Scandal of the Summer

Flirty Rotten Scoundrels #1

by Alexandra Vasti

A desperate debutante meets a ragtag smuggler in this sexy Regency romp by USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti.

Eccentric heiress Lady Ruby Ballimore has had enough of the Marriage Mart. After offending yet another Very Important Marquess—and imperiling her father’s diplomatic career—Ruby flees London for the holiday house of a glamorous (and better yet, absent) princess. Armed with a forged invitation and accompanied by her like-minded friends, Ruby arrives at the Cornwall estate expecting a summer of blissful freedom.

Instead, she discovers a derelict mansion and the most suspiciously charming man she’s ever met.

Former privateer and current con artist Captain Malcolm Archer has dragged his ramshackle crew into a new life. Posing as staff at a princess’s abandoned estate provides the perfect cover for Archer’s smuggling scheme (not to mention free rent). Everything’s going according to plan—until an unorthodox London heiress crashes the party.

But when Archer and his crew attempt to frighten off their uninvited guests, Ruby’s unfazed by insect invasions and sham sea monsters. Harder to ignore? The scorching heat between the rakish pirate and the debutante who can see right through him. As sparks fly, deceptions run wild—because in this Great Cornish Fake Off, the only thing riskier than telling the truth is falling in love.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Pirates, Summer

361 pages, ebook

First published June 23, 2026

About the author

Alexandra Vasti is a British literature professor by day and USA Today bestselling romance writer by night. After finishing her PhD at Columbia University, she moved to New Orleans with her family. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, BookPage, and Kirkus, and have been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, People, and elsewhere.

Reviews

[Ali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman decides to con a con man, who tries to con her back, and it turns into a Con Vortex where nothing is as it seems except for when it is. “Shenanigans” is an underused word in modern society, so let me employ it here: this book is full of shenanigans. Besides the con artists (one professional, one amateur), there’s a dog, bemused servants, an exasperated lesbian, and just one cove. The definition of a delightful historical romance romp, Scandal of the Summer is best paired with, I dunno, a crumpet and little glass of port or something (or a sleeve of Oreos and a THC seltzer). Also the man is pathetic down bad, which is the only kind of man I have any interest in anymore.

[꧁ ༺Minne༻ ꧂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

★ ★ 1/2

The last 20% is the reason I’m giving this 2.5 stars. I love how protective Ruby and Archer are of each other towards the end, but if I'm being honest, I didn't enjoy the story as a whole. RTC.

[Sophie ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, steamy, and clever Regency romp! I loved the chaotic energy of the plot and the romance felt incredibly sweet.
I only think the romance moved a bit too fast for my taste. I wish there was more of a slow burn, but Vasti’s writing is so good I’ll definitely be checking out her other books.

─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: this sounds so good! manifesting a 5 star read!

⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

Rtc!!!

Also, for those who don’t know what books to read for summer and love historical adventurous romances you NEED to pick up this book!

[image error]

__________
I received an arc!!!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Ruby Ballimore has ruined her own life by being a precocious antiquities expert and history nerd who frequently says the wrong thing at social assemblies. Desperate to escape the snobbery of high society, she and her two closest friends devise a foolproof plan for a golden summer in the country where they will pose as ladies-in-waiting for an absentee princess and definitely not get caught. Unfortunately, Pomeroy House is already inhabited by a bunch of impersonators, including Malcom Archer, dishonorably-discharged privateer turned smuggler extraordinaire and his loyal crew. Archer makes concerted efforts to drive his unexpected guests away, but it’ll take more than some stolen bedclothes and errant seagulls to send Ruby back to her disapproving father and a life she loathes. There are puppies in pockets, threats of a demonic scourge, a valiant rescue, and most importantly, copulation in a cave because Ruby looks too edible for Archer to resist with earnest fervor. Thanks to this book, my newest fantasy involves being referred to as “a little plum pudding of a woman” while getting fondled in the larder late at night. A bootlegger romance was certainly not on my bingo card for 2026, but shiver me timbers, I’m sold!

