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The Reckless Brides #2
A Breath of Scandal
Forced by her family into an engagement with a man she can never abide, Antigone Preston knows only a scandal will save her from a loveless marriage. But knocking a man down to the ballroom floor with her fists brings dangerous consequences. She may have ruined her reputation, but now she’s endangered her heart…
The son of an earl and a career navy man, Captain William Jellicoe has no interest in the frivolities of London—and even less in the institution of marriage. But there’s something steering him toward Antigone. He has never met anyone as brazen and unconventional as…himself. But will he risk it all for a woman who still has the breath of scandal hot on her lips?
The son of an earl and a career navy man, Captain William Jellicoe has no interest in the frivolities of London—and even less in the institution of marriage. But there’s something steering him toward Antigone. He has never met anyone as brazen and unconventional as…himself. But will he risk it all for a woman who still has the breath of scandal hot on her lips?
345 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 24, 2012
57 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Essex
45 books332 followersWhen not re-reading Jane Austen, sipping tea or mucking about her garden, Elizabeth Essex can be found at her computer, making up wonderful stories about people who live far more interesting lives than she.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 9, 2019
Promising but loses charm and more midway. I didn't like the h's mother and the author demeaning the H so much as making him non-consequential compared to his elder brother, the heir.
And, also the secondary romance between their siblings (more important, more beautiful) puts the mcs in much shade.
The villain/om is super weird and crazy. The book is mild, so is the romance and then we have this icky evil-ness. Damn uneven sub-plotting.
And bad, uncaring parents do add to the angst. But evil, sadistic parents cause biliousness.
And, also the secondary romance between their siblings (more important, more beautiful) puts the mcs in much shade.
The villain/om is super weird and crazy. The book is mild, so is the romance and then we have this icky evil-ness. Damn uneven sub-plotting.
And bad, uncaring parents do add to the angst. But evil, sadistic parents cause biliousness.
August 19, 2016
2.5 stars.
I liked the premise of this book - and quite a cheeky opening with Antigone KO-ing a guy on the dance floor. However, this book dragged in a lot of places. It felt very start-stop to me. There also should've been a lot more carousing by Antigone & Will. It was really only one night of adventure & the rest was just slightly out of proper boundaries, not true misbehaving.
I appreciated that the book switched POV's from Antigone to Will. They were fun together. I liked the very last half of the book best. It's not a bad book, but something about it didn't reel me in. Maybe because it dragged along at times & I got tired of the heroine being a prize fighter with everyone, but a spineless rag doll with her awful, hateful, conniving mother.
Also, I didn't feel like the characters were very well described physically - only give brief impressions - i.e. Antigone is tall & plain, ok, but what else? I like descriptive details to fully flesh out characters in my mind. Books are supposed to provide details, or at least the good ones do so.
I liked the premise of this book - and quite a cheeky opening with Antigone KO-ing a guy on the dance floor. However, this book dragged in a lot of places. It felt very start-stop to me. There also should've been a lot more carousing by Antigone & Will. It was really only one night of adventure & the rest was just slightly out of proper boundaries, not true misbehaving.
I appreciated that the book switched POV's from Antigone to Will. They were fun together. I liked the very last half of the book best. It's not a bad book, but something about it didn't reel me in. Maybe because it dragged along at times & I got tired of the heroine being a prize fighter with everyone, but a spineless rag doll with her awful, hateful, conniving mother.
Also, I didn't feel like the characters were very well described physically - only give brief impressions - i.e. Antigone is tall & plain, ok, but what else? I like descriptive details to fully flesh out characters in my mind. Books are supposed to provide details, or at least the good ones do so.
July 27, 2013
Setting: Regency England
Unwilling to agree to the engagement her family desires,Antigone Preston decides only a scandal will do. But punching a nobleman on the dance floor maybe going to far! Her reputation in ruins,Antigone's only champion is the stranger whose eyes meet hers in the ballroom that day.
Career Navy man and earl's son Captain William Jellicoe finds the fiery-tempered Antigone a delight. He has never met a woman as bold and adventurous as he is. There is no holding them back from taking the ballrooms,back alleys,taverns and brothels of London by storm. But every action has it's consequences and while the sexual tension rises,William and Antigone wonder if their lives and love can withstand more than a little scandal.This is the second book in author Elizabeth Essex's "Reckless Bride" series and it certainly suits the title! A bold heroine that easily will win the readers heart,along with her officer and gentleman hero. The author brings a breath of fresh and funny air to the Regency while her stylish writing and intelligent characters appeal to the heart and mind of the reader. I did read her first book
and enjoyed it,but have to say this one was even better. A pure,delicious,sexy story and I look forward to
the next book in the series. It's nice when you find an author that you enjoy each book she puts out. Nicely done!
