The Scoundrel's Honor

Sinful Brides #2

by Christi Caldwell

Thanks to her older siblings, Lady Penelope Tidemore is no stranger to scandal. In order for her to make a good match, her secret longings for intrigue and romance must be quelled. Yet it is through terrible mischance that Penelope is caught in a compromising position—however innocent—with the darkly enigmatic viscount Ryker Black.

Mr. Black is no gentleman. Raised from the streets and proprietor of the most notorious gaming hell in London, Black lives in a world filled with debauchery and danger. Taking a Society wife from the very ton he despises is not part of his plan, even if the innocent Penelope turns his blood hot with desire.

But Penelope isn’t afraid of Mr. Black, and she soon discovers that his reputation as a scoundrel may be designed to hide a surprising vulnerability. As this unlikely husband and wife grow closer, they learn that what started as chance could end up sealing their fates.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2017

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!

Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.

Reviews

[Lau ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and addictive, I read it on one sitting. The characters were okay, but I would have liked to care about them a bit more. Tbh, I didn't really dislike anything, but I didn't love anything either, if that makes sense. However, I'm really picky with HR because most writing styles don't usually work for me.

"You cannot hear the u in buy. It is silent when you speak this word..." (...)

"The bloody letter doesn't make the bloody sound, and yet it is included anyway. It doesn't make any goddamn sense."

I feel you, man. I. FEEL. YOU. 😭

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Have reread it four times, so clearly I enjoy this book.

My original comments still apply:
NO EPILOGUE?!?!?!!!! WHAT?? That's just how it ends??? Ummm ... am wanting to knock off a star for that; still many dangling threads!!

Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4 stars)
Book 2 —  The Scoundrel's Honor (4 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)

Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)

Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m still rot with words, Penelope,” he said harshly. “I always will be. I will never compose a sonnet or a poem. Not because you do not deserve one, for you do, but because I’ll never be a master with words.” A tear slithered down her cheek. Another one trailed behind it. “But I love you,” he said hoarsely. “I want to be everything you ever wanted, even though I know I cannot, and so I humbly offer myself. As I am. A man trying to be . . .” Lady Penelope Tidemore longs for a gentleman who will love her and look past her family’s more than scandalous reputation. She knows that if she wants a chance at a good match, she must be properly behaved and be the picture of a perfect English lady. But alas, she was caught in a compromising position with the notorious and newly minted viscount, Ryker Black. The notorious scoundrel has no plans in taking a wife, much more a lady wife! But she surprises him at every turn and makes him realize that she is very different from the noble people he had despised all his life. And while Mr. Black is a man vastly different from who Penelope imagined she would one day marry, he is the man who she could love, if only he allowed her to.

The Scoundrel’s honor is the second book from Christi Caldwell’s historical romance series, Sinful Brides. This one is about Ryker Black and Penelope Tidemore. I think each Tidemore sibling has their respective books from different series. Penelope seems like the last unmarried daughter, except for her much younger sister, Poppy. From what I have gathered, all her siblings each had a scandalous reputation. I would have read those in order to get a better perspective of what Penelope had been like as a child but then again, out of all the Christi Caldwell books I wanted to read, this one seems exactly like something I’d enjoy very much. I think reading her siblings’ book, especially the Earl's, would have given me more insight about the family. But then, not reading those did not lessen my enjoyment of this one. I also know that I would have gotten to see Ryker through someone else’s perspective in the first book of this series but honestly, I wanted to read this one and so I did. This is my first Christi Caldwell book and I can’t say I am disappointed!

Meet Lady Penelope Tidemore: She is the sister of the Earl of Sinclair. Her family has a less than pleasant reputation which is the reason why she trained herself to be all things proper. As a debutante, she has many hopes for she had always been a romantic at heart. Though she considers herself logical and practical, she yearns for true love and someone who would adore her despite her family’s reputation. No one is more disappointed than she is when her first season isn’t as she had envisioned it to be.

Meet Ryker Black: He is a bastard son of a Duke. When he saved a peer from death, he was granted a title and vast estates. Something that he has no interest in. He has built his life exactly as he wanted it to be. As a child, he had stolen many times and even killed when the need arose. Now, he is a man with a staggering fortune, thanks to his highly successful gaming hell.

Lady Penelope planned to be proper and polite for her first London season. Surely if she behaved well, the Ton would see it and overlook her family’s many scandals. She had been in London for two months and yet all she had received was unkind whispers about her and her kins. Penelope was excited for the Duke and Duchess of Somerset’s ball, even thinking it would be the most memorable night of her life…and it was, for all the wrong reasons. Why, she just had been caught in a compromising position (although things are not how it looked). The gentleman, Mr. Black, does not give a fig about her ruined reputation and did not make any offer for her. But Penelope knows that if she wanted her younger sister’s debut to be better than hers had been, she must marry the man who had been caught with her. It matters not that he did not make any offer, for she would approach him herself. And so she did. Turns out, the club is what Mr. Black considers most important, very much so that he resigned himself to a marriage with a lady of the ton he hardly knows. Mr. Black planned for the marriage to be purely business-like, but his lady wife does things that both take him by surprise and awe him. But then, feelings are not something that a man should allow to rule one’s life for it could be his very downfall, or will it?

I loved the heroine! She is very young, only a girl of eighteen (almost nineteen, which she always mentions). She is younger than the usual heroines, who are mostly around twenty and above. Although young, she did not feel childish at all, which is a good thing. I feel terribly sorry for her situation. It has been mentioned in the book that as a young girl, she had been pretty wild but had to tame her ways in order to be proper and polite. She had such a romanticized version of what her life should be, the perfect gentleman, and life in general but I can’t blame her for that. I too, tend to romanticize just about everything. The downside is that when one looks at life through rose-colored glasses, one tends to be disappointed with the reality of life. Which is what happened for our dear heroine. I really liked Penelope. I have a fondness for heroines who take matters into their own hands and she did just that. The hero did not make any offer of marriage and yet she was brave albeit stupid in showing up to his gambling hell in order to make him realize that the two of them need to marry each other. Instead of wallowing in self pity, Penelope tried to adjust to her new life and make the best out of it. She knows and realizes that her new life isn’t what she initially wanted but she also knows that no good would come if she did not try and make her marriage work. I loved how she was so patient, protective, understanding and caring towards her husband. Even when her brother-in-laws and all the staff in Ryker’s club seemed to hate her, she did not whine about it. She is actually too kind-hearted because I know if I was in her position, I would’ve snapped and for that, I know that the heroine is a much better person than I am. She wears her heart on her sleeve and I found that adorable. The hero is so unfeeling and yet his wife was someone who is not afraid to show how she really felt. Instead of running away and escaping from the hell her new life is, she sucked it up and tried to make the most out of it. She was very likeable (to me), she was many things and like Ryker, I found myself loving her as the book went on.

