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Scandals of Scarcliffe Hall #1
The Earl's Secret Passion
Two warring families. One forbidden love.
Lady Cecily Balfour was always taught that the Hartley men are mad, bad and dangerous to know. When she meets Robert Hartley, Earl of Scarcliffe, she makes a few additions to that list:
Stubborn. Infuriating. Handsome. Charming. Tempting.
Society expects Cecily to make an advantageous match of her father’s choosing. What can she do now that her own choice is a man she is expressly forbidden to see?
The Earl of Scarcliffe enjoys hunting, drinking, billiards, and bachelordom. Love does not feature on his list of requirements. Especially for a woman with a stubborn streak a mile wide and a penchant for riding off on his favourite stallion. And if that same woman is a Balfour? Not a chance!
But Cecily just happens to have a pair of striking blue eyes, a taste for adventure and a rapier-sharp sense of humour…
Robert’s heart is in as much danger as his head will be if they are caught together.
When Robert and Cecily defy their powerful families for love, what will they have to sacrifice in return?
Lady Cecily Balfour was always taught that the Hartley men are mad, bad and dangerous to know. When she meets Robert Hartley, Earl of Scarcliffe, she makes a few additions to that list:
Stubborn. Infuriating. Handsome. Charming. Tempting.
Society expects Cecily to make an advantageous match of her father’s choosing. What can she do now that her own choice is a man she is expressly forbidden to see?
The Earl of Scarcliffe enjoys hunting, drinking, billiards, and bachelordom. Love does not feature on his list of requirements. Especially for a woman with a stubborn streak a mile wide and a penchant for riding off on his favourite stallion. And if that same woman is a Balfour? Not a chance!
But Cecily just happens to have a pair of striking blue eyes, a taste for adventure and a rapier-sharp sense of humour…
Robert’s heart is in as much danger as his head will be if they are caught together.
When Robert and Cecily defy their powerful families for love, what will they have to sacrifice in return?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2018
1006 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 5, 2018
5 Stars for the plot (well developed, good background story, issues were resolved a bit too easily probably)
4 for the characters
(Awesome hero, very taken with the heroine, concerned with her feelings, not interested in confining her; the heroine was a bit too over the top, in my opinion, loved that she wasn't overly emotional in dangerous situations)
4 for the writing style (again, quite over the top, very romantic, the talk between the MCs was a bit too cliche, too cheesy, I'd say)
4 for the characters
(Awesome hero, very taken with the heroine, concerned with her feelings, not interested in confining her; the heroine was a bit too over the top, in my opinion, loved that she wasn't overly emotional in dangerous situations)
4 for the writing style (again, quite over the top, very romantic, the talk between the MCs was a bit too cliche, too cheesy, I'd say)
January 22, 2022
Foi a minha estreia com a autora e gostei muito que venham os próximos ♥️
April 27, 2018
This story involves the Balfour and Hartley families, a long running family feud prevents them having contact with each other. However, circumstances bring Robert, the Hartley heir and Cecily Balfour together. Cecily is quite wilful and determined and used to getting her own way, except her father is adamant in maintaining the feud. Cecily and Robert are equally determined to be together but their respective families do their best to keep them apart. There follows a number of incidents including a banishment, highway robbers and trying to solve the reason why the feud started. There are a number of interesting secondary characters and I look forward to reading their stories. An entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 25, 2021
This story involves the Balfour and Hartley families, a long-running family feud that prevents them from having contact with each other. The story begins with Scarcliffe Hall which is now the seat of Robert Hartley Earl of Scarcliffe and in the summer of the early 1820’s he’s staying there with his brother and two friends for a few weeks relaxing away from London. The story begins with The Earl when he encounters Cecily Balfour the daughter of his family's enemy, the two find love and set out to solve the mystery of what caused the feud between the families. The other three books in the series revolve around The Earl of Hartley’s friends finding romance.
The first book in the series “The Earl’s Secret Passion,” was not my favorite I felt the love between Cecily and Robert happened too fast, one day they meet, the next he can’t live without her. The writing at times made the friends appear juvenile. I did like the mystery surrounding the rift between the families. The book was interesting nonetheless. I enjoyed the second book the most “The Dukes Hidden Desire” Miss Anna Hawking and Duke of Beaumont were my favorite couple in the series, being a country doctor's daughter gains the attention of the Duke. The story was written much better than the first book in the series. There are two more books “The Lady He Longed For” and “The Baron’s Inconvenient Bride” both good reads.
The series overall was good, Gemma Blackwood writes a sweet country romance set in the English countryside, the romance in the series was pretty good, for the most part, I enjoyed the series. This is a clean romance series none of the turgid steamy love scenes found in some other romance books. Romance with a bit of mystery.
The first book in the series “The Earl’s Secret Passion,” was not my favorite I felt the love between Cecily and Robert happened too fast, one day they meet, the next he can’t live without her. The writing at times made the friends appear juvenile. I did like the mystery surrounding the rift between the families. The book was interesting nonetheless. I enjoyed the second book the most “The Dukes Hidden Desire” Miss Anna Hawking and Duke of Beaumont were my favorite couple in the series, being a country doctor's daughter gains the attention of the Duke. The story was written much better than the first book in the series. There are two more books “The Lady He Longed For” and “The Baron’s Inconvenient Bride” both good reads.
The series overall was good, Gemma Blackwood writes a sweet country romance set in the English countryside, the romance in the series was pretty good, for the most part, I enjoyed the series. This is a clean romance series none of the turgid steamy love scenes found in some other romance books. Romance with a bit of mystery.
July 19, 2019
Not entertaining
I finished it hoping it would get better. The idea of the story was pretty good. The execution was not well done.
I finished it hoping it would get better. The idea of the story was pretty good. The execution was not well done.
November 1, 2020
On the whole this was a good, clean historical romance with just a dash of mystery thrown in. In my opinion, the mystery was the best part of the story, although it didn't quite make sense why it had kept the families at odds for so long. Anyone could see that both of the families stories didn't quite make sense. Why would one of Cecily's ancestor's kidnap one of Robert's when she was supposedly in love with someone else? Especially when the families had been friends up until that point.
Speaking to the feud, I found the reconciliation between their father's to be a bit unbelievable considering the depth (and the length) of their hatred for one another. I would have liked to have seen more from that particular plot-line (especially Cecily showing Robert's father the portrait she had uncovered and returned as well as the painter of said portrait having a meeting with them as well).
That being said, I did enjoy the author's take on the forbidden lovers troupe. I wish there would have been more of a chance to watch these two fall in love, as it seemed to go from them being enemies to being in love awfully quickly. It made it feel like it wasn't actually love, but more a case of wanting what they knew they weren't supposed to have.
Speaking to the feud, I found the reconciliation between their father's to be a bit unbelievable considering the depth (and the length) of their hatred for one another. I would have liked to have seen more from that particular plot-line (especially Cecily showing Robert's father the portrait she had uncovered and returned as well as the painter of said portrait having a meeting with them as well).
That being said, I did enjoy the author's take on the forbidden lovers troupe. I wish there would have been more of a chance to watch these two fall in love, as it seemed to go from them being enemies to being in love awfully quickly. It made it feel like it wasn't actually love, but more a case of wanting what they knew they weren't supposed to have.
April 27, 2018
4.5 Stars
The Hartley & Balfour families have been sworn enemies for generations. They have estates bordering each other. Scarcliffe Hall is now the seat of Robert Hartley Earl of Scarcliffe & in the summer of 1820 he’s staying there with his brother & two friends. One afternoon there’s a thunderstorm when Lady Cecily Balfour is out walking & she tries to take shelter in a hut but it’s locked, Robert sees her & takes her to the Hall. They are immediately attracted to each other but there is the feud. After a masquerade ball Robert & Cecily have to face the fact they’ve fallen in love but swear not to marry until they can get to the truth about the feud & the two differing stories each family believes.
A very enjoyable read that I read in an afternoon, there’s the mystery surrounding the feud, highwaymen & of course romance. The pace of the story is very good. The characters are well fleshed & likeable, the end of the book was left open for two of Robert’s companions to have their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Hartley & Balfour families have been sworn enemies for generations. They have estates bordering each other. Scarcliffe Hall is now the seat of Robert Hartley Earl of Scarcliffe & in the summer of 1820 he’s staying there with his brother & two friends. One afternoon there’s a thunderstorm when Lady Cecily Balfour is out walking & she tries to take shelter in a hut but it’s locked, Robert sees her & takes her to the Hall. They are immediately attracted to each other but there is the feud. After a masquerade ball Robert & Cecily have to face the fact they’ve fallen in love but swear not to marry until they can get to the truth about the feud & the two differing stories each family believes.
A very enjoyable read that I read in an afternoon, there’s the mystery surrounding the feud, highwaymen & of course romance. The pace of the story is very good. The characters are well fleshed & likeable, the end of the book was left open for two of Robert’s companions to have their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 27, 2018
I was gifted a copy of this book. What a wonderful story! Lady Cecily Balfour has been raised to loathe and detest the Hartley family. Decades of slander and lies have wrought a deadly feud between the two families. When Cecily gets lost on Hartley land, she finds her rescuer to be none other than Robert Hartley the Earl of Scarcliffe. What happens when she finds herself attracted to her nemesis? And then Cecily discovers her family’s ring hidden in a desk in the Earl’s home? Have they planned to harm her and her family?
I greatly enjoyed The Earl’s Secret Passion. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns. I loved the romantic tension between Cecily and Robert. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Blackwood’s books.
I greatly enjoyed The Earl’s Secret Passion. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns. I loved the romantic tension between Cecily and Robert. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Blackwood’s books.
May 19, 2018
A nice clean story. The author kept the story moving without the use of explicit content. A Romeo and Juliet style story but without the sad ending. However, I did have to deduct a star, as in view of the deep hatred portrayed by both father's, the reconciliation was too swift and sudden. Also certain themes were not fully explored, i.e. the significance of the painting was not brought to the Earls attention and the identity of the Highwayman, who seemed to know Cecily, was not explained.
Cecily probably lived too close to the edge between respectability and ruin, which she would not have gotten away with in the London season.
I liked the close relationship between the two brothers and the portrayal of loyalty between friends
A good read which I can happily recommend.
Cecily probably lived too close to the edge between respectability and ruin, which she would not have gotten away with in the London season.
I liked the close relationship between the two brothers and the portrayal of loyalty between friends
A good read which I can happily recommend.
April 27, 2018
I received a copy from the author; this is my honest review.
-I like the premise of the stories that will count in the series: 4 bachelors out for a good time without women.
-I liked the flirting between Robert and Cecily.
-The author uses the sense of hearing a lot: the hoofs on the wet earth, the shouts, etc.
-Jemima is a good friend but sometimes she acts like a shrew.
-It’s part Romeo & Juliet, part country romance.
-Could have easily been a five stars but some things were lacking such as the father’s state of anger to reconciliation was too easy, in the middle of nowhere and without giving him the full story of the painting.
-The end, before the epilogue, brings you to the next book.
-I like the premise of the stories that will count in the series: 4 bachelors out for a good time without women.
-I liked the flirting between Robert and Cecily.
-The author uses the sense of hearing a lot: the hoofs on the wet earth, the shouts, etc.
-Jemima is a good friend but sometimes she acts like a shrew.
-It’s part Romeo & Juliet, part country romance.
-Could have easily been a five stars but some things were lacking such as the father’s state of anger to reconciliation was too easy, in the middle of nowhere and without giving him the full story of the painting.
-The end, before the epilogue, brings you to the next book.
August 10, 2021
This is another story similar to Romeo and Juliet. Two young people meet and fall in love. Even though they happen to be neighbors they are forbidden to associate because their families have been bitter enemies for decades. Before their parents were even born! They fight through insurmountable odds to be together no matter what. Both of them are strong willed, especially Celia, more than Robert. But they have a strong love that weathers all storms that are thrown at them. A great love story that I enjoyed very much.
April 27, 2018
i would like to thank the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Cecily's and Robert's families have been at war since the unexplained death of a great uncle and the ruination of a great aunt. They are forbidden to even speak to each other let alone fall in love.
I loved this Romeo and Juliet inspired plot, it brought fresh ideas to the genre. I did get a little muddled at times, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
Cecily's and Robert's families have been at war since the unexplained death of a great uncle and the ruination of a great aunt. They are forbidden to even speak to each other let alone fall in love.
I loved this Romeo and Juliet inspired plot, it brought fresh ideas to the genre. I did get a little muddled at times, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 28, 2018
The first book of new series and I know I want to read the rest of the books.Robert Hartley, Earl of Scarcliffe and Lady Cecily Balfour's families have had a feud between the families for years and they are not sure exactly what happened.As this couple starts to have feelings for each other the feud might keep them apart. What happens made me keep reading I had to know what was going to happen. I would recommend this book.
May 28, 2018
A very well written sweet historical romance that is true to its timeperiod. The storyline and plot is nice. Characters are likeable and well described.
The mix of humor, pain, secrets, lust and love makes it a nice read. Some twists and the rivaling families keeps you on the edge. Very engaging and captivating read.
I can only recommend this story. I like to read about this family and how they find their HEA.
The mix of humor, pain, secrets, lust and love makes it a nice read. Some twists and the rivaling families keeps you on the edge. Very engaging and captivating read.
I can only recommend this story. I like to read about this family and how they find their HEA.
March 24, 2024
It is time to end the feud
A family feud could destroy their happiness. Robert knows that he should stay away from Cecily but that is impossible. But what choice do they have as they could never be allowed to marry?
Their relationship started off with a chance meeting and now they will have to try everything to get their father's to put the past behind them. But how do they do that?
A great read
A family feud could destroy their happiness. Robert knows that he should stay away from Cecily but that is impossible. But what choice do they have as they could never be allowed to marry?
Their relationship started off with a chance meeting and now they will have to try everything to get their father's to put the past behind them. But how do they do that?
A great read
April 27, 2018
The story is about two young people, Robert and Cecily who fall in love but due a long standing hate between the two families, they attempt to find out the real cause of the problem as each side has their own version of what happened. It is well written and a good story. I would highly recommend the book.
May 3, 2018
I recieved this book free in exchange for a review. I loved this GREAT BOOK about two people that fall in love been though their families live next door to each other but have been sworn enemies for years. They for through many trials as each fall more in love with each other EVEN though they were taught to be enemies
March 23, 2019
Let by gones,be by gones!
A argument, that's lasted for 50 years, because of a misunderstanding, between two families, who,s ancestors fell in love, and it ended in tragedy. Now history repeats itself, between the
Two warring families. But this time it all will end in love .Great story, wonderful adventures,lots of excitement, and love!
Thank you!❤️
A argument, that's lasted for 50 years, because of a misunderstanding, between two families, who,s ancestors fell in love, and it ended in tragedy. Now history repeats itself, between the
Two warring families. But this time it all will end in love .Great story, wonderful adventures,lots of excitement, and love!
Thank you!❤️
July 7, 2019
Good
I found this a good book. Cecily is a strong character. She is forced to shelter in her family's enemy's property in a thunderstorm and then is forced to acknowledge her feelings for Robert the eldest Hartley who she has been told to hate all her life. Can their love overcome both their families feud?
I found this a good book. Cecily is a strong character. She is forced to shelter in her family's enemy's property in a thunderstorm and then is forced to acknowledge her feelings for Robert the eldest Hartley who she has been told to hate all her life. Can their love overcome both their families feud?
August 25, 2019
I really liked the book. I enjoyed all of the characters, they were believable but what was not believable is the amount of time it took for the hero and heroine to fall in love. I felt like it happened too quickly. But other than that I enjoyed reading this book. It’s great for the afternoon where all you have to do is read and not have to think at all.
November 6, 2019
If you want an adventurous plot with predictable solutions and rather naive resolutions of a conflict, this is the book for you. I did I enjoy the characters; they were interesting. However when they opened their mouths the conversation did not necessarily match the character nor develop the plot. Please work on dialogue.
April 2, 2021
Excelente adventure of love
An excellent story with adventure, mystery and thrilling action. A happy ending to this enjoyable story. A lesson in life struggle and tragedy where love conquers. I enjoyed reading this wonderful story and highly recommend it. Congratulations on your successful writing.
An excellent story with adventure, mystery and thrilling action. A happy ending to this enjoyable story. A lesson in life struggle and tragedy where love conquers. I enjoyed reading this wonderful story and highly recommend it. Congratulations on your successful writing.
February 12, 2024
They don't know each other
A single kiss and boom you are in love. Cecily is rash and so is Robert. The dragging out of the plot when Robert hits a perfectly fine solution. It's just unnecessary and his father's change of heart is drawn out. It's just too long and too convoluted. And Robert's solution would make for a nice bookend.
A single kiss and boom you are in love. Cecily is rash and so is Robert. The dragging out of the plot when Robert hits a perfectly fine solution. It's just unnecessary and his father's change of heart is drawn out. It's just too long and too convoluted. And Robert's solution would make for a nice bookend.
April 30, 2018
Great Regency luv story!
A very romantic, endearing story of two families that refuse to let go of the past until their adult children help them see the truth of what actually happened. Excellent!
A very romantic, endearing story of two families that refuse to let go of the past until their adult children help them see the truth of what actually happened. Excellent!
May 5, 2018
The Earl's Secret Passion book 1 in the series Scandals of Scarcliffe Hall by Gemma Blackwood. This is an amusing and entertaining story, with some drama and mystery thrown in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. My free opinion ARC. Thanks.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. My free opinion ARC. Thanks.
May 22, 2018
Secret Passion
This is another good book by Gemma. I really enjoyed this book. Cecily is a passionate, witty person that can't sit still. Robert is strong an honorable. Their banter is fabulous. They have a problem, their families have been feuding for generations.
This is another good book by Gemma. I really enjoyed this book. Cecily is a passionate, witty person that can't sit still. Robert is strong an honorable. Their banter is fabulous. They have a problem, their families have been feuding for generations.
December 11, 2018
I love Cecily and Robert’s story. Shades of Romeo & Juliet but with a far happier ending. Well written and with a beautifully done plot full of great supporting characters, you can’t go wrong with this book.
January 9, 2019
GREAT READ!
What a GREAT STORYLINE! This was a completely different take on a decades of feud. It was truly AMAZING how the families came together and put old stories to rest. ENJOY!
What a GREAT STORYLINE! This was a completely different take on a decades of feud. It was truly AMAZING how the families came together and put old stories to rest. ENJOY!
February 24, 2019
A sweet romance
Completely clean, a few kisses only, but oh so good! I look forward to reading the rest in this series. Think Romeo and Juliet, but with a happy ending and the mystery of how it became!
Completely clean, a few kisses only, but oh so good! I look forward to reading the rest in this series. Think Romeo and Juliet, but with a happy ending and the mystery of how it became!
September 8, 2019
Tremendous read
Really enjoyed this story. It was quite exciting very romantic unpredictable,exciting, trealing,and most enjoyable to read Thanks for a good read. Diane DeMouliin
Really enjoyed this story. It was quite exciting very romantic unpredictable,exciting, trealing,and most enjoyable to read Thanks for a good read. Diane DeMouliin
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews