| Title | : | Her Wicked Proposal (The League of Rogues, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1619231689 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781619231689 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 390 |
| Publication | : | First published January 19, 2016 |
Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, is cursed. Once the ton’s golden boy, the loss of his sight has left him a reclusive shell of man. His days of womanizing, horse racing and pistol shooting lost forever.
Offered the chance to recapture a small part of his old life, he can’t refuse—even if it means accepting the shocking proposal of the infamous ice maiden, Anne Chessley.
Still reeling from her father’s death, Anne’s deepest wish is to avoid the hordes of fortune hunters who will soon be beating down her door. Proposing marriage to Cedric is an act of desperation, his unexpected acceptance a strange and wonderful dream.
His only stipulation: she must respond passionately and wantonly in his bed. Her agreement barely crosses her lips before he begins a sensual assault on the icy walls bitter secrets have built around her heart.
Yet even as they catch a glimpse of true happiness, betrayal is poised to sweep them away on opposing tides of danger.
Warning: Contains an outwardly aloof heroine with a secretly tender heart, a once-notorious rake who isn’t quite as rusty at seduction as he feared, and a band of rogues who join together to make sure happily-ever-afters do come true.
*Includes Exclusive Scene Art and Illustrations!
This book was previously published by Samhain Publishing and is now re-releaesd.
Her Wicked Proposal (The League of Rogues, #3) Reviews
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Cedric and Anne and all the other interchangeable characters in 'the League' whatever the hell that is.
The league is never really explained except that it's a group of friends like...
the 'Little Rascals', 'He-Man Woman Haters Club'.
And why is Hugo Waverley dead set on murdering them all??? The death of his friend Peter was accidental so his crazed hatred makes no sense. I did not read the first two books (and I never will), so maybe it is explained there.
This is one of those series that reads like an ongoing soap opera. The two MCs share the stage will all the MCs from previous books and books to follow. ...It gets quite crowded really.
Anne and Cedric met a her first ball 2 years ago. Supposedly it's love at first sight but he doesn't realize it and shags the first bimbo he meets against a wall. Anne sees this and then later something worse happens to hers . After this Anne changes and becomes the ice queen. Cedric actually tried to court her but she was unresponsive/traumatized/whatever, so he backed off. This is all before the story starts and isn't filled in til a flashback halfway through. Sooo... Anne's father dies and she finds she needs a husband she can trust and turns to Cedric who is now blind from an attack in the last book. Why she feels she can trust Cedric is one of the pervasive mysteries of this book.
SOooo Anne's secret hangs over their wedding like the sword of Damocles. You just know when he finds out it will be misconstrued and it is. It is even worse than I expected.
In fact, it was unforgivable..
Anne runs off and gets amnesia (yep I did say that)... am-fricken-nesia. I never did forgive Cedric and kind of gave up on the story right then at 55%. Yet I held out hope... but no, everything goes down hill. Not between Anne and Cedric who are now a giggling twit and a lovey dovey weenie. They started to give me a toothache, but I was unconvinced and unmoved.
I wanted to see him put in a spot where his trust in her is challenged again to see if he would choose right this time, but it never happens. He didn't even see there error of his ways until SO much of this book was nonsensical but convenient to the plot!
The characters are too shallow, the story too predictable, the villain too villainous and I kinda wish I'd DNFed at 80% like I'd been tempted to. Cause the ending was just the last straw.
Each book sounds like pretty much the same formula.
...I've read harlequins with more depth.
Safety not good -
5 - "Negotiating? Is that what they are calling it nowadays?" Stars!
Book three in The League of Rogues series gives us Cedric and Anne’s story. I have a huge soft spot for the cast of characters that Lauren Smith has created in this series, each and every book is better than its predecessor.
One thing that always strikes me when I read one of Lauren Smith’s Historical books is just how well her writing voice translates back to those times, and it really on the mark again with Her Wicked Proposal.
I think another big plus is that although the book is set in 1821, the author gives you strong men and equally strong women to take them on. It makes for entertaining banter and plenty of shenanigans to take place. Once again the author also manages to take the reader through a plethora of emotions as the book progresses.
"Deep down you aren’t cold. You are an inferno, a blaze that consumes me."
Told from several points of view the book focuses on the upcoming and speedy marriage of Cedric to Anne, after the adventures of the previous book in the series, Cedric is blind, struggling with loneliness and wondering what on earth he is going to do with his life to make him feel like he is worthy again.
"Most women have faded in my mind, but not you. Never you."
Anne struggling with the sudden and unexpected death of her father, is having to fend of fortune-hunters from every direction being her father’s only living heir. But a marriage arranged for convenience, suddenly looks like becoming a love match when both parties suddenly realize that deep buried feelings are not as dormant as originally assumed.
"Passion is always possible when two hearts are willing."
The threat of retribution from Hugo Waverley is still very real for all of the League members as well as their loved ones, and as you would expect plays a very big part in Cedric and Anne’s story. Lauren certainly has exceptional skills at offering a diverse and entertaining adventure, built on layers to keep the reader guessing up until its end. As well as being sexy, and funny with plenty of emotion from everyone involved to keep the story line moving along at a steady pace.
”You’ll be the death of me.”
I love this series, I don’t read a huge amount of Historical fiction nowadays, and if you are similar to me in that way, then I cannot recommend highly enough that you make an exception for The League of Rogues, as they take Historical and fiction to a whole other level!
