How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart: A Novel

Vivienne Lorret

May 2022 · The Mating Habits of Scoundrels Book 4 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this eBook

In USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret’s latest steamy romance, a determined debutante discovers that making a deal with a notorious rake might just give her more than she ever bargained for…  

Ruined debutante Prudence Thorogood lost everything when she was ousted from polite society, including her inheritance. Now she’ll do anything to take back what’s hers… even if she has to steal it. Accepting a scandalous offer from Lord Savage seems like the perfect solution to disguise her criminal intentions from the ton. Until she discovers that there’s more to this scoundrel than meets the eye.

Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, has everything except for a heart. That organ dried up long ago after a devastating betrayal. Since then, he vowed never to trust or love again. He ensures that his dalliances are mutually satisfying, but always temporary… until he meets the reserved Miss Thorogood. Not one of his previous lovers has ever beguiled him the way she does. Not one has made him want to break his own rules. Not one has tempted him to keep her… forever. 

Prue has every intention of disappearing from London after their affair ends. But her plan falters when she finds herself falling hopelessly in love with a man who may never love her in return. With time running out and so much at stake, she cannot help but wonder… 

How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart?

Ratings and reviews

Author Vivienne Lorret tells me that all I need is a sheep dog to run around with my belongings while I chase him in the rainy countryside and my mate will appear as in book 4 of the Mating Habits of Scoundrels, “How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart!" I love the twists and the constant wondering about who is friend or foe. I couldn't read this book fast enough because I was constantly intrigued! Thank you to Net Galley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review

How I loved the characters in this book and enjoyed reading it. The chemistry between the two main characters, Pru and Leo, jumped off the page. Pru wants to retrieve her mother’s inheritance. She accepts an offer made by Leo to become his mistress as he is willing to help her recover her mother’s inheritance. There is a lot of humor involved. Both of these two try to guard their hearts. I loved this author’s writing style. It was a totally engaging book. I thank NetGalley for the ARC.

After Prue commits the egregious sin of chastely kissing a man at a ball, her father throws her to the wolves. He denies her both her dowry and her inheritance—her mother's jewelry. When she learns that her stepmother has used the jewelry to pay off various gambling debts, Prue has only one option: larceny. Unable to call on her friends without risking their reputations, she turns to Leo, Marquess of Savage. She proposes becoming his mistress and living under his protection until she can get back her possessions. Then, she'll be able to live on her own. Smitten with her, and concerned for her safety, he agrees. Discovering that her previous lover was utterly inept, Leo takes things slowly, determined to teach her about pleasure. Will she be the one woman who can prove that the scoundrel has a heart after all? These two characters are so much fun. It would be easy for their relationship to become exploitative, but that's not what happens. Instead, it turns into a true partnership. Prue is strong and self-aware. Struggling with abandonment issues, Leo is a better man than he believes he is. This sensual and romantic novel is entertaining from start to finish. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret writes fun and steamy Regency historical romances. She lives in the Midwest where she coaxes words out of giant mugs of tea and attempts to jot them down before they can escape.