Ryker Black is the usual hero who faced many hardships in life. The many unpleasant experiences he faced as a child shaped him into the man he is now. I think it is no surprise when I say that I loved him. There have been thousands of heroes like him, that’s true, but I still like the way the author wrote his character. He was his own man, and he had so much internal dialogue, which I think helped me understand his character and sympathize with him and the child he had been. Unlike the heroine who was eager to make the relationship work, Ryker is more closed-off and pushes Penelope away. He sees feelings as something that can weaken a man so he does not do emotions. He keeps people at arms length even those who he considered as his family. I think that if you’re one of the readers that dislikes these kinds of actions from the hero, then you’d probably hate him. Fortunately, I have a thing for heroes who push the heroine away because it is so satisfying when they finally come to their senses. He is the push-pull type of hero, one moment he gives Penelope hope and then the next, in haste to protect himself and keep his walls from crumbling down, pushes her away. Ryker pushing Penelope away did not really bother me much because it is obvious that he has it bad for her but he is just very scared of feelings and every consequence that comes with it. He is actually so funny at times too. Like he says very rude things at times but it’s just funny. He is one big clueless man when it comes to the heroine and it’s just so endearing. His insecurities made him human too. Usually when authors write these self-made men, they are typically good at everything and basically perfect except for the fact that they are commoners. In this case, Ryker has an insecurity over something and it is realistic especially for someone in his station during that era. In some ways, he and his wife were similar and yet so different but still they make quite the perfect pair. He is not the perfect hero, he could be very rude at times but he is also kind (shown by his small actions towards those in need) and an honorable man although he does not show it much.

I loved Penelope and Ryker together. Their first meeting was quite funny. To society, it will indeed look like they were in the midst of doing the dirty but they really weren’t. I think both of them showed realistic reactions to being caught in an awkwardly compromising position. Penelope was horrified and she realized how what just happened would alter her life forever. Ryker was portrayed as someone who’s unfeeling and he was just that. He really did not care that the lady was caught in a compromising position with him, there was that one scene where Calum was telling him how he surely wasn’t so heartless that he’d leave the lady to fend for herself, and he admittedly said he was indeed that heartless. The marriage is something neither the hero nor heroine wanted but they somehow had to live with it for they are now bound to each other for the rest of their lives. Penelope wanted to make the marriage work, while Ryker wanted to keep it business-like for they only agreed to marry because of reasons that would benefit them both.

When the two got married, the next chapters only took place within a week and then a time jump to two or three weeks or so. In that way, Penelope’s feelings does seem insta-lovey but then she did get to know Ryker even in such a short amount of time. Many things happened in only the first week of their marriage but then it seemed like a lifetime because that amount of time occupied almost all of the book. Even with that, I really enjoyed the book. I liked both characters individually and as a couple. They knew each other (not the basic what’s your favorite color type) but saw someone more behind the facade (especially Ryke) since Penelope was practically an open book which made her all the more endearing. So, even if many things happened in only a week and after that two weeks more which is more of a tell not show since it is a time jump, the love that developed between the two still seems plausible. I usually do not like when heroes only realize their love for the heroine when the other faces a near-death event but I guess in Ryker’s situation, it was the only way to make him realize how much he actually loved Penelope. I still do not like it but it was understandable considering how he does not let emotions rule his life and could be cold although in reality he cares deeply. I still think he could have realized the true depth of his feelings for her in another way but I struggle to think of how because Ryker is exactly the type to deny his true feelings until he realizes just how much he actually adores the wife he's been keeping at arm's length.

I do think that reading this as a stand-alone works just fine but I think one would benefit more if they read the first book in the series (the first book’s synopsis just did not appeal to me, but I’ll probably try it.) I was very lost about who the villain was and stalked Christi Caldwell’s Goodreads and saw that Killoran or whoever he was had his own book! Her characters seem to live in the same society / universe although belonging in different series so there are already established relationships / characters.

As for Penelope’s new living situation, I think I was more appalled than she was. I think the fault that I really found with the hero is the fact that he let his lady wife live in a gambling hell… what more, with his ex lover under the roof! (she works at the place so it is understandable, I think) He and his ex lover did not have a relationship for a time too, I guess, before he even met the heroine and certainly not during his marriage so that makes things sting less. For most part, he is more clueless than insensitive which is why I could not hate him. I think out of all lords of the underworld hero, this man was the only one who just let his wife live at his gambling hell. It was honestly not something I’d read before, I kept hoping he might have a townhouse and let her live there instead but no, they were living at that gambling hell until the end. It should not have bothered me that much but considering the era, it kind of does matter and the right thing to do would have been to set up a townhouse especially since his wife was a noblewoman. Penelope was thrilled about the idea of having the gambling den as her home but I was not. But, surprisingly, even with the limited setting, the events that happened managed to keep my interest.

This was honestly not bad for my first Christi Caldwell book! I am glad I finally decided to try out one of her works. I am so happy that the author has so many books and so many of them seem to be the type of book that is right up my alley, hooray! I found that I really liked the author’s writing style. There could be a bit of internal dialogue but I honestly prefer it because it makes me feel like I am really getting to know the characters. Even if this book was the second installment to the series, the main characters did not feel any less complete. I liked how the book was written and how I feel I can understand the character’s motivations simply because of the details and how much time we spend inside the characters head. I am very much interested and excited for my next Christi Caldwell book! This is a promising start and I can’t wait to devour more of her work. On another note, you may know that I am an epilogue girl. I need an epilogue, a reassurance that the hero and heroine are happily living with children years after so I get very sad when there is none. There was no epilogue to this book, the last chapter was nice enough but I needed to see them years after! But all in all, it was a good read and I am glad to have spent my time reading this book.

Some quotes:

“Oi like you,” he said gruffly, staggered by the truth. He liked her very much. In a distracting way, where she drove him mad one moment and made him smile the next.

“He wanted to know all her secrets. All the stories she carried. The words she labored over in her diaries, he wanted for himself.”

“I wanted to know what you wanted of life. I wanted to know what you longed for so I could give them to you, to make myself the man you’d always hoped for.”

“You’re so focused on surviving, you don’t waste your time on dreams.”

“He’d long grown immune to societal disdain, and though he didn’t give a goddamn what anyone said of him, he was consumed with a need to destroy anyone who would hurt his wife. He told himself this surge of protectiveness had to do with nothing more than an obligation to guard those entrusted to his care. Yet why did that feel like the grossest kind of lie?”

[emtee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always wary of trying new authors but have made it my mission this year to expand my historical romance horizons. This was my first Christi Caldwell book and I loved it. I was also very impressed.

Ryker Black (love that name!) was a wonderful antihero. Man, he was dark, harsh, rigid and cold as ice. Early on in the story I’m wondering, does he even have a heart and soul? But then we find out this former guttersnipe, who grew up on the brutal streets of Seven Dials, received a courtesy title from the king for an act of bravery and courage. Has a strict code of honor. Was a true self-made man. And I became really intrigued by his character. I wanted to know everything about him. Why the utter hatred for the ton and all it represented? What made him the jaded, cold-hearted man he was today?

Penelope was the perfect foil for him. The light to his darkness, the softness where he was hard, the hope where he had none. She was raised in a good home, surrounded by love, with hopes and dreams for the future. I know many people see only weakness in someone who loves and feels deeply, who has compassion and a sensitive heart, who isn’t afraid to be emotionally vulnerable. That was Penelope, and that’s also me in a nutshell. I’ve never felt it was a liability but rather a strength. So I really identified with Penelope.

The story truly began when their worlds collided in a marriage of convenience to save her reputation and ensure the continued success of his establishment which relied on wealthy peers. How in the world would two people who came from radically different backgrounds, with such opposing world views, ever find common ground? And this is where the author’s writing truly shines!

“What do you have to smile for?” Penelope’s steps faltered, and he was forced to either keep walking and drag her down or stop. He stopped. Her keen blue gaze worked over his face, lingering on the crescent scar at the corner of his eye. In a knife fight that had almost cost him his eye. “What should I do?” she returned softly. “Should I cry and cower and bemoan my fate? Or should I try to make something of nothing?” Those words resonated with an eerie chord that struck deep. He was nothing like the lords and ladies whom he’d now sit and take a meal with. Yet his wife spoke in terms that resonated with who he was as a man who’d risen from the ashes of the Dials. Unnerved by her fearless scrutiny, he nodded, and allowed her to guide him on to the breakfast room.

After they married, they lived in a suite in his gaming hell in Seven Dials. Penelope’s reality was a far cry from the fairytale dreams she envisioned when she was a girl and she struggled to adjust to her loss of innocence and the harshness she never knew existed outside of her sheltered world of privilege. But damn she had grit. Confidence, and a backbone. She was the only person, man or woman, who wasn’t afraid to gainsay Ryker, to look him in the eye, and to stand her ground. She was determined to make the best of her situation and live her truth. His utter disdain for who he thought she was slowly became respect and admiration and then something more.

It was pure magic seeing this cold and uncompromising man at first touched, then moved, and then forever changed by the love of a good woman. Before marrying Penelope, this man never knew love, never knew kindness, and had no hopes or dreams beyond the success of his gaming hell. It was a very bleak existence. He didn’t know what to do with her acceptance of him. She made him feel things, made him feel vulnerable. It scared the hell out of this big tough man and I loved it.

“Are you crying?” he demanded brusquely, needlessly. The evidence was there. “No.” She sniffled, discreetly brushing a hand over her cheeks. Ryker narrowed his eyes. “Are you a liar?” “Are you a bully?” she shot back, meeting his gaze squarely. The sight of her tear-dampened cheeks struck him like a punch in the belly. He’d thought himself completely immune to . . . well, anything, really. But those revealing tracks Penelope had proudly tried to keep from him squeezed at his chest.

They found a love deep and real and true and beautiful. I felt privileged to be with them on their journey.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was a man carved from the dirt in the streets into someone who’d kick, claw, and kill to survive. --Ryker Black, Viscount Chatham

5+ stars!!

I've been collecting Christi Caldwell's novels on my kindle for some time now, somehow knowing that she was an HR author that I would love. So I FINALLY carved out some time to read one of her novels, and GUYS I AM IN LOVE.

This book is pretty much the perfect example of what I love in a historical: a broken, hard-edged hero who is set in his ways but still an honorable man; a heroine who is smart, stubborn beyond belief and exactly the shakeup our hero needs in his staid life; sweet moments between the two interspersed with harsh moments where the differences between them are stark reminders of their lives thus far; humor and wit; misunderstandings and angsty longing; a villain that helps propel them toward each other; and secondary characters that prove to be just as entertaining as the MCs.

To let one’s guard down meant a man’s ruin. That wariness went for those you called family, and the thieves on the street.

Ryker is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Wilkinson; he also saved the life of his new brother-in-law, the Duke of Somerset, and was therefore recognized by the King himself and given the title of Viscount Chatham. Ryker, however, couldn't care less about his newfound status or any other member of the ton, so when he is caught in a compromising position with Penelope, he is loathe to follow Society's rules and marry her. Penelope is no simpering miss that is willing to let her life be decided for her, so she seeks out Ryker and convinces him that their marriage would be beneficial for them both in order to save her younger sister and to save the reputation of his gaming hell. Ryker is determined to interact and acknowledge his new wife as little as possible, but Penelope is relentless and unafraid of confronting him and ultimately challenges Ryker and his crew to see her as more than just another spoiled member of Society.

And I soooo loved this story!! I loved Penelope's hope and optimism and frankness and her rebellious tenacity. When put up against Ryker's own bullheadedness, sharp tongue, and scarred past, it just made for a beautiful and believable and real combustion, and I was absolutely enthralled. The plot itself kinda reminded me of a mixture between two novels I've read by Tessa Dare and Sabrina Jeffries--two of my favorite authors--but it definitely still stood on its own and carved out its own place in the HR world. Overall, I wholeheartedly LOVED THIS BOOK and recommend you read it now!

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, hate-to-love-you, opposites attract, morally grey hero, eternal optimist heroine, marriage of convenience, class difference, 'soft only for you' hero, 'touch her and die' vibes, found family, STEAMY🔥

My Ryker Black, hardened from life on the streets but with a soft spot for white gowns..

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Christi Caldwell last year and immediately read most of her backlist. Since then, whenever I see one of her books, I take notice. When I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley, I eagerly accepted. Again, Ms. Caldwell has penned another winner!

Lady Penelope is determined to behave as an exemplary young debutante. Her family has already had their share of scandal. When she is caught in a compromising situation, she believes her life is ruined.

Ryker Black could care less what the ton thinks of him. As a bastard son of a duke, he lives his life as he sees fit. When he is caught with Lady Penelope, something is different. He does not want to see her ruined, not because he cares what society thinks, but because he does not want this spirited young lady to experience the pain it would cause. He does the right and honorable thing.

Can they find a way to make their marriage succeed, or will their different backgrounds tear them apart?

The Scoundrel’s Honor is an exciting read from the first page to the last. It has adventure, lots of suspense, great characters, and most of all, a wonderful love story. It’s fast-paced without feeling rushed. Ms. Caldwell gives the reader a lovely glimpse of the Regency period. Her descriptive writing is excellent, yet still, leaves something to the imagination of the reader.

Lady Penelope’s character is endearing, and I fell in love with her determination, her loyalty to her family and her desire to make Ryker’s life better. She is feisty and independent, yet a truly feminine young woman. So many times, heroines with these characteristics are too masculine for my tastes, but that is not the case with Lady P. Her depth of character is quite good, and I could understand what made her tick.

Ryker’s character is more complex than the heroine’s. He had a horrendous childhood, which influences his decisions. What I liked most about him is his high sense of loyalty to those he feels responsible for, from his sister, his brothers of his heart, to his feelings for Penelope. Underneath his rough exterior beats a heart of gold.

The romance between Ryker and Penelope sizzles throughout the story and only grows stronger as it progresses. Ms. Caldwell masterfully builds the sexual tension, which is a key ingredient for a Regency romance and what I love best about this sub-genre.

If you enjoy becoming lost in the Regency era, and want a romance that will pull at your heart-strings, and with plenty of action, then you will love The Scoundrel’s Honor. The title truly suits this story. Happy reading!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Scoundrel's Honor' by Christi Caldwell is book Two in the "Sinful Brides" series. This is the story of Lady Penelope Tidemore and Viscount Ryker Black. This can be a standalone book but Penny and Black do appear in other books (they meet in this book) as secondary characters. Penny is part of the Tidemore family that you can read in these books if you choose to do so;
" Always a Rogue, Forever Her Love (Scandalous Seasons Book 4)" is where Penny family is introduced...this is Penny's brother Sin's story. Penelope Tidemore story is in "A Marquess for Christmas (Scandalous Season Book 5)", Prudence Tidemore story is told in the book, "Captivated by a Lady's Charm (Lords of Honor Book 2)" which I haven't read yet...Poppy's Story is not out yet as of this review date of Jan 2017. We meet Black in "The Rogue's Wager (Sinful Brides #1) which is his sister Helena's story.
Penny knows the history of how her brother and sisters were married..which were all a scandal about town. This is her debut and she knows she got this...there will be no scandal drawn with her name. But somehow that isn't what happen...history is repeating itself. Black has a Gambling Hall that is very scandalous and dangerous. Black was given a honorary title for deed he did. But as the bastard son of a Duke he was never really acknowledge by him or the town...so he doesn't wish to be a part of the 'town'. But his sister talks him into going to her ball to show a united front between her family and her husbands family. Black thinks he has to put in just a hour or two but he finds that sometimes plans don't go the way you think. Penny is hiding in the garden after her awful gossip about her and her family when she see Black meeting a man. She hides because she heard a lot of bad things about him. But he happens to see her hiding and pulls her out thinking she is a spy for a rival Gambling hall. Which they are caught alone by the people at the ball it appears Penny is ruined just as her former family which had been caught in a scandal.
But will Black do the right thing?
I could not put this book down! I had to see it to the end as with all Ms. Caldwell's book!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first met Penelope Tidemore and her sisters when they were young girls in their brother Jonathan's book, Always a Rogue, Forever Her Love back in 2015. Since then, I've followed the Tidemore sisters in their pursuit of love and happiness: Patrina (the eldest sister) in A Marquess for Christmas, Prudence (second oldest) in Captivated By a Lady’s Charm, Penelope in this book, and I hope Poppy (the youngest) gets her own book. I adore Poppy. She's such a loyal sister and so perceptive for one so young. Even though in this book, they claimed that she was the most troublesome of the sisters, which I'm going to just disagree until her book comes out (if it does).

Anywaaaays...back to this book and this Tidemore sister, Penelope (so many P names. It does take a while to know who is whom). Ever since her eldest sister's failed elopement (which occurred in Jonathan's book), the Tidemore sisters have been linked with the scandal and gossiped about the ton, mostly whispers by ladies of their age.

"The only reason any gentleman not related would bother to dance with her is as a favor to the family."

Since this book doesn't revolve around her sister's scandal (like in Patrina and Prudence's books), I don't think it's necessary to read Jonathan's book for the complete backstory of the scandal. However, if you would like to get acquainted with Penelope and the rest of the Tidemore family, I would suggest reading the books in the order I listed above. In previous books, Penelope didn't have as many scene time as Prudence (2nd oldest) and Poppy (youngest). I didn't get to see much of her character besides the little girl known to make trouble for her governesses (before the scandal) and the girl learning to "to be everything and all things proper" as her mother would repeatedly say (after the scandal). Thus, I was quite surprised by her forthrightness (or whatever you call it), which I didn't noticed until her wedding:

Vicar: "Ryker Banbury, wilt thou have..."
Penelope: "Your name is Ryker Banbury?" (at this point, Ryker's surname has been Black)
The vicar stumbled over the vows. With the lady's less-than-discreet whisper she was fortunate to have been born a pampered miss. ...
Penelop: "But you said I was to call you Mr. Black."
And Ryker, who'd never been, or would ever be, a praying man, prayed for patience.

She's also loyal to family and keeps a diary that holds her dreams of love and romance from when she was a little girl. We get to read a diary entry at the beginning of each chapter, and I think they are just adorable. They show how innocent and sweet she was as a young girl, which makes me a little disappointed that she ended up in a compromising position and had to marry to protect Poppy's reputation when she makes her debut. I would have liked for her to meet a man, gradually fall in love with him, and then marry him, but I suppose that romance would have been similar to her older sisters' romances, that the author decided to go with a marriage of convenience. Nevertheless, I liked that she tried to make the best of her marriage and tried to get to know her husband.

I don't have much to say about the hero, Ryker Black, except that it was heartwarming to see his walls crumble down because of Penelope. Trust me, it was not an easy feat. Even his adopted street brothers can see him softening. Of course, they don't like this change, particularly Niall. In one scene, Niall helps Penelope redecorate Ryker's office all the while knowing that Ryker will not be happy with this. When Ryker discovered someone has redecorated his sanctuary, he was angry and when he walks back out into the hallway, Niall, who was down the hall with a knowing grin, asked if everything was all right. Since this is book 2 in the series, some of the events are reiterated in this book, so if you don't want spoilers from Book 1, I would recommend reading the books in order. This is my 24th book by Christi Caldwell, so I had a feeling what will happen during the climax. That incident could have had more angst and emotional suffering in my opinion. There was no real closure with the villain/business rival, so I assume he'll make a comeback in the next books. Overall, this book was enjoyable.

[Irina (semi-hiatus but trying to catch up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“As my brother indicated to your sister, you didn’t truly offer for me.”
    No, he hadn’t offered for her at all, if she wanted to be truly precise.
    “Will you?” She fiddled with the ledger resting on the top of the stack. “Offer for me, that is?”
    “You’re a bloody lunatic,” he breathed. There was no other accounting for it. Ladies didn’t traipse through the streets of St. Giles, in fancy velvet, in pouring rain. They didn’t enter the most notorious gaming hell in London. And they certainly didn’t ask men like him for marriage.


