Early Review of Shameless (The House of Rohan, #4) by Anne Stuart

• Title: Shameless 
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Format: Paperback, 416 pages
• Publisher: Mira; Original edition (June 21, 2011) 
• ISBN-10: 0778312976
• ISBN-13: 978-0778312970
• Notes: Has language some might find offensive. Contains some violence towards woman and children, but does not go into great detail about it.

They say opposites attract, and, if that's the case, Benedick never had a chance.....

Melisande was known to be a very generous person. Her good deeds had won her the nickname of Charity. Her current pet project was a house of reform for women so they could better their place in society. Most were former prostitutes, unfortunately, some of her charges hadn't completely let go of their former livelihood. Her mission that day was to retrieve Violet Highstreet before she once again was pulled into the wretched profession.

Benedick was known as one of the wicked Rohans and reputed to be able to tempt a saint to sin with his devilish smile. His mission that day was to lose himself to the pleasures of the flesh.

The first meeting of Lady Melisande 'Charity' Castairs and Viscount Benedict Rohan did not go well at all. Truth be told, it went horribly....

Benedict had made the mistake of thinking the women who came to retrieve Violet was upset because he did not make arrangements through her. He would never have made the indecent proposal to her had he thought she truly was a lady.

As fate would have it, their paths would cross again...

One of Melisande's girls had disappeared. The most likely culprit the Heavenly Hosts, an organization whose original founder was Benedict's great-grandfather's cousin. Ten years ago the group disbanded and was thought to have gone out of existence. Some unknown person, however, has revived it and the group is a more sinister version of it's predecessor. While the original group refused to cross some moral boundaries, the current group has an anything goes policy. Rumor has it that children and the unwilling are being abused, and there is speculation that a human sacrifice is forthcoming. There is also gossip that Benedict's younger brother, Brandon, is somehow involved. Together Benedict and Melisande will attempt to get at the truth of what the Heavenly Hosts are up to, and, if the rumors are found to be true, stop it. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I truly liked Melisande. She is determined to live her life man free after having two unfulfilling relationships. While most would see her as a 'goodie goodie' type of character, she is determined to live life without fear of what society thinks, and she has enough money that she doesn't have to care. I think this attitude makes her a perfect fit for the Rohan family. Benedict is truly deliciously irresistible. He is determined never to love again and will marry a respectable woman for the strict purpose of getting an heir. His extra curricular activities, however, will be anything but respectable. Watching each come to terms with their feelings is fun. The chemistry between the two is scorchingly hot. So if you don't mind taking a walk on the dark side, then pick up a copy of this book. You'll be glad you did. If you're unsure whether you wish to read the series, then make sure to check out the prequel, The Wicked House of Rohan, which is free for a limited time on Amazon. 

I wonder if there will be a spin-off from this series for the ladies that Melisande is attempting to save? I also wonder what transpired between Brandon and Emma? That I guess, will be left for another book.

I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses.

Oder series should be read:
 



























 .5)The Wicked House of Rohan (prequel/novella - free for a limited time on Kindle)
1) Ruthless
2) Reckless
3) Breathless
4) Shameless