What a delightful read! Marietta Winters is forced to enlist the help of a mysterious man known as Gabriel Noble (a fitting name in more ways than one) to save her brother from hanging for a murder he didn't commit. As the story unfolds, we find out these two characters are connected in ways they could never have imagined. Gabriel has the requisite cynicism and secret that all the lead male characters have in this genre, but the author does a marvelous job of giving his secret a dark, unique twist. And this unique twist adds layers to both Gabriel's character and the underlying mystery itself (who is the murderer)? A wonderful read. Believable, compelling characters, plausible dialog, and a good, multilayered plot. Just really solid writing. I've read other books by this author, and she generally never disappoints.

Three Nights of Sin was a bit slow paced in the beginning but once Gabriel's secret came out it presented a great deal of promise. Unfortunately, it did not live up to that promise.

Gabriel, the hero, had a great deal of potential. He could have been such a wonderful "tortured hero" but the he, and the book, fell flat. Gabriel experienced some horrible events in his youth but when these events were brought up, and when he relived them, what could have been a real emotional moment was ruined by a sex. There was so much random sex and every one of them felt cold and distant. Gabriel responded to his inner turmoil but having sex, which left a dirty feeling while reading the book. I eventually skipped over all of them. They didn't drive the plot at all. I got the impression that the writer just picked a random page and inserted a sex scene.

I was also extremely disappointed in Marietta's reaction to Gabriel's past. Instead of feeling sympathy towards him she believes a virtually mentally disturbed stranger to make her doubt Gabriel's character in a second. Very very disappointed in that.

Needless to say, I was hoping for a more depth in Three Nights of Sin. I felt as if the reader deserved more emotion like a hug or a kind touch, but instead all I got was cold, pointless sex. All of the "love scenes" felt cold and distant and I eventually skipped over all of the sex scenes. They didn't drive the plot at all. I got the impression that the writer just picked a random page and inserted a sex scene.

I also felt as if Gabriel's behavior in response to his youth lessened the seriousness of the issue. If you want to read about a character that experienced similar abuse and affected by it, then I suggest you read "The Devil You Know" by Liz Carlyle.

Over all I felt as if Three Nights of Sin was an acceptable book. It was slow in the beginning and felt a bit rushed in the end but it was okay enough to grant it three stars. It's easily forgettable but may be worth the read on long trips.

Three Nights of Sin

Three nights of danger...
When her brother was arrested for murder, the ton shut its doors to Marietta Winters. No one would help her save him from the gallows - no one but Gabriel Noble. In exchange for taking the case, Gabriel requests three favors from the desperate young beauty, and Marietta has no other choice but to make a deal with the sinfully handsome devil.

Three nights of pleasure...
Searching for clues in the rough underbelly of London, Marietta must masquerade asa shamelessly wanton wench - much to Gabriel's delight. But Marietta swears to herself that her passionate moans are just for show. She could never fall in love with such a maddening, arrogant, seductive stranger...could she?

Three nights of sin...
Night after night, she satisfies his wicked cravings. But soon Gabriel wants more from Marietta than just three nights of sin - and even a sordid secret in his past won't prevent him from trying to possess her forever.

Gabriel Noble...
I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous Gabriel Noble. This hero is not the usual "stud." He is strong, commanding, seductive yet underneath is a vulnerability, we don't often see with heroes. Gabriel's character evolves, taking me through a journey of emotions.

Marrieta Winters...
Her desperation to save her brother endears her to me. She's not your typical heroine either. Marietta may not be a raving beauty but she's all fire and ice. Just like Gabriel, her character goes through changes. The challenges Marietta face, only made her stronger.

Romance...
The chemistry between Gabriel and Marietta is sizzling. The love scenes are tastefully written, with just enough heat. Unpredictable storyline. Other characters are well written, even the drunken prostitute in the corner.

Grade: A+

Three Nights of Sin is what so many romance novels try to be and usually end up failing. I have to say I read it in one sitting and was sorry to come to the end. Gabriel and Marietta were two of the most well written and fleshed out main leads I have read in a long time. I enjoyed them immensely and their story was excellent. It had the romance(their scenes together were fairly combustible)--and it was one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. So many romances add a dash of suspense and you have it figured out in two chapters. This one kept me guessing and it was every bit as good as some of the big time suspense writers are putting out. The story was very dark, but the way Gabriel turned it around and made himself a better man was a delight to read. I absolutely loved him!! He has hopped right to the top of my favorite male heroes--right there with Christopher Seeton and Trevor Sheridan. I could find no fault with Gabriel and his counterpart, Marietta, was equally as likable and well written. She had spunk and intelligence. I liked the way she realized she had to save herself so therefore, she sought out Gabriel Noble. Wise choice. The secondary characters were great. I am looking forward to Jeremy's story and Kenny's as well, now that it appears that Gabriel has instilled a backbone in him.
The back story is dark and seedy and the people responsible for it are truly reprehensible. This book does not have sex on every page. I believe that was the complaint of another reviewer. But, the tension between Marietta and Gabriel was smoldering from the getgo. If you are a good writer you don't need to fill your pages with sex. I have read, or started to read--usually didn't finish them, books that were all sex and no story. They are immensely forgettable. Three Nights of Sin is one I will keep and revisit later. There was a good story here and Anne Mallory told it very well. I am glad I looked past the cover of this book and delved deeper. I was very rewarded.

I was not sure I would like this book. The heroine, Marietta Winters, for the first few chapters is angry, and prickly as a cactus with the hero. A hero by the way, I loved, loved, loved right from the beginning. By the end of this novel, I liked the heroine, still loved the hero and can recommend this novel.

Marietta Winters hires hero, Gabriel Noble, to assist her in freeing her eighteen year old brother from prison. Authorities are charging her brother with several murders. The Winters family, although aristocratic, is poor and Marietta is the leader even though she has an older brother, but he is gamester and all about keeping up appearances.

Gabriel Noble is a mystery himself. He is incredibly handsome, not born to the manner, but sophisticated and polished. He is like a 19th century Magnum PI. He takes cases. Usually for a large sum or if the client does not have the funds, then they owe him thee favors which he can collect after he finishes the case.

Marietta considered on the shelf and somewhat plain, despises Gabriel on sight mostly because he has summed up her lazy pretentious family. He takes the case with the condition the Marietta assist him completely in the investigation. She does so even going so far as moving in with him and going undercover. She transforms with the costumes and parts into a softer woman. The author did a great job of transforming her by letting this happen half way through the novel instead of making the reader endure Marietta's entirely too sharp tongue and dislike of the hero for too long.

Gabriel has a history that is absolutely dark and well awful. He is tight lipped about it, wears masks to cover his feelings but Marietta suspects that there is a well of hurt and mistrust behind the façade.

As Gabriel and Marietta work on her brother's case, Gabriel's former life comes back to haunt him. Also both the characters are so use to being in control that their battle for it reveals their vulnerabilities. Finally the lovemaking here reflects their desire for not only control but also for intimacy and acceptance. Oh, and the mystery wasn't bad either.

Strong heroine determined to save her family, stunning hero with a dark past and a truly compelling mystery--not just something to push the plot along! Three Nights of Sin is a great read--sexy, surprising, and thoroughly entertaining.

This was my first Anne Mallory--but it definitely won't be my last!

This was the best romance novel I've read in a long time. Both the romance and the mystery elements were very well done. Too often, romance novels have a mystery plot because (it seems) the author can't figure out how else to move the romance forward. That is so not the case in this book. The characters were wonderfully drawn. My only complaints: the title is a bit silly, it's a reference to the hero who asks three favors in exchange for helping people, but has nothing to do with this book. Also, I find the hero saving her worthless brothers theme pretty tiresome. This was my first Anne Mallory book, I've since read her previous works. This is the best, I will definitely be looking forward to her next book.

This book was so good. I could not put it down. I love how stubborn and strong willed Marietta is. The way her and Gabrielle argue is very entertaining. The ending is a surprise. I love this book.

Truthfully, I'd given up reading "romance" novels this year due to my huge disappointment the last couple of years, not only with my favorite romance authors, but in other genres as well.

Then I stumbled across this lovely book by Anne Mallory and took a chance, something I'd promised not to do again, especially by an author I'd never read before. Just goes to show, old dogs can learn new tricks.

This was a riveting read, what I'd hoped for in all those disappointments mentioned above (be happy I don't catalog them by name, authors). This book has it all....characters that leap off the page and keep you driven to read on, an unusual, well thought out and thoroughly delivered storyline, erotic and believable love scenes (for those, like me, who can admit that's part of the attraction of this genre...for me, women who deny it are like all those men who used to say they subscribed to Playboy for the articles!), and a satisfying sense of closure. None of the characters were given short shrift, all the loose ends were tied up, and I hated, absolutely hated that the book was finished.

I will definitely be looking into more titles by this author. The lady can write and at least in this book, doesn't shortchange her fans (of which there are many, I'm sure, and I am now one), or slap her name onto something that was obviously written by illiterate hirelings she keeps in the basement (again be glad I don't mention names).

Way to go, Ms. Mallory.

I loved this book!!! And like other reviewers point out, don't let the cover discourage you from getting this book. The herioine isn't even blond for goodness sake, or filled out! This is one of those rare books that tells a really good mystery and love story simultaneously. Usually, I'm a little put off by those kinds of books, but the author does a really good job of intertwining the mystery with the romance of the two main characters. You know how sometimes you read a romance novel that has this totally seperate mystery sub plot that barely has an affect on the two main characters' romance. This book is not like that at all!!!! The mystery actually drives the romance. I couldn't put this book down.

When Marietta Winters' brother is arrested for murder, she discovers there is only one person in town willing to help her prove his innocence. Gabriel Noble's price is steep, but he is willing to work for three favors called due at his discretion. Marietta agrees and discovers that Gabriel has more reason to find the murderer than she does.

The title and the book blurb really intrigued me (I could do without the cover art), but I found the story dealt more with the events that led up to THE THREE NIGHTS OF SIN opposed to the nights themselves. Although not what I had bargained for, the book still held its own. There were a few places of description that wobbled, but nothing that was irritating.

Ms Mallory's writing style is very clean and enjoyable. Her characters are fantastic, and I loved the way they were evenly matched. I rooted for them from page one.

Her plotting is good and easy to follow except for a few 'did I miss something' moments. This was easily forgiven when a major hook, about three fourths into the story, had me turning the pages before I finished the last words. I had to see how this was going to be handled and I was on pins and needles hoping the characters would make me proud.

Overall, I think this author has a lot to offer and will improve with each book she writes.

CarolASpradling.com author

Well after reading all the "amazing" 5 star reviews..i was anxious to get my hands on a copy of the book itself. Well i will not bore you with the plot that has already been said enough times...ill just get right into it. The first half of the book was spent with arguments..where M (heroine) kept saying "I dislike you"..As if we didn't get that oh...100 pages earlier..and G (Hero) trying to what kiss her? Anyways aside from their lackluster romance in the first half..we started getting into the mystery of the murder..FINALLY. Now as much as i love suspense..it just wasn't there in the middle of the book..i felt like the suspense was delivered right before the final chapters..a bit rushed? I suppose..and so was the romance...it really wasn't till the final chapter that i completely forgot i was reading a romance novel...i could have sworn i said "Oh yeah what are those two love birds up to?"..And the ending?...once again was rushed. Anyways some parts were honestly boring.. i had to skim..Im more interested to see if Jeremy has his own story...back to the book..Really quite average then what i excepted. Like they say when its too good to be true..it probably is.

There's nothing really original about this book. The cover artwork looks like thousands of other books published in this genre, and particularly by this publisher. The title is semi-titillating but slightly inaccurate when you read the book (there were plenty more than three nights of sin). The feisty, independent, down-on-her-luck heroine is familiar, as is the arrogant, hard-to-read alpha male hero. The setting in the seamy underbelly of London where tavern wenches with bad teeth disport themselves with locals is nothing new.

But there's still some charm to this story. Granted, our heroine Marietta Winter is a bit too good to be true, sacrificing her future for her worthless brothers. The hero, Gabriel Noble, has a tortured past and he's trying to overcome it by doing good deeds. When Marietta is referred to him in order to get help proving her brother Kenny innocent of the Middlesex Murders, she has nothing with which to bargain except her body. It's not entirely clear whether this is the reward that Gabriel actually wants for helping her, and he gets it soon enough anyway, but they end up working together to try to solve the mystery of the Middlesex Murderer's identity. As society believes even more firmly that Marietta's family are involved, and as Gabriel realises that the culprit might actually be someone close to him, they have to decide whether they can trust and believe in each other. So nothing new there then.

Those who like this kind of book will enjoy it. The historical detail is nice in places, inaccurate in others (particularly the dialogue) but, once again, that's common in this kind of book. However if you're looking for a read a little out of the ordinary, this isn't it.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

I'll admit, I almost didn't buy this book- both the cover and the summary on the back didn't really catch my eye. Luckily, someone I trust recommended it so I picked up my own copy, and was surprised by how extremely good it was from the very beginning.

Marietta is a strong willed and proud young woman who has no money and no resources to save her beloved brother from being executed for a crime he didn't commit. She is referred to Gabriel Noble, a man who seems to know everyone-from politicians to servants, from the rich to the poor. Because she cannot afford his $10,000 fee, Gabriel takes her case in exchange for 3 favors. From the beginning, Marietta is drawn to the very sensual and magnetic Gabriel, who may be more villain than hero, and is kept guessing regarding his intentions toward her and the case.

I loved Gabriel and Marietta- individually and together. Anne Mallory has created two fascinating characters, and an unlikely, but very steamy romance. His knowledge, experience and sensuality give him the upper hand in the relationship and his power over her is near absolute . . . until he begins to realize how very important she has become to him. Three Nights of Sin is a delightful read with two characters, and a romance, that will stay with you long after you stop reading.

I very much enjoyed reading this book...couldn't put it down, read straight thru. The first romance scenes left me fanning myself as well. Very nice story...well put together and kept me wondering what would happen next. Strongly recommend!

This is a good book the stotyline was very interesting it is dark and sexy at the same time when I saw all 8 people that reviewed this book gave it 5 stars I thought it should be a good read I"m glad I took a chance a lot of times I can figure out the ending of a book but this one kept me guessing all the way to the end I read it in two days. The story starts with Ms winters trying to find someone to help her get her brother out of jail for murder that's where Mr Noble comes in. So if you are ready for good story then pickup this book.

Three Nights of Sin is passionate, sexy and entertaining--the dialogue shines, the plot pace is quick, and the pages turned fast until I reached the end.

Marietta yearns for independence and love; a place of her own in the restrictive world of late Regency London. With her family's coffers completely empty and reputation in shambles, Marietta sets aside her pride and strikes a deal with the enigmatic and devilishly sexy Gabriel Noble --for the sake of her dear brother who is in serious trouble with the authorities. By promising Gabriel three favors in return for his legal services, Marietta effectively closes the door on all dreams of independence -- and most of all the possibility of finding true love and having a family of her own.

The mysterious Gabriel Noble has made sacrifices of his own. He knows what is like to be alone, to be desperate, to be utterly hopeless in the world. Now that he has obtained his hard fought independence, he excels at his profession and commands sizable payments for his services. When Marietta arrives at his door, humiliated, hungry, penniless and all alone, he demands the highest price possible: she must do everything he says. He will do all in his power to free her brother, but in turn the once carefree Marietta must belong to Gabriel until the three favors are fulfilled.

In the USA Today Best Selling novel, Three Nights of Sin, Ms. Mallory delivers a sensuous romance, a memorable hero and heroine (the sensual chemistry between these two is hot and sultry!), a mystery that kept me guessing until Gabriel and Marietta discover the truth, and interesting secondary characters who add to this well rounded story.

The sacrifices Marietta and Gabriel make for others and for each other make them characters I would follow anywhere. I'm thoroughly captivated by Marietta Winters and Gabriel Noble, theirs is a story about two people in search for their place in the world. They meet and work together under the most difficult circumstances and in the end they're rewarded with true love---and the gift of building their own world--together.

Looking for Ms. Mallory's first book? Masquerading the Marquess or the fabulous What Isabella Desires which came out last July.

Marietta Winters is desperate. Her brother has been imprisoned and charged with murder. With no one to help her save her brother from certain hanging, Marietta turns to Gabriel Noble.

Gabriel agrees to take her brother's case in exchange for three favors. Because of her dire financial situation, Marietta agrees. Three favors that could lead Marietta and Gabe to more than just passion, three favors that could lead them to love.

Three Nights of Sin is a shining example of Anne Mallory's brilliance! I will forever adore Gabe. He is everything I want in a hero! Dark, secretive and infinitely honorable. Three Nights of Sin filled me with trepidation, desire and utterly satisfied happiness. A true page-turner with a surprising ending, I highly recommend Three Nights of Sin.

Ann Marie
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

A tortured hero and the semi-plain-but-really-attractive-and-spunky heroine? Well, if that's not a clichéd set up for a romance, I don't know what is. But the inevitable romance clichés aside, this unusual and unique (to me) story is beautiful (not a word I normally use to describe even my favorite romances) and evocative. By the end, I felt that few romance heroes earned their happy endings as much as this one did and few heroines deserved so much to be the arbiter of that happy ending.

Getting to that happy ending was full of heart ache (for me!). My heart literally ached for her at the beginning and for him at the end. I'm a romance reader, and I know the genre is designed to manipulate, but Mallory just does such a good job... it felt genuine. And unlike many romances, I didn't feel impatient or annoyed with being hit over the head about a character's faults and/or demons. Thanks to the story, I understood and accepted the characters actions, and I felt justified in this after finishing the book. There was only one instance near the end when the hero is dealing with the (realistically) vile villain that, for me, just didn't ring true. (To say much more would be too spoilerish.) Other than that, the characters acted justifiably and true to themselves in terms of their backstories.

To sum it all up, when I turned the last page and closed the book, I actually thought only one word: "Wow."

Anne Mallory has written a winner. This is no bodice ripper- I was so put off with the cover I must confess I held little hope for the contents and I could not have been more wrong! This is a compelling, intelligent compilation of primary and secondary characters in a dark story of troubling mystery and love - but don't be confused, this is truly fascinating, different approach to this genre of books. I don't want to give spoilers but suffice to say Gabriel and Marietta are unlike any hero or heroine I have seen in a historical romance in a long, long time - they had me so hooked! This book also has some of the most intensely erotic, beautiful sensuality between well nuanced characters I have read - it is such an essential element of communication in the story. - I can't say enough - excuse me I am leaving to read it again now to refine my experience of the book. This is a keeper for me!

I have been reading romance novels for years, I actually devour them. I have never written a review before, but this book was so good I had to let people know to get it. It has been a while since I have read a book so good that I just want to read it again to make sure I didn't miss anything.

Anne Mallory has written two of the best characters that I have ever read. Even the supporting characters are written well enough for you to KNOW who they are.

I laughed out loud and I cried. I refuse to tell the story because I hate it when these reviews give away the story, just know that with this book you are getting your moneys worth.

I am now going to go buy the rest of Anne Mallory's books and if they are only half as good, they will still be wonderful. Three Nights of Sin will stay on my bookshelf forever and I know I will keep rereading it until the book falls apart.

This is my first time reviewing any book so here goes...I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! You can read the synopsis above so I wont go into it but let me tell you Oh my gosh is this book HOTT! I have been reading romance novels for years and since reading this one I have to go out and get more books by this author. In this book are some of the best characters I have read about in a long time. The hero is gorgeous and an alpha male to be sure but without the arrogance. He has a past and has risen above it and is a success. I loved the heroine. She isnt gorgeous but she has qualities about her that makes you love her and I am so glad that the hero saw past the plain exterior. He wasnt one of those gorgeous men that are full of themselves. It spoke well of them both. She has courage and integrity and a sharp tongue that can cut someone down to size. There is mystery and murder and love scences that are hot. I only keep ones that I have trouble putting down and this will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf. A must read for sure.

In 1825, the aristocracy shows its fickleness when they shut out Marietta Winters following the arrest of her brother Kenny for the Middlesex Murder. Impoverished with no place to go, Marietta learns that mysterious Gabriel Noble might be able to help her, but she cannot pay his fee whatever that is as her other brother spendthrift Mark has bankrupted them.

Still desperate to save her brother from hanging, Marietta visits Gabriel. He demands she provide him with three favors in remittance for his help. Her reputation ruined by her sibling's scandal anyway and with a need to save his life, she agrees to THREE NIGHTS OF SIN. Initially he just has her assist him on his investigation. Soon she falls in love with Gabriel, but fears once the case is solved he will dump her.

The premise of paying her debt in sex has been used before, but Marietta and Gabriel refreshes it with their teaming on the homicide investigation although their falling in love is deftly handled. Gabriel feels the son of a butler and a governess is not good enough for an aristocrat so though he has changed from THREE NIGHTS OF SIN to needing forever, he plans to let his beloved go; Marietta thinks otherwise as she has found her love. The murder mystery is well done, but it is the relationship that makes Ann Mallory's Regency tale into a terrific romantic whodunit.

Harriet Klausner

Marietta Winters is desperate. Her younger brother has been arrested and accused of being the Middlesex murderer. Her older brother is a spendthrift who has reduced the family to dire straits. A family friend recommends she seek out the help of Gabriel Noble, who is well known for helping people, at a price -- 10,000 pounds or three favors. Since Marietta has no money, she has no choice but to choose the three favors. Gabriel also tells her that she will help in the investigation when he requires it. Their investigation draws them closer together and eventually uncovers secrets that Gabriel has never told anyone.

When I pick up an Anne Mallory book, I totally expect a wonderful romance and a great mystery. This book, however, has a fantastic, extremely sexy romance and a superb mystery. The chemistry between Marietta and Gabriel is sizzling, to say the least. I felt like I really knew these characters intimately (as much as they knew each other). And they stayed with me long after I closed the last page. In my eyes, THAT is a sign of a great book. The mystery was outstanding and had me guessing until the villain was revealed. And even then, I was shocked! Simply marvelous. Ms. Mallory's descriptions and settings are so detailed that I felt like I was there in the story. Another sign of a great book -- and in my opinion, this is Ms. Mallory's best book yet! So, if you like dark, sexy, emotional romance, this book is for you. I highly recommend it!