Scandal of the Season

by Liana LeFey

Five years ago, Lord Sorin Latham fled England’s shores to avoid heartbreak and scandal in the form of one Lady Eleanor Cramley. On returning home, he finds the young miss he used to scold for lack of decorum is now a stunning woman who fires his blood. But he must resist temptation or risk losing his honor as a gentleman and the friendship of those he holds dear, including Eleanor.

Lady Eleanor is determined to be the paragon of propriety Sorin urged her to become. But now that he’s back, the man she once thought of as an older brother makes her long to be anything but proper. She must make Sorin see her as worthy of his heart and his desire without losing his good opinion, or her Season will end in disgrace.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2017

About the author

Liana loves to weave incendiary tales that capture the heart and the imagination, taking the reader out of the now and into another world. The glory and splendor of the 18th Century provides a lush, glittering backdrop for her fairy tale romances. It’s a time of sensuous lovers, passionate music, lavish royal courts and deadly intrigues.

Liana lives in Texas with her own dashing hero of nearly twenty years, their delightful progeny, one spoiled-rotten feline overlord, and several tanks of tropical fish. She’s been devouring historical romances since her early teens and is now delighted to be writing them for fellow enthusiasts.

Reviews

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review For: Scandal of the Season by Liana LeFey 'Scandal of the Season' by Liana LeFey is the story of Lord Sorin Latham and Lady Eleanor 'Ellie' Cramley. Ellie has know Sorin most of her life since she has been living with her cousin and his wife. Sorin his their neighbor and has been Ellie good childhood friend. But it seems that things started to change with Sorin returned home when Ellie was 16 years old. Ellie ran to him like she always had but Sorin pushes her away. Later he tells in that she is a lady now and that she has to start acting like one. That same year when Ellie is to have a season Sorin is asked to take her since her cousin and his wife are getting ready to have a baby. Sorin doesn't last long during that Season before he ups and leaves her with to lady matrons. After that he didn't return until 5 years later ...the present day. Sorin shows up and Ellie birthday party and he finds a totally different Ellie then the free girl getting into trouble. Ellie is trying to become the Lady that Sorin says she should. Although she hasn't seen Sorin in 5 years she has been writing him. When Ellie see Sorin again she find him so very handsome. This was a joy to read and watch how these two moved past being childhood friends to becoming something more. Sorin is somewhat uptight I though with his thinking, but overall loved this story. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/ https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...

[Erin Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Liana LeFey, and it was really surprising in how different it was from most historical romances. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think the difference is in the prose and voice. It feels much more similar to a book by Jane Austen than a current writer of historical romance, and I liked the difference quite a lot.

The Story-
Eleanor used to see Sorin as a sort-of older brother, but the last time he came home, he scolded her for being childish and now she feels like she can't live up to his high standards. She has rebuffed every marriage proposal to this point. Sorin had hoped that by the time he returned, Eleanor would be safely married away, but now he has to find a wife as well as try to make sure Eleanor marries a man who is good enough for her.

My Thoughts-
As I said before, I like the feel of the writing because of the strong historical setting which reaches through the characterization and plot. My only quibble with this book is happens toward the end that I don't want to spoil, but I felt a bit of a let down and had some issues with something the hero does. It's not like it ruined the whole book for me, but this was close to a 5 star until that point. I liked both the hero and heroine as well as the supporting characters. The friends to lovers trope is exceptionally well done.

The Bottom Line-
This book is well suited for someone who enjoys Jane Austen and historical romances which are truly more representative of their time period. It has an excellent friends to lovers storyline, and only one small plot device made me hold a star back. 4 stars

[Holly B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Lady Eleanor and Lord Sorin Latham begins when Sorin returns home from a five year trip. Sorin was like an older brother to her, but now finds that Eleanor has a different place in his heart. He is attracted to her romantically and feels that he must deny his feelings or he will cause a "scandal" in their circle. Lady Eleanor tries to be the proper woman that he has encouraged her to be, but she can't deny her feelings for him. There is a man who wants to marry her, but is it for love or money? I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from the author. I would have enjoyed more passion/chemistry between Eleanor and Sorin, but they were very conservative. Thank you to net galley for my e book.

[Shelly's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Sorin Latham met Lady Eleanor Cramley when she was a child. Orphaned at a young age, the daughter of the late Duke of Ashford was to live with the new Duke who happened to be Sorin’s best friend. Brought together by the common understanding of personal tragedy, the unseemly pair are kindred spirits and become friends despite their age difference, but when he discovers his feelings for the young girl might be anything but appropriate, he chooses to leave the country for indefinite time.
Now all grown up, Ellie reunites with her longtime friend after an absence of 5 years, during which she’s grown up into a lovely woman and she’s ready to show him she’s become the proper lady he expected her to.
With a fiery best friend on tow, an unwelcome suitor and mixed feelings about her best friend, Lady Eleanor embarks on her third Season. While she doesn’t want to marry and has repeatedly made this known, her guardians, Lord and Lady Ashford, are determined to see her married and well off by the end this Season.
This was my first ready by this author and, being a huge fan of historical romance, I have to say I was highly impressed. This book is impeccably written, with the beauty, angst and romanticism expected from a good regency story. Ms. LeFey hits every mark giving the story the right feel without being over the top.
I loved that Eleanor had a lot from Jane Austen’s Emma and Sorin was so the proper gentleman it hurt me to see his dilemma unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship, the friendship and how each one was so ready to sacrifice themselves for the other’s happiness. The secondary characters also came to par, from the friends to the villains, and I just loved Rowena’s temperance and good judgement which made her into the perfect guiding hand for the stubborn Ellie.
In all, I felt this was a great story, a beautiful historical romance showing again that passion portrayal don’t need to be extremely detailed or crass.


4.5 stars
*An ARC was given by NetGalley for an honest review*

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scandal of the Season had quite a lot of the tropes I like: best friend's sister, childhood friends, hero and heroine having a firm friendship before realizing they have feelings for each other.

The heroine, Eleanor or Ellie, is the little girl that Sorin once knew as his friend's little sister that he chided and treated like his own little sister. Now Eleanor is a beautiful young debutante in her second season and Sorin is back in her life. Sorin has always been the guy Eleanor looked up to as a model young man because he's a proper, starchy gentleman (I love starchy heroes!). But now Ellie has confusing feelings for Sorin and Sorin also has confusing feelings for Ellie.

This was quite a fun take on the friends to lovers/best friend's little sister trope. I like that Liana LeFey's writing tried its best to adhere to the regency-speak/style. I'm quite open to Historical Romances getting way more modern in the language and style but I think for what this book was which was two characters trying to overcome communication problems even though they were friends and all the regency romance hijinks of sending wrong messages, that style suit the story well.

The story also reminded me a bit of Emma, my favorite Jane Austen. Ellie is very headstrong and she doesn't want to compromise and marry because she has to. She is the daughter of a duke and is beautiful and wealthy and charming and she will not settle. Also she put Sorin on a pedestal that no other man she met after reached, and is only now coming to realize she may have more complicated feelings for him. Sorin by the way, is 13 years older (just like Mr Knightley I think!) and he lost his fiancee Jane some years back which is a mental stumbling block for both Ellie and Sorin. For Ellie she feels like she can never match up to Jane and Sorin feels 'wrong' for harboring romantic feelings for Ellie as the little sister of his friend and also he thinks he's too boring, too old and wrong for her.

Ok so while I liked the set up, I didn't love the way this was executed mostly because of Sorin. I think he dragged his feet way too much although I did love how transparent he was with his feelings and how everybody told him so and he was honest and upfront with his friends and mother when they talked to him about it. But at some point he can only deny and not do anything. Ellie's thought process made more sense even if people may find it naive or silly but she IS a very young girl! On the other hand, Sorin is a grown-ass man! Have some backbone and stick to your guns, man!

Overall, this was a cute read, but more of a palate cleanser than an outstanding romance novel.


ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ive given this a C- at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars rounded up.

Scandal of the Season is a standalone friends-to-lovers historical romance in which the twelve-year age gap between the principals means that the hero has been something of an older brother and mentor figure to the heroine for most of their lives. The premise attracted me – one of my favourite books of all time is Jane Austen’s Emma – but it unfortunately falls largely flat here, as pacing, characterisation and plot issues drag the story down. There is also a particularly problematic scene which I’ll discuss later in the review plus – I spent most of the book wondering what the scandal was and when I was going to find out about it!

Lady Eleanor Cramley, cousin to Charles, Duke of Ashford, grew up in her cousin’s family after the death of her parents when she was a child. Charles’ closest friend, Sorin Latham, Lord Wincanton (Sorin? Seriously? What sort of name is that for a 19th century English nobleman?) was often around when she was growing up and did his best to curb the worst of her hoydenish tendencies and teach her the importance of proper behaviour. When she’s sixteen, he becomes suddenly, uncomfortably aware that she is now a young woman and, realising his feelings for her go deeper than friendship, is rather cool and aloof towards her, which upsets her and makes her wonder what she’s done wrong. Sorin is horrified at the idea of lusting after his friend’s cousin, so he decides to keep as far away from her as possible and leaves England to travel abroad. Returning after an absence of five years, he is somewhat dismayed to discover that his attraction to Eleanor hasn’t abated – if anything it’s stronger – but he is determined not to act upon it (even though there is absolutely nothing preventing him from doing so) because he thinks he’ll crush her spirit if he marries her and because he thinks considering her in an amorous light is a betrayal of Charles’ trust.

Eleanor was upset by Sorin’s coldness but they have repaired their friendship and been regular correspondents during his five year absence. When he returns, she is overjoyed to see him and hopes things will return to the way they were, but when her flighty friend, Caroline, sets her cap at Sorin, Eleanor finds herself unaccountably jealous, and, in spite of her avowal to remain unmarried, slowly comes to realise that perhaps there could be something else between them, something more than friendship.

That’s the story in a nutshell, but almost the entire first half is taken up with Sorin being determined not to let Eleanor know how he feels and Eleanor thinking about how very poorly she must compare to his former fiancée (who died in a riding accident a decade earlier), who was sweet and demure and perfect. It starts very slowly and more or less stays that way; my interest wasn’t really engaged until around the 40% mark when the villain of the piece and his mother – who are cartoonish in the extreme, but oddly entertaining – made their appearances. She’s a vulgar social climber, he’s a handsome fortune-hunter who is full of himself and unpleasant and both of them are so over the top that they injected a bit of life into an otherwise dull story.

For all his insistence that he should keep away from Eleanor because he’s too old, too staid and too cynical for her, when Sorin’s mother realises how he feels and encourages him to court Eleanor, all his misgivings go out the window and he does a complete turn-about. He could simply ask Eleanor’s cousin Charles for her hand and take things from there, but he doesn’t want her to accept him out of a sense of obligation; he wants to give her time to come to see him as a potential husband rather than a brother. And while he’s trying to think of ways to make that happen – and worrying she will never think of him differently – Eleanor realises she’s fallen for him, isn’t the type of woman to make him happy and is miserable at the prospect of having to watch him marry someone else.

Pretty much the entire book is taken up with Sorin thinking he might have missed his chance with Eleanor and Eleanor despairing that she never had a chance with Sorin… For two people who are supposed to know each other inside out, they’re remarkably unintuitive.

The titular scandal doesn’t come into play until close to the end (around 80% on my Kindle), and it’s of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it variety. It’s well thought-out, but there isn’t enough of it to sustain a 300-page book and it’s too little, too late. It also leads to the problematic scene I mentioned earlier. I’ll try to avoid spoilers, but in the book’s only love scene, things become heated between the couple while Eleanor is under the influence of a drug (that wasn’t given to her by Sorin, I hasten to add). They don’t have sex, but there’s kissing (for the first time) and he does bring her to climax. She doesn’t stop him, and he beats himself up about it afterwards but still… at best, it’s unsexy and unromantic, and at worst dubious consent – and either way, I didn’t like it and it has knocked my final grade down even further.

<Scandal of the Season is the first book by Liana LeFay I’ve read and I’m afraid it hasn’t inspired me to seek out any more of her work. The storyline is unoriginal and the characters are bland and inconsistent. Eleanor’s friend Caroline is a man-trapping-gold-digger one minute and remorseful and mindful of her reputation the next. Eleanor is determined never to marry, then – whoops! No she isn’t because she’s realised Sorin is hot and that she wants to marry him. Sorin must keep away from Eleanor because she needs someone younger and more exciting –but then his mum says he should marry her and suddenly all his qualms about courting her disappear.

It’s a sad fact that the villainous Yarborough and his unrefined mama are the most memorable characters in the book – they’re two dimensional and nasty (he just needs a cape and a moustache to twirl!) but they at least made an impression. Sorin and Eleanor have zero chemistry, and I very quickly tired of their constant navel gazing and the whole “I am not worthy” thing they had going on. The book is fairly well written and parts of it are quite readable, although the author is another one who has no idea of the correct usage of English titles (Yarborough is constantly and incorrectly addressed as “Sir Yarborough” instead of “Sir Douglas” – it’s ALWAYS “Sir Firstname” and NEVER “Sir Lastname”).

Ultimately, Scandal of the Season is scandalously dull and I can’t recommend it.

[Mommaleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandal of the Season by Liana LeFey
• Propriety
I couldn't help but smile throughout this story.... Chuckled quite a bit as well as cringe at more than a handful of situations. But throughout I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next. What a great HEA historical romance set in London in the early 1800's! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Tasty Book Tours through NetGalley for an honest blog tour review.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

1817

Lord Sorin Latham, is now the Earl of Wincanton of Holly Hall. He has returned home after an absence of 5 years.

Lady Eleanor (Ellie) Cramley is celebrating her 21st birthday. Since the deaths of her parents, she has lived with her cousin, Charles Ashford and his wife, Rowena. They have been very good to her. Ellie is a wealthy heiress and her cousins just want her to make a good and happy marriage.

Ellie is looking forward to seeing Sorin again. They have been friends for a long time. When Ellie was just 15, Sorin had returned from a long absence and Ellie was so happy to see her friend again, that she reached out to hug him. To her dismay, he set her aside telling her that it is unseemly of her to hug a man like that. Deeply hurt, she is determined to act cool to him when she sees him at her birthday party. When Sorin sees Ellie again, he is delighted at the beautiful young woman she has become.

Sorin, his mother, Ellie and her family and her friend, Caroline, all travel to London for the Season. Unfortunately, an irritating man, Sir Yarborough and his equally irritating mother manage to get a ride with them to London making the trip miserable for all. Yarborough has decided that he will marry Ellie as he needs her money.

While there is a big attraction between Sorin and Ellie, neither of them seems to be able to express their feelings to the other. In the meantime, Yarborough’s persistence becomes a real problem. Whom will Sorin and Ellie marry?

Reading this story was like watching a tennis match. Sorin loves Ellie and starts to reach out only to pull himself back. The same goes for Ellie. I found this not only frustrating, but also very irritating after awhile. The cat and mouse game found in some novels is fine for a short period of time. But when the entire book is filled with this, I lose interest very quickly. However, I think the author writes well and I would like to try more of her books. I’m hoping this one is just a one-off.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight to read. Nothing pleases me more than a couple who genuinely loves each other. It’s so hard to put into words how I feel about this novel. While it’s not groundbreaking or revolutionary, Scandal of the Season is a lovely read filled with mutual love built upon friendship. It’s such a change from the romances where the couple fight the entire time or fall in love because they are forced into each other’s presence for extended periods of time (a.k.a soulmates trope).

I am not sure what I can say about this book. It had a simple but enjoyable storyline, entertaining characters, and a tender love story. The writer also has an easy style that make the story a pleasure to read. The only negative comment I have is that the title is a little misleading. I am still not sure what the scandal was…

If you are a fan of historical romance, this should definitely be on your TBR list.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last updated on 28 May 2017
Publisher's Description:
Lord Sorin Wincanton fled England’s shores to avoid temptation in the form of Lady Eleanor Cramley, but upon his return from fighting Bonaparte, the impetuous young miss he escorted through her first Season has grown into a stunning woman who still fires his blood. She sees him as a beloved older brother, and that’s the way things need to remain for the sake of her reputation.

Even if it means marrying her to another…

Eleanor was devastated when Sorin left her after scolding her for her wild ways. During his long absence, she’s striven to mold herself into the proper lady he urged her to become. Now that he’s back, however, the gentleman who once served as her chaperone makes Elle long to toss all proprietary to the wind. And now she only has til Season’s end to prove to him that they’re perfect for each other - or face an unacceptable bridegroom.

My Thoughts:

There is nothing like a story of deep friendship that has turned into a passionate love.

Sorin left England to travel abroad to distance himself from his feelings for his young female friend Eleanor.

Eleanor was devastated by his having left her but continued to correspond with him through letters. She loves him as deeply as he does her but neither of them realises their feelings are mutual.

Now that he has returned will this well kept secret be revealed or will they continue along this path that could lead to the destruction of their relationship?

I became truly entranced with this marvelous story of a friendship that developed into something much more. I found myself wishing one of them would blithely announce to the other how they felt, but I guess that would have ended the story too quickly.
This sweetly written book with a little mystery and a scheming suitor is very well developed with very engaging characters.

I gave this book 4.75 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5 flames. There is only one slightly sensual scene that involves only heavy petting.

I highly recommend this read.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Desiree M ~*~*~ LiveReadCollect]

Didn't read enough to rate this.

Originally was going to unhaul this, ended up reading the back blurb again and got re-interested in it again. But now it's definitely going into the unhaul pile.

Unfortunately I only read 15 pages of it.

While it has elements that I like, older hero, both MC's think their attraction/love is unrequited, awkwardness from a slight from years previous, I felt zero attraction between Eleanor and Sorin in those 15 pages. I wasn't particularly pleased with Eleanor seemingly changing who she was (although we didn't see her being particularly wild, she only hugged Sorin and he snapped at her), but I don't like that she felt she had to change and then Sorin is clearly more attracted to her now that's she's changed.

I went and checked other people's reviews to give me some indication of whether I'd want to go further, and just from what I read of those, I won't be continuing.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorin Latham refuses to follow his heart. He has cared about Eleanor since she was a child. He's a close friend of her cousin. He doesn't believe that it's proper for him to court her. Will his love prevail over his sense of duty? Sorin is so honorable and caring that I was charmed, but when it stood in the way of true love I wanted to shake him. What a stubborn man. Eleanor wants to be treated as an equal. She's not a prize to be won. She's a strong woman who knows her mind. I admired her spunk. When these two are together, I could feel their attraction. I wanted them together, but they were so self-sacrificing that I despaired they would admit that they loved each other. Scandal of the Season is a charming romantic tale that has great dialogue and lots of drama. I fell for Sorin and for Ellie. Their romance pulled at my heartstrings. Liana LeFey wrote a novel that's enjoyable from start to finish. I always enjoy reading about the Regency period and the London season. This book lived up to my expectations.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It felt like Jane Austen wrote a more modern historical romance.

This is an open door romance.

This story was swoony and sweet. The first half or so, had the same vibe as Emma, Harriot and Mr. Knightly from Jane Austen' Emma. I adored the characters and found them very likable. I normally don't like an age gap when he knew her as a child/teen. But he is not that much older than her and it didn't bother me so much in this story. He first met her when she was 11 or 12 but didn't really interact with her until she was 16 and coming out into society. Then he was gone for 5 years.

The story did drag in a few places and the angst did get repetitive at times. But I still really enjoyed the story.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had all the charm and "sighs of contentment" moments that I expect in an outstanding historical romance novel. Ellie has no intentions of settling for an unacceptable and undesirable suitor, when she could possible have the man she has always longed for, a man who has also hurt her deeply. Sorin once fled England to resist the temptation that is the lovely Ellie. But, now, he's back. And, Ellie is on a mission to make him see what he once left behind.

I loved the juxtaposition of Ellie trying, desperately, to get Sorin to lose his heart to her, while he fights, just as determinedly, to keep her from stealing it. Both characters are feisty and stubborn and play well off of each other.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful friends to lovers story!!! I enjoyed reading, learning, and loving Eleanor and Sorin!!! Eleanor was such a relatable character/woman- struggling to be herself yet navigate societal standards. Sorin a gentlemen of high standards. Both realize they love each other but do not think it is reciprocal- a season in London to convince each other, throw in balls, matchmaking, and other suitors- all the makings of a great read!!!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley/ Publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed them a lot so I was excited to read this one. I must admit I was a little bit disappointed. This book was well written I just wasn't in love with the characters. Sorin was kind of really annoying and a jerk. He just drove me nuts.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorin Latham, the Earl of Wincanton has come home after years away. He has been very successful in repairing the family fortune, but that was not the main reason he left.
Lady Eleanor Cramley is overjoyed that her cousin's best friend has returned. He holds a special place in her heart, and has for years.
Her family is determined to see her married this year but the very high standard she has set is unlikely to be met.
There is an unscrupulous fortune hunter that refuses to take no for an answer.
A sweet regency romance full of misunderstandings and strong friendship.
A gentle, entertaining story.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Dot Salvagin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new-to-me author, Liana Lefey, has come up with a very enjoyable friends-to- lovers story. Sorin and Ellie are each afraid that the other sees them as nothing more than a brother or sister and each is endeavoring to show the other that there is more to their feelings. However they keep getting it wrong until a villain forces their hand.

This is a most entertaining book from an author that I hope to hear more from. It is well written, historically accurate and a fun read. The side characters are well developed with a hint of more books to come.

I received this book free for review fro the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorin is an earl, single and just returned after 5 years in the East. Eleanor lost her parents as a child and was taken in by her aunt and uncle. This is a twisted plot that weaves around the characters. She does, he does or he thinks she hates him but doesn't. Very convoluted, but the author handles all the confusion, emotions and danger so well, it flows easily. The characters are so full of life and mischief. You become intrigued and are glued to the book until the end. It was a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this delightful book.

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review has been posted on Shelly's Book Corner

www.goodreads.com/review/show/2015543203

[Aresha's Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review***

At first I wasn't too sure what to think about this book but slowly it growed on me. Lord Sorin and Lady Eleanor's story begins with Lord Sorin fleeing England because of his feelings towards Lady Eleanor, who he has grown up with and has a really close friendship with her family. Upon his return he discovers his feelings towards Lady Eleanor is the same but tries to deny it. Lady Eleanor also denies her feelings towards him but is determined to find him a proper and suitable wife meanwhile Lord Sorin is trying to win her heart for himself. With unwanted suitors, double romances and fortune hunters mixed in this book was quite enjoyable and I would recommend it anyone looking for an enjoyable book. You can also check out my blog and like my page for more reviews both new and old at aresha001.simplesite.com

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It reminded me of Jane Austen's Emma. Friendship between Lady Eleanor and Lord Sorin is very strong. They've known each other since Ellie was quite young, she practically grew up with him and he has been her role model for sometime now. But she has always considered him like her cousin Charles, she never thought of him as a man. She is sure that Sorin things of her like a little sister as well. So when she starts thinking of him as more than a friend she ahs no idea how to act, or what to do. Surely he will never think of her as wife material. Besides she isn't anything like a woman Sorin will love. She is too strong minded, and stubborn. It's better if she never marries and live an independent life. That's the only way to ensure her happiness.
Sorin knows exactly when he stopped thinking of Ellie as a sister, she has grown into a beautiful woman and despite their age difference and his friendship with the family he finds himself thinking of her in a way he shouldn't. He has to find out how she feels about him because he certainly wants to marry her, may be over the years her feelings for him has changed as well...
So they both have their misgivings, and secretly love each other. But that's not all there is a lot more drama in this book. It's quite entertaining. I enjoyed reading it and will have no problem recommending it to all my reader friends.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was overall pretty forgettable; both the story & the 2 protagonists & didn’t live up to the promising blurb.

Sorin & Eleanor (Ellie) have been close since her childhood, even though he is 12 years her senior. A close family friend as well, her cousin who has been her guardian since Ellie was orphaned implicitly trusts Sorin so much as to have him be her chaperone in her coming out, which I thought unbelievable that society would not consider it a scandal for a single male to chaperone a young lady unrelated to him.

Several parts of the story that did not sit well with me. Sorin’s behavior initially on finding himself physically attracted to Ellie is rude and hurtful to say the least; being cold and rather pompous, curt to the extent of giving her the cut direct and looking through her.

The side characters – Ellie’s so called best friend who seems to be man crazy and the “villains” of the piece – a bully from Ellie’s childhood who thinks to pursue her for her money & his mother were over the top and overdone.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

Scandal of the Season was a good book, it delivers what the blurb states, but I was somehow hoping for more.

I liked the characters, except for my namesake, Caroline. The author changed the direction of her story and her personality too many times in the story. At first she was jealous and bitchy and then she was heartbroken and nice...I could clearly see the conflict of the author in what she wanted to put in the story (and if she wasn't confused, it sure seemed like she was).

The same thing for the main characters, specially Eleanor, she was naïve and then she wasn't and it didn't feel coesive to me.

The book is still an enjoyable read, and it was a good palate cleanser, specially because I like historical books. It turned a bit unrealistic for my tastes, but it's still enjoyable.a

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I instantly liked both Sorin and Eleanor. Sorin is kind, strong and can be abrupt, but only to hide his feelings. Eleanor is smart, independent, and wise beyond her years because of the loss of her parents at a young age. Together the conversations are quick, sometimes witty and yet often filled with misunderstandings that started to wear on me. The secondary characters were interesting and caring. I was a little sad to see Eleanor’s best friend suffer the same constant misunderstandings for her own HEA. Eleanor’s cousin and guardian, the heir after her father, the duke passed, and his duchess were caring, and loveable. I was disappointed that the author started to give Eleanor the social assistance of Sorin’s mother, but her role was not developed enough to really give her the due and the power that was alluded to.

This was a new to me author and the blurb was intriguing. Unfortunately, I was not as excited as I got into the book. Yes, the characters were endearing and their plight was fair but the author did them a disservice by not giving them more of a challenge then just their thoughts, misunderstandings and wish to not hurt the other’s feelings. The only antagonist, while a vile man, did not pose enough of a struggle to truly bring them together as a couple to solidify their HEA. Yes, he was a bully and his pride had been hurt as a young man, but both Sorin and Eleanor only thought to confront his separately until the very end and that was disappointing. There were so many chances to bring them together and they were glossed over. While the constant missed chances were wearing on me, I still enjoyed the characters and will give the author another read.

This was a 3.5 Star book for me.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!

This novel was a good read. It is mainly clean romance novel. I liked the characters and the plot.
Lord Sorin Latham fled England five years ago when Lady Eleanor was sixteen. After not seeing him for some time, she ran to him and hugged him. His reaction was not that of a gentleman and he was embarrassed and told her she needed to act with more decorum. He realized then he cared more for Eleanor than mere friendship. He wants to marry Eleanor but fears she does not see him as a husband and their age difference.
Lady Eleanor since then has tried to become a true lady, avoiding scandal and being rather proper. She has decided never to marry and is a very wealthy woman. She compared herself to Jane, Sorin's fiancee who died several years earlier. Eleanor's parents died when she was young and was raised by her cousin and Sorin. Eleanor has always loved Sorin and when he returns after five years, she begins to see its more than friendship she feels for him.
Both try to woo the other in subtle ways. Sorin asks Eleanor for her help to find a wife to keep her close to him and her Eleanor's cousin asks him to keep an eye on her during the season, he knows this is a golden opportunity. Eleanor has Sorin around to keep the fortune hunters at bay and realizes that maybe a marriage to Sorin would not be so bad and she acts in a more proper manner. However, there is a man who wants to marry Eleanor to get at her fortune and would stoop to whatever means necessary to achieve it. Will this person come between Sorin and Eleanor? Will Sorin and Eleanor stop dancing around each other to see that the one they desire is right in front of them?

[Gold Dust Editing & Book Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always love a good friends-to-lovers story, especially when the lovers in question became friends during their youth. The thought of these two getting together warmed my heart, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would play out. I was intrigued at first. Sorin had battled his attraction to Eleanor for years. He’s 11 years older (if I remember correctly), and her cousin is his dearest friend. Sorin practically helped raise her. He feels conflicted by these things. He doesn’t want to come across as some pervert.

Ellie has always adored Sorin, but even when she didn’t quite realize it, she didn’t think of him as a brother. She worked hard to become the proper lady he’d always tried to train her to be – for her sake in society- and she’s hurt when he doesn’t seem to appreciate the new womanly version of herself. If only she knew.

The story was unfolding nice, but then it seemed slow. Everything is drawn out, and I became a little antsy. Just so you know, the first kiss is literally like 80% into the book. There’s always an issue. Always something in the way. I expected that at first, and then it became bothersome. I don’t consider myself totally impatient, but the discovery was too long coming.

The writing is good, however. I liked the characters and the scenes are easy to imagine.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Sorin Latham left England five years ago- abruptly and without explanation. He spent five years trying to distance himself from the one woman that gripped his heart -- because to love her felt wrong. She was his best friend's ward, and as he had also had a hand in helping raise her- it felt wrong--even though they were not separated by many years.

Lady Eleanor Chatham missed her closest friend, Sorin and thought that when he returned all would be well. But at every turn, they seemed to ensnare each other in cross words or misunderstandings. He had been gone five years - but they had maintained letters and she thought he would be as before. But things had changed. She had grown up.

Lord Latham and Lady Eleanor both decide to pursue the London Season and hopefully land a spouse. But as attentions of the Season persist, pressure and frustration follow in their wake.

While I found myself easily pulled into the story, I found the plot a little thin. Nonetheless, it was a sweet, enjoyable romance. I particularly found Lady Wincanton, Lord Sorin's mother, fun and would have liked to read more scenes with her. Maybe she will show up in future books.

I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anita Byars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written historical romance that was full of intrigue, treachery, and drama. Well developed, in-depth and complicated main characters. They feel like real people with virtues and weaknesses, who have developed a close and deep affection for one another and are hiding their true feelings every step of the way. This story had me totally absorbed in it all.
Fantastic internal dialogue, good drama and tension, as well as some great descriptive. I thought the first half of the book was great, but by 60 percent I felt that these main characters relationship wasn't progressing and the storyline started to flounder without a stronger obvious connection and attraction of the two main characters. I love, the build to the fall and although the internal dialogue did establish how these two felt about each other, it simply left me wanting more interaction for a romance that could have been simply swoon worthy. Loved the ending and the epilogue and wish there would have been more of their heat and chemistry in more of this romance for Sorin and Eleanor. This is my first story by Liana Lefey and I am eagerly looking to read more stories by this author.

Received an ARC through NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars
Five years ago, Lord Sorin Latham left England’s to avoid Lady Eleanor Cramley. On returning home, he finds the young miss he used to scold for lack of decorum is now a stunning woman who fires his blood. Lady Eleanor is determined to be the paragon of propriety Sorin urged her to become. But now that he’s back, the man she once thought of as an older brother makes her long to be anything but proper.
A well written book but it left me wanting more. The characters were well portrayed & had depth but I found it hard to relate to them especially the name Sorin which didn’t gel to me for an early nineteenth century aristocrats name. The pace of the book was slow & I found my attention wandering wanting something to happen. I finished the book but it took some effort whereas I am usually loathe to leave a book that has my attention
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read