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Romance of the Turf #2
Scandalous Ever After
Does love really heal all wounds?
After being widowed by a steeplechase accident in Ireland, Lady Kate Whelan abandons the turf. But once her mourning is complete, her late husband's debts drive her to seek help in Newmarket amidst the whirl of a race meet. There she encounters antiquities expert Evan Rhys, her late husband's roguish friend―whom she hasn't seen since the day of his lordship's mysterious death.
Now that fate has reunited them, Evan seizes the chance to win over the woman he's always loved. But once back within the old stone walls of Whelan House, long-held secrets come to light that shake up everything Kate thought she knew about her marriage. Now she wonders who she can trust with her heart―and Evan must decide between love and a truth that will separate him from all his heart desires.
After being widowed by a steeplechase accident in Ireland, Lady Kate Whelan abandons the turf. But once her mourning is complete, her late husband's debts drive her to seek help in Newmarket amidst the whirl of a race meet. There she encounters antiquities expert Evan Rhys, her late husband's roguish friend―whom she hasn't seen since the day of his lordship's mysterious death.
Now that fate has reunited them, Evan seizes the chance to win over the woman he's always loved. But once back within the old stone walls of Whelan House, long-held secrets come to light that shake up everything Kate thought she knew about her marriage. Now she wonders who she can trust with her heart―and Evan must decide between love and a truth that will separate him from all his heart desires.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2017
58 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Romain
41 books661 followersTheresa Romain is the bestselling author of more than 20 historical romances, including the Holiday Pleasures series, the Matchmaker trilogy, the Royal Rewards series, and the Romance of the Turf series. Praised as “one of the rising stars of Regency historical romance” (Booklist), her books have finaled for the RITA® award, received starred reviews from Booklist, and been named to the Best Books of the Year list by NPR. Theresa is hard at work on her next book from her home in the Midwestern USA.
To keep up with all her book-release news, please visit her online at theresaromain.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or find her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/there....
To keep up with all her book-release news, please visit her online at theresaromain.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or find her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/there....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 11, 2017
4.5 stars
This second full-length novel in Theresa Romain’s Romance of the Turf series takes up the story of Kate Durham née Chandler, the elder Chandler daughter, widow of the Earl of Whelan and mother of two young children. Scandalous Ever After is the sort of strongly written, character-driven and emotionally satisfying romance at which this author excels, and there’s a dash of mystery, too, which eventually turns out to be linked to one of the secondary plotlines featured in book one, A Gentleman’s Game.
When Kate was just seventeen, she was swept off her feet by the handsome Conall Durham, and after a whirlwind courtship, married him and left England to live at his estate in Ireland. Con’s best friend, Evan Rhys, a Welsh historian and archaeologist, was a frequent visitor, and the three of them spent many an evening together chatting, laughing and sampling the excellent local whiskey. Evan and Kate developed a strong and – they’d thought – lasting friendship, even though unbeknownst to Kate, Evan had fallen in love with her the moment they met. Over the years, Kate watched Con running up debts he couldn’t pay and put up with his infidelities – and while Evan remonstrated with his friend, Con continued on his own merry way until he was killed as the result of a fall from his horse. Shortly before this, the two men argued violently, after which Evan left and has never returned; he and Kate haven’t seen each other in the two years since Con’s death.
Kate hasn’t been home to Newmarket since she married, but she is back in England now, hoping to ask her father for help in settling the massive debt Connor left behind. While she’s there, she attends a lecture on antiquities – and specifically, the way in which the collectors’ market is currently being inundated with fakes – given by her old friend Evan Rhys. She has been hurt by his continued absence from her life and hopes they can regain something of their former friendship, unaware of the true nature of his feelings for her and that he harbours some guilt about the argument he and Con had on the day he died. Evan is surprised to see Kate, but can’t deny that he’s missed her – and decides to woo her now that she is free and out of mourning. But he knows it won’t be easy; over the years Kate has placed him in the role of “dependable friend” and he’ll have to take things slowly if he is to get her to see him as a lover.
Unfortunately for Kate, Sir William is unable to help her with her financial woes, so she decides to return to Ireland and Evan offers to escort her, telling her that he wants to look into the sudden flood of fake antiquities that appear to have been made from stone that comes from close to the Whelan estate. Once there, it becomes apparent that not only does Evan have cause for his suspicions but also that Con’s death was no accident - and that the machinations of the mysterious villain who cast a long shadow in the previous book continue to pursue the Chandler family, although to what end is not yet apparent.
Scandalous Ever After is a skilfully blended story of romance and mystery, with the focus very firmly on the fragile new relationship that Kate and Evan are building together. They have terrific chemistry and their many verbal exchanges are witty, funny and utterly delightful; such naturalistic dialogue is one of this author’s strengths, and it’s much in evidence here as Kate and Evan flirt, argue and tease their way towards a new understanding of themselves and each other. That’s not to say it’s an easy journey for either of them, especially after Kate takes a leap of faith and invites Evan to her bed - and almost immediately regrets her decision, because she is scared that by changing the nature of their relationship she will lose his friendship, and she couldn’t bear that. Over the years, she has become so many different women – wife, mother, countess, manager - that she has lost sight of herself and her own wants and needs. Spending time with her family - and with Evan’s on the way to Ireland (no matter that both families are very, very different) - has brought into sharp focus the fact that she doesn’t really fit in anywhere, not in Ireland and not at home; and if she loses Evan’s friendship she will be truly alone. She tells him she wants them to forget their one night together and go back to the way things were – and can’t understand why Evan doesn’t agree it’s for the best, and why he eventually begins to pull back from her.
Evan is a gorgeous beta hero; an intellectual who can crack a dirty joke along with the best of them and whose concern and love for Kate shines through in his words and actions. He’s kind, charming and perceptive, but his upbringing by a mother who constantly belittled him has left him a little emotionally bruised and he’s suffered bouts of depression throughout his life – something Kate tackles superbly, offering understanding, compassion and acceptance.
The love story is beautifully nuanced and the love scenes are sensual as we see Evan and Kate tentatively exploring the possibilities for more than friendship at the same time as they fear to take the steps that will irretrievably change things between them. It’s true that Evan is now more willing to put his heart on the line while Kate struggles with the fear that she could lose him and allows that fear to push her to retreat from him and from what she really wants; and there were times this reader found Kate’s reticence just a teeny bit frustrating. Yet in the two years since Con’s death, Evan allowed his fear of rejection to keep him far away from the temptation Kate presented, so he, too, has been guilty of running from his deepest desires.
My one complaint about the story overall is that Kate’s inability to realise why Evan is so hurt when she wants to ‘go back to how things were’ goes on a little too long - and it’s hard to believe she can really be so obtuse about it when he has been her closest friend for so many years. That point knocked my final grade down a little, but didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book and isn’t going to prevent my recommending Scandalous Ever After to others.
This second full-length novel in Theresa Romain’s Romance of the Turf series takes up the story of Kate Durham née Chandler, the elder Chandler daughter, widow of the Earl of Whelan and mother of two young children. Scandalous Ever After is the sort of strongly written, character-driven and emotionally satisfying romance at which this author excels, and there’s a dash of mystery, too, which eventually turns out to be linked to one of the secondary plotlines featured in book one, A Gentleman’s Game.
When Kate was just seventeen, she was swept off her feet by the handsome Conall Durham, and after a whirlwind courtship, married him and left England to live at his estate in Ireland. Con’s best friend, Evan Rhys, a Welsh historian and archaeologist, was a frequent visitor, and the three of them spent many an evening together chatting, laughing and sampling the excellent local whiskey. Evan and Kate developed a strong and – they’d thought – lasting friendship, even though unbeknownst to Kate, Evan had fallen in love with her the moment they met. Over the years, Kate watched Con running up debts he couldn’t pay and put up with his infidelities – and while Evan remonstrated with his friend, Con continued on his own merry way until he was killed as the result of a fall from his horse. Shortly before this, the two men argued violently, after which Evan left and has never returned; he and Kate haven’t seen each other in the two years since Con’s death.
Kate hasn’t been home to Newmarket since she married, but she is back in England now, hoping to ask her father for help in settling the massive debt Connor left behind. While she’s there, she attends a lecture on antiquities – and specifically, the way in which the collectors’ market is currently being inundated with fakes – given by her old friend Evan Rhys. She has been hurt by his continued absence from her life and hopes they can regain something of their former friendship, unaware of the true nature of his feelings for her and that he harbours some guilt about the argument he and Con had on the day he died. Evan is surprised to see Kate, but can’t deny that he’s missed her – and decides to woo her now that she is free and out of mourning. But he knows it won’t be easy; over the years Kate has placed him in the role of “dependable friend” and he’ll have to take things slowly if he is to get her to see him as a lover.
Unfortunately for Kate, Sir William is unable to help her with her financial woes, so she decides to return to Ireland and Evan offers to escort her, telling her that he wants to look into the sudden flood of fake antiquities that appear to have been made from stone that comes from close to the Whelan estate. Once there, it becomes apparent that not only does Evan have cause for his suspicions but also that Con’s death was no accident - and that the machinations of the mysterious villain who cast a long shadow in the previous book continue to pursue the Chandler family, although to what end is not yet apparent.
Scandalous Ever After is a skilfully blended story of romance and mystery, with the focus very firmly on the fragile new relationship that Kate and Evan are building together. They have terrific chemistry and their many verbal exchanges are witty, funny and utterly delightful; such naturalistic dialogue is one of this author’s strengths, and it’s much in evidence here as Kate and Evan flirt, argue and tease their way towards a new understanding of themselves and each other. That’s not to say it’s an easy journey for either of them, especially after Kate takes a leap of faith and invites Evan to her bed - and almost immediately regrets her decision, because she is scared that by changing the nature of their relationship she will lose his friendship, and she couldn’t bear that. Over the years, she has become so many different women – wife, mother, countess, manager - that she has lost sight of herself and her own wants and needs. Spending time with her family - and with Evan’s on the way to Ireland (no matter that both families are very, very different) - has brought into sharp focus the fact that she doesn’t really fit in anywhere, not in Ireland and not at home; and if she loses Evan’s friendship she will be truly alone. She tells him she wants them to forget their one night together and go back to the way things were – and can’t understand why Evan doesn’t agree it’s for the best, and why he eventually begins to pull back from her.
Evan is a gorgeous beta hero; an intellectual who can crack a dirty joke along with the best of them and whose concern and love for Kate shines through in his words and actions. He’s kind, charming and perceptive, but his upbringing by a mother who constantly belittled him has left him a little emotionally bruised and he’s suffered bouts of depression throughout his life – something Kate tackles superbly, offering understanding, compassion and acceptance.
The love story is beautifully nuanced and the love scenes are sensual as we see Evan and Kate tentatively exploring the possibilities for more than friendship at the same time as they fear to take the steps that will irretrievably change things between them. It’s true that Evan is now more willing to put his heart on the line while Kate struggles with the fear that she could lose him and allows that fear to push her to retreat from him and from what she really wants; and there were times this reader found Kate’s reticence just a teeny bit frustrating. Yet in the two years since Con’s death, Evan allowed his fear of rejection to keep him far away from the temptation Kate presented, so he, too, has been guilty of running from his deepest desires.
My one complaint about the story overall is that Kate’s inability to realise why Evan is so hurt when she wants to ‘go back to how things were’ goes on a little too long - and it’s hard to believe she can really be so obtuse about it when he has been her closest friend for so many years. That point knocked my final grade down a little, but didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book and isn’t going to prevent my recommending Scandalous Ever After to others.
April 30, 2018
Buddy read with Becca ! It seems like we're cursed at the moment. We seem to be picking all the wrong books lately :(
Anyways...
Having enjoyed the first book in the series and being disappointed by Romain's latest book, I was eager to see if it was me or if her latest book are just not my thing. Sadly, it seems it's the latter.
What bothered me most about this book was that I just couldn't feel the chemistry. Evan has been in love with his best friend's wife ever since he met her when they were teenagers. He never said anything to her, and once stuff happened that made him argue with his best friend, he left the country and never spoke to Kate again for years. Now she's a widow though, Evan has decided to pursue the only woman he has ever loved.
Thing is, in the beginning, my heart broke for Evan. He was a bit pathetic, but his feelings I could emphasize with. Kate on the other hand, was infuriatingly oblivious, and strung Evan along far too long for my liking. He was in love with her for years, and the first chance of an affair, he jumps her (in what I found a very mechanical, detached sex scene) and then sort of just continues being friends with her as if nothing happened. He does stand up to her at some point, but given that she doesn't really react to that , I wasn't exactly a big fan of hers. Yes, I know, she's a widow, has to kids, inherited staggering debts from her husband (and btw, who decided that HR characters can't have a decent first partner? Why does there always have to be something that makes it "ok" for them to move on and find love for the first time with someone new???), and all that. But honestly... Sorry, rant over. Where was I? Oh yes. She then even has the nerve to . So yeah. I wasn't exactly invested in their relationship.
And then there was the drama. I admit this book lost a lot of potential stars from me because of my severe allergy to contrived drama (think smuggling, mistresses, near-death experiences, a possible murder...) but honestly, there was much too much here for my liking (which really doesn't take much, so don't mind me). It made me skim most of the second half because it was just one thing after another that pulled the focus away from their relationship.
I'm still not ready to give up on this author (she has written some books I thoroughly enjoyed after all), but... I expected more :(((
Anyways...
Having enjoyed the first book in the series and being disappointed by Romain's latest book, I was eager to see if it was me or if her latest book are just not my thing. Sadly, it seems it's the latter.
What bothered me most about this book was that I just couldn't feel the chemistry. Evan has been in love with his best friend's wife ever since he met her when they were teenagers. He never said anything to her, and once stuff happened that made him argue with his best friend, he left the country and never spoke to Kate again for years. Now she's a widow though, Evan has decided to pursue the only woman he has ever loved.
Thing is, in the beginning, my heart broke for Evan. He was a bit pathetic, but his feelings I could emphasize with. Kate on the other hand, was infuriatingly oblivious, and strung Evan along far too long for my liking. He was in love with her for years, and the first chance of an affair, he jumps her (in what I found a very mechanical, detached sex scene) and then sort of just continues being friends with her as if nothing happened. He does stand up to her at some point, but given that she doesn't really react to that , I wasn't exactly a big fan of hers. Yes, I know, she's a widow, has to kids, inherited staggering debts from her husband (and btw, who decided that HR characters can't have a decent first partner? Why does there always have to be something that makes it "ok" for them to move on and find love for the first time with someone new???), and all that. But honestly... Sorry, rant over. Where was I? Oh yes. She then even has the nerve to . So yeah. I wasn't exactly invested in their relationship.
And then there was the drama. I admit this book lost a lot of potential stars from me because of my severe allergy to contrived drama (think smuggling, mistresses, near-death experiences, a possible murder...) but honestly, there was much too much here for my liking (which really doesn't take much, so don't mind me). It made me skim most of the second half because it was just one thing after another that pulled the focus away from their relationship.
I'm still not ready to give up on this author (she has written some books I thoroughly enjoyed after all), but... I expected more :(((
July 20, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this book! This is the first book by Theresa Romain that I have had the chance to read and it ended up being a great one. This book is listed as the second book in the Romance on the Turf series but it can be read fine as a stand alone novel. Once I really got hooked by the story, I didn't want to put this book down. I kept sneaking peeks throughout the day and before you knew it, I had reached the end of the story.
Kate and Evan are the focus of this story. Kate became a widow two years ago when her husband died in an accident. She is working to take care of the debts left by her husband. Evan was Kate's husband's best friends. They consider each other friends as well but Evan fought with Con just prior to his death and has stayed away since his passing. Kate and Evan cross paths at one of his lectures and they decide to travel together.
I liked Kate and Evan together. They have been friends for a very long time and know a lot about each other but quickly learn that not everything is as they had thought. I really liked the fact that they were a bit older and seemed more mature than a lot of couples featured in romantic novels. Kate has been married and is the mother of two children. They both had a lot of respect for each other and were willing to stand up for themselves when needed. I thought the chemistry between them was wonderfully done and their banter was a lot of fun.
I really liked the way the story flowed. Since Kate and Evan spend a lot of the book traveling, we get to see them in several different environments. Kate's family were so much fun and I loved how Evan seemed to fit in perfectly. Evan's family were in dramatic contrast and it was fun to see them interact. Once the pair arrived at Kate's estate, I enjoyed the way they were with the children and Con's mother. The secondary characters really added to the overall story.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance. This was a heartwarming romance that was a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to read more of Theresa Romain's works in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this! Kate and Evan had wonderful chemistry and I loved their banter. The story was just a lot of fun.
I really enjoyed this book! This is the first book by Theresa Romain that I have had the chance to read and it ended up being a great one. This book is listed as the second book in the Romance on the Turf series but it can be read fine as a stand alone novel. Once I really got hooked by the story, I didn't want to put this book down. I kept sneaking peeks throughout the day and before you knew it, I had reached the end of the story.
Kate and Evan are the focus of this story. Kate became a widow two years ago when her husband died in an accident. She is working to take care of the debts left by her husband. Evan was Kate's husband's best friends. They consider each other friends as well but Evan fought with Con just prior to his death and has stayed away since his passing. Kate and Evan cross paths at one of his lectures and they decide to travel together.
I liked Kate and Evan together. They have been friends for a very long time and know a lot about each other but quickly learn that not everything is as they had thought. I really liked the fact that they were a bit older and seemed more mature than a lot of couples featured in romantic novels. Kate has been married and is the mother of two children. They both had a lot of respect for each other and were willing to stand up for themselves when needed. I thought the chemistry between them was wonderfully done and their banter was a lot of fun.
I really liked the way the story flowed. Since Kate and Evan spend a lot of the book traveling, we get to see them in several different environments. Kate's family were so much fun and I loved how Evan seemed to fit in perfectly. Evan's family were in dramatic contrast and it was fun to see them interact. Once the pair arrived at Kate's estate, I enjoyed the way they were with the children and Con's mother. The secondary characters really added to the overall story.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance. This was a heartwarming romance that was a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to read more of Theresa Romain's works in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this! Kate and Evan had wonderful chemistry and I loved their banter. The story was just a lot of fun.
May 2, 2018
I read Scandalous Ever After as a buddy read with Andrea. Wow, the two of us are bad luck for each other...but at least we are in it together! :)
Anyway, I have LOVED some of Romain's work, but her most recent releases have been a huge disappointment for me. Gone are the gentle, purely character driven novels that have just the right amount of internal reflection to make them thoughtful without being slow with warm family settings and no needless drama. Lately, there has been too much internal thought, not enough communication, and needless angst to propel a story along.
Romain can definitely write, there is no doubt about that, which is why I keep trying again, but this book just couldn't keep my attention.
I believe Andrea's review captures fully how all the drama just became too much (she finished the novel whereas I stopped at about 60%).
In the opening chapter, I adored the hero, Evan. I liked that he seemed to battle depression of some sort, had a quirky sense of humor, and nursed a long-running love for his best friend's widow. There was so much potential there for a beta hero! But then, Evan proved to be an enormous pushover. It was pathetic. He had all these strong feelings and never vocalized anything. He was willing to have casual sexual encounters with Kate when she felt like it and he never actually told her how he felt (he does at the very end but too little too late). Kate is not much better. She complains about her situation but turns a blind eye to all the support she actually has. Her husband was not a good guy, but really, she proves herself time and again to be a selfish person who is blind to everything but what is convenient for her. And then she is upset that no one "knows" her or "sees" her even though I've seen the love she gets from her children, her siblings and father, and from Evan. It was like both characters were emotionally stunted. And then there was drama galore and I couldn't take it anymore.
Despite this book's beautiful cover that I desperately wanted to keep on my shelf, I couldn't like this book. I couldn't care about the characters, I got frustrated with the lack of communication and growth, the sex scenes came out of nowhere, and the drama was endless.
I will not be reading Romain's newest series which also promises more of the same. Until I see reviews that point to romances like Romain's It Takes Two to Tangle, My Scandalous Duke, or Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress, I will be taking a break for a while.
Anyway, I have LOVED some of Romain's work, but her most recent releases have been a huge disappointment for me. Gone are the gentle, purely character driven novels that have just the right amount of internal reflection to make them thoughtful without being slow with warm family settings and no needless drama. Lately, there has been too much internal thought, not enough communication, and needless angst to propel a story along.
Romain can definitely write, there is no doubt about that, which is why I keep trying again, but this book just couldn't keep my attention.
I believe Andrea's review captures fully how all the drama just became too much (she finished the novel whereas I stopped at about 60%).
In the opening chapter, I adored the hero, Evan. I liked that he seemed to battle depression of some sort, had a quirky sense of humor, and nursed a long-running love for his best friend's widow. There was so much potential there for a beta hero! But then, Evan proved to be an enormous pushover. It was pathetic. He had all these strong feelings and never vocalized anything. He was willing to have casual sexual encounters with Kate when she felt like it and he never actually told her how he felt (he does at the very end but too little too late). Kate is not much better. She complains about her situation but turns a blind eye to all the support she actually has. Her husband was not a good guy, but really, she proves herself time and again to be a selfish person who is blind to everything but what is convenient for her. And then she is upset that no one "knows" her or "sees" her even though I've seen the love she gets from her children, her siblings and father, and from Evan. It was like both characters were emotionally stunted. And then there was drama galore and I couldn't take it anymore.
Despite this book's beautiful cover that I desperately wanted to keep on my shelf, I couldn't like this book. I couldn't care about the characters, I got frustrated with the lack of communication and growth, the sex scenes came out of nowhere, and the drama was endless.
I will not be reading Romain's newest series which also promises more of the same. Until I see reviews that point to romances like Romain's It Takes Two to Tangle, My Scandalous Duke, or Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress, I will be taking a break for a while.
August 28, 2024
⭐💫
1½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Widow heroine.
Somewhat “older” heroine (30) 👍
Friends to lovers.
Welsh hero.
Good and caring hero.
(Cinnamon roll hero.)
➖ What I disliked:
Underwhelming.
Repetitive.
Disjointed.
(WAY too much going on etc.)
Anachronistic.
(Especially in some words choices...using words that were not in use or really known in the early 19th century… but some other things as well.)
Internalized fat-shaming/body-shaming and stereotypical description/visual appearance of the heroine.
(Even if it is understandable to a certain degree that the heroine has issues with her worth and confidence after having her marriage become broken and it not really being a good marriage from the start and also being married to a selfish and irresponsible man (cheater, gambler etc.)……..
Rather much time has passed since her husband died (2 years)…but also when they were married the heroine did “set boundaries” for her husband after she realized her husband cheated on her …. (she did not let him in to her bed after she realized he was a cheater)
So it would have been interesting to see that she at least had started to build her confidence even more …even after her husbands death.
Instead of her being written in a rather stereotypical way….. especially for a woman that is 30 years old...
The heroine was insecure and self-conscious about her body…. After having had two kids and becoming older…. (what is said by the heroine about her own body sends a bad/negative vibe or/and underlying message about women's bodies after childbirth.)
And the heroine had also always been on the curvier side in her body shape...but that changed some after having children and becoming older…. Still curvy but curvier than before.
The heroine describes her body as squishy and lumpy among other things…. and talks negatively about her body…..It is so stereotypical.
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧....Women in the early 19th century/19th century did Not speak or feel or act the same way as some women do in the 21st century…(about their bodies etc.)…
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 “𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐩” 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 in the early 19th century/19th century was not a “bad” thing…. And it is possible to write heroines that are “plump” or curvy or full-figured and then also make them strong, confident, intelligent, etc. and still have them feel like they belong in the century they are in…. And also not be stereotypical.)
And the character description/visual appearance/character choice about the hero was formulaic.
(The hero is tall... muscular… and handsome….🥱😴
Why and how would the hero have a “fit” and muscular physique?🤔 He is a historian and archaeologist…..but also a professor/teacher at Cambridge in the early 19th century??… why the same or very similar kind of physique and build on so many or almost all heroes in the romance genre?…. Especially in the Historical romance genre????)
Lackluster sex scene/steam.
