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Cinderella Sisterhood #6
The Scandalous Flirt
Scandal begins with just one kiss. . .
Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season―until a scandalous mistake ruined her. Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell.
Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years―a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her―and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?
Aurora Paxton was once the belle of the ball, the most sought-after debutante of the season―until a scandalous mistake ruined her. Shunned by her family, Rory was banished to the country to live in disgrace. Now she’s been summoned back to London by her stepmother, who is being blackmailed by the least likely person Rory can imagine: Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell.
Lucas is someone Rory’s known for years―a man as devastatingly handsome as he is coldly disapproving of her. What in the world could he want from her or her family? Rory intends to find out as soon as she comes face to face with her old foe. What she never expects, however, is that the icy aristocrat has a soft spot for her―and a secret plan to redeem her status. Could it be that Lucas has been in love with Rory all along. . .and has finally found a way to win her heart?
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 2017
77 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Drake
32 books425 followersShortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with two feisty cats and a photographer husband. Her two daughters have flown the nest, but still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal!
Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW, followed by FOREVER MY DUKE. The third stand-alone book is WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS.
Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).
Many of you also knew Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/olivia...
Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW, followed by FOREVER MY DUKE. The third stand-alone book is WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS.
Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).
Many of you also knew Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/olivia...
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October 26, 2017DNF at 31%. No rating as I didn't finish the story.
I'm not enjoying this one and cutting my losses early. It's a wee bit predictable and I don't particularly like the characters. I skimmed over the overly descriptive paragraphs and realised I was skimming more than I was reading.
One of my biggest problems in historical romances is when the hero thinks mistress instead of wife in regards to the heroine. Such a low blow and not something I can easily forgive. Sure it proves he has lust for her but definitely no respect.
I hate not finishing ARC's I have committed to, but unfortunately it wasn't the right book for me.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I'm not enjoying this one and cutting my losses early. It's a wee bit predictable and I don't particularly like the characters. I skimmed over the overly descriptive paragraphs and realised I was skimming more than I was reading.
One of my biggest problems in historical romances is when the hero thinks mistress instead of wife in regards to the heroine. Such a low blow and not something I can easily forgive. Sure it proves he has lust for her but definitely no respect.
I hate not finishing ARC's I have committed to, but unfortunately it wasn't the right book for me.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
December 16, 2017
Rating 3.5 Blossoms
The Scandalous Flirt is a story that I truly was looking forward to. I have really enjoyed this series so far, and so I was curious to see this story unfold and see how it compared with earlier books in the series. I will have to say that I had a great time with this book but I had a major issue with the heroine, an issue I am seeing way to often in historical romance and honestly she would fit more in a contemporary romance than an historical. There is no way that this type of heroine would be in 1800’s England. So that is why my rating is lower because this really detracted my enjoyment of the story here.
The story unfolds with Aurora Paxton, who has been in living in the country because she was caught up in a scandal when she was compromised by a foreign married man. So she has been staying with her aunt ever since. But when she hears that her step mother is in desperate need of her, she returns to London. Only to find out, that her step mother had a affair and is being blackmailed with letters from her lover, and she wants Aurora to find them out for her, and gives her a name of the man she believes to be responsible. So Aurora goes undercover in the Marquess of Dashell’s home to try to find the letters. But soon Lucas finds out what she is up to, and they start to work together to uncover the truth.
The Scandalous Flirt is a story that you can come to really respect at times. Olivia Drake is one of those authors that just always pulls me into her stories. I NEVER EVER have a hard time getting into her books, however there is something to be said for content and authenticity. Now there were times I almost had to double check to make sure that this was a historical romance. This is part of her fairy tale series (that focuses around Cinderella). But I will say that this book I liked the least out of all the series. My biggest issue of course was the heroine. Just some of her sayings were so not of the historical era that is the setting. I understand that many readers want more modern heroines in historical’s (although I have no idea why since these are historical romances) and really it wasn’t small things….it was some big problems that it was so obvious that the author wasn’t even trying to hide. I also felt like her personality was pretty annoying at times. Now our hero I really had mixed emotions about. Sometimes I liked him but he really was horrid at times to Aurora. Some aspects just didn’t quite add up with his character and even though he redeems himself in the end, definitely not a hero I will be wanting to remember or read again.
The romance that was supposed to be in this story just didn’t exist in this story. I felt at times it was a bit lacking and not what I expected to find from this author. And even though I did enjoy the plot and the pace was pretty steady and consistent, I can’t say that I loved this book. Although I did really like it in moments, just the final outcome of this story wasn’t what I was expecting from this author. But I still love this author and I adore the way she can always pull me into a story and keep me enthralled!!
The Scandalous Flirt is a story that I truly was looking forward to. I have really enjoyed this series so far, and so I was curious to see this story unfold and see how it compared with earlier books in the series. I will have to say that I had a great time with this book but I had a major issue with the heroine, an issue I am seeing way to often in historical romance and honestly she would fit more in a contemporary romance than an historical. There is no way that this type of heroine would be in 1800’s England. So that is why my rating is lower because this really detracted my enjoyment of the story here.
The story unfolds with Aurora Paxton, who has been in living in the country because she was caught up in a scandal when she was compromised by a foreign married man. So she has been staying with her aunt ever since. But when she hears that her step mother is in desperate need of her, she returns to London. Only to find out, that her step mother had a affair and is being blackmailed with letters from her lover, and she wants Aurora to find them out for her, and gives her a name of the man she believes to be responsible. So Aurora goes undercover in the Marquess of Dashell’s home to try to find the letters. But soon Lucas finds out what she is up to, and they start to work together to uncover the truth.
The Scandalous Flirt is a story that you can come to really respect at times. Olivia Drake is one of those authors that just always pulls me into her stories. I NEVER EVER have a hard time getting into her books, however there is something to be said for content and authenticity. Now there were times I almost had to double check to make sure that this was a historical romance. This is part of her fairy tale series (that focuses around Cinderella). But I will say that this book I liked the least out of all the series. My biggest issue of course was the heroine. Just some of her sayings were so not of the historical era that is the setting. I understand that many readers want more modern heroines in historical’s (although I have no idea why since these are historical romances) and really it wasn’t small things….it was some big problems that it was so obvious that the author wasn’t even trying to hide. I also felt like her personality was pretty annoying at times. Now our hero I really had mixed emotions about. Sometimes I liked him but he really was horrid at times to Aurora. Some aspects just didn’t quite add up with his character and even though he redeems himself in the end, definitely not a hero I will be wanting to remember or read again.
The romance that was supposed to be in this story just didn’t exist in this story. I felt at times it was a bit lacking and not what I expected to find from this author. And even though I did enjoy the plot and the pace was pretty steady and consistent, I can’t say that I loved this book. Although I did really like it in moments, just the final outcome of this story wasn’t what I was expecting from this author. But I still love this author and I adore the way she can always pull me into a story and keep me enthralled!!
November 24, 2019
The Scandalous Flirt was a delightful romance with a scandalous heroine, a mysterious honorable hero and the blackmail scheme that brings them together.
During her debut season, Aurora Paxton was banished to the country to live with her aunt after she was caught up in a scandal that nearly ruined her family. After being informed that her stepmother is being blackmailed and her sister is engaged to a man twice her age, Aurora returns to town to get to the bottom of things. When her stepmother claims Lucas Vale Marquess of Dashell is the blackmailer, Aurora becomes a companion to Lucas's mother to find out what he could possibly want from her family. Aurora quickly discovers that not everything is as it seems and when someone from her past returns, Aurora will have to decide just who she can trust in her journey for answers.
Aurora made a life for herself in the country despite being banished and I admire that she stayed true to what she wanted in life even when told her options would be limited due to her scandalous past. She has a tendency to speak without thinking which does get her in trouble occasionally. Her relationship with her aunt is wonderful and in her she found the mother she didn't have. The relationship she has with her stepmother is the exact opposite and I would have enjoyed her being ruined if not for Aurora's sister.
Lucas has recently inherited his title and is working towards securing his family's future. For a large portion of the book, he's courting an heiress with the hope of marrying her to pay off his family's debts. Lucas is willing to set aside his own happiness for the sake of the family and marry someone despite being in love with someone else. I understand where Lucas was coming from here and it was an admirable decision, but it did prove frustrating at times.
Aurora and Lucas team up pretty early on to locate the blackmailer as it's apparent nearly from the start that it isn't Lucas at all. The two have some great scenes while searching for the blackmailer and they both let their guard down during these scenes which was great. I liked how much fun they had together and the banter was excellent. There are a number of misunderstandings that occur which could have been fixed sooner if these two would have just sat down and talked. The book is pretty light on the sexier scenes which I was not expecting. There are a few kissing scenes, but the one and only sex scene happens 92% of the way into the book. I like my romances more on the steamier side, so that is my only complaint about the romance.
The Scandalous Flirt ended up being a really fun read and the mystery aspect was well done and kept my interest. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great historical romance and you can read it without having read the others in the series as it stands well on its own.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
During her debut season, Aurora Paxton was banished to the country to live with her aunt after she was caught up in a scandal that nearly ruined her family. After being informed that her stepmother is being blackmailed and her sister is engaged to a man twice her age, Aurora returns to town to get to the bottom of things. When her stepmother claims Lucas Vale Marquess of Dashell is the blackmailer, Aurora becomes a companion to Lucas's mother to find out what he could possibly want from her family. Aurora quickly discovers that not everything is as it seems and when someone from her past returns, Aurora will have to decide just who she can trust in her journey for answers.
Aurora made a life for herself in the country despite being banished and I admire that she stayed true to what she wanted in life even when told her options would be limited due to her scandalous past. She has a tendency to speak without thinking which does get her in trouble occasionally. Her relationship with her aunt is wonderful and in her she found the mother she didn't have. The relationship she has with her stepmother is the exact opposite and I would have enjoyed her being ruined if not for Aurora's sister.
Lucas has recently inherited his title and is working towards securing his family's future. For a large portion of the book, he's courting an heiress with the hope of marrying her to pay off his family's debts. Lucas is willing to set aside his own happiness for the sake of the family and marry someone despite being in love with someone else. I understand where Lucas was coming from here and it was an admirable decision, but it did prove frustrating at times.
Aurora and Lucas team up pretty early on to locate the blackmailer as it's apparent nearly from the start that it isn't Lucas at all. The two have some great scenes while searching for the blackmailer and they both let their guard down during these scenes which was great. I liked how much fun they had together and the banter was excellent. There are a number of misunderstandings that occur which could have been fixed sooner if these two would have just sat down and talked. The book is pretty light on the sexier scenes which I was not expecting. There are a few kissing scenes, but the one and only sex scene happens 92% of the way into the book. I like my romances more on the steamier side, so that is my only complaint about the romance.
The Scandalous Flirt ended up being a really fun read and the mystery aspect was well done and kept my interest. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great historical romance and you can read it without having read the others in the series as it stands well on its own.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
November 4, 2017
This is my first book by Olivia Drake and is the fourth in "Cinderella Sisterhood" series which is focused on fairy-tales. You don't need to be familiar with the previous books to enjoy this one, and I found it a fast and fun read!
The Story-
Rory was cast out of society years ago when she was caught in the middle of a tryst with a man that she didn't know was married. She's been living quietly and happily with her aunt in the country. When a fairy godmother-type meddler remembers her and decides to gift her with some suspicious slippers, she is thrown back into the society which turned their back on her. Lucas remembers Rory. In fact, he had a hard time forgetting her all these years. But when that vivacious woman who captured his heart all that time ago shows up on his doorstep, everything will change.
My Thoughts-
I liked Rory and the plot, but I found the hero and the build of the romance to be slightly lacking. I didn't entirely believe his feelings for her, and the romance just kinda happens in the midst of this mystery they are unraveling. I didn't feel that wonderful "ooh, they have so much chemistry, how is this gonna unfold?" feeling that I do with really captivating romance. That being said, I enjoyed the mystery sub-plot. I found the reveals to be fun and suiting.
The Bottom Line-
I would read another book by Olivia Drake and would just hope for a more intriguing couple. I liked the heroine quite a bit, and obviously, Drake has a talent for weaving a tale. The fairy-tale retelling part of it is just enough to not hit you over the head with it and still be a fun "aha". 4 stars
The Story-
Rory was cast out of society years ago when she was caught in the middle of a tryst with a man that she didn't know was married. She's been living quietly and happily with her aunt in the country. When a fairy godmother-type meddler remembers her and decides to gift her with some suspicious slippers, she is thrown back into the society which turned their back on her. Lucas remembers Rory. In fact, he had a hard time forgetting her all these years. But when that vivacious woman who captured his heart all that time ago shows up on his doorstep, everything will change.
My Thoughts-
I liked Rory and the plot, but I found the hero and the build of the romance to be slightly lacking. I didn't entirely believe his feelings for her, and the romance just kinda happens in the midst of this mystery they are unraveling. I didn't feel that wonderful "ooh, they have so much chemistry, how is this gonna unfold?" feeling that I do with really captivating romance. That being said, I enjoyed the mystery sub-plot. I found the reveals to be fun and suiting.
The Bottom Line-
I would read another book by Olivia Drake and would just hope for a more intriguing couple. I liked the heroine quite a bit, and obviously, Drake has a talent for weaving a tale. The fairy-tale retelling part of it is just enough to not hit you over the head with it and still be a fun "aha". 4 stars
October 13, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. Sorry folks but this is not a romance book, no way. Lucas was a horrible person, he claimed he loved the heroine yet forgot about her for 8 years? huh and then, when she does come back you are not even nice to her..no no no. Aurora get some self respect.., even though she also annoyed me.
August 24, 2017
The Scandalous Flirt is a fairly run-of-the-mill historical romance. A mysterious and hunky hero, a slightly scandalous and swooning heroine, and a touch of a meddling older gentlewoman.
Aurora (Rory) Paxton returns to London after a years-long exile upon discovering her self-absorbed stepmother is being blackmailed and her darling half-sister is engaged to a man almost twice her age. Lucas, the cold and rude Marquess of Dashell, has known Rory for years and continually scorns her. However, she finds herself falling in love - and falling deeper into the blackmailer's plot - in this novel.
I have read several historical romances by this point, and I wasn't particularly enthused by either the hero or heroine. Rory seemed spirited enough as the plot suggested and it seemed improbable that she would fall for Lucas who was genuinely awful sometimes. The book is a quick read and good enough if you're looking for a quick romance fix, but it's not particularly memorable or intriguing.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Aurora (Rory) Paxton returns to London after a years-long exile upon discovering her self-absorbed stepmother is being blackmailed and her darling half-sister is engaged to a man almost twice her age. Lucas, the cold and rude Marquess of Dashell, has known Rory for years and continually scorns her. However, she finds herself falling in love - and falling deeper into the blackmailer's plot - in this novel.
I have read several historical romances by this point, and I wasn't particularly enthused by either the hero or heroine. Rory seemed spirited enough as the plot suggested and it seemed improbable that she would fall for Lucas who was genuinely awful sometimes. The book is a quick read and good enough if you're looking for a quick romance fix, but it's not particularly memorable or intriguing.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
October 22, 2017
Series: Cinderella Sisterhood Series #6
Publication Date: 10/31/17
It’s magically delicious! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. I had read some very negative reviews of this book so I started reading with some trepidation. Imagine my delight to find that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I didn’t interpret the things others had complained about in the same way they did. Yes, there were some things that weren’t acceptable for the Regency period, but she was ‘in disguise’ and she was already a ruined woman anyway.
Eight years ago, Aurora Paxton was a beautiful, lively, intelligent, romantic and very naïve young woman in the middle of her first season. She was always surrounded by a horde of admirers – until everything changed in the blink of an eye. She was caught in a compromising position with a man who had pursued her relentlessly – professing his love. Then, when they were caught and her father demanded marriage, they found out he was married. So, she was banished to live in a small cottage by the sea with her aunt. She was totally banished from society and her family as well.
So here I have to say that I think her father was a huge hypocrite. Aurora always speaks of him as being loving toward her, etc. but I cannot reconcile that with his treatment of Aurora. I can’t explain why I call him a hypocrite with spoiling a part of the story, but his treatment of her just didn’t ring true.
Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell, is deeply in debt thanks to his profligate father. All of his life he has done his best to distance himself from acting any way at all like his father. Most people viewed him as stodgy and cold because of his always perfect behavior. He also admired Aurora in that season, but from a distance, because he knew she was too lively and undisciplined to be the right woman for him. So, when the scandal engulfed her and she was shipped off, he wrote her out of his life.
The book blurb makes it sound like Lucas had concocted some wild scheme to bring Aurora back to London so he could rehabilitate her reputation. That is NOT the case. Lucas had nothing to do with bringing her back – he has to marry for money and had already picked out the heiress he planned to make an offer for.
In the first couple of chapters you have – a fairy godmother, a prick from the spindle of a spinning wheel, ruby slippers, and a wicked step-mother. What a mixture of fairy tales. But – after that, those references clear up and it is on to a nice story.
I liked Lucas and Aurora, but Lucas drove me nuts sometimes. I do understand why he kept clinging to marrying the heiress – she was the only way to pay his debts, save his estates and provide for his mother and brother. The poor boy really was caught between a rock and a hard place!
There was an HEA for Aurora’s younger sister included in the book and that was nice. What I wish had also been in the story had been an HEA for Lucas’ brother – maybe with the heiress Lucas was planning to marry and an Epilogue set a year or two later. It would be nice to see the couples and their growing families.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 10/31/17
It’s magically delicious! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. I had read some very negative reviews of this book so I started reading with some trepidation. Imagine my delight to find that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I didn’t interpret the things others had complained about in the same way they did. Yes, there were some things that weren’t acceptable for the Regency period, but she was ‘in disguise’ and she was already a ruined woman anyway.
Eight years ago, Aurora Paxton was a beautiful, lively, intelligent, romantic and very naïve young woman in the middle of her first season. She was always surrounded by a horde of admirers – until everything changed in the blink of an eye. She was caught in a compromising position with a man who had pursued her relentlessly – professing his love. Then, when they were caught and her father demanded marriage, they found out he was married. So, she was banished to live in a small cottage by the sea with her aunt. She was totally banished from society and her family as well.
So here I have to say that I think her father was a huge hypocrite. Aurora always speaks of him as being loving toward her, etc. but I cannot reconcile that with his treatment of Aurora. I can’t explain why I call him a hypocrite with spoiling a part of the story, but his treatment of her just didn’t ring true.
Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell, is deeply in debt thanks to his profligate father. All of his life he has done his best to distance himself from acting any way at all like his father. Most people viewed him as stodgy and cold because of his always perfect behavior. He also admired Aurora in that season, but from a distance, because he knew she was too lively and undisciplined to be the right woman for him. So, when the scandal engulfed her and she was shipped off, he wrote her out of his life.
The book blurb makes it sound like Lucas had concocted some wild scheme to bring Aurora back to London so he could rehabilitate her reputation. That is NOT the case. Lucas had nothing to do with bringing her back – he has to marry for money and had already picked out the heiress he planned to make an offer for.
In the first couple of chapters you have – a fairy godmother, a prick from the spindle of a spinning wheel, ruby slippers, and a wicked step-mother. What a mixture of fairy tales. But – after that, those references clear up and it is on to a nice story.
I liked Lucas and Aurora, but Lucas drove me nuts sometimes. I do understand why he kept clinging to marrying the heiress – she was the only way to pay his debts, save his estates and provide for his mother and brother. The poor boy really was caught between a rock and a hard place!
There was an HEA for Aurora’s younger sister included in the book and that was nice. What I wish had also been in the story had been an HEA for Lucas’ brother – maybe with the heiress Lucas was planning to marry and an Epilogue set a year or two later. It would be nice to see the couples and their growing families.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
September 29, 2017
I so wanted to like this! So much. The plot summary was the most charming in the world...but then my expectations were not exausted, not entirely at least.
I didn't particulaly like Lucas, I found him cold. Plus I don't really understand how a person can fall in love with someone and then forget about her for 8 years. And then when she comes back you keep thinking that you really like her, you are obsessed with her even, but for pretty much the whole plot you refuse to aknowledge it in any way whatsoever and moreover you discard the feeling quite easily every time you kiss her. I just found the whole love story, not a love story.
I'd say this is fairly relevant, considering we are talking about a romance. Pity.
I received an ARC of this novel
I didn't particulaly like Lucas, I found him cold. Plus I don't really understand how a person can fall in love with someone and then forget about her for 8 years. And then when she comes back you keep thinking that you really like her, you are obsessed with her even, but for pretty much the whole plot you refuse to aknowledge it in any way whatsoever and moreover you discard the feeling quite easily every time you kiss her. I just found the whole love story, not a love story.
I'd say this is fairly relevant, considering we are talking about a romance. Pity.
I received an ARC of this novel
September 21, 2017
This is the sixth book in the Cinderella Sisterhood series by Olivia Drake and while a new author to me, the genre is one of my favorites. The story begins with an exiled Lady Aurora (Rory) Paxton living with her aunt because of her scandalous behavior during her debut season. She received a visit and a pair of slippers from one of the leading ladies of the ton who informs that Rory’s stepmother is being blackmailed and requires her assistance. Upon re-entering London, she discovers that not only is her stepmother unchanged from years before, but her half-sister is promised to marry an older Duke. To discover the person behind the blackmail, Rory works undercover as a companion to the mother of Lucas, Marquess of Dashell. And as one might suppose, Rory and Lucas develop an attraction, guided somewhat by the elder women in their families. Together they discover who is behind the blackmail, which leads to their HEA.
I really wanted to love this book but the tension between the hero and heroine was missing for me. The stepmother was a rather annoying character, who did not, in my humble opinion, redeem herself at the end of the story. The one saving grace was the friendly banter and busybody natures of Lucas’ mother and Rory’s aunt. They provided humorous scenes and just enough sass for me to really enjoy their characters. Many readers will enjoy this book, for it is a quick read with a familiar structure.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book but the tension between the hero and heroine was missing for me. The stepmother was a rather annoying character, who did not, in my humble opinion, redeem herself at the end of the story. The one saving grace was the friendly banter and busybody natures of Lucas’ mother and Rory’s aunt. They provided humorous scenes and just enough sass for me to really enjoy their characters. Many readers will enjoy this book, for it is a quick read with a familiar structure.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2017
I found this book while poking around on NetGalley looking for something new to read. The cover caught my eye – the blue dress is just luscious and the red pop from the shoes seemed to fit the title – The Scandalous Flirt. Yeah, with shoes like that, I bet the heroine IS a scandalous flirt! So, I requested the book and was delighted to receive an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. When I started the book, I quickly realized that it is the 6th book in a series in which I have already read numbers 1, 2, 4. I’m a sucker for a fairy tale retelling and enjoy that each of these books works well as a stand alone novel. Though, Lady Milford played more of a fairy godmother/Cinderella in this book than she had in the previous books. She is, however, the only character that carried over (to the best of my knowledge/memory), so it still works very well as a stand-alone book.
And, in general, I liked this book! It is an obvious retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The heroine is named Aurora (Rory to her friends and family) and she even pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. After a rough first season, she has gone through several years of spinsterhood, dormant in the country, and the hero is a past suitor. The plot teams them together to solve a rather silly mystery, but it works as a plot device. Though, really, if either of them were as worried about scandal as they say they are, they would NOT have been posing as lovers all over London, using his real name and an obvious nickname for her, spending time in gardens, or taking the carriage trip at the end of the book. All of those situations would invite scads of scandal. But, otherwise, the plot is full of fairly standard writing tropes, almost comforting in their familiarity, that are cobbled together into a story that works. These included the aforementioned silly mystery to solve, the heroine as secret published author, jilting one lover for another, a night at an inn during a storm, and a swarthy, foreign, villain that has done our heroine ill.
The reason this book gets lower marks from me (3 stars, indicating "I liked it") is for two reasons. The first is because the romance was very poorly paced. They go from being distant memories, to apparently disliking each other, to awkwardly sneaking looks at each other, to all the sudden being in a bed together when they'd barely had a first kiss. For the first 80% of the book we aren’t even sure if they like each other at all. The hero is determined to marry someone else until maybe 94% into the book. Right up until the end, the heroine thinks he only wants her for a mistress. And, for what it is worth, the schmexy scene is very tame. It isn’t very long and involves lots of euphemisms. The second reason is for the “mystery” itself. As we saw in previous installments in the series involving a mystery or theft, the way the blackmail in this book worked out was a bit predictable because of the one-dimensional personalities of an almost mustache twirling worthy villain and the other possible suspects.
So, in general, I liked this book as a bit of fluffy fairy tale retelling, but it may be lacking for someone who is looking for a more traditional historical romance.
And, in general, I liked this book! It is an obvious retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The heroine is named Aurora (Rory to her friends and family) and she even pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. After a rough first season, she has gone through several years of spinsterhood, dormant in the country, and the hero is a past suitor. The plot teams them together to solve a rather silly mystery, but it works as a plot device. Though, really, if either of them were as worried about scandal as they say they are, they would NOT have been posing as lovers all over London, using his real name and an obvious nickname for her, spending time in gardens, or taking the carriage trip at the end of the book. All of those situations would invite scads of scandal. But, otherwise, the plot is full of fairly standard writing tropes, almost comforting in their familiarity, that are cobbled together into a story that works. These included the aforementioned silly mystery to solve, the heroine as secret published author, jilting one lover for another, a night at an inn during a storm, and a swarthy, foreign, villain that has done our heroine ill.
The reason this book gets lower marks from me (3 stars, indicating "I liked it") is for two reasons. The first is because the romance was very poorly paced. They go from being distant memories, to apparently disliking each other, to awkwardly sneaking looks at each other, to all the sudden being in a bed together when they'd barely had a first kiss. For the first 80% of the book we aren’t even sure if they like each other at all. The hero is determined to marry someone else until maybe 94% into the book. Right up until the end, the heroine thinks he only wants her for a mistress. And, for what it is worth, the schmexy scene is very tame. It isn’t very long and involves lots of euphemisms. The second reason is for the “mystery” itself. As we saw in previous installments in the series involving a mystery or theft, the way the blackmail in this book worked out was a bit predictable because of the one-dimensional personalities of an almost mustache twirling worthy villain and the other possible suspects.
So, in general, I liked this book as a bit of fluffy fairy tale retelling, but it may be lacking for someone who is looking for a more traditional historical romance.
September 17, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this book.
I managed to finish this book in a matter of hours so that should speak to the readability of the book. The book itself is part of a "fairy tale" inspired series and this book is very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty. You don't have to have read the previous books in order to pick this one up which was nice considering this was the 6th book in the series. The plot is somewhat predictable but there were some twists thrown in that kept it from being too predictable. The one thing I will say is for being based on "Sleeping Beauty" there isn't m u c h similarity between the fairy tale and this book. The main characters name is Aurora and she mentions "being asleep" emotionally once or twice in the book so if you're looking for a re-telling this is not the book but if you're looking for a quick, easy romance novel then this is a good choice.
I managed to finish this book in a matter of hours so that should speak to the readability of the book. The book itself is part of a "fairy tale" inspired series and this book is very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty. You don't have to have read the previous books in order to pick this one up which was nice considering this was the 6th book in the series. The plot is somewhat predictable but there were some twists thrown in that kept it from being too predictable. The one thing I will say is for being based on "Sleeping Beauty" there isn't m u c h similarity between the fairy tale and this book. The main characters name is Aurora and she mentions "being asleep" emotionally once or twice in the book so if you're looking for a re-telling this is not the book but if you're looking for a quick, easy romance novel then this is a good choice.
October 30, 2017
As much I wanted to like this because I’m a sucker for an H that fall for a scandalous/unconventional h (or vice versa) I found myself strongly disliking both MCs and neither one ever really redeemed themselves for me.
Long story short, Lucas was an arrogant judgmental horn dog with nothing to recommend him and Aurora, I can’t decide if she was just plain old dumb or had super low self esteem. Did she honestly not have any pride? The way she lets her step-mother treat her (then turns around and puts herself in a risky position to help her?!), her martyr complex did not fit. One minute she’s sassy and opinionated and the next she’s cowed and easily manipulated. It was frustrating.
Then there’s the way she lets the Zero treat her! I get that misunderstandings happen but don’t drag it out and definitely don’t have the MMC treat his h like Lucas treats Aurora – ALL THE WAY TO THE VERY END! Just don’t do it. It doesn’t endear the character to the readers, it undermines their declaration of love and puts a damper on their supposed HEA.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY
Long story short, Lucas was an arrogant judgmental horn dog with nothing to recommend him and Aurora, I can’t decide if she was just plain old dumb or had super low self esteem. Did she honestly not have any pride? The way she lets her step-mother treat her (then turns around and puts herself in a risky position to help her?!), her martyr complex did not fit. One minute she’s sassy and opinionated and the next she’s cowed and easily manipulated. It was frustrating.
Then there’s the way she lets the Zero treat her! I get that misunderstandings happen but don’t drag it out and definitely don’t have the MMC treat his h like Lucas treats Aurora – ALL THE WAY TO THE VERY END! Just don’t do it. It doesn’t endear the character to the readers, it undermines their declaration of love and puts a damper on their supposed HEA.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY
October 29, 2017
Cinderella Sisterhood meets Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.
So continues the exploits of an enchanted pair of shoes helping young women trapped in less than stellar circumstances.
Lady Clarissa Milford is keeper of the shoes and faerie godmother, bestowing these magical 'elegant dancing slippers ... fashioned of rich garnet silk and covered in tiny crystal beads that sparkled in the daylight,' as she sees fit. As Lady Milford explains, they must be returned when no longer needed.
With half a mind to refuse charity of any sort, Rory tries the shoes on and 'Softness enveloped her feet as if the shoes had been stitched by a master cobbler expressly for her [she is] ... buoyed by an irresistible sense of lightness.' The shoes lure the person in it seems and then mould themselves almost parasitically to the wearer. Magical!
Aurora (Rory) Paxton was banished to the country for eight years after being caught in a compromising position with an Italian diplomat. The cad turned out to be married. Her disgrace seems to have been a handy excuse for her stepmother to keep Rory away. She wasn't even notified of her father's death until after the funeral.
Now, eight years later Rory's stepmother Kitty needs her help. Kitty is being blackmailed over a packet of love letters from years ago. Just as Rory's half sister Celeste has become engaged to a wealthy Duke, old enough to be her father. Mmm!
Kitty is fearful that should the letters become public the Duke will be frightened off.
Of course Rory is still treated like a second class citizen by her stepmother. When she goes to investigate a likely suspect, Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell, by becoming his mother's companion, things take an interesting turn.
And we mustn't forget Rory's secret life as the women's rights broadsheet contributor, Miss Cellany.
A regency romance with a difference.
A NetGalley ARC
So continues the exploits of an enchanted pair of shoes helping young women trapped in less than stellar circumstances.
Lady Clarissa Milford is keeper of the shoes and faerie godmother, bestowing these magical 'elegant dancing slippers ... fashioned of rich garnet silk and covered in tiny crystal beads that sparkled in the daylight,' as she sees fit. As Lady Milford explains, they must be returned when no longer needed.
With half a mind to refuse charity of any sort, Rory tries the shoes on and 'Softness enveloped her feet as if the shoes had been stitched by a master cobbler expressly for her [she is] ... buoyed by an irresistible sense of lightness.' The shoes lure the person in it seems and then mould themselves almost parasitically to the wearer. Magical!
Aurora (Rory) Paxton was banished to the country for eight years after being caught in a compromising position with an Italian diplomat. The cad turned out to be married. Her disgrace seems to have been a handy excuse for her stepmother to keep Rory away. She wasn't even notified of her father's death until after the funeral.
Now, eight years later Rory's stepmother Kitty needs her help. Kitty is being blackmailed over a packet of love letters from years ago. Just as Rory's half sister Celeste has become engaged to a wealthy Duke, old enough to be her father. Mmm!
Kitty is fearful that should the letters become public the Duke will be frightened off.
Of course Rory is still treated like a second class citizen by her stepmother. When she goes to investigate a likely suspect, Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell, by becoming his mother's companion, things take an interesting turn.
And we mustn't forget Rory's secret life as the women's rights broadsheet contributor, Miss Cellany.
A regency romance with a difference.
A NetGalley ARC
November 3, 2017
I really loved the set up in The Scandalous Flirt by Janna MacGregor. First, we have a heroine that has been banished into the countryside by her family eight years ago for an indiscretion that compromised her. Second, the adaptation of the fairy tales was really unique since the fairy godmother in this case also had her own fairy tale moment a long time ago and wants to give back by giving deserving young ladies of the ton their own happy ending. She uses the magic of a pair of red shoes, so definitely lots of allusions to beloved fairy tales. Also, in this particular book, the heroine's name is Aurora, lives with her aunt in the countryside (so her banishment is like being asleep for years!) Definitely a lot of the fairytales adapted in some way. Aurora aka Rory is a big departure from her namesake since she kinds of rescues herself and doesn't let anything like a grumpy hero who doesn't behave like prince charming get in her way. Downside, big chunks of the book that Lucas the main hero simply pales in comparison to Rory's awesomeness. He appears totally opposite of Rory but he does redeem himself eventually so his fit to be a partner to Rory. The Scandalous Flirt will really make you keep the pages turning trying to find out how it all ends for our main characters. Lighthearted (with some deep topics), entertaining and engaging, this was really an enjoyable read.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley for an honest review*
*ARC provided thru NetGalley for an honest review*
October 26, 2017
The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake
Cinderella Sisterhood #6
Loosely based on a number of fairytales I noticed:
*Magic Slippers (Ruby Colored)
*Spinning wheel with sharp finger pricking spindle
*Evil stepmother
*Stepsister (not as evil as Cinderella’s)
*Fairy Godmother type person
*A woman that reminded me of the bedridden woman in the Pollyanna movie
*And perhaps more
This story was entertaining but not terribly deep with Aurora “Rory” Paxton being banished to the country for an indiscretion. She was away for almost a decade before being brought back to solve a mystery. She finds her sister betrothed to a person she has no business ending up with, the clueless stepmother, the guy that is not really prince charming but an okay guy, a few balls to attend, the man she was indiscreet reappearing, a blackmailing plot…and more…I did not relate to any of the characters…not really…but did finish the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
Cinderella Sisterhood #6
Loosely based on a number of fairytales I noticed:
*Magic Slippers (Ruby Colored)
*Spinning wheel with sharp finger pricking spindle
*Evil stepmother
*Stepsister (not as evil as Cinderella’s)
*Fairy Godmother type person
*A woman that reminded me of the bedridden woman in the Pollyanna movie
*And perhaps more
This story was entertaining but not terribly deep with Aurora “Rory” Paxton being banished to the country for an indiscretion. She was away for almost a decade before being brought back to solve a mystery. She finds her sister betrothed to a person she has no business ending up with, the clueless stepmother, the guy that is not really prince charming but an okay guy, a few balls to attend, the man she was indiscreet reappearing, a blackmailing plot…and more…I did not relate to any of the characters…not really…but did finish the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
September 5, 2017
Full review will be posted on Reader's Edyn on 9/8/17 http://bit.ly/2eIxynD
Aurora Paxton had a bit of a reputation for being a flirt. She was a huge success in her first season, but fancying herself in love with one of her suitors, she let things go a bit too far and ended caught in the act – so to speak. Except she hadn’t actually done anything and was now ruined – banished from society to live with a widowed aunt in the country. When an old acquaintance from the ton visits and requests her help to clear her step-mother from a bad scandal that could ruin her half-sister’s chance at happiness, Rory really doesn’t have much choice but to go. When it is revealed that the suspected culprit is Dashell, it doesn’t take much for her to believe he is involved. She had thought him a possible suitor at one time, but she could not break his cold exterior. When she discovers his innocence and enlists his help, she ends up risking putting herself right back in the same scandalous situation she had already found herself in once. But Lucas isn’t quite the hard man she had thought and the risk just might be worth it – even if only for a night.
Lucas Vale, Fifth Marquess of Dashell had been in love with Rory since the first time he had seen her eight years ago. He had allowed himself one dance, but nothing more. He couldn’t see himself settling down with such a scandalous flirt. He knew it would come back to bite her and so it did. When she unexpectedly shows up on his door step seeking employment, he isn’t sure what to do. He strongly disapproves of her ruination, but those old feelings don’t take long to stoke back up. Necessity dictates that he allow her employment; unbelief follows when her scheme is revealed; and honor dictates that he help her complete her quest. His passion is barely kept at bay and the more they get to know one another, the closer they come to a point of no return. But can there be a chance for a Marquess and a ruined tempest?
Let me first say that when you find yourself loving the secondary characters just as much as the main characters, you have truly found a gem. Lady Dashell and Aunt Bernice almost stole the story … almost. They cracked me up and added such fun and wit – almost golden girls style. Nit picking on one another and spurring the other out of the doldrums. I just adored them! If my “favorite line” wasn’t any indication of their entertaining dry humor, then I don’t know what would be. Now Rory was a bit misguided and gullible to begin with. She trusts easily, which is a conundrum given her situation following ruination. But she also has a quick sense and picks up immediately on inconsistencies. I really enjoyed watching her blossom into the person she would have been had a lecherous liar-pants not succeed in ruining her first. But also, had that nasty situation not occurred, she would never have entertained a future with Lucas; hard nut to crack as he was. With Lucas, you have to get past the tough exterior and hone in on the brief instances when his guard isn’t quite as high as usual. And I do mean brief. But the transformation for Rory when she glimpses little snippets of who he really is, are truly heart-stopping. He’s the perfect example of living up to expectations, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. The problem enters when it becomes love or money – he’s facing a massive financial deficit that only an heiress can pull him out of. Rory, having been disinherited after banishment, cannot help him with that predicament.
I absolutely loved every moment of his book. In fact, I stayed up and finished it all at once, forgoing sleep for reading. We’ve all done it. This was one of those times where putting it down and coming back to it wasn’t even an option. Not even a thought. I truly fell in love with all of the characters save a couple. But I did come to understand their ways and had a bit of empathy by the end of the book. This book has absolutely everything I look for! A bit of mystery, strong characters, well developed personalities, the larger-than life secondary characters who add another wonderful dimension to the book, and of course romance with scorching passion! If you like the type of book that you won’t regret getting invested in, then you have come to the right place. Also fabulous is that this is the 6th book in the series, but given that it is my first read in this series and wit this author, it is also a perfect stand-alone. I will most definitely be reading the other 5 books and Ms. Drake has become an instant favorite. Do yourselves a favor, romance readers, and buy all of her books TODAY!
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Aurora Paxton had a bit of a reputation for being a flirt. She was a huge success in her first season, but fancying herself in love with one of her suitors, she let things go a bit too far and ended caught in the act – so to speak. Except she hadn’t actually done anything and was now ruined – banished from society to live with a widowed aunt in the country. When an old acquaintance from the ton visits and requests her help to clear her step-mother from a bad scandal that could ruin her half-sister’s chance at happiness, Rory really doesn’t have much choice but to go. When it is revealed that the suspected culprit is Dashell, it doesn’t take much for her to believe he is involved. She had thought him a possible suitor at one time, but she could not break his cold exterior. When she discovers his innocence and enlists his help, she ends up risking putting herself right back in the same scandalous situation she had already found herself in once. But Lucas isn’t quite the hard man she had thought and the risk just might be worth it – even if only for a night.
Lucas Vale, Fifth Marquess of Dashell had been in love with Rory since the first time he had seen her eight years ago. He had allowed himself one dance, but nothing more. He couldn’t see himself settling down with such a scandalous flirt. He knew it would come back to bite her and so it did. When she unexpectedly shows up on his door step seeking employment, he isn’t sure what to do. He strongly disapproves of her ruination, but those old feelings don’t take long to stoke back up. Necessity dictates that he allow her employment; unbelief follows when her scheme is revealed; and honor dictates that he help her complete her quest. His passion is barely kept at bay and the more they get to know one another, the closer they come to a point of no return. But can there be a chance for a Marquess and a ruined tempest?
Let me first say that when you find yourself loving the secondary characters just as much as the main characters, you have truly found a gem. Lady Dashell and Aunt Bernice almost stole the story … almost. They cracked me up and added such fun and wit – almost golden girls style. Nit picking on one another and spurring the other out of the doldrums. I just adored them! If my “favorite line” wasn’t any indication of their entertaining dry humor, then I don’t know what would be. Now Rory was a bit misguided and gullible to begin with. She trusts easily, which is a conundrum given her situation following ruination. But she also has a quick sense and picks up immediately on inconsistencies. I really enjoyed watching her blossom into the person she would have been had a lecherous liar-pants not succeed in ruining her first. But also, had that nasty situation not occurred, she would never have entertained a future with Lucas; hard nut to crack as he was. With Lucas, you have to get past the tough exterior and hone in on the brief instances when his guard isn’t quite as high as usual. And I do mean brief. But the transformation for Rory when she glimpses little snippets of who he really is, are truly heart-stopping. He’s the perfect example of living up to expectations, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. The problem enters when it becomes love or money – he’s facing a massive financial deficit that only an heiress can pull him out of. Rory, having been disinherited after banishment, cannot help him with that predicament.
I absolutely loved every moment of his book. In fact, I stayed up and finished it all at once, forgoing sleep for reading. We’ve all done it. This was one of those times where putting it down and coming back to it wasn’t even an option. Not even a thought. I truly fell in love with all of the characters save a couple. But I did come to understand their ways and had a bit of empathy by the end of the book. This book has absolutely everything I look for! A bit of mystery, strong characters, well developed personalities, the larger-than life secondary characters who add another wonderful dimension to the book, and of course romance with scorching passion! If you like the type of book that you won’t regret getting invested in, then you have come to the right place. Also fabulous is that this is the 6th book in the series, but given that it is my first read in this series and wit this author, it is also a perfect stand-alone. I will most definitely be reading the other 5 books and Ms. Drake has become an instant favorite. Do yourselves a favor, romance readers, and buy all of her books TODAY!
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
I always think that it's funny, if a girl is ruined, everyone assumes that she is no longer a virgin.
Rory seems to have a few ladies playing the part of the Fairy Godmother roll. Good thing because she needs all the help she can get. So many people stand in the way of her happily ever after.
The Scandalous Flirt, is a great addition to the Cinderella Sisterhood series.
Rory seems to have a few ladies playing the part of the Fairy Godmother roll. Good thing because she needs all the help she can get. So many people stand in the way of her happily ever after.
The Scandalous Flirt, is a great addition to the Cinderella Sisterhood series.
September 9, 2017
I enjoyed The Scandalous Flirt a lot more than I thought I would. This book is part of series which I think centers around a pair of slippers that gets passed around and is supposed to bring true love. When I saw that, I thought it was going to be a little mystical and very much like a fairy tale which turned me off a bit but it's not like that at all. Sure the shoes are briefly present but it's not some magical fairy tale. The story centers around Aurora Paxton who has been banished into the countryside after scandal. Years latter, she has been persuaded to return to town to help her stepsister by helping her stepmother avoid a scandal. This places her in the path of Lucas Vale the Marquess of Dashell. Lucas is the brooding type who keeps his emotions close and isn't very verbose. They seem to misunderstand each other and rub each other the wrong way but as they figure out the mystery of a blackmailer, they somehow grow closer. There was mystery, intrigue, tension, and more. It was an enjoyable afternoon read.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 11, 2017
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish. You connect with the main characters right from the start. The storyline is engaging and very quick witted and moves at a perfect pace. The dialogue is fun and very snappy which makes it so entertaining and you will laugh out loud at some parts. Very excited to have found a new (to me) author. Strong smart and sensible Rory is easy to connect with, type of gal you want for a friend and Lucas is the tall quiet and brooding type, they play off each other so well.
October 31, 2017
The Scandalous Flirt is the sixth book in the Cinderella Sisterhood series. I have read other books in the series and enjoyed them all. In each book the mysterious Lady Milford identifies a deserving girl to help. In this case it is Aurora Paxton. Rory was seduced by a married man when she was young and impressionable. She was essentially exiled to the country for her misdeeds. Lady Milford brings her back to London to help her step-mother solve a blackmail situation. Rory becomes involved with Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell. Lucas is contemplating marriage to a wealthy girl in order to repair financial damage of his father. Lucas and Rory know they are all wrong for each other, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love.
This was an enjoyable read for me. The story had a lot of twists and turns to keep my interest and I really cared about Rory and Lucas. The book was well-written. A solid 4-star book.
An ARC of the book was provided in return for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read for me. The story had a lot of twists and turns to keep my interest and I really cared about Rory and Lucas. The book was well-written. A solid 4-star book.
An ARC of the book was provided in return for an honest review.
October 31, 2017
Lucas is a very protective man, "fury so choked Lucas that he needed to punch something. He had to settle for striking his fist into the open palm of his other hand. “Dammit, Rory! Why didn’t you say so? I would have laid him out flat for what he did to you!” I liked this book, I fell in love with Lucas.
September 11, 2017
I wanted to really like this book, but after much thought, I give it a meh. I enjoyed the plot for the most part but had issues with the scandal, the eight years, and the insta-love.
Check out my full review on my blog For the Love of Words.
Check out my full review on my blog For the Love of Words.
October 30, 2017
I was delighted to find that The Scandalous Flirt was a bit of a unique take on common historical romance tropes. You have a dash of matchmaking magic/fairy godmother, a hint of scandal and a possibly ruined woman, a cheating lady, a broke lord, and a mystery!
Rory (Aurora) is a enchanting heroine. She had her debut in the Ton and then promptly engaged in a scandalous outing with an Italian diplomat. As quickly as it started, her season ended and she was shipped off to a coastal town to live with an aunt. 8 years pass and Rory has made peace with her life. She is called back to London to help her awful stepmother, who is being blackmailed. Rory isn't inclined to help the woman who has been so cruel to her, but its a chance to get some much needed money and possibly save her sister from a horrible marriage proposal. This gets her mixed up with Lord Dashell and things get interesting. Dashell, a marquess who inherited his rakish father's gambling debts, has to marry for money. He has found the perfect mark, but just hasn't asked for her hand. He remembers Rory from her 1 partial season and still finds her very alluring. They form a tentative partnership to find the blackmailer.
The plot is filled with so many facets! Celeste, Rory's sister, is engaged to an awful man so you are hopefully Rory will find a way to save her sister. Then there is the blackmail. Who is it? Why? Next you have this mysterious 'fairy godmother' type with her magic slippers who is a renowned matchmaker. Add in Rory's super sketchy stepmother and the staff at the house and you have lots of mysteries and entertainment! The slow burn between Rory and Dashell is delicious as well, even though he is a jerk to her early on. If you enjoy historical romances which have a smart heroine who isn't perfect, you will adore Rory. She recognizes how naive she was during her first season. She has accepted that her actions were a mistake and she has found a way to be happy with her life; maybe even happier than she would have been had she stayed in London and married! Dashell wasn't my favorite heroine. He is ready to marry a girl for her money, his is quite cranky and dour, and he isn't swoon worthy. However, his brother Henry was hilarious! He is the total opposite of Dashell-Henry is charming, light hearted, and suave.
Bottom line: The Scandalous Flirt was a refreshing historical romance with a well crafted plot and interesting characters all around!
POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: regency, blackmail
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah Maclean, The Scot Beds his Wife by Kerrigan Bryne, The Lord of Lies by Amy Sandas...then you will probably like The Scandalous Flirt!
The Scandalous Flirt
October 31, 2017
During her debut season, Aurora was involved in a scandal that nearly ruined her family. Rushed off to the country, she’s made a life for herself with the new ‘limited’ options, even as her tendency to speak her mind hasn’t changed much. But, a new scandal threatens her family, and she’s brought back to London to see if she can’t find a solution. Hired as a companion to the suspected blackmailer’s mother, Aurora will be singularly placed to find the culprit.
Lucas, newly minted Marquess of Dashell is struggling to keep things on track, with an heiress he’s courting and a rather mercenary approach to marriage and his own happiness being unimportant – he’s a bit of a cold fish, and not particularly engaging. But, it’s also very clear that he’s not the blackmailer that Aurora was led to believe, and their cooperation to find the real culprit is now aided and manipulated a touch by his mother and her aunt.
The second I’ve read in this series – the references to Sleeping Beauty are far between and more emotional in nature – the two are closed off from their emotions. He’s believing that emotion has no part in his life, hers are rather immature and erratic – and the two together have some moments that are clever –but miscommunication, his bad behavior and the overall feeling that these two were thrust together without really establishing either as a viable primary character was the overwhelming feeling I was left with. Both Rory’s aunt and Lucas’ mother were far more intriguing as people, and their determination to see the best for the couple was apparent – if not always apparent to readers. Quick reading, solid descriptions and clever twists to unveil the blackmailer, this was a decent read, but not imbued with the feeling that would leave me believing that love would conquer the differences between them, or that they were meant to be together forever.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appared at I am, Indeed
Lucas, newly minted Marquess of Dashell is struggling to keep things on track, with an heiress he’s courting and a rather mercenary approach to marriage and his own happiness being unimportant – he’s a bit of a cold fish, and not particularly engaging. But, it’s also very clear that he’s not the blackmailer that Aurora was led to believe, and their cooperation to find the real culprit is now aided and manipulated a touch by his mother and her aunt.
The second I’ve read in this series – the references to Sleeping Beauty are far between and more emotional in nature – the two are closed off from their emotions. He’s believing that emotion has no part in his life, hers are rather immature and erratic – and the two together have some moments that are clever –but miscommunication, his bad behavior and the overall feeling that these two were thrust together without really establishing either as a viable primary character was the overwhelming feeling I was left with. Both Rory’s aunt and Lucas’ mother were far more intriguing as people, and their determination to see the best for the couple was apparent – if not always apparent to readers. Quick reading, solid descriptions and clever twists to unveil the blackmailer, this was a decent read, but not imbued with the feeling that would leave me believing that love would conquer the differences between them, or that they were meant to be together forever.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appared at I am, Indeed
September 26, 2017
Format: ebook via Netgalley
Tissue warning: nope
HEA: yes
Triggers: historical societal scandals
Narrative: third person, following Rory and Lucas
My reviewer rating: 3.5 out of 5
Recommend read: Yes
Published: October 31, 2017
Thank you, Netgalley for this free e-copy of The Scandalous Flirt in exchange for my honest-to-goodness review.
I guess I've been in a historical romance phase because this is the third one in a row I've read. I love when an author can place the reader in the time and place, where we can smell the smells and hear the hooves of horses trotting down the cobblestone. Sometimes the actual wording gets away with authors, as happened in this case, but I still enjoyed the story. I'm not quite sure that the "love" was believable from Lucas and Aurora. It was more of a you-get-on-my-nerves-but-you're-hot kind of way. For trying to keep a woman's integrity in tact, that was also a thin line. I'd read another story by this author. I recommend it.
Tissue warning: nope
HEA: yes
Triggers: historical societal scandals
Narrative: third person, following Rory and Lucas
My reviewer rating: 3.5 out of 5
Recommend read: Yes
Published: October 31, 2017
Thank you, Netgalley for this free e-copy of The Scandalous Flirt in exchange for my honest-to-goodness review.
I guess I've been in a historical romance phase because this is the third one in a row I've read. I love when an author can place the reader in the time and place, where we can smell the smells and hear the hooves of horses trotting down the cobblestone. Sometimes the actual wording gets away with authors, as happened in this case, but I still enjoyed the story. I'm not quite sure that the "love" was believable from Lucas and Aurora. It was more of a you-get-on-my-nerves-but-you're-hot kind of way. For trying to keep a woman's integrity in tact, that was also a thin line. I'd read another story by this author. I recommend it.
February 6, 2018
Lady Milford, a wonderful fairy godmother, has done it again!
Aurora Paxton was caught kissing a man who said he loved her. But he was married so she left London and lives with her aunt in a small cottage. Her step-mother is being blackmailed and she returns to London. Her younger step-sister is in love but being coerced into marrying an older man.
Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell, is in debt due to his father's rakish lifestyle and determined to never be like his father. Aurora goes to work for his mother and they interact with each other. Sometimes unfriendly and sometimes very friendly. There is a lot going on in this book that I won't spoil. I really enjoyed this book as I have the earlier ones in this series.
Aurora Paxton was caught kissing a man who said he loved her. But he was married so she left London and lives with her aunt in a small cottage. Her step-mother is being blackmailed and she returns to London. Her younger step-sister is in love but being coerced into marrying an older man.
Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell, is in debt due to his father's rakish lifestyle and determined to never be like his father. Aurora goes to work for his mother and they interact with each other. Sometimes unfriendly and sometimes very friendly. There is a lot going on in this book that I won't spoil. I really enjoyed this book as I have the earlier ones in this series.
November 5, 2017
I received an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Sadly, the ARC I received was incomplete and ended at 340 pages, a few pages short. Between reading spoiler reviews and asking someone who had finished the book I think I have a pretty good idea on the little I missed.
This book was just okay for me. The characters and their relationship were underdeveloped; the story was predictable. There wasn't anything that was really objectionable, but it was just very underwhelming.
This book was just okay for me. The characters and their relationship were underdeveloped; the story was predictable. There wasn't anything that was really objectionable, but it was just very underwhelming.
March 5, 2018
I think the premise of the Cinderella Sisterhood series, which features a pair of magical shoes that help deserving young women find true love and are loaned out by a sort of fairy godmother, is fun. I enjoyed this book, which can be read as a standalone.
September 14, 2017
The Scandalous Flirt by Olivia Drake is an outstanding read. I was impressed with her writing from the start. The characters and their flaws made this piece epic. Scandal, theft, first love...and dire situations can be found within the pages. The heat only intensifies, as the plot thickens. Raw yet believable characters. Aurora Paxton is a tough heroine. She brilliant. I loved her wit. Strong and very outspoken on some matters. That part of her made me like her that much more. Then, there's the dashing Marquess, Lucas. He's very easy on the eyes. Makes every woman want to swoon on spot. Yet his never smiling and dark mood may keep the on he really wants away forever.
Aurora has been cast out of her society due to a man haven taken advantage of her. Now, eight years later, she has returned back home. But it's not under happy terms. Someone is blackmailing her stepmother. Her sister is forced to marry a rich man old enough to be her father. And she must go under disguise to see if Lucas really is the culprit behind her family's doom. The Scandalous Flirt takes on a wild ride. The journey was fun, hilarious, sweet, and engaging. I will never forget this tale.
Olivia Drake has delivered a promising story. The Scandalous Flirt is a must read for all. I loved it. I couldn't stop reading it. This, was one historical romance that gave me an unforgettable day of excitement. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.
Aurora has been cast out of her society due to a man haven taken advantage of her. Now, eight years later, she has returned back home. But it's not under happy terms. Someone is blackmailing her stepmother. Her sister is forced to marry a rich man old enough to be her father. And she must go under disguise to see if Lucas really is the culprit behind her family's doom. The Scandalous Flirt takes on a wild ride. The journey was fun, hilarious, sweet, and engaging. I will never forget this tale.
Olivia Drake has delivered a promising story. The Scandalous Flirt is a must read for all. I loved it. I couldn't stop reading it. This, was one historical romance that gave me an unforgettable day of excitement. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.
September 19, 2017
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Aurora Paxton was caught in a scandalous embrace 8 years ago and has been living in exile with her Aunt ever since. Rory is gifted a pair of ruby dancing slippers and thus becomes part of Olivia Drake’s Cinderella Sisterhood series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I enjoyed the other books in the series as well. With her lucky slippers in hand Rory returns to London to rescue her semi-wicked stepmother from blackmail and her half-sister from marriage to a much older Duke. In her search for the blackmailer she has a number adventures, faces up to her roguish seducer, and finds true love after all.
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