Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron
Series: Infamous Lords #4
Author: Renee Ann Miller
Published May 26th 2020 by Zebra

Goodreads Synopsis
Last season, Lady Nina Trent fell for a scoundrel. This year, she intends to choose more wisely . . .

When a duke more interested in fox hunting and sports than womanizing comes to town, Nina thinks him the perfect catch. Sadly, he doesn't seem to notice her. But Lord Elliot Haverford, Baron Ralston, a notorious flirt, has a proposition: he'll not only pretend to vie for her hand, hoping to draw forth the duke's competitive nature, he'll also give Nina lessons in seduction.

An aristocrat in possession of two dilapidated properties must be in want of a fortune. Elliot's proposition is a subterfuge, for he hopes to capture Nina's hand--and her dowry--by slyly seducing her himself. Though he feels guilty over his deception, their interludes, filled with dancing, flirtation, and increasingly heated kisses, are impossible to regret . . . until he realizes he has unwittingly placed Nina in grave danger.

What's a scoundrel in love to do, except finally risk his heart for real?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Never Conspire with a Sinful Baron follows Nina as she returns to society following her failed engagement. She's not that upset that the engagement fell apart - he was a scoundrel after all - but she's decided that to protect herself, she should find someone who cares more about the country than going to Town and being seen, and the Duke of Fernbridge, who is searching for a wife, is perfect. Her problem? He doesn't seem to notice her. When old family friend, Elliot Haverford, Baron Ralston, arrives in town, he agrees to help her get Fernbridge's notice, but he also has an ulterior motive. His recently inherited properties have all been left in ruin, and there's little to no money in the pot to repair them. He needs to marry, and marry well, to save his estate, and Nina would be a perfect wife, with a substantial dowry to boot. As Nina is more in Elliot's company, she remember's just how fun he always was, and starts to think that while she didn't want to marry a rake, if it was the right rake - i.e. Elliot - marriage might be the best idea, and Fernbridge's dullness is not the right thing for her.

I loved the romance in this book. Nina and Elliot were perfect together, from their witty banter, to their chemistry, and finally their actual relationship. They fought their attraction, at first, but it was plainly obvious that they were right for each other, even with their reputations at hand. I never saw Fernbridge and Nina working, they were far too unsuitable, and was glad when we saw him being shown to be boorish and dull. Yeah, there's some angst when Nina finds out the Elliot was after her dowry, but it ends up that he doesn't use it to fix up his estate, and all is well. There were some unbelievable aspects of the novel, especially when it seemed as if someone had put a hit out on Elliot, but his and Nina's relationship saved the day. Definitely an enjoyable book, and just what I needed right now.

April 19, 2020

Rating
4 Stars