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Colors of Scandal #5
Graced in Scarlet
Finding love on Valentine’s Day is an impossible feat without a little scandal to start things off.
It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly thirty. Tired of the pitying glances, she means to have a husband before her upcoming birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him.
Mr. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. What he doesn’t need is scandal in the form of an enchanting daughter of the house, who is bound to fall in trouble and take him with her, especially if he can’t control his budding awareness of her.
As the annual Valentine’s Day birthday masquerade approaches, an ill-advised and equally illicit romance springs between Grace and Harrison. While she’s curious and determined, he’s cautious and wondering, but neither can ignore the heat or desire between them. When a premature unmasking goes awry and scandal is the order of the night, they’ll both have to decide what’s more valuable—reputation, status, or love.
It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly thirty. Tired of the pitying glances, she means to have a husband before her upcoming birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him.
Mr. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. What he doesn’t need is scandal in the form of an enchanting daughter of the house, who is bound to fall in trouble and take him with her, especially if he can’t control his budding awareness of her.
As the annual Valentine’s Day birthday masquerade approaches, an ill-advised and equally illicit romance springs between Grace and Harrison. While she’s curious and determined, he’s cautious and wondering, but neither can ignore the heat or desire between them. When a premature unmasking goes awry and scandal is the order of the night, they’ll both have to decide what’s more valuable—reputation, status, or love.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
13 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
337 books273 followersSandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 7, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
What a truly engaging and unique Regency romance! The love story of an upper-class girl falling for a lowly butler is told with originality and flair!
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
What a truly engaging and unique Regency romance! The love story of an upper-class girl falling for a lowly butler is told with originality and flair!
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 11, 2021
It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly thirty & she means to have a husband before her milestone birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. As the annual Valentine’s Day birthday masquerade approaches, an ill-advised and equally illicit romance springs between Grace and Harrison.
This is the fifth book in the series & is very easily read as a standalone. A well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved the efficient Harrison who was drawn to twin Grace. It took me some time to warm to Grace as I found her to be spoilt, selfish & very immature, she acted like a young debutante rather than a spinster nearing thirty but then she was so kind to a footman that my opinion began to shift & the more I read the more I realised there was far more to her than her 'society face'. I did love how their relationship developed & I loved the chemistry even though they fought it. I’m not a lover of cross class romances but after a shaky start this turned into an engrossing read, I loved how Harrison fought for Grace
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fifth book in the series & is very easily read as a standalone. A well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved the efficient Harrison who was drawn to twin Grace. It took me some time to warm to Grace as I found her to be spoilt, selfish & very immature, she acted like a young debutante rather than a spinster nearing thirty but then she was so kind to a footman that my opinion began to shift & the more I read the more I realised there was far more to her than her 'society face'. I did love how their relationship developed & I loved the chemistry even though they fought it. I’m not a lover of cross class romances but after a shaky start this turned into an engrossing read, I loved how Harrison fought for Grace
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 13, 2021
This book was exceptionally swoon-worthy and it's one of the best Historical romances I've read for some time. Our hero, Harrison, is a Butler - yes! - finally... He's also a retired army Captain, wounded during the war with France. Lady Grace is the Earl's 30 year old spinster daughter. It's beautifully written (as usual by this author), with a slow burn romance and the Historical details are excellent. There are steamy romance scenes and you can really feel the connection between the H/h. Loved it. 5 stars. 🥰💖
PS - I hope there's a book starring Grace's twin Patience - I'd love to read her story. 🙂
PS - I hope there's a book starring Grace's twin Patience - I'd love to read her story. 🙂
June 13, 2021
Lady Grace is a flight almost 30 year-old whose one goal is to find a husband before the Valentine Party her father, Earl of Hampstead, is throwing. Grace's twin sister, Patience, is pushed into the background because she is considered a disgrace to the family. She had the misfortune of discovering carnal pleasures with a man who, when she became pregnant, denied he'd even been with her. Harrison Conrad is the newly-hired butler who served with the Earl in the war and actually saved his life. He is a no nonsense employee who finds the forward and impetuous Lady Grace a nightmare. With her pushing into his room, asking him personal questions and ordering him to give her information about a man she wants to wed, he is entirely out of his comfort zone. But Lady Grace isn't the woman she appears to be and is hiding a side that is never let out because it's not what her parents expect of her. When she asks Harrison to help her prepare for what it will be like to be with a man, he's mortified! She doesn't give up and it's only a matter of time before their strong attraction must be addressed. It's truly delightful and poignant to watch this humble man lower his guard and take her under his figurative wing. Her kindness and goodheartedness are a pleasant surprise to Harrison and the rest of the family's staff. At the Valentine ball, Grace dances with Harrison, unrecognizable because of his mask mask, and her parents are scandalized. But neither Harrison nor Grace are going to stand by without fighting for their love. A lesson is learned within the family and the HEA is both passionate and sweet.