Unwilling to agree to the engagement her family desires,Antigone Preston decides only a scandal will do. But punching a nobleman on the dance floor maybe going to far! Her reputation in ruins,Antigone's only champion is the stranger whose eyes meet hers in the ballroom that day.
Career Navy man and earl's son Captain William Jellicoe finds the fiery-tempered Antigone a delight. He has never met a woman as bold and adventurous as he is. There is no holding them back from taking the ballrooms,back alleys,taverns and brothels of London by storm. But every action has it's consequences and while the sexual tension rises,William and Antigone wonder if their lives and love can withstand more than a little scandal.This is the second book in author Elizabeth Essex's "Reckless Bride" series and it certainly suits the title! A bold heroine that easily will win the readers heart,along with her officer and gentleman hero. The author brings a breath of fresh and funny air to the Regency while her stylish writing and intelligent characters appeal to the heart and mind of the reader. I did read her first book
and enjoyed it,but have to say this one was even better. A pure,delicious,sexy story and I look forward to
the next book in the series. It's nice when you find an author that you enjoy each book she puts out. Nicely done!
November 16, 2015
Tucked up into bed at 8pm, read through until well past midnight. Nearly cried when I realized I'd finished it. Nuff said.
Absolutely brilliant book. One of my absolute faves of all-time, for ever. The heroine and hero are both really wonderful, unique, fully-formed and balanced characters. The writing is witty, fresh and littered with wonderful historical insights.
WHY CAN'T MORE HISTORICAL ROMANCE BE LIKE THIS? Instead of the usual tripe????
5 stars. Onto my all-time-favorites list.
Absolutely brilliant book. One of my absolute faves of all-time, for ever. The heroine and hero are both really wonderful, unique, fully-formed and balanced characters. The writing is witty, fresh and littered with wonderful historical insights.
WHY CAN'T MORE HISTORICAL ROMANCE BE LIKE THIS? Instead of the usual tripe????
5 stars. Onto my all-time-favorites list.
February 5, 2013
Essex just keeps getting better and better. No gimmicks, no "high concept," just a lovely falling-in-love story with two appealing, memorable protagonists, written in prose as charming as her hero. A feisty heroine whose "feist" isn't directed as the hero is also a welcome accomplishment. The only fault: the heroine's mother's lack of motivation for her actions.
February 6, 2013
Antigone Preston has just returned from her father’s funeral when her she walks into her house and is told by her mother that she is to marry a man by the name of Lord Aldridge, who is old enough to be her father. She immediately says no, several times, but her mother finally insists that they just have “an agreement” until the family is out of mourning and then all will be decided. The mother informs Antigone that she MUST do this for her sister Cassandra so that she can meet better marriage prospects and since Antigone loves her sister she goes along with it.
We soon see that the mother (who I kept thinking of as an old biddy but then I found out she was supposedly two years younger than me – ouch. lol) only has her own and Cassandra’s best interests at heart. She obviously doesn’t care about Antigone’s feelings and forces her to act the part of the docile daughter even though Antigopne is anything but. We first get a full view of Antigone’s personality when they are at a ball put on by Lord Aldridge and his sister and when another Lord gets too handsy she lays him flat with one punch. Her mother is mortified and sends her off to hide. Antigone is soon joined by Will Jellicoe who is a naval man who is at loose ends. The war is over and he has no ship – he’s floundering and the ball is just making him nuts as there are so many people. He heads to the library and meets Antigone who introduces herself as Preston. Jellicoe and Preston soon share a glass of brandy and find they like each other very well.
The pair are great together but they end up getting themselves in to some interesting situations. Preston is dressed like a boy and they end up playing dice in the streets and then getting into a brawl at a tavern. Jellicoe makes every deal he can so that he can see Preston but knows that there’s nothing more than him enjoying her company as he plans on being on a ship again soon.
Matters come to a head when Antigone finds out some information about the pervert Aldridge and some other info from her scheming, lying and manipulative mother. Will knows he loves Preston but he can’t believe that he can have her – especially when he finds out she’s engaged.
I have to say that I had very mixed feelings about this book. The story started off rather slowly for me. I was shocked and dismayed when the mother engaged Antigone to a man on the day of her father’s funeral. I immediately knew that I disliked the mother intensely and was really kind of pissed at Antigone for standing up to everyone in her life except to her mother. I understand it was her mother but after what that woman did? I would have completely laid into her if I were here daughter. The sister was on Antigone’s side but she really did nothing to stand up for her at all. I was more than a bit disappointed in her.
I thought that Will and Antigone were good together and for the most part I really liked their scenes together. They were fun and the pair seemed pretty carefree even though they weren’t. I liked seeing their antics, but the antics themselves seemed almost forced – kind of just made up and stuck in to further the book. IDK, it was a story that ebbed and flowed for me but after I was done I wasn’t sure exactly how I felt about it. I thought it was entertaining but beyond that it didn’t have a whole lot of depth to it. I was happy that Jellicoe and Preston got their HEA but the getting there was a bit too convoluted for my tastes.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
We soon see that the mother (who I kept thinking of as an old biddy but then I found out she was supposedly two years younger than me – ouch. lol) only has her own and Cassandra’s best interests at heart. She obviously doesn’t care about Antigone’s feelings and forces her to act the part of the docile daughter even though Antigopne is anything but. We first get a full view of Antigone’s personality when they are at a ball put on by Lord Aldridge and his sister and when another Lord gets too handsy she lays him flat with one punch. Her mother is mortified and sends her off to hide. Antigone is soon joined by Will Jellicoe who is a naval man who is at loose ends. The war is over and he has no ship – he’s floundering and the ball is just making him nuts as there are so many people. He heads to the library and meets Antigone who introduces herself as Preston. Jellicoe and Preston soon share a glass of brandy and find they like each other very well.
The pair are great together but they end up getting themselves in to some interesting situations. Preston is dressed like a boy and they end up playing dice in the streets and then getting into a brawl at a tavern. Jellicoe makes every deal he can so that he can see Preston but knows that there’s nothing more than him enjoying her company as he plans on being on a ship again soon.
Matters come to a head when Antigone finds out some information about the pervert Aldridge and some other info from her scheming, lying and manipulative mother. Will knows he loves Preston but he can’t believe that he can have her – especially when he finds out she’s engaged.
I have to say that I had very mixed feelings about this book. The story started off rather slowly for me. I was shocked and dismayed when the mother engaged Antigone to a man on the day of her father’s funeral. I immediately knew that I disliked the mother intensely and was really kind of pissed at Antigone for standing up to everyone in her life except to her mother. I understand it was her mother but after what that woman did? I would have completely laid into her if I were here daughter. The sister was on Antigone’s side but she really did nothing to stand up for her at all. I was more than a bit disappointed in her.
I thought that Will and Antigone were good together and for the most part I really liked their scenes together. They were fun and the pair seemed pretty carefree even though they weren’t. I liked seeing their antics, but the antics themselves seemed almost forced – kind of just made up and stuck in to further the book. IDK, it was a story that ebbed and flowed for me but after I was done I wasn’t sure exactly how I felt about it. I thought it was entertaining but beyond that it didn’t have a whole lot of depth to it. I was happy that Jellicoe and Preston got their HEA but the getting there was a bit too convoluted for my tastes.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
February 17, 2016
3.5 stars
Even though the plot took a trip to crazy town three quarters of the way through, I still really enjoyed A Breath of Scandal and there's two reasons why: Antigone Preston and William Jellicoe.
Antigone (or just Preston, and later Pres, as Will affectionately referred to her by) was the kind of rebellious heroine I always love to root for. Her situation was abominable, made doubly worse by a sociopathic mother who . Like I said, total crazy town. But despite all the abuse afflicted upon her, Antigone never wavered in the belief that she deserved better. She faced down every obstacle in her path with courage and strength beyond measure (and always with a loaded pistol at the ready).
Crazysauce plot aside, Antigone and Will's instant (I know, the dreaded 'i' word) bond proved absolutely contagious. I had so much fun reading about these two kindred spirits finding their missing half in each other. The believability of their relationship, though yes quick, was fostered I think by the fact that they clearly started out as friends where then their feelings deepened with every passing encounter and/or adventure. I really loved how supportive Will was of Antigone in every situation no matter how scandalous or dangerous. He had her back, always. And oh my gosh the hijinks they got into! Pilfering expensive cognac during a ball, gambling with footmen, starting brawls in pubs and more. In the end, it was Antigone and Will's natural chemistry and fantastic banter that made this book worth reading.
I did feel the ending was way too rushed, which saddened me greatly since I thought the pacing was fairly steady up until this, and not all that believable. But then again, most of the plot, the icky crazy bits at least, did suspend reality at times. Also the fact that Antigone's mother didn't get any sort of significant comeuppance was truly revolting because she was THE WORST.
I guess I can appreciate Elizabeth Essex's gumption in going there with the type of OHMYGOD plot presented here. But when the full scale of crazy was revealed in its entirety, which I didn't see coming AT ALL, it did hinder my overall enjoyment of the book a great deal. So if you feel you can't stomach the thought of creepy lords and even creepier mothers with evil intentions in order to enjoy a wonderfully written and heart melting couple, I can't in good conscience recommend this book. It is most definitely an acquired taste but at least I was never once bored.
Even though the plot took a trip to crazy town three quarters of the way through, I still really enjoyed A Breath of Scandal and there's two reasons why: Antigone Preston and William Jellicoe.
Antigone (or just Preston, and later Pres, as Will affectionately referred to her by) was the kind of rebellious heroine I always love to root for. Her situation was abominable, made doubly worse by a sociopathic mother who . Like I said, total crazy town. But despite all the abuse afflicted upon her, Antigone never wavered in the belief that she deserved better. She faced down every obstacle in her path with courage and strength beyond measure (and always with a loaded pistol at the ready).
