start to another amazing series from Wendy Vella. This book has the same excellent storytelling you expect from Wendy in a brand new perspective. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!

I love all the series Wendy Vella has written. Brother of Sin is about Lord Anthony Hamilton whose cold and ruthless personality hides secrets from a brutal childhood. He meets Evangeline Spencer who also hides secrets to protect her family. They take an immediate dislike to each other. However, Anthony is intrigued by Evangeline who challenges him at every step. He has three adorable and loving aunts who have decided it is time for him to marry, but he has vowed never to do so. When he discovers Evangeline’s secret, he convinces her to fake an engagement to him to protect her and keep his aunts from pressing him to marry. This story has wonderful characters who I can’t wait to learn more of their stories. It has two best friends, a ruthless villain, a mystery, and, of course, brief visits from characters from another of Wendy’s series. This time the Earl and Countess of Raine from the Deville series appear. We also get to have ices at Gunters in London. This was a real tea shop in the eighteenth century which continued into the mid twentieth century. I recommend this book if you are looking for a feel good romance filled with intriguing characters.

The Blackwood Brotherhood…… Lords Anthony Hamilton, Tobias Corbyn and Jamieson Stafford. Three “brothers” bound not by blood but by a bond forged by years of shared torment at the hands of classmates and faculty at Blackwood Hall. Years later they now have the upper hand in London society but still carry the invisible scars of that abuse.

Anthony relishes his reputation as a rogue and a rake with a massive fortune behind him. He's somewhat taken aback by Miss Evangeline Spencer who, rather than swoon at his feet, holds him in low regard, their interactions decidedly adversarial. For Evie, life is precarious, as she is desperately trying to save her family from ruin and secure a match for her younger sister that would ensure their future. With no resources to maintain their facade of being well-off, Evie resorts to a rather unorthodox method of raising funds. Her scheme is found out by Anthony but when she becomes the target of Anthony's childhood nemesis and current enemy, they form an alliance. Will proximity breed more contempt or do softer feelings simmer below the surface?

Love, love, love this new series! A whole new cast of characters wading through Regency society. Ms. Vella has a deft hand at building intricate plot lines leading her characters on a merry chase to their HEA and this novel excels at that. Anthony and Evie exemplify her depth of character building, each having crusty exteriors masking their true selves. The supporting cast show great promise for succeeding stories as well. I simply cannot wait for volume 2!

I think this is the most hurt/comfort book I have read from Wendy Vella. Anthony has some back story and trauma that he has to deal with. Evie winds up being the perfect person to get him back to himself. I also really loved his friendships and his aunts. I can't wait for the next book... and I kinda hope this isn't the last we have seen of the bad guys, there has to be more to that story.

Sultry Entertaining Read!

They rubbed each other up from the moment they met and not in a good way.

With fiery glances, barbed conversation somehow they found themselves engaged.

Will this couple find a way through this love, hate relationship as the battle of wills is fought between this feisty woman and what seems like a cold hearted brooding lord?

A great series starter as Lord Anthony and Evangeline both holding secrets find their way to their HEA amidst the chaos of danger, secrets and a sizzling connection.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“He offered her scandal. She countered with sass. Somewhere between fake fiancés and fiery banter, they forgot to hate each other.”

Wendy Vella kicks off her new series with a dazzling blend of wit, tension, and heart. Brother of Sin pairs the infamously icy Lord Anthony Hamilton with the spirited Evangeline Spencer, whose clever comebacks and fiery resolve match him jab for jab. Their reluctant alliance, sealed by a deliciously scandalous fake engagement, sets the stage for a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance. Vella's writing shines with vivid character depth, brisk pacing, and banter that practically crackles. This is historical romance at its most entertaining; smart, sexy, and soul-satisfying. Anthony and Evie may be the last to see it, but they’re a perfect match, and I cheered them on every step of the way!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Exciting start to a new series. An HEA for a feisty lady and a brooding lord. Be ready for an exhilarating story with grudges, fights, and a kidnapping adventure. Loved the ‘easter egg’ mention of two items from previous series, …..well no spoilers here.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Feared throughout Society, Lord Anthony Hamilton built his reputation on cold detachment and ruthless control, because after a brutal childhood, emotions are a luxury he can no longer afford. Evangeline Spencer has no patience for his arrogance or the dark rumours that follow him. She challenges his every word, refusing to be intimidated. But when Anthony uncovers the secret she’s hidden to protect her family, he offers his help, at a cost. With everything Evie has worked for threatened by a powerful enemy, she has no choice but to accept.
The start of a new series & a very good starter. I loved both Anthony & Evie, sparks flew whenever they met, their banter was delicious, their chemistry sizzled & she gave as good as she got. This book is a very good example why enemies to lovers is my favourite trope. They were perfect for each other but they ere the last to realise it. The characters have lovely depth, the pace is good & I was drawn in from the start & left with a smile on my face at the end. A very well written engrossing romance, which I loved & I look forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

I feel like I already know that I'm going to be in the minority here, but I feel like this book just has too much drama happening along with villains who are just so over the top that instead of coming across as menacing, they are just annoying.

Let's start with the characters. I for one really enjoyed Evie and Anthony together. I loved the way they were constantly butting heads and sniping at one another because it showed that she was not going to be cowed by Anthony or his reputation the same way it seemed most everyone else was. It was fun watching them have to try and set aside their differences in order to convince the rest of society that their engagement was real. I also enjoyed his three aunts, two best friends and even Evie's sister Prudence. I feel like they all stood out in their own ways and helped to push the story along when needed. I also enjoyed the way the aunts and friends showed that Anthony was not the cold, indifferent man that he showed the rest of the world. I feel like that helped shape him so that he could eventually have the hope of redemption and his happily ever after.

Now on the flip side of that, you have the main villain of the story Cavendish. We are told that there is a history of bad blood between him and Anthony dating back to some pretty severe bullying that happened while they were in school (with Cavendish being the bully). After seeing her a few times, he decides that Evie is the only woman he will accept as his wife and the mother of his children. After he "breaks her spirit" of course. See the problem here is that he doesn't try to win her over, he doesn't even try to make her like him. Instead he starts making demands of her, forcing her to dance with him when she doesn't want to, telling her that she will be his wife and ignoring her when she tells him no. And when he sees her and Anthony together the first time, he demands that she get away from him. It was so over the top that it was comical. When he realizes that he's not going to get his way, he attempts another over the top misguided stunt during a ball, which also backfires on him. At this point I was just altogether done with him.

Moving on to the story, as I said about there was just too much drama for my tastes. The aforementioned stunt that took place during the ball notwithstanding, there were many other instances where I just thought to myself 'enough already'. Then just when I thought things were starting to wind down, there is the scene in the conservatory where Anthony pushes her away despite knowing at this point that he is in love with her and wants their engagement to be real. Instead, he says some pretty cruel things to her, and she to him before she storms out. Only for more ill to befall her immediately after.

There were also a few things mentioned that I wish had been explored more starting with Blackwood Hall and what happened there, more over why was it allowed to happen? It is said that the Headmaster allowed it which I found to be odd considering these were all the sons of peers. I also wanted to know more about the bullying so that maybe I could better understand Anthony and the nightmares he apparently suffered (another odd plot point considering he only had one the entire story and it was very conveniently timed). And then there was a side plot involving missing women from a local village, and I'm still not entirely sure what that is about. Sure, we hear about a room that looks like a sacrifice might happen in, but that doesn't really make sense as there was nothing leading up to a secret society who dabbled in that sort of thing. It's a huge leap to go from bullying to human sacrifice.

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed this novel and am curious as to the next one as there is definitely a history between who I assume will be the next characters on the path to their happily-ever-after.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Wendy Vella's "The Blackwood Brotherhood" launches a compelling new series centered around the unbreakable bond of three friends who overcame bullying in their youth. Now strong and formidable, they stand united against any adversities.

The story focuses on Lord Anthony Hamilton, a man shaped by a brutal childhood that left him emotionally detached and ruthlessly controlled. Anthony's journey is one of profound transformation as he navigates a life devoid of warmth—until he meets Evangeline Spencer. Evie, fiercely devoted to her family, hides their financial struggles by disguising herself as a Frenchman to gamble. Her resilience shines, even as she faces blackmail from a despicable lord determined to force her into an unwanted courtship.

When Anthony discovers Evie's secret, he proposes a fake engagement to protect her. Their dynamic is electric—Evie challenges Anthony's cold exterior with her spirited defiance, sparking a journey of emotional awakening for him. The evolution of Anthony’s character is written with authenticity and depth, making his transformation believable and heartfelt.

The novel is enriched by memorable supporting characters, including Anthony’s delightful aunts and the tender relationship between Evie and her sister. The unshakeable friendship among the three friends was amazing and I cannot wait to read their stories. Vella masterfully weaves themes of danger, secrets, betrayal, and redemption, creating a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Wendy Vella's writing captivates me profoundly. Her unique and engaging characters forge an instant connection, effortlessly drawing me into their worlds. With a perfect blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and just the right touch of angst and attraction, her stories resonate deeply. Her vivid descriptions make scenes come alive, as if I'm experiencing them alongside the characters. Every piece she writes showcases originality and characters that I can't help but fall in love with. I am completely hooked on her work, eagerly anticipating each new story she brings to life.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am sharing my honest thoughts.

solid and cute, pretty classic but you'll get enjoyment out of it even if you've read the tropes again and again. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

Thank you NetGalley. Evangeline has a secret and she is trying very hard to protect it. Lord Hamilton does not want to marry. His childhood at the school he went to he was mistreated and can't get past it. Evie needs money so she dresses as a man and makes money at gambling. One night Anthony waits for her and gets her secret. His aunts are after him to marry so they setup a fake engagement. It is a surprise to everyone but with her sister and his friends they are able to keep up the courting.

Wendy Vella is one of my favorite authors, and I was really looking forward to her new series with fresh characters. However, this book lacked some of the magic that made her previous works so special. The hero and heroine felt a bit one-dimensional, and much of their backstory felt repetitive and unnecessary.

The history of the Brothers of Blackwood Hall was only vaguely alluded to and not fully explored, which left me wanting more context. The ending also felt rushed and unsatisfying. Unless future books delve deeper into this backstory, it seems its only purpose was to show how the three boys became close and to serve as a catalyst for the main couple’s relationship.

That said, the book did hint at who the next book will feature, which has piqued my interest. I’ll definitely continue with the series, hoping it regains the charm I’ve come to love in Wendy's writing.

5 stars

Good story. Evangaline is unusual. She needs to ensure that her sister is safe as her father is hopeless with money. She realises that her mother was the one that keep everything on the safe and narrow.
She starts to dress as a man and gambles.
Our hero notices her as a man and realises he's seen some distinctive spots before. There's the villain that becomes obsessed with her. Anthony hasn't much trck with him either. It's a interesting read. I recommend.

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

I just finished Wendy Vella’s Brother of Sin and admit I could hardly put it down. The characters are so well described I feel I know them already. Both our heroine and hero have deeply ingrained issues and their efforts to overcome them really pushes the story well. Brother of Sin is full of adventure, is fast-paced and I felt engaged from the start. I’m intrigued with the relationship of the hero to his friends and wonder where that will lead. I did think, though, that the disappearing young women needed more attention and could have been a more important piece. It did help bring the story to a satisfying close, however. If Brother of Sin is the first of a new series, I can’t wait for the next!

“ Brother of Sin” is the first book in Wendy Vella’s new Series : The Blackwood Brotherhood.

Wendy Vella is one of my favorite authors . I read all her Historical Romance to date and loved them all. “ Brother of Sin” is no exception. The book has her signature blend of romance, angst, intrigue and humor.

The MCs are delightful and memorable.
Evangeline Spencer is a feisty, smart, almost-on-the-shelf debutante, who will do anything to protect her family and provide for her sister and father. She is headstrong and resourceful ( she doesn’t hesitate to dress like a man and gamble at a gaming hell ) to find enough money to support her sister’s season.
Lord Anthony Hamilton - along with his two best friends - had a dark abusive childhood that shaped his present. He carefully cultivates a reputation as a ruthless rake who strikes fear in those he meets.
He is loathe to feel any emotions except when it comes to his three aunts, who saved his life. When his beloved aunts encourage him to marry and add the Evangeline Spencer to their list of eligible brides, Anthony immediately crosses her off the list.

I love a good Enemies-to-Lovers story.
Anthony and Evie have taken an instant dislike to each other. They clash verbally at every encounter. Their banter is sharp, witty and so so funny. But when the villain- an old enemy of Anthony - sets his sights on Evie, they decide that a fake engagement is the answer to their problems.

The side characters really bring more life to this book too. I love the bromance between Anthony and his two friends, Toby and Jamie. I love Evie’s relationship with her sister. And I absolutely adore Anthony’s three aunts who are a force to be reckoned with, bringing love and humor in every scene they appear in.

I really enjoyed “ Brother of Sin” by Wendy Vella and I highly recommend it to all lovers of historical Romance. Can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful new Series.

Anthony the Earl of Hamilton feels dead inside with difficulty sleeping.
He does work with his friends to help their peers who get into trouble.
Evie is trying to find enough money to support her sister’s season.
Whenever Evie meets Anthony, they clash verbally. They do not like each other but find themselves thrown together in difficult circumstances.
One benefit to their relationship is that these encounters finally make Anthony feel alive again.
Lots of banter and dialogue keeps the story moving quickly.
Truly enjoyable romance with lots of action.

A captivating romance, enemies to lovers and a fake engagement that sets the scene. Two people that don't want to love but can't deny their connection. Anthony and Evie are a great pairing and well matched.

I enjoyed the story, it was entertaining and had two very strong main characters. Evie and Anthony would be great together if he could let go of the past and there is danger from his past that is constantly present. I loved his three aunts and how they just show up to offer love and support and try to get him married. They added so much comedy and humor to the story. Evie and Anthony eventually get their happy ending after suffering some major set backs. Just before the end of the story, I think Anthony should have been made to grovel much more before she forgave him. Their story is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

I really enjoyed this book. it is the first book of a new series called The Blackwood Brotherhood, about 3 men who all got bullied in school but now they are stronger and will not be bullied again. This book is about Anthony. Anthony has turned cold and does not want to commit to anyone. Evangeline’s (Evie) family does not have much money, so Evie dresses as a man and goes to gamble. She is trying to keep her family’s poverty hidden so her sister can find a husband. There is this Lord who has set his sights on Evie, and starts to blackmail her to be with him. Evie needs help so she goes to Anthony to help her. This book has wonderful side characters, Anthony’s Aunts. They adore him and want him to marry and be happy, so they make a list of possible brides. Evie’s sister Prue was enjoyable also. Anthony’s friends Toby and Jamie are good friends, and I believe they should be featured as the main character in the next book in the series, which makes me impatient for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and I am leaving my honest opinion.