How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart audiobook

Wow. Have me and this book been on a journey together. First, it should be noted, that there’s a dog on the cover. And it’s not like the bunny in the field on the Minx by Julie Quinn cover. It’s very clearly put on there in a drawing room clinch cover. Making it seem like the dog is a big part of the plot. Because why else would a dog be sitting on the heroine’s train while she’s trying to kiss the hero in a drawing room? So my expectation was similar to the expectation when I read How Sweet it is by Dylan Newton. There’s a little doggie on that cover who is a big part of the meet cute and shows up being cute throughout the book. That is not the case. In fact, a DIFFERENT dog plays part in the meeting of the hero and heroine and the Pekingese on the cover is only briefly mentioned throughout this book. Was I distracted needlessly waiting for this dog throughout the book?! Yes. But, I think I let it consume me too much. If I hadn’t seen the cover, I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. But just the fact that the dog is ON THERE made me think he should play a bigger role. Anyway, moving on from the dog…I liked this book. I don’t usually like mistress tropes but I liked this one. There were some unexpected things that happened and a whole mess of drama that I was reeling from a little bit to try to understand. (Just WHY was the ton so freaking rude and diabolical?!)Leo is your classic rake with trust issues and Prue is your classic fallen from grace debutant who just wants to live her life. She’s a little surprising in that she decides to be Leo’s mistress? But I had a lot of respect for her to realize she hasn’t got much else going for her and take advantage of Leo’s generosity. How sweet that he’s willing to pay so much for her…? Okay, the mistress trope is so weird, but I liked that Leo is as respectful as a scoundrel could possibly be, even though he was a bit dense at times to not realize his true feelings. I love Viv Lorret’s writing. It’s always a beautiful regency feel that I loooove. Thank you Avon for the ARC. Review is my own.

Miss Prudence Thorogood was cast out of her family and polite society when she was ruined by a charming but callus rake. Now her awful stepmother has gambled and given away precious heirlooms and a piece of property that were part of her inheritance and she's desperate to get them back, by any means necessary! She makes a devil's bargain with perma-bachelor Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, agreeing to be his mistress for a period of four months. Prue has every intention of abandoning London after their affair ends, but both she and Leo didn't expect to develop feelings for one another.This is the fourth book in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. I recommend at least reading book three (The Wrong Marquess), as Prue's background is introduced in that story. Another secondary character from book three is also important for the set up of the next novel.The beginning of their story gave me serious Devil in Winter/Lord of Wicked Intentions vibes (Kleypas and Heath). Those are pretty big historical romance shoes to fill, but Vivienne Lorret makes this story her own. Prudence lost everything and refuses to live off the charity of her friends. She's determined to steal back what she feels is hers, and then leave London behind. The marquess was supposed to be a means to an end but, instead, he ends up helping her find herself again. Leo has been burned by his past: a wastrel rogue as a father, a faithless fiancée., and a jealous former friend. As such, he keeps his attachments brief and doesn't trust...but Prue breaks down his defenses because she isn't like all the other women scheming for his money and his time. Leo protects her at every turn, and is not quite the scoundrel he's made out to be. (4.5 stars rounded to 5).Tropes: Ruined, Reform-a-Rake, ProtectorSteam: 3.5* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HowtoStealaScoundrelsHeart #NetGalley

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review I loved reading How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart. To be honest I haven't read many of work but what I have read I have enjoyed each book I have read by Vivienne Lorret. This book was so delightful I can't wait to own a copy. The cover is beautiful 5 star read Happy Reading Lisa 📚 

Well hello Lord Savage 😏🥵 it seems you have stolen my heart, it’s ok if yours is already taken.This was my first Vivienne Lorret book and it will not be my last. I loved every second of it! I will be going back to read the first three books in this series and I can’t wait for Never Seduce A Duke, I have got to know what happens to Meg!How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart begins when Lord Savage is escorting his latest mistress out of London and they run into Prudence who is a “fallen” or ruined debutant. Prue is so determined to take her life back that she is literally walking to London in order to lie, cheat and steal all of her inheritance back after her father disowned her.Lord Savage instantly likes her, who wouldn’t she’s spunky and will not being falling for his charms or the inappropriate offer her makes her. Lord Savage is used to getting what he wants, he has stupid amounts of money and uses most of it on his mistresses.When Prue becomes desperate she knocks on Lord Savage’s door one night and within 24 hours her whole life changes.

