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Whisper of Scandal #3
Dancing With A Devil
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
A Lord Chained To His Past…
Lord Trent Rutherford’s past has left him guarded, jaded and perfectly content to spend the rest of his life moving from one meaningless affair to the next. Until he meets Lady Audrey Cringlewood, an innocent beauty who makes him question everything he believes. His devilish demeanor guards more than a wounded heart. Behind his swagger lie secrets he’d rather forget than face, but the price of forgetting may be his second chance at life.
A Lady Determined To Shape Her Future…
Audrey Cringlewood longs to marry for love, not convenience. After several months of flirtatious banter, secret smiles and three very unforgettable kisses, Trent Rutherford, the rake known as Sin, proves himself the man of her dreams. Audrey suspects she understands the pain he hides behind his devil may care attitude, but when the truth comes to light, is her love enough to heal all wounds or will the secrets Trent guarded so carefully tear them apart forever?
A Lord Chained To His Past…
Lord Trent Rutherford’s past has left him guarded, jaded and perfectly content to spend the rest of his life moving from one meaningless affair to the next. Until he meets Lady Audrey Cringlewood, an innocent beauty who makes him question everything he believes. His devilish demeanor guards more than a wounded heart. Behind his swagger lie secrets he’d rather forget than face, but the price of forgetting may be his second chance at life.
A Lady Determined To Shape Her Future…
Audrey Cringlewood longs to marry for love, not convenience. After several months of flirtatious banter, secret smiles and three very unforgettable kisses, Trent Rutherford, the rake known as Sin, proves himself the man of her dreams. Audrey suspects she understands the pain he hides behind his devil may care attitude, but when the truth comes to light, is her love enough to heal all wounds or will the secrets Trent guarded so carefully tear them apart forever?
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
146 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
96 books762 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 26, 2015
EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING END!!
Very Disappointing ending!! I had been waiting for Sin Lord Trent Rutherford Marquess of Davenport. story He was a English Spy for Prinny but while in France spying and hiding, guarding the secret of were the English had imprisoned Napoleon Bonaparte he married a French Spy Gwyneth.Trent didn't know Gwyneth was a spy. Of course she betrayed him. She had him thrown in a French prison and horribly torture for months before Trent Escaped. . Trent though she was dead for the past 2 years, which caused him to separate from Lady Audrey Cringlewood. The women he had fall in loved with. We met Audrey in bk2 Conspiring With A Rogue. I loved the characters Audrey and Sin "Trent" but this author ruined the ending of there love story by giving Trent a son he didn't know about. Julian the son of his wife the French Spy Gwyneth which means Julian will inherit the title of Marquess and the decent beloved Audrey's children with Trent cannot inherit the title of Marquess. If the author wanted to add a child to drag out the story why didn't Julie Johnstone write the child as a girl and let Audrey be the mother to the heir of the Marquess of Davenport? It would have even been more tolerable it Gwyneth hadn't been a spy and had not betrayed Trent in such a horrible way. . I "HATE" stories where the Heir is Not the child of the hero and heroine of the story. If I had know this I would Not have bought this book and just dropped the series. So I returned it this very Disappointing story.. I did Not get what I consider HEA. I will Not continue with this series. I don't like storylines like this. This is a personal preference. However there are a lot of HR fans that don't like stories like this. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS STORY!! VERY DISAPPOINTING!!
Very Disappointing ending!! I had been waiting for Sin Lord Trent Rutherford Marquess of Davenport. story He was a English Spy for Prinny but while in France spying and hiding, guarding the secret of were the English had imprisoned Napoleon Bonaparte he married a French Spy Gwyneth.Trent didn't know Gwyneth was a spy. Of course she betrayed him. She had him thrown in a French prison and horribly torture for months before Trent Escaped. . Trent though she was dead for the past 2 years, which caused him to separate from Lady Audrey Cringlewood. The women he had fall in loved with. We met Audrey in bk2 Conspiring With A Rogue. I loved the characters Audrey and Sin "Trent" but this author ruined the ending of there love story by giving Trent a son he didn't know about. Julian the son of his wife the French Spy Gwyneth which means Julian will inherit the title of Marquess and the decent beloved Audrey's children with Trent cannot inherit the title of Marquess. If the author wanted to add a child to drag out the story why didn't Julie Johnstone write the child as a girl and let Audrey be the mother to the heir of the Marquess of Davenport? It would have even been more tolerable it Gwyneth hadn't been a spy and had not betrayed Trent in such a horrible way. . I "HATE" stories where the Heir is Not the child of the hero and heroine of the story. If I had know this I would Not have bought this book and just dropped the series. So I returned it this very Disappointing story.. I did Not get what I consider HEA. I will Not continue with this series. I don't like storylines like this. This is a personal preference. However there are a lot of HR fans that don't like stories like this. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS STORY!! VERY DISAPPOINTING!!
April 1, 2014
Coming into this series at the present book and I will admit that there is much in the past I would like to have known better. Nonetheless, I was entirely engrossed in this tale.
Audrey Cringlewood wants to be loved and be in love when it comes time to marry. Her parents did not have the loving relationship that Audrey dreams of and her father is aloof to her and her gambling drunkard of a brother. Audrey's had a few seasons, but the only man who has sparked her interest is the handsome Lord Trent Runtherford. Trent may find Audrey attractive and appealing, but deception in his past has turned him off the idea of marriage. Even after a passionate kiss and Audrey's complete sensual awakening, Trent let's her down with his telling her they can be friends, but that is all.
Lord Trent Rutherford spent some time in France helping the English crown with information. While there, he fell in love with a local beauty, married her and was betrayed by her. After her death, he returns to his homeland a changed man. No longer can he be trusting and caring. He needs to keep all at bay. When he returns to England, he throws himself into a full on bachelor lifestyle of loose women and gaming, until his meets the innocent beauty named Audrey, who turns his insides out and makes him want to run for the hills.
When other suitors begin taking interest in Audrey and one of them Trent seems unsavory, he sets out to protect Audrey from the rogue, only to fall hook. line and sinker for her whilst in full denial all the way.
When an inkling of acceptance makes Trent want to male an offer for Audrey's hand, a letter arrives from France changing the game and when Audrey is faced with not only her ruination, but her heart breaking, she is left with making decisions that go against all she ever stood for. Once Trent finally realizes Audrey is absolutely the one for him, he now has to set out to convince her of his sincerity, because in all honesty, the man has completely made a mess of things.
DANCING WITH A DEVIL by Julie Johnstone is intrigue, passion and excitement. When characters make me want to throttle them with a cane then hug them to pieces, the author's job has been expertly done. Now that I have come in on the third tale, I am excited about going back and seeing where it all began and eagerly await anything else that the ever so talented Miss Johnstone has to say. DANCING WITH A DEVIL had me up until the birds began chirping and I read the last word. Now that's good book!
August 13, 2014
To write credible, heart-warming romance is an art. It requires the author to breathe life into the protagonists, lifting them above the cardboard cut-outs that so often litter this genre. I therefore approach this genre with certain caution, hoping always for the best, but finding myself quite often disappointed.
Dancing with A Devil is as far from a disappointment as it is possible to be. Ms Johnstone brings to life two wonderful characters that I, as a reader, very quickly invest in. From that first sensual scene in which young Audrey decides to gamble it all by openly showing her affection for handsome Lord Davenport, to the last page, I am utterly hooked – so hooked that I decided to skip my planned hot tub soak as I wasn’t sure if my Kindle (or I) would survive an unexpected submersion in water.
For characters to grip you, they need a backstory – not from babyhood on, but sufficient detail must be given for us to understand why they act as they do. Lady Audrey Cringlewood is twenty-two, as yet unmarried, and has an anything but loving relationship with her father who just wants her off his hands. He doesn’t particularly care who she marries as long as she does so quickly. Audrey, having witnessed her parents’ loveless marriage, has promised herself she will marry for love – or not at all. Her father is having none of that, but so far Audrey has succeeded in evading his marriage plans. Time, however, is running out.
Audrey’s dead mother – and her sad life – casts a long shadow over pretty, vivacious Audrey, in many ways a girl who scoffs at the more ridiculous rules of the ton, no matter that she is as conscientious as any other young woman when it comes to preserving her reputation. And then one day Audrey meets Lord Davenport, and what begins as a flirtation very quickly develops into something else – at least for Audrey.
Trent Rutherford, the Marquess of Davenport, is a man who has promised himself never to love again. A disastrous previous relationship left him with a broken heart and a deep mistrust of women. Most understandably, but to say more would be to reveal too much of the plot. But Lord Davenport – Trent to his friends, among whom I now include myself – is helplessly attracted to Audrey, entranced by her honesty and forthrightness, by her beauty and her generous, warm personality. Unfortunately, he cannot commit. He is willing to act her protector, but shies away from admitting he loves her, thereby causing Audrey quite some heartbreak.
There is very little not to like about either Audrey or Trent, but Ms Johnstone never falls into the trap of making them one-dimensional. Audrey and Trent struggle with their feelings, with the constraints of the vigilant society that surrounds them, with the expectations of their family and friends. Dancing with a Devil is a novel where the strength of a third person narrative is very obvious: both Trent and Audrey have distinctive and persuasive voices, and the novel gains depth by allowing us insight into both their heads, to their desires and fears.
Any good romance requires obstacles. Ms Johnstone has provided Trent and Audrey with more than their fair share, and the plot twists and turns like an aggravated viper – which is why, of course, I decided to do without my bath. Demons of the past have to be confronted, nasty characters in the here and now must be avoided, and fortunately for Audrey and Trent, they have a supporting cast consisting of cousins and aunts, of former spymasters and loyal friends.
Dancing with a Devil is set in Regency London. The author has chosen to build her story round her characters rather than the historical setting, and as the central plotline is both universal and timeless, this works quite well. Sufficient detail is provided for me to know what period I am in, and while there are some minor faux-pas (such as referring to a brunch) on the whole I perceive the historical context to be correct – in particular as to the somewhat suffocating (and hypocritical) conventions of the time. There is a rather amusing scene with a half-deaf chaperone and her rather listless attempt to ensure Audrey is never out of her sight or hearing. Doesn’t work too well – to this reader’s delight!
Ms Johnstone has a driven prose and excellent dialogue. Descriptions are precise and convey a sense of time and place, from the starched cravats that adorn the gentlemen to the grimy underbelly of post-Napoleonic Paris. But mostly, it is Audrey and Trent, two people who have grown into almost tangible beings. Ultimately, this is a novel about a young girl who listens to her heart and is brave enough to show the recipient of her affections what she feels – despite risking rejection. It is about a man who doesn’t dare to believe in love and so refuses to accept what his own heart is telling him – until it is almost too late.
As I said initially, to write good, credible Romance is an art. Clearly, Ms Johnstone knows just how to do that, combining great characters with a plausible plot. Brava, Ms Johnstone!
Dancing with A Devil is as far from a disappointment as it is possible to be. Ms Johnstone brings to life two wonderful characters that I, as a reader, very quickly invest in. From that first sensual scene in which young Audrey decides to gamble it all by openly showing her affection for handsome Lord Davenport, to the last page, I am utterly hooked – so hooked that I decided to skip my planned hot tub soak as I wasn’t sure if my Kindle (or I) would survive an unexpected submersion in water.
For characters to grip you, they need a backstory – not from babyhood on, but sufficient detail must be given for us to understand why they act as they do. Lady Audrey Cringlewood is twenty-two, as yet unmarried, and has an anything but loving relationship with her father who just wants her off his hands. He doesn’t particularly care who she marries as long as she does so quickly. Audrey, having witnessed her parents’ loveless marriage, has promised herself she will marry for love – or not at all. Her father is having none of that, but so far Audrey has succeeded in evading his marriage plans. Time, however, is running out.
Audrey’s dead mother – and her sad life – casts a long shadow over pretty, vivacious Audrey, in many ways a girl who scoffs at the more ridiculous rules of the ton, no matter that she is as conscientious as any other young woman when it comes to preserving her reputation. And then one day Audrey meets Lord Davenport, and what begins as a flirtation very quickly develops into something else – at least for Audrey.
Trent Rutherford, the Marquess of Davenport, is a man who has promised himself never to love again. A disastrous previous relationship left him with a broken heart and a deep mistrust of women. Most understandably, but to say more would be to reveal too much of the plot. But Lord Davenport – Trent to his friends, among whom I now include myself – is helplessly attracted to Audrey, entranced by her honesty and forthrightness, by her beauty and her generous, warm personality. Unfortunately, he cannot commit. He is willing to act her protector, but shies away from admitting he loves her, thereby causing Audrey quite some heartbreak.
There is very little not to like about either Audrey or Trent, but Ms Johnstone never falls into the trap of making them one-dimensional. Audrey and Trent struggle with their feelings, with the constraints of the vigilant society that surrounds them, with the expectations of their family and friends. Dancing with a Devil is a novel where the strength of a third person narrative is very obvious: both Trent and Audrey have distinctive and persuasive voices, and the novel gains depth by allowing us insight into both their heads, to their desires and fears.
Any good romance requires obstacles. Ms Johnstone has provided Trent and Audrey with more than their fair share, and the plot twists and turns like an aggravated viper – which is why, of course, I decided to do without my bath. Demons of the past have to be confronted, nasty characters in the here and now must be avoided, and fortunately for Audrey and Trent, they have a supporting cast consisting of cousins and aunts, of former spymasters and loyal friends.
Dancing with a Devil is set in Regency London. The author has chosen to build her story round her characters rather than the historical setting, and as the central plotline is both universal and timeless, this works quite well. Sufficient detail is provided for me to know what period I am in, and while there are some minor faux-pas (such as referring to a brunch) on the whole I perceive the historical context to be correct – in particular as to the somewhat suffocating (and hypocritical) conventions of the time. There is a rather amusing scene with a half-deaf chaperone and her rather listless attempt to ensure Audrey is never out of her sight or hearing. Doesn’t work too well – to this reader’s delight!
Ms Johnstone has a driven prose and excellent dialogue. Descriptions are precise and convey a sense of time and place, from the starched cravats that adorn the gentlemen to the grimy underbelly of post-Napoleonic Paris. But mostly, it is Audrey and Trent, two people who have grown into almost tangible beings. Ultimately, this is a novel about a young girl who listens to her heart and is brave enough to show the recipient of her affections what she feels – despite risking rejection. It is about a man who doesn’t dare to believe in love and so refuses to accept what his own heart is telling him – until it is almost too late.
As I said initially, to write good, credible Romance is an art. Clearly, Ms Johnstone knows just how to do that, combining great characters with a plausible plot. Brava, Ms Johnstone!
March 25, 2014
I have now had the pleasure of reading two books by the talented Julie Johnstone. I have to say that I did not know which I would like better her paranormal romance or historical romance. I have to say I think they are about even. I loved Dancing With A Devil. This story had me completely enthralled from the beginning.
Audrey Cringlewood father is ready to marry her off, however she wants to marry for love. She is sure she has met her love Lord Trent Rutherford. However she has to convince Trent that he is in love with her as well. There is a small problem though. I'm not going to tell you what the problem is because it is a good one. It certainly adds to the storyline.
I really liked Audrey she is willing to do what he has to do to take care of her family. She is a strong brave girl that really is just looking after herself and her family. She has strong deep feelings for Trent and he for her. They just have a few obstacles to over come before they can be together.
There is plenty of drama in this book that certainly had me turning pages quickly. I have not had the pleasure of reading the other books in the Whisper of Scandal series but I had no problem reading this as a stand alone book. I don't think you will either.
I do believe that Ms. Johnstone may very quickly become one of my favorite historical authors. She has a great way of telling a historical romance with a little mystery thrown in to keep my attention. I know I will be looking forward to reading what ever she may have in store for us next. Whether it be historical or paranormal romance I know I'll be looking forward to her next new release.
I was given the opportunity to read this book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share thoughts with you on Dancing with A Devil.
Audrey Cringlewood father is ready to marry her off, however she wants to marry for love. She is sure she has met her love Lord Trent Rutherford. However she has to convince Trent that he is in love with her as well. There is a small problem though. I'm not going to tell you what the problem is because it is a good one. It certainly adds to the storyline.
I really liked Audrey she is willing to do what he has to do to take care of her family. She is a strong brave girl that really is just looking after herself and her family. She has strong deep feelings for Trent and he for her. They just have a few obstacles to over come before they can be together.
There is plenty of drama in this book that certainly had me turning pages quickly. I have not had the pleasure of reading the other books in the Whisper of Scandal series but I had no problem reading this as a stand alone book. I don't think you will either.
I do believe that Ms. Johnstone may very quickly become one of my favorite historical authors. She has a great way of telling a historical romance with a little mystery thrown in to keep my attention. I know I will be looking forward to reading what ever she may have in store for us next. Whether it be historical or paranormal romance I know I'll be looking forward to her next new release.
I was given the opportunity to read this book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share thoughts with you on Dancing with A Devil.
April 14, 2014
Dancing With A Devil was not the typical Regency romance. Yes, it had many elements that are Regency but it was not the cookie cutter Duke meets wallflower and falls in love. Nope, the hero and heroine of this Regency have strong personalities and own thoughts about love and marriage.
From the opening pages of the book Lady Audrey is not a simpering miss. She is determined to have the life she craves. She is outspoken and honest. Audrey is a young lady determined to make the most of life and she is willing to overcome obstacles that may be in her way. Oh and the obstacles come in the form of her father and brother.
Widower, Lord Trent Rutherford like his ladies willing, wanting and experienced. No virginal ladies for him but when Lady Audrey puts him under her spell she is the only thing he will ever want. However, Trent’s wife who has been dead may not be so dead and puts a kink into claiming Lady Audrey.
Dancing With A Devil had many wonderful elements. I was laughing with how honest Audrey was when talking with her peers and in other moments my heart was breaking for Audrey and Trent. There are twist and turns in this story that you don't see coming, which adds to the charm of the book. This story has a wonderful cast of characters that make it unforgettable.
From the opening pages of the book Lady Audrey is not a simpering miss. She is determined to have the life she craves. She is outspoken and honest. Audrey is a young lady determined to make the most of life and she is willing to overcome obstacles that may be in her way. Oh and the obstacles come in the form of her father and brother.
Widower, Lord Trent Rutherford like his ladies willing, wanting and experienced. No virginal ladies for him but when Lady Audrey puts him under her spell she is the only thing he will ever want. However, Trent’s wife who has been dead may not be so dead and puts a kink into claiming Lady Audrey.
Dancing With A Devil had many wonderful elements. I was laughing with how honest Audrey was when talking with her peers and in other moments my heart was breaking for Audrey and Trent. There are twist and turns in this story that you don't see coming, which adds to the charm of the book. This story has a wonderful cast of characters that make it unforgettable.
March 11, 2014
Dancing with a Devil is not Audrey and Trent’s first encounter (they met in a previous Whisper of Scandal novel), and the embers of their romance were kindled before the novel begins. Despite this, the story stands well on its own. Lady Audrey Cringlewood is a delightful heroine: stubborn, outspoken, and determined to have what she wants despite the obstacles in her way. Lord Trent Davenport has a wonderful backstory, lending credibility to his reasoning and actions. The secondary characters are lively and engaging, keeping the story moving by adding layers of action and reaction, plotting, intrigue, and messing up everyone’s plans with ideas of their own. Readers will fly through the pages of this Regency romance and hunt down the author’s backlist to read the other Whisper of Scandal titles.
Disclaimer: This review is based on an Advance Review Copy and not the final, fully proofed, version of the book.
Disclaimer #2: Julie Johnstone is in my writing group. While we are not best friends, we do know each other.
Check out my blog for the full review: http://myfun-sizelife.blogspot.com/
Disclaimer: This review is based on an Advance Review Copy and not the final, fully proofed, version of the book.
Disclaimer #2: Julie Johnstone is in my writing group. While we are not best friends, we do know each other.
Check out my blog for the full review: http://myfun-sizelife.blogspot.com/
April 26, 2014
Dancing With a Devil is a classic romance. The main characters are always misunderstanding each other and working at cross-purposes. Trent doesn't want to marry because he has been burned in the past, and Audrey will be forced into a loveless match if she can't find true love in one season. However, the drawback to this story is that much of the dialogue was clearly directed at the reader and meant to recap and explain everything that had transpired. It didn't feel natural. Also, there wasn't a great deal of physical tension between Trent and Audrey and their encounter at the end of the book felt like it was put there just to make sure there was a sex scene in the book. It was a good effort, but not the story was not as polished as it could have been.
*An e-galley of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*An e-galley of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 7, 2014
Can a male be friends with a lady that he desires. Lord Trent is sure going to try. This is the third book in the Whisper of Scandal Novel. This series has been on my wishlist and I am so excited to review this book. I was not disappointed. Audrey Cringlewood was determined not to have a marriage like her parents. She wants a love match not like the arranged conventional marriages of the Ton. Lord Trent is haunted by his past. When his past catches up to him, Lord Trent thinks he can handle his friendship with Audrey.It was a truly enjoyable read. I can't wait to read the other books from this series. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
July 19, 2015
One of the best Regency Romance Series I've read! Dancing With A Devil was the perfect title for this book, after all his nickname is "Sin". I loved this story, it brought back all the characters from Conspiring with a Rogue that I enjoyed so much. These characters are adventurous, brave, and the ladies always seen to find trouble! There has always been some mystery surrounding Trent "Sin" Davenport, and this book will reveal all to you! But you're just going to have to read the book to find out...hahaha! If you have enjoyed the other books is the Whisper of Scandal Series, you will love this book too.
April 2, 2014
How many more obstacles can get I the way of this couple. First it's because Trent does not want to marry. Then when he gotten so crazy for Audrey he hears that his dead wife might not be dead now he can't marry her until he can confirm his wife is dead. Trent has so many secrets Audrey is ready to give up on him.
Audrey wants to marry for love. Trent has already told her that he admires her and they get along well. That is not what Audrey wants to hear.
I always love when lightning strikes and the man finally realizes he loved the woman all along.
Audrey wants to marry for love. Trent has already told her that he admires her and they get along well. That is not what Audrey wants to hear.
I always love when lightning strikes and the man finally realizes he loved the woman all along.
November 29, 2014
A beautiful end of a book trilogy !!! Another captivating, heart warming, intriguing , and well written love story!!
June 2, 2019
HMM THIS ONE WAS A PICKLE. I LIKED IT BUT I ALSO BELIEVE IT WAS A BIT LONG-WINDED AND THE LITTLE BOMB AT THE END DIDNT QUITE DO IT FOR ME.
HERO was once a spy and was married to a woman who betrayed him and then died. Long story short he will never trust a woman or marry again. Until Audrey. After a kiss, he turns completely into a madman in love though he denies it. Like a stalker he follows her to all parties, believing himself a good friend by warning her off dangerous suitors when he's just jealous. Worse? He can't marry her because there's word that his wife might still be alive. Trent might have made a good character in another scenario because in this one...He just seemed pathetic at times and best suited to grovel. And he could make up his mind fast enough.
HEROINE has loved Trent since seeing him and when she wants him to court her, he flat out turned her down. But she's nothing if not determined and Audrey made the story better for me. She goes through plenty of emotional events that tests her but she doest entirely break, she picks herself back up and forges on. I did feel sorry for her worthless father and brother who couldn't even love or protect her, so that is where Trent comes into the picture.
OVERALL it was okay, tHough I could do without Trent's infant son from his previous marriage popping into the picture at the end. It was a little killJoy when the two were about to start their lives and bam this kid is a reminder of the past NOT that I didn't Not like Julian because children are innocent. Anyways..It put a damper on the story and the sex seemed rushed at the end.
HERO was once a spy and was married to a woman who betrayed him and then died. Long story short he will never trust a woman or marry again. Until Audrey. After a kiss, he turns completely into a madman in love though he denies it. Like a stalker he follows her to all parties, believing himself a good friend by warning her off dangerous suitors when he's just jealous. Worse? He can't marry her because there's word that his wife might still be alive. Trent might have made a good character in another scenario because in this one...He just seemed pathetic at times and best suited to grovel. And he could make up his mind fast enough.
HEROINE has loved Trent since seeing him and when she wants him to court her, he flat out turned her down. But she's nothing if not determined and Audrey made the story better for me. She goes through plenty of emotional events that tests her but she doest entirely break, she picks herself back up and forges on. I did feel sorry for her worthless father and brother who couldn't even love or protect her, so that is where Trent comes into the picture.
OVERALL it was okay, tHough I could do without Trent's infant son from his previous marriage popping into the picture at the end. It was a little killJoy when the two were about to start their lives and bam this kid is a reminder of the past NOT that I didn't Not like Julian because children are innocent. Anyways..It put a damper on the story and the sex seemed rushed at the end.
April 22, 2019
We meet up with Trent Rutherford (Gillian and Whitney's cousin also known as SIN) and Lady Audrey Cringlewood...Lady Audrey was also Whitney's former betroth...yes betroth, only she was engaged to "Mr. Wentworth"! Audrey has a horrible father who wants to be rid of her and a brother who is always drunk. Half the time he is her chaperone. She is determined to find her own man, one who will accept her free thinking and growing education!!! Trent home from the war is very different from who he once was. He was married to a French spy who got him thrown into prison! He didn't know she was a spy and thought she was died. He is determined to be just friends with Audrey but his attraction makes it difficult. Audrey's father forces one suitor after another and Trent steps up and decides to watch over her. Things of course get worse and more complicated when ghosts of the past make appearances. Again, the hero and heroine must jump through a few hoops to get to their different...but HEA
September 27, 2024
Dancing With the Devil, book three of Julie Johnstone’s Whispers of Scandal series, was fabulous. We first got to really know Lady Audrey Cringlewood and Lord Rutherford, aka Sin, in book two of the series, as the flirted back and forth while trying to reunite Whitney and Drake and solve the mysteries of sunken ships and the missing friend Lillian. In this story, Audrey wants to marry for love, and she wants to marry Trent, however Trent has an aversion to marriage and love, having been burned by the woman he once loved.
This story has so many emotional twists and turns, ups and downs that you sometimes want to scream, but it makes the HEA that much more satisfying when Trent realizes that he’s still capable of love.
This story has so many emotional twists and turns, ups and downs that you sometimes want to scream, but it makes the HEA that much more satisfying when Trent realizes that he’s still capable of love.
March 15, 2023
Dancing with A Devil (A Whisper Of Scandal Novel Book 3)
The love story of Trent and Audrey. Trent is an ex spy whose wife betrayed him and Almost got him killed. He has vow to never love again. Audrey's parents had a love less marry. She want to marry for love but her father want her to marry for money. Audrey love Trent but he say he does not love her. Can he learn to love? Ok story.
The love story of Trent and Audrey. Trent is an ex spy whose wife betrayed him and Almost got him killed. He has vow to never love again. Audrey's parents had a love less marry. She want to marry for love but her father want her to marry for money. Audrey love Trent but he say he does not love her. Can he learn to love? Ok story.
July 19, 2023
Secrets and Lies
She's never been loved by her father and she's never met a man that captured her heart. Until Trent. But now her father has promised her to an older man for marriage. And Trent has told so many lies to her that she doesn't believe anything he says. Aww but Julie Johnstone knows how to get them together but in a way that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next
She's never been loved by her father and she's never met a man that captured her heart. Until Trent. But now her father has promised her to an older man for marriage. And Trent has told so many lies to her that she doesn't believe anything he says. Aww but Julie Johnstone knows how to get them together but in a way that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next
October 20, 2020
I'd been looking forward to Sin's story and it didn't disappoint.
I was a little wary as I hadn't liked Audrey in the last book, but she was much better in this book. There were a few times I got frustrated with Sin/Trent for taking so long to come to his senses. Other than that, I really enjoyed this story. Onto the next!
I was a little wary as I hadn't liked Audrey in the last book, but she was much better in this book. There were a few times I got frustrated with Sin/Trent for taking so long to come to his senses. Other than that, I really enjoyed this story. Onto the next!
January 22, 2023
DNF 20%
I was just bored. Not much going on in the story. The characters are bland which is wild considering the hero is a tortured ex spy. There's no intrigue in the plot at all. Just a reluctant hero who is being emotionally manipulated by a heroine trying to make him jealous with her skeezy friend.
I was just bored. Not much going on in the story. The characters are bland which is wild considering the hero is a tortured ex spy. There's no intrigue in the plot at all. Just a reluctant hero who is being emotionally manipulated by a heroine trying to make him jealous with her skeezy friend.
September 25, 2017
Good read
Loved the characters and the interaction. Seemed like a bit of backstory that we don't really understand in the whole spy side, but it works out as the story goes on. Great series!
Loved the characters and the interaction. Seemed like a bit of backstory that we don't really understand in the whole spy side, but it works out as the story goes on. Great series!
February 14, 2018
A heated romantic dance
This is book 3 in the whisper of scandal series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, the stories are richer and have more impact as a series. So far this one was my favorite. Highly recommend.
This is book 3 in the whisper of scandal series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, the stories are richer and have more impact as a series. So far this one was my favorite. Highly recommend.
October 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book - I have read the first 2 in the series & this one did not disappoint. Very charismatic cast of players with romance, family, fun & a great story.
May 17, 2019
Dancing with a Devil is about Lord Trent Rutherford who loves (he just doesn’t know it yet) and wishes to marry Lady Audrey Cringlewood, Whitney’s friend. Audrey wants a love match. Trent is so weighed down with secrets and pain from his past, that he feels he cannot offer love. They have a problem, and it gets even bigger when his past, including a wife he though dead, springs up. When he returns from France to explain and beg Audrey’s forgiveness, he learns he has competition. She agrees to let both gentlemen court her. The courtship completion is fun and entertaining. Will Trent be able to win her back? Here is where one of the surprises comes in. It’s a good one; you’ll like it.
May 30, 2021
Finally
I loved the suspense with this story, will she win his heart, is he still married, and who will she choose. Good read.
I loved the suspense with this story, will she win his heart, is he still married, and who will she choose. Good read.
December 14, 2025
Great Book
So much happened in this book in the series. So many twists and turns but it kept you guessing. I love this author and her stories of romance and adversity are so good.
So much happened in this book in the series. So many twists and turns but it kept you guessing. I love this author and her stories of romance and adversity are so good.
October 19, 2015
I received a copy of this from Goodreads First Reads. My review has not been influenced in any way.
Overall, I did like this book and I would recommend it, but there were a few things that kept it from becoming a longtime favorite.
The heroine, Audrey. I actually liked her a lot because she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to contrive to get it. I'm tired of heroines who are innocently unassuming and--oh! is that man admiring me? I hadn't noticed!--just the perfect picture of kindness even when they're supposed to be "rebels" or whatever. Audrey actually set up events and activities that put her in Trent's path and used other people to help her become memorable to him and/or make him jealous. Is it a bit crappy? Yes. Is it realistic? Yes. I liked this about her. She wasn't fake.
The hero, Trent. I didn't care for him too much, to be honest. I know he's supposed to be the typical brooding, emotionally damaged hero, but he just seemed to try too hard to be that stereotype. Also, he went out of his way to create reasons why he couldn't love her. I know that's a romance novel characteristic, but he did take it to the extreme all on his own with pretty much no help from the heroine (who is usually the one to instigate such nonsense). I skimmed through the last 10 pages or so of the book because I just wasn't that invested in their relationship, mostly because of Trent.
The "villain," Liam. I liked him more than Trent. There. I said it. We're supposed to dislike him. He's such a womanizing, lying asshole! The thing is he didn't actually READ like that. You forgot that until the author reminded you that--oh no, he goes to hellfire clubs! The thing is, he did so much more for Audrey than Trent ever did. He didn't flit off to France for six months. He helped financially support her, he was there for her after Trent rejected her, regardless of the ruination of her reputation. He still wanted her. In the end, we're kind of forced to accept that he didn't really love her because that suited Trent/Audrey's romance better, but it certainly didn't seem that way in the book. I felt bad for him.
So yeah. An enjoyable read, but just a few things I wish had been different. 3.5 stars.
Overall, I did like this book and I would recommend it, but there were a few things that kept it from becoming a longtime favorite.
The heroine, Audrey. I actually liked her a lot because she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to contrive to get it. I'm tired of heroines who are innocently unassuming and--oh! is that man admiring me? I hadn't noticed!--just the perfect picture of kindness even when they're supposed to be "rebels" or whatever. Audrey actually set up events and activities that put her in Trent's path and used other people to help her become memorable to him and/or make him jealous. Is it a bit crappy? Yes. Is it realistic? Yes. I liked this about her. She wasn't fake.
The hero, Trent. I didn't care for him too much, to be honest. I know he's supposed to be the typical brooding, emotionally damaged hero, but he just seemed to try too hard to be that stereotype. Also, he went out of his way to create reasons why he couldn't love her. I know that's a romance novel characteristic, but he did take it to the extreme all on his own with pretty much no help from the heroine (who is usually the one to instigate such nonsense). I skimmed through the last 10 pages or so of the book because I just wasn't that invested in their relationship, mostly because of Trent.
The "villain," Liam. I liked him more than Trent. There. I said it. We're supposed to dislike him. He's such a womanizing, lying asshole! The thing is he didn't actually READ like that. You forgot that until the author reminded you that--oh no, he goes to hellfire clubs! The thing is, he did so much more for Audrey than Trent ever did. He didn't flit off to France for six months. He helped financially support her, he was there for her after Trent rejected her, regardless of the ruination of her reputation. He still wanted her. In the end, we're kind of forced to accept that he didn't really love her because that suited Trent/Audrey's romance better, but it certainly didn't seem that way in the book. I felt bad for him.
So yeah. An enjoyable read, but just a few things I wish had been different. 3.5 stars.
April 8, 2014
Unfortunately, I didn't really like this book. It was an okay read, but I wasn't engaged by the characters or fully drawn into the story. Overall, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great of a read.
Audrey was an okay heroine. I liked that she was strong and determined to live a life that made her happy. Unfortunately, sometimes that strength would cross the line into shrewish. She could be really...mean. And judgmental. And, just overall not very likable. Too often, she would listen to rumor and let that affect her opinion, without getting the full story, even though, as a victim of gossip herself, she should have known how distorted it could be. I never did like her, but I was just okay with her.
Trent was a little better. He could be very sweet and it was obvious, even when he didn't want to admit it, that he was a man that loved deeply. However, he could also be as stubborn as an ass and twice as frustrating. But, overall, I did like him.
The romance was okay. Since I never did get drawn into the characters, I didn't get fully engaged into the romance. And it was extremely frustrating how random things would pop up just to cause conflict in their relationship. They literally served no other purpose, didn't deepen the story at all. They were just there to be obstacles and it undermined any enjoyment I might have gotten out of the romance. I will say, though, that I really liked how Audrey and Trent loved each other despite all the obstacles that came up, as pointless as they were. And, for those who want to know, this was a mostly clean romance.
The plot wasn't bad. I definitely wasn't hooked, but I was at least kept interested. But, I didn't really like the story (because of those annoying random plot detours). The ending though, was sweet.
Dancing with a Devil was an okay read. I didn't really like it, but I was okay with it. I wouldn't really recommend this book, as I didn't enjoy it much, but I know others liked it, so it might be your book. It just wasn't mine.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Audrey was an okay heroine. I liked that she was strong and determined to live a life that made her happy. Unfortunately, sometimes that strength would cross the line into shrewish. She could be really...mean. And judgmental. And, just overall not very likable. Too often, she would listen to rumor and let that affect her opinion, without getting the full story, even though, as a victim of gossip herself, she should have known how distorted it could be. I never did like her, but I was just okay with her.
Trent was a little better. He could be very sweet and it was obvious, even when he didn't want to admit it, that he was a man that loved deeply. However, he could also be as stubborn as an ass and twice as frustrating. But, overall, I did like him.
The romance was okay. Since I never did get drawn into the characters, I didn't get fully engaged into the romance. And it was extremely frustrating how random things would pop up just to cause conflict in their relationship. They literally served no other purpose, didn't deepen the story at all. They were just there to be obstacles and it undermined any enjoyment I might have gotten out of the romance. I will say, though, that I really liked how Audrey and Trent loved each other despite all the obstacles that came up, as pointless as they were. And, for those who want to know, this was a mostly clean romance.
The plot wasn't bad. I definitely wasn't hooked, but I was at least kept interested. But, I didn't really like the story (because of those annoying random plot detours). The ending though, was sweet.
Dancing with a Devil was an okay read. I didn't really like it, but I was okay with it. I wouldn't really recommend this book, as I didn't enjoy it much, but I know others liked it, so it might be your book. It just wasn't mine.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
February 26, 2020
I like the story line of this one a lot-we get to see the developing romance between Trent and Audrey which was hinted at in the previous book. Audrey’s love for Trent was easy; he just had to find a way to be able to admit he loved her too. Really, my only problem with this book was the amount of plot. It seemed like there was always something happening and these two just couldn’t get a break.
For example, Trent may or may not be married so he goes to find out for sure. But then, at the end, it turns out he has a son, Julian. I didn’t really see the necessity for Julian. He seemed like an afterthought and an unnecessary twist happening so late in the novel. And poor Audrey! Between her father and her brother’s disappearance and then her step sister’s arrival-it just seemed like a lot for her.
For example, Trent may or may not be married so he goes to find out for sure. But then, at the end, it turns out he has a son, Julian. I didn’t really see the necessity for Julian. He seemed like an afterthought and an unnecessary twist happening so late in the novel. And poor Audrey! Between her father and her brother’s disappearance and then her step sister’s arrival-it just seemed like a lot for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2014
H: Lord Trent Rutherford
h: Lady Audrey Cringlewood
It was a ok book, but the characters didn't pull me in. I wasn't rooting for their HEA. I finished this book and I will keep it on my Kindle (maybe one day I might reread it) But it wasn't a knock out for me.
So you got Lord Trent who a sorta rake (he has mindless affair and plans to never marry). When he meets a sweet straight talking Audrey. This is where he has a change of heart and starts to think about marriage.....with Audrey. Then the book turns and the plot thickens. Thing start to come to light and happen. All leading to the HEA.
Like I said I didn't love it or like it a lot but it was ok. I did like how Audrey and Trent loved each other despite all the obstacles.
h: Lady Audrey Cringlewood
It was a ok book, but the characters didn't pull me in. I wasn't rooting for their HEA. I finished this book and I will keep it on my Kindle (maybe one day I might reread it) But it wasn't a knock out for me.
So you got Lord Trent who a sorta rake (he has mindless affair and plans to never marry). When he meets a sweet straight talking Audrey. This is where he has a change of heart and starts to think about marriage.....with Audrey. Then the book turns and the plot thickens. Thing start to come to light and happen. All leading to the HEA.
Like I said I didn't love it or like it a lot but it was ok. I did like how Audrey and Trent loved each other despite all the obstacles.
January 27, 2015
Must read in order of series to appreciate the book. The characters relationships are created a little more in each of the books leading to the next story.
I wanted to love these books since they drew me in and I had to keep reading just to see what could happen next. However, they were frustrating to the point of how many times can the circumstances push the main characters apart. There were too many ups & downs...but the story was interesting and I rated it a 4 partly because of the connection between the books. Overall storyline was good.
Book 3 was better than book 2 since it added more intrigue of the characters pasts and made you wonder/guess who and what.
I wanted to love these books since they drew me in and I had to keep reading just to see what could happen next. However, they were frustrating to the point of how many times can the circumstances push the main characters apart. There were too many ups & downs...but the story was interesting and I rated it a 4 partly because of the connection between the books. Overall storyline was good.
Book 3 was better than book 2 since it added more intrigue of the characters pasts and made you wonder/guess who and what.
September 21, 2015
Just finished the book and loved it. Trent not knowing how to trust and love after he was lied to and almost killed by his first wife. But since he met Lady Audrey he knew she was special. Audrey only wanted to marry for love. The love she never got from her father. So much happens btwn Audrey and Trent and she's not sure she can trust him. The book is a wonderful read!!!
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