Daniella Rose does an exemplary job narrating with a dynamic voice that imbues each character with an individual personality.
Daniella Rose does an exemplary job narrating with a dynamic voice that imbues each character with an individual personality.
February 14, 2023
As much as I loved this forbidden novella about an unmarried almost 30-year-old Grace and her new butler Harrison, I’d prefer it more if this book was shorter. It’s 187 pages long which is fine if this is a separate book but as part of an anthology and if there are so many authors in it I expect it to be short and to the point.
Grace is an annoying character for her age and I hated how she used her superiority to use Harrison. Everything is ”do this or I’ll have to order you”. It removes the chemistry between those two very quickly. This would pass if she was a widow with a lot of money and he would take this as a challenge (I’d SO LOVE to read this) but as a spinster twin she seemed like a petulant child and since there was such a class difference… well… I wasn’t impressed. So that’s why with every page it was harder to read it.
Otherwise, this would be a really great story. For the forbidden trope, this would be a 5/5 but the execution was bad so it’s 3/5, the smut was at a 3.5/5 level.
Grace is an annoying character for her age and I hated how she used her superiority to use Harrison. Everything is ”do this or I’ll have to order you”. It removes the chemistry between those two very quickly. This would pass if she was a widow with a lot of money and he would take this as a challenge (I’d SO LOVE to read this) but as a spinster twin she seemed like a petulant child and since there was such a class difference… well… I wasn’t impressed. So that’s why with every page it was harder to read it.
Otherwise, this would be a really great story. For the forbidden trope, this would be a 5/5 but the execution was bad so it’s 3/5, the smut was at a 3.5/5 level.
January 13, 2021
Lady Grace Norrington has not married and is fast-approaching her 30th birthday. She is determined to line up a husband before her birthday, no matter what it takes. A Valentine’s Day masquerade was planned by Grace’s father to celebrate Grace and Patience’s birthday. At midnight everyone would unmask and reveal their identity. Grace still wants to know passion, no matter how jaded her sister seems about it.
When Grace’s father, the Earl of Hampstead, hires handsome Harrison Conrad, who had served under the Earl in the war and whose references were excellent, as their new butler, Grace decides to make use of the butler’s services. She followed him down to his room and pushed her way inside, making him very uncomfortable. She asked questions about his former employer whom she heard might be looking for a wife, but he refused to discuss the man with her. Her lack of boundaries would be a problem if he didn’t stop it at once, so he led her out and closed and locked his door.
Grace orders Harrison to help her in preparing to carry out her marriage goal by teaching her about kissing. She ignores the fact that she jeopardizes his job and that he is not comfortable going against his own moral code and breaking rules. But she will have her way at all costs.
The night of the masquerade was going very well. Harrison’s former employer, Lord Amesbury, had arrived and, when he’d spotted Harrison, he asked for information on what costume the lady wore. The marquess obviously had an agenda for the evening, and Harrison did not want to stick around and watch the flirting and dancing, nor Lord Amesbury’s scandalous behavior. But when Harrison, now in costume, was on the terrace with Grace later, they were caught by her father and Harrison was forced to unmask. His future was probably very bleak at this point. And what would happen to Grace?
