Moonlight Encounter

Inconvenient Scandals #2

by Nina Jarrett

Lord Aidan Abbott investigates Mr. Smythe but compromises his daughter, Gwen, at a ball in front of a crowd of important guests. In this steamy historical romance, the heir to a viscountcy is determined to protect his sister, accidentally ruining a young woman while searching her father's home. Now he will need to choose between his crusade and the growing love between them.

He feels guilty for failing his family ...
Lord Aidan Abbott neglected his duties as a chaperone when his parents left his little sister in his charge. Because of him, Lily was forced to wed under a cloud of scandal. Now Aidan must solve a murder to keep his sister and her new husband out of danger.

She is caught unawares ...
A mysterious lord interrupts Miss Gwendolyn Smythe while she is taking air on the terrace. Unfortunately, they are discovered together, forcing her to marry a man she has never met before to quell the scandal. Now Gwen is determined to make the best of their new marriage, with or without his cooperation.

While Aidan continues to secretly investigate Gwendolyn's family, he realizes that the scholarly redhead now holds his heart in her hands. How can he reveal what he has been doing without shattering their only chance at love?

Moonlight Encounter is the delightful second book in the Inconvenient Scandals series of steamy Regency suspense romance books. If you like worthy heroes, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.

Buy Moonlight Encounter for a tale of mystery and passion today! What Readers Are ★★★★★ "A perfect love story." - Cheryl
★★★★★ "I could not put this book down until it was done." - Shopper in WI
★★★★★ "She's done it again! I love these "Inconvenient Bride" books." - TG
★★★★★ "Just when you think an author cannot come up with something new, this book comes along to dispel that theory." - Pat

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2024

About the author

Nina started writing her own stories in elementary school but quickly grew distracted when she finished school and moved on to non-profit work with recovering drug addicts. There she worked with people from every walk of life from privileged neighborhoods to the shanty towns of urban and rural South Africa.

One day she met a real-life romantic hero. She instantly married her fellow bibliophile and moved to the USA where she enjoyed a career as a sales coaching executive at an Inc 500 company. She lives with her husband on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Nina believes in kindness and the indomitable power of the human spirit. She is fascinated by the amazing, funny people she has met across the world who dared to change their lives. She likes to tell mischievous tales of life-changing decisions and character transformations while drinking excellent coffee and avoiding cookies.

Reviews

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think an author cannot come up with something new, this book comes along to dispel that theory. This story in the Inconvenient Scandals series is so delicious! Still trying to find a murderer, Aiden is burdened with guilt over his sister’s situation that he feels he caused. By helping her new husband and protecting his sister, he goes on a quest to track a killer… and in the process falls in love with the suspect’s daughter, Gwen. I truly understood Gwen’s inability to overcome school mates mean spirited barbs and how it is so hard to shake that feeling of worthlessness as I have lived it. Seeing her struggle made me realize I was not alone and watching her overcome and stand up to her nemesis was delightful!! Aiden is so adorable with his own special secret and would have loved to have been a fly on the wall listening to a particular conversation between him and Trafford!! A wonderful addition to the series and sets up for the next one….I can’t wait! This author has a style of writing that has achieved a balance of description with action and love scenes that I absolutely love!

I received this book for free and these are my own opinions

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. the stories are warm and entertaining. Gwen and Aidan are the new characters to the series. Gwen has been cruelly teased about being tall. She does not have the typical look for the ton. Aidan sees her beauty and is immediately taken with her. Thier's is a fun love story while trying to save his sister Lily from danger. I look forward to the next book. I have not gotten enough of this couple and would like to read more about them.

[Gjohnson135 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, those pesky lies we tell bind us to making a way forward in friendship and love. Lord Aidan Abbott still feels a strong sense of guilt regarding his sister. A mystery continues to unfold in her new husband’s search for the murderer of his uncle. With the help of friends and now family, Lord Brendan Riley and his bride, Lily (Abbott) make plans to investigate some likely candidates. Aidan pairs up with Julius Trafford, who affects the persona of a ‘fool’ or ‘fop.’ I suspect it is all for show, but time will tell. Aidan finds his much better half, Gwendolyn Symthe, when their investigation leads them to her father. It is not the best way to woo, a lady he has fallen in love with, almost instantly. Gwen is incredibly smart, attached to the classics, and has been injured most aggressively by immature and jealous women in the ton. She is tall, red headed with freckles, and their continued attacks make her vulnerable and open to their rude remarks. Aidan loves her for all those wonderful traits, but it is hard for Gwen to believe. They enter into a courtship, try to find a path together, but with secrets, Aidan is not faring too well. His biggest secret, might be the biggest surprise, and surprisingly Trafford is the right man for this job. With twists and turns, lies, secrets, surprises, family, friends a path is weaved to help this couple acknowledge the strength of two, with no secrets. Gwen is one of my favorite heroines, and Aidan is an unusual man around town. I love this series so far and cannot wait to see what Julius Trafford has gotten himself into. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, full of drama, love, action, intrigue, suspense, mystery, attempted murder, society, family, friendship twists and turns. This author has done it again by writing a fabulous story. Will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing. The return of characters from book 1 makes it a family and friends book. Aiden is helping to find out who the real murderer is and why they keep trying to hurt his sister. Aiden shows up at the home of one of their suspects and sees Gwen there. She is the daughter of the man he is investigating. Gwen is the woman he finds to be so beautiful that he just has to kiss her under the moonlight. And of course, there is society to see it all at her father's ball. He proposes on the spot and then the steam begins. Both have secrets that the other must figure out. Has so much action in this story, can't wait for the next in this series. Absolutely a fantastic story. Always want more from this author. Would give more than 5 stars if possible. Would strongly recommend this story and the rest of the series to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, steamy scenes, and romance! What’s not to like? Sign me up for the next two books so I can finally know who the murderer is.

In this book, Aidan Abbott is filled with remorse for his little sister’s life threatening situation and is determined to help her again all odds, what he never imagined was discovering his other half in the middle of his investigations after the old Baron’s assassin. Gwendolyn Smythe is the daughter of a third son of another Baron and one of the suspects in a small list of possible murderers.

Behind the investigation, and misunderstandings lays a cute story about two people perfect for each other if only they trust one another and allow destiny and love to continue their paths.

Interesting and reflective quotes are just a delightful bonus to the story. Can’t wait for the next book. Honestly!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting! Mystery, scandal, suspense and romance all in one book! I very much enjoyed the story of a woman who was bullied by peers and rose above it. To find a man who could see her for who she was and to empower her to a place where she grew confident is a treasure we should all be able to find. The underlying message that secrets don’t make for a happy marriage is a a clear message. I couldn’t put the book down and I would recommend you take the time to enjoy Nina’s wonderful story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CORINNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

Another great read by a favourite author

I love this series

This was all romance seduction and mystery gripping story can’t wait for the next one

Ah to swept off one’s feet by such a man

Ahh

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Encounter was a strong continuation of the series. I enjoyed Gwen and Aidan's interactions. The mystery is a wonderful plot addition, and I can't wait to read the next installment!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deborah L. Sefton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story 3.5-4 stars. This book started off right after the previous installment ended. I would definitely recommend reading in order. Many of the same characters and they are still working out who the killer from the last book was. There are lots of fun story lines, the original beauty that thinks she isn't since she had been taunted from childhood, the girl compromised on the patio and the hero trying to do the right thing. The "sleuths" are narrowing in on a supposed murderer based on a number of assumptions and it takes them a while to work thru that. The love story is very sweet and packed with more than a few misunderstandings and unusual twists. This was a fun read and I will definitely continue with this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotionally wrought love story. It begins at a lovely ball. Love at first sight begins with a kiss under the magical moonlight. It is full of drama, intrigue, action, lies, mystery, and so much more excitement such as a murder investigation, a bloodied note, missing friends, with excitement carried over from previous stories. Best of all, the delightful characters from previous stories in this series also join in this exciting and emotional romance. The plot twists and turns were very entertaining. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the heroes' prior love life and how delicious and steamy the passion was. It does end on a cliffhanger, which has already made me excited to read the next story. I highly recommend reading!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is the 7th book in the Inconvenient Brides/2nd in the Inconvenient Scandals series, and it needs to be read after Long Live the Baron to understand the background story of the murder mystery and investigation storyline. While characters from the past stories do show up and are engaged in this story, and some of their histories spoken of and alluded to, this can be read out of context of the rest of the series - except Long Live the Baron, where the initial murder occurs and the characters have greater relationship attachments and backgrounds to each other.

In this one, Lord Aiden Abbott, the elder brother of Lily, the FMC in Long Live the Baron, carries quite a burden of guilt because of his failure to act responsibly towards his sister, and his lack of care for her, he felt, lead directly to her being compromised and ruined, in book 1, leading to her marriage and being put in the line of danger. To this end, he has committed himself to helping keep her safe and investigating the possible suspects of the prior baron's murder. This leads him to the Smythe family, and the patriarch's recently suspicious behaviours and transactions.

Gwen Smythe is a self-declared spinster and antidote, at the age of 25. She is tall and not fashionably beautiful, being a freckled ginger, and following in her dearly departed, beloved mother's footsteps, quite bookish and scholarly. As such, she was always teased by the mean girls at school, and given a moniker that stuck as Gwen, Gwen the spotted giraffe. Being teased, friendless, bookish, and then overlooked for many seasons, she has a low opinion of her charms, and few hopes of being anything other than a bookish spinster. But her loving father insists on hosting one more ball for her, in the hopes of finding a match.

Aiden, with his fellow investigator, Trafford, manage to find a connection and infiltrates the ball - and is stunned when he sees Gwen for the first time; seeing her as a tall, glowing goddess. But he must not be set off track of his goals of investigating Smythe as a murder suspect. As he sneaks about looking for proof of culpability later that night, he encounters his goddess, as Gwen sought a private moment for quiet contemplation of the night. They have a beautiful connection when they come face to face, that leads to a scorching, passionate kiss - and they are caught in that moment and compromised. Aiden, as a gentleman and to avoid enveloping Gwen and his family in another scandal, offers marriage.

Gwen and Aiden start their marriage with much hope - they share scholarly inclinations, and a hot attraction to each other, and both genuinely want a true marriage. But Aiden is tortured by the secrets he must keep from her, including continuing to investigate her father, and the fear that Mr. Smythe may be a murderer, and how devastating that would be to Gwen. Gwen does not understand how despite how passionate things seem in their marriage bed, and how compatible their minds are, why Aiden seems to withdraw from her and blows hot and cold... and she worries for the future of their marriage and if she made a mistake.

I really loved Gwen as a character, as a beautiful, intelligent woman who was bullied and fails to see herself and value herself as others obviously does; Aiden's point of view of her is so very different from her self-perception as he viewed her as a goddess, and wanted to worship her beauty and intelligence. His love at first sight adoration of her, and their meet-cute was a wonderful story to read. The continued storyline of the murder investigation added good tension to the story, as it added complexity to their relationship as they both had to navigate secrets and mistrust, and a betrayal, as they embarked on a new relationship, as relative strangers. This story also established the future story line of Trafford, and also gave more insight into his character too - he obviously is not the foolish fop that he is trying to portray.

4.25 stars out of 5

I think I may have reached the point where I cannot say no to a Nina Jarrett story - I am pretty sure I am hooked...

[Nazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight Encounter is the second book in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Scandals series and continues almost immediately on from the ending in the Long Live the Baron. The series has an over arcing mystery running through it so even though this can be read as a standalone romance it’s worth reading the first to get an understanding of the events and the circumstances of Aidan’s search for a murderer.
Lord Aiden Abbott still blames himself for the circumstances surrounding the scandal of his sister’s marriage to Brendan Riley – the new Baron accused of murdering his father to gain his title. Lily’s actions saved Brendan from prosecution but the real murderer remains at large and it looks as though they are now targeting Lily. Aiden feels that if he had not left Lily home alone that fateful night she would never have had to get involved so he is determined to help find the villain who committed the terrible deed.
Teaming up with Brendan’s foppish friend Lord Julius Trafford to investigate a number of Lords under suspicion, Aiden ends up at the ball given by Miss Gwendolyn Smythe’s father. His aim is to find any clue incriminating the man. But one look at Miss Smythe and he is smitten. Unwittingly caught in a scandalous situation with Miss Smythe, Aiden finds it no hardship to do the honourable thing. Aiden knows that Gwen is his soulmate but will she be able to forgive him when she discovers he is investigating her father?
Miss Gwendolyn Smythe has despaired of ever finding her perfect match. She knows she is too tall and too redheaded to ever be considered a beauty. Having been horribly bullied by the other girls at her finishing school, she is deeply insecure about her own worth. When the tall, dashing and charismatic Lord Aiden Abbott inexplicably singles her out and seems determined to marry her she can’t quite believe it. But once married she is determined to make it work – except that Aiden starts behaving mysteriously and her confidence comes crashing down.
This is another excellent story by Nina Jarrett and I loved it. Aiden and Gwen are such a great couple. Gwen was a lovely leading lady. She is fiercely clever, loves the classics and is completely unaware of her own worth. Her lack of confidence despite the reassurances she get are so believable and it was wonderful to see her grow and stand up for herself. Her relationship with her maid is great. Aiden had his own secret which was a refreshing surprise and they are so in tune with each other as a couple. I loved that Aiden recognised Gwen as his soul mate from the very beginning and there was absolutely no question that he would do all he could to make her his. Although Aiden was trying to shield Gwen, it never really felt as though they had unnecessary misunderstandings and any angst was resolved fairly quickly.
I really love Nina’s writing and the plot to find the murderer advances without hampering the romance. The secondary characters were all well rounded and I loved seeing the couples from the previous books. I cannot wait to see what has happened to Trafford and am really looking forward to his book next. I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved Aiden and Gwen and definitely recommend this to all.

[Ann M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlight Encounter is the 2nd book in the Inconvenient Scandals series by Nina Jarrett, but can also be read as a stand-alone. It is a steamy Regency suspense romance.

Lord Aiden Abbott is still haunted by the events surrounding his sister's marriage to Brendan Riley, the newly titled Baron accused of murder. Driven by a relentless need to uncover the true murderer, Aiden joins forces with the eccentric Lord Julius Trafford to investigate other lords who may be implicated. At a ball hosted at Smythe estate, Aiden finds himself captivated by Gwendolyn Smythe – the daughter of one of their prime suspects – and ends up publicly compromising her. In an attempt to prevent scandal, Gwen is forced into marriage with Aiden, a man she barely knows. As they navigate the complexities of their sudden marriage, Aiden is burdened by guilt over his past missteps and the secret investigation he’s conducting into Gwen's family. Despite the tension and secrecy, their relationship deepens, and the emotional stakes grow higher. As their growing love creates emotional tension, Aidan must decide how to reveal the truth without destroying their chance at happiness.

This book is a delightful read that hooks you right from the start, even without having read the first one in the series. The author has managed to create a fresh and compelling storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The writing style of the author is fluent and easy to follow. The book itself is a good mix of romance, drama, suspense, and mystery, with well-developed characters. The author does a great job balancing the romance with the overarching mystery plot. The mystery progresses seamlessly, creating an exciting, suspenseful backdrop without overshadowing the romance. Now, about the characters – I really like both Gwen and Aiden – they feel genuine and relatable. Gwen is a character who is easy to empathize with – she's been cruelly teased for her looks and struggles to see her own worth. Her journey to overcome self-doubt and find confidence, while navigating a complex and passionate relationship with Aidan, is both heartwarming and inspiring. What I really liked, was that Aidan’s admiration for Gwen feels so genuine. The romance between Aiden and Gwen is lovely and full of chemistry, with Aiden’s unwavering belief that Gwen is his soulmate from the very start. The tension in their relationship – filled with secrets, misunderstandings, and a mystery that could change everything – also adds depth to their love story. There are some fun side characters, who add depth to the story – I suspect we will be hearing more about Julius Trafford in the nest book. The murder investigation adds a lot of intrigue, creates suspense and keeps the story unpredictable. The twists and turns in their marriage, as well as the hidden motives of other characters, make for a fun read.

The book ends with a cliffhanger, leaving plenty of questions unanswered and setting the stage for more thrilling twists in the next book - there’s clearly much more to come. Overall, it was a enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is seriously becoming so addictive to me. With each new book in the series, I continue to be amazed at the story the author is able to create with the new set of lead characters that builds up beautifully on the overarching plot of the entire series. Each new lead character boasts of his or her own unique personality, and peculiar personal histories that stand as the foundation for their current vulnerabilities, fears, and hopes. Moreover, because I've loved all the previous books in the series, having nearly all the past heroes and heroines make a substantial appearance in the current book gives me the satisfaction that comes from seeing familiar faces I've become so fond of. It's like the author knows that a reader like me hasn't had enough of them when they starred in their own book, so I am treated to more of them now as they continue to participate in the current story.

Now, back to this second book in the Inconvenient Scandals series...Aidan and Gwen were just two very likeable characters. It was easy to empathize with Gwen for her insecurities, with her not knowing how exceptionally lovely she actually was. Add to that her natural intelligence and deep sense of compassion, she was definitely a heavenly catch. As for Aidan, next to the Duke of Halmesbury, Aidan Abbott is definitely one of the most honorable and upright lords in the bunch. Just like in previous books, the way he and Gwen meet is so unconventional - well, scandalous even - that a betrothal is immediately arranged to quell any further scandal and protect Gwen's reputation. At first, the match is considered advantageous by Aidan as it nicely facilitates his hidden agenda in addition to allowing him to secure in marriage the one woman whom he sees as the second half of his soul. But then of course, secrets and hidden agendas have a way of blowing up things at a time one least expects it. It was for this plotline that kept me glued to the book for hours on end as I was eager to discover how the said secrets would unravel, the consequences that follow, the heartbreak that ensues, and of course, the grovelling that is enacted in order to set things right. All of these, ultimately, come to a very satisfying HEA, at least for Aidan and Gwen. With one curiosity sated, another one is piqued and directed to the next book as we are told of a deeply concerning news about another lord and friend of Aidan, Julius Trafford. With that kind of teaser, who could resist diving into the next book?

I received a free review copy of this book through BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dolly Dagger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the Inconvenient Scandals series, a spin-off of the Inconvenient Brides series, Moonlight Encounter, picks up directly at the end of the previous book, Long Live the Baron, which ended on a cliffhanger.

I read the previous book about four months before reading this. There is a brief recap of the ending of book one in the prologue. I felt that I needed a bit of a refresher.

The brother of Book One’s heroine is racked with guilt and desperate to bring justice to whoever is responsible for her assault. He has a deeply held sense of honor, and he feels responsible for her hasty marriage since he should have been with her the night she was “compromised. “

The main female character is a firmly on-the-shelf spinster who has had her independent spirit broken by bullies for the last seven seasons. Her father insists on one last season to secure the match he is convinced awaits her.

Her father is one of six suspects in the ongoing mystery established in book one.

In book one, each chapter begins with a quote from The Art of War, and book 2 begins each chapter with quotes from Aristotle, reflecting the main characters' mutual love for classical history.

The author writes refreshing romances with characters that have great depth and development. The MMC falls instantly and hard for the FMC.

After inadvertently compromising her, he marries her and continues to investigate her father, who is hiding SOMETHING. I did not believe the father had anything to do with the primary crime. I was interested to learn what he was hiding, however.

The steam level is roughly the same as in other books. There is open door, explicitly described ardor. It's very refreshing to read a steamy romance where each main character is a virgin. It was a surprise and very well written.

Overall, it was a satisfying romance. I do like this ensemble, and I enjoy learning more about this group as this world grows. I was disappointed, however, that the overarching intrigue established in book one remains opaque. Almost as if this entire book is a red herring, I do not feel any real satisfaction that I was any closer to determining who the real culprit is in the murder of the Baron. I have my eye on his butler; for some reason, he seems a bit shifty.

I look forward to the next book. I hope there will be a bit more pertinent revelation in the mystery. I’m looking forward to seeing Trafford find meaning in life and what sort of woman will capture his heart.

This was a tough one to rate. I wanted to give it three stars, primarily because I felt the mystery and intrigue were neglected, but I love the writing, and it was so refreshing to have the main characters be virgins but still sizzle on the page, so 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon A Dream

The story of the Ugly Duckling 🦢 has universal appeal, and Jarrett uses this timeless classic to enchant us with book 2 of the Inconvenient Scandals. The tall, elegant Gwendolyn Smythe is made even more conspicuous with her red hair and freckles. She has been the brunt of jokes made by the vacuous, mean spirited debutantes of the ton, calling her a spotted giraffe. “Sticks and stones” do hurt 😔 especially when an intelligent young woman is of marriageable age and her dance card has been empty for years. Papa Smythe, ever the optimist, is going to host a ball for her despite what his beloved daughter thinks.
Not too far away, Aidan Abbott is trying to help his brother-in-law Filminster uncover the man who murdered his uncle. Aidan has a vested interest in this endeavor since his sister, Lily’s life has been threatened. He, Filminster, and Trafford have compiled a list of possible suspects, and Mr. Smythe is on it. Uninvited, Aidan and Trafford attend the Smythe ball, at which Aidan surreptitiously gathers info in Smythe’s study. It appears numerous assets and even property have been sold. Why? Aidan exits onto the terrace where he encounters a vision, Botticelli’s muse for “Venus Rising”, and he waxes poetic upon nearing her. Gwen sought refuge from the pervasive, snide remarks about her appearance and remarkably finds herself responding to a classical literature enthusiast like herself. Aidan is transfixed and Gwen feels transformed; the two find themselves locked into a passionate kiss. Unfortunately, the ton witnessed their embrace.
Read what happens to the young couple after the ball. How will Aidan and company unravel the murder mystery? How will he protect Gwen from being hurt? The author engages the rest of Aidan and Filminster’s extended family from The Inconvenient Brides to assist them. This exquisite novel can be read as a standalone, but the previous series aids in the numerous familiar characters who appear in this one, too. Readers will appreciate the two MC’s for their honesty, sincerity and intelligence. They will also cheer when the ugly duckling recognizes that she is a swan, a Titian beauty, a Venus rising from the sea. I absolutely adored this story and will read it again. Kudos to the author. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Moonlight Encounter” is book 2 in Nina Jarrett’s series Inconvenient Scandals and it is also connected to the Inconvenient Brides series. This book picks up where “Long Live the Baron” left off. Aiden Abbott, brother-in-law to the new Baron Filminster is aiding in the investigation of the murder of the prior baron. Joining a ball to investigate a suspect, Aiden, an heir to a viscountcy, is instantly enamored when he sees the suspects daughter, Gwen Smythe, a tall, red headed beauty. Abbott is further drawn to Gwen when he discovers her intelligence. These are two great characters that were made for one another. Their romance in the book is romantic and passionate. It is great to read about a highly intelligent female lead and a man who respects all that she is. Gwen and Aiden’s romance isn’t a smooth road. Always in the back of Aiden’s mind is the murder investigation of Gwen’s father, who is looking more and more guilty. Aiden is also worried about his sister, leaving him on edge since her attack and continued threat. He does not share his secrets with Gwen. Strengthening the story is the inclusion of characters from other books in the Inconvenient Brides and Inconvenient Scandals series. These are members of Aiden’s extended family who welcome Gwen into the family with open arms. I enjoyed the plot of “Moonlight Encounter”. It was well constructed and it fit in perfectly with the world Nina Jarrett has built for these characters. If you are not inclined to read the series, this book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone romance, with a murder investigation and intrigue thrown in along the way. The physical relationship between Gwen and Aiden is tastefully written. Make sure to read the information about nobles in trade at the end of the book. It is interesting and informative. I definitely recommend “Moonlight Encounter” if you are looking for a well written, enjoyable, steamy historical Regency romance. I look forward to the next in the series where Jarrett gives exuberant, over dressed, over the top Trafford, whom Aiden came to like as a friend in spite of his personality, his own inconvenient scandal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Veronica and Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Nina Jarrett's newest release, Moonlight Encounter, which is the second in her Inconvenient Scandals and seventh of her Inconvenient Brides series. The book follows Lord Aidan and Gwendolyn Smythe as they attempt to recover from the potential scandal stemming from their 'moonlight encounter'. Forced to marry, Gwen carries old wounds close and Aidan struggles with the guilt that he failed to protect his family when the chips were down. Determined to do the right thing and ecstatic to marry the other half of his soul, Aidan sets out a course to not only protect Gwen but prove she's the only woman for him. It all comes crashing down when Gwen's father is considered the prime suspect in the murder of a peer. Can their burgeoning relationship weather these storms?

What I liked about the book:

- I love when the #herofallsfirstfallshard - I love a quickly smitten hero

- The Abbott's and the Smythe's are very relatable and differ to many ton families

- Aidan getting advise from Trafford on how to perform certain tasks.

- Not only Aidan having to win Gwen back, but she being very practical about the situation.

What I didn't like as much:

- The third act breakup needed higher stakes or a longer breakup. Maybe a kidnapping or nefarious but quickly bested action by the villain. We needed something that sells the breakup more. What happens is good for the inciting incident; however, I think the tension could have been ratcheted up with a few days apart or some highly tense situation.

This is my first of Jarrett's Inconvenient Scandals series, I've read some of the Inconvenient Brides. I like her style of writing and am excited to see where this series is headed. We've uncovered just a sliver of the murder plot; therefore, I'm certain we'll learn more before this series concludes.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden Abbott, heir to a viscountcy, feels guilty because instead of staying home and entertaining his younger sister, he went out with the boys. Because of what she saw that night while home alone, Lily became Brendan’s alibi for the time of his father’s murder, thus saving him and ruining her reputation in the process. Now Lily and Brendan are married and Lily has been nearly killed by a footman complicit in the Baron’s death. Aiden, Brendan and Trafford set out to solve the murder in order to keep Lily safe. Aiden and Trafford attend a ball one of the suspects is throwing with the intent to find evidence. What Aiden finds is a tall, captivating redhead named Gwen, with whom he is caught in a compromising position. They marry, and Aiden continues to investigate his suspect, who just happens to be his new father-in-law. What follows is a story filled with misunderstandings, misinterpretations, frustration and danger. Trafford vascillates between being the comic relief, and taking the investigative lead. Meanwhile, Gwen and Aiden flounder as they navigate their way through the first days of their marriage. They have hot and heavy encounters, poetic and romantic interludes as well as a few rough moments. There is a lot going on in this story, and I love that most of the characters from the previous books in this series have a role in this one. It ends with a tee-up for the next book, and although it is not a cliff hanger, it does leave you hanging. This is such a good series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most romantic book in the series so far

I really enjoyed the book. The well-developed plot is good and layered with a lot of romance, a murder mystery that already started in the previous installment and a bit of steam. The characters are very likable, especially Aidan who is a real Cinnamon Roll Hero. And as always, I was delighted to meet the characters from the earlier books again, who I have grown very fond of over the course of the series.

Since much of the plot relates to the previous book and its characters, I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone.

Warning: there is a cliffhanger and I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel!

Aidan blames himself for his sister Lily getting caught up in a scandal and having to marry Lord Filminster, which led to her almost being murdered. He joins the investigation into the murder of the late Lord Filminster and attends the ball of Mr Smythe, one of the suspects.

There he sees Gwen, the daughter of Mr Smythe, and is instantly smitten with her.

Gwen has always been bullied because of her height and freckles and has resigned herself to the fact that she will never find a man to love her.

Until she is kissed by a handsome and romantic stranger and they are caught in this compromising situation. Secretly, Aidan is looking forward to marrying Gwen, even though he feels guilty for investigating her father, who seems to be getting more and more guilty...

All in all an entertaining story that is fun to read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Naito Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in the Inconvenient Scandals series and have eagerly awaited the second book by Nina Jarrett. Nina Jarrett was the first author to introduce me to Regency romance, and I’m thrilled about the release of "Moonlight Encounter." This second book follows Aidan as he tries to find the murderer of Lord Ridley, the uncle of his sister’s husband.

The author creates a stunning character in Aidan, who feels responsible for leaving his sister alone and putting her in danger. I love the struggles Aidan faces when choosing between his loyalty to his sister and his integrity as an honest person. He needs to act contrary to his moral standards by going to the Smythe house without an invitation to search for evidence of the baron’s killer. It’s not the behavior of an honorable man, but he would do anything to protect his sister.

Another thing I love about Nina’s books is her ability to create intelligent female characters. Gwen, the daughter of Lord Smythe, has always faced taunts for her appearance and loved the studies of ancient Greece. At twenty-five, she had lost any hope of finding a suitable man who would want to marry her.

Nina’s romance is exciting and scandalous. The couple meets in the moonlight and gets caught in a scandalous embrace. As an honorable man, Aidan proposes to Gwen, but Gwen, as a strong female lead, tries to reject his proposal. It’s really endearing to watch the couple fidget with their insecurities, along with the thrill of uncovering who killed the late baron.

"Moonlight Encounter" is a delightful read to indulge in on a summer evening. I highly recommend it.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful and steamy marriage-by-compromise romance with an ongoing murder mystery from the previous book. This is a story where you want to give the MCs a good shake on a regular basis, but… they get there in the end. They keep too many secrets and assume too much during the day, but at night they sizzle!

Gwen - tall, redheaded, wallflower and daughter of a gentleman with no title - was severely bullied in her youth and her soul still bears those scars. She has self-esteem issues and a tendency to assume the worst at every turn - it takes a small army and a very romantic grand gesture to change her mind…

Aidan - tall, dark and handsome heir to a viscount with a spotless reputation (virginally clean) and honourable to the bone - is burdened by the guilt he feels over what happened to his sister. He’s determined to join in the quest for the culprit. And yes, he messes up both his marriage and the investigation, but he’s very devoted to making things right again.

The MCs are both lovable and frustrating. The plot is familiar, but different. There’s a nice balance between romance and drama, and the fast pace keeps it interesting.
I really enjoy this author’s style and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next books in this series. I can’t help it, I want to know who did it!

📚 This is the second book in the 'Inconvenient Scandal's series and can be read as a standalone, but it will make much more sense if you read ‘Long Live the Baron’ first.
Many of the side characters have their own love stories in the 'Inconvenient Brides' series, and I can’t help but recommend these wonderful, swoonworthy romances with a twist!

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight Encounter is the second book in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Scandals series, the first book was good, and this one was even better!

Lord Aidan Abbott is still feeling guilty about leaving his sister alone, and her having to marry to avoid a scandal. So when a murder occurs and to protect his sister, and new husband, he offers to help find the killer.

I loved Aidan, a man of integrity, honest, with morals. He is investigating Mr. Smythe, and sneaks into a ball to look for evidence. He gets sidetracked when he sees Gwendolyn Smythe, on the terrace, and is overcome by her beauty. He acts totally out of character and kisses her, when they are caught together, to avoid a scandal they are forced to marry.

Their relationship has problems, Gwendolyn can’t believe that Aidan really finds her beautiful. Her insecurities are hard to overcome, and when she finds out his true intentions on the night of the ball, all her doubts surface, but she is determined to make her marriage work.

This story had it all, secrets, misunderstandings, mystery, suspense, action, insecurities, trust issues, steamy encounters, and a sweet romance. You will fall in love with Aidan and Gwendolyn, their journey to happiness had twists and turns, angst, humor and was a delight! I was absolutely captivated from start to finish and look forward to more in this outstanding series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a mystery still to be solved, Lord Aidan Abbott found himself faced with a situation that put him between a rock and a hard place and that seemed to intensify the feelings of guilt that overwhelm him. But Lord Aidan Abbott was a good scholar for everything that was really important and tried his best. Miss Gwendolyn Smythe had long been bullied by her peers, humiliated, and underestimated to the point of almost doubting herself and losing hope of being accepted and loved. But motivation works miracles and Lord Aidan, despite his setbacks, seemed to be her other half, the one that destiny had chosen for her and would make her fantasies come true. What poetic and romantic encounters! The story kept me intrigued with Lord Aidan's investigation and travails, grieving for the ravages that Gwendolyn's personality had suffered, and open-eyed to the colorful Lord Trafford and his wealth of knowledge! Truly, he deserved that one should turn a blind eye upon his faults. I liked how several of the people close to both protagonists had a significant role that added intrigue and mystery to the story. It seems like there's still a lot of juice in this series and it's getting better and better.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a love story that included suspense because they were trying to find a killer while falling in love. Aidan was trying to help his brother-in-law find a killer to keep his younger sister safe. While he was sneaking in the house of a suspect, he met his daughter, Gwen, and was instantly smitten, and he compromised her and did the honorable thing by marrying her while still investigating her father.
Aidan was a very charming hero that lived his life with morals and standards. Although I do feel some of those attributes were forgotten when he should have been thinking about his wife first. Gwen was a sweet character, but her lack of confidence was a bit too much at times. I liked all the side characters and how they supported one another. When Gwen found out about Aidan's deception, all the family came together to try and help him make it right. They did find their happily ever after, but we were still left with a suspenseful cliffhanger leaving you wondering what's next.

If you like a story full of love, suspense, and steamy romance with funny, well developed characters this may be the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh installment of the Inconvenient Brides series and the second of the Inconvenient Scandals series. I have enjoyed all the books in this series so far and this one also did not disappoint. Aidan is out to get a job done. Because he neglected his duties as a chaperone, his sister was forced to marry amidst a scandal. He is now trying to protect his sister and her husband, but accidentally jeopardizes Gwen's reputation while searching her father's home. They are discovered together and have no choice but to marry in order to prevent a bigger scandal. Gwen has no choice but to make the best of a marriage to someone she doesn't even know. And while Aidan continues to investigate her father, who is suspected of murder, he also begins to fall for her, which makes his mission quite difficult. He now has to choose between his growing affection for Gwen and his mission.

Filled with drama, mystery, and intrigue, the story held my attention captive all the way through. The characters were well-crafted and likable and I enjoyed following their story.

No doubt, a lovely addition to the series!

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the story of the Halmesbury/Balfour families and features the romance of Gwen and Aidan. The story was very suspenseful and I read it in a day.
Aidan sees a statuesque redhead at a ball and falls for her immediately. Gwen, who considers herself to be a gangly ginger, has a difficult time believing that such a handsome man would find her attractive. Things get mighty awkward once Gwen learns the full extent of Aidan's interest.
The subplot of this book is the ongoing investigation into the murder of Lord Filminster. This time, the investigation is focused on the most likely suspect, who unfortunately happens to be Gwen's father. The newlywed Aidan is the main focus as he tries to maintain the delicate balance of marriage and murder. The foppish Lord Trafford is on hand to provide some comic relief.
The love story of Gwen and Aidan does come to a happy conclusion but danger is still lurking. A man has vanished and the killer is still out there. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight Encounter is the second book in the Inconvenient Scandals series and was a fantastic progression from the first (Long Live the Baron) which I have reviewed previously. This is also my second book from the author Nina Jarrett and I am becoming more and more invested in the beautiful regency saga created by this author

The beauty of this series is that the storyline is a continuance and my goodness I was grateful to see this one after the absolutely stunning cliffhanger of Long Live the Baron! The core crime is still on the table and it seems our protagonists are no closer to discovering who actually did kill the Baron, but of course, I will be sticking with this series until I find out! (Anyone else reckon the butler did it?)

The more I see from Nina Jarrett the more I like the writing style. Jarrett keeps you guessing, waiting, reading on, but also immerses you in a beautiful era, comforting the suspense with opulent surroundings, natural and material

I would highly recommend this series and I am looking forward to reading more from this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and spicy romantic story. It could be read as a standalone story, but its best to read as part of the series, for more enjoyment.

In this book Aidan wants to help unravel a crime from a previous book, in which his sister was also a victim. To protect his sister he aides his brother in law in the search of a culprit. He crashes a ball given by one of the suspects, and brings scandal on Gwen, his daughter, who he was als entranced by at first sight. Now he has to juggle a few balls, investigations, keeping secrets of his lovely wife, There were interesting details, on literature, on manners of conduct of the time.

The description of the suspicion of Gwen’s father was a bit unbelievable to me, as were Gwen’s reactions and her insecurities.

There were more conclusions or reactions that didn’t appeal to me, bit nonetheless it’s an entertaining story, especially since I read the rest of the books in this series, know all the characters and want to know where it’s going to lead.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Smythe was resigned to be a spinster after having so many seasons with a marriage proposal. Aidan Abbott, heir to a Viscount took one look at Gwen and thought she was the lady for him, although he wasn’t actually looking for a wife. After a compromising encounter between Gwen and Aidan, they are betrothed. Gwen has insecurities that were brought about while she went away to school and therefore has doubts that Aidan really wants to marry. Aidan has secrets regarding Gwen’s father that if/once revealed will cause problems with their budding relationship. Will the couple be able to work through their difficulties in order to form a lasting partnership? I liked that characters from other books were introduced into the plot line of this story. I am looking forward to Lord Trafford’s story to continue the investigation into the death of Baron Filminster and hear more about the Abbot’s extended family’s exploits. I am a fan of HEAs and I was surprised this story didn’t have one.
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving a review