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The Scandal You Started
History has already been written. But now he wants to rewrite it with her.
Being summoned to the Past Only Time Machine lab—or POTeM for short—mid-holiday wasn’t exactly on the itinerary for historian Rayna Faez. But with a marquess from the past causing mayhem after his arrival to the present, she’s required immediately as additional support.
Though rather than the pompous, whining lord she expects, she finds herself being towered over by a flirtatious man with a wolfish grin and caressing hands that crack her professional demeanour. But Rayna has no intention of admitting to the annoyingly enticing sensations he sparks within her. Ever.
Dominic Evander Jonathan Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland, is far from happy with his situation upon coming to the future. But when Rayna walks into his room at the lab, he’s mesmerised by her beauty and fiery spirit.
Determined to make the most of the few months he has working on a curation project with her, he tries endlessly to charm her between his lessons on the modern world and their trips to the museum. But with every passing day, he finds himself longing for the impossible.
To be with her. To marry her. To love her forever.
But between the rules forbidding their relationship and the inevitable date of Dominic’s return to his own time, can they uncover enough about the buried truths of the POTeM to make their happily ever after possible?
Or will the project forever remember them as the scandal that should have never started?
Being summoned to the Past Only Time Machine lab—or POTeM for short—mid-holiday wasn’t exactly on the itinerary for historian Rayna Faez. But with a marquess from the past causing mayhem after his arrival to the present, she’s required immediately as additional support.
Though rather than the pompous, whining lord she expects, she finds herself being towered over by a flirtatious man with a wolfish grin and caressing hands that crack her professional demeanour. But Rayna has no intention of admitting to the annoyingly enticing sensations he sparks within her. Ever.
Dominic Evander Jonathan Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland, is far from happy with his situation upon coming to the future. But when Rayna walks into his room at the lab, he’s mesmerised by her beauty and fiery spirit.
Determined to make the most of the few months he has working on a curation project with her, he tries endlessly to charm her between his lessons on the modern world and their trips to the museum. But with every passing day, he finds himself longing for the impossible.
To be with her. To marry her. To love her forever.
But between the rules forbidding their relationship and the inevitable date of Dominic’s return to his own time, can they uncover enough about the buried truths of the POTeM to make their happily ever after possible?
Or will the project forever remember them as the scandal that should have never started?
603 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2025
23 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Nylah Monroe
3 books145 followersNylah Monroe is a born and bred city girl from London, UK, who writes contemporary, slightly over the top romance books with a sprinkle of emotional damage, romcom fairy dust, and a bucket full of spice.
A lover of winter, coffee, and cats, she is a sucker for a heartfelt, fluffy, or angsty romance and a solid book boyfriend (human or otherwise), but has hyper-independent, eldest-daughter syndrome in real life. It’s probably why she likes age-gap and hate-to-love romances so much…
When she isn’t working, writing, or dreaming up more characters and plots than she has time to write, she is out book shopping, sitting in a café with a friend, or is impulsively finding a new introvert hobby to try—recently that’s been crocheting.
[I am still a reader and will post my honest reviews on Goodreads without ever attacking another author - it feels illegal to have another Goodreads account as a reader]
A lover of winter, coffee, and cats, she is a sucker for a heartfelt, fluffy, or angsty romance and a solid book boyfriend (human or otherwise), but has hyper-independent, eldest-daughter syndrome in real life. It’s probably why she likes age-gap and hate-to-love romances so much…
When she isn’t working, writing, or dreaming up more characters and plots than she has time to write, she is out book shopping, sitting in a café with a friend, or is impulsively finding a new introvert hobby to try—recently that’s been crocheting.
[I am still a reader and will post my honest reviews on Goodreads without ever attacking another author - it feels illegal to have another Goodreads account as a reader]
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October 30, 2025
— ARC Review
How was he meant to let it go, rather than do everything in his power to show her it was possible for them to be together? There had to be a way. It couldn’t be hopeless, surely. After all, love was born from the essence of hope — and Dominic held a lot of love for Rayna. Enough for them both, until her heart caught up with his. Because that was how much he loved her.
That book is probably one of my favorites of the year.
I fell in love with it instantly — a bit like Dominic fell in love with Rayna.
Rayna was enjoying her vacation, nothing hinted that her life was about to change with the next study that would force her back to work. Dominic, on his end, never expected to be hurled into the future… let alone to meet Rayna.
For four months, they’re forced to work together on this time experiment. She’s the rational historian who trusts only in facts. He’s the marquess torn from his century — now with a new mission: to make Rayna his.
Between past and present, duty and desire blur, and what began as an experiment may end as the scandal neither of them was ready for.
𐙚 Forbidden/Impossible romance
𐙚 He falls first and harder
𐙚 Forced proximity
𐙚 Golden retriever x black cat
𐙚 Age gap (25-31)
𐙚 He’s from the past
𐙚 Mix of Georgian/Regency and Victorian England
𐙚 Good boy
For context, I’m French — and I was deep into this book. I loved it so much that I immediately started telling my friends that I pray it’ll be translated someday, so they can read it too. Because I know it’s that kind of book you just fall for. And if it were translated, more people would fall for it the same way I did.
Rayna tasted like home and mint and forever, and she scented of cherries and warmth and a life together, and he couldn’t help craving one more kiss, one more tug, one more moment basking in her caresses and desire and attention…
How could they not? This book has everything a romance should have.
A forbidden/impossible love story? Check.
A tall, dark-haired, muscular man? Check.
That same man being a complete green flag? Check.
Still, he loves openly, sincerely, without shame? Check.
A fierce woman who knows what she wants in life? Check.
A woman who’s smart, witty, and stunning — yet afraid love doesn’t exist, until she realizes she can be truly loved? Check.
And honestly, I could go on like that forever.
This book had everything it needed — everything I needed.
There would be no going back to who she was before him.
There would be no forgetting what he’d done to her.
How he’d changed her.
He’d permanently ruined her.
For everyone but himself.
I felt everything the characters felt. Especially Dominic — so hopelessly in love, trying to win her heart, trying to make space for himself in her life.
But I also felt for Rayna — a logical, independent woman protecting her heart. I’ll admit, there were moments I was a tiny bit frustrated with her, but it never lasted long. I understood her.
I loved their relationship so much — watching Dominic fall for her, grow possessive and jealous, trying so hard to win her over. Seeing them bicker, clash, tease each other because their worlds were so different… it was just so refreshing.
I kept kicking my feet and giggling through the whole thing. That’s how much I loved it.
At one point, my heart nearly broke — I was reading, dreading the worst. And now that I’ve finished, I know that even if it hadn’t been a happy ending, I still would’ve loved it. Because the writing is so good, I know the author would’ve made heartbreak beautiful.
The writing is incredible, detailed, rich. Everything was full of depth. The world-building was incredible — the rules of the POTeM, the ones tied to both the present and the past, were all so well explained. Nothing was too much, nor too little. Just like i love my books. the story in itself was amazing, i had theories but i was so far from what would happen.
I almost wish there were more, more of Dominic and Rayna, of V, George, and all the other characters who were a joy to read.
It’s my first book by Nylah Monroe, but it won’t be my last.
Thank you, Nylah Monroe and Grey’s Promotions, for this amazing story.
𐙚 Quotes
Beautiful no longer felt like an adequate word to describe her, but there wasn’t a word in the dictionary to explain how lovely she was. She required a new one, solely for her. He’d have to think of one quickly, because it was almost pathetic only referring to her as beautiful.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” “Wrong with me?” he snapped back. “Did your governess never rinse your mouth with soap for cursing like a sailor?” Grinding her teeth, she flashed him a vicious grin. “Did no woman ever smack you for acting like you own her when you just fucking met her?” “I have never before made the mistake of expressing interest in a wicked little pixie.”
“Stop that.” She failed to make it sound like a warning. “Stop looking at me like that.” “I’m trying. I am.” His chest rose and deflated on a shaky breath. “But I am merely a red-blooded man, Rayna. What do I do? You are temptation I did not know I longed for.”
“And here the Board are calling you and Dominic a scandal. But the scandal you started holds nothing on them.”
“Rayna,” he groaned before meeting her tongue for tongue. “I love you,” she panted and dipped a hand between their bodies. “I love you so much, Dominic—” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “I love you too.” “—but I really need you to fuck me like you hate me right now.”
“I love you,” he rasped, his voice full of his heart. “So much, Rayna. Beyond anything words will ever be able to convey. You have always had my heart, but I would like you to have my whole life too. All of it. From here on until forever. So will you do me the honour of becoming my beloved wife, and allow me to be your husband?”
In her silence, he squeezed her fingers. “Please, my love. Marry me. Say you will. Tomorrow, the day after, before my heart perishes. Because I cannot go another moment without knowing you are my wife, and I your husband.”
“All I ask is that you trust me. Trust that I love you dearly. Allow me to prove to you I can be trusted with your heart and happiness and wellbeing too. That is all.” She stared at her fingers encased in his paws before raising her lashes. “You say ‘that’s all’ like you’re not asking me to hand over my entire life to you.” He huffed a mirth-filled sound. “I do not want you to hand it over, I merely wish to share it with you. To enjoy it with you. Grow old with you.” Wispy tendrils caressed her skin as his gaze intensified. “I wish to take my last breath looking at you, knowing there was no one I could have ever loved more than I love/d you.”
How was he meant to let it go, rather than do everything in his power to show her it was possible for them to be together? There had to be a way. It couldn’t be hopeless, surely. After all, love was born from the essence of hope — and Dominic held a lot of love for Rayna. Enough for them both, until her heart caught up with his. Because that was how much he loved her.
That book is probably one of my favorites of the year.