Crazysauce plot aside, Antigone and Will's instant (I know, the dreaded 'i' word) bond proved absolutely contagious. I had so much fun reading about these two kindred spirits finding their missing half in each other. The believability of their relationship, though yes quick, was fostered I think by the fact that they clearly started out as friends where then their feelings deepened with every passing encounter and/or adventure. I really loved how supportive Will was of Antigone in every situation no matter how scandalous or dangerous. He had her back, always. And oh my gosh the hijinks they got into! Pilfering expensive cognac during a ball, gambling with footmen, starting brawls in pubs and more. In the end, it was Antigone and Will's natural chemistry and fantastic banter that made this book worth reading.
I did feel the ending was way too rushed, which saddened me greatly since I thought the pacing was fairly steady up until this, and not all that believable. But then again, most of the plot, the icky crazy bits at least, did suspend reality at times. Also the fact that Antigone's mother didn't get any sort of significant comeuppance was truly revolting because she was THE WORST.
I guess I can appreciate Elizabeth Essex's gumption in going there with the type of OHMYGOD plot presented here. But when the full scale of crazy was revealed in its entirety, which I didn't see coming AT ALL, it did hinder my overall enjoyment of the book a great deal. So if you feel you can't stomach the thought of creepy lords and even creepier mothers with evil intentions in order to enjoy a wonderfully written and heart melting couple, I can't in good conscience recommend this book. It is most definitely an acquired taste but at least I was never once bored.
July 1, 2013
I'm not sure if this book is really four stars, or if I just really enjoyed Antigone's right cross.
How can you not root for a girl willing to punch a guy in the face in the middle of the dance floor for groping her?!
Antigone is a plucky girl in a time when that was not an attribute to be admired. She is devastated by the loss of her father and her mother using her to further her older sisters marital prospects.
After she clocks the jerk at the dance she is banished to another room where she meets Will. The hotty Naval officer who isn't put off by her forthright attitude, and he admires a woman willing to throw down!
The book is well written, if a little repetitive. Really I didn't need Will to think to himself one more time that he liked Antigone...he really liked her. Got it, great, moving on.
But Will was steadfast in his like and truly enjoyed Antigone. He wasn't looking to change who she was, they were very fun "abominable friends". When they finally came together as more than friends, it was sweet, a little steamy, and a little repetitive. I appreciated their silly banter and over all it was a good read!
How can you not root for a girl willing to punch a guy in the face in the middle of the dance floor for groping her?!
Antigone is a plucky girl in a time when that was not an attribute to be admired. She is devastated by the loss of her father and her mother using her to further her older sisters marital prospects.
After she clocks the jerk at the dance she is banished to another room where she meets Will. The hotty Naval officer who isn't put off by her forthright attitude, and he admires a woman willing to throw down!
The book is well written, if a little repetitive. Really I didn't need Will to think to himself one more time that he liked Antigone...he really liked her. Got it, great, moving on.
But Will was steadfast in his like and truly enjoyed Antigone. He wasn't looking to change who she was, they were very fun "abominable friends". When they finally came together as more than friends, it was sweet, a little steamy, and a little repetitive. I appreciated their silly banter and over all it was a good read!
March 1, 2015
A satisfying romance between Antigone Preston, a very competent, unladylike heroine and Will Jellicoe, the second son of an Earl and Commander of the navy who has just returned from the war.
Antigone is having a really bad time, since right after her beloved father's funeral, her scheming, miserable excuse of a mother arranges for her marriage to a deplorable man three times her age, sacrificing her for her own and her elder daughter's welfare. Loving her shy sister and feeling protective of her, she has no other choice but to go along with it for a while.
Her direct nature leads to a public scene at a ball, that leads to her being expelled from it and ending up meeting the handsome Commander who seemed to be her only ally.
The two of them have secret adventures and suit each other perfectly, but their way to happiness isn't an easy one.
A serious story, despite the fun moments between the couple, that also introduces Thomas Jellicoe, Will's youngest brother and hero of the next book in the series, Scandal in the Night.
Antigone is having a really bad time, since right after her beloved father's funeral, her scheming, miserable excuse of a mother arranges for her marriage to a deplorable man three times her age, sacrificing her for her own and her elder daughter's welfare. Loving her shy sister and feeling protective of her, she has no other choice but to go along with it for a while.
Her direct nature leads to a public scene at a ball, that leads to her being expelled from it and ending up meeting the handsome Commander who seemed to be her only ally.
The two of them have secret adventures and suit each other perfectly, but their way to happiness isn't an easy one.
A serious story, despite the fun moments between the couple, that also introduces Thomas Jellicoe, Will's youngest brother and hero of the next book in the series, Scandal in the Night.
