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One glance through the window of a book shop changes their lives forever.

Major Cornelius Montgomery is suffering from ennui since his days in the military are over. Just turned forty, he is searching for something meaningful to fill his life, for empty romantic liaisons and scandalous pursuits have lost their charm. One February evening, he peers into a bookshop for a glimpse of the only woman who’d managed to capture his heart, but she is off limits because she’s his best friend’s sister. Does it matter?

Lady Penelope Needham—the Marchioness of Weymouth—is searching for purpose. Her husband proved sterile, which thwarted her dream of being a mother, then he died in a hunting accident, leaving her widowed at the age of thirty. To keep busy, she happily works at a book shop because books are old friends and they never disappoint, yet when she happens to glance outside one cold night and spies an old crush—her brother’s best friend—life has the potential to change. Doesn’t it?

The moment Cornelius steps into the bookshop, he’s beset with familiar attraction. As for Penny, since she’s afforded more freedom in society as a widow, she’s keen on pursuing something with the rogue, even if it’s only a bit of wickedness amidst the stacks she never had in the past. When emotions between them are far too strong, and whispers of scandal bring her brother’s ire, they are both brought to a crossroads. If they wish to have a second chance at a romance, they’ll stop hiding behind excuses. Won’t they?

Tropes you'll Widow Romance / Second Chance at LoveBrother’s Best FriendRekindled Attraction / Old CrushMature Hero & HeroineBookshop RomanceForbidden Feelings & Society Pressure
Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians
Book 1 - Of Dukes and Forbidden Words
Book 2 - Scandal Amidst the Stacks
Book 3 - The Poetry Affair
Book 4 - Trysting with a Poisoned Pen

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

10 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Sookoo

341 books275 followers
Sandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!

When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Gylene.
218 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 28, 2026
Major Cornelius Montgomery returned home from war both physically and mentally scarred. He is at a crossroad in his life and doesn’t know what to do. He does not believe he is capable of love or that he can find someone who will accept him for who he is.

Lady Penelope Needham, the Marchioness of Weymouth is a widow who has always done what was expected of her, but now she wants to do things her way. Her first marriage was not what she had expected and she is not sure she wants to marry again.

Penelope is Cornelius best friend’s younger sister and he was told to stay away from her. They knew each other when they were younger but their lives took different paths. When Cornelius spots Penelope in a bookshop window he decides to go in and speak with her. They start spending time together and begin an affair in secret. When her brother finds out will they take a chance on each other or go their separate ways?

I really enjoyed reading this book!! The book was fantastic, entertaining, and so very steamy!! I instantly like both Cornelius and Penelope’s characters and thought they were perfect together. Both their characters were very strong, but there was also a vulnerability to them as well. I liked how they helped each other overcome their issues and were able to find love together. The secondary characters were absolutely delightful and added to the entertainment of the book.

This is the second book in the Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians series. I am truly enjoying this series. I really like that this series is about older adults who know what they want and don’t feel the need to follow society rules. It makes the books that much more fun!! I am looking forward to the next book in the series!! I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
695 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 8, 2026
One glance through the window of a book shop changes their lives forever.

If you’re searching for the perfect second chance love story, Scandal Amidst the Stacks is not to be missed. This heartfelt romance explores the bittersweet reality of walking away from the one person who truly feels right—only to have fate intervene and offer another chance at happiness.

Major Cornelius Montgomery is a man adrift, struggling to find his footing after leaving the military. Lady Penelope Needham, a widowed marchioness who endured an unfulfilling marriage without the joy of children, is determined to live life on her own terms. She pours her energy into running a cozy bookstore, carving out a purpose that brings her contentment.

When an unexpected reunion brings Cornelius and Penelope face-to-face, the sparks are undeniable. Passion flares as old wounds begin to heal, and their hearts recognize that love offers exactly what they’ve been longing for—each other. Penelope’s calm, grounding presence gently anchors Cornelius, while his steadfast support ignites her dreams. Together, they discover that love gives them not only a sense of purpose but also a second chance at happiness.

I’ve always been drawn to a good second-chance story, and this one was perfection. Sandra’s writing is tender, engaging, and full of heart, offering hope to anyone longing for their own second chance. I anxiously await the next story in this heartwarming series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

3,327 reviews39 followers
February 14, 2026
Scandal Amidst The Stacks by Sandra Sookoo is the second in the Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarian series and is a tale about a man with lingering emotional damage from the war and a young woman who had been forced into an unsatisfying marriage with an older man. Major Cornelius Montgomery spent some time with his friend, the Earl of Birchfield, where they discussed anything but the wounds the war had left; particularly Montgomery’s propensity to hop from bed to bed amongst willing members of the ton. Birchfield criticized Montgomery’s failure to deal with the real issue, which was tantamount to the pot calling the kettle black. Montgomery still remembered Birchfield’s younger sister with whom he had spent a satisfying evening years earlier and was interesting to hear she was now a widow. Then, looking into a window of the bookshop he spied Lady Penelope Needham. He entered and spoke and before you knew it…

Two really good, if damaged, characters. In this time period the ton didn’t really care much about women beyond the fact there was no scandal and they had married well. Montgomery did not make the cut but it wasn’t too many weeks before he realized that he was in love with Penny and wanted her for his wife; marriage being an institution he had avoided for years. Of course, they got caught in scandal, but it was a spicy road to that event and the ones that followed. An entertaining book, full of heat and love and forgiveness.

‘I was invited to read Scandal Amidst the Stacks by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SandraSookoo #ScandalAmidstTheStacks
Profile Image for Reading Adventures.
917 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 11, 2026
Romance in a bookstore. YES. My bookish heart is thriving.🔥📖
Sandra Sookoo has been one of my favorite authors for ages, and this book is a perfect reminder of why I keep coming back to her stories again and again. She just gets character depth, emotional nuance, and those backstories that sneak up on you and wrap around your heart.
Major Cornelius Montgomery and Lady Penelope Needham completely swept me away. I adored them. A mature hero searching for meaning, a widowed heroine rediscovering her spark, and a bookshop that becomes the perfect backdrop for forbidden longing and second chances. Their story blends wit, loyalty, family ties, and a passion that absolutely knocked me off my feet, all wrapped in the cozy, irresistible charm of a bookshop setting. Honestly, who knew bookstores could be so hot?🔥🔥📚📚
The chemistry between Cornelius and Penny is the kind that simmers quietly… until suddenly it’s a full-on blaze between the shelves. Their history, their yearning, their “should we really be doing this” tension—it all comes together in the most deliciously bookish way.
I loved everything about this story and truly didn’t want it to end. It’s warm, romantic, a little wicked, and full of that signature Sookoo charm that keeps me hooked every time.
My new favorite—and perfect for all my bookish romance friends who believe the best love stories start between the stacks
609 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 28, 2026
I really enjoyed the steamy love story of Cornelius and Penelope. This was a second chance romance trope for a troubled war veteran and his best friend’s widowed sister. Penelope had a crush on Cornelius as a child and he always thought he wasn’t good enough for her and her brother didn’t approve so he thought he would never have her. A chance encounter years later led to a tryst that was based on friendship and honesty. They both gave one another a self place to just be themselves. This story detailed an unfulfilling marriage with a much older husband, the tragedies and the aftermath of war, the intimacy found in steamy situations and deep conversations, and a happy ending. After a bit of turmoil and romance on Valentine’s Day, the main couple admitted their true feelings and that led to the HEA that I had been waiting for all along.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review. There were a few grammar errors that proved a bit distracting so, hopefully, those will be corrected in the final editing.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,511 reviews30 followers
February 18, 2026
We have Lady Penelope Needham—the Marchioness of Weymouth—is searching for purpose. She shared a childhood infatuation with Major Cornelius Montgomery that was not so innocent and neither ever forgot.
When they see each other again it is instant attraction and chemistry. They can’t stay away from each other and Cornelius is a lifelong friend to Penelope’s older brother Lord Johnathan Birchfield who forbid Cornelius from pursuing his sister from the beginning and even more since she is a widow!
Cornelius does have a reputation as a rogue and a rake and it is well earned! He has a scene with an ex-mistress that will confirm that!
But these two are destined for each your and scandal and it doesn’t take long for it to find them among the stacks! This was steamy, humorous but also touched on PTSD. This was not understood or addressed enough among our soldiers!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion! Bravo
Profile Image for Mary.
1,857 reviews18 followers
January 28, 2026
Upon seeing each other again after years apart, Lady Penelope Needham and Major Cornelius Montgomery discover that their feelings for each other are still alive. Through the days that follow, they find many ways to meet up and reacquaint themselves with each other. Though she is a widow, her brother tries to keep a close eye on her. He also is good friends with the major but doesn’t approve of him as a suitor. This is because she is a lady and the major is not of the same class. Her family is pushing for Penelope to marry someone with a title. Of course their hearts tell a different story and become irrevocably entangled in love. With the odds stacked against them, what happens to them when her family discovers that they have become so very much in love is a treat for the reader.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,121 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 4, 2026
A Delightfully Passionate, Romance Story
I truly enjoyed this story with Cornelius who was Penny's brother's best friend and was wounded in Napolean's war
Penny and independent widow working at a bookstore and Cornelious spotting her through the window of the bookstore.
Both of their lives will forever be changed from that moment on.
The plot was sizzling with various emotions and is certainly a fan worthy story that truly kept my attention throughout
their entire journey of discovering just how much they actually love each other.
The story is filled with desirous meetings, heartfelt confession, family, along with a bit of scandal which brought Penny and the Major to a very wonderful and joyous ending
Ms. Sookoo's descriptive writing is always a delight for me to read
Adult Advisory: 3/5
420 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 11, 2026
I enjoyed this story featuring two beautiful main characters, Penny and Cornelius. Cornelius is Penny's brother's best friend. Penny had a young infatuation for him. So they have been acquainted for a long time, but they lost touch.
Several years later, their paths cross, and the attraction between the two is undeniable. They have an opportunity for a second chance at love. I liked the main characters and the fact that they are in their thirties; it adds depth and makes for an engaging plot. With their own life experiences come demons and challenges to overcome. Penny and Cornelius know the kind of life they want. They will discover that their aspirations are alike and that love can face any scandal.
Their journey to their HEA offers an entertaining, sizzling romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mojo.
176 reviews
February 13, 2026
A quick steamy read about two adults who meet again later in life.

Penelope is a widow, freshly out of mourning. Cornelious is a veteran who's spent the past years as a rake, suffering from the aftermath of the war. Even though Penelope is older, her brother wants to see her settled and married to someone with a title. She really just wants to live her life, and open a bookstore. Cornelious, who is actually best friends with Johnathan has actually told him a few times that he is unsuitable to be Penny's husband. Of course, fate brings Penny and Cornelious back together, and what ensues are some spicy encounters.

While I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in this series, I'll continue to read more from this author as I did enjoy her writing.

thank you Netgalley for the arc.
Profile Image for Nicole.
944 reviews17 followers
February 13, 2026
Another beautiful story from Sandra Sookoo..

The thing I love about her books is her diversity in characters..

Penelope and Cornelius have both been apart for over 10 years.. he was in the military and she was in a loveless marriage.. now Penelope will settle for nothing less than what she wants.. and Cornelius is searching for something more out of his life beyond being a rake and broken from the war..

When a chance meeting happens between these two characters not only are the sparks still there but they are stronger than ever before.. and now they both have a chance at the happiness they've longed for, for so long..

This story was filled with laughter, love and brooding brother..

I can't wait to see what Sandra has in store next..

I received this book from the author and the publisher as a gift.
2,443 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 29, 2026
A lovely story of two people who didn’t feel that love would catch them but…. If you like no angst or mystery, this story is for you. I normally like all the action but this was such a nice story that I did not mind. Another aspect I liked was that Sandra doesn’t shy away of writing older characters (40 and 32) and those characters know what they want anA lovely story of two people who didn’t feel that love would catch them but…. If you like no angst or mystery, this story is for you. I normally like all the action but this was such a nice story that I did not mind. Another aspect I liked was that Sandra doesn’t shy away of writing older characters (40 and 32) and those characters know what they want and go after it. No shyness there.d go after it. No shyness there.
Profile Image for EVANGELIA  MARAGKOPOULOU.
734 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 1, 2026
Major Cornelius Montgomery is 40 and still single , after years in the army he doesn't believe that be can be a good husband . Lady Penelope Needham now that she is a widow even though that she was not able to be a mother by her much older husband now works at a bookshop . When one evening Cornelius see Penelope his best friend little sister working in a bookshop make him remember their one clandestine passionate meeting before she married and he went to India . Now both of them are ready to have an affair but her brother most never know . Will they be able to keep it secret ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
Profile Image for Colleen.
1,147 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 5, 2026
Scandal Amidst the Stacks is the second book in the Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians series. This can be a stand-alone read.

Lady Penelope Needham has finished her period of mourning. Now she is ready to live again. To fill the time, she has been working in a book shop, only to be told the shop is being sold. While working she sees someone from her past. Her brother's best friend and her first love.

Cornelius has been told to stay away from Penelope, but will he be able to keep his word when he finally sees her again after all these years.

This is a very steamy romance between adults. Their enjoyable romance was hot from the very beginning. It was nice to see a romance between adults rather than debutantes.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,106 reviews88 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 29, 2026
This is a very steamy historical romance. It is part of a series but each book can be read separately. You will meet the characters from the other stories, but that won't spoil them for you.
In this one our heroine is a widow who just wants to run a book shop. Unfortunately her family have other ideas.
Our hero is an old friend. He has returned from the war. He is searching for meaning in his life. His best friend's little sister is definitely supposed to be off limits.
An amusing and steamy romp.
Good fun.
Profile Image for Jill.
563 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 8, 2026
An enjoyable steamy read about second chance love. Penelope was enamored of Cornelius when she was a young women, but family obligations determined she would be marrying her father's friend. When they encounter each other several years later, the sparks are still there from that earlier infatuation. It is sweet how they share the memories they have of each other and how they had never forgotten each other. This is a sweet story with lots of sizzle.
1,390 reviews11 followers
February 13, 2026
A lovely second chance romance that's forbidden but oh so enticing. Cornelius is adrift and happens upon Penelope (a widow and his best friends sister). Its starts as friendship, but soon becomes a flirtation and then love. This book was hot! The dynamic between the couple was terrific, they both heal each other and staunchly stand against her brother when he finds out.

Overall a good read

#netgalley #ScandalAmidsttheStacks
1,019 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 25, 2026
Back from the war, Cornelius is still fighting his demons. When he runs into the widowed sister of his best friend, he realizes that Penelope was the one that got away. Can they have a second chance at love? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonbalde Publishing for my honest review.
2,032 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 4, 2026
Loved reading the amazing and awesome story. Since Lady Penelope husband died, she doesn't want to get married again and wants to have an affair with Cornelius, her brother's best friend. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting romance story.
Profile Image for JXR.
4,030 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 7, 2026
cute romcom with some good plotting and great characters. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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