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 Stars
Alexandra Vasti is a new to me author but has quickly become an auto-read, auto-buy author. I love The Halifax Hellions and I loved Scandal of the Summer. It is a historical romance about debutantes (with fake identities) and smugglers (with fake identities) who both try to live in an abandoned castle. No one wants their fake identities discovered so our band of smugglers get up to all sorts of hijinks trying to get our ladies out of there. But of course, instead our leads fall for each other and we get some of the best YEARNING I have read in a while.

You will probably like this book if you like:
💚 Historical romance
💚 Heiress vs smugglers
💚 Yearning, so much yearning
💚 Found family
💚 Adventures and hijinks
💚 Fake identities

Alexandra really takes care of you with her writing. You will get a beautiful, lush world that feels vivid, historically specific, and perfectly detailed without being overwhelming. You get leads who love all of the rough edges and parts of each other that society says are unlovable. You get great spice that is steamy and hot and made me want to like my kindle.

I really loved Malcolm and Ruby together. Malcolm’s life has been tough so he’s had to hustle his way to get by but he is insecure about the fact that he isn’t a “good man” (even though he is deeply loyal, caring, and kind). Ruby doesn’t live up to societal standards for a woman and constantly puts her foot in her mouth, but she is brave and fierce. They love each other’s faults which I love for them. There is some back and forth and avoidant behavior but that is resolved quickly which was perfect for my liking. My only qualm is that I wish Malcolm some more confidence earlier because otherwise the third act choice (no spoilers here) just didn’t 100% make sense.

Overall, I loved the adventures and fun. And there are great animal side characters! So prepare to listen to me yell about this book from the rooftops.

Thank you St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 23, 2026

ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆

[PlotTrysts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes all you want is a book that's really sexy, really funny, and really romantic. Sadly, not all books are really sexy, really funny, and really romantic. But this one is.

Archer is a sweetie pie con man. He thinks he's REALLY GOOD at lying but we do not have textual evidence since Ruby can see right through him from the very, very, very first moment she sees him. He's actually quite kind and loyal and way too nice to be a good con man, no matter what he tells himself.

Ruby is one of those bluestocking heroines we can never resist. She can never be anything other than who she is even when she desperately doesn't want to be that person. But obviously she never needed to change herself, she just needed to find someone who appreciates her for everything she CAN'T change about herself.

And along with Ruby we get a full cast of secondary characters, including: animal-loving smugglers; Society misses who don't fit in for different reasons (dad's treason, sapphism, y'know, the normal stuff); and a stone cold shrew of an Italian princess (it's not Melanthe but it's not NOT Melanthe, if ou get me).

We loved it.

8-Word Summaries:

Meg: Ruby's girl gang meets Archer's criminal gang.

Laine: Archer finds Ruby hot while she finds herself.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a classic Historical Romance it isn't as bad as some of the contemporary HR books I've read recently. There are some plot inconsistencies and totally ignoring the norms of the era. Then you have the martyr complex that the hero embraces as his identity. The heroine too at times. On the positive side there was a lot of humor in the exchanges between H/h and the chemistry was palpable between them and very, very hot. The light mystery element was great too. Ruby, the heroine, is a smart woman, but she runs headlong into a situation before thinking it through and it's endearing that she has faith that her father will somehow acknowledge how smart she is. Archer, our hero, is a complex character who is determined to protect and care for those around him.

Lady Ruby Ballimore is smart, but a tad on the outspoken side, as in open mouth inset foot. But while not wrong in anything that happened to her, she does seem to be a magnet for unfortunate situations. After yet another such situation, Ruby just wants to be away from it all. So, she and her two besties, Alice and Tamsin, devise a plan to escape London for freedom, at least for the summer.

Captain Malcom Archer is a former privateer and disgraced naval officer now living as the steward on the summer estate of Princess Sarafina of Monfalcone in Cornwall along with his rag tag crew. They also have a rather lucrative smuggling enterprise going. Life is good until a certain beautiful Lady spikes his wheel and ruins what should have been a big pay day in London. Now she and her two friends are on his doorstep in Cornwall with a letter of authorization to stay. Quick - hide to smuggled loot!

On arrival Ruby finds a derelict mansion instead of a cozy country retreat and Malcolm Archer, handsome and so charming. Ruby and her friends become the focus of a campaign to get them gone as soon as possible. Not happening. Soon the crew admits defeat, and they reach an uneasy peace with the ladies until a surprise visitor arrives and upends this careful balance bringing with them danger, intrigue and a nasty little dog.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[Aya ☕︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank God this torture has come to an end. This was one of the most annoying books I've ever read...like what's the point? The characters were overstimulated/ing. And the audiobook sounded like an undiagnosed neurodivergence. TBH I could have not done it without the audiobook, that's the only reason I haven't DNF it.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

SKIP CHAPTERS: 17, 21, 22, 27

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

A historical romance AND a scandal... sign me in! Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Dreamscape Media for the eARC & ALC🩷💛💚

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandal of the Summer is a fun and sexy romp of a historical romance following witty heirress Ruby and charming marauder Archer, who find themselves at the same estate over the summer as they cook up schemes of their own. This was such a refreshing and light read. I loved how the plot and romance intertwined as Ruby and Archer got to know each other, and their plans unraveled as they fell for one another. The two were so good together and I adored that they were willing to give up everything and strive for a new life side by side. Aside from the swoony romance, the found family and action woven throughout the story provided the perfect balance to Ruby and Archer's steamy connection. It was so sweet to see this ragtag group of characters come together and fight for each other. Altogether, this sizzling and summery romance was well worth the read with all of the adventure, chemistry, and heart one could want!

~Many thanks to SMP Romance for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin’s, NetGalley, and the author for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Alexandra Vasti knows how to write a rompy, sweet, touching historical romance. I adore how Scandal of the Summer had my emotions fluctuating all over the place, while still cracking me up. I literally laughed out loud and received some side eye from my family. Ruby (h), Archer (H), and their respective found families (who became a giant family together) were wonderful characters whose HEA I was completely invested in. This story had some truly wholesome and sincere moments, as well as some heart wrenching vulnerable and face-the-truth kind of scenes. But the character growth for these often out of place misfits finding their true home with each other made me incredibly happy.

Written in third person, mostly dual POV (only a couple of side character POV times). No ow/om drama. The main characters’ experience wasn’t touched on, other than the h having borrowed a risqué book from a library (which is the focal point of another book by this author so loved the reference). I took the h to be inexperienced. The H is described as a rake/rakish in a couple of places and I didn’t see it. There was a single scene where the h thought something was up and I was indescribably relieved that it wasn’t what it appeared.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Class difference - aristocrat FMC x disgraced sailor/smuggler MMC
☆ Found family
☆ Adorable dogs (and beetles) and one capricious dog
☆ FMC who’s bright and honest and made to feel small
☆ MMC who’s charming and protective and lies to those he loves
☆ Hiding motivations and histories
☆ Dimples
☆ Her eyes are the ocean
☆ They befuddle each other
☆ They do other things to each other lol
☆ Madcap antics
☆ Interior decorating
☆ Royalty
☆ Some kidnapping, suspense, and danger
☆ Choosing your people
☆ Set-up for 2 more books

The story opens with Ruby collapsing her already shaky society reputation. She’s lovely and beloved by her friends, but her father and the rest of society cannot appreciate her amazing qualities. Her solution is to spend the summer away from London with her two best friends, giving them all some freedom and magical peace, by taking over a princess’s empty home. Only the home isn’t empty, it’s occupied by Archer and his crew, who attempt cons, smuggle, and also aren’t technically all supposed to be living in his country estate. Two groups who both have something to hide and much more that they could gain, unexpectedly sharing space and suspicions about each other. Of course shenanigans ensue, though the falling in love bit is the best part.

Archer’s crew’s attempts to send the ladies packing are hilarious and inventive. Ruby has an iron will though and her tenacity wasn’t going to fold. Her best friends were also determined. The supporting characters between their groups, along with a couple of later inclusions, were delightful and added tremendously to the story. I’m including the dogs and the beetles too.

Ruby was often foiled in her schemes by her distraction when Archer turned his smile on her. His own inability to speak coherently when Ruby turned the full force of her gaze on him was gratifying. This is a slow burn given that neither trusts the other a smidge at the start. The distrust begins to dwindle on par with the sparks heating up and the two of them slowly lowering their walls. Oh the vulnerability sharing talks make my chest ache even as I type this. Ruby sees more than Archer would like and he admires more of her abilities than anyone ever has. I loved them together. Steam-wise, this author does a great job of writing spicy scenes that also keep the characters connected beyond just the physical intimacy, which fit especially well for this relationship development. Also, if anyone seduced the other, it was totally Ruby nudging Archer along.

I did feel like the pacing lost some momentum close to the middle. As much as I was laughing, swooning, and loving the characters, I found my eyes drifting a bit to the % left in the book. Then the last part of the story picks up dramatically when the plot takes an interesting turn, action-wise and emotionally (don’t worry, no third act breakup). I personally thought that the romance was built up appropriately, I think some readers may find that a decision in the third act felt rushed. I did think it came out of left field, but ended up liking the choice as the third act played out more.

The best part of the third act lies in both Ruby and Archer having to face off with what’s held them back all this time. How they did so, while being bolstered by the other and choosing each other, led them right to the best HEA for them both. The suspenseful threads are mostly tied up. A couple are still dangling, I assume for the remaining two stories to follow Ruby’s friends. I most want Alice’s book next and the epilogue makes me hopeful that she will be the next FMC. Even if it’s not Alice, Archer and Ruby have a definitive HEA at the close of this book, very much in love.

I’ve read almost all of this author’s books and I’ll continue to recommend them and consider her new releases. This would be a great read for those that especially love the found family trope and characters finding where (and with whom) they belong.

[Alιce ♥♠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expected nothing less from Alexandra Vasti! 🏴‍☠️💛 This book is hilarious, heartwarming, and scorching hot all at once. The dialogue is so naturally funny, and Ruby’s character made the whole romance dynamic feel fresh. The secondary characters are gold and deserve their own spin-offs ASAP.

I especially loved the hidden identity premise and, of course, the puppies:))

Also, free the Greek marbles! 🇬🇷

[hailee]

was just sent the widget & my entire day has been made

[Berry ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin's Press / St. Martin's Griffin, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 / 5 ⭐️

Scandal of the Summer was so charming!
I don't read a lot of historical/regency era romances often, but the reason why I was so intrigued by this one was because of the pirates hehe!
It was so fun, heartwarming, and even spicy on a few occasions! I ate it all up!
I do wish there was a bit more.. exposition to further flesh the story between Malcom and Ruby, and it did feel a bit dragging in the mid-section of the book. But otherwise, I loved it!

Ruby was such a compelling FMC! She was intelligent, stubborn, and she doesn't follow the rules of society! Her quick wit made the banter in this book soooo good. And her friends? I love them SOOO much ugh!

Now, Malcom Archer.
Oh my goodness, despite being labeled as having rakish tendencies.. I loved him so much! Sure, he was charming, but he also yearned. HE YEARNEDDDD so hard ugh, and he was so protective of Ruby. I couldn't resist falling for him!!

I do believe we will be getting more books in this series soon? So I'm beyond excited to see what Alexandra Vasti has in store for these characters and this world. I'm totally hooked!!

♡ pre-read ♡

I've seen this on my timeline quite a lot!!! Wanted to know what the hype was about so I requested the ARC hehe.

[Cindy ✩☽♔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully fun summer romp.

I enjoyed the author’s previous works, so when I was invited to review this title, naturally I hit yes on the NetGalley Read It widget. I'm glad I did. This might be my favorite book by her to date.

Ruby is a brilliant young woman, but, by polite London society standards, she is a misfit. To escape her latest mishap, she forms a plan to help her and her two best friends escape the confines of London for the summer.

The women pose as ladies-in-waiting and head to a princess's summer house. Too bad for them, there is already another group of frauds posing as some of the princess's employees. One of them just so happens to be the man whose scam Ruby ruined back in London. Though they loathe to trust each other, Ruby and Archer are undeniably drawn to each other. Ruby shatters every preconceived notion Archer has about how a lady is to behave. And Ruby enjoys verbally sparring with the charming, handsome captain, despite all his and his team's efforts to try to scare her and her friends away from the summer home.

The banter between Ruby and Archer was entertaining. Their relationship has just the right amount of spice.

Fast-paced, this book is a quick, easy read, a romance with a side of mystery and conspiracy, perfect for the summer.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[⋆｡°·☁︎ sydney ⋆｡°·☁︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good.
SO CLOSE to being five stars!!!
The characters were all amazing, interesting and different from one another.
The plot was AMAZING, and I loved how it evolved through the book.
And guess what, everybody???

NO. THIRD. ACT. BREAK UP.

Take my money!!

The only things that I would have loved to have seen is more relationship between the crew, specifically Gerry and Malcolm.
I felt like there was a lot there, but I didn’t really get to see or understand it without it being explained to me 🙁
But!!!
That is to say that maybe (the author has a trilogy planned) she has a plan to work in those relationships and make them more prevalent!! So I’m not really that upset about it.
Absolutely CANT WAIT for the next two in the series
Thank you to Netgalley, as well!!

[fromthestudyof · Rating 5 out of 5]

hey so this is going to be one of my favorite books of 2026

absolutely adored this story!!!

a disgraced Lady. a sea-captain turned pirate. a scheme to pretend to be a princess’s ladies in waiting to get away from the ‘Ton for the summer. smuggling silks. a missing princess. a house full of dogs.

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH

This gave me the same warm & fuzzies as the original Pirates of the Caribbean!!!

genuinely could not love this book more. all the stars.

[Adelene Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm such a big fan of Alexandra Vasti's books so it really bums me to give this such a low rating. 

I loved the premise and the cast of characters were genuinely fun and interesting, unfortunately, I never felt truly attached to any of them, which made it difficult for me to invest in their story. 

My main issues centered on pacing and plot coherence. The romance between Ruby and Archer developed quite fast. Their marriage especially felt rushed and unearned given how little time they'd actually spent building a genuine connection. The second half particularly lost me when the story veered into kidnapping plot territory, shifting away from what had initially drawn me to the book.

Most frustratingly, the plot felt chaotic and unfocused. I will still read Alexandra's upcoming works, but I'm sad to say that this was my least favorite of her books.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Our heroine, Lady Ruby, runs off to Cornwall for a little freedom, only to stumble into a crumbling estate with a suspiciously charming former privateer.. fake staff.. smuggling schemes.. and way too much chemistry, yes please! This was an absolute blast - witty, swoony, chaotic, and full of that delicious Regency mischief I love!! There’s the banter, the messy little deceptions, the found-family feel of Capt. “Malcolm” Archer’s crew, and the way Ruby could see straight through all the nonsense. It was funny, romantic, fast-moving, and just so much fun. A scandalous summer romp with heart, heat, hijinks, and a heroine I was rooting for from the start. Would absolutely recommend!! ❥ Pub. 6/23/26

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

big fan of how Ruby’s POV makes Archer seem so charming and self-assured and then we switch to his POV and he’s basically screaming inside the entire time

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti is a warm, witty Regency historical romance about an unconventional London debutante and a ragtag smuggler finding love amid disguises, hijinks, and high stakes in the Cornish countryside. Lady Ruby Ballimore simply wants a break from the relentless Marriage Mart, and when she absconds with a forged invitation to a holiday estate alongside her spirited friends, she expects laughter and freedom under sunlit skies, not a crumbling mansion and a mischievous pirate posing as staff.

What follows is a delicious dance of slow-burn chemistry between Ruby and Captain Malcolm Archer, threaded through with clever banter and shared vulnerability, all set against a backdrop that feels refreshingly playful within the Regency genre.

From the moment you meet Ruby, her unfiltered joy at life and resilience in the face of expectations made me grin with delight, even before the tension with Malcolm truly ignited. This is not a story where love springs up instantly, it simmers thoughtfully, convincing you Ruth truly sees Malcolm beyond his rakish reputation and he sees her bold heart beneath her social missteps.

The secondary cast adds so much texture, making the Cornwall estate feel vibrantly inhabited and full of surprises. I was enchanted by the unpredictable twists and the chemistry that feels heartfelt rather than manufactured.

I felt buoyed by the author’s voice, which blends historical charm with a wink of modern freshness. I’d rate this 4 out of 5 stars.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me all the scandal! I had a fantastic time reading Scandal of the Summer. It’s a gorgeous historical romance that blends swoons, humor, and all the heart wonderfully together. Historical romance means so much to me and this work is another title that positively lifts this special genre up.

Ruby is tired of her father overlooking and underestimating her. Tired of her worth never being considered and tired of being outcast season after season. Tired enough to do something daring, one might even say scandalous! And so, Ruby pretends, along with her two closest friends, to be the ladies-in-waiting for an absent princess, so they can spend a summer at the royal’s home without expectations and societal disappointments weighing them down. They expect a freeing summer and perhaps they will get just that, well...if they can put up with a dilapidated home. And a staff that seems suspiciously out of place.

So fun! I simply had so much fun reading this one, watching the playful cat-and-mouse chase between Ruby and Archer lead to them laying all the cards on the table. Seeing how they simply come to *see* one another. Their romance is absolutely the highlight of the work and it's due to how well their dynamic not only works for the love story but helps push the plot forward. Here they are with their mutually duplicitous nature, and they see right through each other. Initially trying to catch the other to gain the upper hand, but then choosing to simply acknowledge their truths. They see each other. I love when a couple can see each other in a way no one else can. Call it soulmatism, kindred spirits, or simply call it love, but a dynamic where the parties can see through every facade and mask genuinely makes me swoon. And Ruby and Archer had this in spades! They are irresistible in loving.

I was certainly captivated for most of this story, and always due to our lead romancers, but that said, I did feel the second half lagged at times. Even so, the ending was strong. The final act actually had me wishing for more POVs from the supporting cast, principally Tamsin. Perhaps I’m wrong but who she ends up in forced proximity in the final act has the makings for a delicious future romance. I really hope I’m right because I would eat that up! In fact, our main supporting cast has all the foundation for future romances. Going to start manifesting their stories right now!

Scandal of the Summer is a joy. I had the loveliest time reading and I hope it’s a world we get to revisit with new love stories. You’ll catch me first in line if so!

Thank you St. Martin’s Griffin for this complimentary ARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

[MillennialMomReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️! This romance was SO good that I finished it in a bit over a day. I initially thought there would be more swashbuckling-type pirate from the description but ended up loving the direction it took. Both main characters are relatable and lovable and the side characters absolutely are deserving of more expansion in future books. Alexandra Vasti’s writing always manages to move me-with heroines who are never “too much” and yearning partners who epitomize “if they wanted to, they would”. I didn’t realize this would be a series as well and really, really hope we see more of these characters soon. Thank you to St. Martin’s/You Had Me At HEA for the ARC!

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

"Her heart was in her throat as she looked at him, and worse— Far worse. She feared her heart was in her eyes."

I picked this up because it had a very promising premise- Lady Ruby flees the ton, where she's never fit in or played by the rules, to Cornwall for the summer. There, she stays at the house of an absent princess with the help of some white lies. ALSO staying at said house is Malcolm, a con-artist who has also fled London and is pretending to be the staff of the absent princess. Unfortunately I don't think this ever managed to stick the landing

We had a large cast of side characters, from Ruby's close friends who fled to Cornwall with her and Malcolm's crew, but I think they took up a little bit too much space? I just never really cared about them overly much. The main characters were fine but also a little unlikable, so I think I just struggled to connect with any of the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[lucky lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point, I think that it’s very clear I am like a dog with a bone when it comes to Vasti’s work: territorial and with zero impulse control. So it comes as no surprise to me that this was a perfect read and that I finished it in one sitting. Vasti’s historical romance is always very well-researched and period accurate, but she still manages to make it fun and unique, with plenty of representation. I’ve read all of her work, and each novel manages to be distinct. There is a wonderful cast of characters, even beyond our main pairing, that all exist as whole characters that each add to the story (and I cannot wait to see who the next two books feature). The plot is silly and a little over the top but it is exciting and there is nothing better than a true found family dynamic amidst the drama. Archer was a top tier yearner and I was kicking my feet at how down bad he was for Ruby, who was the perfect match for him in all her blunt honesty and loyalty.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, all opinions are my own!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the absolute perfect swoony, spicy, witty, funny, heartfelt summer romance full of GOD TIER yearning. Scandal of the Summer really is that girl.

Every bit of Vasti’s writing is brilliant. The plot plots, the hijinks have you giggling, the romance captivates you so, so quickly. I blushed like CRAZY at some of these scenes. I also highlighted to an absurd degree.

Ruby is the kind of brilliant, aching, desperate to please and be and live FMC you can’t help but fall for. Her nerdiness over antiquities had me giddy. I loved how she lifted up everyone, forgave easily, and learned to fight for herself.

And Archer? This charming, dimpled smuggler-meets-summer-house-steward yearns like nobody’s business. He sees her, in a way no one else does. He also WORSHIPS her. Poetically. Fervently. Desperately.

Add to that the absolute perfect crew of friends and found family, and you have a perfect standalone with so much opportunity for other stories in this world.

Also:
☀️ Fake your way into your dream summer vacay
🪲 Bugs, puppies, and Grecian marbles galore
🌊 DIY home reno but make it a seaside mansion
👒 Glove unbuttoning as foreplay
🏴‍☠️ Piracy but make it distinguished and artsy
🎨 Inappropriate use of oils, caves and boats
⚓️ A perfect touch of art history and antiquities
🩵 Dimpled used devastatingly, deliciously as a verb

Look—if you are skeptical of historical romance, I beg of you, please try this one anyways. Vasti’s writing has all yearning and delicacy and lust of a historical romance, but packaged in a way that reads so contemporary. This one, especially so.

Truly one of my favorite books so far this year!

Thank you St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC!

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Somewhere between when he’d begun talking and when he’d ended, his mind had unfolded a vision of cool water and damp skin and bare voluptuous limbs, a pale flurry in the dark.' (Ch 11)

Historical Regency Romance | Eccentric Heiress x Smuggler Con Artist | Hidden Identities | Curvy FMC

Started reading this on my long flight home, almost finished it, but I was on a red eye and ended up bobbleheading 🤣. Finished it later in the day after a long nap!

The start of the romance journey for me was via historical and regency romances in my teens. This brought a bit of nostalgia, in that sense.

I loved that Ruby had such a clever, good head on her shoulders with her silent observations and deductions. She was almost low-key sleuthing.

'.... now he was the one flushed, heated, imagining— Things he ought not imagine. Things he’d spent the last four weeks dreaming of, restless and fevered. Things he had resolved each morning to forget.' (Ch 11)

As for Malcolm, I expected more burly and uncouth, but he was really a softy. He was hesitant and emotional in some parts where I wish he would have just grabbed the bull by the horns. But loved his interactions with Ruby, and where he fell short, she took up the slack.

'She no longer reminded him of a hedgehog— now she seemed as sharp-edged as her silver mortar knife.' (Ch 7)

The story took a turn that I hadn't expected. It added more drama, political intrigue, betrayal, and heightened danger to the mix.

'Her mind— normally a busy, racing thing— had gone fogged, wine-soaked, blurred beneath the sweet throb of his mouth on hers.' (Ch 13)

I'd consider this a slow burn with a quick plunge into the deep end.

eARC courtesy of NetGalley | St. Martin's Griffin/ MacMillan Publishers

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her hand on his thigh on the cover really tells you all you need to know. 😉 This book is now tied as my FAVORITE of Vasti’s truly amazing historical romances. It has the perfect blend of adventure, spice, intrigue, and romance. Malcolm is definitely my favorite hisrom MC that I have read in a whileeeee. Down Bad and not afraid to let his feelings be known… and known… and known… 🥵 Ruby was the perfect match for him and I loved her, Alice, and Tamsin’s friendship! Can’t wait for their future romance stories!!! Tamsin’s will be the sapphic romance of the year, I’m predicting it now! The pacing was perfect. The plot was super fun while still firmly keeping this a romance book. I cannot recommend it enough!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review!

[Vanessa Granillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a delightful start of summer read!! I loved Ruby and Malcolm because they are two unlikely people who found each other and they were simply meant to be!! Both are society outcast one because of who how they act and one because of the circumstances of life. The banter between Ruby and Archer was entertaining! I loved the amount of spice to the time period it is set in!! Just a fun book!!

#YouHadMeAtHEA #StMartinsPress #ScandalOfTheSummer #AlexandraVasti

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that I had to read this book when I saw it in the NetGalley catalog. Not just because it sounded so good, but because I have already read several books by Alexandra Vasti, so I was positive it would be amazing (it was). Even though there are multiple side characters, Vasti gives each one such unique characters, backstories and mannerisms, that you can easily tell them apart.

Really wasn’t sure how I would feel about the love interest being a con artist, but Archer (and his entire crew) won me over. It is hard to decide, but this may be my favorite book I've read by this author so far.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.