March 2, 2013
I loved this! Antigone is exactly the type of heroine I want in my historical romances. She's brave and witty and can take care of herself, yet she still feels genuine to the time period.
I also completely loved Will. The best part, though, was Antigone and Will together. Their banter was fantastic, and I found myself grinning at just how appalling they were together. ;-)
My only criticism is that I wanted more out of the epilogue. But that's also a compliment, because I wanted MORE.
I think this is my favorite Elizabeth Essex book so far! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants strong, independent heroines in their historical romances.
I also completely loved Will. The best part, though, was Antigone and Will together. Their banter was fantastic, and I found myself grinning at just how appalling they were together. ;-)
My only criticism is that I wanted more out of the epilogue. But that's also a compliment, because I wanted MORE.
I think this is my favorite Elizabeth Essex book so far! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants strong, independent heroines in their historical romances.
May 31, 2016
I wanted to like this more. I think my main complaint about this was that it was kind of all over the place, and for whatever reason I just never connected with Antigone that well. Also, it was kind of weird that Will always called her Preston, especially since she has such a kickass name. Oh well.
My main complaint, though?
Overall I still love this author and her feisty heroines. She's a great writer and honestly I was more intrigued by the plot than the romance. I was hoping all the mushy romance scenes would go quicker so I they could get back to the main plot!
My main complaint, though?
Overall I still love this author and her feisty heroines. She's a great writer and honestly I was more intrigued by the plot than the romance. I was hoping all the mushy romance scenes would go quicker so I they could get back to the main plot!
May 26, 2015
I enjoyed the story very much, and the hero being a carryover from the previous book was nice. I would have given this a solid 4 stars, but the language was inappropriate. The hero was aware of how to behave around a lady yet was constantly swearing. Had it just been the period appropriate expletives (which I understand was God's teeth or God's blood, not God's b*lls) it wouldn't have been SO bad, but using the F-word was unnecessary, inappropriate and jarring to the otherwise delightful storyline. Admittedly, the storyline was that they were both 'appalling' but they really weren't (except to the ton's narrow minds) If you can get past the language, it really is a good read.
September 22, 2016
I am loving this series. The females are all reckless, just like the series claims, but they aren't stupid. They just don't fit in to a nicely ordered Regency life, and it takes a special man to be able to appreciate and honor them for who they are. And the hero here, Captain Will Jellicoe, may be one of my favorite romantic heroes.
I've put the next book on hold at the library.
I've put the next book on hold at the library.
March 7, 2016
I don't know. A book makes me cry and makes me love love love love love love love both protagonists and I'm willing to forgive any minor quibbles.
July 31, 2017
Hmm I think I found a new favorite HR author!
February 25, 2022
I always rate a book with 1 star if DNF.
I'm stuck at 50% and I couldn't continue. It bored me and I don't know why.
I'm stuck at 50% and I couldn't continue. It bored me and I don't know why.
June 16, 2020
The first third of this book is madcap adventure as Antigone Preston attends a ball, flattens a man who has groped her ass and meets the incredibly charming and handsome Commander Will Jellicoe in the library while stealing a drink.
Antigone and Will aren't just drawn to each other, they have FUN together. But Antigone is engaged to a man old enough to be her father who is controlling and cruel. She's been told she only needs endure this until her older sister has safely caught a man. And so she doesn't make much of an attempt to protect her heart.
For his part, Will absolutely appreciates Antigone for who she is. There's nothing about her he wants to change and his emotions and attentions are obvious enough for anyone with half a brain to notice.
BUT. Evidently one "probably false" engagement won't be enough to keep them apart, Essex needed to infuse some extra drama, in a way I felt really spoiled the book a bit.
Oh and a CW here, which I will talk about more past the second spoiler
Antigone and Will aren't just drawn to each other, they have FUN together. But Antigone is engaged to a man old enough to be her father who is controlling and cruel. She's been told she only needs endure this until her older sister has safely caught a man. And so she doesn't make much of an attempt to protect her heart.
For his part, Will absolutely appreciates Antigone for who she is. There's nothing about her he wants to change and his emotions and attentions are obvious enough for anyone with half a brain to notice.
BUT. Evidently one "probably false" engagement won't be enough to keep them apart, Essex needed to infuse some extra drama, in a way I felt really spoiled the book a bit.
Oh and a CW here, which I will talk about more past the second spoiler
July 8, 2020
While A BREATH OF SCANDAL isn't as sure-footed as it's predecessor (Almost a Scandal), it's still extremely well-written, full of interesting characters, and delightfully funny in a mischievous, conspiratorial manner. Is the novel as good as the first in the series? Sadly, no. But is it better than 95% of the historical romances currently available? Yes, without a doubt.
