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Heart's Temptation #6.5

The Night Before Scandal

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What happens in a carriage doesn’t always stay in a carriage...

Lord Harry Marlow reluctantly attends a Christmas house party hosted by his brother and his sister-in-law, who also happens to be the woman he once longed to wed himself. He’s not pleased by the prospect of holly and mistletoe and merrymaking any more than he is with the reminder of the love he could have had. But his dismay doesn’t last for long when a mysterious stranger in the midst of a blizzard captures his interest.

Lady Alexandra Danvers is unabashedly eccentric. Nothing and no man interests her more than her scientific pursuits. Until she meets the sinfully handsome Lord Harry, that is. When sparks fly between the unlikely pairing, scandal isn’t far behind. Will Lord Harry and Lady Alexandra find true love together by Christmas day?

Length: novella

Note: Previously appeared in the collection Seduced Under the Mistletoe. This is an extended version never before published.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2019

674 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Scott

121 books1,563 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

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5 stars
651 (53%)
4 stars
353 (28%)
3 stars
174 (14%)
2 stars
37 (3%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Aou .
2,045 reviews215 followers
February 26, 2020
I was bored but actually it was nice and sweet erotica. That's probably why I was bored. Lol
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,700 reviews22 followers
August 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this story - it was short but there was so much packed into the pages that you really did have time to get to know Harry & Alexandra. They fell in love at first sight (unbeknownst to them) but they soon realized the magnetism between themselves & it was a good thing since he compromised her & they were being semi-forced into marriage. I loved the delightful descriptions Scarlett does of the snowy weather, skating, holly bushes & caroling & it was fun visiting past characters from previous stories. Harry & Alexander were a wonderful couple & their adventures & experiments along the way brought smile to my face. I was gifted this ARC & have given you my honest opinion & highly recommend this wonderful historical romance.
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
April 24, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋💋
Wonderful and enjoyable , a love story that is gripping and emotionally satisfying.
Scarlet has given a piece of her heart and it shows in every page, I didn’t put it down and felt so connected to the characters.
Yes it’s a little warmer in the love scenes but that’s perfect, and they are love ,not sex ,scenes , I feel their is a difference.
I adore this book and have no problems recommending it to others .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Greta.
165 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2019
Fun & quick read! Harry had his heart broken by his new sister in law and Alexandra is a trouser wearing, scientist. They meet on a snowy night when his carriage runs into problems and she is gathering meteorological data. They share a carriage ride and the sparks fly! Which ends up requiring a marriage but the bluestocking will not have any of that, or so she thinks. It’s so good to see the intelligent, witty woman who is a bit insecure about her looks “get” and be wooed by the handsome, charming man. I enjoyed reading this book and it literally took me hours to finish it. I didn’t want to put it down. It is a little steamy ❤️😉 and a great way to escape reality for a little while. I love my HEAs and the epilogue was really sweet! I’ve read other books in this series and really enjoyed them as well!
Profile Image for Janet.
5,179 reviews64 followers
April 29, 2019
What happens in a carriage doesn’t always stay in a carriage...
Lord Harry Marlow reluctantly attends a Christmas house party hosted by his brother and his sister-in-law Boadicea, who also happens to be the woman he once longed to wed himself. Lady Alexandra Danvers is unabashedly eccentric. Nothing and no man interests her more than her scientific pursuits. Until she meets the sinfully handsome Lord Harry, that is. When sparks fly between the unlikely pairing, scandal isn’t far behind.
A novella that packs a good story & strong characters in a small number of pages. I read it in a sitting & was engrossed from beginning to end. Neither Harry nor Alex want to marry but their attraction sizzles from their first meeting but they also talk & as well as falling in love they become friends.
This novella previously appeared in the collection Seduced Under the Mistletoe & is an extended version.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
2,422 reviews22 followers
April 24, 2019
As I was reading this short story, I could imagine Harry and Alexandra doing all of the things couples did when courting. I loved the scenes of them skating, and walking and talking. So very sweet. It all culminates in a wonderfully sensual scene. This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for ChasingLeslie.
470 reviews109 followers
December 30, 2020
Lord Harry Marlow is reluctantly heading to his brother's Christmas house party, when he encounters a unique stranger in the snowstorm. Bluestocking Lady Alexandra Danvers is dressed in menswear and trying to conduct scientific measurements when she meets Harry and he refuses to leave her out in the terrible cold. The fear of scandal follows them home when they are discovered in the carriage together.

This is my first time reading this author and, while I enjoyed it and would try her again, something felt like it was missing for me. The story was pretty complete for a novella; I liked how it started and there was a good length sex scene. I think maybe it was just an emotional disconnect.

Tropes: Bluestocking, Mistaken Identity, Compromised
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,037 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2019
Lord Harry Marlow is heartbroken that his brother has married the woman he loved, now he’s headed to their estate for the holidays when he encounters a most unexpected eccentric beautiful young woman. Lady Alexandra Danvers is unabashedly eccentric. Nothing and no man interests her more than her scientific pursuits that is until she encounters Harry dressed as man. These two have an instant attraction and are soon kissing in the carriage up the drive to his brother’s estate. They are caught in a most compromising position by her brother the Earl of Ravenscroft and Harry’s family. I loved this captivating novella where sparks fly between the unlikely pair, Harry and Alexandra and scandal isn’t far behind. Love and passion at first sight!!!I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,441 reviews91 followers
January 19, 2022
A lovely short story. I really enjoyed reading about this couple - Lord Harry Marlow and Lady Alexandra Danvers. So sweet and sexy. 4☆
Profile Image for Tisa.
1,218 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2022
HOT HOT HOT!!!

Lord Harry Marlow was not thrilled to be visiting the Boswell Manor to his annoying mother & his newly married brother to attend the Duke of Bainbride Christmas house party hosted by his brother's new wife who Harry happened to be courting before his brother Spencer took her for himself. Why would they think Harry would want to be around holly & mistletoe & parade their new found love.

Lord Harry has been the responsible, respectable with an immaculate reputation in the House of Lords as an MP. Has always presented honorable actions when it comes to courting the ladies. Even when he was courting BO his now sister in law. They had never kissed.

Lord Harry is intrigued by the stranger he sees roaming in the blizzard while waiting for his substitute carriage. He 1st thinks he is coming upon a man but its a lady dressed in trousers, & some instruments running experiences on the weather. calling himself Mr. Danvers. Lord Harry doesn't by it. The voice sounds like a female & despite the men's clothing. He knows there is a beauty under those trousers. Once they get into the carriage, flirting begins along with petting & groping. They get to the Boswell Manor to have the carriage door opened to Lady Alexandra brother the Earl of Ravenscr0ft

Lady Alexandra Danvers is an eccentric. She is not interested in balls, courting to find a man & get married. Part of the reason she cannot find a gentleman is because they don't hold their interest for her scientific pursuits. Then she meets the sinfully handsome Lord Harry, while she is gather experiences on the weather in men's clothing. Sparks run hot during their meeting during the blizzard. Those sparks land them in a scandal that could destroy both their families. Unless they get married. But Lady Alexandra won't marry Lord Harry out of duty. Nor will she change her ways.
Will Lord Harry win Lady Alexandra heart & believe they are meant for each other by Christmas day?

While the story is short, its sweet, but quite steamy when it comes to their love scenes. But while Lord Harry decides to release his respectability & follow his passion. Lady Alexandra wants to experience more of their foreplay, desires before even considering marrying the handsome Lord who takes up her mind, body & soul.
41 reviews
April 19, 2021
Part of the reson I liked this book so much is that we get to revisit so many characters I already like! It features Lord Harry from book #6, who I liked and felt a bit bad for, and I was excited to see he got his own book and HEA. Alexandra was mentioned in several of the Notorious Ladies books, so I am happy to get to know her character a bit more - she is a really unique character, who is into not just science, but specifically meteorology. Alexandra is Julian's (Earl of Ravenscroft, book 5) sister, and I am here for him showing up in any/every book. Plus, Harry's brother (Spencer, Duke of Bainbridge) and his wife (Boadicea) make appearances, too.

This book was honestly kind of refreshing - both characters are really into each other and aren't particularly tortured by it, which seems to be unusual for historical romance books. There is a bit of a scandal, and Alexandra is interested in keeping her independence and pursuing her studies, but its not overly angsty. It is a novella, so the plot moved quickly and things got wrapped up pretty easily, but it was a fun, short read.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2019
The Night Before Scandal by Scarlett Scott is book 6.5 in the Heart's Temptation Series. This is the story of Lady Alexandra Danvers and Lord Harry Marlow. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
What a fun read! Harry is to attend his brother and sister in laws Christmas party which he isn't looking forward to being marry when he had hopes of marrying Boadicea. But along the way he has carriage issues that leads him to meet Alexandra. Alexandra is a bluestocking that is out pursuing her scientific experiences. Alexandra is not interested in the marriage pursuit at all. But there is something about Harry that makes it hard to resit, especially when she is 'compromised'.
Such a great story...love this series and this author's writing! Quick Read.

492 reviews
August 8, 2020
This short novel winds up the series. We met the two main characters in earlier books. Lord Harry is the younger brother of the Duke of Bainbridge who was in love with Bo who his brother married after compromising her. Alexandra Danvers is the sister of Ravenscroft, the husband of heiress Clara who saved his finances. Alexandra is a bluestocking interested in science. The book begins with her out in the snow taking weather measurements dressed in her brother's clothing. Harry has her ride back to Boswell Hall in his carriage knowing full well she is female. When they arrive at the back entrance hoping to sneak in, they are greeted by an audience which includes the same two biddies who witnessed Bainbridge and Boadicea. This is an enjoyable end to the series which allows us to revisit the characters I liked so much from the earlier books.
642 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2019
The Night Before Scandal by Scarlett Scott brings us the story of Lord Harry. Harry was in love with Lady Boadicea Harrington who married his brother, the Duke of Bainbridge. He hasn't seem either since then. He is on his way to a house party for Christmas wJen his carriage breaks down. While waiting for another to be sent, a young woman dressed as a man sees him. Lady Alexandra has a tendency to say say what is own her mind. This time, she proposes an experiment with Harry. When they are caught, he has one week to court her and get her to agree to marry him. Will he be successful? I loved that Harry gets his HEA. Very steamy scenes between them. I loved the romance and the chemistry. I received this story from the author for a honest review. I voluntarily read this great book.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews129 followers
May 2, 2019
Such a wonderful story of a chance meeting of two people in a most unexpected way! On the way to a Christmas house party, Lord Harry's carraige breaks down. While waiting for another to come for him, he sees a young woman dressed in men's clothing! Well the lad is acutall yLady Alexandra, gathering meteorlogical data! Yes, definitely a bluestocking and very intelligent must I say. They end up sharing his carriage and to say there are almost fireworks is being mild! But as they reach his brother's house where the party is, well, the adventure begins!
There was a lot packed into the novella and I loved every word! I could not wait to see what would happen and I highly recommend you do not miss this delightful story!
677 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2021
A Christmas gift for a lifetime

A truly delightful story. Harry is on his way to his brothers for a Christmas House party and he isn't at all happy about it. When his carriage breaks an axle and he is left waiting for another carriage he is more unhappy. He sees someone in the woods wearing mens clothing but when she speaks he knows it's not a man. He pretends to believe her and invites her to ride with him. They are caught in a scandal and her brother insists they marry. When a staid gentleman who has never done anything to cause a mark against his character sets out to woo a woman who views everything in a scientific way it is very amusing.

I love Henry and Alexandria. Their story is a little different from most historical novels.
598 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2021
Predictable

This installment was a disappointment. Not only was it predictable but also repetitive. If you had not read the previous books in the series perhaps you may feel differently. It seems as if the author was just going thru the motions on this one. Harry is so in love with his brother's wife he can barely drag himself to their Christmas fest. He's despondent, yet before he reaches said mansion, on the driveway up to the estate he is mesmerized by a woman dressed like a man. In the carriage on his way to the front door he is so enthralled that he ravishses her ,a total stranger ,and she lets him! They are caught by her brother and the rest of the party guests in full view. But they live happily ever after?
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2019
This is book 6.5 in the Heart’s Temptation series. I haven’t read of the previous books (yet) but this book can be read as a standalone. It was a great novella that is well written and catches the readers attention from the start. It is fast paced but the characters are still well developed and the storyline is well developed. I loved reading about Alexandra and her scientific wonderings. She provided lots of amusement to the story and Harry was so intrigued by her. It was a sweet and fun Christmas romance.
I received a digital ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
556 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2019
A deliciously beguiling and spicy sweet treat!

Oozes charm, wit and an abundance of sexual chemistry that positively leaves you tingling; a master class in the experiment of instant attraction.
First read this as part of a boxset and instantly fell in love with the delightfully charming and handsome Harry who, while struggling to lick his wounded pride, meets the endearingly intelligent and innocently curious yet passionate 'Danvers', Alexandra, and sparks fly.
Very eager to read this extended version and the extra insights, musings and witty banter between the pair didn't disappoint. A well written, deeply entertaining and rather wonderful way to spend a few hours!!
2,313 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2021
A Story To Make You Feel Happy!
What happens in a carriage should stay in that carriage but that didn't happen for Harry and Alexandra!
And so we have a delicious story to read, full of the antics of a young miss who loves to experiment and a serious man who has been badly hurt by love.
Oh, the consequences do look dire but they sure have fun working on how to resolve the situation they find themselves in.
This is a quick read and is well written with a lot of fun scenes, many of which had me laughing aloud because they were just downright funny.
I came away feeling happy with the outcome and knowing that I had enjoyed yet another story by Scarlett Scott!
Profile Image for Jess O. (From Jess to You).
1,372 reviews38 followers
January 12, 2021
"3.5 out of 5 stars. One girl in men’s clothes wins over the younger brother of a Duke and in a turn of events their lives entwine for good.

This was a uniquely written historical romance that I did like a lot. I enjoyed how ..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2021/01/made-grade-hearts-temptation-series.html

See ONE of the teasers here: https://youtu.be/Prmrxc6Cqyo
Profile Image for Cyndi.
202 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2019
Another exciting and enjoyable book from Scarlett Scott . She like , a few other authors I've come to appreciate, can give you and exhilarating ride through her words and not leave you deflated .
The characters she brings forth on the page , are lively , realistic and very believable . I enjoy reading Scarlett's books because I love the wit , sensuality and sometimes , what feels like raw emotion as she brings her characters to life .
You can not go wrong reading any book put forth by this author.
Enjoy, I did and look forward to more!

👍☺ SCARLETT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,101 reviews19 followers
December 29, 2020
Steamy Coach Ride Not To Miss:
Much better than I thought after reading some of the negative reviews. I was thrilled with this very sexy story.
I personally loved every little detail. Brought back memories of my younger days.
Readers who don't appreciate a well written detailed intimate story should not read them especially if you are going to leave a bad review because you don't like the content.
The story was a little weird in the very beginning but soon things turned to a really fun, exciting romp filled with passion, wonderfully interesting characters, and so much more.
Mature reader:
Descriptive heat level 4+-5.
Thank you Scarlett for the heat
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
855 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2023
A Beautiful snowy love story

I will admit, sometimes I think that love matches in these historical romances are very “quick”, but this one screams “ I love You” from the first page. I loved how Harry was portrayed as an upstanding gentleman, only to fall off the pedestal so fast after meeting Alexandra. Their first meeting was adorable, the scene with all the brothers, witty and the North tower scene extremely beautifully done. I laughed at the “ experiment” Alexandra wanted and got totally lost in.
This was a wonderful wintery story and I adored it!
1,324 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2019
A snow storm, can be a blessing ❤️

This is a wonderful story, with a great story line. A week before the Holidays, a snow storm, A man named Harry, and a lady who measures the weather, wearing her
Brother's clothes, and a scandal that begins in a carriage.This is a very enjoyable short read.
Recommended for anyone who loves a happy romance, and snow
Storms ❤️🌨️⛸️
Thank you ❤️
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,251 reviews99 followers
December 29, 2025
To say that Harry and Alexandra had instant chemistry is probably an understatement. This was definitely instalove and though I did enjoy it and its festive setting, him saying and showing ad nauseum how much he wanted her and her repeatedly asking if he wants her and refusing to see things as anything other than some sort of scientific experiment was tiresome. This one felt a bit like just going through the motions, though it was enjoyable.
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
1,192 reviews297 followers
May 2, 2019
I normally don't gravitate to Christmas anything, but I love Mrs. Scott's spunky heroines and this scientist is no disappointment. There is instant magnetism between the couple and propriety forces them to wed. I enjoyed this read and it makes me want to time travel to the Regency era during Christmastime.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,449 reviews28 followers
May 9, 2019
Harry finds love

Harry met Alexandria under blizzard conditions! There's was an instant attraction! Alexandria didn't need science to know this intense attraction to Harry was not a fluke! Harry had met lots of women but none inspired the instant attraction Alex did! Let's just say their experiment was successful!
Profile Image for Jazzysmum.
708 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2020
I first read this one in Seduced Under the Mistletoe but discovered that I had it as a updated stand alone.
Excellent story of a non conforming, scientific minded lady - Alexandra and a man- Harry- who thought he had his heart broken, doesn't believe but finds that love can find you when you least expect it.

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