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, Adult, Pirates

Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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!

[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 ⋆ ೀ ⋆

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Germaine update - I snagged an ARC on NG but am waiting for warmer weather for an immersive reading experience. I already know this is going to be 6 stars so don’t come here for an unbiased review bc I am BIAS

For the love of all that is holy please bless me with an ARC of this because I cannot wait til June and will internally combust if forced to

[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.

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

I received an arc!!!

[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.

[⋆｡°·☁︎ 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.

[Aya ☕︎]

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

[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.

[Cindy ✩☽♔]

I’ve enjoyed this authors previous works, so when I was invited to review this title naturally I hit yes on the netgalley read it widget.

I’m excited to see what this latest book brings 👀

[Ali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

review TK

[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!!

[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!

[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.

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no better way to describe an Alexandra Vasti novel other than: addictive. And this one kept me so absorbed I didn’t want to put it down for real life. Alas, I did have to put it down, but very begrudgingly! Ruby has the best intentions, but it doesn’t always pan out in her favor. At the start of this novel she unintentionally embarrasses a lord after calling out that his statues aren’t authentic. Shunned from society with her two best friends, she decides to escape London for the summer (and maybe forever). Her plan: go to Cornwall to Pomeroy House and pose as the far-away princess’s ladies in waiting. When they arrive they’re met with Captain Malcolm Archer and his unexpected crew (including several dogs). Now Archer isn’t exactly what he seems. Yes, he’s definetly the steward of the house….but he’s also a man who can’t seem to tell the whole truth. With his found family, he runs a few side hustles through the house, and is determined not to let this stunning bluestocking deter his plans. It also doesn’t help that he was the seller of aforementioned forged statues. What commences is a hilarious comedy as Archer tries to get the trio to leave with ever growing insane plots, and Ruby is determined to stay despite it all.

This is pure Vasti hilarity and intriguing characters that have me continuing to turn the page. She’s such a master of side characters that almost nearly steal the show, and I hope we get more stories in this world! I instantly cared so much about all of Archer’s crew and Ruby’s friends, and I love that there’s always this cast of characters in a Vasti novel. And even when I’m cheesing for the everyone, I’m also fully absorbed in the main couple. There’s no bigger kryptonite for a rake than a bluestocking/wallflower/spinster combo, and I loved watching Archer fall hard for Ruby. He’s such an instant fool for her but doesn’t realize he is smitten until it smacks him quite literally in the face. A trope I’ve read quite a bit of frequently, but hits every single time.

I really loved this one, and am excited to get more historical romance from one of my faves! I think this world is rich with potential and possibility (looking at you Alice and Tamsin!), so I’m really hoping we get future books in this series. Archer was the perfect down bad hero, with a complex past and a need to prove his worth. And Ruby was everything I wanted in a heroine with her honest and caring nature paired with a curiosity and brilliance I, like Archer, was entranced by. Their love story was rife with stakes and subterfuge, but I was never worried about their feelings for each other. They are so into each other, and you could feel it on every page. This felt like a perfect balance of romance, comedy, and adventure. Three of my favorite things (The Princess Bride is my all-time favorite movie which tells you anything about me) executed to perfection! I’m always rec’ing Alexandra Vasti to new and old historical romance lovers for a reason- and it’s because she delivers every time!

5/5
Thank you to the publishers for an eARC of this novel.

[lali ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨️

I felt like throwing a party when I finally got my hands on this ARC. I've been an Alexandra Vasti fan since receiving her first novella in my email years ago. Her charming writing style and funny characters were what drew me in, and they continue to shine on Scandal of the Summer.

The premise of this book is a perfect setup for a good time, with both protagonists doing their best to keep up with their own lies. It was comedy gold. I loved that this plot was used to add tension without falling into the same clichés, making the story feel refreshing without losing itself.

The writing was very fluid, making it easy to binge this book in a short period of time while also conveying the characters’ thoughts and emotions perfectly. This made the story addictive even when things started to bother me.

There are a lot of side characters here, making the story feel richer and more real. The only issue is that it felt like I didn’t spend enough time with each of them to get to know them beyond the basics. This disconnection makes it harder to get attached to them, and if we get more books in this world, I hope to see more of them.

Ruby and Malcolm were amazing protagonists, but as a couple, they lacked a few things. The romance is mostly an insta-love trope, so the characters barely spend time getting to know each other or yearning for each other at all (yearning and historical romances go hand in hand, so I was very disappointed). This made them lack as a couple, making the romance feel lifeless and the way their relationship progressed feel inadequate.

The plot itself was engaging, but after 60%, it felt a little chaotic. There were so many things happening that made the book feel longer than its 352 pages. All I can say is that I was never bored.

I do recommend this book, and will read anything Alexandra Vasti writes. I think I just not the best reader for an insta-love romance, but overall this was a fast read that provided me with a good time.


_______

Thank you to St. Martin Press for providing this eARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Mia Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Vasti always writes wonderful characters who are full of heart and guaranteed to be in situations that will make you laugh and Scandal of the Summer is no exception! Lady Ruby has never really fit in the ton so it is a delight to see her find someone (other than her wonderful best friends), who will love her because of who she is and not despite it.

In addition to Scandal in Summer being a wonderful romance I was giggling and kicking my feet watching Ruby match wills with Archer. I am always amazed by the situations Alexandra Vasti manages to get her characters into that are absolutely ridiculous and work perfectly in the context of their characters and the story.

If you are a fan of historical romance, a romcom or a book with a bit of adventure this will be right up your alley! I can't wait to read more in this series. I have some guesses about who the next book will be about and I am already excited!

Thanks to St. Martins Press for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will honestly read anything Alexandra Vasti writes at this point. She's my new go-to for fun, emotional and sexy historical romances.

I was so excited to get my hands on Scandal of the Summer after reading the summary, and it did not disappoint. I adored Lady Ruby, and I swooned over Captain Malcolm Archer and all the side characters were a blast as well.

The plot of this story was just plain fun... a derelict mansion, two bands of misfits (and some dogs), smuggling, a mysterious princess and a kidnapping - just absolutely wonderful! Filled with slow-burn chemistry and tons of witty banter and found family, this one just hit the perfect spot for me.

I assume we'll be getting books for Alice and Tamsin and can't wait!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! I love that the con artist falls for the woman who can’t prevaricate to save her life. This is a perfect summer romp, and I’m thrilled it’s the start of a series! Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for the arc.

[ChrissyKReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Romance Summer!!!!

Alexandra Vasti is always a hit. Scandal of the Summer is the perfect Summer Historical Rom Com. Expect a fun cast, steamy chemistry from the leads, and even a mystery to solve. I went in blind and had a great time. I think I would've enjoyed the audio even more.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨ Vasti does it again, my favorite historical romance author delivered another gem of a book.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! It was a sweet historical romance with a lovable cast of characters and some
good spice!

Lady Ruby Ballimore has hit her limit with the marriage market and craves a summer of freedom. Armed with forged documentation, she and her two best friends pose as ladies in waiting to an Italian princess who has a summer home in the country, which has remained empty for years. When they arrive, they find the mansion in disrepair and the staff woefully unprofessional and unprepared for guests.

Captain Malcolm Archer, dishonorably discharged from the navy, has found a job as the steward of the princess’s manor house. However, he is harboring his crew of misfits and making ends meet by engaging in some light smuggling.

Ruby and Malcolm obviously hit it off and the sparks fly amidst both of their pretenses.

I found this to be very engaging. Full of yearning, a great found family, and some funny situations. I love Vasti’s ability to draw me into the story and make me root for this ragtag bunch of smugglers and outcasts from polite society. The ending felt a little rushed but it was still satisfying.

Thank you St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

[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.

[Mikala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the ARC!

I sincerely loved reading Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti. This book felt like the first sip of coffee and a hug from a sweet friend. The adventure, friendship, and writing made for such an enjoyable book.

[Annie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a little caught up in the hype for this one, and since I’ve been enjoying Bridgerton, I thought I might like a historical romance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right fit for me — modern romance is more my speed.

That said, the writing was excellent, and the pacing was exciting and compelling. It just wasn’t the right setting or time period for me personally.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, sexy, summer romp! I know I can always depend on Vasti for a comfort read and I’m happy to say she’s done it again!

Lady Ruby just wants to get away from the ton, she’s had enough and luckily she knows of a princess who has vacated her holiday home, so she gathers her two best friends and off they go to have a summer of peace and quiet. Or so they thought.

Con artist Captain Malcom Archer wasn’t expecting three ladies to show up at the door of his newest smuggling scheme, and he can’t seem to get rid of them not matter what he does. Unfortunately for him one particular lady won’t let things slide and although they’re both keeping secrets they can’t help but gravitate towards each other at the end of the day. He’s has to navigate his feelings for her whilst also navigating his crew…

These two were great. They immediately had chemistry and it was just so lovely to read about a couple who can see each other even though they’re both hiding things. Ruby is a force, she’s smart, honest and loyal and she really grew into herself. Archer, my god what a guy! This man was pathetically (complimentary) down bad from the minute he opened the door to Ruby and I loved it! He’s strong, loves hard and yet has a self conscious streak that makes him more human and endearing.

This book has PLOT!!! Vasti always has something brewing behind the main romance and although SOME plot/conflict does get resolved in this book there is one plot left unresolved and I cannot wait to read more about it in the coming books (even though I have a feeling this guy could have something to do with Alice? 😏)

The sex. Again I think vasti is brilliant at giving us spice that’s emotional and drives the romance. It doesn’t feel unnecessary and it also doesn’t feel like we get brand new characters once they get in bed (or a boat).

As always we get signature Vasti Banter but she also knows when to rein it in to hit those emotional beats. As always the writing is great. The only small, tiny issue I had was the pacing and how fast things resolved at the end. It felt like we were running out of pages and instead of being shown, we were told.

This was an absolute delight and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this series takes us especially because I can see where things are going with Tam and Serafina 😏

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the arc. All opinions are my own.

[rose ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“astra inclinant, sed non obligant.
the stars incline us, but they do not bind us.”

a debutante who always seems to say the wrong thing at the wrong time trades the london season for a foreign princess’s empty cornwall estate and a summer of freedom with her closest friends, only to find the mansion occupied by a charming steward (who may or may not moonlight as a suspiciously familiar con man), an inept household staff, and several dogs.

this was cute, and i think readers seeking a historical romcom romp will enjoy it, but i have to admit that i don’t think alexandra vasti’s writing is for me. i really liked the concept of two parties (neither of whom are supposed to be staying at this estate) trying to fool each other, but the bloated cast bogs down the story without lending much to the plot. vasti’s stories suffer from too many flat secondary characters with too little to do (i felt the same about her christmas novella, but i gave it a pass since it was so much shorter—scandal of the summer doesn’t have that excuse). i wanted more hijinks and mischief!

i also wanted more smuggling and pirate-adjacent shenanigans 🫣 malcolm might be the most wholesome smuggler around.

i did quite enjoy ruby as a character, though. while she and her friends seem a little too capable for debutantes, her people-pleasing tendencies and need to “earn” love and approval feel very real. there are plenty of FMCs who don’t fit into society’s narrow standards (particularly in this genre), but scandal of the summer takes a very believable approach to how that failure might influence a character’s flaws and insecurities. watching her become more confident and self-assured was a satisfying character arc. malcolm wasn’t as much of a standout for me, but he’s a perfectly solid love interest (aside from his taste in pet names. “ruby-love” is an awful nickname and i will die on this hill) and i appreciated how much of a team he and ruby are.

i believe this is the first in a series, and while i probably won’t pick up the sequels, i’d say that’s more a matter of personal taste than quality—if you’re after a historical romcom with a focus on found family and a protective, supportive love interest, give scandal of the summer a try!

“we are none of us bound.”

i received an ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

rating: 3.5/5.0 stars