About the Book:

BACK FROM THE DEAD, AN EARL SEEKS VENGEANCE…
Liam Devaliant, Lord Lockwood, was born into a charmed life. Charismatic, powerful, and wild, he had the world at his feet—and one woman as his aim. His wedding to Anna was meant to be his greatest triumph. Instead, in a single moment, a wicked conspiracy robbed him of his future and freedom.

…BUT WILL HIS LONG-LOST COUNTESS PAY THE PRICE?
Four years later, Liam has returned from death with plans for revenge. Standing in his way, though, is his long-absent bride. Once, he adored Anna’s courage. Now it seems like a curse, for Anna refuses to fear or forget him. If she can’t win back Liam’s love, then she means at least to save his soul…no matter the cost.

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The Sins of Lord Lockwood (Rules for the Reckless Book 6)

My Review:               

Anna, Lady Forth, is a Scottish heiress who must marry in order to control a property dear to her heart.  None of her suitors has tempted her until she meets Liam Devaliant, English Earl of Lockwood.  Liam is handsome and charming, but needs to marry money if he’s to improve his estates.  This couple quickly realizes that a union between them would be advantageous, and their undeniable chemistry is just a bonus.  They agree to a convenient marriage in which neither would restrict the other’s travels, but during their engagement, they find themselves falling in love, although they haven’t admitted it as such.  They look forward to their wedding day, (and night) only to quarrel, and to have Liam storm away and not return.

Over three years later, Anna learns (via the newspaper) that Liam has returned to his London home.  Anna never received one word from Liam during his entire absence, and he never advised her of his return.  Of course, she believes he solely married her for her dowry, and then humiliatingly left her on their wedding day.  She decides to confront Liam directly, but the man she finds is vastly different from the man she married.  Unknown to Anna, Liam just wanted time to cool off from their wedding day quarrel, and had every intention of returning and making things right.  However, he was kidnapped, and sent off on a prison ship to New South Wales.  The identity of Liam’s enemy is revealed very early, along with his motive.

Liam is not yet ready to face his wife.  His only thought is for revenge on the man who destroyed his life and stole years from him, and he has already set his plan of vengeance into motion.  It broke my heart to hear Liam refer to his younger self as dead, and as the man he used to be.  Currently Liam’s soul is full of darkness, and his mind and body full of scars.  THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD alternates between the bleak present time back to the light and happy time of Liam and Anna’s courtship.  Their current relationship is fraught with mistrust, uncertainty, and a sense of betrayal.  The situation looked so hopeless, that I began to despair of their finding any common ground.

Anna, however, is a force to be reckoned with.  Even before she learns the full truth of what happened, she is determined to fight for some semblance of a marriage, and she won’t be ignored or dismissed.  I love this amazing woman – she is so strong and brave.  Once she finally does learn the truth, she is just as determined to seek vengeance as Liam is, and then to help heal him.  What Liam had to endure is obviously horrible, and he’s not going to recover overnight.  (Meredith Duran does excel in torturing her heroes!)

THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD is not an easy or light read, but it’s brilliantly written, emotional, and powerful.  The dark times Liam and Anna endure only make them stronger and their hard won happiness all the more satisfying.  I’m finding it hard to find words to do justice to this magnificent book, except to conclude that it’s full of darkness, despair, redemption, then healing, and a beautiful, passionate love.   ~Rose