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Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet #2
Once a Scoundrel
A Passionate Gamble
It was bad enough when Anthony Morehouse thought he had won a piece of furniture in a card game, but when he learned that The Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet was actually a women's magazine, he couldn't wait to get rid of it. Then he sees beautiful Edwina Parrish behind the editor's desk. Tony has never forgotten the spirited girl who had bested him at every childhood contest, ultimately winning a priceless family heirloom he had no business wagering. Here was a golden opportunity for him to win it back. Yet Edwina, now a voluptuous enchantress, tempts him in a way no woman ever had before . . .
Edwina was stunned to learn that Tony is the new owner of her beloved magazine. Being the Cabinet's editor has been a labor of love, and she's not about to let Tony take it away from her. If the scoundrel wants to make a wager, then he'll find that she has a few tricks of her own up her sleeve. But the mischievous youth she once knew has grown into a brazen charmer, and Edwina may be making the biggest gamble of all . . . with her heart.
It was bad enough when Anthony Morehouse thought he had won a piece of furniture in a card game, but when he learned that The Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet was actually a women's magazine, he couldn't wait to get rid of it. Then he sees beautiful Edwina Parrish behind the editor's desk. Tony has never forgotten the spirited girl who had bested him at every childhood contest, ultimately winning a priceless family heirloom he had no business wagering. Here was a golden opportunity for him to win it back. Yet Edwina, now a voluptuous enchantress, tempts him in a way no woman ever had before . . .
Edwina was stunned to learn that Tony is the new owner of her beloved magazine. Being the Cabinet's editor has been a labor of love, and she's not about to let Tony take it away from her. If the scoundrel wants to make a wager, then he'll find that she has a few tricks of her own up her sleeve. But the mischievous youth she once knew has grown into a brazen charmer, and Edwina may be making the biggest gamble of all . . . with her heart.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 29, 2003
17 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Candice Hern
32 books249 followersCandice Hern is the award-winning, bestselling author of historical romance novels set during the English Regency period. Her books have won praise for the "intelligence and elegant romantic sensibility" (Romantic Times) as well as "delicious wit and luscious sensuality (Booklist). Candice's award-winning website (www.candicehern.com) is often cited for its Regency World pages, where readers interested in the era will find an illustrated glossary, a detailed timeline, illustrated digests of Regency people and places, articles on Regency fashion, research links, and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 22, 2010
Pages Survived: 35
Characters are very important to me, and feeling as though they are real people is essentially vital for any book to be good. From the first page, I felt as if Hern's style of writing hindered the ability for a character to seem larger than mere words on a page. This is a BIG pet peeve of mine in any book, but most especially romance.
Although, ironically, I am capable of being lenient with an author, and continue to read their story rather than just tossing it aside based on that factor alone. For me to not finish a book, I generally have to have more than one reason for not liking the story. However, after the first strike, I have very little tolerance for any other "irritables" in the story, and can toss it aside based on something very minor. Such was the case for this book, for when Eddie and Anthony kiss for the first time, and the only reference to it at the end of chapter two is "And he pulled her into his arms and kissed her," I get disgusted.
Yes, in the overall context of a book, this is very minor. However, aside from the fact that Hern already had one strike against her, I for one place a lot of significance on a couple's "first kiss." If it is done wrong, or barely referenced, I get frustrated with the story very quickly.
As such, as sad as it is, my initial sentiment I had at the start of this book was correct. "Bad-book-feelings" almost always tell me is a book is going to be worth it, or not, and in this case, it most certainly wasn't.
Characters are very important to me, and feeling as though they are real people is essentially vital for any book to be good. From the first page, I felt as if Hern's style of writing hindered the ability for a character to seem larger than mere words on a page. This is a BIG pet peeve of mine in any book, but most especially romance.
Although, ironically, I am capable of being lenient with an author, and continue to read their story rather than just tossing it aside based on that factor alone. For me to not finish a book, I generally have to have more than one reason for not liking the story. However, after the first strike, I have very little tolerance for any other "irritables" in the story, and can toss it aside based on something very minor. Such was the case for this book, for when Eddie and Anthony kiss for the first time, and the only reference to it at the end of chapter two is "And he pulled her into his arms and kissed her," I get disgusted.
Yes, in the overall context of a book, this is very minor. However, aside from the fact that Hern already had one strike against her, I for one place a lot of significance on a couple's "first kiss." If it is done wrong, or barely referenced, I get frustrated with the story very quickly.
As such, as sad as it is, my initial sentiment I had at the start of this book was correct. "Bad-book-feelings" almost always tell me is a book is going to be worth it, or not, and in this case, it most certainly wasn't.
October 10, 2013
This is what I call a bathtub book. It is a book that is enjoyable enough to read for an hour in the tub and can be put down until the next bath. It is also predictable enough you can put the book down for a few days and pick it up without losing place. What is important is the characters.
