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Rescued from Ruin #8
A Marriage Made in Scandal
Two scandals burn hotter than one.
Wanted: A countess for the most feared lord in London
With a family legacy tainted by murder and madness, Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, is having a devil of a time securing a proper wife—or even an improper one. Society misses faint at the sight of him. Matchmaking mamas scurry to avoid him. Only one woman is bold enough to keep drawing near, and she’s more scandalous than he is.
Caution: A lady’s brazen ways may lead to ruin
Lady Eugenia Huxley knows all about running aground in the marriage mart, thanks to a scandal involving a footman and too much drink. No matter. She’ll gladly pursue millinery over matrimony. But when her sister’s spurned suitor returns to London in search of a wife, she can’t resist offering him a bit of courtship advice, even if the chilly, brilliant, honorable Lord Holstoke does give her shivers—heated, head-to-toe shivers that are anything but fearful.
Danger: This match may be combustible
After a series of vicious murders brings suspicion to Holstoke’s door, Eugenia risks everything to be his alibi. The only rational remedy is to marry the minx before she generates another scandal. Yet, the dangers don’t end at the altar. A poisonous enemy coils ever closer, threatening the woman who awakens his soul. How far will he go to protect her? That may be the greatest danger of all.
Wanted: A countess for the most feared lord in London
With a family legacy tainted by murder and madness, Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, is having a devil of a time securing a proper wife—or even an improper one. Society misses faint at the sight of him. Matchmaking mamas scurry to avoid him. Only one woman is bold enough to keep drawing near, and she’s more scandalous than he is.
Caution: A lady’s brazen ways may lead to ruin
Lady Eugenia Huxley knows all about running aground in the marriage mart, thanks to a scandal involving a footman and too much drink. No matter. She’ll gladly pursue millinery over matrimony. But when her sister’s spurned suitor returns to London in search of a wife, she can’t resist offering him a bit of courtship advice, even if the chilly, brilliant, honorable Lord Holstoke does give her shivers—heated, head-to-toe shivers that are anything but fearful.
Danger: This match may be combustible
After a series of vicious murders brings suspicion to Holstoke’s door, Eugenia risks everything to be his alibi. The only rational remedy is to marry the minx before she generates another scandal. Yet, the dangers don’t end at the altar. A poisonous enemy coils ever closer, threatening the woman who awakens his soul. How far will he go to protect her? That may be the greatest danger of all.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2018
About the author
Elisa Braden
25 books1,571 followersReading romance novels came easily to Elisa Braden. Writing them? That took a little longer. After graduating with degrees in creative writing and history, Elisa spent too many years in “real” jobs writing T-shirt copy ... and other people’s resumes ... and articles about giftware displays. But that was before she woke up and started dreaming about the very unreal job of being a romance novelist. Better late than never.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
July 19, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up.
0.5 stars off for the hideous cover.
1 star off for the simplistic character interaction - the writing is fine. There are moments of wit, esp. with the start of each chapter. But the interactions between the MCs are just too... stilted at times. What with the metaphor of the "blackness" and the rational man, and how they are one and the same and Genie's attempt to get Phineas to see this... that whole scene was weird and stilted. Abnormal.
There's also the metaphor of the griffin that wrestles with the snake and that mates for life, and let's not forget the pet name Briar...etc. How many metaphors do we need?
Oh, the icy winter of the wicked mother's beauty. How the frost will bring death, etc.
On and on... like the author can't write a paragraph without some kind of metaphor. I really hate the overuse of stylistic devices. Makes me think the writing can't stand on its own.
This made me skip and skim, which I hate to do when I paid $ for a book.
I am kind of intrigued by the last book with Hawthorne and Hannah (a wolf in disguise, yet another metaphor 😒)
But... I don't know if I'll read it.
0.5 stars off for the hideous cover.
1 star off for the simplistic character interaction - the writing is fine. There are moments of wit, esp. with the start of each chapter. But the interactions between the MCs are just too... stilted at times. What with the metaphor of the "blackness" and the rational man, and how they are one and the same and Genie's attempt to get Phineas to see this... that whole scene was weird and stilted. Abnormal.
There's also the metaphor of the griffin that wrestles with the snake and that mates for life, and let's not forget the pet name Briar...etc. How many metaphors do we need?
Oh, the icy winter of the wicked mother's beauty. How the frost will bring death, etc.
On and on... like the author can't write a paragraph without some kind of metaphor. I really hate the overuse of stylistic devices. Makes me think the writing can't stand on its own.
This made me skip and skim, which I hate to do when I paid $ for a book.
I am kind of intrigued by the last book with Hawthorne and Hannah (a wolf in disguise, yet another metaphor 😒)
But... I don't know if I'll read it.
November 18, 2018
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars.
This ninth book in Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin takes place around six years after book seven, (Confessions of a Dangerous Lord), and revisits the members of the Huxley family. A number of events that took place in that book are referenced here – principally the crimes committed by the hero’s mother and the resultant fallout – so this probably isn’t the ideal book to pick up if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series. A Marriage Made in Scandal is a very readable novel that combines a friends-to-lovers romance with an intriguing mystery, but even though I liked quite a few things about it, there are things I didn’t that prevent me from recommending it.
One of those things is the way the story opens. Lady Eugenia Huxley is the daughter of an earl, but when we first encounter her she is working in a far from exclusive hat shop in one of the less salubrious areas of London. Anyone who reads historicals regularly will immediately recognise the incongruity of the idea of an earl’s daughter working for a living. As I read on I learned that a couple of years previously Eugenia – Genie – had caused a massive scandal by being caught in flagrante delicto with a footman and so I thought, “okay, so she disgraced herself and her family threw her out. That makes more sense.” Except – no. Not only did her family not disown her, she still lives at the family home in Mayfair! It’s said early on that Genie’s disgrace has naturally affected her younger sister’s marital prospects, that Genie no longer goes out in society and that she is still whispered about – but she lives at home? And goes to work every day? I didn’t buy it. There are occasions when I can roll my eyes at a set up and move on, but not this time. Ms. Braden is a good writer and I’m sure she could have come up with another way to have Genie be the family scandal without resorting to something so implausible.
Anyway. While working in said downmarket hat shop, Genie runs in to Phineas Brand, Lord Holstoke, who, years earlier, had been courting her sister Maureen. Phineas is a rigidly controlled young man whose mother (this isn’t a spoiler, as it happened in a previous book) was revealed to have been a murderess, having killed Phineas’ father and numerous others. That was six years ago, and society still views Phineas with caution, which is making his search for a suitable bride difficult, to say the least. And it’s made even more difficult when a young woman is murdered – poisoned using methods and poisons known to have been favoured by Phineas’ mother – and several more killings ensue in quick succession. It seems someone is out to implicate Phineas in the murders, and when Genie impulsively steps in to provide him with an alibi, it’s the last straw for her father, who makes it clear he expects Phineas to marry her. And in the meantime, the murder sub-plot picks up steam. The deaths seem random and there’s no way of knowing how, where or whom the poisoner will strike next, and Phineas greatly fears that by marrying Genie, he has placed her firmly in the killer’s sights.
Genie is vibrant, outspoken and, Phineas often thinks, blithely irresponsible, yet he can’t seem to stop noticing her and is drawn to her in spite of himself. Genie thinks Phineas is a cold, un-knowable man, but finds herself fascinated by him… which she can’t be because she’s frigid. I had to ask myself if a well-born lady at a time when ladies weren’t supposed to know about anything that went on below the waist would have known and understood the term… but anyway, she thinks she’s frigid, even though Phineas has practically reduced her to a puddle of goo by asserting his husbandly rights. Several times. I can only assume Genie comes out with that statement in order to let readers know that in spite of the footman scandal (which is explained in the second half), she isn’t some sort of strumpet because she doesn’t actually like kissing… and stuff.
The mystery portion of the novel is intriguing and I found myself quite caught up in it at times, and the marriage of convenience is a favourite trope. The author creates a strong pull of attraction between Genie and Phineas, who is one of those tightly buttoned types who turns out to be a sex god between the sheets ;), but overall the romance is underdeveloped. Because Phineas and Genie have known – at least been aware of – each other for years, we’re asked to believe theirs is an attraction of long-standing, but there is little romantic progression; they realise they find each other attractive, they’re forced to marry, they shag each other’s brains out at every available opportunity, Phineas puts his foot in his mouth and causes the obligatory Big Mis… while I generally enjoyed their interactions, I often found the mystery more compelling.
As a character, Phineas is more well-defined than Genie, who is one of those irrepressibly bubbly heroines who gets herself into scrapes with the best of intentions, and who always has a smile and a perky response to everything. In some ways, that’s an admirable quality, but I suspect being around someone who acts like Tigger on acid all the time would eventually become rather wearing; and most of the time, she feels more like a blueprint for a rebellious heroine than a fully-rounded character. Phineas’ backstory is tragic and his childhood has obviously – and unsurprisingly – affected him deeply, but I found his constant referral to “the blackness” that he is at continual pains to push away but which sometimes envelops him to be overly melodramatic. I soon realised that the author was using this as a kind of shorthand for Phineas’ more visceral emotions and his need to control them – something Genie picks up on easily and immediately and without any specialist knowledge whatsoever – but still, it’s overdone.