Between the first and second installments of the "Reckless Brides" series, the action has moved from ocean to land and that, more than anything else, seems to have depressed the quality of Essex's storytelling. In Almost a Scandal, readers were immersed in descriptions of the sea, the physical realities of life onboard a frigate, and the totality of naval warfare in the early nineteenth century. The heroine of that novel, Sally Kent, was equally enchanted by her oceanic adventure. In A BREATH OF SCANDAL, the heroine, Antigone Preston, loves to ride her mare and has a deeply contented life in the Sussex countryside, but the dynamic writing simply doesn't extend to the new rural environment. The magic got a little lost.
However, A BREATH OF SCANDAL has a larger problem in it's villain and central conflict because both elements are discordant with the rest of the novel's tone. Essex's writing is truly funny, her hero is an easy going and honorable Navy man, and her heroine is effervescent hoyden who loves to sneak off into trouble so it's an abrupt and startling turn when . Once that secret is revealed about half way through the novel, the story gets noticeably bumpier.
Essex's writing is direct, realistic, and forthright, with lovely touches of playful enthusiasm and mischievous comedy. It's absolutely wonderful to read and matches her cast of characters brilliantly, but it doesn't complement . The tone begins to pin ball between the repugnance of its villain and the liveliness of it's central love story in a distracting manner. Compounding the problem, the final scene tries to wrap it up way too neatly.
I was also a little disappointed by the similarity between the heroines since in both books, we have young cross-dressing heroines who are described as tall, long-legged, with small busts. They're also both admirably committed to their families and, more specifically, maintaining their family's honor. I would've preferred the heroines to be a little more different between book # 1 and #2.
I liked the book's humor - the scene where a few siblings tease their younger brother that he's the groom's "natural son" was hilarious. I also appreciated that Essex writes secondary characters with some depth - Antigone's sister is the neighborhood beauty, but she's shy, speaks around her stutter, and bravely sticks up to the men around her. The historical setting was faithfully executed - Antigone is coming home from a hunt when she inadvertently gets caught up in a crowd protesting the Corn Laws.
And while the heroines might be too similar for my taste, the heroes themselves are fairly different. Will Jellicoe in A BREATH OF SCANDAL is an easy-going, charming man who is reluctant to commit to matrimony in his rush to return to his seafaring lifestyle. He sees his attraction to Antigone in the lens of friendship and fun-loving camaraderie. In Almost a Scandal, David Colyear is a responsible and competent leader who finds an equally knowledgeable and perceptive partner in Sally. He yearns for her desperately and their physical chemistry is always at the forefront.
Oh! And the sex -- just like in Almost a Scandal, Essex manages to write sex scenes that are both honest (it's always awkward losing one's virginity!) and hot.
All in all, it's an A-.
Between the first and second installments of the "Reckless Brides" series, the action has moved from ocean to land and that, more than anything else, seems to have depressed the quality of Essex's storytelling. In Almost a Scandal, readers were immersed in descriptions of the sea, the physical realities of life onboard a frigate, and the totality of naval warfare in the early nineteenth century. The heroine of that novel, Sally Kent, was equally enchanted by her oceanic adventure. In A BREATH OF SCANDAL, the heroine, Antigone Preston, loves to ride her mare and has a deeply contented life in the Sussex countryside, but the dynamic writing simply doesn't extend to the new rural environment. The magic got a little lost.
However, A BREATH OF SCANDAL has a larger problem in it's villain and central conflict because both elements are discordant with the rest of the novel's tone. Essex's writing is truly funny, her hero is an easy going and honorable Navy man, and her heroine is effervescent hoyden who loves to sneak off into trouble so it's an abrupt and startling turn when . Once that secret is revealed about half way through the novel, the story gets noticeably bumpier.
Essex's writing is direct, realistic, and forthright, with lovely touches of playful enthusiasm and mischievous comedy. It's absolutely wonderful to read and matches her cast of characters brilliantly, but it doesn't complement . The tone begins to pin ball between the repugnance of its villain and the liveliness of it's central love story in a distracting manner. Compounding the problem, the final scene tries to wrap it up way too neatly.
I was also a little disappointed by the similarity between the heroines since in both books, we have young cross-dressing heroines who are described as tall, long-legged, with small busts. They're also both admirably committed to their families and, more specifically, maintaining their family's honor. I would've preferred the heroines to be a little more different between book # 1 and #2.
I liked the book's humor - the scene where a few siblings tease their younger brother that he's the groom's "natural son" was hilarious. I also appreciated that Essex writes secondary characters with some depth - Antigone's sister is the neighborhood beauty, but she's shy, speaks around her stutter, and bravely sticks up to the men around her. The historical setting was faithfully executed - Antigone is coming home from a hunt when she inadvertently gets caught up in a crowd protesting the Corn Laws.
And while the heroines might be too similar for my taste, the heroes themselves are fairly different. Will Jellicoe in A BREATH OF SCANDAL is an easy-going, charming man who is reluctant to commit to matrimony in his rush to return to his seafaring lifestyle. He sees his attraction to Antigone in the lens of friendship and fun-loving camaraderie. In Almost a Scandal, David Colyear is a responsible and competent leader who finds an equally knowledgeable and perceptive partner in Sally. He yearns for her desperately and their physical chemistry is always at the forefront.
Oh! And the sex -- just like in Almost a Scandal, Essex manages to write sex scenes that are both honest (it's always awkward losing one's virginity!) and hot.
All in all, it's an A-.
January 14, 2018
Trigger Warnings:
--
Do you believe in love at first sight?
This book makes me believe. Will's first sight of Antigone Preston is when she lays out another man-- with a wicked right hook -- in the middle of a crowded ballroom. And unlike the majority of people who are appalled at the impropriety of a young lady daring to defend herself against a man's roving hands, Will is impressed with the efficiency and power of her punch.
This is very much a whirlwind romance-- despite the three month period between the opening scene of the novel (Antigone's father's funeral) and the meeting of the two protagonists (when Antigone's family has moved to half-mourning), there's not nearly so much time involved in their actual courtship. I was a little wary at first because it seemed there was too much happening the night they meet (the aforementioned punch is only the beginning of that evening's adventures) but the fast-and-furious pace of their romance does work.
It helps that Will is smitten from the beginning, as is Antigone. Their growing affection is more of a growing certainty-- they've met each other, and they fit so completely that every additional meeting only solidifies that belief. The obstacles to their being together aren't borne from miscommunication or idiocy, but rather circumstances out of their control.
This was a very exciting read-- quite a lot happens in a short period. The blurb seems a little bit misleading though-- Antigone is not out to "ruin" herself, nor does her altercation with Stubby affect her reptutation enough to dissuade her unwanted suitor Aldridge, or Will. It's more of a starting point, and there's no real drama after the fact. Antigone does attempt to behave outrageously because she's hoping to drive Lord Aldridge off, but her goal is more "make him believe that we won't suit each other" and not "behave in a way that will permanently destory my family's reputation".
Contains a cute side romance between James, Will's older brother, and Cassie, Antigone's older sister.
--
Do you believe in love at first sight?
This book makes me believe. Will's first sight of Antigone Preston is when she lays out another man-- with a wicked right hook -- in the middle of a crowded ballroom. And unlike the majority of people who are appalled at the impropriety of a young lady daring to defend herself against a man's roving hands, Will is impressed with the efficiency and power of her punch.
This is very much a whirlwind romance-- despite the three month period between the opening scene of the novel (Antigone's father's funeral) and the meeting of the two protagonists (when Antigone's family has moved to half-mourning), there's not nearly so much time involved in their actual courtship. I was a little wary at first because it seemed there was too much happening the night they meet (the aforementioned punch is only the beginning of that evening's adventures) but the fast-and-furious pace of their romance does work.
It helps that Will is smitten from the beginning, as is Antigone. Their growing affection is more of a growing certainty-- they've met each other, and they fit so completely that every additional meeting only solidifies that belief. The obstacles to their being together aren't borne from miscommunication or idiocy, but rather circumstances out of their control.
This was a very exciting read-- quite a lot happens in a short period. The blurb seems a little bit misleading though-- Antigone is not out to "ruin" herself, nor does her altercation with Stubby affect her reptutation enough to dissuade her unwanted suitor Aldridge, or Will. It's more of a starting point, and there's no real drama after the fact. Antigone does attempt to behave outrageously because she's hoping to drive Lord Aldridge off, but her goal is more "make him believe that we won't suit each other" and not "behave in a way that will permanently destory my family's reputation".
Contains a cute side romance between James, Will's older brother, and Cassie, Antigone's older sister.
April 29, 2023
This is what happens when an independent lady rebels against a marriage arranged by her mothe
Antigone is probably my favorite heroine. She is intellegent, educated, independent and totally able to take care of herself. She proves this when a young man gets too familiar while on the dance floor. That's just the first time but I don't want any spoilers. Will has lost his position on a ship in the King's navy due to the recent peace with Napoleon. He is uncomfortable on land having been at sea since he was 12. Being home is nice to see his family but he is discontent. He and Antigone meet accidently at a ball and their attraction begins. He tries to stay away from her knowing he will be going back to sea, possibly to India but it is difficult to do when he keeps trying to rescue her.
Anttgone's mother is truly an evil person but Antigone still loves her, not realising how far her she has taken her plans. She tries to do what her mother wants so she can shelter her younger sister. The sister is sweet and delicate and very shy. Antigone has always been her protector.
The many adventures Will and Antigone have are entertaining and inventive. I love the family dynamic with Will's family going to great lengths to support each other. The end was pure delight to me. I always like to see the bad people get what is coming. I just wish we could have learned what happened to Antigone's mother.
I recommend this as a Historical Romance that is just a little bit different.
Antigone is probably my favorite heroine. She is intellegent, educated, independent and totally able to take care of herself. She proves this when a young man gets too familiar while on the dance floor. That's just the first time but I don't want any spoilers. Will has lost his position on a ship in the King's navy due to the recent peace with Napoleon. He is uncomfortable on land having been at sea since he was 12. Being home is nice to see his family but he is discontent. He and Antigone meet accidently at a ball and their attraction begins. He tries to stay away from her knowing he will be going back to sea, possibly to India but it is difficult to do when he keeps trying to rescue her.
Anttgone's mother is truly an evil person but Antigone still loves her, not realising how far her she has taken her plans. She tries to do what her mother wants so she can shelter her younger sister. The sister is sweet and delicate and very shy. Antigone has always been her protector.
The many adventures Will and Antigone have are entertaining and inventive. I love the family dynamic with Will's family going to great lengths to support each other. The end was pure delight to me. I always like to see the bad people get what is coming. I just wish we could have learned what happened to Antigone's mother.
I recommend this as a Historical Romance that is just a little bit different.
May 19, 2019
Very appealing main characters but I could not suspend my disbelief for the premise of the plot: the heroine's mother has sold her as a bride, unbeknownst to her, to a detestable man because the mother thinks she needs the money. The mother's behaviour and motivation for her action is never really explained, other than sheer desperation to achieve a higher social status through the villain. The villain's actions with respect to the heroine also don't really make sense - in his case the "I must have an heir" rationale is pretty flimsy, since he is described as being old enough to be her father and ought to have realized this several decades previous to the story.
The cover, which makes the story look like it mostly involves sex with purple sheets and purple silk ball gowns, has absolutely no connection to the story - there is only one sex scene in the book, and no purple silk is involved - the heroine is actually dressed in an old grubby coat over a nondescript dress (at the start of the scene). The book's designers could have a done a lot more with the cover since the story has lots of potential for a colourful and interesting cover: horses, carriages, naval officers, picnics in ruined castles, etc.
The cover, which makes the story look like it mostly involves sex with purple sheets and purple silk ball gowns, has absolutely no connection to the story - there is only one sex scene in the book, and no purple silk is involved - the heroine is actually dressed in an old grubby coat over a nondescript dress (at the start of the scene). The book's designers could have a done a lot more with the cover since the story has lots of potential for a colourful and interesting cover: horses, carriages, naval officers, picnics in ruined castles, etc.
May 25, 2020
When her "gentleman" partner grabs her bottom for the second time during a dance, Antigone gives him a facer. Intrigued by this young lady, Captain William Jellicoe approaches for an introduction, but she disappears. Soon they meet by chance in the library. Over a cognac, they build a friendship and the adventures begin. There's no smooth sailing in their relationship. The betrayal of her mother leads Antigone on a dangerous path, especially when she takes it on her own. Will the Captain step in to save her? A fast paced romance.
October 14, 2021
I admit, I'm solely in Capt McAlden's camp and didn't care about Lt Col....then I loved his story and the girl in disguise...then I decided not to care about any of the ship's mates who were assigned with the aforementioned girl. But now I gotta go and change my mind again. I love Will! And I love ANOTHER girl in disguise.
The first third of this book takes place in one evening, Ala Before Sunrise, and I was hoping the entire book was set in that evening
Anyway, I was happily surprised. I like Essex's writing by now to stop mistrusting her heroes before I meet them.
The first third of this book takes place in one evening, Ala Before Sunrise, and I was hoping the entire book was set in that evening
Anyway, I was happily surprised. I like Essex's writing by now to stop mistrusting her heroes before I meet them.
March 22, 2023
After Antigone’s father passed away her mother was afraid of what they would do for money so she had arranged an engagement for Antigone the next day. She’s been keeping the marriage at bay by claiming mourning. Her struggles continue when she retaliates on a handsy dance partner. She escapes the spectacle and meets Will in the library.
These two friendship made their love better but the story doesn’t engage me like other HR
Overall book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
These two friendship made their love better but the story doesn’t engage me like other HR
Overall book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
November 9, 2017
Alright, this one was delightful. In the movie Will should be played by Chris Hemsworth at his height of looking like a sailor from that one sailor movie, but longer and leaner, and Antigone is Keira Knightley. I like how much these two genuinely like each other.
April 22, 2020
Like the character of Antigone and William, the storyline was simple. The sex scene (Chapter 23) was okay but dragging. Finished it because want to know what happened at the end.
June 24, 2020
3.5 magical little stars
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed this romantic story - the heroine - Antigone; strong and interesting
November 25, 2023
Scandal
This is another good book by Elizabeth. I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Pen certainly was adventurous, finding trouble like a magnet.
This is another good book by Elizabeth. I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Pen certainly was adventurous, finding trouble like a magnet.
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