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Spirited Spinsters #2
A Whiff of Scandal
To save her family, she’ll risk ruin...
Most ladies dream of finding a husband, but Daphne knows no knight is coming to save her and her sister from genteel poverty. She plans to make and sell perfumes to the Ton using the persona of Lady Spellwater to create allure and protect their reputation.
But when she discovers a devilishly handsome man is hunting Lady Spellwater, all her well-laid plans unravel.
To catch a thief, he’ll risk his empire...
Hugh, Earl Mandeville is hunting Lady Spellwater to recover a rare and expensive ingredient she uses that is being stolen from his family business, before that business collapses. He has her scent and is determined to have her lead him to the thieves.
But when Hugh finally tracks her down, he finds the beautiful and spirited Lady Spellwater irresistible.
Now that he has caught his perfumer, he must figure out how he can keep her forever. Especially when he thinks it is her father who is the thief. Is it possible to choose between justice and love?
A Whiff of Scandal is a sweet Regency romance.
Most ladies dream of finding a husband, but Daphne knows no knight is coming to save her and her sister from genteel poverty. She plans to make and sell perfumes to the Ton using the persona of Lady Spellwater to create allure and protect their reputation.
But when she discovers a devilishly handsome man is hunting Lady Spellwater, all her well-laid plans unravel.
To catch a thief, he’ll risk his empire...
Hugh, Earl Mandeville is hunting Lady Spellwater to recover a rare and expensive ingredient she uses that is being stolen from his family business, before that business collapses. He has her scent and is determined to have her lead him to the thieves.
But when Hugh finally tracks her down, he finds the beautiful and spirited Lady Spellwater irresistible.
Now that he has caught his perfumer, he must figure out how he can keep her forever. Especially when he thinks it is her father who is the thief. Is it possible to choose between justice and love?
A Whiff of Scandal is a sweet Regency romance.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2020
53 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Chalmers
8 books23 followersLeft alone in the library at an early age, Robyn Chalmers discovered that reading could pass the time until her parents remembered where they had left her. Now she escapes into her own books until somebody pulls her out of her office and feeds her coffee and cake.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2021
So much mystery about Daphne’s father and why Hugh is set on pursuing Lady Spellwater. I enjoyed this book very much.
August 29, 2021
Wickedly Fun Regency Romp
Regency is my absolute favorite subgenre of romance. I will admit, though, I often find the plots and even the characters too similar between authors and sometimes the same author’s own works. That's why I am so delighted by this book as it feels so fresh compared to what I’ve read lately. One could say that it offers a “whiff” of fresh air—pun intended!—in what can often be a stale genre The heroine and her sister are down on their luck because their father is the ne’er-do-well grandson of a viscount who went into trade instead of some more gentlemanly pursuit. After being fleeced and put into debtors' prison by a former business partner, he and his daughters still have not recovered and are living in genteel poverty. What I loved about the heroine is that she seems very realistic, a curious combination of quirks, sass, and attitudes that don't always go together, much as they don't in real life. She has a great awareness and sense of self (love the interior monologue and her take on what’s happening around her) and doesn't take herself too seriously all the time, as heroines in historical romances often tend to do. Yes, she's passionate about perfumes and wishes she could openly run a business like a man, but she also has a sense of duty to her sister that plays havoc with her choices. The hero often takes himself too seriously, but seen to the heroine’s eyes—and sometimes even his—we can find him more humorous. This is a romantic suspense on several levels, as the heroine is keeping a pretty big secret from the hero... her identity as a mysterious perfumer. There's also the largest suspense of the book—much of the hero’s business inventory is being stolen—sometimes even as it travels the short distance between the docks and his warehouse. Is it her erstwhile father? One thing I loved about this book is that the author actually gives each chapter a proper title, and they're usually quite amusing as well as telling, like chapter 12, “In Which the Opera is Entertaining for All the Wrong Reasons.” If you're looking for something a little different with your historical romances, look no further than this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Regency is my absolute favorite subgenre of romance. I will admit, though, I often find the plots and even the characters too similar between authors and sometimes the same author’s own works. That's why I am so delighted by this book as it feels so fresh compared to what I’ve read lately. One could say that it offers a “whiff” of fresh air—pun intended!