Miss Ava's Scandalous Secret

Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues #2

by Sofi Laporte, Gabrielle Baker (reader)

She is a shy spinster by day and a celebrated opera singer by night. He is an earl in dire need of a wife—and desperately in love with this season's opera star. Can love blossom out of this tangled web of deception?

This is a sweet, cheeky Regency romp where spinsters are merry, rogues are charming, and nothing is at it seems.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction

Audio CD

First published January 30, 2023

Reviews

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm... it wasn't as good as Lady Ludmilla but darn it, there is something about Ms Laporte's writing that really made it so easy for me to read. Somehow, her stories rarely fell into those tropey HR books while still maintaining the lightheartedness feeling about them.

So far, I'm impressed.

[Ireen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Montana but make it a Regency romance 🤲

[Dew · Rating 2 out of 5]

character versus caricature

I simply cannot. Both of the main characters are ding-dongs. He is a wealthy, handsome, but childish, reprobate who doesn’t see women as human beings. She is, of course, the most wildly wondrous woman in the history of time - the most talented, smartest, and most beautiful, who practically perfect in every possible way - yet she fakes that she is not to deter unworthy suitors and pursue her passions. Will two wealthy, educated, conventionally attractive people ever find their happily ever after? DNF.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook so much! I love Miss Ava's double role as dowdy spinster in regular life and a glamorous but mysterious opera star in her public life. It creates all kinds of funny mix-ups and amusing situations. Tristan is a wonderful hero, so philanthropic under his public persona, so of course there is a strong theme of masks v. one's real self. Millicent is a great side character, so funny! Her love of cats brings lots of humor to the story. I love Tristan's sister, too. I think he needs to lose his best friend, Miles, though. There is a hint of Arabella by Georgette Heyer in this story, which I found delightful. Arabella and Mr Beaumaris are some of my favorite Heyer characters, so I love catching a sense of them in other stories.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 this was so fun to read, it got me grinning and giggling like an idiot on the bus during my commute. I didn't enjoy it as much as Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter, but it was just as funny and enjoyable. I find Laporte's prose very witty and poetic at times, I really like it. It sets you in the right mood for Regency romances. The best part: no smut or spice! But all the good feels and slow burn.

[Lyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5

The whole idea that this guy would choose a bride to spite his father with the intention to dump her in a house and forget about her while he continues carrying on on the side, is immature and selfish.

I hated that so much of the story revolved around her physical appearance. I think the story would have been good if she had all those « imperfections » and he changed to love and appreciate her as is. There is some indication of this but I think it was undermined by the fact that she really was beautiful. 🙄

And his list of virtues were incongruent with his reputation and (occasional?) vices. Ie. He’s got to have money to support all these people and charities but he’s a gambler. He has a reputation as a rake but no evidence of it? Wants his sister to remain in complete privacy but enters a public tournament and exposes his request in front of everyone. He could have done it in private, or just not mentioned his sister at all. On and on.

[Cameron Sauschuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but yet again, it was too short to feel a connection between the two main characters, especially when he was so in love with her other persona. Which is awkward. Especially when they so openly talked about his love for her, in front of Ava. I know they were talking about Ava’s other persona… but that’s still weird considering Tristan did not know that. I don’t know, it was definitely cute, but just that, nothing deeper.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun series so far. Unpredictable stories and happy endings.

[Lilly Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 hmmm

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was the second book I've read by this author, and I'm sure I'll read more of her: I truly enjoy her stories. They are full of gentle humor, absurd situations, and improbable conundrums. The masquerade embedded in the plot would've made Shakespeare himself proud. The emotional splash in the end didn't hurt either. Were the tale and the characters true to history? No. Were they all delightful regardless? Yes. And the absence of bed scenes was a definite bonus for me.

[Meegy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a few more twists in the tale. I loved it. It almost made me want to get a kitten. Favourite character, Millicent. 💕

[Genesis (geny.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for the:
-Hidden identity
-2005 Nanny Mcphee-level disguise
-Redeemed Rake
-Engagement of Convenience
-Humor
-Original cast of characters

Romance: Clean, kissing only
Content: innuendo, mention of bullying of a child with a physical disability, past death of a parent
Final Rating: 4/5

Can Regency meet romcom? Yes-and Sofi Laporte does it best. Funny, yet surprisingly not without heart, Miss Ava’s Scandalous Secret is a time well spent.

What starts as a hilarious and unlikely pairing between a rakish Earl and a famous Opera singer in disguise turns into a wonderful story with the classic message: Not everything is what it seems.

While I laughed too many times to count at the situations, inner dialogue, and banter described, I was surprised at how the author was able to balance comical situations and at the same time, reveal the true nature of Triasitan and Ava little by little to keep the story's emotional momentum.

Every time I thought I knew what Tristian was about, I was surprised. He wore no outward disguise but no one knew who he was at his core. Ava was the opposite. While she juggled two identities, the beautiful Opera Diva Violetta, and the spinster in disguise (in what can only be described as a Nanny Mcphee-level cosplay) readers had a clear understanding of her character and drive. Their layers were slowly peeled back, and their opinions were challenged, and this made the reading that much more enjoyable to me.

The historical details, secondary characters, and well-placed humor really made this quick read a memorable one-and one I will revisit again.

*This book is a part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Theresa Wachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely entertaining story that gave me giggles, smiles, and bursts of laughter ! There is an amusing plot with delightful characters. There is a rake who’s really a knight in shining armor. A plain woman is actually a beautiful opera singer. A shy aunt becomes an assertive person who reveals solutions to the many suppressed secrets. Despite the mischief, witty banter, and amazing disguises, there are some very thoughtful attitudes about marriage, class status, and doing what is right even if it brings scandal. A sensitive story of true love becomes a foundation for much deserved happy ending. I really became so fond of these characters, I did not want the book to end !!!!

[ForTheLoveofBrishen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rakes are not as Rakish as they seem - pattern detected!

 Hey now I have bones to pick with Milady Sofi Laporte How is this just three books?  Hear me wail!  One simply can't just go around writing cute books that make people cry and laugh and smile like goofballs and end it at three. I say that's a travesty.

A disclaimer: I'm not a fan of plays or stories with "ugly" disguises meant to make a beautiful MC seem hideous when in fact the "ugly" in question just looks like the average person. This is probably why I've hated the Madea-Norbet-Shallow Hal fatsuit movies. Feels cheap and easy to get a couple of laughs but underneath it all, instead of a good story it's just featherlight depthless drivel. Strangely enough, I don't hate The Ugly Duckling, Swan Princess or  Mulan - fo figure.

Okay now that's off my chest. This was laugh out loud hilarious and so sweet I needn't have added sugar to my coffee at all. 

I loved this book

********************************************
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes : Oh this did not take the turn I was expecting - I mean yes I was expecting love and a cute romance but the route to that big reveal of both the scandal and the confessions of love were so unique.  I loved it.  This was syrupy sweet and tender and hilarious and I loved every minute of it.

Character Development/Favorite Character : Laporte has this way of creating supporting characters you root for as much as the two main characters. Where Great Aunt Mildred and Aunt Ernistina were hilarious and different shades of the same coin; Cousin Millicent in this book is a sweet old cat lady and I love her.  Miles is a trash bag and you know what,  I'm wondering if "Prinny" now George VI will have a bigger feature in the next book, I mean we finally got to meet the potato sack royal in this book whereas in the first book he was heavily mentioned.

AvaSackville/Violetta Winter:  Honestly I hated the dual identity in the beginning but I got over it.  Much like the MMC, I much prefer Ava, I also found her reasoning for the disguise both plausible and utterly ridiculous.
Tristin Ravenscroft: Similar characterization as Adrian but darn it I love Tristan way way more and his layers are just a tad deeper than Adrian St Addington.  He is loyal, sweet, devoted, but also a degenerate gambler for ... reasons
Kit: I found him flitting between vapid and loveable, weird how he reminds me of Jessica in the first book.

Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
Tristen meeting Millicent for the first time and trying but failing to do something he had already psyched himself out to do out of desperation.  I cackled.

Ava/Violetta, Tristin and Cousin Millicent trying to save kittens in a basement.  That whole scene was just a laugh a minute.  

Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:  
●All the cursed Sydneys with their fine aristocratic noses, blue eyes,
title, birthright, and wholesome wives. May they populate Hades with their
infernal beauty and virtuosity. (Tristin on being forced to marry )
●“The Earl of Ravenscroft,” she whispered, as if he were Beelzebub personified. (Millicent on meeting Tristin )
My father doesn’t like scandal. He doesn’t even like the whisper of a scandal. Our family name is hallowed, you see. We are to live the life of saints.” He sounded bitter. “ (Tristan on Livingstone)

If she could only hide under the table, crawl along on the floor, safely hidden by the tablecloth, and sneak out of the dining room. For one crazy moment she considered doing that. (Ava at that forsaken dinner)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: The Opera being scandalous - time is weird, things change so much. 

StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025 

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25✨

[Nane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 also good but i thought their making up arc could've been a little better/ more fleshed out

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our two love interests: A philanthropist disguised as a ne'er-do-well rake, a beautiful and celebrated opera singer disguised as a dowdy, frumpy spinster. What could possible go wrong? Unpeeling the layers is half the fun.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was enjoyable but didn’t always make sense. I can’t go into why without spoilers, so you’ll just need your read for yourself.

[Laney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for enjoyment. Of course this is a predictable type of romance book. But still fun summer fluff, and nice to have a clean romance.

[Jessica McAvoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of this one. Any book that says the word orgy is confusing the closed door romance audience with another in my opinion. Even if not described in detail. The male character is was described as someone engaging in debauchery while also having charitable aims. It was hard to care about him and not look at him as a horrible person. He is silently redeemed once it become clear that part of his reputation is unearned, but it shouldn’t surprise the man living like a pig, with other pigs, that people giving him a glance might mistake him for a pig. The female character was a bit more engaging but only a bit. I don’t like the pretend to be a wallflower/ugly girl tropes. It is hard for them to strike the line of an entertaining story without becoming shallow and rude. This story does a better job than most, but I was still put off.

Ava is a famous Opera singer. Tristian is an heir to a marquess, whose father is fed up with his rakish ways and demands he find a bride. The problem is any virtuous woman won’t go near him. Ava has to disguise herself so people don’t recognize her so she dresses like an ugly spinster. Tristian decides to spite his father by finding an ugly bride. At the deadline Tristian proposes to Ava. Over the courtship you learn that Tristian isn’t heartless. In fact he is a philanthropist of a polio hospital. He also cares for an ailing sister with polio. He treats kittens forced on him kindly, and is kind to the ugly Ava (although his actions seem unrealistic. He spends a whole day tracking down a jewelry box because ugly Ava called him ungentlemanly?). Ava can’t find the right moment to tell him she is the Opera singer that he has fallen in love with. The Opera singer does a poetry contest of sorts and Tristian wins asking for a private concert for his sister who can’t attend the Opera for her condition. It all blows up when Tristian follows Ava’s brother backstage and hears Ava’s laugh only to find out that it is the opera singer. The Marquess revokes his approval. Ava and her brother flee. Her brother was an heir to a baron title btw. So she is the same class as Tristan. Turns out that the Marquess first love was Ava’s quirky cousin. They get married and she gets the Marquess to back down and encourage Tristan to pursue his hearts desire. He finds Ana singer on the continent and convinces her to come back. They marry and reunite with everyone so that Ava can sing for Tristan’s sister with polio.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s hard to explain, but Lady Ludmilla’s Accidental Letter felt like miscommunication done right, where as Miss Ava’s Scandalous Secret feels like miscommunication done poorly. I don’t remember ever feeling embarrassed for or terribly annoyed at any of the characters while reading the first book. Maybe because they established an honest friendship first, then lied because they feared rejection. Conversely, this one was intentional deceit from the beginning and thus their “love” feels unearned. It was honestly uncomfortable to read how ugly all the characters thought of moles and buck teeth. I’m left feeling very disappointed in the set up and progression of the plot. I skimmed most of the last 10%. Spoiler: No one gets any repercussions for their actions or poor decisions.

I recommend the first book, but not this one, (unless you enjoy second hand embarrassment.) They can be read independently of each other. I’m going to read the next one when it comes out, because I do enjoy the author’s writing and sense of humor, (I just hope I can enjoy the characters and plot next time too.)

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book. I loved the previous book so much, the characters had depth and were interesting. This one I just hated both main characters right away.

The main guy in the first chapter talked about going to an orgy. It was clean, no description or anything. But that’s a little too far for me, I can’t like a the main guy in it after that.

The main girl broke a Ming vase that wasn’t even hers in a temper tantrum in the first chapter. That’s pretty selfish. And then she wore makeup and false teeth and lots of other things ha so no one would notice her. She was going to wear all that the rest of her life? That made no sense.

I tried to read for a few more chapters, but I really just hated the main guy, he was so stupid and awful. I am sure he gets redeemed somehow at the end, but he was just kinda gross.

I was so disappointed by this. I was ready to love it like the first one.

[A.A.B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this author's writing and storytelling style a lot, so I did enjoy this book to some extent. But I disliked most characters (with the exception of Millicent and her cats) to varying degrees. Especially the men. The whole lot is in a fierce competition for worst behavior, nastiest attitudes, and most stubborn immoral selfishness. The heroine is far from perfect herself, but whatever her faults are, she doesn't deserve to be surrounded by this lot. I spent the whole book wishing for her and Millicent to buy a pretty cottage together and live there happily ever after surrounded by cats and pretty gardens. Spoiler: that doesn't happen.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not only disgusted with Tristen, but also myself for wasting my time BEGGING A FICTIONAL CHARACTER NOT TO CHEAT ON HIS FIANCEE! After coming to myself, I drop kicked this book out a window... metaphorically. Such a let down after reading Lady Avery and the False butler. I found Tristan honestly disgusting. I thought the plot could have been interesting. And some things about Tristan, I did like (interest in rocks and general adorkableness) but his hedonistic selfishness and total lack of morals? Ick!!!

[Leina Hoyt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I loved the 1st book in this series. This book however was very poorly edited in terms of the manners of society in that day. Verbiage was used that wasn't common in the time this book takes place. The plot had potential, but the behavior of the main characters and their families was extremely at odds with societal expectations of the time.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish it

So I don’t mind some aspects of my regency romances to be fantastical. The problem I have is when all aspects of propriety of that time are eschewed in favor of the story. I didn’t make it far in. I didn’t like any of the characters and with every new character introduction I liked it less and less and less until I gave up.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book after really enjoying the first book of this series, Lady Ludmilla’s story.

I liked the overall plot of this book, but the writing felt rushed and unpolished. There were moments where the timeline didn’t seem to match up. And there were a few times where whole scenes were repeated unnecessarily.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this more than I thought I would.

[FAITH Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

At risk of not finishing, so far feels very contrived.

** update **

I finished it, but it was a slog. Characters poorly formed, overly contrived plot.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not fun like the other two in this series. Poor Ava is stressed to the brink throughout this whole novel, and Tristan is a shallow ass for most of it as well.