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Scandal #2
Érase una vez un escándalo
Lady Victoria Jane Emerson dejó atrás su idea romántica y juvenil del amor cuando Jonathan la abandonó sin contemplaciones. Cuando le llegó el momento de elegir marido, se prometió a sí misma casarse con alguien que no pudiera romperle el corazón.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2011
20 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Marvelle
38 books522 followersI spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribed endless stories that almost invariably surrounded the topic of love, for I felt an inane need to be rescued from a family that did not understand my lust for life. In my mind, King Arthur became my true love and I waited for the day when he would come riding upon his steed and invite me to sit at his round table, not as his queen, but as his knight. To my distress, King Arthur was never to be found anywhere except for in the tip of my quill. And so I led an imaginary life for many, many years. When I finally came of age, my family was further horrified to discover that I had fallen in love with an American. An American King Arthur who became my knight, my husband, my all. I have been blessed beyond reason and am grateful for each day I have with him. What is equally amazing is that I now have the opportunity to share my passion for stories with the public. The reason why I write romance is because it allows me to touch upon the subject of love on a much deeper, more intimate level. Many of the stories I write, many of the stories I will continue to write, will always evolve around love. And yes, gentle readers, it will also evolve around sex as I have no intention of becoming my parents and restraining my characters from what it is they truly desire to do. I challenge you, my readers, to let loose of those corsets that have been strung too tightly due to convention and enjoy 1830 to its fullest."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 19, 2016
I don't really know now to rate this book. It was really unique to other romances that I have read. At the opening of the book we have two young people, Victoria and Jonathan, who have in a burst of innocent sweetness, pledged to love one another. But before they can think about getting married Jonathan must escort his sister to Venice for her own marriage and Victoria must have her coming out season.
Once Jonathan gets to Venice, something happens that he loses his fortune and he must bondage himself in order to recoup his losses. Him and Victoria had been writing letters, but Jonathan stops responding to her and for the next several years, she has no idea what has happened to him.
Now Victoria's dad is dying and is determined that his daughter will be wed before he does. So enter the 1800's style of The Dating Game. Three men will line up and Victoria is to ask them questions and she will choose one of those men to be her husband by midnight. She doesn't know who has been chosen by her father until she arrives and shockingly who is one of the men, but Jonathan. Of course the other men knowing their history eventually withdraw before the night is over, leaving in the end how it started Jonathan and Victoria.
Victoria is furious but ends up marrying him, but she promised Jonathan that their life will be anything but serene. He eventually tells Victoria what happened during his time away from her and why he stopped writing. Although Victoria forgave him she couldn't forget. I understood where she was coming from, she lost her mom, her brother, the potential husband she always wanted and then her dad. Her heart was pretty beat up by the time Jonathan came back. Jonathan though, being the romantic that he is, is determined that he will get his Victoria back and she will love him again.
What made this book hard to rate was the ending. There was a HEA, but it was also very sad. Maybe if the book could have been a bit longer or had an epilogue, it might have been different. Also unique to this book there was only one sex scene in the whole book, not saying that is bad, just for a Marvelle, I was surprised. Overall I would say that the book was romantic with a distinct edge of sadness to it.
Once Jonathan gets to Venice, something happens that he loses his fortune and he must bondage himself in order to recoup his losses. Him and Victoria had been writing letters, but Jonathan stops responding to her and for the next several years, she has no idea what has happened to him.
Now Victoria's dad is dying and is determined that his daughter will be wed before he does. So enter the 1800's style of The Dating Game. Three men will line up and Victoria is to ask them questions and she will choose one of those men to be her husband by midnight. She doesn't know who has been chosen by her father until she arrives and shockingly who is one of the men, but Jonathan. Of course the other men knowing their history eventually withdraw before the night is over, leaving in the end how it started Jonathan and Victoria.
Victoria is furious but ends up marrying him, but she promised Jonathan that their life will be anything but serene. He eventually tells Victoria what happened during his time away from her and why he stopped writing. Although Victoria forgave him she couldn't forget. I understood where she was coming from, she lost her mom, her brother, the potential husband she always wanted and then her dad. Her heart was pretty beat up by the time Jonathan came back. Jonathan though, being the romantic that he is, is determined that he will get his Victoria back and she will love him again.
What made this book hard to rate was the ending. There was a HEA, but it was also very sad. Maybe if the book could have been a bit longer or had an epilogue, it might have been different. Also unique to this book there was only one sex scene in the whole book, not saying that is bad, just for a Marvelle, I was surprised. Overall I would say that the book was romantic with a distinct edge of sadness to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2015
”Las estrellas no pueden brillar si las nubes tapan el cielo.”
Los Harlequines son un arma de doble filo. Normalmente son simples, cortos, sin grandes pretensiones y recurro a ellos cuando estoy colapsada de otros géneros.
Pero siempre hay alguno que sobresale del estándar de Harlequin, y te mete de lleno en una historia preciosa. Remington Y Victoria han sido toda una sorpresa. ¡Y vaya sorpresa!
¿El cuento de la Cenicienta pero reinvirtiendo los papeles? ¡Un ceniciento!
Y encima sumar Venecia en el siglo XIX. Más no podemos pedir.
Si hay un protagonista indiscutible en esta historia es Remington.
"No se trataba de conocer a una mujer y pasar unas pocas noches de pasión. Se trataba de conocer a su mujer y pasar una vida llena de pasión."
Es imposible no amarle.
Es comprensivo, generoso, romántico y lleva toda la vida enamorado de una única mujer: Victoria.
Él sufre a una madrastra egoísta y mandona, junto con alguna desgracia más. Y todo ello conduce a alejarle de Victoria para evitar hacerla sufrir.
Pero un día su suerte cambia, y puede competir por recuperar el amor de Victoria.
Pero Victoria no se lo pondrá fácil. Ella aún recuerda que la abandonó cuando más lo necesitaba, y luchará con uñas y dientes para evitar volver a enamorarse de él.
”-Por más que un lobo aúlle a la luna prometiéndole amor eterno, la luna no bajará del cielo. La luna sabe cuál es su sitio, Remington. ¿Sabes tú cual es el tuyo?”
También destacan personajes secundarios, como Cornelia, la hermanastra de Remington. Ambos están muy unidos, y será clave en el momento en que deba tirar de las orejas a su hermano para hacerle abrir los ojos.
Grayson (el primo de Victoria), es el encargado de aportar su dosis de humor en los momentos tensos de la historia.
“-¿Quién es tu primo favorito? ¿El que cuida de que se cumplan todos tus deseos y se satisfagan todas tus necesidades?
-Grayson, dudo que seas capaz de entender los deseos o las necesidades de cualquier mujer, cuanto más los míos.
-Nunca he conocido un ser más ingrato y cruel.”
La historia no da tregua, las cosas van complicándose cada vez más, y cuando al fin parece que las aguas están tranquilas, hay un giro en el argumento.
“-¡Si te oponea a mí en esto, no volveré contigo! ¡Jamás!
-¡Sabes perfectamente que iré detrás de ti! ¡Como he hecho siempre! ¡Qué demonios, llevamos jugando a este juego desde que nos conocimos! ¡Tú corres y yo acelero! ¿Crees que puedes dejarme atrás, Victoria? ¿Eso es lo que crees? ¡Pues inténtalo!”
Aún sigo llorando de emoción con el final.
[image error]
Los Harlequines son un arma de doble filo. Normalmente son simples, cortos, sin grandes pretensiones y recurro a ellos cuando estoy colapsada de otros géneros.
Pero siempre hay alguno que sobresale del estándar de Harlequin, y te mete de lleno en una historia preciosa. Remington Y Victoria han sido toda una sorpresa. ¡Y vaya sorpresa!
¿El cuento de la Cenicienta pero reinvirtiendo los papeles? ¡Un ceniciento!
Y encima sumar Venecia en el siglo XIX. Más no podemos pedir.
Si hay un protagonista indiscutible en esta historia es Remington.
"No se trataba de conocer a una mujer y pasar unas pocas noches de pasión. Se trataba de conocer a su mujer y pasar una vida llena de pasión."
Es imposible no amarle.
Es comprensivo, generoso, romántico y lleva toda la vida enamorado de una única mujer: Victoria.
Él sufre a una madrastra egoísta y mandona, junto con alguna desgracia más. Y todo ello conduce a alejarle de Victoria para evitar hacerla sufrir.
Pero un día su suerte cambia, y puede competir por recuperar el amor de Victoria.
Pero Victoria no se lo pondrá fácil. Ella aún recuerda que la abandonó cuando más lo necesitaba, y luchará con uñas y dientes para evitar volver a enamorarse de él.
”-Por más que un lobo aúlle a la luna prometiéndole amor eterno, la luna no bajará del cielo. La luna sabe cuál es su sitio, Remington. ¿Sabes tú cual es el tuyo?”
También destacan personajes secundarios, como Cornelia, la hermanastra de Remington. Ambos están muy unidos, y será clave en el momento en que deba tirar de las orejas a su hermano para hacerle abrir los ojos.
Grayson (el primo de Victoria), es el encargado de aportar su dosis de humor en los momentos tensos de la historia.
“-¿Quién es tu primo favorito? ¿El que cuida de que se cumplan todos tus deseos y se satisfagan todas tus necesidades?
-Grayson, dudo que seas capaz de entender los deseos o las necesidades de cualquier mujer, cuanto más los míos.
-Nunca he conocido un ser más ingrato y cruel.”
La historia no da tregua, las cosas van complicándose cada vez más, y cuando al fin parece que las aguas están tranquilas, hay un giro en el argumento.
“-¡Si te oponea a mí en esto, no volveré contigo! ¡Jamás!
-¡Sabes perfectamente que iré detrás de ti! ¡Como he hecho siempre! ¡Qué demonios, llevamos jugando a este juego desde que nos conocimos! ¡Tú corres y yo acelero! ¿Crees que puedes dejarme atrás, Victoria? ¿Eso es lo que crees? ¡Pues inténtalo!”
Aún sigo llorando de emoción con el final.
[image error]
April 21, 2018
leído en Diciembre 2014
January 5, 2011
My heart broke for Remington because despite all of the misfortunes that he has endured for five years after his disappearance, he has always and will still love Victoria no matter what. Just because he broke her heart after he left for Venice and stopped contacting her for all these years, she became a cold-hearted person. It's really amazing that I still feel compassion for her, but I do. I don't blame either of them, Remington nor Victoria. It's just things happen at the wrong place and time-- especially, concerning to what exactly happened to Remington during his stay in Venice... Which I'll let you readers figure out what happened once you read this book. For one, I definitely cried my heart out in the beginning because of the beautiful and blossoming relationship between them and the situation that eventully broke it.
Anyway, at least there were quite a few things that I loved about this book and that is Viscount Jonathan Remington and his best friend and Victoria's cousin, Grayson. I would like a story for him, definitely. He's one entertaining character, that's for sure! I adore Remington because of his belief in magic and hope. It really gives the story a Cinderella-ish sort of theme doesn't it? He has loved Victoria since forever, when he was merely nineteen years old and she, seventeen. To be honest, Victoria came off as a spoiled brat in the beginning because even though Remington declared his love for her, she ignores it and tells him to wait for her coming out and then she'll think about it. Wow, that's pretty cold. But oh well, brats will be brats. Thankfully, she grew up to be a much better person... I guess, lol.
Either way, Once Upon a Scandal was my first book by Delilah Marvelle and I have to say, I really liked it! She really does have a way with her stories and I love her hero because unlike other Regency romance novels that I've read, the hero actually believes in soulmates and fate. Isn't that just cute? Although he does have his dark side... be so forewarned. Overall, I shall give this book a five stars! As for the rest of the book and what'll happen between the two after Remington comes back (dun, dun!)... why don't you read it and find out. ;) It's definitely a twist that I didn't expect to have happened.
Anyway, at least there were quite a few things that I loved about this book and that is Viscount Jonathan Remington and his best friend and Victoria's cousin, Grayson. I would like a story for him, definitely. He's one entertaining character, that's for sure! I adore Remington because of his belief in magic and hope. It really gives the story a Cinderella-ish sort of theme doesn't it? He has loved Victoria since forever, when he was merely nineteen years old and she, seventeen. To be honest, Victoria came off as a spoiled brat in the beginning because even though Remington declared his love for her, she ignores it and tells him to wait for her coming out and then she'll think about it. Wow, that's pretty cold. But oh well, brats will be brats. Thankfully, she grew up to be a much better person... I guess, lol.
Either way, Once Upon a Scandal was my first book by Delilah Marvelle and I have to say, I really liked it! She really does have a way with her stories and I love her hero because unlike other Regency romance novels that I've read, the hero actually believes in soulmates and fate. Isn't that just cute? Although he does have his dark side... be so forewarned. Overall, I shall give this book a five stars! As for the rest of the book and what'll happen between the two after Remington comes back (dun, dun!)... why don't you read it and find out. ;) It's definitely a twist that I didn't expect to have happened.
October 29, 2012
Not badly written, but it didn’t blow me away
*NOTE: I received a free review copy of this book.*
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- There’s a decent amount of sadness and angst in the story, but I didn’t feel there was too much or that it was contrived.
- I thought it was interesting to see a depiction of dementia in a historical context. The inability of Victoria’s father to recognize her for much of the story is certainly sad, but the descriptions of his actions are well done.
- The differences between well-bred English society and well-bred Italian society are explored in detail, and I found them rather fascinating. I also enjoyed the physical descriptions of London versus Venice.
CONS:
- Much of the plot relies heavily on suspension of disbelief, and as a result, I had a very hard time convincing myself to take the book seriously. A young, unmarried woman left (purposefully) unchaperoned for an hour and a half with a suitor…a respectable father forcing his beloved daughter to marry under extraordinary circumstances or else she loses her inheritance…etc.
- I’m all for strong female characters, but Victoria’s pride and obstinate nature are so extreme that I became quite annoyed with her not far into the book.
Overall comments: I didn’t dislike this book, but I wasn’t overly impressed by it either. Neither Victoria nor Jonathan stood out among the many characters I’ve encountered in this genre, and the plot has some interesting elements but isn’t terribly complicated or unique.
*NOTE: I received a free review copy of this book.*
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- There’s a decent amount of sadness and angst in the story, but I didn’t feel there was too much or that it was contrived.
- I thought it was interesting to see a depiction of dementia in a historical context. The inability of Victoria’s father to recognize her for much of the story is certainly sad, but the descriptions of his actions are well done.
- The differences between well-bred English society and well-bred Italian society are explored in detail, and I found them rather fascinating. I also enjoyed the physical descriptions of London versus Venice.
CONS:
- Much of the plot relies heavily on suspension of disbelief, and as a result, I had a very hard time convincing myself to take the book seriously. A young, unmarried woman left (purposefully) unchaperoned for an hour and a half with a suitor…a respectable father forcing his beloved daughter to marry under extraordinary circumstances or else she loses her inheritance…etc.
- I’m all for strong female characters, but Victoria’s pride and obstinate nature are so extreme that I became quite annoyed with her not far into the book.
Overall comments: I didn’t dislike this book, but I wasn’t overly impressed by it either. Neither Victoria nor Jonathan stood out among the many characters I’ve encountered in this genre, and the plot has some interesting elements but isn’t terribly complicated or unique.
June 21, 2019
Viscount Remington aka Jonathan sudah jatuh cinta sejak pertama kali melihat Victoria, dan berjanji akan mencintai dan menikahi Victoria menjelang debutnya. Saat itu Remington hrs lekas berangkat ke Venice, tempat ibu tiri dan adik tirinya tinggal.
Ternyata janji yg hanya sebulan dua bulan malah menjadi 5 thn. Remington terpaksa menjadi cicisbeo alias kekasih bayaran utk membayar hutang kreditor yg menumpuk akibat kesalahan investasi ayahnya dan gaya hidup ibu tirinya yg tetap hidup dlm penyangkalan.
Remington kembali ke Inggris utk memenuhi panggilan dari sahabat dekatnya, Grayson, yg juga sepupu Victoria. Grayson frustrasi dgn kehidupan Victoria yg kini perawan tua menemani ayahnya yg menjadi gila krn penyakit sifilis. Grayson memaksa Remington utk menikahi Victoria krn tahu baik Victoria maupun Remington msh memendam rasa suka. Yg terjadi setelah pertemuan pertama mrk adalah pertengkaran heboh. Untunglah sikon mendukung Remington utk melamar Victoria yg keras kepala ini dan mengikuti persyaratannya utk bulan madu di Venice. Ternyata di Venice terjadi malapetaka yg menimpa newlyweds ini. Apakah itu? Silakan dibaca sendiri.
Tampaknya di abad 19 di Venice, Italia ini terjadi dekadensi dimana para gigolo dibayar dan dipamerkan di kalangan bangsawan. Aneh juga kebiasaan ini, entah kapan mulai marak dan kapan berakhirnya juga saya blm mencari tahu.
Bicara soal karakter, kedua tokoh utama di novel ini bukanlah tipe saya. Remington terlalu lebay dlm idealisme romantisnya, sedangkan Victoria terlalu impulsif dan mudah emosional jika terpancing. Remington yah tipe lucu-lucu goblok juga, memang pantas dpt istri yg pemberang gitu model Victoria. Kisah perjalanan cinta mereka yg digambarkan via epistolary, dan tiba-tiba terputus dan baru dilanjutkan kembali setelah 5 thn.
Banyak scene yg menurut saya terlampau ajaib di novel ini, mulai dari kegilaan delusional ayah Victoria hingga klimaks cerita saat duel, sayangnya tidak menggugah selera saya. Percintaan Remington dan Victoria kelewat slow burn malah jadi lewat momen romantisnya krn "kelamaan" mnrt saya.
Dgn kelarnya seri ini yg saya baca, saya blm tergugah dgn gaya cerita author. Mungkin memang bukan tipe saya.
Ternyata janji yg hanya sebulan dua bulan malah menjadi 5 thn. Remington terpaksa menjadi cicisbeo alias kekasih bayaran utk membayar hutang kreditor yg menumpuk akibat kesalahan investasi ayahnya dan gaya hidup ibu tirinya yg tetap hidup dlm penyangkalan.
Remington kembali ke Inggris utk memenuhi panggilan dari sahabat dekatnya, Grayson, yg juga sepupu Victoria. Grayson frustrasi dgn kehidupan Victoria yg kini perawan tua menemani ayahnya yg menjadi gila krn penyakit sifilis. Grayson memaksa Remington utk menikahi Victoria krn tahu baik Victoria maupun Remington msh memendam rasa suka. Yg terjadi setelah pertemuan pertama mrk adalah pertengkaran heboh. Untunglah sikon mendukung Remington utk melamar Victoria yg keras kepala ini dan mengikuti persyaratannya utk bulan madu di Venice. Ternyata di Venice terjadi malapetaka yg menimpa newlyweds ini. Apakah itu? Silakan dibaca sendiri.
Tampaknya di abad 19 di Venice, Italia ini terjadi dekadensi dimana para gigolo dibayar dan dipamerkan di kalangan bangsawan. Aneh juga kebiasaan ini, entah kapan mulai marak dan kapan berakhirnya juga saya blm mencari tahu.