I fell in love with it instantly — a bit like Dominic fell in love with Rayna.
Rayna was enjoying her vacation, nothing hinted that her life was about to change with the next study that would force her back to work. Dominic, on his end, never expected to be hurled into the future… let alone to meet Rayna.
For four months, they’re forced to work together on this time experiment. She’s the rational historian who trusts only in facts. He’s the marquess torn from his century — now with a new mission: to make Rayna his.
Between past and present, duty and desire blur, and what began as an experiment may end as the scandal neither of them was ready for.
𐙚 Forbidden/Impossible romance
𐙚 He falls first and harder
𐙚 Forced proximity
𐙚 Golden retriever x black cat
𐙚 Age gap (25-31)
𐙚 He’s from the past
𐙚 Mix of Georgian/Regency and Victorian England
𐙚 Good boy
For context, I’m French — and I was deep into this book. I loved it so much that I immediately started telling my friends that I pray it’ll be translated someday, so they can read it too. Because I know it’s that kind of book you just fall for. And if it were translated, more people would fall for it the same way I did.
Rayna tasted like home and mint and forever, and she scented of cherries and warmth and a life together, and he couldn’t help craving one more kiss, one more tug, one more moment basking in her caresses and desire and attention…
How could they not? This book has everything a romance should have.
A forbidden/impossible love story? Check.
A tall, dark-haired, muscular man? Check.
That same man being a complete green flag? Check.
Still, he loves openly, sincerely, without shame? Check.
A fierce woman who knows what she wants in life? Check.
A woman who’s smart, witty, and stunning — yet afraid love doesn’t exist, until she realizes she can be truly loved? Check.
And honestly, I could go on like that forever.
This book had everything it needed — everything I needed.
There would be no going back to who she was before him.
There would be no forgetting what he’d done to her.
How he’d changed her.
He’d permanently ruined her.
For everyone but himself.
I felt everything the characters felt. Especially Dominic — so hopelessly in love, trying to win her heart, trying to make space for himself in her life.
But I also felt for Rayna — a logical, independent woman protecting her heart. I’ll admit, there were moments I was a tiny bit frustrated with her, but it never lasted long. I understood her.
I loved their relationship so much — watching Dominic fall for her, grow possessive and jealous, trying so hard to win her over. Seeing them bicker, clash, tease each other because their worlds were so different… it was just so refreshing.
I kept kicking my feet and giggling through the whole thing. That’s how much I loved it.
At one point, my heart nearly broke — I was reading, dreading the worst. And now that I’ve finished, I know that even if it hadn’t been a happy ending, I still would’ve loved it. Because the writing is so good, I know the author would’ve made heartbreak beautiful.
The writing is incredible, detailed, rich. Everything was full of depth. The world-building was incredible — the rules of the POTeM, the ones tied to both the present and the past, were all so well explained. Nothing was too much, nor too little. Just like i love my books. the story in itself was amazing, i had theories but i was so far from what would happen.
I almost wish there were more, more of Dominic and Rayna, of V, George, and all the other characters who were a joy to read.
It’s my first book by Nylah Monroe, but it won’t be my last.
Thank you, Nylah Monroe and Grey’s Promotions, for this amazing story.
𐙚 Quotes
Beautiful no longer felt like an adequate word to describe her, but there wasn’t a word in the dictionary to explain how lovely she was. She required a new one, solely for her. He’d have to think of one quickly, because it was almost pathetic only referring to her as beautiful.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” “Wrong with me?” he snapped back. “Did your governess never rinse your mouth with soap for cursing like a sailor?” Grinding her teeth, she flashed him a vicious grin. “Did no woman ever smack you for acting like you own her when you just fucking met her?” “I have never before made the mistake of expressing interest in a wicked little pixie.”
“Stop that.” She failed to make it sound like a warning. “Stop looking at me like that.” “I’m trying. I am.” His chest rose and deflated on a shaky breath. “But I am merely a red-blooded man, Rayna. What do I do? You are temptation I did not know I longed for.”
“And here the Board are calling you and Dominic a scandal. But the scandal you started holds nothing on them.”
“Rayna,” he groaned before meeting her tongue for tongue. “I love you,” she panted and dipped a hand between their bodies. “I love you so much, Dominic—” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “I love you too.” “—but I really need you to fuck me like you hate me right now.”
“I love you,” he rasped, his voice full of his heart. “So much, Rayna. Beyond anything words will ever be able to convey. You have always had my heart, but I would like you to have my whole life too. All of it. From here on until forever. So will you do me the honour of becoming my beloved wife, and allow me to be your husband?”
In her silence, he squeezed her fingers. “Please, my love. Marry me. Say you will. Tomorrow, the day after, before my heart perishes. Because I cannot go another moment without knowing you are my wife, and I your husband.”
“All I ask is that you trust me. Trust that I love you dearly. Allow me to prove to you I can be trusted with your heart and happiness and wellbeing too. That is all.” She stared at her fingers encased in his paws before raising her lashes. “You say ‘that’s all’ like you’re not asking me to hand over my entire life to you.” He huffed a mirth-filled sound. “I do not want you to hand it over, I merely wish to share it with you. To enjoy it with you. Grow old with you.” Wispy tendrils caressed her skin as his gaze intensified. “I wish to take my last breath looking at you, knowing there was no one I could have ever loved more than I love/d you.”
November 5, 2025
ARC Review — The Scandal You Started by Nylah Monroe 💋🔥
Cover Illustrator: Fremuard
Cover Designer: Books and Moods Graphic Design
Preorder your copy today!
⸻
My Review:
Time travel / fantasy / regency romance? Hell yeah, brother. 😮💨 Sheeshhh — what a read! I didn’t know I needed this story until now. I was hooked from the first chapter and honestly sad there wasn’t more by the end.
Rayna and Dominic’s chemistry was off the charts, and the way their worlds collided — history meets modern chaos — had me completely captivated. The concept of POTeM was so fun and creative, and I loved how the story balanced humor, longing, and that touch of forbidden love.
If I had one wish? I’d love to see more of Rayna in the past — that would’ve been chef’s kiss. But overall, this book was everything: romantic, clever, steamy, and unexpectedly emotional. I can’t wait for what’s next in the series!
Cover Illustrator: Fremuard
Cover Designer: Books and Moods Graphic Design
Preorder your copy today!
⸻
My Review:
Time travel / fantasy / regency romance? Hell yeah, brother. 😮💨 Sheeshhh — what a read! I didn’t know I needed this story until now. I was hooked from the first chapter and honestly sad there wasn’t more by the end.
Rayna and Dominic’s chemistry was off the charts, and the way their worlds collided — history meets modern chaos — had me completely captivated. The concept of POTeM was so fun and creative, and I loved how the story balanced humor, longing, and that touch of forbidden love.
If I had one wish? I’d love to see more of Rayna in the past — that would’ve been chef’s kiss. But overall, this book was everything: romantic, clever, steamy, and unexpectedly emotional. I can’t wait for what’s next in the series!
November 14, 2025
MASTERPIECE!!
KOLEJNA KSIĄŻKA O KTÓREJ NIE ZAPOMNĘ I BĘDZIE MI SIĘ PRZYPOMINAĆ!!
RAYNA I DOMINIC BYLI TACY UROCZY!
I ta cała otoczka nie tylko wątku romantycznego, ale też tych podróży w czasie!!!
AAAAAA!! ZAKOCHAŁAM SIĘ PONOWNIE I CIESZĘ ŻE GRONO KSIĄŻEK ♾️/5 POWIĘKSZA SIĘ!!!
The Scandal You Started jest książką pokroju takich, które od początku były idealne dla mnie do samego końca. Mogę z największą przyjemnością powiedzieć, że to mój kolejny ulubieniec, nie tylko wątkiem romantycznym, ale też tą otoczką podróży w czasie i samym wątkiem projektu POTeM (Past Only Time Machine lab) i studiowania tak zwanych “Studies”, chociaż ja będę na nich mówić Uczniów z przeszłości. TSYS ma niecałe 600 stron, ale nie czułam, że ta książka jest przeciągnięta. Bardzo urzekło mnie to, jak wszystko w fabule zagrało. Dodatkowo ten wstęp i uwaga mapka świata przedstawionego i wyjaśnienie pokrótce informacji o każdym z krajów. Autorka piękne podeszła do tematu. Dziękuję Nylah za możliwość przeczytania przedpremierowo i gratuluję stworzenia tak pięknej historii!
Przybliżając początek, Rayna zostaje wezwana do laboratorium w czasie jej wolnego. Takie wolne w jej przypadku zawsze należało się Opiekunom, którzy wg projektu POTeM uczyli swoich Uczniów, których przenosili z przeszłości w obecnej realia. Rayna właśnie pożegnała po kilku miesiącach swoją Uczennicę Poppy, więc tak jakby była poza nowym zadaniem i nową partią Uczniów. Dodam, że jest historyczką, więc była dobrym atutem, aby zostać członkiem owego projektu i pod przykrywką pomagać też w Fronis Museum.Jak już wspomniałam na początku, jej urlop zostaje przerwany wiadomością od jej ojca adopcyjnego - Victora, o problemie z nowym Uczniem, którego przywołał ich wspólny współpracownik River. Sam problem nie tkwił w papierologii-
Otóż Dominic Evander Jonathan Thorne - ósmy markiz Norland dość nieprzychylnie zachowywał się podczas jego aklimatyzacji. W sumie nie można mu się dziwić, ponieważ minutę temu był w swoim kraju i miał spotkać się z nowym inwestorem, a teraz znajduje się z dziwacznym pomieszczeniu i jeszcze bardziej dziwacznie ubranym ludziom. Szok którego doznał wprawił Dominica w lekką irytację, czy agresję.
Sztab zamknął go na dłużej, zwlekając nadal z taką rozmową jaką zawsze dawali Uczniom - takie spotkanie organizacyjne o! Sprawa Dominica stanowiła wyjątek od reguły i było widać to ten brak kobiecej ręki w zrozumieniu drugiego człowieka. Musieli wezwać po pomoc Raynę, ponieważ była historykiem… No i kobietą. Rayna wiedziała, że zachowanie markiza wynika ze zwlekania całego zespołu, aby przeprowadzić rozmowę z Dominicem o wszystkim. Jeśli była jedyną osobą, przy której Dominic mógł stonować się, cóż- Nie wahała się i przeniosła się do izolatki, w której przebywał markiz, aby z nim porozmawiać.
River cleared his throat. “I mean…the perceived threat of a man is greater, which is probably why Lord Norland reacted with violence. But we haven’t let him speak to a woman yet. And considering what I know about him and his upbringing, he’s unlikely to react to Rayna with the same violence.”
“River’s right,” George agreed. “Lord Norland is meant to be a gentleman, so he might calm down quicker if he knows he’s facing a woman.”
I tutaj wstrzymam się z dalszym streszczeniem. Może ich pierwsze spotkanie nie jest w confetti, czy oklaskach, ale od tego momentu zaczyna się fantastyczna przygoda zarówno dla Rayny, jak i Dominica. Czy to w postaci pomocy tej dwójki dla zespołu Fronis Museum w celu stworzenia wystawy, która przybliży teraźniejszość do przeszłości, gdzie przez okres pracy Dominic musiał ukrywać swoje pochodzenie, czy to powolna kiełkująca relacja, która nie była tylko pożądaniem! Może oni sami w izolatce dziwnie brzmi na pierwsze skojarzenie, ale nic nie doszło już na samym starcie tak przeznaczonych dla dorosłych! Myślicie, że Rayna pozwoliłaby na to, albo jej ojciec, który był tuż za drzwiami?
Rozumiem Raynę, jak i rozumiem Dominica. Obydwoje mieli rację w swoich zachowaniach, jak i oddaniu ku swoim racjom. Musieli powiedzieć swoje poglądy (w końcu przez pryzmat, w jakich epokach żyli, jest pewien dysonans), żeby później dojść do formy porozumienia. I muszę powiedzieć o tym, jak Dominic się starał, by pokazać Raynie, że nie jest stereotypowym lordem, czy markizem. Że zależy mu na rodzinie i nigdy nie pozwoli własnoręcznie ubezwłasnowolnić swojej lubej. Rayna była uparta, ale Dominic był równie zdeterminowany, żeby kobieta powoli odkrywała siebie przed nim. A jeśli chodzi o niego samego, to kochani - DOMINIC PRZEPADŁ PIERWSZY i naprawdę bardzo się starał być dla Rayny wszystkim. Może miał te swoje głupie gadki, ale ja nawet nie mogłam się na niego gniewać, dawało to takiego klimatu książce, że OMG! Pomimo że Rayna nigdy nie chciała wyjść za mąż ani dzieci, co mogło wpłynąć na różnicę pomiędzy postrzeganiem życia kobiety w czasach Dominica, ale on był tak zakochany w niej, że miał gdzieś fakt, że może nigdy nie będą małżeństwem, ani dzieci, bo on chciał być z nią. Tylko i wyłącznie z nią. Nie z pobudek fizycznych ani faktu, że Rayna była pierwszą kobietą, którą spotkał po przejściu do innych czasów.
KOLEJNA KSIĄŻKA O KTÓREJ NIE ZAPOMNĘ I BĘDZIE MI SIĘ PRZYPOMINAĆ!!
RAYNA I DOMINIC BYLI TACY UROCZY!
I ta cała otoczka nie tylko wątku romantycznego, ale też tych podróży w czasie!!!
AAAAAA!! ZAKOCHAŁAM SIĘ PONOWNIE I CIESZĘ ŻE GRONO KSIĄŻEK ♾️/5 POWIĘKSZA SIĘ!!!
The Scandal You Started jest książką pokroju takich, które od początku były idealne dla mnie do samego końca. Mogę z największą przyjemnością powiedzieć, że to mój kolejny ulubieniec, nie tylko wątkiem romantycznym, ale też tą otoczką podróży w czasie i samym wątkiem projektu POTeM (Past Only Time Machine lab) i studiowania tak zwanych “Studies”, chociaż ja będę na nich mówić Uczniów z przeszłości. TSYS ma niecałe 600 stron, ale nie czułam, że ta książka jest przeciągnięta. Bardzo urzekło mnie to, jak wszystko w fabule zagrało. Dodatkowo ten wstęp i uwaga mapka świata przedstawionego i wyjaśnienie pokrótce informacji o każdym z krajów. Autorka piękne podeszła do tematu. Dziękuję Nylah za możliwość przeczytania przedpremierowo i gratuluję stworzenia tak pięknej historii!
Przybliżając początek, Rayna zostaje wezwana do laboratorium w czasie jej wolnego. Takie wolne w jej przypadku zawsze należało się Opiekunom, którzy wg projektu POTeM uczyli swoich Uczniów, których przenosili z przeszłości w obecnej realia. Rayna właśnie pożegnała po kilku miesiącach swoją Uczennicę Poppy, więc tak jakby była poza nowym zadaniem i nową partią Uczniów. Dodam, że jest historyczką, więc była dobrym atutem, aby zostać członkiem owego projektu i pod przykrywką pomagać też w Fronis Museum.Jak już wspomniałam na początku, jej urlop zostaje przerwany wiadomością od jej ojca adopcyjnego - Victora, o problemie z nowym Uczniem, którego przywołał ich wspólny współpracownik River. Sam problem nie tkwił w papierologii-
Otóż Dominic Evander Jonathan Thorne - ósmy markiz Norland dość nieprzychylnie zachowywał się podczas jego aklimatyzacji. W sumie nie można mu się dziwić, ponieważ minutę temu był w swoim kraju i miał spotkać się z nowym inwestorem, a teraz znajduje się z dziwacznym pomieszczeniu i jeszcze bardziej dziwacznie ubranym ludziom. Szok którego doznał wprawił Dominica w lekką irytację, czy agresję.
Sztab zamknął go na dłużej, zwlekając nadal z taką rozmową jaką zawsze dawali Uczniom - takie spotkanie organizacyjne o! Sprawa Dominica stanowiła wyjątek od reguły i było widać to ten brak kobiecej ręki w zrozumieniu drugiego człowieka. Musieli wezwać po pomoc Raynę, ponieważ była historykiem… No i kobietą. Rayna wiedziała, że zachowanie markiza wynika ze zwlekania całego zespołu, aby przeprowadzić rozmowę z Dominicem o wszystkim. Jeśli była jedyną osobą, przy której Dominic mógł stonować się, cóż- Nie wahała się i przeniosła się do izolatki, w której przebywał markiz, aby z nim porozmawiać.
River cleared his throat. “I mean…the perceived threat of a man is greater, which is probably why Lord Norland reacted with violence. But we haven’t let him speak to a woman yet. And considering what I know about him and his upbringing, he’s unlikely to react to Rayna with the same violence.”
“River’s right,” George agreed. “Lord Norland is meant to be a gentleman, so he might calm down quicker if he knows he’s facing a woman.”
I tutaj wstrzymam się z dalszym streszczeniem. Może ich pierwsze spotkanie nie jest w confetti, czy oklaskach, ale od tego momentu zaczyna się fantastyczna przygoda zarówno dla Rayny, jak i Dominica. Czy to w postaci pomocy tej dwójki dla zespołu Fronis Museum w celu stworzenia wystawy, która przybliży teraźniejszość do przeszłości, gdzie przez okres pracy Dominic musiał ukrywać swoje pochodzenie, czy to powolna kiełkująca relacja, która nie była tylko pożądaniem! Może oni sami w izolatce dziwnie brzmi na pierwsze skojarzenie, ale nic nie doszło już na samym starcie tak przeznaczonych dla dorosłych! Myślicie, że Rayna pozwoliłaby na to, albo jej ojciec, który był tuż za drzwiami?
Rozumiem Raynę, jak i rozumiem Dominica. Obydwoje mieli rację w swoich zachowaniach, jak i oddaniu ku swoim racjom. Musieli powiedzieć swoje poglądy (w końcu przez pryzmat, w jakich epokach żyli, jest pewien dysonans), żeby później dojść do formy porozumienia. I muszę powiedzieć o tym, jak Dominic się starał, by pokazać Raynie, że nie jest stereotypowym lordem, czy markizem. Że zależy mu na rodzinie i nigdy nie pozwoli własnoręcznie ubezwłasnowolnić swojej lubej. Rayna była uparta, ale Dominic był równie zdeterminowany, żeby kobieta powoli odkrywała siebie przed nim. A jeśli chodzi o niego samego, to kochani - DOMINIC PRZEPADŁ PIERWSZY i naprawdę bardzo się starał być dla Rayny wszystkim. Może miał te swoje głupie gadki, ale ja nawet nie mogłam się na niego gniewać, dawało to takiego klimatu książce, że OMG! Pomimo że Rayna nigdy nie chciała wyjść za mąż ani dzieci, co mogło wpłynąć na różnicę pomiędzy postrzeganiem życia kobiety w czasach Dominica, ale on był tak zakochany w niej, że miał gdzieś fakt, że może nigdy nie będą małżeństwem, ani dzieci, bo on chciał być z nią. Tylko i wyłącznie z nią. Nie z pobudek fizycznych ani faktu, że Rayna była pierwszą kobietą, którą spotkał po przejściu do innych czasów.