In this case Edwina is beautiful (of course), intelligent, and politically minded. She has her flaws (not just superficial ones) which make her more appealing. As an example, she jumps to conclusions and is often rash when provoked by Anthony. Her fellow editors are interesting characters adding colour to the story but one in particular is accepted too easily. The interactions between the women carries much of the story.
Anthony is not the typical macho man in a time of war. He's a gambler but a cautious one. He is also manipulative and feckless but he does grow up.
Overall, it is a good book in my opinion and a relaxing read.
In this case Edwina is beautiful (of course), intelligent, and politically minded. She has her flaws (not just superficial ones) which make her more appealing. As an example, she jumps to conclusions and is often rash when provoked by Anthony. Her fellow editors are interesting characters adding colour to the story but one in particular is accepted too easily. The interactions between the women carries much of the story.
Anthony is not the typical macho man in a time of war. He's a gambler but a cautious one. He is also manipulative and feckless but he does grow up.
Overall, it is a good book in my opinion and a relaxing read.
September 17, 2017
This is my third time reading this story. Candice Hern writes classic romance. Her hero and heroine are real, not perfect. Anthony and Edwina knew each other in childhood when she had visited her grandfather in the summer. They were competitive with each other both wanting to impress the other. They are now adults but the competitive nature remains between them. This book illustrates the partnership between forgiveness and love. The two do not exist without each other.
I am envious of Edwina. She has a brother who defends her. I have always wished I'd had a brother. His story is next.
Thankfully, Candice's books are all available in e-book format for they are not to be missed. I have re-read all of them.
September 2017: Love this one. Definitely a re-read since this is my fourth reading.
I am envious of Edwina. She has a brother who defends her. I have always wished I'd had a brother. His story is next.
Thankfully, Candice's books are all available in e-book format for they are not to be missed. I have re-read all of them.
September 2017: Love this one. Definitely a re-read since this is my fourth reading.
October 25, 2012
I read the second book last...I am glad I did! (Saved the best for last.) Ms. Hern got it right with this book. The H/H were a good match and their story was captivating without too much angst and anger. There was a lot of lust thrown in and I found myself skipping over them to get back to the story. They really didn't lend anything to it; other than, readers expect it when they read a 'Romance' novel. I don't have to reread the last one 'Once a Gentleman'. I remembered it from bits and pieces from this book. From my review I don't think I want to go through it again!
January 2, 2023
Not bad! It was kind of bland but on the other hand, I did enjoy reading it. Maybe it's just my love for the genre. I did notice the characters don't have depth, the other scenes are quite abrupt and the flow of the story was not that enticing, but it did have the factor that I consider good in historical romance: clichés. No matter how overused they are, it still tugs at my heartstrings! Although, I'm sad it's not as spicy as I would have liked historical romance to be lol!
A good book to start my 2023 :)
A good book to start my 2023 :)
April 27, 2022
This book is alright. Again, the heroine feels a bit too twentieth-century to me - I suppose I prefer girls who are spunky and adventurous without breaking out of the molds of the time. Edwina doesn't exactly do this, but I think she's pushed just a little bit too far in the "strong woman" direction. The story's cute, and not terribly complicated, and this is a decent read, just nothing terribly special about it.
August 19, 2012
it started with a wager between anthony and edwina that if edwina gets to increase the subscription the magazine is hers. the story is quite entertaining and yet predictable because of their wager. but then it was nice that in the end edwina finally gave in to what her heart really says that she is in love with anthony and vice versa.
June 23, 2008
Candice Hern is alway a sneaker-like for me. I forget how enjoyable her books are until I read one and then I think "why don't I read more of her." Morehouse was a good hero and I liked the capable heroine, who is very susceptible to bets.
November 8, 2010
I thought this book was just alright. I thought it was somewhat slow to start, but it did get better around the 200s. This is definitely NOT book that you will have a problem putting down once you start!
February 23, 2010
Cute but predictable. Hate each other -attracted to each other - like each other - disagreement over some issue - love surmounts all!
April 9, 2016
ponovno 9.4.'16.
December 5, 2017
Non ho terminato l’estratto perché ho capito che non mi interessa leggerlo. La coppia protagonista manca di carisma e la trama procede in modo un po’ fiacco.
September 13, 2022
new format truly stinks
this is my second read, not great not awful
a desperate reread, enough said
this is my second read, not great not awful
a desperate reread, enough said
January 5, 2025
Once a Scoundrel by Candice Hern is the only Regency romance book I can remember that made my eyes well with tears. Unfortunately, it was the tragic romance in the flashback that broke Edwina's heart and made her swear never to love again that did so, not her romance with the book's hero, Anthony.
Once a Scoundrel flirts with being an ambitious book. It has a meta story. Edwina is the editor of a magazine that attempts to subtly nudge the the women who read it in the direction of a proto-feminism where they exercise agency over their own lives, do useful work, and do not believe that pre-marital sex must lead to tragic ends. At the same time, the book attempts to separate itself from some romance novels where the heroine's entire story revolves around the hero. (This book was published in 2003. Since then, Regency romance novel heroines have had increasing independence -- they are much less prone to being kidnapped and much more likely to engage in, if not a career, then at least significant volunteer work.) Edwina is a competent and engaged editor of a magazine and could probably continue that work quite happily even if Anthony never crossed her doorstep.
The book also flirts with telling a really great story about the French Revolution and its devolution into chaos. Unfortunately, that is the story that is told in flashbacks and snippets. Edwina went to France to participate in the revolution, was jailed there during the Reign of Terror, and barely escaped with her life. It's a fascinating story, and makes her romance with Anthony seem banal by comparison.
The author seems constrained by the Regency romance genre. I would like to see her outside of it, telling the bigger and better stories that she is clearly capable of.
This review is slightly modified from the original on A Middle-Aged Divorcee Writes Smut. Blog is 18+ but this post is clean. https://m-adws.blogspot.com/2021/08/r...
Once a Scoundrel flirts with being an ambitious book. It has a meta story. Edwina is the editor of a magazine that attempts to subtly nudge the the women who read it in the direction of a proto-feminism where they exercise agency over their own lives, do useful work, and do not believe that pre-marital sex must lead to tragic ends. At the same time, the book attempts to separate itself from some romance novels where the heroine's entire story revolves around the hero. (This book was published in 2003. Since then, Regency romance novel heroines have had increasing independence -- they are much less prone to being kidnapped and much more likely to engage in, if not a career, then at least significant volunteer work.) Edwina is a competent and engaged editor of a magazine and could probably continue that work quite happily even if Anthony never crossed her doorstep.
The book also flirts with telling a really great story about the French Revolution and its devolution into chaos. Unfortunately, that is the story that is told in flashbacks and snippets. Edwina went to France to participate in the revolution, was jailed there during the Reign of Terror, and barely escaped with her life. It's a fascinating story, and makes her romance with Anthony seem banal by comparison.
The author seems constrained by the Regency romance genre. I would like to see her outside of it, telling the bigger and better stories that she is clearly capable of.
This review is slightly modified from the original on A Middle-Aged Divorcee Writes Smut. Blog is 18+ but this post is clean. https://m-adws.blogspot.com/2021/08/r...
September 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I found Edwina aka Eddie fascinating - a woman ahead of her time. She's beautiful (well ofcourse), intelligent, well read, politically aware, articulate, a good leader and takes responsibility for her choices. She's shaped by the heady and then horrifying turn of events in the French revolution. She channels her energy into social reform particularly for the betterment of women and children. Her method of choice is the written word while also supporting direct action like school for adult education, skills training etc. There's a moment when she questions whether she's doing enough as she's far removed from the front-line of the reformation activities and this far from the ground realities. Her soul searching made me want to let her know that what she did was enough, she was enough and every movement needs it's intellectuals and communicators. That those who work behind the scenes make change possible.
Anthony aka Tony is a not so reckless gambler and second son, ready for a wager, gifted with luck, golden boy looks, a winning personality and the ever present disapproval of his conservative father. And a lifelong fascination and competition with Edwina, his childhood nemesis. He wins the ladies journal, one she edits, in a wager and decides to test Eddie's mettle, hoping to win against her in adulthood.
Their attraction is mutual yet slow burn and the author plays out the seduction slowly. And brings in a multitude of side characters most of whom are quite interesting. How our H & h find their way, I leave you to find out by reading the book. I think you'll enjoy it.
Anthony aka Tony is a not so reckless gambler and second son, ready for a wager, gifted with luck, golden boy looks, a winning personality and the ever present disapproval of his conservative father. And a lifelong fascination and competition with Edwina, his childhood nemesis. He wins the ladies journal, one she edits, in a wager and decides to test Eddie's mettle, hoping to win against her in adulthood.
Their attraction is mutual yet slow burn and the author plays out the seduction slowly. And brings in a multitude of side characters most of whom are quite interesting. How our H & h find their way, I leave you to find out by reading the book. I think you'll enjoy it.
August 13, 2024
This is such a sweet and pleasant childhood romance read! The heroine is probably one of the few female characters in HR who isn’t immediately bridled with lust upon seeing the hero and swoons and simpers whenever he’s nearby. I love the fact that she’s so impervious to his charms because she’s just so focused on her career as a magazine editor and the Cabinet while he tries making up wager after wager to break down her defenses haha! Would love to read more of this author’s work!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews