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Studies in Scandal #4
One for the Rogue
LOVE IS THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF ALL
Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance—and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. . .annoyingly handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. . .
Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her—a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius—Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe—forever, in his loving arms?
Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance—and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. . .annoyingly handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. . .
Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her—a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius—Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe—forever, in his loving arms?
305 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 26, 2018
69 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Manda Collins
37 books1,572 followersManda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of Regency romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds advanced degrees in English Lit and Librarianship. Her books have been favorably reviewed in Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Bookpage, and USA Today. A native of Alabama, she lives on the Gulf Coast with a very stubborn cat and more books than are strictly necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
May 30, 2018
Poor Serena, she never had a chance…
What’s a chaperone to do? Three out of her four charges ended up in scandals before hasty marriages. Number 4 is up to the plate, does Serena throw her hands in the air or fight the good fight to keep her sweet and innocent? Well, she tried, lordy how she tried. Unfortunately, she wasn’t given the charge of four easily guided young ladies, she’s tasked with four smart, attractive, head-strong and stubborn ladies. She was doomed from the start.
I really enjoyed One for the Rogue and I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I’ve delighted in meeting each of the ladies, following their academic pursuits and seeing them fall in love. These women were determined to keep studying and love was only a consideration if they found the right husband who accepted this. The men who fall for the ladies will have to use all their smarts to win them over…and maybe even a little tempting, seducing and tricking to succeed.
In One for the Rogue, we get to know Gemma and Cameron a little better. We met them already (Benedick and Sophia’s story), have seen them come to loggerheads and appear to have a great dislike for each other. Well, their mutual love of geology gives them a firm base to at least form a friendship, as they spend more time together with the new family connection. Of course, they’re going to need more than that when a dead body appears.
Again, with the Studies in Scandal series, we are treated to a mystery. Their benefactress, Lady Celeste, has challenged Gemma to…well, for a while there we didn’t know what Lady Celeste’s objectives were, because her instructions weren’t finished. Gemma, being the stubborn, fiercely determined lady that she is, is moving heaven and earth, rocks, sand and I think chalk (???) to accomplish her challenge.
The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable, the sexy times intense and the mystery kept me riveted. I got exactly what I have come to expect from a Manda Collins historical romance and I will definitely be back for more.
Poor Serena, she really was doomed. But, what do you expect when you leave four intelligent women in the company of a Rogue set on love, a Duke happy to share his benefits, a Vicar wanting a Wallflower and a Rogue looking for his one greatest discovery, love. Doomed I tell you…
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.
What’s a chaperone to do? Three out of her four charges ended up in scandals before hasty marriages. Number 4 is up to the plate, does Serena throw her hands in the air or fight the good fight to keep her sweet and innocent? Well, she tried, lordy how she tried. Unfortunately, she wasn’t given the charge of four easily guided young ladies, she’s tasked with four smart, attractive, head-strong and stubborn ladies. She was doomed from the start.
I really enjoyed One for the Rogue and I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I’ve delighted in meeting each of the ladies, following their academic pursuits and seeing them fall in love. These women were determined to keep studying and love was only a consideration if they found the right husband who accepted this. The men who fall for the ladies will have to use all their smarts to win them over…and maybe even a little tempting, seducing and tricking to succeed.
In One for the Rogue, we get to know Gemma and Cameron a little better. We met them already (Benedick and Sophia’s story), have seen them come to loggerheads and appear to have a great dislike for each other. Well, their mutual love of geology gives them a firm base to at least form a friendship, as they spend more time together with the new family connection. Of course, they’re going to need more than that when a dead body appears.
Again, with the Studies in Scandal series, we are treated to a mystery. Their benefactress, Lady Celeste, has challenged Gemma to…well, for a while there we didn’t know what Lady Celeste’s objectives were, because her instructions weren’t finished. Gemma, being the stubborn, fiercely determined lady that she is, is moving heaven and earth, rocks, sand and I think chalk (???) to accomplish her challenge.
The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable, the sexy times intense and the mystery kept me riveted. I got exactly what I have come to expect from a Manda Collins historical romance and I will definitely be back for more.
Poor Serena, she really was doomed. But, what do you expect when you leave four intelligent women in the company of a Rogue set on love, a Duke happy to share his benefits, a Vicar wanting a Wallflower and a Rogue looking for his one greatest discovery, love. Doomed I tell you…
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.
July 5, 2018
The fourth and final book in the Studies in Scandal series. This one I was looking forward to the most because I really liked Gemma in the previous books. She's spunky, intelligent, and not afraid of being herself in a time where women weren't allowed much. I also knew I would like Cam and her together because of their previous interaction in the 3rd book. Although, Cam wasn't as argumentative as I thought he was going to be with Gemma. I was expecting more heated arguments between the two of them, so that was just a slight disappointment to me. However, I did like them as a couple and thought that their love story was well written. Plus, just as the previous books, there was the element of a mystery to be solved which I absolutely love in the romance books I read. In this one someone has been murdered while trying to steal a fossil from Gemma. This was probably my favorite mystery in the series but, surprisingly, my least favorite romance. I am extremely happy with all four books and grateful for the chance to read them.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2018
One for the Rogue was a very enjoyable read with a wonderful romance and an engaging mystery for our characters to solve.
Gemma Hastings has no time for romance as she’s far too busy working in her chosen field, geology. Now if she could only find some way to get rid of Lord Cameron Lisle, a fossil hunter who always seems to show up at the worst times. When Gemma is put in danger after someone sets out to steal her findings, Cam ends up being the one to keep Gemma safe. As the two set out to find the culprit, they’ll be forced to face the attraction that’s growing between them.
Gemma cares very little about her physical appearance and dresses practically as she is typically digging in the dirt. Gemma has a fantastic relationship with her sister and enjoyed getting to see more of the bond they shared. Gemma was never one to dream of marriage or romance and expected that she would remain unmarried with all of her time devoted to her field of study. Her aunt that raised her and her sister was the one who first put that idea in Gemma’s head and she feels she owes it to her to continue down that path.
Cam never felt he was destined for marriage after being disillusioned about the happiness of his parents’ marriage but he still expected he would one day marry although it was never high on his priority list. Cam instead spends most of his time out in the field looking for his next discovery. He’s enjoyed the taste of adventure life has offered thus far and hopes to continue down the same path throughout his life.
Gemma and Cam’s relationship is fantastic with an enemies to lovers aspect I quite enjoyed. Gemma and Cam have amazing chemistry and their physical scenes are very well done with just the right amount of steaminess. At first Cam is dismissive of Gemma’s intelligence and talents, but he is thankfully quick to realize his error and makes sure to let Gemma know he was wrong and spends the book trying to make up for his initial opinion of her. I really appreciated that he went above and beyond to make up with Gemma and didn’t just casually dismiss how he hurt her.
Like the heiresses before her, Gemma received a letter from their benefactress alerting her to a hidden inheritance related to her field of study. Gemma’s letter however was unfinished as Lady Beauchamp died before she could complete it meaning Gemma has little information on where to begin her search. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Gemma’s item and the way the plot developed during her quest to find it. During the search Gemma and Cam work very well together once he accepts she can handle herself and stops trying to make decisions for her.
One for the Rogue was a fantastic conclusion to the Studies in Scandal series and I highly recommend it for fans of historical romances that center around bluestockings. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Gemma Hastings has no time for romance as she’s far too busy working in her chosen field, geology. Now if she could only find some way to get rid of Lord Cameron Lisle, a fossil hunter who always seems to show up at the worst times. When Gemma is put in danger after someone sets out to steal her findings, Cam ends up being the one to keep Gemma safe. As the two set out to find the culprit, they’ll be forced to face the attraction that’s growing between them.
Gemma cares very little about her physical appearance and dresses practically as she is typically digging in the dirt. Gemma has a fantastic relationship with her sister and enjoyed getting to see more of the bond they shared. Gemma was never one to dream of marriage or romance and expected that she would remain unmarried with all of her time devoted to her field of study. Her aunt that raised her and her sister was the one who first put that idea in Gemma’s head and she feels she owes it to her to continue down that path.
Cam never felt he was destined for marriage after being disillusioned about the happiness of his parents’ marriage but he still expected he would one day marry although it was never high on his priority list. Cam instead spends most of his time out in the field looking for his next discovery. He’s enjoyed the taste of adventure life has offered thus far and hopes to continue down the same path throughout his life.
Gemma and Cam’s relationship is fantastic with an enemies to lovers aspect I quite enjoyed. Gemma and Cam have amazing chemistry and their physical scenes are very well done with just the right amount of steaminess. At first Cam is dismissive of Gemma’s intelligence and talents, but he is thankfully quick to realize his error and makes sure to let Gemma know he was wrong and spends the book trying to make up for his initial opinion of her. I really appreciated that he went above and beyond to make up with Gemma and didn’t just casually dismiss how he hurt her.
Like the heiresses before her, Gemma received a letter from their benefactress alerting her to a hidden inheritance related to her field of study. Gemma’s letter however was unfinished as Lady Beauchamp died before she could complete it meaning Gemma has little information on where to begin her search. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Gemma’s item and the way the plot developed during her quest to find it. During the search Gemma and Cam work very well together once he accepts she can handle herself and stops trying to make decisions for her.
One for the Rogue was a fantastic conclusion to the Studies in Scandal series and I highly recommend it for fans of historical romances that center around bluestockings. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
July 8, 2018
I received this e-ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
(Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience / Arranged Marriage, Fake Relationship)
A book that pretty much starts with “Cameron Lisle!” she cried out in anger. “I should have known it was you.”, piques my interest!
This book was my first “successful” NetGalley read – it didn’t wow me, but it was really good.
Good writing, excellent characters, funny dialogue, hot smexy times, without a whole slew of clichés. I felt it was a bit heavy on the mystery, but I am not a big fan of whodunnit, so that’s just a personal preference.
I can definitely recommend this book and author!
********
- “I . . . regret that first meeting between us, Gemma,” he said on a sigh. “More than you can ever know.”
“Well, I don’t,” she said, and he had to turn to see her face because her words were so jarring.
“You despised me that day,” he said frowning. “I despised me that day.”
“But we’ve got past that, haven’t we?” she asked, still grasping her gown to her chest. “There’s more to a person’s personality than one moment.”
*****
Plot (no spoilers): Emma is a geologist, who has clashed more than a few times with fellow fossil hunter, Cameron Lisle – brother of her sister’s husband. When threats are made to Emma’s life, both are dragged into an uneasy “alliance”, and consequently forced to see each other in a different light.
Everyone pretty much knows how Emma and Cam feel about each other.
- “I thought perhaps you’d been up to no good, Gemma, but if it’s young Cam you’ve been outdoors with in the dead of night I have no fear for your virtue.”
Cam wasn’t sure whether to be insulted or relieved at the assessment.
But of course, where there are strong feelings of hate there are also strong feelings of…. attraction??
- Even without his brother’s male beauty, he was still handsome—Gemma had to admit it—and to her mind, it was the slightly bolder, craggy elements that made him the better-looking one.
Though she’d never say so.
- “You’re not involved with the Hastings chit, are you?”
“What?” To his embarrassment, Cam’s voice went unnaturally high. “Why would you ask that?”
And when they don’t bicker, and spit fire, they are both quite open in their communication, which I found very refreshing.
- “You’ve shown yourself to be a serious scholar and I didn’t take you seriously. It was badly done of me. I simply wish you to know that I have changed my opinion.”
She chafed to get down to the shore, but sensed that he needed to say his piece.
Then a troubling thought occurred to her.
“This has nothing to do with the way I was dressed yesterday, has it? Because I can assure you, I was just as knowledgeable the day before as I was with my hair dressed and my bosom on display.”
She’d expected perhaps he would respond with stuttering outrage, but she ought to have known better.
He laughed. “No, Miss Hastings, it has nothing to do with your gown. Or your very agreeable bosom.”
When a murder leads to a compromised situation everything pretty much changes
- “Of all my charges, Gemma,” Serena said in an exasperated tone as she shut the door, “you are the last one I’d expect to find in such a scandalous position. What were you thinking?”
Gemma could hardly argue with her. She was just as surprised as her chaperone was by what had just happened. She’d never have guessed she’d be caught in anyone’s arms. Much less Lord Cameron Lisle’s.
“I was upset,” she explained, and to her own ears it sounded like a weak excuse. “He was comforting me.”
“With his tongue?” Serena asked with a disbelieving laugh.
AMIRIGHT???
(Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience / Arranged Marriage, Fake Relationship)
A book that pretty much starts with “Cameron Lisle!” she cried out in anger. “I should have known it was you.”, piques my interest!
This book was my first “successful” NetGalley read – it didn’t wow me, but it was really good.
Good writing, excellent characters, funny dialogue, hot smexy times, without a whole slew of clichés. I felt it was a bit heavy on the mystery, but I am not a big fan of whodunnit, so that’s just a personal preference.
I can definitely recommend this book and author!
********
- “I . . . regret that first meeting between us, Gemma,” he said on a sigh. “More than you can ever know.”
“Well, I don’t,” she said, and he had to turn to see her face because her words were so jarring.
“You despised me that day,” he said frowning. “I despised me that day.”
“But we’ve got past that, haven’t we?” she asked, still grasping her gown to her chest. “There’s more to a person’s personality than one moment.”
*****
Plot (no spoilers): Emma is a geologist, who has clashed more than a few times with fellow fossil hunter, Cameron Lisle – brother of her sister’s husband. When threats are made to Emma’s life, both are dragged into an uneasy “alliance”, and consequently forced to see each other in a different light.
Everyone pretty much knows how Emma and Cam feel about each other.
- “I thought perhaps you’d been up to no good, Gemma, but if it’s young Cam you’ve been outdoors with in the dead of night I have no fear for your virtue.”
Cam wasn’t sure whether to be insulted or relieved at the assessment.
But of course, where there are strong feelings of hate there are also strong feelings of…. attraction??
- Even without his brother’s male beauty, he was still handsome—Gemma had to admit it—and to her mind, it was the slightly bolder, craggy elements that made him the better-looking one.
Though she’d never say so.
- “You’re not involved with the Hastings chit, are you?”
“What?” To his embarrassment, Cam’s voice went unnaturally high. “Why would you ask that?”
And when they don’t bicker, and spit fire, they are both quite open in their communication, which I found very refreshing.
- “You’ve shown yourself to be a serious scholar and I didn’t take you seriously. It was badly done of me. I simply wish you to know that I have changed my opinion.”
She chafed to get down to the shore, but sensed that he needed to say his piece.
Then a troubling thought occurred to her.
“This has nothing to do with the way I was dressed yesterday, has it? Because I can assure you, I was just as knowledgeable the day before as I was with my hair dressed and my bosom on display.”
She’d expected perhaps he would respond with stuttering outrage, but she ought to have known better.
He laughed. “No, Miss Hastings, it has nothing to do with your gown. Or your very agreeable bosom.”
When a murder leads to a compromised situation everything pretty much changes
- “Of all my charges, Gemma,” Serena said in an exasperated tone as she shut the door, “you are the last one I’d expect to find in such a scandalous position. What were you thinking?”
Gemma could hardly argue with her. She was just as surprised as her chaperone was by what had just happened. She’d never have guessed she’d be caught in anyone’s arms. Much less Lord Cameron Lisle’s.
“I was upset,” she explained, and to her own ears it sounded like a weak excuse. “He was comforting me.”
“With his tongue?” Serena asked with a disbelieving laugh.
AMIRIGHT???
May 22, 2018
Manda Collins is a HR author who I've been meaning to read more novels by for quite some time, so when this title was sent to me on Netgalley I just couldn't resist.
This was such a fun and lovely historical to read--complete with a murder mystery, a scholarly and enigmatic matriarch, a hate-to-love romance, and an elusive fossil. The characters were all so much fun that I want to go back and read the rest of the books in this series just to learn more about and get to know these characters (especially Kerr and Maitland). I also really enjoyed Collins' writing and how she incorporates so much into heart and adventure and sarcastic humor into her novels. This story reminded me of A Week to be Wicked, which was written by my favorite HR author of all-time Tessa Dare. That's the highest compliment I can give, so give this one (and the rest of this series) a read!
My Lord Cameron Lisle, who is gentle, sweet, but also forceful when needed.. ;)
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun and lovely historical to read--complete with a murder mystery, a scholarly and enigmatic matriarch, a hate-to-love romance, and an elusive fossil. The characters were all so much fun that I want to go back and read the rest of the books in this series just to learn more about and get to know these characters (especially Kerr and Maitland). I also really enjoyed Collins' writing and how she incorporates so much into heart and adventure and sarcastic humor into her novels. This story reminded me of A Week to be Wicked, which was written by my favorite HR author of all-time Tessa Dare. That's the highest compliment I can give, so give this one (and the rest of this series) a read!
My Lord Cameron Lisle, who is gentle, sweet, but also forceful when needed.. ;)
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2018
Series: Studies in Scandal #4
Publication Date: 6/26/18
I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book ever since Cam and Gemma met in the last book. WOW! What fireworks between them – it was an epic battle – he was rude, abrupt and condescending and she was highly insulted and stubborn. Oil and water – they just don’t mix. But you knew that they would and it was so much fun to see them blend together so seamlessly. No, it wasn’t easy, but they did it.
The book is a fun read with fun characters and, I hope, the epilogue left a tiny crack for further books in the series or perhaps a new series with Special Appearances by the characters from this series. I’d love to see Lady Serena get her HEA. Did we maybe see a set-up for that? Perhaps, but we’ll have to wait and see what Ms. Collins decides to do.
In case you don’t know the premise behind the series, I’ll give you the short version. In her will, Lady Celeste Beauchamp chose four young ladies for their intellectual capabilities to spend a year in residence at her house, Beauchamp House. It boasted one of the most impressive libraries in England, a much-envied fossil collection, painting studio, etc. Each young lady was given complete freedom and the tools to continue her education in her chosen field. Each young lady was also bequeathed a letter and a task/puzzle from Lady Celeste. At the end of the year, any young lady who was still unmarried and still living in the house would inherit the entire estate. If all of them married or if all of them remained unmarried, then they would all share the inheritance equally. The first three books saw Ivy (classics scholar), Daphne (mathematician), and Sophia (painter) solve their puzzles and find their HEA. This book deals with Gemma Hastings, a geologist, and sister to Sophia.
What an exciting beginning – Gemma is a bit of an insomniac and she’s gotten up in the wee hours of the morning and crept from her bedchamber to go on a midnight ramble about the house. Outside, she sees what appears to be a lantern bobbing along in the night. Heedless of the consequences, she dashes out to confront whoever is on their private property. As she observes, she sees that it is her brother-in-law – Lord Cameron Lisle. Cam’s brother is married to Gemma’s sister Sophia, but Gemma doesn’t like him even a little bit and is indignant that he’s roaming around on their property. After she calls out to him, and he shushes her, she realizes that there is someone else with another lantern further ahead of Cam. Cam is exasperated that Gemma has alerted the man he was following and who has now disappeared. What was Sir Everard Healy doing on that beach? Now, neither Cam nor Gemma would learn any time soon.
A couple of days later, Sir Everard is found dead at the base of the cliffs below Beauchamp House. He was murdered while trying to steal a geological find of Gemma’s. Gemma didn’t murder him, Cam didn’t murder him – so, who did and are they still skulking around? Gemma’s artifact is missing, so whoever murdered Sir Everard stole the artifact. Cam and Gemma must work together to find the artifact and also solve the murder. Of course, as they work together, they are attracted to each other and that grows – until they are discovered in a compromising position and have to become betrothed.
Somehow, between compromising positions, ‘temporary’ betrothals, unchaperoned road trips, pretending to be married and spending the night together at an inn as man and wife, they manage to solve the murder and find the artifact.
It was a lovely, interesting, well-written read and I’m sorry to see the series end. However, it did have a lovely epilogue with future plans for Beauchamp house and Lady Serena. So, that is what gives me hope that we might get to visit with all of these lovely ladies in a future series or additional books in this series.
I have seen several two and three-star reviews for this book and they all talk about the same issues. I actually agree with much of what they say, but I just thought the book, as a whole, was good enough that it offset those issues for me. The first thing is that there weren’t enough fireworks between Gemma and Cam given the argument from the previous book and Gemma’s continued dislike of Cam. I would have liked to see a few more epic battles before they came to a meeting in the middle. The second was the lack of character development for Gemma and Cam. I thought Cam grew and changed a lot – he actually did most of the changing and adapting to Gemma’s ways rather than the other way around. However, Gemma did grow and she had to learn that she could have love and her choice of vocation IF she chose the right man.
This was a delightful read and I didn’t want to put it down once I’d read the first page. Well, actually, I didn't put it down -- I read it straight through and enjoyed every minute of it.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"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: 6/26/18
I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book ever since Cam and Gemma met in the last book. WOW! What fireworks between them – it was an epic battle – he was rude, abrupt and condescending and she was highly insulted and stubborn. Oil and water – they just don’t mix. But you knew that they would and it was so much fun to see them blend together so seamlessly. No, it wasn’t easy, but they did it.
The book is a fun read with fun characters and, I hope, the epilogue left a tiny crack for further books in the series or perhaps a new series with Special Appearances by the characters from this series. I’d love to see Lady Serena get her HEA. Did we maybe see a set-up for that? Perhaps, but we’ll have to wait and see what Ms. Collins decides to do.
In case you don’t know the premise behind the series, I’ll give you the short version. In her will, Lady Celeste Beauchamp chose four young ladies for their intellectual capabilities to spend a year in residence at her house, Beauchamp House. It boasted one of the most impressive libraries in England, a much-envied fossil collection, painting studio, etc. Each young lady was given complete freedom and the tools to continue her education in her chosen field. Each young lady was also bequeathed a letter and a task/puzzle from Lady Celeste. At the end of the year, any young lady who was still unmarried and still living in the house would inherit the entire estate. If all of them married or if all of them remained unmarried, then they would all share the inheritance equally. The first three books saw Ivy (classics scholar), Daphne (mathematician), and Sophia (painter) solve their puzzles and find their HEA. This book deals with Gemma Hastings, a geologist, and sister to Sophia.
What an exciting beginning – Gemma is a bit of an insomniac and she’s gotten up in the wee hours of the morning and crept from her bedchamber to go on a midnight ramble about the house. Outside, she sees what appears to be a lantern bobbing along in the night. Heedless of the consequences, she dashes out to confront whoever is on their private property. As she observes, she sees that it is her brother-in-law – Lord Cameron Lisle. Cam’s brother is married to Gemma’s sister Sophia, but Gemma doesn’t like him even a little bit and is indignant that he’s roaming around on their property. After she calls out to him, and he shushes her, she realizes that there is someone else with another lantern further ahead of Cam. Cam is exasperated that Gemma has alerted the man he was following and who has now disappeared. What was Sir Everard Healy doing on that beach? Now, neither Cam nor Gemma would learn any time soon.
A couple of days later, Sir Everard is found dead at the base of the cliffs below Beauchamp House. He was murdered while trying to steal a geological find of Gemma’s. Gemma didn’t murder him, Cam didn’t murder him – so, who did and are they still skulking around? Gemma’s artifact is missing, so whoever murdered Sir Everard stole the artifact. Cam and Gemma must work together to find the artifact and also solve the murder. Of course, as they work together, they are attracted to each other and that grows – until they are discovered in a compromising position and have to become betrothed.
Somehow, between compromising positions, ‘temporary’ betrothals, unchaperoned road trips, pretending to be married and spending the night together at an inn as man and wife, they manage to solve the murder and find the artifact.
It was a lovely, interesting, well-written read and I’m sorry to see the series end. However, it did have a lovely epilogue with future plans for Beauchamp house and Lady Serena. So, that is what gives me hope that we might get to visit with all of these lovely ladies in a future series or additional books in this series.
I have seen several two and three-star reviews for this book and they all talk about the same issues. I actually agree with much of what they say, but I just thought the book, as a whole, was good enough that it offset those issues for me. The first thing is that there weren’t enough fireworks between Gemma and Cam given the argument from the previous book and Gemma’s continued dislike of Cam. I would have liked to see a few more epic battles before they came to a meeting in the middle. The second was the lack of character development for Gemma and Cam. I thought Cam grew and changed a lot – he actually did most of the changing and adapting to Gemma’s ways rather than the other way around. However, Gemma did grow and she had to learn that she could have love and her choice of vocation IF she chose the right man.
This was a delightful read and I didn’t want to put it down once I’d read the first page. Well, actually, I didn't put it down -- I read it straight through and enjoyed every minute of it.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
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"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."
April 26, 2018
An overall enjoyable read, even if the middle dragged.
I had been looking forward to this title since Cam and Gemma’s meeting in the last title. It wasn’t necessarily a disappointment, but I was still somehow expecting more.
I expected more fireworks given how much Gemma seemed to dislike Cam when they first met but they barely argued after that first meeting and I felt a little robbed.
I also don’t feel like I know either character any more now than I did at the beginning. Cam is supposedly a rogue but I don’t know what was supposed to be so roguish about him. And Gemma was stubborn. Those are their defining characteristics.
I did enjoy the mystery surrounding the fossil and didn’t know who did it (though I had my guesses) until the very end.
I will be reading more from Manda Collins.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I had been looking forward to this title since Cam and Gemma’s meeting in the last title. It wasn’t necessarily a disappointment, but I was still somehow expecting more.
I expected more fireworks given how much Gemma seemed to dislike Cam when they first met but they barely argued after that first meeting and I felt a little robbed.
I also don’t feel like I know either character any more now than I did at the beginning. Cam is supposedly a rogue but I don’t know what was supposed to be so roguish about him. And Gemma was stubborn. Those are their defining characteristics.
I did enjoy the mystery surrounding the fossil and didn’t know who did it (though I had my guesses) until the very end.
I will be reading more from Manda Collins.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Regency England. Reached slightly beyond the
halfway mark, and DNF. 2 stars.
Cameron served as a fossil finder & natural science
magazine editor, & bossy/ angry Gemma a heiress
geologist. They discovered a faux naturalist, murdered.
I wanted to like Gemma: but she got on my 'last nerve'
& I decided she needed to go do her science elsewhere.
Ms Collins wrote boring characters? There's always a
first time!
halfway mark, and DNF. 2 stars.
Cameron served as a fossil finder & natural science
magazine editor, & bossy/ angry Gemma a heiress
geologist. They discovered a faux naturalist, murdered.
I wanted to like Gemma: but she got on my 'last nerve'
& I decided she needed to go do her science elsewhere.
Ms Collins wrote boring characters? There's always a
first time!
January 21, 2020
I hate the audiobook. The narrator makes it sound so boring with her monotone voice and her voices for different characters were hard to differentiate.
June 23, 2018
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
One for the Rogue is a bit difficult for me to review. There are some things I liked about this book. Gemma’s passion for geology and the struggles she faces to be taken seriously are what drew me into the book at the start. And I also really enjoyed the fact that Cam shared her passion and respected her intelligence. At the start of the story, it seemed like this might be an enemies-to-lovers book, but it really isn’t. Yes, Cam and Gemma are at loggerheads in the beginning over something that could have been resolved if Cam had communicated a bit better and Gemma had been a bit more willing to listen. However, a potentially huge fossil find and the threat of a bitter, sexist rival throws our bickering hero and heroine together. Add in some sexual tension and it’s clear that Gemma and Cam are going to be headed down the aisle soon. I liked Gemma and Cam together and it’s clear they fit, but still I thought their romance fell a bit flat. Part of this is due to the lack of character growth; Gemma and Cam begin and end pretty much the same and we don’t really delve deep into their characters. If this were a novella, I might have liked it more because the perceived obstacles to Gemma and Cam’s eventual happily ever after seemed orchestrated to draw out the story rather than organic problems they had to overcome.
Woven through the romance in One for the Rogue is a mystery involving a fossil Gemma discovers. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling the fun, but I thought this plotline was the stronger one. Not only does Gemma have to face a jerk of a rival, there’s mystery, murder, and a tiny bit of mayhem. This is where author Manda Collins brings life to the story and keeps the pages moving.
One for the Rogue isn’t a bad book, but for me it was just an OK read. I realized after finishing this book that I had the same issues with it as I did with a previous Manda Collins book I read: the characters were likeable and the story had potential, but it dragged in places and was littered with tropes that didn’t have a fresh spin on them. I think Ms. Collins’s writing style simply isn’t for me, so others might find this story more engaging than I did.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One for the Rogue is a bit difficult for me to review. There are some things I liked about this book. Gemma’s passion for geology and the struggles she faces to be taken seriously are what drew me into the book at the start. And I also really enjoyed the fact that Cam shared her passion and respected her intelligence. At the start of the story, it seemed like this might be an enemies-to-lovers book, but it really isn’t. Yes, Cam and Gemma are at loggerheads in the beginning over something that could have been resolved if Cam had communicated a bit better and Gemma had been a bit more willing to listen. However, a potentially huge fossil find and the threat of a bitter, sexist rival throws our bickering hero and heroine together. Add in some sexual tension and it’s clear that Gemma and Cam are going to be headed down the aisle soon. I liked Gemma and Cam together and it’s clear they fit, but still I thought their romance fell a bit flat. Part of this is due to the lack of character growth; Gemma and Cam begin and end pretty much the same and we don’t really delve deep into their characters. If this were a novella, I might have liked it more because the perceived obstacles to Gemma and Cam’s eventual happily ever after seemed orchestrated to draw out the story rather than organic problems they had to overcome.
Woven through the romance in One for the Rogue is a mystery involving a fossil Gemma discovers. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling the fun, but I thought this plotline was the stronger one. Not only does Gemma have to face a jerk of a rival, there’s mystery, murder, and a tiny bit of mayhem. This is where author Manda Collins brings life to the story and keeps the pages moving.
One for the Rogue isn’t a bad book, but for me it was just an OK read. I realized after finishing this book that I had the same issues with it as I did with a previous Manda Collins book I read: the characters were likeable and the story had potential, but it dragged in places and was littered with tropes that didn’t have a fresh spin on them. I think Ms. Collins’s writing style simply isn’t for me, so others might find this story more engaging than I did.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 26, 2018
Gemma Hastings is the last unmarried heiress in the Beauchamp house and she plans to stay that way! Gemma earned her spot in the house for her knowledge of geology and fossils. She is also the only heiress who has not completed the "quest" Lady Celeste gave each woman. Gemma is frustrated by this, but her letter was incomplete and she is not sure what Lady Celeste meant for her to find.
She is preparing for bed when she spots lantern light on the beach, she rushes out and finds Lord Cameron Lilse - her nemesis! Cam is covertly following Sir Everard Healy to the beach - but Gemma's shouts scare him off. She confronts Cam and he agrees to tell her what he was doing, but inside the house. They go in and find her aunt there, so the conversation is put off. The next morning he asks if he can bring Sir Everard and Lord Paley to visit her fossil collection and she agrees, hoping it will show the men that she is just as intelligent and learned as they are. She takes special care of her appearance at Sophia & Serena's urging - so much so, that Cam doesn't even recognize her! They form a truce of sorts and the afternoon passes without event. The men were hoping the "Beauchamp Lizard" would be in the collection, but they never mention it to Gemma. Cam agrees to take Sir Everard back the next day to search the beach.
That night there is a terrible storm and Gemma decides to check the shore for unearthed finds and she finds what appears to be a huge fossilized skull - unable to retrieve it by herself, she returns to the house for help and is sidetracked by the arrival of Ivy and Daphne. When she finally returns, she finds Cam, Lord Paley & Sir Everard trying to unearth her find. She is livid and thinks Cam betrayed her. He tells Sir Everard that it is Gemma's discovery, but the man refuses to concede. Cam gets Gemma to pretend to let him claim it and promises to help her get it the next morning before he can return. Cam also begins to think that Gemma might be the right woman for him and decides to consider her for his bride.
The next day, they set out for the beach and find Sir Everard murdered and the fossil missing. The magistrate is called and clearly thinks Gemma is the murderer, until Cam shows him the note he found near the body, warning that Gemma will be next if she continues to seek the fossil. The magistrate tells them to stay out of the investigation and leaves. Gemma is upset and Cam promises to help her find the skull - he comforts her when she sheds angry tears and they kiss - things become heated and the are interrupted by Serena. She agrees to let Sophia handle the matter and Gemma knows her sister will not force a wedding over a few kisses and she doesn't - but her husband (also Cam's brother) Ben is not as forgiving and punches Cam. They talk and Cam says that Gemma is not what he envisioned for a wife, he thought someone like Serena would be the perfect bride - he hears a gasp and turns to see Gemma. She runs off and he knows she heard him. He finds her and tells her he has no intention of wooing Serena and they agree to a temporary betrothal - it will give them the freedom to spend time together and search without ruining her.
They investigate Sir Everard, but continually find themselves in compromising situations - Gemma also has decided that Cam is the perfect man to be her lover - since she doesn't plan to marry. They spend more time together and both begin to have a change of heart - when a lead sends them to Leeds and a storm forces them to pretend to be married - everything changes.
They decide they will marry and when Gemma has a realization and needs to see Cam, it looks like she will find her fossil and solve the murder - but the villain is prepared and Cam may not be able to save his love in time.
This was not my favorite book in the series, I found Gemma to be annoying and at times irrational and I really didn't "feel" the chemistry between them. But it is well written, the mystery was good, the love scenes steamy-ish and the ending exciting. I also enjoyed the epilogue and have to wonder if there is going to be a spin off series. This was the final book in the series and while it could be read as a stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading the series in order!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
She is preparing for bed when she spots lantern light on the beach, she rushes out and finds Lord Cameron Lilse - her nemesis! Cam is covertly following Sir Everard Healy to the beach - but Gemma's shouts scare him off. She confronts Cam and he agrees to tell her what he was doing, but inside the house. They go in and find her aunt there, so the conversation is put off. The next morning he asks if he can bring Sir Everard and Lord Paley to visit her fossil collection and she agrees, hoping it will show the men that she is just as intelligent and learned as they are. She takes special care of her appearance at Sophia & Serena's urging - so much so, that Cam doesn't even recognize her! They form a truce of sorts and the afternoon passes without event. The men were hoping the "Beauchamp Lizard" would be in the collection, but they never mention it to Gemma. Cam agrees to take Sir Everard back the next day to search the beach.
That night there is a terrible storm and Gemma decides to check the shore for unearthed finds and she finds what appears to be a huge fossilized skull - unable to retrieve it by herself, she returns to the house for help and is sidetracked by the arrival of Ivy and Daphne. When she finally returns, she finds Cam, Lord Paley & Sir Everard trying to unearth her find. She is livid and thinks Cam betrayed her. He tells Sir Everard that it is Gemma's discovery, but the man refuses to concede. Cam gets Gemma to pretend to let him claim it and promises to help her get it the next morning before he can return. Cam also begins to think that Gemma might be the right woman for him and decides to consider her for his bride.
The next day, they set out for the beach and find Sir Everard murdered and the fossil missing. The magistrate is called and clearly thinks Gemma is the murderer, until Cam shows him the note he found near the body, warning that Gemma will be next if she continues to seek the fossil. The magistrate tells them to stay out of the investigation and leaves. Gemma is upset and Cam promises to help her find the skull - he comforts her when she sheds angry tears and they kiss - things become heated and the are interrupted by Serena. She agrees to let Sophia handle the matter and Gemma knows her sister will not force a wedding over a few kisses and she doesn't - but her husband (also Cam's brother) Ben is not as forgiving and punches Cam. They talk and Cam says that Gemma is not what he envisioned for a wife, he thought someone like Serena would be the perfect bride - he hears a gasp and turns to see Gemma. She runs off and he knows she heard him. He finds her and tells her he has no intention of wooing Serena and they agree to a temporary betrothal - it will give them the freedom to spend time together and search without ruining her.
They investigate Sir Everard, but continually find themselves in compromising situations - Gemma also has decided that Cam is the perfect man to be her lover - since she doesn't plan to marry. They spend more time together and both begin to have a change of heart - when a lead sends them to Leeds and a storm forces them to pretend to be married - everything changes.
They decide they will marry and when Gemma has a realization and needs to see Cam, it looks like she will find her fossil and solve the murder - but the villain is prepared and Cam may not be able to save his love in time.
This was not my favorite book in the series, I found Gemma to be annoying and at times irrational and I really didn't "feel" the chemistry between them. But it is well written, the mystery was good, the love scenes steamy-ish and the ending exciting. I also enjoyed the epilogue and have to wonder if there is going to be a spin off series. This was the final book in the series and while it could be read as a stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading the series in order!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
June 28, 2018
This is the fourth installment of the Series "A Studies in Scandal" and it is classic Manda Collins from beginning to end. Gemma Hastings is one of the Beauchamp Heiresses. She is the one most likely to land in trouble. She is sassy, stubborn and a hoyden. As you can tell from her picture on the front of the book, she has a little bit of the devil in her. Unlike the other Heiresses, she has no intention of getting married. Gemma knows that she is as smart or smarter than most of the men who collect and study fossils and bones. She has no time for socializing or romance. Her work is serious and someday she is going to find a spectacular fossil or bone and she will be able to take her place among the men in the field as an expert.
Cameron Lisle is a Gentleman who is a fossil collector and the editor of a scientific journal about fossils and bones. He decides which articles will be published in the journal. He is in the area of Beauchamp House attending a private conference of like-minded men of Science. Last time he was here was to see his brother the Vicar marry Gemma's sister. Needless to say that Gemma did not like Cameron and told him so. Just because she is a woman doesn't mean her work should not be taken seriously. Cameron defended his decision and hasn't seen her since. He hopes to avoid her on this trip, but the men want to see the Beauchamp Fossil Collection so he will have to accompany them to Beauchamp house.
When Gemma and Cameron are in the same room the sparks fly. He didn't notice how lovely she was and she didn't remember him being so good looking. They decide to try to get along because they are now related by marriage. Neither one of them counted on the attraction that seems to be developing between them.
When a fellow collector is murdered trying to steal Gemma's most important discovery, a giant lizard skull, that is on Beauchamp land and now missing, she is furious and is determined to find the murderer and get back her discovery. Of course, Cameron can't let her investigate alone.
Mystery, murder, mischief, and romance abound as the plot thickens and they find themselves right in the middle of the adventure of their lives that will take them places they never imagined and a love for a lifetime.
Manda is a master storyteller of mystery and misdirection. I thought at least two times that I knew who the murderer was. Her characters are amazing and her stories are original and very sensual. This is a must-read.
Cameron Lisle is a Gentleman who is a fossil collector and the editor of a scientific journal about fossils and bones. He decides which articles will be published in the journal. He is in the area of Beauchamp House attending a private conference of like-minded men of Science. Last time he was here was to see his brother the Vicar marry Gemma's sister. Needless to say that Gemma did not like Cameron and told him so. Just because she is a woman doesn't mean her work should not be taken seriously. Cameron defended his decision and hasn't seen her since. He hopes to avoid her on this trip, but the men want to see the Beauchamp Fossil Collection so he will have to accompany them to Beauchamp house.
When Gemma and Cameron are in the same room the sparks fly. He didn't notice how lovely she was and she didn't remember him being so good looking. They decide to try to get along because they are now related by marriage. Neither one of them counted on the attraction that seems to be developing between them.
When a fellow collector is murdered trying to steal Gemma's most important discovery, a giant lizard skull, that is on Beauchamp land and now missing, she is furious and is determined to find the murderer and get back her discovery. Of course, Cameron can't let her investigate alone.
Mystery, murder, mischief, and romance abound as the plot thickens and they find themselves right in the middle of the adventure of their lives that will take them places they never imagined and a love for a lifetime.
Manda is a master storyteller of mystery and misdirection. I thought at least two times that I knew who the murderer was. Her characters are amazing and her stories are original and very sensual. This is a must-read.
June 24, 2018
The last of the young ladies of the Studies in Scandal series does not disappoint. Gemma Hastings was an intelligent bluestocking and devoted to her study in geology and fossils. Of course, this was not a popular role for women at the time but she persevered. Lord Cameron Lisle is her counterpart who follows his passion for hunting fossils and is happy with his life. Having met one time before, they had been at loggerheads over an article he refused to print of Gemma's. Now, meeting again, Gemma has found a great fossil which could prove a historical milestone and she gains Cam's help in proving it.
Of course nothing is ever that easy and as another fossil hunter is found murdered and things go missing, they begin to work together to find the culprit. Filled with humor and conflicting emotions between Gemma and Cam, this is a fun story to follow through the end and see what happens. I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to reading many more books by Manda Collins.
Of course nothing is ever that easy and as another fossil hunter is found murdered and things go missing, they begin to work together to find the culprit. Filled with humor and conflicting emotions between Gemma and Cam, this is a fun story to follow through the end and see what happens. I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to reading many more books by Manda Collins.
January 21, 2019
Manda Collins is an expert at banter and warm, light-hearted, sensual regency romance. It's hard not to like her characters. I loved that Gemma is a bonafide scientist and has goals for her life outside of being married. Also loved that Cameron respects and supports her in her goals. The couples from the other book in the Studies in Scandal series show up, and that's always fun.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
April 13, 2018
Sometimes Cam just needs to talk things out with his brother, “of course, I’m attracted to her,” Cam said. Really, his brother was such a simpleton at times. “She’s lovely. Maddening as **ll, but lovely.” Cam is learning that sometimes it's best to just please his woman, "realizing that she would very likely argue until he succumbed, he allowed her to drape the coat over his upper body, too." I really liked this book, I fell in love with Cam.
April 15, 2018
Murder, mystery, and a stolen fossil, O My!!
When I did my Amazon search of the stories in the Studies in Scandal books, they did not appear to be numbered or even linked together. I have listed them according to their publication dates. Although they are stand-alone books, they continue a central theme of the ladies having a quest/problem to solve that will involve their inheritance. This is book 4 in the series and characters from the previous books are on hand and are involved with the current story line. The author did an excellent job of filling the reader in on the previous stories in case they had not read them. It was very helpful in setting the foundation for this story.
Ready Set Rogue: Pub date Jan 3, 2017 [Ivy and Quill]
Duke with Benefits: Pub date June 27, 1017 [Daphne and Dalton]
Wallflower Most Wanted: Pub date Jan 30, 2018 [Sophia and Benedick]
One for the Rogue: Estimated Pub date June 26, 2018 [Gemma and Cameron]
Book blurb: “Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance –and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, and esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory…”
Rating: MA: mature audience: graphic sex scenes.
What I liked: bluestocking maidens thrown together in a society of intellect and genius, who sometimes acted as Bow Street Runners when they had to solve problems [OK… murder, mayhem and mischief], while finding their true love. These ladies were a menace to themselves and to any unsuspecting male of fortune or title. O my!!
We have societal constraints on women of this era as they fight for recognition within their various fields. Each lady had her own field of study and we were entertained as she fought for her right to be independent and not be forced to marry because society said that was what a woman should do. In this book 4, Gemma fought for her rights in the field of geology and the natural sciences.
There were many scenes that were hilarious as Gemma, who was supposed to be so intelligent, was ditzy as all get out and was constantly getting herself and Lord Cam in trouble. She blazed head long into situations without thinking through the steps necessary to complete her mission. That seemed incongruous as she was methodical in her fossil research and note taking, yet at times, she couldn’t think her way out of a paper bag. Several times I was, once again, pulled away from the story due to her stupid antics. What the heck???
What I didn’t like: the blasé manner in the discussions of sexual intimacy. The sexual tension was palpable as they discussed and talked about it all-through-the-book. At one point they were even discussing how the previous couples hooked up. Really? What era was this? It sounded awfully modern to me. In fact, the era lines became more and more fuzzy as the story progressed. It was like every scene was propelling us toward that eventual bedroom scene. At one point, they were driving down the road in a curricle and it could have easily been a Trans Am convertible and I wouldn’t have known the difference. The lines were that blurred. It was distracting and was constantly pulling me from the story as they talked on and on about propriety and consequences, yet the whole time they continued to push the boundaries toward the inevitable… anticipating their vows. It did not come across as sexy and I resented it. When you plan, scheme, and maneuver… that’s not sexy or romantic.
Note: I volunteered to read an Uncorrected Digital Galley of this book. The views expressed are my own. I wish to give special thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me this privilege. Estimated publication: date June 26, 2018.
When I did my Amazon search of the stories in the Studies in Scandal books, they did not appear to be numbered or even linked together. I have listed them according to their publication dates. Although they are stand-alone books, they continue a central theme of the ladies having a quest/problem to solve that will involve their inheritance. This is book 4 in the series and characters from the previous books are on hand and are involved with the current story line. The author did an excellent job of filling the reader in on the previous stories in case they had not read them. It was very helpful in setting the foundation for this story.
Ready Set Rogue: Pub date Jan 3, 2017 [Ivy and Quill]
Duke with Benefits: Pub date June 27, 1017 [Daphne and Dalton]
Wallflower Most Wanted: Pub date Jan 30, 2018 [Sophia and Benedick]
One for the Rogue: Estimated Pub date June 26, 2018 [Gemma and Cameron]
Book blurb: “Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance –and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, and esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory…”
Rating: MA: mature audience: graphic sex scenes.
What I liked: bluestocking maidens thrown together in a society of intellect and genius, who sometimes acted as Bow Street Runners when they had to solve problems [OK… murder, mayhem and mischief], while finding their true love. These ladies were a menace to themselves and to any unsuspecting male of fortune or title. O my!!
We have societal constraints on women of this era as they fight for recognition within their various fields. Each lady had her own field of study and we were entertained as she fought for her right to be independent and not be forced to marry because society said that was what a woman should do. In this book 4, Gemma fought for her rights in the field of geology and the natural sciences.
There were many scenes that were hilarious as Gemma, who was supposed to be so intelligent, was ditzy as all get out and was constantly getting herself and Lord Cam in trouble. She blazed head long into situations without thinking through the steps necessary to complete her mission. That seemed incongruous as she was methodical in her fossil research and note taking, yet at times, she couldn’t think her way out of a paper bag. Several times I was, once again, pulled away from the story due to her stupid antics. What the heck???
What I didn’t like: the blasé manner in the discussions of sexual intimacy. The sexual tension was palpable as they discussed and talked about it all-through-the-book. At one point they were even discussing how the previous couples hooked up. Really? What era was this? It sounded awfully modern to me. In fact, the era lines became more and more fuzzy as the story progressed. It was like every scene was propelling us toward that eventual bedroom scene. At one point, they were driving down the road in a curricle and it could have easily been a Trans Am convertible and I wouldn’t have known the difference. The lines were that blurred. It was distracting and was constantly pulling me from the story as they talked on and on about propriety and consequences, yet the whole time they continued to push the boundaries toward the inevitable… anticipating their vows. It did not come across as sexy and I resented it. When you plan, scheme, and maneuver… that’s not sexy or romantic.
Note: I volunteered to read an Uncorrected Digital Galley of this book. The views expressed are my own. I wish to give special thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me this privilege. Estimated publication: date June 26, 2018.
June 26, 2018
I hesitated over reading this book, because my experience with this author is patchy and I hadn’t read any of the rest of this series, but I was lured in by the fossils. Which was pretty much a waste of time, because the only true fossil action we get revolves around a giant skull that may or may not have been discovered before, and which is the source of all the action, suspense and danger.
Sadly, I had problems with the characters too. Gemma and Cameron have been antagonists for a while, thanks to her pursuit of scholarly interests and his typical 19th century male response. They snipe and snarl at each other, but deep down, there is a shared attraction. Apparently, although it did seem to strike rather fast considering their shared antipathy at the start, which pretty much vanishes from that moment on.
Cam is supposedly a bit of wastrel, running around in selfish pursuit of his fossils, but I’ll have to take his brother’s word for it because there’s no sign of it here. He’s just one big pushover, whose objections to marriage are cleared up in a single conversation. His whole life and character have been built on what he believed happened between his parents, but oh, apparently he didn’t quite understand so now everything’s great! Fall in love, get married, live happily ever after! It was pretty baffling, to be honest.
Then there’s Gemma. She’s supposed to be smart, but she does some incredibly foolish things in this book. Cam is worse, because he knows the risks but let’s her goad, prod, cajole and convince him into them anyway. She’s ridiculously stubborn and refuses to ever listen, while he has definite communication issues. I found it difficult to like either of them, especially when they did ridiculous things, and I never felt like I got to know them that well. They love fossils and their families and that’s it.
Speaking of fossils… For something that plays such a major role in the plot and the interests of the characters, I was disappointed by this side of things. Mary Anning does get a few good mentions, which was great, but it might have been nice to have seen the pair of them actually look for fossils, except for the one incident which led to all the drama. The skull. I have issues with that whole plot line,
Which kind of sums up my feelings towards the book – I’m disappointed because it relies too heavily on stupid things. The romance progressed purely because Gemma (and sometimes Cam) did something rash and foolish, and the suspense plot was all built around a highly unlikely scenario.
And that’s a shame, because there were aspects I liked – or really wanted to. Not least Gemma’s passion and her fight to be acknowledged in such a sexist environment, and I loved how Cam respected her intellect (even if I saw little evidence that warranted it). I also liked the tension with her awful rival to claim the discovery of the skull, but everything else required too much suspension of disbelief for me. If I’d liked Gemma and Cam more, I probably could have weathered it, but sadly I didn’t, so I couldn’t. I guess this author just isn’t for me.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Sadly, I had problems with the characters too. Gemma and Cameron have been antagonists for a while, thanks to her pursuit of scholarly interests and his typical 19th century male response. They snipe and snarl at each other, but deep down, there is a shared attraction. Apparently, although it did seem to strike rather fast considering their shared antipathy at the start, which pretty much vanishes from that moment on.
Cam is supposedly a bit of wastrel, running around in selfish pursuit of his fossils, but I’ll have to take his brother’s word for it because there’s no sign of it here. He’s just one big pushover, whose objections to marriage are cleared up in a single conversation. His whole life and character have been built on what he believed happened between his parents, but oh, apparently he didn’t quite understand so now everything’s great! Fall in love, get married, live happily ever after! It was pretty baffling, to be honest.
Then there’s Gemma. She’s supposed to be smart, but she does some incredibly foolish things in this book. Cam is worse, because he knows the risks but let’s her goad, prod, cajole and convince him into them anyway. She’s ridiculously stubborn and refuses to ever listen, while he has definite communication issues. I found it difficult to like either of them, especially when they did ridiculous things, and I never felt like I got to know them that well. They love fossils and their families and that’s it.
Speaking of fossils… For something that plays such a major role in the plot and the interests of the characters, I was disappointed by this side of things. Mary Anning does get a few good mentions, which was great, but it might have been nice to have seen the pair of them actually look for fossils, except for the one incident which led to all the drama. The skull. I have issues with that whole plot line,
Which kind of sums up my feelings towards the book – I’m disappointed because it relies too heavily on stupid things. The romance progressed purely because Gemma (and sometimes Cam) did something rash and foolish, and the suspense plot was all built around a highly unlikely scenario.
And that’s a shame, because there were aspects I liked – or really wanted to. Not least Gemma’s passion and her fight to be acknowledged in such a sexist environment, and I loved how Cam respected her intellect (even if I saw little evidence that warranted it). I also liked the tension with her awful rival to claim the discovery of the skull, but everything else required too much suspension of disbelief for me. If I’d liked Gemma and Cam more, I probably could have weathered it, but sadly I didn’t, so I couldn’t. I guess this author just isn’t for me.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
June 26, 2018
And here we come to the story of Beauchamp House's fourth heiress, Miss Gemma Hastings.
Remembering that Lady Celeste Beauchamp had left in will that her estate, Beauchamp House, would go to four young ladies unknown to the family.
As a single intellectual woman, Celeste lamented not having as much freedom to dispose of her goods - and life - to explore the world as gentlemen do. So she made that decision that surprised many people.
But that was why his nephew, Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, met and fell in love with the first heiress, Miss Ivy Wareham.
Then came the romances of Lady Daphne Forsyth and Miss Sophia Hastings.
Each heiress received a letter from Celeste with a mission to fulfill.
Gemma's letter was the only one incomplete, but she knew that her mission was to find a particular geological artifact that, according to history, Celeste had found but for some reason a little later she belied the fact.
Gemma was sure that Celeste had actually found the fossil.
The problem was that other people - men!! - wanted to find this fossil before Gemma and steal the fame for themselves.
Gemma ends up having as champion Lord Cameron Lisle, Lord Benedick's brother, the local reverend, married to Sophia, Gemma's sister. So it was all in the family.
However, this pursuit of the hidden treasure became more sanguinary than anticipated. Deaths begin to happen, and from the greed of someone in the past, Gemma was in danger.
By logic, this should be the last book in the series. Four heiresses, four books.
Meanwhile, from the first book, we are introduced to Quill's cousin, Lady Serena, a widow, and mother to a clever little boy.
I think Serena deserved a happy ending since she was not happy at the first marriage.
4 stars
Remembering that Lady Celeste Beauchamp had left in will that her estate, Beauchamp House, would go to four young ladies unknown to the family.
As a single intellectual woman, Celeste lamented not having as much freedom to dispose of her goods - and life - to explore the world as gentlemen do. So she made that decision that surprised many people.
But that was why his nephew, Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, met and fell in love with the first heiress, Miss Ivy Wareham.
Then came the romances of Lady Daphne Forsyth and Miss Sophia Hastings.
Each heiress received a letter from Celeste with a mission to fulfill.
Gemma's letter was the only one incomplete, but she knew that her mission was to find a particular geological artifact that, according to history, Celeste had found but for some reason a little later she belied the fact.
Gemma was sure that Celeste had actually found the fossil.
The problem was that other people - men!! - wanted to find this fossil before Gemma and steal the fame for themselves.
Gemma ends up having as champion Lord Cameron Lisle, Lord Benedick's brother, the local reverend, married to Sophia, Gemma's sister. So it was all in the family.
However, this pursuit of the hidden treasure became more sanguinary than anticipated. Deaths begin to happen, and from the greed of someone in the past, Gemma was in danger.
By logic, this should be the last book in the series. Four heiresses, four books.
Meanwhile, from the first book, we are introduced to Quill's cousin, Lady Serena, a widow, and mother to a clever little boy.
I think Serena deserved a happy ending since she was not happy at the first marriage.
4 stars
July 3, 2018
I received One for the Rogue by Manda Collins from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the forth in her Studies in Scandal series but can be read as a standalone. However the entire series is quite enjoyable and this story is more closely related to book 3 since Gemma is Sophia sister and met Cameron during book 3.
Gemma Hastings is the final heiress in the group that received a home to stay in in order to future their studies. In her quest, she finds a wonderful in fossil that is stolen. Lord Cameron Lisle is in the area attending a geologist house party and visiting his brother, whom is married to Gemma's sister. When Cameron meets up with Gemma again, sparks fly. However, when her fossil is stolen and a note is left threatening her, his protective side kicks in and he refuses to leave Gemma's side and struggles to with feelings.
Manda Collins has another hit!! Wonderful story with a little mystery. Cameron and Gemma admit their attraction to one another early on but it takes time for the relationship to go full cycle. Also, both Cameron and Gemma struggle with their assumptions that they either wouldn't marry or marry someone "more manageable" (like that ever happens!) Add the fact that both are fossil collectors and begin to wonder if they might be competing with each other.
Now, I just need Serena's story!
Gemma Hastings is the final heiress in the group that received a home to stay in in order to future their studies. In her quest, she finds a wonderful in fossil that is stolen. Lord Cameron Lisle is in the area attending a geologist house party and visiting his brother, whom is married to Gemma's sister. When Cameron meets up with Gemma again, sparks fly. However, when her fossil is stolen and a note is left threatening her, his protective side kicks in and he refuses to leave Gemma's side and struggles to with feelings.
Manda Collins has another hit!! Wonderful story with a little mystery. Cameron and Gemma admit their attraction to one another early on but it takes time for the relationship to go full cycle. Also, both Cameron and Gemma struggle with their assumptions that they either wouldn't marry or marry someone "more manageable" (like that ever happens!) Add the fact that both are fossil collectors and begin to wonder if they might be competing with each other.
Now, I just need Serena's story!
June 19, 2018
Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Cam was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But when he sees her coiffured & in a stunning dress he realises there's so much more to her.
This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read by itself the whole series is very good & to fully appreciate this book I'd recommend reading the three earlier ones. Gemma & Cam have always been at loggerheads but there’s also been a spark between them, so it was entertaining & enjoyable to see the spark flare into a fire. The characters are well developed & the story flows extremely well, I’d been looking forward to Gemma’s story & I wasn't disappointed, I was immediately drawn into the book & was engrossed all of the way through, a fitting finale to the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read by itself the whole series is very good & to fully appreciate this book I'd recommend reading the three earlier ones. Gemma & Cam have always been at loggerheads but there’s also been a spark between them, so it was entertaining & enjoyable to see the spark flare into a fire. The characters are well developed & the story flows extremely well, I’d been looking forward to Gemma’s story & I wasn't disappointed, I was immediately drawn into the book & was engrossed all of the way through, a fitting finale to the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 9, 2018
I enjoy intellectual spinsters and the men who fall for them! Manda Collins does a fantastic job with this type of characters and Gemma and Cameron stand as terrific examples of her handiwork. For Gemma, it's not just a reticence to put her life under the control of a man; she truly feels that she will be letting down her Aunt Dahlia and her benefactress Celeste Beauchamp if she falls in love, marries, and gives up geology (as she assumes a husband would require). Cameron thinks he wants a mild and biddable wife, not one with a strong personality and scholarly mind. Danger and proximity fan the flames of attraction, and the examples and advice of friends and family help these two to realize that marriage doesn't have to fit into a mold--they get to choose the dynamics that work for them.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinion in response.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinion in response.
July 2, 2018
One For The Rogue is a delightful story with a dashing hero and a feisty heroine who is more than his match. Miss Gemma Hastings is one of the four heiresses of Lady Celeste. She's a scholar who has a love of fossils. I liked this character. Her intelligence, her determination and her fearlessness make her standout. She's no timid miss. Her initial meeting with Lord Cameron Lisle originally had them as adversaries, but the more they are together that changes. I sighed watching them fall in love. When a murder threatens their safety, Gemma and Cameron must find the truth. I loved this couple. These characters made me care for them. I enjoyed seeing the other heiresses and their husbands. They are a caring group. The Studies in Scandal series is a special treat that I'm enjoying. The writing style of Manda Collins made me fall in love with love. I can't get enough of her romances.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
July 3, 2018
Gemma Hastings is one of the Beauchamp Heiresses who has no plans to get married. She has no time for socializing her work with collecting and studying fossils and bones is her life, one in which Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter is always honing in on her territory. Since their related by marriage they’ve agreed to get along, but the sparks still fly. These two are like oil and water, they don’t mix. Boy as the attraction between them builds the fireworks go off, you can just feel the smoldering passions. A captivating book with two strongly opinionated and independent people who fight tooth and nail against the attraction that’s pulling them together. A great read I loved reading this story 5 STARS*****. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
April 11, 2018
Fourth in the Studies In Scandal series, One For The Rogue is as engrossing as the previous books.
Geologist Gemma Hastings strives to complete her task, even though her instructions were abbreviated by the death of Lady Celeste.
Lord Lisle also a geologist doesn't think much of women in the field.
After a unsatisfying introduction to Lord Cameron Lisle, and a few disagreements, the two began to work together to solve the puzzle left for Gemma.
Toss in a stolen fossil, a murder mystery, sexual attraction and family interference to add to this tale of romance.
Ms. Collins' descriptions and writing style make this book an enjoyable read.
I was granted an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Geologist Gemma Hastings strives to complete her task, even though her instructions were abbreviated by the death of Lady Celeste.
Lord Lisle also a geologist doesn't think much of women in the field.
After a unsatisfying introduction to Lord Cameron Lisle, and a few disagreements, the two began to work together to solve the puzzle left for Gemma.
Toss in a stolen fossil, a murder mystery, sexual attraction and family interference to add to this tale of romance.
Ms. Collins' descriptions and writing style make this book an enjoyable read.
I was granted an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
June 28, 2018
Another delightful historical read from Ms Collins. Even without reading the previous entries in the series, it is easy to become absorbed in the story. The heroine, Gemma, is a strong woman with depth noted for her passion and devotion to those around her. Despite her intelligence, though, she makes some rather thoughtless decisions. Luckily she has the good-natured and gentle Cameron to watch her back. Not only is he considerate, his chemistry with Gemma is evident from their first encounter.
Collins is a skilled writer who created both an interesting cast of characters and story. The story is engrossing from page one with a romance interwoven with mystery. The final installment to a beloved series, One of the Rogue a well-written Regency romance.
Collins is a skilled writer who created both an interesting cast of characters and story. The story is engrossing from page one with a romance interwoven with mystery. The final installment to a beloved series, One of the Rogue a well-written Regency romance.
July 4, 2018
A satisfying conclusion to a solid historical romance series. If you enjoy intelligent heroines, heroes who will capture your heart, sparkling dialogue, witty banter, and a great balance of sensual romance and a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing right up until the reveal, I enthusiastically recommend giving this book a go.
June 12, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series. There was one point in this book when I was so mad for what Gemma was going through but we both survived :-) I am hoping there will be another book with Serena's story in the future. Thanks for the entertainment!
May 1, 2018
I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. One for the Rogue is the final title in the title in the Study in Scandal series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Sophia is the last of the four heiresses selected by Lady Celeste to inherit her home and carry on their studies in their respective fields. Determined to remain single and focus on her fossil hunting to make her aunt and Lady Celeste proud, Sophia finds herself drawn to her brother-in-law and fellow fossil hunter Cameron Lisle when events throw the two together. Some months previously, Cam had rejected an article Sophia submitted to his academic journal; she believes the fact that she is female is the sole reason for the rejection. While attending an all male gathering of fossil hunters in the neighborhood, Cam escorts several other guests to Beauchamp house to view Lady Celeste's collection. When one of the guests attempts to claim Sophia's find as his own and winds up murder, Cam finds himself drawn into a series of events to try and solve both the murder and the mystery of what happened to the Beauchamp lizard. Sophia and Cam find themselves fighting their attraction and after being caught in a compromising position agree to a temporary engagement. As they work to discover who the murder is and what happened to the Beauchamp lizard, Sophia and Cam learn that they are better together than alone.
This book is 4.25 stars for me which winds down to 4 stars. Like other Manda Collins titles, there is a good balance of romance and mystery. I'm hoping that Lady Serena will get her own happily ever after in an upcoming book.
This book is 4.25 stars for me which winds down to 4 stars. Like other Manda Collins titles, there is a good balance of romance and mystery. I'm hoping that Lady Serena will get her own happily ever after in an upcoming book.
June 12, 2018
I love this series. And I love Gemma as a heroine. Not only is she feisty and fierce, she's determined. And she makes for an extremely likable character. Lord Cameron Lisle is also a fave, because he recognizes his faults and makes amends. I love the enemies to lovers trope and I love how sweet Lord Cameron is with Gemma, though he's still a bit of a rake. Best of both worlds.
This is a fun series and makes a fantastic summer read.
This is a fun series and makes a fantastic summer read.
July 30, 2018
I loved this book as I did all the books in this series. Manda Collins writes passionate romances with a delightful element of mystery in each book. It really makes for a wonderfully enjoyable read.
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