This was my second full-length novel by Christi Caldwell, and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. The story begins with an unfortunate encounter on the sidelines of a ball: Penelope, the sister of an earl, and Ryker, the owner of a gambling hell in St. Giles, find themselves caught up in a scandal that threatens them both. To safe their families and Ryker’s club, they are forced to marry, but what’s supposed to be a marriage of convenience quickly becomes more.

TBH, the love story between the ruthless, cold-hearted rake from the Dials, and Penelope, a softhearted, caring and sometimes rather naive lady, is nice but not very original. It also drags a little in the second half, especially due to a lot of repetitive inner monologue.

Nevertheless, it's still a heartwarming book that focuses on the unfolding story and the two great MCs, rather than sex scenes. There's an open mystery, though: Who is the traitor working for the opponent in Ryker's gambling hell? Hopefully, it will be revealed in one of the next books in the series. I'm looking forward to reading about Ryker's brothers.

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book!
I feel like I've discovered a hidden treasure by discovering this author.
Now I'm going to be that stalker reader who goes out and buys all her books and binge reads.

My thoughts:
This book had everything thing I like in a historical romance.
The characters coming from different stations in life.
Both being strong, intelligent, loyal, witty, courageous and loving.
The story was engaging, and the secondary characters were intriguing and engaging.

I really liked Penelope's character!
She had compassion, strength and compassion that made her character interesting and likeable.

Ryker was the perfect.

Great read!
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Gilgamesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use to read alot of Ms. Caldwell's books....I especially loved her book forever betrothed never the bride. I don't know if it is my intolerance for wasted words...or the lack of free time I have but when writers are inefficient with their words and repetitive in their writing especially when pages and pages are filled with character inner dialogues that just keep going in circles. What a waste of words and pages and an opportunity to tell a meaningful and unforgettable story. This book had good characters and despite the unoriginality of the story line it had the potential to be good instead it is lost in the clutter of nonsense that was used to fill the pages.

[Riz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU. Feb. Reads.Mad About Series Challenge 2025. HRBC. Tropes: Regency Romance, RomCom,Arranged Marriage, Scandal, Family/Friends, Disabled MC.
MC's:h. L. Penolope Pippa Tidemore, 3rd daughter: Patrina, Prudence, Penelope & Poppy and older brother Jonathan Tidemore, Earl of Sinclair & mother Dowager Countess Sinclair. Tidemore's have been entrenched with Scandal with every sibling and Penny hoped she would be the exception until another Scandal between her and Ryker Black, Viscount Chatham, illigitimate son of Duke of Wilkinson, 3 brothers and one sister: Colum, Niall, Adrian and Helena (married to Duke of Somerset) owner of Hell and Sin (Gaming Hell) in the Dials.
*Comment* I enjoyed this second book in the series. All the time I was reading it, I fell like I had read it before. I have read similar stories by Sarah MacLean and even Grace Callaway. I did enjoy it. There wasn't very many sex scenes in the story but overall it was good due to the character development of the two main characters. I gave this 4 stars.



******************************************************************************

[Tannaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

u know, like many little girls, I had so many dreams, when I read a british story, I like to be a lady, a scottish love to wear a plaid! the story was lovely, thank you. I need it really, at this time!

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote Robert Palmer, I might as well face it, I’m addicted to love. And Christi Caldwell’s books feed my addiction. #2 in her Sinful Brides series, The Scoundrel’s Honor, is an emotionally stirring, character driven romance. You can’t help but fall in love with Christi’s stories. They do more than make you swoon. They welcome you into a wonderful new world where the possibilities for love are endless.

In a world where women had little control, Lady Penelope Tidemore’s reputation was something she would control. After the scandals left by her siblings, society would be watching her. “It was essential to be everything and all things proper. All the time.” Penelope longed to attend the balls and soirees, and find love and an honorable husband. So she was thrilled to finally have her chance. The Duke and Duchess of Somerset’s ball would be the event of the season, and the most memorable night of her life.
Ryker Black, Viscount Chatham, brother of the Duchess of Somerset and bastard son of the Duke of Wilkinson, was raised on the streets. As the proprietor of the most notorious gaming hell in London, The Hell and Sin, his only need for the peerage was the coin they tossed down at his tables. When his sister comes to him requesting he attend her ball to prove to the ton they are a family united, Ryker is more than hesitant. His sister was asking him to step out of the only world he’d ever known and enter hers. But he had survived life on the streets. Surely he could survive a ball.
Penelope was disappointed in her first ball. The gossips all pointed at her and clustered together whispering their catty remarks. In search of some breathing space from the hateful throng, Penelope ventured into the gardens. A clumsy mistake leaves her dress ruined so when she hears someone approaching, she immediately hides. Ryker, entering the gardens to escape the oppressive crowds, spies someone hiding. Perceiving this person to be a threat, he drags her out, rolling on the ground with her to search for a weapon. And of course, they are caught by the ton. The night did prove memorable, just not for the reasons Penelope had hoped.
It didn’t take long for the scandal to hit the gossip rags. In one fell swoop, Penelope, who had pledged to be a proper lady, found herself at the center of scandal. If she didn’t marry Ryker, she would not only be ruined, but would ruin any chances for her younger sister to make a match as well. This man was no gentleman she’d dreamed of, but she’d forfeited her right to dream. Thanks to the papers, patronage was down at the Hell and Sin in protest of Ryker’s actions. The Hell and Sin and the people it employed mattered more to Ryker than anything else. Marrying a daughter of the ton might make the hell more reputable. “The last thing Ryker wanted, needed, or would ever do, was marry a pampered societal lady.” But Penelope was in danger now. Killoran, the successor of Ryker’s former enemy, was out for revenge, and thanks to the papers, Penelope’s name was now linked to his.
And so Ryker and Penelope, strangers in every sense of the word, found themselves married and living in the Hell and Sin. Penelope thought Ryker had no understanding of proper behavior. He was harsh and unfeeling. In spite of his battle scars and harshness though, there was a primitive beauty to him. He was primitively dangerous and sinfully handsome at the same time. Ryker first noticed Penelope’s tendency to fill voids of silence with endless prattling. Her open emotions unsettled him. But she challenged him and didn’t cower. Everyone feared Ryker. But Penelope didn’t. He had no respect for the peerage but he liked Penelope’s pluck. For the first time in his life, a lady of the ton rose in his estimation.
By the way Penelope’s eyes glimmered when she saw the hell, Ryker knew she would be trouble. She talked of outrageous changes and reform. Ryker knew she’d be the death of his business. He’d be damned if he’d relinquish his club and his strength for any woman. Even the one he was forever bound to. He’d planned to closet Penelope away in the hell while he carried on with his usual routine, but this was Penelope’s home now. She’d not be shut away. In true Penelope fashion, she challenged Ryker. And it stirred an inexplicable hunger in him that defied sense and logic. So he kissed her. A powerful kiss that threatened to set Penelope on fire. Ryker felt desire. Wicked and shameful. It felt right. He wanted her with a ferocity that rivaled any sentiments he’d felt for other women. And so they quenched that hunger. Ryker made Penelope’s body feel alive in ways she’d never thought possible. And Ryker had never felt this mindless surrender with any woman. But he had long ago learned the perils of life, and he wouldn’t weaken himself by opening his heart to anyone.

I love romances when you can see how perfect the hero and heroine are for each other even if they haven’t quite caught on yet. Penelope and Ryker’s journey to a happily ever after was at times comical and at times tender. I loved how they moved from barely tolerating one another to becoming someone each admired, then friends, then lovers. Penelope was so quick witted and I enjoyed watching her knock down the walls Ryker had built around himself. As with all of Christi Caldwell’s books, this one is filled with a vibrant setting, loveable characters, and a fast-paced, sensual plot. I’ve read both books in this series and they just keep getting better. I can’t wait to see what Sinful Bride is next! A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

[Aou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced, enjoyable and unbelievable!

[Constantine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.0/5.0

The story was not bad but nothing new about it. This is the first time I read for this author a book and I think her writing is decent to my taste. The market is saturated with books and historical romance genre so finding a good one to read is really a tricky thing. I found the story to be very generic. Honestly, I cannot justify the high ratings for this one. The ratings were the reason that made me participate in the giveaway for this book.

The story is basically about Penelope who comes from a family with lots of scandals. One day Penelope meets a nobleman called Ryker Black (who does not have a good reputation either) during a ball and something scandalous happens which forces them to get married to save the reputation of the families from getting worse than what they are.

Characters had some redeemable value to them but sometimes you still feel they are half-baked. Penelope although had some strength but many times her behavior kept reminded us how fragile one can be at the age of 18! The uneducated hero seems to have lots of pride despite lacking a good reputation and other qualities. The story has some kind of suspense to it at first which is good but that later converts to drama. What I did not like was terming the hero with words more than showing the actual actions. He is termed as beast, ruthless etc but I could hardly see anything in the story that proved that.

I have won this book by participating in a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Manouch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Most annoying female character

Oh Lord. I could not make it past chapter 9 and had to give up. Maybe because my personality clashes with such women, l could just not stand reading about the female character. I tried at first, but found myself skipping her parts till l gave up at the end of chapter 9. Surely one cannot be this stupid in reality, right? I do hope so. I really really really wanted to know about Black story, but my dislike for the girl was just too much. *sad

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scoundrel's Honor is the second book in the Sinful Brides series by Christi Caldwell. I haven't read the first book in the series, and it wasn't necessary to in order to enjoy this book. I do however think that knowing more about Ryker Black's enemy would be a bonus if only to know just why he and Ryker are at war. In that regard, reading the first book, first, would be good.

Penelope has seen her brother and sisters before her marry under scandalous circumstances. Now it is her time to look for a husband, and she is determined to not only marry for love, but also for there not to be a hint of scandal surrounding her. She won't listen to her parents who try to warn her that society will be cruel, she won't get her choice of men, and the women will all be cutting to her because of the previous scandals in the family. She is determined that they are wrong and looks forward with great excitement to her first proper ball.

Sadly when she is there she overhears women deliberately talking about her so that she can overhear them, saying nasty things about her family and about her. She tries to hold her tongue but in the end she can't help but to tell the women off before escaping to the garden to calm down. When she hears men approaching she quickly ducks under a stone garden bench. The last thing she needs is to be found in a garden alone with a man. Her reputation would be ruined and scandal would once again be forced upon her family.

Ryker Black is a Viscount, an honorary title more than anything because he was awarded it for an act of bravery. He wasn't brought up an aristocrat, in fact he was brought up on the streets of the Seven Dials, one of the roughest areas in London. His background is one of thievery, violence, murder and no love. He ignores that he is a Viscount, and focuses on his gambling hell and making sure that his enemies don't bring him and it down. He is always on his guard and is prepared to protect himself and his brothers. Not brothers by blood, but by being brought up in the same hard way. They are his family.

He is in the gardens talking to one of his brothers, and when he is left alone his senses alert him to danger. It's then that he notices something/someone under the bench. He yanks her out, believing her to be a spy for his enemy, and in her attempt to escape the front of her dress tears, and tripping on the already torn hem of her dress she trips over, pulling Ryker down with her and on top of her. And yes, of course that is the way they are discovered. All hopes of not causing scandal, no matter how innocent the situation are dashed for Penelope.

Ryker is horrified at the thought of having to do the 'right thing' especially as he did nothing wrong. Also he knows that any person brought into his life will also be in danger from his enemies. An innocent miss such as Penelope deserves more. Penelope is also horrified, not because she is at all worried about the fact she could marry a man who lives in and ownes a gambling hell, that actually excited her, but she is horrified that if she doesn't marry Ryker, the scandal will be overwhelming and her youngest sister will suffer the most. Will Ryker do the right thing even though he knows doing so would put his wife in grave danger? Will Penelope have her eyes rudely awoken again by things she knows nothing about if she does marry him? Her family won't make her, but surely she can't damage her sister's chances at a decent marriage by selfishly not taking responsibility for her own foolish actions?

I absolutely loved this story, Ryker is the ultimate hero and Penelope is perfect for him. He needs her in his life and his fight to stay away from her was nearly painful to read. Poor poor man. I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him a hug. Not that he would accept it of course, but I would feel better for trying.

I loved the set up for the story and reading all about gambling hells, and life in the Seven Dials. We often read about the aristocratic side of London, but to learn about life on the other side made was a nice change. Though nice probably is the wrong word when we are reading about the very poorest of society.

I enjoyed the camaraderie between Ryker and his non blood brothers, how they were there for each other no matter what. I also loved that we are shown the other side of the coin where Penelope's family by blood are there for her, and make no demands when it comes to whether or not she will marry Ryker.

All in all the book was a real pleasure to read, there was never a dull moment, and the excitement kept me captivated from beginning to end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scoundrel's Honor by Christi Caldwell is another example of writing from the heart. Set in 1822 London. While, Book 2 in her mesmerizing series, "Sinful Brides", it can easily be read as a stand alone. See, "The Rogue's Wager". If you have read Ms. Caldwell's intriguing stories before, you will probably remember Lady Penelope Tidemore and Ryker Black, as appearing characters.

Lady Penelope Tidemore is in no way a stranger to scandal. Her older siblings caused such a scandal, her family's good name was mudged. She longs for adventure, romance and passion for herself, as well. The enigmatic but darkly Viscount Ryker Black, is a very dangerous man, he owns a gambling hell and does not enjoy, in fact, he despises the nick picking society, he was raised from the streets of London, afterall. He lives in a world filled with danger and debauchery. Therefore, does not desire a society miss to marry, until he meets the enchanting Lady Penelope who makes him burn with desire. When, Penelope is caught in a compromising postion, due to no fault of her own, will Ryker take responsibility and marry Penelope? Even through she is his sister's new friend, will he leave Penelope to face the gossip, whispers and innuendoes alone? Can Ryker and Penelope find their HEA as danger lurks?

Fast paced, emotionally charged, intriguing, suspenseful, with mystery, and adventure. Christi Caldwell has a way with her stories that draws readers in and holds them spellbound throughout. I love her details to a story, her charactizations in my opinion are right on, the detail to the era is enlightened and the reader can tell she researches her topics to give the reader a more realistic view of the era, characters, their challenges and the storyline. The depth of her stories are heart stirring, powerful, as well as, captivating and seductively intriguing. Please, don't get me wrong she in no way writes explicit scenes nor scenes that may embarrass the reader in anyway. Or to me, at least. Readers will find a read where ladies were treated as property and gentlemen their owners. But will Ryker be able to protect his cherished, and enchanting Penelope from the dangers his choice of living may cause? And society gossip?

Fans of Regency Romance, Historical Romance with complications, challenges, a bit of violence, ton scandal, intrigue and passionate characters, "The Scoundrel's Honor" is a perfect read for you to start reading.

Ms. Caldwell is one of my favorite Regency Romance authors. She is such a dedicated author to her readers, her fans, and family, she simply is a powerful and compelling author of Regency Romance. "The Scoundrel's Honor" is a not to miss Regency, it will capture your heart and hold you in awe! Well done again, Cthristi Caldwell!
Simply compelling and powerful!
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope Tidemore wanted to break free of the family tradition of scandalous behaviours as started by her 3 older siblings. She, the unruly girl with the big romantic dreams of her future and the bane of seven governesses, had decided to be the first proper Tidemore of her generation. Propriety unfortunately had other plans, and she soon found herself on the ground, in a state of disarray and body-searched by the barely civilised Mr. Ryker Black, otherwise known as Lord Chatham and the owner of an infamous gaming hell. A product of the gutter and the illegitimate by-product of a duke, he overcame his own hell on the rough streets of London to rise to the top of the foodchain. However, his ferocious survival skills did not allow him to escape marriage to Penelope after being caught in the compromising position with the lady. Reluctantly saddled with this very young and innocent bride, he intended to continue on as he had hitherto, never expecting the slip of a girl to stand up to him when tough,big blokes had faltered under his menacing gaze. And so Penny the Dreamer gradually infiltrates his life and heart and chases away the nightmares of his past. Solidly written as I have come to expect of this author, it's lovely to catch up with her siblings who have featured in other books.

This is an ARC provided by Net Galley.

[Lady Whitbrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. More like 4.5 stars but k decided to round down instead of, mostly because they book did receive a HEA but not exactly how I wanted, so the half star down is it’s penance! I guess you can sum this book up with The Dials meets Mayfair with grit. I think it would be helpful to read these stories in order which I have not since this is my first, so I am considering back tracking. I don’t think it’s necessary to enjoy this book but maybe interesting concerning side characters. Plot 5 (1-10) the villain which the book talked quite a bit about showed once with just a handful of scenes. I feel like he should have been developed more in the story or his significance diminished some. Either way it was good readable for sure but not my fav. It was my very first book by this others. Tons of review with high ratings for the amount. Steaminess 6.5 or 7 out of 10 I can’t quit decide.

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Scoundrel's Honor is the second book of the series and a nice romantic story.

Ryker Black, owner of the Hell & Sin Club received the title of Viscount of Chatham due to the fact that he had saved the life of his brother-in-law, the now Duke of Somerset. Ryker, as his sister is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Wilkinson, from the first book, The Rogue’s Wager. A Duke that somehow loved his illegitimate children. Ryker was stolen at birth by his mother’s nurse maid and sold to Mac Diggory a menace of the streets of St. Giles. He suffered the beatings, a mock hanging and abuse by this man and blamed his father who had been told that he had died at birth. Although his sister experienced the same suffering by this man, he managed to save her from her turmoil.

Lady Penelope Tidemore is 18 years of age and although she appears fragile at times, she has underlying guts and strength to stand up against Ryker and his brothers. Not know to scandal in the family, she unfortunately placed herself in the mist of a compromising position with that of Ryker Black at his sister’s garden party. She offers herself up to marry the apparent cold- hearted Ryker in order to save her sister’s reputation when she comes out and he the reputation of his prominent Club. She moves from her plush life in Mayfair to the slums of St. Giles. Penelope, although young musters up the strength to try to make her marriage work even though it seems a bit hopeless as they are very much strangers.

Mac Diggory was killed in the first book, however the Club now have to deal with the protagonist, Broderick Killoran, Diggory’s second in charge. He is just as brutal as Diggory and now torments Ryker and Penny.

Ryker in all his ruthfulness, shame and ruin could come at the knowledge of his peers/workers if they found out he was uneducated (could not read), thus him having someone else doing the books of the Club. He could not let the Club go to ruin on that fact. He was a proud man but allowed Penny to teach him how to read. Throughout all that is put before the H/H, she somehow manages to bring Ryker around to caring and then falling in love with her.

What I like about the story:
It was well written and narration excellent. The H/H were likeable also even though there were on a few character flaws between the two. I liked the way the author made you envision Ryker as hard but having a passionate disposition underneath. I like that the intrigue and threats in this story manages to carry over into the next book in the series.

What I didn’t like about the story:
In all of the adjectives that describe Ryker… beast, cold-hearted, black, ruthless and murderer, it is ironic that he allowed the newspapers and nobility to ruin him when he reputation was one that didn’t care about nobility and the ton and what people said about him. Also, I didn’t like Penny’s no care in the world attitude and not thinking of the perils that could befall her living at the Club. She is whinny at times and then “in your face” at others. Maybe because she is so young and naïve. I didn’t like the open-ended relationship between Ryker and his father the Duke. I thought the relationship could have been expounded on a bit much to bring them closer as it was with Helena in the first book. In addition, I’m not sure where the author was going with the storyline, however if my wife got stabbed, Killoran would have been toast but there was not much put into the ending of the villain. I thought the writing slacked off a bit.

Although there is a lot of drama and action, it fell a bit short because of the “did not likes” I mentioned above. It was a very nice romance story and could have been a standalone read.

3.5 Stars

[Iulia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like this. I managed to get to the halfway mark somehow, but I just can't continue. I liked the idea of the story, but disliked pretty much everything else. The style of this author's writing is really not my cup of tea. This book was soooo long-winded and just overly descriptive. I felt like there were so many unnecessary details that slowed down the story and made it so boring for me. Repetitive thoughts from the hero and the heroine just made the story drag even more. Also, it felt like there wasn't enough dialogue between all the characters in this book, not just the hero and heroine. I wanna see the characters interact and talk to each other, not just read their thoughts about each other.

But to be honest, even during the interactions the main couple had, I couldn't feel any chemistry. At first they didn't like each other and then they got married and it felt like instantly they were hot for each other, it was so surprising and just made no sense. Then suddenly they start making out despite no previous hints of attraction to each other. There was so much time spent on useless things and things that actually seemed important were brushed over too quickly and the characters' development suffered and it ended up being too sudden while also making no sense. The heroine tried to seem mature, but failed and just came off as an immature teenager and really got on my nerves a few times. And the hero, ugh. We were told countless times how many sins and crimes he'd committed and how much he hated the peerage and how he didn't want any connections to them and blah blah blah, I just wanted him to stfu at one point. Also, he was always moaning about his tough life. Like, I get it, his life has been rough, there's no need to mention it a hundred times. He was supposed to be some badass meanie and we were told that, AGAIN, so many times, like how about you show that instead of just telling me?????

Honestly, I should have just dropped this way earlier, but I guess I was hoping there would be more to this after they got married, but nope, no chemistry and the writing didn't improve and it just bored me. I'm willing to give this author another chance, but yikes, this was a mess for me.

[Somia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to her older sisters and big brother, Lady Penelope (Penny) Tidemore finds herself squashing her natural exuberance, romantic nature, and curiosity as she attempts to make a good match, but the scandals caused by her siblings mean society watches her with beady eyes, anxious not to miss her tumble into scandal. Penelope is determined not to follow in her older siblings’ footsteps, however due to dumb luck Penelope is caught in what is deemed a compromising position with the darkly attractive and ferocious Ryker Black, the illegitimate son of a peer (the Duke of Wilkinson), rewarded by royalty for saving the life of a peer, Ryker distains Polite Society and those who navigate it, and resents the title of Viscount that was bestowed on him. When he and Penelope are caught in a comprising position, in order to protect her youngest sibling Penelope is determined that she and Ryker will marry, and once they are wed, the barriers Ryker puts up are once she stubbornly climbs and smashes through.

Ryker is the co-owner of the most notorious gaming hell in London, and is feared by most and mistrusted by many, but Penelope is convinced he is not the villain some think him to be, and she is determined to make the best of the marriage they find themselves – no matter how unwilling Ryker may appear/seem.

I liked the fire between Penelope and Ryker, and the fact that Penelope, never let fear stop her from moving forward and taking action. Penelope’s stubbornness, frankness and determination are the perfect match for hard-edged stubborn hero that Ryker is.

The ending did feel a tad rushed to me, and I would have really liked if the author had written just a little more, but this was a very enjoyable read.

Acquired via KU, a book I will be purchasing when the price goes down, or I will grab it if the book fairies are feeling really nice and it becomes free (pretty please with a cherry on top book fairies).

[CeeMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like a good historical romance and this is a pretty good one except I did feel it's not one of the author's best ones and the one thing that really bothered me was how the MCs came together initially and the marriage plot of the book. It was so quick and honestly just ridiculous. I know so many of these books use the "compromised so must marry" plot device and sometimes it works and other times it's just annoying and lazy. This time it didn't work for me. But that's not to say I didn't enjoy the rest of the book. I did enjoy it-but the beginning was rough.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review.

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

E-ARC is provided thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.

you know what? I was so ready to not like this story mainly because I couldn't stand Ryker in the first book, but maaaaaaan

I finished this in one sitting because I couldn't stop; I love seeing Ryker's world being turned upside down by Penelope's entrance. She is so wonderful I admire her for sticking with the gloomy cloud that is Ryker. I love how Ryker's changed the more time he's spent with Penny, despite him not wanting to change.

This is such a step up from the first book, and I will surely anticipate the rest of the Black brothers getting their own books.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - Historical Romance

[Rw4125 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like the author's writing style, the heroine's 21st-cent-attitude, the characters behaved like caricatures, everything felt so exaggerated and inauthentic - I gave up @28%.

[Shawna Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sinful Bride series is a raw and emotional journey into the underbelly of Regency England. As we step into this dangerous land of the forgotten, abused and discarded, we begin to see men and women of incomparable strength ,who blazed their own path in life despite the cruelties of their conditions.

The Tidemore family is a true oddity in the Ton world. They are a family who love each other above are else. A family who allowes cheer and happiness invade all areas of their life, despite the Ton's unspoken rule on what makes a proper family. The Tidemore's refusal to bend to the will of the Society have forced this family to live within its fringes.

Penelope Tidemore always dreamed of living a grand adventure away from the strict rules of Society. Her older siblings refusal play the Ton's games, has left the reputation of the Tidemore's in tatters. Penelope believes it is her responsibility to repair her family's reputation by being all things proper. She stifles all her dreams and desires in order to be accepted by the Ton. However, the Ton is a cruel and unforgiven place and instead of welcoming Penelope with open arms, she is welcomed with rumors and vicious whispers.

Penelope's hopes for the Season are ruined when she is found in the arms of a notorious gaming hell owner, Ryker Black. Ryker is the illegitimate son a Duke, who grew up on the streets of St. Giles doing anything to survive. This latest scandal leaves little option for these two and they are forced to wed in order to save what they love most.

Ryker has lead a well ordered life. He has suffered horrors no child should endure. He crawled and scratched his way from the gutter to the top. His marriage to Penelope throws his carefully constructed world into chaos.

Ryker soon learns that Penelope is not some spoiled pampered miss, but is a women who has suffered her own loss and pain. As the two spend more time together, Ryker begins to let Penelope in. The more Ryker gives in the harder he pushes back and Penelope struggles to find her footing in this new world.

I loved finally getting to know Ryker and his brothers. These are strong yet vulnerable man. They have been forced to grow up at a far to young age, but still harbor the shame and guilt of their choices behind gruff exterior. Ryker was so scared to let anyone in, that when Penelope finally broke through it was amazing to see.

Penelope also went through so much growth in this book. She had buried who she was under the weight of Society's expectation that once she was out of that world, she truly started to develop into the strong Tidemore women we new she was. I love how she took responsibility for her actions and dealt with the consequences head on and refused to let her family intervene.

Ms. Caldwell has crafted yet another amazing story in this series. As she opens the door to the other side of England, we begin to fall in love with the people who learn to blaze their own path in life and refuse to bow to the demands society places on them.

****I received a review copy from the publisher and Netgally