November 7, 2025
When the past and future collide with some unexpected scandals
~ARC Review~
This was my first Nylah Monroe book and it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely loved the characters and the character development.
This story follows a historian and her study from the past, who in an unexpected turn out (for her at least) fall in love.
Rayna is a very independent woman which I absolutely love. She works extremely hard to be the best at her job and isn’t afraid of a challenge. Throughout this whole story, we get to read her grow and learn to love. Even learn the past doesn’t define the future.
Dominic, is in fact the past, literally, 241 years in the past to be exact. He was a Lord, a Marquess, who was tricked into traveling to the future. In the beginning, you can definitely tell he was from the past with very old ideology but he slowly starts to understand what he’s expecting from Rayna is no where near what she is. I love being able to see his slowly learn and grow into a modernized version of himself.
I will admit watching them both grow to love each other, was amazing. But I did in fact cry, quite a bit during that third act break up. If that’s what we should even call it. It truly did show that love could conquer all.
I truly recommend this book to others, and thank Greys Promotions and Nylah for this ARC!
SMALL SPOILER
but I definitely was singing parts of Eldest Daughter by Taylor Swift to myself at points when Rayna talked about her views on marriage
~ARC Review~
This was my first Nylah Monroe book and it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely loved the characters and the character development.
This story follows a historian and her study from the past, who in an unexpected turn out (for her at least) fall in love.
Rayna is a very independent woman which I absolutely love. She works extremely hard to be the best at her job and isn’t afraid of a challenge. Throughout this whole story, we get to read her grow and learn to love. Even learn the past doesn’t define the future.
Dominic, is in fact the past, literally, 241 years in the past to be exact. He was a Lord, a Marquess, who was tricked into traveling to the future. In the beginning, you can definitely tell he was from the past with very old ideology but he slowly starts to understand what he’s expecting from Rayna is no where near what she is. I love being able to see his slowly learn and grow into a modernized version of himself.
I will admit watching them both grow to love each other, was amazing. But I did in fact cry, quite a bit during that third act break up. If that’s what we should even call it. It truly did show that love could conquer all.
I truly recommend this book to others, and thank Greys Promotions and Nylah for this ARC!
SMALL SPOILER
but I definitely was singing parts of Eldest Daughter by Taylor Swift to myself at points when Rayna talked about her views on marriage
November 8, 2025
ARC Review (RareLondon)
I absolutely LOVE Nylah's way of writing but I was a bit apprehensive since I'm not the biggest fan of regency nor sci-fi but this was so well written that it was worth every minute I spent reading.
The plot was so well written (I don't think the blurb gives it justice imo) and I've never felt so lonely in my life with the way Dominic just absolutely showered Rayna with his love. I love the mix of traditional views of a relationship mixed with a modern view and having a couple actually communicate about their feelings! I did find that at some points Dominic's style of speech didn't match the regency brand but it didn't take away from the story whatsoever.
I genuinely cried (when you read it, you'll know) and then cried happy tears at the HEA. Not a single one of my questions were left unanswered like other books - I mean it when I say this plot was THICK and well written.
There are some very well thought out plot twists too (I'm sure many people on the train thought I was crazy!) Expect a rollercoaster of emotions.
Absolutely had a blast reading this and would highly recommend it! Thank you again for the ARC reading and it was amazing meeting you! (I also wish I meet my Dominic one day too 🥲)
I absolutely LOVE Nylah's way of writing but I was a bit apprehensive since I'm not the biggest fan of regency nor sci-fi but this was so well written that it was worth every minute I spent reading.
The plot was so well written (I don't think the blurb gives it justice imo) and I've never felt so lonely in my life with the way Dominic just absolutely showered Rayna with his love. I love the mix of traditional views of a relationship mixed with a modern view and having a couple actually communicate about their feelings! I did find that at some points Dominic's style of speech didn't match the regency brand but it didn't take away from the story whatsoever.
I genuinely cried (when you read it, you'll know) and then cried happy tears at the HEA. Not a single one of my questions were left unanswered like other books - I mean it when I say this plot was THICK and well written.
There are some very well thought out plot twists too (I'm sure many people on the train thought I was crazy!) Expect a rollercoaster of emotions.
Absolutely had a blast reading this and would highly recommend it! Thank you again for the ARC reading and it was amazing meeting you! (I also wish I meet my Dominic one day too 🥲)
November 17, 2025
Thank you to Nylah and her team for providing me with an ARC of The Scandal You Started!
When Nylah announced this as her next book I was instantly intrigued. Time travel romance can be either a huge hit or a big miss for me - but this one was a huge hit. A lot of this is a testament to how great of a writer Nylah is. Not only does she nail the tropes, but she doesn't oversaturate the content and the way the story flows is perfection! Rayna is such a strong, independent FMC and I loved her so much. And Dominic is just A MAN. The way their relationship developed was beautiful.
And can we talk about the cover? How gorgeous is is?!
I can't wait to see what Nylah comes out with next!
When Nylah announced this as her next book I was instantly intrigued. Time travel romance can be either a huge hit or a big miss for me - but this one was a huge hit. A lot of this is a testament to how great of a writer Nylah is. Not only does she nail the tropes, but she doesn't oversaturate the content and the way the story flows is perfection! Rayna is such a strong, independent FMC and I loved her so much. And Dominic is just A MAN. The way their relationship developed was beautiful.
And can we talk about the cover? How gorgeous is is?!
I can't wait to see what Nylah comes out with next!
October 30, 2025
Thank you for this ARC 🫶
It’s not surprising to me that I loved this book, since I absolutely devoured Tall Royal and Grumpy.
I love Nylah’s writing, her characters are full of depth, and her stories are amazing.
I loved the idea of time traveling from the past, I think it was original and well written. I fell in love with Dominic so quickly it’s not even funny.
I loved Rayna too, her feelings towards love are very relatable from a modern POV.
And the side characters were so so so good and funny too !
It’s not surprising to me that I loved this book, since I absolutely devoured Tall Royal and Grumpy.
I love Nylah’s writing, her characters are full of depth, and her stories are amazing.
I loved the idea of time traveling from the past, I think it was original and well written. I fell in love with Dominic so quickly it’s not even funny.
I loved Rayna too, her feelings towards love are very relatable from a modern POV.
And the side characters were so so so good and funny too !
November 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
First of all thank you to Nylah Monroe and Grey’s Promotions for the eARC 🫶🏻 I devoured this book and the yearning from Dominic was top notch! The concept of this book was so interesting and unique and blended the past and present so well! I loved how thought out this world was as well as the characters in it! My absolute favorite from this whole book was Dominic, he really stole the show (and my heart lol). He is the quintessential regency gentleman (or shall I say tregancy). He was down bad from the start but also was truly forgiving and attentive to the fmc. I unfortunately couldn’t really connect with the fmc and her personality but I felt like they worked pretty well as a couple. Loved the concept and the romance!! 🩷
First of all thank you to Nylah Monroe and Grey’s Promotions for the eARC 🫶🏻 I devoured this book and the yearning from Dominic was top notch! The concept of this book was so interesting and unique and blended the past and present so well! I loved how thought out this world was as well as the characters in it! My absolute favorite from this whole book was Dominic, he really stole the show (and my heart lol). He is the quintessential regency gentleman (or shall I say tregancy). He was down bad from the start but also was truly forgiving and attentive to the fmc. I unfortunately couldn’t really connect with the fmc and her personality but I felt like they worked pretty well as a couple. Loved the concept and the romance!! 🩷
Read
November 14, 2025I have never read a sci-fi romance and I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. LoL. But this book was definitely worth trying.
-World Building
-Time Traveling
-Great Banter
-Steamy/Spicy
While this isn't a normal read for me, it may be for you! Give this book and author a try!
***I won't be giving a star rating. I wouldn't want it to affect the rating since it was personally not for me. That's not fair to the author!!!***
-World Building
-Time Traveling
-Great Banter
-Steamy/Spicy
While this isn't a normal read for me, it may be for you! Give this book and author a try!
***I won't be giving a star rating. I wouldn't want it to affect the rating since it was personally not for me. That's not fair to the author!!!***
November 3, 2025
✨ History, heartbeats and a Marquess out of time ✨
4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
Okay, confession time: when I first read the blurb for The Scandal You Started, I was skeptical. A time-travel lab? A marquess from the past? A historian heroine? I was fully prepared to roll my eyes and move on. But oh, how wrong I was.
Nylah Monroe took what could’ve been a confusing mash-up of sci-fi and historical romance and spun it into something utterly magnetic. Think Outlander meets a high-tech, rule-bound future, then add crackling chemistry, sharp banter, and a marquess who could charm the stars right out of the sky.
Rayna Faez, our historian heroine, is the perfect blend of intellect, sass, and vulnerability. She’s used to studying history… not falling headfirst into it. Dominic Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland (try saying that without swooning just a little), is her opposite in every sense: old-world charm, stubborn pride, and that devastating smile that spells trouble in any era.
Their dynamic? Pure electricity. Every exchange feels like a duel between heart and duty, wrapped in longing and forbidden desire. Monroe doesn’t just write romance, she writes connection, the kind that makes you ache a little when you realize it might not end the way you want.
The writing is clean, evocative, and vividly cinematic. The world-building of POTeM (Past Only Time Machine lab, how cool is that?) is clever without ever overshadowing the romance. And that slow-burn tension? Oh, it simmers.
By the time I reached the last page, I wasn’t just invested, I was emotionally compromised. Nylah Monroe turned my initial hesitation into full-blown obsession.
If you’re into forbidden love, time-bending twists, and the kind of romantic tension that could power a small city, The Scandal You Started needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Huge thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC and to Nylah Monroe for stealing a little piece of my heart (and maybe rewriting my reading history while she was at it).
4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
Okay, confession time: when I first read the blurb for The Scandal You Started, I was skeptical. A time-travel lab? A marquess from the past? A historian heroine? I was fully prepared to roll my eyes and move on. But oh, how wrong I was.
Nylah Monroe took what could’ve been a confusing mash-up of sci-fi and historical romance and spun it into something utterly magnetic. Think Outlander meets a high-tech, rule-bound future, then add crackling chemistry, sharp banter, and a marquess who could charm the stars right out of the sky.
Rayna Faez, our historian heroine, is the perfect blend of intellect, sass, and vulnerability. She’s used to studying history… not falling headfirst into it. Dominic Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland (try saying that without swooning just a little), is her opposite in every sense: old-world charm, stubborn pride, and that devastating smile that spells trouble in any era.
Their dynamic? Pure electricity. Every exchange feels like a duel between heart and duty, wrapped in longing and forbidden desire. Monroe doesn’t just write romance, she writes connection, the kind that makes you ache a little when you realize it might not end the way you want.
The writing is clean, evocative, and vividly cinematic. The world-building of POTeM (Past Only Time Machine lab, how cool is that?) is clever without ever overshadowing the romance. And that slow-burn tension? Oh, it simmers.
By the time I reached the last page, I wasn’t just invested, I was emotionally compromised. Nylah Monroe turned my initial hesitation into full-blown obsession.
If you’re into forbidden love, time-bending twists, and the kind of romantic tension that could power a small city, The Scandal You Started needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Huge thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC and to Nylah Monroe for stealing a little piece of my heart (and maybe rewriting my reading history while she was at it).
October 28, 2025
This book was just about everything I was expecting it to be and more. This was one of my first times reading a sci-fi type of book, but it was so fun exploring the scientific side of the POTeM and the rules of how it worked. Do be forewarned, because it is sci-fi, there is a good amount of world-building that has to happen so that you can understand the location and also the rules of how time travel works in this universe. Getting into the actual story, the romance between Rayna and Dominic gives one-sided enemies-to-lovers, and it's definitely a he falls first (more like he jumps right off the cliff first) kind of trope and a very down bad man, which we love to see. I also loved to see a non-conventional nickname (to be revealed when you read the book). If you know me, you know that I love me a good non-conventional nickname, where it's not just their name shortened or baby, etc. Nothing against nicknames like that because I still love those; it's just so much better when it's a little bit more special or even a little bit rude, but when said by the character, you can tell it's said with love/ as something that they love about the other character. There are many other things that made the book so good that I would talk about if they weren't spoilers; all this to say, I truly loved this book.
November 16, 2025
ఌ The scandal you started - Nylah Monroe
Romance - Time Travel
📖 vo - ARC - Kindle unlimited
—
2★/5
𐙚₊˚⊹ I would like to thank Grey’s Promotions as well as the author for this ARC.
I’ll start with the positive: the cover. It’s honestly the first thing that made me request this book, and the synopsis was definitely the final push.
Nylah Monroe’s writing is truly beautiful. Poetic at times, immersive, and very pleasant to read. It’s fluid, addictive, and I loved the creativity she brings to her world. The idea of a parallel universe with its own rules and a sort of “modern regency” vibe was incredibly promising.
But… despite all that, it just didn’t work for me.
I found myself losing interest pretty quickly. The book is long (over 600 pages), and even though the world-building is interesting, I felt like we didn’t explore it nearly as much as we could have. The writing and interactions also became quite repetitive.
I couldn’t get attached to Dominic at all. His attitude really irritated me. His domineering, possessive, jealous behavior (especially at the beginning) made me extremely uncomfortable.
Honestly, there were moments when I almost DNF’d the book because of him and his behavior.
There were still aspects I genuinely enjoyed:
• The scenes where Rayna and Dominic actually get to know each other.
• The found family dynamic.
• The time-travel machine system.
But it just wasn’t enough to make up for the rest.
I felt like everything happened too quickly, too easily, and the dynamic between the characters never really won me over.
The ending is nice, even satisfying to some extent, but unfortunately, I was already too detached to fully appreciate it.
If you’re looking for an original romance with beautiful writing and interesting world-building, I still recommend giving it a try so you can form your own opinion. I’m still glad I discovered it!
Romance - Time Travel
📖 vo - ARC - Kindle unlimited
—
2★/5
𐙚₊˚⊹ I would like to thank Grey’s Promotions as well as the author for this ARC.
I’ll start with the positive: the cover. It’s honestly the first thing that made me request this book, and the synopsis was definitely the final push.
Nylah Monroe’s writing is truly beautiful. Poetic at times, immersive, and very pleasant to read. It’s fluid, addictive, and I loved the creativity she brings to her world. The idea of a parallel universe with its own rules and a sort of “modern regency” vibe was incredibly promising.
But… despite all that, it just didn’t work for me.
I found myself losing interest pretty quickly. The book is long (over 600 pages), and even though the world-building is interesting, I felt like we didn’t explore it nearly as much as we could have. The writing and interactions also became quite repetitive.
I couldn’t get attached to Dominic at all. His attitude really irritated me. His domineering, possessive, jealous behavior (especially at the beginning) made me extremely uncomfortable.
Honestly, there were moments when I almost DNF’d the book because of him and his behavior.
There were still aspects I genuinely enjoyed:
• The scenes where Rayna and Dominic actually get to know each other.
• The found family dynamic.
• The time-travel machine system.
But it just wasn’t enough to make up for the rest.
I felt like everything happened too quickly, too easily, and the dynamic between the characters never really won me over.
The ending is nice, even satisfying to some extent, but unfortunately, I was already too detached to fully appreciate it.
If you’re looking for an original romance with beautiful writing and interesting world-building, I still recommend giving it a try so you can form your own opinion. I’m still glad I discovered it!
November 7, 2025
This book is very different from what I usually read. But when I found Nylah Monroe’s Instagram and saw this ARC, it immediately intrigued me and made me want to branch out into different kinds of romances. Sci-fi and time travel aren’t genres I normally pick up, but this turned out to be such a good introduction to them. Nylah’s writing is clear, and the story is well-structured. There’s a lot of world-building around the universe and how time travel works, but the more you read, the more everything starts to click into place.
I really enjoyed reading about Dominic and Rayna. A historian and a lord from 200 years ago in a forbidden relationship? I had to know how that would play out. Rayna is a headstrong FMC who pours everything into her work to the point where she refuses to let herself get distracted. But alas, here comes Lord Dominic~
What I loved most about these two was the yearning. Dominic fell first and fell hard for Rayna, and his persistent love made my heart ache. He knew from the start that Rayna was it for him. Dominic loves deeply, and while I don't usually go for insta-love, I really admired that about him.
There’s chemistry, tension, spice, and a lot of emotion. There were also twists I didn’t see coming that made the story even better as it went on. Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect to cry reading this. But the way Dominic pours his heart out to Rayna was so romantic it was impossible not to.
This book genuinely surprised me in the best way. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try a time-travel, sci-fi romance.
I really enjoyed reading about Dominic and Rayna. A historian and a lord from 200 years ago in a forbidden relationship? I had to know how that would play out. Rayna is a headstrong FMC who pours everything into her work to the point where she refuses to let herself get distracted. But alas, here comes Lord Dominic~
What I loved most about these two was the yearning. Dominic fell first and fell hard for Rayna, and his persistent love made my heart ache. He knew from the start that Rayna was it for him. Dominic loves deeply, and while I don't usually go for insta-love, I really admired that about him.
There’s chemistry, tension, spice, and a lot of emotion. There were also twists I didn’t see coming that made the story even better as it went on. Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect to cry reading this. But the way Dominic pours his heart out to Rayna was so romantic it was impossible not to.
This book genuinely surprised me in the best way. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try a time-travel, sci-fi romance.
November 6, 2025
Thank you, Nylah Monroe and Greyspromotion, for this ARC.
I really like how this book is in the same world as TRG and THR. But we have a past and present scenario.
A man from the past arrives in the future, he's a study, and a guardian has to take care of him until he meets Rayna.
Honestly in the beginning and half way through the book, I was so mad and frustrated with Dominic's behaviour and how he treated Rayna 😭 I understand he just time travelled from the past and his understanding was different when it came to women, love, marriage and relationships. His personality is more of a gentleman and understands things in broad vision.
But I liked how Rayna had put him in his place by telling him how times have changed in the modern world. She enlightened him on how historically women used to suffer in the past, being controlled by men, not having the freedom to do what they wanted. It made Dominic realize this.
Rayna is sassy, confident, fearless, and independent. Because of her past, she didn't believe in love, marriage, or relationships. The fear of being abandoned scared her.
But as both went on, their chemistry became something more. The problem was that he was to return to the past and they created a scandal. It was really hard reading those ending chapters. It was pain 🥴
I feel like the plot is more character driven.
But I'm glad to have read and enjoyed this book. It was fun, frustrating, agonising but the spicy scenes🥵. They were something else, truly 😮💨.
I really like how this book is in the same world as TRG and THR. But we have a past and present scenario.
A man from the past arrives in the future, he's a study, and a guardian has to take care of him until he meets Rayna.
Honestly in the beginning and half way through the book, I was so mad and frustrated with Dominic's behaviour and how he treated Rayna 😭 I understand he just time travelled from the past and his understanding was different when it came to women, love, marriage and relationships. His personality is more of a gentleman and understands things in broad vision.
But I liked how Rayna had put him in his place by telling him how times have changed in the modern world. She enlightened him on how historically women used to suffer in the past, being controlled by men, not having the freedom to do what they wanted. It made Dominic realize this.
Rayna is sassy, confident, fearless, and independent. Because of her past, she didn't believe in love, marriage, or relationships. The fear of being abandoned scared her.
But as both went on, their chemistry became something more. The problem was that he was to return to the past and they created a scandal. It was really hard reading those ending chapters. It was pain 🥴
I feel like the plot is more character driven.
But I'm glad to have read and enjoyed this book. It was fun, frustrating, agonising but the spicy scenes🥵. They were something else, truly 😮💨.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
In The Scandal You Started Rayna, a historian who doesn't believe in love, and Dominic, a lovestruck lord from the past collide in the present world.
Just the whole concept of time travel and love that goes beyond is something wholly original.
I knew I would enjoy elements from the regency era and modern life combined, but especially the scientific aspect fascinated me (I want to work at the POTeM atp).
It's not only the brilliant world building or the captivating concept keeping the reader on their toes, it's also the characters and their conflicts — not to mention those continuous plot twists.
I'm in love with Rayna and Dominic's love, but there were also moments when I was sad, shocked or amused. It wasn't only their story that captured me in a world of diverse emotions — their family members, friends and colleagues were such a delight as well.
The poetic way in which feelings are expressed either resembles a comforting or a deeply rooted knife, threatening to tear one's heart out (there were some small mistakes, like missing prepositions, but the choice of words made up for it).
Trying not to spoil, I'll finish this review by saying The Scandal You Started is everything I envisioned and more. I can't even express how happy I am to have stumbled upon this masterpiece and discovered a world and characters I won't forget.
Just the whole concept of time travel and love that goes beyond is something wholly original.
I knew I would enjoy elements from the regency era and modern life combined, but especially the scientific aspect fascinated me (I want to work at the POTeM atp).
It's not only the brilliant world building or the captivating concept keeping the reader on their toes, it's also the characters and their conflicts — not to mention those continuous plot twists.
I'm in love with Rayna and Dominic's love, but there were also moments when I was sad, shocked or amused. It wasn't only their story that captured me in a world of diverse emotions — their family members, friends and colleagues were such a delight as well.
The poetic way in which feelings are expressed either resembles a comforting or a deeply rooted knife, threatening to tear one's heart out (there were some small mistakes, like missing prepositions, but the choice of words made up for it).
Trying not to spoil, I'll finish this review by saying The Scandal You Started is everything I envisioned and more. I can't even express how happy I am to have stumbled upon this masterpiece and discovered a world and characters I won't forget.
November 9, 2025
This is the first book written by Nylah Monroe that I've read, and certainly not the last. Her writting style is rich, full of details and her characters are full of details that made them full dimensional.
This book is about Rayna, a Historian that gives the STEM vibes that are gorgeus to this story, and Dominic (Dominic Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland, how about that!!), and, as you can imagine, the crash between them, their perspectives and how thay managed to change them, because of course, Dominic fell head over heels for Rayna, is what gripped me an make me eat this book alive!!
They have an absolutely electrifyng chemistry and how the author describes their connection is chef´s kiss.
Tropes you can find in this book:
- Outlander's vibes
- Times traveller/woman in STEM
- Golden retriever MMC/Black cat FMC
- Age Gap
- Forbidden romance
- Third person POV
- Slow burn
This book has open door scenes that are quite desired after the slow burn tension and all that imposible relationship status. Another great example of Monroe's writing art.
My ratings:
4/5⭐2/5🌶️
I’ve received this book as an ARC and I’d like to thank the author, Nylah Monroe and her team at Grey’s Promotion for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.
This book is about Rayna, a Historian that gives the STEM vibes that are gorgeus to this story, and Dominic (Dominic Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland, how about that!!), and, as you can imagine, the crash between them, their perspectives and how thay managed to change them, because of course, Dominic fell head over heels for Rayna, is what gripped me an make me eat this book alive!!
They have an absolutely electrifyng chemistry and how the author describes their connection is chef´s kiss.
Tropes you can find in this book:
- Outlander's vibes
- Times traveller/woman in STEM
- Golden retriever MMC/Black cat FMC
- Age Gap
- Forbidden romance
- Third person POV
- Slow burn
This book has open door scenes that are quite desired after the slow burn tension and all that imposible relationship status. Another great example of Monroe's writing art.
My ratings:
4/5⭐2/5🌶️
I’ve received this book as an ARC and I’d like to thank the author, Nylah Monroe and her team at Grey’s Promotion for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.
November 1, 2025
“Love is not searched for, darling. It is stumbled upon.”
ARC Review
Oh my God, I was happily living my life, not caring about anything, until one day I received an ARC for this book, and honestly, that was the best decision ever.
THIS BOOK HAD EVERYTHING. The story kept me engaged from the first page to the last. I admit I lost interest somewhere around the middle; however, it then picked up again.
The characters were brilliant, and anyone would fall in love with them. Throughout the story, they stayed true to who they actually were— not once did they deviate from being themselves. There were times when I felt for both the characters, and I was even giving justification for why they were doing what they were doing. I think that’s the beauty of the author: she grips you in and makes you want to be part of the setting. The family she creates in each of her books is just another point of attraction.
ARC Review
Oh my God, I was happily living my life, not caring about anything, until one day I received an ARC for this book, and honestly, that was the best decision ever.
THIS BOOK HAD EVERYTHING. The story kept me engaged from the first page to the last. I admit I lost interest somewhere around the middle; however, it then picked up again.
The characters were brilliant, and anyone would fall in love with them. Throughout the story, they stayed true to who they actually were— not once did they deviate from being themselves. There were times when I felt for both the characters, and I was even giving justification for why they were doing what they were doing. I think that’s the beauty of the author: she grips you in and makes you want to be part of the setting. The family she creates in each of her books is just another point of attraction.
November 1, 2025
Nylah Monroe is an auto-buy author. If Nylah writes it, then I’ll read it. Specifically because she’s excellent at creating tension and yearning. All her MMCs are PEAK yearners, and I’m HERE FOR IT.
Dominic was no different except for the fact that he’s from the past, which brought a level of hilarity. The way Dominic isn’t used to “modern: concepts will never fail to make me laugh.
There was a mystery that was perfectly set up by the use of an alternative POV.
The deadline, the barriers were multiple, but made their journey worth it.
The spice levels are always *Chef kiss*
The feelings are deep and swoon-worthy.
P.S
There was a part where I was crying, and I won’t spoil it and tell you when, but OMG, prepare yourself because that third act was a DOOZY of emotions!
Dominic was no different except for the fact that he’s from the past, which brought a level of hilarity. The way Dominic isn’t used to “modern: concepts will never fail to make me laugh.
There was a mystery that was perfectly set up by the use of an alternative POV.
The deadline, the barriers were multiple, but made their journey worth it.
The spice levels are always *Chef kiss*
The feelings are deep and swoon-worthy.
P.S
There was a part where I was crying, and I won’t spoil it and tell you when, but OMG, prepare yourself because that third act was a DOOZY of emotions!
November 4, 2025
Okay, I have to say this first — I almost didn’t read this book when I found out it was written in third person (I know, I know 😅), but I’m so glad I didn’t stop. Because oh my god, this book surprised me in the best possible way!
This was apart from the outlander books one of my first sci-fi romance reads, and it totally pulled me in. The scientific side of the POTeM and all the time travel elements were such a fun twist. It definitely has a lot of world-building, but once I got into it, I was hooked. I loved learning how this universe worked and how the rules of time travel shaped the story — it felt fresh and original.
And let’s talk about Rayna and Dominic because WOW. Their dynamic was giving one-sided enemies-to-lovers with a he falls first (and hardest) vibe — the kind of man who jumps headfirst into love and doesn’t look back. Dominic was so down bad and I loved every second of it. The chemistry? Perfect. The tension? Immaculate.
Also, the nickname?! I’m obsessed. You know I love a good non-conventional nickname — not your typical “baby” or name-shortening, but something special and a little rude in the most affectionate way. It made their connection feel so personal and unique.
This book had everything — love, science, emotion, and originality. Even though third person isn’t usually my thing, Nylah’s writing made it easy to fall into this world. A creative, emotional, and addictive read that I won’t forget anytime soon!
This was apart from the outlander books one of my first sci-fi romance reads, and it totally pulled me in. The scientific side of the POTeM and all the time travel elements were such a fun twist. It definitely has a lot of world-building, but once I got into it, I was hooked. I loved learning how this universe worked and how the rules of time travel shaped the story — it felt fresh and original.
And let’s talk about Rayna and Dominic because WOW. Their dynamic was giving one-sided enemies-to-lovers with a he falls first (and hardest) vibe — the kind of man who jumps headfirst into love and doesn’t look back. Dominic was so down bad and I loved every second of it. The chemistry? Perfect. The tension? Immaculate.
Also, the nickname?! I’m obsessed. You know I love a good non-conventional nickname — not your typical “baby” or name-shortening, but something special and a little rude in the most affectionate way. It made their connection feel so personal and unique.
This book had everything — love, science, emotion, and originality. Even though third person isn’t usually my thing, Nylah’s writing made it easy to fall into this world. A creative, emotional, and addictive read that I won’t forget anytime soon!
November 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — 4.5 stars
The Scandal You Started by Nylah Monroe was such a fun surprise. I’ll admit the beginning felt a little slow, but once the story found its rhythm, I was completely hooked. The time-travel twist gave the whole book a Bridgerton-esque vibe in the best possible way; lush, romantic, and full of drama.
The forbidden romance was absolutely delicious, and I loved watching the modern world collide with the past. The author plays with the tension between eras so well, creating moments that are both charming and emotionally gripping.
If you enjoy time travel, historical atmospheres with a modern edge, and romance that feels both swoony and forbidden, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The Scandal You Started by Nylah Monroe was such a fun surprise. I’ll admit the beginning felt a little slow, but once the story found its rhythm, I was completely hooked. The time-travel twist gave the whole book a Bridgerton-esque vibe in the best possible way; lush, romantic, and full of drama.
The forbidden romance was absolutely delicious, and I loved watching the modern world collide with the past. The author plays with the tension between eras so well, creating moments that are both charming and emotionally gripping.
If you enjoy time travel, historical atmospheres with a modern edge, and romance that feels both swoony and forbidden, this one is definitely worth picking up.
November 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The POTeM lab was interesting. I immediately loved Dominic, Rayna I had to warm up to a bit. My only real complaint was that it felt too long. However, there was plenty to learn about this world, so I had to read at a slower pace.
While on holiday, Rayna is called back to the Past Only Time Machine lab (aka POTeM). The Marquess from the past is causing havoc, and her additional support is needed. She's expecting a pompous, whiny man and is instead greeted by a flirtatious man with a wolfish grin.
Dominic Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland, is not happy to find himself in a strange environment in the future. But when Rayna walks into his room at the lab, he is mesmerized. Determined to get closer to her, he agrees to the lab's project but only if he can work with her. His plan is to charm her every chance he gets.
He wants to be with her, marry her, to love her forever.
The lab has strict rules against romantic relationships, but it was done once before; they just need to find a way to make it happen.
Thanks so much to the author and Greys Promo for this ARC to review.
While on holiday, Rayna is called back to the Past Only Time Machine lab (aka POTeM). The Marquess from the past is causing havoc, and her additional support is needed. She's expecting a pompous, whiny man and is instead greeted by a flirtatious man with a wolfish grin.
Dominic Thorne, the eighth Marquess of Norland, is not happy to find himself in a strange environment in the future. But when Rayna walks into his room at the lab, he is mesmerized. Determined to get closer to her, he agrees to the lab's project but only if he can work with her. His plan is to charm her every chance he gets.
He wants to be with her, marry her, to love her forever.
The lab has strict rules against romantic relationships, but it was done once before; they just need to find a way to make it happen.
Thanks so much to the author and Greys Promo for this ARC to review.
November 5, 2025
Thank you Nylah for the ARC! Here is my honest review.
4,5 stars
For a long time Dominic and Rayna had me in a chokehold, and I loved the banter and the tension. Nylah nailed it with the dual POV and both Dominic and Rayna has their own voice. In a lot of romance the nicknames can be a little bit over done and are used in almost every conversation but Nylah made it work so beautifully.
In a large part of the book it was almost 5 stars, but the only thing I can say is that the calendar made me come out of reading for a while and the same with the presentation of the names of the side characters. On the whole, these are small things. However, I would have liked more of their world and the place Dominic comes from.
Finally, i felt empty after finishing reading and i still miss Dominic and Rayna
4,5 stars
For a long time Dominic and Rayna had me in a chokehold, and I loved the banter and the tension. Nylah nailed it with the dual POV and both Dominic and Rayna has their own voice. In a lot of romance the nicknames can be a little bit over done and are used in almost every conversation but Nylah made it work so beautifully.
In a large part of the book it was almost 5 stars, but the only thing I can say is that the calendar made me come out of reading for a while and the same with the presentation of the names of the side characters. On the whole, these are small things. However, I would have liked more of their world and the place Dominic comes from.
Finally, i felt empty after finishing reading and i still miss Dominic and Rayna
November 7, 2025
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
Omg this book! 😍 A unique love story, with time travel?! How could I not sign up for an ARC! It’s my first time reading a book by Nylah Monroe and I loved reading it! The way she’s built the world, the past & present scenarios and has given readers insight into every city was something I really appreciated. Dominic is a hopeless romantic, while Rayna is a cynical about romance, so when these two meet its fireworks in the most exciting way possible! How they overcome the impossibility of being together, their love blossoming in various time periods was a pleasant read for me and I wish I could travel back in time to read their love story all over again! 🥰
Omg this book! 😍 A unique love story, with time travel?! How could I not sign up for an ARC! It’s my first time reading a book by Nylah Monroe and I loved reading it! The way she’s built the world, the past & present scenarios and has given readers insight into every city was something I really appreciated. Dominic is a hopeless romantic, while Rayna is a cynical about romance, so when these two meet its fireworks in the most exciting way possible! How they overcome the impossibility of being together, their love blossoming in various time periods was a pleasant read for me and I wish I could travel back in time to read their love story all over again! 🥰
November 4, 2025
A huge thank you to Grey's Promotions and Nylah Monroe for the opportunity to read this incredible book as an ARC!
I have to start by saying this is already cemented as one of my favorite reads of the entire year. The Scandal You Started is a 5-star masterpiece that is truly unique, lovely, and completely full of raw, beautiful emotion. It is heartwarming and gut-wrenching in the best possible way; it truly hit me in the feels.
Rayna and Dominic. Their dynamics were everything. The sheer, intense yearning that Dominic had for Rayna was absolutely incredible and unforgettable. The way she wove in their histories and the surrounding lore created a depth I didn't know I needed. It was just everything.
While I absolutely need more of their story, I loved every single moment we got within these pages. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel intensely, dive into this one!
I have to start by saying this is already cemented as one of my favorite reads of the entire year. The Scandal You Started is a 5-star masterpiece that is truly unique, lovely, and completely full of raw, beautiful emotion. It is heartwarming and gut-wrenching in the best possible way; it truly hit me in the feels.
Rayna and Dominic. Their dynamics were everything. The sheer, intense yearning that Dominic had for Rayna was absolutely incredible and unforgettable. The way she wove in their histories and the surrounding lore created a depth I didn't know I needed. It was just everything.
While I absolutely need more of their story, I loved every single moment we got within these pages. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel intensely, dive into this one!
November 5, 2025
This was my first sci-fi romance read and it did not disappoint.
The world building was fantastic, the time travel rules were interesting and the characters were fun and full of depth.
Rayna and Dominic were a joy to read, the chemistry, the yearning, and the spice level was 🔥🔥🔥
If time travel, sci-fi, forbidden love and romantic tension is your thing then add this to your TBR immediately
Thank you Nylah Monroe for the wonderful ARC opportunity 📚
The world building was fantastic, the time travel rules were interesting and the characters were fun and full of depth.
Rayna and Dominic were a joy to read, the chemistry, the yearning, and the spice level was 🔥🔥🔥
If time travel, sci-fi, forbidden love and romantic tension is your thing then add this to your TBR immediately
Thank you Nylah Monroe for the wonderful ARC opportunity 📚
December 6, 2025
Rounding up to 4 stars.
This was exactly what I was expecting for a sci-fi romance. I loved the reverse historical romance aspect. The world building could have been more detailed but since this story is focused heavily on the romance, I don’t super mind.
I do wish we got to see Rayna’s experience in the past with Dominic and his family.
This was exactly what I was expecting for a sci-fi romance. I loved the reverse historical romance aspect. The world building could have been more detailed but since this story is focused heavily on the romance, I don’t super mind.
I do wish we got to see Rayna’s experience in the past with Dominic and his family.
November 5, 2025
I'M OBSESSED.
December 25, 2025
0.5 за обложку
0.5 за идею
0.5 за конфликт
0.5 чисто еще накинула по ощущениям за отдельные моменты
Все остальное - провал
0.5 за идею
0.5 за конфликт
0.5 чисто еще накинула по ощущениям за отдельные моменты
Все остальное - провал
November 18, 2025
Thank you Grey‘s promotion for the ARC.
Simply put this wasn’t for me and I don’t want to bash the author or her writing but I promised myself I would be honest with my reviews.
The cover, the tropes and the blurb all sounded promising but were all misleading in the end.
The world and time travel aspect were interesting but underdeveloped and not fully utilized.
I liked Rayna and her strong stance and opinions but I was instantly uncomfortable with Dominic. He is way too possessive and overbearing with Rayna from the very beginning to the point where he is almost violent. There was nothing remotely attractive about his behaviour and I could not understand how an independent woman like Rayna felt any attraction towards him. To me he was one big red flag. Which is especially sad because he was advertised as a „golden retriever“ type. Is the golden retriever energy in the room with us right now? Because I don’t see it.
All of this coupled with the insta lust just gave me a bad taste. I will never understand how seemingly smart competent people will choose a good fuck over their beloved job. (And this was supposed to be only a good fuck because Rayna didn’t want a relationship). Dominic’s pov in this regard was pretty creepy. He instantly thinks about fucking her when they meet. He doesn’t know anything about her and decides that he is going to have her, preferably right at that moment. Which again doesn’t read very golden retriever or regency gentleman to me. He is pushy and ultimately Rayna is a pushover. All her convictions get thrown out the window. Which seems unrealistic because these two are constantly fighting! That’s almost all they do. They are either fighting, fucking, or jealous because of something inconsequential and if you could not already tell it pissed me off.
Simply put this wasn’t for me and I don’t want to bash the author or her writing but I promised myself I would be honest with my reviews.
The cover, the tropes and the blurb all sounded promising but were all misleading in the end.
The world and time travel aspect were interesting but underdeveloped and not fully utilized.
I liked Rayna and her strong stance and opinions but I was instantly uncomfortable with Dominic. He is way too possessive and overbearing with Rayna from the very beginning to the point where he is almost violent. There was nothing remotely attractive about his behaviour and I could not understand how an independent woman like Rayna felt any attraction towards him. To me he was one big red flag. Which is especially sad because he was advertised as a „golden retriever“ type. Is the golden retriever energy in the room with us right now? Because I don’t see it.
All of this coupled with the insta lust just gave me a bad taste. I will never understand how seemingly smart competent people will choose a good fuck over their beloved job. (And this was supposed to be only a good fuck because Rayna didn’t want a relationship). Dominic’s pov in this regard was pretty creepy. He instantly thinks about fucking her when they meet. He doesn’t know anything about her and decides that he is going to have her, preferably right at that moment. Which again doesn’t read very golden retriever or regency gentleman to me. He is pushy and ultimately Rayna is a pushover. All her convictions get thrown out the window. Which seems unrealistic because these two are constantly fighting! That’s almost all they do. They are either fighting, fucking, or jealous because of something inconsequential and if you could not already tell it pissed me off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
Thanks to Grey’s Promotion for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 2.75 stars rounded up
TL;DR: The Scandal You Started was quite different to what I expected and I have very mixed feelings about it. I struggled with the beginning, skimmed the middle, and found myself enjoying the ending more. I enjoyed the world-building—the concept of POTeM with the time travel and Studies was fun, and I thought the “tregency” era was unique (Monroe combined Georgian/Regency England and Victorian England to create this new era). Monroe created a whole new fictional universe that is similar to ours in many ways but this creative liberty made it easier to suspend disbelief and go with the flow. That said, I struggled to feel invested in the characters and their very insta and lust heavy romance. To say that Dominic becomes obsessed with Rayna at literal first sight is not inaccurate, but it felt a little over much at times. Ngl, he almost had me DNFing the book. That said, if you love a dramatic and cheesy romance where he falls first (and very hard!), and you enjoy historical romance with a sci-fi-lite twist, then you might enjoy this one!
---
I’m gonna start by sharing my appreciation of this cover because it was 99.9% the reason why I requested the book! It’s giving classic romance clinch cover in a modern art style and I’m a big fan! Plus, the combination of the beautiful backdrop with the characters completely lost in each other in the foreground is fantastic—it gives pining and horny, which I think pretty accurately describes the dynamic between our MCs!
Before I picked this up I had no clue this wasn’t set in our world. Monroe creates a fictional one that parallels our own in many ways but with different countries, histories, cultures, and peoples. I got the vibe that it’s maybe South Asian inspired (at least going by the names and descriptions of the characters’ skin tones) but I’m not entirely sure as we unfortunately don’t get to explore it that much. I found the world-building interesting and enjoyed the “tregency” era that Monroe explores. That said, at over 600 pages, this is a pretty long romance and the pacing was quite hit/miss for me, and there is a lot of repetitiveness to the writing, dialogue and interactions.
While this does have a loose plot, it’s still mostly character driven, and I was pretty on the fence about Rayna and Dominic. Rayna is a fiercely independent young woman in her mid-20s who sometimes read older than she was. She’s fiercely against love and marriage and the whole idea of HEA… But that naturally (albeit quite reluctantly) changes as Dominic blasts into her life. I didn’t feel any particular kind of way towards her. There were moments of maturity and immaturity and she had a combative nature that was equally entertaining and trying. On the other hand, I really struggled to like Dominic. That first impression was awful and I have to say that it took ages to improve! I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that no will always mean no. I don't care that he's "from the past" and "from a different time". Rayna challenges Dominic on his actions but he just laughs it off and tries to justify his actions by saying “he didn’t think she was serious?” No, sir. That’s not on. Not to mention how domineering, possessive and jealous he was, especially at the beginning, without any right to be considering the'd only spent a handful of hours and a few days at most with Rayna by that point. It honestly drove me up the wall and I’m ngl, I almost DNF’d because of this man.
Dominic’s off-putting and awfully arrogant attitude led me to actually skimming most of the middle until he and Rayna finally got together. I admittedly continued skimming because of the repetitive nature of their dialogue/interactions; however, I really enjoyed the parts with the museum assignment, and when they’d actually talk to and learn about each other, especially with Dominic coming from the past. It never took long for him to get all possessive and into his head about Rayna being “his” and for the horny thoughts to resurface though (and that's also not to say that she didn't have similarly horny thoughts about him because she definitely had the hots for this bear of a Marquess, lol).
Aside from these two, there were plenty of other characters we encounter throughout the story. Most from the present day were highly involved in Rayna and Dominic’s lives as they all worked together in POTeM. I enjoyed getting to know them and this did have a great “found family” vibe where everyone was very welcoming and they had a great connection with each other. I also really liked how queer normative and diverse this world was! Things got slightly confusing with characters in the past, especially because everyone had a different nickname for Dominic and I could hardly keep up, but it was only a small part of the story so I didn't mind too much.
Obviously, this requires readers to suspend their disbelief and if you can do that, and disregard how easily things fall into place, I think you can enjoy the story. As “simply” as things resolve, I do think it was fitting and didn’t feel too simplistic or unrealistic for this fictional world or the plot. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I found myself enjoying the story much more when we got to the third-act conflict and the angst that generated—I finally felt some feelings and it was great! The ending was also quite satisfying and I enjoyed how things turned out! 🤭
Overall, this was an interesting mash up romance that was very different from what I expected, in both good and not so great ways, although I’m glad that I picked it up and gave it a shot.
TL;DR: The Scandal You Started was quite different to what I expected and I have very mixed feelings about it. I struggled with the beginning, skimmed the middle, and found myself enjoying the ending more. I enjoyed the world-building—the concept of POTeM with the time travel and Studies was fun, and I thought the “tregency” era was unique (Monroe combined Georgian/Regency England and Victorian England to create this new era). Monroe created a whole new fictional universe that is similar to ours in many ways but this creative liberty made it easier to suspend disbelief and go with the flow. That said, I struggled to feel invested in the characters and their very insta and lust heavy romance. To say that Dominic becomes obsessed with Rayna at literal first sight is not inaccurate, but it felt a little over much at times. Ngl, he almost had me DNFing the book. That said, if you love a dramatic and cheesy romance where he falls first (and very hard!), and you enjoy historical romance with a sci-fi-lite twist, then you might enjoy this one!
---
I’m gonna start by sharing my appreciation of this cover because it was 99.9% the reason why I requested the book! It’s giving classic romance clinch cover in a modern art style and I’m a big fan! Plus, the combination of the beautiful backdrop with the characters completely lost in each other in the foreground is fantastic—it gives pining and horny, which I think pretty accurately describes the dynamic between our MCs!
Before I picked this up I had no clue this wasn’t set in our world. Monroe creates a fictional one that parallels our own in many ways but with different countries, histories, cultures, and peoples. I got the vibe that it’s maybe South Asian inspired (at least going by the names and descriptions of the characters’ skin tones) but I’m not entirely sure as we unfortunately don’t get to explore it that much. I found the world-building interesting and enjoyed the “tregency” era that Monroe explores. That said, at over 600 pages, this is a pretty long romance and the pacing was quite hit/miss for me, and there is a lot of repetitiveness to the writing, dialogue and interactions.
While this does have a loose plot, it’s still mostly character driven, and I was pretty on the fence about Rayna and Dominic. Rayna is a fiercely independent young woman in her mid-20s who sometimes read older than she was. She’s fiercely against love and marriage and the whole idea of HEA… But that naturally (albeit quite reluctantly) changes as Dominic blasts into her life. I didn’t feel any particular kind of way towards her. There were moments of maturity and immaturity and she had a combative nature that was equally entertaining and trying. On the other hand, I really struggled to like Dominic. That first impression was awful and I have to say that it took ages to improve! I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that no will always mean no. I don't care that he's "from the past" and "from a different time". Rayna challenges Dominic on his actions but he just laughs it off and tries to justify his actions by saying “he didn’t think she was serious?” No, sir. That’s not on. Not to mention how domineering, possessive and jealous he was, especially at the beginning, without any right to be considering the'd only spent a handful of hours and a few days at most with Rayna by that point. It honestly drove me up the wall and I’m ngl, I almost DNF’d because of this man.
Dominic’s off-putting and awfully arrogant attitude led me to actually skimming most of the middle until he and Rayna finally got together. I admittedly continued skimming because of the repetitive nature of their dialogue/interactions; however, I really enjoyed the parts with the museum assignment, and when they’d actually talk to and learn about each other, especially with Dominic coming from the past. It never took long for him to get all possessive and into his head about Rayna being “his” and for the horny thoughts to resurface though (and that's also not to say that she didn't have similarly horny thoughts about him because she definitely had the hots for this bear of a Marquess, lol).
Aside from these two, there were plenty of other characters we encounter throughout the story. Most from the present day were highly involved in Rayna and Dominic’s lives as they all worked together in POTeM. I enjoyed getting to know them and this did have a great “found family” vibe where everyone was very welcoming and they had a great connection with each other. I also really liked how queer normative and diverse this world was! Things got slightly confusing with characters in the past, especially because everyone had a different nickname for Dominic and I could hardly keep up, but it was only a small part of the story so I didn't mind too much.
Obviously, this requires readers to suspend their disbelief and if you can do that, and disregard how easily things fall into place, I think you can enjoy the story. As “simply” as things resolve, I do think it was fitting and didn’t feel too simplistic or unrealistic for this fictional world or the plot. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I found myself enjoying the story much more when we got to the third-act conflict and the angst that generated—I finally felt some feelings and it was great! The ending was also quite satisfying and I enjoyed how things turned out! 🤭
Overall, this was an interesting mash up romance that was very different from what I expected, in both good and not so great ways, although I’m glad that I picked it up and gave it a shot.
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