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review. -
This is the third book in Lauren Smith’s League of Rogues series and I was delighted to find myself once more in the company of those handsome, wicked rogues… Godric, Lucien, Cedric, Charles, Ashton and newest member, Jonathan St. Laurent, Godric’s half-brother.
Cedric is finding it hard to come to terms with his blindness, not only physically but also emotionally. He can no longer do the things he once enjoyed – riding, shooting and hunting. A virtual recluse, Cedric has to rely on Ashton, the most patient of his friends, to provide the necessary help he needs to cope with the everyday practicalities of being blind. None of his friends know how close he has come to ending it all.
The victim of a vile assault two years ago, Anne has built a protective shell around herself - her cold exterior earning her the name “ice maiden”. When her beloved father dies, leaving her a wealthy heiress, she finds herself both lonely, and desperate to escape the fortune hunters who are constantly pursuing her.
I really liked Cedric and Anne as a couple; they each bring something that the other desperately needs. Anne brings light into Cedric’s dark world and makes him believe that life is still worth living…
“Being with you…it’s like seeing the world again when I thought I’d be trapped in darkness forever.
while Cedric gradually breaks down Anne’s protective shell releasing the sensual woman beneath…
She was succumbing to his patient and gentle seductions for better or worse.
The romance is both sweet and sexy, especially when Cedric sets out to seduce his wife. I really liked the emphasis on touch in the love scenes which I feel made them more sensual.
His fingertips ran a slow line up her throat and along the line of her jaw to reach her chin. Anne felt as though she was an uncharted foreign land. Cedric’s fingertips were memorizing the contours of her country for his own private map.
As always, I enjoyed the camaraderie and banter between the members of the League of Rogues. I was also intrigued by the rather heated scene between Ashton and Lady Rosalind Melbourne and I think there is more to Charles’s servant Tom Linley than meets the eye.
There is action and danger as the League’s nemesis Hugo Waverley continues to plot his revenge, but danger also comes in the form of a vengeful slave trader who has a score to settle with Cedric.
MY VERDICT: If you are looking for a story with great characters and just the right mix of romance and action, then you will definitely enjoy HER WICKED PROPOSAL.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
League of Rogues series so far (click on the book cover for more details):
My sincere thanks to Lauren Smith for providing me with a copy of her book in return for an honest review.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com... -
Oooooo, this is the first blind hero story that I actually enjoy. Most stories where the hero/heroine is blind the writer does not use his/her other senses to enhance the romance but here I was most glad to see that she did.
It was a marriage of convenience where the hero and heroine were very attracted to each other already but she could not marry him before due to some horrible things that happened with her. I think this part was not well solved for the heroine, they treated like a simple thing when in reality it was a big trauma.
Other things also felt rushed in the end and not well developed, but otherwise it was a great story. I am actually enjoying seeing more the enemy chase than the romance, that's a first for me. That's why I am being able to just read the books in sequence.
And another very positive thing is that we see all the characters in every single book. -
2.0 stars
Least favorite of this series. Was a bit of a chore to get through. -
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series...so I was really excited about this one...in retrospect the other books might have had the same flaws as this book but I enjoyed it nonetheless....this book failed to be coherent....there were too many irrelevant scenes from other characters POV in order to advance the series but was major detractors from this story....the romance was awkward and uncomfortable at times...the characters inner dialogues really never matched their characters....the way the heroines secret incident happened was just so surreal and unrealistic....and badly done. Despite all this the book had its good moments and Sherbrooke and the Rogues gets the 3 stars.
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This is a delightful historical adventurous romance with well established, complex characters, Set in the 1820s, this is the third book in the series but you don’t have to have read the others to enjoy escaping into this one - though you may well, like me, be tempted to read the earlier books after reading this one.
The story is told from multiple points of view, making it easy to relate to and empathise with the characters. There have been traumatic events in all their lives and danger lurks to destroy their hopes for a HEA, not just for the lead couple in this story but for all the friends and their families. The men involved call themselves the League of Rogues and they have powerful enemies out to get retribution, especially Hugo Waverley. There are no shrinking violets in the female characters, either - they are all feisty, sassy and endearing - especially in how they each manipulate the loves of their lives.
I suspect this story was particularly poignant for me as a close relative lost his sight when I was a child and I remember him coming to terms with this and the impact it had on his life. The hero in this story is coming to terms with losing his sight and his difficulties, emotions and fears are portrayed in an appropriate, considered and not condescending manner.
Just when you think things are going to be ending this story throws in another obstacle, taking readers on a journey full of unexpected twists, turn and dangers. It is a well written, enthralling read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys regency romances packed with hot heroes, feisty ladies, danger and adventure!
Thanks again to the author, publishers and Barclay Publicity, too, for gifting me an ecopy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review. -
Since an accident cost him his sight, Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, has become a shadow of the vivacious womanizer her once was. He can no longer do any of the things he once enjoyed, but when the woman he’d been courting before losing his sight proposes they marry, Cedric can’t refuse the chance to gain a small part of his old self back.
Anne Chessley is grieving the loss of her beloved father and already being besieged by fortune hunters eager to compromise her into marriage and steal away her inheritance. To protect herself, Anne proposes marriage to Cedric out of an increasing sense of desperation and is rather shocked when he readily agrees.
