The Scandalous Vixen

The Duchess Society Series, Book Two

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Pub Date 06 Jan 2022 | Archive Date 31 Jan 2022

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Description

In this enemies-to-lovers Regency romance by award-winning author Tracy Sumner, a bold lady and a ruthless duke realize they need to agree to an ardent alliance to get what they want.

He knew at first sight.
She knew at first kiss.


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.

As they discover a world of forbidden pleasure, Helena must decide if she can relinquish a heart she vowed to withhold from the only man powerful enough to seize it.

And Roan must decide if falling madly, passionately in love is worth the risk.

In this enemies-to-lovers Regency romance by award-winning author Tracy Sumner, a bold lady and a ruthless duke realize they need to agree to an ardent alliance to get what they want.

He knew at first...


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ISBN 9783985360369
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Featured Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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)

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I have fallen head over heels for The Duchess Society series and it has been an absolute delight to read each one. In The Scandalous Vixen, we meet Roan Darlington, the seventh Duke of Leighton, and Helena Astley, known to the ton as "Lady Hell." One cannot help but tumble into the able arms of Roan when he is described as one that admires strong women. That is all too true when we see how he falls for Helena and everything she is. "We met by chance, a random occurrence that never felt random to me. It felt like the gods conspiring to give me something of my very own, a thunderbolt that shook me where I stood on that seaside crag. My person set before me. Forcing me to shove myself in your path whether you wanted me there or not. A courtship I handled poorly as neither of us realized I was courting."

In chapter two, Roan removes a splinter from Helena's finger and it is quite possibly the hottest splinter removal ever written. Who knew removing a splinter could involve so many emotions? Afterward, we are told that it is now six weeks after the splinter removal, which marks it as a pivotal point in the hero and heroine coming to terms with their emotions and attractions.

I was amused by how Tracy Sumner titles the chapters in this book, each one is a cheeky nod to the evolving love story. I found them to be quite entertaining and they brought a smile to my face. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a slow-burn romance and an enemies-to-lovers trope. Tracy Sumner has given us a heroine who sets her hero ablaze with her distinctiveness and extraordinary personality. "Care to climb on my lap again, darling Hellie? One of the ultimate thrills of my life was you clambering atop me on that bloody bench."

This book sets up the next in the series that will focus on Pippa, Roan's sister, and Xander Macauley, one of Roan's friends in the Leighton Cluster. I loved the brooding, hulk of a man that Xander is described as. I predict one thoroughly heated waltz to be danced between the two in the upcoming book and am looking forward to its release in April immensely.

Thank you to Netgalley, Tracy Sumner, and WOLF Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the above options are of my own.

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Troupe: Enemies to Lovers, Love at first sight

The Dutchess Society has me hooked! Tracy Sumner is a new author to me, and I loved her writing. I am definitely reading more of her books, I can't wait for the next story. The Scandalous Vixen was her second book, it can be read as a standalone or in order.

Roan and Helena met 10 years ago, and Roan fell in love with Helena at first sight. Roan had just come into Dukedom that he was not expected, and he is over his head. Helena is not nobility, but an heiress due to the success of her father. The tragedy is he made a few stupid remarks that he regrets at a party, which left Helena feeling very vulnerable and made her hold a grudge for 10 years. Roan has a fascination with fossils and Helena does whatever she can to ensure he can't get his hands on those fossils he wants. Now an opportunity has presented itself with them spending more time together, it forces them to acknowledge the fire and passion between them.

It was very engaging and a good page turner. I read it all in a day, I couldn't put it down! There was passion between the characters, depth to the charters and witty banter between the main characters, Roan and Helena. I highly recommend this book!

I read this as an Advanced Reader Copy and all my unbiased review is my own. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book in advance.

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I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Oh My Gosh…where do I get started with this book! It was AMAZING. This was my first reading a Historical Romance Novel and Tracy knocked it out of the park! Helena Astley runs her fathers shipping business and lives her life according to her rules. Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, has no desire to find a Duchess and settle down. Until he meets Helena 😏 Ten insufferable years go by with these two playing cat and mouse, challenging each other, until Roan offers her an alternative she can’t resist. This was the most perfect slow burn, passion, and pining all in one💗

*Enemies to Lovers
*Historical Romance
*Hot Chemistry

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I received "The Scandalous Vixen" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tracy Sumner is an absolutely wonderful author, and she never fails to amaze me with her beautiful stories. This is the second book in her new Duchess Society series and I already can't wait to read the next book.
Roan Darlington, seventh Duke of Leighton and Helena Astley, a shipping mogul have had a magnetic attraction to each other for over ten years. Unfortunately, because of something said by Roan about her, Helena holds a deep-seated grudge against him. Roan is fiercely possessive of his family and friends and will do all in his power to protect them.
This book was so addictive that I read it all throughout the night, excited to know the ending and learn of the following book. Miss Sumner gets better and better with each book and keeps her readers hooked with her beautiful imagery and sensual descriptions.

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Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, cares little for society or finding a duchess. The only woman he wants - and has been pining for for years, is shipping heiress Helena Astley. He convinces her to attend a small house party, with the bribe that his friends - the ladies of the Duchess Society - will tutor her newly found half sister. But when a passionate kiss leaves her compromised, Roan and Helena put their hearts and futures on the line.

This is the second book in the Duchess Society series, plus a prequel. I would recommend reading the books in order because there is a strong theme of friendship throughout the stories and characters cross over.

Roan and Helena met ten years prior to the events of this story and, despite a mutual attraction, Roan bungled it and Helena held a grudge. I wouldn't call it enemies-to-lovers...Roan still wants her, and Helena is annoyed that she wants him too. I really liked both characters. Helena has money and a powerful shipping business, but she's lonely and feel isolated, not really fitting in with the working class or the ton. Roan also has identity issues, but he's done a better job dealing with them. In a lesser family branch, he didn't expect to be duke and doesn't worry much about society expectations. He's happy to surround himself with a small but loyal friend group - which Helena calls the "Leighton Cluster" - and hopes to have Helena by his side.

These characters had great spark and I enjoyed seeing them come together. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Tropes: Class Difference, Compromised, Second Chance

Steam: 3

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheScandalousVixen #NetGalley

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I must say, I really liked this story. I thought it would be the story of commoner meets duke when children and then they meet again. But, oh my gosh, it was anything but. This story was part of a series and in previous books, she meets her long lost half-sister, who is about 13 years younger and the heroine is raising her. The heroine was an heiress to a shipping magnate. But her father taught her well on how to safe guard her money. So the heroine runs and maintains her own business. She is sucessful and powerful. But, 10 years ago, she was on the beach and looked up and saw a young man, her age, and he came forward and they would look for fossils and walk the beach. He, the hero, falls in love, When he was trying to be part of the crowd, he was heard by her say something disparaging a couple of months after they had spent so much time together. She became upset and they fought in public since. He lures her to his estate for Christmas and spoiler.
The story is wonderfully written and totally to be read on it's own. The characters grow and develop in the story. The settings are numerous and believable. The language is accurate to the time period. I am giving this book 5 stars with a recommendation to read.

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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.

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