The Trouble With Sin

Devilish Vignettes (the Devil DeVere) #2

by Victoria Vane

**The Trouble with Sin (Devilish Vignette #2) is a comic romp that follows on the heels of Devil in the Making. It is also a prequel to Jewel of the East ( book #5 in the Devil Devere series)

The Trouble with Sin … Is the devil within…
Aspiring poet Simon "Sin" Singleton, has lived his life only for larks, laughter, and ladies of easy virtue, eluding defying, and flouting all manner of authority until his impetuous misdeeds finally catch up with him. Having lost his muse, his allowance, and even his friends by edict from a tyrannical father and puritanical mother, Simon is ready to drown himself in drink, until receiving an ingenious proposition that could change everything.

The wages of Sin is…...twenty-five percent of the net!It seems a fantasy come true when Simon is offered an independent income by combining his two great passions— poetry and lewd women —by writing poetry about lewd women! Unfortunately, maintaining anonymity may be much harder than he thought…
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES:
A Wild Night's Bride #1
The Virgin Huntress#2
The Devil You Know #3
The Devil's Match #4
A Devil's Touch #4.5
Jewel Of the East #5
PREQUEL VIGNETTES:
Devil in the Making #1
The Trouble With Sin #2
Ned's Folly#3

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Romance, Novella, Regency, Amazon

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2013

About the author

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

Victoria Vane is a bestselling award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her books have received many accolades to include the 2016 Red Carpet Award for Jewel of the East, 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations as well as Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series. Victoria also writes romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee. Look for her new Highland saga coming summer of 2017.


Contact info:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com Website: www.victoriavane.com
Blog: www.embracingromance.com
Blog:https://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpres...
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YVeXrf
Twitter: @authorvictoriav Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1vONQZh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10QMKT5 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1sccsM4
YOU TUBE : http://bit.ly/1yNtEMP

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for ROUGH RIDER
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for JEWEL OF THE EAST
2015 Red Carpet Finals for SLOW HAND
2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Tempatations
2014 Rone Nomination for The Sheik Retold also LASR Best Book 2013 Nominee
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
•IRC Reader's Choice historical romance nominee
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Virgin Huntress
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil You Know
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance Nominee
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil's Match
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
A Devil's Touch
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella 2013 nominee
A Breach of Promise , December 2011 Ellora's Cave
• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance

5 Stars!! Simon “Sin” Singleton is adorable!! A fun engaging story, with a heart-wrenching ending that leads us into Jewel of the East!! The wait is going to kill me!

Victoria Vane is in a class by herself, her writing and storytelling is consistently good, she is always at the top of her game and The Trouble With Sin is no exception.

DeVere, Ned and Simon are at it again. When these 3 debauched mischief-makers get together, it is nothing but hilarious. The dialogue is rich and flows effortlessly, and the reader can’t help but laugh and smile at the antics of these charming, wicked young men.

Simon is a hopeless romantic, always looking to enrich his sexuality, but he’s always the gentleman. Woman play on his sensitivities and he constantly finds himself in a position of being their champion. His parents aren’t pleased with the direction his life is taking and the company he keeps, namely DeVere, so they reduce his quarterly allowance, and without funds, it’s cramping his style and cutting into his social life. Skilled with words and his pen, he accepts an offer to embellish a directory profiling the sexually experienced women of Covent Garden. Simon considers it a means to line his pockets and provide a much needed service…LMAO!!

"Has Sin not told you, Ned? But I suppose you've been away too long to have heard. Sin has taken Harris' directory of Covent Garden whores to poetic heights."
Ned sat back and eyed Simon from beneath furrowed brows. "So you have become a pimp?"
"Come now, Ned, such contempt?" DeVere protested. "The man does the world a service. Don't be such a prig!" Ned only seemed to grow even more disapproving.
"I only call a spade a bloody spade—and a pimp, however poetically inclined, is still a pimp. You waste your breath if you think to convince me that this is a philanthropic endeavor."
"My dear Ned," Simon replied, "we speak of a business dating back to man's fall from Grace, and as long as man remains thusly, a need will always exist to provide gratification of his carnal appetites."

This is just a sampling of a conversation that had me in stitches, one of many treats you’ll find in this book. The Devilish Vignettes are not romance driven, it’s all about the characters, and it’s all good!! We get see these men we’ve grown to love in The Devil DeVere series in their youth and the events in their lives that shaped them into who they become. No matter how may words Victoria Vane chooses to use for her stories, they are complete and leave the reader satisfied. These little snippets enhance a series that stands well enough on its one, and this reader appreciates the author’s efforts to give us more!

If you enjoy historical romance and haven’t read The Devil DeVere series, start with A Wild Night's Bride, you’ll wonder what took you so long!




**A copy of this book was kindly provided by Victoria Vane in exchange for honest review**

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heads up! This VERY AWESOME story is free as of today, May 25th, on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-With-De...


The Trouble With Sin is the second installment in Victoria Vane's Devilish Vignettes series. It's funny, sexy, romantic, and told as only Ms. Vane can tell a story.

I enjoyed getting to know Simon "Sin" Singleton better! I felt bad for him with all he has to do to please and appease his parents. But I also enjoyed his escapades as he comes up with devious ways pull the wool over their eyes and live life on his own terms.

And of course, it's always a pleasure to visit with DeVere and Ned and finding out what kind of trouble they're up to!

I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Sin!

My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! So much fun!

[KatLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Once again Victoria Vane's talent shines with this well crafted vignette giving insight into the early lives of three best friends who are featured in the Devil Devere Series.

The Trouble with Sin spotlights Simon "Sin" Singleton. He has a great passion for lewd women and how appropriate that he finds a way to earn some much needed coin by writing salacious poetry highlighting each of the ladies special ‘charms’.

“Arrest your search, thou amorous youth, and behold this verse of untainted truth: Her gaze belies the flame within, and her mouth would tempt a saint to sin.”

Unfortunately, his days of debauchery ends with his father’s fury and a mother’s heartache whose plans for him included the clergy. The punishment is severe and brings the reader to the start of book #5 in the Devil Devere series, Jewel of the East.

This is not a romance. Each of these comic romps gives more information about the characters that appear in the Devere series. Ms. Vane has an amazing talent and no matter the length, the reader will not feel shortchanged as each publication is packed with delight!

This is a quick, fun read! I highly recommend Victoria Vane’s historicals and suggest you begin with book #1 in the Devil Devere Series, A Wild Night’s Bride.

THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
A Wild Night's Bride - #1
The Virgin Huntress - #2
The Devil You Know - #3
The Devil's Match - #4
A Devil's Touch - #4.5
Jewel Of the East - #5 (coming March 2013)

PREQUEL VIGNETTES
Devil in the Making - #1
The Trouble with Sin - #2
Ned's Folly - #3 (Spring 2013)


**A copy courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Victoria. It was a pleasure!**

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story Rating, 5 entertaining Stars
Character Rating, 5 Stars
Romance Level, none
Heat Level, 1 Star
Overall Rating, 5 Stars

Once again Victoria Vane AMAZES ME with her talent to write a short story that pacts a punch!

I loved this short story that gave us a look into Simon Singleton's younger years along with Ned and the Devil Devere himself. This was a very entertaining read that had some LOL moments. It also explained away how Simon's escapades with his lust of woman and the explicit poems he writes about them ends with him in deep water with his parents.

I can hardly wait to get the rest of Simon's story when The Jewel Of The East is released.

**A copy of this book was kindly provided by Victoria Vane in exchange for honest review**

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon “Sin” Singleton can’t resist a job offer made to him to write poetry about lewd women. He needs to earn an income and he can think of nothing better than by writing about two of his favorite things! The fun and games begins trying to keep this somewhat job from under the radar of his straight laced family.

This is absolutely hilarious. It really shows the cheeky side of Simon, his love for life and his adoration for women. Oh how he loves his women!

As usual Victoria Vane doesn’t disappoint with the storyline and witty dialogue. It’s another winner. Enjoy!


*ARC generously provided by Victoria Vane for an honest review.*

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Vane is back with another fun look into her popular Devil DeVere series! This time we get a nice glimpse of the upcoming hero for Jewel to the East, Simon 'Sin' Singleton...and how he came to earn the nickname of Sin. His parents have had enough of Simon's carefree attitude about life and it forces Simon to earn his way if he wants to keep enjoying all the women in his life. When an opportunity comes his way to write advertisements for women, in essence poetry about lewd women, he thinks his luck is about to change! Ah, but then there is a lovely woman that he just has to have...and she needs a silk dress...and there goes his money in the blink of an eye. His soft heart for women is his biggest downfall as well as his greatest joy.

Guaranteed to make you giggle and smile, this is witty installment to the wonderful, detailed Georgian world that Victoria Vane has created. This glimpse of Simon as a younger lad and how he comes to be the man we will see later is well written and smart and will make you that more anxious for him to find his true love and settle down! I know I can not wait to see him fall :) If you are new to her writing, this works well as a stand alone but as this is just a prequel of what is to come, there is no romance or solid conclusion. I enjoyed seeing a bit more of the solid friendship between Ludovic and Ned and how all their antics together change their lives forever. Even though this is short, it is well written, well thought out and executed brilliantly. 4 stars

Review copy provided by the author, thanks so much!

[Victoria Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

**AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRSJELK**

Excerpt:

"How could you possibly wish to risk dirtying your hands with something like this?" Ned asked. "Are you not still bound for the clergy, Sin?"
"That, my friend is a two part question that I must answer in kind," Simon replied. "While my dear devout mother would have me join the church, I have searched deeply and cannot summon an inkling of pious sentiment. Moreover, my natural inclination to licentiousness is decidedly incompatible with a theological vocation. With my two great passions being poetry and women of easy virtue, not necessarily in that order, I fear all combines to make me an exceedingly poor candidate for the clergy.
"This now leads to part two. Why would I dirty my hands? The sad truth is that I am in need of the money."
"Money? But you receive a more than adequate allowance."
"Most of which he squanders on entertaining the aforementioned women of easy virtue," DeVere laughed.
"Admittedly," Simon confessed, unabashed. "And now my father has not only reduced my quarterly allowance, but demands a full account of every ha'penny. I tell you, it is humiliating in the extreme. Unless I wish to live under such a yoke for the next three years, which I positively do not, I must find a way to make my living, and if I must travail for my bread, what better way than by the fruits of my pen?"
"How better indeed," Ned replied dryly. "So now you combine these passions for poetry and lewd woman by writing poetry about lewd women?"
"Precisely!" Simon clapped Ned on the back. "Don't you see the ironic beauty of it? This venture with Harris is the perfect solution"
"What do you suppose will happen when your dear devout Mama gets wind of it?" Ned asked.
"My parents will never know anything about it, for I have taken every precaution to ensure my anonymity. Only you, DeVere and Harris are privy to my identity." He retrieved the book from DeVere. "My contribution to this little work is, and shall forever remain, a well-kept secret."

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those three, young, roguish friends, Ludovic (The Devil) DeVere, Simon (Sin) Singleton and Ned (Dull Dog) Chambers are back to entertain us with more bawdy misadventures! This time it is Sin's turn in the spotlight.

Sin has two weaknesses – women and a penchant for writing lewd poetry. He also has a big problem – a lack of funds with which to indulge said inclinations. Of course, his attempts to remedy the situation involve not only subterfuge but also lead him into a number of wickedly funny situations involving:

Not only a…



But also a…



Not to mention a…



Plus assorted…



And not forgetting a…



Although this is not a romance, don’t let that put you off. It would be a pity to miss such ribald delights as this…

"Has Sin not told you, Ned? But I suppose you've been away too long to have heard. Sin has taken Harris' directory of Covent Garden whores to poetic heights."
Ned sat back and eyed Simon from beneath furrowed brows. "So you have become a pimp?"
"Come now, Ned, such contempt?" DeVere protested. "The man does the world a service. Don't be such a prig!"
Ned only seemed to grow even more disapproving. "I only call a spade a bloody spade—and a pimp, however poetically inclined, is still a pimp. You waste your breath if you think to convince me that this is a philanthropic endeavor."
"My dear Ned," Simon replied, "we speak of a business dating back to man's fall from Grace, and as long as man remains thusly, a need will always exist to provide gratification of his carnal appetites."
Ned argued, "Judging by the thousands of whores and illegitimate spawn habiting this city, I would say that man has managed quite well unassisted."

The darker Epilogue sets the scene for Sin and Salime’s story in the forthcoming Jewel of the East.

Ms Vane has given us another delightfully naughty Georgian romp full of witty banter and fun characters.

VERDICT: A MUST READ

RATING: 5/5 STARS

The Devilish Vignettes:

and Phoebe's Prince (cover not yet available)


My sincere thanks to Victoria Vane for providing me with a copy of this vignette in return for an honest review.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Victoria Vane
Published By: V.V.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"The Trouble With Sin" by Victoria Vane was another one of this author's Devilish Vignette #2 romance series that was beautifully done in her own way of writing and storytelling. In this short read we find the three friends back together again which as we all know will only lead to mischief during their younger years. I found this read making me laugh so hard at some of the things that were going on from these guys, especially Simon, with his love of life and the women. SIMON LOVED HIM SOME WOMEN! Now, we see that Simons' allowance has been partly cut off by his father, so he must earn a living to make up this difference and so he could keep up with his style of living. "He loves poetry, women...now calling himself a poet...and writes lewd verses for a 'bawdy house'...For Simon found a way to earn needed coins by writing salacious poetry...really highlighting each of the ladies special charms." OMG! What happens when Simon's mom and dad well... now, I will stop here and tell you to pick up "The Trouble With Sin" to see how this author writes such a colorful adventure way that only Ms. Vane can do leading us up to
want more! The characters that were added in the short read will be very captivating keeping you turning the pages where you will be anxiously waiting to see just where this author will take us... and only waiting for the next series...'The Jewel of the East.' I can't hardly wait to see what Ms. Vane has instore for us next.


Thank you for a good enjoyable read of "The Trouble With Sin" Ms. Vane.

[Daisy Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will appear at Romantic Historical Book Lovers


Longtime friends are a rare and delicious treat. Devil DeVere, Simon “Sin” Singleton, Edward “Ned” Chambers have been friends most of their lives. They’ve been through so much together and with the Devilish Vignettes we get to meet them in their early years. The years where they’re still young and foolish. They pull pranks, act without thinking, and wreak havoc on those around them.

In The Trouble with Sin we find our resident poet, Sin, in trouble with his parents. They’ve taken him to task and expect him to reform. Sin has other ideas. He uses his power over words to make a few coins to make up for the coin his parents no longer give him. Oh! The horror! Now, he just has to keep his parents from finding out!

I found myself snickering at the predicaments Sin found himself in. He’s just a young man trying to find his way in this world. His own way. His parents have other ideas and he rebels. I was giggling and few times I laughed out loud. I also felt bad for him. He’s such a good-hearted person and time after time, he found himself being taken.

Only a person with a heart the size of Sin’s could land him in this much trouble. Well, that and the fact that he’s still young and impetuous!

We rarely get to meet the main characters of books we love in their early years. We may get snippets of their lives from before, but we don’t get to live it with them. In the Devilish Vignettes, Victoria Vane gives us that history. We get the story of their early years before they found the loves of their lives. It gives us more insight into their characters and makes us love them all the more.

The Trouble with Sin is not a romantic story. But it gives us that elusive insight into a character we’ll get to know in one of Victoria Vane’s upcoming stories, Jewel of the East. We’ve met Sin before in her other stories, but this time around we’ll get his story. This Devilish Vignette will only add to his story when it comes out.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lariza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Man these guys seem to be a magnet for trouble and Simon is no exception! Simon is a poet and a lover of all things female. His exploits with DeVere have gotten him in trouble at school and with his parents. Poor Simon can't catch a break with the ladies as they all take advantage of him and that gets him in more trouble. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more of DeVere and his friends!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the brilliant "DeVere" historical romance series!

Read full review in the 2013 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Treece · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble the Sin by Victoria Vane
Series: Devilish Vignettes #2

INTRO

Have you ever started reading a new story or novel, and instantly, your mind produces theme music or a score to accompany the characters? “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak resounded through my imagination once Simon “Sin” Singleton took center stage in The Trouble with Sin. Womankind fuels his youthful rebellion and the lessons learned are tried and true. This vignette offers the realities of youth and coming-of-age in the Georgian era. How very different from our own times while striking a chord of truths to move a reader beyond the boundaries of history—or her-story.

Okay, so you don’t like Chris Isaak? You say he’s too whiny? Then the only replacement I could think of was Prince. Take your pick, the Purple One is prolific to the point of excess and besides, I think he could appreciate Simon’s poems.

SYNOPSIS OVERVIEW

What happens when Simon “Sin” Singleton’s misdeeds finally catch up with him? He finds a way to thumb his nose at his overbearing father and straight-laced mother by indulging in his favorite illicit pastime, and earning an income, when his allowance is cut off. Sin soon learns that without the protection of his friends, the price of false independence is high and the cost is not worth the fleeting defiance he expresses towards his parents. Without Ned’s temperance to guide him and DeVere’s cunning to instruct him on self-preservation, Sin’s choices force him to confront the winds of caprice and the possibility of his parents’ wrath if he is caught. Indeed, the “wages of Sin” weighs in.

