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Inferno Club #5
My Scandalous Viscount
Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, lives by a code of honor, and now honor dictates he must marry Miss Carissa Portland. He has no regrets over stealing a kiss from the adorable little busybody-a fitting punishment for putting her delectable nose where it didn't belong. But now, caught in a compromising situation, he knows he must make her his bride. He's faced danger before-but nothing like this!
Carissa is not a gossip-she's a "lady of information." And all she was trying to do was warn the rakehell Beauchamp away from an irate husband. But even she can't flaunt Society, and while her head tells her that Beau's a notorious scoundrel, her heart-and her body-are captivated by his dangerous charm. But when Carissa next goes snooping, the secrets she uncovers about the Inferno Club may prove even more hazardous than falling in love with her own husband.
Carissa is not a gossip-she's a "lady of information." And all she was trying to do was warn the rakehell Beauchamp away from an irate husband. But even she can't flaunt Society, and while her head tells her that Beau's a notorious scoundrel, her heart-and her body-are captivated by his dangerous charm. But when Carissa next goes snooping, the secrets she uncovers about the Inferno Club may prove even more hazardous than falling in love with her own husband.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2012
171 people are currently reading
1316 people want to read
About the author
Gaelen Foley
44 books1,894 followersGaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller's Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
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May 29, 2021
Le pongo las 4 estrellas justas porque ha sido un muy buen libro, donde ha habido un poco de todo, que por supuesto me ha convencido, pero a la vez ha tenido cosas que definitivamente habría cambiado. Lo cierto es que no sé muy bien cómo empezar ésta crítica, actualmente mi cabeza ha entrado en bucle en todo lo referente a éste libro, pero eso es bueno ¿no? Temo los libros que no me enganchen y me causen apatía, que no me emocione ni la historia ni los personajes. Un libro, sea bueno o malo, lo mejor que puede hacer es despertar algo en ti, que te haga sufrir, que te haga llorar, que te haga reír. Pues éste libro ha despertado todo eso en mi, y repito hay cosas que me han gustado y otras que no.
Empecemos. Es un libro que guarda cierto equilibro, lo que es el romance de sus personajes, y la historia de trasfondo referente a la Orden. Pues bien, diría que el romance se ha desarrollado durante la primera mitad de la novela, y en la segunda mitad ha pasado a un segundo plano en detrimento de la historia de la Orden, que es lo que principalmente me ha enganchado.
Desde los primeros libros supimos que Beau y Carissa tenían algo, nos gustaba como pareja y queríamos libro de ellos. Pues sí, lo ha habido, pero no es una historia de amor que me haya emocionado. Al principio de la novela los protagonistas se ponen en un aprieto, ambos acaban heridos y Beau se lleva a Carissa a Dante House para curarla. Como consecuencia de ello su reputación quedaría arruinada, de modo que Beau como caballero que es, le pide matrimonio, y a los pocos días se casan. ¿Esperamos amor? Por supuesto, pero los protagonistas ya se gustaban en libros anteriores, entonces no hemos visto ése enamoramiento que surge poco a poco entre los personajes, ya están enamorados. Pero en su relación hay una piedra que entorpece el camino, y son los secretos, los secretos y la confianza que resiente a la pareja, y a mí es esto lo que no me ha gustado, porque no me ha dejado gozar de ellos como pareja. Confieso que si no hubiese habido una historia de trasfondo probablemente el libro no me habría gustado.
La culpa de ello no es de los personajes, si no de la autora, por habernos creado unas expectativas de la pareja que no ha cumplido. Beau me ha llegado más que Carissa, a pesar de su fachada de libertino encantador y mujeriego, es un hombre íntegro y honorable, respetado en la Orden y que sólo busca aportar su granito de arena. Carissa en ciertos momentos, no me ha caído mal, pero eso de que sea tan cotilla ha podido conmigo, Carissa es el tipo de personaje que aporta su gracia por sus cometidos mientras es un personaje secundario, pero como protagonista no me ha gustado. Y ahora es cuando llego a otra contradicción, si hay algo que jamás acepto en una novela es a un secundario que en otros libros se nos ha mostrado como es, y en el suyo propio es una persona completamente distinta, puedo entender a personajes que sean de una manera y todo sea pura fachada, pero no que cambie totalmente su personalidad. Al fin y al cabo lo que ha hecho Gaelen Foley es mostrarnos a Carissa como es, y éso sí es lo que me ha convencido, que no me ha cambiado su personalidad, lo que no me ha gustado de ella es su personalidad, para ser protagonista no me ha atraído nada, repito: Carissa me hubiese gustado más como personaje secundario y no protagónico.
Ahora es cuando llego a la historia de trasfondo. No me gusta spoilear en mis reviews así que intentaré callar lo esencial. En el anterior libro vimos que la Orden dio un duro golpe a los Prometeos, probablemente el definitivo, fue un libro distinto porque se desarrolló en un castillo en medio de Baviera y no tuvimos nada del mundo londinense. Éste libro es el lado opuesto, volvemos a Londres y todo es un hervidero entre los parlamentarios que están en contra de la Orden y los privilegios que reciben. Sí, hay algo, o alguien que intenta acabar con la Orden desde dentro, que manipulará a algunos de sus personajes y los harán perder cierta credibilidad. Pues la verdad es que os voy a decir que con ésta historia Gaelen Foley se ha lucido, porque realmente me ha encantado cómo ha llevado a cabo toda la tarea de la investigación para descubrir quién quiere acabar con la Orden.
En cuanto al final, ha sido otra piedra, aunque acaba de manera satisfactoria, a mí no me ha gustado, más que nada porque aún quedan dos libros de la serie, y no sé qué podrá sacarse la autora de la manga para rellenar un libro que no sea sólo la historia de amor. Aunque debo decir que tengo muchas, muchísimas ganas de leer la historia de Trevor, en cuanto a Nick, eso es otro cantar.
Como conclusión, sí, me ha gustado, pero hay cosas que habría cambiado. De nuevo vuelvo a extender mis lamentos ¡Necesito que sigan publicando ésta serie en España! Aún no puedo creerme que en su momento la cancelaran sólo con los tres primeros libros publicados. ¿Qué hay del resto? Sí, ésta serie no son los "Knight", pero Gaelen Foley es una buenísima escritora, como demuestran los dieciséis libros suyos que tengo en mi estantería. Lo que está claro es que ahora priman las ventas y no la calidad de la literatura, así nos va. Lo dicho: espero ponerme con el libro de Trevor dentro de poco.
Empecemos. Es un libro que guarda cierto equilibro, lo que es el romance de sus personajes, y la historia de trasfondo referente a la Orden. Pues bien, diría que el romance se ha desarrollado durante la primera mitad de la novela, y en la segunda mitad ha pasado a un segundo plano en detrimento de la historia de la Orden, que es lo que principalmente me ha enganchado.
Desde los primeros libros supimos que Beau y Carissa tenían algo, nos gustaba como pareja y queríamos libro de ellos. Pues sí, lo ha habido, pero no es una historia de amor que me haya emocionado. Al principio de la novela los protagonistas se ponen en un aprieto, ambos acaban heridos y Beau se lleva a Carissa a Dante House para curarla. Como consecuencia de ello su reputación quedaría arruinada, de modo que Beau como caballero que es, le pide matrimonio, y a los pocos días se casan. ¿Esperamos amor? Por supuesto, pero los protagonistas ya se gustaban en libros anteriores, entonces no hemos visto ése enamoramiento que surge poco a poco entre los personajes, ya están enamorados. Pero en su relación hay una piedra que entorpece el camino, y son los secretos, los secretos y la confianza que resiente a la pareja, y a mí es esto lo que no me ha gustado, porque no me ha dejado gozar de ellos como pareja. Confieso que si no hubiese habido una historia de trasfondo probablemente el libro no me habría gustado.
La culpa de ello no es de los personajes, si no de la autora, por habernos creado unas expectativas de la pareja que no ha cumplido. Beau me ha llegado más que Carissa, a pesar de su fachada de libertino encantador y mujeriego, es un hombre íntegro y honorable, respetado en la Orden y que sólo busca aportar su granito de arena. Carissa en ciertos momentos, no me ha caído mal, pero eso de que sea tan cotilla ha podido conmigo, Carissa es el tipo de personaje que aporta su gracia por sus cometidos mientras es un personaje secundario, pero como protagonista no me ha gustado. Y ahora es cuando llego a otra contradicción, si hay algo que jamás acepto en una novela es a un secundario que en otros libros se nos ha mostrado como es, y en el suyo propio es una persona completamente distinta, puedo entender a personajes que sean de una manera y todo sea pura fachada, pero no que cambie totalmente su personalidad. Al fin y al cabo lo que ha hecho Gaelen Foley es mostrarnos a Carissa como es, y éso sí es lo que me ha convencido, que no me ha cambiado su personalidad, lo que no me ha gustado de ella es su personalidad, para ser protagonista no me ha atraído nada, repito: Carissa me hubiese gustado más como personaje secundario y no protagónico.
Ahora es cuando llego a la historia de trasfondo. No me gusta spoilear en mis reviews así que intentaré callar lo esencial. En el anterior libro vimos que la Orden dio un duro golpe a los Prometeos, probablemente el definitivo, fue un libro distinto porque se desarrolló en un castillo en medio de Baviera y no tuvimos nada del mundo londinense. Éste libro es el lado opuesto, volvemos a Londres y todo es un hervidero entre los parlamentarios que están en contra de la Orden y los privilegios que reciben. Sí, hay algo, o alguien que intenta acabar con la Orden desde dentro, que manipulará a algunos de sus personajes y los harán perder cierta credibilidad. Pues la verdad es que os voy a decir que con ésta historia Gaelen Foley se ha lucido, porque realmente me ha encantado cómo ha llevado a cabo toda la tarea de la investigación para descubrir quién quiere acabar con la Orden.
En cuanto al final, ha sido otra piedra, aunque acaba de manera satisfactoria, a mí no me ha gustado, más que nada porque aún quedan dos libros de la serie, y no sé qué podrá sacarse la autora de la manga para rellenar un libro que no sea sólo la historia de amor. Aunque debo decir que tengo muchas, muchísimas ganas de leer la historia de Trevor, en cuanto a Nick, eso es otro cantar.
Como conclusión, sí, me ha gustado, pero hay cosas que habría cambiado. De nuevo vuelvo a extender mis lamentos ¡Necesito que sigan publicando ésta serie en España! Aún no puedo creerme que en su momento la cancelaran sólo con los tres primeros libros publicados. ¿Qué hay del resto? Sí, ésta serie no son los "Knight", pero Gaelen Foley es una buenísima escritora, como demuestran los dieciséis libros suyos que tengo en mi estantería. Lo que está claro es que ahora priman las ventas y no la calidad de la literatura, así nos va. Lo dicho: espero ponerme con el libro de Trevor dentro de poco.
November 20, 2015
My Scandalous Viscount is the fifth book in The Inferno Club series, and true to form, Gaelen Foley has penned a romantic, sexy, exciting tale that kept me up far too late into the night, unable to put it down!
From the cover:If you’re a fan of historical romance, as I am, then you’ve probably already had the pleasure of reading the written art of Gaelen Foley. You know what I mean when I say that her stories have a level of substance to them that is often lacking in this genre. That’s not to say that they’re heavy, or angsty beyond bearing, but the characters aren’t just words on the page. They become living and breathing people – people I want to know better. I want to understand what compels them to do the things they do - their thoughts, their actions - and Ms. Foley gives me that, and more.
Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, lives by a code of honor, and now honor dictates he must marry Miss Carissa Portland. He has no regrets over stealing a kiss from the adorable little busybody--a fitting punishment for putting her delectable nose where it didn't belong. But now, caught in a compromising situation, he knows he must make her his bride. He's faced danger before--but nothing like this!
Carissa is not a gossip--she's a "lady of information." And all she was trying to do was warn the rakehell Beauchamp away from an irate husband. But even she can't flaunt Society, and while her head tells her that Beau's a notorious scoundrel, her heart--and her body--are captivated by his dangerous charm. But when Carissa next goes snooping, the secrets she uncovers about the Inferno Club may prove even more hazardous than falling in love with her own husband.
I have to admit, I'm a hero driven reader, and Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, is my kind of hero! Sexy, exciting, witty, and with a sense of vulnerability about him that makes me want to steal him away and keep him for my very own. I often feel sorry for the heroines of any book I read, because I tend to make them work harder for my affection than I do the hero. That said, Carissa, while there were moments I wanted to throttle her, turned out to be a wonderful heroine, the kind of woman I would want for Sebastian’s happily ever after - if I can't have him for myself, that is.
The bottom line: My Scandalous Viscount has everything I love in my historical romance reads; excitement, intrigue, romance, passion, humor, and most of all, amazing characters whose lives and loves, and whose trials and triumphs keep me completely invested and coming back for more!
4.5/5 stars
My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. What a pleasure it’s been!
October 24, 2019
3.5 STARS
Este es el quinto libro de la serie Club inferno y tenemos como protagonistas a Carissa y Beau personajes secundarios de libros anteriores.
Después de leer el libro de Drake que me ENCANTOOOOÓ tenía miedo leer este, es por eso que no lo leí seguido porque iba a ser injusto yo sabía que no me iba a gustar tanto como ese es por eso que esperé que se me bajara el sentimiento.
El inicio del libro es muy prometedor y divertido pero después del 35 40% la historia decae muchísimo el romance es demasiado desabrido no hay un buen desarrollo.
La trama principal no es tan interesante como la de los otros libros aunque sigue enganchando.
