From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a scorching Regency romance between a rakish prince and a spinster who's been living a lie...
Nando, the handsome, ne’er-do-well Prince of Varros, has grown bored with his aimless life of pleasure seeking and debauchery. An unexpected end to his ennui arrives in the form of a maddeningly proper English spinster who challenges him with her glacial reserve. Nando can’t get enough of the icy, disapproving Miss Brett, and the more she rebuffs him, the more determined he becomes to make her his.
Renowned for her ability to turn any sow’s ear into a silk purse, Miss Eleanora Brett has taken dozens of young ladies under her wing, granting them the town bronze they need to gain the acceptance of the ton. After she’s hired to help ease the societal entrée of hoyden royal princesses, Eleanora’s mettle is tested not just by the twins and their convention flouting ways, but by the wicked rake who insists upon being forever underfoot.
Prince Nando is vexing, infuriating, scandalous, and far too tempting. She wants him gone. He wants her in his bed. She’d sooner push him out a window than surrender, regardless of his undeniable skills at seduction. But when danger strikes, Eleanora and Nando suddenly find themselves spending a great deal of time alone together. And before long, it’s not just the rakish prince’s life that’s at risk. It's his heart as well, even as Eleanora's unraveling secrets threaten them both...
Heat Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned. Nando's reputation precedes him.
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
Wowzers! This book was beyond steamy dreamy, teary, and oh so happy go lucky!
Nando is a rake of the first water, he doesn't care about his reputation or what people think about him or his devil may care attitude until a stiff ice cold chaperone for his nieces isn't the type to just give into his charms like he is used to. And she sees right through him and his charms. But he is determined to make her his one way or another
Eleanora is determined to stay as chaperone for wealthy families, and to keep her true identity a secret and that means never marrying, never having kids and definitely having nothing to do with rakes, but when the rake of the first water is in the same house as her, and he makes her feel safe, and things she's never felt before, she sees that maybe temptation isn't so bad.
When an terrible incident happens and they are forced to be in each others company, they feel not only passion flying between them but they feel connected in a way with each other that they never expected to ever feel with each other.
With the help of hoyden nieces and a cat they find love and so much more with each other.
This story was incredible from beginning to the end.
I can't wait to the next book from Scarlett!
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy from the author in exchange for a honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
Nando, the handsome, ne’er-do-well Prince of Varros, has grown bored with his aimless life of pleasure seeking and debauchery. An unexpected end to his ennui arrives in the form of a maddeningly proper English spinster who challenges him with her glacial reserve. Nando can’t get enough of the icy, disapproving Miss Brett, and the more she rebuffs him, the more determined he becomes to make her his. Miss Eleanora Brett has taken dozens of young ladies under her wing, granting them the town bronze they need to gain the acceptance of the ton. After she’s hired to help ease the societal entrée of two hoyden royal princesses. Riveting, engrossing, captivating & unputdownable, once again the author has drawn me in from the first page & several hours later left me with a satisfied smile on my face. Wonderful characters, electric chemistry, a well paced story that never lags, some mystery all the boxes were ticked. I loved both Nando & Eleanora he’s Victorian equivalent of a billionaire playboy, the consummate rake & has women falling at his feet, that said he does have his insecurities. Eleanora is the upright, straight laced, no nonsense young woman. They clash at every meeting, the banter is witty & a delight but the attraction between them is just so hot. I loved their journey to a HEA which did have its problems but made for an extremely entertaining read, I highly recommend it I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
I loved this book so much! Prince Nando is a gorgeous golden god and a rake. Woman throw themselves at him. Miss. Eleanora Brett is a beautiful spinster and has dedicated herself to helping young lady proper etiquette. She is staying with Princess Stasia and her husband Mr. Tierney. While Nando is in their home he sees Eleanora and is attracted to her because she is the first woman to deny him! This storyline has secrets, action and a beautiful romance! I so enjoyed this storyline so very much!! As you learn more about them you will realize just how perfect they are for each other. The love scenes are very steamy! And the ending is such a happy and beautiful one!
I want my very own Nando!! I have been waiting for his story ever since I read about him in the previous book “How to Love a Dangerous Rogue”.
Eleanora and Nando are spicy 🌶 🔥🔥with a BIG hit of heart ♥️ and intrigue and mystery. The push and pull, give and take of these two is off the scale and gave me a chuckle once or twice. They both have scandalous history but in two different ways (he’s a rake and she is…🤔, hmmm this is part of her mystery so no spoilers). I love how Scarlett brings in past characters to her current book so you can see how they are doing. She even mentions the Winters (part of the Winters series) and it reminded me of that wonderful series with those incredible characters! This is an amazing story with memorable characters and so well written (like all of Scarlett’s stories) that I couldn’t put it down! If you want heat, sass, great banter, mystery and intrigue and an HEA, then grab this book and devour it like I did!! You will NOT be sorry!! ♥️🔥
This is my 73rd book by Scarlett Scott. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors. She is actually one of my top favorites. I have been reading her since 2016. I love her stories and her writing and she writes such damn good, yummy, hot sex scenes. I know I will always get a good read from her.
I enjoyed the writing and the depth in the story and the characters. The sex was super hot I just didn't feel these characters together. I liked Nando and I liked Eleanora as individuals but I just wasn't feeling them as a couple. I read a lot of books with different classes getting together so it's not that. It was just them. They just didn't seem to have chemistry other than sexual chemistry.
This story is pure delight! I’ve never read a Scarlett Scott book that I didn’t absolutely love. Her characters come alive through the pages of her creative storylines. Nando and Eleanora had chemistry and a romance that sizzled off the pages. She was an icy , strait laced spinster, teaching the young princesses of Varros manners and ballroom etiquette in London. Along comes the debauched Prince of Varros to totally rock her world. Try as she might to resist his charms, knowing how out of his league she was, she just couldn't continue to push him away! They told her she’d get hurt, but……..
I love when the hero falls head over heels first. Most of the time it takes awhile for the hero to admit this feeling he has these emotions. But not Nando. He recognizes that he has fallen hard and fast but knows better than to tell the heroine for fear of her telling him he has lost his mind.
But slowly but surely he wins her over. And I just love them together.
There is a bit of mystery to the story that keeps the characters on their toes for scenes without overtaking the love story.
I've come to the conclusion Scarlett Scott is very much a hit or miss author for me. This time, the book had potential since I love the manwhore-turned-loving-partner trope. However, it just didn't do it for me. I felt that Nando's main motivation was not love but his uncontrollable desire to shag Eleanora silly simply because she was the only one resisting him from the start. Also, he came across as a big man child once or twice which to me made him lose his charm.
I’d been itching to read Nando’s story since we were first introduced to him, and this book didn’t disappoint! I loved Nando and Eleanora’s love story - he clearly just needed the right woman and she made him work hard for her. I loved Archer and Stasia’s cameos - they were one of my favourite couples! Another great story by Scarlett Scott!
I felt absolutely NO chemistry between Nando and Eleanor. The entire book was about him trying to bed her. THAT’S IT!! That’s the book…Nando’s inner thoughts and vocally talking about having sex with Eleanor by all means necessary to the point he just up and marry her…so he could bed her. Absolutely ridiculous drivel it’s funny. They did not have any real in depth conversations until the very end. I think it’s time I moved on from this author.
Nando was kind of a jerk. He was pushy with Eleanora and then how he acted towards her at the climax at the book really bugged me. Just lots of red flags for him. I think she deserved better.
Once heir to the Varros kingdom, Nando has been knocked down another peg now that his nephew has been born. He’s happy for his brother and sister-in-law and of course his nephew too. But where does that put Nando in being needed. Nowhere. But he doesn’t stay down on himself for long because he’s handsome, charming, and no one ever says no to him. Except for the spinster chaperone to his brother’s former betrothed sisters. Eleanor is good at saying no and giving him set downs that turns him on every time. It’s lust at first sight for Nando and Eleanor holds her own against his charms before her walls finally crumble.
This was a fun read full of lusty thoughts by the rake who has nothing better to do. Except of course he has a heart of gold and good intentions (even if they’re misplaced). I wondered if Nando and Eleanor would eventually make an emotional connection beyond their lust. They do but I felt Eleanor had to make more of an emotional effort than Nando did. I wanted more grovel from Nando.
However, Nando’s change from rake to being devoted to one person wasn’t immediate, so it worked for me. It also started a bit slow but that is probably more to be blamed on my own impatience. I knew where the story was going and I wanted it to get there now. It also has a bit of intrigue that helps brings Nando and Eleanor together and is secondary to the romance.
Overall a fun and steamy read that ties up the fictional island of Varros storyline.
How to Tame a Dissolute Prince is the second book in the Royals and Renegades series. There are recurring side characters from the previous book as well as The Rogue’s Guild and Sinful Suttons series and a mention of Winters soap from The Wicked Winters. The Scottverse is far reaching and adds to the richness of the story but this could still be read as a standalone.
How to Tame a Dissolute Prince is the second book in Scarlett Scott’s Royals and Renegades series. It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the first book to get more of an idea of Nando’s character. Ferdinando, the Prince of Varros has a well deserved reputation as a rake of the highest order and he has his sights set firmly on Miss Eleanor Brett - the prim governess to the Princesses Emmeline and Annalise. Eleanor has spent the last few years doing everything she can to uphold her pristine reputation and a dalliance with the Prince is the last thing she needs – no matter how much she is tempted. But when a shooting results in the Prince having to convalesce in the same household how can she hold out against his determined pursuit? This was a sexy and charming read. Both Nando and Eleanor are terrific leads. Nando has more depth than his reputation suggests. He has grown up with little to no responsibility and is feeling restless and without purpose now that he is no longer even his brother’s heir. Finding Eleanor grounds him. I love when a hero falls first and Nando absolutely does everything he can to make Eleanor his. Eleanor has her own secrets and insecurities but she is strong and resourceful. This is a well-paced story with plenty of wit and banter, action but a real focus on the romance. There is fairly little angst and Nando could have done with simply having a conversation with Eleanor before he did what he did. I loved revisiting Archer and Anastasia and Tansy and Maxim. I’m really hoping the princesses get their story next – definitely intrigued by Annalise and the Duke of Lockhart! I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved Eleanor and Nando and definitely recommend this to all. Four and a half stars rounded up
I opened the book and was immediately caught up in a whirlwind of top hats, fancy gowns, tantalizing gossip and turning pages wildly. The tale spins around Prince Ferdinando “Nando” Tayrnes, the dashing rake of Varros, and Miss Eleanora Brett, a lady armed with sharp wit and a mission to civilize. Nando, infamous for his escapades and magnetic allure, finds his world turned topsy-turvy by Eleanora, tasked with polishing the English graces of Varros' young princesses.
Hired by Princess Anastasia, Eleanora sets out to transform her wards into English roses fit for marriage. But when Nando, Anastasia's chum, is injured in an attempt on his life, he ends up convalescing under her roof. As Nando and Eleanora tango through a maze of attraction, they find themselves in a high-stakes game of society and secrets. What starts as a mission for Eleanora evolves into an exploration of hearts, with Nando leading the dance into a romance that shatters all molds. Their repartee is as zesty as a lemon tart, their connection as charged as a lightning bolt, and their evolution from sparring partners to fiery soulmates is a journey of warmth and sizzle. Eleanora's brains and bravery make her the heroine we root for, while Nando's leap from rogue to romantic is as convincing as it is sigh-inducing.
The author's knack for painting scenes that pop and characters that stick, combined with a cocktail of humor, heart, and historical flair, makes this story a page-turner. This book is a testament to the author's skill in creating a narrative rich with passion and depth, serving up a read so hot it could toast crumpets, and so engrossing it had me glued to the pages. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a wonderful story! I’m such a fan of Scarlett Scott´s books! They are all amazing! Nando, the handsome, ne’er-do-well Prince of Varros, has grown bored with his aimless life of pleasure-seeking and debauchery. An unexpected end to his ennui arrives in the form of an icy, disapproving Miss Brett, and the more she rebuffs him, the more determined he becomes to make her his. Miss Eleanora Brett has taken dozens of young ladies under her wing, granting them the town bronze they need to gain the acceptance of the ton. After she’s hired to help ease the societal entrée of hoyden royal princesses, Eleanora’s mettle is tested not just by the twins and their convention flouting ways, but by the wicked rake who insists upon being forever underfoot. Prince Nando is vexing, infuriating, scandalous, and far too tempting. She wants him gone. He wants her in his bed. She’d sooner push him out a window than surrender, regardless of his undeniable skills at seduction. But when danger strikes, Eleanora and Nando suddenly find themselves spending a great deal of time alone together. And before long, it’s not just the rakish prince’s life that’s at risk. It's his heart as well... I have so much fun reading this story! The dialogs are hilarious and witty. Nando is set on seducing prim and proper governess, Mis Brett. She tries to stay away from him, but it´s almost impossible. This book is absolutely addictive! There are great together and super sexy! The steamy times are everything! Another great book from an outstanding author. I highly recommend it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great installment of the Royals and Renegades series. There is nothing better than a handsome, sexy rogue of a prince that needs to be tamed. Nando, Prince of Verros is in London to further his debauched ways with as many women as he can. He's having his way until he comes across a sharp tongued spinster guiding two princesses in London society. Miss Eleanora Brett will not allow this scandalous prince anywhere near her charges. Little did she know it was she that Nando had his sights set on. He loved the biting banter she provided him. Eleanora could not help the allure of the Duke either. An assassination attempt on Nando brings them closer together. What Nando wants he usually gets, and he wants Eleanora. Will these two characters find what they have been longing for in each other? This author creates such endearing characters that you can't help but root for. There is humor, intrigue and just the right amount of steamy scenes. You will absolutely love this book. I can't wait for the stories of Princess Emmaline and Annalise. I received an ARC of this book and is my honest review.
Scarlett Scott, you are a gem! I wish I had just a little bit of the talent/skill/imagination that you possess to put words to paper. Every story I read from you captivates me, enthrals me and I just want more and more. At the end of each story I feel bereft that I don’t have more pages to turn even though I know the book must come to an end. But since I am greedy, I’ll always want more.
Nando and Eleanora are a match made in heaven. They complement each other in every way. It was inevitable that Nando and Eleanora come together. I think I fell in love with Nando when he first appeared in “How to Love a Dangerous Rogue” also a must read. I equated Nando to a story I read a long time ago “Histoire de ma vie” by Giacomo Casanova. Nando was a lover and did not hide the fact that he loved women however Eleanora brought Nando to his knees literally and showed him the love of a good woman can heal all even though he faltered. Eleanora is not without her demons and insecurities, but the love of a good man also heals and this is what the story is about. And yes, it is a steamy hot read so make sure you have some cold water to put out the fires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Prince Ferdinando of Varros aka Nando is brother to King Maximilian and an irresponsible, charming rake who we first met in How to Love a Dangerous Rogue. Nando is in London idling away his time where he had been recently told that he wasn't welcome by the aloof Miss Eleanora Brett. Eleanora is a Chaperone to Princess Emmaline and Princess Annalise and a spinster. Prince Ferdinando was the bane of Eleanora's existence and to her eternal shame, was not exempt to the effect he had on her. When Nando is unfortunately shot, he is brought to the Princesses' household to recover and Nando only wants Eleanora by his side as she seems to calm him. I loved Eleanora and Nando's romantic journey filled with witty banter, desire and plenty of sexy steam. Loved Stasia and Tierney's cameo and Nando's adorable cat. Excellent read!
Ever since I had read the first book in this series with Maxim and Tansy, I really wanted to read this book about Nando, King Maxim’s brother and one that has a life of only pleasures and owning up to his “rake status.” And Nando is just as incorrigible here as ever, and still a lot of fun. Then he finds he can’t get around his attraction for Eleanora Brett, the lady who has taken Princess Anastasia’s younger sisters as her charges to get them ready for the London season, a task that is a challenge with these wild girls.
There is danger, to both Nando and Eleanora, suspense, humor with a lot of wit and very steamy scenes. There was some questions that never really got answered, although I’m pretty sure the author will have them in another book down the road. The epilogue was a nice touch and it was nice to see Nando meeting his match in the ever proper Miss Brett. 4.5 Stars
I will admit, sheepishly, that I did not care for Nando in the first book. There was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. I was SO WRONG. In this story, he is everything. I love reading about why someone is how they are and how they learn to accept themselves. He is charming and needs to find his way and I admit I fell in love with his personality. Don’t judge a cover, and all that. Is he dissolute? Only you can answer that. For me, not any more than anyone else. When the right person enters your life, it is magic. I could see fireworks going off and am still smiling writing this review. I won’t give away the story but you know the saying, “if you love something, let it go…” Crying big damn tears. Now, Nando is on my favorites list.
I loved Nando's character in “How to Love a Dangerous Rogue” and I was definitely not disappointed in his very own book. Although, at times, I totally hated him in this book. I kept thinking to myself...what a jerk. Totally selfish etc. But oh my...he definitely redeemed himself by the end. I absolutely loved Eleanora and how rigid she kept herself from others and the reasons why. She had such a depth of character and it was written in such a way that you could feel the vulnerability in her. Scarlett's writing is superb and I love how she can draw you into a character and even get you to relate to the character even though sometimes you may not like them at first. I'm so glad she wrote Nando's story and Eleanora was perfect for him!
An early review on this new book from Scarlett phew and what a story this is . Nando the rakish and debauched prince and the lovely prim and proper spinster Eleanore .wont go into the story as it is in the blurb but these two characters will certainly heat up a room with there simmering to the boiling heat . The story itself continues in the line of the realm of Vargos where we have met these steamy royals in past stories . Scarlett certainly knows how to draw you into the heat and make yourself comfortable without the aid of a blanket lol…. The heat has certainly been turned with the charmingly and sexy Nano that’s for sure in this lovely story a real pleasure to read .Loved it .
Nando is a Prince without responsibilities and his goal is to be the most decadent and debauched man. He lives up to his horrible reputation until he meets Eleanora who is helping to bring some much needed ton polish to two princesses. Eleanora tries to follow society’s customs but she finds she cannot resist the charms of Nando. Nando is falling for her despite his past mistakes but finds resolving/rectifying his issues is dangerous. Loved the sparks and their chemistry is spicy hot. My eyes could not believe the fun of their sexy love scenes. The true question is whether their relationship can survive their past lives. I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
I really loved the story of Lando and Eleanora. They were the most unlikely pairing but absolutely made for one another. The witty banter and sexual innuendo at the same time was entertaining and funny. The characters were well developed. You had a real sense of their childhoods and their feelings of being unlovable. I enjoyed all side characters as well except her friend/employer, Princess Stasia, but I don’t think I liked her character very much in her own story. I really did love everything else about this story. It had great main characters, romance, steamy scenes, humor, love, and a HEA.
3.8 rating just not quite a 4* because it was slow and the story was uninteresting. The sex was G-r-e-a-t otherwise this would have been a solid 3* book.
Where's the story? What's this about? A resolute rake is attracted to a woman who seems to be impervious to his flirting. Heck, she's a 28 year old vigin spinster miles below his social strata with no reasonable chance of having anything more than a daliance with him. Why would she give him anything more than the time of day and a curtsy?
Ok, that's the story! Carmen Rose is an entertaining narrator. Did I say the sex was great? Steamy and explicit.
I was waiting for Nando’s story since I met him in his brother’s book and I wasn’t disappointed! Nando is so hot and so sweet! A cinnamon roll of a rake! I really loved how he fell in love with Eleonora and completely changed his ways. Of course he understood that he was drifting even before falling in love and love was just the catalyst for the change. Eleonora is a great woman and she deserved her HEA. I loved how she took matters in her own hands at the end of the story. Now I can’t wait to read the princesses’ story!
I'm sorry to be harsh; even the title says "steamy", but I certainly didn't expect all the foul language. Especially the word "c_nt" -- that's not a word women like or use very often, except in the most extreme cases. I could probably ignore most of the rest, except it just doesn't end. Steamy doesn't mean nasty. Perhaps Amazon needs another new category, or sub-category. I finally gave up 38% of the way thru (Kindle version). I'm sure it has the requisite happy ending, but can't say for sure. Good luck & happy reading
Prince Nando is a gorgeous golden god and a rake, and he meets Eleanora Brett a beautiful spinster who wants nothing to do with men especially Nando with quite the reputation as a ladies man. She has secrets to hide and he's not used to being denied what he wants. I love their witty banter, the sexual tension between them is sizzling. Wonderful characters and great story. I always a story with a reformed rake, they always seem to make the most loving and protective husbands. I have voluntarily read and review this extraordinary story.
Wonderful book and characters. A page turner from the first page till the last! Nando had always been a rake moving from one lover to the next until he met spinster Eleanor’s after being shot. Little does he know that she will be the love of his life and so much more. He never thought that he would fall and love her beyond eternity. They go through trials that they overcome and forever get their HEA and so much more. Would highly recommend this author and book! Happy reading!
I loved this! It's Nando & Eleanora's story & it was awesome!! She's hired to help the Princesses with their etiquette & manners & he's there as a guest. She tries so hard to resist him, but it proves futile. Something happens which draws them closer. The spice is fantastic, no angst or OW drama, & I loved the storyline!! The epilogue was awesome, there's a long-awaited story that I cannot wait to read!! Highly recommend this series & author!