Not for me. The way the prior book left off I was expecting to have some continuance in this one but that didn’t happen.

Thanks for the chance to read

Jane Lark does not write a light fluffy HR so if you're looking for that I would probably brace yourself. I read the first of this pair of books and went straight on to this one but I hadn't realised then that this is part of a broader series starting with the story of Mary's mother, Ellen (WARNING: VERY SAD AND STRESSFUL!!). Had I known I might have had a bit more context but these stand alone. Do read the Dangerous Love of a Rogue first though, don't go right in to this one or you'll be totally lost.

Mary and Drew are now married and what follows is one very complicated man being quite the difficult person, and Mary finding it understandably rather tiring. We follow them muddling their ways to a HEA but good golly it does take a while! I really like this series though I think you could put most of the Marlow heroes (with the exception of Edward, Mary's father) in to the 'insufferable' category for large pieces of these books!

Debt ridden Lord Andrew Framlington and heiress Miss Mary Marlow have eloped, much to the shock and disappointment of Mary’s loving and supportive family and the complete disinterest of Andrew’s family. They struggle to live as a married couple; bed was no problem at all, it was just the rest of married life that was a bit bewildering! Andrew has a group of loyal friends that he continues to spend his evenings with and Mary spends most of her time with her family. Being so close to her own family, Mary desperately wanted to meet and know more about Drew’s family. Drew eventually relents, despite his better judgement. It’s from this point that we learn much more about Drew’s upbringing, what made him the cold person he is and giving him a distrust of people, other than his friends and his sister Caroline.

Misunderstandings abound, Mary and Drew love each other but don’t believe their love is returned. Mary realises that this is her life now, so she decides to seduce Drew to make him love her. But it doesn’t go according to plan.

Now, a confession. This book picks up straight from where ‘The Dangerous Love of a Rogue’ ends. I really didn’t enjoy that book because Drew Framlington came across as a really unpleasant character and irritated me so much! In this book learning about his background gives more insight into why he is the person he is, but I still don’t like him much! This is a more enjoyable book than the first one though.

Okay, it needs to be noted better on Goodreads and everywhere else that this is the second book in a two-part series. I guess I'm reading them backwards then (which is going to be pointless.) I like the characters and picked up on enough to enjoy the story without having read the first book, but dang I felt cheated out of a great part one.

So, I guess this is the CONTINUING story of Drew and Mary after they marry and face the reality of their relationship without having ever had a truthful sharing of their pasts or feelings. Misunderstandings devolve into full-on crisis, and you can't help but keep listening for the inevitable reunion. The narrator was fab with a wide range of voices that brought the book to life in my imagination. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Andrew who has a perfectly WRETCHED family and hope for him to get out of his own way enough to find happiness with Mary. I can see why these books are compared to Bridgerton - it was certainly uber-dramatic and steamy.

This book is described as the second novel in the addictive Regency romance series The Marlow Family Secret. I would say that it is the second part of book 1 in the series. The latter ended abruptly with no conclusion to the story. This book takes off exactly where that one left off, as if the author split one book into two. You couldn't read this one as a standalone. That said...I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until the end. Part of that is because I had already become invested in Drew and Mary's story in the first book. I found the story so much more emotional than that one. We find out exactly why Drew is as insecure as he is and why he earned his Rogue's reputation. I cried a few times as Mary and Drew suffered through trials and tribulations in their bid for a true and happy marriage. Mary earned my ire a little in book one, but she more than makes up for that in this book. She matures and learns to see more than surface deep. Her family come up trumps when necessary, too, which more than atones for their early behaviour towards Drew.

Apart from all of the emotional parts of this story, once again, there are some seriously hot love-making scenes. Not over the top, or crude, just beautiful. If you prefer sweet romances with those scenes left out, you might want to give those scenes a quick read past. You won't want to miss this wonderful story by being put off by those particular parts of the book.

This book ticks all the boxes for me, including a proper ending and an indication that the next book in the series will be about Drew's half sister, Caroline. I am very much looking forward to reading it because there is a woman who needs a happy ending. I just hope it will all be in one book and not split into two like Drew and Mary's story.

Sequel to Dangerous Love of a Rogue

This book directly follows the Dangerous Love of a Rogue which should be read first, preferably read this book right after finishing the first book. It is a very engaging romance which highlights some of the mores of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I also enjoyed reading the third book of the series.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Considering I DNFed the first book, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this one ; but since I was approved for this arc, I wanted to give it a chance

Overall, the second book is much better - and Drew does get a bit of a redemption arc , and Drew and Mary do finally get their HEA. Really the best part of the story was how Mary’s family loves and protects her .

