| Title | : | Ensnared by Innocence (Roaring Rogues, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 376 |
| Publication | : | First published January 25, 2008 |
Lord Blakely doesn’t have time for innocents. His carnal appetites lean toward experienced women, ones who accommodate his need for frequent—and frequently wild—sex. Especially as The Change draws near.
The uniquely captivating female...
Lady Francine Montfort may have led a sheltered life till her parents’ untimely demise but that doesn’t mean she’s ignorant. Neither is she blind to the conniving ways of her persistent aunt, who’s determined to marry Francine off for her own selfish gain. Forced to drastic measures to avoid the wretched woman’s scheming, Francine concocts her own masterful plan.
But she’ll need to enlist the assistance of a powerful man of the ton to help her enact it. Dare she approach the Marquis of Blakely—the sinfully alluring lord who inspires all manner of illicit thoughts and fantasies? Though she doubts he realizes it, he’s already rescued her once. Might he do so again?
...who just might entice him to risk everything.
When Lady Francine, the epitome of innocence, requests he pose as her betrothed, Blakely knows he should handily refuse. He’s baffled when unfamiliar, protective urges make themselves known, tempting him to agree.
Alas, it’s fast approaching the season when Blakely loses all control. Either Francine satisfies his sexual appetites, or he’ll be forced to reveal his beastly side. And that will never do. Not now that he’s come to care for the intrepid chit.
Note to Readers: This love story between two people contains a lot of sizzle, including one ménage scene that gets rather... growly.
Standalone ~ HEA
A significantly shorter version of Ensnared by Innocence was previously published; the second edition includes completely new interactions.
Ensnared by Innocence (Roaring Rogues, #1) Reviews
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Lady Francine, orphaned daughter of a Duke, is being pressured to marry by her unpleasant Aunt Prudence.
Francine is just a few weeks from her majority and has no wish to marry. Her fortune means marriage is unnecessary and she wants her independence.
When Aunt Prudence starts introducing thoroughly unpleasant suitors and neglecting her duty as a chaperone, Francine knows she must find a way out.
She asks Lord Blakely, a notorious rake, to pretend to be her betrothed. He takes some convincing but money and the offer of a sexual liaison, seal the deal.
Blakely is plagued by burdens of responsibility and a frightening secret.
What starts out as a business arrangement, flares to a steamy education in debauchery.
The book details their growing relationship, set against a background of wicked relatives and savage murders in London.
For the most part, the steamy sections are well done. There is a ménage à trois which I found uncomfortable reading, particularly when I didn’t know how far the author was going with it.
Overall, an enjoyable read, with plenty of breadcrumbs left to tempt you on to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. -
ENSNARED BY INNOCENCE is the first book in the Roaring Rogues series and we are introduced to a Regency world where an Heiress can be sold off to pay debts, whether she wants to be or not.
Francine has no idea why her aunt is so adamant she accept the proposal of someone Francine dislikes intensely. In three months, Francine will reach her majority and then won't have to marry anyone. With that in mind, she approaches Blakely and propositions him.
This was a delightful book to read, with the relationship between Francy and Erasmus growing from mutual admiration to love. I would have liked a bit more about Erasmus shifting to a lion rather than just a sex scene, plus more about his Cubs. Still, that scene was steamy so maybe I missed something. There are some classic one-liners in here that made me chuckle, together with wonderful descriptions of the ton, the surroundings, etc.
The first book in a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Looking forward to the next one.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! -
Love the book especially when there is a sex scene with the shape shifter not in human shape.
The story is quite easy to read and the plot is really simple... too much simple maybe ! -
Dam* His Hide🐯🍆⛲!
Historical ADULT Regency Era Paranormal🐯 Romance💕 and Fake Fiancee Adventure. Lion Shifter🐯🍆⛲ In Love💘!
After Lady Francine💃💋 Montfort's parents die, her awful aunt👹 tries to force her into a marriage👰 for her own monetary 💰 gain. Francine💃💋 must turn to Erasmus Hammond, Marquis of Blakely🐯🍆⛲, and well known rake, for help. Would he dare pose as her betrothed to get her aunt👹 off her back?
Francine💃💋 doesn't know that Blakely🐯🍆⛲💪 is even more dangerous than the awful abusive Peterson👺 her aunt👹 wants to marry👰 her off to. Turns out, her aunt👹 is deep in gambling🃏 debt to Lord Peterson👺. He owns her IOUs.
Blakely is a Lion🐯🍆⛲ shifter, and a rough player between the sheets. Fortunately, he only must shift🐯 in late summer, but unfortunately, that time is near!
As an innocent, Francine💃💋 doesn't know what she has unleashed!
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
This ebook was $3.99 on Amazon 📚at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!
I rarely read shifter romances💕 but this must be the week for it! First an historical Wolf 🐺shifter and now this historical ADULT Regency Romance💕 novel stars🌟 a lion🐯 shifter!
This is a fun, well written, full length ADULT novel. Kudos to author Lyons📚 for going above and beyond the typical Regency Romance💕 genre with this shiny gem 💎 of a story. -
Fantastic Story !! . . .
I really enjoyed this book! Lady Francine Montfort is a strong, independent woman who wants to live a life where no one can tell her what to do. In a few months, she will be old enough to make that decision. But her Aunt, for her own benefit in paying off gambling debts, is trying to arrange a marriage for her with someone she doesn’t even like!
Lady Francine will of course not go along with this! She speaks with Erasmus Hammond, Marquis of Blakely, a man who has his own issues going on. She asks him to be her fake fiancé and he agrees, actually feeling an overwhelming need to protect Lady Francine and make her his own. But he has a secret that may make that impossible. Erasmus is fighting a curse that turns him into a lion. What will Lady Francine do when she finds out Lord Blakely’s secret? Will his secret put her in danger? -
I liked the romance and the animalistic passion that played out between Frannie and Blakely. I thought the story around their romance was great. I was entertained by the sneaky Footwork from family and friends. The erotic moments were brilliantly written. The stories of the other characters, I did find rambled a little. I thought that the points of their stories offered good contributions to Blakely and Franns story.
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This story begins with quite a…bang isn’t quite the word I’m looking for, but it works. Lady Francine Montfort is at a society party with her aunt and cousins. She manages to find the dissolute Lord Blakely to offer him a scandalous proposition. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Well, it is! Blakely wants nothing to do with her and yet she manages to get him to meet with her in the gardens so she can explain what she wants from him. The garden scene is SO worth it! He agrees to be her fake fiancé for a specific amount of time and manages to get her aunt off Francine’s back.
All right, Francine’s parents both died in an accident before this story begins. So Francine lives with her Uncle Rowden, Aunt Prudence, cousin Patience and cousin Temperance in London. We barely see her uncle, but Aunt Prudence runs the household with an iron fist so to speak. She’s determined to marry Francine off and Francine is determined to not marry. On top of all that, her aunt and cousin Patience are horrible people. Blakely has his set of problems, secrets and anxieties. His family has a ‘curse’ so he’s sworn to never marry or have children. His agreement with Francine seems to be working for both of them but he’s very stressed out. Besides this farce of an engagement, there seems to be a murderer of young women on the loose.
I have to say that I purchased the 1st Edition when it was originally published by another publisher years ago. It was a shorter story and a quick read. This 2nd Edition is longer and not as quick a read. There are added chapters and storyline in this that weren’t included before. The first sixty-five percent of the book was good and I liked how Blakely dealt with her family. I enjoyed how intelligent Francine was and that she isn’t a stereotypical Regency heroine. It was jarring to me when Blakely’s younger brother suddenly appears. It seemed like Ms. Lyons was just adding some of the story helter-skelter. I liked it, but as I mentioned, it jarred me from the story. Regardless of how much I do like the story, the jarring began when one of her characters suddenly wanted an ‘ice-cold bottle of Budweiser’. Budweiser wasn’t invented until 1876 and yet this book is set in 1812. Between that and glancing at the cover, I suddenly had no idea what period I was reading. I definitely want to read the next book of the series.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. -
This book has it all.
✔️ Regency Romance. With Regency England slang. I'm a sucker for it
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Cursed Shifters
✔️ Time traveler
✔️ Steamy with a near miss menage (just go with it)
✔️ Sexy, dark, secretive, brooding hero
✔️ Fiesty, intelligent, independent heroine
Lady Francine Montfort has a problem. One that she insists the Marquis of Blakely, Lord Erasmus Hammond, can fix. Pretend to be her fiance for the remainder of the season until her 25th birthday.
He laughs, every so 19th century-ish like in her face.
You see, he's got a problem. Lady Francine is a delicate miss - so he infers - and he's a beast. Literally. He shouldn't be tempted by the puzzle he senses lies beneath her countenance. And yet he is.
What ensues is a steamy romp through London. A sensual awakening for Francine. A mystery to be solved. And a deadline that is fast approaching for both Francine and Erasmus.
What delights me about this book is the fact that the author took the time to research Regency England slang. I love odd words, and this book is chock full of them. It gives this story such an authentic flavor. Beyond that, this is a classic Regency tale, filled with secretive touches and glances, and not so secretive touches and stares. Bawdy women, shrill misses and mommas. Brooding men wrapped in mystery. And murders to solve.
If I had one complaint, it would be that those murders I mentioned were not solved. I know there is a sequel in the works that centers in Erasmus's younger brother, Nash. Perhaps this will be handled then. It doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the story, it's just a loose thread.
So yes, brooding lord and innocent, young ladies. Ancient curses regarding shifters. And time travelers. And very hot. Yep, this story had it all has it all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily -
Didn’t Quite Do It For Me
I normally enjoy this author's unique spin on Regency romance. Her stories usually have both a high steam and a high humor level that simply carries me along for the ride. She's recently started writing paranormal Regency romances, which can be a delight. Unfortunately, this book just didn't do it for me like her others. Off notes struck me from the very beginning. There is campy—which I like—but this one felt over the top. The depictions of the intimate scenes and sensual thoughts were more crude than amusing and made me think more ill of the characters than endear me to them. The author had a particular penchant for using what may truly be Regency slang and "crude" terms. Too much so, as it felt a bit like she was perhaps trying too hard; some really put me off the story as well. I didn't really feel any chemistry between the two principals. She had them have too strong of an attraction too quickly. It should have evolved more slowly and been better described/shown. While I'm not one to shy away from steamy scenes, I felt like the first one happened too fast, and there were perhaps too many of them. Or at least, more of a non-sensual story should have surrounded these scenes. While I typically enjoy this author's humorous books, this one just didn't do it for me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review. -
This is a really delightful read. I’ll be honest and admit I have little experience reading regency romances beyond a few of the Bridgerton books. I did enjoy the ones I read and when I found a regency romance that had lion shifters in it I couldn’t resist.
The story gets right to business with Francine propositioning Lord Blakely to pose are her betrothed. After some initial resistance they waste no time…erm…consummating their deal, so to speak. So yeah, this is a fast burn. These lion shifters need a lot of regular sex to keep their animals at bay, so yeah.
I really enjoyed Francine and BlAkely together, especially him handling her despicable aunt. Story 4/5, Spice 3.5/5, Angst 4/5, no virgins (though h has only done the deed once before), given his situation he is an absolute manwhore. No cheating despite his brother trying to push women on him during the worst of his yearly cycle thing, their is a sharing scene where Lord Blakely shares her with his brother - it’s a rather dire emergency as his brother hasn’t taken any women during this time period (I guess out of solidarity?). No cliffhanger and a HEA.
Nash’s (the brother) story to come next. Can’t wait!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
This was definitely a steamy romance. There were a few typographical errors, although I think some of them were the writing of the 1800s. Capitalizing common words to make them appear stronger as opposed to underlined or bolding the text. I realize it is a journal entry to herself, the main character, Francine, and I liked that she journaled. Except, it tapers off once she starts being with the other main character, Eramus.
The beginning of chapter 12, there was a list of alcohol, but it really looked weird on my Books app as well as my Kindle app on my phone. There seemed to be too many spaces.
Other than those two things, I loved the naming of the chapters; it helped set up what was going to happen, and I think that helped. It has been a long time since I have read a paranormal shape shifter piece, I think the last time was the Harry Potter books. It was suspenseful, interesting, and a relatively-quick read for me. I especially liked how the woman seemed a little bit more self-assured.
