The Viscount and the Thief follows Sophie Delavallois as she seeks to take back what is rightfully hers. Along the way, she finds herself developing very inconvenient feelings for a certain Lord.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me. While I really liked Sophie and Lord Drake as individuals, I didn’t think the romance happened in a way that was as satisfying as it could be, and I found my mind wandering fairly frequently. I’m not sure if I just wasn’t in the mood for a historical romance, but I just could not stay invested in the story. There was also one ~romantic~ scene that had me making the most horrified face I think I’ve made in a very long time. Ick. If you know, you know.

I would read something else by Emma Orchard because I thought the premise was interesting, and I think she’s a very talented author; however, this one just didn’t do it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Emma Orchard for the free ARC in exchange for my review.

Cute story, but does it stand out from the raunchy regency romances that are now so popular? Not really. Maybe this book wasn’t for me.

I think this is my favourite of Emma Orchard's books. Like all the others it's beautifully well written, and the characters have genuine motivations as well as the horn - but in this one she's thrown in a heist and historically believable scandalous behaviour, which is a fun change from ballrooms and The Ton being judgemental.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. I liked the main characters - two people with some shared history (both good and bad) who were drawn to each other from the moment their paths crossed for the second time. There are elements of a fairy tale - a truly heinous villain and a wicked stepmother. There are events that require a suspension of disbelief. Despite some over-the-top moments, it still came together as an enjoyable read - plenty of spice but also a good storyline with fleshed-out characters to root for. This is the second book I've read by Emma Orchard, and I'm enjoying her style & will continue seeking out her books.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

Sophie is intent on revenge against the Marquis of Wyverne, the man who ruined her family and left her orphaned. Rescued from the streets by a shady character she is trained to be a thief whilst her rescuer aids her plans for revenge. Now employed as a companion to the Marquis’s mother she travels to the family home, a place notorious for its debauched parties. Whilst here she encounters the Marquis’s son and heir, Rafe, whom she assumes to be as bad as his father. Fighting her growing attraction to Rafe she gradually realises her mistake and he agrees to help her as he has no love for his father.

Told from two points of view, Sophie and Rafe, the characters come alive and have a great story to tell. A neat twist at the end is fun!

This book leans into the darker, more scandalous side of regency romance, and I was here for it. The setting of Wyverne Hall is dripping with intrigue—hidden passageways, scandalous family secrets, and a marquess whose depravity knows no bounds. The tension between Sophie and Drake is immediate and fiery, and their rooftop trysts? Let’s just say Orchard does not hold back when it comes to the steam.

While the romance is passionate, it does feel a bit fast at times—there’s an instant attraction that quickly escalates, which might not work for readers who prefer a slower build. However, the revenge plot adds a compelling layer to the story, keeping the pace quick and the stakes high.

A Spicy regency upstairs-downstairs heist romance.

Sophie has taken a position as a companion to a 90+ year old dowager in order to steal back the diamond necklace that was stolen from her family. Rafe, Lord Drake knows he's met his grandmother's new companion before, but who is she really? Sophie must navigate the scandalous members of Rafe's family and the seductive secrets of Wyverne Hall (including her growing attraction to Rafe) in order to get revenge for her lost family.

Can they each overcome their scandalous pasts and families to be together? Many spicy encounters occur, There is no comedy here - all drama, I read the e-book and listened to the audiobook and blasted through this in two days. A solid addition to your romance TBR pile. Stand-outs include the Dowager Delphine (who desperately needs her own prequel) and Orchard's rooftop seduction scenes,

I enjoyed this book but it did not stand out to me. Some concerning plot points were not resolved which irked me. The female main character was interesting but the male fell flat for me.

1811. Sophie Delavallois is employed at Wyverne Hall as a companion to the elderly Dowager Marchioness, a job which pays very well for duties which include little more than reading the old lady racy French novels - mainly due to the scandalous reputation of the Wyverne family.

Lord Drake, heir to the Wyverne title, no longer lives at the family seat, having distanced himself from his infamous father, the Marquess, and disreputable step-mother, but he still visits the house to see his beloved grandmother. He generally takes little account of his grandmother's middle-aged companions, but Mademoiselle Delavallois is something quite different. He becomes captivated by her, and is sure he has met her before somewhere... if only he could remember where?

Sophie cares little that working for the Wyverne family will reflect badly upon her own reputation, for she is not quite what she appears to be. However, she cannot allow herself to fall for the young Viscount and become distracted from her purpose. For Sophie's quest is not for love, but for revenge...

Welcome to more Regency gorgeousness from the pen of Emma Orchard, with a story that takes place outside the strict codes of the haut ton, in a family steeped in scandal. She pulls out all the stops in her latest escapist novel to conjure a tale which is a delicious concoction of riotous revenge scheme, helter-skelter heist plot, and risque romance. And I was here for it all!

Sprawling Wyverne Hall makes a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop for this tale, with a lovely contrast between its opulent public rooms and the hidden, forgotten passageways that ooze Gothic vibes. Against this imagination stirring backdrop, the threads of the story around Sophie's plans for retribution unfurl, revealing her reasons for being here, and showcasing the very particular skills that have kept her alive against the odds.

Orchard has a lot of fun going overboard in the den of iniquity vein, indulging in scenes on a grand scale that paint Marquess Wyverne as morally corrupt as they come, with a wife to match. Weaving in and out of the salacious, show-stopper vignettes, the more intimate side of the story emerges as Sophie's turbulent emotions threaten to derail her carefully laid plans. Unexpectedly, she becomes fond of the elderly Dowager Marchioness, and an all-consuming, passionate affair blossoms between her and Lord Drake, a man very different from his father. I absolutely loved the astute and unapologetic old Dowager, who has lived life to the full; and the bumpy road to happiness of Sophie and Lord Drake was just the ticket for hitting the romantic hot spot in more ways than one - oh my, those steamy, roof-top trysts!

This was a lot of fun, and so much more than a light romantic dalliance. The highly enjoyable crime caper to adds pace with its slick twists and turns, and there are cracking characters to love and loath too. Emma Orchard is rapidly becoming a bit of a favourite with me for an entertaining literary romp. I cannot wait to read more of her page-turning Regency delights.

Might not have been for me

Officially, Sophie is the Dowager's new companion. But she is really in the Wyverne's mansion to get her revenge. Until she meets Lord Drake, returning to his childhood home only to visit his grandmother. The instant he sees her, he knows there's something about her, even if he can't seem to figure it out. Drawn together despite the situation, Sophie is determined not to fall for the enemy and enact her revenge.

I found the premice of this book quite intriguing. The one-sided enemies to lovers, the woman endorsing a false identity to get revenge for her family, it was all very promising and exciting. I did enjoy the story overall, but not as much as I expected. The romance felt a bit rushed, and the spice came too quickly for my taste in a regency romance, but that's personal. I found some aspects of the spice/romance quite cringy and weird at times, which kind of threw me off and disturbed my reading. As for the relationship in itself, it felt a bit rushed and like the characters didn't really know one another even at the end of the book. I did however enjoy the revenge plot and Drake's reaction when he learned the truth. All in all, it could have been great, but it wasn't for me, I think.

If you like regency romance with spice and an interesting subplot, maybe you could give this one a chance!

“None of this would be so hard if you didn’t love me as much as I love you.”

Also known as For the Viscount’s Eyes Only, this is the third book I have enjoyed by this author. Sophie Delavallois has arrived at Wyverne Hall as the new companion to the aged Dowager Marchioness, but she is not what she seems. She is really there to take her revenge on the Marquis for his previous behaviour towards her father, which left the family destitute and forced her into a very different life in order to survive.
Lord Drake (the Viscount of the title) is suspicious of Sophie to begin with, though there is something familiar about her that he cannot quite put his finger on. She doesn’t trust him either as his reputation has been tarnished by his father’s despicable behaviour. She is drawn to him, but cannot allow herself to be distracted. Rafe has distanced himself from his father, and usually only goes to Wyverne Hall to visit his beloved grandmother – now he also needs to make sure that Sophie comes to no harm.
There is none of the usual miscommunication here, as he discovers what she plans to do. Unlike a lot of novels set in the Regency period, The Viscount and the Thief has more to it than just another tale of debutantes attending balls in the hope of finding a rich husband – there is a lot of tension as Sophie tries to execute her part of the plan. Despite the life she has been forced to live, the reader is on Sophie’s side. The story is told from the perspectives of Sophie and Rafe, so we get insight into what is going on – both sides of the story. I have enjoyed all this author’s books and look forward to her next one. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

Heat Factor: Oral on the castle roof, and no, that’s not a euphemism

Character Chemistry: Instant connection

Plot: Dealing with a Bad Dad of Romance

Overall: This is a high tension book that went in an unexpected direction

So this was originally published as The Viscount and the Thief (since it only came out in November, I’m not sure when the title changed). That title does capture a central conflict—that Rafe is a viscount and Sophie is planning on stealing all of the family jewels—but does not convey how ultimately unimportant that conflict ends up being. Despite the conflict not going the way I expected, I was absolutely riveted by the tension in the first half of the book.

The tension starts immediately, with a masterful use of villain POV. Yes, it is I, Holly, who loathes villain POV, praising its use. Most of the Prologue is told from Rafe’s perspective, as he navigates a ball and dances with a young woman. But then, in the final two paragraphs, we switch perspectives to an older man—Rafe’s father—watching the dancers. And he’s not watching them with the doting eyes of a father dreaming of a match for his son, but as a hunter stalking his prey.

End scene.

This moment works well to build tension in that we see that there are stakes, but not what they will be. What exactly is this Bad Dad after? Is he out to sabotage his son? Or is he after the young woman? In addition, we don’t get so deep into the POV that we fall into the traps of villain perspectives that really drive me up the wall, ie, the Mr. Burns hands while we think about our dastardly plans.

Orchard successfully builds on this tension throughout the first half of the book. We meet Sophie, who creates a false identity to get a job as a companion to Rafe’s grandmother. We meet her handler, and know that she’s going in to steal…something. We go with Sophie to the ancestral castle where she’ll be working, which is simultaneously enormous and claustrophobic. We watch as Rafe circles around Sophie, certain that something is off about her. We see hints of debauchery in the background, as Bad Dad does his Bad Dad routine. All of this works together to ratchet up the stakes.

The tension still holds when we get our first plot twist: about a third of the way into the book, Rafe figures out who Sophie really is and why she’s there…and he doesn’t care. In fact, he decides to help her rob his father! Now, instead of the conflict pushing Sophie and Rafe apart, it’s pushing them together, as they team up against a common opponent. Have I mentioned that Rafe’s dad, is, like, the worst?

The heist itself happens about halfway through the book, which is odd in terms of pacing, but still works because while Sophie has the jewels in her possession, she can’t actually leave the house.

However, I do want to pause a moment and talk about the circumstances of the theft. So Bad Dad has a Bad Wife, who is very vulgar. Bad Wife wears all her jewels all the time, in a very vulgar way. Now, Bad Wife is going to engage in a ho-off à la Messalina (or, for those who read Old Skool, à la Niall’s Bad Wife in Skye O’Malley), so Sophie removes all of the jewelry from Bad Wife’s naked body after she passes out in the ballroom, having won the ho-off after servicing 25 men. Even though Orchard very clearly has Sophie reflect on Bad Wife’s potential lack of consent in this situation, the whole thing was gross and over the top. Why are romance villains so extremely terrible? Why can’t they just be like, normal levels of terrible? Being awful can be mundane.

Anyways, after the jewel theft the tension shifts again, as the setting becomes more and more claustrophobic. At this point, Sophie and Rafe are full-on danger banging while they play cat and mouse with Bad Dad, who is aggressively working to ferret out the thief.

I am planning on getting spoilery here, so here’s your note that it’s time to bail if you don’t want them.

About two-thirds into the book, there’s a big showdown between Sophie, Rafe, Sophie’s handler, and Bad Dad. Sophie is discovered! Secrets are revealed! And Bad Dad…dies. From shock. In his bed, after the fact. It’s very anticlimactic.

At this point, all of the tension goes out of the story. This final conflict shift, as Sophie and Rafe now have to address the opposition between them that they pushed aside to danger bang, doesn’t quite work. Now, instead of figuring out how to manage their external problem while also sometimes angsting about how their relationship has an end-date, they spend all their time angsting about how their relationship is impossible—even though their biggest obstacle is now out of the picture. Actually, Sophie spends all of her time angsting about how impossible the relationship is, and Rafe is trying to convince her that she’s wrong. And then “accidentally” manipulating her into seeing she’s wrong. (He announces that they’re engaged when his brother shows up.) I’m making the dynamic sound more lopsided than it actually is, because they do work out their problems by having a long, drawn-out heart to heart and I didn’t feel like Sophie stayed in the end because she felt she had to.

I don’t want to make it sound like I disliked this book, because despite it getting stuck towards the end, I did enjoy it. The voice is great—it’s just staid enough to telegraph historical romance without being wooden or overwritten. The characters are interesting, and despite the nonsense surrounding the Bad Dad and his overwrought machinations, they do have compelling forces pushing them apart and beleivable chemistry pulling them together. In short, even if this book wasn’t perfect, there was enough good here that I would read another book by this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

In this fantastic new and spicy Regency romance novel, Emma Orchard works her magic to bring Sophie Delavallois to life in spring 1811. The new companion to a dowager marchioness, Sophie has several secrets behind her job and working for the matron of Wyverne Hall. Lord Drake, the marchioness’s grandson, rarely returns to Wyverne, but his latest visit when he meets Sophie is strange because she seems vaguely familiar. Here on a mission of revenge, Sophie cannot act on her attraction towards Drake because it will only get in the way of her plan, but the best plans are not foolproof, and Drake may play a different role in Sophie’s story. With two excellent narrators and well-written and spicy interactions between them, readers will love this new Regency romance for its passionate and exciting plot and the fantastic character development. The characters are the star of the novel, and Sophie is a complex and deeply enjoyable protagonist with great motivations and a clever mind. The atmosphere of a house party and various Regency tropes and situations only add to the historical element of this romance novel, and readers will love the ways in which Sophie and Drake interact and grow over the course of this fantastic new title.

I’ve seen and heard about the books by this author because they keep popping up anytime I see anything about Bridgerton. This made me curious so when this book popped onto my radar I was too tempted to turn it down and I’m glad I didn’t. I loved this book, it drew me in from the first pages and though I started reading it late one evening I was tempted to keep going all night. It’s one of those books that has you thinking, just one more chapter, a few more pages, and next thing you know you’ve read half the book or only have 10% left according to your kindle, and it seems silly to stop reading there.

I liked Sophie, Drake and the Dowager Marchioness. All of them are strong, solid characters who find themselves in positions that they would rather not be in, for various reasons, though all are connected to Lord Wyverne. The way they dealt with their situations were fitting I felt, for the time period and in some cases quite dramatic. There’s a lot in this story including plenty of drama and tension which I hadn’t expected. I thought there would be some drama given the title and the blurb but I hadn’t expected as much as there was, but again it was fitting.

The descriptions of the house, the rooms used and even the grounds were brilliantly clear. I have very vivid imagery in my head when I read and when reading this book I could clearly see the little details described, for example in Lord Drake’s bedroom, even down to the pattern on the wallpaper, I also felt all the tension and worry of the characters as events unfolded in the book. When this is what my reading experience is like, then I know it’s a really good book.

If you’re looking for a period drama, something with some tension, a bit of spice and a read that will keep you wondering then this book is definitely worth checking out.

For a romance book, this was so surprising in a number of positive ways. There doesn't seem to be any of the usual tropes present and it was a very pleasant read. Sophie and Rafe were fantastic characters and did the unexpected. Just when I thought that Sophie would object or withdraw or be horrified, she turned out to be quite the opposite in a way that made her a superb protagonist and thoroughly 'modern' woman of the times.

