O Perfume do Escândalo

Rogues & Gentlemen #16

by Emma V. Leech, Vânia Nunes (Editor), Inês Vanmuysen (Translator)

Selecionado entre os 20 melhores “Romances em Destaque” no Kindle Storyteller Awards 2019 da Amazon UK, entre mais de 9.000 obras inscritas.

Uma jovem desamparada, salva pela mão da Providência.
Quando a Srta. Fredericka Wycliffe perde seu excêntrico Tio Phin e herda todos os seus bens terrenos, ela mal pode acreditar em sua sorte. Phineas Wycliffe, um missionário fervoroso, não era um homem rico, mas um pequeno chalé nas Terras Altas da Escócia e um legado modesto parecem riquezas além dos sonhos mais ousados de Fredericka.

A condição.
Para cumprir os termos do testamento, Fredericka deve jurar sobre a Bíblia que continuará o trabalho de caridade de seu tio em seu último e maior levar luz ao mundo sombrio de seu vizinho mais próximo – o Laird do clã Moncreiffe, que vive no imponente e parcialmente arruinado Tor Castle.

Um homem com cicatrizes, visíveis e ocultas.

Ross Moncreiffe é um homem duro, e o melhor é deixá-lo em paz. Promovido de simples soldado a capitão dos Cameron Highlanders, a guerra o deixou marcado e cheio de fúria. A última coisa que deseja é uma senhorita inglesa toda virtuosa instalada à sua porta, empenhada em reformar seu caráter.

Baunilha e canela.

Mas a Srta. Wycliffe não dá sua palavra levianamente, tampouco se intimida com facilidade. Além do mais, provocar esse grandalhão carrancudo das Terras Altas é uma tentação deliciosa demais para resistir. Algo diz a essa intrépida jovem que há mais no escocês do que ele aparenta e... por que será que ele sempre tem um cheiro tão bom?<

Ross de fato guarda uma paixão surpreendente – uma que preferiria morrer a revelar.

Está declarada a guerra de vontades.

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

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2019

About the author

Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

Reviews

[Jultri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. Down on her luck governess, Fredericka, unexpectedly inherits her eccentric uncle's house in the Scottish Highlands as well as a comfortable sum of money to ensure she does not have to ever again endure the attention of lecherous employers. She also inherits the uncle's neighbour and subject of his Christian charity, the cantankerous and reclusive Captain Moncreiffe.

The last thing Ross needs is a little English lass disturbing his peace with threats of introducing him to spiritual enlightenment. If he thought encountering his inebriated self in nothing but his birthday suit would deter the determined miss from fulfilling the last wishes of her uncle, he has not encountered the likes of Freddie. In fact, Freddie has not encountered the likes of the resplendent captain before, and what started out as a resolve to honour her uncle's unusual request for her to save the Captain's soul became her own mission to get to know the man behind the gruff but very attractive exterior.

The start of the book was amusing and very well-written, but it kind of plateaued halfway through and the ending got a bit tedious with Freddie chasing Ross and he extending the inevitable by holding out on her because of his lack of self-worth. I did enjoy the secondary characters although the second-chance romance between Freddie's companion and Ross's butler/man-servant is completely redundant.



Everything and everyone seemed to tangle him up. Wherever he went he was gaining… people and, far worse… feelings. (Ross discovering he is no island but part of the main)

[Susan Saltos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was okay. Again it feels like the author skips opportunity for the main characters to get to know each other. Within 3 meetings, he's already got his hand up her skirt. And they're "in love" yet they know NOTHING about each other. Again, I liked the side characters more than the main characters. Onward to the next book in the series.*** it is better to read this series in order as side characters reappear in and out throughout different books. ***

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncle leaves house to woman, if she promises to visit the hot naked neighbor often.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handsome military Captain, sexy Scot in a kilt or without a kilt - what else could you want in a hero? Fredericka "Freddie" Wycliffe met a drunk, naked Ross Moncreiffe at his run down castle as his butler took Freddie to the beach to meet him. Freddie was shocked & entranced by the handsome Scot - she found herself speechless & then he passed out, face first, in to the heather.

Freddie was raised a lady & then her parents died of fever & she was left to make her own way as a governess. She was spunky, vivacious, innocent & loved adventure. Ross was the bastard son of a Lord of the Ton, but he did not know who his father was. His mother took her own life the day after Ross was born & he was left in a low part of London & bounced from place to place - he was treated badly, never had enough to eat, when he was old enough he went to fight in several battles, became a Captain & then sold out & bought his run down castle in Scotland.

Freddie reasons for calling upon Ross & his reasons for treating her so badly are a sad, happy, adventurous time with true friends, unknown family trying to bring happiness to Ross. There is past loves that reunite, meeting family he never knew he had & Freddie's love for him made it all possible.

I highly recommend this book - Emma Leech always has such wonderful main characters & secondary characters & I loved getting away from London & all the balls, society for a nice change of pace.

[MrsHReadsALot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandal you say?

Yes, quite scandalous indeed. And it was so yummy 😋. Freddie is a spitfire and plucky. She’s a lot of fun. Innocent and clueless at times, but girl knows a hawt man when she sees one. And when she first lays eyes on Ross, who just might be the manliest of all Ms. Leech’s heroes. He was so out of touch with his feelings, poor guy. He had an absolutely appalling upbringing, but he’s a survivor and a warrior. And underneath all the p!$$ and vinegar, was a lovely man. He just needed the love of a good woman.
This story felt the most Harlequin-esq. but in a good way. I loved how Freddie was just doing her late Uncle a favor of sorts ( to get her inheritance ) and that’s how Ross enters her life. But that’s not the only connection they share. Her former employer, a vile sorry excuse for a human being is none other then Ross’ sperm donor. Gasp!!! And Ross has half siblings?!
There were times where I struggled to finish this, there was a lot going on. It took me leaving this and then coming back to fully appreciate it. The last three chapters were really enjoyable. Where all the messy subplots get righted and the two lovers can finally be together. And the good times are still to be had by all, because now Ross’ half siblings, the Scandalous brothers, are going to get their own story too!!! Yay!!!

[E Oygard · Rating 5 out of 5]

No-one had ever told him they loved him

If he can't shoot it, shout at it or knock it down, he'll ignore it. This about sums up Highlander Captain Ross Moncrieffe. Born in the gutter, half starved, abused and angry he used his fists.
Frederick (Freddie) has inherited a cottage and annuity in the highlands, on the death of her missionary uncle on the provision that she bring light and spirit to a lonely captain living in Tor Castle. Accepting the challenge she sets off not knowing what awaits her.

This was my second favourite book in the series after Flaming June. Ross hides his loneliness behind anger, never interacting with anybody apart from his housekeeper and butler/valet whom he rescued. His dialogue is pithy and crude at times, wanting to keep people at a distance. Freddy is all heart, seeing behind the mask Ross puts on. Lovely characters, great dialogue.

I also like the way you can read these books as stand alone stories, but get so much more from them if you have read them in order, as favourite characters keep popping up.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance at Love

I absolutely loved Freddie and Ross’s story. Ross’s mother killed herself shortly after he was born. He never had a true home and at a young again sometimes lived in the woods. Mrs. Murray did what she could when he came around. Ross was always an angry person and would hit and fight anyone for no reason.
It wasn’t until he went in the military that he was able to hold in some of his anger.
Freddie’s parents died right before she was to have her come out and he other relative that inherited her fathers holdings said he didn’t want anything to do with her. She needed to find her own way. Her best friend Bunty and parents tried to help. But when she has to flee from a dangerous situation she was grateful her uncle left her a place to live but in the wilds of Scotland. Even through death her Uncle Phin thought his niece could charm a very angry and bitter man.
A beautifully written story story with a few curve balls and a wonderful ending.

[Pontiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freddie is a natural adventurer, moving to a cottage in Scotland left to her by her uncle, a pastor, on his passing. The dear uncle has asked her to befriend captain Moncreiffe, who needs somepne to keep him from being alone.

From their first meeting, things go awry. He's drunk and naked, she takes it in stride, but is impressed and intrigued by him, physically and mentally.

Ross Moncreiffe is a lonely, hardened soldier who's had a very hard life. He doesn't think anyone will value him, so when he meets Freddie, though he's drawn to her, he pushes her away.

Shes a force to be reckoned with, and with some conniving on his butler's and housekeeper's parts, things fall into place.

Great humour, lots of funny sutuations and mutterings between people. Love Leech's style, unusual characters, and connections between them throughout.

Loved it.

KU

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF.

ROSS was bastard born and abandoned after his mother died from childbirth, never knowing who his sire was. Like a street rat, he was tossed from one home to another, being starved to maltreated and finally when he was old enough, he enlisted in the army and worked his way up to being Captain, which is where our story begins. I stopped because I didn't find the chemistry between Ross & Freddie beguiling or interesting. It was a dull event. And Ross himself didn't felt like a tortured hero persona. After I found out who his sire was, and what Ross vowed to do...I called it quits because by then Ross and Freddie already moved passed second base except they haven't had sex yet. FREDDIE herself...while lively, didn't sparkle nor captivate me. She just...existed.

[Dee Jay Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rough soldier and an impoverished lady make a great duo.
She, following a directive in her uncle’s will, tries to make friends with an orphan who had risen to become a Captain in the Napoleonic wars. After the war ended, he resigned his commission and bought land where he had been born. He was considered a brute and never a gentleman.
Her uncle had befriended Ross and felt that his niece, Freddie, should befriend him also. When she meets him, he is drunk and bare assed. Although she is aghast, she maintains her composure and finds the humor in the situation.
Great read.

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a Scot?

Cranky and ornery Ross has to contend with the niece of his one friend that has passed away. Miss Fredericka swore she would try to become a friend to him.

I absolutely loved this story. Ms. Leech has such a way with words and can build such strong, and unforgettable characters. I truly hope she continues to write the stories of the rest of the characters that we've been introduced to...especially the repeat characters that continue to show up in other books. You just want to keep knowing how their lives turn out.

[Kotori · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you love a bonnie Highlander...

Majestic scenery, an English miss who doesn't back down from a chance encounter with a braw and brawny highlander...
Confirmation of exactly what's under this kilt (nothing), and a lot of delightful devilment.
Another subversive regency romance pulled off, with panache.
Oh, what happens isn't all that different, but the way it's written is a delight.
A delightful piece of feel good fluff.
Recommend for the heavy of heart.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a romantic story!!

This is such a lovely book which will give you all the feels. The love story of Freddie and Ross will warm your heart - the scene the first time they kiss was just SO romantic, the gruff Highlander displaying gentleness and emotions that were unexpected. Lots of funny banter and the right amount of 🔥🔥🔥🔥 to sweep you away. Very recommended!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book with less drama and jeopardy than many in this series. The interaction between the two main characters is well handled and there are a couple of erotic episodes to spice it up.

Freddie is charming and determined as the female lead and Ross is a hot headed idiot, however he is not as annoying as many of this type that you often meet in this genre.

[Cathy Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!!

Emma Leech is a wonderful author. I have enjoyed every book of hers I have read. This book was a page turner, I didn't want to put it down. I love a romance with humor. Emma Leech keep up the great work and I highly recommend this book.

[Gwamsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freddie and Ross

It's always a pleasure to read another book from the lively and adventurous Rogue series. One's heart cannot help but reach out to Ross and his determined love, Freddie. I recommend this book and look forward to more.

[Joanne Purtill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced fun

This was one of my favorites of the series. It was never boring and in many places I laughed out loud. I truly enjoyed all the characters in the book and can't wait for the next in the series.

[Oxana Tsvetkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sincerely admire how the author makes every hero unique. Ross was raised in a gutter (like Blackehart) and has been through horrible events of war (like Winterbourne) but he doesn't resemble any of them! He is unique and amazing. And those orchids...awwww.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.

This Story was Absolutely Wonderful, Entertaining, Funny & Romantic Story.

Freddie & Ross were absolutely Wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading Gwendolyn & Sampson's Story in the next book in this series.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

Rod and Freddie overcame difficulty and heartache for a good love story. I like the sensitivity of the characters. Good read.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Phil Ellenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Scottish take

Leech always Tessa a good tale..This is a furlough around the edges.
It almost mirrors the battles of the respective relationships of those isles.

[Ellat · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars aren't enough

This is a wonderful story that runs you from tears to full blown belly laughs and back again. A worthy read.

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

[Merrilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read!

Another enjoyable byEmma V Leech book to take us on a trip away from the Pandemic. Right now, it’s good time to stay home and stay safe!.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars he age gap between H & h in these books, is really starting to bother me

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

It was a great read!!! I loved Ross and Freddie's story! It was so hard to put down. Can't wait for the next one!

[Karina Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Sam Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a grumpy Highlander! Especially a hunky one…
Who is really a cutie …
And I like a woman who knows her own mind but has a heart of gold
Got both of those in this book
Enjoy!

[Holly Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this tale of a preachers niece traveling to Scotland to take hold of a tiny cottage that she inherited. She has no other choice. There are some interesting stipulations in the will.