(It is a mechanical and detached sex scene…. That also is cringey …. and they talk way too much before having sex … and it is not dirty talk either …. and the scene is also rather sparse.)
Annoying and kind of unlikable heroine.
(She does not really know what she wants... and she also strung the hero along far too long… and she is rather selfish in many ways...when it comes how she treats the hero and their relationship.)
The hero is a cinnamon roll hero or/and beta hero(which I like if written well/interesting)…. But he is too much of a pushover for the heroine.
And the hero suffers from depression and the handling of that was somewhat iffy.
Romance/romantic build-up and chemistry is unconvincing and kind of stilted…. Especially from the heroines side of things.
Underdeveloped plot and main characters and romance.
The heroines romantic and sexual interest for the Hero came out of nowhere… and the reader barely sees any of the heroines feelings or the heroine actually falling in love with the hero…. or acknowledging her love for him.
➖ 😒👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine is described as a lush/curvy/voluptuous heroine……. The cover shows a slender woman on the cover…. Not at all like the heroine is described/portrayed in the book.
July 16, 2017
This was my first book by Theresa Romain, and I was pleasantly surprised at her different take on historical romance. With a great friends-to-lovers trope, a delicious hero, and different settings than most historicals, this one is definitely worth checking out.
The Story-
Evan and Kate are old friends whose relationship ended at the sudden death of her husband a few years ago. Kate has been struggling to put the pieces of her life back together, and Evan has been desperately trying to move forward...and forget about his feelings for Kate. When she seeks him out, they have to figure out who they are to each other now.
My Thoughts-
I loved how different this book was from all of the cookie-cutter historical romances I (admittedly) love to read. First, the backdrops of the horse racing and Anglesey in Wales provided interesting interactions for the characters. Secondly, I have never been a horse person, but I really enjoyed reading about the horses in this book. It's obvious that the author loves them and can transmit that appeal to the reader. Don't get me wrong: this book isn't all about horses or anything, it just effortlessly connects them to the story through the couple's affinity for them. Lastly, I thought the grown-up approach to this romance was refreshing. These are two adults who have figured some things out and can move forward with eyes wide open.
The best thing about this book, however, is the hero. I loved Evan so much that at some points, I disliked the heroine based on her idiocity with regards to him. Hello!?! Here is a hot, amazing guy who adores you. There was also a bit of a disjointedness with the plot once they got to Ireland and started a murder investigation. It almost felt like two separate books.
The Bottom Line-
The overarching mystery which continues from this book, while interesting, has me less intrigued to come back to the series than Romain's character development and welcome take on historical romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it, especially to fans of horses and well-developed characters and relationships (not instalove). 4 stars
The Story-
Evan and Kate are old friends whose relationship ended at the sudden death of her husband a few years ago. Kate has been struggling to put the pieces of her life back together, and Evan has been desperately trying to move forward...and forget about his feelings for Kate. When she seeks him out, they have to figure out who they are to each other now.
My Thoughts-
I loved how different this book was from all of the cookie-cutter historical romances I (admittedly) love to read. First, the backdrops of the horse racing and Anglesey in Wales provided interesting interactions for the characters. Secondly, I have never been a horse person, but I really enjoyed reading about the horses in this book. It's obvious that the author loves them and can transmit that appeal to the reader. Don't get me wrong: this book isn't all about horses or anything, it just effortlessly connects them to the story through the couple's affinity for them. Lastly, I thought the grown-up approach to this romance was refreshing. These are two adults who have figured some things out and can move forward with eyes wide open.
The best thing about this book, however, is the hero. I loved Evan so much that at some points, I disliked the heroine based on her idiocity with regards to him. Hello!?! Here is a hot, amazing guy who adores you. There was also a bit of a disjointedness with the plot once they got to Ireland and started a murder investigation. It almost felt like two separate books.
The Bottom Line-
The overarching mystery which continues from this book, while interesting, has me less intrigued to come back to the series than Romain's character development and welcome take on historical romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it, especially to fans of horses and well-developed characters and relationships (not instalove). 4 stars
June 27, 2017
Scandalous Ever After is one of the best friends-to-lovers story I have ever read, and features an incredibly sweet hero in the form of Evan Rhys, who has loved our beloved heroine, Lady Kate Whelan, for 13 years and ongoing. There is something magical in a wonderful tale of self-understanding, forgiveness, and finally pays homage to that fact that true friends really do know one better than oneself. There is also a blend of mystery in the novel - a continuation of a villain's schemes from the past Romance of the Turf books - leading us tantalizingly to the grand finale in Kate's brother's story...but alas, this book is not about him, but rather Kate and Evan.
The first time Evan met his friend Con's seventeen-year-old bride, Kate, he had fallen heads over heels in love. His love never dulled, yet for his consideration, he hid his feelings and remained a kind family friend, knowing in part that Con was undeserving of Kate. His unrequited love continued even when he left after Con's accidental death, and Kate was left to pick up the pieces of her heart and family, shouldering the financial and emotional burdens for her young children. Yet, a chance encounter brings these old friends back together again, and this time, neither seems willing to let each other go.
Typically, in a book, one side of the characters will shine brighter than the other, and we call it a "hero/heroine-centric story." In this book, as with Mrs. Romain's pensive pen, both Evan and Kate get their time to shine, and they do so equally bright. We initially might pity Evan as this incredibly nice guy who has nursed a hidden love for his best friend's wife (who became his best friend) for years, because Kate was oblivious to them when she was married. Yet, when these emotions are dug deeper, the whys of Evan's love, and his fear of confessing to Kate, goes back to his own upbringing, and the shadows of his dreams and fears. As for Kate, it seemed that she was heartbroken when Con died, but instead she was nursing the wounds from his infidelity for years, and even more unwilling to trust another again, moreso to love. Ultimately, in what begins as a simple and wonderful reunion of friends, we get past a mere glimpse of these characters into their experience-shaped selves, marking the conclusion of Evan's unrequited love of 13 years all the more poignant.
"You are not perfect, Kate. But you are just right." (Loc 838/3136)
We see, in the end, that they are perfect for each other, just as a romance novel should make one feel. Once again, I applaud Mrs. Romain for creating such a riveting piece of utopia in my corner of the world, splashing a bit of color into the grayness of my world. (Inside reference ;-))
*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The first time Evan met his friend Con's seventeen-year-old bride, Kate, he had fallen heads over heels in love. His love never dulled, yet for his consideration, he hid his feelings and remained a kind family friend, knowing in part that Con was undeserving of Kate. His unrequited love continued even when he left after Con's accidental death, and Kate was left to pick up the pieces of her heart and family, shouldering the financial and emotional burdens for her young children. Yet, a chance encounter brings these old friends back together again, and this time, neither seems willing to let each other go.
Typically, in a book, one side of the characters will shine brighter than the other, and we call it a "hero/heroine-centric story." In this book, as with Mrs. Romain's pensive pen, both Evan and Kate get their time to shine, and they do so equally bright. We initially might pity Evan as this incredibly nice guy who has nursed a hidden love for his best friend's wife (who became his best friend) for years, because Kate was oblivious to them when she was married. Yet, when these emotions are dug deeper, the whys of Evan's love, and his fear of confessing to Kate, goes back to his own upbringing, and the shadows of his dreams and fears. As for Kate, it seemed that she was heartbroken when Con died, but instead she was nursing the wounds from his infidelity for years, and even more unwilling to trust another again, moreso to love. Ultimately, in what begins as a simple and wonderful reunion of friends, we get past a mere glimpse of these characters into their experience-shaped selves, marking the conclusion of Evan's unrequited love of 13 years all the more poignant.
"You are not perfect, Kate. But you are just right." (Loc 838/3136)
We see, in the end, that they are perfect for each other, just as a romance novel should make one feel. Once again, I applaud Mrs. Romain for creating such a riveting piece of utopia in my corner of the world, splashing a bit of color into the grayness of my world. (Inside reference ;-))
*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 12, 2017
Evan has pined for Kate since the moment they met - when his best friend Con introduced her as his wife. Kate has longed for Evan almost as long.
When the story opens, Con is dead and it's been two years since Kate and Evan have seen each other. But in the middle of a lecture Evan is giving about antiquities, something stirs the hairs on the back of his neck. When a woman's voice shouts out a question, he recognizes it instantly as Kate's. Kate never understood why Evan fled Ireland after Con's death - and stayed away. Visiting her family in England, she heard Evan Rhys was giving a lecture, and she had to go. Kate remains behind after the lecture ends, and it's clear from the moment they set eyes on one another, their affection for each other is unchanged.
That first conversation is charged - Evan's absence has weighed on both of them - but their friendship, affection for each other and witty banter picks up as if they were never apart. Before long, they've made plans to remain together through Kate's return home to Ireland.
I loved this friends to lovers romance so much more than I thought I would. Kate is prickly, sensitive and bewildered by the strength of her love and affection for Evan. But she never thought she could have him - after all, he was Con's best friend and she was his husband. When he vanished after Con's death, she despaired but hoped he would one day find his way home to her in Ireland. Evan is charming, sweet and kind -and also plagued with depression. He fell in love with Kate and struggled with his feelings during their marriage, but when Con died - shortly after they argued - he blamed himself for his death. When they reunite after his lecture, both want more from the relationship.
Scandalous Ever After unfolds as Kate and Evan slowly forge a new partnership. It's one step forward, two steps back the whole way through - but what an entertaining and romantic trip it is. Kate and Evan are intensely attracted to one another and have great chemistry. I particularly loved their verbal exchanges - whether joking, flirting, arguing, or trying to confess their deepest, darkest secrets - and they're a highlight of the novel. Secondary characters are also well done, and even this 'children don't belong in romance novels' cynic loved the interplay between Kate and her children, and Evan and the children. Evan is such a terrific match for Kate and I fell hard for this flawed and wonderful character. Plagued by bouts of depression - 'when the gray descends' - and doubts about his relationship to Kate, he's a sensitive, charming foil to an intense, confused and tender Kate. They bring out each other's best and Ms. Romain does a terrific job translating their affection from the page.
There's A LOT going in this story on outside of the relationship between Evan and Kate. Smuggling, illegitimate children, mistresses, criminal masterminds and their not-as-sharp lackey's...Ms. Romain keeps readers busy (and entertained) as she artfully balances the romance and the mystery that brings Evan and Kate together - FINALLY. Con's past casts a long shadow...and really, though Ms. Romain does an admirable job trying to convince us he wasn't a totally bad guy (he was a good dad and friend to Evan), I'm not a Con-vert. (ha!) I didn't like him, his behavior or his past shenanigans.
I hadn't read the novella or novel that preceded this one in the Romance of the Turf series, but you better believe I picked them up as soon as I finished this one. Scandalous Ever After is romantic, funny and charming and wonderful. So good.
When the story opens, Con is dead and it's been two years since Kate and Evan have seen each other. But in the middle of a lecture Evan is giving about antiquities, something stirs the hairs on the back of his neck. When a woman's voice shouts out a question, he recognizes it instantly as Kate's. Kate never understood why Evan fled Ireland after Con's death - and stayed away. Visiting her family in England, she heard Evan Rhys was giving a lecture, and she had to go. Kate remains behind after the lecture ends, and it's clear from the moment they set eyes on one another, their affection for each other is unchanged.
That first conversation is charged - Evan's absence has weighed on both of them - but their friendship, affection for each other and witty banter picks up as if they were never apart. Before long, they've made plans to remain together through Kate's return home to Ireland.
I loved this friends to lovers romance so much more than I thought I would. Kate is prickly, sensitive and bewildered by the strength of her love and affection for Evan. But she never thought she could have him - after all, he was Con's best friend and she was his husband. When he vanished after Con's death, she despaired but hoped he would one day find his way home to her in Ireland. Evan is charming, sweet and kind -and also plagued with depression. He fell in love with Kate and struggled with his feelings during their marriage, but when Con died - shortly after they argued - he blamed himself for his death. When they reunite after his lecture, both want more from the relationship.
Scandalous Ever After unfolds as Kate and Evan slowly forge a new partnership. It's one step forward, two steps back the whole way through - but what an entertaining and romantic trip it is. Kate and Evan are intensely attracted to one another and have great chemistry. I particularly loved their verbal exchanges - whether joking, flirting, arguing, or trying to confess their deepest, darkest secrets - and they're a highlight of the novel. Secondary characters are also well done, and even this 'children don't belong in romance novels' cynic loved the interplay between Kate and her children, and Evan and the children. Evan is such a terrific match for Kate and I fell hard for this flawed and wonderful character. Plagued by bouts of depression - 'when the gray descends' - and doubts about his relationship to Kate, he's a sensitive, charming foil to an intense, confused and tender Kate. They bring out each other's best and Ms. Romain does a terrific job translating their affection from the page.
There's A LOT going in this story on outside of the relationship between Evan and Kate. Smuggling, illegitimate children, mistresses, criminal masterminds and their not-as-sharp lackey's...Ms. Romain keeps readers busy (and entertained) as she artfully balances the romance and the mystery that brings Evan and Kate together - FINALLY. Con's past casts a long shadow...and really, though Ms. Romain does an admirable job trying to convince us he wasn't a totally bad guy (he was a good dad and friend to Evan), I'm not a Con-vert. (ha!) I didn't like him, his behavior or his past shenanigans.
I hadn't read the novella or novel that preceded this one in the Romance of the Turf series, but you better believe I picked them up as soon as I finished this one. Scandalous Ever After is romantic, funny and charming and wonderful. So good.
July 20, 2017
“She had come to think of love as flashing and bright, plummeting and intense. The falling star, not the earth on which it landed.
As grief took many forms, so did love, its happy twin. It came in disguise, behind the face of a friend. It spoke with a familiar voice. It shared her heart by adding to it, a bounty she had never expected. “I love you,” she said.”
Bare me with through this review if you please, because I’ve found it difficult to put into coherent words just how much I loved Scandalous Ever After. THANKGOD I loved it too as I was beginning to doubt Theresa Romain, especially after her previous book and novella were not up to her typical brilliant standards, in my humble opinion. There were no such worries with this book. I compare reading Scandalous to drinking a cup of the best kind of hot chocolate; you know, the uber rich and frothy kind, with extra whipped cream! The kind you have to drink ever so slowly in order to savor each and every drop? Likewise, I found myself reading this book very carefully, as if to take in and absorb every word, every turn of phrase and little detail I might have ordinarily missed if I sped read through it as I normally would have. But Evan and Kate demanded that I take my time with their story. So that’s exactly what I did.
The book begins with a reunion between old friends. But as with any Theresa Romain story, there is much more going on beyond the surface pleasantries. Evan Rhys is an antiquities expert and at one time, best friend to Lady Kate Whelan’s late husband, Con, and equally dear friend to Kate herself as well. It’s been two years since Con’s death and two years since Evan and Kate have seen or heard from each other for reasons unknown, at least unknown to Kate. This was the point in the setup where I started yelling because PINING HERO HOPELESSLY IN LOVE WITH HIS BEST FRIEND’S WIDOW!!!! It was basically a catnip parade from that moment forward.
I LOVED EVAN. He was the reason I created my ‘sweetheart heroes’ shelf in the first place. Evan was kind, funny, charming, caring, sensitive and selfless, that last one to a disheartening degree at times. He felt things deeply, which is probably why his pining and longing skills made my heart break on multiple occasions. And the way he loved Kate, oh god. It physically hurt to see and feel his hurt, as he was convinced Kate would never see him as anything more than a friend and yet at the same time, he couldn’t bear the idea of being apart from her again. And every single time Kate gave him hope, only to rip it away again, I was devastated for him, for both of them. You know those characters that if you could, you’d literally wrap your arms around them and never let them go? That was Evan to me.
And then, there was Kate. She was the type of character I could see others finding difficult to like at times. But I for one loved her, in spite of and because of her flaws. Why? Because her flaws made her much more tangible and human, as opposed to an idealistic sort of perfection she tried so hard to portray to others. It’s made obvious early on though just why Evan fell so hard for this incredible woman. She possessed a resilient type of strength that saw her through her late husband’s many infidelities, spendthrift ways and other betrayals that would’ve left most people in ruins. But not Kate. She was a fighter. And no matter how dire her circumstances, she kept on fighting, not just for herself, but for her young children, Nora and Declan, as well. She was quite handy with a pistol too which is always a huge plus for me when it comes to heroines.
Sadly, the greatest stumbling block in Evan and Kate’s path to happiness resided in Kate’s completely justified, although equally frustrating, fear of change. For so long, Kate had done all the taking care of, be it her children or the estate, it was she and she alone that saw to everyone else’s needs and comfort. Because she shouldered everything alone, allowing herself to become vulnerable to anyone was simply not an option. Considering the tragically unexpected nature of her husband’s death, and the mountains of debt and disaster he left behind in his wake, it’s no surprise that Kate was wary to risk losing even more, most specifically her heart. Evan understood all of this and he respected Kate’s feelings for as long as possible, even in detriment to his own wellbeing. But I must say that the moment Evan had it out with Kate, AT LAST coming clean about loving her and wanting her to be his own and wanting to give himself wholly and freely to her in return, it was remarkable. Because FINALLY, Evan saw his own worth and it was thereafter in Kate’s hands whether or not their connection, which was solidly built on friendship and respect that had later grown into mutual attraction, understanding and yes, LOVE, was worth taking a chance on.
“Why can’t we go on like this? Enjoying each other for the time we have?”
“As I said, because I want more than a half measure of you. And I deserve someone who wants more than a half measure of me.”
I have to say, in spite of all the pining on Evan’s side and stubbornness on Kate’s end, their romance was really quite lovely when it came right down to it. I just loved, I don’t know, the ease of their relationship. They were so comfortable together, sharing a natural chemistry that was immediate and potent. I especially enjoyed their saucy banter and how well they complimented each other. Oh there was plenty of passion as well, which grew in intensity with every moment they shared. And I never once doubted that they were meant to be. I often imagined Kate and Evan as having an invisible string connected to their hearts, and no amount of separation or obstacles would see that string severed. Cheesy imagery I know, but quite accurate nonetheless.
“I won’t fall away from you,” Evan said. Six words, standing in for all the words in his heart. He had always been hers.
“I know you won’t. And I won’t either.”
Something else I thought Theresa handled with care was Evan’s bouts of depression, or what we today would classify as depression.
“...the gray feeling hovered. It waited, always, for the inactivity that meant a gap in his armor. Then it sank upon him, dissolving certainty into questions. What should I have done? Why did that happen? What if I had done this? What will happen next? What will I do if? Until the very acts of everyday living took on a weight so great as to make them impossible.”
That passage, and others like it, struck me as profound and important because depression is real, even if it’s unseen and belittled by those who have never experienced it. Representations like this go a long way in combating the negative stigma of mental illness so, well done Ms. Romain.
I also liked that Kate’s husband Con was never portrayed as the outright ‘villain’ of the story. Yes he wasn’t a terribly good person, nor did he deserve Kate or Evan’s unshakable loyalty, but even so, his characterization was not black and white and I appreciated that. In fact, I liked what it says about Evan and Kate as characters themselves. Even though their love for this deeply flawed man led them down a path of inherent heartbreak and disappointment, they never wished he hadn’t been a part of their lives. If not for Con, Kate and Evan never would’ve met, yet alone fallen in love. They accepted what the hands of fate had dealt them and were made stronger because of it, which later them towards creating a better, brighter future, together this time.
The close knit bonds Kate and Evan shared with the adorable Whelan children and the appearances by the horse mad Chandler family were notable standouts as well. I can’t wait for Kate’s twin brother Jonah’s book next as I think it should be a second chance romance involving him and his estranged wife. My catnip senses are tingling just thinking about it.
Gosh, what else can I say? I know I’m probably forgetting loads of other wonderful things to prattle on about and I’ll probably kick myself over it later but to sum it all up, THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I loved every page of it and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Go read it! NOW.
March 6, 2018
DNF at chapter 12.
I'm sure at some point in history, I've DNF'd other historical romance novels. I can't remember a single one right now. They're like pizza - even when they're bad they're still pretty good. There's nothing bad or offensive or particularly wrong with this one except that I had reached chapter 12 and absolutely nothing significant had happened. I didn't care about the characters, the plot, nor reading another 50% of the book to reach the HEA. It was just so bland. I may try it again someday when my mood shifts, but until then just no.
I'm sure at some point in history, I've DNF'd other historical romance novels. I can't remember a single one right now. They're like pizza - even when they're bad they're still pretty good. There's nothing bad or offensive or particularly wrong with this one except that I had reached chapter 12 and absolutely nothing significant had happened. I didn't care about the characters, the plot, nor reading another 50% of the book to reach the HEA. It was just so bland. I may try it again someday when my mood shifts, but until then just no.
June 5, 2017
While it wasn't a bad book, it wasn't precisely a good book either. And I blame the word count. Had I been an editor for this novel, it would have been dripping with red ink by the time I was done. Not because of errors, but there were so many superfluous words. So many words.
Why are there so many words?
Honestly, a good fifty pages could've been cut and it would've been just fine. I wouldn't have such heavy eyelids. I might care a bit more about the story...
Because in the end, those extra words sapped my energy. I couldn't manage to care about Kate and Evan. There were just so many of the same words repeated over and over until it finally mattered and Evan abruptly changed tack and then they all changed right back for happily ever after.
So while the ending itself was cute and full of hope and more mystery, I just... *yawn* ...I need a nap.
Why are there so many words?
Honestly, a good fifty pages could've been cut and it would've been just fine. I wouldn't have such heavy eyelids. I might care a bit more about the story...
Because in the end, those extra words sapped my energy. I couldn't manage to care about Kate and Evan. There were just so many of the same words repeated over and over until it finally mattered and Evan abruptly changed tack and then they all changed right back for happily ever after.
So while the ending itself was cute and full of hope and more mystery, I just... *yawn* ...I need a nap.
August 28, 2017
I enjoyed books 1 and 2 equally. Now I am going to go back and read The Sport Of Baronets.
July 8, 2017
I'll add Evan to the list of my awesome Theresa Romain's heroes. What a sweetheart!
May 28, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Maybe 3.5 stars
Kate, the Countess of Whelan and Evan Rhys have a history. Evan has been in love with Kate since the day he met her - as the bride of his best friend. The three of them shared a deep friendship - but all that changed when Kate's husband Con died in a racing accident.
Evan left shortly before Con died, after they had a heated agreement. Evan finally gave in to his anger of the way Con treated Kate and his responsibilities. He left never intending to return.
Two years later, Kate is back in England trying to secure a loan to pay off her late husband's debts and to save her son's legacy. She learns that Evan is lecturing not far from her families home and she seeks him out. Evan has been fighting depression his entire life and Kate seems to be the only person that keeps the "gray" from consuming him. He has stayed away for the last two years because he feels unworthy and guilty. But seeing Kate again smashes all his reasons for staying away. He has been trying to find the source of forgeries used to smuggle and Kate's appearance is the perfect excuse to return to Ireland.
They try to pick up their friendship where they left off, but there are things that need to be said and feelings that need to be explored. When they take their relationship to the next level, Kate immediately regrets it - even though she instigated the interlude. Kate wants things with Evan to be like they were and can't understand his withdrawal from her.
They return to Ireland and begin to investigate the forgeries and their feelings for each other. Each of them learns some hard truths and begin to come to terms with the changes between them.
When Evan's life is in peril - Kate finally acknowledges her true feelings and lets go of her fears and past hurts.
I liked the story, but I didn't love it. The writing felt a bit disjointed and was at times confusing to follow. Although, I was impressed with the author's portrayal of Evan - his unrequited love for Kate, his guilt over Con, his struggle with depression and his refusal to accept a half-life with Kate - it was really well done and completely believable.
All in all a decent read and I would be happy to recommend it to others.
Maybe 3.5 stars
Kate, the Countess of Whelan and Evan Rhys have a history. Evan has been in love with Kate since the day he met her - as the bride of his best friend. The three of them shared a deep friendship - but all that changed when Kate's husband Con died in a racing accident.
Evan left shortly before Con died, after they had a heated agreement. Evan finally gave in to his anger of the way Con treated Kate and his responsibilities. He left never intending to return.
Two years later, Kate is back in England trying to secure a loan to pay off her late husband's debts and to save her son's legacy. She learns that Evan is lecturing not far from her families home and she seeks him out. Evan has been fighting depression his entire life and Kate seems to be the only person that keeps the "gray" from consuming him. He has stayed away for the last two years because he feels unworthy and guilty. But seeing Kate again smashes all his reasons for staying away. He has been trying to find the source of forgeries used to smuggle and Kate's appearance is the perfect excuse to return to Ireland.
They try to pick up their friendship where they left off, but there are things that need to be said and feelings that need to be explored. When they take their relationship to the next level, Kate immediately regrets it - even though she instigated the interlude. Kate wants things with Evan to be like they were and can't understand his withdrawal from her.
They return to Ireland and begin to investigate the forgeries and their feelings for each other. Each of them learns some hard truths and begin to come to terms with the changes between them.
When Evan's life is in peril - Kate finally acknowledges her true feelings and lets go of her fears and past hurts.
I liked the story, but I didn't love it. The writing felt a bit disjointed and was at times confusing to follow. Although, I was impressed with the author's portrayal of Evan - his unrequited love for Kate, his guilt over Con, his struggle with depression and his refusal to accept a half-life with Kate - it was really well done and completely believable.
All in all a decent read and I would be happy to recommend it to others.
July 4, 2017
Old hurts and new mysteries exposed!
Certainly this Romance of the Turf story took a different direction. Old yearnings, death and mysteries play out between Wales and Ireland.
Lady Kate Whelan was widowed when her husband was killed in a steeplechase race. She's the daughter of a Welsh racing baronet, Sir William Chandler. Kate had been married to an Irish Lord, Conall Ritchie Durham, the late fifth Earl of Whelan. Con's best friend was a Welshman, the laconic, humorous Evan Rhys, a noted antiquities expert. I loved Romain's turn of phrase, such as when she described how Evan and Con first met and the pranks they got up to. As Con states, it was from a 'trellis of such events ... did their friendship cling and grow.'
Evan has been in love with Kate since he first met her. They had been the best of friends. Evan however has not seen Kate since Conall died, two years ago. He blames himself for Con's death.
I enjoyed Evan's wry, self separating burst of humour and the way Kate responded in kind. I enjoyed his conversations with himself with regard to Kate.
The hurt of Evan's retreat and of Kate's puzzlement to that action lies between them. 'Con's death had [indeed] changed many things.'
Returning to Ireland with Kate prior to leaving for Greece, errant thoughts and emotions previously tamped down rise to the surface.
Horses do play a part in this story, although the plot line takes off into unexpected places. They are more a back drop to the action. Action that unfolds into old grievances and revenge.
The tension and connections between these Kate and Evan are well played and all results in an excellent read.
A NetGalley ARC
Certainly this Romance of the Turf story took a different direction. Old yearnings, death and mysteries play out between Wales and Ireland.
Lady Kate Whelan was widowed when her husband was killed in a steeplechase race. She's the daughter of a Welsh racing baronet, Sir William Chandler. Kate had been married to an Irish Lord, Conall Ritchie Durham, the late fifth Earl of Whelan. Con's best friend was a Welshman, the laconic, humorous Evan Rhys, a noted antiquities expert. I loved Romain's turn of phrase, such as when she described how Evan and Con first met and the pranks they got up to. As Con states, it was from a 'trellis of such events ... did their friendship cling and grow.'
Evan has been in love with Kate since he first met her. They had been the best of friends. Evan however has not seen Kate since Conall died, two years ago. He blames himself for Con's death.
I enjoyed Evan's wry, self separating burst of humour and the way Kate responded in kind. I enjoyed his conversations with himself with regard to Kate.
The hurt of Evan's retreat and of Kate's puzzlement to that action lies between them. 'Con's death had [indeed] changed many things.'
Returning to Ireland with Kate prior to leaving for Greece, errant thoughts and emotions previously tamped down rise to the surface.
Horses do play a part in this story, although the plot line takes off into unexpected places. They are more a back drop to the action. Action that unfolds into old grievances and revenge.
The tension and connections between these Kate and Evan are well played and all results in an excellent read.
A NetGalley ARC
November 22, 2020
Kate was widowed after her not-so-awesome husband fell off a horse and was kicked in the head accidentally. He also left her with debt and she is in danger of losing property to pay it off. She is reunited with Evan, one of her husband's close friends who become one her hers as well. He and Con (Kate's dead husband) had argued the day he died and she hasn't seen him in about 2 years.
I enjoyed the previous book and the prequel. This one was a letdown. This one was dry and hard to get into. Both Kate and Evan are difficult to connect with. This does get better about 1/2 through.
Evan has been in love with Kate for about 13 years and it took him forever to confess it. Same with Kate, it took her some time to realize she loved him too.
It's been awhile since I read the previous book and there was a blackmail plot in that one involving someone by the name Anne Jones (a former mistress of William Chandler). I don't remember the exact details anymore, but the same character factors into a plot-line in this one. There is also the revelation that Con may have been murdered and the smuggling of "ancient" artifacts. I think the mystery of the smuggling/murder could have been played up more. It got more interesting with this info. But, this is resolved very easily (a little too easily IMO). And after all that, Anne still gets away. So, maybe she will appear in Jonah's book too?
I enjoyed the previous book and the prequel. This one was a letdown. This one was dry and hard to get into. Both Kate and Evan are difficult to connect with. This does get better about 1/2 through.
Evan has been in love with Kate for about 13 years and it took him forever to confess it. Same with Kate, it took her some time to realize she loved him too.
It's been awhile since I read the previous book and there was a blackmail plot in that one involving someone by the name Anne Jones (a former mistress of William Chandler). I don't remember the exact details anymore, but the same character factors into a plot-line in this one. There is also the revelation that Con may have been murdered and the smuggling of "ancient" artifacts. I think the mystery of the smuggling/murder could have been played up more. It got more interesting with this info. But, this is resolved very easily (a little too easily IMO). And after all that, Anne still gets away. So, maybe she will appear in Jonah's book too?
July 5, 2017
Much as it bums me out to say this, I didn't like this book. it was stilted and boring and the plot wasn't even HALF baked, considering we don't get into it until 3/4 of the way through the damn book. And there were no real stakes in the romance. Evan has loved Kate since they met and has never told her. And...he never really does. He tells the reader. It's every page implied to Kate, but never declared. He tiptoes around his feelings and prevaricates and, even when he DOES tell her, he doesn't TELL her. He doesn't explain the history of his feelings or why he left for two years without a word or...any of it. And it was FRUSTRATING because this book desperately needed that confrontation. Especially because these characters were just so...bland. There was nothing really to them. I didn't get their true motivations because I felt like they kept changing and neither of them had much to their personalities. I'm told they're witty and charming, and in some scenes I saw it, but overall I didn't FEEL it.
It's easy to backseat drive someone else's book, but if this were me I'd have skipped the entire beginning with Kate's family. I'd have Evan showing up to Ireland to investigate the stone issue (bringing the plot to the start of the book) and not telling Kate and having her find out about it second hand. I'd have the confrontation about why he left earlier. I'd have them ARGUE some, and be MAD at each other and feel their own guilt more. Then let the passion and romance grow from there instead of the vanilla, matter-of-fact sex we weirdly got. And I'd have let things play out with regard to the other secrets and the mystery from there, because then there'd be time for it to DO something. There'd be tension. There'd be stakes. There'd be SOMETHING to make me want to keep turning the pages. Not to mention the fact that I'd do something with the Irish setting. It should have been a character in itself and it wasn't at all. This book could have been set anywhere.
Blah. That's all I can say about this and it breaks my heart a little because I really, really enjoyed the previous book in this series and thought the introductory novella was a delight. I geerally feel that way about all of Theresa Romain's books, in fact. But this one just fell totally flat for me. 1.5 stars, really.
Oh. And just for the record. This is ANOTHER book in this series that doesn't match the blurb. Yes, Kate goes to Newmarket to ask her father for money, but that scene is straight-forward and takes about half a page. And Kate isn't surprised about anything in her marriage; she knew what was up for much of it. She doesn't think her husband's death is mysterious at all. (And, as I said above, they don't consider this possibility until over 3/4 of the way in). Evan might be a bit of a scamp, but never a rogue. And as I whined about above, the secret of his feelings never REALLY comes to light, and certainly not in a dramatic fashion.
It's easy to backseat drive someone else's book, but if this were me I'd have skipped the entire beginning with Kate's family. I'd have Evan showing up to Ireland to investigate the stone issue (bringing the plot to the start of the book) and not telling Kate and having her find out about it second hand. I'd have the confrontation about why he left earlier. I'd have them ARGUE some, and be MAD at each other and feel their own guilt more. Then let the passion and romance grow from there instead of the vanilla, matter-of-fact sex we weirdly got. And I'd have let things play out with regard to the other secrets and the mystery from there, because then there'd be time for it to DO something. There'd be tension. There'd be stakes. There'd be SOMETHING to make me want to keep turning the pages. Not to mention the fact that I'd do something with the Irish setting. It should have been a character in itself and it wasn't at all. This book could have been set anywhere.
Blah. That's all I can say about this and it breaks my heart a little because I really, really enjoyed the previous book in this series and thought the introductory novella was a delight. I geerally feel that way about all of Theresa Romain's books, in fact. But this one just fell totally flat for me. 1.5 stars, really.
Oh. And just for the record. This is ANOTHER book in this series that doesn't match the blurb. Yes, Kate goes to Newmarket to ask her father for money, but that scene is straight-forward and takes about half a page. And Kate isn't surprised about anything in her marriage; she knew what was up for much of it. She doesn't think her husband's death is mysterious at all. (And, as I said above, they don't consider this possibility until over 3/4 of the way in). Evan might be a bit of a scamp, but never a rogue. And as I whined about above, the secret of his feelings never REALLY comes to light, and certainly not in a dramatic fashion.
July 6, 2017
Scandalous Ever After by Theresa Romain
Review by Georgianna Simpson
Scandalous Ever After is a historical romance love story with a bit of mystery included. It’s set in Cambridge, England in 1818.
Evan Rhys is lecturing on fake Roman antiquities being circulated for the purpose of smuggling, using slides from a magic lantern and painted shots of artifacts he’d collected. It’s at this lecture that Catherine Abigail Durham (Kate), Countess of Whelan speaks up and asks him why he doesn’t go to Ireland, when he claims the artifacts are from there.
Meticulously, the author, Theresa Romain, builds the back narrative of Evan’s friendship with the late Earl of Whelan, Conall Richie Durham. Friends from childhood in school, they were close and inseparable. Thirteen years prior, Con had brought home some brood mares and a wife. Evan’s world changed. She was bright, beautiful and everything he loved in life, but he was completely faithful in his friendship with her husband.
They spent much time together, the three of them. Evan’s own family being very judgmental and not at all happy. Evan was the second son. His family’s opinions of what he should be and do with his life ever critical. So, Evan spent most of his life living at Whelan with Con and Kate. Con became increasingly free spending and risking their estate, as well as many infidelities. He and Evan had argued over his lack of care for his family and Evan had left angry. Con was killed in a steeple race shortly after the argument. Instead of helping Kate, he never came back…hence her wondering what was keeping him from Ireland, at the lecture.
That’s the setup, I don’t do spoilers, or at least I try not to. This love story is built with frustrating slowness. The dialogue is quick and often witty, with a bit of spice. Kate and Evan are each healing from a bit of guilt and sorrow, but wanting to be together. A few obstacles are in the way, but none insurmountable except their own ideas and feelings. There are several secondary characters that are also well written and interesting.
Twists with the smuggling angle and the horse races are woven into this story, adding some interesting and dangerous scenes. The love scenes and near love scenes are sizzling but also frustrating as the characters come to terms with their lives.
Copy supplied for an honest review.
Review by Georgianna Simpson
Scandalous Ever After is a historical romance love story with a bit of mystery included. It’s set in Cambridge, England in 1818.
Evan Rhys is lecturing on fake Roman antiquities being circulated for the purpose of smuggling, using slides from a magic lantern and painted shots of artifacts he’d collected. It’s at this lecture that Catherine Abigail Durham (Kate), Countess of Whelan speaks up and asks him why he doesn’t go to Ireland, when he claims the artifacts are from there.
Meticulously, the author, Theresa Romain, builds the back narrative of Evan’s friendship with the late Earl of Whelan, Conall Richie Durham. Friends from childhood in school, they were close and inseparable. Thirteen years prior, Con had brought home some brood mares and a wife. Evan’s world changed. She was bright, beautiful and everything he loved in life, but he was completely faithful in his friendship with her husband.
They spent much time together, the three of them. Evan’s own family being very judgmental and not at all happy. Evan was the second son. His family’s opinions of what he should be and do with his life ever critical. So, Evan spent most of his life living at Whelan with Con and Kate. Con became increasingly free spending and risking their estate, as well as many infidelities. He and Evan had argued over his lack of care for his family and Evan had left angry. Con was killed in a steeple race shortly after the argument. Instead of helping Kate, he never came back…hence her wondering what was keeping him from Ireland, at the lecture.
That’s the setup, I don’t do spoilers, or at least I try not to. This love story is built with frustrating slowness. The dialogue is quick and often witty, with a bit of spice. Kate and Evan are each healing from a bit of guilt and sorrow, but wanting to be together. A few obstacles are in the way, but none insurmountable except their own ideas and feelings. There are several secondary characters that are also well written and interesting.
Twists with the smuggling angle and the horse races are woven into this story, adding some interesting and dangerous scenes. The love scenes and near love scenes are sizzling but also frustrating as the characters come to terms with their lives.
Copy supplied for an honest review.
July 30, 2017
This one took a while to get into--I couldn't quite grasp what was up with Kate's 'tude, and since I was a member of Team Evan pretty much since page 1, her back-and-forth where he was considered was aggravating. I kept shaking my head--what was her deal? The story gradually drew me in, though, and somewhere around the 50% mark I found myself pretty much unable to put the book down until I got to the end. And Kate? Totally redeemed herself in the end :)
I really need to read more of Ms. Romain's books, because each time I do they're rife with highlighted bits by the time I'm done--romantic bits, funny bits, ways with words that I wish I had--so many highlights. This time they're almost all Evan's, and they run the gamut from LOL:
to OMG, yes:
Fortunately, she manages to see the light before the final pages. And the path they take to get there? Makes this book one heck of a read.
(Second in the Romance of the Turf series, but worked just fine as a standalone. Though you'd better believe book 1 and book .5 were on my TBR pile by the time I was about 51% of the way into this one.)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really need to read more of Ms. Romain's books, because each time I do they're rife with highlighted bits by the time I'm done--romantic bits, funny bits, ways with words that I wish I had--so many highlights. This time they're almost all Evan's, and they run the gamut from LOL:
For God's sake. Sometimes a man just wanted to dig up an ancient cock sculpture and show it about. Was that too much to ask from life?(For the record, no, I don't think it is.)
to OMG, yes:
What was there to want in life for than someone who said I miss you when you're across a room?to HOW? HOW CAN SHE RESIST HIM?
"I want more than a half measure of you. And I deserve someone who wants more than a half measure of me."Sigh. Seriously, how???
Fortunately, she manages to see the light before the final pages. And the path they take to get there? Makes this book one heck of a read.
(Second in the Romance of the Turf series, but worked just fine as a standalone. Though you'd better believe book 1 and book .5 were on my TBR pile by the time I was about 51% of the way into this one.)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 5, 2017
A lovely story from Theresa Romain. Once again, she does what she does best -- character development involving self-realization. The heroine, Kate, is a widow that reunites with her husband's best friend after a two-year separation. Evan has always loved her, but both are struggling with guilt and confused emotions. The book is their journey, literally and figuratively, toward each other while working out their conflicting feelings.
I loved that Evan was such a great beta hero. He was sweet and loving, and a little tortured. I became a little tired of Kate's ambivalence. Kate and Evan both did a lot of thinking and wondering. Still, it was a very good book, especially for those that like an introspective romance.
I loved that Evan was such a great beta hero. He was sweet and loving, and a little tortured. I became a little tired of Kate's ambivalence. Kate and Evan both did a lot of thinking and wondering. Still, it was a very good book, especially for those that like an introspective romance.
February 13, 2022
Well done friends-to-lovers romance. If you like pining heroes, Evan has been in love with Kate for ages. He suffers from depression (yay for mental health rep!) and both he and Kate are still wrestling with grief and uncertainty due to events in the past. The way they helped each other and also pushed each other's buttons felt very real. Their banter was great, and you could really see why they were good for one another. The mystery element was really light in the first half of the book but then became a much bigger element at the end, which was a little odd, but didn't really detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
July 7, 2017
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-A3
Evan Rhys and Con Durham (the Irish Earl of Whelan) have been best friends forever. Con is a charming, outgoing, mischief loving rogue, while the quieter Evan joins him in his escapades. Their opposite personality types seem to mesh perfectly, cementing their bond of friendship. Evan is shocked when Con returns from a trip to England with a beautiful young bride. Almost immediately, Evan finds himself falling in love with seventeen year old Kate, something he’s determined to hide.
As the years pass, Kate has joined the circle of friendship, and the trio spends many evenings sharing meals, laughs, conversation, and whisky. Evan is considered a family member, and is godfather to Con and Kate’s two children. Con, however, is a true rogue, and has never given up other women, almost from the start of their marriage. Kate is aware of this, but pretends not to be, and she grows a little more disillusioned every day. When Con’s attentions to one particular woman grown marked, and he plans to support her financially, depriving his wife and children, Evan can’t be silent any longer. He and Con have a violent row, and say things that destroy their lifelong friendship. Evan leaves, vowing not to return, and Con angrily rides out, having a tragic accident that ends his life.
Two years later, Evan is in England, giving a lecture on antiquities and forgeries. During the question and answer session, he hears a voice that he would recognize anywhere. Kate is here. It’s been thirteen years since Evan first saw her, and his love has never died. He could never face her after Con’s death. His guilt caused him to simply disappear from their lives. Now, Kate extends an invitation for Evan to travel with her as she goes to visit her father, and he accepts. Kate displays all the warmth and affection that she feels for Evan, but she’s not shy about taking him to task for abandoning her and his godchildren, who have all missed him terribly.
Their journey gives them plenty of time together and the opportunity to become reacquainted. Kate has become stronger, having to manage the earldom until her young son is old enough to take over. Her late husband’s extravagant spending has left them in a precarious financial situation, which Kate is trying to solve. The relationship she has with Evan is beautiful, and is a genuine liking and friendship. Finally, Kate sees him as a lover, much to Evan’s joy. That happiness is short-lived, however, as Kate is too blind to recognize Evan’s love, and only sees the possibility of an affair.
I fell in love with Evan. He’s such an honorable man, never stepping out of line or making any overtures to Kate when she was married. He hid his unrequited love and was a good friend to both Kate and Con, and a wonderful “uncle” to their children. No one knows that he suffers bouts of depression, because he hides that too. He and Kate are perfect together – their conversations are a delight and often wonderfully funny. Their chemistry is deliciously steamy.
It seems that there may be more to Con’s death than a simple accident, and an injury to Evan while investigating seems to be the catalyst needed to shake Kate out of the self imposed box she walled herself in. I found SCANDALOUS EVER AFTER to be the best book that Theresa Romain has written. It touched my heart and my emotions, and I loved Evan and Kate. Every scene with them together was pure joy to read, and I was so thrilled when Kate finally came to realize that her love for Evan was more than for a friend. Evan was so deserving of Kate’s love, and though his happy ever after was over a decade in coming, it was especially sweet. SCANDALOUS EVER AFTER goes on my favorites list for 2017 and I recommend it most highly.
Evan Rhys and Con Durham (the Irish Earl of Whelan) have been best friends forever. Con is a charming, outgoing, mischief loving rogue, while the quieter Evan joins him in his escapades. Their opposite personality types seem to mesh perfectly, cementing their bond of friendship. Evan is shocked when Con returns from a trip to England with a beautiful young bride. Almost immediately, Evan finds himself falling in love with seventeen year old Kate, something he’s determined to hide.
As the years pass, Kate has joined the circle of friendship, and the trio spends many evenings sharing meals, laughs, conversation, and whisky. Evan is considered a family member, and is godfather to Con and Kate’s two children. Con, however, is a true rogue, and has never given up other women, almost from the start of their marriage. Kate is aware of this, but pretends not to be, and she grows a little more disillusioned every day. When Con’s attentions to one particular woman grown marked, and he plans to support her financially, depriving his wife and children, Evan can’t be silent any longer. He and Con have a violent row, and say things that destroy their lifelong friendship. Evan leaves, vowing not to return, and Con angrily rides out, having a tragic accident that ends his life.
Two years later, Evan is in England, giving a lecture on antiquities and forgeries. During the question and answer session, he hears a voice that he would recognize anywhere. Kate is here. It’s been thirteen years since Evan first saw her, and his love has never died. He could never face her after Con’s death. His guilt caused him to simply disappear from their lives. Now, Kate extends an invitation for Evan to travel with her as she goes to visit her father, and he accepts. Kate displays all the warmth and affection that she feels for Evan, but she’s not shy about taking him to task for abandoning her and his godchildren, who have all missed him terribly.
Their journey gives them plenty of time together and the opportunity to become reacquainted. Kate has become stronger, having to manage the earldom until her young son is old enough to take over. Her late husband’s extravagant spending has left them in a precarious financial situation, which Kate is trying to solve. The relationship she has with Evan is beautiful, and is a genuine liking and friendship. Finally, Kate sees him as a lover, much to Evan’s joy. That happiness is short-lived, however, as Kate is too blind to recognize Evan’s love, and only sees the possibility of an affair.
I fell in love with Evan. He’s such an honorable man, never stepping out of line or making any overtures to Kate when she was married. He hid his unrequited love and was a good friend to both Kate and Con, and a wonderful “uncle” to their children. No one knows that he suffers bouts of depression, because he hides that too. He and Kate are perfect together – their conversations are a delight and often wonderfully funny. Their chemistry is deliciously steamy.
It seems that there may be more to Con’s death than a simple accident, and an injury to Evan while investigating seems to be the catalyst needed to shake Kate out of the self imposed box she walled herself in. I found SCANDALOUS EVER AFTER to be the best book that Theresa Romain has written. It touched my heart and my emotions, and I loved Evan and Kate. Every scene with them together was pure joy to read, and I was so thrilled when Kate finally came to realize that her love for Evan was more than for a friend. Evan was so deserving of Kate’s love, and though his happy ever after was over a decade in coming, it was especially sweet. SCANDALOUS EVER AFTER goes on my favorites list for 2017 and I recommend it most highly.
April 14, 2018
This was interesting because the hero struggles with lifelong depression. Many characters in romances find themselves depressed for part of the novel, as they face adversity, but this is usually cured by the happy ending. Here, the hero is pleased about the happy ending, but he is realistic that if waves of depression have come and gone his entire life, this won’t change. He will cope with it as always, but the heroine will make it easier.
December 2, 2017
I should have liked this more. Romain's writing has always been excellent. She has long been in my short list of really good writers of HRs. The writing is good here and her characters here are likeable, but they're only "likeable enough", not in my short list of H/hs with really good chemistry. And the romance didn't make the earth move for me even one micromillimeter, nor was the plot very compelling. I wasn't " wowed" by anything in this.
When you have a genuinely good beta man who suffers from depression as your hero and a heroine who is a bit of a puzzle, sometimes showing assertiveness but mostly just being a passive participant in her own life, the romance doesn't generate enough spark to interest me. Don't get me wrong. They have a genuinely warm, loving relationship and I was happy for their HEA but the fact is that "feels" were lacking here. The only strong emotion this book generated was a great dislike for the heroine's deceased husband, who was also the hero's best friend, and that guy was a charming, self-centered, selfish arse.
Hero Evan Rhys, deceased husband Con's (the Irish Earl of Whelan) best friend, has for more than a decade been secretly and quietly suffering from unrequited love for Con's wife, Kate Durham nee Chandler, ever since Con brought her back from England along with horses he acquired from Sir William Chandler, horse breeder and patriarch of the Chandler family this Romance of the Turf series revolves around. So far we have the novella THE SPORT OF BARONETS (romance involving Kate's sister Hannah), Book #1 A GENTLEMAN'S GAME (romance of Kate's brother Nathaniel), and this new one, Kate's romance. Running throughout all these stories is a mystery and scandal involving the Chandler father and a mystery woman whom we learn a bit more about in each book, but only enough in this one to pique our interest in buying the next.
In Kate's story, we are only treated to a whiff of that mystery and spend most of the time reading the rather boring romance of long-suffering Evan (with more than a decade of unrequited love) and hesitant, conflicted Kate. It's a friends to lovers to let's-go-back-to-friends to... Well, suffice it to say that both Evan and the reader have to have a lot of patience with Kate.
There is a counterfeit "ancient" artifacts mystery and a possibly related mystery involving Con's death three years earlier in a steeplechase accident but it wasn't good enough or well enough developed to compensate for the lukewarm romance. Nor were Kate's two children any real asset to the story. They and their relationships with Evan and their own mother were, I suppose, to add warmth and depth to the story. I just found that part to be another "meh" aspect of the book.
I'm really sorry to leave this "meh" review, but the past two books I've read by Romain (this one and PASSION FAVORS THE BOLD), although well written, sadly lack romantic "feels" and interesting storyline. I am hopeful for the next one in this series. Kate's brother Jonah has a "disappeared" wife who I'm supposing will reappear and, in addition, there's always the hope that that running mystery which began in the first book will finally be solved.
When you have a genuinely good beta man who suffers from depression as your hero and a heroine who is a bit of a puzzle, sometimes showing assertiveness but mostly just being a passive participant in her own life, the romance doesn't generate enough spark to interest me. Don't get me wrong. They have a genuinely warm, loving relationship and I was happy for their HEA but the fact is that "feels" were lacking here. The only strong emotion this book generated was a great dislike for the heroine's deceased husband, who was also the hero's best friend, and that guy was a charming, self-centered, selfish arse.
Hero Evan Rhys, deceased husband Con's (the Irish Earl of Whelan) best friend, has for more than a decade been secretly and quietly suffering from unrequited love for Con's wife, Kate Durham nee Chandler, ever since Con brought her back from England along with horses he acquired from Sir William Chandler, horse breeder and patriarch of the Chandler family this Romance of the Turf series revolves around. So far we have the novella THE SPORT OF BARONETS (romance involving Kate's sister Hannah), Book #1 A GENTLEMAN'S GAME (romance of Kate's brother Nathaniel), and this new one, Kate's romance. Running throughout all these stories is a mystery and scandal involving the Chandler father and a mystery woman whom we learn a bit more about in each book, but only enough in this one to pique our interest in buying the next.
In Kate's story, we are only treated to a whiff of that mystery and spend most of the time reading the rather boring romance of long-suffering Evan (with more than a decade of unrequited love) and hesitant, conflicted Kate. It's a friends to lovers to let's-go-back-to-friends to... Well, suffice it to say that both Evan and the reader have to have a lot of patience with Kate.
There is a counterfeit "ancient" artifacts mystery and a possibly related mystery involving Con's death three years earlier in a steeplechase accident but it wasn't good enough or well enough developed to compensate for the lukewarm romance. Nor were Kate's two children any real asset to the story. They and their relationships with Evan and their own mother were, I suppose, to add warmth and depth to the story. I just found that part to be another "meh" aspect of the book.
I'm really sorry to leave this "meh" review, but the past two books I've read by Romain (this one and PASSION FAVORS THE BOLD), although well written, sadly lack romantic "feels" and interesting storyline. I am hopeful for the next one in this series. Kate's brother Jonah has a "disappeared" wife who I'm supposing will reappear and, in addition, there's always the hope that that running mystery which began in the first book will finally be solved.
July 5, 2017
A good read, but one that didn't quite work for me.
Kate and Evan are friends, or were at least. Evan was best friends with her husband, Con, but after his death two years ago, Kate has seen and heard nothing of Evan. However, while she's visiting her family in Newmarket, she sees that he's giving a lecture at Cambridge and goes to see it and him. Evan has avoided Kate since Con's death because he's been in love with her for ages, and he blames himself for Con's death. Once he sees Kate again though, he finds himself following her home and gets involved in a local smuggling plot involved forged antiquities.
I liked both Kate and Evan. Kate is hurt by Evan's distance and is burdened by the responsibilities of her estate. Despite trying to be perfect, she is still at risk of losing the estate due to her husband's debts, and she's realized that she has very few friends and hasn't really been living her life. With Evan's help though, she accepts that she isn't perfect but is right as she is, and starts taking positive steps to really live her life as her own person. Evan is more accepting of his own flaws. He's suffered from depression for his whole life, and he's accepted that this is a part of him and while it won't go away, he does have ways to manage it. I really liked that his depression wasn't cured via the power of true love. Both of them know that this is a part of him that isn't a going away. I really liked Evan. He was a very upbeat and amusing person, and I liked the repartee between him and Kate. I also liked the sense of history between them. Although the book took place over a short period of time, it was clear that their relationship had really developed over their years as friends and this was simply them taking the next step together.
One of my problems with this book is a bit petty, and definitely won't be an issue for other people. I'm not a big fan of widow books, and I hate books where a previous relationship is a huge part of the story. Unfortunately, Con was a very big part of the story. This isn't that surprising considering his close relationships to both the leads, but this just isn't something I like to read. I care about the current relationship not previous ones. There was also a point where Evan thinks about how worried he was about Kaye giving birth to her children, and that was just a bit of a turn off for me.
I also thought the Anne Jones stuff was a bit contrived. I get why she was there, but it also felt like with a few tweaks, her presence wouldn't have been necessary. Her storyline isn't one I have been enjoying.
This was a strong book with a good plot and writing and likable leads, but the sometimes overwhelming presence of Kate's husband was a turnoff for me.
Kate and Evan are friends, or were at least. Evan was best friends with her husband, Con, but after his death two years ago, Kate has seen and heard nothing of Evan. However, while she's visiting her family in Newmarket, she sees that he's giving a lecture at Cambridge and goes to see it and him. Evan has avoided Kate since Con's death because he's been in love with her for ages, and he blames himself for Con's death. Once he sees Kate again though, he finds himself following her home and gets involved in a local smuggling plot involved forged antiquities.
I liked both Kate and Evan. Kate is hurt by Evan's distance and is burdened by the responsibilities of her estate. Despite trying to be perfect, she is still at risk of losing the estate due to her husband's debts, and she's realized that she has very few friends and hasn't really been living her life. With Evan's help though, she accepts that she isn't perfect but is right as she is, and starts taking positive steps to really live her life as her own person. Evan is more accepting of his own flaws. He's suffered from depression for his whole life, and he's accepted that this is a part of him and while it won't go away, he does have ways to manage it. I really liked that his depression wasn't cured via the power of true love. Both of them know that this is a part of him that isn't a going away. I really liked Evan. He was a very upbeat and amusing person, and I liked the repartee between him and Kate. I also liked the sense of history between them. Although the book took place over a short period of time, it was clear that their relationship had really developed over their years as friends and this was simply them taking the next step together.
One of my problems with this book is a bit petty, and definitely won't be an issue for other people. I'm not a big fan of widow books, and I hate books where a previous relationship is a huge part of the story. Unfortunately, Con was a very big part of the story. This isn't that surprising considering his close relationships to both the leads, but this just isn't something I like to read. I care about the current relationship not previous ones. There was also a point where Evan thinks about how worried he was about Kaye giving birth to her children, and that was just a bit of a turn off for me.
I also thought the Anne Jones stuff was a bit contrived. I get why she was there, but it also felt like with a few tweaks, her presence wouldn't have been necessary. Her storyline isn't one I have been enjoying.
This was a strong book with a good plot and writing and likable leads, but the sometimes overwhelming presence of Kate's husband was a turnoff for me.
July 4, 2017
Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but I liked this book so much that I purchased my own copy.
Scandalous Ever After is the second book in Theresa Romain’s Romance of the Turf series of Regency romance novels.
Evan Rhys is an antiquities expert who is planning to go to Greece, but his plans change when Lady Kate Whelan arrives unexpectedly after one of his magic lantern presentations. Kate was married to Evan’s best friend Conn, who tragically passed away two years ago. Evan had been a frequent houseguest at Conn’s Irish estate, but he has not visited- or seen Kate- since Conn’s funeral.
There is a horse racing connection to be found here- Kate’s father has one of the finest stables in the district, and in fact, Kate and Conn met all those years ago because Conn traveled to England in search of horses and returned to Ireland with a young wife. There is also the matter of strange occurrences near the Irish estate. However, both of those elements take a back seat to a much simpler story of two people trying to figure out where their relationship stands and what they mean to each other. Evan has been in love with Kate since the first time he met her, and he hated the way that Conn took Kate for granted by being unfaithful numerous times. Frankly, Kate is not sure what she wants, but she feels overwhelmed by the demands of the estate, and she appreciates the comforting presence of an old friend.
Scandalous Ever After has the perfect balance of humor and angst. Evan and Kate have good chemistry together, but there is definitely some struggling as they redefine their relationship. My favorite parts of the story would have to be the visit with Evan’s family in Wales when they were en route back to Ireland and when we finally meet Kate’s mother-in-law- good old Gwyn.
I would absolutely recommend Scandalous Ever After to fans of historical romance. I first discovered Theresa Romain earlier this year when I read Passion Favors the Bold, an entry in her Royal Rewards series. I have not read A Gentleman’s Game, the first Romance of the Turf book, but Scandalous Ever After functions well as a standalone. I have, however, added A Gentleman’s Game to my (never-ending) reading queue and I am looking forward to reading more of Romain’s books in the future.
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but I liked this book so much that I purchased my own copy.
Scandalous Ever After is the second book in Theresa Romain’s Romance of the Turf series of Regency romance novels.
Evan Rhys is an antiquities expert who is planning to go to Greece, but his plans change when Lady Kate Whelan arrives unexpectedly after one of his magic lantern presentations. Kate was married to Evan’s best friend Conn, who tragically passed away two years ago. Evan had been a frequent houseguest at Conn’s Irish estate, but he has not visited- or seen Kate- since Conn’s funeral.
There is a horse racing connection to be found here- Kate’s father has one of the finest stables in the district, and in fact, Kate and Conn met all those years ago because Conn traveled to England in search of horses and returned to Ireland with a young wife. There is also the matter of strange occurrences near the Irish estate. However, both of those elements take a back seat to a much simpler story of two people trying to figure out where their relationship stands and what they mean to each other. Evan has been in love with Kate since the first time he met her, and he hated the way that Conn took Kate for granted by being unfaithful numerous times. Frankly, Kate is not sure what she wants, but she feels overwhelmed by the demands of the estate, and she appreciates the comforting presence of an old friend.
Scandalous Ever After has the perfect balance of humor and angst. Evan and Kate have good chemistry together, but there is definitely some struggling as they redefine their relationship. My favorite parts of the story would have to be the visit with Evan’s family in Wales when they were en route back to Ireland and when we finally meet Kate’s mother-in-law- good old Gwyn.
I would absolutely recommend Scandalous Ever After to fans of historical romance. I first discovered Theresa Romain earlier this year when I read Passion Favors the Bold, an entry in her Royal Rewards series. I have not read A Gentleman’s Game, the first Romance of the Turf book, but Scandalous Ever After functions well as a standalone. I have, however, added A Gentleman’s Game to my (never-ending) reading queue and I am looking forward to reading more of Romain’s books in the future.
February 11, 2022
Scandalous Ever After was about Lady Kate Durham, the Countess of Wheland, daughter of Sir William Chandler, Baronet, and the widow of Lord Conall Ritchie Durham, the late fifth Earl of Whelan, and Antiquities expert Evan Rhys.
Kate, married at the age of 17 to Conall for her dowry, was widowed at the age of 28 when he fell from a horse, was left with two small children, Nora, the oldest, and Declan, the new Irish earl at the young age of 8.
Evan, having been friends with Conall since school, fell in love with Kate at first sight...as the new bride to his best friend. Though he remained loyal to Conall, he loved Kate from afar. Knowing many of Conall's secrets, Evan struggled to remain friends with him. Having fought with his friend on the very day of his death, Evan stayed away from Ireland for two long years, never expecting to see Kate and her kids again. After meeting up again two years later, Evan could no longer resist the pull he felt towards Kate and decided to return with her to Ireland.
Kate, trying to salvage the earldom for her son, returned to England to visit her family and seek financial aid. After struggling for two years to overcome the debts her late husband left her with, she had no other recourse but to seek aid. Unable to find it, she and Evan returned to Ireland together, their former friendship slowly developing into something more.
This story was longer than it needed to be but it was an enjoyable novel to read. There was enough intrigue to keep the reader on their toes, with a decent amount of angst and drama. The passion, though at times the hit-or-miss variety, was apparent from the start. The rollercoaster ride of secrets was often overwhelming, but not so much that it detracted from the book.
The characters left a bit to be desired though. Evan seemed almost afraid of his shadow at times and was a bit of a coward when it came to revealing his true feelings for Kate. She, on the other hand, was over-the-top wishy-washy. Kate couldn't seem to make up her mind what she wanted, sometimes wanting to be everything for everybody, while at other times uncertain as to just what it was she DID want.
While it was a good story, it wasn't a five-star worthy book. It meandered too much and, when secrets were finally brought to light, the answers were a bit weak for the depth of the mystery surrounding them. All in all, it left much to be desired for a novel.
Kate, married at the age of 17 to Conall for her dowry, was widowed at the age of 28 when he fell from a horse, was left with two small children, Nora, the oldest, and Declan, the new Irish earl at the young age of 8.
Evan, having been friends with Conall since school, fell in love with Kate at first sight...as the new bride to his best friend. Though he remained loyal to Conall, he loved Kate from afar. Knowing many of Conall's secrets, Evan struggled to remain friends with him. Having fought with his friend on the very day of his death, Evan stayed away from Ireland for two long years, never expecting to see Kate and her kids again. After meeting up again two years later, Evan could no longer resist the pull he felt towards Kate and decided to return with her to Ireland.
Kate, trying to salvage the earldom for her son, returned to England to visit her family and seek financial aid. After struggling for two years to overcome the debts her late husband left her with, she had no other recourse but to seek aid. Unable to find it, she and Evan returned to Ireland together, their former friendship slowly developing into something more.
This story was longer than it needed to be but it was an enjoyable novel to read. There was enough intrigue to keep the reader on their toes, with a decent amount of angst and drama. The passion, though at times the hit-or-miss variety, was apparent from the start. The rollercoaster ride of secrets was often overwhelming, but not so much that it detracted from the book.
The characters left a bit to be desired though. Evan seemed almost afraid of his shadow at times and was a bit of a coward when it came to revealing his true feelings for Kate. She, on the other hand, was over-the-top wishy-washy. Kate couldn't seem to make up her mind what she wanted, sometimes wanting to be everything for everybody, while at other times uncertain as to just what it was she DID want.
While it was a good story, it wasn't a five-star worthy book. It meandered too much and, when secrets were finally brought to light, the answers were a bit weak for the depth of the mystery surrounding them. All in all, it left much to be desired for a novel.
July 30, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Getting a chance at being with the woman he loves was never something Evan thought would be possible. Kate was married to his best friend, and the three had formed a tight circle, one that although Evan loved Kate, he never stepped outside of his role as friend. Now a widow, Kate is attempting to put her life back together and clear up the mountain of debt that her husband left behind. She never suspected Evan’s true feelings, so when a chance encounter once again brings them together again Kate is expecting her friend… and soon discovers that there is far more than friendship between them, even if she is afraid to act on any of their feelings.
Scandalous Ever After is a fun, intriguing story full of bantering, sexual tensions, confused emotions and one overshadowing mystery. It’s one of the best friends to lovers romances that I’ve read in quite a while. Kate is afraid of her feelings for Evan. Theirs has been a relationship of years as friends and she is terrified of losing that connection. What she won’t accept is that they could still have the friendship on another level plus so much more, she’s not willing to take that risk. Evan has spent far too many years loving this stubborn, amazing woman from afar and he isn’t about to back down now. There has to be a way to break through her barriers, and he’s determined to find that way. They are so right for each other and he will not walk away again.
Add into the romantic mix an accidental death that was no accident, a trail of fake antiquities that leads right to Kate’s estate plus the mystery thread that flows throughout this series and you have one heck of an intriguing romance. I enjoyed Scandalous Ever After very much. If you’re a reader who enjoys romance, mystery and a couple who will grab your heart from the first pages, then this is a book I’d highly recommend for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Getting a chance at being with the woman he loves was never something Evan thought would be possible. Kate was married to his best friend, and the three had formed a tight circle, one that although Evan loved Kate, he never stepped outside of his role as friend. Now a widow, Kate is attempting to put her life back together and clear up the mountain of debt that her husband left behind. She never suspected Evan’s true feelings, so when a chance encounter once again brings them together again Kate is expecting her friend… and soon discovers that there is far more than friendship between them, even if she is afraid to act on any of their feelings.
Scandalous Ever After is a fun, intriguing story full of bantering, sexual tensions, confused emotions and one overshadowing mystery. It’s one of the best friends to lovers romances that I’ve read in quite a while. Kate is afraid of her feelings for Evan. Theirs has been a relationship of years as friends and she is terrified of losing that connection. What she won’t accept is that they could still have the friendship on another level plus so much more, she’s not willing to take that risk. Evan has spent far too many years loving this stubborn, amazing woman from afar and he isn’t about to back down now. There has to be a way to break through her barriers, and he’s determined to find that way. They are so right for each other and he will not walk away again.
Add into the romantic mix an accidental death that was no accident, a trail of fake antiquities that leads right to Kate’s estate plus the mystery thread that flows throughout this series and you have one heck of an intriguing romance. I enjoyed Scandalous Ever After very much. If you’re a reader who enjoys romance, mystery and a couple who will grab your heart from the first pages, then this is a book I’d highly recommend for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 4, 2017
Cambridge, England - 1818
Evan Rhys gives lectures which informs the public about fake Roman antiquities that have become quite worrisome to dealers and collectors. Evan spent four years at Cambridge studying history and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.
During one of his lectures, he hears and recognizes the voice of the woman he has loved for so long. Abigail Catherine (Kate) Durham, the Irish Countess of Whelan and widow of his best friend, Conall Ritchie Durham, the late fifth Earl of Whelan. Evan has not seen nor heard from her for two years and his is determined to avoid her. However, he feels he must be courteous so he acknowledges her and meets her twin brother, Mr. Jonah Chandler.
Kate has two children and her mother-in-law in Ireland. Her late husband, Conall, had been unfaithful to her and money was always tight and he spent freely. He had died in a fall in a steeplechase accident. Now, Kate has come to ask her father for money to cover the debts that Conall left her.
While in England, Kate enjoys seeing her family and friends again and Evan stays with her family. But her father is unable to help her so she heads back to Ireland and Evan goes with her. Their friendship soon turns to an attraction that cannot be denied. During their trip, they stop at Evan’s home for a visit. Seeing Evan’s mother’s sarcasm and belittling toward him helps explain some of his feelings of inadequacy. Picking up on this, Kate manages to make a mockery of his parents’ comments to Evan without them realizing it. This makes for some humorous reading.
Back at Kate’s home in Ireland, her two children are happy to see her and Evan again. When events occur that show someone doesn’t want him around, he is determined to stay and solve the problem.
This was an interesting story. The one thing that bothered me was the excessive verbiage that seemed to be written simply to fill space. Other than that, I liked the hero and heroine and hoped they would find a way to have a future together.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Evan Rhys gives lectures which informs the public about fake Roman antiquities that have become quite worrisome to dealers and collectors. Evan spent four years at Cambridge studying history and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.
During one of his lectures, he hears and recognizes the voice of the woman he has loved for so long. Abigail Catherine (Kate) Durham, the Irish Countess of Whelan and widow of his best friend, Conall Ritchie Durham, the late fifth Earl of Whelan. Evan has not seen nor heard from her for two years and his is determined to avoid her. However, he feels he must be courteous so he acknowledges her and meets her twin brother, Mr. Jonah Chandler.
Kate has two children and her mother-in-law in Ireland. Her late husband, Conall, had been unfaithful to her and money was always tight and he spent freely. He had died in a fall in a steeplechase accident. Now, Kate has come to ask her father for money to cover the debts that Conall left her.
While in England, Kate enjoys seeing her family and friends again and Evan stays with her family. But her father is unable to help her so she heads back to Ireland and Evan goes with her. Their friendship soon turns to an attraction that cannot be denied. During their trip, they stop at Evan’s home for a visit. Seeing Evan’s mother’s sarcasm and belittling toward him helps explain some of his feelings of inadequacy. Picking up on this, Kate manages to make a mockery of his parents’ comments to Evan without them realizing it. This makes for some humorous reading.
Back at Kate’s home in Ireland, her two children are happy to see her and Evan again. When events occur that show someone doesn’t want him around, he is determined to stay and solve the problem.
This was an interesting story. The one thing that bothered me was the excessive verbiage that seemed to be written simply to fill space. Other than that, I liked the hero and heroine and hoped they would find a way to have a future together.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 21, 2019
For once, I don't think a Theresa Romain book just fine! ... because I find this one DEEPLY BORING. So, uh, you win some, you lose some? :")
I just genuinely cannot believe how much of a great premise this book squandered. Long-term pining for a woman forbidden to you because she's married to someone close to you is such a good trope! It's the premise of one of my favorite romance novels, the first one that made me really love romance as a genre! Add into that a hero with an actual interest and a woman from a close loving family, that I met and loved in the prior book... and there should have been so much good here, y'all. SO MUCH. There was such a good setup, and such an interesting premise!
But... man, y'all, did it squander all of that potential. First of all, Kate becomes interested in Evan WAY too fast?? And we barely see any of her actually either falling in love with him or acknowledging her love for him, nor do we truly feel the weight of their history together. (Not to, again, compare this unfavorably to i>When He Was Wicked, but that book did both PERFECTLY, and I can't help but hold it up as an example of how this kind of thing should be handled!) Second, so much of Evan wasn't handled well, either -- not nearly enough of his work or his depression, which I was so excited to see! Third, Kate's family barely featured, which was so disappointing. And fourth, there is just... WAY too much going on in this book, with an entire book's plot crammed into the last quarter or so, to its immense detriment. And by then, I just didn't CARE. I was so bored by all of the attempts at tension and development and just... everything. It was way too little too late and I just couldn't bring myself to care anywhere. Deeply underwhelming, in almost every possible way.
I just genuinely cannot believe how much of a great premise this book squandered. Long-term pining for a woman forbidden to you because she's married to someone close to you is such a good trope! It's the premise of one of my favorite romance novels, the first one that made me really love romance as a genre! Add into that a hero with an actual interest and a woman from a close loving family, that I met and loved in the prior book... and there should have been so much good here, y'all. SO MUCH. There was such a good setup, and such an interesting premise!
But... man, y'all, did it squander all of that potential. First of all, Kate becomes interested in Evan WAY too fast?? And we barely see any of her actually either falling in love with him or acknowledging her love for him, nor do we truly feel the weight of their history together. (Not to, again, compare this unfavorably to i>When He Was Wicked, but that book did both PERFECTLY, and I can't help but hold it up as an example of how this kind of thing should be handled!) Second, so much of Evan wasn't handled well, either -- not nearly enough of his work or his depression, which I was so excited to see! Third, Kate's family barely featured, which was so disappointing. And fourth, there is just... WAY too much going on in this book, with an entire book's plot crammed into the last quarter or so, to its immense detriment. And by then, I just didn't CARE. I was so bored by all of the attempts at tension and development and just... everything. It was way too little too late and I just couldn't bring myself to care anywhere. Deeply underwhelming, in almost every possible way.
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