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The Weekly Scandal #1
Scandal Before Sunrise
Abigail Billings is a bad girl. She loves fun and excitement and the sort of wit that flows after a few glasses of wine. And boys, she definitely loves boys. Though three years ago she fled town with scandal on her heels, now she’s back in London. She’s determined to make a respectable and advantageous match before everyone knows that there is nothing behind her father’s title but more scandal. Everything would be going rather well if only The Honorable Elliot Jones weren’t so determined to bring her to ruin.
As the younger son of an earl, Jones did his duty fighting for England and then happily put duty aside. He’s far from ready to settle down. It’s the fast set that draws him in, the one that pairs poetry with wagers and women with gossip––the same gossip that tells him there’s more to the beautiful and painfully straight-laced Abigail than her high neckline suggests.
She’s a contradiction in a pale muslin dress. Behind every modest smile, he sees the sharp gaze, the trapped free spirit. It’s a lark at first to make Abigail crack. But music and moonlight leads to love and romance, and soon Jones wants nothing more than to convince this very scandalous lady to be his most honorable wife.
*** Scandal Before Sunrise was originally released as part of the Scandalous Summer Nights Box Set. Please note that the re-release is an expanded version.
As the younger son of an earl, Jones did his duty fighting for England and then happily put duty aside. He’s far from ready to settle down. It’s the fast set that draws him in, the one that pairs poetry with wagers and women with gossip––the same gossip that tells him there’s more to the beautiful and painfully straight-laced Abigail than her high neckline suggests.
She’s a contradiction in a pale muslin dress. Behind every modest smile, he sees the sharp gaze, the trapped free spirit. It’s a lark at first to make Abigail crack. But music and moonlight leads to love and romance, and soon Jones wants nothing more than to convince this very scandalous lady to be his most honorable wife.
*** Scandal Before Sunrise was originally released as part of the Scandalous Summer Nights Box Set. Please note that the re-release is an expanded version.
193 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Sabrina Darby
21 books193 followersSabrina Darby has been reading romance since the age of seven and learned her best vocabulary (dulcet, diaphanous, and turgid) from them. She started writing romance the day after her wedding when she woke up with an idea for a Regency; she’s been back in the early 19th century ever since.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 2, 2015
Scandal Before Sunrise by Sabrina Darby is a 2015 publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Short and sweet, Scandal Before sunrise, is a novella length story that centers around Abigail Billings, a woman who has returned to London after a lengthy absence. Her sudden departure was fuel for the gossips and Elliot Jones is determined to uncover the truth about her, putting her goal of becoming a respectable lady and finding a good match for marriage in danger.
It is important to remember that in the 19th century, in London, scandal were always sought after by the bored, the titled and the wealthy. Abby's situation peaked Jones' curiosity due to Abby's reputation as a thrill seeker, a vivacious young lady who dared to spit scandal in the eye. But, upon her return to London, it seems Abby is much more subdued and very marriage minded.
I thought this story was fun and flirtatious. Abby's past is indeed scandalous and I could understand her fierce desire to quickly find a suitable husband. But, Jones who is so nosy and bad, and hoping to talk Abby into having an affair with him, keeps distracting her and reminding her of the days when she was more the vixen, a part of her personality he is determined to draw out.
The banter between Abby and Elliot was titillating and sensual, but they kept the build up at a respectable level. Despite his original intentions toward Abby, Elliot soon finds himself a war with his feelings towards her. He wants an affair, Abby wants marriage. Will Abby give it to temptation and ruin her chances of at becoming respectable or will Elliot rise to the occasion to save Abby's reputation?
This is an enjoyable read, with a little bit of mystery, lots of scandal, backstabbing, and delicious gossip. There is even a plot twist thrown in I didn't see coming. With a short story or novella at times the depth is not what I would like it to be, and this one did suffer from that malady just a little, but it was a nice way to escape sitting under the air conditioner on a blistering hot August afternoon. 3.5 stars
Short and sweet, Scandal Before sunrise, is a novella length story that centers around Abigail Billings, a woman who has returned to London after a lengthy absence. Her sudden departure was fuel for the gossips and Elliot Jones is determined to uncover the truth about her, putting her goal of becoming a respectable lady and finding a good match for marriage in danger.
It is important to remember that in the 19th century, in London, scandal were always sought after by the bored, the titled and the wealthy. Abby's situation peaked Jones' curiosity due to Abby's reputation as a thrill seeker, a vivacious young lady who dared to spit scandal in the eye. But, upon her return to London, it seems Abby is much more subdued and very marriage minded.
I thought this story was fun and flirtatious. Abby's past is indeed scandalous and I could understand her fierce desire to quickly find a suitable husband. But, Jones who is so nosy and bad, and hoping to talk Abby into having an affair with him, keeps distracting her and reminding her of the days when she was more the vixen, a part of her personality he is determined to draw out.
The banter between Abby and Elliot was titillating and sensual, but they kept the build up at a respectable level. Despite his original intentions toward Abby, Elliot soon finds himself a war with his feelings towards her. He wants an affair, Abby wants marriage. Will Abby give it to temptation and ruin her chances of at becoming respectable or will Elliot rise to the occasion to save Abby's reputation?
This is an enjoyable read, with a little bit of mystery, lots of scandal, backstabbing, and delicious gossip. There is even a plot twist thrown in I didn't see coming. With a short story or novella at times the depth is not what I would like it to be, and this one did suffer from that malady just a little, but it was a nice way to escape sitting under the air conditioner on a blistering hot August afternoon. 3.5 stars
June 6, 2022
3.25 stars
I kept on waiting to get to the point where I would DNF this book, but it never came. It was entertaining enough to keep me involved, though there was something a bit simple about it and the two main characters. The dynamic between Elliot and Abby was kind of weird and I didn't like that Elliot was so set on seducing Abby and wanted to know so badly why she left London a couple years before; there didn't seem to be any good that could come of it and it seemed quite ill-intentioned. Abby, meanwhile, was attracted to him despite herself and wanted to seduce him into marriage, which seemed like a silly strategy. Abby how she had been a few years before, when she was in London (and deemed most likely to be caught in a compromising position), didn't seem like a heroine I would have liked very much, but she has matured a bit since.
I kept on waiting to get to the point where I would DNF this book, but it never came. It was entertaining enough to keep me involved, though there was something a bit simple about it and the two main characters. The dynamic between Elliot and Abby was kind of weird and I didn't like that Elliot was so set on seducing Abby and wanted to know so badly why she left London a couple years before; there didn't seem to be any good that could come of it and it seemed quite ill-intentioned. Abby, meanwhile, was attracted to him despite herself and wanted to seduce him into marriage, which seemed like a silly strategy. Abby how she had been a few years before, when she was in London (and deemed most likely to be caught in a compromising position), didn't seem like a heroine I would have liked very much, but she has matured a bit since.
September 11, 2015
Book 1 in "The Weekly Scandal". A quick read. A Novella. I first read this story in "Scandalous Summer Nights" A scandal is about to hit Abigail Billings, unless she can stop it first. Enter..Elliot Jones, a gossip of the first order. A fun read, but I found it hard to connect to the characters. They were a bit obtuse, over the top at times. Can scandal lead to love or just convenience to stop tongues from wagging? An enjoyable read. I look forward to the next installment.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 25, 2015
An ok read. i didn't really connect with any of the characters. I felt as though i was reading a book about teenagers with all the talks of ferreting out the most interesting gossips. I didn't really see the connection between Elliot and Abigail.
September 2, 2015
I didn't want Scandal Before Sunrise to end. Sabrina Darby's blend of comedic drama and scheming trickery is a fun twist on historical romance. Abigail is trouble with a capital "T". Determined to lose that moniker and escape further shame she seeks to change her image. Cleaning up her act has never been so hard. Long hidden truths may be destined to destroy the one chance she has to escape infamy and find happiness. Elliot discovers there is so much more to Abigail behind the mirage she presents to the world. Will his fascination with her prove to be both of their downfalls? I received an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review. The allure of the characters and the charm of the story had me breezing through this read. My one complaint would be that the story was not long enough for me. Was sad to see it end.
August 31, 2015
This was a fun Regency Romance with rakes, secrets, and a bit of mystery. The story flows well and can be read quickly. This is light and full of scandalous ways. (I can't help but feel I have already read this book.)
April 5, 2018
Read this as part of the Scandalous Summer Nights boxed set. See review
Read in March 2018.
Read in March 2018.
September 15, 2015
After leaving her London season with shades of scandal on her tail, the notoriously fun-loving Abigail Billings has returned after three years in self imposed exile to find herself a husband. The group of friends she had spent her previous season with cannot reconcile the Abigail of yesteryear to the one they now see. She is much changed from the fun seeking lady who used to laugh and enjoy herself to the demure and staid woman she has become. Abigail has her reasons, and those reasons will guide her to her happily ever after or her unhappy matrimony. Time may be running out for Abigail to marry well before true scandal hits London and leaves her without options.
The Honorable Elliot Jones has returne from war and seeks to live life to the fullest. Not a thought to settling down, he is drawn for some reason to the seemingly prim Abigail Billings by her reputation. After a dance with the lady, he realizes that she is indeed hiding her true self underneath the proper exterior and his is determined to bring out Abigail's true self before she attaches herself to anyone in marriage. The only problem is, for as much as Elliot wants to remain a bachelor, Abigail is getting under his skin to the point where he wants her to wife, but convincing the reformed lady that he is the one for her is quite the journey.
SCANDAL BEFORE SUNRISE by Sabrina Darby is a novella that was previously in a boxed set. It has been reworked and released on its own. I have to admit I had a difficult time keeping interest in this tale. I kept putting the eReader down and came back to it more than a few times. I didn't connect with the characters as I would have liked to and it wasn't until I was more than 60% of the way through that I began to enjoy the story. I do like Sabrina Darby's books and will definitely read more from this author.
~KIMBERLY~
The Honorable Elliot Jones has returne from war and seeks to live life to the fullest. Not a thought to settling down, he is drawn for some reason to the seemingly prim Abigail Billings by her reputation. After a dance with the lady, he realizes that she is indeed hiding her true self underneath the proper exterior and his is determined to bring out Abigail's true self before she attaches herself to anyone in marriage. The only problem is, for as much as Elliot wants to remain a bachelor, Abigail is getting under his skin to the point where he wants her to wife, but convincing the reformed lady that he is the one for her is quite the journey.
SCANDAL BEFORE SUNRISE by Sabrina Darby is a novella that was previously in a boxed set. It has been reworked and released on its own. I have to admit I had a difficult time keeping interest in this tale. I kept putting the eReader down and came back to it more than a few times. I didn't connect with the characters as I would have liked to and it wasn't until I was more than 60% of the way through that I began to enjoy the story. I do like Sabrina Darby's books and will definitely read more from this author.
~KIMBERLY~
September 7, 2015
*** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
In reading this story, I did not get a sense of flow in the reading. I, also, did not feel the characters were developed with enough interest. The characters appeared to be very superficial. The story left me feeling like I missed something in the reading. The ending seemed to be incomplete and not truly an ending, more like a pause.
Elliot Jones is a very down to earth man, raised as the second son to an Earl. He had no real ambitions, having done the military thing for a few years, he was back in society. In catching up with his friends and even his brother, he keeps hearing about this one woman, Abigail Billings, who was last seen three years ago, and just disappeared. When she was out in society before, she was open for anything: gambling, racing horses and loved to drink. This was a woman that he had to meet and have a little fun. Jones reasons to himself, she would definitely break up his boredom in society. He meets her and precedes to convince her that a little indulgence in fun would be ideal for both of them.
Abigail Billing is very anxious being back in society for this season. She must be perceived as “prim and proper” to attract the right type of man, so he would offer for her. She cannot let her previous seasons reflect on who she is now. She must have an offer this season, before her secrets “catch up” with her. The only offer she will receive is marriage, not a bit of fun like the previous seasons. Meeting Mr. Jones might make her question her “prim and proper” behavior, but she will not let him misdirect her plans. The past is the past, she has a different future planned now. Abigail must be successful.
In reading this story, I did not get a sense of flow in the reading. I, also, did not feel the characters were developed with enough interest. The characters appeared to be very superficial. The story left me feeling like I missed something in the reading. The ending seemed to be incomplete and not truly an ending, more like a pause.
Elliot Jones is a very down to earth man, raised as the second son to an Earl. He had no real ambitions, having done the military thing for a few years, he was back in society. In catching up with his friends and even his brother, he keeps hearing about this one woman, Abigail Billings, who was last seen three years ago, and just disappeared. When she was out in society before, she was open for anything: gambling, racing horses and loved to drink. This was a woman that he had to meet and have a little fun. Jones reasons to himself, she would definitely break up his boredom in society. He meets her and precedes to convince her that a little indulgence in fun would be ideal for both of them.
Abigail Billing is very anxious being back in society for this season. She must be perceived as “prim and proper” to attract the right type of man, so he would offer for her. She cannot let her previous seasons reflect on who she is now. She must have an offer this season, before her secrets “catch up” with her. The only offer she will receive is marriage, not a bit of fun like the previous seasons. Meeting Mr. Jones might make her question her “prim and proper” behavior, but she will not let him misdirect her plans. The past is the past, she has a different future planned now. Abigail must be successful.
September 30, 2015
Didn't Work For Me **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**Abigail Billings has come back to London after a several year absence. When she had been there before, she had been known to be scandalous. This time she is hoping to find a rich, respectable husband, which means behaving and acting like all the other young ladies.. Elliot Jones is a second son, just returning to society after having a commission in the Navy. After hearing all of the gossip about Abigail Billings, he has to meet her. What he sees isn’t anything like he’s heard. When he has a glimpse of her true nature, he’s determined to drag the true Abigail out. I couldn’t really get into this story. While I understood Abigail’s behavior in trying to find a husband, it didn’t take much to sway her to the first person she sees as a temptation. I didn’t feel any real emotion between the two besides the temptation to do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do.
February 13, 2016
This is Book 1 in "The Weekly Scandal series. This is a quick and easy read that is just right, with some humor. I enjoyed the book and I always love Sabrina Darby writing. This book is a story of how our heroine, Abigail Billings has come to London to finally settle down and marry. Abigail does have some scandal attacked to her name when she was previously in London. But Abigail is trying to move forward and away from her past. So she is trying to avoid men like our hero, Elliot Jones. Elliot sees in her what she is trying so hard to not be. Elliot is want to get her to have an "affair" with him but Abigail as I have said before is trying to move forward with her like. But has it would be with the town of London she finds herself in a bit of trouble again... will Elliot be the one that is there for her? I was provided a copy by Netgalley for a honest review. I hope that you enjoy this book too!
November 14, 2015
Abigail Billings had been one of the wild girls before disappearing from the ton for three years. Now she is back and looking for a respectable husband before everyone learns that there is no longer any money with her father's title. Unfortunately, the man that interests her is not interested in marriage but wants an affair instead.
Elliot Jones has just returned from fighting for England and is ready to have some fun. His friends talk about bad girl Abigail and she has peaked his interests. But when he finally meets her, she is no longer that fun lovin' girl his friends talked about.
Can Elliot find that fun lovin' girl behind the woman that wants a respectable marriage?
A great story with a mischievous girl trying to do right. This novella definitely peaked my interest for reading the rest of the books in the Weekly Scandal series. I'm hoping the series includes Elliot's friends from this novella!
Elliot Jones has just returned from fighting for England and is ready to have some fun. His friends talk about bad girl Abigail and she has peaked his interests. But when he finally meets her, she is no longer that fun lovin' girl his friends talked about.
Can Elliot find that fun lovin' girl behind the woman that wants a respectable marriage?
A great story with a mischievous girl trying to do right. This novella definitely peaked my interest for reading the rest of the books in the Weekly Scandal series. I'm hoping the series includes Elliot's friends from this novella!
August 31, 2015
Where to start? How about how incredibly long winded the author is? There was maybe a chapters worth of dialogue in the whole book. I know I skimmed about 20% of it, which is never a good thing.
The spark between the main characters felt forced, I hated how easily Abby forgave Sacha, and there was no real ending. Hopefully the author aums up the H/H's story in another book, but I will just have to miss it as I have no desire to read anything else in this series.
I liked how Abby's scandal was something completely unconventional. When you think of scandal in a book like this you think of kisses, or perhaps aomething akin to sex. This alone was worth the 2 stars I gave it.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
The spark between the main characters felt forced, I hated how easily Abby forgave Sacha, and there was no real ending. Hopefully the author aums up the H/H's story in another book, but I will just have to miss it as I have no desire to read anything else in this series.
I liked how Abby's scandal was something completely unconventional. When you think of scandal in a book like this you think of kisses, or perhaps aomething akin to sex. This alone was worth the 2 stars I gave it.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2015
Abigail Billings returns to London after three years in self imposed exile. She wishes to quickly find a husband before her family scandals reach the ton and shys away from her scandalous past.
Elliot Jones is no longer seeking a wife, his brother has recovered from his illness and he is there for no longer duty bound to marry with expediency and relishes his freedom. He is drawn to Abigail and her scandalous past, can he get her to revisit her scandalous ways with him? Or will he loose his heart in the wager?
This was a quick, funny, historical romance. Its filled with scandal, intrigue, rougish bachelors and dallying debutantes. I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more from this author.
This book is suitable for adult readers only!
Elliot Jones is no longer seeking a wife, his brother has recovered from his illness and he is there for no longer duty bound to marry with expediency and relishes his freedom. He is drawn to Abigail and her scandalous past, can he get her to revisit her scandalous ways with him? Or will he loose his heart in the wager?
This was a quick, funny, historical romance. Its filled with scandal, intrigue, rougish bachelors and dallying debutantes. I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more from this author.
This book is suitable for adult readers only!
September 10, 2015
Beset by an irresponsible family and her (by Ton standards) wild first season Abby has come to London with a staid older family friend for a quick season to snag a husband before a cluster of scandals crashes around her.
Jones is in town for amusement, his brother Stephen must marry to carry on the line and Abby catches his eye. For reasons Jones cannot articulate this Really disturbs him.
Who will save Abby, when the scandals surface, who will want to? Can this sincere girl who loves fun find love?
Jones is in town for amusement, his brother Stephen must marry to carry on the line and Abby catches his eye. For reasons Jones cannot articulate this Really disturbs him.
Who will save Abby, when the scandals surface, who will want to? Can this sincere girl who loves fun find love?
September 8, 2015
A quick read. I found the relationship between the characters to feel forced though, and a lot of what the author wrote was unnecessary "filler". I really liked Abby and I hope that we can at least revisit her in the next installment..
September 13, 2015
I have read the original story in Scandalous Summer Nights (a highly recommended box set) and honestly I prefer the original shorter version. I still liked it, but not as much ... For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
historical
January 15, 2019Abigail Billings is a bad girl. She loves fun and excitement and the sort of wit that flows after a few glasses of wine. And boys, she definitely loves boys. Though three years ago she fled town with scandal on her heels, now she’s back in London. She’s determined to make a respectable and advantageous match before everyone knows that there is nothing behind her father’s title but more scandal. Everything would be going rather well if only The Honorable Elliot Jones weren’t so determined to bring her to ruin.
As the younger son of an earl, Jones did his duty fighting for England and then happily put duty aside. He’s far from ready to settle down. It’s the fast set that draws him in, the one that pairs poetry with wagers and women with gossip––the same gossip that tells him there’s more to the beautiful and painfully straight-laced Abigail than her high neckline suggests.
She’s a contradiction in a pale muslin dress. Behind every modest smile, he sees the sharp gaze, the trapped free spirit. It’s a lark at first to make Abigail crack. But music and moonlight leads to love and romance, and soon Jones wants nothing more than to convince this very scandalous lady to be his most honorable wife.
As the younger son of an earl, Jones did his duty fighting for England and then happily put duty aside. He’s far from ready to settle down. It’s the fast set that draws him in, the one that pairs poetry with wagers and women with gossip––the same gossip that tells him there’s more to the beautiful and painfully straight-laced Abigail than her high neckline suggests.
She’s a contradiction in a pale muslin dress. Behind every modest smile, he sees the sharp gaze, the trapped free spirit. It’s a lark at first to make Abigail crack. But music and moonlight leads to love and romance, and soon Jones wants nothing more than to convince this very scandalous lady to be his most honorable wife.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews