Her Wicked Proposal (The League of Rogues Book 3)

This was my third book in Lauren Smith's Rogue series. I knew when I read the first few pages that this one had the potential to be the best ...and it didn't disappoint.Cedric, the Viscount Sheridan, is a member of the infamous League of Rogues. The League is a group of young lords who became best friends in college, and then created a loyal brotherhood of sorts afterwards. They became well-known for their Rogue activity, as well as other activities that were not always condoned by the ton. Different in personalities , but all good looking and athletic, they are appreciated by the ladies of the ton for their good looks, and both admired and envied by all for their loyal friendship. They stick together through thick and thin.Cedric, the Viscount Sheridan, became blind at the end of book two after saving his sister, Horatia, from the League's common enemy, Sir Hugo Waverly. This third book of the series finds Lord Cedric Sheridan aloof and disconnected from society. He has been blind for almost five months and it has been extremely difficult for him. He is continually humiliated by his inability to navigate so much as a simple dinner party without spilling wine or breaking his host's crystal. He is tired of getting in and out of a coach, and risking falling in front of others- to his embarrassment, and he has problems traversing the uneven ground without stumbling- even with a cane. His blindness doesn't work well with eating and as a result, he has lost weight. Life as he knew it is over. Cedric has become a shell of the man he was and as a result, he has withdrawn from society.Anne Chessley is the one woman that Cedric truly wanted but could never attain. She has lost her father to death and has inherited his profound wealth. But Anne's life becomes consumed by the hoards of fortune seekers crashing her gates to court her. She visits Cedric and proposes marriage. Cedric is stunned, and doesn't quite believe this good fortune could at last be smiling on him. He sees this as a way to finally get through the darkness and loneliness and grabs for it. But first, he makes Anne promise to behave wantonly - as a lover- when they make love. Unknown to Cedric, Anne has always loved Cedric - but has never let him know of her feelings, keeping them contained out of fear. It's the root of that fear that has forced her to keep Lord Sheridan at arm's length these past years. But with his coaxing and passion, Anne discovers in his warm kisses that Cedric may be able to break through her fears. His kisses stir her and she is suddenly aware of the heated needs he ignites something within her core, something that she felt could never happen for her.Sir Hugo Waverly emerges again, determined to finally kill Cedric. This time he enlists another of Cedric's enemies and works out a vicious plan to kidnap and do deadly harm to both Cedric and his new bride.The story between Anne and Cedric is warm, witty, passionate, and sensual. Lauren Smith writes some of the most passionate love scenes in the industry. These scenes can make you weep and curl your toes in the same breath.Anne swallowed before replying. “Yes, quite dark.” “Good. I want you to close your eyes. I’m going to make love to you and I want you to feel it as I do, with sensations and sounds, but no sight.”Lauren Smith doesn't leave her readers in the dark. She is sensitive to those who may not have read her first two books and makes sure that the story makes sense to all readers. It's done in such a way that all readers appreciate the update. And all of our favorite characters from the first two books--the Duke, Lucien, Lady Emily, Ashton, Charles, Jonathan, and Lady Horatia, all participate. It's Cedric's story, but the bond with all of these Rogues transcends the storyline.Lauren Smith weaves this story of intrigue and romance in a way that has become her trademark. It is full of wonderful description- she brings her readers there, where they experience the story alongside the H and h. Cedric and Anne's love story was years in the making. And for them, it was complicated. When they found their chance to be together, they took it, both for different reasons. Their story has a level of passion and sensuality that is just breathtaking. The danger that their lives are placed in require that they are missed before the point of no return. The Rogues are separated and that help could come too late.It's a well-written book. This is not only Cedric and Anne's love story. It's also the story of Jonathan's decision to become a true member of the League.Her story had me from page one. I found myself thinking about it when I was doing other things --like working. I had to read more. I didn't really want it to end. Now that I have finished it, I realize I am only through another chapter in the lives of these Rogues and am anxious to read more. Please, let there be more!Five of five stars for this impressive book.

I’m not normally a reader of historical romance, being more of a science fiction/fantasy/romantic suspense/contemporary gal. But occasionally I indulge, the same way that I prefer savory and salty snacks but I will pop a chocolate now and again. Her Wicked Proposal is the third in Lauren Smith’s League of Rogues series, focused on the recently blinded Cedric, Viscount Sheridan and the recently bereaved Anne Chessley – two desperate individuals trying to rebuild their lives after tragedy and in the world of chocolate, it is Godiva.Despite being a Regency romance, Lauren doesn’t overwhelm with historical detail. The romance takes center stage, as it should. Even Cedric’s blindness isn’t over used, as his resilience in the face of such a debilitating handicap in a time when there was no accommodation – no ADA – is amazing, but that is an indication of Cedric’s character.And I love the Rogues. More like family than friends, like old army buddies, these men personify the saying that “real friends are those rare people who come to find you in dark places and lead you back to the light.” A saying that is particularly applicable here. They are rogues in the sense of lovable scoundrels, but more important, they are steadfast in their support and love for each other. I really love stories about families that aren’t “family” by blood.Some of my favorite quotes:“I felt that everything I’d ever known to be true wasn’t anymore. That my existence began in the curve of his smile, and the first breath in my lungs was rooted in the gleam of his eyes. My heart was his.”Beautiful prose, that.“Don’t worry, Anne. Even in a crowd I can still find ways to be alone with you.” And though she suspected he meant to sound rakish, the words and his tone were instead boyishly charming.These two are adorable.“It should frighten you to the bone, because my husband is never alone. At this moment there are five others coming. And they have ships and men of their own. They will do anything to save us. Track us across the world if they must. You can run home and hide in the deepest hole you can find, but you will not escape the League.”And that right there sums up the League.Her Wicked Proposal was everything I expected – fun, dramatic, charming, suspenseful, lushly romantic, and very well written. Can’t wait to find out what roguery and romance the League gets up to in the future!I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Her Wicked Proposal, book three of Lauren Smith’s League of Rogues series, was a wonderfully delightful and delicious read! Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, blinded in an attempt on his life, doesn’t believe he is worthy of love. But , when Anne Chessley, the woman of his dreams proposes marriage, he jumps at the chance. I love Cedric and Anne and the passion between them is fierce. But so are the enemies they’ve made over the years, and more than one person wants to see them harmed or worse dead. This series has so many twists and turns and you never know who you can trust, except for the members of the League and the ladies who love them!

The wounded Rogue. The self punishing rogue. Cedric's story is sad, but the love that existed before his tradegy will help him endure...how will his story end?

This is another wonderfully thought out story in a brilliant series. The plot is full of emotional turmoil and suspense. The characters are amazingly portrayed with the strength and determination required to overcome their fears and enemies. This is a great book that would be suitable for all those who love steamy historical romances.

I really liked the characters of this novel. But the excessive sexual scenes were really putting off. The characters needed more depth and interaction to justify all these emotions.

Cedric's character undergoes a transformation from a rogue rake to a blind helpless man who learns to move ahead despite his circumstances supported by the love of his life Anne and his friends. A tale of love, struggle and above all friendship. Worth a read.

Fantastic book, I loved the whole series. Intriguing, daring and full of funny scenes. A fabulous read

What I really liked about this novel was the look into the life a blind person feels and senses, the author does an outstanding portrayal of the struggle and difficulties that blind people have, very good knowledge on the subject - Cedric is a favorite character of mine and I liked this story again focusing on the other members of the Rogues, besides Ann and Cedric, to make the adventure more like life - all the characters are well-developed - the plot was interesting - I hope that the series goes on for a long time to tie up loose ends for other amazing characters we have met besides the Rogues