When Grace’s father, the Earl of Hampstead, hires handsome Harrison Conrad, who had served under the Earl in the war and whose references were excellent, as their new butler, Grace decides to make use of the butler’s services. She followed him down to his room and pushed her way inside, making him very uncomfortable. She asked questions about his former employer whom she heard might be looking for a wife, but he refused to discuss the man with her. Her lack of boundaries would be a problem if he didn’t stop it at once, so he led her out and closed and locked his door.
Grace orders Harrison to help her in preparing to carry out her marriage goal by teaching her about kissing. She ignores the fact that she jeopardizes his job and that he is not comfortable going against his own moral code and breaking rules. But she will have her way at all costs.
The night of the masquerade was going very well. Harrison’s former employer, Lord Amesbury, had arrived and, when he’d spotted Harrison, he asked for information on what costume the lady wore. The marquess obviously had an agenda for the evening, and Harrison did not want to stick around and watch the flirting and dancing, nor Lord Amesbury’s scandalous behavior. But when Harrison, now in costume, was on the terrace with Grace later, they were caught by her father and Harrison was forced to unmask. His future was probably very bleak at this point. And what would happen to Grace?
February 7, 2024
Hero Deserved Better; Heroine Awful
Over the past couple of years, I have read a number of historical romances by this author. Especially in the beginning, I enjoyed her works immensely. I haven't been as impressed with most books I've read in her Colors of Scandal series, of which this is one. Out of all the books I’ve read in that series, this book is the one I’ve liked the least because of the heroine. Authors should be careful to not make their heroines (and heroes) too unlikable. This heroine was too unlikable for far too long. Also, she came across as rather vapid, superficial, inconsiderate, and sometimes even cruel. Although her twin sister has been suffering for 3 years because of a scandal that ruined her reputation, ditzy Grace is hankering for a scandal of her own and to experience intimacy even if it is outside of marriage—a massive no-no in Regency times, even if you are approaching 30—although her sister tries her best to warn her away from it. Grace keeps mentioning it over and over at the beginning of the book. She's also pushy and demanding. She has no sense of boundaries or kindness towards others, except perhaps her twin sister (who does have a tragic story). I actually felt sorry for the hero of this book, as he was a decent man, a wounded warrior (a favorite hero type of mine) with a strong moral compass. Honestly, he deserved a better heroine. The heroine did have a moment of personal insight—that honestly seems to be out of character—that changed things around, but the author waited too long to get there. If you don't mind stupid, brassy, and inconsiderate heroines, you might enjoy this book more than I did.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Over the past couple of years, I have read a number of historical romances by this author. Especially in the beginning, I enjoyed her works immensely. I haven't been as impressed with most books I've read in her Colors of Scandal series, of which this is one. Out of all the books I’ve read in that series, this book is the one I’ve liked the least because of the heroine. Authors should be careful to not make their heroines (and heroes) too unlikable. This heroine was too unlikable for far too long. Also, she came across as rather vapid, superficial, inconsiderate, and sometimes even cruel. Although her twin sister has been suffering for 3 years because of a scandal that ruined her reputation, ditzy Grace is hankering for a scandal of her own and to experience intimacy even if it is outside of marriage—a massive no-no in Regency times, even if you are approaching 30—although her sister tries her best to warn her away from it. Grace keeps mentioning it over and over at the beginning of the book. She's also pushy and demanding. She has no sense of boundaries or kindness towards others, except perhaps her twin sister (who does have a tragic story). I actually felt sorry for the hero of this book, as he was a decent man, a wounded warrior (a favorite hero type of mine) with a strong moral compass. Honestly, he deserved a better heroine. The heroine did have a moment of personal insight—that honestly seems to be out of character—that changed things around, but the author waited too long to get there. If you don't mind stupid, brassy, and inconsiderate heroines, you might enjoy this book more than I did.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
February 26, 2023