Sebastian o Beau es lo más rescatable del libro la verdad me gustó mucho como protagonista tiene ese aire encantador y seductor de los libertinos.
Pero sin duda mis escenas favoritas es donde salen Drake y Emily.
Este es el quinto libro de la serie Club inferno y tenemos como protagonistas a Carissa y Beau personajes secundarios de libros anteriores.
Después de leer el libro de Drake que me ENCANTOOOOÓ tenía miedo leer este, es por eso que no lo leí seguido porque iba a ser injusto yo sabía que no me iba a gustar tanto como ese es por eso que esperé que se me bajara el sentimiento.
El inicio del libro es muy prometedor y divertido pero después del 35 40% la historia decae muchísimo el romance es demasiado desabrido no hay un buen desarrollo.
La trama principal no es tan interesante como la de los otros libros aunque sigue enganchando.
Sebastian o Beau es lo más rescatable del libro la verdad me gustó mucho como protagonista tiene ese aire encantador y seductor de los libertinos.
Pero sin duda mis escenas favoritas es donde salen Drake y Emily.
July 3, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I just read this one, and boy it surely didn't take very long. My only complaint about this
book is that it went by way too fast to suit me. Its like I have a love/hate relationship with this one. When I found this available at the library, I knew that I had to pick it up, since I have been waiting months for it to become free for me to read. It has been a while since I have read the previous books in the series, but I am thinking I need to re read the series. When I started reading My Scandalous Viscount I realized why I fell in love with this author, and most especially this spectacular series.
Even though Carissa is labeled the "lady of information", she has good reasons for what she does. When she sees that Beau is in trouble, she knows that she must be the one to save the day. But when she goes to warn him of a impending danger, she ends up in a situation of being shot by a stranger and with Beau as her champion. He then takes her to a safe house of sorts, and where she being curious about Beau and his somewhat secret life, she finds herself being compromised and forced to marry Beau. Sebastian is leader of the Inferno Club now, and is busy enough trying to find out who is working toward destroying all that he and his men have worked so hard at all of these years. But when a charming little minx storms into his life, and they end up in a compromised situation he has no choice but to marry her. He has no complaints however, since he has always been fascinated with Carissa. But when it becomes apparent that his men are in grave danger if they set foot in England, he needs to use every discipline he has to save his brothers. He never thought that falling in love with his beautiful wife would be even more disastrous than his job.
I found this story to be delightful and full of everything I need in a solid spy romance set in regency England. In the previous books we learn about the Inferno Club, and I was thrilled to finally read Beau's story. There was quite a bit of tension and intrigue, and I found myself entertained constantly. The two characters Carissa and Sebastian, were utterly delightful. Their relationship was striking and too amusing by half. A sensual and sizzling tale of passion and danger and mystery that will win your heart over.
I just read this one, and boy it surely didn't take very long. My only complaint about this
book is that it went by way too fast to suit me. Its like I have a love/hate relationship with this one. When I found this available at the library, I knew that I had to pick it up, since I have been waiting months for it to become free for me to read. It has been a while since I have read the previous books in the series, but I am thinking I need to re read the series. When I started reading My Scandalous Viscount I realized why I fell in love with this author, and most especially this spectacular series.Even though Carissa is labeled the "lady of information", she has good reasons for what she does. When she sees that Beau is in trouble, she knows that she must be the one to save the day. But when she goes to warn him of a impending danger, she ends up in a situation of being shot by a stranger and with Beau as her champion. He then takes her to a safe house of sorts, and where she being curious about Beau and his somewhat secret life, she finds herself being compromised and forced to marry Beau. Sebastian is leader of the Inferno Club now, and is busy enough trying to find out who is working toward destroying all that he and his men have worked so hard at all of these years. But when a charming little minx storms into his life, and they end up in a compromised situation he has no choice but to marry her. He has no complaints however, since he has always been fascinated with Carissa. But when it becomes apparent that his men are in grave danger if they set foot in England, he needs to use every discipline he has to save his brothers. He never thought that falling in love with his beautiful wife would be even more disastrous than his job.
I found this story to be delightful and full of everything I need in a solid spy romance set in regency England. In the previous books we learn about the Inferno Club, and I was thrilled to finally read Beau's story. There was quite a bit of tension and intrigue, and I found myself entertained constantly. The two characters Carissa and Sebastian, were utterly delightful. Their relationship was striking and too amusing by half. A sensual and sizzling tale of passion and danger and mystery that will win your heart over.
December 9, 2016
me ha encantado!! adoro esta saga
October 21, 2019
La primera parte es fantástica
Luego terrible
Y al final espléndida.
En conclusión serían algo así como 5 estrellas una parte y la otra 2
Mediando 3.5
Sooooo, le dejo en 4 porque Sebastian me fascina 😍😍😍 creo que me hace falta leer más libertinos, hace mucho no leía uno y pues... Estaba en embobada jajaja 🥰
Luego terrible
Y al final espléndida.
En conclusión serían algo así como 5 estrellas una parte y la otra 2
Mediando 3.5
Sooooo, le dejo en 4 porque Sebastian me fascina 😍😍😍 creo que me hace falta leer más libertinos, hace mucho no leía uno y pues... Estaba en embobada jajaja 🥰
December 27, 2017
I hated this heroine from the very first novel in the series. She was not deserving of her own novel. I had thought I'd be able to finish reading this but she annoyed my last f****** nerve with her busybody antics. In some heroines, being a busybody can be kinda cute. In this heroine, it was supremely irritating. I can't even imagine what kind of gossipy, witchy shrew she'll grow into when she crosses the age of 60.
October 24, 2020
I had been waiting for awhile to read Nosy Carrissa Portland know as the Lady of Information story!! Really she was down right nosy, Always sneaking around to here Ton Gossip. We later find out why, she is listening in on gossip. She wants to make sure no one has heard of her secret deflowering.
Non the Less I like Carrissa, she was brave intelligent and when she was compromised from being nosy. She married the man she had always loved and became a very loving and devoted wife. She made a few mistakes. But in the end she save the reputations of all The Order members.
I loved Sebastian Viscount Beaucamp he has to take over running The Orders affairs now that our beloved Virgil has been assassinated. With the help of his wife Carrissa they foil a plot to start a revolution like the Terror In France. Sebastian is very devoted and loving to Carrissa even when he finds out her secret. He protects her. There is only one sex scene in the story and that takes place on there wedding night.
The plot and the twist and turns of this story is very good. The characters even the villains are written well.
Non the Less I like Carrissa, she was brave intelligent and when she was compromised from being nosy. She married the man she had always loved and became a very loving and devoted wife. She made a few mistakes. But in the end she save the reputations of all The Order members.
I loved Sebastian Viscount Beaucamp he has to take over running The Orders affairs now that our beloved Virgil has been assassinated. With the help of his wife Carrissa they foil a plot to start a revolution like the Terror In France. Sebastian is very devoted and loving to Carrissa even when he finds out her secret. He protects her. There is only one sex scene in the story and that takes place on there wedding night.
The plot and the twist and turns of this story is very good. The characters even the villains are written well.
February 5, 2017
Si me centro en la historia en general, son 4 estrellas sin lugar a dudas, pero si tengo que poner una puntuación a la relación entre los protagonistas, para mí han sido 3 muy raspaditas, me ha faltado más emoción y menos romance express.
Sebastian y Clarissa son dos personajes que hemos ido conociendo y leyendo a lo largo de toda la serie, pero en este libro sus caminos se van a cruzar debido a la desaparición de las esposas de los miembros anteriores (esta desaparición es debido a que este libro transcurre paralelamente a la historia de Derek, y por lo tanto las esposas de Jordan, Michael y compañía están resguardadas hasta que la misión de "salvar a Derek" termine). Clarissa sabe que algo ha ocurrido y siendo como es una "Dama de la información", planea averiguar la verdad de la boca de Sebastian. Cuando este se niega, ella le sigue hasta un callejón y tras sufrir un atentado por parte de Nick, otro miembro de la Orden, ambos resultan heridos y Sebastian no tiene otra opción que llevarla a Dante House, donde ella se enterará de toda la verdad con respecto a la Orden y la localización de Daphne y compañía.
Atrapado, Sebastian decide que lo mejor es casarse con Clarissa, ya que de este modo ella no será capaz de contar a nadie que la Orden es una red de espionaje.
Además de los problemas de Sebastian y Clarissa con respecto a su matrimonio, éste tendrá que lidiar también con la presión del Ministerio del Interior, quien empujados por un nuevo personaje, querrá destruir para siempre a la Orden y a todos los altos cargos públicos empezando por el Príncipe Regente. En esta conspiración habrá un montón de pruebas y sacrificios que los protagonistas tendrán que hacer mientras lidian con sus problemas cotidianos y sus propios miedos, sobre todo Clarissa.
Como digo, la historia en general la autora lo ha sabido manejar muy bien, ya que desde el libro anterior se ve como hay un cambio dentro de la Orden tras la desaparición de Derek y la destrucción de los últimos Prometeos (no cuento más para no spoilear) así como entran en acción otros dos agentes, pero en lo que en mi opinión ha fallado ha sido en la relación de ambos protagonistas. No sé si será por las altas expectativas que tenía, pero he visto el romance demasiado precipitado. En la primera parte del libro ambos se casan por conveniencia y no por interés romántico, si acaso solo deseo, pero en cuestión de días ambos no tardan en cambiar sus pensamientos con respecto a sus verdaderos sentimientos y empiezan una relación extraña y que pasa por muchos cambios repentinos.
Debo decir que tampoco me ha ayudado nada la traducción que tenía. Frases sin sentido, palabras sueltas que no aportaban nada o una gramática demasiado pobre. Tengo muchas ganas de poder leerlo en mi idioma con una traducción oficial, que seguro me he perdido algunas cosas y es posible que mis perspectivas cambien en algunos aspectos.
Ahora seguiré con el siguiente a pesar de quejarme de la traducción porque el final de este libro te deja con los dientes muy largos con Trevor y su Lady Laura.
Sebastian y Clarissa son dos personajes que hemos ido conociendo y leyendo a lo largo de toda la serie, pero en este libro sus caminos se van a cruzar debido a la desaparición de las esposas de los miembros anteriores (esta desaparición es debido a que este libro transcurre paralelamente a la historia de Derek, y por lo tanto las esposas de Jordan, Michael y compañía están resguardadas hasta que la misión de "salvar a Derek" termine). Clarissa sabe que algo ha ocurrido y siendo como es una "Dama de la información", planea averiguar la verdad de la boca de Sebastian. Cuando este se niega, ella le sigue hasta un callejón y tras sufrir un atentado por parte de Nick, otro miembro de la Orden, ambos resultan heridos y Sebastian no tiene otra opción que llevarla a Dante House, donde ella se enterará de toda la verdad con respecto a la Orden y la localización de Daphne y compañía.
Atrapado, Sebastian decide que lo mejor es casarse con Clarissa, ya que de este modo ella no será capaz de contar a nadie que la Orden es una red de espionaje.
Además de los problemas de Sebastian y Clarissa con respecto a su matrimonio, éste tendrá que lidiar también con la presión del Ministerio del Interior, quien empujados por un nuevo personaje, querrá destruir para siempre a la Orden y a todos los altos cargos públicos empezando por el Príncipe Regente. En esta conspiración habrá un montón de pruebas y sacrificios que los protagonistas tendrán que hacer mientras lidian con sus problemas cotidianos y sus propios miedos, sobre todo Clarissa.
Como digo, la historia en general la autora lo ha sabido manejar muy bien, ya que desde el libro anterior se ve como hay un cambio dentro de la Orden tras la desaparición de Derek y la destrucción de los últimos Prometeos (no cuento más para no spoilear) así como entran en acción otros dos agentes, pero en lo que en mi opinión ha fallado ha sido en la relación de ambos protagonistas. No sé si será por las altas expectativas que tenía, pero he visto el romance demasiado precipitado. En la primera parte del libro ambos se casan por conveniencia y no por interés romántico, si acaso solo deseo, pero en cuestión de días ambos no tardan en cambiar sus pensamientos con respecto a sus verdaderos sentimientos y empiezan una relación extraña y que pasa por muchos cambios repentinos.
Debo decir que tampoco me ha ayudado nada la traducción que tenía. Frases sin sentido, palabras sueltas que no aportaban nada o una gramática demasiado pobre. Tengo muchas ganas de poder leerlo en mi idioma con una traducción oficial, que seguro me he perdido algunas cosas y es posible que mis perspectivas cambien en algunos aspectos.
Ahora seguiré con el siguiente a pesar de quejarme de la traducción porque el final de este libro te deja con los dientes muy largos con Trevor y su Lady Laura.
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October 2, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're are mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Well, my feelings about this series, so far, hasn’t been very positive. But fool that I am, I still keep reading this because I still love GF and her older books (read her whole backlist) would always stay in my mind as something superb! I’m just so frustrated with Inferno Club right now, can’t explain. Sorry for the rant ahead but I’ve got to get this outta my chest.
My Scandalous Viscount was not only meh, but also, annoying and full of my pet peeves and cheesy stuffs. GF tried SO F*CKING HARD to show that Beau is a rakehell that I’m not sure what to say. I hated book 2, just because Rohan was something akin to Beau. I was grossed out, the whole thing was so unsubtle, no intensity between him and Kate. I can repeat almost the same here.
If you haven’t read the whole series, it should be read in order because the books are linked. Max (hero of book 1), Rohan, Jordan (hero of book 3), Drake (hero of book 4) were childhood buddies when they were recruited as spies (among other things) and trained by a Scot named Virgil on behalf of the Order. The Order is a ancient, secret clan and Max, Rohan, Drake and Jordan’s ancestors serviced the Order before them. These men, they frequent this house called the Dante House, which is, outwardly, known as a place for all sorts of debauchery and they are the connoisseurs. But Dante House is actually their meeting place for everything connected to the Order. Now, don’t think it’s all work and no play! They do bring whores and all to ‘keep up the façade’ to the Ton. Yah right! They have an ancient enemy too, the Promethean Council or plainly, the Council. These people are pure evil and want to control the world by any means necessary. The whole concept is quite complex and could’ve been a great series IMO... but it hasn’t been so far. Max wasn’t given the impression as that worse a rake and I liked him in his story but hated the h, Daphne. She was annoying. But Rohan, OMFG, he’d f*ck anything in skirts... He was plain, yuk!! Jordan was something entirely different. He was the brainy sort and I loved the chemistry with his childhood flame Mara a lot. Their’s was the only book in this series that gave me a glimpse of GF’s earlier writing. Drake was held and tortured by the Council members, which we knew from the start and I felt instantly interested in his story. It was not bad, because there were a lot of actions in the end but still, the chemistry between the Drake and Emily didn’t hold me much. We saw an end to the horror of the Council in their book... at least for now.
MSV takes place simultaneously with My Ruthless Prince. Max, Rohan and Jordan are in Waldford Castle, Bavaria to save Drake and Emily, while Drake is planning the big surprise, the showdown of sort because the majority of the Council members were present for a major announcement. Drake had some psychological problems that led the Order men to believe that he’s with the Council. The Order believed Drake might have to be executed if there’s a chance that he’d betray them. Drake was even masquerading and earned the trust of someone important there. In London, Beau, who is a bit junior than the other four, is trying to sort the mess that Virgil’s evil son (brought up by the Council) Niall, left on his wake. They caught the blackguard but couldn’t really do anything. Virgil was killed by him. Without any help from the seniors, Beau is at a loss because now, some of the government MPs are after the Order’s members. Of course, the Crown knows about the Order and its activities but so far, the members had free reign to do anything they will for the safety of the Crown and the world in general. This sleazy MP called Mr. Green has formed a committee and wants Beau, the currently acting head, to answer on behalf of the recent upheavals that the Crown knew somehow involved the Order men.
It all sound soooo serious, doesn’t it??? But actually Beau was spending his time shagging left and right, with various loose women. It’s his pastime, when he’s not working for the Order of course (fail #1). Sadly, he has his eyes on a virgin and virgins aren’t allowed in his menu! Carissa, Daphne’s friend. Beau had been warned off her by Max and Jordan (who has taken a sisterly affection to her, I don’t remember any such thing though) because of Beau’s manwhore reputation. Beau is also very worried about two of his other friends, also works for the Order, Nick and Trevor. Both have disappeared without a trace. We never heard, nor were introduced to any of them in the earlier 4 installments, until I read about them in one of GF’s interviews in some blog with the news that the series will continue after Beau’s story.
Beau comes from a privileged family and his name’s actually Sebastian, though he wasn’t called by that (and thanks to the Book Gods because Sebastian is one of my favorite hero names!). He’s the heir to an Earl and a viscount on his own right. He’s very good looking too, (I think Chris Hemsworth was imagined here, but sadly, NO is my opinion. I actually *heart* CH) and has no conscience about using this to charm any lady he wants, be it a whore or some Ton slut. He has had his fair share of widows, whores and Ton wives. When the story starts, he goes out the door of the opera with a note from this Duchess, to meet her outside for a tryst. Beau is up for anything, anywhere and so, he obliges. But, what he didn’t know that trouble was waiting for him. (I’m not sure how he didn’t get into trouble before with anyone for using his d*ck in every nook and cranny... *eyeroll*)
But Carissa knew of the trouble, or so she thought. Carissa is a ‘snoop’ by her own admission. But she likes to go by the honorable position of a ‘Lady of Irritation’... oops, sorry, ‘Information’! An orphan, Carissa’s background earned a lot of sympathy from me though. She was floating from relatives to relatives until her slutty aunt took her in. Under the woman’s ‘worldly’ guidance and free reign, at a young age, Carissa fell for this dilettante rake, a poet of sort and lost her virginity. After this incident, the rake was shut off with money (which he needed for his opium addiction). Carissa’s Uncle, the Duke is more prudent about these things and was disgusted by his sister’s wrong guidance of his niece. He takes her in his own household, where he had two of his own daughters. Carissa wasn’t abused or neglected but she never had a warm hug or a kiss in turn from anyone. Daphne is by far her closest friend. But, Carissa is very worried that she heard nothing from Daphne or Kate recently. Beau won’t tell her anything but that the women are fine. She heard that their husbands are out on hunting trip or some such thing. But a lady of information can’t just sit back and relax! She snoops to get the information she needs!!! *eyeroll*
There is also Beau, for whom Carissa has fallen like a heavy log. She knows this is bad news but seems like she has an itch for bad boys. She turns into a veritable mush whenever he’s near or bestows one of his ‘beauteous’ smiles on her. It’s not that she hasn’t heard about his ‘scintillating’ character of a manwhore but who cares? If nothing else (not even STD), he’d be at least good with his d*ck. So there she is, snooping again... and then, things go wrong. Carissa finds out the man who sent the note to Beau, following the Orange girl who gave the note to Beau. Yep, she’d been looking at Beau through her opera glasses. Now Carissa thinks it’s her ‘moral duty’ to save Beau from danger, because she thinks he’s in danger. She very well knew that he’s going out for a f*ck with some society hussy and yet, she followed him. She wants to rescue him, mind you! Ugh!! Then again, she was always aware of his sluts everywhere.
So Beau comes out for the tryst, thinking where to do it... maybe in the carriage or something, when he finds Nick instead. We finally know that Nick is giving up on the Order and working as a hired mercenary. He’s also holding Trevor as collateral against the Order men. Beau and Nick have some word exchange on this, with Beau trying to make him understand that it’s just not done. Meanwhile, Carissa was almost back to her sit (and I thought that she’s doing the right thing), when she begins to have the urge to save Beau from harm. Don’t even ask! She comes out of the opera to warn Beau when Nick shoots at Beau, Beau shoots back (friendly fire? Ugh!). Both Beau and Carissa are injured, while Nick flees.
The torture has only just begun!
Beau the moron takes Carissa to Dante House, the closest places he could think about. Carissa gains consciousness but isn’t sure where she is. Oh, well... Dante House (as Beau confirm). She’s like (in her mind) BINGO!!! The best place to snoop and find titillating information about these men! What do they do here actually, apart from diddling whores? Hmm... *think Carissa THINK* After Beau takes care of her injury, which was a minor head wound, he goes to take care of his own with the assistance of the butler. He asks Carissa to stay where she is and rest. Rest? What the hell is that? Nah-uh! The Lady of Irri... Information needs to snoop. As Carissa starts her snooping, she comes across ‘interesting’ revelations, starting from the secret door that Beau used, thinking her unconscious (fail #2). She uses that to get into the dank, dark and secret tunnels of the Dante house to find some crazy things; such as more secretive tunnels, a big hole that leads to somewhere below etc. If you’ve read the earlier installments, you’d recognize these places. But her luck runs out when suddenly her candle goes poof! She’s scared as well and now berating herself for this. Then somehow she finds a ray of light, coming from a concave mirror on the wall... Ooh lala, what’s this... Beau-the-stud in his manly glory? (insert some of the sickening description of Beau’s ‘angelic, manly beauty’, first of many such descriptions) Beau was talking to the butler about the secret Order stuff and Carissa hears it all (fail #3)... OMIGAWD, a spy? OH Meh GOODNESS!! A warrior (insert my snort here) alongside his studly good looks? A manly (manwhore) man? Carissa can’t swoon over him enough!!
But she’s discovered by Beau soon and now they have to marry. One, because she’s compromised by being in Dante House (even though no one still knows where she is). Two, she knows important Order secrets that, apparently, is solved generally by marrying the person (hmm, what if it’s a man??). Three (my opinion), GF needs to refresh her plot structure and characters really badly, because trust me, even the butler wasn’t impressed with Beau (it’s fail #4 in itself because I thought he was more discreet).
Later Beau accompanies Carissa to her house and announces his intentions to her uncle. Her uncle is duly worried, knowing Beau’s scintillating character but Carissa is still a mush where Beau was concerned (thus she can’t hear, see or think, otherwise, an intelligent girl would stay miles away from him), so she’s perfectly ok with this marriage. Beau isn’t happy at first because Carissa seemed not interested in a match with him. It grates because he’s an arrogant little pr*ck (read the first paragraph of chapter 7, and imagine me kicking on his nuts!). But, they eventually marry, blah-di-blah, Beau gives her a host of gifts (which I thought are guilty feelings), making Carissa happy. She now knows about her friends’ whereabouts also. The wedding night proves to be studly, and Carissa is still all swoony over Beau’s skills. But, she didn’t mention her non-virgin state, to which Beau took umbrage! Huh? No, he didn’t push her but in his mind, he gave her time to fess up, which Carissa doesn’t for a while. She thought if she fakes pain and stuff (which she forgot to), Beau won’t notice. Huh??
My reaction? When will this end, God?!
They hold a ball in honor of the marriage. Carissa’s slutty aunt returns from wherever-the-hell-she-was to help her out. It was also her idea that Carissa show ‘olive branches’ to Beau’s ex-sluts because she can’t possibly avoid them always (there are so many of them, probably half the London). Carissa, the good little wife, finds it’s reasonable because she has already been ‘forced’ to accept the fact that her husband was a used up little manwhore. So the little TSTL baggage is ok with this too and even thinks of making friends with them (trust me, the way she was, she’d end up doing just that, even though it wasn’t explicitly mentioned).
Beau’s reactions were not known at that time.
My reaction? *barf*
Nick pays a visit to Carissa when Beau was out arguing with creepy Mr. Green, again, to bide some times for the other Order men. Nick doesn’t say much but asks Carissa to inform Beau that he was here. When he returns, Beau is mad at Nick. How dare Nick come close to his wife? Oh, BTW, Beau is now having all sorts of possessive thoughts about Carissa, which doesn’t, at all go with his manwhore history and thus, I couldn’t believe in his sh*t.
Now Beau wants to investigate what Nick is doing. His assumptions are: Nick has a habit of gambling (when he’s not f*cking anything in skirts and working for the Order that is) and Beau thinks someone owes Nick a big deal of money. To pay that, he’s now letting himself hire as a mercenary killer... Which led them to this French whore, a Madame, who also works with the Order from time to time. Now this Madame Whore, she’s quite the thing. She runs a big gambling house in France, which is part whorehouse and various other shady businesses of hers. As they sail to France to have a look, Carissa asks Beau about her. I knew something gross is coming... and it was. It seems like Madame Whore has ‘an itch’ for the Order boys (I mean, GF had to, HAD TO insert it, gawd!! fail #5). Nick has been her stud boy on and off for quite a while and paid off his gambling debts by servicing her (*gag*). Carissa is shocked and titillated at the same time, after all her own husband is a stud and a rakehell, so what the heck? What Beau the manwhore doesn’t tell her that he has also slept with Madame Whore, even though it was a onetime thingy (and probably a drunken f*ck). I mean you have to hide such a thing from your dainty little wife, right? Didn’t he shag her silly the night before, making her still swooning over his ‘studly’ service.
(Carissa’s words on Beau and his ‘angelic beauty’,‘pink c*ck’ and ‘studly activities’ grated on my nerves. I just wanted to SCREAM at her for being such a twit!)
When they arrive in the gambling house, at first, Beau leaves Carissa in the carriage, mostly because (I felt) he knew she’d discover his f*ckbuddy relationship with Madame Whore. But Beau is a moron of the first order and the Madame manipulates him (as she did him by his d*ck once and reminds him with dirty little description of what they did together). As they talk, Beau finds out his assumptions on Nick are correct. It was the Whore’s idea to work Nick with something else other than his d*ck. Then she asks that in return Beau let her use his d*ck for this night. (seriously?? *facepalm*) Beau very sadly informs her that he is married. Madame Whore is unhappy that her stud boys are getting married one by one, first Rohan the d*ckman, and now Beau the manwhore? Oh, what’ll happen to her old little vagina!? Ok, calm down! Nick is still here and can service her. Yes! She has a hold over him, right? Still in anger (of being denied of Beau’s d*ck and also his insinuation that he prefers his wife to a whore), Madame Whore asks one of her men to bring Carissa in. She even insinuates that Beau’d be ‘back to her’ after he’s bored with his wife.
I WANTED TO KILL THAT WHORE, I was SO f*ckin’ mad!!!! (fail #6)
And Beau, like a little boy-toy without any brains, just gives into her (fail #7). Carissa, of course the expert snoop that she was, sees the guilty glances they share and surmised their relationship but she’s perfectly fine with this, as we already know. She’s even very impressed by everything she’d heard of this Whore (fail #8). Beau, on the other hand, is happy that his wife meets Madame Whore’s approval (fail #9).
I mean What????
WHAT???
