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The Survivors #7.5
Kisses and Scandal
You’ve met the men of the wildly popular Survivors series. Now meet the charming friends and relatives who walk the streets of London with them. Kisses and Scandal features three exciting novellas set in the Survivors’ world, including one never-before-published story.
Kisses and Scandal
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne. She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves his lady but has a secret that won’t only break Philomena’s heart. It just might endanger her life.
Counterfeit Scandal
Now that Bridget Lavery is free from debtor’s prison, she wants to reunite with the son she had to give up. Caleb Harris is a man with a price on his head. Before he left for the war, he and Bridget had a passionate affair. Finding her again means everything to him, but loving her might just be too perilous for either of them.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
Raeni Sawyer is penniless and alone in a foreign country. When she finds a job at a coffee shop on Bond Street, she hopes it's the beginning of a new life. Thomas Gaines is intrigued by his new server—until she spills coffee all over him. Despite her clumsiness, he sees her potential to be more. But will Raeni's treacherous past ruin their bright future?
Kisses and Scandal
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne. She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves his lady but has a secret that won’t only break Philomena’s heart. It just might endanger her life.
Counterfeit Scandal
Now that Bridget Lavery is free from debtor’s prison, she wants to reunite with the son she had to give up. Caleb Harris is a man with a price on his head. Before he left for the war, he and Bridget had a passionate affair. Finding her again means everything to him, but loving her might just be too perilous for either of them.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
Raeni Sawyer is penniless and alone in a foreign country. When she finds a job at a coffee shop on Bond Street, she hopes it's the beginning of a new life. Thomas Gaines is intrigued by his new server—until she spills coffee all over him. Despite her clumsiness, he sees her potential to be more. But will Raeni's treacherous past ruin their bright future?
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2020
89 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,547 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 31, 2021
Kisses and Scandal- As both the daughter and sister of a duke, Lady Philomena Duncombe is very much sought after, but she longs to marry for love as her rather scandalous brother did. Unfortunately for her, she's found love with a footman in her family's employ. James Finnegan returns Philomena's love, but the secret he's keeping could endanger her life even more so than her reputation.
This was a cute story and I'm always a sucker for unconventional heroes so a footman was just right. Philomena was also a sensible heroine who knew her own mind without being shrewish and that made her enjoyable to read.
Counterfeit Scandal- Now finally free from debtor's prison, Bridget Lavery is determined to find the son she gave up before her three year confinement. Caleb Harris has finally returned to England after working as a spy during the Napoleonic Wars. He never forgot the passionate affair he had with Bridget before he left and always intended to return and marry her, despite the fact that she had to believe he'd died. Now he has a price on his head and will do anything to keep that danger away from Bridget and the son he just learned about.
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read and a plot you don't see very often. The characters were well-drawn, especially for a short novella and it was a good read.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss- Former slave Thomas Gaines has made a new life for himself and become a successful businessman in England. Now he's opening his first London shop and everything is going swimmingly until the new serving girl turns his world upside down.
Raeni Sawyer has grown up in between. Living on her father's plantation in Jamaica she wasn't a slave, nor was she free. But when her father reveals plans to sell her to his friend, she escapes to England. She knows her father will send men after her but she hopes to establish a new life, especially when she meets a kind, handsome man, her new employer, Mr. Gaines. But with men hunting her, she refuses to put Thomas in danger; despite their feelings for each other, she knows she must leave.
This was a set of quick, cute reads and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
This was a cute story and I'm always a sucker for unconventional heroes so a footman was just right. Philomena was also a sensible heroine who knew her own mind without being shrewish and that made her enjoyable to read.
Counterfeit Scandal- Now finally free from debtor's prison, Bridget Lavery is determined to find the son she gave up before her three year confinement. Caleb Harris has finally returned to England after working as a spy during the Napoleonic Wars. He never forgot the passionate affair he had with Bridget before he left and always intended to return and marry her, despite the fact that she had to believe he'd died. Now he has a price on his head and will do anything to keep that danger away from Bridget and the son he just learned about.
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read and a plot you don't see very often. The characters were well-drawn, especially for a short novella and it was a good read.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss- Former slave Thomas Gaines has made a new life for himself and become a successful businessman in England. Now he's opening his first London shop and everything is going swimmingly until the new serving girl turns his world upside down.
Raeni Sawyer has grown up in between. Living on her father's plantation in Jamaica she wasn't a slave, nor was she free. But when her father reveals plans to sell her to his friend, she escapes to England. She knows her father will send men after her but she hopes to establish a new life, especially when she meets a kind, handsome man, her new employer, Mr. Gaines. But with men hunting her, she refuses to put Thomas in danger; despite their feelings for each other, she knows she must leave.
This was a set of quick, cute reads and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 9, 2020
Series: Anthology
Publication Date: 4/14/20
As always, this author's writing is excellent. I think you’ll enjoy these novellas.
Kisses and Scandal – 3-Stars
This was, by far, my least favorite of the three novellas simply because the premise is so very unlikely. The characters are very likable, the writing, of course, is solid, but a footman (that is a real footman not a peer in disguise) and a Duke’s daughter just didn’t resonate with me.
Lady Philomena (Phil) is the sister to the scandalous Duke of Mayne. Phil’s mother absolutely doesn’t approve of her brother’s recent marriage to a scandalous widow who is much older than he is, so she has every intention of assuring Phil marries well and scandal-free. She’s given Phil a deadline to either choose her own groom or one will be chosen for her. Unfortunately for Phil, the man she loves and wants to marry would provide nothing but scandal. He is, after all, a footman.
James Finnegan comes from the slums of Dublin and along with two of his friends, they have a plan to acquire a fortune and leave for the Americas. When James wants out of their plans, his friends decide to move along without him. James will do whatever it takes to keep Phil safe, but can he also keep her love?
The ending stretched my imagination even further than the overall premise of the story and I just couldn’t buy into the whole thing. It just felt contrived to me.
Counterfeit Scandal – 4-Stars
Bridget was working for the Home Office as a counterfeiter when she fell in love with Caleb who was a spy. Caleb left on a mission, a long and very dangerous mission – and he didn’t tell her he was going. Just as she learned she was expecting Caleb’s child, she was told that Caleb had died. She resigned from the Home Office and soon met a man who cared for her even though she didn’t love him in return. He was fine with her having Caleb’s child. So, she married him because she thought it would give her child a better life. Well – that was a mistake. Her husband was good to her and her son, James, but he was naïve when it came to money, so Bridget and her husband ended up in debtor’s prison. Rather than subject her young son (about 3 years old) to life inside the prison, she took him to a foundling home and told them she’d be back for him.
Several years later, her husband is dead and she’s out of prison with all debts paid. She’s been working at Miss Brodie’s Academy for a year and has saved up enough money to rent a room and to retrieve James from the orphanage. Except, the orphanage isn’t there anymore. It burned and nobody can tell her what happened to the orphans who lived there.
She rents the room with the intention of spending every spare minute looking for James. However, as she is leaving the home where she has rented the room, Caleb is entering the same home. She is absolutely and totally shocked. She tells him that he must find a new place to live and otherwise expresses her anger. Later, she realizes that she needs Caleb’s help to find James, so she tells him the whole story. He has also explained why he hasn’t contacted her and why they faked his death. They decide to work together even though it will put Caleb’s life in danger.
