Amidst the scandalous whispers of Regency England, grieving Lady Selina Whitcombe's quest for vengeance entwines with the enigmatic Viscount Alexander Blackwood's desperate fight to clear his name, as they both discover that the path to redemption is paved with unexpected passion and the unearthing of long-buried truths.
In the enchanting embrace of an English spring, the destiny of Lady Selina Whitcombe takes a fateful twist as her husband's life ends in tragedy, shrouded in suspicion. Grief becomes Selina's relentless companion, and a deep-seated conviction takes root – the dashing Viscount Alexander Blackwood is the architect of her husband's demise. Thus begins her unyielding quest for retribution.
Viscount Alexander Blackwood, renowned for his charismatic allure and enigmatic history, finds himself both captivated and challenged by Lady Selina's unwavering pursuit. Accusations dance like shadows, tension mounts, and amidst the fray emerges an unspoken attraction, binding them in a battle that transcends mere intellect. As secrets and whispers entwine to shape an intricate web of uncertainty, they tread the treacherous terrain of a society steeped in scandal.
With every meeting, the line between vengeance and yearning blurs, igniting a fervent passion that defies suppression. Alexander's past, a specter that haunts him, resonates with Selina's icy heart as his unexpected kindness thaws her world. Yet just as forgiveness and comprehension beckon, revelations of staggering proportions surface, threatening to rupture the fragile bond they've woven. Selina's path must intersect with painful truths, while Alexander wrestles his own demons in a bid to reclaim innocence.
Amidst a world where reputation and scandal intertwine, can Selina and Alexander surmount their shared history of anguish and deceit? So Long, My Scoundrel weaves a narrative of redemption, love, and absolution against the vibrant tapestry of Regency England. In a season as capricious as affection itself, the question can love's tender bloom endure the tempestuous trials of spring?
Immerse yourself in a tale of love's reawakening and redemption, set against the backdrop of Regency England. Get your copy of So Long, My Scoundrel today and experience a love story as captivating as the changing seasons.
Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.
A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.
To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.
Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.
Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.
This is my 27th book by Amanda Mariel. I have been reading her since 2020. Her books are usually short reads and she writes a lot of anthologies. Unfortunately, some books I won't read for that very reason. Some of her books are under a 100 pages but can be as much as $4.00 and truthfully I don't want to pay $4 for a book I will read in an hour. But I do normally really like her writing and her stories.
I liked this story. It was a super quick read. I liked Selina and James. They had great chemistry.
eBook Review: At its core, I enjoyed this romantic suspense story and the interaction between the hero and heroine. The writer is a talented Regency author who understands the time period and its societal mores. However, a bunch of small things kept me from pure enjoyment of this story. I've been reading this author for years, and for some reason lately, her books feel overwritten. I'll admit when I first start the books written in this style, I find the language charming, but soon it becomes tedious, as every little nuance and moment described is heightened and emphasized to the point of melodrama at times. The cover also didn't quite do it for me. She doesn't look remotely like a Regency heroine. Instead, to my eye, with the hairstyle, diaphanous dress, and no stockings, she reminds me of a certain type of 1970s heroine. Regency ladies always wore their hair pinned up, even for days at home, and they also always wore stockings!
I like how the suspense plot evolved. The heroine does jump to conclusions fairly quickly, which was, at times, annoying, the queen of believing circumstantial evidence. For quite a while, she believes the hero had a hand in the death of her husband, though he proclaims his innocence. The readers know from chapters written from his perspective that he was not involved. These two decide to work together to figure out the culprit, her because she truly wants to know and seek revenge against her husband’s killer and him because he wants to clear his name of any wrongdoing (as the cruel ton, not just the heroine, comes to believe he may be guilty). I enjoyed watching their interactions change as she began to believe he had nothing to do with it and they shared special moments as they were trying to puzzle everything out. The author did a great job showing how they could fall for each other under these highly charged circumstances. Like all good romantic suspense, a fantastic scene at the end has the hero and heroine at the mercy of the villain, but the teamwork they have perfected over time saves the day. The book also has an excellent cast of secondary characters, who watch all that happens between this couple with amusement and at times, astonishment. Despite its flaws, a good read.
Thoughts about the Audiobook: I first picked up this story's eBook version on a book review site. At the time, I wished the audiobook was available because I would prefer that format. Interestingly, just a few days later, when I was about halfway through the book, the audiobook version popped up at the site as well! Kudos to the author for getting out a quality audiobook at almost the same time the eBook was published! I wish more authors were able to pull off that feat! So I snapped that up, too, and actually listened to it during a long car ride on my birthday. One thing I like about the audiobook format, especially with a talented narrator, is that it can enhance a story with minor flaws. An audiobook novella moves so quickly I tend not to notice language errors—or in this book's case, the melodramatic writing—quite as much as I do when reading, even if I found them quite irksome then. This author has used several talented narrators in her audiobooks. I wouldn't call this one my absolute favorite, yet she still imbued key characters with life and energy, giving them particular quirks. This made the audiobook quite enjoyable, a pleasant diversion during a somewhat uninteresting ride. For future books by this author, I will wait to see if she puts out an audiobook version quickly before just automatically choosing the eBook version! I hope she does!
I received a free digital copy of this book and a promo code for the audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
What a blessing for Selina that she DID wait for 11 months after her husband’s death, to start on her quest to find the truth and punish the guilty! Her patience paid off. Selina, and the gossip in the ton, had a particular man in mind as possibly being responsible for the accident that killed her husband. When confronting the suspect, she found Lord Blackwood was wanting to help her find the true murderer. This gave her needed protection later on. Of course, they fall in love during the investigation which is the central theme of the book. The plot kept me reading, despite the fact that the narrative left holes in the story: did Selena have children with the deceased husband? If not, who inherited the title, and how did she continue to live in the townhouse of the Earl? Why did Bow Street not follow up on the obviously tampered with axle? For a light, quick read, those details might not matter—just the bare bones and get on with the plot and the romance. There is a mature scene, so be aware of this. So, how did Selina’s patience pay off? She found a true partner in Lord Blackwood, and her HEA with him after finding and proving who the true murderer was.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For a year, Selina blamed the death of her husband Nile on James Barton, Viscount Blackwood. Apparently a wheel on the phaeton Nile was driving in a race had been tampered with, causing him to crash and die. James and Nile were known competitors, but despite her suspicions and the rumors that were spreading, James swore he had nothing to do with Nile’s death. Suspecting that Selina was the source of the rumors, and determined to clear his name, James proposed that they work together to discover what actually happened. A specific entry in Nile’s account book revealed a possible villain and his motive. Now they just had to prove it. As they worked together, it became more and more difficult to deny their mutual attraction, and a few attempts on their lives solidified their relationship. This story is cleverly written with its annonymous notes, gentle misdirects, raging anger, false accusations, steamy kisses and excellent use of parasol and fire poker.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was okay read for me. The story started with a strong sentiment for revenge that it was a little off putting. I didn’t have any warm feelings to start the book. The characters moved past the overwhelming need for revenge, but everything felt rushed. The love between the main characters felt rushed and almost out of nowhere for her. His feelings had a little background which made his character more believable. The story did have the happy ending that we always want, but I was very invested because I didn’t feel any real connection or depth in the main characters. I just didn’t feel the growth of the relationship. It just went from physical attraction to love in the blink of an eye without enough content to support those feelings. There was details used to explain the mystery and the need for revenge/justice though. This was a short novella so I understand how some things had to be rushed so I gave 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first read by this author. She draws you into the story immediately by inviting us on a journey to find a killer. Lady Selina Whitcomb has her sites set on Viscount Blackwood, James Barton as her dead husband’s murderer. After confronting him at a social and his adamant denial, Selina begins second guessing herself about Blackwood’s involvement. And what a surprise for her that Blackwood wants to help solve the mystery of her husband’s death. The author has to set a fast pace for the plot since this is a novella, but still manages to hold a reader’s interest. This is a murder mystery and second chance romance 💘. The story is well done, but I don’t understand the title nor do I understand the series name, because Selina isn’t a wallflower. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Lady Selina is convinced that her husband’s death was not an accident, that he met with foul play. She suspects James Barton, Viscount Blackwood, had a hand in it. When she confronts him, he denies involvement. He offers to work with her to find the culprit and get justice for husband. As they search for the truth, they meet with rumors, gossip, and danger. This is an interesting and entertaining story with a few twists and turns. There is a murder mystery, and an unexpected villain. Selina and James are good together, once her doubt and suspicion are gone. Along the way the two of them may find something they never thought they would have, a chance to love again. Good story. I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
So Long, My Scoundrel, by Amanda Mariel and part of the Revenge of the Wallflowers series was a lovely little story that brings together two enemies to solve a mystery. Selina, Lady Hollyfield is convinced that James Barton, Lord Blackwood murdered her husband. And someone is trying to ruin his reputation by framing him for the murder. Once upon a time James desired Selina, can he prove to her that he’s not guilty, and help her find the real culprit. I loved the mystery, and the chemistry between these characters as they figured out the truth surrounding the death of Selina’s husband, and explored the developing feelings between them. Another great addition to the Revenge of the Wallflowers.
Another fantastic story by this author. Well written, full of love, steam, romance, Lady Selina is looking for revenge for the death of her husband. She blames Lord James as rumors were he was the one who sabotaged his racing carriage. When she confronts him, he denies that he had anything to do with it. Together they work to find out who is responsible. But as they follow the leads , they fins a love that is strong and caring for each. Each step they take puts both of them in jeopardy . Add in society and rumors and you have an amazing story to read and enjoy. Would strongly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Selina’s husband died in a carriage accident, well actually was murdered by someone purposely tampering with the carriage. She thought James Blackwood was the likely culprit. James convinces Selina it was not him, and helps her sleuth out the actual evil mastermind. The story does not start off as a romance typically does. It starts with anger, and strong search for revenge. I found this made it difficult for me to get into the romance mind frame even as the story developed. Overall it is well written. Narration was well done.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was a little baffled that after Bow Street said the carriage had been tampered with that they didn’t continue the investigation. I also was wondering who took over the title as no mention was made of that and the heroine was still living in the Hollyfield House. I did enjoy the mystery part. Why do so many characters have names that start with H - Hollyfield, Hawthorne, Harrington? I find it easier to differentiate the characters if there names start with different letters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an enjoyable read. I like the way this author writes and how quick paced the book flows. The storyline is gripping while being easy to read and action packed. The characters are fascinating and it is interesting to see the chemistry develop as the storyline progresses. There are also some great side characters that add to the mystery, drama and tension. I would happily read more by this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Salina thinks James caused her husband's death; he vehemently denies it. As the two work together to uncover the truth, they find themselves falling in love. They also find that deadly danger awaits them.
What was the truth? Who killed Selina's husband? Could Selina and James survive the danger coming for them? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery. I look forward to what this author writes next.
We have Lady Selina Whitcombe and Viscount James Blackwood once cool acquaintances until Selina believes he has a part in her husbands death! James set out to prove his innocence and unmask the real killers! This proves much more dangerous then either of them realizes! As the danger brings them closer so does the villain! When their lives are almost taken they are forced to confront their feelings for each other! Bravo This does not have the usual HEA but they do get one! This is an ARC copy from the Regency Hearts collection!
scapegoat Selena´s grief leads to searching for somebody to blame for her loss and when she determines James to be the culprit and proof that she is right, she almost destroys her second chance for a happy relationship, until they finally see it´s better to fight their demons together than to fight each other.
Loved Selina and James's wonderful story with it's twists, turns, attraction, passion and love. Selina is a widow who wants to avenge the murder of her husband. James is the lord she believes is the guilty party until she disvovers that he isn't, so who is and can they find them and see justice served or will thd murder add two more victims to his list.
Selena is determined to expose James as her husband killer and he is equally as determined to discover the truth to prove his innocence and win Selena’s heart. But they underestimate the murderer. Their romance develops quickly especially since she loved her husband and was widowed less than a year ago.
I enjoyed reading this book with its enemies-to-lovers trope, but I would have given it five stars if it had more witty banter between James and Selina before they began working together. It just seemed to happen too quick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So Many Lies & Secrets! A nicely written late husband's friend to lovers romantic story with a mystery which had to be solved and an evil person brought to justice. Oh, so many secrets and lies in their way. This was the perfect setting for James and Selina to fall in love and to find their happiness together.
Both characters are flawed and that's what makes the sparks fly instantly despite the challenges that they face along the way of the fact that they don't trust each other.. and they are both determined to take their lives into their own hands with each other..
This story was full of mystery, laughter and love.
A wonderful story of redemption, revenge and finding love again. I enjoyed the story, action and characters. Selina and Alexander make a formidable couple, they have an undeniable attraction and chemistry. A worthy happy ending.
Wonderful characters that are flawed and strong. They need each other but romance was not part of the equation. Love the historical period and the twists that bring the story to life. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed James and Selina’s story. This tale of love's reawakening and redemption, set against the backdrop of Regency England. Get your copy of So Long, My Scoundrel today and experience a love story as captivating as the changing seasons an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Mariel brings her best assets to the table with Selina and Alexander. So Long My Scondrel is one heartache short of a happily ever after that destined to make it's presence felt. From the heartbreak of betrayal to the temptation of love, their tango with forever proves to be a real page turner.
Short story about a widow seeking to find justice for her husband’s death which appeared to be accidental but wasn’t. The man who ends up helping is the man she first erroneously suspected. Then they have marry. Unnecessary open door intimacy…be forewarned if it’s not for you
This is a very exciting love story. The drama, action, intrigue, mystery, and suspense were very engaging. A carriage accident leads to an entertaining story of a widower who tries to figure out if her husband was murdered, and if so, by whom. I enjoyed the beautiful romance that sparked. I was delighted with how happily it ended. I highly recommend reading.