Cedric has only one condition to their marriage: that Anne responds to him with passion. She can’t help but agree and he immediately begins a campaign to melt her icy exterior. Just as the two begin to see the potential for happiness together, danger is lurking in several forms to keep them apart.
I was a little unsure about this book just because I was not much of a fan of Cedric in the previous books, but I still wanted to read his story in hopes of a redemption for him and I was not disappointed on that front. He wound up being very sweet with Anne once they worked out the kinks in their marriage of convenience. I do think I could’ve done without quite so many scenes focused on other members of the League, though they did serve the purpose of moving the plot along and setting up these characters’ story arcs for future books, so I don’t think they hurt the flow too much. What did throw me off a bit, however, was the late act amnesia trope being thrown in, which I didn’t mind so much except for the fact that it was unclear exactly when the amnesia had been overcome and so several scenes and dialogues left me feeling as if I had missed something. Otherwise, I did enjoy how Anne and Cedric stood by each other as a couple for the most part, excepting his behavior in one particular instance which he did at least work to make amends for. I liked how his blindness was handled and how Anne helped him realize he was still just as much of a man. I definitely think these characters wound up being well-developed and I believed the depth of their relationship and the growth they experienced. I enjoyed their story and will continue the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link:
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo... -
This book is ridiculous. Spoiler alert. I hate the fact that the heroine was raped. I think that sometimes the author forgot that the hero is blind. After the heroine was beaten up and got a dislocated shoulder and lost her memory she was swimming like nothing ever happened.
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Home Run! Best Book In Rogue Series!
This was my third book in Lauren Smith's Rogue series. I knew when I read the first few pages that this one had the potential to be the best ...and it didn't disappoint.
Cedric, the Viscount Sheridan, is a member of the infamous League of Rogues. The League is a group of young lords who became best friends in college, and then created a loyal brotherhood of sorts afterwards. They became well-known for their Rogue activity, as well as other activities that were not always condoned by the ton. Different in personalities , but all good looking and athletic, they are appreciated by the ladies of the ton for their good looks, and both admired and envied by all for their loyal friendship. They stick together through thick and thin.
Cedric, the Viscount Sheridan, became blind at the end of book two after saving his sister, Horatia, from the League's common enemy, Sir Hugo Waverly. This third book of the series finds Lord Cedric Sheridan aloof and disconnected from society. He has been blind for almost five months and it has been extremely difficult for him. He is continually humiliated by his inability to navigate so much as a simple dinner party without spilling wine or breaking his host's crystal. He is tired of getting in and out of a coach, and risking falling in front of others- to his embarrassment, and he has problems traversing the uneven ground without stumbling- even with a cane. His blindness doesn't work well with eating and as a result, he has lost weight. Life as he knew it is over. Cedric has become a shell of the man he was and as a result, he has withdrawn from society.
Anne Chessley is the one woman that Cedric truly wanted but could never attain. She has lost her father to death and has inherited his profound wealth. But Anne's life becomes consumed by the hoards of fortune seekers crashing her gates to court her. She visits Cedric and proposes marriage. Cedric is stunned, and doesn't quite believe this good fortune could at last be smiling on him. He sees this as a way to finally get through the darkness and loneliness and grabs for it. But first, he makes Anne promise to behave wantonly - as a lover- when they make love. Unknown to Cedric, Anne has always loved Cedric - but has never let him know of her feelings, keeping them contained out of fear. It's the root of that fear that has forced her to keep Lord Sheridan at arm's length these past years. But with his coaxing and passion, Anne discovers in his warm kisses that Cedric may be able to break through her fears. His kisses stir her and she is suddenly aware of the heated needs he ignites something within her core, something that she felt could never happen for her.
Sir Hugo Waverly emerges again, determined to finally kill Cedric. This time he enlists another of Cedric's enemies and works out a vicious plan to kidnap and do deadly harm to both Cedric and his new bride.
The story between Anne and Cedric is warm, witty, passionate, and sensual. Lauren Smith writes some of the most passionate love scenes in the industry. These scenes can make you weep and curl your toes in the same breath.
Anne swallowed before replying. “Yes, quite dark.” “Good. I want you to close your eyes. I’m going to make love to you and I want you to feel it as I do, with sensations and sounds, but no sight.”
Lauren Smith doesn't leave her readers in the dark. She is sensitive to those who may not have read her first two books and makes sure that the story makes sense to all readers. It's done in such a way that all readers appreciate the update. And all of our favorite characters from the first two books--the Duke, Lucien, Lady Emily, Ashton, Charles, Jonathan, and Lady Horatia, all participate. It's Cedric's story, but the bond with all of these Rogues transcends the storyline.
Lauren Smith weaves this story of intrigue and romance in a way that has become her trademark. It is full of wonderful description- she brings her readers there, where they experience the story alongside the H and h. Cedric and Anne's love story was years in the making. And for them, it was complicated. When they found their chance to be together, they took it, both for different reasons. Their story has a level of passion and sensuality that is just breathtaking. The danger that their lives are placed in require that they are missed before the point of no return. The Rogues are separated and that help could come too late.
It's a well-written book. This is not only Cedric and Anne's love story. It's also the story of Jonathan's decision to become a true member of the League.
Her story had me from page one. I found myself thinking about it when I was doing other things --like working. I had to read more. I didn't really want it to end. Now that I have finished it, I realize I am only through another chapter in the lives of these Rogues and am anxious to read more. Please, let there be more!
Five of five stars for this impressive book. -
I AM RETURNING THIS E BOOK FOR A FULL REFUND!!! I DO NOT READ STORIES ABOUT A RAPE VICTIMS ESPECIALLY IF IT IS THE HEROINE!! AUTHORS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO SAY IN THERE SUMMARY THAT THERE IS RAPE INVOLVED!!! RAPE IS NOT ROMANTIC!!
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"Be wicked with me, Anne." Her Wicked Proposal
First off, I have to confess I am a bit obsessed with this series. I love my League of Rogues, Lauren Smith may have created them, but I am claiming them as mine. Bring on the intrigue, complex plots, hot men (eye brow wiggle), and sassy women.
The Leagues story continues with Cedric and Anne story. Cedric is a broken man, he lost his sight after saving his sister from a fire. Before he was one of the ton's golden boys, now he avoids society and has become a recluse. Although he knows that marriage is not for him, since he is blind and doesn't want to be a burden to anyone, he can't stop thinking about Anne. The one woman who would not give him the time of day. She is put in a desperate situation with the passing of her father, to protect herself from fortune hunters, she proposes that they marry. Of course it will be one where there is passion but no love.
Ha! You know they will fall passionately in love - even though they won't want to admit it. There were definitely times I was screaming at Cedric for being ridiculous.
Also, you find out WHY Anne is an "ice queen" in this book, really puts her story in perspective.
Can't wait for the next two books, especially my man Charles. -
4.0 ❤ in my throat stars!
Just when I think there is no possible way for Lauren Smith to pull, twist and completely wrench my heart strings she proves she can totally do it over and over again with “Her Wicked Proposal”, book #3 in her League of Rogues series.
For me, this book proved to be the most emotionally stirring and gripping tale thus far in the series. I shed some ugly crocodile tears on this one, I admit. The characters dealt with some pretty hard-hitting issues that stemmed from thoughts of suicide, rape, alcoholism, depression and lack of self-worth. The cold nature of slavery and human trafficking are also subjects addressed in this installment.
The story picks up 4 months after book #2. Cedric Sherridan is managing to piece his world back together as best he can after the unfortunate accident he suffered at the end of the second book.
Trying to save his sister, Horatia from the clutches of a henchman hired by their mutual enemy, Hugo Waverly, Cedric's life is changed forever when he escapes with his life but not his sight. Having lived a full, uninhibited life as a wealthy viscount and the toast of the ton while raising his two sisters, Cedric feels less of a man than he's ever felt. Being devoid of sight he feels more of a burden to his family and friends and just plain worthless. Sparing himself from the embarrassment he feels at the merciless hands of the ton, he withdraws from any public appearances becoming a virtual recluse. His self-imposed solitude only feeds his insecurities and thoughts of putting himself out of his misery prick at him.
Smith does a wonderful job delving into the dark recesses of Cedric's mind as he sinks deeper in to a vortex of self-pity. His blindness has not only crippled Cedric physically but emotionally as well. Smith's portrayal of Cedric's struggles is heartbreaking and sobering at the same time. There is no glossing over the facts that even the strongest most self-confident man can crumble when all that he's known has been stripped from him.
I loved the pure rawness of his feelings as written by Lauren Smith. She didn't hold back from the anger, agony, self-deprecating experienced by Cedric and I loved that Cedric was given a voice to express these even at the expense of someone else’s feelings.
Every hour of every day, from the moment he rose for the day until he retired to bed, he lived in constant fear of toppling precious family heirlooms, embarrassing himself in front of his friends or family, or worse, causing further damage to his body. It was a cruel twist of fate to have once been a virile man afraid of nothing, and reduced to someone who woke each morning only to remember he was forever trapped in darkness.
Cedric feels all is lost to him…perhaps even the chance at love, for what woman would wish to be with a broken man?
Little does Cedric know that even broken he is still desired by the one woman he tried to court only a year prior, Anne Chessley, A veritable ice maiden in her ivory tower, yet each time he caught her eye, for a brief second heat would flare, so bright and hot it made him hungry for her. Unfortunately, Anne proves unresponsive to his attentions. Cedric thus names her the ice maiden due her frigid nature and gives up his pursuit of her.
So, it proves to be most ironic that Anne would dare approach him with a marriage proposal.
“Not one of you in this room can comprehend what it has been like for me. I cannot live as I used to, cannot pursue the life I once had. But when Anne came to me, I realized that she may be my one and only chance left to live.” ~ Cedric
Why would Anne do this?
Having recently lost her father in death, Anne is now the sole heiress of a tremendously valuable estate. She wishes to escape the young, fortune hunters that are after her vast inheritance. In order to avoid being hounded by the young bucks of the ton she convinces Cedric to marry her. It would seem like this arrangement would benefit them both. Cedric would have a wife, companion and willing bedmate and Anne would feel safe with Cedric, the one and only man she truly has ever felt love for.
“She has agreed to marry me despite all the things I cannot give her. I cannot praise her for her loveliness. I cannot take her to balls and dance with her. I cannot even go riding with her. That she has come to me over these other men seeking her hand, it lessens the sting of my current condition. I believe, given time, that we may be able to make ourselves decently happy together.”
I ended up liking Anne's character though it was a bit difficult to at first. She had constructed this huge wall of ice about herself that no matter what Cedric said or methods of seduction he attempted she would inevitably close herself off.
To love someone so completely meant you gave them the key to your soul, and with that they held the greatest power over you. Without giving anything away, we do get the answers to Anne’s resistance.
This love story was aggravating to start but it simmered slowly into something more than carnal lust. Emotions ran deep as these two characters opened up to each other which was the beauty at the core of this complicated relationship. It left me all fuzzy, wuzzy inside.
Moments such as these melted me...
“I believe you owe me a waltz, my heart.” The smile on his face brought tears to her eyes.
How had he guessed her secret wish for this very thing? It didn’t matter that they weren’t in a lively assembly room full of their peers. No, what mattered was that she was here, right now with the man she loved, and they were finally going to have their dance.
And...
What would a Lauren Smith book be without some incredible sexy scenes? They were outstanding! They were erotic and extremely intimate. Even the hardcore sexy scenes were superbly written. Great feels!
Following in the pattern of the previous books we get a fuller taste of Ashton's, Jonathan's and Charles' future stories as these progress. I'm very excited to see where Smith guides them!
Ashton's encounters with Lady Melbourne left me hungering for more!
“And what did you do with Lady Melbourne in said alcove, hmm?”
“I…we…that is to say…” Ashton, always so eloquent in speech, was entirely at a loss for words.
“Oh, quite. I’m sure you and she enjoyed…whatever it was.” Cedric couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face.
Ashton recovered himself and properly responded. “I was negotiating with her.”
“Negotiating? Is that what they are calling it nowadays?” Cedric was fighting every urge to laugh.
Lastly, the plot continues to thicken around Hugo Waverly but those murky waters are becoming clearer. I still don't have an intact picture of what his past was. He is the League’s sole enemy and self-proclaimed, Judge, Jury and Executioner. We do learn he is out to avenge Peter. Whoever Peter is to Hugo is yet to be revealed but it seems that Peter was also a very dear friend to Charles. So, yes! The plot thickens and I love this singular thread tying all the books together!
This was another enjoyable read. Yes, it was cliché, at times predictable but I didn't care! I love to see how these five friends go from rogues to fall into the arms of women they could've never dreamed of loving for themselves, to giving their all in protection of one of their own!
RECOMMENDED! -
Anne y Cedric 🦋💋💫
Hermosos, me parece que es mi top hasta ahora. Los dos an sabido a muy temprana edad lo que es perder a seres queridos, el dolor y la tristeza que eso te deja.
La vida no a sido buena con ninguno de los dos, están rotos en cierta manera y vemos como los dos aporta luz a la vida del otro.
🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼
—Sin embargo, conseguiste llegar al altar —el tono suave de Cedric no ocultaba su preocupación.
—Te vi esperándome. Después de eso, nada más importó.
💖💫💖💫💖💫💖💫💖💫💖💫💖💫💖💫💖💫
Anne levantó una mano y le pasó el dorso de los dedos por las mejillas.
—No llores —le rogó—. Por favor, no lo hagas. Si lo haces, no podré parar.
—Al diablo con eso —enterró su cara en su cuello, estrechando sus cuerpos, aferrándose a ella. Su corazón, su amor, su otra mitad. Estaban vivos y a salvo—. Puedo verte —repetía mientras lloraba. Nunca en toda su vida habría algo tan hermoso como su amada Anne y sus amigos más queridos. Los últimos cinco meses habían sido una horrible pesadilla.
Pero por fin he despertado. Rozó sus labios con los de Anne, saboreando el mar y sus lágrimas. -
Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, was every bit a rogue. Women adored him. Now he has been left blind and has become a recluse, only spending time with his friends, the League of Rogues.
Anne Chessley, known as the ice maiden, was a challenge to Cedric before his accident. After deciding that Anne had no interest in him, Cedric ceased pursuing her. Now, a week after her father's death, Anne has asked Cedric to marry her in order to keep potential treasure seeking suitors away. Cedric agrees to the marriage as long as Anne will drop the ice maiden and respond passionately to him. It doesn't take long for Cedric to melt the ice surrounding Anne but soon dangers from their pasts threaten their newfound happiness.
I absolutely am addicted to this series. All the men in the League of Rogues will capture your heart. Cedric will make your heart flutter. Both Anne and Cedric were vulnerable yet were the perfect match for one another, able to sense what the other needed. I loved watching their relationship blossom.
Again the dastardly Hugo Waverly left me biting my nails. I'm so ready to see him taken down!
One thing I especially loved about this book was that we got a nice glimpse of possibilities for Charles, Ash, and Jonathan. Now I'm on pins and needles waiting to see what's next for the League and their ladies. Lauren Smith can weave a story that will pull you in and leave you enchanted! -
This is a Regency Historical Romance . Book 3 in Lauren League of Rogues . This is Viscount Cedric Story and Ann. Lauren is so talented you think your there with the characters
Viscount Cedric goes blind at the End of Book 2. He was popular in the Ton. Especially with the ladies . Now a days he stays home . He relies on his other senses since his eyesight gave out . Cedric is outside in the backyard near a fountain . He had fallen on his way up. Cedric is reflecting how his life had changed . While there he is told that he has a visitor . The visitor is Ann . Who Cedric has wanted . Your wondering what Ann wanted now when she had ignored him .
Ann came to ask Cedric if he will marry her . Cedric asks why .
Cedric has one condition or Ann . Never to shield away from him in the bedroom . That night the Legue is having dinner at Godric house . And that is where you get 2 surprises . One is Horatia and Lucien are expecting .
Meanwhile there is a slave Trader out to get both Viscount Cedric and Ann . He wants Ann to sell her and Cedric payback over a bet and horses . Also love how in this book you get a glimpse of the next story . How the Widow players with a certain Rogue .
Cedric and Ann are kidnapped . The slave trader had help by Hugo Waverly .
What happens . There are more than 4 surprises . Won't tell you need to get it -
Now that her father has died, Anne knows that the fortune-hunting vultures will be circling her, seeking to bind her to them so they can control her person and her fortune. She asks Cedric, Viscount Sheridan to marry her as one way of protecting her. Cedric was blinded by the League of Rogues' enemy, but now the two of them face an new and terrible enemy from Cedric's past.
Over all, I thought this was a well-written story, except for the one point that dropped this from a 4* rating to a 3* rating. -
This one is my favorite of the League of Rogues Series....Cedric was my favorite from the first...Now that he is blind he thinks his life is over, no more doing the things he loves to do. Riding horses, gambling, woman are all the activities that were his life. Before he lost his sight one of the young ladies that he lusted after and pursued was Anne Chessley, but she always pushed him away. Now Anne has a marriage proposal for Cedric. Her father has died and she is now an heiress and is being besieged by fortune hunters she proposes a marriage that will benefit them both. But she is has a secret that will eventually come out, and how wil Cedric react to it. Cedric's plan is to seduce Anne and keep her craving him and hopefully they will eventually find love together. Lauren writes a wonderful story with lots of surprises, her characters jump right off the page, and the sex scenes are very hot!!!! Do not miss any of the books in The League of Rogues Series!
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Third book in series, first book I’ve read from this author. Blind hero, ice maiden heroine? I’m there. Now I’m wishing I hadn’t been.
Lord Cedric Sheridan has lost his sight. He’s withdrawn from society and months later is barely able to navigate his own home. His days are dull and filled with him just trying to stay upright when Anne Chessley arrives for a visit. Her father just died leaving her an heiress. To keep away from the fortune hunters, she asks Sheridan to marry her. He tried to court her years earlier, called her the “Ice Queen” based on her failure to respond, but still wants her and agrees as long as she puts out willing in bed.
So there you go. There is so much that could be unpacked there. His blindness and all the emotions that go with that, her fear of society and why she put up such an untouchable front. But the narrative doesn’t care about any of that. It’s all about the nooky.
Overall this was an infuriating read. I wanted deeply emotional book about a blind man that learns to live despite the injury, a woman betrayed, who clings to ice to keep moving and looks for safety with the safest man she knows, and a getting to know each other through their pain to the HEA. I’d even go for some kidnaping hijinks with all that. But this book had none of it. -
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
OH MY WORD … this series gets better and better! Lauren Smith .. girl … you knocked this one out of the park! :)
Her Wicked Proposal is the third book of Lauren Smith‘s “The League of Rogue” series. This series revolves around some feisty, rakish and most definite rogue gentlemen bad boys and their sassy kick ass lady loves. Set in England in the early 1800’s, all these layers makes for a wonderful, adventurous and at time straight up naughty historical romance.
Cedric was once the golden boy/notorious rake of ton. He lived his life out loud and without a care. When he was blinded while trying to save his sister, all of that changed and he became quite the recluse. Having to learn how to live life with no eyesight, Cedric has lost that spark that made him so vibrant. The spark is still there a little however, and little does Cedric realize that it will be a cold block of ice that will set it ablaze.
Anne just so happens to be that block of ice. Outwardly, she presents herself as a cold and aloof woman. Inside, she is a whole lot of steamy woman. Having turned down Cedric’s advances prior to his accident, she now believes that he may be the answer to her prayers. Anne has come into a large inheritance and does not want the hassle of fortune hunters .. so she decides to propose marriage to a man that she believes will never be a bother her. Only there is one condition to this marriage .. Cedric wants Anne’s passion in bed chamber.
Off these two go! A smoldering romance blooms despite either of them truely believing love is possible. Anne makes Cedric believe that life can go on despite his blindness, and Cedric gets to the core of why Anne is so icy. Both their stories are heart shattering, and with danger lurking from the series villain Mr Jackass to the core Hugo, this makes for an exciting read.
This was absolutely my fave book of this series so far. I just gushed and fell in love with this couple. This book is told from multiple points of view which I loved. It also brings back the previous two books heroes/heroines and villains. I am in absolute love with the way Lauren writes historical romance. I see every little detail clearly in my mind, I feel every emotion meant to be felt, and even the villain is perfect as I hate everything about him too!
If you are looking for a humorous action pack, adventurous historical romance series .. this is it! I strongly recommend you read this series in order for the full impact. Get writing Lauren .. I am so excited for you next one! :)
HAPPY READING! :) -
3.5 stars;
"Be wicked with me, Anne."
Yay! Cedric and Anne’s story! This is book 3 of the series and you definitely don't need to read the other books to enjoy this one, but it does give you a better understanding of all the characters. The League of Rogues, I adore the lot of them. And with the hints of Cedric and Anne from the previous book, I knew this would be a good read.
Cedric recently lost his eye sight and is still trying to come to terms with it. After her father's death, the last thing Anne wants to deal with are fortune hunters. So she proposes to the once golden boy of ton now turned reclusive, a marriage that could benefit them both. It wasn't suppose to be about love, but with an attraction that can't be denied and a rake that's determined to seduce his wife, it's sparks all around!
Cedric and Anne are super cute together and are so good for each other. With their engagement, they help each other deal with their hung ups and struggles. Cedric is able to break down Anne's icy barriers (and we get to understand why she became an Ice Queen), while Anne helps Cedric feel like a man with a reason to live and love life to the fullest (and allows him to be his adorable rakish self again). I love that they both secretly not-so secretly had crushes on each other and it's adorable to see their love grow."As I reminded you this afternoon, Anne, I don't do proper. Now would you please give me your hand? I should like very much to hold it." He demanded this so gruffly she was torn between refusing him flat out and laughing at his audacity.
Oh, there is an overarching story. And this book deals with another by proxy-bad guy who's trying to destroy the lives of the The League (our heroes of the series). There's action and suspense, kidnappings and heroism. We get to see a lot of the rest of The League (and their stories). I'm guess the next book is about Ashton (and the lady he cannot stand, yaay!) and I'm really excited!
Overall, a lovely addition to the series. It's a sweet love story for two characters that are so easily lovable."You've ruined me for every other woman, Anne. I'm yours, always."
{* Thanks to Samhain Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Original review at
Bookmunchies -
I adore Lauren Smith's Contemporary Romance novels, and now I'm kicking myself for not jumping in with both feet into her Historical Romances. "Her Wicked Proposal" is the third installment of the League of Rogues series. I've already snatched up the previous books up so I can catch up when time permits. Her Heroine is strong! Her Hero is Magnificent! Their character growth is through the roof! The Sex is scorchingly HOT! And the storyline is multi-layered, thrilling, and heart-racing!!! The secondary characters of the League of Rogues and their wives are fantastic in that they, in their own ways - whether their novel is up next or not, have their own mini storylines. As Mr. Spock would say, "Fascinating." The servant secondary characters are also gems. One is wonderfully loyal to his own detriment. The other is a head-scratcher ... There are so many threads, so many wonderfully rich fabrics of Love and Romance, and sparkling embellishments of friends and family that this novel is an incredibly marvelous patchwork of a story. It's one of those things I do: take out the sex - is there still a romantic story - yes. In this case ... Take out the Romance is there still a story - yes! Lauren Smith's Historical Romances are going to be on my "Look For" list!
The romance between Cedric and Anne is both sweet and passionate, in "Her Wicked Proposal". Even though Cedric is blind, once Anne enters the picture he becomes a veritable scamp - a wonderful flirt and a scandalous rascal. Anne slowly thaws and embraces her inner vixen, becoming warm and playful. Lauren Smith not only deliciously sets up the couple for the next installment of the League of Rogues series but she also lays the psychological groundwork for what the single friends - who are watching their comrades - the men who they drank, gambled, and wenched with and are now settling down, marrying and starting families - are going through. "Her Wicked Proposal" has multiple Points of View - the main characters, villains, secondary characters all have at least a small say in the story. Lauren Smith has created an amazing and enjoyable Historical Romance and I look forward to catching up on this series!
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This novel was provided by the Publisher for an honest review. -
I went into this story blind without having read the preceding 2 books and I loved Anne and Cedric's story! The downside: I just added 2 more books to my ever growing TBR pile because now I need to go back and read the first two stories, not because I felt lost without having read them first but because I enjoyed this one so much that I want to know more about the first two couples!
Cedric is lost and lonely after being blinded in an accident, staying as close to home as possible to avoid the snide comments and potential for disaster with every raised cobblestone or unseen obstacle. He knows that he is viewed as damaged goods by society at large and although his friends do their best to keep him occupied, he doesn't want to be a burden.
When Anne shows up on his doorstep with her proposal, he is stunned and thrilled at the same time. She has always been the one woman who was able to capture and hold his attention no matter how many times he crashed and burned trying to win her over, so her proposition is a godsend to him. Although she has an ice maiden exterior, he senses the hellion who lies beneath the surface and vows to break down the walls she has built around her heart.
Anne recognizes a lonely kindred spirit in the new Cedric but longs for glimpses of the rogue who caught her eye years ago- and she is happy to see that man make an appearance from time to time as he regains some of his confidence around her. The other Rogues and their women welcome the changes Anne is bringing around in Cedric and are happy to welcome her into their circle as well. Just as things are looking up, the past comes back to haunt them in the form of an old enemy, and their love story takes a few dangerous and sometimes unexpected turns that had me flipping the pages to find out what would happen next.
All in all, I really enjoyed Her Wicked Proposal and definitely recommend it to any who love a good historical romance or a romantic suspense story in general regardless of the timeframe. It is filled with fun, passion, humor, and good friends as the author spins an engaging tale. And now I am off to go 1-click the previous stories! -
You had me at “blind hero.” The minute I read the blurb, I ordered this book. What could be better than a rake used to living life on the edge and appreciating beautiful women losing his sight? In 1821, and especially to the hero, Cedric, it’s a fate almost worse than death. He doesn’t want to ask for help; doesn’t want to appear weak. But his life is so drastically changed by his blindness, he’s become a barely recognizable shell of his former dashing self.
Enter Anne. Cedric’s had the hots for her for years, but when she brushed him off and presented him with a cold shoulder, he gave up on her. Now she needs him to protect her from fortune hunters, though, and he needs someone to save him from himself, to maybe make his life worth living. So he agrees to her wicked proposal.
This unlikely pair present a challenge to each other and to the reader. Cedric hasn’t lost his seductive skills (thank God!) but Anne is afraid of losing herself completely by giving him his way with her. That cold shoulder was a front and the brush off had a good reason. Anne’s had the hots for Cedric all along! And she’s much more responsive to his well-practiced techniques than he ever thought she would be. It was such fun to see these two advance and retreat from each other.
I especially enjoyed the relationships with the other rogues. It’s not often that we’re treated to male friendships or see men bonded to one another in romance novels. I liked that even though these were tough guys, they also had soft underbellies that peeped out occasionally.
There’s a good plot here and the subtle threat of danger wove its way through the trail of happiness Cedric and Anne were slowly finding with each other.
I liked author Lauren Smith’s writing style and she reminded me of what I don’t care for in historical romance. She never weighs the reader down with a history lesson (thank you, Ms. Smith) and she doesn’t go overboard with descriptions of settings, furniture, clothing, etc. She gives her reader credit that they either have some idea of what the world was like in that era or that they’ll be able to figure it out.
I definitely look forward to reading more of this series. -
Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, lives in a dark world both literally and figuratively. It wasn’t always this way…he once had his sight and was a rogue amongst the ton. But in a split second his world changed forever aided by the hand of an evil foe.
Anne Chessley harbors a dark secret. A secret that has frozen her heart earning her the nickname – Ice Maiden. A secret that had her deciding she would never marry. Until the death of her father – leaving her a very wealthy heiress and the wolves are already lining up at the door and her father hasn’t even been gone a week. Taking her life in her hands she approaches the one man, who years ago had stolen her heart, and asks him to ask her to marry him.
Hearing Anne’s proposal, the one woman who never succumbed to his charms, Cedric is elated yet apprehensive – he wants no one’s pity least of all from his wife. Agreeing to the proposal and deciding upon a special license to wed within a week takes friends, those wonderful League of Rogues, by surprise yet gives s few of them a sense of relief about Cedric.
If only life would be so simple. Threats from both of their pasts and the evil foe determined to rid the world of the League of Rogues one at a time will cause unhappiness, trust issues and possibly death. Can Cedric and Anne overcome these obstacles for a happily ever after?
Lauren Smith proves again why she is one of my favorite authors. Sorrow, pity, frustration and joy play out in each of her books and this is no exception all while keeping you guessing in which direction each character will take. When you think things are going one way – watch out she’ll take you into a new and exciting direction.
With an evil foe still lurking determined to destroy the League of Rogues begs the question – will they have happily ever afters? I’m looking forward to reading more and finding out! -
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
After the last book, I couldn't wait to read this one and it didn't disappoint. This one kept me on the edge of my seat with everything that threatened them. I loved getting to hear the whole story behind the horses he won and how the league met. I really enjoyed how much the league has changed and I laugh at how they talk like the abduction was a normal thing for them to do. Just when I thought they were good her past came up and caused a fight that had a twist I did not expect to happen. I jumped up and down at the ending.
Anne is very smart and loving girl even if she does hide behind ice walls. I loved how she didn't let her past define her and had no plans to hide it from him. She was very strong and didn't seem to be afraid of anything. Her father sounded like a good man with how he didn't like some of the rules and approved of Cedric.
Cedric's blindness definitely affected him more than he realized. He lived in fear of falling and didn't want to be around people. I loved how he changed when away from London and only wanted to shake him once during the fight, but he quickly realized his mistake. He is a very loving and open minded, but will kill anyone that threatens the people he loves.
Ashton is becoming a favorite of mine. He always seems to know what to do and doesn't jump to conclusions. In this book, we get to know Jonathan a bit more and meet a great staff member of Cedric's -
Her Wicked Proposal by Lauren Smith successfully continues with the loves and exploits of a band of Regency rakes. The third book in her League of Rogues series shares vulnerability on a physical and emotional level. An edgy and seductive hero's magnetism leaves no doubt as to why this author's smart and determined heroine submits to his allure. Between the smoldering sexual tension and nail biting suspense in this masterfully devised story readers will be hard pressed not to finish it in one sitting. A strong talent Ms. Smith’s works are right up there with the best that historical romance has to offer!
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.* -
I LOVE this series! Fun, sexy, hilarious. The feisty heroines and the bromance...THE BROMANCE of the League keeps me coming back for more and more. Truly a fantastic historical romance series.
Full Review at Belle of the Literati -
He's a jerk, because he's blind. He's scared, because he's blind. He's horny, because he's blind.
Yep, I get it--he's BLIND. But is there nothing else going on here?
Oh, right: she's a saint, because he's blind and a jerk and scared and horny, and she sticks around for the whole ordeal anyway. -
This series centers around a group of men who self-identify as the League of Rogues, a moniker given to them by the gossips. Anyway, they are more like the League of Stupid People, this includes the women they involve themselves with. Ugh... These books, bad. I want to punch myself.