Grace Norrington…a twin to Patience, dislikes the cold, nearing thirty and unmarried. Harrison Conrad…the new butler for the Earl of Hamstead, former soldier, his new employer is his former commanding officer. Well well, the h is not a blushing debutante. The h is looking for excitement and adventure, even though her sister is warning her off of it. Man the h’s twin does not sugar coat her words at times, hehehe. The h appears to be very spoiled and has no concept of personal boundaries. The H has immediately acknowledged his attraction to the h but is one who strictly follows social classes dictates. The h is determined to have her way. The h imaginings are too funny. Uh oh, the H is in trouble because the h has set a plan to bend him to her will. I’m not sure how I feel about the tactics used by the h, hmmm. Now, she wants to think about her actions and some how blame the H for not liking her commands tsk tsk tsk. I know it seems like I’m bashing the h and letting the H get away but even though he is older she is higher on a social scale. Ok finally the h is seeing the world and her behavior in a different light, but it may be too late. This family cannot catch a break from scandals. The H is not giving up, it seems he has adopted some of the determination from the h, LOL. A nice story about love between different classes. I hope the twin sister has a love story as well. There is adult language and some steam.
Steam one, two
Steam one, two
April 26, 2021
I stumbled across this book and found the blurb intriguing and I really enjoyed it. To start I have to say that this storyline held a great amount of appeal for me. The status difference between the main characters made things extra interesting, intense and emotional. I found Harrison immensely likable and quite swoon worthy. I felt that the inner turmoil he struggled with came through quite well and I felt plenty of sympathy for him as he struggled with what his head knew and what his heart wanted. I wish I could say that Grace was as easy to like and connect with but in my opinion, she was not. Now, please do not get me wrong. I didn't hate her but I did find her a bit off-putting to start and so, it took me time to warm to her, which I did. However, I admit to still having lingering pet peeves and major frustrations with her. Despite that, I did though, love these two as a couple. Their attraction was so powerful and their chemistry so tangible, that I found it impossible not to be rooting for them. All in all, a very enjoyable book.
January 23, 2021
Graced in Scarlet
I loved this book. It told a story of twin sisters who were almost 30, both still lived at home, where Father was an Earl and Mum being The Lady of the house.Patience one of the twins had had a really bad time and had let her family down. Grace the other twin, had not had relations with a man and had decided that she would meet a prospective husband by the time of her birthday.
Father had employed another butler and his arrival and who his last employer was intrigued her
Grace then harassed the Butler to try and get information from him About his last employer who was a member of the ton but he was reluctant to say much about him.
It was a very entertaining book and had loving and passion and Care and unity in the story. I enjoyed this book immensely and loved the family, loved the house staff , loved the twins. Can’t wait for the next book to arrive.
I loved this book. It told a story of twin sisters who were almost 30, both still lived at home, where Father was an Earl and Mum being The Lady of the house.Patience one of the twins had had a really bad time and had let her family down. Grace the other twin, had not had relations with a man and had decided that she would meet a prospective husband by the time of her birthday.
Father had employed another butler and his arrival and who his last employer was intrigued her
Grace then harassed the Butler to try and get information from him About his last employer who was a member of the ton but he was reluctant to say much about him.
It was a very entertaining book and had loving and passion and Care and unity in the story. I enjoyed this book immensely and loved the family, loved the house staff , loved the twins. Can’t wait for the next book to arrive.
January 12, 2021
Lady Grace has expectations of making a match with a gentleman with a title. Her parents encourage the match to overshadow her twin sister's indiscretion. All that eventually changes when the handsome new butler, Harrison Conrad, arrives. Grace can't stay away from ordering him to teach her about kissing and life. Within a few days they are meeting at night when everyone is asleep. Whatever Grace demands, Harrison is willing to give, until the night of the Birthday Valentine Ball. In the beginning I didn't really like Grace. She was so focused on the superficial. As the relationship grows between her and Harrison, she definitely redeemed herself. At first I leaned toward 4 stars, but by the time I finished the book, I gave it 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2021
Will she get her wish?
I love the cover of this book the lady looks like she is a bit of a devil. Our lady Grace Norrington's birthday is coming soon now if that was not bad enough she will be 30 and unmarried. In the setting she lives in that is not good. So she makes a plan to take care of this little problem before her birthday. Now Harrison Conrad, a masquerade ball, and a bit of scandal enter into the picture and things become very interesting. I really enjoyed the story the characters had good depth to them and show their humanness in a wonderful way. I liked that the characters are older not that one of them is not a bit selfish but that changes so the growth was great to read. This was a well-written piece that was a highly entertaining read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I love the cover of this book the lady looks like she is a bit of a devil. Our lady Grace Norrington's birthday is coming soon now if that was not bad enough she will be 30 and unmarried. In the setting she lives in that is not good. So she makes a plan to take care of this little problem before her birthday. Now Harrison Conrad, a masquerade ball, and a bit of scandal enter into the picture and things become very interesting. I really enjoyed the story the characters had good depth to them and show their humanness in a wonderful way. I liked that the characters are older not that one of them is not a bit selfish but that changes so the growth was great to read. This was a well-written piece that was a highly entertaining read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 22, 2022
It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly thirty. Tired of the pitying glances, she means to have a husband before her upcoming birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him.
Mr. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. What he doesn’t need is scandal in the form of an enchanting daughter of the house, who is bound to fall in trouble and take him with her, especially if he can’t control his budding awareness of her.
She loves the butler and he loves her. How can this inconceivable romance end.
Sandra Sookoo has written another winner.
Mr. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. What he doesn’t need is scandal in the form of an enchanting daughter of the house, who is bound to fall in trouble and take him with her, especially if he can’t control his budding awareness of her.
She loves the butler and he loves her. How can this inconceivable romance end.
Sandra Sookoo has written another winner.
January 16, 2021
Grace is going on thirty and unmarried. Grace starts out a little rude and pushy. They get a new butler and Grace pushes herself on him to give details about his old employer and then to teach her about kissing. Harrison is afraid of losing his job and was not happy with Grace. As time goes by that changes. When Grace and her sister Patience turn thirty there will be a masquerade. Grace hopes to have a proposal by then. A good match with maybe an Earl. She is caught in a compromising position and all bets are off. I absolutely loved this book. The way Grace changed and evolved. The love that grows. The characters are wonderful, and the story flowed really well. I just loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2021
Not my cup of tea.
DNF
Couldn't get past Regency spinster/sisters/twin speaking about sex in 21st Century cadence. The heroine, Grace, seemed to be pretty unlikable. she also appeared to have a nice sister/mean sister thing going. I couldn't connect to her disagreeable personality. Jumping to the end of the story didn't help either, so I quit.
Time/Place: 21st Century Regency England
Sensuality: I have no idea.
DNF
Couldn't get past Regency spinster/sisters/twin speaking about sex in 21st Century cadence. The heroine, Grace, seemed to be pretty unlikable. she also appeared to have a nice sister/mean sister thing going. I couldn't connect to her disagreeable personality. Jumping to the end of the story didn't help either, so I quit.
Time/Place: 21st Century Regency England
Sensuality: I have no idea.
June 18, 2024
I liked this book, but not as much as others by Ms. Sookoo. I guess the characters weren't as interesting as some others. Pretty much the whole book was just the two main characters. Grace's parents were in it a little bit and her twin sister, Patience, hardly at all. I found it a little beyond belief that a young lady of the ton would start an affair with her butler. The ending was not bad.
May 6, 2021
Delightful twist to a Regency Romance. Sweet story with wonderful characters, 2 POV, Standalone, HEA, narrator did amazing.
February 15, 2023
This book was hard to get into because of Grace's character. She was spoiled and unlikable at the beginning. It was an okay read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews