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Scandal in London #3
To Make a Match
A perfect matchmaking plan has gone perfectly awry…
Lady Victoria Lennox longs for romance and marriage. But such dreams may come to nothing when her sharp-spoken older sister, Amelia, sends away every potential suitor. Desperate to hear wedding bells, Victoria hatches a scheme, a scandal that will ensure a husband for Amelia and clear Victoria’s path to the altar. However, Victoria makes her first mistake when she ropes the devilishly charming Lord Julius Cavendish into her plot…and her second when she surrenders to his passionate kisses.
Julius feigns interest in Amelia, yet he yearns for petite, spirited Victoria. Meanwhile, his friend Lord Withington agrees to act as Victoria’s decoy suitor, distracting Amelia from the very real courtship happening under her nose. But when Withington sees how tender and protective Amelia is beneath her frosty facade, he is immediately smitten.
All four soon find themselves publicly attached…to the wrong person. Now, making the right match means untangling a web of secret desires and risking everything for love.
Lady Victoria Lennox longs for romance and marriage. But such dreams may come to nothing when her sharp-spoken older sister, Amelia, sends away every potential suitor. Desperate to hear wedding bells, Victoria hatches a scheme, a scandal that will ensure a husband for Amelia and clear Victoria’s path to the altar. However, Victoria makes her first mistake when she ropes the devilishly charming Lord Julius Cavendish into her plot…and her second when she surrenders to his passionate kisses.
Julius feigns interest in Amelia, yet he yearns for petite, spirited Victoria. Meanwhile, his friend Lord Withington agrees to act as Victoria’s decoy suitor, distracting Amelia from the very real courtship happening under her nose. But when Withington sees how tender and protective Amelia is beneath her frosty facade, he is immediately smitten.
All four soon find themselves publicly attached…to the wrong person. Now, making the right match means untangling a web of secret desires and risking everything for love.
220 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2013
97 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Liana LeFey
16 books140 followersLiana loves to weave incendiary tales that capture the heart and the imagination, taking the reader out of the now and into another world. The glory and splendor of the 18th Century provides a lush, glittering backdrop for her fairy tale romances. It’s a time of sensuous lovers, passionate music, lavish royal courts and deadly intrigues.
Liana lives in Texas with her own dashing hero of nearly twenty years, their delightful progeny, one spoiled-rotten feline overlord, and several tanks of tropical fish. She’s been devouring historical romances since her early teens and is now delighted to be writing them for fellow enthusiasts.
Liana lives in Texas with her own dashing hero of nearly twenty years, their delightful progeny, one spoiled-rotten feline overlord, and several tanks of tropical fish. She’s been devouring historical romances since her early teens and is now delighted to be writing them for fellow enthusiasts.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 23, 2014
Where I got the book: review copy provided by publisher. This review first appeared on the Historical Novel Society website and in the February 2014 issue of the Historical Novels Review.
Set in 1740, this lively romance has an intriguing plot of cross-purposes as Lady Victoria Lennox tries to escape her sister’s over-zealous vigilance. Her chosen method is to attract Amelia’s attention to a handsome, eligible man by flirting with that man herself, and dragging his equally eligible friend into the scheme.
The stage seems set for a society romp when the plot unaccountably veers into a tale of gypsies with Lady Victoria, wearing breeches, riding around the countryside on a stallion. In my opinion, the original plot was sufficiently fizzy to sustain the reader’s interest without the horsey additions, which led me to ponder whether a duke’s daughter could possibly get away with so many unchaperoned absences from home. Other notable incongruities were that the name Victoria was pretty much unheard of before Queen Victoria’s reign, and that ladies and gentlemen do not call each other “my lord” and “my lady” – this form of address is reserved for servants and the lower classes.
Yet I enjoyed the sheer exuberance of the writing and the sexy, fun interactions between the main characters. A diverting read if you are not too fussy over historical details.
Set in 1740, this lively romance has an intriguing plot of cross-purposes as Lady Victoria Lennox tries to escape her sister’s over-zealous vigilance. Her chosen method is to attract Amelia’s attention to a handsome, eligible man by flirting with that man herself, and dragging his equally eligible friend into the scheme.
The stage seems set for a society romp when the plot unaccountably veers into a tale of gypsies with Lady Victoria, wearing breeches, riding around the countryside on a stallion. In my opinion, the original plot was sufficiently fizzy to sustain the reader’s interest without the horsey additions, which led me to ponder whether a duke’s daughter could possibly get away with so many unchaperoned absences from home. Other notable incongruities were that the name Victoria was pretty much unheard of before Queen Victoria’s reign, and that ladies and gentlemen do not call each other “my lord” and “my lady” – this form of address is reserved for servants and the lower classes.
Yet I enjoyed the sheer exuberance of the writing and the sexy, fun interactions between the main characters. A diverting read if you are not too fussy over historical details.
January 6, 2021
Not my cup of tea
I adore historical romances and the plot of this particular book sounded fantastic. Giving a Georgian twist to The Taming of the Shrew sounded inspired and I was very excited to start reading.
It's apparently the third book in LeFey's Scandal in London series (after Countess So Shameless and To Wed in Scandal) but I found that this book stands alone so you don't need to have read the first two books to understand this particular offering.
Despite my early enthusiasm, for me, there were several things that made this book one that I wouldn't plan to read again. Firstly, were the characters. Our lead, Lady Victoria Lennox, is definitely the underdog of her family but she's a tiny, pretty thing who's full of energy. Despite this, I just didn't take to her. I'm not sure if I found her too immature but there was something that I just couldn't get 100% behind. She wasn't awful - I was just indifferent. Julius didn't inspire any great feelings in me, either, I'm afraid. Just not my type of hero. Victoria's sister, Amelia, was a wholly unlikeable character but at least she inspired some sort of stronger feelings in me.
The language used in the book felt, at times, a little flowery for my tastes. The dialogue was drawn out and quite stilted at times, with lots of 'he said', 'she asked', 'he repeated' etc. It just didn't seem to flow much.
Despite my love of the genre, this wasn't the book for me. I still got through it and if you're looking for something light and fluffy without much in the way of historical accuracy then you may enjoy it. It wasn't terrible just not my cup of tea.
February 22, 2015
This is the third novel in Liana LeFey's "Scandal in London" series, of which so far I have read all of. Unfortunately though this third novel wasn't quite up to par. That is not to say that it is a bad novel, but the storyline was just a bit weak--to many unnecessary turns in the plot--and the main character, Victoria, was not easy to relate to. My reaction to her improved as the story progressed, however her initial scenes had done nothing to endear her to me and therefore my empathy was lacking.
I believe the author had a good notion for this novel and with a bit more tweaking it could have been truly great. The concept of two rival sisters flirting with two very different gentleman was entertaining, especially since each person had their own underlying agenda. However it did get a little bit exaggerated towards the end and I wished the plot would have come together a lot sooner than it did. I would have liked to have seen how the relationship between the characters developed after the whole debacle was unraveled.
One aspect that I really enjoyed about this novel was Victoria's interest in horses. Her passion for them and her understanding of the species made her a unique female character in a Georgian romance. It was a nice addition to the story, especially as it allowed for her to become tangled up in some scrapes that wouldn't have otherwise occurred.
I will definitely read another novel by this author as I feel she has talent, but this particular novel was jut not her best.
I believe the author had a good notion for this novel and with a bit more tweaking it could have been truly great. The concept of two rival sisters flirting with two very different gentleman was entertaining, especially since each person had their own underlying agenda. However it did get a little bit exaggerated towards the end and I wished the plot would have come together a lot sooner than it did. I would have liked to have seen how the relationship between the characters developed after the whole debacle was unraveled.
One aspect that I really enjoyed about this novel was Victoria's interest in horses. Her passion for them and her understanding of the species made her a unique female character in a Georgian romance. It was a nice addition to the story, especially as it allowed for her to become tangled up in some scrapes that wouldn't have otherwise occurred.
I will definitely read another novel by this author as I feel she has talent, but this particular novel was jut not her best.
August 5, 2018
I was expecting some sort of comedy of manners where all the characters are plotting against each other to achieve their own purposes, but this was not exactly true. The plotting was there, but it became confusing for me. Likely, it was because this was book 3 of a series, and I didn't know the previous storylines, but from what I read of other reviews, that may not be true. Like others, I was not very sympathetic toward the heroine, Lady Victoria Lennox.
