Sandy M’s review of Twilight with the Infamous Earl (Lords of Vice, Book 7) by Alexandra Hawkins
Historical Romance published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 26 Nov 13
This is it. The last book in this Lords of Vice series. And ending with the baddest boy of them all seems a fitting send-off. Frost has beguiled readers for years now, and anticipating his story has kept them on tenterhooks, guessing how it’s all going to come together for him and his heroine. The question is: does Frost find that heroine who is his match? The one who stands up to him when needed? The one he’ll do anything in the world for?
Frost and Emily’s first meeting actually brings forth the good side of the man. Especially after he’s just left the bed of his current mistress, who’s he’s tired of already. Emily is in the middle of a confrontation with a man who’s ready to sell his daughter on the street to make money to get them by – until the next time, of course. But Emily’s having none of it when she happens upon the duo and is determined to whisk the girl away to keep her safe. Frost hears the commotion and decides to investigate, taking control of the matter for the beautiful redhead who intrigues him with her intensity and strong will.
Then Frost discovers the lady he so graciously assisted is making noise about trying to close down Nox, and he’ll be damned if someone will take his club from him. But he can’t deny the intrigue of the woman, and so begins his slow seduction that catches them both by surprise. Frost has never wanted an innocent in his bed, and Emily’s thirst for revenge against the rogue who ruined her sister hits a snag when she discovers that rogue is Frost. She’s torn between what she now knows about the man and the name her sister whispered with her dying breath, casting an accusation against Frost Emily can’t ignore.
But Frost makes sure she doesn’t ignore that bit of information as much as possible. When he finds out what Emily believes, he assures her he’s not the man she’s looking for and resumes his attentions with single-minded determination, and he finds himself more enamored of the woman than any other in his life. Which says a lot, considering all the women who fall at Frost’s feet. It’s the fact that Emily refuses to fall in line as all those other women have that brings the capture-and-conquer gene out in Frost. There’s outside conflict brewing on each side; Frost’s former mistress brings out the claws in Emily and Emily is led astray when least expected by one she trusts. There’s also plenty of sexual tension, as you would expect from a Lord of Vice, and it’s interesting how much control Frost loses when he finally has Emily in his bed. He’s a bit befuddled at that himself.
In between all of this, Frost’s mother makes an appearance, and the woman runs up against a brick wall. He refuses her request to see Regan, his sister, but mom is going to have the last word, getting to Regan herself. What I love about Frost most is his protective quality and the fact that he loves his sister so dearly. Though his deception about their mother causes some tension, Regan is his family and they work things out. We also, of course, have the other Lords involved throughout the story, along with their wives, and it’s great to catch up with them and see how strong their friendship has remained over the years.
My only nitpick is I wanted Frost to be a tad more bad before giving in to his feelings for Emily. I mean, we’re talking about Frost here. I still remember his “faux pas” with Madame Venna and the resulting fight with Saint when Saint discovered what happened. I wanted something on the same scale from Frost in this book. His arrogance and pride are very much in evidence, both of which fit him like a glove, but I just hoped for more.
However, this is a terrific send-off for a series that has given readers over-the-top alpha heroes who gracefully succumb to the love of their heroines, all of whom are perfect for these men. Each of those men embrace the balance of love and family, while maintaining long-time friendships of those who know exactly what would have become of them all if they’d hadn’t found that all-consuming love. Alexandra Hawkins has taken readers through a world of emotion, danger, and romance, along with a good dose of vices that these Lords are more than happy to leave behind – or rather bring to the bedroom to share with their heroines. I’m sorry to see the series end, but I know whatever Ms. Hawkins has in store for us next will be written with the same level of quality and heart.
Grade: A-
Summary:
LUCK BE A LADY
Lord Chillingsworth’s reputation precedes him—the infamous “Frost” is as legendary on the field of honor as he is in the bedroom. Which makes it surprising that young Emily Cavell has taken up the cause of closing Frost’s favorite gambling hell. Who does this brazen, flame-haired beauty think she is?
LOVE: A ROLL OF THE DICE?
Emily’s vendetta is personal: She is determined to take a pound of flesh from Frost, who ruined her sister. But the man she meets is not the cold-hearted devil she imagined—and is twice as handsome to boot—and soon Emily finds herself falling for him. Their battle of wills quickly ignites into blazing desire. Could it be that the most jaded Lord of Vice is finally willing to risk everything and gamble on her heart? Or is true love only a fool’s game?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
