What do you think?
Rate this book
Scandalous: Heroes Returned Trilogy #1
My Favorite Major
When her longtime fiancé returns home from the victory at Waterloo, Amelia Pritchard suspects he’s not the noble, upstanding gentleman she’s always believed him to be. After breaking their betrothal, she flees to London with the hope of starting her life over and putting the past firmly behind her.
Battle weary Major Philip Moore finds himself intrigued by the lovely Miss Pritchard. Though he’s recovering from a broken heart of his own, more than just his honor urges him to protect the lady when her nefarious ex-beau arrives in Town with the most wicked of intentions.
Battle weary Major Philip Moore finds himself intrigued by the lovely Miss Pritchard. Though he’s recovering from a broken heart of his own, more than just his honor urges him to protect the lady when her nefarious ex-beau arrives in Town with the most wicked of intentions.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2012
367 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Ava Stone
140 books227 followersAva Stone is a USA Today bestselling author of Regency historical romance and college age New Adult romance. Whether in the 19th Century or the 21st, her books explore deep themes but with a light touch. A single mother, Ava lives outside Raleigh NC, with her son and two black and white tuxedo kitty cats. She loves classic movies, researching history, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Feel free to visit her at www.avastoneauthor.com and www.desolatesun.com
Feel free to visit her at www.avastoneauthor.com and www.desolatesun.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 28, 2018
The blurb for this book was quite interesting, so I thought I'd give it a shot because I do like Regency romances a lot. Unfortunately, while I'm pretty tolerant of anachronisms, this book was just too full of them. It almost seemed like Stone doesn't actually know anything about the manners of the period.
SOME SORT-OF SPOILERS FOLLOW
I was bothered when two of the female characters, one of whom was a Lady and one of whom was untitled, were introduced to each other as "Caroline Staveley, Amelia Pritchard". Next, Amelia's cousins (the Count & Countess of Clayworth), when she wishes to leave the theatre early, decide that it's absolutely fine for the Major to take her home unaccompanied because he's so honourable. Nope. Not done. Then Major Moore, who is falsely engaged to Amelia at this point, when they are left alone (by the Countess, who knows the betrothal is false), starts kissing and undressing her before coming to his senses and stopping. Again, not acceptable behaviour by an "honourable" man of the period. But the last straw for me was after they're married and he's taking her to bed for the first time, whips off her dress and she's standing dressed only in her chemise. No, no, no. She would have had a petticoat and stays--she's a lady of quality, not a prostitute.
NO MORE SPOILERS
Stone's writing was good, her plot was interesting, everything was there to make this a good book. But the anachronisms just kept leaping off the page and smacking me in the face. I gave it 3 stars because I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't. I can't say I'll probably ready any of her other books because of this.
If anachronisms don't bother you, then please read the book--I think you'll enjoy it if you like this genre.
SOME SORT-OF SPOILERS FOLLOW
I was bothered when two of the female characters, one of whom was a Lady and one of whom was untitled, were introduced to each other as "Caroline Staveley, Amelia Pritchard". Next, Amelia's cousins (the Count & Countess of Clayworth), when she wishes to leave the theatre early, decide that it's absolutely fine for the Major to take her home unaccompanied because he's so honourable. Nope. Not done. Then Major Moore, who is falsely engaged to Amelia at this point, when they are left alone (by the Countess, who knows the betrothal is false), starts kissing and undressing her before coming to his senses and stopping. Again, not acceptable behaviour by an "honourable" man of the period. But the last straw for me was after they're married and he's taking her to bed for the first time, whips off her dress and she's standing dressed only in her chemise. No, no, no. She would have had a petticoat and stays--she's a lady of quality, not a prostitute.
NO MORE SPOILERS
Stone's writing was good, her plot was interesting, everything was there to make this a good book. But the anachronisms just kept leaping off the page and smacking me in the face. I gave it 3 stars because I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't. I can't say I'll probably ready any of her other books because of this.
If anachronisms don't bother you, then please read the book--I think you'll enjoy it if you like this genre.
July 20, 2020
This has sadness in this one and violence. We have a deranged villain who is after the h. The H tells everyone including the h that he is still in love with his ex betrothed. But, within days, if that he is happy to be marrying the h. So romance is a lighting speed. I did enjoy the character's in this one.
The h's parents do not like the H. In the epilogue it seems they've taken to him, because he made them grandparents. All this from Oct 1815-Dec - 1815 - WHAT! lol
This is part of a series with cross over character's, but can be a stand alone.
There is lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 and I think only described once.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance is fast and a tad of spice. (ljb)
The h's parents do not like the H. In the epilogue it seems they've taken to him, because he made them grandparents. All this from Oct 1815-Dec - 1815 - WHAT! lol
This is part of a series with cross over character's, but can be a stand alone.
There is lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 and I think only described once.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance is fast and a tad of spice. (ljb)
August 27, 2018
A major delight!
Enjoyable, one sitting read. Loved the connection between Philip and Amelia as you can't help but be instantly drawn to and intigued by them from their first meeting. The addition of a whole host of lovable subcharacters adds wit and depth to the leads that only helps to add sparkle and life to each chapter - this ability of Stone's, to create multifaceted and captivating characters, keeps me buying her books time and time again. Overall a good plot that's packed with charm, spotted with humour and over shadowed with an air of malice that will keep you engaged and reading until the end. Only negative, I wish it were longer!
Enjoyable, one sitting read. Loved the connection between Philip and Amelia as you can't help but be instantly drawn to and intigued by them from their first meeting. The addition of a whole host of lovable subcharacters adds wit and depth to the leads that only helps to add sparkle and life to each chapter - this ability of Stone's, to create multifaceted and captivating characters, keeps me buying her books time and time again. Overall a good plot that's packed with charm, spotted with humour and over shadowed with an air of malice that will keep you engaged and reading until the end. Only negative, I wish it were longer!
August 31, 2018
This was a well-written but light read
January 1, 2017
Regency romance where Philip's friend wants Amelia to help Philip smile and return to living since his fiancée dumped him and married someone else while he was at war. Amelia is also running away from a suitor.
I enjoyed these characters. Amelia seemed to be flighty but she knew what she talked about. She also knew what she wanted and did not want. Philip is aloof and hurt but intrigued by Amelia. The story was good. The secondary characters were an eclectic mix. Some I liked and some I loathed.
I want to read more in this series.
I enjoyed these characters. Amelia seemed to be flighty but she knew what she talked about. She also knew what she wanted and did not want. Philip is aloof and hurt but intrigued by Amelia. The story was good. The secondary characters were an eclectic mix. Some I liked and some I loathed.
I want to read more in this series.
December 13, 2018
Historical English romance with a young lady finding love with a war veteran.
Miss Amelia Pritchard finds her fiance as less then a gentleman so she dumps him and runs away and meets Major Philip Moore. They find a friendship although Philip falls in love with Miss Pritchard and he has a chance to prove his feelings and that he is a true gentleman when he protects Amelia.
No surprises in this fluff romance. Quick cute read.
129 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Miss Amelia Pritchard finds her fiance as less then a gentleman so she dumps him and runs away and meets Major Philip Moore. They find a friendship although Philip falls in love with Miss Pritchard and he has a chance to prove his feelings and that he is a true gentleman when he protects Amelia.
No surprises in this fluff romance. Quick cute read.
129 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
September 2, 2018
More like 3 1/2 stars. There was much to like about the story, but a few anachronisms that didn't sit well. Major Phillip Moore is a great hero, honourable, reliable, stoic, and honest, but his broken heart makes him both thorny and oddly vulnerable. His determination to do the right thing was endearing.
October 30, 2018
Definitely a good read. Philip is a glum fellow and when he sees Amelia across the room laughing at him, she intrigues him. Circumstances threw them together and he discovers she is hiding from her former fiancée who she believes killed her brother. In trying to protect her from him Phillip calls her his fiancé. That results in Philip being shot in the back. A fast moving and enjoyable book.
May 24, 2018
My Favorite Major : My Favorite From This Series!
I loved the romance between Alex and Olivia, but the story of Philip's recovery from his broken heart when Amelia came into his life was even better! I adore this series!!!
I loved the romance between Alex and Olivia, but the story of Philip's recovery from his broken heart when Amelia came into his life was even better! I adore this series!!!
September 3, 2018
Danger lends an edge to this romance
A slightly different twist on Regency romance and a differently enjoyable, but quick read. The circumstances the couple find themselves in forces them to quickly fall in love and the underlying danger lends intrigue to the story.
A slightly different twist on Regency romance and a differently enjoyable, but quick read. The circumstances the couple find themselves in forces them to quickly fall in love and the underlying danger lends intrigue to the story.
February 28, 2019
Very good read
I read this as a standalone having not read any in the series, I would recommend you read the other books first but I managed alright. Nothing too spectacular or life changing but a very solid good read.
I read this as a standalone having not read any in the series, I would recommend you read the other books first but I managed alright. Nothing too spectacular or life changing but a very solid good read.
March 18, 2021
Likeable characters but the plot has a few holes in it. I’d like to know how Amelia came to suspect Mason. She’s convinced he murdered her brother but there is zero mention of what caused this suspicion.
August 18, 2018
Good
the book is one that brings c the history of how the royalty love in England after there war with the France
the book is one that brings c the history of how the royalty love in England after there war with the France
August 22, 2018
A war hero and a girl running from a blackguard!
War has a habit of covering up cowardly deeds but sooner or later it will be exposed!
Well written with good characters
War has a habit of covering up cowardly deeds but sooner or later it will be exposed!
Well written with good characters
August 27, 2018
An enjoyable read
A good steady romantic tale that links to the horrors of Waterloo and the wickedness and greed of man. Would read this author again
A good steady romantic tale that links to the horrors of Waterloo and the wickedness and greed of man. Would read this author again
September 2, 2018
Very simple and quick. An easy fun read. I was somewhat disappointed in the anticlimactic ending and the ease in which Moore moved from one lady to another, but still cute and sweet.
October 7, 2018
Bravery at it's Best
This was an ok book. Too slow for my taste, but still
entertaining. Amelia's father is a prick and will have proof soon.
This was an ok book. Too slow for my taste, but still
entertaining. Amelia's father is a prick and will have proof soon.
July 11, 2019
For adult audiences only due to sex scene(s).
August 3, 2019
An enjoyable story with a gentle romance and a dastardly villain. Some historical errors though, in manner and dress.
October 5, 2019
A lovely romance with interesting characters and interactions. It was a fast read.
October 22, 2020
Excellent story
This one in the series is different and very exciting, I liked all the characters, the plot and the drama.
This one in the series is different and very exciting, I liked all the characters, the plot and the drama.
February 23, 2015
Wow, what an enjoyable read. Amelia Prichard is introduced to Major Philip Moore and from then on you float away in the story. That was my experience anyway. Amelia is trying to avoid her ex fiancé, Gregory Mason, and the major comes to her aid in just the right time. Philip is licking his own wounds of course feeling betrayed and heartbroken by his childhood sweetheart, Olivia. He is described as being serious and dry with a leg injury that make him rely on a cane.
Like I said everything goes pretty fast as the story unfolds and Amelia's reason for jilting Mason is uncovered, reluctantly. Mason is lead astray by the major in a natural attempt to protect her. The fear Mason brings to Amelia's eyes is something Philip immediately recognizes. I loved the major's protectiveness over Amelia. He even goes as far to claim a betrothal to her. This is all smoke and mirrors for Amelia's protection, right? That is what they claim. The author writes very well and the fact that this book was free just sweetens the pot. I love a man in uniform and while on is not mentioned the way Philip carries himself speaks volumes.
Amelia's parents were almost as villainous as Mason himself with the lack of confidence they have in their daughter. I wish we would have got to see them eat the crow Moore promised but alas we are left to imagine what was to be. The H/h were delightful together and I have A Scandalous Wife on my TBR as I really enjoyed AS story weaving. Her writing is delightful and captivating with little angst, which I loved. The love was convincing and not rushed and what they shared between the sheets was recapped but sweet. If you've never read an Ava Stone book this book is a great place to start. Enjoy!
Like I said everything goes pretty fast as the story unfolds and Amelia's reason for jilting Mason is uncovered, reluctantly. Mason is lead astray by the major in a natural attempt to protect her. The fear Mason brings to Amelia's eyes is something Philip immediately recognizes. I loved the major's protectiveness over Amelia. He even goes as far to claim a betrothal to her. This is all smoke and mirrors for Amelia's protection, right? That is what they claim. The author writes very well and the fact that this book was free just sweetens the pot. I love a man in uniform and while on is not mentioned the way Philip carries himself speaks volumes.
Amelia's parents were almost as villainous as Mason himself with the lack of confidence they have in their daughter. I wish we would have got to see them eat the crow Moore promised but alas we are left to imagine what was to be. The H/h were delightful together and I have A Scandalous Wife on my TBR as I really enjoyed AS story weaving. Her writing is delightful and captivating with little angst, which I loved. The love was convincing and not rushed and what they shared between the sheets was recapped but sweet. If you've never read an Ava Stone book this book is a great place to start. Enjoy!
January 1, 2017
Major Philip Moore is wounded in more ways than one. He was wounded at the battle of Waterloo and the woman he loved has married someone else. He may never recover from his broken heart.
While at a ball, he encounters Miss Amelia Pritchard. She is a beautiful young woman who has a secret.
When he understands what her secret is, he offers to help her remain safe. His help leads to them announcing their betrothal in front of a crowd and him being challenged to a duel.
This is a short story that is filled with colorful characters. Amelia and Philip are two people who have been thrown into a terrible situation. They are brave and honest. Together they make a good team. They are attractive and charming which makes the reader want the best for them.
The secondary characters are from a series, each of them add a great deal of color to the story. This is an easy to follow stand alone read.