Bicara soal karakter, kedua tokoh utama di novel ini bukanlah tipe saya. Remington terlalu lebay dlm idealisme romantisnya, sedangkan Victoria terlalu impulsif dan mudah emosional jika terpancing. Remington yah tipe lucu-lucu goblok juga, memang pantas dpt istri yg pemberang gitu model Victoria. Kisah perjalanan cinta mereka yg digambarkan via epistolary, dan tiba-tiba terputus dan baru dilanjutkan kembali setelah 5 thn.
Banyak scene yg menurut saya terlampau ajaib di novel ini, mulai dari kegilaan delusional ayah Victoria hingga klimaks cerita saat duel, sayangnya tidak menggugah selera saya. Percintaan Remington dan Victoria kelewat slow burn malah jadi lewat momen romantisnya krn "kelamaan" mnrt saya.
Dgn kelarnya seri ini yg saya baca, saya blm tergugah dgn gaya cerita author. Mungkin memang bukan tipe saya.
January 12, 2011
ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle
Book #2 in the Scandal Series
01/11 – Harlequin – Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
A bit of scandal, a touch of history and a huge cup of love make for a fabulous book!
What happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve and the sleeve not only gets torn but the whole shirt is shredded? Well you get a needle and thread and put it all back together or so Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington thought so. He believed love and a little magic conquered all and could fix everything. Remington was a romantic with a poetic soul who fell in love at 19 to the beautiful Lady Victoria Jane Emerson. Remington believed regardless of their tender age that his strong affection for her could make anything possible and he would win Victoria. Remington confessed his love and had her swear to wait for his return from his quick trip to Venice to straighten out his affairs. She would go through her coming out but still hold the love and the ring he gifted her until he returned and they could marry. All these ifs, hopes and wishes can they come true?
If dreams and wishes could be reality this would have all played out so well for Remington but he found himself once in Venice making bad decisions which led to his being indentured in a way no one in proper London could imagine. He was unable to return to Victoria in the time promised, which became the reality of five years and decided to not even return her letters begging him to come home to her. Remington had to pay off his debts and the punishment for his bad decision was worse than the crime itself which was made so much more painful by his separation from Victoria, the love of his life.
Once he is able to return he finds the loving girl with an open heart has grown to a jaded woman that has turned her heart to stone. Remington still fights for her and commits his entire existence to winning her over, but is it too late and does Victoria ever see a way to forgive him for what has kept them apart? The truth is so hurtful and scandalous but Remington believes in the love he has for Victoria and the ability to get a second chance with her, everyone makes mistakes he just has to convince her that this chance is the best one she can take and make that leap of faith.
You have to believe in the destiny of love because what else is there at the end of the day but the touch of your hand over mine. I will forever love these characters because their story remind you of how much love can overcome, how deep love runs between soul mates who will forever be together. Delilah Marvelle definitely knows how to write scandal, but absolutely knows how to write a love story that makes you believe in all that love can be. She has always been able to show the true worth of her characters even when they are embroiled in one scandal or another. Plus as it turns out Victoria has the same birthday as I do – that can’t be a coincidence now can it?
Book #2 in the Scandal Series
01/11 – Harlequin – Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
A bit of scandal, a touch of history and a huge cup of love make for a fabulous book!
What happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve and the sleeve not only gets torn but the whole shirt is shredded? Well you get a needle and thread and put it all back together or so Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington thought so. He believed love and a little magic conquered all and could fix everything. Remington was a romantic with a poetic soul who fell in love at 19 to the beautiful Lady Victoria Jane Emerson. Remington believed regardless of their tender age that his strong affection for her could make anything possible and he would win Victoria. Remington confessed his love and had her swear to wait for his return from his quick trip to Venice to straighten out his affairs. She would go through her coming out but still hold the love and the ring he gifted her until he returned and they could marry. All these ifs, hopes and wishes can they come true?
If dreams and wishes could be reality this would have all played out so well for Remington but he found himself once in Venice making bad decisions which led to his being indentured in a way no one in proper London could imagine. He was unable to return to Victoria in the time promised, which became the reality of five years and decided to not even return her letters begging him to come home to her. Remington had to pay off his debts and the punishment for his bad decision was worse than the crime itself which was made so much more painful by his separation from Victoria, the love of his life.
Once he is able to return he finds the loving girl with an open heart has grown to a jaded woman that has turned her heart to stone. Remington still fights for her and commits his entire existence to winning her over, but is it too late and does Victoria ever see a way to forgive him for what has kept them apart? The truth is so hurtful and scandalous but Remington believes in the love he has for Victoria and the ability to get a second chance with her, everyone makes mistakes he just has to convince her that this chance is the best one she can take and make that leap of faith.
You have to believe in the destiny of love because what else is there at the end of the day but the touch of your hand over mine. I will forever love these characters because their story remind you of how much love can overcome, how deep love runs between soul mates who will forever be together. Delilah Marvelle definitely knows how to write scandal, but absolutely knows how to write a love story that makes you believe in all that love can be. She has always been able to show the true worth of her characters even when they are embroiled in one scandal or another. Plus as it turns out Victoria has the same birthday as I do – that can’t be a coincidence now can it?
March 20, 2013
So my assignment for TBR challenge is to catch up on a series I’ve been neglecting. Since I read tons of books and have a tendency to fall off the series wagon midstream, I had so many possible books to read, it was downright mind-boggling! I’ve been craving a historical lately and I generally like Delilah Marvelle, so I decided to dive back into the neglected Scandal series with her 2011 release, Once Upon a Scandal. The promise of lovers reunited (love that plotline!) and a tale set at least partially in Venice appealed to me.
And then I started reading it.
This is a partial review. You can find my full TBR Challenge write-up of this book at All About Romance: www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=9503
And then I started reading it.
This is a partial review. You can find my full TBR Challenge write-up of this book at All About Romance: www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=9503
November 21, 2011
ADJECTIVES! Adjectives. Adjectives. That is what this book needs. Desperately. Let's take a look at Eileen Dreyer from Barely a Lady. "The plain of Charleroi spread out before him like a green and gold patchwork quilt sewn together with hedgerows." Beautiful. I can visualize this plain. Unfortunately you will not get this type of description in Ms. Marvelle's book. She can spin a tale, but this book could have been awesome if there was better descriptions. This was my first read by Ms. Marvelle and probably my last.
March 13, 2020
3 Stars
December 20, 2017
Cerita di buku kedua seri scandal ini cukup membuat terlena. Tokoh-tokohnya naif tetapi justru di sini kenaifan mereka membuat cerita kental dengan nuansa cinta pertama yang bersemi kembali. Namun sayangnya menurutku author terlalu detail mendeskripsikan cerita di awal sehingga pada bagian klimaks dan konflik kesannya dipaksakan dan terburu-buru. Tapi tetaplah buku ini menurutku layak dibaca, if you really want to give it a try.
January 22, 2011
Let me start with a disclaimer:
This book is RATED R!!!!
I wanted to start with that so that my readers who are uninterested can stop now, but my review will be 100% clean.
I am talking about
Once Upon A Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Once Upon A Scandal is the story of Lady Victoria Jane Emmerson, who at a young age falls for Jonathan Pierce Thacher, Viscount Remington. He falls for her in return and swears to himself that someday he will make her his wife.
Unfortunately, they fall for each other some months before Victoria's debut when it is not yet proper for her to be courted by young gentlemen, and Remington will be away in Venice helping his step-sister set up her new home when Victoria begins her debut.
However, they begin to write to each other and over time Victoria promises her love to Remington waiting anxiously for his return. This however, never happens. One day she receives a letter from him apologizing to her for having to end their communications and warning her that if she continues to write to him, he will not respond to a single letter. That is all the explanation she gets.
For months, Victoria sends him letters begging him to respond, but hears nothing from him. Heartbroken, she gives up hope, refuses all her suitors and chooses to remain single, much to the displeasure of her father...
Five years later, Victoria's father is terribly ill, about to die from the result of syphilis and she finds out that he, in his will, has required that she either be married when he passes or he will disinherit her, leaving her with nothing. To make matters worse, her beloved father does not even recognize her, calling her Camille, a name she does not know, and cannot think of how he would come to call her by such a name...
In order to ensure marriage, Victoria's father has set up 3 gentlemen who are to meet with her for one hour each, and by midnight that night she must choose one as her husband or forever be disinherited, forced to live with her cousin in shame.
Victoria feels that she has been a disobedient daughter having turned away all her suitors during her debut for Remington who disappeared on her and broke her heart, never to be heard from again.
So, the night arrives and Victoria knows she will choose one of the three suitors to be her husband in order to save what is rightfully hers. The question is, which suitor?
She finds out that she knows two of the three, and as she enters the room shock overwhelms her when she sees none other than Remington, the man who broke her heart and who she swore to never forgive for the rest of her life.
Victoria is determined that she will choose one of the other two men, she cannot possibly forgive Remington after all that he has put her through, but as the other 2 suitors bow out Victoria is forced to choose: Remington, or being disinherited.
They come to an agreement, she will marry him, but only if she can maintain her own home and they will not live as husband and wife. Remington agrees, but only on the condition that she travel with him to Venice and stay with him for one month. One month in which he intends to woo her and win back her heart.
Will the secret of why Remington disappeared ruin all chances of winning her over? Will Victoria be able to forgive Remington, or will she break his heart leaving him alone, but married to the woman he so desperately loves? And will Victoria be able to resist falling for the man who once stole her heart in a mere 2 weeks time?
Read Once Upon A Scandal to find out!
This period fiction book is a great romance novel. Full of twists and turns it kept me captivated at each moment.
I especially loved how the beginning of each "Scandal" (i.e., chapter) there was a quote from a book called How To Avoid A Scandal by Anonymous. I do not know if the quotes were pulled from an actual book of the time, but it seems very likely that they were, or at least are very similar to the beliefs women held about how to conduct themselves during that time period in order to avoid social scandal.
I thought it was a great book, and definitely worth the read.
I should mention I got a free copy from NetGalley to read, but am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
On a final note, without going into detail, the book is rated R because of a few scenes that contain very adult content. If you do not enjoy this type of content than this book is not for you. I am glad there wasn't much more because those scenes were my least favorite part of the book.
Three stars.
Camille
This book is RATED R!!!!
I wanted to start with that so that my readers who are uninterested can stop now, but my review will be 100% clean.
I am talking about
Once Upon A Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Once Upon A Scandal is the story of Lady Victoria Jane Emmerson, who at a young age falls for Jonathan Pierce Thacher, Viscount Remington. He falls for her in return and swears to himself that someday he will make her his wife.
Unfortunately, they fall for each other some months before Victoria's debut when it is not yet proper for her to be courted by young gentlemen, and Remington will be away in Venice helping his step-sister set up her new home when Victoria begins her debut.
However, they begin to write to each other and over time Victoria promises her love to Remington waiting anxiously for his return. This however, never happens. One day she receives a letter from him apologizing to her for having to end their communications and warning her that if she continues to write to him, he will not respond to a single letter. That is all the explanation she gets.
For months, Victoria sends him letters begging him to respond, but hears nothing from him. Heartbroken, she gives up hope, refuses all her suitors and chooses to remain single, much to the displeasure of her father...
Five years later, Victoria's father is terribly ill, about to die from the result of syphilis and she finds out that he, in his will, has required that she either be married when he passes or he will disinherit her, leaving her with nothing. To make matters worse, her beloved father does not even recognize her, calling her Camille, a name she does not know, and cannot think of how he would come to call her by such a name...
In order to ensure marriage, Victoria's father has set up 3 gentlemen who are to meet with her for one hour each, and by midnight that night she must choose one as her husband or forever be disinherited, forced to live with her cousin in shame.
Victoria feels that she has been a disobedient daughter having turned away all her suitors during her debut for Remington who disappeared on her and broke her heart, never to be heard from again.
So, the night arrives and Victoria knows she will choose one of the three suitors to be her husband in order to save what is rightfully hers. The question is, which suitor?
She finds out that she knows two of the three, and as she enters the room shock overwhelms her when she sees none other than Remington, the man who broke her heart and who she swore to never forgive for the rest of her life.
Victoria is determined that she will choose one of the other two men, she cannot possibly forgive Remington after all that he has put her through, but as the other 2 suitors bow out Victoria is forced to choose: Remington, or being disinherited.
They come to an agreement, she will marry him, but only if she can maintain her own home and they will not live as husband and wife. Remington agrees, but only on the condition that she travel with him to Venice and stay with him for one month. One month in which he intends to woo her and win back her heart.
Will the secret of why Remington disappeared ruin all chances of winning her over? Will Victoria be able to forgive Remington, or will she break his heart leaving him alone, but married to the woman he so desperately loves? And will Victoria be able to resist falling for the man who once stole her heart in a mere 2 weeks time?
Read Once Upon A Scandal to find out!
This period fiction book is a great romance novel. Full of twists and turns it kept me captivated at each moment.
I especially loved how the beginning of each "Scandal" (i.e., chapter) there was a quote from a book called How To Avoid A Scandal by Anonymous. I do not know if the quotes were pulled from an actual book of the time, but it seems very likely that they were, or at least are very similar to the beliefs women held about how to conduct themselves during that time period in order to avoid social scandal.
I thought it was a great book, and definitely worth the read.
I should mention I got a free copy from NetGalley to read, but am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
On a final note, without going into detail, the book is rated R because of a few scenes that contain very adult content. If you do not enjoy this type of content than this book is not for you. I am glad there wasn't much more because those scenes were my least favorite part of the book.
Three stars.
Camille
January 25, 2011
Once Upon a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Harlequin, 2011
378 pages
Romance; Historical
Second in Trilogy
4/5 stars
Source: Netgalley
While this is the second in a trilogy, I believe it can be read standalone as I did without missing anything.
At first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this book because it features a trope I don't like: boy meets girl, boy and girl are separated for years with him giving her no reason why-just that it has to be, boy comes back to discover girl is not receptive to his advances (because he was such a jerk!) but I didn't mind it this time. First I was very invested in their relationship to start and second because Thatcher was very much in love with Victoria all of those years and it was well conveyed to the reader. Victoria's heartbreak was real but she was also using those feelings as a defense mechanism after losing her mother, her brother, and, slowly but surely, her father so I easily rooted for their feelings to accord once again.
That's not to say that I thought the journey would be easy. Victoria is essentially forced to marry Thatcher in order to retain her nearly 100,000 pound inheritance and she does not want to give him another opportunity to break her heart. Thatcher is battered after his five years of service to brutal Venetians as a cicisbeo, a man who serves a married woman as champion, protector, lady's maid usually in a non-sexual way, and his poverty that led to that situation. The practice sounds so bizarre to me but Marvelle mentions its ubiquity. He is a complete romantic while she is more practical and I loved that combination.
In order to win her over (and I think he does manipulate her in order to do this), she must accompany him to Venice where she can meet his stepsister and her family and fall in love with the city as he has. They will also have to confront the past especially his male pride when his former employer appears; I did not like those scenes. But of course everything works out so they can live happily ever after.
Note: There were several references to Napoleon that made it sound like he was still terrifying Europe, despite being set in the year 1829 when Napoleon was already dead. I suppose they could have been referring to when he was Emperor but the way the references were used made it sound more like he was still in power. Has anyone else read this who can clarify my understanding?
A quote from their pre-separation times: "How could she not adore this man when all he continued to do was try to get her to adore him?" (page 52 of Netgalley egalley edition, October 29, 2010.)
Cover: I like the creamy colors but his head looks really ugly and that angle in general looks quite uncomfortable.
Harlequin, 2011
378 pages
Romance; Historical
Second in Trilogy
4/5 stars
Source: Netgalley
While this is the second in a trilogy, I believe it can be read standalone as I did without missing anything.
At first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this book because it features a trope I don't like: boy meets girl, boy and girl are separated for years with him giving her no reason why-just that it has to be, boy comes back to discover girl is not receptive to his advances (because he was such a jerk!) but I didn't mind it this time. First I was very invested in their relationship to start and second because Thatcher was very much in love with Victoria all of those years and it was well conveyed to the reader. Victoria's heartbreak was real but she was also using those feelings as a defense mechanism after losing her mother, her brother, and, slowly but surely, her father so I easily rooted for their feelings to accord once again.
That's not to say that I thought the journey would be easy. Victoria is essentially forced to marry Thatcher in order to retain her nearly 100,000 pound inheritance and she does not want to give him another opportunity to break her heart. Thatcher is battered after his five years of service to brutal Venetians as a cicisbeo, a man who serves a married woman as champion, protector, lady's maid usually in a non-sexual way, and his poverty that led to that situation. The practice sounds so bizarre to me but Marvelle mentions its ubiquity. He is a complete romantic while she is more practical and I loved that combination.
In order to win her over (and I think he does manipulate her in order to do this), she must accompany him to Venice where she can meet his stepsister and her family and fall in love with the city as he has. They will also have to confront the past especially his male pride when his former employer appears; I did not like those scenes. But of course everything works out so they can live happily ever after.
Note: There were several references to Napoleon that made it sound like he was still terrifying Europe, despite being set in the year 1829 when Napoleon was already dead. I suppose they could have been referring to when he was Emperor but the way the references were used made it sound more like he was still in power. Has anyone else read this who can clarify my understanding?
A quote from their pre-separation times: "How could she not adore this man when all he continued to do was try to get her to adore him?" (page 52 of Netgalley egalley edition, October 29, 2010.)
Cover: I like the creamy colors but his head looks really ugly and that angle in general looks quite uncomfortable.
January 24, 2011
Delilah comes through again, love her books!
When Lady Victoria was about 17, she fell in love with Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington and he with her. He had to go to Venice, Italy to look after his step mother and his step sister. He promises Lady Victoria that he will be back in months time, but months turn into years, 5 yrs. She wrote to him faithfully and he to her, but when he got himself mixed up in a money loss scheme and lost all of his monies, he had to find work, degrading work. He never wrote back to her and she felt betrayed,, her heart turned to stone.
Now her father is dying and on his death bed, he wants Victoria to marry or she will lose her inheiritance. She is given 3 men to chose from, whom her father has selected. And little does she know that Johnathon has returned to England and is one of 3 vieing for her hand in marriage. So who does she chose? Read to find out..........if I say more I will ruin the story.
Love, romance, sensual, a big brute, great characters, a must read.
When Lady Victoria was about 17, she fell in love with Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington and he with her. He had to go to Venice, Italy to look after his step mother and his step sister. He promises Lady Victoria that he will be back in months time, but months turn into years, 5 yrs. She wrote to him faithfully and he to her, but when he got himself mixed up in a money loss scheme and lost all of his monies, he had to find work, degrading work. He never wrote back to her and she felt betrayed,, her heart turned to stone.
Now her father is dying and on his death bed, he wants Victoria to marry or she will lose her inheiritance. She is given 3 men to chose from, whom her father has selected. And little does she know that Johnathon has returned to England and is one of 3 vieing for her hand in marriage. So who does she chose? Read to find out..........if I say more I will ruin the story.
Love, romance, sensual, a big brute, great characters, a must read.
December 9, 2010
What can I say, I loved this book as much as the first in the Scandal series (Prelude to Scandal) I now consider myself a huge Delilah Marvelle fan! This book wasn't as funny, but it was still *scandalously* enjoyable. Jonathan came across as such an honest guy, he really takes his responsibilities to his family seriously. It is for this reason he and Victoria are separated. I couldn't help but feel so bad for them, to be separated just when things were becoming sweet between them... but it happens. When Jonathan returns Victoria at first rejects him, but Jonathan is persistent and he receives the full support of some surprising characters. I love that Delilah writes strong heroines, Victoria is no exception, she just wants to be happy. Another great read in the Scandal series!
January 26, 2012
Like the other books in the Scandal series, this book is a real page-turner. I was late for appointments, that's how good this book is! Delilah Marvelle pretty much single-handedly got me interested in Regency historicals again. Her storylines and heroes and heroines are unusual and fascinating, and I highly recommend them to anyone who loves the time period. You'll learn something new and laugh and swoon at the same time.
This book features one of my favorite heroes of all time. It's on my keeper shelf!
This book features one of my favorite heroes of all time. It's on my keeper shelf!
June 5, 2022
Ehh noo
En resumen son dos adultos con mentes estupidamente imbeciles.
Aunque no me esperaba ese desenlace pero igual meh
—Madure, Victoria. La vida no consiste
en obtener siempre lo que uno quiere. Y si
alguna vez ha pensado lo contrario, es que
ha perdido de vista la realidad.
1.5🌟
En resumen son dos adultos con mentes estupidamente imbeciles.
Aunque no me esperaba ese desenlace pero igual meh
—Madure, Victoria. La vida no consiste
en obtener siempre lo que uno quiere. Y si
alguna vez ha pensado lo contrario, es que
ha perdido de vista la realidad.
1.5🌟
January 10, 2011
4.25 out of 5
February 11, 2011
4 1/2 STARS!!!
My Review:
The Plot:
At nineteen, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, was led by his heart having waited for the day to fall head first into love from the very moment he was capable of understanding its meaning. And when Jonathan found his heart's reciprocating beat in the young, green-eyed Lady Victoria, he was desperate not to bed her but to wed her! Having little to offer Victoria, Jonathan strove to win her heart and win it he did just in time to secure her hand before a trip to Venice, Italy would take him from her side for ten months. But when a foolish venture leaves him penniless and indentured to a powerful Venetian family, Jonathan was forced to cut off all communication and abandon his love and his happiness.
Five years later...
Having already buried her mother, her twin brother and her once future happiness with the now estranged Jonathan, Victoria fortifies herself for her father's imminent death. The ever present man in her life, Victoria is in agony over her father's rapid demise. Even more unbearable, she can't even be Victoria around him as the delusions brought upon by his advanced stage of syphilis has turned her into the mythical Camille and to deny her father's claim only frightens him beyond control. Wanting to keep her father calm and in some sort of relative peace, Victoria will be whomever she has to be to remain by his side. But the nightmare apparently knows no bounds when Victoria's cousin informs her that she must marry one of three men chosen for her by her once lucid father before he dies or risk losing her inheritance.
For the last five years, Victoria has stubbornly remained unmarried despite the copious amount of offers she'd received much to her father's baffled dismay. Reluctant to admit that she's been waiting for Jonathan, a man who cut his correspondence and ended their romance for some nefarious reason no doubt, Victoria chose instead to remain by her father's side as they are both so alone in the world without the other half of their family. Now, desperate to protect herself from any further heartache, Victoria is dumbfounded and determined to decline his insulting proposal when Jonathan arrives to vie for her hand with the other two marriageable men selected by her father. Outraged, hurt and terrified at Jonathan's re-entry into her life after his betrayal, Victoria is lowered to cruelty in the face of his declarations of love and marriage but when circumstances leave Jonathan as the last man standing, Victoria will do her duty by her beloved dying father and marry the imbecile.
After five agonizing years of separation, Jonathan is in painful shock when finally faced with the newly cruel-hearted Victoria. Harboring vague doubts about whether his haunting years of indentured servitude and recent pilgrimage to London have all been for naught, Jonathan clings to the flaring hope that love still burns somewhere in Victoria's soul. Surely she can't be completely hardened against the world after the suffering losses she's sustained but he's underestimated Victoria's pride and her desperation to guard her heart from the future pain that she's certain he'll inflict. The trust has been tarnished, Jonathan admits that but he's willing to throw down the gauntlet for one last shot at happiness with the woman he's loved and still loves. One month. One month in Venice with Victoria acting the dutiful wife and if he can't convince her of his deeply honorable intentions, if she still can't find it within her heart to love him once again, Jonathan will set her free.
The Heroine:
Victoria has been dealt numerous and heartbreaking injustices, all of which have trained her that to abstain from love is the only way to survive it and to defend herself from its inevitable loss. To love is dangerous and Victoria says and does whatever it takes to guard herself from the wrecking ball of an emotion that has effectively destroyed her life, depriving her of any stability or comfort. Jonathan once revived her heart when she was seventeen with the deaths of her mother and brother still fresh in her mind but when he left, their promises of forever broken without explanation, he effectively broke her fragile and newly glued heart. And now with her father's looming death, Victoria's soul risks annihilation and no one, not even Jonathan would be able to save her if not for the fortuitous opportunity to vie for her hand and fight for her happiness.
Wielding cutting remarks and biting disdain, Victoria slashes her anger with pain tipped claws across Jonathan's willing heart. However there is remorse, she does inwardly cringe and outwardly apologize for her behavior but one can't really blame her for her radical defense. She's been disappointed so many times and than backed into a corner and having to choose a man to marry when it's the last thing in the world she'd ever want. When looking at Victoria's forced situation, one can whole-heartily empathize.
The Hero:
The polar opposite of the classic historical romance hero - a rake jaded to his worldly core - Jonathan is a man who actually believes in love and revels in the chance of finding it. His is a love born from the purity of childhood and holds true despite the atrocities committed to him while in servitude. There's something to be said for a tortured hero, for a tortured man, who can still believe in the power of love. Opening the book with Jonathan's POV is genius and while he tends to spout impassioned metaphors, his brawny physique, piercing blue eyes, and lusty libido never let you doubt the fact that he is very much all male.
When facing Victoria's pride and wrath, Jonathan feels a measure of guilt for being another person dear to her who has let her down. Yet, it's Jonathan's constant drive to look out for others that leaves himself vulnerable to attack. He's always the one fighting the battles, the man on the white horse forever willing to save the day. But it's Victoria that needs to be his white horse now.
My Final Thoughts:
Based very loosely on Cinderella, what ONCE UPON A SCANDAL lacks in Fairy God Mothers, it sings with a magic all its own. Chalk full of some of the most emotional and page gripping dialogue, this is a book that speaks to you of betrayal, of family and most importantly, of love. Jonathan is a unique hero, perhaps the most unique I've ever read given his passionate emotions and love sick heart. I hesitate to call him a hopeless romantic because Jonathan is anything but hopeless but he does embody a dreamers antics as a man with his heart on his sleeve. While guided entirely by his strong emotions, Jonathan doesn't stupidly rush into things but rather he knows his heart and he knows his soul and he'll fight for both. Victoria is instead the jaded half of the pair. She's been hurt repeatedly. Not by mean individuals but by death and the fact that its stolen her family and her will to love. When Jonathan re-enters her life after five years, he may as well be dead to her for she treats him as such and while a part of you is hurt by her behavior just as much as Jonathan, never once did I feel she was overtly cruel. Her actions were justified.
However, there was one character aspect that I encountered with this read that kept it from reaching a five star rating. I didn't like the scene where the final vestiges of Victoria's guard is stripped from her heart once and for all. It was a frightening scene told exceedingly well but it's simply not how I wanted things to happen for Victoria. Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that I wanted it to be Jonathan.
Still, ONCE UPON A SCANDAL is a decadent and masterful storytelling of two very unique characters. The plot does justice to this one of a kind pair by being just as complex and unique as the two individuals it hosts. The history is lush, the settings are rich in detail and the secondary characters are multi-dimensional and forces all their very own. If Delilah Marvelle hasn't already secured your fanship, ONCE UPON A SCANDAL will surely conquer and dispel any previous misgivings.
Read this author. Buy her books and enjoy some very refreshing and beautifully told romances.
4.5 Stars
My Review:
The Plot:
At nineteen, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, was led by his heart having waited for the day to fall head first into love from the very moment he was capable of understanding its meaning. And when Jonathan found his heart's reciprocating beat in the young, green-eyed Lady Victoria, he was desperate not to bed her but to wed her! Having little to offer Victoria, Jonathan strove to win her heart and win it he did just in time to secure her hand before a trip to Venice, Italy would take him from her side for ten months. But when a foolish venture leaves him penniless and indentured to a powerful Venetian family, Jonathan was forced to cut off all communication and abandon his love and his happiness.
Five years later...
Having already buried her mother, her twin brother and her once future happiness with the now estranged Jonathan, Victoria fortifies herself for her father's imminent death. The ever present man in her life, Victoria is in agony over her father's rapid demise. Even more unbearable, she can't even be Victoria around him as the delusions brought upon by his advanced stage of syphilis has turned her into the mythical Camille and to deny her father's claim only frightens him beyond control. Wanting to keep her father calm and in some sort of relative peace, Victoria will be whomever she has to be to remain by his side. But the nightmare apparently knows no bounds when Victoria's cousin informs her that she must marry one of three men chosen for her by her once lucid father before he dies or risk losing her inheritance.
For the last five years, Victoria has stubbornly remained unmarried despite the copious amount of offers she'd received much to her father's baffled dismay. Reluctant to admit that she's been waiting for Jonathan, a man who cut his correspondence and ended their romance for some nefarious reason no doubt, Victoria chose instead to remain by her father's side as they are both so alone in the world without the other half of their family. Now, desperate to protect herself from any further heartache, Victoria is dumbfounded and determined to decline his insulting proposal when Jonathan arrives to vie for her hand with the other two marriageable men selected by her father. Outraged, hurt and terrified at Jonathan's re-entry into her life after his betrayal, Victoria is lowered to cruelty in the face of his declarations of love and marriage but when circumstances leave Jonathan as the last man standing, Victoria will do her duty by her beloved dying father and marry the imbecile.
After five agonizing years of separation, Jonathan is in painful shock when finally faced with the newly cruel-hearted Victoria. Harboring vague doubts about whether his haunting years of indentured servitude and recent pilgrimage to London have all been for naught, Jonathan clings to the flaring hope that love still burns somewhere in Victoria's soul. Surely she can't be completely hardened against the world after the suffering losses she's sustained but he's underestimated Victoria's pride and her desperation to guard her heart from the future pain that she's certain he'll inflict. The trust has been tarnished, Jonathan admits that but he's willing to throw down the gauntlet for one last shot at happiness with the woman he's loved and still loves. One month. One month in Venice with Victoria acting the dutiful wife and if he can't convince her of his deeply honorable intentions, if she still can't find it within her heart to love him once again, Jonathan will set her free.
The Heroine:
Victoria has been dealt numerous and heartbreaking injustices, all of which have trained her that to abstain from love is the only way to survive it and to defend herself from its inevitable loss. To love is dangerous and Victoria says and does whatever it takes to guard herself from the wrecking ball of an emotion that has effectively destroyed her life, depriving her of any stability or comfort. Jonathan once revived her heart when she was seventeen with the deaths of her mother and brother still fresh in her mind but when he left, their promises of forever broken without explanation, he effectively broke her fragile and newly glued heart. And now with her father's looming death, Victoria's soul risks annihilation and no one, not even Jonathan would be able to save her if not for the fortuitous opportunity to vie for her hand and fight for her happiness.
Wielding cutting remarks and biting disdain, Victoria slashes her anger with pain tipped claws across Jonathan's willing heart. However there is remorse, she does inwardly cringe and outwardly apologize for her behavior but one can't really blame her for her radical defense. She's been disappointed so many times and than backed into a corner and having to choose a man to marry when it's the last thing in the world she'd ever want. When looking at Victoria's forced situation, one can whole-heartily empathize.
The Hero:
The polar opposite of the classic historical romance hero - a rake jaded to his worldly core - Jonathan is a man who actually believes in love and revels in the chance of finding it. His is a love born from the purity of childhood and holds true despite the atrocities committed to him while in servitude. There's something to be said for a tortured hero, for a tortured man, who can still believe in the power of love. Opening the book with Jonathan's POV is genius and while he tends to spout impassioned metaphors, his brawny physique, piercing blue eyes, and lusty libido never let you doubt the fact that he is very much all male.
When facing Victoria's pride and wrath, Jonathan feels a measure of guilt for being another person dear to her who has let her down. Yet, it's Jonathan's constant drive to look out for others that leaves himself vulnerable to attack. He's always the one fighting the battles, the man on the white horse forever willing to save the day. But it's Victoria that needs to be his white horse now.
My Final Thoughts:
Based very loosely on Cinderella, what ONCE UPON A SCANDAL lacks in Fairy God Mothers, it sings with a magic all its own. Chalk full of some of the most emotional and page gripping dialogue, this is a book that speaks to you of betrayal, of family and most importantly, of love. Jonathan is a unique hero, perhaps the most unique I've ever read given his passionate emotions and love sick heart. I hesitate to call him a hopeless romantic because Jonathan is anything but hopeless but he does embody a dreamers antics as a man with his heart on his sleeve. While guided entirely by his strong emotions, Jonathan doesn't stupidly rush into things but rather he knows his heart and he knows his soul and he'll fight for both. Victoria is instead the jaded half of the pair. She's been hurt repeatedly. Not by mean individuals but by death and the fact that its stolen her family and her will to love. When Jonathan re-enters her life after five years, he may as well be dead to her for she treats him as such and while a part of you is hurt by her behavior just as much as Jonathan, never once did I feel she was overtly cruel. Her actions were justified.
However, there was one character aspect that I encountered with this read that kept it from reaching a five star rating. I didn't like the scene where the final vestiges of Victoria's guard is stripped from her heart once and for all. It was a frightening scene told exceedingly well but it's simply not how I wanted things to happen for Victoria. Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that I wanted it to be Jonathan.
Still, ONCE UPON A SCANDAL is a decadent and masterful storytelling of two very unique characters. The plot does justice to this one of a kind pair by being just as complex and unique as the two individuals it hosts. The history is lush, the settings are rich in detail and the secondary characters are multi-dimensional and forces all their very own. If Delilah Marvelle hasn't already secured your fanship, ONCE UPON A SCANDAL will surely conquer and dispel any previous misgivings.
Read this author. Buy her books and enjoy some very refreshing and beautifully told romances.
4.5 Stars
August 22, 2018
Once Upon a Scandal is the second book in the Scandals series. It was a historical romance with storylines that you really need to stretch yourself to believe. Once you commit to believing the situation, it’s an average read with a jaunt to Venice, Italy towards the end of the story.
With the Prologue beginning in Bath, England 1824, and the second chapter consisting entirely of letters exchanged between the Hero and Heroine, dated September 1824 to September 1825, the story gains momentum in the following chapter in London, England 1829.
Prelude to a Scandal: 3+ stars
Once Upon a Scandal: 3+ stars
Lady Victoria Jane Emerson is young, untouched, and she plays coy. I’m not sure that I liked her. I think once she pledged to wait for the Hero’s return and began one year of written correspondence with him, I began to warm up to her. Then I disliked her again when the Hero returned five years too late and she stone-walled him, only to support her ailing father who didn’t treat her well at all. Sure, I understand the gamut of negative emotions she’d have, and rightly so. But there was not enough personal growth or compromise or maturity to demonstrate her character development. She was “no backbone” at the beginning then “way too much backbone” at the conclusion which seemed inconsistent and absurd for a Lady.
Jonathan, Viscount Remington chases young Lady Victoria and manages to secure a promise from her that she will wait for him to return from Venice. When he is delayed due to family reasons, all contact is stopped from him for safety concerns he believes are real. Five years later he appears to make good on that promise. Or so he tries. He was likeable, sincere, and genuine. He was on the verge of losing all self-respect, and mine, when Victoria decided to drag him over the coals for so long, imo.
Remington and Victoria’s attraction took a while to spark. Once she committed to him inside the carriage, I was hopeful they’d connect, but despite that intimate encounter, the chemistry just didn’t follow through or build. It had potential but fell flat because of Victoria’s stunted character development.
I recommend this book if a reader can commit to believing the tale of servitude that underlies the story.
I recommend this series as an average series for historical romance readers.
With the Prologue beginning in Bath, England 1824, and the second chapter consisting entirely of letters exchanged between the Hero and Heroine, dated September 1824 to September 1825, the story gains momentum in the following chapter in London, England 1829.
Prelude to a Scandal: 3+ stars
Once Upon a Scandal: 3+ stars
Lady Victoria Jane Emerson is young, untouched, and she plays coy. I’m not sure that I liked her. I think once she pledged to wait for the Hero’s return and began one year of written correspondence with him, I began to warm up to her. Then I disliked her again when the Hero returned five years too late and she stone-walled him, only to support her ailing father who didn’t treat her well at all. Sure, I understand the gamut of negative emotions she’d have, and rightly so. But there was not enough personal growth or compromise or maturity to demonstrate her character development. She was “no backbone” at the beginning then “way too much backbone” at the conclusion which seemed inconsistent and absurd for a Lady.
Jonathan, Viscount Remington chases young Lady Victoria and manages to secure a promise from her that she will wait for him to return from Venice. When he is delayed due to family reasons, all contact is stopped from him for safety concerns he believes are real. Five years later he appears to make good on that promise. Or so he tries. He was likeable, sincere, and genuine. He was on the verge of losing all self-respect, and mine, when Victoria decided to drag him over the coals for so long, imo.
Remington and Victoria’s attraction took a while to spark. Once she committed to him inside the carriage, I was hopeful they’d connect, but despite that intimate encounter, the chemistry just didn’t follow through or build. It had potential but fell flat because of Victoria’s stunted character development.
I recommend this book if a reader can commit to believing the tale of servitude that underlies the story.
I recommend this series as an average series for historical romance readers.
May 18, 2024
I almost gave up on this book the beginning was so bad. It got better, then I was shocked and horrified with a few things and wished I had never read it. I did finish and I can't say I recommend it but the writing turned out to be good. Both characters did bizarre things.
June 24, 2024
This is so witty and clever!!! I loved the juxtaposition of the main leads and how their difference directly and indirectly affected each other's lives; how they ultimately found a common ground because of their love for each other!!! Such a delightful read <3333
April 7, 2019
OK
No epilogue. Ends too abruptly. Otherwise it has a good original storyline. Nice to involve Venice. Hero is sympathetic and believable.
No epilogue. Ends too abruptly. Otherwise it has a good original storyline. Nice to involve Venice. Hero is sympathetic and believable.
July 29, 2022
3,5⭐️ ? O 4 ⭐️ Por el final creo que tendría que bajarle media estrellas ✨. No porque haya sido más final, sino porque esperaba que sea muchísimo más, como que me dejo con falta y eso no me cerró tanto.
es un romance histórico con bastantes, nose si defectos, ósea varías cosas leía y decía mmmmm🚩🚩🚩 pero dado el marco de la época, esta bien y es entendible (aunque me hacia ruido)
No es EL libro, con LA trama pero ..... LO DISFRUTE MUHICHISIMO, PORQUE EN SERIO ES MUY ADICTIVO, y sumado a que vengo con libros que la verdad no me atrapan mucho, DIRÍA QUE ESTE ES UN LIBRO PERFECTO PARA SACARTE SI ESTÁS APUNTO DE ENTRAR EN BLOQUEO
es un romance histórico con bastantes, nose si defectos, ósea varías cosas leía y decía mmmmm🚩🚩🚩 pero dado el marco de la época, esta bien y es entendible (aunque me hacia ruido)
No es EL libro, con LA trama pero ..... LO DISFRUTE MUHICHISIMO, PORQUE EN SERIO ES MUY ADICTIVO, y sumado a que vengo con libros que la verdad no me atrapan mucho, DIRÍA QUE ESTE ES UN LIBRO PERFECTO PARA SACARTE SI ESTÁS APUNTO DE ENTRAR EN BLOQUEO
December 11, 2011
Jonathon Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington has been in love with the lady Victoria Jane Emerson for well over a year now. Against the best advice of her brother and Jonathon’s best friend, he would like nothing better to declare himself at a house party at the Linford estate before he has to leave the country for Venice to attend to his younger sister. He has been advised to be subtle, but Jonathon is anything but when it comes to Victoria. Subtle would not wait until he made his way back to lady Victoria’s side in a year’s time when she would have already come out, subtle would not make him a contender for her hand when he was not even a suitable match for her.
Lady Victoria had lost her mother and very dear twin brother at a young age and so is disillusioned about love conquering all which is exactly what Jonathon believes love can do, but she can admit to a deep affection for him. When Victoria’s dog runs away, she is entrusted to believe Jonathon when he speaks about magic doing wonderful things. Victoria cannot believe it but is emboldened to when the dog returns to her side; in the arms of Remington no less.
Professing himself the day before he is to leave, Remington is hopeful when Victoria doesn’t reply in the negative. Instead they are compelled to write letters to each other while they are apart. But after investing in some risky funds overseas in hopes of offering Victoria the life she deserves with him, his money is gone and he is penniless thus he has to stay an extra two years in Venice trying to make up for his investments. All the while he does not write to his beloved Victoria
Eight long years later finds Victoria attending to her father, the sixth earl of Linford who has contracted syphilis, his final wish? That Victoria marry before he dies, but Jonathon is still away in Venice! But yet is she not still mad at him for not responding to any of her letters? But she must do her duty and grant her father’s last dying wish or be disinherited.
Victoria’s father is declining rapidly to the point where he does not even know his own daughter. It seems if she does not agree to marry one of three gentlemen her father had chosen when he had been of sound mind within twenty four hours, she will be disinherited!
After a slightly strange request from her father in choosing her husband, Victoria decides between the three men, is it any wonder she chose Remington? Although she is mad at him for the moment, she has always been in love with him. But when Remington reveals why he really stayed away for all those years, can she ever really for give him?
Victoria and Remington’s story was not what I expected of Marvelle. I absolutely adore the other two books in this series but Once upon a scandal left me feeling drained from reading almost four hundred pages. It could have been Remington in his simpering, undying love for Victoria or it could have been that I just did not get any emotion of true love coming from Victoria herself, she seemed not to have any really, or maybe it was just the plot. It brings to mind the question of what makes a story? The characters or the plot. I found the role Remington played in Venice as a cicisbeo or bodyguard (which I really do think happened to men back then) a little too drastic to repay a debt if you were male. I felt Victoria was not all that in love with Remington in the beginning but as the story progressed her friendship grew into a strong affection and by the end of the book, it was finally love. It was odd to me having the roles reversved but not all together strange.
But the details interwoven throughout the story are what kept me reading until the very last page. I was fascinated by the Earl of Linford’s disease and the resulting condition that rendered him mental and I was also intrigued by the city of Venice and the history of it.
Although Marvelle did not capture me with Remington’s’ story as much as Bradford’s or Moreland’s in the other two books, her theme has always captured my undivided attention and interest. Anything I can learn about the history of sex, I will read because sex in today’s world is still slightly taboo and no one really wants to talk about the subject.
Lady Victoria had lost her mother and very dear twin brother at a young age and so is disillusioned about love conquering all which is exactly what Jonathon believes love can do, but she can admit to a deep affection for him. When Victoria’s dog runs away, she is entrusted to believe Jonathon when he speaks about magic doing wonderful things. Victoria cannot believe it but is emboldened to when the dog returns to her side; in the arms of Remington no less.
Professing himself the day before he is to leave, Remington is hopeful when Victoria doesn’t reply in the negative. Instead they are compelled to write letters to each other while they are apart. But after investing in some risky funds overseas in hopes of offering Victoria the life she deserves with him, his money is gone and he is penniless thus he has to stay an extra two years in Venice trying to make up for his investments. All the while he does not write to his beloved Victoria
Eight long years later finds Victoria attending to her father, the sixth earl of Linford who has contracted syphilis, his final wish? That Victoria marry before he dies, but Jonathon is still away in Venice! But yet is she not still mad at him for not responding to any of her letters? But she must do her duty and grant her father’s last dying wish or be disinherited.
Victoria’s father is declining rapidly to the point where he does not even know his own daughter. It seems if she does not agree to marry one of three gentlemen her father had chosen when he had been of sound mind within twenty four hours, she will be disinherited!
After a slightly strange request from her father in choosing her husband, Victoria decides between the three men, is it any wonder she chose Remington? Although she is mad at him for the moment, she has always been in love with him. But when Remington reveals why he really stayed away for all those years, can she ever really for give him?
Victoria and Remington’s story was not what I expected of Marvelle. I absolutely adore the other two books in this series but Once upon a scandal left me feeling drained from reading almost four hundred pages. It could have been Remington in his simpering, undying love for Victoria or it could have been that I just did not get any emotion of true love coming from Victoria herself, she seemed not to have any really, or maybe it was just the plot. It brings to mind the question of what makes a story? The characters or the plot. I found the role Remington played in Venice as a cicisbeo or bodyguard (which I really do think happened to men back then) a little too drastic to repay a debt if you were male. I felt Victoria was not all that in love with Remington in the beginning but as the story progressed her friendship grew into a strong affection and by the end of the book, it was finally love. It was odd to me having the roles reversved but not all together strange.
But the details interwoven throughout the story are what kept me reading until the very last page. I was fascinated by the Earl of Linford’s disease and the resulting condition that rendered him mental and I was also intrigued by the city of Venice and the history of it.
Although Marvelle did not capture me with Remington’s’ story as much as Bradford’s or Moreland’s in the other two books, her theme has always captured my undivided attention and interest. Anything I can learn about the history of sex, I will read because sex in today’s world is still slightly taboo and no one really wants to talk about the subject.
April 25, 2011
Can love survive when it’s separated by hundreds of miles, a militant father and one colossal mistake? If you love as deeply and purely as Jonathan Thatcher, Viscount Remington, then nothing will stand in your way.
Of the three books in Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series I can honestly say this was my favorite. You’ll want to read Ms. Marvelle’s letter to the reader to get a good understanding of what inspired this particular story. In my mind it was pure genius and the twist she takes on a popular fairy tale is delightfully unique.
When you first meet Jonathan he is of the tender age of nineteen and reminded me of a lovesick puppy when he talks about Lady Victoria Linford, bless his heart. Ms. Marvelle’s writing is so vivid you can just see him sighing over her beauty and practically writing poetry in her honor. Two words came to mind most often when I thought of how Jonathan acts toward Victoria: courtly love. Don’t let Jonathan’s honorable demeanor lead you to believe that he has no fire in his spirit. When it comes to winning Victoria’s hand and ensuring her happiness and safety, Jonathan’s inner fire leads him into trouble more than once in this beautiful novel.
Likewise, Victoria Linford is an intelligent and witty heroine. She has had a lot of heartache in her young life but has refused to let it leave her bitter or torn. Victoria tries to be practical and not believe in the magic of love or faith. Through the very personal use of letters written back and forth between Jonathan and Victoria the reader is able to witness the intensity of their love as well as the point where Jonathan must cut off communication with Victoria for her own good. As with book one in the Scandal series, Ms. Marvelle utilizes passages from the ladies etiquette book How To Avoid A Scandal to introduce each chapter. You get the impression that whoever is the unknown writer of the book, they have had experience with causing enough scandal to know just what advice needs to be given to help others avoid it.
Will Jonathan and Victoria finally be joined forever in holy matrimony? Well, it is a romance book so you can probably guess the answer fairly easily. In their case, the journey from infatuation to love is long, carries sacrifices and ultimately ends in a breathless happily ever after you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget the story continues with the unveiling of the mysterious author of the etiquette book in The Perfect Scandal. Another can’t miss from the terrifically talented Ms. Marvelle.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Of the three books in Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series I can honestly say this was my favorite. You’ll want to read Ms. Marvelle’s letter to the reader to get a good understanding of what inspired this particular story. In my mind it was pure genius and the twist she takes on a popular fairy tale is delightfully unique.
When you first meet Jonathan he is of the tender age of nineteen and reminded me of a lovesick puppy when he talks about Lady Victoria Linford, bless his heart. Ms. Marvelle’s writing is so vivid you can just see him sighing over her beauty and practically writing poetry in her honor. Two words came to mind most often when I thought of how Jonathan acts toward Victoria: courtly love. Don’t let Jonathan’s honorable demeanor lead you to believe that he has no fire in his spirit. When it comes to winning Victoria’s hand and ensuring her happiness and safety, Jonathan’s inner fire leads him into trouble more than once in this beautiful novel.
Likewise, Victoria Linford is an intelligent and witty heroine. She has had a lot of heartache in her young life but has refused to let it leave her bitter or torn. Victoria tries to be practical and not believe in the magic of love or faith. Through the very personal use of letters written back and forth between Jonathan and Victoria the reader is able to witness the intensity of their love as well as the point where Jonathan must cut off communication with Victoria for her own good. As with book one in the Scandal series, Ms. Marvelle utilizes passages from the ladies etiquette book How To Avoid A Scandal to introduce each chapter. You get the impression that whoever is the unknown writer of the book, they have had experience with causing enough scandal to know just what advice needs to be given to help others avoid it.
Will Jonathan and Victoria finally be joined forever in holy matrimony? Well, it is a romance book so you can probably guess the answer fairly easily. In their case, the journey from infatuation to love is long, carries sacrifices and ultimately ends in a breathless happily ever after you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget the story continues with the unveiling of the mysterious author of the etiquette book in The Perfect Scandal. Another can’t miss from the terrifically talented Ms. Marvelle.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
February 26, 2017
Meh. Really unintelligent and incredible plot line, it has more holes than Swiss cheese. Didn't finish.
February 18, 2011
Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.
I shall admit - while Once upon a Scandal is not the best romance book I've read, it definitely ranks high amongst the most interesting ones I've read. This book has a particularly pecular set of characters and settings, which - sucker for romance that I am - enchanted me to no end.
I have been drawn to the blurb, of course - a long-lost lover (Viscount Remington) who have deserted our heroine and is now suddenly back for her hand... yes I know, romantic. The cover is also gorgeous and sigh-worthy, right?
Although this is a stand-alone novel it genuinely feels like a short story befitting an anthology. There are only a handful of scenes between the beginning and the ending, all of which are lengthy, which obviously gives the book its volume. Which is why, the pace felt a little too quick, and also underscores why it feels like an anthology short story. The salvaging point though, is that they are all mildly interesting at least, and did not drag like it easily have. While they are not remarkable, the premise had me turning the pages in the hopes it gets better.
What really strikes out most are the characters. In particular, Jonathan - or Viscount Remington as he is mostly addressed - is a breath of fresh air to the many heroes of the genre. Unlike most gentlemen of his time, this character is affectionate, sensitive and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is very outspoken in what he feels for Victoria. On the contrary, Victoria is guarded and reserved, bitter almost in the second half of the book. They share a very peculiar relationship - I was not sure how to look at it, as it is the very opposite of consistent. They simply ricochet off different paths every time. Although there is an effort to include tenderness in their interactions, it feels a little bit awkward as one cannot be entirely certain as to their emotions.
While Once Upon a Scandal is supposed to be inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, I felt there was hardly similarities between the two, and would rather forget that little piece of tidbit. Also, the book is partly based in Venice, which felt like a complete waste as the setting hardly played a memorable role in the plot - sure, things happened in Venice, but it takes more than that to make a setting worth noticing. Having said that, despite the lack of tangible plot in the book, it ends rather vaguely - and so, should there be a sequel, I will perhaps pick it up.
I shall admit - while Once upon a Scandal is not the best romance book I've read, it definitely ranks high amongst the most interesting ones I've read. This book has a particularly pecular set of characters and settings, which - sucker for romance that I am - enchanted me to no end.
I have been drawn to the blurb, of course - a long-lost lover (Viscount Remington) who have deserted our heroine and is now suddenly back for her hand... yes I know, romantic. The cover is also gorgeous and sigh-worthy, right?
Although this is a stand-alone novel it genuinely feels like a short story befitting an anthology. There are only a handful of scenes between the beginning and the ending, all of which are lengthy, which obviously gives the book its volume. Which is why, the pace felt a little too quick, and also underscores why it feels like an anthology short story. The salvaging point though, is that they are all mildly interesting at least, and did not drag like it easily have. While they are not remarkable, the premise had me turning the pages in the hopes it gets better.
What really strikes out most are the characters. In particular, Jonathan - or Viscount Remington as he is mostly addressed - is a breath of fresh air to the many heroes of the genre. Unlike most gentlemen of his time, this character is affectionate, sensitive and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is very outspoken in what he feels for Victoria. On the contrary, Victoria is guarded and reserved, bitter almost in the second half of the book. They share a very peculiar relationship - I was not sure how to look at it, as it is the very opposite of consistent. They simply ricochet off different paths every time. Although there is an effort to include tenderness in their interactions, it feels a little bit awkward as one cannot be entirely certain as to their emotions.
While Once Upon a Scandal is supposed to be inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, I felt there was hardly similarities between the two, and would rather forget that little piece of tidbit. Also, the book is partly based in Venice, which felt like a complete waste as the setting hardly played a memorable role in the plot - sure, things happened in Venice, but it takes more than that to make a setting worth noticing. Having said that, despite the lack of tangible plot in the book, it ends rather vaguely - and so, should there be a sequel, I will perhaps pick it up.
September 2, 2016
Once Upon A Scandal is the second book in the Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series. I didn’t read the first book and don’t think you need to in order to read this. I have mixed feelings about this one. Maybe I’ve just read a lot of really good historicals lately but, while I enjoyed this book, it didn’t end up being one of my favorites. First, I found the whole setup with Victoria’s father’s will a little implausible. It just seemed like a lot of trouble to go to for the outcome. But he was a sick man and maybe that accounts for the eccentricity of the whole thing. The scene in the carriage also seemed highly unlikely to happen. I know this a romance and I definitely want my sexy times, but I just didn’t think that it was something Victoria would agree to or that Jonathan would think to ask. So, while it was hot, it didn’t seem very in character.
Jonathan was a very different type of tortured hero. He had to do some very unsavory things to survive. I don’t want to give too much away but the thing he had to do to keep his family and Victoria safe isn’t a subject that gets brought up much and I actually wish that they had talked about it more. I like that he’s very emotional and passionate, often acting on his feelings. Sometimes it’s not the smartest thing to do but he isn’t afraid to tell Victoria how he feels, which I admired.
Victoria took a little while to warm up to. I could understand why she would be so angry at Jonathan after he disappeared for five years. Trust me, I’d be mad, too. But she seemed cruel at times and it wasn’t until she started softening a little and got over her initial anger that I started to like her. Both she and Jonathan were so stubborn at times that I wanted to smack both of them. They were stuck in the past and it was keeping them from having a future together. Thanks goodness they both get some sense and all ends well.
While the book did have its flaws, I enjoyed it. Marvelle has a wonderful way of writing and I could easily picture London and Venice. I also felt like there was real love and affection between Jonathan and Victoria and was glad when they finally found their happy ending.
Jonathan was a very different type of tortured hero. He had to do some very unsavory things to survive. I don’t want to give too much away but the thing he had to do to keep his family and Victoria safe isn’t a subject that gets brought up much and I actually wish that they had talked about it more. I like that he’s very emotional and passionate, often acting on his feelings. Sometimes it’s not the smartest thing to do but he isn’t afraid to tell Victoria how he feels, which I admired.
Victoria took a little while to warm up to. I could understand why she would be so angry at Jonathan after he disappeared for five years. Trust me, I’d be mad, too. But she seemed cruel at times and it wasn’t until she started softening a little and got over her initial anger that I started to like her. Both she and Jonathan were so stubborn at times that I wanted to smack both of them. They were stuck in the past and it was keeping them from having a future together. Thanks goodness they both get some sense and all ends well.
While the book did have its flaws, I enjoyed it. Marvelle has a wonderful way of writing and I could easily picture London and Venice. I also felt like there was real love and affection between Jonathan and Victoria and was glad when they finally found their happy ending.
January 29, 2011
This is the second in Marvelles Scandal series (love the cover!), though it is not necessary to read the first to enjoy this one. Marvelle poses this story as a 'darker Cinderella' but with the male lead as Cinderella, complete with evil stepmother. Our hero, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, declares his love to Lady Victoria Jane Emerson at the tender age of nineteen. After a heated kiss before he must leave for Venice, Victoria agrees to carry his mothers ring and write to him. However, once Jonathan arrives in Venice to help prepare his beloved stepsister for marriage, he loses his small fortune and must accept the position that is equivalent to being a ladies maid, in more ways than just tending menial tasks for a countess.
Jonathan writes Victoria and tells her he can not return home for five years and to please not write him anymore as the count is a evil man and he fears for her safety. Victoria is very put out by this and continues to write him, but as he never replies, her heart slowly shatters. When the five years have passed, he returns home to find Victorias father dying and learns that he is to compete with three men to wed Victoria. She, naturally, wants nothing to do with him, but when she learns she must marry one of the men to secure her inheritance, the other men beg excuses and she is left with Jonathan.
The rest of the story unfolds with Jonathan and Victoria trying to forgive and rekindle their young love. When they return to Venice and a vile thing happens to Victoria, her true love for Jonathan pulls through and they work their way to a HEA. Marvelle has a way with taking unusual and thought provoking issues and working them into a very interesting story. While I did not love this one, it was once again intriguing and was a very fast read for me. If you love a rekindled love story that need to overcome a few obstacles with a bit of a darker undertone, this is a great book for you. 3 1/2 stars
Jonathan writes Victoria and tells her he can not return home for five years and to please not write him anymore as the count is a evil man and he fears for her safety. Victoria is very put out by this and continues to write him, but as he never replies, her heart slowly shatters. When the five years have passed, he returns home to find Victorias father dying and learns that he is to compete with three men to wed Victoria. She, naturally, wants nothing to do with him, but when she learns she must marry one of the men to secure her inheritance, the other men beg excuses and she is left with Jonathan.
The rest of the story unfolds with Jonathan and Victoria trying to forgive and rekindle their young love. When they return to Venice and a vile thing happens to Victoria, her true love for Jonathan pulls through and they work their way to a HEA. Marvelle has a way with taking unusual and thought provoking issues and working them into a very interesting story. While I did not love this one, it was once again intriguing and was a very fast read for me. If you love a rekindled love story that need to overcome a few obstacles with a bit of a darker undertone, this is a great book for you. 3 1/2 stars
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