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Scandalous Lady #3
Every Scandalous Secret
“Callen’s entangle readers in a tale that’s delightfully sexy, fast paced and filled with engaging characters who hold your interest until the end.”
— Romantic Times “[She’s] guaranteed to take your breath away.”
—Christina Dodd Every Scandalous Secret is revealed in the third book in Gayle Callen’s deliciously wicked historical romance trilogy about three inquisitive Victorian English gentlemen and their pursuit of the unknown model who posed for the shocking painting adorning the wall of their exclusive London club. This final chapter passionately unites a handsome, unrepentant rogue and an exquisite spinster artist, and fervent fans of Samantha James and Loretta Chase will most certainly want to be on hand when the romantic sparks start to fly.
— Romantic Times “[She’s] guaranteed to take your breath away.”
—Christina Dodd Every Scandalous Secret is revealed in the third book in Gayle Callen’s deliciously wicked historical romance trilogy about three inquisitive Victorian English gentlemen and their pursuit of the unknown model who posed for the shocking painting adorning the wall of their exclusive London club. This final chapter passionately unites a handsome, unrepentant rogue and an exquisite spinster artist, and fervent fans of Samantha James and Loretta Chase will most certainly want to be on hand when the romantic sparks start to fly.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2011
37 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Callen
46 books524 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Gayle Callen writes historical romances for Avon Books. Her twenty-second novel, The Wrong Bride, was published in November 2015.
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 25, 2023
Every Scandalous Secret was such an interersting read and I think I had higher hopes going into this one. I also think I just wasn't in the best of moods to read this one so I do think this was a "me" issue in some respects. I did find the set up to be so fascinating. I loved the whole set up of the hero on a bet with his friends thinking the heroine is the model of an infamous nude painting. It definitely screams secrets and scandals. I found the chemistry and bantering to be so intriguing and I became so intrigued by their interactions. There is a bit of marriage of convenience when they get caught in a scandalous embrace. Its been a while since I have read this set up in a historical, authors tend to not write this like they used to and I really loved seeing it. I do want to read the last of the trilogy though as I was charmed by this book even though it felt like a super slow read!
September 22, 2011
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I admit that this book was a little hard for me to get through at times. I just loved the beginning of this book. I am a big fan of banter between characters and this book was chocked full of it in the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Leo and Susanna go back and forth with each other. But once I got to the middle it's where things seemed to slow down for me significantly. It just seemed to drag on for a few chapters and there wasn't anymore of the banter between Leo and Susanna. By the time I got to the last third of the book everything picked up again I really began to enjoy Leo and Susanna again.
I honestly love the character of Leo. He's just so forth-coming and honest about things. He isn't ashamed of his past and he doesn't make excuses. I really enjoyed watching him pursue Susanna at the house party. We also saw a different side of Leo in this book. In previous books he perceived as a Rake who doesn't really give a damn about anything, but in this book we were able to see that he's actually very intelligent. I secretly love it when the ton rake turns out to be a hidden scholar. I just love a smart and intelligent hero!
As for Susanna, I had my ups and downs with her. I loved her in the beginning of the book. She is a bluestocking and isn't ashamed of it. In fact, while at the country house party she is giving painting lessons. She seems so confident and self-assured. Then, all of a sudden when her and Leo get together she loses all of that. She becomes sort of a downer and is constantly questioning her actions and whether Leo's feelings are real. What happened to the confident self-assured woman I came to love?
As I said before, my favorite part of this book was experiencing all of the banter between Leo and Susanna. I just wish we were able to see more of it throughout the story. I did enjoy Leo and Susanna together as a couple and I think that they both balanced each other out quite well. They both brought out the best in one another and that is always refreshing to see.
**ARC Copy**
I admit that this book was a little hard for me to get through at times. I just loved the beginning of this book. I am a big fan of banter between characters and this book was chocked full of it in the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Leo and Susanna go back and forth with each other. But once I got to the middle it's where things seemed to slow down for me significantly. It just seemed to drag on for a few chapters and there wasn't anymore of the banter between Leo and Susanna. By the time I got to the last third of the book everything picked up again I really began to enjoy Leo and Susanna again.
I honestly love the character of Leo. He's just so forth-coming and honest about things. He isn't ashamed of his past and he doesn't make excuses. I really enjoyed watching him pursue Susanna at the house party. We also saw a different side of Leo in this book. In previous books he perceived as a Rake who doesn't really give a damn about anything, but in this book we were able to see that he's actually very intelligent. I secretly love it when the ton rake turns out to be a hidden scholar. I just love a smart and intelligent hero!
As for Susanna, I had my ups and downs with her. I loved her in the beginning of the book. She is a bluestocking and isn't ashamed of it. In fact, while at the country house party she is giving painting lessons. She seems so confident and self-assured. Then, all of a sudden when her and Leo get together she loses all of that. She becomes sort of a downer and is constantly questioning her actions and whether Leo's feelings are real. What happened to the confident self-assured woman I came to love?
As I said before, my favorite part of this book was experiencing all of the banter between Leo and Susanna. I just wish we were able to see more of it throughout the story. I did enjoy Leo and Susanna together as a couple and I think that they both balanced each other out quite well. They both brought out the best in one another and that is always refreshing to see.
**ARC Copy**
November 15, 2011
First, I didn't realize that this was connected to her book "A Viscount in her Bedroom" from 2007. Leo is Simon's younger brother.
Second, I did give it three stars, but don't take that as a bad thing. It was nicely written, and the characters were developed well and remained consistant throughout the book. What I didn't like was the really fabricated, not well developed obstacle. We all know that in a love story there has to be some obstacle that forces the characters to seperate either physically or emotionally so there can be the obligatory reunion scene at the end. This book is no different other than the obstacle is so forced and transparent it is irritating.
When you discover the missing memories of Leo's childhood, you are so disappointed at what you discover. It is flimsy, and really unnecessary but even so should have only registered as a blip on the plot screen. Then her reasons for withdrawing from Leo at the end are ridiculous. I finished it only because I was pages from the end, but honestly, I could have stopped reading when they got to London.
The last few chapters, the answer to the wager, the reaction of the men and women - all frivolous and very "Fabio-esque". I am usually a good fan of Ms. Callen's, but this one was not her best. Four stars for the beginning, and less than three for the end.
Second, I did give it three stars, but don't take that as a bad thing. It was nicely written, and the characters were developed well and remained consistant throughout the book. What I didn't like was the really fabricated, not well developed obstacle. We all know that in a love story there has to be some obstacle that forces the characters to seperate either physically or emotionally so there can be the obligatory reunion scene at the end. This book is no different other than the obstacle is so forced and transparent it is irritating.
When you discover the missing memories of Leo's childhood, you are so disappointed at what you discover. It is flimsy, and really unnecessary but even so should have only registered as a blip on the plot screen. Then her reasons for withdrawing from Leo at the end are ridiculous. I finished it only because I was pages from the end, but honestly, I could have stopped reading when they got to London.
The last few chapters, the answer to the wager, the reaction of the men and women - all frivolous and very "Fabio-esque". I am usually a good fan of Ms. Callen's, but this one was not her best. Four stars for the beginning, and less than three for the end.
November 25, 2024
A scandalous painting, a wager, a house party, a moment of passion, an anvil wedding and an illuminating honeymoon trip back home. Will resistance reign, or can this rake defrost his clever queen?
~ Susanna & Leo ~
Niece to a duke, assistant to her professor father, and a talented artist with a sharp mind, she withdrew from the marriage mart before it even opened. But her brother’s happy resurrection (the brilliant third book in this series) made her loneliness palpable, and she promised to give it one more try. Then the painting showed up, and now she’s stuck with a very tempting but forbidden shadow...
He’s a viscount’s younger brother who’s aimless libertine lifestyle turned tedious. He’s restless and haunted, and the wager he suggested might just prove the right kind of distraction - especially the stubborn spinster he suspects of being the painting’s model. Becoming the charming pebble in her shoe looks like a solid plan - until they’re caught.
This man falls so hard and fast, and he’s too cocky to notice. Just another suave playboy at first, his depths take time to reveal themselves. There was a lot more to him than I expected!
She’s not his ordinary prey and has no desire to be caught - at least not by him. Still, she’s just as intrigued by their strange attraction, but she’s also determined to make him pay, and watching her go soft for this man as he patiently bides his time, was a delight!
There’s a host of important side-characters, but none of them ever steal the show, it’s always about them, the couple. I really enjoyed that the focus gradually shifts from her to him, and I love that this story comes full circle for both MCs as individuals and as a couple!
Excellent chemistry, lots of witty repartee, beautiful growth, delicious steam, always on the move, a plot that kept me spellbound till the end and an unexpected outcome of the wager.
This was an wonderfully enthralling read, and a beautiful end to this series!
~ Susanna & Leo ~
Niece to a duke, assistant to her professor father, and a talented artist with a sharp mind, she withdrew from the marriage mart before it even opened. But her brother’s happy resurrection (the brilliant third book in this series) made her loneliness palpable, and she promised to give it one more try. Then the painting showed up, and now she’s stuck with a very tempting but forbidden shadow...
He’s a viscount’s younger brother who’s aimless libertine lifestyle turned tedious. He’s restless and haunted, and the wager he suggested might just prove the right kind of distraction - especially the stubborn spinster he suspects of being the painting’s model. Becoming the charming pebble in her shoe looks like a solid plan - until they’re caught.
This man falls so hard and fast, and he’s too cocky to notice. Just another suave playboy at first, his depths take time to reveal themselves. There was a lot more to him than I expected!
She’s not his ordinary prey and has no desire to be caught - at least not by him. Still, she’s just as intrigued by their strange attraction, but she’s also determined to make him pay, and watching her go soft for this man as he patiently bides his time, was a delight!
There’s a host of important side-characters, but none of them ever steal the show, it’s always about them, the couple. I really enjoyed that the focus gradually shifts from her to him, and I love that this story comes full circle for both MCs as individuals and as a couple!
Excellent chemistry, lots of witty repartee, beautiful growth, delicious steam, always on the move, a plot that kept me spellbound till the end and an unexpected outcome of the wager.
This was an wonderfully enthralling read, and a beautiful end to this series!
February 12, 2018
Ik heb de Nederlandstalige uitgave gelezen : Candlelight Historische roman 1012 - De naakte waarheid . Dit is het laatste deel in wat ik als een 9 delige serie beschouw . Het begon met de serie over de zusjes van de wilgenplas - nrs: 790 , 812 en 829 in dit laatste deel is Simon Wade de hoofdpersoon en in het allerlaatste deel is zijn broer Leo Wade de hoofdpersoon . De volgende 2 series gaan over een familie van broers , zussen , nichten en neven - de nrs: 864 , 876 , 891 , 929 , 965 , 1012 . Het is het leukst om de hele 9 delige serie op volgorde te lezen .
September 22, 2018
The saying goes "save the best for last" but unfortunately that is not the case in Every Scandalous Secret the final book of the Scandalous Lady Series. While I normally enjoy Callen's work, this was a difficult book to get through.
Leo Wade...was the ever a hero I disliked as much as Leo Wade? Maybe...but right now I'm having trouble thinking of any. I was constantly comparing him to Daniel from "Never Trust A Scoundrel" - both were considered rakes and scoundrels, but at least Daniel had some form of decency left. I didn't get that impression from Leo. I ended up loving Daniel...Leo, not so much. He continually pushes the heroine. Maybe it should have been romantic and cute, but his constant badgering and stalking of Susanna made me extremely uncomfortable. When Daniel was playing his game with Grace, it was a game they both agreed on. Susanna wanted nothing to do with him and made that very clear. It wasn't happenstance that these two crossed paths...Leo forced them to cross paths and interact with each other. And when Leo's stalking leads to a problematic situation I did not understand why Leo forced Susanna's hand. It didn't make any sense to me because I didn't understand his motivation. I didn't understand Leo's motivation to do ANYTHING. He was a lazy, unrepentant jerk.
My favorite part was the middle...when Susanna was mad at him at letting him have it. That should be a sign of how much I liked this book. lol When the heroine was thoroughly and righteously angry with the hero...that's when I was enjoying it. Actions lead to certain consequences in this novel and while both parties accept those consequences, Susanna doesn't go down without a fight. She lets Leo have it, lets him feel like a jerk and he absolutely deserved it. And this is the point where the book just lost any purpose for me. I didn't want them together, I didn't like seeing them together and I didn't care what happened from that point on.
I was really looking forward to the banter between these two since it was so freaking charming at the beginning of book one, but the banter wasn't even present in this book. Susanna became such a flimsy star struck girl, she was left with nothing to defend herself. From all previous appearances, I came to really like Susanna, but it was so frustrating to watch her fall in love with Leo. She was such a strong, brave, resilient character. I thought she deserved so much better.
And Leo's act of self discovery in the end was great and all, but I was so mad with the first half of the book I really couldn't even be bothered to care what happened with him in the end.
Honestly, there isn't much else to say...Ever Scandalous Secret was a huge let down.
Leo Wade...was the ever a hero I disliked as much as Leo Wade? Maybe...but right now I'm having trouble thinking of any. I was constantly comparing him to Daniel from "Never Trust A Scoundrel" - both were considered rakes and scoundrels, but at least Daniel had some form of decency left. I didn't get that impression from Leo. I ended up loving Daniel...Leo, not so much. He continually pushes the heroine. Maybe it should have been romantic and cute, but his constant badgering and stalking of Susanna made me extremely uncomfortable. When Daniel was playing his game with Grace, it was a game they both agreed on. Susanna wanted nothing to do with him and made that very clear. It wasn't happenstance that these two crossed paths...Leo forced them to cross paths and interact with each other. And when Leo's stalking leads to a problematic situation I did not understand why Leo forced Susanna's hand. It didn't make any sense to me because I didn't understand his motivation. I didn't understand Leo's motivation to do ANYTHING. He was a lazy, unrepentant jerk.
My favorite part was the middle...when Susanna was mad at him at letting him have it. That should be a sign of how much I liked this book. lol When the heroine was thoroughly and righteously angry with the hero...that's when I was enjoying it. Actions lead to certain consequences in this novel and while both parties accept those consequences, Susanna doesn't go down without a fight. She lets Leo have it, lets him feel like a jerk and he absolutely deserved it. And this is the point where the book just lost any purpose for me. I didn't want them together, I didn't like seeing them together and I didn't care what happened from that point on.
I was really looking forward to the banter between these two since it was so freaking charming at the beginning of book one, but the banter wasn't even present in this book. Susanna became such a flimsy star struck girl, she was left with nothing to defend herself. From all previous appearances, I came to really like Susanna, but it was so frustrating to watch her fall in love with Leo. She was such a strong, brave, resilient character. I thought she deserved so much better.
And Leo's act of self discovery in the end was great and all, but I was so mad with the first half of the book I really couldn't even be bothered to care what happened with him in the end.
Honestly, there isn't much else to say...Ever Scandalous Secret was a huge let down.
January 17, 2016
Complete review and interview with Gayle: http://wp.me/p1sYYP-zE
And it's true, this book has so many secrets!
Every Scandalous Secret has fantastic twists and surprises for the reader. Gayle will keep you wondering till the last minute to know the answers to all the questions she presents little by little . The pacing didn't help much, as I thought the book too long and especially by the middle and ending some scenes were dragging on and on. However, I Loved how it ended!
I didn't read the previous books from this series, but it they're as good as this one I need to get them soon! Recommended if you enjoy sweet romance with a hint of mystery! I strongly advise you not to read this series in order.
And it's true, this book has so many secrets!
Every Scandalous Secret has fantastic twists and surprises for the reader. Gayle will keep you wondering till the last minute to know the answers to all the questions she presents little by little . The pacing didn't help much, as I thought the book too long and especially by the middle and ending some scenes were dragging on and on. However, I Loved how it ended!
I didn't read the previous books from this series, but it they're as good as this one I need to get them soon! Recommended if you enjoy sweet romance with a hint of mystery! I strongly advise you not to read this series in order.
May 5, 2014
I was interested in the mystery woman in a painting theme and so I picked up this book. It was not what I expected. I enjoyed the beginning of the book best with the witty repartee and tension between the characters in the house party setting.
However, in the middle of the book, the heroine went crazy for two chapters and I hated her guts (she did get better again) and there was a lot of pondering of what was "wrong" with the hero that I never felt was truly resolved.
While I wasn't wowed by this book because there were some confusing elements in it, I did like the authors writing style and I will be trying more from her. 3.5 stars.
However, in the middle of the book, the heroine went crazy for two chapters and I hated her guts (she did get better again) and there was a lot of pondering of what was "wrong" with the hero that I never felt was truly resolved.
While I wasn't wowed by this book because there were some confusing elements in it, I did like the authors writing style and I will be trying more from her. 3.5 stars.
December 3, 2024
To fully understand and get the most out of this story, you have to read books four and five of this series first. This is the conclusion of that started in book four. The talk of gentleman thru London is about who is the woman who posed nude for a painting that now hangs in a well-known gentleman club. Rumors has it that the model is a Lady of the ton! Oh, my. Three friends Julian, Peter and Leo caught three young lads trying to steal the painting. Only to find they are not lads at all but three ladies of well-known families. The Leland Sisters and their cousin a Cabot. The guys are well into their cups by now and bet the women they can guess who is the one in the painting. Each men picks one of the girls he thinks it is. If the guys win the girls have to tell them who posed, if the Ladies win, they get to keep the money and the painting is theirs. Let the games began. Leo has picked the cousin, spinster Susanna. As each guy followed one of the ladies as they thought to trick them and left town. Leo goes to the same house party for the Christmas season as Susanna. Susanna was planning on using the party to find a husband. When Leo, a known rake showed up it causes a lot of talk among the group. For reasons Susanna can’t figure out she is drawn to Leo and his easy manner and banter. The witty banter between them turns into something more really quickly and end up with then being caught. Which leads to a quick trip to Gretna Green and a marriage neither wanted or is it. This is not what you think, it is not the ending to this great read but the beginning of a truly wonderful story. As secrets, longing and misunderstanding take our couple on quit a ride. These two have a lot to overcome and learn before they may have a happy ending or have made a horrible mistake. We also find out who is the women in the painting and how it come about for a lady to pose in the nude. What a great read these three books have been and tons of fun too. Be sure and not miss this series, books one thru three go together and four thru six are a group also. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
November 17, 2024
I had already read the first book in this series, which was good, because it gave the context of this one. A daring painting of a practically baked woman, three women who may have been the models and three men trying to figure out which woman is which. In this story, Leo Wade is sure that Suzanne is the model. I really enjoyed reading the first story, that of Suzanne's sister Rebecca and Lord Julian Parkhurts, so I was curious about this one. Leo pursues Suzanna to find out if he is right and is not subtle about it. Suzanne does her best to keep her distance, but if that doesn't work and they are caught, there is only one thing for it: marriage. In the rest of the story they find their way to each other in a forced marriage, with the necessary surprises and of course a happy ending. There was less momentum in this story, it became a bit long-winded at times. Sometimes I couldn't completely agree with Leo's attitude, his pushiness and his old fashioned views, but of course it is also a historical novel, and at that time it was of course not done for a lady of good standing to pose naked for a portrait. It makes me find Leo alternately irritating and sympathetic. I think that the events that have influenced Leo's life, and that come to light later in the book, are a bit underexposed.
The ending seemed a bit rushed.
I found the writing style pleasant and accessible, and it was an entertaining book, but especially so, I think, if you have also read the stories of the other two (or at least the first, as I did).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The ending seemed a bit rushed.
I found the writing style pleasant and accessible, and it was an entertaining book, but especially so, I think, if you have also read the stories of the other two (or at least the first, as I did).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2024
This story is a blend of romance, wit, and high-stakes intrigue. Set against the backdrop of Regency London, it introduces two captivating characters who will keep you on the edge of their seats.
Leo is an infamous rake with a devil-may-care reputation, and is no stranger to the indulgences of London's nightlife, particularly its gaming halls and the arms of willing women. However, when his sharp instincts lead him to suspect that Miss Susanna is the model behind a provocative and scandalous painting, Leo's curiosity is piqued. The idea of uncovering her secret pulls him from the bustling city to the quiet, rural countryside, where he plans to expose Susanna's mysterious past—despite her best efforts to hide it.
Susanna is a woman who has long been resigned to the idea that her chances at love and marriage are slim. She is already practically a spinster, so propriety doesn't really concern her. When the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, their animosity simmers into undeniable chemistry, leading to a series of electrifying, tension-filled moments that propel the story forward.
The chemistry between Leo and Susanna crackles with tension, their dialogue sharp and entertaining. Their back-and-forth exchanges, laced with both humor and longing, add a refreshing layer of depth to the plot.
Overall, this is a thrilling and engaging read that combines the best elements of historical romance: a rakish hero, a strong-willed heroine, and plenty of scandalous secrets. An entertaining and enjoyable read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leo is an infamous rake with a devil-may-care reputation, and is no stranger to the indulgences of London's nightlife, particularly its gaming halls and the arms of willing women. However, when his sharp instincts lead him to suspect that Miss Susanna is the model behind a provocative and scandalous painting, Leo's curiosity is piqued. The idea of uncovering her secret pulls him from the bustling city to the quiet, rural countryside, where he plans to expose Susanna's mysterious past—despite her best efforts to hide it.
Susanna is a woman who has long been resigned to the idea that her chances at love and marriage are slim. She is already practically a spinster, so propriety doesn't really concern her. When the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, their animosity simmers into undeniable chemistry, leading to a series of electrifying, tension-filled moments that propel the story forward.
The chemistry between Leo and Susanna crackles with tension, their dialogue sharp and entertaining. Their back-and-forth exchanges, laced with both humor and longing, add a refreshing layer of depth to the plot.
Overall, this is a thrilling and engaging read that combines the best elements of historical romance: a rakish hero, a strong-willed heroine, and plenty of scandalous secrets. An entertaining and enjoyable read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
We have an unexpected ending to the wager with Mr Leo Wade, Mr Peter Derby and Lord Julian Parkhurst have their HEA!
Leo is fascinated at the house party and can barely keep away from Susanna sister to the irrepressible Rebecca.
When a seduction goes to far they are caught by their host Lord Bramfield and urged to marry to avoid a scandal!
Susanna believes she has married and unfaithful rake and i miserable! She decides to hold his attention as long as possible and make the the best of their sizzling chemistry!
But they both have secrets and they don’t learn what they are until after they are wed!
Can their new and very fragile bond survive them? Can they face the Ton and their scrutiny? They also are totally unaware of what has happened with the other couples! Who wins the wager? Who is really the person in the portrait? You will have read to find out!
Leo has nightmares and suppressed memories it is definitely unexpected and exciting to find out where they lead! At first it seems this couple is more unalike and only compatible in 1 way! Secrets emerge and they definitely have lots in common! Bravo for the unexpected ending! Definitely a HEA! 4.8 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leo is fascinated at the house party and can barely keep away from Susanna sister to the irrepressible Rebecca.
When a seduction goes to far they are caught by their host Lord Bramfield and urged to marry to avoid a scandal!
Susanna believes she has married and unfaithful rake and i miserable! She decides to hold his attention as long as possible and make the the best of their sizzling chemistry!
But they both have secrets and they don’t learn what they are until after they are wed!
Can their new and very fragile bond survive them? Can they face the Ton and their scrutiny? They also are totally unaware of what has happened with the other couples! Who wins the wager? Who is really the person in the portrait? You will have read to find out!
Leo has nightmares and suppressed memories it is definitely unexpected and exciting to find out where they lead! At first it seems this couple is more unalike and only compatible in 1 way! Secrets emerge and they definitely have lots in common! Bravo for the unexpected ending! Definitely a HEA! 4.8 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2024
The Lady Revealed
The final book follows the most interesting couple of them all. Bluestocking Susanna Leland has had no intention of marrying for many years. She is an accomplished artist and helps her father by sketching his anatomical dissections of human corpses. This is not exactly a topic suitable for winning a suitor. But she has decided that she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents by being a spinster, so she accepts an invitation to attend a house party given by her father’s friend. The self confident Leo Wade suspects that Susanna is the mystery lady and so he follows her despite not being an invited guest. The charming Leo has to work hard to gain Susanna’s trust. A childhood memory is just beyond his reach and has been the source of his nightmares. This part of the story is just as fascinating as uncovering the identity of the lady who posed nude. Read the wonderful conclusion of this trilogy. Callen has written three wonderful romances but I’m looking forward to reading next about Leo’s brother Simon and the woman whose reputation Leo ruined. 5 stars for this book, too.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
November 28, 2024
There is more than one dark secret in this well-crafted story, as Leo tracks Susanna to a country house party with the sole purpose of uncovering the Scandalous Lady, and he knows just how to go about it. He discovers that Susanna is completely unlike any other woman he has pursued and she keeps him on his toes, but if anything, it makes him more determined to find the proof he is seeking. I loved Leo's character and in spite of seeming to be in control of the situation, he is hiding his vulnerability behind charm, flirting and teasing all the ladies without exception. Susanna lives her life on her own terms, following her passion for art and learning as much as she can about the subjects that interest her. When her curiosity gets the better of her, she is caught in a trap of her own making, with the inevitable outcome. Despite mistrust and misunderstandings, the plot comes to a satisfying conclusion, bringing all the players together. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 29, 2024
Who is the lovely model in the new painting on the wall of their gentlemen’s club? Julian, Peter, and Leo catch three boys attempting to steal the painting. The thieves are not boys at all, but three young ladies, members of the Leland/Cabot family. They each claim to be the model. The gentlemen wager that they can guess the real model. Each will try to get the answer from the lady he believes to be the one.
Leo, who is certain that Susanna is the lady in the scandalous painting at the gentlemen’s club, follows her and sort of invites himself to the same house party. Their attraction is obvious, the chemistry is great, and giving in to temptation results in a run to Gretna Green. Leo and Susanna have a more complex personalities and secrets than the other two couples. They also have a more contentious journey to happily ever after. Their story has some drama, humor, twists and turns, and a great ending. Who is the model? That’s part of the great ending.
I received a special copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
Leo, who is certain that Susanna is the lady in the scandalous painting at the gentlemen’s club, follows her and sort of invites himself to the same house party. Their attraction is obvious, the chemistry is great, and giving in to temptation results in a run to Gretna Green. Leo and Susanna have a more complex personalities and secrets than the other two couples. They also have a more contentious journey to happily ever after. Their story has some drama, humor, twists and turns, and a great ending. Who is the model? That’s part of the great ending.
I received a special copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 5, 2020
Back to 4 stars because everything is all tied up and we find the answer to the over arching mystery of the trilogy. Leo, charming and rakish, never serious makes a wager with his 2 friends. Susanna is part of that wager. She is on the shelf at 27 and though she is an excellent artist, she has avoided men because of 1incident 6 years past.
Leo has been having nightmares about an incident in the past that has caused him to hide his intelligence. So 2 traumatized people come together with their secrets and worries, and can't trust each other until all secrets are out.
Excellent ending. 3 HEA's and a secret told.
Leo has been having nightmares about an incident in the past that has caused him to hide his intelligence. So 2 traumatized people come together with their secrets and worries, and can't trust each other until all secrets are out.
Excellent ending. 3 HEA's and a secret told.
November 25, 2024
This was a delightful love story. A house party leads to sudden life changes that begin a journey of change, seldom discovery, a past childhood traumatic incident, much humor and wit, and emotional and interesting issues that kept me very entertained. The characters were strong-willed and complex. It was a nice touch to see some old characters from previous stories included. I enjoyed that a passionate romance became a beautiful love, and the ending was very happy for many.I highly recommend reading!
January 15, 2025
The black sheep and the spinster
Susanna is the last lady of the trio that tried to break into the gentlemen’s club to steal a nude painting. Leo Wade is the third gentleman, who attached himself to one of the ladies in a wager to discover which lady posed for the scandalous portrait. Maybe more observant than his friend, he has discovered a minuscule detail which he believes will enable him to unmask his lady.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Susanna is the last lady of the trio that tried to break into the gentlemen’s club to steal a nude painting. Leo Wade is the third gentleman, who attached himself to one of the ladies in a wager to discover which lady posed for the scandalous portrait. Maybe more observant than his friend, he has discovered a minuscule detail which he believes will enable him to unmask his lady.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2024
What a lovely conclusion to the mystery of the painting! I enjoyed Leo and Susanna’s story. The twists and turns and surprising secrets just kept coming. I loved how we could see the realizations they both had to uncover about themselves and each other. Confronting his mother was a great scene and the ending was adorable! Enjoyed it immensely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2024
Susanna and Leo are very cute together. Their banter, their passion, their connection, so on point. I love how protective Leo is of Susanna and how deeply in love they were with each other. Great end to the wager.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2024
Leo is a cad…
He crashes a house party with a particular prey in mind. Spinster Susanna, who he believes in the subject if a rather scandalous portrait on his club.
He sets up a situation where they are forced to wed. They are combative, competitive and it’s a battle of wits.
Leo is shallow and feckless. He is only after a challenger and Susanna deserved way better.
He crashes a house party with a particular prey in mind. Spinster Susanna, who he believes in the subject if a rather scandalous portrait on his club.
He sets up a situation where they are forced to wed. They are combative, competitive and it’s a battle of wits.
Leo is shallow and feckless. He is only after a challenger and Susanna deserved way better.
December 3, 2024
this was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed in the historical romance novel, it had that overall feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the characters in this world, It was written well and had that plot that I was looking for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2019
Such a great series! Love how Gayle Callen chose all of her characters. Each character made you think of who the real person in the painting was. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a historical fiction book, a mystery and a romance. This series is for you!
September 2, 2019
Not having read the other two books, I had no idea what was going on in the beginning. Susanna was not a believable character for the time period, and Leo’s past was far fetched. I skimmed a lot of it.
dnf
March 2, 2022i like their chemistry a bit more than the book before this however i really dont care for the third act drama thats about to come now that they got together so im done
dnfed at seventy two percent
dnfed at seventy two percent
November 13, 2024
The mystery behind a scandalous painting is finally revealed in this book. And what a wonderful read it is. Witty, flirtatious, steamy, self reflecting and all around hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2025
Scandalous Secret
I enjoyed this book and the characters. For me it started out a little slow and I was not a fan of Mr. Wade. But looks can be deceiving. There was a kind, caring man under the good looks and his arrogant rakious ways.
I enjoyed this book and the characters. For me it started out a little slow and I was not a fan of Mr. Wade. But looks can be deceiving. There was a kind, caring man under the good looks and his arrogant rakious ways.
February 6, 2021
OK, but won't bother with the first two
November 25, 2024
Throughly enjoyed Leo and Susanna's story, the characters were well written and made for a very enjoyable read.
October 15, 2011
***Review originally posted at Romancing Rakes***
This is the first Gayle Callen book I've read and I liked it. Quite a bit. Apparently, Leo and Susanna's story timeline parallels with that of Julian and Rebecca (In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady) and Elizabeth and Peter (A Most Scandalous Engagement).
Backstory: Sisters Susanna and Rebecca Leland and their cousin, Elizabeth Cabot, sneak into a well known London gentlemen's club in order to steal a painting of a nude lady. They get caught by three gentlemen friends; Julian Delane, Peter Derby and Leo Wade. In a drunken wager, the gentlemen will find out which lady is the model. The ladies will try to keep the gentlemen from finding out. Whichever group wins, gets the painting as the prize. Let the games of seduction begin!
Leo Wade is determined to seduce the truth from Susanna Leland as to who that nude model is. Easier said, than done. Susanna is determined to keep Leo from finding out the truth so she leaves town to attend a house party. Of course, this is bound to lead to something disastrously delicious and sexy.
Leo is easy going, a total people person and very charming. Susanna is a bluestocking through and through. She reads, she paints, she works along side her father, and she's a wallflower. But hey, opposites attract right? In this book, yes they do.
The attraction between the two characters is apparent to quite a few people at the house party. Susanna spends her time teaching the ladies how to paint while Leo does a lot of heaving staring in her direction. She knows she must keep the secret safe but Leo is slowly chipping away at her defenses. After almost getting compromised by Leo, she throws those defenses back up. They are forced to marry at Gretna Green due to the fact someone saw them getting cozy behind the couch.
Both the journey back to London and the journey of getting to know each other is riddled with insecurities, passion and discovery. Leo and Susanna had me laughing and snorting out loud at their antics. My heart ached for Leo as he was trying to woo Susanna, and I felt for Susanna as she tried to keep Leo at a distance, all the while slowly falling for him.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "He would need to slowly seduce her all over again, her mind and heart, as well as her body. And this time, there was more at stake than a wager. The rest of their life together pivoted on a point, and it could go either way." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)
OVERALL: Oh that Leo Wade. I'm going to add him to my ever growing hero harem. He's just so easy to love. The beginning was a little slow for me but once Leo compromised Susanna, it picked up. Three things I enjoyed about this book: 1)the banter between the characters had be laughing, 2)Leo and Susanna trying to get to know each other after getting married, and 3)the anticipation for when "the moment was right". Ms. Callen definitely caught my attention with a few gasp worthy moments. I will definitely read another book by Ms. Callen.
***PDF provided by Jessie Edwards at HarperCollins for Gayle Callen's book tour with Goddess Fish.***
This is the first Gayle Callen book I've read and I liked it. Quite a bit. Apparently, Leo and Susanna's story timeline parallels with that of Julian and Rebecca (In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady) and Elizabeth and Peter (A Most Scandalous Engagement).
Backstory: Sisters Susanna and Rebecca Leland and their cousin, Elizabeth Cabot, sneak into a well known London gentlemen's club in order to steal a painting of a nude lady. They get caught by three gentlemen friends; Julian Delane, Peter Derby and Leo Wade. In a drunken wager, the gentlemen will find out which lady is the model. The ladies will try to keep the gentlemen from finding out. Whichever group wins, gets the painting as the prize. Let the games of seduction begin!
Leo Wade is determined to seduce the truth from Susanna Leland as to who that nude model is. Easier said, than done. Susanna is determined to keep Leo from finding out the truth so she leaves town to attend a house party. Of course, this is bound to lead to something disastrously delicious and sexy.
Leo is easy going, a total people person and very charming. Susanna is a bluestocking through and through. She reads, she paints, she works along side her father, and she's a wallflower. But hey, opposites attract right? In this book, yes they do.
The attraction between the two characters is apparent to quite a few people at the house party. Susanna spends her time teaching the ladies how to paint while Leo does a lot of heaving staring in her direction. She knows she must keep the secret safe but Leo is slowly chipping away at her defenses. After almost getting compromised by Leo, she throws those defenses back up. They are forced to marry at Gretna Green due to the fact someone saw them getting cozy behind the couch.
Both the journey back to London and the journey of getting to know each other is riddled with insecurities, passion and discovery. Leo and Susanna had me laughing and snorting out loud at their antics. My heart ached for Leo as he was trying to woo Susanna, and I felt for Susanna as she tried to keep Leo at a distance, all the while slowly falling for him.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "He would need to slowly seduce her all over again, her mind and heart, as well as her body. And this time, there was more at stake than a wager. The rest of their life together pivoted on a point, and it could go either way." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)
OVERALL: Oh that Leo Wade. I'm going to add him to my ever growing hero harem. He's just so easy to love. The beginning was a little slow for me but once Leo compromised Susanna, it picked up. Three things I enjoyed about this book: 1)the banter between the characters had be laughing, 2)Leo and Susanna trying to get to know each other after getting married, and 3)the anticipation for when "the moment was right". Ms. Callen definitely caught my attention with a few gasp worthy moments. I will definitely read another book by Ms. Callen.
***PDF provided by Jessie Edwards at HarperCollins for Gayle Callen's book tour with Goddess Fish.***
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