Finally in book four of Vivienne Lorret's The Mating Habits of Scoundrel's series, we get Prudence Thorogood's story. She is the friend that was compromised and sent to live in the country in the earlier books. Unfortunately she is now considered damaged goods and she's pinning all her hopes for her future on stealing back her inheritance. Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage is looking for a new mistress and upon meeting Pru has decided on her. They strike a bargain for her to become his mistress for four months and he will help her retrieve the pieces of her inheritance. I loved this one so much! It was definitely my favorite book of this series. Pru is delightful and Leo is wonderful. They are amazing together. I also loved the teaser for the next book.I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recieved an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Lady Prudence Thorogood is no longer a respectable lady, but an outcast and social pariah because of an indiscretion with a shameless rogue. She has lost her family, her inheritance, and even the ability to maintain her friendships. Lord Savage has no heart or so he says after he was betrayed by the only woman he has ever loved. It's because of this betrayel that he only keeps mistresses for four months, and requires them to sign a binding contract. Once Savage meets Prue, he knows he has to have her, but she isn't like most ladies of his acquaintance. She doesn't care about his money or what he can give her. She needs him to help steal back her inheritance that has been gambled away by her awful stepmother. She knows he isn't a saint, but is he really as devilish as they all say? Man, I feel like I've been waiting so long for this book. It was worth the wait! I've been struggling so much to read or stay interested in anything that I moved this book to the top of my pile because Vivienne's books always make me smile. I found this to be very cheeky and pretty funny. These two never had a shortage of quick remarks back to each other. They had a lot of fun with each other in a few different ways, wink wink, and I just let myself sit back and enjoy the ride (no pun intended). I honestly wasn't totally sold on Leo in the beginning, and kept thinking how I loved Brandon from the previous book more, but the longer I read the more I started to adore Leo. He is fiercely loyal and loving. He protects Prue and treats her with the utmost respect even given her situation. He is funny and sarcastic, and possesses a quick wit that will make you fall a little bit in love with him yourself. This is another great installment in the series, and I am glad there is going to be another book. I feel like I'll be a little sad when this series is over, but Vivienne always likes to sneak her characters in later books so I'm sure we will see them all again.

Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.Although I have not read the first two books in this series, I did find the third worth the read and was glad to receive the opportunity to read this fourth book. “How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart” (The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #4) is an enjoyable story of a rake slowly being reformed by a ruined but naïve debutante.Ms. Prudence “Prue” Thorogood ruined by a disreputable rake, was literally shunned by society and considered an outcast by her family. She has learned that her stepmother has gambled away all of her prized possessions she’s inherited and is willing to do anything to get them back. Not wanting to burden her friends and live off their charity, she seeks the help of Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage. Unfortunately, Leo’s reputation is one of ill-repute as he is a known rake who only contracts his paramours for a period of 4-months. She enters into a contract with Savage to become his mistress and hopes to move on with her life after the term and obtaining her family heirlooms. What she didn’t count on was Savage being the doing the ruin and marrying her out of honor. This was such a delightful read and tropes I quite like…marriage of convenience and reformed rake. I enjoyed how Leo assisted Prue with retrieving her lost items that were not as important as finding herself in all of anguish she has endured. Leo has had his share of demons also. A rogue of a father and having his fiancée betray him with a former friend. Prue isn’t like all the women he’s put in a box. She helps him break down all the walls he has built of keeping himself unattached to the conniving women. I loved in the end how he protects and guards her from those that mean harm and Prue winning him over including his heart. Oh, I loved this couple although this was a sort of slow burn, well-written story that gradually got to romance and HEA. Such a fun read really loving this author’s writing style. Plan to read the first two in this series. Recommend the read.

Prue has been ruined in society, first because she allowed a suitor to steal a kiss (and more) in the gardens, but second because her father and stepmother banished her to the country because of her actions. They also sold off her inheritance. When this book begins, Prue has had enough: she leaves her abusive relatives and heads back to London with the intention of stealing back what's rightfully hers. When she realizes that might be harder than she thought, she decides to sign a contract with Leo Ramsgate to be his mistress - a contract that includes the stipulation that he assist her in regaining her inheritance.The setup is fun and sexy, with the added touch of the forbidden (Prue is Leo's mistress despite the fact that she is not married or widowed). He also spends a lot of the book seducing her, since her previous experience with sexuality was less than optimal. However, the end of the book hinges on both parties' refusal to communicate with each other with a soupcon of villainy from another woman, making the denouement a bit of a letdown.3.5 stars rounded to 4!26-Word Summaries:Laine: Prue needs all 13 of her mother's horcruxes or whatever to best her evil stepmother and gain her independence. Fucking a proficient thief is just efficient. Meg: Prue is “ruined” so she decides to be RUINED by becoming Leo’s mistress. Too bad they fall in love except also Leo can’t fall in love.This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Since a relatively minor misstep saw her labeled as ruined and ejected from polite society, Prudence Thorogood has lost her family and her inheritance as well as her standing. She’s decided to get back what’s rightfully hers, even if it means resorting to larceny. When Lord Savage, ruthless scoundrel that he is, makes her an offer, Prue eventually sees it as her chance to gain the access to society she needs. But soon, what started as simply a means to an end begins to morph into something very different when Prue realizes that there’s much more to the marquess than anyone gives him credit for.Leo Ramsgate, the Marquess of Savage, has been betrayed too deeply to ever allow himself to dabble in emotion again. He’s distrustful of everyone and certainly not capable of love. He keeps his relationships with women clear cut and satisfying, but short and always with a set end date. But when he meets Prue, he finds himself beguiled in a way he never has been before. For the first time, he wants to throw away his carefully constructed rules and keep someone forever, even if he’ll never admit it. Prue’s plan has always been to leave London for a quiet life in the country at the end of their affair, but she hesitates as she finds herself falling in love with a man who she knows will never love her back.I didn’t realize this was a mistress trope when I first started it, not sure why but there you have it. I’m glad of that though because the mistress trope often just does not work for me so I’m always trying to go into books now without any biases against the plot devices used. Anyway, I liked this book a lot more than I thought I might. Don’t get me wrong, Leo’s emotional unavailability and need to distance himself from everyone/doubt that Prue was genuine in her dealings with him did get a bit repetitive sometimes, but his thought processes were totally valid. Having experienced virtually zero genuine love in his life, it’s no surprise that Leo doesn’t know how to give or receive it. Given the betrayals he’s suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to love him unconditionally or even just be a friend to him, his behavior does make complete sense, even if it is frustrating at times. Because of this, I found both Leo’s and Prue’s characters to be well drawn and I liked that they were both going on a sort of personal journey of development at the same time their relationship was also developing. This was a slow burn and that suited these two so well. They started getting to know each other on a more intimate level right away, without the impediments of societal strictures keeping stilted formality between them, but also without sex coming into play right away and complicating things. This way, Prue and Leo were able to develop a real rapport and foundation of trust, despite the resistance on both their parts and despite neither wanting to admit their rapidly developing feelings. I think this is the mistress trope done right. Sure, I could’ve done with less miscommunication/general lack of communication. These two were pretty good at even the most awkward discussions before feelings came into play, but given these two characters’ experiences, their reactions to the situations they were placed in did make perfect sense. Also, could’ve done with less other woman drama and more understanding from Leo about why other women would make Prue feel insecure in their relationship. Also, I do wish Leo had done more to put former mistresses in their place and not been quite so nice and generous all the time. In that same vein, I really wanted to see him put Prue’s father in his place as well. Regardless, I really did like that Leo was finally able to experience genuine love and put himself out there enough to give it in return and I’m now very excited that we’re getting a book for Meg. The aunts are possibly my favorite characters so I’m hoping this means more page time for them as well.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

Prudence accepted her ruined status. She’s finally made her peace with her status as an outcast and has figured out a way to claim her future. The only hitch in her plans is that she must become larcenous to make that happen. She’s on her way back to London when a handsome stranger offers her the use of his carriage in exchange for conversation. So Prue tells Leo her life’s story, or at least the whimsical, entertaining bits. Leo is enthralled by her forthright innocence, and once he finds out her status as a ruined woman, offers her the opportunity to become his next mistress. Prue is both tempted and affronted by his offer. She turns him down cold but remembers him fondly. When her salacious reputation begins to affect the social standing and matrimonial prospects of her friends, she begins to rethink her refusal. This is compounded by the fact that all of her attempts to reclaim her inheritance have been disastrous. When she knocks on Leo’s door one night, she has reluctantly reached the conclusion that he is her only answer. She is determined to offer her companionship in exchange for his assistance finding all of the items that were stolen from her, The bargain seems simple. Sexual congress in exchange for everything she needs to retire to a cottage in the country. The bargain becomes more when the intimacy between them colors every interaction. Their resistance to love, and their disbelief in happy endings, will drive a wedge between them that no amount of kisses can overcome. The hero finally wins the heroine in an epic bout of groveling. I loved the complex dynamic between this hero and heroine. The hero helps the heroine reclaim her own right to enjoy her own sexuality, and empowers her to appreciate her own charms. The heroine helps the hero realize that his empty existence will never bring him peace.Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

How to Steal A Scoundrels Heart is a amusing, steamy, and witty historical romance that kept me entertained from beginning to end. This story is book four in Vivienne Lorret’s “The Mating Habits of Scoundrels” a series full of notorious rakes and the determined ladies who school them in the art of love. 😉This books MCs are ruined debutante Prudence “Prue” Thorogood and the scandalous rake Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage; these two have an immediate spark between them yet it is allowed to slowly build through the first part of the story. Each of these characters go into their “temporary” and highly improper relationship with different goals, yet they each come to find that sometimes fate changes the best laid plans. Prue soon discovers that there’s more to Lord Savage than meets the eye. Leo who was previously betrayed by the woman he loved now believes he has everything except for a heart. He now engages in four month, contract bound, temporary dalliances - no repeats, no extensions, and most of all no love is involved in his relationships. Then fate steps in and 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. I greatly enjoyed watching Leo and Prue fall in love and really didn’t want their story to end. Yes, there were moments that I wanted to smack each of them upside their heads as they both wallowed in that “He will never love me-but I love him-this is temporary” phase, luckily they each realize what is right in-front of them. The supporting characters throughout the story were either the type you immediately loved or loathed - yet they all improved upon the story. I am eager for the next book in the series, Never Seduce a Duke and hope that story lives up to the charm of the previous books in this series.Overall 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Avon and Harper Voyager publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄

In this fantastic fourth installment of The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series, Pru, a ruined debutante who has lost everything decides to make a bargain with Leo, a notorious rake. Vivienne Lorret has created such a delightful and charming series revolving around debutante's who are friends with each other and support each other through their ups and downs. Watching each of these women get their HEAs is wonderfully fun and amusing. Lorret's writing is extremely engaging, it has a lightness and allure that easily draws the reader in. Her characters are crafted with care and they all feel well rounded and dimensional. Lorret's plotting is crafted with humor, seriousness, lightness and sensuality, all working hand in hand to create the perfect backdrop for a romance. Each of these novels has had an endearing and unique meet cute between the romantic couple which really starts the novels off on a great foot. In the case of How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart, which deals with Pru being splashed with mud as Leo's carriage rolls by her. These two might start off on a bit of a contentious foot, but quickly engage in a scandalous offer put forth by Leo. I really loved watching the relationship between Pru and Leo grow from attraction to a depth of understanding and love. Leo believes himself to be heartless after he was betrayed by a past fiance, so he has vowed to never trust and love again. But of course Pru will put him to the test with her kind heart and her true perception of who Leo truly is. These two have wonderfully chemistry, which Lorret takes great advantage of! This novel has a really great level of steam which helps the reader to see how these two are opening themselves up to the other and learning to trust. This is a must read for any historical romance lover! Vivienne Lorret is definitely a gem in the genre and this series has been a fantastic one, I have enjoyed each novel in the series and I am so excited for the next one! Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart, Prue Thoroughgood, a ruined woman shunned by her family, wants to retrieve several heirlooms that she feels rightfully belong to her. Unfortunately, her awful stepmother has control of them and has gambled much of it away. So, Prue resorts to larceny and attempts to steal back her treasures. But when all seems hopeless, an arrangement with the Marquess of Savage offers Prue everything she wanted – her heirlooms, her family cottage, and a peaceful life out of the public eye.Savage has sworn off love and vows no one will ever win his heart. However, he is surprisingly intrigued by Prue from the moment he meets her, and when she appears at his doorstep, he makes her an offer that’s impossible to refuse. Prue agrees to become his mistress for four months in return for his help, but will four months be enough for this couple?Prue and Savage are great protagonists, and they have definite good girl/bad boy vibes. She is an innocent ruined from a kiss, and he is a scoundrel notorious for his sexual prowess and stream of mistresses. Though they seem quite different, they are alike in many ways, and their relationship is filled with chemistry from their first unconventional meeting.Prue learned from her family and society that she was unlovable, replaceable, and unworthy. Savage learned from his that he was unloved and unwanted, and further relationships destroyed his faith in love and trust. They both are alone in many ways, and they have put walls around their hearts. When they enter this contract, neither hopes to find love or more than a brief connection. But they quickly realize that this is more than a passing fling, and both must face their fears and feelings.I like how Prue and Savage slowly grow to understand each other, and I love how understanding and patient Savage is with Prue. He is way more sensitive and selfless than he admits! Prue has been traumatized by past experiences, and the way that he cares for her and shows her what it feels like to be cherished is swoon-worthy. Prue, in turn, makes Savage see that she likes him for him, not for his wealth or social standing. This is new for both characters, as their past relationships were not based on respect, care, or admiration. Even when Savage acts overbearing, it’s clear he is passionate about Prue and is determined to do right by her. I also love how oblivious they both are about how deep their feelings run. Neither has experience with being in love, and their cluelessness leads to some fun and some frustrating scenes for both of them.Though Prue and Savage don’t have the support of love of their respective families, they both have people in their lives that care for them. Prue’s loyal friends and Savage’s friends and employees are all fantastic, and they are more like family than friends. I like how these characters help Prue and Savage see what they want in life and help them attain it. They are often the voices of reason when Prue and Savage can’t see past their own swirling and conflicting emotions.Overall, I enjoyed the story. It’s fun and sexy, and there’s a little bit of intrigue as Prue and Savage work to retrieve her heirlooms. Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, and I think readers of sexy historical romance will enjoy it. Thanks so much to NetGalley, the author, and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Book #4 in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. This is my 1st book by Vivienne Lorret. Won’t be my last! 📚❤️*chefs kiss* This beautiful, tender, second chance romance melted my heart. I couldn’t stop swooning over our hero, Leo the Marquess of Savage, who by the end of this book does a total 360 into the man we’d all choose for our own!!Leo is a heartless, notorious rake that changes out his mistresses every four months (he has serious TRUST ISSUES which sets the tone for his character throughout the book). But my oh my.. when he meets our heroine Miss Prue Thorogood on a lone country road littered with sheep, his life will never be the same again!! Poor Prue has been disinherited by her father due to an indiscretion with a male partygoer during her debutant ball. Oust from her home, she’s now living in London for one set purpose.. to steal her family’s valuables back that were given away by her step-mother. She eventually lands at Leo’s doorstep after an invitation to become his mistress. Leo has his own heartwrenching backstory too which is later revealed to Prue. Speaking of Prue.. I LOVED and ADORED her character! She’s an eclectic individual that follows her own path, not what is expected of women in that time period. She’s a spunky, strong, courageous woman with a witty sense of humor and a smart head on her shoulders. There’s also fantastic side drama that involves two very deliciously deceptive individuals who are manipulating situations in order to bring Leo and Prue down. Vivienne Lorret has written a phenomenal story that I highly recommend to all HEA readers. I had so much fun reading it!*Thanks Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

I loved this book so much! I couldn't put it down! I love how Pru and Savage brought out the best versions of themselves when they were together. I love Pru's friend group, who stands by her, regardless of circumstances. I love that Savage has at least two people he can count on, even as many others take advantage of him. The end had a surprising twist.