Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies by Monica Burns

Tracy’s rating: 3 / 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Reckless Rockwells, #6

Release Date: 2/14/24

Two years ago, Amalie Rockwood had a vision about herself and Valeran “Val” Rutherford, the Earl of Sommerville, and ever since Amalie has stayed away from Val because, despite her deep attraction for him, she knows he has the power to break her heart. A fact that is reiterated when she overhears him talking about her with his latest mistress. Hurt by his mistress’ insults and his willingness to agree that he could easily seduce the “plump country mouse”, Amalie vows to stay far away from him. But when a vengeful enemy plots against her, Amalie finds herself compromised by the one man she has sworn to avoid and marriage is the only solution. But Amalie won’t surrender to her handsome husband easily. This plump country mouse is going to show him how foolish it was to underestimate her. All she has to do is put him in his place without losing her heart and having the vision play out.

Listening to Lady Chattfield insult Amalie Rockwood pushes Val’s patience to the limit, but his investigation for the Crown makes it necessary to let the vicious witch believe that he is interested in her. But he couldn’t disagree more, Amalie might be a quiet little mouse, but her plump curves are anything but unattractive, in fact, if she was not his best friend’s cousin, he would be happy to pursue her. So when they are found together, he isn’t as upset as he should be at the thought of marriage to her. But it is clear that his bride is not happy with him, forcing him to try and woo her. He succeeds to a point, but Val has secrets that he has no intention of sharing with Amalie, besides his work for the Crown, he is hunting the men who killed his family and left him practically blind. He likes Amalie, desires her, and cares for her, but his painful past ensures that he can never give her the one thing she wants, love.

This was a well-written, good story filled with interesting characters, steamyish love scenes and just a touch of paranormal. I liked the story, but I really had a hard time liking Amalie, I loved that she was a curvy heroine, and I sympathized with her insecurity, but she was very aggressive and was quick to believe the worst about Val, time and time again, leading her to be downright nasty at times. I tried to believe that it was a self-defense response, but she just went too far, especially since she was keeping secrets too. I loved Val and I loved that the author didn’t miraculously cure his vision, I loved his patience with Amalie and felt like he deserved to receive some serious groveling, but sadly, that never happened. This book is the sixth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title, as the author gives the reader plenty of backstory. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I don’t think I would read it again.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*