—in what can often be a stale genre The heroine and her sister are down on their luck because their father is the ne’er-do-well grandson of a viscount who went into trade instead of some more gentlemanly pursuit. After being fleeced and put into debtors' prison by a former business partner, he and his daughters still have not recovered and are living in genteel poverty. What I loved about the heroine is that she seems very realistic, a curious combination of quirks, sass, and attitudes that don't always go together, much as they don't in real life. She has a great awareness and sense of self (love the interior monologue and her take on what’s happening around her) and doesn't take herself too seriously all the time, as heroines in historical romances often tend to do. Yes, she's passionate about perfumes and wishes she could openly run a business like a man, but she also has a sense of duty to her sister that plays havoc with her choices. The hero often takes himself too seriously, but seen to the heroine’s eyes—and sometimes even his—we can find him more humorous. This is a romantic suspense on several levels, as the heroine is keeping a pretty big secret from the hero... her identity as a mysterious perfumer. There's also the largest suspense of the book—much of the hero’s business inventory is being stolen—sometimes even as it travels the short distance between the docks and his warehouse. Is it her erstwhile father? One thing I loved about this book is that the author actually gives each chapter a proper title, and they're usually quite amusing as well as telling, like chapter 12, “In Which the Opera is Entertaining for All the Wrong Reasons.” If you're looking for something a little different with your historical romances, look no further than this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
July 20, 2024
What I Liked:
I loved the effect of extra attention being paid to olfactory senses throughout the book. As a perfume artist, I suspect the FMC, Daphne, would notice all the smells around her more keenly than an average person, so it helped hone in on events from her perspective.
What Bothered Me:
I got confused a couple of times because I found it challenging to keep track on whether the MMC, Hugh, suspected the true identify of Daphne's alter ego or was convinced against it.
Overall:
A Whiff of Scandal delivers on being a sweet (read not spicy) Regency romance and I think it's great that it was marketed as just that. There's nothing worse than being surprised by the heat level of book in either direction. Like other books in the genre, it questions societal expectations, like whether it acceptable to actively participate in trade for those in the upper echelons of society, but the characters aren't trying to bring about large scale change. I will note that this is the second book of the Spirited Spinsters series, but they are all stand alones and it had no impact whatsoever that I haven't read the first book yet.
I loved the effect of extra attention being paid to olfactory senses throughout the book. As a perfume artist, I suspect the FMC, Daphne, would notice all the smells around her more keenly than an average person, so it helped hone in on events from her perspective.
What Bothered Me:
I got confused a couple of times because I found it challenging to keep track on whether the MMC, Hugh, suspected the true identify of Daphne's alter ego or was convinced against it.
Overall:
A Whiff of Scandal delivers on being a sweet (read not spicy) Regency romance and I think it's great that it was marketed as just that. There's nothing worse than being surprised by the heat level of book in either direction. Like other books in the genre, it questions societal expectations, like whether it acceptable to actively participate in trade for those in the upper echelons of society, but the characters aren't trying to bring about large scale change. I will note that this is the second book of the Spirited Spinsters series, but they are all stand alones and it had no impact whatsoever that I haven't read the first book yet.
January 11, 2024
A Wonderful Aroma of Love
This sweet story can be enjoyed by teens and adults as a clean, wholesome and entertaining read. As an artist and musician I find many novels can focus on those talents but the sense of smell truly is underappreciated. Daphne faces many challenges. Where is her father? Has he come to harm? She and her sister try hard to find food only to find that troubles easily multiply when an old friend enters her life to accuse her of such terrible acts. She must find her father to get answers! Sometimes the answers are very hard to hear.
Chalmers writes well, with great flow of plot and natural dialogue. She gives the reader likeable, complex and interesting characters that has one hoping the outcomes are good. No matter what a reader wants, this author delivers. I highly recommend this lovely story for any age. Enjoy!!
This sweet story can be enjoyed by teens and adults as a clean, wholesome and entertaining read. As an artist and musician I find many novels can focus on those talents but the sense of smell truly is underappreciated. Daphne faces many challenges. Where is her father? Has he come to harm? She and her sister try hard to find food only to find that troubles easily multiply when an old friend enters her life to accuse her of such terrible acts. She must find her father to get answers! Sometimes the answers are very hard to hear.
Chalmers writes well, with great flow of plot and natural dialogue. She gives the reader likeable, complex and interesting characters that has one hoping the outcomes are good. No matter what a reader wants, this author delivers. I highly recommend this lovely story for any age. Enjoy!!
June 23, 2021
Second Chance True Romance💘
CLEAN Historical Regency Romance 💕 and Mystery.
The Case of the Dodgy Daddy.....
Daphne💃💋 and Celeste Davenport have basically been left on their own by their father, a later son of a noble. He got involved in the spice trade in India with Earl Mandeville and was later accused of stealing from him. Their father goes to debtor's prison for a while, then goes back into the spice trade again. He spends longer and longer time periods away from Home, and his letters contain less and less money 💰 for the two young women to live on.
Daphne💃💋 doesn't sit on her hands. She begins experimenting with spices and essences, specifically one called Persian Essence, her father has left stored in the barn at their cottage. She starts selling the perfumes she designs in town, heavily veiled and using a false name, afraid to sully her family name with trade. But the two young women are still desperately poor.
Hugh🐺, the new Lord Mandeville, is attempting to put all the things right that his father upset with his greed. He has traced down Daphne💃💋 and her sister in an attempt to find their father, who he is accusing of stealing from his spice shipments again. Hugh🐺 and Daphne💃💋 knew each other when they were living in India🌴 with their families years ago.
When Hugh🐺 sees the sisters diminished circumstances, he decides to help them, but he still pursues their father....
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
This ebook was $4.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I loved this well thought out Historical Romance💕. This is the first novel I have read and reviewed by Author Chalmers📚.
CLEAN Historical Regency Romance 💕 and Mystery.
The Case of the Dodgy Daddy.....
Daphne💃💋 and Celeste Davenport have basically been left on their own by their father, a later son of a noble. He got involved in the spice trade in India with Earl Mandeville and was later accused of stealing from him. Their father goes to debtor's prison for a while, then goes back into the spice trade again. He spends longer and longer time periods away from Home, and his letters contain less and less money 💰 for the two young women to live on.
Daphne💃💋 doesn't sit on her hands. She begins experimenting with spices and essences, specifically one called Persian Essence, her father has left stored in the barn at their cottage. She starts selling the perfumes she designs in town, heavily veiled and using a false name, afraid to sully her family name with trade. But the two young women are still desperately poor.
Hugh🐺, the new Lord Mandeville, is attempting to put all the things right that his father upset with his greed. He has traced down Daphne💃💋 and her sister in an attempt to find their father, who he is accusing of stealing from his spice shipments again. Hugh🐺 and Daphne💃💋 knew each other when they were living in India🌴 with their families years ago.
When Hugh🐺 sees the sisters diminished circumstances, he decides to help them, but he still pursues their father....
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
This ebook was $4.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I loved this well thought out Historical Romance💕. This is the first novel I have read and reviewed by Author Chalmers📚.
June 18, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book and I decided to give it an honest review.
This is a clean romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. This novel is so clean that when Hugh has a chance to see Daphne's ankles, he at first averts his eyes. This was a nice change of pace since some authors can't wait to get their characters in bed. I, also, found it interesting that instead of just having Daphne being stifled by society's expectations, society is trying to narrow Hugh's future endeavors. I would have liked to see them work a little bit more for their HEA, but all in all it was a very enjoyable read.
This is a clean romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. This novel is so clean that when Hugh has a chance to see Daphne's ankles, he at first averts his eyes. This was a nice change of pace since some authors can't wait to get their characters in bed. I, also, found it interesting that instead of just having Daphne being stifled by society's expectations, society is trying to narrow Hugh's future endeavors. I would have liked to see them work a little bit more for their HEA, but all in all it was a very enjoyable read.
