A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Lady's Guide to ScandalA Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Lady’s Guide, #2

Release Date: July 11, 2023

After 10 years of enduring a loveless marriage to a pompous, self-righteous man more than twice her age (who also happened to be the uncle of the man she once loved and the new Earl), Eliza Courtenay née Balfour, the Countess of Somerset, is widowed and soon to be once again dependent on her parents. But in a shocking twist, the late Earl did the unthinkable and left Eliza a fortune, more than enough to maintain her independence, but this gift does not come without strings, in order to keep the bequeathment, Eliza will have to live a life of decorum and bring no scandal to the Somerset name. And now that her mourning has passed, her parents are pressing her to return home to them, but for the first time in her life, Eliza doesn’t obey and sets out to live her own life, on her own terms. She relocates to Bath with her cousin and dear friend and cousin, Margaret. It is here that reconnects with her first love, Oliver, the new earl and the man with the power to rescind her fortune, she then makes the acquaintance of Max, Lord Melville; a known rake, and she pursues her passion for painting, all the while making strides to become the woman she wants to be, but will that include a second chance at love or is there to be a new love in her future?

This was a well-written novel that not only gives readers a fresh twist to the oft-used “widow of a loveless marriage finds love” and “love triangle” tropes but also incorporates a bit of a “Persuasion” vibe. Personally, I am not a fan of love triangles and I have to agree with other reviewers who felt the heroine may have crossed a line and cheated on one man while engaging with the other – since promises had been made and declarations shared, it did smack of cheating. This book has a lot going on, betrayals, a heroine finding her true self, a secondary romance that was handled appropriately for the era, more than one hero, more than one shocking twist, threats, angst, heartache, and finally more than one HEA as well as a twist at the end that I did not see coming, but one that left me with a smile on my face. I do wish there had been a bit of heat, but considering everything that was happening, I guess I understand why there was none. Overall (and despite the perceived cheating), I enjoyed the story, it was a bit slow to start and could be frustrating at times, but still worth reading. This is the second book in the series, but could easily be read as a standalone title.

*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.*

Kiss Me Like A Rogue by Shannon Gilmore

On By BarbaraIn Author Collaboration Series, Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Kiss Me Like a Rogue (Wicked Widows' League #18)Barbara’s rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Wicked Widows League #18
Publication Date: 7/11/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 168

If ever you find yourself deep in a hole, just keep digging. At least that appears to be the philosophy of Caden Landon Scott, the Duke of Justamere when he is mistaken for a solicitor by the lovely widow upon whom he has just called to inquire about a land purchase. He should tell her the truth, but … After all, she really does need help … And, those lips surely look as if they want him to kiss them … There is plenty of time … He’ll tell her later …

Baroness Fredda (Freddie) St. George is fearfully afraid. After a chaste marriage to the kindest, sweetest man on earth, she is in danger of losing everything he had tried to do to save her. Her brother and sister-in-law are trying to get the marriage annulled by declaring her a fortune hunter who took advantage of an ailing man and by claiming the marriage was never consummated. What to do? What to do? When a woman from the Wicked Widows League approaches Freddie at her husband’s funeral and offers help, she quickly realizes they might be the resources she needs to fight her in-laws. What she needs is a solicitor and someone to make sense of the estate books – and a friend, she could really use a friend.

The whole thing quickly spirals out of control and Cade bypasses opportunity after opportunity to tell Freddie the truth. What will happen when she finds out who he really is? He knows she will find out; he’d just like to be the one to engineer the circumstances when she does. Right…

When Freddie does find out, in the worst way possible, she is deeply hurt and deeply angry. Then, to have to pretend she’s never known him… and then, her sister-in-law, the hateful, spiteful witch has set her cap for him… Oh! My! Sparks are going to fly, heads are going to roll, and Cade may never manage to dig himself out of that hole. But he wants to – so badly. Can he convince her? Can she forgive him?

I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining read with lovely characters and a well-paced plot. I haven’t read any of the other Wicked Widows League books, but I do know that each of them can be read as a standalone. Perhaps this story has inspired me to read the novella detailing the beginning of the League. Curious minds want to know.

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

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