The Sins of Lord Lockwood by Meredith Duran

• Title:  The Sins of Lord Lockwood
• Series:  Rules For The Reckless #6
• Author:  Meredith Duran
• Pages:  368
• Published:  February 2018 – Pocket Books
• Source:  Publisher

Description:  Back from the dead, an earl seeks vengeance.

Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood, was born into a charmed life. Charismatic, powerful, and wild, he had the world at his feet – and one woman as his aim. His wedding to Anna was meant to be his greatest triumph. Instead, in a single moment, a wicked conspiracy robbed him of his fortune and freedom.

…But will his long-lost countess pay the price?

Four years later, Liam has returned from death with plans for revenge. Standing in his way, though, is his long-absent bride. Once, he adored Anna’s courage. Now it seems like a curse, for Anna refuses to fear or forget him. If she can’t win back Liam’s love, then she means at least to save his soul…no matter the cost.

My take:  Anna is in need of a husband in order to maintain control of her land and title. Liam is in need of a wealthy wife in order to take care of the debts incurred by his estate. Neither want to be saddled with a mate that will force a change in lifestyle so when they find they actually enjoy the other’s company a match is made. The wedding follows fairly quickly and then, when the couple is ready to depart on a perfect honeymoon, the groom disappears leaving the bride bewildered, hurt and then angry. Especially when Liam reappears four years later.

This is a novel that shifts from the time of the wedding to after Liam’s return. That worked to flesh out the story without getting too far into an emotional whirlpool – which could easily have happened if told in a linear way. Liam became a sympathetic character the more I learned what happened to him. And yet I could understand Anna’s frustrations and anger because she could only work with the information he allowed her to know. Meredith Duran made me care about her characters. I loved the supporting ones as well. This isn’t a happy-go-lucky historical romance. There are raw emotions explored which made the outcome even more rewarding.

This novel can stand alone. Of the six I’ve only read this and the fifth book. I’d love to catch up in the series.

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About the author:

Meredith Duran is the author of ten previous novels, including The Duke of Shadows (winner of the Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition); Wicked Becomes You (included on the Woman’s World List of Best Beach Reads for Summer 2010), and the USA TODAY bestseller and RITA Award Winner Fool Me Twice. She blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history, and for convincing her that princely love is no prize if it doesn’t come with a happily-ever-after. She enjoys collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth-century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women. Visit her at MeredithDuran.com, on Twitter @meredithduran and Facebook: AuthorMeredithDuran

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The Sins of Lord Lockwood

By Meredith Duran

Publication Date: February 27, 2018

ISBN: 9781501139048

Price:  $7.99  – Paperback – Pocket Books

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