Notorious: A Thrilling Historical Regency Romance Saga (Rebels of the Ton Book 1) Kindle Edition

Nothing boring here. I've read it twice now, which I normally never do. It's one of her best.It's better if you read the previous one first.

After almost a 30-year hiatus from Regency romances, I rediscovered them thanks to Bridgerton and have been scouring Kindle Unlimited for books and authors to enjoy. Even those of us who enjoy this genre have to honestly admit that most regency books are so formulaic---the innocent heroine, the mysterious heroine, the rake, the reclusive lord, etc. I used to snicker at my friends who devour Hallmark movies until I realized I was guilty of the same thing with my Regency addiction and its novels' overall predictable plots. LOL. And while I can't say that "Notorious" is totally unique, the author certainly adds some interesting twists and spins with a hero who is half-English, half-Berber...and the worldview he brings to English society and his sudden bride. To me this book had all the hallmarks of a classic Regency novel with some added depth thrown in (such as he and his wife's handling of his 2 (ex) mistresses, and how that affects their relationship). The book explores subjects such as marriage, personal insecurities, illegitimacy, racial prejudice, honor, duty to country...I simply found it a slightly deeper read than most books of this kind. It shows Regency England in a less stodgy, more open minded light. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series. And yes, the epilogue does present a cliffhanger to make you want to read book 2!

This book is more than a romance novel. There are some steamy sex scenes for sure but they are not vulgarly described. I would go so far as to say that they are sensitively scripted. The dialogue is crisp, and the tension between the two protagonists fairly jumps off the page. As well, there is intrigue and suspense. The characters are well developed and the plot keeps the reader’s enthralled. I loved Gabriel’s tortured soul and Drusilla’s prickly nature. I’ll be reading the rest of this series. Thank you Minerva.

This book was charming and you could definitely become immersed in the plot. I loved Dru`s wit and courage. Although, Gabriel was every bit of a rake, I love that he valued integrity and loyalty and allowed growth. The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star is that I feel that Dru`s insecurities were the focus for about 60% or more of the book. There were too many pages dedicated to her feelings of inadequacy. Otherwise, the storyline included dry humor and a romance that draws the reader in.

I wouldn’t exactly call this a ‘thrilling’ historical romance novel, but it was a bit better than many I’ve read. There were some elements I liked and some that I really didn’t. I seldom give romances three stars as I really like the book or I really don’t and then give them the associated rating. This one, for me was neither terrible or wonderful.What I liked: a different kind of hero. Yes, he’s handsome, virile, and reasonably wealthy, but he is also not wholly English. He is from a presumed Middle Eastern country, the mythical Oran. His mother is English but she was part of a harem as one of the Sultan’s many wives. After the death of the Sultan and internal conflict with his half-brother over control of the Sultanate, Gabriel and his mother flee to London to take up a new life. Bottom line, I have no argument with the framing and development of Gabriel’s character and give kudos to the author for developing an atypical character with a few of his native cultural characteristics in tact.What I disliked: the female protagonist who grated on my nerves. Drusilla’s background is not as well developed, so there is little to point to to support her very annoying habit of doing things to sabotage her relationship with Gabriel in spite of the fact that she has been ‘in love’ with him for nearly 5 years. Caustic comments, outward disdain, and standoffish behavior rule their interactions through the first third of the novel. Of course, the author offers up an explanation for her behavior but, in my estimation, it didn’t seem sufficient to warrant her relentlessly off-putting behavior and poor decision-making.Of course, both characters have a professed reluctance to marry but the author employs the oft-used ‘caught embracing, so we are forced to marry’ trope to get them together. There are a few marginally developed side characters with Eva, Drusilla’s friend, being the most fleshed-out. There’s a reason for that: she will be the star of the next novel in the series as was made obvious by the lead-in ending to this novel. Finally, there is a satisfying, if somewhat melodramatic, HEA.So, will I read the next book in the series, the beautiful, head-strong Eva’s story? Since it’s available through KU probably. If I had to pay for it, probably not.

I very nearly bailed out of the first half. The female is TSTL, angsty, flip-flopping, and too cruel to the male. My eyes were rolling. Eventually, she did get with the program and the book gets much better. Also there is much more plot.

This book had a lot of angst & miscommunication in it but it was just enough to also keep me reading it for a day straight. I do feel like there were some plot holes concerning Drusilla's feelings an what happened with Rowley and the charity houses.I also really hated the way Drusilla just had to suck it up when it came to her own feelings about the marriage, his mistresses, and their relationship in general. It felt like she was the one who was always apologizing & sure she should have apologized for the stuff she did but he also did a lot that should be apologized for.I really hate the idea of the couple we hear of at the end. Like it couldn't have been Tommy? ESPECIALLY with the next hero's hang ups AND plans to harm ppl in the heroine's life.Lastly, this was so messy & angsty that I'll be reading book 2 now.

The first part of the book was so slow moving that I almost abandoned it. I skipped over many paragraphs. Finally an interesting story then suddenly the book came to a screeching stop with a filmsey epilogue the point of which seemed to be advertising the next book.

This is a magnificently crafted story that is a wonderful start to this promising series. This thrilling plot is full of emotion and amazingly portrayed characters, as well as some steamy interludes. The suspense help to make this a very compellingly read.

Urgh loved it and will definitely be reading book 2 what a twist. Brilliant regency novel unique take. New favourite 😍

I enjoy Ms spencer's books, and this one follows people who were in Scandalous. I enjoyed it very much. It was an easy and interesting read.

This was not about race, or acceptance...it was about lifestyle choices. Lead female was a terrible doormat with NO self respect...claims she fell in love with the lead male when she first saw him naked 5 years early - what tripe. I think we all know there is more than love to that - she obviously confused love with lust.Lead male is a hypocritical man whore who likely comes with a disease. His ménage relationship with his mistresses and his obvious love for them was distasteful - and his TSTL, needy wife wanted him even though he was with them, and agreed to have a friendship with them to make things easier for him (he has known the lead female for 5 years, is engaged to her and still goes and cozies up to his whores, calling them his love etc). This dumb lead female should get real and realize that she is nothing to him - his obsession with his two mistresses is telling.As for love...there is is none here. The lead male said he only realized he loved her after she accepted his illegitimate son - soo many strings attached. She had to accept his ménage relationship with Giselle and Marie, his illegitimate son, his flirting and the fact that he could sleep around whenever he wanted, but she was to do what he said and be available only to him. He was a misogynistic hypocrite, while she was a spineless doormat...she conceded everything, while he took everything. The lead female deserves what she gets from this one sided relationship!

First I thought I was not going to like Gabriel Marlington. In the end, I was completely surrended to this story. Great book!!