Without any spoilers, I assumed that there would be a power play of wickedness or some underhanded plot that a certain character would use to assert dominance. Pleasantly, the story went in a different direction. Just when I thought that certain things were bound to happen, being a romance genre, they didn't and others did. A very fresh perspective and one I greatly valued.

It was beautifully written and I found it quite hard to stop reading once I had started. This is my third read from Emma Orchard and I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed them all!
4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to Netgalley, and Boldwood books for allowing me the chance to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.

If you’re a fan of period dramas, this book delivers a light, enjoyable read brimming with Regency charm. The story had a solid foundation—a promising plot with an engaging setup. The author does an excellent job capturing the spirit of Regency England, crafting a lively tale with a colorful cast of characters. While not all were particularly likable, the Marchioness stood out as someone I’d love to meet in real life.

Though the story leaned into melodrama and cheesiness, it carried a certain charm—like a Victorian Hallmark Spanish telenovela. Some moments were so over-the-top they made me laugh instead of swoon, but the quirky tone added to its appeal.

With plenty of intrigue, simmering romance, and a hint of danger, this is an adorable, easy read that kept me engaged until the end. If you enjoy playful Regency mysteries with a dash of theatrics, this one is worth a try. I’m already looking forward to Emma Orchard’s next adventure!

“She had defended herself with ease –she didn’t need him to save her.”

Once again, For the Viscount’s Eyes Only was a delight to read. Emma Orchard has this way with words that brings you into the Regency Area, without overwhelming you. That’s the perfect balance that allows the story to be immersive but still fast paced enough to want to turn page after page (and, before you realize, this is the last one).
This novel doesn’t make an exception. Sophie is another strong MFC. I loved the hidden identities motif, but also how she can openly talk about this and all her past with Drake (and his with her). No miscommunication trope here, instead there are a lot of mysteries to solve, problems to get around, complicated people to deal with. I loved her strength(s), how resolute she is to get her revenge, but also how her feelings evolve afterwards. As often in Emma Orchard’s novel, Drake is very empowering and let her act, even though he is scared for her… because he TRUSTS her (so many feelings!). If you read for the steam, you’ll also find your scenes too.
The cast of side characters is amazing in its diversity, with a special mention to Drake’s father (who is super scary), and his amazing grandmother. I adored her. All these characters help to question the notion of Family, Appearances, Honor and Legacy. What does it change for someone to reject or to embrace their History? Does it define them?
With all that, the many plot twists and turns, and the French Heritage of many characters in the story, it felt like “Dangerous Liaisons” and Dumas’ novels had a romance novel baby. I loved every page.

Thank you Boldwood Books, Emma Orchard and Netgalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Sophie is hired as a companion for the Dowager of Wyverne, but it's not her true job. She's a thief. The plan is to steal all of the Marquess of Wyverne's jewels, including a necklace stolen from her family, eight years ago. Rafael's father, Lord Wyverne, is more wicked than rumors suspect. He and his third wife together are not acceptable to Society. Gossip accuses Rafe of having an affair with his step-mother. It's entirely revolting to him. Drawn to each other, Rafe remembers Sophie's real identity. The young lady he danced with at a ball eight years ago. Once again drawn to her, it isn't long before they begin an affair. A thief and an a heir. What kind of life could they have together? Full of tension and revelations.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The Viscount and the Thief is a sweet, clever, and surprisingly suspenseful Regency-era romance. Read this is you like a strong, capable FMC, instalove, heists, and saucy grandmas.

Sophie is not who she seems. She’s waited years to get her revenge on the man who stole her family’s fortune and took everything from her and now she’s been employed by him and has her chance. The only problem is, will Lord Wyverne’s son be a distraction from her plan?

This was my first historical romance by this author. The plot was unique and fun, especially for the genre. I thought the execution was a little rough. It felt very long winded at times and it caused the pacing to be off. Sometimes it felt so fast paced and interesting and other times I felt like i was being drug through the story. Overall, i liked the characters and the romance. I thought the spicy scenes were well written.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Emma Orchard and Boldwood publishing for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in my review are honest, voluntary and my own.