The jarring ending and the scene both helped and hurt the storyline. Bringing the brother into it seemed odd. For that reason, I am subtracting a star.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
I will admit, the notion of a Regency lion shapeshifter was definitely intriguing, so I had to give it a go. Overall, it was very sweet, and some parts unexpected. Francine needs Erasmus to pose as a fake engagement to get her aunt off her back until she can inherit her fortune. Why this disreputable Marquess? Maybe because he saved her once… And she has secretly been interested in him. I enjoyed the main story but I found there were too many loose ends, one major one involving her cousin. It also swung very hard from sweet and tender to rough and kinky from a steam perspective that seemed a bit jarring from the tone of the story. I thought Larissa Lyons' erotic passages were rousing but there was a scene that opened a lot of questions and I would have loved to have gotten more closure on it by way of explanation…. Maybe it will be evident in the second book. The other piece was some of the language/ slang which distracted from the pace of the story. I am still wanting to read book 2 as there seems to be promise in the series.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
Wish I could give it more stars.
Oh. My. Goodness! This story caught my attention from page one. It is a fresh take on the shifter genre. This Regency novel had every element a girl could want: several mysteries to solve, smokin’ hot heroes and sensible, funny and courageous heroines. I loved all the characters, even sourly Aunt Pru. Francy, the heroine of the story, was by far my favorite character. I think she is the most level-headed heroine I have ever encountered in any romance novel. She was funny and brave with a well developed sense of empathy towards others.
New-to-me author Larissa Lyons’ writing style kept me glued to the story with all the twists and turns. She took great pains to use authentic period language. It was easy to understand and helped the story come alive with authenticity. Without a doubt, this author is going to the top of my favorite historical novel author list. I really loved this twist on the traditional historical romance novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
AMAZING!!! Goodness, this is the best paranormal shapeshifter book I have ever read. It is packed with intrigue, suspense, fire, passion and responsibility. The hero Erasmus is an exceptional character unknowingly meets his soulmate. When Erasmus is tormented by a family curse Francine risks her very life to help him if not save him. The heroine Francine is bold, curious; a risk taker. She harbors her own secret. Although falling in love with Erasmus was not in her plans it happened none the less. There is plenty of action. This book moves quickly from scene to scene. It is a page grabber. I could not put it down. When the end came, I was a little sad. I did not want the story to end. I look forward to the next book in this superb beginning of what could be the most amazing series. I highly recommend it. A must read.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building
Inspirational
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters -
I felt this was an interesting idea or concept that fell short. There was a lot going on but little resolution by the end. Yet I didn't enjoy the storytelling enough to attempt to read more books to learn more. The vocabulary was pretty all over and felt false like the author was trying too hard to incorporate the most exotic of the historic slang instead of commonly used. Venus mound for example just really grated on me. The scenes that are supposed to be steamy are not simply because of poor word usage.
But I really was interested to learn about the mystery of the murders going on, and why didn't her cousin got mentioned again after she disappeared? I liked the banter between the main couple as well. The word play was fun. This could have been a far better book, hopefully with more time the series will improve, but I just can't follow.
I received a copy via hidden gems and am voluntarily leaving this review. -
Though I often read paranormal or historcal romance, this is the first shifter regency historical romance novel I've read, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. That being said I am so glad I gave this one a shot. It was super fun and steamy right from their first meeting. I enjoyed seeing how much the characters grew to care for one another, and how strong of a desire for each other they both held.
The only issues I had were a few scenes where my suspension of disbelief couldn't be overcome, and it wasn't even in relation to the hero turning into a lion. Mostly I had a hard time believing they would have been able to spend so much alone time with each other. I'm also not quite sure how to feel about the brother, but I am looking forward to reading his story next.
Overall a delightful quick read that I would recommend to fans of both Paranormal and Historical Romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
I REALLY enjoyed this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my third read of Larissa's and it filled in some gaps in the other two books I read from her Regency Christmas Kisses books. I loved the lust to love build for "Francy" and Erasmus and wound up curious about Adam's back story throughout the book. Things got a bit hard to decipher while Blakely and Nash were shifting the the ménage scene happened. Perhaps that was intentional though to simulate them being partially shifted and trying to communicate with Francy? I'm eager to jump into Nash's story now. Larissa was able to do something unusual with this book by writing a shifter novel that has an entire plot point besides being just centered around shifting. I found it refreshing and am enjoying reading her books and watching her bloom as an author.
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As a teenager I was immersed in Regency Romances. I loved all things British and dreamed of being a member of the "Ton", devouring all I could find during my weekly trips to the Public Library. Larissa Lyon's "Ensnared by Innocence" is not your "Barbara Cartland" romance! I'm sure Dame Barbara would succumb to the vapors upon reading this steamy novel.
With "Paranormal" being all the rage, introducing a shapeshifter into historical romance was brilliant. Add a heroine that needs assistance from a Rake-Turned-Hero, and this book does not disappoint.
The language and flow of writing is perfect, with bits of humor that cause many a chuckle.
Highly recommend Ms Lyons!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
Francine Montfort has a plan to stop her aunt's attempts at arranging a marriage to get her hands on Francine's money. Her aunt has a gambling problem. Francine needs a temporary betrothal until her 25th birthday. Erasmus Hammond, Viscount Blakely has no intention of getting married. The curse on the males, legitimate or not, in his family shift into lions. He agrees to Francine's plan, because of the attraction between them. This is no innocent miss. Erasmus carries the responsibility of helping other cubs. What's one more responsibility of protecting a woman, especially from himself. Funny banter, very steamy sex and a Viscount who needs the woman he loves to survive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
I thoroughly enjoyed this regency romance. It is the full package of emotions with intrigue, angst, mirth, fear and steamy sex scenes.
I especially liked the take of the shifter origins as it's so different than all he others I have read. The shift is considered a curse rather than a gift but they lack information, probably because they haven't fully shifted and allowed their lions to take the reins, so to speak.
I hope to see this happen in future books of the series. There is also a killer to be caught. A cousin to be found, actually make that two!
My first read of Larissa Lyons but not my last that's for sure. Looking forward to reading more and gaining answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
I loved the delightful use of the old vernacular and the language of the times. It truly helped to form the ambiance of the novel. The characters are well developed and the descriptions also contribute to this novel. The introduction of the paranormal is slow and titillating. The story is well-plotted with one exception. There is unfinished business that leaves the reader hanging with no clue if it will be continued in a future book. I won't say what that is because it would be a spoiler. An epilogue at the end or a note by the author after would have sufficed. Still well worth reading. A note: there are graphic sex scenes and some are pretty rough. Not for those looking for tender love scenes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
I've read Larissa Lyons before but this is the first time I've ever read a paranormal romance. I was curious to read this book because the character of Lord Tremayne from "Seductive Silence" makes an appearance.
This story was quite humorous and featured an interesting bunch of characters. The worldly Lord Blakely and the innocent Francine made a well-balanced couple. I wasn't a huge fan of the paranormal element but it was mainly treated as "the family curse" which brought it closer to the realm of possibility for me.
There are a few loose ends at the conclusion of the book. It definitely has the makings of a good start to a series.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review. -
Desperate for her freedom from her aunt and suitors Lady Francine devised a plan. She approached Marquis Erasmus Blakely asking him to become her betrothed until she became of age then would relish their agreement.
Marquis Blakely interest piqued by the small women who wanted to have a fake betrothed. He knew he had to keep his secrets from her otherwise it could put her in danger.
A historical romance with a twist of shape shifting. Very unique.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. -
Great book! This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last. This isn't my usual genre but I really enjoyed the book and the writer made the story line work. I liked the chemistry between the couple. Lady Francine Montfort doesn't want to marry who her aunt wants her to so she decides her own fate. Lord Blakely is smitten with Lady Francine and her bold plan. But can he keep her safe and give her what she wants. Lots of sexy scenes in this book, so be warned. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review -
I like a hot and heavy Regency romance and I’m partial to shifter fiction. Ensnared by Innocence combines elements of both to put a dangerously compelling shifter into frock coats and ballrooms and into the bed of our heroine.
There’s a great deal of attention to detail in terms of regency vernacular. I found this really appealing, helping to build this alternative version of 1800’s London. I loved that the book includes many of the familiar settings and tropes for this type of historical romance, but adds claws and fur!
Grab the book, snuggle up and get ready for a steamy adventure!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