Just a little warning in case you’ve not had the immense pleasure of exploring Ms. Vane’s stories. There’s amazing research and brilliant notes at the end to support the characterization, plot elements, and the historical twists and turns. The language is strong and the content is adult themed, bursting at the seams with the seedier elements of London, particularly Covent Garden, and the skin trade. So if you’re easily offended—wait a moment! If you’ve made it past the first meeting with DeVere & Co., why am I warning you? Except to tell you that in terms of sexual content, lust is verbally expressed but kept behind doors, and this works quite well with the flavor of the writing. By no means was I disappointed by the less visual aspects.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Through Ms. Vane’s insightful depictions, I’ve come to understand how well we can all connect with her Georgian nobles. If Ned embodies strength, character, and honesty, DeVere, beauty, lust and wisdom, then Sin recalls creativity, sensuality and innocence; the inner-child lured away by forbidden enticement to discover burns, bites and scrapes, yet always the sweetness of Mother is there to sweeten the sting. Upon reaching adulthood, Sin finds the world a deadlier foe, and Her weapons are avarice, violence and heartache; womanly companionship is fleeting and not constant as Mother, yet modest Love evades him as her gaudy sister, Infatuation lures him away. Sin chases the spangled hem of the ninth muse’s sheer gown around each blade-edged corner. To revisit, again and again, the fragrant alcove where first Erato, did lure him to her dewy bosom with lascivious words exhaled from ambrosia-perfumed breath.

I can’t wait to for him receive his HEA in distant years in the arms of seduction, fortitude and loyalty. After reading his story, you’ll agree. So now, dear readers, we all must share in the next league of Simon’s journey. Ms. Vane’s own personal muse has enticed and inspired her to writer yet another wondrous tale to stir our hearts and other sinful portions. It’s time for more wicked Georgian games.

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received this review copy from the author. Yes, this is an honest review.

Who is Sin?

Simon Singleton is the third person in Devil's small circle of friends. The poet in their group, he has the devil's golden tongue and can talk his way out of difficult situations. To craft his verses, he seeks out inspiration by enjoying the pleasures the life. But Simon has neither Devil's wealth nor standing. As the youngest son, Simon is doing his best to avoid the inevitable careers of younger sons: the church or the army.

A chance encounter with Jack Harris provides Simon with an income and a way out of his parents' controlling grasps -- but trouble always seems to find Simon and this is one of those things that he can't seem to talk his way out of.

This is another installment in Victoria Vane's Devilish Vignettes and introduces us to Sin. In A Devil's Touch, Sin was the reason for Devil's abrupt departure, leaving Diana with so many questions and not as many answers. We got a glimpse of a tired, broken man who has just come home from war and we wondered who he was in Devil's life.

In this vignette, Vane continues to build on the world and the characters of her the Devil DeVere series. She provides us with a glimpse into the three men's past and the "adventures" they had as young men. We can see the bonds that have tied Ned, Devil and Sin to each other -- and we understand why Devil made that trip to London in the previous vignette.

The story itself is very light and shows the madcap escapades (read about the twins in Chapter 5) of Simon and his friends, but there's a circumspect (kinda tragic) element to this story as well: this is Simon before everything happened to him. Carefree and relaxed, content to work on his poetry and enjoy the company his friends. The troubles he finds himself in this story are nothing compared to the troubles that he finds himself in after this story --

In that, I appreciate the author's vision for this massive project. With each installment, she shares a different view of her characters and allows them (and us) to experience a wide gamut of emotions and experience: light to dark, fun to dreary, etc.

Simon, I think, is the missing link in the spectrum that has Ned on one end and Devil on the other. He loves women and loves to enjoy himself -- but he also has cares and desires beyond the simple physical realm: he enjoys poetry and, while he doesn't realize it, he also makes sure that all women are treated properly.

Harris stroked his chin with a look of triumph. "Always the gentleman, eh, Singleton? Even to the commonest whore."

"All women are deserving of gentle treatment, heedless of their circumstances, Harris." Simon looped an arm around each voluptuous feminine bundle. ...
- loc 601 - 611

I look forward to The Jewel of the East, the novel about Simon and Salime. ^_^

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Simon Singleton, otherwise so appropriately known as "Sin" is the third of DeVere's friends. We first get to know Sin in the infamous (and hilarious) Lion incident in Devil in the Making. Sin seems to be the only one of the rather infamous trio to have what we might consider normal parents. Well, more normal than DeVere's anyway.

Although Sin's mother does seem to be excessively devoted to religious pursuits! And Sin is so far from religiosity as to be positively pursuing anything in the opposite direction. What I meant was that his parents are both alive and do seem to care what happens to him, even if they sometimes have a peculiar way of showing it.

