Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #3
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published July 4th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Her brother’s friend can post bail, but can he keep the lady reformer’s secrets?

When she’s in trouble…

Lydia Dashwood is used to skirting scandal—after all, she was once kidnapped for writing infamous political articles at a secret academy for ladies. But when she’s accidentally arrested with a group of peaceful reformers, the clever writer is forced to ask for help from her brother’s far-too-charming friend who has the skills to assist…if she can ignore the way he makes her heart flutter.

He comes running…

Benedict Southcott has long abided his friend’s warning to stay away from Lydia— my sister isn’t for the likes of you. The disreputable viscount is used to hiding away his yearning for her and playing the carefree rake. But when Lydia needs him, he can’t say no to her offer. In exchange for helping her and the reformers, she’ll give him a reputation makeover. Respectability would mean he can finally court her…if he can resist her scandalous kisses.

To risk scandal for love…

When Lydia and the reformers undertake a daring political project, Benedict is forced to choose between his newfound respectability or joining Lydia in her cause.

How much will he risk for a chance to win her heart?
Goodreads

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

Though she may be an Earl's sister, Lydia Dashwood finds herself in trouble when she is arrested with a group of peaceful political reformers. Relying on her brother's best friend, Benedict Southcott, to post bail, Lydia knows he will always be there for her. What Benedict doesn't know is that Lydia has a past with trouble, and her political writings have led her to be abducted, and someone is out to get her again. But Benedict loves her, and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if she never returns his feelings.

This was the perfect ending to the series. After Pippa and Jane got married, Lydia was left alone to run the Ladies Covert Academy, and at the worst possible time. She's arrested, investigated, and there are people out there to stop her writing, and stop the Academy from running. She needs to rely on Benedict, but his reputation is one of a wastrel and rogue, and no one ever seems to take him seriously. Unfortunately the reputation is not one he deserves, but it's a struggle to even convince those he loves to believe it. I'm glad that Lydia starts to realise his worth, and he isn't left pining after her for so long. The extended cast of characters were wonderful too, and this book was definitely the culmination of the series. A lovely ending to a great romance!

Dates Read:
July 16-17, 2023

Rating
3 Stars