Also overdone are some aspects of the murder plotline, most notably the short inserts that appear early on which are told from the PoV of the poisoner who really does just need a cape and twirly moustache to be the perfect cartoon villain.
I dithered over the final grade for A Marriage Made in Scandal, because while I had a number of issues with the book, it’s nonetheless – as I said at the beginning – very readable. If you’re following the series and have enjoyed the other instalments, then I suspect you’ll find something to enjoy here, but there were too many bumps along the way for me to give it an overall recommendation.
This ninth book in Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin takes place around six years after book seven, (Confessions of a Dangerous Lord), and revisits the members of the Huxley family. A number of events that took place in that book are referenced here – principally the crimes committed by the hero’s mother and the resultant fallout – so this probably isn’t the ideal book to pick up if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series. A Marriage Made in Scandal is a very readable novel that combines a friends-to-lovers romance with an intriguing mystery, but even though I liked quite a few things about it, there are things I didn’t that prevent me from recommending it.
One of those things is the way the story opens. Lady Eugenia Huxley is the daughter of an earl, but when we first encounter her she is working in a far from exclusive hat shop in one of the less salubrious areas of London. Anyone who reads historicals regularly will immediately recognise the incongruity of the idea of an earl’s daughter working for a living. As I read on I learned that a couple of years previously Eugenia – Genie – had caused a massive scandal by being caught in flagrante delicto with a footman and so I thought, “okay, so she disgraced herself and her family threw her out. That makes more sense.” Except – no. Not only did her family not disown her, she still lives at the family home in Mayfair! It’s said early on that Genie’s disgrace has naturally affected her younger sister’s marital prospects, that Genie no longer goes out in society and that she is still whispered about – but she lives at home? And goes to work every day? I didn’t buy it. There are occasions when I can roll my eyes at a set up and move on, but not this time. Ms. Braden is a good writer and I’m sure she could have come up with another way to have Genie be the family scandal without resorting to something so implausible.
Anyway. While working in said downmarket hat shop, Genie runs in to Phineas Brand, Lord Holstoke, who, years earlier, had been courting her sister Maureen. Phineas is a rigidly controlled young man whose mother (this isn’t a spoiler, as it happened in a previous book) was revealed to have been a murderess, having killed Phineas’ father and numerous others. That was six years ago, and society still views Phineas with caution, which is making his search for a suitable bride difficult, to say the least. And it’s made even more difficult when a young woman is murdered – poisoned using methods and poisons known to have been favoured by Phineas’ mother – and several more killings ensue in quick succession. It seems someone is out to implicate Phineas in the murders, and when Genie impulsively steps in to provide him with an alibi, it’s the last straw for her father, who makes it clear he expects Phineas to marry her. And in the meantime, the murder sub-plot picks up steam. The deaths seem random and there’s no way of knowing how, where or whom the poisoner will strike next, and Phineas greatly fears that by marrying Genie, he has placed her firmly in the killer’s sights.
Genie is vibrant, outspoken and, Phineas often thinks, blithely irresponsible, yet he can’t seem to stop noticing her and is drawn to her in spite of himself. Genie thinks Phineas is a cold, un-knowable man, but finds herself fascinated by him… which she can’t be because she’s frigid. I had to ask myself if a well-born lady at a time when ladies weren’t supposed to know about anything that went on below the waist would have known and understood the term… but anyway, she thinks she’s frigid, even though Phineas has practically reduced her to a puddle of goo by asserting his husbandly rights. Several times. I can only assume Genie comes out with that statement in order to let readers know that in spite of the footman scandal (which is explained in the second half), she isn’t some sort of strumpet because she doesn’t actually like kissing… and stuff.
The mystery portion of the novel is intriguing and I found myself quite caught up in it at times, and the marriage of convenience is a favourite trope. The author creates a strong pull of attraction between Genie and Phineas, who is one of those tightly buttoned types who turns out to be a sex god between the sheets ;), but overall the romance is underdeveloped. Because Phineas and Genie have known – at least been aware of – each other for years, we’re asked to believe theirs is an attraction of long-standing, but there is little romantic progression; they realise they find each other attractive, they’re forced to marry, they shag each other’s brains out at every available opportunity, Phineas puts his foot in his mouth and causes the obligatory Big Mis… while I generally enjoyed their interactions, I often found the mystery more compelling.
As a character, Phineas is more well-defined than Genie, who is one of those irrepressibly bubbly heroines who gets herself into scrapes with the best of intentions, and who always has a smile and a perky response to everything. In some ways, that’s an admirable quality, but I suspect being around someone who acts like Tigger on acid all the time would eventually become rather wearing; and most of the time, she feels more like a blueprint for a rebellious heroine than a fully-rounded character. Phineas’ backstory is tragic and his childhood has obviously – and unsurprisingly – affected him deeply, but I found his constant referral to “the blackness” that he is at continual pains to push away but which sometimes envelops him to be overly melodramatic. I soon realised that the author was using this as a kind of shorthand for Phineas’ more visceral emotions and his need to control them – something Genie picks up on easily and immediately and without any specialist knowledge whatsoever – but still, it’s overdone.
Also overdone are some aspects of the murder plotline, most notably the short inserts that appear early on which are told from the PoV of the poisoner who really does just need a cape and twirly moustache to be the perfect cartoon villain.
I dithered over the final grade for A Marriage Made in Scandal, because while I had a number of issues with the book, it’s nonetheless – as I said at the beginning – very readable. If you’re following the series and have enjoyed the other instalments, then I suspect you’ll find something to enjoy here, but there were too many bumps along the way for me to give it an overall recommendation.
August 7, 2018
Four and a half stars. I love this author. I'm so happy I found her last year!
Elisa Braden writes excellent historical romance heroines. They're not anachronistic, but they're not wilting violets either. And her heroes are flawed, but incredibly honorable, just like I like 'em. The leads have wonderful chemistry.
One small gripe is that this reads like a mystery, but don't try to figure it out. There's no way you could know who the villain is. But that's a small complaint. It's still a very satisfying story if you like historical romance.
Elisa Braden writes excellent historical romance heroines. They're not anachronistic, but they're not wilting violets either. And her heroes are flawed, but incredibly honorable, just like I like 'em. The leads have wonderful chemistry.
One small gripe is that this reads like a mystery, but don't try to figure it out. There's no way you could know who the villain is. But that's a small complaint. It's still a very satisfying story if you like historical romance.
January 14, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (I lost interest throughout quite a few parts of this one and kept having to tell myself to come back to it and finish)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine, as well as Jonas, who is the hero of the next book (A Kiss from a Rogue), and also some brief scenes of the villain while murdering people...
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in, 5% or so
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: listened to audiobook from library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Yes. There’s a lot of overlap from prior events and this whole villain/mystery is a continuation of the plot line in book6, Confessions of a Dangerous Lord. In book 6, Colin’s story comes into play and that is established in book 3, Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel. But to enjoy book 3, you should read books 1 and 2 where the story is really started. And you should read the prequel novel because I loved it. So yes, start at the beginning.
Basic plot:
Eugenia tries to help Phineas not only find a wife, but protect his honor when he’s a suspect in a case of poisoning.
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency – around 1825 - I didn’t catch the year for this one, but it mentions book 6 happened 5-6 years ago and that book I have at 1819
- London/country estate setting
- size difference – hero is an inch or two above 6 feet and heroine has to crane her neck to see him well
- ruined heroine
- compromised….hero?
- milliner heroine/botanist hero
- complimenting the garden is foreplay
- surprise virgin
- villain danger
- medium to higher steam – 4 scenes but they are all after 60% and gives it a bit of a slower burn feel
Ages:
- Heroine is around 22, hero around 33
First line:
Hoar frost, shaggy as an old man’s beard, coated the castle’s long drive.
My thoughts:
Oof I don’t know what happened with this one but this one is not a favorite for me in this series. I might just be in a mood because a few books haven’t worked for me lately.
Braden does some point of view switching from the mains that I am never a fan of but probably doesn’t bother most people. Here, we are in the villains head as well as the hero for a future book. With how much page time Jonas and Hannah were getting I was wondering if I was going to get some lame, skipped over second romance thrown in, but it’s the set up for their story in book 9.
I also think maybe I haven’t fully recovered from the whole poisoning villain of book 6 in the series, because this had so many similar feelings to me as that book and I read it fairly recently.
This one had a lot that I really love as tropes in here, so I was hoping I would have loved it more. Maybe because it’s a bit of a slower burn? It felt like their relationship didn’t really get started until well into the book and by then I was grumpy.
Something that I really dislike in romance is family rudeness and bullying – and we found that here a bit with Hannah being petulant. It really does bother me because of things I’ve experienced personally, but in this story I really loved the way the ending worked out. It gave me emotional female friendship feels I don’t get very often in romance and I loved that and I think made Hannah’s character stronger for me.
I did really like some parts of this story. As always, I appreciate Braden’s emotional turmoil she puts her mains through, I love the angst of thinking you have lost it all when it means everything to you. The steam was good. But this one isn’t one I will gravitate back to as a reread.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (I lost interest throughout quite a few parts of this one and kept having to tell myself to come back to it and finish)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine, as well as Jonas, who is the hero of the next book (A Kiss from a Rogue), and also some brief scenes of the villain while murdering people...
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in, 5% or so
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: listened to audiobook from library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Yes. There’s a lot of overlap from prior events and this whole villain/mystery is a continuation of the plot line in book6, Confessions of a Dangerous Lord. In book 6, Colin’s story comes into play and that is established in book 3, Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel. But to enjoy book 3, you should read books 1 and 2 where the story is really started. And you should read the prequel novel because I loved it. So yes, start at the beginning.
Basic plot:
Eugenia tries to help Phineas not only find a wife, but protect his honor when he’s a suspect in a case of poisoning.
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency – around 1825 - I didn’t catch the year for this one, but it mentions book 6 happened 5-6 years ago and that book I have at 1819
- London/country estate setting
- size difference – hero is an inch or two above 6 feet and heroine has to crane her neck to see him well
- ruined heroine
- compromised….hero?
- milliner heroine/botanist hero
- complimenting the garden is foreplay
- surprise virgin
- villain danger
- medium to higher steam – 4 scenes but they are all after 60% and gives it a bit of a slower burn feel
Ages:
- Heroine is around 22, hero around 33
First line:
Hoar frost, shaggy as an old man’s beard, coated the castle’s long drive.
My thoughts:
Oof I don’t know what happened with this one but this one is not a favorite for me in this series. I might just be in a mood because a few books haven’t worked for me lately.
Braden does some point of view switching from the mains that I am never a fan of but probably doesn’t bother most people. Here, we are in the villains head as well as the hero for a future book. With how much page time Jonas and Hannah were getting I was wondering if I was going to get some lame, skipped over second romance thrown in, but it’s the set up for their story in book 9.
I also think maybe I haven’t fully recovered from the whole poisoning villain of book 6 in the series, because this had so many similar feelings to me as that book and I read it fairly recently.
This one had a lot that I really love as tropes in here, so I was hoping I would have loved it more. Maybe because it’s a bit of a slower burn? It felt like their relationship didn’t really get started until well into the book and by then I was grumpy.
Something that I really dislike in romance is family rudeness and bullying – and we found that here a bit with Hannah being petulant. It really does bother me because of things I’ve experienced personally, but in this story I really loved the way the ending worked out. It gave me emotional female friendship feels I don’t get very often in romance and I loved that and I think made Hannah’s character stronger for me.
I did really like some parts of this story. As always, I appreciate Braden’s emotional turmoil she puts her mains through, I love the angst of thinking you have lost it all when it means everything to you. The steam was good. But this one isn’t one I will gravitate back to as a reread.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
June 16, 2022
"Do not return for dinner. I will explain to Mama that you fell prey to an unfortunate ailment." She sniffed. "In deference to her fondness for you, I won't mention the ailment is your personality."(4 stars—raised to 4.5 upon second reading and 4.25 on third reading)
He nearly laughed. The urge was yet another contradiction—one should not feel amused by insults. But Eugenia Huxley was proving the exception to every rule. (p.72)
I feel like I say this every time I write an Elisa Braden review, but it really is stunning to me that she's not more well known—she has such great romances!!! I've read the books in this series greatly out of order, but like most series like these, characters reappear so frequently, that it can be helpful to read them in order.
SUMMARY. Lady Eugenia Huxley (22), also known as the Huxley Harlot, has been banished from Polite Society. In spite of her father being the Earl of Berne and the fact that several of her sisters have married well (i.e. powerful men), the fact that she was caught doing something naughty at a ball with a footman was just too much, and nothing could be done to smooth it over or keep it quiet. She still lives at home, but spends her day working in a not-very-great milliner's store, eager to create the extravagant hats she's constantly thinking up. She is shocked one day when she runs into Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke (33). Last time she saw him was six years ago, when one of her sisters (Maureen) was turning down his marriage proposal (or reneging on her acceptance? I don't know, haven't read that one yet) (Confessions of a Dangerous Lord, Book #6).
Phineas is in town because he's determined to try his hand at the marriage mart again. He has a younger sister, Hannah (22), and she's had a rough life (that's putting it LIGHTLY people!! The next book is her story), and she is super wary of basically everyone. He wants to show her what a healthy relationship looks like, and that it's possible to have love and a family, etc. (Super thin premise/excuse IMHO, but whatever; it's not too central, just serves to explain why they're back in London). I have not read Maureen's book, but apparently, Eugenia immediately took a liking to Phineas, and somewhat vice versa (Phineas is cold, remote, and not a big fan of displaying emotion); not in any inappropriate way—she was 16, he was 27, and he was pursuing her sister. In fact, the whole Huxley family took a shine to Phineas (something he finds perpetually confusing), and now that he's back in town and in society, he gets pulled into their orbit again.
Both Eugenia and Phineas have scandals attached to their names: Eugenia because of aforementioned footman incident, and Phineas because of (in case you want to read the series in order and want to be surprised). This makes his efforts on the marriage mart quite difficult, of course, since he has debutantes fainting at his mere greeting.
The mystery subplot is tied to one that has appeared in other books in the series and is a big plot driver. Again, in case you read the series in order ... The basics: as mentioned in the above spoiler, Phineas's mother was a psychotic evil murdering bitch, a lot of people in the series were affected by this, she's since been killed, but now women are turning up dead again in a similar manner to how she killed, and all fingers start pointing to Phineas.
MAIN CHARACTERS. I absolutely adored Eugenia and really drew me in. I'm a total shy-wallflower-heroine lover, so one might think she wouldn't really be my cup of tea—she's outgoing, brash, doesn't care what people think, etc.—but I found her fantastic. She's not like that just for the sake of being like that, which I think sometimes authors do (that whole show vs. tell thing), she's very three-dimensional and is someone whom I would totally want to be best friends with, even though we're very different.
I love her streak of independence, though she also has a strong sense of responsibility and feels a lot of guilt for the impact that the scandal had on her family, both internally and externally (her family is awesome). She wants to strike out on her own and eventually setup her own milliner shop, and so she's currently a "lowly assistant" in a pretty shitty store, but is determined to bear the mistreatment and creativity-stifling-environment for the sake of learning from the experience. She's super loyal and that loyalty immediately extends towards Phineas; even in the beginning of the book in "present day," it's not a romantic thing at the beginning, she just has an affinity and interest in him—she's a curious person and he's a big unknowable mystery.
Phineas is a fantastic stern / cold / remote hero, and I absolutely loved his pairing with Eugenia; they're perfect together. He's very similar in some ways, in that he also has a strong sense of responsibility and is super loyal and protective of people in his life ... which quickly includes Eugenia, though again, not out of any immediate conscious romantic/sexual interest. Personally, I like that that's not their motivator from the beginning, and it's what makes this a sort of "friends to lovers" story. He's very much shaped by his childhood and things having to do with the mystery, so I'll kind of just leave it at that.
CRITICISM. A couple things bugged me:
— Some parts of the story were very contrived (the reason he's back in London on the marriage mart again, as mentioned before; Eugenia getting fired from the milliner shop; the extreme action Eugenia takes to "protect" Phineas when suspicion falls on him; etc.)
— I really didn't understand the "blackness" thing going on with Phineas. I mean yes, I get it—it's the passionate and emotional side of him that he is always trying to repress, blah di blah—but the way it's described, the ongoing "battle" he has with it, and then the eye-rolling over-the-top-sweet scenes of Eugenia accepting him, helping him accept it, etc. Initially, I thought maybe it was going to be mental illness, which would have been a nice surprise, since that's almost never addressed by main characters in romances, but I quickly realized that wasn't it. I'm not even against this aspect of the story for itself, I actually think it's interesting and more fully develops his character, explaining why he seems so emotionally removed, but the way that it was presented and incorporated was not well done. You know those times when you're reading a romance book and it's an author who writes such flowery love scenes, that you're not actually sure what they're doing or where they are in the process? (Hahaha you know what I'm talking about!!!) It was like that, as if Braden's desire to present this aspect in such a poetic manner got the best of her and ended up making the entire thing incomprehensible.
— It got quite sappy for quite awhile at the end.
EMOTIONAL READ. It's interesting that one of my biggest annoyances was Braden's attempt to show greater depth and pain on Phineas's side, when what made the book emotional for me was the greater depth and pain on Eugenia's side. That didn't feel at all forced, and that's probably why it was so much more powerful. It is VERY rare for me to feel really emotional about a romance (beyond the giddiness, laughing, contentment, etc.), but that happened with this book. I felt a tug in my heart several times when Eugenia was confronted with her Big Mistake. There's a scene where her mother makes a small comment, telling her not to bring scandal to Phineas's name because he already has enough, and she feels so gutted and wow, I felt it too. The mother really loves her, she's not mean or neglectful, which makes this comment from her that much more powerful. The fact that Phineas previously pursued her sister is also a point of vulnerability and insecurity for Eugenia. There are several times where I totally felt Eugenia's pain; Braden did a really excellent job on that score.
BOTTOM LINE. Great leading characters, especially heroine; fantastic supporting cast; funny exchanges; super hot chemistry.
SERIES. I do recommend reading the series in order, though I honestly would say to skip two of the books; of course it's always completely subjective, but the fact that I'm saying skip them while also saying read the whole series in order ... well, that tells you something about how much I disliked them. The others though were GREAT, this one included!!
#0.5 — Ever Yours, Annabelle (TBR)
#1 — The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne (DNF)
#2 — The Truth About Cads and Dukes (4 stars)
#3 — Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel (TBR)
#4 — The Devil Is a Marquess (4-4.5 stars)
#5 — When a Girl Loves an Earl (TBR)
#5.5 — Twelve Nights as His Mistress (4 stars)
#6 — Confessions of a Dangerous Lord (TBR)
#7 — Anything but a Gentleman (2 stars)
#8 — A Marriage Made in Scandal, this book (4 stars)
#9 — A Kiss from a Rogue (4 stars)
EXCERPTS.
His head tilted. "Do you always speak so bluntly?"
"Candor spares us all a good deal of meaningless prattle, wouldn't you agree?" (p.22)
"Well," she said briskly, raising her brow at the man whose eyes pinned her like a silk rose to a straw brim. "I believe we have solved the mystery of your difficulties in the marriage mart, Holstoke. A bit of subtlety might help. Perhaps even a jolt of politeness."
"You were neither subtle nor polite."
"Yes, but when I am blunt, it is bold and charming. When you are blunt, it is offensive and annoying." (p.24)
Suddenly, she could feel what others complained about. Shivers. Breathlessness. She swallowed and licked her lips. "I was a scandal. I do not signify."
"I think you do."(p.26)
He grasped her arm.
"Let go," she said softly.
"I will not," he gritted.
"This is becoming a tiresome habit. Let go, Holstoke."
He pulled her closer. "Tell me why I am wrong."
"We haven't that sort of time. At most, I will live only another seventy years."
[...]
"Your boldness makes mistakes, Eugenia."
"Once in a great while."
"It causes you to speak without thinking."
"Hmmph. That only shows how little you know of me. I rarely speak without thinking. My thinking is simply faster." (p.188)
He gazed upon this woman who rarely hid her thoughts yet frequently surprised him—and wanted her. It was not lust, after all. It was deeper. He wanted to hold her. Before he could think better of it, he reached out to do just that. Took her in his arms. Gathered her close. Sank his hands into her hair. Raised it to his nose and breathed violets and a faint hint of cherries.
“Er, Holstoke?” Her hands patted his back.
He held her harder, his arms fully around her now, pressing her softness against him. Taking comfort in her warmth, in the contact from her hips to her shoulders. (p.207)
June 4, 2024
May be an unpopular opinion but this = my favourite book of this series 🤷♀️
I can’t say this is the most “amazing” book or story, but for some reason it got to me and allowed me to feel all the feels ❤️ I even had a wee tear or two during a few particular scenes.
To truly appreciate, understand, and adore this book, I would recommend to read the earlier books in the series before coming to this. Reading the other stories added the depth to this one, to the main and secondary characters, but most of all Phineas and Genie’s relationship 🥰 bless them, it might even go in my for-eva-faves!
I can’t say this is the most “amazing” book or story, but for some reason it got to me and allowed me to feel all the feels ❤️ I even had a wee tear or two during a few particular scenes.
To truly appreciate, understand, and adore this book, I would recommend to read the earlier books in the series before coming to this. Reading the other stories added the depth to this one, to the main and secondary characters, but most of all Phineas and Genie’s relationship 🥰 bless them, it might even go in my for-eva-faves!
September 30, 2019
4.5 stars...
This was a very good entry into this series.
The stiff and stoic Earl Holstoke who loves plants and garden design ,and the frivolous Lady Eugiene who loves fashion and making hats, and also has a penchant for handsome young footmen which ultimately leads to her downfall from society.
These two were polar opposites,but as we all know,opposites do attract.
At the beginning of the story,I did not like the heroine,she came off as vapid,clueless,and self centered,but she won me over half way thru the story.I saw her growth.
These two had prior interactions as the Earl was going to propose marriage to her sister,but the sister had her eye on someone else and eventually married him.
The story opens six years later.The heroine,now "ruined" in the eyes of society because she was found with her skirts up with a footman is now working as a hat maker to a mid level owner of a hat shop incognito.The hero has suffered the scandal of his now deceased mother being a mass murderer in which poison is her weapon and is also a personna non grata in society.He is now in the process of looking for a wife.
They meet again in the hat shop and the story unfolds.
I really liked this one,this hero was so ott possessive of the heroine,he even changed out all the young handsome footmen in his castle to old ugly ones so the heroine won't be " tempted".She wasn't.
There was a mystery of some copycat murders a la his murderous mother who is out to kill his wife and illigetimate half sister .
Hannah Gray(the sister) has her own story with Hawthorn(The Bow Street man),and looking forward to that one as she was held prisoner by the Earl's mother's henchman for 10 years.
This was a very good entry into this series.
The stiff and stoic Earl Holstoke who loves plants and garden design ,and the frivolous Lady Eugiene who loves fashion and making hats, and also has a penchant for handsome young footmen which ultimately leads to her downfall from society.
These two were polar opposites,but as we all know,opposites do attract.
At the beginning of the story,I did not like the heroine,she came off as vapid,clueless,and self centered,but she won me over half way thru the story.I saw her growth.
These two had prior interactions as the Earl was going to propose marriage to her sister,but the sister had her eye on someone else and eventually married him.
The story opens six years later.The heroine,now "ruined" in the eyes of society because she was found with her skirts up with a footman is now working as a hat maker to a mid level owner of a hat shop incognito.The hero has suffered the scandal of his now deceased mother being a mass murderer in which poison is her weapon and is also a personna non grata in society.He is now in the process of looking for a wife.
They meet again in the hat shop and the story unfolds.
I really liked this one,this hero was so ott possessive of the heroine,he even changed out all the young handsome footmen in his castle to old ugly ones so the heroine won't be " tempted".She wasn't.
There was a mystery of some copycat murders a la his murderous mother who is out to kill his wife and illigetimate half sister .
Hannah Gray(the sister) has her own story with Hawthorn(The Bow Street man),and looking forward to that one as she was held prisoner by the Earl's mother's henchman for 10 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
2.5
Buddy read with Lady Nilambari.
Most of the time when the main couple is together, their conversation made me laugh. I was intrigued by the murder mystery and the secondary couple, so I'm looking forward to their book. :)
This could have been 3 stars, but the revelation of the murderer and his motive left me unimpressed, so I took away 1/2 a star.
Buddy read with Lady Nilambari.
Most of the time when the main couple is together, their conversation made me laugh. I was intrigued by the murder mystery and the secondary couple, so I'm looking forward to their book. :)
This could have been 3 stars, but the revelation of the murderer and his motive left me unimpressed, so I took away 1/2 a star.
July 24, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 STARS! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another successful entertaining read from my Elisa Braden treasure trove!
I was pleasantly surprised with the mystery plot that kept me interested all throughout.
Rest assured that the romance is still very much leading the story, thanks to well developed characters, an opposites attract trope and a shimmering slow burn with enough conflicts to make one's heart skip a beat or two.
Eugenia and Phineas were perfectly paired to provide engaging dialogues and banter stemming from their divergent spirits. Eugenia is impetuous and passionate while Phineas is contrastingly cold and distant—a character's trait he developed as armor during a traumatic childhood, which doesn't preclude his base instincts to protect what he holds dear.
Phineas had a true heart of gold and what a delight it was to see him out of the restrictive bounds he had forged for himself whenever Eugenia was near. It may sound cheesy to say it but she truly was the key to his heart.
I ADORED how they both would invoke science experiments to further investigate about their chemistry. Their first kiss just about killed me : INCENDIARY. SO. SO. GOOD.
I would say the mystery subplot was a little overdrawn and the few interludes told in the villain POV not necessary for the rest of the investigation as it wasn't conclusive and didn't lead the reader to any additional clues.
I became very curious about Phineas's sister, Hannah and a certain Jonas Hawtorn... Their book is next and I've just started it! I'm well and truly addicted to this series, I do wish it won't ever end.
I wish I would know why Eugenia was so fond of ham throughout the story though... maybe a personal challenge the author had to mention the word as many times as possible? I'll be here wondering why.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Another successful entertaining read from my Elisa Braden treasure trove!
I was pleasantly surprised with the mystery plot that kept me interested all throughout.
Rest assured that the romance is still very much leading the story, thanks to well developed characters, an opposites attract trope and a shimmering slow burn with enough conflicts to make one's heart skip a beat or two.
Eugenia and Phineas were perfectly paired to provide engaging dialogues and banter stemming from their divergent spirits. Eugenia is impetuous and passionate while Phineas is contrastingly cold and distant—a character's trait he developed as armor during a traumatic childhood, which doesn't preclude his base instincts to protect what he holds dear.
Phineas had a true heart of gold and what a delight it was to see him out of the restrictive bounds he had forged for himself whenever Eugenia was near. It may sound cheesy to say it but she truly was the key to his heart.
I ADORED how they both would invoke science experiments to further investigate about their chemistry. Their first kiss just about killed me : INCENDIARY. SO. SO. GOOD.
I would say the mystery subplot was a little overdrawn and the few interludes told in the villain POV not necessary for the rest of the investigation as it wasn't conclusive and didn't lead the reader to any additional clues.
I became very curious about Phineas's sister, Hannah and a certain Jonas Hawtorn... Their book is next and I've just started it! I'm well and truly addicted to this series, I do wish it won't ever end.
I wish I would know why Eugenia was so fond of ham throughout the story though... maybe a personal challenge the author had to mention the word as many times as possible? I'll be here wondering why.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
January 6, 2019
So good. This series never disappoints.
June 12, 2023
⭐💫
1½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Interesting secondary characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Reckless and rather overbearing heroine.
Annoying heroine.
Annoying and unlikable hero.
The hero had previously courted the heroines sister and he compares the heroine to her sister (and finds the heroine lacking etc.)
The “hero” is very insulting and negative towards the heroine and the heroine does not really stand up for herself about that or put a stop to it.
Very lacking and unconvincing romantic build up and chemistry.
(No real love or connection, just lust.)
Bland main characters. (especially the hero.)
Some parts dragged while other parts were rushed.
1½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Interesting secondary characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Reckless and rather overbearing heroine.
Annoying heroine.
Annoying and unlikable hero.
The hero had previously courted the heroines sister and he compares the heroine to her sister (and finds the heroine lacking etc.)
The “hero” is very insulting and negative towards the heroine and the heroine does not really stand up for herself about that or put a stop to it.
Very lacking and unconvincing romantic build up and chemistry.
(No real love or connection, just lust.)
Bland main characters. (especially the hero.)
Some parts dragged while other parts were rushed.
August 4, 2018
Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke and Lady Eugenia "Genie" Huxley met 6 years ago when Phineas was courting her sister Maureen. When Maureen turned him down and the awful truth about his mother came out, Phineas took his half-sister Hannah and retired to his estate. But now he is back and looking for a wife.
They reunite when Phineas comes into the shop that Genie is working in. Genie created a huge scandal a couple of years ago when she was found in a compromising situation with a footman at ball. She has spent the last two years in the country and has decided that she will learn to be a milliner, so she doesn't have to be a burden to her family. Phineas is surprised to see her in the shop and is upset that she is working, but Genie ignores his outrage and can't help but tease him a bit. The interchange is brief, but it costs Genie her position.
They meet again later when he comes to her house to speak to her father about her work and finds her upset and intent on tracking down a co-worker who was dismissed because of her. Phineas is bewildered by her, he is a man who has spent a lifetime repressing his darkness and yet Eugenia seems to be a magnet for the darkness. He doesn't understand it and certainly doesn't like it.
When a series of murders similar to those committed by his mother happen, Phineas becomes the prime suspect. He is upset by the murders and wants to help find the true culprit, but Genie with her sweet, impulsive heart tries to help and ends up married to Phineas.
Genie is not the wife Phineas wanted, she makes him a slave to the "darkness" and that will not do, he tries to control it, but ends up hurting Genie with careless words. Genie is a bit of a Pollyanna, she is not easily defeated nor does she wallow in self-pity, she is falling in love with Phineas, but believes he is still in love with Maureen, a belief that is amplified when finally reach his castle. But she is determined to make the best of things and will make him forget Maureen. She seems to be succeeding, until a misunderstanding between them escalates and the murderer pays a call too close to home.
This was such a gripping story, it is well written and fast paced, has a very good mystery, steamy love scenes, delightful characters, some laugh out loud moments, some sweet tender moments, a few terrifying situations, a few twists, some revelations, a lot of hats and finally a very sweet and touching ending. I loved this book and would happily recommend it, I do think this book could be read as a stand alone, but for the best reading experience, I would highly recommend reading Book 7 Confessions of a Dangerous Lord and Book 8 Anything but a Gentleman before embarking on this story.
They reunite when Phineas comes into the shop that Genie is working in. Genie created a huge scandal a couple of years ago when she was found in a compromising situation with a footman at ball. She has spent the last two years in the country and has decided that she will learn to be a milliner, so she doesn't have to be a burden to her family. Phineas is surprised to see her in the shop and is upset that she is working, but Genie ignores his outrage and can't help but tease him a bit. The interchange is brief, but it costs Genie her position.
They meet again later when he comes to her house to speak to her father about her work and finds her upset and intent on tracking down a co-worker who was dismissed because of her. Phineas is bewildered by her, he is a man who has spent a lifetime repressing his darkness and yet Eugenia seems to be a magnet for the darkness. He doesn't understand it and certainly doesn't like it.
When a series of murders similar to those committed by his mother happen, Phineas becomes the prime suspect. He is upset by the murders and wants to help find the true culprit, but Genie with her sweet, impulsive heart tries to help and ends up married to Phineas.
Genie is not the wife Phineas wanted, she makes him a slave to the "darkness" and that will not do, he tries to control it, but ends up hurting Genie with careless words. Genie is a bit of a Pollyanna, she is not easily defeated nor does she wallow in self-pity, she is falling in love with Phineas, but believes he is still in love with Maureen, a belief that is amplified when finally reach his castle. But she is determined to make the best of things and will make him forget Maureen. She seems to be succeeding, until a misunderstanding between them escalates and the murderer pays a call too close to home.
This was such a gripping story, it is well written and fast paced, has a very good mystery, steamy love scenes, delightful characters, some laugh out loud moments, some sweet tender moments, a few terrifying situations, a few twists, some revelations, a lot of hats and finally a very sweet and touching ending. I loved this book and would happily recommend it, I do think this book could be read as a stand alone, but for the best reading experience, I would highly recommend reading Book 7 Confessions of a Dangerous Lord and Book 8 Anything but a Gentleman before embarking on this story.
December 9, 2019
..
A Marriage Made in Scandal is the ninth book in the 'Rescued from Ruin' series written by Elisa Braden. Lady Eugenia Huxley and Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke team together to engross the reader in mystery, danger, and romance.
Lady Eugenia Huxley a/k/a Genie, is portrayed as an impetuous, creative, and outspoken creature who sacrifices her own reputation for the hero of the book. Our hero is none other than Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, who finds himself vexed at her outrageousness. Consequently, his honor demands that they marry to avoid a scandal. This man is fiercely loyal, protective, and suffers from emotional torture that escapes his ability to comprehend.
This series is intended for ***MATURE AUDIANCES ***
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Wanted: A countess for the most feared lord in London
With a family legacy tainted by murder and madness, Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, is having a devil of a time securing a proper wife—or even an improper one. Society misses faint at the sight of him. Matchmaking mamas scurry to avoid him. Only one woman is bold enough to keep drawing near, and she’s more scandalous than he is.
Caution: A lady’s brazen ways may lead to ruin
Lady Eugenia Huxley knows all about running aground in the marriage mart, thanks to a scandal involving a footman and too much drink. No matter. She’ll gladly pursue millinery over matrimony. But when her sister’s spurned suitor returns to London in search of a wife, she can’t resist offering him a bit of courtship advice, even if the chilly, brilliant, honorable Lord Holstoke does give her shivers—heated, head-to-toe shivers that are anything but fearful.
Danger: This match may be combustible
After a series of vicious murders brings suspicion to Holstoke’s door, Eugenia risks everything to be his alibi. The only rational remedy is to marry the minx before she generates another scandal. Yet, the dangers don’t end at the altar.
Poisonous enemy coils ever closer, threatening the woman who awakens his soul. How far will he go to protect her?
That may be the greatest danger of all.
Their marriage brings out the best and the worst in Phineas, who discover an instant sexual attraction to his wife that he had never experienced previously. Meantime, Genie adjusts her new role with ease and possesses mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation head-on with a shield of courageousness.
The biggest con I want to point out is that the cover on the book does not resemble the hero or the heroine in this book. It is indeed misleading and fails to fulfill the precise descriptions throughout the book in any close detail at all. I would really appreciate a book cover that reflects a view of the particular color of eyes that the main characters of the book have once in a while.
This is NOT a clean series. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book. It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself, and take this opportunity to apologize for doing so. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. This does have steamy sex scenes, so if you like a sex-free book this is not it. If you enjoy steamy reads, jump into this book looking forward to the pleasures painted here in words.
-------------------------------------------------------
A Marriage Made in Scandal
(Rescued from Ruin Book 9)
. . . Kindle Edition
by Elisa Braden (Author)
Print Length: 342 pages
..
A Marriage Made in Scandal is the ninth book in the 'Rescued from Ruin' series written by Elisa Braden. Lady Eugenia Huxley and Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke team together to engross the reader in mystery, danger, and romance.
Lady Eugenia Huxley a/k/a Genie, is portrayed as an impetuous, creative, and outspoken creature who sacrifices her own reputation for the hero of the book. Our hero is none other than Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, who finds himself vexed at her outrageousness. Consequently, his honor demands that they marry to avoid a scandal. This man is fiercely loyal, protective, and suffers from emotional torture that escapes his ability to comprehend.
This series is intended for ***MATURE AUDIANCES ***
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Wanted: A countess for the most feared lord in London
With a family legacy tainted by murder and madness, Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, is having a devil of a time securing a proper wife—or even an improper one. Society misses faint at the sight of him. Matchmaking mamas scurry to avoid him. Only one woman is bold enough to keep drawing near, and she’s more scandalous than he is.
Caution: A lady’s brazen ways may lead to ruin
Lady Eugenia Huxley knows all about running aground in the marriage mart, thanks to a scandal involving a footman and too much drink. No matter. She’ll gladly pursue millinery over matrimony. But when her sister’s spurned suitor returns to London in search of a wife, she can’t resist offering him a bit of courtship advice, even if the chilly, brilliant, honorable Lord Holstoke does give her shivers—heated, head-to-toe shivers that are anything but fearful.
Danger: This match may be combustible
After a series of vicious murders brings suspicion to Holstoke’s door, Eugenia risks everything to be his alibi. The only rational remedy is to marry the minx before she generates another scandal. Yet, the dangers don’t end at the altar.
Poisonous enemy coils ever closer, threatening the woman who awakens his soul. How far will he go to protect her?
That may be the greatest danger of all.
Their marriage brings out the best and the worst in Phineas, who discover an instant sexual attraction to his wife that he had never experienced previously. Meantime, Genie adjusts her new role with ease and possesses mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation head-on with a shield of courageousness.
The biggest con I want to point out is that the cover on the book does not resemble the hero or the heroine in this book. It is indeed misleading and fails to fulfill the precise descriptions throughout the book in any close detail at all. I would really appreciate a book cover that reflects a view of the particular color of eyes that the main characters of the book have once in a while.
This is NOT a clean series. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. Due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations. If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book. It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself, and take this opportunity to apologize for doing so. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. This does have steamy sex scenes, so if you like a sex-free book this is not it. If you enjoy steamy reads, jump into this book looking forward to the pleasures painted here in words.
-------------------------------------------------------
A Marriage Made in Scandal
(Rescued from Ruin Book 9)
. . . Kindle Edition
by Elisa Braden (Author)
Print Length: 342 pages
..
August 28, 2019
The writing was excellent, as it always is with this author, but I wasn't sure how I would take to the hero in this one, #8 in the series. He came across as a bit unattractive and weird in an earlier book. But I adored him by the end.
Phineas is a horticultural expert, a rich lord with an obsessive hobby. He also had a psychotic mother and has a very emotionally damaged younger half-sister. He seems a cold man, one who has ruthlessly suppressed any strong emotions because he is terrified of them taking over. Underneath, he is a fiercely protective and passionate man. Throw a vivacious, impulsive Huxley girl into the mix, who struggles with the idea that she is just a substitute for her sister- the wrong bride- and watch it all explode.
I particularly loved the way Genie worked to break down Phineas' sister's walls. Her dogged optimism and determination to make the best of things should have been annoying. It wasn't. And it helped her break through to her husband, too! I confess, there is something incredibly hot about watching a strictly self-disciplined man slowly unravel and melt under the influence of his woman. And become very demanding and passionate. Sigh.
The story was cute, sexy and emotional by turns, and I was delighted with their HEA. Braden writes a mean epilogue, which is another huge plus.
Phineas is a horticultural expert, a rich lord with an obsessive hobby. He also had a psychotic mother and has a very emotionally damaged younger half-sister. He seems a cold man, one who has ruthlessly suppressed any strong emotions because he is terrified of them taking over. Underneath, he is a fiercely protective and passionate man. Throw a vivacious, impulsive Huxley girl into the mix, who struggles with the idea that she is just a substitute for her sister- the wrong bride- and watch it all explode.
I particularly loved the way Genie worked to break down Phineas' sister's walls. Her dogged optimism and determination to make the best of things should have been annoying. It wasn't. And it helped her break through to her husband, too! I confess, there is something incredibly hot about watching a strictly self-disciplined man slowly unravel and melt under the influence of his woman. And become very demanding and passionate. Sigh.
The story was cute, sexy and emotional by turns, and I was delighted with their HEA. Braden writes a mean epilogue, which is another huge plus.
March 27, 2023
5-Earls-Can-Be-Sexy-Nerds-Too-Stars
Missy and I decided to do a buddy read for this!
I have always enjoyed this book. The first time I read it, I never got around to writing a review and alas, right now, I am too exhausted to write a detailed one, so here are the highlights...
- I love the way Ms Braden writes. It is funny, witty and amazingly sarcastic.
- This plot was an interesting continuation of the previous murder mystery.
- I adored Phineas. He was a little bit weird but sweet, sensual and possessive!
- Eugenia was a breath of fresh air. Quirky, spunky and just bright!
- They had amazing chemistry, very husband-wifely!
- The prose was a little too flowery, but considering the botanical theme, I am making an allowance.
- It was troublesome to decipher the "blackness", but I did my best under the circumstances.
I thought it was depression, but then I thought it might be suppression of his illogical self or emotional and irrational self because the general relationship requirement dictates that a child should not hate their mother, so you try to rationalise it by calling it “blackness” an entity because you try to distance yourself from it. As you grow up, every emotion you don’t understand gets tagged under blackness, as he never learnt to process his emotions at all.
Love this book, love the author and love series!
Missy and I decided to do a buddy read for this!
I have always enjoyed this book. The first time I read it, I never got around to writing a review and alas, right now, I am too exhausted to write a detailed one, so here are the highlights...
- I love the way Ms Braden writes. It is funny, witty and amazingly sarcastic.
- This plot was an interesting continuation of the previous murder mystery.
- I adored Phineas. He was a little bit weird but sweet, sensual and possessive!
- Eugenia was a breath of fresh air. Quirky, spunky and just bright!
- They had amazing chemistry, very husband-wifely!
- The prose was a little too flowery, but considering the botanical theme, I am making an allowance.
- It was troublesome to decipher the "blackness", but I did my best under the circumstances.
I thought it was depression, but then I thought it might be suppression of his illogical self or emotional and irrational self because the general relationship requirement dictates that a child should not hate their mother, so you try to rationalise it by calling it “blackness” an entity because you try to distance yourself from it. As you grow up, every emotion you don’t understand gets tagged under blackness, as he never learnt to process his emotions at all.
Love this book, love the author and love series!
July 2, 2022
I am gonna go with 3,75 stars *May contain Spoilers*
What I liked:
-Characters and their development (we also knew already a lot from previous books)
Genie was just my type.Bold,impish,lively and Phineas was quite serious which I adore in my Heroes and yet with the capacity to grasp Genie's character.
-Secondary characters and their development
-Mystery
What I didn't like:
-I thought Phineas' personality would be a bit more explained and unraveled.I felt like something was missing.Also there was a skipped connection from his childhood to now?
-When the mystery was completely unravelled,felt like a stretch to me.A bit too far with the 14 year old boy.
-I really didn't care for all the steamy scenes involving,gardening or flowery or -whatever you call it in english- metaphors.It was quite cheesy (even for me :P).Ruided all the bed time pages for me
-The falling in love part,went from 50% to 100% in page.Not a big fan of that
What I liked:
-Characters and their development (we also knew already a lot from previous books)
Genie was just my type.Bold,impish,lively and Phineas was quite serious which I adore in my Heroes and yet with the capacity to grasp Genie's character.
-Secondary characters and their development
-Mystery
What I didn't like:
-I thought Phineas' personality would be a bit more explained and unraveled.I felt like something was missing.Also there was a skipped connection from his childhood to now?
-When the mystery was completely unravelled,felt like a stretch to me.A bit too far with the 14 year old boy.
-I really didn't care for all the steamy scenes involving,gardening or flowery or -whatever you call it in english- metaphors.It was quite cheesy (even for me :P).Ruided all the bed time pages for me
-The falling in love part,went from 50% to 100% in page.Not a big fan of that
September 19, 2021
I liked h but too much modern for me!
November 25, 2021
They begin as an odd couple. The h is ruined in society and her family don't know the truth either. He's also outcast from society but wants to marry. The h believes he loves her older sister but that becomes secondary to the murder mystery and helping his sister. Their intense relationship is wonderful, very steamy and prepares for the final couple's story in the series. I loved this book.
September 22, 2021
Another great entry. Love a hero who forces himself to hold back. But it just all comes out.
4.5/5 Stars
4.5/5 Stars
November 26, 2021
SPELLBINDING 🌿👒💕
This unique and mesmerizing story was yet another sparkling jewel in the Rescued From Ruin series. This story went straight into my heart. A dark edge interwoven throughout via the murder-mystery plot. A marriage of convenience masterpiece. A Hero unlike any you have met before: Phineas Brand, Earl of Holstoke, botany expert, detail oriented man of reason and science, the outwardly stoic and 'peculiar' H is, underneath it all, a lovingly possessive and protective man of deep unyielding passion and longing- hidden away until unleashed by Lady Eugenia, a creative and steadfast force, independent, free spirited, talented milliner, optimist, woman of substance and perception. What unfolds is one of the most intriguing, compelling and downright authentic HR stories I have read. The steam was absolutely magnificent. The writing beautiful and moving as always. A wonderful set up for the next and final book in the series. This story had me captivated until the end.
This unique and mesmerizing story was yet another sparkling jewel in the Rescued From Ruin series. This story went straight into my heart. A dark edge interwoven throughout via the murder-mystery plot. A marriage of convenience masterpiece. A Hero unlike any you have met before: Phineas Brand, Earl of Holstoke, botany expert, detail oriented man of reason and science, the outwardly stoic and 'peculiar' H is, underneath it all, a lovingly possessive and protective man of deep unyielding passion and longing- hidden away until unleashed by Lady Eugenia, a creative and steadfast force, independent, free spirited, talented milliner, optimist, woman of substance and perception. What unfolds is one of the most intriguing, compelling and downright authentic HR stories I have read. The steam was absolutely magnificent. The writing beautiful and moving as always. A wonderful set up for the next and final book in the series. This story had me captivated until the end.
September 16, 2018
3.5/5. Lady Eugenia Huxley is a touchy feely sort of girl and not one to suppress her impulses, which is how she got herself caught up in a scandal a few years ago while indulging her curiosity with a handsome footman. Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, on the other hand is a proper sort, a serious and studious man who generally prefers plants and botanical studies to people - except for the time 6 years ago when he was courting Genie's older sister, who ended up choosing another man.
Holstoke had a horrific time growing up - his mother not only lacked maternal affection but had a diabolically evil mind, using her botanical knowledge to poison numerous people in her path including his own father. He has had to fight for trust and respect among his peers after it became open knowledge that his mother was a mass-murderer. Running into Genie was not part of his plans to avoid further scandal. She has not toned down her behaviour one bit since the infamous episode with the footman despite her exile from polite society. She is still too opinionated, too bold, and too free and indiscriminate with her touches. Genie in turn enjoys her current freedom too much, knowing that her scandalous past has removed all expectations for her to secure a match. She certainly has no interest in marrying a man who pursued her sister previously. However after providing an alibi for Holstoke to protect him from suspicion of recent copy cat murders in the style of his mother, they have no choice but to wed to avoid further aspersions on both their names.
The writing is good as expected from EB with some amusing dialogue and one-liners. Genie really needed to keep her hands to herself. It was unseemly for any female in those days, let alone the daughter of an earl, to be so tactile with random men around her. Even if her intentions were innocent, they could at worst be misconstrued and at best cause awkwardness for the man in question. I like Phineas. I totally get his jealousy given Genie's propensity to gravitate towards male staff members and his tactical reorganisation of his staff to counteract this was quite sweet. Her apprenticeship in a milliner shop was a bit of a stretch. The crime subplot was also a tad over the top, but it was all solid entertainment. I guess the next story will be about his sister, Hannah, and Hawthorn the Bow Street runner.
Holstoke had a horrific time growing up - his mother not only lacked maternal affection but had a diabolically evil mind, using her botanical knowledge to poison numerous people in her path including his own father. He has had to fight for trust and respect among his peers after it became open knowledge that his mother was a mass-murderer. Running into Genie was not part of his plans to avoid further scandal. She has not toned down her behaviour one bit since the infamous episode with the footman despite her exile from polite society. She is still too opinionated, too bold, and too free and indiscriminate with her touches. Genie in turn enjoys her current freedom too much, knowing that her scandalous past has removed all expectations for her to secure a match. She certainly has no interest in marrying a man who pursued her sister previously. However after providing an alibi for Holstoke to protect him from suspicion of recent copy cat murders in the style of his mother, they have no choice but to wed to avoid further aspersions on both their names.
The writing is good as expected from EB with some amusing dialogue and one-liners. Genie really needed to keep her hands to herself. It was unseemly for any female in those days, let alone the daughter of an earl, to be so tactile with random men around her. Even if her intentions were innocent, they could at worst be misconstrued and at best cause awkwardness for the man in question. I like Phineas. I totally get his jealousy given Genie's propensity to gravitate towards male staff members and his tactical reorganisation of his staff to counteract this was quite sweet. Her apprenticeship in a milliner shop was a bit of a stretch. The crime subplot was also a tad over the top, but it was all solid entertainment. I guess the next story will be about his sister, Hannah, and Hawthorn the Bow Street runner.
January 5, 2020
I seriously love reading a book by Elisa Braden. While this one started out slow for me, for some reason, I really loved it by the end. She just has a way of capturing a reader with the power of her words.
This is the story of Eugenia (Genie) the second youngest Huxley daughter, and Phineas Holstoke, who once offered for Maureen, Genie's older sister. Genie is a scandal herself and Phineas' mother was a murderess so these two are quite the pair.
The two end up married once Genie puts into her head to protect Phineas from being accused of murder. She marries Phineas, thinking he still loves her sister, which leads to some good angst and we all know how much I love me some angst.
These two are quite the match and Genie brings out the protector in Phineas, something he doesn't recognize. He calls it his darkness and thinks it is a separate part of himself. He comes to find out that is the farthest from the truth.
You really should read this entire series in order. I wouldn't recommend starting with this one. This is a great series and you won't want to miss it.
My Random Thoughts I Think:
❀ I do believe that Phineas's obsession was with both Genie's hair and her hips. I really don't think he could choose. :)
♥ Eugenia’s was the color of polished mahogany. An uncommon shade. Dark and deep. Lustrous and silken.
♥ How could a woman’s hips be so beautifully rounded and yet so slender? He frowned, puzzling at the contradiction.
❀ He calls her Briar. She reminds him of a sweetbriar bush and isn't that just adorable.
❀ I think Genie calling him Phineas instead of Holstoke just about caused him to ravish her on the spot.
❀ Truly, can he just not? *Swoon*
♥ His chest heaved several more times. “It is impossible for me to explain how much I love you, Briar.” He looked down at her, his eyes blazing. “Impossible.”
This is the story of Eugenia (Genie) the second youngest Huxley daughter, and Phineas Holstoke, who once offered for Maureen, Genie's older sister. Genie is a scandal herself and Phineas' mother was a murderess so these two are quite the pair.
The two end up married once Genie puts into her head to protect Phineas from being accused of murder. She marries Phineas, thinking he still loves her sister, which leads to some good angst and we all know how much I love me some angst.
These two are quite the match and Genie brings out the protector in Phineas, something he doesn't recognize. He calls it his darkness and thinks it is a separate part of himself. He comes to find out that is the farthest from the truth.
You really should read this entire series in order. I wouldn't recommend starting with this one. This is a great series and you won't want to miss it.
My Random Thoughts I Think:
❀ I do believe that Phineas's obsession was with both Genie's hair and her hips. I really don't think he could choose. :)
♥ Eugenia’s was the color of polished mahogany. An uncommon shade. Dark and deep. Lustrous and silken.
♥ How could a woman’s hips be so beautifully rounded and yet so slender? He frowned, puzzling at the contradiction.
❀ He calls her Briar. She reminds him of a sweetbriar bush and isn't that just adorable.
❀ I think Genie calling him Phineas instead of Holstoke just about caused him to ravish her on the spot.
❀ Truly, can he just not? *Swoon*
♥ His chest heaved several more times. “It is impossible for me to explain how much I love you, Briar.” He looked down at her, his eyes blazing. “Impossible.”
October 12, 2018
OMG!! What a surprising story. With two characters we have read about in previous stories from Rescued from Ruin series. I absolutely loved Phineas Brand the Earl of Holstoke and Lady Eugenia Huxley daughter of the Earl of Berne. We meet Genie at 14 years of age and again at 16. She is a precocious teen. She is now 22 a spinster. (I am Sick of Spinsters stories) Genie is riddle with a scandal when she was 19. Her with a footmen and her skirts hiked up to her chin. Oh my But if you have read the snippets about Genie in prior books it will make you wonder what really happen with the Footmen. Hummm!!
Holstoke the peculiar but Genius Earl who we met when he was courting Maureen in "Confessions of a Dangerous Lord" Bk.7. Who happens to be one Genie's older sisters. His mother who we now know was the Primvale Poisoner. Who rained terror on the Beau Monde for a decade makes him scary to the marriage minded momma's of the Ton.
Phineas and Genie are a perfect couple because noting is what it seems with these two. You have to rely on your previous knowledge of the couple. I think the author Elisa Braden did an excellent job of matching this two together. But she always does pick the perfect matched pair for her H/H
There appears to be a copy cat killer in this story. Which I found disturbing at first but as I continued to read it made perfect sense.
I am Sorry I have finished this series for now. I hope we get another book in the Rescued from Ruin series very soon. I think after I catch up with my TBR list I will go back a Re Read the entire series. Its that good. I Highly Recommend to all lovers of Historical Romance to Read the "Rescued From Ruin series". I also, Recommend you read it in order. It makes for one big Romantic, Mysterious, Sensual Read. I Just Loved It!!
Holstoke the peculiar but Genius Earl who we met when he was courting Maureen in "Confessions of a Dangerous Lord" Bk.7. Who happens to be one Genie's older sisters. His mother who we now know was the Primvale Poisoner. Who rained terror on the Beau Monde for a decade makes him scary to the marriage minded momma's of the Ton.
Phineas and Genie are a perfect couple because noting is what it seems with these two. You have to rely on your previous knowledge of the couple. I think the author Elisa Braden did an excellent job of matching this two together. But she always does pick the perfect matched pair for her H/H
There appears to be a copy cat killer in this story. Which I found disturbing at first but as I continued to read it made perfect sense.
I am Sorry I have finished this series for now. I hope we get another book in the Rescued from Ruin series very soon. I think after I catch up with my TBR list I will go back a Re Read the entire series. Its that good. I Highly Recommend to all lovers of Historical Romance to Read the "Rescued From Ruin series". I also, Recommend you read it in order. It makes for one big Romantic, Mysterious, Sensual Read. I Just Loved It!!
August 10, 2018
I have only two things to say
1) I want my own Phineas
2) I need Genie as my best friend
1) I want my own Phineas
2) I need Genie as my best friend
June 3, 2023
3.5 stars rounded down. I did like this one and would recommend it but I have a big gripe. Phineas (MMC), made a habit of saying hurtful things about Genie’s (FMC) character. It would’ve been understandable early on before he got to know her true character but it was still happening towards the end.
I love a few good heart pinches and angst in my romance. If there’s an appropriate amount of regret, apology, grovel and effort made to not repeat mistakes, I am here for it. But Phineas was hurtful about things that are fundamental to who Genie is as a person and though he was remorseful, I wish he had been in the dog house longer. Those types of criticisms leave emotional scars and have the ability to change how you view yourself. If my husband had made a list like that about me, he would have forever been the voice in my head reaffirming all the things I’m insecure about. She was able to let it roll off her back and forgive him after his explanation, but I needed a longer period of atonement.
Genie helped Phineas find and embrace his true self but he did a crap job returning the favor. I wish he spent more time at the end embracing who she is and building her back up. It’s clear that she is the right woman for him but is he the right man for her? I’m not as sure.
I love a few good heart pinches and angst in my romance. If there’s an appropriate amount of regret, apology, grovel and effort made to not repeat mistakes, I am here for it. But Phineas was hurtful about things that are fundamental to who Genie is as a person and though he was remorseful, I wish he had been in the dog house longer. Those types of criticisms leave emotional scars and have the ability to change how you view yourself. If my husband had made a list like that about me, he would have forever been the voice in my head reaffirming all the things I’m insecure about. She was able to let it roll off her back and forgive him after his explanation, but I needed a longer period of atonement.
Genie helped Phineas find and embrace his true self but he did a crap job returning the favor. I wish he spent more time at the end embracing who she is and building her back up. It’s clear that she is the right woman for him but is he the right man for her? I’m not as sure.
February 2, 2021
I very much enjoyed visiting again with the very bright and detached Holstoke, the courting earl from a previous book in the series. Somehow, Elisa Braden took the spurned suitor and turned him into to the perfect foil for the ruined Eugenie. I loved the quirks and foibles of both main characters. This book has all the wonderful verbal sparring you expect from a Regency Romance, and they generate some heat while they're at it. The emotional baggage left from Phineas courting Eugenie's sister several years earlier is in perfect evidence, but there is nothing young or really naive about Eugenie. She handled it far better than he did in many ways. I enjoyed this one a lot, and it is why I keep going back to Braden's books.
December 16, 2022
Another lively story from Elisa Braden. I am enjoying her work and am so glad I stumbled upon her. Lady Eugenie Huxley was caught in a compromising position with a footman and has been estranged from Society for some years. Phineas Brand, the Earl of Holstoke, is looking for a wife and somehow Genie is it. There’s mystery and danger and all mixed up. Did I mention that Holestoke is somewhat hampered by having had a notorious poisoner for a mother, and someone has started to poison members of the upper crust. Naturally all eyes are turning to Phineas, including those of Bow Street.
August 12, 2018
Phineas and Genie
Another five star read from Elisa Braden. From book 1 of the Rescued from Ruin series, she has captivated this reader. This offering is no exception.
I squealed with delight when I learned that this pairing would take place. Opposites in every way. The cool, logical controlled earl with the vivacious, impetuous younger sister of the woman he unsuccessfully wooed in an earlier book. Boy, did the sparks fly.
I truly enjoyed the mystery/danger aspects of this story. Braden kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Her prose was tight and on point. It was a delight. I’ve always enjoyed reading about the Huxley family and they alongside Lady Wallingham did not disappoint.
I look forward to the next installment of one of my favorite auto buy series.
Another five star read from Elisa Braden. From book 1 of the Rescued from Ruin series, she has captivated this reader. This offering is no exception.
I squealed with delight when I learned that this pairing would take place. Opposites in every way. The cool, logical controlled earl with the vivacious, impetuous younger sister of the woman he unsuccessfully wooed in an earlier book. Boy, did the sparks fly.
I truly enjoyed the mystery/danger aspects of this story. Braden kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Her prose was tight and on point. It was a delight. I’ve always enjoyed reading about the Huxley family and they alongside Lady Wallingham did not disappoint.
I look forward to the next installment of one of my favorite auto buy series.
September 5, 2021
2.5 stars… this book is one of my least favorites of the series. The hero and heroine were both idiots in their own ways. I’m going to make a quick list because I don’t want to spend any extra time on this review…
1. The heroine doesn’t think through her actions about 50% of the time. She makes numerous really bad decisions that are written off as “quirky”, or similar rot.
2. The hero previously courted the heroine’s sister. He was still upset by her rejection at the start of this book. He continued to compare the heroine to her sister, including making a list of what the heroine lacked in comparison to her sister. 👌🏻🖕🏻
3. The hero insults the heroine numerous times… like really awful insults that should have ended their relationship. The list I mentioned? I would have just walked away, it was too much, too awful. All of her sister’s good traits vs. all of her bad? What an asshole! There’s no coming back from that, even if he explained it away. No explanation could have sufficed.
4. Expanding on the last point, the heroine takes insult after insult and just keeps allowing it. She needed to grow a spine because she deserved better.
5. The way that the heroine psychoanalyzed the hero was confusing. Did this bitch get a psychology degree at some point in the past and I missed it? Because I swear, at times, she went from total moron to wise guru.
There were some good parts in this story, but overall, I was expecting more. It’s possible that I was extra disappointed because I was looking forward to this book quite a bit, and it didn’t deliver.
Safety was fine as long as you’re ok with the hero semi-pining over his lost opportunity with the heroine’s sister at the beginning. Hero not a manwhore, mentions that he’s had 4 mistresses in the past. Heroine was a virgin.
1. The heroine doesn’t think through her actions about 50% of the time. She makes numerous really bad decisions that are written off as “quirky”, or similar rot.
2. The hero previously courted the heroine’s sister. He was still upset by her rejection at the start of this book. He continued to compare the heroine to her sister, including making a list of what the heroine lacked in comparison to her sister. 👌🏻🖕🏻
3. The hero insults the heroine numerous times… like really awful insults that should have ended their relationship. The list I mentioned? I would have just walked away, it was too much, too awful. All of her sister’s good traits vs. all of her bad? What an asshole! There’s no coming back from that, even if he explained it away. No explanation could have sufficed.
4. Expanding on the last point, the heroine takes insult after insult and just keeps allowing it. She needed to grow a spine because she deserved better.
5. The way that the heroine psychoanalyzed the hero was confusing. Did this bitch get a psychology degree at some point in the past and I missed it? Because I swear, at times, she went from total moron to wise guru.
There were some good parts in this story, but overall, I was expecting more. It’s possible that I was extra disappointed because I was looking forward to this book quite a bit, and it didn’t deliver.
Safety was fine as long as you’re ok with the hero semi-pining over his lost opportunity with the heroine’s sister at the beginning. Hero not a manwhore, mentions that he’s had 4 mistresses in the past. Heroine was a virgin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2019
Loved it!
The Earl of Holstoke has decided it’s time to take a wife....again! Six years have passed since the last time he decided this and that did not turn out well. Eugenia Huxley was the center of a huge scandal 3 years ago and now she will never marry. Until she meets Holstoke again and decides he needs her help after her older sister turned down his offer of marriage and married her true love. Mix in madness and murder and a mystery and you have a story you can’t put down!
The Earl of Holstoke has decided it’s time to take a wife....again! Six years have passed since the last time he decided this and that did not turn out well. Eugenia Huxley was the center of a huge scandal 3 years ago and now she will never marry. Until she meets Holstoke again and decides he needs her help after her older sister turned down his offer of marriage and married her true love. Mix in madness and murder and a mystery and you have a story you can’t put down!
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