The Virgin and the Viscount
Series: Lords of Vice #4
Author: Robyn DeHart
Published April 12th 2021 by Entangled: Scandalous

Goodreads Synopsis
As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. Well, he may not be the most despicable, but he is certainly arrogant, flirtatious, and entirely too charming. To make matters worse, he has the irritating tendency to poke fun of her and rile her emotions as no other man does. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways.

But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever.
Goodreads

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

Matilda Brooks made a mistake five years ago when she tried to proclaim her love for her friend, Thomas, before he married her wicked sister, and instead told Thomas' elder brother, Sullivan, who's held it over her ever since. Now, she is over the puppy love, and cares too much about her work as a Lady of Virtue, when she sets her eyes on Sullivan, now Viscount Glenbrook, to reform him from his slovenly ways. But, Sullivan has been harbouring an affection for Tilly for years, and though he may poke fun at her, he will protect her, which leads to a compromising situation following a carriage accident. Now, they need to marry, and both feel that though the other probably doesn't have strong feelings for the other, the chemistry and sexual tension is enough. But will the truth about Thomas come out, and can Sullivan get over his feelings about Tilly being a 'Lady of Virtue', or will it push them away.

This is book 4 in a series, which I hadn't realised when I requested the review copy, but I never felt like I was missing out on too much. Really, it could be a standalone, albeit one with characters who have their own stories which may add to the overarching plotline. I really liked both Tilly and Sullivan. Tilly has always been in her elder sister, Melanie's, spotlight, constantly compared to her, and somewhat ridiculed for her height, her freckles, etc. She might not be a diamond of the first water, but she is funny and vivacious, and Sullivan has always had a tendre for her. But, Tilly was in love with his brother Thomas, who Melanie did 'steal' away from her, and that's always put a damper on Sullivan's feelings. He went off to war, and in the meantime, his eldest brother died, in a shooting 'accident', and Thomas has been the de facto Viscount. Did Thomas have a hand in the 'accident', and is he dangerous? Sullivan, following the marriage, is still wary about Thomas and Tilly's friendship, and his jealousy could get a little much at times, but it was well meant. The chemistry and sexual tension between Tilly and Sullivan was perfect, and their relationship was one where they both talked, and didn't talk, about issues, which was a little annoying. Their main problem was about Tilly's involvement with the Ladies of Virtue, and I just wish they had spoken about it a lot more. All in all, an enjoyable romance read!

Dates Read:
June 2, 2021

Rating
4 Stars