Novella – Page 73 – Flippin' Pages Book Reviews

When Love Leads To Scandal by Sophie Barnes

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Townsbridges #1
Publication Date: 2/19/19
Number of Pages: 81

This short novella was a lovely introduction to the Townsbridges. It is a refreshing change because all three of the families involved in the story are loving and supportive from the parents on down. I liked the Townsbridge family but would have liked getting a little better feel for each of the siblings. Charles is heir to Viscount Roxley and he has four siblings — two younger brothers, James and William as well as two sisters, Sarah and Athena. You will absolutely love Athena and she might become your favorite character. I did expect a hint and/or a set-up for the next book to be contained in this book, but I didn’t see it. I also hope Robert gets his eyes opened and a HEA in a future book.

Charles loves his early morning walks in the park. There are few people there at that time and those that are aren’t paying any attention to him. He is startled when he hears a commotion and sees a young lady running toward him yelling, “My bonnet! Please, please, please, stop my bonnet!” Charles takes a slight jog to the left, saves the bonnet and meets the most intriguing young lady. Who is she? He can’t quit thinking about her. A few days later he has the answer to that question. She is the betrothed of his best friend Robert.

I’m not sure what to make of Robert. I have a hard time picturing a man like Charles being best friends with the sort of man Robert appears to be. I certainly can’t picture the kind of loyalty that Charles displays to him. There are hints about the reason Robert behaves as he does and I’ll be excited to see if he gets his own book so that we can maybe understand a little better.

Lady Bethany Andrews is the daughter of an Earl and her mother is American. She’s vivacious, joyful and loves life. She is amazed that she’s managed to become suitably betrothed even before her first season begins. Of course, she owes that to the close confines of a ship as she and her parents return from a family visit to America. But then – she met that intriguing man in the park – too bad she didn’t meet him first because he makes her heart race and her skin tingle. Oh well, too late now. She wasn’t expecting to marry for love.

Bethany and Charles fight their attraction and each is determined that nothing will come of it, but it is so hard when they are constantly thrown together. The tension is palpable and the author does an excellent job of showing their turmoil and resolve not to hurt Robert or cause a scandal.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, but I would have liked it to be just a little longer so I could get to know the Townsbridges a little better – I didn’t even get a real feel for their ages. I love how loving and loyal they are to each other.

I can certainly recommend it as an excellent read.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”

Kilted Sin by Tammy Andresen

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Brethren of Stone #3
Publication Date: 2/12/19
Number of Pages: 133

This is an enjoyable, quick, one-sitting read. It is certainly the tamest in the series – no pirates, no rogue magistrates, no port blockades, no bad guys at all and it is my least favorite of the series so far. I love the characters, but they had some of the lowest self esteems I’ve read in a while. Each felt inadequate and insecure – she because her husband just abandoned her and took up with another woman and he because he just didn’t feel like he measured up to his older brothers. It was nice to see them find their worth and get their HEA.

Will Sinclair has bought the land adjacent to his brother Blair and he intends to raise barley. He has invested every cent he has in the land and he absolutely must get his crops planted. After a hot day of farming, he decides to stop at the loch and take a swim – only to have his horse, money, and clothing stolen by a beautiful young woman.

Gemma McClaren left her home in the south of Scotland to head to the Highlands where she has an inheritance waiting. She used up all of her money several days ago and hasn’t eaten since – and she’s walked the last fifty miles. When she sees a naked man at the loch, it is an opportunity too good to pass up. She pushes him into the loch, grabs his pants with his money and leaps on his horse.

When Will finds Gemma, sparks fly and he basically blackmails her into becoming the governess/nanny for the two young children that had been dropped off on his doorstep. As Will sees Gemma interact with the children he realizes she isn’t what she appeared to be, and as Gemma sees how Will interacts with others, she realizes that maybe not all men are worthless.

There were several things in the book that I hope were fixed before release day. For instance, Gemma’s eyes were blue in a couple of places and green in another; she was a seamstress in one place and a laundress in another; in one place it appeared that Will was planting and harvesting the same field at the same time and Fiona was four and six years old.

If you like a quick read with a lovely romance, you’ll enjoy this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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