DeVere is definitely a bad influence. Not evil, definitely not that, but not precisely on the side of the angels, either.

And Sin Singleton is the picture of a sweet boy looking for nothing but good times. Wine, women and song, if by song you mean poetry. He seems somewhat of a lightweight, seeking the easiest ways to keep himself in pretty girls, decent drink and to continue writing that poetry.

So he ends up writing a guidebook to prostitutes. In verse. How else were they to advertise?

It's a great way to supplement his allowance! Until his mama finds out. And then his papa buys him a commission in the Army. Sending him off to the wilds of North America, of all places.

The trouble with Sin is that he always tried to take the easy way out. In the end it turned out to be very, very difficult, indeed.

Escape Rating B+: The Trouble With Sin is a light and lovely romp that provides the perfect bridge between the main DeVere series, its prequel Devil in the Making, and the upcoming Jewel of the East. We haven't seen much of Sin until now, so it was great to finally read his backstory.

He clearly had to have had a rough time in order for the boy he was in The Trouble with Sin, to turn into the broken man who appears in the midst of A Devil's Touch. I can't wait for Jewel of the East, because this story has completely whetted my appetite for another of Victoria Vane's delightful Georgian bonbons!

[Joy (Cheery♡Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very big thank you to Victoria Vane for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. You know I love you lots ♡

I extend my apologies for the extremely overdue review. As I'm already a firm Victoria Vane supporter, my reviews for her books are going to sound repetitive and like a broken record.

This novella is a short yet interesting prequel before delving into Jewel of the East. We readers get to know more about the Simon before the war, a carefree, soft hearted and funny fellow. It is also great to meet DeVere and Ned again.

I truly look forward to Sin's (and Salime) story in Jewel of the East.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried a third time with Ms. Vane's stories. They just don't work for me. I believe this is the last one I'm going to try because I don't want to keep bringing her scores down. It's not that her writing is bad. Her grammar and spelling are fine. Her story contains and plot and it is decently woven without gaping loop holes or random threads.

It's just that her characters do nothing for me. In this latest story, we read about Sin. He's a cocky wastrel who is also a pasty. He's the kind of guy who has a hole in his pocket. He can't hold on to money to save his life. I couldn't stand him and his bumbling buffoon manners. No wonder his parents are embarrassed by him. He does need some hard lessons in life. Frankly, the ending doesn't surprise me and I'm rooting for it. This story is rated still a 2 instead of a 1 because it was okay. I didn't hate it. Hating it would have rated it a 1.

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This review was based on a PDF copy, so page references may differ.
This is the second Devilish Vignette in Victoria Vane’s delightfully racy Devil DeVere series.
"A Devilish Vignette," part two of Ludovic DeVere’s history, this short story gives the background of Simon ("Sin") Singleton, who was briefly mentioned in book #4.5, A Devil’s Touch. This charming short story fills us in more about the importance of DeVere’s close friendships. For my full review on my blog: http://bit.ly/HZEc35

[Sweets Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good to see how Simon was before the war, he was so carefree but yet his parents were slightly overprotective of him! He went through a lot in the war, that much is evident in the other book about Simon! So it was just nice to get to know who he was before hand!

Till next time ~ Sweets Books

[Suzan Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Victoria writes so beautifully. She is one of my favorites.

[Bleumoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Sin is quite the character with his muses! I enjoyed this book, was quite surprised at the ending, and loved the characters! I will be reading the other books in the series.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like Simon and can't wait for his full story to be told.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Trouble With Sin
Author: Victoria Vane
Publisher: Vane Publishing LLC
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication date: January 16, 2014
ISBN:N/A
ASIN: B00BRSJELK55
Length: 80 pages
Book Series and number: Devlish Vignettes (Devil DeVere) book 2
Rating: 4 ½
Heat Rating: Spicy


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll
4 ½, Spicy

**Special Note:
The Trouble with Sin (Devilish Vignette #2) is a comic romp that follows on the heels of Devil in the Making. It is also a prequel to Jewel of the East ( book #5 in the Devil Devere series)


The Trouble with Sin … Is the devil within…
Aspiring poet Simon "Sin" Singleton, has lived his life only for larks, laughter, and ladies of easy virtue, eluding defying, and flouting all manner of authority until his impetuous misdeeds finally catch up with him. Having lost his muse, his allowance, and even his friends by edict from a tyrannical father and puritanical mother, Simon is ready to drown himself in drink, until receiving an ingenious proposition that could change everything.

The wages of Sin is…...twenty-five percent of the net!
It seems a fantasy come true when Simon is offered an independent income by combining his two great passions— poetry and lewd women —by writing poetry about lewd women! Unfortunately, maintaining anonymity may be much harder than he thought…



Oh my gosh, I'm still laughing after finishing The Trouble With Sin by Victoria Vane. She has the uncanny ability to infuse her characters with such wit, depth and dimension, which makes them so easy to relate to. It's almost like I can imagine Simon, Ned, and Lord DeVere sitting in the pub being carefree and drinking.
Simon is very charming when it comes to the ladies. He has trouble separating his heart from his lusty escapades. While Lord DeVere has a love 'em and leave 'em attitude.

Simon's father has had it with his son's antics and has almost stopped his allowance.

Simon's mother is quite religious and would like her youngest son to join the clergy. In an effort to appease his parents, Simon agrees.

Seeking inspiration for his poetry, Simon is looking for a certain mild maid and learns she's joined the ranks of Jack Harris. Feeling down, Simon heads to the pub for an ale and is dismayed when he has no coin to pay. Simon tries to pay with a lewd poem he wrote, and Mr. Harris offers Simon a way to make some money. What happens next in the book will have you laughing out loud.

Ned and Lord DeVere learn of Simon's new job and think it will come back to bite him. Simon, however isn't really worried. Ned has news to tell his friends, and they are taken aback with the news. Determined to keep Ned from making the mistake of his life, Simon and DeVere try to get Ned in his cups. Unfortunately, Ned can hold his liquor better than they expected. Waking up the next morning with quite the hangover and three other people in his bead, Simon's luck has finally run out. A loud knocking on the door, and into the room strolls the magistrate and his mother! How ironic, this was another great outrageous adventure in the book.

Simon's father has had all he can take from Simon, and has arranged to buy him a commission in the King's Army in America.

This is another look into the earlier lives of the three friends. Ms. Vane's writing in all of these glimpses into the lives of these men is creative, full of emotions, character growth and show a great deal of research. Just when I think what else can Ms. Vane write about, she out does herself with the next book. I have really enjoyed all of the books so far in this series and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to everyone.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the second vignette that tells the story of three young men and their hijinks that leads to who and what they become later as men. The backdrop is the Georgian Era and it is authentically done in all its livid color and bawdiness within these stories.

Sin or Simon Singleton is the second of the unholy three school chums. He, along with Ned Chambers and Ludovic DeVere have been sent down from school in disgrace for an incident that occurred in DeVere's vignette, Devil in the Making. Sin finds life dull between his father squeezing tight the purse strings on Sin's allowance and his mother's religious zeal.

A commission on the part of DeVere leads Sin into a new direction that teaches him wise lessons about women that he does not heed and sets him up into the business of writing erotic verse to earn his coin. Naturally, his deceptions and comings and goings cannot stay secrets forever, but his father's drastic solution may become the death of him.

This is a short piece that is about 70 pps so it is what it claimed to be just a vignette snapshot into the young Sin's life. Sin is so different from his friends Ned and DeVere, but he is loyal. He writes poetry of love, but he really doesn't understand love particularly the kind of love his friend Ned claims to have for his fiance'. Sin adores women, but unlike DeVere, he doesn't understand them so he gets into difficulty more than once with them. I found Sin and his light-hearted attitude toward life a fun character to read and it was great getting a few scenes with Ned and DeVere too. I was not as connected to Sin as I have been to the others through the other story. I hope that will change when I read more of him as an adult. The rather ominous note in the epilogue sets things up nicely for the next part in Sin's story which I'm glad will be a longer read.

This vignette should definitely be read after the first one, Devil in the Making, but can be read out of order if necessary from the DeVere series.

I recommend this set of stories for those who enjoy bawdy tales of mischievous men and romance in the Georgian Era.

Thank you to the author for gifting me this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon Singleton, or Sin as he's referred to by his pals, Ludovic DeVere and Ned Chambers, is in trouble with this parents. Having been sent home from school after aiding DeVere in stealing a lion from the King's Menagerie, he's had his quarterly allowance cut and been ordered by his parents to remove himself from the company of that "devil DeVere." Sin never makes life easy for himself or those around him anymore than DeVere does, so when asked to watch over something DeVere left behind while he is sent to the continent for his punishment, Sin takes on the charge only to discover it will cost him funds, funds he hasn't at his ease. But, if he can earn the funds, he believes his new charge will be such an excellent muse for his poetry that when a proposition comes along that goes against everything his parents would want for him, he knows what he should do. So what will he do? Well, earn the funds, of course - to win his muse and provide him the funds to enjoy life. But as usual, things for Sin never quite go as they should.

Whereas, this Devilish Vignette may not have ranked as high on my reading preference as Victoria's others, it's nonetheless a prerequisite reading if you follow the Devil DeVere series. It's a must read to understand where our charming Simon Singleton came from, where he's been, and where he's going when we meet him again in JEWEL OF THE EAST - a story I'm eager to read.

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Sin by Victoria Vane is an exciting erotic historical romance (Georgian era) set in 1764 London. #2 in the "Devilish Vignettes",but can be read as a stand alone. See,"Devil in the Making". A quick,fun read that is bawdy but cute. Simon who is one of the oldest and closest DeVere friends,has his allowance cut off for his distasteful escapades by his father. Now he must earn a living to make up the difference,and keep his style of living. He loves poetry,and women,calls himself a somewhat poet,and writes lewd verses for a bawdy house. What a whimsical story of ladies of the night,bawdy houses,and lots of lust. Ms. Vane has written a colorful adventure for the Devilish Vignettes. A must read! She certainly knows how to draw the reader in with her colorful,fun,engaging characters,her intriguing,and entertaining plots. For a bawdy good time,you need to read "The Trouble With Sin",you will not regret it. I can hardly to see what's next for this author and to read Simon and Salime's story. I would highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys whimsical stories,quick reads,historical romance,the Georgian era and anyone who enjoys a great read! Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Angie
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I am not overly fond of erotica…it’s just not really my cup of tea.

Unless your name is Victoria Vane and you sucked me into your books from the very first one! There is something so captivating about her books that I just keep going back for more and borderline beg her to PLEASE PUBLISH ANOTHER ONE RIGHT NOW.

I have been waiting for a long time to read more than a page or two about “Sin” – known to his parents and polite society as Simon Singleton. The Trouble with Sin vignette takes place when the boys find themselves on leave from school due to a rather scandalous trick they played. Sin’s parents aren’t exactly forgiving and forbid him from leaving the house and having anything to do with Devere or Ned. Of course he doesn’t listen and embarks on an adventure of his own without his friends to help him. Meaning – he has to grow up and stand on his own.

I love Ms. Vane’s writing style. Even with her vignettes she leaves you wanting more. She tantalizes and teases, leaving you impatient until the next book…or vignette.

I can’t wait to read the next in the Devil Devere series, Jewel of the East.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Taken from the Devere series are characters Devere, Ned and Simon, also known as Sin. The characters have gotten into trouble at their school. They each receive different punishments. Sin is a sensitive young man who loves him some women, and he writes poetry/ limericks about his time with them. He's found by his mother to be in the presence of some young lovelies, along with his friends Devere and Ned.

As a result of his continued indescretions and bad behavior, his father sends him off to the war in America. He is a fish out of water. He is not one to fight, and somehow, with others around him falling, he is sure he is going to die. He wakes up and shakes his head to clear his mind, realizes his horse is dead and on top of him. He can't feel his legs, and hears the enemy close upon him.....He is sure of death, and just longs to be able to be with a woman again, instead of where his current circumstances currently have him.

If you have read the other books in the Devere series, I think you will enjoy this story as it shows a different perspective of who the characters are. I enjoyed this story, and look forward to the next!

[Noelle Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was a difficult review for me to write. I love Victoria's books, the Devil DeVere series in particular. However, this one wasn't my favorite, and I didn't have the urge to pick it back up if I'd set it down. The writing and characters were very good, as usual, but something about Sin didn't connect with me. This was most evident in his dealings with Freddie. I kept wanting to reach through the eReader and bash him in the head. He has experience with women, so I expected him to have more insight into her behavior, yet his age shows through in his reactions (probably why I prefer older heroes to the younger ones). This is likely how Victoria intended him to be--all the more to show change in the follow-up, JEWEL OF THE EAST. His experiences in THE TROUBLE WITH SIN and aftermath are likely to shape his character significantly in the interim years, and I look forward to reading JEWEL because I think I'll like him better in that one.

[Beebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this series from the beginning, having fallen in love with Devil deVere. He's reached his own HEA now but is still meddling in the lives of all his friends. I love these little peeks into the lives of the characters prior to their HEA's and this story sets us up nicely for the next book, Sin and Salime's story. I, for one, cannot wait.


* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review