The action moves forward and there is never a time when the plot is slow or dull.
I enjoyed this story very much. It was a quick and entertaining read.
I received this short story from the author. My review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
While at a ball, he encounters Miss Amelia Pritchard. She is a beautiful young woman who has a secret.
When he understands what her secret is, he offers to help her remain safe. His help leads to them announcing their betrothal in front of a crowd and him being challenged to a duel.
This is a short story that is filled with colorful characters. Amelia and Philip are two people who have been thrown into a terrible situation. They are brave and honest. Together they make a good team. They are attractive and charming which makes the reader want the best for them.
The secondary characters are from a series, each of them add a great deal of color to the story. This is an easy to follow stand alone read.
The action moves forward and there is never a time when the plot is slow or dull.
I enjoyed this story very much. It was a quick and entertaining read.
I received this short story from the author. My review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
June 9, 2012
Major Philip Moore is still suffering from a broken heart, since we read about his return in A Scandalous Pursuit. Where he lost the girl of his dreams to the wicked Duke of Kelfield. However, his buddy Russell Avery thinks he needs to get over Olivia and move on. Russ thinks that Miss Amelia Pritchard is the perfect solution to the problem. Amelia decided to come stay at her cousin's house to escape an ex-fiancé. While in London she meets Major Moore and has decided to become his friend. No use getting high hopes since he has a broken heart. However, situations throw them together and they might find out that they actually suit each other.
I like this story, because I love happy endings. I'm so happy to see Philip find love. You wouldn't think he would after reading what happen in A Scandalous Pursuit. This is really sweet story with a an honorable, kind major and a sweet tenderhearted girl. However, you do have a psycho ex-fiancé roaming around. I hope you enjoy this book as I have.
I like this story, because I love happy endings. I'm so happy to see Philip find love. You wouldn't think he would after reading what happen in A Scandalous Pursuit. This is really sweet story with a an honorable, kind major and a sweet tenderhearted girl. However, you do have a psycho ex-fiancé roaming around. I hope you enjoy this book as I have.
June 1, 2013
Give 4.5 stars for this first book in the series called "Heroes returned".
I've been looking for some fresh authors to read and among a hundred thousand item in kindle store, I finally found this in the top 100 free. Since it was free, so I have nothing to loose but it turns out to be a one good book.
Major Phillip Moore came back from the wars as a hero but he had lost many dear things to it. He also lost his fiencee to some scandal duke and seems like he can never fall in love again. But when Phillip found little strange miss at the ball who's laughing at his so serious expression. His world then turning upside down.
After read it, I found myself smile and sait with the 'love at first sight' story. The plot might be easy to guess and expect but they went on very smooth at fast pace. Well writen and many charector filled in timely and fit well enough.
May 18, 2013
I picked this book up off of the free-list. I was looking for a fun between-series book. This story fit the bill nicely. It was well written, the characters were engaging and interesting and the story moved along quickly. It was a typical romance of this type, with few surprises, but perfect for a rainy day. My only complaint was that it was clear that it was not the first in the series, with several vague references to peripheral characters which was a bit off-putting. Still, it was a pleasant read.
May 30, 2013
Fun story. Great plot. At least they waited 'til they were married, although he did get a little more ahead of himself than he should've. Don't need to read about it once it's legal.
Just once I'd like to see a woman not throw herself on the sacrificial altar - "I'll marry you, just don't kill him!" - and come up with a better plan.
Just once I'd like to see a woman not throw herself on the sacrificial altar - "I'll marry you, just don't kill him!" - and come up with a better plan.
June 29, 2013
Overall, I really liked this story. It is the first story by Ava Stone that I have read, and I got it free from BN. The story flowed well. It was at times predicable, but in a comfort read type way, versusbeing annoying. The only quibble I Had was I never quite figure out what had made Amelia suspicious about her ex-fiancé, and I would have liked to see more of an apology from her parents.
December 17, 2013
This is my first book by Ava Stone and I have to say I'm quite impressed. I certainly didn't think I'd like it as much as I did. Eva Stone definitely has talent and this story was very interesting.
My only complaint is that it was too short :(
Other than that, I'd recommend this little book to anyone who enjoy a good historical romance
My only complaint is that it was too short :(
Other than that, I'd recommend this little book to anyone who enjoy a good historical romance
March 16, 2016
This is the first book in the Heros returned series by Ava Stone, which is actually a spin off or continuation of her 'scandalous series'. I highly recommend reading the first 3 books in that series first, if you haven't already, to make the story all the more richer, however it is still extremely well done and easy to follow as a stand alone.
Absolutely loved this book and this series :)
Absolutely loved this book and this series :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews