A Touch of Scandal: A Historical Romance

by Connie Brockway

For as long as she can remember, beautiful Laurel deCourtney has loved Matthew Hughes and has always assumed the handsome landowner and consummate gentleman loves her in turn. But with her coming out now three years behind her, Laurel is starting to get a little anxious. Why hasn’t Matthew proposed? What is he waiting for?

With the theory that absence will make the heart grow fonder, Laurel journeys to Brighton for the summer. Thrilled when Matthew unexpectedly follows, her mood quickly turns when she realizes that a foolish bet she made with the caddish Lord Vedder during a high-stakes game of cards threatens her reputation and her future with Matthew.

Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters, A Touch of Scandal is a witty and sophisticated romp through Regency society.

Genres: Novella, Historical Romance, Historical, Romance

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2013

About the author

New York Times and USAToday best selling author Connie Brockway has twice won the Romance Writers of America's Rita award for best historical romance as well as being an eight time finalist. After receiving a double major in art history and English from Macalester College, Connie entered grad school with an eye to acquiring her MFA in creative writing. Soon enough she jettisoned the idea of writing serious literature for what she considered (and still considers) the best gig in the world, writing romance.

Connie has received numerous starred reviews for her romances in Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. Library Journal also named her Her 2004 romance, My Seduction, one of the year's top ten romances.

In November of 2011, THE OTHER GUY'S BRIDE (a sequel to the perennially popular AS YOU DESIRE) was Amazon's Montlake Publishing's launch title. Here next book, NO PLACE FOR A DAME will be published September, 2013. A regency set romance, it is also the sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT.Today Connie lives in Minnesota with her husband David, a family physician, and two spoiled mutts.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming short story. 4☆

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a likeable little novella, only 52 pages, if you are looking for something quick to read. I had a coupon from Amazon to use towards a limited selection of their books and this is the one I chose. I like Connie Brockway and this turned out to be a good choice. It is hard to fit much of a story into 52 pages I would imagine but I think Brockway did a pretty good job here. The two MC, Matthew and Laurel, are neighbors and have known each other since they were children. It has always been assumed that one day they would marry. Well, it's been three years now that Laurel has been "out" on the marriage market and Matthew has yet to make an offer for her. It is a case of misread signals on both of their parts that has caused the delay. There is no crazy misunderstandings and they are still friendly to each other so that was refreshing. This little book shows what happens when Laurel undertakes some actions that end up forcing Matthew to realize he needs to step up and quit lingering in the background or he just may loose the girl he loves.

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweetest story. I loved the hero.

[Wendy Rodgers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Sweet Little Palate Cleanser

This was a cute and sweet little historical romance that worked perfectly as a palate cleanser after reading much heavier and darker books. The story was easy to follow, lighthearted, and had enough romance and charm to keep me entertained without becoming emotionally overwhelming.

While it did not completely stand out to me or leave a huge emotional impact, I still enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the softer tone throughout the story. Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read that was nice to break up some of the darker romances I’ve been listening to latel

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet and perfectly clean lil romance short. Part of it could have been shortened by either party having a conversation, of course, but it seems they were acting within the confines of society at the time.

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t enamored at first, but came around. I liked the turn of the story that explained why Matthew had at first seemed so indifferent to Laurie.

I don’t understand the little scene with Strand, though. I guess Matthew still wasn’t sure that she’d return his affections?

[Marya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost 4 stars

[joy in wonderland · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not bad, it was short and ok. But I just set my expectation too high.

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* very short. A bit odd.

[sally mcelroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short, but enjoyable read. Love this author's heroes.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: Brighton,England 1818
Genre: romance
Laurel deCortney loves Matthew Hughes, gentry/landowner/farmer. She, along with everyone else in her little town believes they will marry. But it is her 3rd season, and still no offer, not even courting, no matter how she has tried to give him a push. She has just about given up, so she goes to Brighton with her aunt. She hasn't been there long when Mattew shows up.
This is a cute little story involving a some assumptions on the part of both parties. The characters are as fully realized as is possible in such a short work. A couple of the secondary characters are interesting as well.

[Adélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/09/24
This is one of favourite comfort audiobooks.
~~~~~~~~~~

5/07/23
This is my second time listening to this audiobook and I gotta say I forgot how amazing the sword fight is. Not many romance authors actually have actually well described fencing duels. I love this scene so much omg.
~~~~~~~~~~~

This was probably the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! I actually cried it was such and incredibly romantic and well written short story.

[Nanette]

not willing to spend money on it to finish it.