Alexandra Vasti: In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint

The second novella in Alexandra Vasti's “hot, smart, funny, and charming as hell”* Halifax Hellions series.

For seven years, Matilda Halifax and her twin have been the most scandalous ladies in London. But when Matilda accidentally sells erotic drawings of the brooding, reclusive Marquess of Ashford, she has—perhaps—gone a bit too far.

Christian de Bord, Lord Ashford, knows what it’s like to be notorious. Ever since he was accused of murdering his wife, prurient gossip has kept him isolated from society, alone and determined to protect his adolescent sister Bea. But when Matilda Halifax’s salacious pamphlet appears—featuring his own damned face!—he’s thrust back into the storm of public attention.

Bea’s painting teacher quits. Christian’s life is in an uproar. And the only person he can find to replace Bea’s tutor at his terrifying Gothic castle is Matilda herself. The last thing Christian needs is another scandal—especially not one with the most sinfully tempting face he’s ever seen.

But Matilda is determined to right what she’s set wrong. One fake elopement later, Matilda finds herself in a carriage on the way to Northumberland with Christian, whose scowls do little to hide the wounds he carries or the scorching passion beneath his reserve. Only Matilda Halifax could turn Christian’s disciplined life so decidedly inside out—and only Matilda can persuade him that love just might be worth the risk.

*Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author

CW: Accidental death, attempted sexual assault (off page, little description), BDSM, infidelity

This was book 2 in the series (I reviewed book 1 here) in the short, snappy ride-along adventure of an unlikely pair.  Matilda is part of the Halifax Hellions who have brought being scapegraces to new heights.  She is an artist (including some very naughty renderings) who happens to inadvertently attract the attention of the notorious Lord Ashford.

Lord Ashford doesn’t want anything to do with Matilda, yet through a series of short and terse letters, they form an unlikely bond.

Like the previous novella, there is swearing, adult subject matter, and on the page intimacy so not for kisses only fans.  However, readers who like some swearing and spice will enjoy Vasti’s exploration of a variety of fun tropes, including a road trip, forced proximity, one bed, and an age gap romance.  There is also some BDSM (consensual) content, mostly spanking and restraints and some dirty talk.

Readers who love a tortured hero will enjoy Lord Ashford, who is well matched with Matilda who has been harboring a secret crush on him for a few years.  I liked some of the exploration of siblings and also found family, although in short form its exploration is light.  Matilda is also a vegetarian, which is good representation for readers looking for that in their MCs.

I found this book to be a bit more angsty than the first, and with a lot of mangy cat action (I am dog person), but overall it was an enjoyable, short read.