Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
Plot:
People think Piers Brandon, Lord Granville, has spent the last 8 years all over the world working as an ambassador for England but they don’t know the truth.
The Marquess is a secret agent and his latest mission requires his presence at the Parkhurst ball.
Charlotte Highwood is tired of dealing with her mother’s schemes to get her married off.
Everyone already considers her a desperate fortune hunter!
“It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a titled man in possession of a fortune should steer far clear of me”
The night of the Parkhurst ball, Lord Granville is Charlotte’s mother designated catch but Charlotte intends to warn the Marquess and save what remains of her dignity.
When Charlotte locates Lord Granville though, he’s getting ready to sneak into the evening host’s study.
Strange…
Oh well, she goes right to the point, tells him about her mother’s intentions and advises him to stay FAR AWAY from her, just in case.
Piers is a bit confused because he does not know this unconventional young lady but he’s entertained.
“Charlotte decided to change the subject. “You wouldn’t believe what goes in these things.” She offered her perfumed wrists. “Here, tell me which scent you prefer. Lilies and whale vomit, or lemon balm and beaver’s arse.”
Right on the middle of their discussion, someone approaches and, in order not to be found alone and be compromised, they find refuge in the library…behind the curtains.
Turns out someone wanted a quiet place to have a scandalous tryst and they hear it all…awkward!
They do not get caught by the couple but, before they can flee the room, an 8 years old boy catches them and starts screaming bloody murder…
Charlotte’s mother might see her dream come true after all!
There’s only one option out of this humiliating situation: Find the actual culprits.
Charlotte has a plan but, as she spends time with Pierce, the idea of getting stuck with each other becomes not quite so bad.
“I can’t agree to a convenient arrangement, my lord. Your devotion to duty may be admirable, but ‘lie back and think of England’ simply isn’t for me.”
His voice became low and dark. “I cannot promise you everything you might wish, but I promise you this: When I take you to bed, you will not be thinking of England.”
“Oh.”
He has some secrets though…
Personal Thoughts:
“What’s your plan, Agent Brandon?” she whispered. “Do you mean to kiss me so long and so hard that I’ll forget your identity?”
“No.” His hand slid to the back of her head, tangling in her hair—so tightly she gasped. “I mean to kiss you so long and so hard that you’ll forget yours.”
Are you in the mood for a great Historical Romance with a touch of Mystery and lots of Humor?
Yes?
Then this is the book for you!!
I can still picture in my head a certain “Sex Ed with mama” scene… here is a part of it:
“I thought this might be difficult to discuss. That’s why I gathered some common objects to serve as illustrations.”
[…]
She came to a bargain with herself. If Mama was going to subject her to this, Mama was going to pay for it. And there was only one way to exact revenge for this farce of a lesson.
To take it seriously.
She lifted her head and composed her expression into one of solemn, wide-eyed innocence. Reaching forward, she laid a single finger on the aubergine. “Is this the actual size?”
“Not every gentleman’s is quite that size. Some are smaller. Some may, in fact, be larger.”
“But most are not quite so purple, I hope.” She picked up the two items and pushed them against one another, frowning with confusion. “How does the aubergine fit inside the peach?”
Her mother’s face contorted. “The peach produces a sort of nectar to ease the way.”
“A nectar? How fascinating.”
“If the gentleman is skilled with his aubergine, it will not be so very painful.”
“What about the lady’s skill? Shouldn’t the bride to know how to please the aubergine?”
Her mother was quiet for a moment. “He might . . . That is, some gentlemen might wish to be . . . er . . . stroked.”
“Stroked. How does one stroke an aubergine? Is it like stroking a kitten?” Charlotte laid the egg-plant fruit across her palm and brushed it gently with a fingertip. “Or like strokes of a hairbrush?” She increased the vigor of her motions.
Mama gave a sort of strangled squawk.
“Here,” Charlotte said, thrusting the vegetable into her mother’s grip. “Why don’t you demonstrate?”
At the sight of Mama’s panicked, near-purple face, Charlotte lost her battle with laughter. She collapsed into giggles. Then she dove for cover, to avoid being beaten about the head with an eggplant.
“Charlotte!” Mama hurled the peach at her as she reached the door. “Whatever will I do with you?”
“Never, ever speak of aubergines or peaches again.”
I love Tessa Dare’s historicals!
Her writing is witty and addicting.
This book will definitely make you laugh, swoon and it will entertain you with the little mystery that needs to be uncovered.
“Murder!” Edmund shouted. “It’s murder! He’s been trying to murder her for weeks now. I heard it myself. Eek, eek, eek. And then grrra—”
mmm… we all know what little Edmund heard happening in the library but…who are the “culprits”??
I strongly suggest you to read the book and find out!!
XD
⭐ 5 Stars ⭐
* Do You Want to Start a Scandal is book #5 in the Spindle Cove series and book #4 in the Castles Ever After series by Tessa Dare, no cliffhanger, standalone.
~ My Ratings ~
Writing: 5 /5
Plot: 4.5 /5
Hero: 4.5 /5
Heroine: 4.5 /5
Secondary Characters: 4.5 /5
MC’s chemistry: 4.5 /5
Triggers: Explicit Sexual scenes, No major triggers.
Recommended to: Historical Romance Readers looking for a little mystery, steamy romance and lots of fun.
Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
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