Although I enjoyed this book, I would have preferred to read the earlier titles in the series first, as I did not realize that it was part of a series when I requested the title

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. It starts almost halfway into the plot and this was a cracking way to start it all off. The book was bitter sweet with ups and downs but always an undercurrent of kindness and care for others. A couple of twists and so many great characters that I would love to have a whole series from it. A cracking romance.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, i was delighted at being invited to read and review the second. It picks up from where the first book leaves off, with Drew and Mary struggling to come to terms with their marriage and the things her family have revealed about Drew. At times it seems they only things they share are games of chess, and their bodies! But Mary is determined to make the most of their marriage, even when Drew seems distant and withdrawn. The course of true love never runs smooth, and throw in some gossip and scandal and you have the makings of another, brilliant love story. I throughly enjoyed the ups and downs, the despairs and triumphs of this tale and have no hesitation in awarding 5 stars. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley.

This book picks up where "The Dangerous Love of a Rogue" left off, and it was incredibly satisfying to read. Jane Lark does Regency romance so well and I'm all in on the Marlow family.

The Seductive Love of a Lady by Jane Lark is a fiery Regency romance that flips expectations in the best way. Mary Marlow is a heroine who refuses to wilt under scandal. After eloping with the notorious Lord Andrew Framlington, she faces society’s scorn and her family’s rejection—but instead of breaking, she fights back with wit, strength, and undeniable charm. Watching her turn seduction into strategy to win back her distant husband is both empowering and deeply romantic.

Drew, the classic brooding hero, keeps his emotions tightly guarded, which makes Mary’s determination all the more compelling. Their chemistry sizzles off the page, and Jane Lark handles their emotional push and pull with skill. While the pacing slows slightly in the middle, the payoff is heartfelt and satisfying. This is a story about resilience, desire, and the kind of love that doesn’t ask permission. Bold, sensual, and unexpectedly empowering—4 stars.

This was not your usual regency romance and had plenty of gritty reality in it. Picking up the story where the two leads are dealing with the consequences of their elopement they question whether the other person is in love and why they got married. Was he a mercenary marrying for money? Would she escape back to her family? In an engrossing plot the book explores the nature of love within a family and why one family rejects their offspring while another covers their child in love. You then see how this impacts the offspring and contributing to the formation of their character. All in all an excellent read.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adored this book despite the actual romance, haha.

The MMC, Drew, wasn’t for me. He came off immature, emotionally unavailable, with major “pick me, choose me” energy, anger issues, and just overall not someone I’d root for. I honestly felt like Merys deserved better. Even though my hopeless romantic heart kind of accepted them as a couple around the 2/3 mark.

I give it that rating because I truly connected to the world of the book. The writing style was lush and effortless, the pacing flowed beautifully, and Mary and Kate as characters absolutely won me over. I adored their personalities .The Marlow family dynamic was one of the highlights — warm, supportive, and deeply loving. That kind of emotional connection is what keeps me reading.

I also appreciated Drew’s support system. Even if I didn’t love him, the people around him like Peter added depth. Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of miscommunication trop,e but here it felt believable and in line with the first book’s tone.

I did suspect the story might go in a slightly different direction, and honestly, part of me wishes it had. Still, I was engaged the whole time plus that lake scene caught me off guard.

Overall, this was a quick (under 250 pages!) and charming regency read. If you’re in the mood for something light, immersive, with a wounded MMC who’s trying to grow and a strong FMC you’ll root for, give this a try. I’ll definitely be continuing the Marlow family series to see what comes next!

Thank you NetGalley. This is the second in the series and you need to read the Dangerous love of a Rogue. Mary has run of with Drew, her father catches up with them and they are married in London. The longer Mary is married to Drew the more she understands him. He hides his sister, Caro because of the way her husband treats her. A relative of Mary's see them together and thinks he has a mistress. Then Caro's husband accuses them of of having an affair which is against the law. Mary knows he didn't do that. Drew now finds out what it is like to have a family behind you.

I enjoyed this book its second boook in the series the family marlow secrets


She was supposed to be the conquered… but she became the conqueror.

When Mary Marlow elopes with the infamous rogue, Lord Andrew Framlington, the scandal sets society against them. Her family, too, are quick to condemn their union. Was falling for Drew worth the risk of losing the life she knew?

Hardened by the rejection and scandal, Drew seems to pull away from his new bride. But he is unprepared for the passionate fight this genteel young woman puts up to win his heart, as Mary turns the art of seduction against the man who once seduced her.