Their search takes them to Spitalfields and Mayfair and into a lot of danger. Quite an exciting search.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss – 5-stars
This was my favorite of the three novellas. I adored Thomas and Raeni and as a couple they were perfect. Both were – or had been – slaves – and now they are both in England to find their freedom. They had a wonderful tale to tell and I loved reading about them.
Thomas Gaines was a slave in America in the Carolinas, where he worked in the tobacco fields. Through courage and good luck, he managed to escape to England and has never looked back. He taught himself to read, found employment and saved his money. Now, he is the very prosperous owner of several businesses including the just-opened business on Bond Street.
Raeni Sawyer is the daughter of an English landowner in Jamaica and his slave mistress. Raeni was raised well and was never in want for anything – but she was not free. When her circumstances changed, she fled Jamaica for England. Alone and penniless in London, she found work in Bond Street Coffee and Tobacco which was owned by Mr. Thomas Gaines.
Their meeting was tumultuous, but the attraction was instant and only developed over the coming days and weeks. Thomas turned out to be very considerate and caring and Raeni was capable and gentle. Each filled a need in the other, and it was delightful to see them come to care for each other.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/14/20
As always, this author's writing is excellent. I think you’ll enjoy these novellas.
Kisses and Scandal – 3-Stars
This was, by far, my least favorite of the three novellas simply because the premise is so very unlikely. The characters are very likable, the writing, of course, is solid, but a footman (that is a real footman not a peer in disguise) and a Duke’s daughter just didn’t resonate with me.
Lady Philomena (Phil) is the sister to the scandalous Duke of Mayne. Phil’s mother absolutely doesn’t approve of her brother’s recent marriage to a scandalous widow who is much older than he is, so she has every intention of assuring Phil marries well and scandal-free. She’s given Phil a deadline to either choose her own groom or one will be chosen for her. Unfortunately for Phil, the man she loves and wants to marry would provide nothing but scandal. He is, after all, a footman.
James Finnegan comes from the slums of Dublin and along with two of his friends, they have a plan to acquire a fortune and leave for the Americas. When James wants out of their plans, his friends decide to move along without him. James will do whatever it takes to keep Phil safe, but can he also keep her love?
The ending stretched my imagination even further than the overall premise of the story and I just couldn’t buy into the whole thing. It just felt contrived to me.
Counterfeit Scandal – 4-Stars
Bridget was working for the Home Office as a counterfeiter when she fell in love with Caleb who was a spy. Caleb left on a mission, a long and very dangerous mission – and he didn’t tell her he was going. Just as she learned she was expecting Caleb’s child, she was told that Caleb had died. She resigned from the Home Office and soon met a man who cared for her even though she didn’t love him in return. He was fine with her having Caleb’s child. So, she married him because she thought it would give her child a better life. Well – that was a mistake. Her husband was good to her and her son, James, but he was naïve when it came to money, so Bridget and her husband ended up in debtor’s prison. Rather than subject her young son (about 3 years old) to life inside the prison, she took him to a foundling home and told them she’d be back for him.
Several years later, her husband is dead and she’s out of prison with all debts paid. She’s been working at Miss Brodie’s Academy for a year and has saved up enough money to rent a room and to retrieve James from the orphanage. Except, the orphanage isn’t there anymore. It burned and nobody can tell her what happened to the orphans who lived there.
She rents the room with the intention of spending every spare minute looking for James. However, as she is leaving the home where she has rented the room, Caleb is entering the same home. She is absolutely and totally shocked. She tells him that he must find a new place to live and otherwise expresses her anger. Later, she realizes that she needs Caleb’s help to find James, so she tells him the whole story. He has also explained why he hasn’t contacted her and why they faked his death. They decide to work together even though it will put Caleb’s life in danger.
Their search takes them to Spitalfields and Mayfair and into a lot of danger. Quite an exciting search.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss – 5-stars
This was my favorite of the three novellas. I adored Thomas and Raeni and as a couple they were perfect. Both were – or had been – slaves – and now they are both in England to find their freedom. They had a wonderful tale to tell and I loved reading about them.
Thomas Gaines was a slave in America in the Carolinas, where he worked in the tobacco fields. Through courage and good luck, he managed to escape to England and has never looked back. He taught himself to read, found employment and saved his money. Now, he is the very prosperous owner of several businesses including the just-opened business on Bond Street.
Raeni Sawyer is the daughter of an English landowner in Jamaica and his slave mistress. Raeni was raised well and was never in want for anything – but she was not free. When her circumstances changed, she fled Jamaica for England. Alone and penniless in London, she found work in Bond Street Coffee and Tobacco which was owned by Mr. Thomas Gaines.
Their meeting was tumultuous, but the attraction was instant and only developed over the coming days and weeks. Thomas turned out to be very considerate and caring and Raeni was capable and gentle. Each filled a need in the other, and it was delightful to see them come to care for each other.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2020
Kisses and Scandal: A Survivors Series Anthology
Shana Galen
https://www.facebook.com/ShanaGalen/
Release date 04/14/2020
Global blurb :
You’ve met the men of the wildly popular Survivors series. Now meet the charming friends and relatives who walk the streets of London with them. Kisses and Scandal features three exciting novellas set in the Survivors’ world, including one never-before-published story.
✨ KISSES AND SCANDAL ✨
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne. She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves his lady but has a secret that won’t only break Philomena’s heart. It just might endanger her life.
My Review :
Will status and rank doom their burgeoning love, but can it overcome secrets and lies ...
I do remember Philomena from The Claiming of The Shrew, she was an ardent supporter of Catarina.
But today, her family’s renown seems to rest on her shoulders, so thinks her mother as she can’t reconcile with the idea her son and newly named duke has married a woman with scandal attached to her name.
And Phil wants nothing to do with her mother’s scheme to marry into a scandal free family as she has already found the right man, too bad he is a footman.
James knows he is dragging deceit and betrayal in his steps, still he will never regret the reason he came here as he met Phil. Still how to protect her and say her goodbye as she far above his poor carcass.
Kisses and Scandal is a lovely fast read displaying that love has nothing to do with rank and power, and if played right, it might overcome every trap set against it.
Phil is a charming heroine, she knows what she wants and accepts it might have a price, still she won’t backpedal. James came to believe he has no other choice if he wanted his own opportunity for a better life, his mad plan was made out of pain to give his kin a new beginning, he is misguided but he is kind and fair.
I even loved the dowager duchess, as she redeems her unkind words with her deeds.
4.5 stars for this cute tale of love with no frontier.
✨ COUNTERFEIT SCANDAL ✨
Now that Bridget Lavery is free from debtor’s prison, she wants to reunite with the son she had to give up. Caleb Harris is a man with a price on his head. Before he left for the war, he and Bridget had a passionate affair. Finding her again means everything to him, but loving her might just be too perilous for either of them.
My Review :
When two lovers reunite, will the past and the obstacles between them tear them one more time apart...
I haven’t read the linked novel, but it is of no importance as this story stands perfectly alone.
Both main characters are amazing peoples, they overcame so many traps and difficulties.
