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Scandal #3
El escándalo perfecto
Si había algo que Tristan Adam Hargrove, cuarto marqués de Moreland, había aprendido a evitar, era el escándalo. Porque el apuesto marqués no solo era un caballero honorable incapaz de seducir a una mujer en provecho propio. También era el autor de Cómo evitar un escándalo, el célebre libro rojo que se había extendido como un incendio entre la aristocracia londinense.
Cuando una belleza de negra melena llegó a su vecindario, Tristan comprendió que no debía sucumbir al deseo. Sabía muy poco de aquella mujer: solo que era de noble cuna, que se hallaba bajo la protección de la Corona y que era, por tanto, completamente inadecuada para las bajas pasiones a las que él se entregaba en secreto. Si no hubiera visto su vulnerable belleza una noche aciaga... Si sus labios no fueran tan arrebatadoramente rojos... Si no fuera ya demasiado tarde para salvarla a ella, y a sí mismo, de la pasión irrefrenable que estaba a punto de desatarse en nombre del amor... hubiera podido evitar el escándalo.
Cuando una belleza de negra melena llegó a su vecindario, Tristan comprendió que no debía sucumbir al deseo. Sabía muy poco de aquella mujer: solo que era de noble cuna, que se hallaba bajo la protección de la Corona y que era, por tanto, completamente inadecuada para las bajas pasiones a las que él se entregaba en secreto. Si no hubiera visto su vulnerable belleza una noche aciaga... Si sus labios no fueran tan arrebatadoramente rojos... Si no fuera ya demasiado tarde para salvarla a ella, y a sí mismo, de la pasión irrefrenable que estaba a punto de desatarse en nombre del amor... hubiera podido evitar el escándalo.
220 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2011
15 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Marvelle
38 books522 followersI spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribed endless stories that almost invariably surrounded the topic of love, for I felt an inane need to be rescued from a family that did not understand my lust for life. In my mind, King Arthur became my true love and I waited for the day when he would come riding upon his steed and invite me to sit at his round table, not as his queen, but as his knight. To my distress, King Arthur was never to be found anywhere except for in the tip of my quill. And so I led an imaginary life for many, many years. When I finally came of age, my family was further horrified to discover that I had fallen in love with an American. An American King Arthur who became my knight, my husband, my all. I have been blessed beyond reason and am grateful for each day I have with him. What is equally amazing is that I now have the opportunity to share my passion for stories with the public. The reason why I write romance is because it allows me to touch upon the subject of love on a much deeper, more intimate level. Many of the stories I write, many of the stories I will continue to write, will always evolve around love. And yes, gentle readers, it will also evolve around sex as I have no intention of becoming my parents and restraining my characters from what it is they truly desire to do. I challenge you, my readers, to let loose of those corsets that have been strung too tightly due to convention and enjoy 1830 to its fullest."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 28, 2011
4.5*
Ok I'm a biased fangurl. I also have a weakness for carriage luv & the 'luv thyself' theme, but I'd give this book 10* just for the heartbreaking, bone-melting, swoon-worthy, CPR-inducing, self-mutilating hero. DM, the queen of wounded souls, really didn't hold back on the cwazy family HX here (incest, adultery, staged death, secret royal blood, pre-arranged engagement), but plot-wise, it lost a leg (no pun intended) towards the end. I wish the external conflict didn't overshadow the internal 1.
How can I not luv a broken hawtie who's so in luv w/ heroine that he's willing to sacrifice everything @ all costs 'cuz she's the 1 & only who can "understand" him ? And to put frosting on the sublime toffee crunch cake, he shows his true grit & wants to be a bettah man for heroine, by picking up her political crusade during their forced separation. My gawd, I want him to jump outta the pages & come alive. If that's not unconditional luv, I dunno what the hell is. I also liked that despite her physical limitations, self-reliant Zosia is the aggressive go-getter in their unusual, playful courtship. Gotta say I was kinda let down that there's a teaser that Tristan has a penchant for whips, but it's all much ado 'bout nuffink. No show, only tell.
Fav Marvelle-ism :
"I can barely breathe out of my own damn want."
Ok I'm a biased fangurl. I also have a weakness for carriage luv & the 'luv thyself' theme, but I'd give this book 10* just for the heartbreaking, bone-melting, swoon-worthy, CPR-inducing, self-mutilating hero. DM, the queen of wounded souls, really didn't hold back on the cwazy family HX here (incest, adultery, staged death, secret royal blood, pre-arranged engagement), but plot-wise, it lost a leg (no pun intended) towards the end. I wish the external conflict didn't overshadow the internal 1.
How can I not luv a broken hawtie who's so in luv w/ heroine that he's willing to sacrifice everything @ all costs 'cuz she's the 1 & only who can "understand" him ? And to put frosting on the sublime toffee crunch cake, he shows his true grit & wants to be a bettah man for heroine, by picking up her political crusade during their forced separation. My gawd, I want him to jump outta the pages & come alive. If that's not unconditional luv, I dunno what the hell is. I also liked that despite her physical limitations, self-reliant Zosia is the aggressive go-getter in their unusual, playful courtship. Gotta say I was kinda let down that there's a teaser that Tristan has a penchant for whips, but it's all much ado 'bout nuffink. No show, only tell.
Fav Marvelle-ism :
"I can barely breathe out of my own damn want."
February 6, 2011
This book surprised me. This is my first Delilah Marvelle story, and I have to say, I'm pretty taken with her style.
What worked for me:
* I loved that the heroine was physically disabled, and that the hero was a cutter. Yes. You heard me right. He was a cutter. The whole thing was handled, in my opinion, absolutely beautifully, and fully explored the self-loathing, shame, and social stigma that a cutter would experience, as well as compassion and understanding instead of making him out to be a freak. Loved it.
* I really like the political undertone. It makes the story a little "heavy", but there's just something about books where the main characters are completely impotent against higher machinations of those in power.
* I also enjoyed the bits about the Polish revolution, including the short "history lesson" at the end.
* The hot bits? Nice 'n' sizzlin!
What didn't work for me:
* Some of the angst was a bit heavy. The separation of hero and heroine, the fear of forced marriage for political reasons, and family issues all stacked on top of each other to make it kind of a rough read at times.
* I was also disappointed that there wasn't any kink in any of the love scenes... When a story has the hero fantasizing about the heroine in the role of Dominatrix, you kind of expect a little.. well.. kink lol
Overall, I was highly impressed, and will definitely read her work in the future.
A solid 4/5 Stars
What worked for me:
* I loved that the heroine was physically disabled, and that the hero was a cutter. Yes. You heard me right. He was a cutter. The whole thing was handled, in my opinion, absolutely beautifully, and fully explored the self-loathing, shame, and social stigma that a cutter would experience, as well as compassion and understanding instead of making him out to be a freak. Loved it.
* I really like the political undertone. It makes the story a little "heavy", but there's just something about books where the main characters are completely impotent against higher machinations of those in power.
* I also enjoyed the bits about the Polish revolution, including the short "history lesson" at the end.
* The hot bits? Nice 'n' sizzlin!
What didn't work for me:
* Some of the angst was a bit heavy. The separation of hero and heroine, the fear of forced marriage for political reasons, and family issues all stacked on top of each other to make it kind of a rough read at times.
* I was also disappointed that there wasn't any kink in any of the love scenes... When a story has the hero fantasizing about the heroine in the role of Dominatrix, you kind of expect a little.. well.. kink lol
Overall, I was highly impressed, and will definitely read her work in the future.
A solid 4/5 Stars
no-thank-you
September 19, 2018Is there some kind of romance trope where the able-bodied MC takes away the disabled MC's mobility aid (crutches in this case) and it's presented as a good thing - rather than abusive, which it really is? Because this is the second book where I've run across this and I am not impressed.
December 19, 2014
Countess Zosia of Poland needs to marry soon. Though the King of England, who happens to be her guardian, is determined to marry her with an insignificant aristrocrat and keep her away from the political scene, she has different plans. She wants to marry someone who's active in the House of Lords, someone who is willing to fight for her cause to help Poland against the Russian oppresion.
Enter Lord Moreland, her neighboor and also a Marquis who's a tactic member in the House of Lords. Lord Moreland is respectable, intelligent and not bad to look at; Hence, the perfect candidate for Zosia's plans. When Zosia captures his attention one night, it's obvious they would fit well together. Their dialogues are witty, their scenes are funny and they seem to understand one another. But both Zosia and Tristan have skeletons in their closets. Tristan is a cutter; he actually finds relief and pleasure in cutting himself with a blade. He also has submissive tendencies in sex and is quite fond of whips. These characteristics make him feel ashamed and unworthy of a decent woman. Zosia on the other hand, a great beauty and most soughted after bride once, has lost her leg in an accident and she hardly believes any man will find her attractive as she is now.
What starts as a plan to help her country, soon becomes an affair of the heart. Though Moreland is attracted to her from the start, it's Zosia who comes to realize that Moreland could be so much more than a husband; he could be the love of her life.
What I liked:
1. The fact that Zosia never lied to Moreland about the reasons she wanted to marry him and her plans.
2. Moreland. The man was dedicated, selfless, devoted, passionate, sweet and tortured by his feelings of shame and unworthiness.
3. The angst and intensity that cracked my heart at some points, mixed well with humorous scenes like Zosia's suitors making a line in the square.
4. The writing, though it had something different from usual historical romances, had a freshness and quality I enjoyed.
5. The fact that Zosia was a practical woman and acted as such. She did not fall or pretend to fall, in love with Moreland at first sight. She became attracted to him more and more, the better she got to know him, which I find quite refreshing and realistic.
What I didn't like:
1. It took me quite a long time to get into Zosia's head and heart. Since most of the story was told from Moreland's POV, it was after 1/3 of the book that I could finally say I knew what kind of woman Zosia was.
2. Moreland's submissive tendencies and whips turning to ashes. A subject raised in the first chapters and promptly forgotten later. It's a bad attitude to raise expectations you're not intending to answer.
3. The anticlimatic ending, due to too much politics taking the front seat. I realy, really disliked that, especially after some of the most angsty and emotional scenes I've recently read. Taking the focus out of the leading couple in the final chapters, was the worst mistake of this book in my opinion.
All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot and would be willing to read another by the same author, providing no politics were involved this time. Though there were parts where I grew slightly bored, the parts that were told well, were extremely good and made up for any displeasure I had in between. Had the ending been different, this could even be a 4.5 book for me.
Enter Lord Moreland, her neighboor and also a Marquis who's a tactic member in the House of Lords. Lord Moreland is respectable, intelligent and not bad to look at; Hence, the perfect candidate for Zosia's plans. When Zosia captures his attention one night, it's obvious they would fit well together. Their dialogues are witty, their scenes are funny and they seem to understand one another. But both Zosia and Tristan have skeletons in their closets. Tristan is a cutter; he actually finds relief and pleasure in cutting himself with a blade. He also has submissive tendencies in sex and is quite fond of whips. These characteristics make him feel ashamed and unworthy of a decent woman. Zosia on the other hand, a great beauty and most soughted after bride once, has lost her leg in an accident and she hardly believes any man will find her attractive as she is now.
What starts as a plan to help her country, soon becomes an affair of the heart. Though Moreland is attracted to her from the start, it's Zosia who comes to realize that Moreland could be so much more than a husband; he could be the love of her life.
What I liked:
1. The fact that Zosia never lied to Moreland about the reasons she wanted to marry him and her plans.
2. Moreland. The man was dedicated, selfless, devoted, passionate, sweet and tortured by his feelings of shame and unworthiness.
3. The angst and intensity that cracked my heart at some points, mixed well with humorous scenes like Zosia's suitors making a line in the square.
4. The writing, though it had something different from usual historical romances, had a freshness and quality I enjoyed.
5. The fact that Zosia was a practical woman and acted as such. She did not fall or pretend to fall, in love with Moreland at first sight. She became attracted to him more and more, the better she got to know him, which I find quite refreshing and realistic.
What I didn't like:
1. It took me quite a long time to get into Zosia's head and heart. Since most of the story was told from Moreland's POV, it was after 1/3 of the book that I could finally say I knew what kind of woman Zosia was.
2. Moreland's submissive tendencies and whips turning to ashes. A subject raised in the first chapters and promptly forgotten later. It's a bad attitude to raise expectations you're not intending to answer.
3. The anticlimatic ending, due to too much politics taking the front seat. I realy, really disliked that, especially after some of the most angsty and emotional scenes I've recently read. Taking the focus out of the leading couple in the final chapters, was the worst mistake of this book in my opinion.
All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot and would be willing to read another by the same author, providing no politics were involved this time. Though there were parts where I grew slightly bored, the parts that were told well, were extremely good and made up for any displeasure I had in between. Had the ending been different, this could even be a 4.5 book for me.
April 15, 2015
Es una final amargo para una trilogía que me estaba gustando mucho.
El principal inconveniente ha sido el enamoramiento precipitado de los protagonistas. En tan sólo 5 días se aman y están obsesionados el uno del otro.
Si le apruebo es por la originalidad de los personajes. No había leído nunca un libro de época donde el protagonista masculino se autolesionase o en la que la protagonista tuviera esa 'Sorpresa'.
Me ha parecido muy curioso que eligiera a esos protagonistas, ya que son una parte de la sociedad que en los libros de época se sabía que existía, pero muy pocas escritoras se han atrevido a tratar el tema.
El principal inconveniente ha sido el enamoramiento precipitado de los protagonistas. En tan sólo 5 días se aman y están obsesionados el uno del otro.
Si le apruebo es por la originalidad de los personajes. No había leído nunca un libro de época donde el protagonista masculino se autolesionase o en la que la protagonista tuviera esa 'Sorpresa'.
Me ha parecido muy curioso que eligiera a esos protagonistas, ya que son una parte de la sociedad que en los libros de época se sabía que existía, pero muy pocas escritoras se han atrevido a tratar el tema.
March 15, 2015
Would have been better if the hero wasn't a hypocrite and conceited for requiring that his wife be a virgin, when he was not...
March 22, 2011
The first chapter of this book is deceptive. It starts with a scandalous flirtation between an uptight Englishman and a irresistible woman of unknown origin under a moonlit window. A light frothy romance was my initial reaction after reading chapter one.
However, I was wrong. As we get to know the characters we are introduced to the emotional and physical flaws that plague them. This book is ultimately about the power of love to transform two individuals who accept each other unconditionally and find passion and understanding which they had both feared would never be theirs.
I feel the first chapter of the book captures how we all wear masks to the world in order to b acepted by those we want to impress. Tristan, our 'Hero' is so desparate to appear the proper gentleman that he even authors a book called 'How to Avoid a Scandal' which he has delivered to our 'Heroine' Zosia for her unlady like behavior. Underneath Tristan's dull upright facade however lies a lonely man who feels unloved and isolated due to the senselessly tragic deaths of his parents and the scars they left behind. This translates into self-mutilating behavior that he feels if known by the rest of the world would make him an outcast in an unforgiving and cruel society.
When he meets the physically disabled Zosia it's as if he has found the key to his salvation. Zosia herself is spirited and beautiful but has given up on finding love due to her fear that she will never find someone who would desire her due to her imperfections.
After they actually meet in person, it is as if they have found the missing part of each other's soul. The total acceptance is apparent from the beginning. Tristan feels he has met someone who he can share his feelings of shame and not be rediculed, but loved for the man he is. For Zosia it is as if she has found the loving man who is willing to give up everything to support the woman he loves who is dedicated to a bigger cause.
The book is not perfect, but it is lovely none the less. There is no angst regarding doubt about each other's feelings rather there are circumstances they must overcome which are beyond their control. There is a sweet, if rushed HEA, but there is true depth of character which is often lacking in many historical romances.
However, I was wrong. As we get to know the characters we are introduced to the emotional and physical flaws that plague them. This book is ultimately about the power of love to transform two individuals who accept each other unconditionally and find passion and understanding which they had both feared would never be theirs.
I feel the first chapter of the book captures how we all wear masks to the world in order to b acepted by those we want to impress. Tristan, our 'Hero' is so desparate to appear the proper gentleman that he even authors a book called 'How to Avoid a Scandal' which he has delivered to our 'Heroine' Zosia for her unlady like behavior. Underneath Tristan's dull upright facade however lies a lonely man who feels unloved and isolated due to the senselessly tragic deaths of his parents and the scars they left behind. This translates into self-mutilating behavior that he feels if known by the rest of the world would make him an outcast in an unforgiving and cruel society.
When he meets the physically disabled Zosia it's as if he has found the key to his salvation. Zosia herself is spirited and beautiful but has given up on finding love due to her fear that she will never find someone who would desire her due to her imperfections.
After they actually meet in person, it is as if they have found the missing part of each other's soul. The total acceptance is apparent from the beginning. Tristan feels he has met someone who he can share his feelings of shame and not be rediculed, but loved for the man he is. For Zosia it is as if she has found the loving man who is willing to give up everything to support the woman he loves who is dedicated to a bigger cause.
The book is not perfect, but it is lovely none the less. There is no angst regarding doubt about each other's feelings rather there are circumstances they must overcome which are beyond their control. There is a sweet, if rushed HEA, but there is true depth of character which is often lacking in many historical romances.
March 7, 2011
This series was excellent, but there was something about Tristan and Zosia that really set them apart for me. I think there is no denying that these two were both unusual; Zosia lost her leg, and Tristan is a cutter and has submissive tendencies. They see something in each other - Tristan is drawn to her lightness, her lack of self-consciousness and beauty; Zosia first appreciates his position in society, and then later his beauty and strength of character. Their story is quite wrapped into a larger political story, of Poland and Russia's power struggle and Britain's changing religious political structure. While I don't usually feel that politics fit well into my romance tastes, Zosia's passion for her people and Tristan's earnestness in making the House "right," felt true to the personalities of our h/h, and not just a plot tool. I wish that the addition of a forced marriage hadn't been added to the plot, but overall it didn't really detract from my overall enjoy of the story. The secondary characters of his Majesty, Tristan's grandmother Camille, and Maksim were great foils - flawed people as well, stuck as flunkies in a larger world play. Seeing his Majesty turn to Camille was unusual (almost like seeing the man behind the curtain), and Camille's agoraphobia made me want to read more. I felt that this was a more thoughtful romance than I was expecting, and it is definitely on my re-read list.
March 15, 2016
What an awesome read!!! I have to be truthful, I had been struggling with this series, because the subject matter of the last two books had been extremely edgy. So I let this book set on my TBR, passing it up time and again. Finally I picked it up and should have had more faith in DM to rock my world. OMGosh this book was so good! Tristan HAS issues and in order to gain control of them, he keeps his world on an extremely tight leash. Once he met Zosia however, his tight little world began to unravel quickly. Once he saw the situation that Zosia and her situation is one that I have never read in a romance book and was surprised and pleased. He started to get better and believe in his changes his whole world began to change. If you haven't read DM this is a very powerful read to start with. Ty DM for such a wonderful read!
do-not-read
May 20, 2019I will not be reading this based on this review, which describes ableist abusive behavior on the part of the love interest.
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April 21, 2018
Leido en Diciembre 2014
Me gustó mucho la historia y los personajes!!
Me gustó mucho la historia y los personajes!!
March 13, 2020
3 Stars
April 12, 2019
Countess Zosia dari Polandia hidup dalam pengasingan di Inggris. Dia sudah mengamati terus tetangganya, Tristan, Lord Moreland yg tampan dan saat mereka bertemu, Zosia menyatakan dgn blak-blakan menginginkan Moreland sbg suaminya. Moreland tentu saja terkejut dgn keberanian Zosia ini, tetapi enggan krn beda agama.
Tapi Moreland sulit menepiskan pikirannya dari Zosia. Saat berikutnya mengunjungi gadis ini, Moreland dihadapkan pd kekurangan gadis ini, Zosia cacat dan hanya berkaki satu. Moreland tidak mundur, bahkan ketertarikannya bertambah krn kecerdasan wanita ini. Moreland sendiri punya perilaku self-injury yaitu menggores kulit dadanya dgn pisau dan senang menyakiti dirinya sendiri dgn cambuk. Moreland mulai dihadapkan pd situasi pelik saat neneknya membuka identitas rahasia Zosia.
Moreland hrs kabur ke New York, AS jika ingin hidup berbahagia bersama Zosia. Tapi Zosia sendiri punya aspirasi dan ambisi utk kemerdekaan Polandia dari jajahan Rusia. Dan saat mereka hampir berhasil melarikan diri, mereka justru tertangkap oleh Maksim, suruhan tsar Rusia. Zosia terpaksa diserahkan kpd Maksim oleh Moreland. Maksim sendiri ternyata pria pujaan hati Zosia selama ini. Bagaimana nasib percintaan mereka? Apakah jarak akan memisahkan mereka?
Ceritanya sebenarnya cukup menarik utk background silsilah Zosia, sbg cucu haram Empress Catherine the Great, tsarina Rusia terbesar sepanjang sejarah. Tetapi percintaan Zosia dan Moreland cenderung biasa saja, walaupun banyak hambatan politik yg terbentang diantara mereka, konflik kurang tergali menurut saya. Kecenderungan Moreland utk self-injury hanya speak-up saja, tidak ada penggambaran visualisasinya di novel ini. Dan keahlian Moreland sbg author ttg cara menghindari skandal, rasanya gak gitu nyambung dgn jalan ceritanya deh. Untung sedikit terbantu dgn kecerdasan Zosia dlm berdiplomasi dgn Raja Inggris dan Kaisar Rusia. Itu saja deh reviewnya.
Tapi Moreland sulit menepiskan pikirannya dari Zosia. Saat berikutnya mengunjungi gadis ini, Moreland dihadapkan pd kekurangan gadis ini, Zosia cacat dan hanya berkaki satu. Moreland tidak mundur, bahkan ketertarikannya bertambah krn kecerdasan wanita ini. Moreland sendiri punya perilaku self-injury yaitu menggores kulit dadanya dgn pisau dan senang menyakiti dirinya sendiri dgn cambuk. Moreland mulai dihadapkan pd situasi pelik saat neneknya membuka identitas rahasia Zosia.
Moreland hrs kabur ke New York, AS jika ingin hidup berbahagia bersama Zosia. Tapi Zosia sendiri punya aspirasi dan ambisi utk kemerdekaan Polandia dari jajahan Rusia. Dan saat mereka hampir berhasil melarikan diri, mereka justru tertangkap oleh Maksim, suruhan tsar Rusia. Zosia terpaksa diserahkan kpd Maksim oleh Moreland. Maksim sendiri ternyata pria pujaan hati Zosia selama ini. Bagaimana nasib percintaan mereka? Apakah jarak akan memisahkan mereka?
Ceritanya sebenarnya cukup menarik utk background silsilah Zosia, sbg cucu haram Empress Catherine the Great, tsarina Rusia terbesar sepanjang sejarah. Tetapi percintaan Zosia dan Moreland cenderung biasa saja, walaupun banyak hambatan politik yg terbentang diantara mereka, konflik kurang tergali menurut saya. Kecenderungan Moreland utk self-injury hanya speak-up saja, tidak ada penggambaran visualisasinya di novel ini. Dan keahlian Moreland sbg author ttg cara menghindari skandal, rasanya gak gitu nyambung dgn jalan ceritanya deh. Untung sedikit terbantu dgn kecerdasan Zosia dlm berdiplomasi dgn Raja Inggris dan Kaisar Rusia. Itu saja deh reviewnya.
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July 1, 2020Review Soon!
February 12, 2011
As a heads up, today's book is Rated R, but my review will be Rated G.
I am talking about
The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
I got an advanced review copy from NetGalley. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
The Perfect Scandal is the third book in Delilah Marvelle's Scandal series.
I review the second book in the series, Once Upon A Scandal earlier, and you can read that review here.
The Perfect Scandal is the story of a young Polish woman, Zosia who has recently moved to London, across the street from Moreland. Immediately they are struck by each other, but the two are entirely different; Zosia is very forward and frank, something uncommon in "polite society" whereas Moreland is determined to constantly maintain the appearance of being polite and proper at all times. In fact, he is even the author of a famous book, How To Avoid A Scandal, which instructs ladies on the ways to avoid having a scandal associated with their names.
Zosia has great interest in Moreland, but he refrains, feeling, among other things, that he is unworthy to ever be loved, and that no woman could actually accept him with his faults. Little does he know that Zosia is far from perfect and has faults of her own she worries about, namely having lost a leg in a terrible accident.
As their paths begin to intertwine, the two feel comfortable enough to open up about their flaws, Zosia about her missing leg, and Moreland about his horrible habit of cutting himself with a razor when under stress. As Zosia accepts him readily for who he is, passing no judgment on him, he begins to feel that maybe, just maybe he could have finally found a woman that will not be scared off by the truth of his dark past, and by the fact that though he hasn't cut himself him over a year, he still carries the razor with him every day.
Moreland approaches his grandmother, who is the cousin of the King, to find out more about Zosia, and discovers that she is under the watch of the King because she has a past that he is trying to keep hidden from her. While Zosia has been raised Polish and feels very passionate towards advocating for freedom for her people from the reign of the Russians, it turns out that she herself is Russian royalty, her father having been the previous Emperor.
The Russians, having found Zosia's location, come to claim her just as he and Zosia have fallen deeply for each other and agreed to be one another's forever. Moreland decides that he must take her away, to the United States, where she can advocate for her country away from the dangers of being married off to a "nobody" in London. But, he knows he must forever hide who she truly is from her if he is going to do this.
As they make their escape in the dark of the night, Moreland finds themselves being chased by the Russians who are eager to take her back to her rightful place in the Russian court.
Will the secret that Moreland has hidden from her destroy Zosia when she finds out that she is, in fact, one of the people she so greatly despises? Will Moreland lose her if she chooses to take her seat in the Russian court in order to fight for the Polish people? What will Zosia have to give up in order to fight for her people, and can the two be together while achieving their goals?
Read The Perfect Scandal to find out!
While I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous one, I still found it well written and intriguing. It has a few scenes that are rated R, that's all the detail I need to give, so if that is not your type of reading, then this book isn't for you.
I thought it truly was a compelling story of a woman torn between who she thought she was born and the past that had been hidden from her. I wish that it had tied in more with the previous book, but there was only one passing mention of characters from the previous book, other than that it was entirely different.
That being said these books do not have to be read as a series in order, you can read them individually and lose nothing.
I'd say 3 out of 5 stars.
I am talking about
The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
I got an advanced review copy from NetGalley. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
The Perfect Scandal is the third book in Delilah Marvelle's Scandal series.
I review the second book in the series, Once Upon A Scandal earlier, and you can read that review here.
The Perfect Scandal is the story of a young Polish woman, Zosia who has recently moved to London, across the street from Moreland. Immediately they are struck by each other, but the two are entirely different; Zosia is very forward and frank, something uncommon in "polite society" whereas Moreland is determined to constantly maintain the appearance of being polite and proper at all times. In fact, he is even the author of a famous book, How To Avoid A Scandal, which instructs ladies on the ways to avoid having a scandal associated with their names.
Zosia has great interest in Moreland, but he refrains, feeling, among other things, that he is unworthy to ever be loved, and that no woman could actually accept him with his faults. Little does he know that Zosia is far from perfect and has faults of her own she worries about, namely having lost a leg in a terrible accident.
As their paths begin to intertwine, the two feel comfortable enough to open up about their flaws, Zosia about her missing leg, and Moreland about his horrible habit of cutting himself with a razor when under stress. As Zosia accepts him readily for who he is, passing no judgment on him, he begins to feel that maybe, just maybe he could have finally found a woman that will not be scared off by the truth of his dark past, and by the fact that though he hasn't cut himself him over a year, he still carries the razor with him every day.
Moreland approaches his grandmother, who is the cousin of the King, to find out more about Zosia, and discovers that she is under the watch of the King because she has a past that he is trying to keep hidden from her. While Zosia has been raised Polish and feels very passionate towards advocating for freedom for her people from the reign of the Russians, it turns out that she herself is Russian royalty, her father having been the previous Emperor.
The Russians, having found Zosia's location, come to claim her just as he and Zosia have fallen deeply for each other and agreed to be one another's forever. Moreland decides that he must take her away, to the United States, where she can advocate for her country away from the dangers of being married off to a "nobody" in London. But, he knows he must forever hide who she truly is from her if he is going to do this.
As they make their escape in the dark of the night, Moreland finds themselves being chased by the Russians who are eager to take her back to her rightful place in the Russian court.
Will the secret that Moreland has hidden from her destroy Zosia when she finds out that she is, in fact, one of the people she so greatly despises? Will Moreland lose her if she chooses to take her seat in the Russian court in order to fight for the Polish people? What will Zosia have to give up in order to fight for her people, and can the two be together while achieving their goals?
Read The Perfect Scandal to find out!
While I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous one, I still found it well written and intriguing. It has a few scenes that are rated R, that's all the detail I need to give, so if that is not your type of reading, then this book isn't for you.
I thought it truly was a compelling story of a woman torn between who she thought she was born and the past that had been hidden from her. I wish that it had tied in more with the previous book, but there was only one passing mention of characters from the previous book, other than that it was entirely different.
That being said these books do not have to be read as a series in order, you can read them individually and lose nothing.
I'd say 3 out of 5 stars.
February 23, 2011
*Note: Read and reviewed for The Season for Romance.
Tristan leads a very quiet life and always strives to be the perfect gentleman. He does so because he has a dark secret that he’s ashamed of. A secret few understand, including his grandmother. Raised by his grandmother after his parents double-suicide, she knows all too well the struggles he has faced and somewhat overcome. Unfortunately, even as a grown man well into his twenties, he still lives in the shadows of his vice.
Zosia was extricated from her homeland of Poland and has become a prisoner of sorts in her London townhouse. Without explanation, she is placed in the custody of the English King and is told she must marry a suitable Englishman. She accepts her fate and set her eyes on Tristan whom she has been watching from afar. She knows that he is everything her ideal husband should be: handsome, an upstanding member of society and most importantly, has great political connections.
One evening while Tristan is going for an evening walk, he spies his beautiful neighbor sitting by the window as she brushes her hair. He is transfixed. She catches him watching her, opens the window and strikes up a rather unorthodox conversation with him. He is dumbfounded by her lack of manners, well, lack of by English standards. He is initially put-off by her, but he is also intrigued. After paying her a visit one day, he learns she is an amputee. She has lost part of one of her legs when part of a building collapsed on her during a fire. Despite her situation, she remains entirely independent and self-confident.
Tristan and Zosia begin spending more time together and learning about each other. Tristan decides to reveal his deep, dark secret and to his pleasant surprise, found Zosia to be very compassionate. He quickly develops feelings for her and when he discovers the King himself is her guardian, he seeks his grandmother’s help in gaining the King’s consent on their marriage. He soon learns more about her than he bargains for. Zosia herself is unaware of her own history and the pivotal role she will play in Russian and Polish politics.
This review was a bit challenging to write for me because there was so much going on in this book. There was a depth and intensity to this novel that is rarely found in regency romances. Tristan’s secret is something I would not have expected from his character. Zosia is so much more than a pretty face. She is very politically astute and has grand ambitions to help save the people of her country. Together, they are a very complex, interesting and passionate pair.
Amidst the developing relationship between these two, Delilah also gave us great insight into the actual political relationship between Russia and Poland during the 18th century. However, although very interesting, the political undertones made the story a bit heavy and difficult to follow at times.
I like it when I can escape into a novel and be completely absorbed by it, but I love it when I can do that while learning something historically relevant. Delilah wraps up this trilogy with an impressive tale of two damaged people who find hope, love and acceptance in each other.
Tristan leads a very quiet life and always strives to be the perfect gentleman. He does so because he has a dark secret that he’s ashamed of. A secret few understand, including his grandmother. Raised by his grandmother after his parents double-suicide, she knows all too well the struggles he has faced and somewhat overcome. Unfortunately, even as a grown man well into his twenties, he still lives in the shadows of his vice.
Zosia was extricated from her homeland of Poland and has become a prisoner of sorts in her London townhouse. Without explanation, she is placed in the custody of the English King and is told she must marry a suitable Englishman. She accepts her fate and set her eyes on Tristan whom she has been watching from afar. She knows that he is everything her ideal husband should be: handsome, an upstanding member of society and most importantly, has great political connections.
One evening while Tristan is going for an evening walk, he spies his beautiful neighbor sitting by the window as she brushes her hair. He is transfixed. She catches him watching her, opens the window and strikes up a rather unorthodox conversation with him. He is dumbfounded by her lack of manners, well, lack of by English standards. He is initially put-off by her, but he is also intrigued. After paying her a visit one day, he learns she is an amputee. She has lost part of one of her legs when part of a building collapsed on her during a fire. Despite her situation, she remains entirely independent and self-confident.
Tristan and Zosia begin spending more time together and learning about each other. Tristan decides to reveal his deep, dark secret and to his pleasant surprise, found Zosia to be very compassionate. He quickly develops feelings for her and when he discovers the King himself is her guardian, he seeks his grandmother’s help in gaining the King’s consent on their marriage. He soon learns more about her than he bargains for. Zosia herself is unaware of her own history and the pivotal role she will play in Russian and Polish politics.
This review was a bit challenging to write for me because there was so much going on in this book. There was a depth and intensity to this novel that is rarely found in regency romances. Tristan’s secret is something I would not have expected from his character. Zosia is so much more than a pretty face. She is very politically astute and has grand ambitions to help save the people of her country. Together, they are a very complex, interesting and passionate pair.
Amidst the developing relationship between these two, Delilah also gave us great insight into the actual political relationship between Russia and Poland during the 18th century. However, although very interesting, the political undertones made the story a bit heavy and difficult to follow at times.
I like it when I can escape into a novel and be completely absorbed by it, but I love it when I can do that while learning something historically relevant. Delilah wraps up this trilogy with an impressive tale of two damaged people who find hope, love and acceptance in each other.
February 17, 2011
2.5/5 (C-)
This is my first novel by Ms Marvelle. I've been meaning to try her books out after meeting her at RT. Not only is she an awesome lady, but her historical romances all have interesting, unusual premises. In The Perfect Scandal, what is unusual is that our hero is a cutter. While he has not cut himself in a number of years, he cannot go anywhere without his razor case. I thought it made Tristan very unusual and then add in the Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska from Poland and you get something very unique :)
Unfortunately, the setting was not enough to make me love this book and I had a couple of issues with The Perfect Scandal. There was a lot of psychology in this book, especially when it came to Tristan... I think it was a bit too much and I didn't grasp everything ^_^; Then, there was the romance. I liked Tristan and Zosia's first encounter, I thought it was cute... However, after that, I don't know, I never felt a real connection between the two. They met, Zosia tells Tristan to calls on her. He doesn't and tries his best to avoid her, but then finally caves. After a few encounters, Tristan was ready to give up everything and run away to America to live happily ever after with Zosia? I find that quite hard to believe. I felt the romance was rushed and so, hard to buy it :( Then you add in the period of separation between Tristan and Zosia and yeah, the romance just didn't work for me.
This was going to be an okay book till Zosia's identity was revealed. That was quite the surprise and very interesting. Once again, it's the kind of stuff that I enjoy reading, conspiracy, secrets, etc. It was even better by the fact that Zosia was absolutely not aware of it :) I do think Tristan took the right decision, letting her know... even if it changed her whole life and view on life. This really saved the book for me :)
In the end, I feel there was a lack of balance in The Perfect Scandal between the characters development, the romance and the storyline. As a result, the book felt quite chunky, as if it was made of many parts. The storyline was quite interesting and I enjoyed the way everything was tied up together. Unfortunately, the romance and characters did not live up to the storyline and premises and failed to engage me :( By the way, I did find it cute that for once, it was the hero who was writing a book about propriety :) That was very cute, but unfortunately, superfluous ^_^;
This is my first novel by Ms Marvelle. I've been meaning to try her books out after meeting her at RT. Not only is she an awesome lady, but her historical romances all have interesting, unusual premises. In The Perfect Scandal, what is unusual is that our hero is a cutter. While he has not cut himself in a number of years, he cannot go anywhere without his razor case. I thought it made Tristan very unusual and then add in the Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska from Poland and you get something very unique :)
Unfortunately, the setting was not enough to make me love this book and I had a couple of issues with The Perfect Scandal. There was a lot of psychology in this book, especially when it came to Tristan... I think it was a bit too much and I didn't grasp everything ^_^; Then, there was the romance. I liked Tristan and Zosia's first encounter, I thought it was cute... However, after that, I don't know, I never felt a real connection between the two. They met, Zosia tells Tristan to calls on her. He doesn't and tries his best to avoid her, but then finally caves. After a few encounters, Tristan was ready to give up everything and run away to America to live happily ever after with Zosia? I find that quite hard to believe. I felt the romance was rushed and so, hard to buy it :( Then you add in the period of separation between Tristan and Zosia and yeah, the romance just didn't work for me.
This was going to be an okay book till Zosia's identity was revealed. That was quite the surprise and very interesting. Once again, it's the kind of stuff that I enjoy reading, conspiracy, secrets, etc. It was even better by the fact that Zosia was absolutely not aware of it :) I do think Tristan took the right decision, letting her know... even if it changed her whole life and view on life. This really saved the book for me :)
In the end, I feel there was a lack of balance in The Perfect Scandal between the characters development, the romance and the storyline. As a result, the book felt quite chunky, as if it was made of many parts. The storyline was quite interesting and I enjoyed the way everything was tied up together. Unfortunately, the romance and characters did not live up to the storyline and premises and failed to engage me :( By the way, I did find it cute that for once, it was the hero who was writing a book about propriety :) That was very cute, but unfortunately, superfluous ^_^;
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2015
Read and reviewed for The Romance Girl's Guide
I am always for more diversity in romance novels, and The Perfect Scandal may be the jackpot. It has a self mutilating hero whose mentally ill parents committed suicide and grandmother suffers from agoraphobia and a multinational amputee heroine raised by a single mother after an incestuous affair.
Though it touches as many sensitive issues as an episode of Degrassi, The Perfect Scandal manages not to dissolve into an after school special. I found Tristan to be a sympathetic character. I think his back story and his self injuring were handled well without crossing into being angsty or melodramatic. Zosia was a fantastic character. She was fierce and independent during a time period when being a woman and an amputee held her back. I loved that Tristan and Zosia get to have hot and heavy carriage sex, showing that imperfect bodies can still be super sexy.
While Zosia was very steadfast in her beliefs throughout the novel, I did have trouble following some of Tristan’s logic. At the beginning of the novel, he is obsessed with avoiding even a whisper of a scandal, but all of that goes out the window once he meets Zosia. Very romantic, but also very sudden. I also didn’t understand why he thought some of his later actions were in Zosia’s best interest, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
The only thing I could not get past was the cover. His hair looks like one thick toupee except everything was shellacked down to one side of his head. I can live with his scars but please someone get him a new barber.
All in all this was a wonderful read, especially if you're looking for something a bit out of the ordinary- 4 out 5 stars!
I am always for more diversity in romance novels, and The Perfect Scandal may be the jackpot. It has a self mutilating hero whose mentally ill parents committed suicide and grandmother suffers from agoraphobia and a multinational amputee heroine raised by a single mother after an incestuous affair.
Though it touches as many sensitive issues as an episode of Degrassi, The Perfect Scandal manages not to dissolve into an after school special. I found Tristan to be a sympathetic character. I think his back story and his self injuring were handled well without crossing into being angsty or melodramatic. Zosia was a fantastic character. She was fierce and independent during a time period when being a woman and an amputee held her back. I loved that Tristan and Zosia get to have hot and heavy carriage sex, showing that imperfect bodies can still be super sexy.
While Zosia was very steadfast in her beliefs throughout the novel, I did have trouble following some of Tristan’s logic. At the beginning of the novel, he is obsessed with avoiding even a whisper of a scandal, but all of that goes out the window once he meets Zosia. Very romantic, but also very sudden. I also didn’t understand why he thought some of his later actions were in Zosia’s best interest, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
The only thing I could not get past was the cover. His hair looks like one thick toupee except everything was shellacked down to one side of his head. I can live with his scars but please someone get him a new barber.
All in all this was a wonderful read, especially if you're looking for something a bit out of the ordinary- 4 out 5 stars!
September 30, 2012
I won this off goodreads giveaway.
I thought this book was a little too erotic for a historical romance. Historical romances are subtle and the female certainly doesn't hang out the window at night and pratically inform the hero that he will become her husband but first they have to have sex in order to see if they will work out.
I didn't buy Zosia's whole background. Basically this book was a fanfiction because the author is Polish and she wanted to write about a Polish heroine and was interested in the Anna Petrovna urban legend. Kind of like Anastasia.
Zosia was a very forceful female and it was unbelieveable that she lacked any sort of propriety. Her mother was the aunt of the emperor and they had a child together. Her official title is Grand Duchess. You would think that at least pretend to act like a lady. But sadly that doesn't happen.
Tristan on the other hand was just like any guy in any romance book. Completely forgettable and thinks about having sex with the heroine.
I thought this book was a little too erotic for a historical romance. Historical romances are subtle and the female certainly doesn't hang out the window at night and pratically inform the hero that he will become her husband but first they have to have sex in order to see if they will work out.
I didn't buy Zosia's whole background. Basically this book was a fanfiction because the author is Polish and she wanted to write about a Polish heroine and was interested in the Anna Petrovna urban legend. Kind of like Anastasia.
Zosia was a very forceful female and it was unbelieveable that she lacked any sort of propriety. Her mother was the aunt of the emperor and they had a child together. Her official title is Grand Duchess. You would think that at least pretend to act like a lady. But sadly that doesn't happen.
Tristan on the other hand was just like any guy in any romance book. Completely forgettable and thinks about having sex with the heroine.
August 25, 2018
The Perfect Scandal is the third and final book in the Scandal series. This was my favourite book of the series. It has a depth and intensity which I enjoyed.
This historical romance is set in 1828-1829 London England, with some travel to Russia in the closing chapters.
The Hero and Heroine are burdened with some heavy issues that aren’t generally tackled in this genre, plus, the author documents at the back of the book that underpinning this story are historical facts that are for the most part true. Yet it all blends together, and with some humorous scenes and witty dialogue, it makes for an entertaining read. The story’s balance of heavy political unrest and the undeniable attraction between the Hero and Heroine was well paced.
Prelude to a Scandal: 3+ stars
Once Upon a Scandal: 3+ stars
The Perfect Scandal: 4 stars
Tristan Adam Hargrove, fourth Marquis of Moreland, has a tragic past but he has maintained control with his secret vice, and managed to avoid scandal. He is a gentleman at heart who is tortured by his feelings of shame and unworthiness as he still lives in the shadow of that vice. Then, what starts as a scandalous flirtation with his new neighbour under a moonlit window one night, progresses into an obsession for Moreland when the most beguiling and forward woman provokes his attention. I like how he was transfixed by her. Also, I really liked Moreland’s relationship with his Grandmother.
Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska has been whisked away from Poland and is now living under house-arrest in a London townhouse as decreed by the King, for now. Zosia has her eyes set on her neighbour Moreland because he holds a seat in the House of Lords. Upon meeting him she announces her plans of matrimony to Moreland and explains that he would be able to help her cause for Poland against the Russian oppression. I liked how Zosia’s attraction grew for Moreland the more she learned about him. Being an amputee, she doesn’t dare judge anyone, having been judged herself. She is refreshingly bold, unconventional, and has an interesting personal growth journey. I liked her.
Moreland and Zosia’s sexy times were passionate. I would have suggested including more intimate encounters for them.
I highly recommend this book. I recommend this series.
This historical romance is set in 1828-1829 London England, with some travel to Russia in the closing chapters.
The Hero and Heroine are burdened with some heavy issues that aren’t generally tackled in this genre, plus, the author documents at the back of the book that underpinning this story are historical facts that are for the most part true. Yet it all blends together, and with some humorous scenes and witty dialogue, it makes for an entertaining read. The story’s balance of heavy political unrest and the undeniable attraction between the Hero and Heroine was well paced.
Prelude to a Scandal: 3+ stars
Once Upon a Scandal: 3+ stars
The Perfect Scandal: 4 stars
Tristan Adam Hargrove, fourth Marquis of Moreland, has a tragic past but he has maintained control with his secret vice, and managed to avoid scandal. He is a gentleman at heart who is tortured by his feelings of shame and unworthiness as he still lives in the shadow of that vice. Then, what starts as a scandalous flirtation with his new neighbour under a moonlit window one night, progresses into an obsession for Moreland when the most beguiling and forward woman provokes his attention. I like how he was transfixed by her. Also, I really liked Moreland’s relationship with his Grandmother.
Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska has been whisked away from Poland and is now living under house-arrest in a London townhouse as decreed by the King, for now. Zosia has her eyes set on her neighbour Moreland because he holds a seat in the House of Lords. Upon meeting him she announces her plans of matrimony to Moreland and explains that he would be able to help her cause for Poland against the Russian oppression. I liked how Zosia’s attraction grew for Moreland the more she learned about him. Being an amputee, she doesn’t dare judge anyone, having been judged herself. She is refreshingly bold, unconventional, and has an interesting personal growth journey. I liked her.
Moreland and Zosia’s sexy times were passionate. I would have suggested including more intimate encounters for them.
I highly recommend this book. I recommend this series.
August 18, 2016
My Review:
The Plot:
Tristan Adam Hargrove, the fourth Marquis of Moreland, projects the very image of a perfect gentleman. But beneath his gleaming bright and polished exterior lies a tortured soul where only the most strict of regimented control can keep his blood thirsty demons at bay. Therefore, each day is planned to the very minute circumventing any chance for a relapse into a spiral of defeat. And each day, Moreland crawls up to the surface of his well of self condemnation, reminding himself that he is worthy of love and a chance at happiness. But as a tortured man who maintains his level best to remain scandal free despite all his dark issues, Moreland soon finds himself soul deep in a sensational scandal involving not only His Majesty, Poland and Russia but his...next door neighbor?
Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska is determined to make the best of her hasty and unsubstantiated exile from Poland. Under His Majesty of England's guardianship, Zosia is being ordered to marry and marry immediately. Fine, she'll marry but the gentleman will have to meet her own criteria, criteria that includes a seat in the House of Lords. You see, Zosia has a plan to use her voice and help her fellow Poles fight the oppression they're suffering under Russia's ruling fist and she's found the perfect man to help her with her cause: Lord Moreland, her next door neighbor. His austere form and coveted House of Lords seat makes him the perfect candidate. Plus, Zosia's been receiving an eye full via her handy spy glass which is pointed none too discreetly at Lord Moreland's bedchamber window across the street leaving Zosia salivating for a taste of her seemingly perfect neighbor. But how does a lady confined to her house flag down such a respectable gentleman? She hollers out to him from her bedchamber window, that's how!
Having midnight window conversations with one's neighbor is not how Moreland normally conducts his affairs and while he tries to inform his lusciously delectable neighbor that she ought to rein in her scandalous behavior, her persistence has him lingering where prudence would advice him to leave. In fact, everything about Zosia inspires Moreland to stay just to learn more about her, to breathe in her scent and let her calm acceptance settle deep into his tormented soul. And when Moreland makes the decision to make Zosia his, its met with grinding determination and the complete surrender to the most elaborate scandal, one that could very well cost Moreland his wealth, his title, and even perhaps his life. But as his one and only shot at love and true happiness, Moreland is determined to risk it all.
The Heroine:
Brash, bold, and a superior conversationalist, Zosia is every bit the perfect heroine to Moreland's very imperfect lifestyle. She's a woman who wouldn't dare judge anyone by first glance having been judged so harshly on her own unconventional image and therefore seeks to understand Moreland before making her decision on how he'll fit into her life. Likely, she's the first to ever do this with Moreland for her charismatic and heartfelt inquiries about his person breaks down defenses that have kept everyone else from even trying.
But, it's not only Zosia's endearing and genuine interest in Moreland that makes her his perfect match, it's also her wit and intelligence that engages Moreland into rampant and exciting conversation. In addition, there's an honestly to Zosia, a complete lack of condescension that infects most females, both historical and modern. She gives Moreland a window to finally set free his dark demons without the burden of unwanted pity or the indignity of another believing he should be handled with kid gloves. Zosia gives him the freedom to be the man he's long desired to be. Not only that, she gives him the tools and the want to truly heal once and for all.
The Hero:
Moreland is a man who desperately wants to be deserving of happiness but is convinced that deep down, in the really dark places, that he's too ruined for his wish to ever come true. Having lived through the nightmare of losing his parents and being burdened with an inconsolable rage as a teen, Moreland turned to a very unconventional means to release his pain. In doing so, he's became scarred not only physically but scarred to his very soul. Thus a conundrum exists in where Moreland wants a wife, a family, and happiness but his strict guard restricts others from the chance of ever understanding him therefore forcing Moreland to forever live his life one step forward and two steps back. Thankfully Zosia breaks through Moreland's ridiculous schedule, his regimented control and his fortified guards first by surprise and then with endearing intent. Now, not only does Moreland want to better himself for his own sake, but he finally has someone worthy enough to better himself for.
My Final Thoughts:
It's the inherent imperfections of Moreland and Zosia that make THE PERFECT SCANDAL perfection. Marvelle conquers some rather scandalous issues with this third Scandal Series installment and her courageousness, as always, is applauded by this reader. Seriously, the woman burdens her characters with some extremely heavy issues that aren't generally tackled in the genre. What earns even more of my respect is that Marvelle manages to makes it all work. Somehow in the span of three hundred and fifty to four hundred pages, her characters and their flaws are resolved to an adequate enough degree to make for a believable Happily Ever After. Always fast paced with a healthy spackle of witty and fun repartee, none of Marvelle's books lack for entertainment.
And in keeping with the theme of the Scandal Series, THE PERFECT SCANDAL provides a very interesting historical backdrop for its pink clad contents. Poland is often a country forgotten mostly because of its neutrality, but it shines brightly here with its enigmatic heroine and her fight for her people and their much deserved justice. Besides, England shouldn't be allowed to hog all the limelight in historical romance. *wink* And finally, despite the heavy political backdrop, THE PERFECT SCANDAL revolves very much around Moreland and Zosia making them center stage of this mini epic of a romance novel.
As a fellow longtime reader, it feels as though the hunt is forever on for something new and exciting to sink our voracious teeth into. We not only want but need something fresh, something that breaks boundaries and gifts our imagination with the freedom to fly. It's creative and courageous authors like Delilah Marvelle that set our hearts on fire with the passion and the appreciation for all things unconventional. Of course the promise of a Happily Ever After gives us our coveted safety net, but truly, it's books like THE PERFECT SCANDAL and authors like Marvelle that keeps our fire for reading and romance burning. Enjoy!
4 Stars
The Plot:
Tristan Adam Hargrove, the fourth Marquis of Moreland, projects the very image of a perfect gentleman. But beneath his gleaming bright and polished exterior lies a tortured soul where only the most strict of regimented control can keep his blood thirsty demons at bay. Therefore, each day is planned to the very minute circumventing any chance for a relapse into a spiral of defeat. And each day, Moreland crawls up to the surface of his well of self condemnation, reminding himself that he is worthy of love and a chance at happiness. But as a tortured man who maintains his level best to remain scandal free despite all his dark issues, Moreland soon finds himself soul deep in a sensational scandal involving not only His Majesty, Poland and Russia but his...next door neighbor?
Countess Zosia Urszula Kwiatkowska is determined to make the best of her hasty and unsubstantiated exile from Poland. Under His Majesty of England's guardianship, Zosia is being ordered to marry and marry immediately. Fine, she'll marry but the gentleman will have to meet her own criteria, criteria that includes a seat in the House of Lords. You see, Zosia has a plan to use her voice and help her fellow Poles fight the oppression they're suffering under Russia's ruling fist and she's found the perfect man to help her with her cause: Lord Moreland, her next door neighbor. His austere form and coveted House of Lords seat makes him the perfect candidate. Plus, Zosia's been receiving an eye full via her handy spy glass which is pointed none too discreetly at Lord Moreland's bedchamber window across the street leaving Zosia salivating for a taste of her seemingly perfect neighbor. But how does a lady confined to her house flag down such a respectable gentleman? She hollers out to him from her bedchamber window, that's how!
Having midnight window conversations with one's neighbor is not how Moreland normally conducts his affairs and while he tries to inform his lusciously delectable neighbor that she ought to rein in her scandalous behavior, her persistence has him lingering where prudence would advice him to leave. In fact, everything about Zosia inspires Moreland to stay just to learn more about her, to breathe in her scent and let her calm acceptance settle deep into his tormented soul. And when Moreland makes the decision to make Zosia his, its met with grinding determination and the complete surrender to the most elaborate scandal, one that could very well cost Moreland his wealth, his title, and even perhaps his life. But as his one and only shot at love and true happiness, Moreland is determined to risk it all.
The Heroine:
Brash, bold, and a superior conversationalist, Zosia is every bit the perfect heroine to Moreland's very imperfect lifestyle. She's a woman who wouldn't dare judge anyone by first glance having been judged so harshly on her own unconventional image and therefore seeks to understand Moreland before making her decision on how he'll fit into her life. Likely, she's the first to ever do this with Moreland for her charismatic and heartfelt inquiries about his person breaks down defenses that have kept everyone else from even trying.
But, it's not only Zosia's endearing and genuine interest in Moreland that makes her his perfect match, it's also her wit and intelligence that engages Moreland into rampant and exciting conversation. In addition, there's an honestly to Zosia, a complete lack of condescension that infects most females, both historical and modern. She gives Moreland a window to finally set free his dark demons without the burden of unwanted pity or the indignity of another believing he should be handled with kid gloves. Zosia gives him the freedom to be the man he's long desired to be. Not only that, she gives him the tools and the want to truly heal once and for all.
The Hero:
Moreland is a man who desperately wants to be deserving of happiness but is convinced that deep down, in the really dark places, that he's too ruined for his wish to ever come true. Having lived through the nightmare of losing his parents and being burdened with an inconsolable rage as a teen, Moreland turned to a very unconventional means to release his pain. In doing so, he's became scarred not only physically but scarred to his very soul. Thus a conundrum exists in where Moreland wants a wife, a family, and happiness but his strict guard restricts others from the chance of ever understanding him therefore forcing Moreland to forever live his life one step forward and two steps back. Thankfully Zosia breaks through Moreland's ridiculous schedule, his regimented control and his fortified guards first by surprise and then with endearing intent. Now, not only does Moreland want to better himself for his own sake, but he finally has someone worthy enough to better himself for.
My Final Thoughts:
It's the inherent imperfections of Moreland and Zosia that make THE PERFECT SCANDAL perfection. Marvelle conquers some rather scandalous issues with this third Scandal Series installment and her courageousness, as always, is applauded by this reader. Seriously, the woman burdens her characters with some extremely heavy issues that aren't generally tackled in the genre. What earns even more of my respect is that Marvelle manages to makes it all work. Somehow in the span of three hundred and fifty to four hundred pages, her characters and their flaws are resolved to an adequate enough degree to make for a believable Happily Ever After. Always fast paced with a healthy spackle of witty and fun repartee, none of Marvelle's books lack for entertainment.
And in keeping with the theme of the Scandal Series, THE PERFECT SCANDAL provides a very interesting historical backdrop for its pink clad contents. Poland is often a country forgotten mostly because of its neutrality, but it shines brightly here with its enigmatic heroine and her fight for her people and their much deserved justice. Besides, England shouldn't be allowed to hog all the limelight in historical romance. *wink* And finally, despite the heavy political backdrop, THE PERFECT SCANDAL revolves very much around Moreland and Zosia making them center stage of this mini epic of a romance novel.
As a fellow longtime reader, it feels as though the hunt is forever on for something new and exciting to sink our voracious teeth into. We not only want but need something fresh, something that breaks boundaries and gifts our imagination with the freedom to fly. It's creative and courageous authors like Delilah Marvelle that set our hearts on fire with the passion and the appreciation for all things unconventional. Of course the promise of a Happily Ever After gives us our coveted safety net, but truly, it's books like THE PERFECT SCANDAL and authors like Marvelle that keeps our fire for reading and romance burning. Enjoy!
4 Stars
May 7, 2020
secara keseluruhan, gw suka cerita ini. lebih tepatnya gw mulai suka dgn karya Delilah M. selain alur dan gaya bercerita yg menarik, cerita2nya kerap berdasar fakta sebenarnya dari suatu peristiwa. dan ini karya keduanya yg gw suka.
zosia yg asal-usul leluhurnya sengaja disembunyikan oleh si ibu memiliki keterikatan emosi dgn rakyat yg dibelanya. ia ingin memperjuangkan mereka hingga titik darah penghabisan. pengasingannya ke Inggris mempertemukannya dgn moreland sang penulis & politikus cerdas yg diperkirakannya bisa mendukung segala rencana zosia terhadap rakyatnya.
di sini cerita mulai menarik. bagaimana kedua insan yg masing2 punya kekurangan (gw aja ga nyangka klo kekurangan yg dimaksud tu bisa bikin shock) saling berinteraksi tanpa tedeng aling2. dan bagaimana sikap moreland yg sangat heroik melepas zosia ke tangan pendekar tak bernamanya. sumpah, pas adegan ini gw nangis bombay. apalagi pasca kejadian tersebut, moreland tetap melaksanakan janjinya terhadap zosia di dunia politik. pokoe kerenlah cerita ini. gw kasih bintang 4.
sisanya hanya kayakanya judul ga sesuai deh dgn isi. krn gw nangkap skandal mana yg dimaksud. soale mereka berjumpa 'kan dlm keadaan tanpa ikatan gitu
zosia yg asal-usul leluhurnya sengaja disembunyikan oleh si ibu memiliki keterikatan emosi dgn rakyat yg dibelanya. ia ingin memperjuangkan mereka hingga titik darah penghabisan. pengasingannya ke Inggris mempertemukannya dgn moreland sang penulis & politikus cerdas yg diperkirakannya bisa mendukung segala rencana zosia terhadap rakyatnya.
di sini cerita mulai menarik. bagaimana kedua insan yg masing2 punya kekurangan (gw aja ga nyangka klo kekurangan yg dimaksud tu bisa bikin shock) saling berinteraksi tanpa tedeng aling2. dan bagaimana sikap moreland yg sangat heroik melepas zosia ke tangan pendekar tak bernamanya. sumpah, pas adegan ini gw nangis bombay. apalagi pasca kejadian tersebut, moreland tetap melaksanakan janjinya terhadap zosia di dunia politik. pokoe kerenlah cerita ini. gw kasih bintang 4.
sisanya hanya kayakanya judul ga sesuai deh dgn isi. krn gw nangkap skandal mana yg dimaksud. soale mereka berjumpa 'kan dlm keadaan tanpa ikatan gitu
October 30, 2018
Premis yang ditawarkan dalam HR ini berbeda dengan biasanya. Heroine berkaki satu, dan Hero yang sakit mental hobinya melukai diri sendiri. Mereka saling menyembuhkan 'luka' dengan unsur patriotisme dan politik didalamnya.
Moreland bukan lelaki bajingan sehingga rasanya jadi kontradiktif saat diceritakan dia sebagai penulis buku "Bagaimana Menghindari Skandal". Bagaimana cara menghindarinya padahal dia 90% seorang gentleman dan skandalnya justru berasal dari masalah yang tidak dia perbuat?
Penulis dengan luwes dan konsisten mengembangkan karakter H&H. Moreland dengan love is give and give dan Zosia yang berusaha memahami bukan menghakimi.
Salut untuk penulis. Semoga gramedia digital mau menerbitkan ebook seri lain penulis ini.
Moreland bukan lelaki bajingan sehingga rasanya jadi kontradiktif saat diceritakan dia sebagai penulis buku "Bagaimana Menghindari Skandal". Bagaimana cara menghindarinya padahal dia 90% seorang gentleman dan skandalnya justru berasal dari masalah yang tidak dia perbuat?
Penulis dengan luwes dan konsisten mengembangkan karakter H&H. Moreland dengan love is give and give dan Zosia yang berusaha memahami bukan menghakimi.
Salut untuk penulis. Semoga gramedia digital mau menerbitkan ebook seri lain penulis ini.
December 20, 2017
Menurutku ide cerita buku ini cukup unik, tidak terpaku pada pakem hisrom pada umumnya yang menyajikan tokoh hero dan heroine yang super sempurna. Tokoh wanitanya cacat fisik sedangkan tokoh lord-nya memiliki kecenderungan yang menyimpang. Aku cukup menikmati ceritanya, chemistry tokoh-tokohnya cukup kuat meskipun bisa dibilang perkenalan mereka cukup singkat. Sedikit tidak sabar di bagian tengah cerita karena ada beberapa adegan yang dipanjang-panjangkan. Tapi secara keseluruhan aku menyukainya.
June 19, 2019
There are too many things going on in this book. A one legged heroin, A kinky hero that likes whips and also like to cut himself and political issues that have no interest to me. I would just like to read a simple romance novel, that's all I ask.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2021
Me gustó muchísimo. Si no le pongo 5 estrellas es porque el insta-love no terminó de convencerme, pero sin dudas es una historia disfrutable con personajes reales e imperfectos.
July 30, 2011
It is a known fact and one that has "turned off" many from reading historical romances, that so many of the characters are essentially beautiful people. They may be poor or come from families on the fringe of the ton but they are still beautiful, sexy, with riveting green or blue eyes, and whose ability to seduce or attract is without rival. Such is not the case in this story and it is a refreshing change. Actually, I think contemporary writers of historical romances are more likely to bring the reader into a world that is less than perfect and sometimes not fixable by the end of the novel. While this novel does indeed have its own "happily ever after" conclusion, it is not reached in a way I would have ever expected and that is the kind of book I enjoy most. It is not stereotypical and I think that adds to its attraction.
Certainly Zosia and Tristan are unlikely lovers--two people who bring enormous baggage to a relationship and loads of hidden secrets that could torpedo any relationship. That they found each other at all is somewhat amazing. Zosia's life and her future were being prescribed by the King of England in response to a plea made by one of her relatives, and her servants weren't really there to aid her but rather, to keep her under house arrest until the King could seal her future to his liking. Tristan kept a schedule that bound him from morning to night, seven days a week, in the hope that his life would be so planned out there would be little if any time for him to indulge in some of the dark activity that had crept in on him for years--since he was 15 years old. Now they have made each other's acquaintance and even with only one face-to-face encounter, Zosia and Tristan come to believe that they have found a person who understands their true nature and concerns, can not only bear their faults, but can thrive without difficulty. However, all is not as it seems, and Zosia's heritage, much of which has political significance of which she is unaware, now beings to crowd in on their personal relationship and not only does the relationship appear to be in danger, but so may be their lives.
This is a novel of manipulation, betrayal, loss, that is balanced by deep affection and great respect for the other that is not dimmed by the presence of differing religious beliefs, Tristan's "dark" secrets, and their discovery that they may have found the one person that understands them. Tristan's grandmother, cousin to the King, is housebound by her own choice--it is her way of dealing with the world that has let her down--is Tristan's only family and she has worked all her life to mitigate his deep disappointment and grief over his parents' death many years earlier. She is a carmudgeon of the worst sort, except she genuinely loves Tristan even though she manages to upset him routinely--over-protective I like her spunk and one can't help forgive her for treating Tristan like a child when she has been the sole stabilizer in his short life. Now, even when he wants to be free to walk his own path, he must rely on his grandmother to help him claim Zosia.
I found this novel to be fascinating because it embraced a historical period that was filled with political strife and against such a background, Zosia and Tristan's story made perfect sense. That they were each trying to make their way through very difficult circumstances and with clear goals that would seem to be difficult if not impossible to achieve made the story even more compelling. Ms Marvelle displayed her writing talents beautifully and crafted a novel that stands apart from those that follow the usual literary formula--as tried and true as it may be--and has dared to give us flawed and hurting characters who, in spite of their aristocratic heritage, could easily be living in today's world. And in spite of Zosia's lofty connections with Russia's Tsar, even there her aspirations are crushed by an autocratic ruler whose desires always took prior place over the needs and goals of others.
Lovers of good historical romance will like this novel a lot, and those who appreciate a story that is complicated and is fraught with surprises will find that this story will not disappoint. It is educational in many ways and it is certainly entertaining. Tristan and Zosia's love story may at first seem to take a back seat in the novel, but really it is critically important and even though when it seems that they must go their separate ways for a variety of valid reasons, the resolution to their dilemma is as surprising as it is satisfying. Just a really, really good read!!
I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
Certainly Zosia and Tristan are unlikely lovers--two people who bring enormous baggage to a relationship and loads of hidden secrets that could torpedo any relationship. That they found each other at all is somewhat amazing. Zosia's life and her future were being prescribed by the King of England in response to a plea made by one of her relatives, and her servants weren't really there to aid her but rather, to keep her under house arrest until the King could seal her future to his liking. Tristan kept a schedule that bound him from morning to night, seven days a week, in the hope that his life would be so planned out there would be little if any time for him to indulge in some of the dark activity that had crept in on him for years--since he was 15 years old. Now they have made each other's acquaintance and even with only one face-to-face encounter, Zosia and Tristan come to believe that they have found a person who understands their true nature and concerns, can not only bear their faults, but can thrive without difficulty. However, all is not as it seems, and Zosia's heritage, much of which has political significance of which she is unaware, now beings to crowd in on their personal relationship and not only does the relationship appear to be in danger, but so may be their lives.
This is a novel of manipulation, betrayal, loss, that is balanced by deep affection and great respect for the other that is not dimmed by the presence of differing religious beliefs, Tristan's "dark" secrets, and their discovery that they may have found the one person that understands them. Tristan's grandmother, cousin to the King, is housebound by her own choice--it is her way of dealing with the world that has let her down--is Tristan's only family and she has worked all her life to mitigate his deep disappointment and grief over his parents' death many years earlier. She is a carmudgeon of the worst sort, except she genuinely loves Tristan even though she manages to upset him routinely--over-protective I like her spunk and one can't help forgive her for treating Tristan like a child when she has been the sole stabilizer in his short life. Now, even when he wants to be free to walk his own path, he must rely on his grandmother to help him claim Zosia.
I found this novel to be fascinating because it embraced a historical period that was filled with political strife and against such a background, Zosia and Tristan's story made perfect sense. That they were each trying to make their way through very difficult circumstances and with clear goals that would seem to be difficult if not impossible to achieve made the story even more compelling. Ms Marvelle displayed her writing talents beautifully and crafted a novel that stands apart from those that follow the usual literary formula--as tried and true as it may be--and has dared to give us flawed and hurting characters who, in spite of their aristocratic heritage, could easily be living in today's world. And in spite of Zosia's lofty connections with Russia's Tsar, even there her aspirations are crushed by an autocratic ruler whose desires always took prior place over the needs and goals of others.
Lovers of good historical romance will like this novel a lot, and those who appreciate a story that is complicated and is fraught with surprises will find that this story will not disappoint. It is educational in many ways and it is certainly entertaining. Tristan and Zosia's love story may at first seem to take a back seat in the novel, but really it is critically important and even though when it seems that they must go their separate ways for a variety of valid reasons, the resolution to their dilemma is as surprising as it is satisfying. Just a really, really good read!!
I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
April 25, 2011
Before you can love another you must first learn to love yourself, forgive yourself for past mistakes and when the world around you feels chaotic, it’s okay to not always be in control. These are a few of the hard lessons that both Tristan Hargrove, Fourth Marquis of Moreland and Countess Zosia Kwiatkowska must learn before they can honestly give their hearts to one another. Admittedly, Zosia seems to have an easier time of going with flow where Hargrove is concerned with the changes she causes in his life.
Take whatever you thought you knew about all the basic elements of a typical Regency romance and toss at least sixty percent of it out the window. The Perfect Scandal is NOT your typical Regency romance. There are so many elements of this book that left me thinking “Wow!” I could only begin to describe a few but I would rather let you experience the taboos and unique surprises Ms. Marvelle penned in this last installment.
Let me also suggest you read the letter to the reader by Ms. Marvelle. She has embraced her heritage with pride and you experience that nationalism within this story. There is Polish history woven into the plot along with her imagination of how Poland and Russia could have been connected by royal blood. I felt that underlying story arc was completely plausible and well thought out.
As with the first two books, each chapter is introduced by a passage from the ladies etiquette book How To Avoid A Scandal. Where this book differs substantially, you are given parts of the original manuscript including editing marks. I can’t emphasize enough, do not skip over the lines that are crossed out. They are incredibly funny when taken in context with the rest of the excerpt and as well as revealing of the true personality of the author of the book.
Ms. Marvelle never fails to create characters that are full of passion and wit. Tristan and Zosia are not exception. You briefly meet Tristan in Once Upon A Scandal but his own story is so poignant and breathtakingly gripping I’m thrilled Ms. Marvelle gave him his own book. Likewise, Zosia’s past, what she knows of it, affects her outlook on life and her wit keeps Tristan stirred up and coming back for more. The way she gets under his tightly organized skin is so funny I found myself laughing out loud more than once and looking forward to each encounter.
If like me you inadvertently read the books in this series out of order, you won’t really have messed anything up except that you know going into the first two books who is the unknown author of the little red bound etiquette book. Fear not, it won’t ruin the other two books as they are stand alones even with the knowledge. This has been a terrific trilogy to be able to read and I highly recommend all three books in the series.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Take whatever you thought you knew about all the basic elements of a typical Regency romance and toss at least sixty percent of it out the window. The Perfect Scandal is NOT your typical Regency romance. There are so many elements of this book that left me thinking “Wow!” I could only begin to describe a few but I would rather let you experience the taboos and unique surprises Ms. Marvelle penned in this last installment.
Let me also suggest you read the letter to the reader by Ms. Marvelle. She has embraced her heritage with pride and you experience that nationalism within this story. There is Polish history woven into the plot along with her imagination of how Poland and Russia could have been connected by royal blood. I felt that underlying story arc was completely plausible and well thought out.
As with the first two books, each chapter is introduced by a passage from the ladies etiquette book How To Avoid A Scandal. Where this book differs substantially, you are given parts of the original manuscript including editing marks. I can’t emphasize enough, do not skip over the lines that are crossed out. They are incredibly funny when taken in context with the rest of the excerpt and as well as revealing of the true personality of the author of the book.
Ms. Marvelle never fails to create characters that are full of passion and wit. Tristan and Zosia are not exception. You briefly meet Tristan in Once Upon A Scandal but his own story is so poignant and breathtakingly gripping I’m thrilled Ms. Marvelle gave him his own book. Likewise, Zosia’s past, what she knows of it, affects her outlook on life and her wit keeps Tristan stirred up and coming back for more. The way she gets under his tightly organized skin is so funny I found myself laughing out loud more than once and looking forward to each encounter.
If like me you inadvertently read the books in this series out of order, you won’t really have messed anything up except that you know going into the first two books who is the unknown author of the little red bound etiquette book. Fear not, it won’t ruin the other two books as they are stand alones even with the knowledge. This has been a terrific trilogy to be able to read and I highly recommend all three books in the series.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
April 4, 2011
The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Harlequin, 2011
374 pages
Romance
4/5 stars
Source: Received a free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My review of the second book in this trilogy: Once Upon a Scandal.
This book opens with Marvelle sharing about her Polish ancestry and how that inspired her to write a book with a Polish heroine-fascinating and totally unfamiliar to me.
The book proper drew me right in with Tristan worrying about his future and Zosia confessing her foreigner status as well as her Roman Catholic identity before suggesting that they marry. I was struck by her boldness (as was Tristan). The lightness of this early chapter is soon offset by some darkness as both Tristan and Zosia have hidden depths.
Tristan is a former self-mutilator with the scars to prove it and has a bit of an S&M fetish. Although he longs for marriage, he feels that no woman could ever accept him, a "queer." That's the word used and obviously that pulled me up short because it has a very different meaning nowadays. Furthermore his sole remaining relation, his grandmother who raised him after both of his parents committed suicide, suffered from an abusive husband resulting in fear of men as well as agoraphobia.
Zosia is in a much better headspace than Tristan. She was amputated at the knee some years earlier but with the love and strength of her now deceased mother, she has accepted the loss of her leg and learned to look past it. This disability also enables her to look deep into Tristan and see the good man inside. But she is also confined to her home by her patron, the king of England, which hinders her ability to fight for Polish nationalism and freedom in the face of Russian aggression. The novel is set in 1829, a year before unsuccessful Polish uprisings.
I loved the sweep of the novel as a journey to Russia also occurs in the novel although I am not a fan of the device used to reunite the temporarily separated couple. The historical aspect was fantastic and I am now very interested in Polish and Russian history. I mostly liked the characters although sometimes the angst over their self-mutilation and amputated leg annoyed me. Tristan's grandmother and a Russian soldier Maksim, although not initially entirely sympathetic characters as they attempt to interfere in the romance, are given more sides to their personalities as the book progresses.
Overall: A darker and more intense romance than my usual fare with fascinating historical aspects.
Fun Fact: Had I been a boy, my parents were going to name me Tristan (Tristan Ryne Surname)
Cover: I feel like his hair looks weird but I love the way the sheets are billowing out.
Harlequin, 2011
374 pages
Romance
4/5 stars
Source: Received a free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My review of the second book in this trilogy: Once Upon a Scandal.
This book opens with Marvelle sharing about her Polish ancestry and how that inspired her to write a book with a Polish heroine-fascinating and totally unfamiliar to me.
The book proper drew me right in with Tristan worrying about his future and Zosia confessing her foreigner status as well as her Roman Catholic identity before suggesting that they marry. I was struck by her boldness (as was Tristan). The lightness of this early chapter is soon offset by some darkness as both Tristan and Zosia have hidden depths.
Tristan is a former self-mutilator with the scars to prove it and has a bit of an S&M fetish. Although he longs for marriage, he feels that no woman could ever accept him, a "queer." That's the word used and obviously that pulled me up short because it has a very different meaning nowadays. Furthermore his sole remaining relation, his grandmother who raised him after both of his parents committed suicide, suffered from an abusive husband resulting in fear of men as well as agoraphobia.
Zosia is in a much better headspace than Tristan. She was amputated at the knee some years earlier but with the love and strength of her now deceased mother, she has accepted the loss of her leg and learned to look past it. This disability also enables her to look deep into Tristan and see the good man inside. But she is also confined to her home by her patron, the king of England, which hinders her ability to fight for Polish nationalism and freedom in the face of Russian aggression. The novel is set in 1829, a year before unsuccessful Polish uprisings.
I loved the sweep of the novel as a journey to Russia also occurs in the novel although I am not a fan of the device used to reunite the temporarily separated couple. The historical aspect was fantastic and I am now very interested in Polish and Russian history. I mostly liked the characters although sometimes the angst over their self-mutilation and amputated leg annoyed me. Tristan's grandmother and a Russian soldier Maksim, although not initially entirely sympathetic characters as they attempt to interfere in the romance, are given more sides to their personalities as the book progresses.
Overall: A darker and more intense romance than my usual fare with fascinating historical aspects.
Fun Fact: Had I been a boy, my parents were going to name me Tristan (Tristan Ryne Surname)
Cover: I feel like his hair looks weird but I love the way the sheets are billowing out.
March 14, 2011
After reading the first few pages of The Perfect Scandal, I was prepared to not like this story. And then a wonderous thing happened. Ms Marvelle had me well and truly hooked into this tale. I began to care about the characters and how they were screwing up their lives. Let me begin with my initial objections to this book.
While I can appreciate heroes and heroines who have a few flaws and imperfections, I felt Moreland (our hero) was beyond redemption. How could I as a reader care about a man who used whips and razors on himself. Yes, he was into slicing and cutting his body with a razor, and inflicting pain upon his person with his riding crop. As readers we aren't used to a hero who succombs to life's darker side or displays such weakness. We like our heroes to be larger than life, not mere humans who have serious issues.
And our heroine, Zosia was a paraplegic who lost a leg during a senseless act of vandalism stemming from battles between Russia and her beloved Poland. These two couldn't have been more different but from the moment Zosia saw Moreland, she vowed to attract his attention. They quickly develop a mutual attraction and determine that in order to save her from the marriage minded suitors who are lined up around the block to leave their cards, Moreland would marry her himself.
Years ealier, as Zosia was trapped in a burning house, along came a handsome russian , Maxsim, who pulled her out of the house. The two share an intensely intimate moment as he gives her the first adult kiss of her life and she gave him her heart in a youthful crush.
Fast forward back to present as Maxsim shows up to claim Zosia as his bride. It turns out that Zosia herself is Russian, a fact she is unaware of. And her rightful place is as The Grand Duchess of Russia and Maxsim's wife.
Moreland enters Zosia's house in the middle of the night and carries her out into the night, first to meet his grandmother and then to a ship he has chartered to carry them to America, where she can speak out against the oppression of her polish people.
In the carriage ride to the ship, Moreland and Zosia consumate their relationship, just before Maxsim catches up to the runaway couple.
This is a dark but thoroughly engaging story that demonstrates the power of love and faith that can overcome all obstacles. Ms. Marvelle draws her readers into this tale with brilliant characterization, execellent writing skills and historical accuracy. Don't miss out on Moreland and Zosia's journey toward a love that is forgiving and accepting of each other. A love that has the power to bring about changes and growth in a person.
While I can appreciate heroes and heroines who have a few flaws and imperfections, I felt Moreland (our hero) was beyond redemption. How could I as a reader care about a man who used whips and razors on himself. Yes, he was into slicing and cutting his body with a razor, and inflicting pain upon his person with his riding crop. As readers we aren't used to a hero who succombs to life's darker side or displays such weakness. We like our heroes to be larger than life, not mere humans who have serious issues.
And our heroine, Zosia was a paraplegic who lost a leg during a senseless act of vandalism stemming from battles between Russia and her beloved Poland. These two couldn't have been more different but from the moment Zosia saw Moreland, she vowed to attract his attention. They quickly develop a mutual attraction and determine that in order to save her from the marriage minded suitors who are lined up around the block to leave their cards, Moreland would marry her himself.
Years ealier, as Zosia was trapped in a burning house, along came a handsome russian , Maxsim, who pulled her out of the house. The two share an intensely intimate moment as he gives her the first adult kiss of her life and she gave him her heart in a youthful crush.
Fast forward back to present as Maxsim shows up to claim Zosia as his bride. It turns out that Zosia herself is Russian, a fact she is unaware of. And her rightful place is as The Grand Duchess of Russia and Maxsim's wife.
Moreland enters Zosia's house in the middle of the night and carries her out into the night, first to meet his grandmother and then to a ship he has chartered to carry them to America, where she can speak out against the oppression of her polish people.
In the carriage ride to the ship, Moreland and Zosia consumate their relationship, just before Maxsim catches up to the runaway couple.
This is a dark but thoroughly engaging story that demonstrates the power of love and faith that can overcome all obstacles. Ms. Marvelle draws her readers into this tale with brilliant characterization, execellent writing skills and historical accuracy. Don't miss out on Moreland and Zosia's journey toward a love that is forgiving and accepting of each other. A love that has the power to bring about changes and growth in a person.
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