One reviewer who received a copy from the publisher mentions the book takes place in 1740, where my copy says "Richmond Manor, England, 1840." The year 1840 threw me off because the author speaks of a king on the throne, when in 1840, Queen Victoria would have been on the throne of England. Perhaps this fact was corrected later.
The author uses split infinitives (to more carefully plan, to even allow to also be, to suddenly disappoint, to actually hit, to simply run, to fully understand, to even speak, etc.).
She also misuses "one another," which indicates 3 or more. "Each other" should be used for 2. "horses against one another," "sat opposite one another," when she meant 2.
She has some difficulty when the word "between" is used: "between Amelia and myself," "between Sutherland and I," etc.
One reviewer who received a copy from the publisher mentions the book takes place in 1740, where my copy says "Richmond Manor, England, 1840." The year 1840 threw me off because the author speaks of a king on the throne, when in 1840, Queen Victoria would have been on the throne of England. Perhaps this fact was corrected later.
The author uses split infinitives (to more carefully plan, to even allow to also be, to suddenly disappoint, to actually hit, to simply run, to fully understand, to even speak, etc.).
She also misuses "one another," which indicates 3 or more. "Each other" should be used for 2. "horses against one another," "sat opposite one another," when she meant 2.
She has some difficulty when the word "between" is used: "between Amelia and myself," "between Sutherland and I," etc.
June 27, 2018
I won this book for free through the Goodreads giveaway program. Please enjoy my review here, but encourage you to please pick up a copy for your own insights.
The plot line was slightly confusing too. Victoria had a plan in mind, then her sister had a plan with Cav but Cav had a plan with Wilt = Confusing. All of these different plans and schemes were very confusing.
When Victoria mentioned visiting Pembroke, I thought maybe we were going to connect to the characters in the previous book; I believe Henry Montgomery lived here. However, nothing came to light.
I also didn’t like how the characters in this novel jumped to conclusions, rather than seeking out the source. It’s frustrating. Like “please check your attitude, think this through, talk and more importantly listen to the whole story.” So much drama would have been avoided, but maybe that’s the hook of this novel. If so, poorly delivered.
Withington worded is best “there’s nothing simple about [the situations]”
The ending certainly picked up, but this seemed the weakest of the series. However, I think I was distracted while trying to read this novel. I’ll try giving it another chance.
1.5 out of 5 stars
The plot line was slightly confusing too. Victoria had a plan in mind, then her sister had a plan with Cav but Cav had a plan with Wilt = Confusing. All of these different plans and schemes were very confusing.
When Victoria mentioned visiting Pembroke, I thought maybe we were going to connect to the characters in the previous book; I believe Henry Montgomery lived here. However, nothing came to light.
I also didn’t like how the characters in this novel jumped to conclusions, rather than seeking out the source. It’s frustrating. Like “please check your attitude, think this through, talk and more importantly listen to the whole story.” So much drama would have been avoided, but maybe that’s the hook of this novel. If so, poorly delivered.
Withington worded is best “there’s nothing simple about [the situations]”
The ending certainly picked up, but this seemed the weakest of the series. However, I think I was distracted while trying to read this novel. I’ll try giving it another chance.
1.5 out of 5 stars
Want to read
April 2, 2018This was such a fun audio book, I think I am going to have to buy the actual book just so I can read it too. I love the story line and the characters. Very well written and it was so easy to get into and held my attention! This was actually my first Liana LeFey book (though I have had her on my wish list for a while) but it won't be my last. I have clearly been missing out! Thank you Liana!!
April 6, 2018
Lady Victoria Lennox wants to marry but her sister, Amelia is to marry first and she is just not finding the man she wants. Victoria has a plan and if it works they will both marry this year. Can she make this happen? The men are willing but her sister keeps making plan go off course. The plan gets too involved and almost looks like they will not be successful.
April 5, 2024
80-90% of it was okay. I did not enjoy the scenes at the cabin. I wanted so much more.
June 2, 2014
A super short listen, 6 hrs and 10 mins in audio form, I finished this book in one go. The story is bare bones, with only enough information to enhance the plot of the tale and to move the characters into their HEA. There is no added fluff and little background information, but the way the author writes this tale, it works well and you don't feel cheated or left in wonder. The characters in this book were well balanced with each other with the sister creating great tension and, although the twist at the end is quite obvious, it is done well and you don't feel short-changed.
Narration
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Performance: 5/5
speed: 1.25x
You can't go wrong with Justine Eyre narrating. I've listened to many books she has done and she has perfect intonation, pitch, pace, and character distinction. She is easy to listen to while in the car, through earphones, or through tiny cell-phone speakers.
Note: If you purchase the Kindle edition for $3.99, the audio version on audible is $1.99 with the Whispersync for voice-enabled. I've been mentioning this in my reviews in case anyone is like me and love getting good deals on their audiobooks. Although I don't use Whispersync and rarely have time to sit and read the ebook version, paying < $9 for an audiobook is a decent price.
Narration
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Performance: 5/5
speed: 1.25x
You can't go wrong with Justine Eyre narrating. I've listened to many books she has done and she has perfect intonation, pitch, pace, and character distinction. She is easy to listen to while in the car, through earphones, or through tiny cell-phone speakers.
Note: If you purchase the Kindle edition for $3.99, the audio version on audible is $1.99 with the Whispersync for voice-enabled. I've been mentioning this in my reviews in case anyone is like me and love getting good deals on their audiobooks. Although I don't use Whispersync and rarely have time to sit and read the ebook version, paying < $9 for an audiobook is a decent price.
February 2, 2014
Lady Victoria Lennox has a simple plan. In order to free the way for her to marry, she has to find someone who will marry her older sister Amelia. Amelia has, however, been refusing all suitors for several years. When Victoria overhears Lord Julian Cavendish telling his friend Lord Withington that he is planning to marry, she believes that she has found the perfect candidate for her sister. She plans to pretend that Lord Cavendish is courting her because Amelia has had the habit of going after anyone interested in Victoria.
Except the simple plan becomes a complex one very quickly because, when Lord Cavendish meets Victoria, he immediately decides that he wants to marry her and Lord Withington sets his heart on Lady Amelia. Somehow, things go awry and Lord Cavendish finds himself courting Lady Amelia and Victoria is being courted by Lord Withington.
The three of them - Julius, Withy and Victoria - have plans and only Amelia is being kept in the dark. However, no plans is perfect. There is a lot of heartbreak and scandal before the proper pairs match up.
This was a fun romance. I enjoyed the relationship between Victoria and Julius. It was very interesting to find out why Amelia was the way she was. Romance fans will enjoy this fast-paced, well-written story.
Except the simple plan becomes a complex one very quickly because, when Lord Cavendish meets Victoria, he immediately decides that he wants to marry her and Lord Withington sets his heart on Lady Amelia. Somehow, things go awry and Lord Cavendish finds himself courting Lady Amelia and Victoria is being courted by Lord Withington.
The three of them - Julius, Withy and Victoria - have plans and only Amelia is being kept in the dark. However, no plans is perfect. There is a lot of heartbreak and scandal before the proper pairs match up.
This was a fun romance. I enjoyed the relationship between Victoria and Julius. It was very interesting to find out why Amelia was the way she was. Romance fans will enjoy this fast-paced, well-written story.
September 4, 2016
Loosely based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, Liana LeFey gives us the tale of a younger sister desperate to find marital happiness and an older sister who seems intent on blocking her at every turn. The sisters nearly end up engaged to the wrong men.... but this is an historical romance, so of course it all works out in the end!
I found this a perfectly enjoyable, easy read, if not one of the best examples of the genre. Lady Victoria Lennox was a bit of a minx and did need holding back a bit, while her older sister, Lady Amelia, was pretty unlikeable for most of the book - it was hard to see what her admirer saw in her. Both main male suitors seemed decent chaps, if not a swoon-worthy as some heroes.... was never quite clear why Victoria's father always seemed so harsh on her though. Ah well.
I found this a perfectly enjoyable, easy read, if not one of the best examples of the genre. Lady Victoria Lennox was a bit of a minx and did need holding back a bit, while her older sister, Lady Amelia, was pretty unlikeable for most of the book - it was hard to see what her admirer saw in her. Both main male suitors seemed decent chaps, if not a swoon-worthy as some heroes.... was never quite clear why Victoria's father always seemed so harsh on her though. Ah well.
June 15, 2016
This was a fairly interesting story, though I felt the characters could have been a bit more developed. I didn’t feel like I got to know them very well through all the antics that ensued.
The plot is loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew, and becomes quite complicated. I grew a bit tired of all the plot twists, and didn’t find myself caring all that much about any of the characters. The only one who I really had any sympathy for was Lord Withington, who was drawn into Victoria’s scheme against his better judgement and ended up getting deeper and deeper entrenched.
I have read other stories by this author and, though this isn’t one of my favorites of hers, it is still a worthwhile read.
The plot is loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew, and becomes quite complicated. I grew a bit tired of all the plot twists, and didn’t find myself caring all that much about any of the characters. The only one who I really had any sympathy for was Lord Withington, who was drawn into Victoria’s scheme against his better judgement and ended up getting deeper and deeper entrenched.
I have read other stories by this author and, though this isn’t one of my favorites of hers, it is still a worthwhile read.
September 24, 2013
There is a sayings about deceiving (Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we ? to deceive). This turns out to be very true! Victoria Lennox and Julius Cavendish deceive everyone. Amelia joins Julius to deceive Victoria. Lord Worthington helps Victoria and Julius deceive Amelia. Then you add the secrets. Amelia has one that is hinted at early in the book and is what drives part of the plot. This has some humor but ends being very serious.
This is an entertaining read. I liked the characters. The action moved smoothly and the journey to the HEA had the obstacles that kept the story interesting.
This is an entertaining read. I liked the characters. The action moved smoothly and the journey to the HEA had the obstacles that kept the story interesting.
August 5, 2013
I did enjoy this story but its not a book to pick if you are looking for realism and a believable storyline! It is a fun read though and starts with the concept from The Taming of the Shrew with a younger daughter trying to get her older sister married so that she can find a suitor for herself. After this start it departs quickly from the Shakespeare tale and is a tale of silly schemes and misunderstandings resulting in the two sisters finding themselves engaged to the wrong men. To be honest it is all a bit daft but if you are after a good bit of escapism give this book a go.
September 17, 2013
This was an easy read though a bit convoluted and a tad far fetched. There were a few problems with it in regards to how each player interacted with one another but for the most part I was able to overlook these problems and enjoy the story. In the beginning of the story our lead Victoria seriously got on my last nerve but by chapter two she matured up quickly. Nice quick read that was a fun romp. I enjoyed it.
September 30, 2013
I won this and it arrived very quickly! I was drawn in the first paragraph and didn't put the book down til I finished it! The older sister was perhaps a bit too sharp, but other than that, the plot and characters were very realistic, especially for the time period. A good first read!
September 21, 2013
I thought this was a fun read and it will appeal to historical romance fans who like a little lightness in their books as well as drama. The plot was a bit Shakespearean but just adds to the enjoyment.
December 21, 2013
I liked this book, almost to the end. However, the jump from hating everyone and running away to immediate forgiveness was just a little too fast for me. Almost as if the author just wanted to get the book done.
January 27, 2015
Terrific story. A fun and exciting historical romp.
I enjoyed the characters. The story was fun and never dull. The dialogue was engaging. Finally found a story that I really didn't want to put down.
I enjoyed the characters. The story was fun and never dull. The dialogue was engaging. Finally found a story that I really didn't want to put down.
December 24, 2015
This is one of the first books I won from Goodreads. I love the time period of the Lords and Ladies. It is a fairytale romance between Victoria and Julius. I could not put the book down.
April 1, 2014
Come and read my review on my blog! =D
http://brunettedarlingbookreview.blog...
http://brunettedarlingbookreview.blog...
February 1, 2015
Easy to listen to while knitting.
April 21, 2016
A most scandalous tale
This book was excellent. The story had me hooked from page one. A wonderful love affair with twists and turns!!
This book was excellent. The story had me hooked from page one. A wonderful love affair with twists and turns!!
August 15, 2016
Lively and Exciting
A good dialogue between the all the drama and fun. Many twists and turns, especially the horse's heroic deed in the end.
A good dialogue between the all the drama and fun. Many twists and turns, especially the horse's heroic deed in the end.
July 8, 2023
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