How Bridget manages to survive debtor’s prison and Caleb the bounty over his head and stay nice people, is simply tremendous.
Bridget did what she had too, there were few options allowed for a single pregnant woman, alas her choice left her with a bitter taste.
Caleb knew with his line of work nothing would be easy, and he paid a heavy price as there is no rest day for him, always on the run.
I loved there were no hard feelings when they rekindle, they are able to speak and sort things out.
It is a short and fast paced second chance tale, as they must decide what is worth to fight for.
4.5 stars for this story of going home.
✨ HOW TO BREW A PERFECT KISS ✨
Raeni Sawyer is penniless and alone in a foreign country. When she finds a job at a coffee shop on Bond Street, she hopes it's the beginning of a new life. Thomas Gaines is intrigued by his new server—until she spills coffee all over him. Despite her clumsiness, he sees her potential to be more. But will Raeni's treacherous past ruin their bright future?
My Review :
When a young woman on the run finds shelter with the one man she could love, do they have a future together...
First I must thanks Kristy Birch, as she might have a bit insisted for the author to give Thomas his own story.
It is not often I read about the colored people inhabiting London in the past.
Mrs Shana Galen offered Thomas and Raeni a lovely tale with a new beginning.
Thomas, in spite of his upbringing, was able to reshape himself in a successful business owner.
It even made him a person more able to see and understand to others in need. Why he immediately take Raeni under his wing, this and the instant chemistry he has felt when he has first seen her.
When his past could have made him bitter and wary of white men, he is a man who see people for who they are, regardless of people’s colors. He acknowledges only each one usefulness.
Raeni, contrary to Thomas, had never known what was her place in her home. Why she escaped when one too many decision was made for her.
She is courageous and generous as it might not have been easy to run to the unknown in a foreign country, yet even when left with nothing, she still try to help others as poorer as herself.
I just loved to see this foray in London’s life from the colored people side, as I have never read about it. I was not aware there were so many colored persons this early in time, and life might not have been easy for them, even if success smiled at them.
4.5 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Shana Galen
https://www.facebook.com/ShanaGalen/
Release date 04/14/2020
Global blurb :
You’ve met the men of the wildly popular Survivors series. Now meet the charming friends and relatives who walk the streets of London with them. Kisses and Scandal features three exciting novellas set in the Survivors’ world, including one never-before-published story.
✨ KISSES AND SCANDAL ✨
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne. She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves his lady but has a secret that won’t only break Philomena’s heart. It just might endanger her life.
My Review :
Will status and rank doom their burgeoning love, but can it overcome secrets and lies ...
I do remember Philomena from The Claiming of The Shrew, she was an ardent supporter of Catarina.
But today, her family’s renown seems to rest on her shoulders, so thinks her mother as she can’t reconcile with the idea her son and newly named duke has married a woman with scandal attached to her name.
And Phil wants nothing to do with her mother’s scheme to marry into a scandal free family as she has already found the right man, too bad he is a footman.
James knows he is dragging deceit and betrayal in his steps, still he will never regret the reason he came here as he met Phil. Still how to protect her and say her goodbye as she far above his poor carcass.
Kisses and Scandal is a lovely fast read displaying that love has nothing to do with rank and power, and if played right, it might overcome every trap set against it.
Phil is a charming heroine, she knows what she wants and accepts it might have a price, still she won’t backpedal. James came to believe he has no other choice if he wanted his own opportunity for a better life, his mad plan was made out of pain to give his kin a new beginning, he is misguided but he is kind and fair.
I even loved the dowager duchess, as she redeems her unkind words with her deeds.
4.5 stars for this cute tale of love with no frontier.
✨ COUNTERFEIT SCANDAL ✨
Now that Bridget Lavery is free from debtor’s prison, she wants to reunite with the son she had to give up. Caleb Harris is a man with a price on his head. Before he left for the war, he and Bridget had a passionate affair. Finding her again means everything to him, but loving her might just be too perilous for either of them.
My Review :
When two lovers reunite, will the past and the obstacles between them tear them one more time apart...
I haven’t read the linked novel, but it is of no importance as this story stands perfectly alone.
Both main characters are amazing peoples, they overcame so many traps and difficulties.
How Bridget manages to survive debtor’s prison and Caleb the bounty over his head and stay nice people, is simply tremendous.
Bridget did what she had too, there were few options allowed for a single pregnant woman, alas her choice left her with a bitter taste.
Caleb knew with his line of work nothing would be easy, and he paid a heavy price as there is no rest day for him, always on the run.
I loved there were no hard feelings when they rekindle, they are able to speak and sort things out.
It is a short and fast paced second chance tale, as they must decide what is worth to fight for.
4.5 stars for this story of going home.
✨ HOW TO BREW A PERFECT KISS ✨
Raeni Sawyer is penniless and alone in a foreign country. When she finds a job at a coffee shop on Bond Street, she hopes it's the beginning of a new life. Thomas Gaines is intrigued by his new server—until she spills coffee all over him. Despite her clumsiness, he sees her potential to be more. But will Raeni's treacherous past ruin their bright future?
My Review :
When a young woman on the run finds shelter with the one man she could love, do they have a future together...
First I must thanks Kristy Birch, as she might have a bit insisted for the author to give Thomas his own story.
It is not often I read about the colored people inhabiting London in the past.
Mrs Shana Galen offered Thomas and Raeni a lovely tale with a new beginning.
Thomas, in spite of his upbringing, was able to reshape himself in a successful business owner.
It even made him a person more able to see and understand to others in need. Why he immediately take Raeni under his wing, this and the instant chemistry he has felt when he has first seen her.
When his past could have made him bitter and wary of white men, he is a man who see people for who they are, regardless of people’s colors. He acknowledges only each one usefulness.
Raeni, contrary to Thomas, had never known what was her place in her home. Why she escaped when one too many decision was made for her.
She is courageous and generous as it might not have been easy to run to the unknown in a foreign country, yet even when left with nothing, she still try to help others as poorer as herself.
I just loved to see this foray in London’s life from the colored people side, as I have never read about it. I was not aware there were so many colored persons this early in time, and life might not have been easy for them, even if success smiled at them.
4.5 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
April 20, 2020
These were fun little novellas. The first one is about the sister of a duke and a footman who is not really a footman but working with the villains in a kidnapping plot.
The second story, Counterfeit Scandal, is about a woman who had an affair with a gentleman she worked with at the Home Office during the war. The gentleman had to go undercover and he just disappeared from Bridget’s life. Fast forward 10 years and Bridget is now a teacher and searching for her son that she had to give up before going to debtors prison with her husband six years ago. She runs into Caleb, the gentleman from the home office, who is shocked to learn he has a son but agrees to help Bridget find him.
Both stories were very good. I have a hard time with novellas because I feel like only half the story gets told and things always seem incomplete to me. That was not the case with this book. All three stories were fully formed. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
The second story, Counterfeit Scandal, is about a woman who had an affair with a gentleman she worked with at the Home Office during the war. The gentleman had to go undercover and he just disappeared from Bridget’s life. Fast forward 10 years and Bridget is now a teacher and searching for her son that she had to give up before going to debtors prison with her husband six years ago. She runs into Caleb, the gentleman from the home office, who is shocked to learn he has a son but agrees to help Bridget find him.
Both stories were very good. I have a hard time with novellas because I feel like only half the story gets told and things always seem incomplete to me. That was not the case with this book. All three stories were fully formed. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
February 17, 2021
I would have enjoyed this set of novellas more if I recalled these secondary characters from the previous books in the series.
March 14, 2021
Kisses and scandal
Lady Philomena is the daughter of a Duke, and she is crushing on a footman, who is Irish too, I mention this cos it felt very Downton Abbey. She likes him, he likes her, but oh no he is a footman! And has secrets. Yeah, he should have come clean, I wanted to hit him over the head, not cool.
There is some romance, some danger and a happily ever after. Because she does not take no for an answer.
Counterfit scandal
Bridget was in debtor's prison, now she is out and want to see her son again. Oh and her missing lover shows up too. So there is the search for their son, and them falling in love, and some danger since he is a spy. I quite liked it.
How to brew a perfect kiss
Like with the previous novella, I can't see how these fit into the survivors. I am sure they do, but how? Hmm. Like bigger than just meeting someone.
Anyway, Raeni meets Sawyer, there is lust. She is on the run (since this is a novella it is dealt with quickly at the end, and I do wonder what happens afterwards, is she truly safe?) Short and sweet. Happy endings for everyone.
Victoria Aston narrates as always and she does it well. I always enjoy her narrations
Lady Philomena is the daughter of a Duke, and she is crushing on a footman, who is Irish too, I mention this cos it felt very Downton Abbey. She likes him, he likes her, but oh no he is a footman! And has secrets. Yeah, he should have come clean, I wanted to hit him over the head, not cool.
There is some romance, some danger and a happily ever after. Because she does not take no for an answer.
Counterfit scandal
Bridget was in debtor's prison, now she is out and want to see her son again. Oh and her missing lover shows up too. So there is the search for their son, and them falling in love, and some danger since he is a spy. I quite liked it.
How to brew a perfect kiss
Like with the previous novella, I can't see how these fit into the survivors. I am sure they do, but how? Hmm. Like bigger than just meeting someone.
Anyway, Raeni meets Sawyer, there is lust. She is on the run (since this is a novella it is dealt with quickly at the end, and I do wonder what happens afterwards, is she truly safe?) Short and sweet. Happy endings for everyone.
Victoria Aston narrates as always and she does it well. I always enjoy her narrations
April 14, 2020
Novella collection with Survivor series tie-ins!!!
My favorite thing about this collection is that all the stories feature heroes who are commoners and in some cases not entirely on the right side of the law.
Kisses and Scandal features the younger sister of the Duke of Mayne, from a Duke a Dozen, and the footman she’s fallen in love with. Philomena and James found love nearly at first too bad he has some less than honorable friends and her mother isn’t interested in a love match for her daughter.
Counterfeit Scandal is the story of the parents of Jimmy, from No Earl’s Allowed in the Survivors Series. Bridget was forced to marry when Caleb was called to war and she found herself pregnant, a decision that led her to debtors prison and Jimmy to an orphanage. As she works to get Jimmy back she’s reunited with Caleb but in true Galen fashion there’s some intrigue, danger, and suspense before we get the HEA.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss: Thomas Gaines fled slavery and has built himself up to a thriving business owner. Raeni has also fled the auction block and is just looking to get lost in the London crowds, but what she finds is love. I’ve adored Thomas Gaines from his first moment on the page in a previous book and am so beyond happy for him to get his HEA!
My favorite thing about this collection is that all the stories feature heroes who are commoners and in some cases not entirely on the right side of the law.
Kisses and Scandal features the younger sister of the Duke of Mayne, from a Duke a Dozen, and the footman she’s fallen in love with. Philomena and James found love nearly at first too bad he has some less than honorable friends and her mother isn’t interested in a love match for her daughter.
Counterfeit Scandal is the story of the parents of Jimmy, from No Earl’s Allowed in the Survivors Series. Bridget was forced to marry when Caleb was called to war and she found herself pregnant, a decision that led her to debtors prison and Jimmy to an orphanage. As she works to get Jimmy back she’s reunited with Caleb but in true Galen fashion there’s some intrigue, danger, and suspense before we get the HEA.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss: Thomas Gaines fled slavery and has built himself up to a thriving business owner. Raeni has also fled the auction block and is just looking to get lost in the London crowds, but what she finds is love. I’ve adored Thomas Gaines from his first moment on the page in a previous book and am so beyond happy for him to get his HEA!
April 14, 2020
This is a delight for anyone who enjoys historical romance novellas! All three novellas are related to the Survivors series, but can stand alone. Two of the three have previously been published, but the first, Kisses and Scandal, is newly published. Kisses and Scandal also happens to be my personal favorite of the trio, but all three are enjoyable. This was such a treat to read because each story was strong, and even though they are novella length, the author created meaningful characters with true conflict and a satisfying resolution. I recommend this anthology!
April 18, 2020
Kisses and Scandals is not your typical Regency romance—it’s so much more!
Shana Galen’s novella has interesting characters, a storyline filled with secrets and a romance that sizzles off the pages. Loved the unlikely friends to lovers romance which developed between Lady Philomena and James.
After her London season, Phil knew she wanted to marry for love. Loved that Phil acknowledged to herself that she felt something different when James kissed her. James is a different type of hero. He kept me guessing during the entire story. James was kind and honorable but there was a bit of mystery to him. The secondary story was fabulous. Phil’s mother is determined to arrange a marriage for Phil while the couple is falling in love in front of her!
Shana Galen adds an element of suspense to the novel when James is forced to reveal a secret. This plot twist added a bit of drama to this well- paced novella. Loved that Lady Mayne saved the day for Phil and James—and of course the ending had a few surprises, too!
Counterfeit Scandal
Bridget Lavery met Caleb Harris when they worked together—she was a counterfeiter and he was spy. Caleb was sent on a mission and presumed dead. Bridget married when she realized that she was pregnant with Caleb’s child. She left her son at an orphanage when she was sent to debtors prison and promised him they would be reunited.
I loved this fast paced story. Bridget was determined to find her son and needs Caleb’s help to search for him. Caleb agrees to help Bridget even though it puts him in danger. Loved how the search reunited this couple who learned to trust and love each other again. And the nail biting conclusion—just perfect!
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
Shana Galen features Thomas Gaines and Raeni Sawyer in a fast paced novella. Loved that Thomas is a successful businessman and owns two coffee shops. Shana Galen blends Thomas’s wish to have his Bond street coffee shop succeed with his desire for Raeni perfectly.
Raeni escaped her family’s plantation because her father was going to sell her. She suspects she is being followed and this puts the couple in danger. The chemistry between the couple sizzles, there is intrigue and an important lesson about the value of freedom.
Loved the connection between the couple-the passion, the understanding and commitment. And the ending—truly romantic—just perfect.
If you are looking for a book to read during "the isolaton", these novella are a perfect choice. Shana Galen is a gifted and entertaining storyteller- this novel is filled with engaging characters, suspense filled stories and heartwarming romances!
Shana Galen’s novella has interesting characters, a storyline filled with secrets and a romance that sizzles off the pages. Loved the unlikely friends to lovers romance which developed between Lady Philomena and James.
After her London season, Phil knew she wanted to marry for love. Loved that Phil acknowledged to herself that she felt something different when James kissed her. James is a different type of hero. He kept me guessing during the entire story. James was kind and honorable but there was a bit of mystery to him. The secondary story was fabulous. Phil’s mother is determined to arrange a marriage for Phil while the couple is falling in love in front of her!
Shana Galen adds an element of suspense to the novel when James is forced to reveal a secret. This plot twist added a bit of drama to this well- paced novella. Loved that Lady Mayne saved the day for Phil and James—and of course the ending had a few surprises, too!
Counterfeit Scandal
Bridget Lavery met Caleb Harris when they worked together—she was a counterfeiter and he was spy. Caleb was sent on a mission and presumed dead. Bridget married when she realized that she was pregnant with Caleb’s child. She left her son at an orphanage when she was sent to debtors prison and promised him they would be reunited.
I loved this fast paced story. Bridget was determined to find her son and needs Caleb’s help to search for him. Caleb agrees to help Bridget even though it puts him in danger. Loved how the search reunited this couple who learned to trust and love each other again. And the nail biting conclusion—just perfect!
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
Shana Galen features Thomas Gaines and Raeni Sawyer in a fast paced novella. Loved that Thomas is a successful businessman and owns two coffee shops. Shana Galen blends Thomas’s wish to have his Bond street coffee shop succeed with his desire for Raeni perfectly.
Raeni escaped her family’s plantation because her father was going to sell her. She suspects she is being followed and this puts the couple in danger. The chemistry between the couple sizzles, there is intrigue and an important lesson about the value of freedom.
Loved the connection between the couple-the passion, the understanding and commitment. And the ending—truly romantic—just perfect.
If you are looking for a book to read during "the isolaton", these novella are a perfect choice. Shana Galen is a gifted and entertaining storyteller- this novel is filled with engaging characters, suspense filled stories and heartwarming romances!
April 10, 2020
Kisses and Scandal 4 Stars
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne. She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves his lady but has a secret that won’t only break Philomena’s heart. It just might endanger her life.
I must admit I had to suspend belief with this story about a Duke’s daughter & an Irish footman, I was expecting James to be working undercover & was waiting for his true identity to be revealed! Very well written with strong characters & it flowed effortlessly
Counterfeit Scandal 5 Stars
Now that Bridget Lavery is free from debtor’s prison, she wants to reunite with James, the son she had to give up. Caleb Harris is a man with a price on his head. Before he left for the war, he and Bridget had a passionate affair. Then she's told he's died but she's pregnant so marries only to have to give James up when she & her husband land in the Fleet prison. Years pass & when Bridget moves into a boarding house she thinks she’s seen a ghost but Caleb is certainly flesh & blood.
Fast paced, wonderful characters, a second chance story that touched my heart. I just loved everything about this short story, Caleb & Bridget were meant to be together & they once again rekindle their love whilst searching for James. A definite 5 star read
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss 5 Stars
When Raeni Sawyer's father, an English plantation owner in Jamaica, sold her, she ran away & her brothers hid her on the journey to England. She was robbed & almost at the end of her tether when she found employment at the Bond Street Coffee & Tobacco shop, Thomas Gaines' brand new establishment. Raeni’s first day doesn’t go well as she bumps into her employer & soaks him with coffee. She does fall on her feet when she becomes Thomas’ clerk
At last, Thomas Gaines' story! which I've been impatiently waiting for.
It’s not often I find a novella to be a 5 star read but this certainly was, as ever beautiful characterisations & I felt Bond Street came alive. I also loved a story about coloured ex slaves who had escaped to England & had become successful. The romance between Thomas & Raeni was lovely with the attraction being there from the start but the more they became acquainted the more it grew. A lovely read that I read in a sitting
Three well written stories & I read each one in a sitting. Well portrayed with characters who all had depth, I loved how they were connected to the Survivors.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne. She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves his lady but has a secret that won’t only break Philomena’s heart. It just might endanger her life.
I must admit I had to suspend belief with this story about a Duke’s daughter & an Irish footman, I was expecting James to be working undercover & was waiting for his true identity to be revealed! Very well written with strong characters & it flowed effortlessly
Counterfeit Scandal 5 Stars
Now that Bridget Lavery is free from debtor’s prison, she wants to reunite with James, the son she had to give up. Caleb Harris is a man with a price on his head. Before he left for the war, he and Bridget had a passionate affair. Then she's told he's died but she's pregnant so marries only to have to give James up when she & her husband land in the Fleet prison. Years pass & when Bridget moves into a boarding house she thinks she’s seen a ghost but Caleb is certainly flesh & blood.
Fast paced, wonderful characters, a second chance story that touched my heart. I just loved everything about this short story, Caleb & Bridget were meant to be together & they once again rekindle their love whilst searching for James. A definite 5 star read
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss 5 Stars
When Raeni Sawyer's father, an English plantation owner in Jamaica, sold her, she ran away & her brothers hid her on the journey to England. She was robbed & almost at the end of her tether when she found employment at the Bond Street Coffee & Tobacco shop, Thomas Gaines' brand new establishment. Raeni’s first day doesn’t go well as she bumps into her employer & soaks him with coffee. She does fall on her feet when she becomes Thomas’ clerk
At last, Thomas Gaines' story! which I've been impatiently waiting for.
It’s not often I find a novella to be a 5 star read but this certainly was, as ever beautiful characterisations & I felt Bond Street came alive. I also loved a story about coloured ex slaves who had escaped to England & had become successful. The romance between Thomas & Raeni was lovely with the attraction being there from the start but the more they became acquainted the more it grew. A lovely read that I read in a sitting
Three well written stories & I read each one in a sitting. Well portrayed with characters who all had depth, I loved how they were connected to the Survivors.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 14, 2020
Kisses and Scandal
This kind of pairing is the fairy tale we all love. The lady falling in love with the footman and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. This one has the added twist his secret puts her in danger and he must do whatever he can to protect her. I really loved how they seemed to click and it’s heartbreaking when the secret comes to light, but love wins in the end. It’s a quick and cute story that will have you giggling at her mother in the end.
Philomena is a strong woman that when she sets her mind on something she will have it. I loved that she never backed down from what she wanted or worried about the scandal. She also knew that her heart wanted him no matter what.
James joined the household as a footman for his part in a dangerous scheme, but meeting Philomena changed him and now he must protect her. I love that he was always the one worried about the scandal. There was never a doubt about his feelings for her.
Counterfeit Scandal
This one will suck you in from the start! The war tore them apart, but they were meant to be together. I loved that they worked together to find Jimmy and it brought them closer. There are a couple of scenes that had me holding my breath waiting to see what happened. The ending was perfect.
Bridget had a very hard life and her son his the driving force that keeps her going. I loved her right away with how honest she was with the girls about things. She put her anger aside and opened her heart again.
Caleb is always looking over his shoulder because his former work haunts him. I loved that he was determined to be honest with her and not hide anything again. He still wanted to protect her.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
I’ve loved Thomas since he appeared in An Affair With a Spare and was excited to see his story. There is heat between instantly and not just from the hot coffee on his pants. The dangers of the past weren’t going to keep them apart.
Raeni is a strong young woman that has fled from her home and is trying to make it on her own. I loved her right away with how brave she was and how smart she was.
Thomas will never think twice about helping someone that he knows needs helps. Add in that he loves the woman and he won’t stop at anything to protect her or help her.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
This kind of pairing is the fairy tale we all love. The lady falling in love with the footman and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. This one has the added twist his secret puts her in danger and he must do whatever he can to protect her. I really loved how they seemed to click and it’s heartbreaking when the secret comes to light, but love wins in the end. It’s a quick and cute story that will have you giggling at her mother in the end.
Philomena is a strong woman that when she sets her mind on something she will have it. I loved that she never backed down from what she wanted or worried about the scandal. She also knew that her heart wanted him no matter what.
James joined the household as a footman for his part in a dangerous scheme, but meeting Philomena changed him and now he must protect her. I love that he was always the one worried about the scandal. There was never a doubt about his feelings for her.
Counterfeit Scandal
This one will suck you in from the start! The war tore them apart, but they were meant to be together. I loved that they worked together to find Jimmy and it brought them closer. There are a couple of scenes that had me holding my breath waiting to see what happened. The ending was perfect.
Bridget had a very hard life and her son his the driving force that keeps her going. I loved her right away with how honest she was with the girls about things. She put her anger aside and opened her heart again.
Caleb is always looking over his shoulder because his former work haunts him. I loved that he was determined to be honest with her and not hide anything again. He still wanted to protect her.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
I’ve loved Thomas since he appeared in An Affair With a Spare and was excited to see his story. There is heat between instantly and not just from the hot coffee on his pants. The dangers of the past weren’t going to keep them apart.
Raeni is a strong young woman that has fled from her home and is trying to make it on her own. I loved her right away with how brave she was and how smart she was.
Thomas will never think twice about helping someone that he knows needs helps. Add in that he loves the woman and he won’t stop at anything to protect her or help her.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
May 6, 2020
I have enjoyed Shana's stories for years and to have three together, just makes it better!! Filled with emotion, intrigue and sparks flying everywhere!
Kisses and Scandal
Who doesn't like to see the love that develops between two people of a different class? Love doesn't care and that arrow goes where you least expect it! But will more than that keep them apart? A secret that comes to light?
Counterfeit Scandal
A new start can also bring up hidden secrets and when Bridget is finally free of debtor's prison she has to face her past and that means Caleb coming back in. Will these two be able to reunite their prior passion?
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
What do you do when you have few options and need money? Get a job where you can and that is what Raeni does at a coffee shop. Thomas comes to the coffee shop and is a little smitten with the new server until she spills coffee all over him. He soon sees she is much more but can she outrun her past?
Great stories not to be missed!
Kisses and Scandal
Who doesn't like to see the love that develops between two people of a different class? Love doesn't care and that arrow goes where you least expect it! But will more than that keep them apart? A secret that comes to light?
Counterfeit Scandal
A new start can also bring up hidden secrets and when Bridget is finally free of debtor's prison she has to face her past and that means Caleb coming back in. Will these two be able to reunite their prior passion?
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
What do you do when you have few options and need money? Get a job where you can and that is what Raeni does at a coffee shop. Thomas comes to the coffee shop and is a little smitten with the new server until she spills coffee all over him. He soon sees she is much more but can she outrun her past?
Great stories not to be missed!
April 16, 2020
Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne.
Lady Philomena was the Duchess of Mayne last chance to overcome the family scandal. After losing 4 sons who died mysteriously. Her remaining son Duke of Mayne marrying a older woman was the most sought after Merry widow.
Duchess was determine Philomena would have the most wonderful experience in London and marry well.
However Philomena didn't want to live her mother's life or dream.
She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves
Lady Philomena was the Duchess of Mayne last chance to overcome the family scandal. After losing 4 sons who died mysteriously. Her remaining son Duke of Mayne marrying a older woman was the most sought after Merry widow.
Duchess was determine Philomena would have the most wonderful experience in London and marry well.
However Philomena didn't want to live her mother's life or dream.
She’s beautiful and sought-after, but she’s made the mistake of falling in love with… the footman. James Finnegan loves
April 11, 2020
It was a great escape reading Kisses and Scandal: A Survivors Series Anthology. I love the Survivors series and I enjoyed reading the new novella Kisses and Scandal. It is fun to see what happens to characters related to previous heroes and heroines. I had read the other novellas in the past but I can re-read Shana Galen's writing over and over so I enjoyed reading Counterfeit Scandal & How to Brew a Perfect Kiss again. Wonderful entertainment!
April 11, 2020
This delightful anthology gives you three wonderfully entertaining novellas. I think what I really enjoyed about this collection of stories was that all the heroes were just regular guys. Do not get me wrong, I love a swoon worthy nobleman as much as anyone, but sometimes it's nice to have just a regular bloke get his shot at a HEA too. I thought that these very much against the odds romances were a very fun and entertaining way to spend an afternoon. This is my frank, freely posted review.
July 7, 2022
Despite Galen's generally solid writing, this is a very mixed bag. The first story is implausible, the second unreadable, and the third excellent. I'd say that evens out to a 3.
April 2, 2020
Kisses and Scandal
Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne (who has his own book, so good) and she knows her heart but can she convince James? And who is James but a footman in her house. Oh yes, we went there – the footman and the heiress. What I really liked about his story is that James is not some long lost peer or a high ranking spy. He is poor and for Phil to put that aside and to go against her mother (who does eventually turn around) is so beautiful.
Counterfeit Scandal
A second chance/reunion romance that will make you fall in love with Caleb and Bridget. This story is amazing and wonderful. From the moment they meet again you can feel the tension in the room. Then they begin the search for their son. You couldn’t wish for a happier ending. I wish it had been longer as I wanted to know more about their lives.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
This story was perfect. Thomas and Raeni were so in love with each other from the beginning. I love when the main characters are not the usual dukes and ladies. But these two were dukes and ladies all the same. I definitely wanted more of their story. A fascinating story.
Shana has done it again. All fantastic stories that tie in with the Survivor’s series.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne (who has his own book, so good) and she knows her heart but can she convince James? And who is James but a footman in her house. Oh yes, we went there – the footman and the heiress. What I really liked about his story is that James is not some long lost peer or a high ranking spy. He is poor and for Phil to put that aside and to go against her mother (who does eventually turn around) is so beautiful.
Counterfeit Scandal
A second chance/reunion romance that will make you fall in love with Caleb and Bridget. This story is amazing and wonderful. From the moment they meet again you can feel the tension in the room. Then they begin the search for their son. You couldn’t wish for a happier ending. I wish it had been longer as I wanted to know more about their lives.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss
This story was perfect. Thomas and Raeni were so in love with each other from the beginning. I love when the main characters are not the usual dukes and ladies. But these two were dukes and ladies all the same. I definitely wanted more of their story. A fascinating story.
Shana has done it again. All fantastic stories that tie in with the Survivor’s series.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
April 14, 2020
Three heartfelt stories that can represent the hero in all of us. These are about three ordinary couples trying to survive the people who want to hurt them. Shana Galen takes us to the other side of London where true heroes still exist. A Duke’s daughter who stands up to her mother and society and marries the footman she is in love. Two people who worked for the government during the wars who find each other again and also to make a new life and family. A runaway girl who finds love, protection and comfort with a black runaway slave, now a successful businessman in the city. All the couples have to overcome great odds in order to grasp the happiness they seek. These are all characters we have met in previous books which makes them familiar friends.
March 11, 2020
I have been a big fan of the survivors series by Shana Galen. I thought this was a great anthology of three stories. Kisses and Scandal is about Lady Philomena is the sister of the Duke of Mayne and James Finnegan loves her but it is a secret. The next story is Counterfeit Scandal about Bridget Lavery who is free from debtor’s prison and Caleb Harris is a man on the run. The last story is How to Brew a Perfect Kiss is about Raeni Sawyer is penniless and alone and works in a coffee shop. I loved each of these stories in their own way. The stories and characters were great. Plus it gave us three more of the survivors stories. I hope their is more to come from the survivors in the future.
March 9, 2020
Great read. Wonderful. I really, really enjoyed it.
March 5, 2020
I love how Shana makes sure her characters line up from book to book. It always leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more! I had read the 2nd and 3rd novella previously but enjoyed reading them again. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
February 23, 2020
Kisses and Scandal will capture your attention from the start. This romance seems to be doomed due to the differences in their station, but as it appears that nefarious things are happening, the romance is doubly doomed! Ms Galen weaves an interesting, roller coaster ride of a tale for Philomena’s HEA. Hold on to your hat and settle in for a riveting read!
The other two short stories in this anthology are also great reads. I’d read them both before and enjoyed every page once again. Counterfeit Scandal gives you a good insight into the plight of working people in that period, and the struggles and difficulties of the poor. How to Brew a Perfect Kiss is a sweet romance with a glimpse of life among the free (and not quite free) people of color.
Great writing and compelling characters, makes this author one of my favorites.
The other two short stories in this anthology are also great reads. I’d read them both before and enjoyed every page once again. Counterfeit Scandal gives you a good insight into the plight of working people in that period, and the struggles and difficulties of the poor. How to Brew a Perfect Kiss is a sweet romance with a glimpse of life among the free (and not quite free) people of color.
Great writing and compelling characters, makes this author one of my favorites.
April 14, 2020
Kisses and Scandal isn't your typical ''rich high society lady falls in love with the footman'' story. Although I do like those stories. There is a twist. Not just regular danger but shocking danger. Will Lady Philomena pay with her life for foolishly falling in love with James, the footman? Check it out to see!
April 14, 2020
This is a delightful book of three short stories in Shana Galen's Survivor series. I previously read and reviewed the 2nd and 3rd story in this book found in Mrs. Brodie's Academy For Exceptional Young Ladies and The Bachelors of Bond Street. My favorite of the three stories is the last, How To Brew a Perfect Kiss.
Kisses And Scandal is the new story and features Philomena Duncombe the younger sister of Phineas from A Duke A Dozen. Phil's mother has lost 4 sons and Phil is her last chance to have a marriage befitting the family. Phil has other ideas as she wants to marry the man she loves, their Irish footman James Finnegan. James has a secret. He's there to have the inside track to kidnap Phil for ransom so he and his dubious friends can book passage to America to start over and provide funds for their remaining families living in Dublin's slums. Unfortunately for his two friends James has also fallen in love with Phil and tries to protect her from this plan. His friends finally manage to kidnap her so he works to get her rescued. When all is said and done, Phil's mother is finally won over and manages to get James knighted and married. Not my favorite of the stories in this series.
Counterfeit Scandal was in Mrs. Brodies Academy For Exceptional Young Ladies. I read and reviewed it previously. This is about Bridget O'Brien Lavery one of the academy's teachers who is seeking her 8 year old son who was left in an orphanage while she got herself back on her feet. Unfortunately the orphanage closed and she can't find her son. She meets an old love, Caleb Harris who now is an undercover spy for the government who helps her locate her son who is with the Neil Wraxall & Juliana's orphanage from No Earls Allowed.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss is from The Bachelors Of Bond Street. This was my favorite story of the three. It's about Thomas Gaines a former Virginia slave who is now a merchant who once helped Rafe in An Affair With A Spare. He's opened a coffee shop and one of his new waitresses crashes into him gaining his attention. She's Raeni Sayer a slave daughter of a plantation owner in Jamaica. She's on the run from her dad because she doesn't want to marry the man he's chosen in Jamaica. Her Dad educated her and she ran his office on the plantation. Thomas see her intelligence and puts her to work in his office since he's in desperate need of help.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kisses And Scandal is the new story and features Philomena Duncombe the younger sister of Phineas from A Duke A Dozen. Phil's mother has lost 4 sons and Phil is her last chance to have a marriage befitting the family. Phil has other ideas as she wants to marry the man she loves, their Irish footman James Finnegan. James has a secret. He's there to have the inside track to kidnap Phil for ransom so he and his dubious friends can book passage to America to start over and provide funds for their remaining families living in Dublin's slums. Unfortunately for his two friends James has also fallen in love with Phil and tries to protect her from this plan. His friends finally manage to kidnap her so he works to get her rescued. When all is said and done, Phil's mother is finally won over and manages to get James knighted and married. Not my favorite of the stories in this series.
Counterfeit Scandal was in Mrs. Brodies Academy For Exceptional Young Ladies. I read and reviewed it previously. This is about Bridget O'Brien Lavery one of the academy's teachers who is seeking her 8 year old son who was left in an orphanage while she got herself back on her feet. Unfortunately the orphanage closed and she can't find her son. She meets an old love, Caleb Harris who now is an undercover spy for the government who helps her locate her son who is with the Neil Wraxall & Juliana's orphanage from No Earls Allowed.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss is from The Bachelors Of Bond Street. This was my favorite story of the three. It's about Thomas Gaines a former Virginia slave who is now a merchant who once helped Rafe in An Affair With A Spare. He's opened a coffee shop and one of his new waitresses crashes into him gaining his attention. She's Raeni Sayer a slave daughter of a plantation owner in Jamaica. She's on the run from her dad because she doesn't want to marry the man he's chosen in Jamaica. Her Dad educated her and she ran his office on the plantation. Thomas see her intelligence and puts her to work in his office since he's in desperate need of help.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 14, 2020
This is an anthology of three stories, all related to the Survivors series.
Kisses and Scandal: Lady Philomena, the sister of Phineas, the Duke of Mayne, has fallen in love. She wants to marry for love and not settle for anything less, but didn’t plan on falling in love with a footman. James Finnegan obtained his job as at the country home of Lady Philomena and her mother, planning a scheme with two fellow Irishmen to make money for their poor families. He never planned on falling in love with his lady. I didn’t care much for James at first, but he grew on me as the story went on. I didn’t see how this situation would ever work out for the mismatched pair, but loved the way it all turned out. And I enjoyed the bit at the end that set up the next story in the Survivor’s series, The Highlander’s Excellent Adventure, which is Duncan’s story.
Counterfeit Scandal: Bridget Lavery's life has been rough - after her lover disappeared and she was told he was dead, she marries a man she doesn’t love to give her child a father. Her husband's debts send them to debtors prison, so she leaves her child at an orphanage. Now a widow working at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and searching for her son, since the orphanage burned down with no trace of where the children were relocated, she's running out of hope. When her former lover returns from the dead, she enlists Caleb's help in finding their son. Although his life is in danger from his war activities, he agrees and the search is on. Of course there is intrigue and danger, as well as the heartbreaking ache for the child lost. I loved that the child is Jimmy from the orphanage featured in No Earls Allowed and I was happy to see a happy ending for him, as well as for his mother and father.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss: Thomas Gaines is a successful businessman, and his success is all the more sweet because he escaped from a life of slavery in America to England, where slavery is illegal. When Raeni Sawyer is hired at his new coffee and tobacco shop in London, he’s taken with her, even as he wonders how she came to be in London with nothing. He finally learns that she is the mulatto daughter of a plantation owner who has escaped to freedom in London from Jamaica. She was robbed of her money and belongings as soon as she came to London, and is need of some help. Of course there is some conflict and a bit of danger, but I was happy to see this unique couple figure out how to make it all work, since they were made for each other. This was my favorite of the three stories, I loved it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Kisses and Scandal: Lady Philomena, the sister of Phineas, the Duke of Mayne, has fallen in love. She wants to marry for love and not settle for anything less, but didn’t plan on falling in love with a footman. James Finnegan obtained his job as at the country home of Lady Philomena and her mother, planning a scheme with two fellow Irishmen to make money for their poor families. He never planned on falling in love with his lady. I didn’t care much for James at first, but he grew on me as the story went on. I didn’t see how this situation would ever work out for the mismatched pair, but loved the way it all turned out. And I enjoyed the bit at the end that set up the next story in the Survivor’s series, The Highlander’s Excellent Adventure, which is Duncan’s story.
Counterfeit Scandal: Bridget Lavery's life has been rough - after her lover disappeared and she was told he was dead, she marries a man she doesn’t love to give her child a father. Her husband's debts send them to debtors prison, so she leaves her child at an orphanage. Now a widow working at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and searching for her son, since the orphanage burned down with no trace of where the children were relocated, she's running out of hope. When her former lover returns from the dead, she enlists Caleb's help in finding their son. Although his life is in danger from his war activities, he agrees and the search is on. Of course there is intrigue and danger, as well as the heartbreaking ache for the child lost. I loved that the child is Jimmy from the orphanage featured in No Earls Allowed and I was happy to see a happy ending for him, as well as for his mother and father.
How to Brew a Perfect Kiss: Thomas Gaines is a successful businessman, and his success is all the more sweet because he escaped from a life of slavery in America to England, where slavery is illegal. When Raeni Sawyer is hired at his new coffee and tobacco shop in London, he’s taken with her, even as he wonders how she came to be in London with nothing. He finally learns that she is the mulatto daughter of a plantation owner who has escaped to freedom in London from Jamaica. She was robbed of her money and belongings as soon as she came to London, and is need of some help. Of course there is some conflict and a bit of danger, but I was happy to see this unique couple figure out how to make it all work, since they were made for each other. This was my favorite of the three stories, I loved it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 30, 2021
Kisses and Scandal:
Philomena refuses an offer of marriage from a Viscount, because she doesn't love him. She is in love with James, the Irish footman. I liked this best out of the three stories. A HEA.
Counterfeit Scandal:
Bridget had to give up her son whilst she was in debtor's prison. This story was a bit teary, especially when she finds her son. A lovely HEA.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss:
Rani is a runaway. She has no money, until she finds work in a coffee shop. I didn't like this story at all, although a HEA.
3.5☆
Philomena refuses an offer of marriage from a Viscount, because she doesn't love him. She is in love with James, the Irish footman. I liked this best out of the three stories. A HEA.
Counterfeit Scandal:
Bridget had to give up her son whilst she was in debtor's prison. This story was a bit teary, especially when she finds her son. A lovely HEA.
How To Brew A Perfect Kiss:
Rani is a runaway. She has no money, until she finds work in a coffee shop. I didn't like this story at all, although a HEA.
3.5☆
June 14, 2020
Vor allem die letzte Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Die hätte gerne etwas länger ausfallen können.
July 8, 2023
Three short stories, not bad.
March 29, 2020
This book contains 3 wonderful stories with characters you can't help but love! Each story tugs at your heart and you will find yourself cheering for their HEA. Although all 3 stories are novella length, Shana Galen knows how to pack a LOT of action, intrigue and passion in them.
I especially loved "Kisses and Scandal", Philomena and James' story, because their story is one of my favourite tropes....when the hero is below the heroine's station. I also enjoyed Bridget and Caleb's story "Counterfeit Scandal", they both go through so much before finding their HEA. I was bawling like a baby at the one scene when she has her son in her arms again after all those years!! As for "How to Brew a Perfect Kiss", I loved Thomas and Raeni's story and I'm soooo glad that slavery was illegal in England at that time!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I especially loved "Kisses and Scandal", Philomena and James' story, because their story is one of my favourite tropes....when the hero is below the heroine's station. I also enjoyed Bridget and Caleb's story "Counterfeit Scandal", they both go through so much before finding their HEA. I was bawling like a baby at the one scene when she has her son in her arms again after all those years!! As for "How to Brew a Perfect Kiss", I loved Thomas and Raeni's story and I'm soooo glad that slavery was illegal in England at that time!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 22, 2020
I requested an ARC, and these opinions are mine.
This is an anthology with two of the three stories having previously been published. This review will only focus on the new story - Kisses and Scandal - as the others have been done with their respective anthologies.
Kisses and Scandal is the story of Philomena - sister to the Duke of Mayne - and James - a footman who is more than he appears. Their love story fairly jumps off the page, and you can't help but root for them; especially when it looks like things have taken a turn against them.
I enjoyed getting to know Philomena, who seems to be a woman ahead of her time with her views on relationships between the classes. It's nice to see such progressive thoughts in the genre after so many years of simpering heroines who needed rescuing in every sense of the word. Philomena shows she is capable of rescuing herself - literally - and knows her own mind.
As for James, he is clearly a victim of prior circumstance, and his relationship with Philomena is his saving grace. He's clearly a man of honor, even when driven to do things less than honorable. He's the perfect compliment to Philomena, and his love for her is evident in every action.
Overall, this is another great addition to the Survivors series, and I think it would work well on it's own.
This is an anthology with two of the three stories having previously been published. This review will only focus on the new story - Kisses and Scandal - as the others have been done with their respective anthologies.
Kisses and Scandal is the story of Philomena - sister to the Duke of Mayne - and James - a footman who is more than he appears. Their love story fairly jumps off the page, and you can't help but root for them; especially when it looks like things have taken a turn against them.
I enjoyed getting to know Philomena, who seems to be a woman ahead of her time with her views on relationships between the classes. It's nice to see such progressive thoughts in the genre after so many years of simpering heroines who needed rescuing in every sense of the word. Philomena shows she is capable of rescuing herself - literally - and knows her own mind.
As for James, he is clearly a victim of prior circumstance, and his relationship with Philomena is his saving grace. He's clearly a man of honor, even when driven to do things less than honorable. He's the perfect compliment to Philomena, and his love for her is evident in every action.
Overall, this is another great addition to the Survivors series, and I think it would work well on it's own.
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