After they’re back to London with information, Beau is feeling love-love (O_o) and he’s scared. He doesn’t want his feelings to be known. In between, Carissa’s ex-lover comes to blackmail, which Beau finds out soon and catches them together while making a bargain. Beau doesn’t blame Carissa exclusively (I’d chop his balls off if he did) because apparently, now he knows how those husbands felt when he diddled their wives. Besides it grates him that Carissa doesn’t trust him enough to fess up. With the Order’s current state in shambles, no news from Bavaria, Nick’s activities, Green’s threats and his messy marriage life, Beau finally looses all his screws and goes cold on Carissa; punishing her. OMG, you have no idea what I wanted to do to this vain, arrogant little pr*ck! He turns his back and sends Carissa away to the secret house where other Order wives are residing (fail #10). Carissa breaks down emotionally. Whereas she should be angry at Beau’s asshatty behavior, she finds herself guilty, and over and over again she just berates herself for not fessing up about her lover. That her darling husband thought the worse of her, she can’t take it... I mean WOMAN YOUR HUSBAND WAS A USED UP LITTLE MANWHORE HIMSELF! Why do you keep torturing yourself with this sh*t?
I was sooooooooo bloody pissed and annoyed by this time, can’t even explain!
Then she finds some clues while talking with the other Order wives, that matches with some information that Madame Whore gave them. Now Carissa is scared of Beau’s safety (and the other Order men). She runs out, in the middle of the night, to save her warrior husband.
Someone f*cking kill me now!!!!
This was about 80% of the book and by that time I was sure this is going to be my first 2 star for GF and the last Inferno Club book. But, on the last 6/7 chapters, GF started working her magic and I finally got hooked because of the suspense and the incredible action. I liked those few chapters wayyyyyy better than the rest. Green’s betrayal of the Crown was busted with Carissa’s help *eyeroll*. Beau was still a fail, even though he was made out to be some kind of hero. Nick is now in prison, very narrowly escaping the noose for being a traitor himself, thanks to Beau. The Order’s work is now no longer a grave secret because of something Green did. Max, Rohan, Jordan, Drake and Beau are knighted by Prinny for their services.
Yep, I thought I saw more intensity and meaning in these chapters than the trash I read so far, which is why 3 stars.
For the next installment:
1. From the excerpt, it’s going to be Trevor’s. I’m very interested in him because he was already in love with a girl and not a ‘manwhore’, per say. But in the excerpt, things don’t look well for him. I just hope the poor, lovelorn guy doesn’t turn out to be another of Madame Whore’s victims aka stud boy!
2. The ending showed that a whole new era is opening up for the Order men. We’re still not sure where it’s going.
This ARC was provided to me by Avon/HarperCollins via edelweiss which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
Well, my feelings about this series, so far, hasn’t been very positive. But fool that I am, I still keep reading this because I still love GF and her older books (read her whole backlist) would always stay in my mind as something superb! I’m just so frustrated with Inferno Club right now, can’t explain. Sorry for the rant ahead but I’ve got to get this outta my chest.
My Scandalous Viscount was not only meh, but also, annoying and full of my pet peeves and cheesy stuffs. GF tried SO F*CKING HARD to show that Beau is a rakehell that I’m not sure what to say. I hated book 2, just because Rohan was something akin to Beau. I was grossed out, the whole thing was so unsubtle, no intensity between him and Kate. I can repeat almost the same here.
If you haven’t read the whole series, it should be read in order because the books are linked. Max (hero of book 1), Rohan, Jordan (hero of book 3), Drake (hero of book 4) were childhood buddies when they were recruited as spies (among other things) and trained by a Scot named Virgil on behalf of the Order. The Order is a ancient, secret clan and Max, Rohan, Drake and Jordan’s ancestors serviced the Order before them. These men, they frequent this house called the Dante House, which is, outwardly, known as a place for all sorts of debauchery and they are the connoisseurs. But Dante House is actually their meeting place for everything connected to the Order. Now, don’t think it’s all work and no play! They do bring whores and all to ‘keep up the façade’ to the Ton. Yah right! They have an ancient enemy too, the Promethean Council or plainly, the Council. These people are pure evil and want to control the world by any means necessary. The whole concept is quite complex and could’ve been a great series IMO... but it hasn’t been so far. Max wasn’t given the impression as that worse a rake and I liked him in his story but hated the h, Daphne. She was annoying. But Rohan, OMFG, he’d f*ck anything in skirts... He was plain, yuk!! Jordan was something entirely different. He was the brainy sort and I loved the chemistry with his childhood flame Mara a lot. Their’s was the only book in this series that gave me a glimpse of GF’s earlier writing. Drake was held and tortured by the Council members, which we knew from the start and I felt instantly interested in his story. It was not bad, because there were a lot of actions in the end but still, the chemistry between the Drake and Emily didn’t hold me much. We saw an end to the horror of the Council in their book... at least for now.
MSV takes place simultaneously with My Ruthless Prince. Max, Rohan and Jordan are in Waldford Castle, Bavaria to save Drake and Emily, while Drake is planning the big surprise, the showdown of sort because the majority of the Council members were present for a major announcement. Drake had some psychological problems that led the Order men to believe that he’s with the Council. The Order believed Drake might have to be executed if there’s a chance that he’d betray them. Drake was even masquerading and earned the trust of someone important there. In London, Beau, who is a bit junior than the other four, is trying to sort the mess that Virgil’s evil son (brought up by the Council) Niall, left on his wake. They caught the blackguard but couldn’t really do anything. Virgil was killed by him. Without any help from the seniors, Beau is at a loss because now, some of the government MPs are after the Order’s members. Of course, the Crown knows about the Order and its activities but so far, the members had free reign to do anything they will for the safety of the Crown and the world in general. This sleazy MP called Mr. Green has formed a committee and wants Beau, the currently acting head, to answer on behalf of the recent upheavals that the Crown knew somehow involved the Order men.
It all sound soooo serious, doesn’t it??? But actually Beau was spending his time shagging left and right, with various loose women. It’s his pastime, when he’s not working for the Order of course (fail #1). Sadly, he has his eyes on a virgin and virgins aren’t allowed in his menu! Carissa, Daphne’s friend. Beau had been warned off her by Max and Jordan (who has taken a sisterly affection to her, I don’t remember any such thing though) because of Beau’s manwhore reputation. Beau is also very worried about two of his other friends, also works for the Order, Nick and Trevor. Both have disappeared without a trace. We never heard, nor were introduced to any of them in the earlier 4 installments, until I read about them in one of GF’s interviews in some blog with the news that the series will continue after Beau’s story.
Beau comes from a privileged family and his name’s actually Sebastian, though he wasn’t called by that (and thanks to the Book Gods because Sebastian is one of my favorite hero names!). He’s the heir to an Earl and a viscount on his own right. He’s very good looking too, (I think Chris Hemsworth was imagined here, but sadly, NO is my opinion. I actually *heart* CH) and has no conscience about using this to charm any lady he wants, be it a whore or some Ton slut. He has had his fair share of widows, whores and Ton wives. When the story starts, he goes out the door of the opera with a note from this Duchess, to meet her outside for a tryst. Beau is up for anything, anywhere and so, he obliges. But, what he didn’t know that trouble was waiting for him. (I’m not sure how he didn’t get into trouble before with anyone for using his d*ck in every nook and cranny... *eyeroll*)
But Carissa knew of the trouble, or so she thought. Carissa is a ‘snoop’ by her own admission. But she likes to go by the honorable position of a ‘Lady of Irritation’... oops, sorry, ‘Information’! An orphan, Carissa’s background earned a lot of sympathy from me though. She was floating from relatives to relatives until her slutty aunt took her in. Under the woman’s ‘worldly’ guidance and free reign, at a young age, Carissa fell for this dilettante rake, a poet of sort and lost her virginity. After this incident, the rake was shut off with money (which he needed for his opium addiction). Carissa’s Uncle, the Duke is more prudent about these things and was disgusted by his sister’s wrong guidance of his niece. He takes her in his own household, where he had two of his own daughters. Carissa wasn’t abused or neglected but she never had a warm hug or a kiss in turn from anyone. Daphne is by far her closest friend. But, Carissa is very worried that she heard nothing from Daphne or Kate recently. Beau won’t tell her anything but that the women are fine. She heard that their husbands are out on hunting trip or some such thing. But a lady of information can’t just sit back and relax! She snoops to get the information she needs!!! *eyeroll*
There is also Beau, for whom Carissa has fallen like a heavy log. She knows this is bad news but seems like she has an itch for bad boys. She turns into a veritable mush whenever he’s near or bestows one of his ‘beauteous’ smiles on her. It’s not that she hasn’t heard about his ‘scintillating’ character of a manwhore but who cares? If nothing else (not even STD), he’d be at least good with his d*ck. So there she is, snooping again... and then, things go wrong. Carissa finds out the man who sent the note to Beau, following the Orange girl who gave the note to Beau. Yep, she’d been looking at Beau through her opera glasses. Now Carissa thinks it’s her ‘moral duty’ to save Beau from danger, because she thinks he’s in danger. She very well knew that he’s going out for a f*ck with some society hussy and yet, she followed him. She wants to rescue him, mind you! Ugh!! Then again, she was always aware of his sluts everywhere.
So Beau comes out for the tryst, thinking where to do it... maybe in the carriage or something, when he finds Nick instead. We finally know that Nick is giving up on the Order and working as a hired mercenary. He’s also holding Trevor as collateral against the Order men. Beau and Nick have some word exchange on this, with Beau trying to make him understand that it’s just not done. Meanwhile, Carissa was almost back to her sit (and I thought that she’s doing the right thing), when she begins to have the urge to save Beau from harm. Don’t even ask! She comes out of the opera to warn Beau when Nick shoots at Beau, Beau shoots back (friendly fire? Ugh!). Both Beau and Carissa are injured, while Nick flees.
The torture has only just begun!
Beau the moron takes Carissa to Dante House, the closest places he could think about. Carissa gains consciousness but isn’t sure where she is. Oh, well... Dante House (as Beau confirm). She’s like (in her mind) BINGO!!! The best place to snoop and find titillating information about these men! What do they do here actually, apart from diddling whores? Hmm... *think Carissa THINK* After Beau takes care of her injury, which was a minor head wound, he goes to take care of his own with the assistance of the butler. He asks Carissa to stay where she is and rest. Rest? What the hell is that? Nah-uh! The Lady of Irri... Information needs to snoop. As Carissa starts her snooping, she comes across ‘interesting’ revelations, starting from the secret door that Beau used, thinking her unconscious (fail #2). She uses that to get into the dank, dark and secret tunnels of the Dante house to find some crazy things; such as more secretive tunnels, a big hole that leads to somewhere below etc. If you’ve read the earlier installments, you’d recognize these places. But her luck runs out when suddenly her candle goes poof! She’s scared as well and now berating herself for this. Then somehow she finds a ray of light, coming from a concave mirror on the wall... Ooh lala, what’s this... Beau-the-stud in his manly glory? (insert some of the sickening description of Beau’s ‘angelic, manly beauty’, first of many such descriptions) Beau was talking to the butler about the secret Order stuff and Carissa hears it all (fail #3)... OMIGAWD, a spy? OH Meh GOODNESS!! A warrior (insert my snort here) alongside his studly good looks? A manly (manwhore) man? Carissa can’t swoon over him enough!!
But she’s discovered by Beau soon and now they have to marry. One, because she’s compromised by being in Dante House (even though no one still knows where she is). Two, she knows important Order secrets that, apparently, is solved generally by marrying the person (hmm, what if it’s a man??). Three (my opinion), GF needs to refresh her plot structure and characters really badly, because trust me, even the butler wasn’t impressed with Beau (it’s fail #4 in itself because I thought he was more discreet).
Later Beau accompanies Carissa to her house and announces his intentions to her uncle. Her uncle is duly worried, knowing Beau’s scintillating character but Carissa is still a mush where Beau was concerned (thus she can’t hear, see or think, otherwise, an intelligent girl would stay miles away from him), so she’s perfectly ok with this marriage. Beau isn’t happy at first because Carissa seemed not interested in a match with him. It grates because he’s an arrogant little pr*ck (read the first paragraph of chapter 7, and imagine me kicking on his nuts!). But, they eventually marry, blah-di-blah, Beau gives her a host of gifts (which I thought are guilty feelings), making Carissa happy. She now knows about her friends’ whereabouts also. The wedding night proves to be studly, and Carissa is still all swoony over Beau’s skills. But, she didn’t mention her non-virgin state, to which Beau took umbrage! Huh? No, he didn’t push her but in his mind, he gave her time to fess up, which Carissa doesn’t for a while. She thought if she fakes pain and stuff (which she forgot to), Beau won’t notice. Huh??
My reaction? When will this end, God?!
They hold a ball in honor of the marriage. Carissa’s slutty aunt returns from wherever-the-hell-she-was to help her out. It was also her idea that Carissa show ‘olive branches’ to Beau’s ex-sluts because she can’t possibly avoid them always (there are so many of them, probably half the London). Carissa, the good little wife, finds it’s reasonable because she has already been ‘forced’ to accept the fact that her husband was a used up little manwhore. So the little TSTL baggage is ok with this too and even thinks of making friends with them (trust me, the way she was, she’d end up doing just that, even though it wasn’t explicitly mentioned).
Beau’s reactions were not known at that time.
My reaction? *barf*
Nick pays a visit to Carissa when Beau was out arguing with creepy Mr. Green, again, to bide some times for the other Order men. Nick doesn’t say much but asks Carissa to inform Beau that he was here. When he returns, Beau is mad at Nick. How dare Nick come close to his wife? Oh, BTW, Beau is now having all sorts of possessive thoughts about Carissa, which doesn’t, at all go with his manwhore history and thus, I couldn’t believe in his sh*t.
Now Beau wants to investigate what Nick is doing. His assumptions are: Nick has a habit of gambling (when he’s not f*cking anything in skirts and working for the Order that is) and Beau thinks someone owes Nick a big deal of money. To pay that, he’s now letting himself hire as a mercenary killer... Which led them to this French whore, a Madame, who also works with the Order from time to time. Now this Madame Whore, she’s quite the thing. She runs a big gambling house in France, which is part whorehouse and various other shady businesses of hers. As they sail to France to have a look, Carissa asks Beau about her. I knew something gross is coming... and it was. It seems like Madame Whore has ‘an itch’ for the Order boys (I mean, GF had to, HAD TO insert it, gawd!! fail #5). Nick has been her stud boy on and off for quite a while and paid off his gambling debts by servicing her (*gag*). Carissa is shocked and titillated at the same time, after all her own husband is a stud and a rakehell, so what the heck? What Beau the manwhore doesn’t tell her that he has also slept with Madame Whore, even though it was a onetime thingy (and probably a drunken f*ck). I mean you have to hide such a thing from your dainty little wife, right? Didn’t he shag her silly the night before, making her still swooning over his ‘studly’ service.
(Carissa’s words on Beau and his ‘angelic beauty’,‘pink c*ck’ and ‘studly activities’ grated on my nerves. I just wanted to SCREAM at her for being such a twit!)
When they arrive in the gambling house, at first, Beau leaves Carissa in the carriage, mostly because (I felt) he knew she’d discover his f*ckbuddy relationship with Madame Whore. But Beau is a moron of the first order and the Madame manipulates him (as she did him by his d*ck once and reminds him with dirty little description of what they did together). As they talk, Beau finds out his assumptions on Nick are correct. It was the Whore’s idea to work Nick with something else other than his d*ck. Then she asks that in return Beau let her use his d*ck for this night. (seriously?? *facepalm*) Beau very sadly informs her that he is married. Madame Whore is unhappy that her stud boys are getting married one by one, first Rohan the d*ckman, and now Beau the manwhore? Oh, what’ll happen to her old little vagina!? Ok, calm down! Nick is still here and can service her. Yes! She has a hold over him, right? Still in anger (of being denied of Beau’s d*ck and also his insinuation that he prefers his wife to a whore), Madame Whore asks one of her men to bring Carissa in. She even insinuates that Beau’d be ‘back to her’ after he’s bored with his wife.
I WANTED TO KILL THAT WHORE, I was SO f*ckin’ mad!!!! (fail #6)
And Beau, like a little boy-toy without any brains, just gives into her (fail #7). Carissa, of course the expert snoop that she was, sees the guilty glances they share and surmised their relationship but she’s perfectly fine with this, as we already know. She’s even very impressed by everything she’d heard of this Whore (fail #8). Beau, on the other hand, is happy that his wife meets Madame Whore’s approval (fail #9).
I mean What????
WHAT???
After they’re back to London with information, Beau is feeling love-love (O_o) and he’s scared. He doesn’t want his feelings to be known. In between, Carissa’s ex-lover comes to blackmail, which Beau finds out soon and catches them together while making a bargain. Beau doesn’t blame Carissa exclusively (I’d chop his balls off if he did) because apparently, now he knows how those husbands felt when he diddled their wives. Besides it grates him that Carissa doesn’t trust him enough to fess up. With the Order’s current state in shambles, no news from Bavaria, Nick’s activities, Green’s threats and his messy marriage life, Beau finally looses all his screws and goes cold on Carissa; punishing her. OMG, you have no idea what I wanted to do to this vain, arrogant little pr*ck! He turns his back and sends Carissa away to the secret house where other Order wives are residing (fail #10). Carissa breaks down emotionally. Whereas she should be angry at Beau’s asshatty behavior, she finds herself guilty, and over and over again she just berates herself for not fessing up about her lover. That her darling husband thought the worse of her, she can’t take it... I mean WOMAN YOUR HUSBAND WAS A USED UP LITTLE MANWHORE HIMSELF! Why do you keep torturing yourself with this sh*t?
I was sooooooooo bloody pissed and annoyed by this time, can’t even explain!
Then she finds some clues while talking with the other Order wives, that matches with some information that Madame Whore gave them. Now Carissa is scared of Beau’s safety (and the other Order men). She runs out, in the middle of the night, to save her warrior husband.
Someone f*cking kill me now!!!!
This was about 80% of the book and by that time I was sure this is going to be my first 2 star for GF and the last Inferno Club book. But, on the last 6/7 chapters, GF started working her magic and I finally got hooked because of the suspense and the incredible action. I liked those few chapters wayyyyyy better than the rest. Green’s betrayal of the Crown was busted with Carissa’s help *eyeroll*. Beau was still a fail, even though he was made out to be some kind of hero. Nick is now in prison, very narrowly escaping the noose for being a traitor himself, thanks to Beau. The Order’s work is now no longer a grave secret because of something Green did. Max, Rohan, Jordan, Drake and Beau are knighted by Prinny for their services.
Yep, I thought I saw more intensity and meaning in these chapters than the trash I read so far, which is why 3 stars.
For the next installment:
1. From the excerpt, it’s going to be Trevor’s. I’m very interested in him because he was already in love with a girl and not a ‘manwhore’, per say. But in the excerpt, things don’t look well for him. I just hope the poor, lovelorn guy doesn’t turn out to be another of Madame Whore’s victims aka stud boy!
2. The ending showed that a whole new era is opening up for the Order men. We’re still not sure where it’s going.
This ARC was provided to me by Avon/HarperCollins via edelweiss which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Ms Carissa Portland is a "Lady of Information" and she is as fiery and witty as her red mane impplies.
I loved everything about this story and I hope the last two books will be as equally amazing.
I loved everything about this story and I hope the last two books will be as equally amazing.
January 30, 2016
update: ok i kept thinking about how cute Beau and Carissa were so i decided to give this 4 bye
Easily my favorite so far in the Inferno Club series. Beau was by far my favorite hero just because although he acted all bossyboots and stuff, he pretty much let Carissa walk all over him. LOL. Beau also was acting more of a diplomatic agent rather than a field agent, in this book, which made him way more interesting than the other Inferno Club dudes. He also gave Carissa amazing wedding presents and I'm weak like that.
I think people might not like Carissa so much, but I think her actions over the course of the book were very reasonable. People have to remember that Carissa is only about 19 or 20? I believe it's mentioned her indiscretion with Roger Benton was when she was 17. She's still very naive and inexperienced with the ways of the world. So Carissa acts like an impulsive 19 year old! Her actions made a lot of sense even if they weren't the smartest decision.
I loveeeeeeeed the dynamic between Carissa and Beau. Both of them doted and were so fond of each other. They were ADORABLE together. I also loveeeed the separation bit between them, I thought it was a good reason for pulling them apart briefly. I wished the reconciliation had more impact though---- the lack of a really emotional conclusion robbed this book of its 4th star.
Easily my favorite so far in the Inferno Club series. Beau was by far my favorite hero just because although he acted all bossyboots and stuff, he pretty much let Carissa walk all over him. LOL. Beau also was acting more of a diplomatic agent rather than a field agent, in this book, which made him way more interesting than the other Inferno Club dudes. He also gave Carissa amazing wedding presents and I'm weak like that.
I think people might not like Carissa so much, but I think her actions over the course of the book were very reasonable. People have to remember that Carissa is only about 19 or 20? I believe it's mentioned her indiscretion with Roger Benton was when she was 17. She's still very naive and inexperienced with the ways of the world. So Carissa acts like an impulsive 19 year old! Her actions made a lot of sense even if they weren't the smartest decision.
I loveeeeeeeed the dynamic between Carissa and Beau. Both of them doted and were so fond of each other. They were ADORABLE together. I also loveeeed the separation bit between them, I thought it was a good reason for pulling them apart briefly. I wished the reconciliation had more impact though---- the lack of a really emotional conclusion robbed this book of its 4th star.
January 31, 2015
Very good book. Carissa and Beau have known each other for years. Beau is a notorious rake in public, but in private he is one of a group of operatives who protect the country. Carissa is a busybody - or "lady of information" - who tends to poke he nose where it doesn't belong. He's attracted to her but her personality and his line of work are not a good mix. Then she gets hurt trying to save him from harm and the resulting compromising situation forces them to marry. Beau wants to keep her safe and Carissa wants to help him save his friends. Neither of them expects the storm of emotions that connect them.
I liked Carissa even though sometimes I wanted to shake her. The main reason for her nosiness is to be aware of any gossip that might affect her after she made a regrettable mistake with a man. She doesn't understand her excessive interest in Beau, but that doesn't stop her from butting in when she things he's about to be attacked by a jealous husband. Instead she gets between him and a rogue agent and ends up getting shot. When Beau takes her to the Inferno Club headquarters to fix her up she manages to discover his secrets. Between that and being alone with him, they must marry to save their reputations. Beau and fellow club members are under attack from members of their own government and Carissa feels she can use her abilities to help find out the truth but Beau doesn't trust her enough to allow it. Not owning up to that past mistake to Beau has caused him to doubt her honesty. Carissa is a lot smarter than Beau realizes and his refusal just makes her more determined to help. However, she has a tendency to jump in without considering what the consequences of her actions could be. Add in her growing love for him and she is desperately afraid of losing him. After the deaths of her parents when she was young she spent years being shuffled from family member to family member, just wanting to be loved for herself. I loved seeing the way that Carissa's mind worked and how she was able to connect bits of information. I also loved seeing her determination to help Beau even as she feared losing him. The ending was great.
Beau is the Order member who has been left to deal with the government investigation at the same time he is trying to find out what happened to his two missing team members. For relief he goes out on the town looking for a liaison, instead finding himself in a duel of words with Carissa. He can't understand why his brain always seems to shut down around her as he can't help giving her a hard time. He's also made the mistake of kissing her a couple times which just adds to the problem. His fear for her when she gets shot trying to help him makes him realize that he may be in more trouble with her than he thought. The same lack of thinking around her enables her to discover his secret identity and he insists that they marry. He doesn't expect to be so pleased with the idea. I loved how those developing feelings of his show his romantic side (the wedding gifts were fantastic) and how great he was with her that night. When he discovers that she's been hiding a rather important secret from him it causes him to wonder if he really knows Carissa at all. He tries to encourage her to confide in him without telling her what he suspects and is hurt by her avoidance. He still can't deny his feelings and his need to protect her is just as strong. He doesn't seem to realize just how strong her need to help is as he keeps shutting her out of the investigation. I loved the ending as they finally learn to trust each other completely.
The conclusion of the investigation into the Order by the government and the results of the search for the bad guys was very well done. It kept me turning the pages as I tried to figure out what was going to happen next. It was pretty obvious that the government guy had an agenda but the scope of the whole thing was pretty incredible. I loved seeing the way that Beau and Carissa were central to solving the whole issue and what it meant for their relationship. I always enjoy catching up with previous characters and these were no exception.
I liked Carissa even though sometimes I wanted to shake her. The main reason for her nosiness is to be aware of any gossip that might affect her after she made a regrettable mistake with a man. She doesn't understand her excessive interest in Beau, but that doesn't stop her from butting in when she things he's about to be attacked by a jealous husband. Instead she gets between him and a rogue agent and ends up getting shot. When Beau takes her to the Inferno Club headquarters to fix her up she manages to discover his secrets. Between that and being alone with him, they must marry to save their reputations. Beau and fellow club members are under attack from members of their own government and Carissa feels she can use her abilities to help find out the truth but Beau doesn't trust her enough to allow it. Not owning up to that past mistake to Beau has caused him to doubt her honesty. Carissa is a lot smarter than Beau realizes and his refusal just makes her more determined to help. However, she has a tendency to jump in without considering what the consequences of her actions could be. Add in her growing love for him and she is desperately afraid of losing him. After the deaths of her parents when she was young she spent years being shuffled from family member to family member, just wanting to be loved for herself. I loved seeing the way that Carissa's mind worked and how she was able to connect bits of information. I also loved seeing her determination to help Beau even as she feared losing him. The ending was great.
Beau is the Order member who has been left to deal with the government investigation at the same time he is trying to find out what happened to his two missing team members. For relief he goes out on the town looking for a liaison, instead finding himself in a duel of words with Carissa. He can't understand why his brain always seems to shut down around her as he can't help giving her a hard time. He's also made the mistake of kissing her a couple times which just adds to the problem. His fear for her when she gets shot trying to help him makes him realize that he may be in more trouble with her than he thought. The same lack of thinking around her enables her to discover his secret identity and he insists that they marry. He doesn't expect to be so pleased with the idea. I loved how those developing feelings of his show his romantic side (the wedding gifts were fantastic) and how great he was with her that night. When he discovers that she's been hiding a rather important secret from him it causes him to wonder if he really knows Carissa at all. He tries to encourage her to confide in him without telling her what he suspects and is hurt by her avoidance. He still can't deny his feelings and his need to protect her is just as strong. He doesn't seem to realize just how strong her need to help is as he keeps shutting her out of the investigation. I loved the ending as they finally learn to trust each other completely.
The conclusion of the investigation into the Order by the government and the results of the search for the bad guys was very well done. It kept me turning the pages as I tried to figure out what was going to happen next. It was pretty obvious that the government guy had an agenda but the scope of the whole thing was pretty incredible. I loved seeing the way that Beau and Carissa were central to solving the whole issue and what it meant for their relationship. I always enjoy catching up with previous characters and these were no exception.
September 25, 2012
Originally posted on Breath of Life Reviews
I have been a die hard fan of Gaelen Foley's for years. Her books have become more than just exciting stories to me and more of a reminder of how the simplest things like a great book can get you out of a bad place in your life for moments at a time.
The Inferno Club series has long been a favorite of mine but with the events of the previous book, My Ruthless Prince I didn't know where the series could and would go after that rather amazing conclusion. The last thing I wanted was for the danger and excitement to be forgotten.
I wasn't particularly pleased with the next heroine either as Carissa was a bit annoying every time she appeared in previous books. She came off as whiny and a bit ditzy, neither of which was very appealing. So you can understand my trepidation in picking up My Scandalous Viscount.
It took me awhile to warm up to Carissa, she's not as interesting as Kate (My Dangerous Duke) or as bold as Emily (My Ruthless Prince) but even as slow as she is to reveal her true personality, Carissa does belong among the Inferno Club members and their wives. She carries a secret shame and being apprised of all the ton's gossip is her way of keeping herself safe. One thing I did notice is that Carissa isn't really a gossip, she's nosy and she gathers information however she sees fit but she doesn't spread what she finds out, she keeps it to herself. This made my first impression of her change drastically.
Beau at first wasn't very memorable, he was the typical rake with women trailing after him who just happened to be a liaison between the Crown and The Order. It wasn't until after an accident involving Carissa that he became more interesting. There's an intense, warm, loving man with a strong sense of duty underneath all that frivolous flirting and cavorting.
I do feel that things were a little too easy for Beau and Carissa in this book. There weren't any major obstacles preventing them from loving one another. In comparison to the previous books in the series, My Scandalous Viscount seems a bit tame.There isn't much in the way of spy games in this book and that was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for more danger, intrigue and mystery. The passion was still there, but even that was a bit more subdued than the previous books, however, My Scandalous Viscount is the most romantic of the entire series so far. Beau is sweet and tender towards Carissa and I found myself becoming a bit jealous of her halfway through the book! I held my breath towards the end because I wasn't sure that Carissa would prove herself worthy of him.
My Scandalous Viscount may be a bit of a let down for those who have come to expect heart pounding scenes and steamy encounters but it does provide humor, romance and not one but TWO more Inferno Club members who's stories are just itching to be told. If you're a die hard fan of Gaelen Foley, then you should add this book to your "Buy" list.
I have been a die hard fan of Gaelen Foley's for years. Her books have become more than just exciting stories to me and more of a reminder of how the simplest things like a great book can get you out of a bad place in your life for moments at a time.
The Inferno Club series has long been a favorite of mine but with the events of the previous book, My Ruthless Prince I didn't know where the series could and would go after that rather amazing conclusion. The last thing I wanted was for the danger and excitement to be forgotten.
I wasn't particularly pleased with the next heroine either as Carissa was a bit annoying every time she appeared in previous books. She came off as whiny and a bit ditzy, neither of which was very appealing. So you can understand my trepidation in picking up My Scandalous Viscount.
It took me awhile to warm up to Carissa, she's not as interesting as Kate (My Dangerous Duke) or as bold as Emily (My Ruthless Prince) but even as slow as she is to reveal her true personality, Carissa does belong among the Inferno Club members and their wives. She carries a secret shame and being apprised of all the ton's gossip is her way of keeping herself safe. One thing I did notice is that Carissa isn't really a gossip, she's nosy and she gathers information however she sees fit but she doesn't spread what she finds out, she keeps it to herself. This made my first impression of her change drastically.
Beau at first wasn't very memorable, he was the typical rake with women trailing after him who just happened to be a liaison between the Crown and The Order. It wasn't until after an accident involving Carissa that he became more interesting. There's an intense, warm, loving man with a strong sense of duty underneath all that frivolous flirting and cavorting.
I do feel that things were a little too easy for Beau and Carissa in this book. There weren't any major obstacles preventing them from loving one another. In comparison to the previous books in the series, My Scandalous Viscount seems a bit tame.There isn't much in the way of spy games in this book and that was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for more danger, intrigue and mystery. The passion was still there, but even that was a bit more subdued than the previous books, however, My Scandalous Viscount is the most romantic of the entire series so far. Beau is sweet and tender towards Carissa and I found myself becoming a bit jealous of her halfway through the book! I held my breath towards the end because I wasn't sure that Carissa would prove herself worthy of him.
My Scandalous Viscount may be a bit of a let down for those who have come to expect heart pounding scenes and steamy encounters but it does provide humor, romance and not one but TWO more Inferno Club members who's stories are just itching to be told. If you're a die hard fan of Gaelen Foley, then you should add this book to your "Buy" list.
April 16, 2017
What I continue to love about Gaelen Foley’s writing is her ability to create such strong chemistry between two likable leads as well as turning the expected on its head. She clearly has a gift and it was on full display in My Scandalous Viscount.
Carissa and Beau’s relationship was wrapped around truth, lies, spies and a whole of bunch of truly epic kisses. I actually wasn’t sure at first how their romance would work since Carissa was a ~lady of information (which translates to gossipy busybody) and Beau was a spy; but somehow it just did. While I ended up enjoying every moment they shared together, I did wish the main conflict, besides Beau’s espionage exploits, had been a little more interesting. Yet Gaelen infused the story with so much heart and a distinctive comic flair that the somewhat meh-ness of the plot proved less important. I had similar sentiments after reading her latest book, Duke of Scandal. And just like Felicity and Jason, Carissa and Beau were so endearing that I found myself completely invested in these sweet summer children realizing how dumb in love they were despite all the bumps and oops along the way.
My main qualm with the book was that the details surrounding Beau’s secret spy life were at times really hard to follow, presumably more for the fact that I haven’t read the previous four connected books than through any fault of the author. I also could see some people not finding this the speediest of reads and indeed, it did drag a bit at times especially towards the end. But there was just something...magical about Carissa and Beau that all the little nitpicks ceased to matter all that much. I now plan to read the rest of The Inferno Club series, if only to read more up on Carissa and Beau; especially that first kiss!
Carissa and Beau’s relationship was wrapped around truth, lies, spies and a whole of bunch of truly epic kisses. I actually wasn’t sure at first how their romance would work since Carissa was a ~lady of information (which translates to gossipy busybody) and Beau was a spy; but somehow it just did. While I ended up enjoying every moment they shared together, I did wish the main conflict, besides Beau’s espionage exploits, had been a little more interesting. Yet Gaelen infused the story with so much heart and a distinctive comic flair that the somewhat meh-ness of the plot proved less important. I had similar sentiments after reading her latest book, Duke of Scandal. And just like Felicity and Jason, Carissa and Beau were so endearing that I found myself completely invested in these sweet summer children realizing how dumb in love they were despite all the bumps and oops along the way.
My main qualm with the book was that the details surrounding Beau’s secret spy life were at times really hard to follow, presumably more for the fact that I haven’t read the previous four connected books than through any fault of the author. I also could see some people not finding this the speediest of reads and indeed, it did drag a bit at times especially towards the end. But there was just something...magical about Carissa and Beau that all the little nitpicks ceased to matter all that much. I now plan to read the rest of The Inferno Club series, if only to read more up on Carissa and Beau; especially that first kiss!
March 31, 2020
This was really more of a 2.5 for me.
I enjoyed the start of this despite being a little lost at book #5, and read the 2 thirds of the book quickly in one sitting. BUT the last third and some niggling issues from the first parts made finishing this one hard.
I get the whole trying to recreate accurate historical times behavior thing, but the hero's behavior about putting his wife in line and punishing her like she was an ill behaved dog or toddler, was just not doing it for me.
Also this was like the 3rd book with spies I've read lately and maybe I'm just over England times spies. I didn't care for the whole cheesy brotherhood of warrior bothers thing either.
And the niggling issue, was the under current of the author really trying hard to sell the superiority of the titled men and women in this book . She even used the word Quality with a capital Q (which I know was a thing).
I know I know, things really where like that, it's one thing to acknowledge it, it's another to enjoy characters that don't think their own poo don't smell.
I will probably not continue this series. : /
I enjoyed the start of this despite being a little lost at book #5, and read the 2 thirds of the book quickly in one sitting. BUT the last third and some niggling issues from the first parts made finishing this one hard.
I get the whole trying to recreate accurate historical times behavior thing, but the hero's behavior about putting his wife in line and punishing her like she was an ill behaved dog or toddler, was just not doing it for me.
Also this was like the 3rd book with spies I've read lately and maybe I'm just over England times spies. I didn't care for the whole cheesy brotherhood of warrior bothers thing either.
And the niggling issue, was the under current of the author really trying hard to sell the superiority of the titled men and women in this book . She even used the word Quality with a capital Q (which I know was a thing).
I know I know, things really where like that, it's one thing to acknowledge it, it's another to enjoy characters that don't think their own poo don't smell.
I will probably not continue this series. : /
October 16, 2017
Somewhat asinine characters and plot but the action flowed briskly and there were occasional moments of sweetness.
May 28, 2018
Bonus bölüm güzeldi hee, gidip altıncı kitabı okumam lazım, bekle beni Trevor!
November 4, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My Scandalous Viscount, the fifth book in the Inferno Club series by Gaelen Foley, gives us the tale of a notorious rake, who's secretly a spy, who finds himself compromised and "forced" to marry an incorrigible snoop. With likable characters, witty dialogue and plenty of romance, Ms. Foley's tale captured my attention from the first page. While a part of a series, I found that I was able to read and enjoy this book on it's own, though I do recommend you read the books in order if you can.
Well known for his looks and reputation with the ladies, Sebastian Walker, Viscount Beauchamp, is a member of the "The Order", a group of men secretly serving their country as spies. Temporarily assigned to the home office, due to events which took place in the previous book(My Ruthless Prince), Sebastian is tasked with keeping their secrets safe while their group is being investigated by members of the government. While it should be an easy assignment, Sebastian finds himself the center of attention of Miss Carissa Portland, the best friend of one of his fellow agent's wife. Having promised to keep his distance, Sebastian suddenly finds himself fighting his attraction to the aggravating young woman. He never planned on compromising her reputation or on marrying her to save them both.
Miss Carissa Portland wants to know why her friends have suddenly left town. Determined to discover what is really going on, Carissa will either discover the truth on her own or get Sebastian to tell her what he knows. Intelligent, and a keen observer of human nature, Carissa "uncovers" Sebastian's secret dalliance, determined to save him from what she thinks is a trap, she suddenly finds herself involved in a shootout and placed in a compromising position. While she agrees to marry Sebastian to avoid scandal - she's not sure she trusts him. She also has no plans to obey him.
The scenes between Sebastian and Carissa are well written, funny and highly entertaining. Ms. Foley did a good job developing them both as individuals and as a couple. Their romance is sweet, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting. Both honorable persons, Sebastian and Carissa will need to learn to trust each other and their growing love. While the focus of this book is their romance, we do get to find out a little bit of what's going on with the other members of the club.
Will Sebastian and Carissa be able to make their marriage work? And will "The Order" finally put an end to their strongest enemy? You'll have to read My Scandalous Viscount to find out. I enjoyed this installment and plan to read the previous books.
My Scandalous Viscount, the fifth book in the Inferno Club series by Gaelen Foley, gives us the tale of a notorious rake, who's secretly a spy, who finds himself compromised and "forced" to marry an incorrigible snoop. With likable characters, witty dialogue and plenty of romance, Ms. Foley's tale captured my attention from the first page. While a part of a series, I found that I was able to read and enjoy this book on it's own, though I do recommend you read the books in order if you can.
Well known for his looks and reputation with the ladies, Sebastian Walker, Viscount Beauchamp, is a member of the "The Order", a group of men secretly serving their country as spies. Temporarily assigned to the home office, due to events which took place in the previous book(My Ruthless Prince), Sebastian is tasked with keeping their secrets safe while their group is being investigated by members of the government. While it should be an easy assignment, Sebastian finds himself the center of attention of Miss Carissa Portland, the best friend of one of his fellow agent's wife. Having promised to keep his distance, Sebastian suddenly finds himself fighting his attraction to the aggravating young woman. He never planned on compromising her reputation or on marrying her to save them both.
Miss Carissa Portland wants to know why her friends have suddenly left town. Determined to discover what is really going on, Carissa will either discover the truth on her own or get Sebastian to tell her what he knows. Intelligent, and a keen observer of human nature, Carissa "uncovers" Sebastian's secret dalliance, determined to save him from what she thinks is a trap, she suddenly finds herself involved in a shootout and placed in a compromising position. While she agrees to marry Sebastian to avoid scandal - she's not sure she trusts him. She also has no plans to obey him.
The scenes between Sebastian and Carissa are well written, funny and highly entertaining. Ms. Foley did a good job developing them both as individuals and as a couple. Their romance is sweet, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting. Both honorable persons, Sebastian and Carissa will need to learn to trust each other and their growing love. While the focus of this book is their romance, we do get to find out a little bit of what's going on with the other members of the club.
Will Sebastian and Carissa be able to make their marriage work? And will "The Order" finally put an end to their strongest enemy? You'll have to read My Scandalous Viscount to find out. I enjoyed this installment and plan to read the previous books.
February 27, 2013
I had high hopes for this book. Gaelen Foley really wow'ed me with the last installment in The Inferno Club series, but this one just didn't have the same effect. It felt really slow moving at first and the "issue" between our hero and heroine felt overblown and not nearly strong enough to justify the angst that ensued. The pace picked up in the second half, but I was never really bowled over by the romance.
We saw the groundwork for a relationship between Carissa and Beau in My Ruthless Prince. Essentially, Carissa is a gossip. We come to learn it's because she has a secret of her own that she wants to ride herd over. She isn't a virgin. And the cad who took her virginity blackmailed her family into keeping her secret.
Beau has secrets of his own. None have to do with sex --everyone knows he gets around. His big secret is that he is a spy. Unfortunately, Carissa stumbles over that secret and the only way he can think of to make sure she keeps her mouth shut, is to make her his wife. Of course, there was already an attraction between these two, so the spy-secret was really just a convenient way for them to get together.
Beau is in trouble with the local government, which is looking into allegations that the Order has gone too far in its pursuit of Prometheus. There are sinister forces afoot that want to ruin Beau and his brethren. Carissa takes it upon herself to "help," which at times does more harm than good. This storyline was much more interesting than the romance, in my opinion.
The trouble in paradise stems from the fact that Carissa hides her non-virgin status from her husband. She keeps it to herself because she is afraid he'll leave her. He hides the fact that he knows the truth because he wants her to tell him on his own. Not much of conflict, especially since these two are so clearly crazy about each other. And kind of hard to take seriously, since Beau was a giant man whore with plenty of Order secrets of his own.
The wasn't bad, but it was slow at times and it was difficult to emotionally invest in a couple that felt like it had a pitiful problem.
On the plus side, we get a fitting ending for the men of the Inferno Club. The conclusion doesn't just feel like the end of Beau's chapter, but a last hurrah for everyone. The heroes and heroines from the previous books all return and we see their futures before the story is over. I just wish the love story here had been a bit stronger.
Rating: C+
*ARC Provided by Avon
We saw the groundwork for a relationship between Carissa and Beau in My Ruthless Prince. Essentially, Carissa is a gossip. We come to learn it's because she has a secret of her own that she wants to ride herd over. She isn't a virgin. And the cad who took her virginity blackmailed her family into keeping her secret.
Beau has secrets of his own. None have to do with sex --everyone knows he gets around. His big secret is that he is a spy. Unfortunately, Carissa stumbles over that secret and the only way he can think of to make sure she keeps her mouth shut, is to make her his wife. Of course, there was already an attraction between these two, so the spy-secret was really just a convenient way for them to get together.
Beau is in trouble with the local government, which is looking into allegations that the Order has gone too far in its pursuit of Prometheus. There are sinister forces afoot that want to ruin Beau and his brethren. Carissa takes it upon herself to "help," which at times does more harm than good. This storyline was much more interesting than the romance, in my opinion.
The trouble in paradise stems from the fact that Carissa hides her non-virgin status from her husband. She keeps it to herself because she is afraid he'll leave her. He hides the fact that he knows the truth because he wants her to tell him on his own. Not much of conflict, especially since these two are so clearly crazy about each other. And kind of hard to take seriously, since Beau was a giant man whore with plenty of Order secrets of his own.
The wasn't bad, but it was slow at times and it was difficult to emotionally invest in a couple that felt like it had a pitiful problem.
On the plus side, we get a fitting ending for the men of the Inferno Club. The conclusion doesn't just feel like the end of Beau's chapter, but a last hurrah for everyone. The heroes and heroines from the previous books all return and we see their futures before the story is over. I just wish the love story here had been a bit stronger.
Rating: C+
*ARC Provided by Avon
October 14, 2017
Untuk membungkam Carissa, Lady kolektor informasi, Sebastian Walker aka Viscount Beauchamp aka Beau, mengambil keputusan. MENIKAHI CARISSA.
Carissa ini tipe gadis kepo yg gigih utk mendapatkan informasi. Walau sedang terluka tembak, Carissa nekad menyusuri labirin Dante House hingga tersesat. Tidak ada jalan keluar lagi, Beau memutuskan menikahi Carissa secepatnya agar rahasia Ordo tetap aman.
Ternyata di malam pengantin mereka, Beau merasa ada yg tidak beres dgn keperawanan Carissa. Tapi Carissa bungkam dan memutuskan menjaga rahasia tsb. Beau menunggu dgn sabar hingga pada saat yg tidak terduga, rahasia itu terkuak juga.
Selain itu, Beau sudah pusing dgn kelakuan Nick, teman baik dan anggota Ordo jg, yg memutuskan utk membelot. Blm beres masalah yg satu, muncul lagi masalah lain. Ada kepala penyelidik sotoy bernama Ezra Green yg bertekad menghancurkan Ordo dan meringkus teman2 Ordo nya Beau. Carissa yg tidak bisa diatur, juga sok menjadi agen gadungan membantu mengumpulkan informasi utk suaminya. Mampukah Beau membereskan semua masalahnya ini?
Beau bukan seperti senior-senior di buku sebelumnya yg mahir berkelahi dan layaknya jagoan yg dgn mudahnya mengeksekusi musuh-musuh mereka. Beau dideskripsikan sbg jagoan diplomasi di Parlemen walaupun cenderung memberontak. Sayangnya kecerdasan diplomasi Beau kurang ter-eksplorasi di buku ini. Tetap saja sbg anggota Ordo, Beau lebih mahir menyelidiki drpd bicara.
Karakter Carissa juga lebih mirip Daphne, istri Max, walau Carissa lebih sotoy dan sulit dikekang. Utk chemistry mereka, kali ini cenderung insta love, walau Beau sempat bimbang di malam pengantinnya, tapi saya salut dgn author yg menerjemahkan kedewasaan Beau menghadapi kenyataan pahit tsb.
Jika buku-buku sebelumnya cenderung masih penuh rahasia dan berunsur suspense, maka di buku ini bisa dibilang klimaks nya. Seperti biasa, kelebihan author ini, setiap kali selesai satu bab, selalu berhasil membuat saya penasaran utk terus membaca bab berikutnya. Cuma saja, konflik dan suspense di buku ini sudah berkurang dibandingkan buku-buku sebelumnya. Tapi saya masih penssaran buku selanjutnya, terutama ttg Nick, si pengkhianat. Mampukah author mengubah antagonist labil ini menjadi hero yg memukau spt yg lainnya?
Carissa ini tipe gadis kepo yg gigih utk mendapatkan informasi. Walau sedang terluka tembak, Carissa nekad menyusuri labirin Dante House hingga tersesat. Tidak ada jalan keluar lagi, Beau memutuskan menikahi Carissa secepatnya agar rahasia Ordo tetap aman.
Ternyata di malam pengantin mereka, Beau merasa ada yg tidak beres dgn keperawanan Carissa. Tapi Carissa bungkam dan memutuskan menjaga rahasia tsb. Beau menunggu dgn sabar hingga pada saat yg tidak terduga, rahasia itu terkuak juga.
Selain itu, Beau sudah pusing dgn kelakuan Nick, teman baik dan anggota Ordo jg, yg memutuskan utk membelot. Blm beres masalah yg satu, muncul lagi masalah lain. Ada kepala penyelidik sotoy bernama Ezra Green yg bertekad menghancurkan Ordo dan meringkus teman2 Ordo nya Beau. Carissa yg tidak bisa diatur, juga sok menjadi agen gadungan membantu mengumpulkan informasi utk suaminya. Mampukah Beau membereskan semua masalahnya ini?
Beau bukan seperti senior-senior di buku sebelumnya yg mahir berkelahi dan layaknya jagoan yg dgn mudahnya mengeksekusi musuh-musuh mereka. Beau dideskripsikan sbg jagoan diplomasi di Parlemen walaupun cenderung memberontak. Sayangnya kecerdasan diplomasi Beau kurang ter-eksplorasi di buku ini. Tetap saja sbg anggota Ordo, Beau lebih mahir menyelidiki drpd bicara.
Karakter Carissa juga lebih mirip Daphne, istri Max, walau Carissa lebih sotoy dan sulit dikekang. Utk chemistry mereka, kali ini cenderung insta love, walau Beau sempat bimbang di malam pengantinnya, tapi saya salut dgn author yg menerjemahkan kedewasaan Beau menghadapi kenyataan pahit tsb.
Jika buku-buku sebelumnya cenderung masih penuh rahasia dan berunsur suspense, maka di buku ini bisa dibilang klimaks nya. Seperti biasa, kelebihan author ini, setiap kali selesai satu bab, selalu berhasil membuat saya penasaran utk terus membaca bab berikutnya. Cuma saja, konflik dan suspense di buku ini sudah berkurang dibandingkan buku-buku sebelumnya. Tapi saya masih penssaran buku selanjutnya, terutama ttg Nick, si pengkhianat. Mampukah author mengubah antagonist labil ini menjadi hero yg memukau spt yg lainnya?
October 11, 2012
The rakehell Sebastian, Lord Beauchamp is part of the infamous Inferno Club a notorious and debauched gentlemans club to those on the outside. However, the truth is that the Inferno club houses the Order, a secret group of spys who protect the country. Miss Carissa Portland, a famous gossip or "lady of information" as she puts it, has been watching Lord Beauchamp closely, she can't seem to help but be drawn to the rake, especially after the kiss he stole from her. But when dire circumstances have them in a scandalous position Beau decides he must marry the enchanting little busybody...
I would have benefited greatly from reading the previous books in this series, although it stands well enough on its own I lost a lot of the setting and the background information, for example, I know that the Order's greatest enemy is the Prometheans, but I had no idea why or who exactly the Prometheans are or what their purpose was. Alot of previous events seem to have their finishing points here as well, so for some of this book I was scrambling around trying to make sense of what was happening. However, if you have read the previous books this wouldn't be issue and seeing the heroes and heroines from the other books would be a boon.
However, it was nice to see a couple fall together so easily without too many silly misunderstandings breaking them apart. But I assume that Carissa and Beau had met before in the other books, so I felt like I had lost the beginning of their relationship. They semmed to fall in love so quickly I can't help but think I was missing something; they hadn't been together or done much before they were head over heels. I did really like Carissa though, her helplessly curious nature was charming and I liked that they made the heroine a gossip, in comparison Beau was a little flat.
I did enjoy this book the romance was sweet and the story intriguing, if only I had read the other four books first! I will definitely have to go back and read the others then address this book again.
I would have benefited greatly from reading the previous books in this series, although it stands well enough on its own I lost a lot of the setting and the background information, for example, I know that the Order's greatest enemy is the Prometheans, but I had no idea why or who exactly the Prometheans are or what their purpose was. Alot of previous events seem to have their finishing points here as well, so for some of this book I was scrambling around trying to make sense of what was happening. However, if you have read the previous books this wouldn't be issue and seeing the heroes and heroines from the other books would be a boon.
However, it was nice to see a couple fall together so easily without too many silly misunderstandings breaking them apart. But I assume that Carissa and Beau had met before in the other books, so I felt like I had lost the beginning of their relationship. They semmed to fall in love so quickly I can't help but think I was missing something; they hadn't been together or done much before they were head over heels. I did really like Carissa though, her helplessly curious nature was charming and I liked that they made the heroine a gossip, in comparison Beau was a little flat.
I did enjoy this book the romance was sweet and the story intriguing, if only I had read the other four books first! I will definitely have to go back and read the others then address this book again.
September 27, 2012
As with the rest of the books in this series, I really enjoyed this one. I do wish there would have been a little more "steam" & perhaps some serious getting-to-know-you time between Sebastian (Beau) & Carissa. All in all it was enjoyable & I liked both characters. My Ruthless Prince was EXCELLENT & it was a little difficult to guess where the series would go after they eliminated the Prometheans. This book coincides with the timeline of the previous book so in actuality the Order has two groups to protect themselves against. Beau has his charms & is likable despite his very (unattractive IMO) rake hell ways of seducing anything that is a breathing female. Carissa is quite the busy body & her nosey habits can be annoying but it is extremely understandable WHY she is like that. I've always said knowledge is power & her knowledge of all Ton gossip & rumors provides her the power to protect herself against them if they should ever be about her & her scandalous past. Their wedding day, Beau's kindness, & heart melting gifts are absolutely adorable & add to his endearing qualities. The one thing he needs to eliminate is all this "obey me. I'm your lord & master" bull shit. Carissa would have been more endearing IMO if she would have been a little bit more forceful in demanding respect, but when she finally does I'm proud of her because it shows signs of rising self esteem. This was a much "lighter" read than the previous installment without all the hardships that Drake endured but more of a growing experience for both Carissa & most definitely Sebastian. This story leads to the next (& I'm assuming final) installments of the Inferno Club series for Trevor & Nick. I love my Order members so I'm curious to see if these next two books will have the kind of adventure that the previous books had or if they will be more sedate & allow us to see how these sexy men fare after all is said and done. Can't wait for more.
November 4, 2012
My advice would be to read the prior books in this series before you read this one. I didn't because the prior books frankly did not interest me. I thought this book sounded pretty good because the hero sounded like a real rake in need of reform (which is my favorite trope), so I read it out of order, but I wish that I hadn't. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story that already started. The hero and heroine had already met and even had a little history that I would have liked to have been in on. I felt left out of it, especially since and I got the impression that it led to their early marriage without the needed build up.
The bottom line is, the book had little dept and no chemistry between the leads. The heroine came off as immature, and TSTL with her self proclaimed "woman of information" ploy. The spy plot about "The Order" was laughable, trite, and boring. There is good fluff that I enjoy reading sometimes, and there is bad fluff like this that makes you feel stupid just by reading the book, and that's not a good feeling. I couldn't even bring myself to finish reading it to find out what happened in the end. I simply did not care. This just might be my last GF.
The bottom line is, the book had little dept and no chemistry between the leads. The heroine came off as immature, and TSTL with her self proclaimed "woman of information" ploy. The spy plot about "The Order" was laughable, trite, and boring. There is good fluff that I enjoy reading sometimes, and there is bad fluff like this that makes you feel stupid just by reading the book, and that's not a good feeling. I couldn't even bring myself to finish reading it to find out what happened in the end. I simply did not care. This just might be my last GF.
July 23, 2024
It had a good premise but I feel like the interesting part of the premise: heroine being a snoop and the hero catching her, could’ve been stretched out for the whole book, with them playing cat and mouse as she discovered what he really was (a spy). Instead, it was all over and done with and they were married by the first quarter of the book, and the rest was just some weird sub plot about the heroine lying about her virginity and also some political stuff that was giving me weird vibes
July 18, 2015
Started off fabulous! Sort of fell apart for me towards the end.
June 15, 2015
Bueno, incluso mejor que el otro libro que leí de esta saga (mi peligroso duque). Me gusta mucho la trama que hay detrás del romanticismo, llena de misterio, secretos y conspiraciones.
October 16, 2012
Carissa Portland styles herself as a "lady of information" - and with good reason, for how else will she know as soon as the ton learns about the indiscretion in her past, and the real reason why she's living with her uncle and his family in London? That doesn't mean she can't be trusted with a secret, but Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, doesn't see things that way. Caught snooping in the Inferno Club, around which there is much conjecture (a den of debauchery is the common belief), Beau knows that the only way to ensure the orphaned busybody never speaks of what she learned there, is to marry her.
While they both understand that this is a marriage arranged between them - to protect her reputation, and his secrets - their mutual attraction and chemistry is undeniable. Beau has always been the lady's man, dallying with married women and fighting duels with their husbands, but now that he has a wife, he's finding monogamy to be no hard chore. The only trouble is, as a parliamentary investigation of the Inferno Club probes ever deeper into the group of men's activities with the intent to shut them down for good, or worse, Carissa is determined to help her new husband. How will he keep her out of harm's way, for her own good, when she won't listen or obey him? Wasn't that the point of marrying her in the first place? But as the stakes grow ever higher, Sebastian learns that his wife is more than a pretty decoration he needs to keep quiet.
This is the fifth book in the Inferno Club series, but the first that I've read - and the first book by Gaelen Foley that I've read, too. I always enjoy historical romance, but I mostly approach each one expecting an enjoyable story, fun characters, good banter, and non-cheesy sex scenes. I almost always get that, too - there's just something about historical romance: it follows a formula just like all romance books, but it's a good formula. The rest is up to the author, their style and voice and where they take the story, so really you never really know what you're going to get. I have to say this, though: I loved this story, it was refreshing and intelligent and had great characters you could really connect with without being annoyed, and an original plot that didn't commandeer the romance side of things. I loved it so much, I promptly ordered the previous four books so I could read those too. It was a fantastic introduction to Gaelen Foley's work.
The Inferno Club is a front for the Order, a group of aristocratic spies set up long before by the reigning monarch, to aid in war. These days, with the threat of Napoleon gone (for the moment), they work to eradicate (read: kill) the leaders of a group called the Prometheans. In My Scandalous Viscount, however, it is not the Prometheans they are up against, but government bureaucracy and a homegrown threat. Foley weaves in other layers of the Regency period, politics and unrest (like the Jacobites and others), the kind of background life that is glaringly absent from most historical romances, right back to Jane Austen.
I love that Foley made such an effort to put the historical back into historical romance. Things were happening at the time, not just balls and matchmaking. Ideas were being discussed, old ways of doings things questioned - you can start to see the roots of our own current society in the above discussion, can't you? And obviously they were unwelcome ideas, for many. It's the glimpse into another era, a different kind of society, that really makes this book satisfying to read. (Plus, I love the occasional dollop of irony, too.)
Carissa was no simpering miss or pig-headed, argumentative hussy. She was dignified, quietly strong, determined, loyal, aware of her strengths and weaknesses, level-headed, intelligent and resourceful. She wasn't without flaws, she didn't always make the best decisions - hampered by the period she's living in as much as anything else - but she had courage and wits. She sometimes got herself into situations that don't end well, or that backfire, and that made her more interesting. The indiscretion in her past holds her back, but once Beau learns all about it - and solves the problem, in a way that a woman of the period never could - she's no longer burdened by the weight of looming scandal, or her uncle's censure, or her own guilt. She gets a refreshing new start, and courage inspired in her by a woman, not a husband:
Beau I liked immediately, as well. He's quickly established as a rakehell, a scoundrel, a womaniser, but there's no particular angst behind it - or rather, he is trying to avoid a marriage like his parents', but he doesn't agonise over it - and he doesn't resist his attraction to Carissa. I especially liked how he handled his sudden knowledge that Carissa wasn't the inexperienced virgin he'd assumed her to be, even if later he believed he'd handled it wrong, wanting to give her time to learn to trust him, and come to him voluntarily with the truth. It effectively holds a mirror up to his own past behaviour:
One of the best things about this book was that, every time a situation arose where I felt I knew what would happen, based on all the historical romances I've read, and felt rising disappointment, it proved me wrong. The above situation is a case in point. As discovery neared, I was sure he'd find out immediately, throw a hissy fit and slam a door in her face without even waiting to hear her side of things. Or one of a few other outcomes that also seemed likely. Instead, Sebastian's quiet resolve was a refreshing change from the theatrics and moodiness that all too often permeate romance novels: here was a realistic person, one who didn't leap to conclusions but actually wanted to encourage trust and open communication in a relationship. If I hadn't respected Beau before then, I did after that. It's not as if he's perfect, of course, and their relationship goes through some big upheavals, with trust a growing problem between them. Hardly surprising, considering how they got married in the first place.
This is clearly not a series you have to read in order - or at least, starting it with book five didn't do any harm. Quite the opposite in fact, it was a wonderful introduction to the series, and I'm keen to go back to the beginning and play catch-up. If you're looking for a lively, engaging historical romance that doesn't follow the usual path, be sure to pick up Gaelen Foley's My Scandalous Viscount.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via TLC Book Tours.
While they both understand that this is a marriage arranged between them - to protect her reputation, and his secrets - their mutual attraction and chemistry is undeniable. Beau has always been the lady's man, dallying with married women and fighting duels with their husbands, but now that he has a wife, he's finding monogamy to be no hard chore. The only trouble is, as a parliamentary investigation of the Inferno Club probes ever deeper into the group of men's activities with the intent to shut them down for good, or worse, Carissa is determined to help her new husband. How will he keep her out of harm's way, for her own good, when she won't listen or obey him? Wasn't that the point of marrying her in the first place? But as the stakes grow ever higher, Sebastian learns that his wife is more than a pretty decoration he needs to keep quiet.
This is the fifth book in the Inferno Club series, but the first that I've read - and the first book by Gaelen Foley that I've read, too. I always enjoy historical romance, but I mostly approach each one expecting an enjoyable story, fun characters, good banter, and non-cheesy sex scenes. I almost always get that, too - there's just something about historical romance: it follows a formula just like all romance books, but it's a good formula. The rest is up to the author, their style and voice and where they take the story, so really you never really know what you're going to get. I have to say this, though: I loved this story, it was refreshing and intelligent and had great characters you could really connect with without being annoyed, and an original plot that didn't commandeer the romance side of things. I loved it so much, I promptly ordered the previous four books so I could read those too. It was a fantastic introduction to Gaelen Foley's work.
The Inferno Club is a front for the Order, a group of aristocratic spies set up long before by the reigning monarch, to aid in war. These days, with the threat of Napoleon gone (for the moment), they work to eradicate (read: kill) the leaders of a group called the Prometheans. In My Scandalous Viscount, however, it is not the Prometheans they are up against, but government bureaucracy and a homegrown threat. Foley weaves in other layers of the Regency period, politics and unrest (like the Jacobites and others), the kind of background life that is glaringly absent from most historical romances, right back to Jane Austen.
"So this horrid little power-crazed bureaucrat that you have to answer to might still be harboring Radical sympathies that he's taking out on the Order?"
[...] "It doesn't matter," [Beau] said rather vehemently. "He's not going to destroy the Order. Not while I'm there. He can try, but we've been around a hell of a lot longer than these 'modern men of progress' and their shiny new ideas."
"What kinds of ideas?"
"Dissolve the monarchy. Disband the aristocracy. Marriage is also outdated in their circles. Free love is all the mode."
She gave him a sardonic look.
"What?"
"Sounds like what the ton espouses."
"No, no, there is a big difference between the time-honored tradition of adultery in the aristocracy and the Radical notion of free love, my dear. One abuses the sanctity of marriage with idle gallantry; the other rejects it from the outset, along with any notion of chivalry."
"They don't believe in chivalry?" she exclaimed.
"I should think not. They see it as an insult."
"How?"
"In their world, women are the same as men, and neither want nor require any sort of male protection or deference."
Carissa struggled to comprehend such a world. "But if there's no marriage ... and ladies are the same as gentlemen ... then what about the children? And who takes care of the old people? What becomes of the families?"
"Oh, my dear, you are woefully provincial. Haven't you heard? The family is an artificial system of oppression," he replied. "They've got no more use for it than for the Church. Haven't you read the inimitable Godwins, or noticed how poets like Shelley and Blake are always making up their own religions?"
"No one can simply invent right and wrong."
"You can try, if you're arrogant enough. Up is down, right is wrong, women are men, and before you know it, no one needs anyone anymore. Forget civility - the human race will then be free to descend into 'the perpetual war of every man against his neighbor' that Hobbes described two hundred years ago." [pp.152-3]
I love that Foley made such an effort to put the historical back into historical romance. Things were happening at the time, not just balls and matchmaking. Ideas were being discussed, old ways of doings things questioned - you can start to see the roots of our own current society in the above discussion, can't you? And obviously they were unwelcome ideas, for many. It's the glimpse into another era, a different kind of society, that really makes this book satisfying to read. (Plus, I love the occasional dollop of irony, too.)
Carissa was no simpering miss or pig-headed, argumentative hussy. She was dignified, quietly strong, determined, loyal, aware of her strengths and weaknesses, level-headed, intelligent and resourceful. She wasn't without flaws, she didn't always make the best decisions - hampered by the period she's living in as much as anything else - but she had courage and wits. She sometimes got herself into situations that don't end well, or that backfire, and that made her more interesting. The indiscretion in her past holds her back, but once Beau learns all about it - and solves the problem, in a way that a woman of the period never could - she's no longer burdened by the weight of looming scandal, or her uncle's censure, or her own guilt. She gets a refreshing new start, and courage inspired in her by a woman, not a husband:
It was not the fact that [Angelique] had slept with Beau that chiefly bothered her. Many women had, she'd been forced to accept. But that was in the past: She was the one he had married. What she was jealous about was how he had talked to Angelique. He had treated her with the respect due an equal, as if she were a man.
The contrast could not have been more marked as he assisted his little bride to the carriage and hovered over her every move with the utmost protectiveness. Lord, did he see her as helpless?
Was she?
If only she had but a small dose of that Frenchwoman's audacity...
When she thought of how timid and secretive she had become ever since her fall from grace, how frightened of disapproval, she was angry at herself. Shame had made her sneaky. One thing she'd say for the brazen Angelique - she did not appear in the least ashamed of what she was. [p.221]
Beau I liked immediately, as well. He's quickly established as a rakehell, a scoundrel, a womaniser, but there's no particular angst behind it - or rather, he is trying to avoid a marriage like his parents', but he doesn't agonise over it - and he doesn't resist his attraction to Carissa. I especially liked how he handled his sudden knowledge that Carissa wasn't the inexperienced virgin he'd assumed her to be, even if later he believed he'd handled it wrong, wanting to give her time to learn to trust him, and come to him voluntarily with the truth. It effectively holds a mirror up to his own past behaviour:
Would his passionate redhead make a cuckold of him? Was he doomed to walk in his humiliated father's footsteps? Yet how could he, of all people, ever honestly complain, after his own past dalliances with other fellows' wives?
He probably deserved it. [...] Beau closed his eyes, rubbed his brow, and after a long moment's fight with himself, decided by an act of will that he was not going to get angry about this. [...] Let her come to him and speak her piece when she was ready. [...] He knew it wouldn't be easy for her. She had already said herself that she didn't trust anybody. But forcing her to give him the details, humiliating her with the fact that he knew she was lying, or hurting her in any way was unacceptable.
Sooner or later, he swore to himself, he'd win Carissa's trust. [pp.138-9]
One of the best things about this book was that, every time a situation arose where I felt I knew what would happen, based on all the historical romances I've read, and felt rising disappointment, it proved me wrong. The above situation is a case in point. As discovery neared, I was sure he'd find out immediately, throw a hissy fit and slam a door in her face without even waiting to hear her side of things. Or one of a few other outcomes that also seemed likely. Instead, Sebastian's quiet resolve was a refreshing change from the theatrics and moodiness that all too often permeate romance novels: here was a realistic person, one who didn't leap to conclusions but actually wanted to encourage trust and open communication in a relationship. If I hadn't respected Beau before then, I did after that. It's not as if he's perfect, of course, and their relationship goes through some big upheavals, with trust a growing problem between them. Hardly surprising, considering how they got married in the first place.
This is clearly not a series you have to read in order - or at least, starting it with book five didn't do any harm. Quite the opposite in fact, it was a wonderful introduction to the series, and I'm keen to go back to the beginning and play catch-up. If you're looking for a lively, engaging historical romance that doesn't follow the usual path, be sure to pick up Gaelen Foley's My Scandalous Viscount.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via TLC Book Tours.
December 20, 2018
It was good but I wished these two would’ve just spoken the truth from the beginning. Trust is a hard thing to find once you’ve lost it.
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