January 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hugh was the perfect gentleman and Daphne had enough sass and "pluck" in her personality to meet him head-on. Her alter ego, Lady Spellwater, the perfumer, was perfect. Her determination to protect her sister and save their family's reputation, even when her father couldn't be bothered, was admirable and made me like her even more.
The story was clean and wholesome and appropriate for all ages. There were some swoon-worthy moments that made the read just right. And with all good romances, there is a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
The story was clean and wholesome and appropriate for all ages. There were some swoon-worthy moments that made the read just right. And with all good romances, there is a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
January 22, 2024
nice read
A most delightful and witty story telling about how a young lady, desperate to care for herself and her sister, uses her special gift of combining scents and creating perfumes to support them. Unfortunately serious problems arise revolving around the making of these scents. What problems and how are they overcome? How does this all lead to her happy ending. A sweet and clean story for all to enjoy
A most delightful and witty story telling about how a young lady, desperate to care for herself and her sister, uses her special gift of combining scents and creating perfumes to support them. Unfortunately serious problems arise revolving around the making of these scents. What problems and how are they overcome? How does this all lead to her happy ending. A sweet and clean story for all to enjoy
June 28, 2021
The second book in the Spirited Spinsters series a Sweet Regency story that held my interest until the end. Daphne Davenport/Lady Spellwater is a creator of perfumes, she meets Hugh, Earl Mandeville who she is stealing an ingredient from his warehouses from. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
Evocative
This was all that I enjoy in a novel-an escape, characters that come alive in my mind, a topic near and dear to me (in this case, fragrance), themes of love and sisterhood, loyalty, bravery. I appreciated that it was engrossing to the end, as I don’t find in some novels.
This was all that I enjoy in a novel-an escape, characters that come alive in my mind, a topic near and dear to me (in this case, fragrance), themes of love and sisterhood, loyalty, bravery. I appreciated that it was engrossing to the end, as I don’t find in some novels.
January 22, 2024
Romantic fun with a hint of mischief
As someone who loves perfumes and scents, this book was sweet and heartwarming. My favorite character has to be Sir Barkley, of course! This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I want to read Celeste's happily ever after now.
As someone who loves perfumes and scents, this book was sweet and heartwarming. My favorite character has to be Sir Barkley, of course! This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I want to read Celeste's happily ever after now.
May 22, 2021
What a great read
Would highly recommend this book. The authors attention to detail was quite remarkable- I felt like I was there and the development of the characters and storyline was like being introduced to a new best friend .
Would highly recommend this book. The authors attention to detail was quite remarkable- I felt like I was there and the development of the characters and storyline was like being introduced to a new best friend .
December 31, 2023
On the right smell
Great story, filled with wit and fun, and a mysterious lady, with a secret scandal all her
own. She will lead Hugh and bow Street on a
whiff of a journey. Trying to find the mystery
Lady, who sells A whiff of Scandal.
Thank you ❤️
Great story, filled with wit and fun, and a mysterious lady, with a secret scandal all her
own. She will lead Hugh and bow Street on a
whiff of a journey. Trying to find the mystery
Lady, who sells A whiff of Scandal.
Thank you ❤️
January 3, 2025
I got this on a SYKD event in December 2023 and only just read it. What a treat! Robyn creates a beautiful childhood friends-to-lovers regency story that just captures your heart and makes you root for the main characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this and will be keeping up with Robyn's work.
September 14, 2021
Sweet and fun
Clean book that is fun to read. The characters are witty and charming. Fast paced read that is easy and leaves you feeling good.
Clean book that is fun to read. The characters are witty and charming. Fast paced read that is easy and leaves you feeling good.
March 4, 2022
Enjoyable story, very pleasant read.
Recommend for those who like light historical, intrigue without dark drama, and chaste romance.
Recommend for those who like light historical, intrigue without dark drama, and chaste romance.
January 10, 2025
Great book! It has all of my favourite themes. Strong heroine being brave, kind and following her dream. A kind “Prince Charming” who swooped in and saved the day. I liked also that there is the theme of building a business and all that comes with it. And the romance between two strong characters. Clean book. Had two kissing scenes.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews