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Scoundrels, Rakes and Rogues #3
The Secrets of a Scoundrel
She is the only woman he has ever loved, but she can’t stand the sight of him.
Lady Isabel Palmer is crushed when her best friend and fellow adventurer, Marcus, leaves without even a good-bye. As years pass, tales of his rakish lifestyle reach her, and she buries any feelings she ever had for him. But when Marcus shows up years later in the middle of her father’s hunting party, old feelings and bitterness surface, placing the once close friends constantly at odds.
Marcus Tierney left Essex years ago, hoping to return eventually for Isabel. However, a tarnished reputation put an end to any dreams he might have harbored for a love marriage, keeping him from Isabel and his family estate for far too long. When a visit to the Palmer’s estate becomes necessary, Marcus hopes to find forgiveness but is instead met with disdain by those he once called friends.
As Marcus and Isabel increasingly find themselves together, they begin to realize their previous judgments do not hold true. Is it possible to leave the past behind and forgive each other? Or do their resentments run too deep, destroying all hope for a future of love and happiness?
Lady Isabel Palmer is crushed when her best friend and fellow adventurer, Marcus, leaves without even a good-bye. As years pass, tales of his rakish lifestyle reach her, and she buries any feelings she ever had for him. But when Marcus shows up years later in the middle of her father’s hunting party, old feelings and bitterness surface, placing the once close friends constantly at odds.
Marcus Tierney left Essex years ago, hoping to return eventually for Isabel. However, a tarnished reputation put an end to any dreams he might have harbored for a love marriage, keeping him from Isabel and his family estate for far too long. When a visit to the Palmer’s estate becomes necessary, Marcus hopes to find forgiveness but is instead met with disdain by those he once called friends.
As Marcus and Isabel increasingly find themselves together, they begin to realize their previous judgments do not hold true. Is it possible to leave the past behind and forgive each other? Or do their resentments run too deep, destroying all hope for a future of love and happiness?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2021
64 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 7, 2021
I liked this book. I liked how Marcus allowed his name to be spoken ill of in order to not embarrass someone even if it made it hard for him to convince the woman he loved that he wasn’t that way. I liked how Isabel had to look beyond the rumors and remember he friend and realize that he wasn’t who the rumors said he was. I liked that Marcus was so caring and such a nice person. I’m glad that Marcus and Isabel found a way to be together and that they were willing to be together even if the rumors never got cleared up.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
February 10, 2021
A true gentleman takes on the rumors of the ton in order to protect a young woman and her family from further ruin. And he lets it go on for years, never trying to alter the said rumors even though they affect every aspect of his social interactions. Marcus is a keeper and I realized this from the very start of the book. He has a true, sincere and loyal heart. How could one NOT fall in love with him.
Lady Isabel is sure determined not to fall in love with him. In fact, she would love it if she never had to see him again, though deep down she doesn't really feel that way. In fact as the story goes on she realizes her heart is telling her something quite the opposite.
Thankfully Isabel follows her heart because the connection that she has with Marcus is a beautiful one. Their story teaches a few important lessons about love, family, relationships, honesty, loyalty and following the heart. The growth that Isabel has to take on to get to Marcus is exciting, heart wrenching and courageous. One of my favorite parts of this story was how strong this couple is together and how much stronger they make each other individually. Marcus gives Isabel wings to fly, freedom to truly be herself and that makes their love story all the more precious.
Mindy Burbidge Strunk hit this one out of the ballpark. Approachable characters, life lessons that are applicable in one's own journey, and all the witty banter one could want in this delightful clean romance. I loved it and can't wait to read what Strunk has in store next.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publishes, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Lady Isabel is sure determined not to fall in love with him. In fact, she would love it if she never had to see him again, though deep down she doesn't really feel that way. In fact as the story goes on she realizes her heart is telling her something quite the opposite.
Thankfully Isabel follows her heart because the connection that she has with Marcus is a beautiful one. Their story teaches a few important lessons about love, family, relationships, honesty, loyalty and following the heart. The growth that Isabel has to take on to get to Marcus is exciting, heart wrenching and courageous. One of my favorite parts of this story was how strong this couple is together and how much stronger they make each other individually. Marcus gives Isabel wings to fly, freedom to truly be herself and that makes their love story all the more precious.
Mindy Burbidge Strunk hit this one out of the ballpark. Approachable characters, life lessons that are applicable in one's own journey, and all the witty banter one could want in this delightful clean romance. I loved it and can't wait to read what Strunk has in store next.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publishes, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
June 22, 2021
The plot idea is good. Marcus breaks off an engagement because he's really in love with the you get sister Izzy and gets branded a scoundrel. I really liked the first half of the book, but the resolution is too quick and too easy.
February 26, 2021
I received this book as a (review book)......
I think it was pretty awesome! A little slow at some point, BUT she was building the characters more... would definitely recommend:)
I think it was pretty awesome! A little slow at some point, BUT she was building the characters more... would definitely recommend:)
February 10, 2021
This was a friends to lovers regency story with a little twist! Marcus leaves home after breaking off his engagement upon realizing he was in love with his fiance’s younger sister, Isabel. He returns home five years later to find Isabel hates him due to his reputation among the ton for being a scoundrel.
The book was intriguing at the beginning when Marcus and Izzy are reacquainted and Izzy makes a deal with him to save her from an awkward situation. I really liked Marcus’ character - he is much kinder to those around him than they deserve though I honestly don’t understand why he let people treat him so horribly! I was not a huge fan of Izzy at first and struggled with how she treated her friend Sally, but as her character grew and changed, so did my opinion of her. There was sweet and slow burn romance and some unexpected plot twists, and it is always fun to see characters from previous books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
The book was intriguing at the beginning when Marcus and Izzy are reacquainted and Izzy makes a deal with him to save her from an awkward situation. I really liked Marcus’ character - he is much kinder to those around him than they deserve though I honestly don’t understand why he let people treat him so horribly! I was not a huge fan of Izzy at first and struggled with how she treated her friend Sally, but as her character grew and changed, so did my opinion of her. There was sweet and slow burn romance and some unexpected plot twists, and it is always fun to see characters from previous books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
February 8, 2021
The Secrets of a Scoundrel is a fun, light-hearted, escape romance. The story moves quickly and the characters were engaging. Several themes ran throughout the book: the damage that gossip can cause, finding forgiveness, seeking love rather than expectations, being yourself instead of what others want from you, the damage of holding onto resentment and bitterness. The different themes made the story interesting and engaging. The author gives you enough clues in the story that you can guess some of the plot, but I also found that there were a few surprises that I wasn't expecting. This book is part of a series, but I felt like it stood fine on it's own. You didn't need to read the rest of the series to understand the story. The story was clean and wholesome romance that both teens and adults would enjoy.
Please note that I received a free ecopy, however, this is my honest opinion.
Please note that I received a free ecopy, however, this is my honest opinion.
February 9, 2021
The Secrets of a Scoundrel is a clean Regency romance. I liked the main characters and wanted their relationship to work out the entire story, recognizing they were a good fit. The chemistry is there between Marcus and Isabel which I always appreciate. The villain in this story is truly icky and I kind of felt like her actions were extremely uncalled for and not necessarily resolved, but this does contain a happy ending. The writing is really well done, but the plot just didn't work as well for me as I had hoped. I am leaning more 3.5 stars. I enjoy this author though and will continue to read more. This is a good book, just not my favorite.
February 8, 2021
I love this series! Marcus is such a great character. I loved getting to know him better and reading his story. It was fun to also have his friends and their wives make a cameo in the book. Izzy was a fun character still trying to find herself. I really enjoyed Izzy and Marcus together. They are a very sweet couple who really get each other.
February 8, 2021
Is it possible to be so honorable that you become the biggest scandel in the Ton?
(Opps...that wasn't a spoiler was it?😳)
Markus has finally returned to everything he remembers, but nothing is, as he remembers.
His bestfriend despises him, polite society gossips about him behind fluttering fans and he, is in love with a girl he can never marry.
Will Izzy and Markus be able to reconcile after so much, time, gossip, and society between them? Well...of course if you've read any number of romance novels you *know* they will. And yet, you're here. And I promise you want to stick around!
This book is for the clean, regency romance readers. Whether you love friends to lovers, enemies to lovers or a fake dating story, there's something for everyone!
(And if you're not here for the romance, you'll stay to watch Izzy's antics...she has a knack for doing the most ridiculous thing in any situation and still coming away looking the elegent lady *cue her toppling off a piano bench and eating leaves and-*)
Isabel and Markus brought out the best and the worst in each other. I loved reading their banter and teasing as they slowly and often involuntarily, reacquainted themselves with their childhood bestfriend. I loved how Markus encouraged her to explore her passions, and be herself. I loved Markus' friends... my only complaint is that we didn't see more of them!
The Secrets of a Scoundrel by Mindy Burbridge Strunk is out now! Go grab your copy!😘
[I was sent a free copy of this ebook by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
(Opps...that wasn't a spoiler was it?😳)
Markus has finally returned to everything he remembers, but nothing is, as he remembers.
His bestfriend despises him, polite society gossips about him behind fluttering fans and he, is in love with a girl he can never marry.
Will Izzy and Markus be able to reconcile after so much, time, gossip, and society between them? Well...of course if you've read any number of romance novels you *know* they will. And yet, you're here. And I promise you want to stick around!
This book is for the clean, regency romance readers. Whether you love friends to lovers, enemies to lovers or a fake dating story, there's something for everyone!
(And if you're not here for the romance, you'll stay to watch Izzy's antics...she has a knack for doing the most ridiculous thing in any situation and still coming away looking the elegent lady *cue her toppling off a piano bench and eating leaves and-*)
Isabel and Markus brought out the best and the worst in each other. I loved reading their banter and teasing as they slowly and often involuntarily, reacquainted themselves with their childhood bestfriend. I loved how Markus encouraged her to explore her passions, and be herself. I loved Markus' friends... my only complaint is that we didn't see more of them!
The Secrets of a Scoundrel by Mindy Burbridge Strunk is out now! Go grab your copy!😘
[I was sent a free copy of this ebook by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
February 15, 2021
TITLE: Lies— have consequences for many innocents, sometime for years.
REVIEW:An enlightening story about how the lies of one person have repercussions for years afterward, which threaten the happiness of those who surround that person. Our heroine and Hero are warm, likable characters, with whom the reader can easily identify. There is a twist in the plot that I had not seen coming, which creates a moment of fear for our heroine. Thankfully that twist is quickly untangled, leading to the HEA for our characters.
Although this is the 3rd book in the series, there is minimal carryover, so that failure to have read the previous two will not detract from the reading of this volume. This is a clean story, one which I would not hesitate to recommend for my 13 year old granddaughter, as it will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
I received the gift of an early copy of the book. My review is voluntary and represents my true opinion.
February 14, 2021
His secret is really big!
Well...the scoundrel seemed to have a really big secret...and maybe a few little ones. First of all, he was in love with Izzy. That in and of itself might not be too bad except Izzy was the sister to his betrothed. And what made him a scoundrel was when he cried off his engagement. Heaven forbid! He couldn’t marry Margaret because he was in love with her younger sister. And he couldn’t marry Izzy because she was still too young. So for five years he stayed away and suffered through all the gossip putting him in a bad light. However, there are other secrets too. Many turns of events and surprises later that keep you engaged in the story, brings the reader around to a wonderful outcome and a very satisfying HEA. I still have a smile on my face just thinking about it.
Well...the scoundrel seemed to have a really big secret...and maybe a few little ones. First of all, he was in love with Izzy. That in and of itself might not be too bad except Izzy was the sister to his betrothed. And what made him a scoundrel was when he cried off his engagement. Heaven forbid! He couldn’t marry Margaret because he was in love with her younger sister. And he couldn’t marry Izzy because she was still too young. So for five years he stayed away and suffered through all the gossip putting him in a bad light. However, there are other secrets too. Many turns of events and surprises later that keep you engaged in the story, brings the reader around to a wonderful outcome and a very satisfying HEA. I still have a smile on my face just thinking about it.
February 6, 2021
First book I've read in this series and I think I would enjoy going back to read the earlier ones. I liked the main characters in this book and it had good underlying messages about not being too quick to judge people though I get why Izzy was most likely to believe her sister. Her father rather bothered me since it was obvious that he would do what it took to get political votes as needed, or be able to hunt on his neighbor's land. It seemed the sister's reformation came about quickly based on the extreme measures she had taken before that but being called out might have moved things along more readily.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book and have loved this series. When Marcus realizes where his heart lies, he must break off his engagement. In doing so, rumors abound, hearts are broken, friendships fracture and reputations are ruined.
When Marcus breaks off his engagement with her sister Margaret, Isabel loses her best friend, her biggest supporter and in the process loses herself. This is a story of mending fences, reuniting friendships and finding love in places you thought were lost. I really loved Marcus, his unwavering love and his fierce need to be a gentleman, even at great cost to himself. Definitely worth reading!
When Marcus breaks off his engagement with her sister Margaret, Isabel loses her best friend, her biggest supporter and in the process loses herself. This is a story of mending fences, reuniting friendships and finding love in places you thought were lost. I really loved Marcus, his unwavering love and his fierce need to be a gentleman, even at great cost to himself. Definitely worth reading!
February 16, 2021
Overall, I'd give it a 4 for a nice easy read. I thought the dialogue was great off the bat & set the stage for the story very well. I liked how their was a good hook and hurdles for the couple at the start. I didn't see any glaring Regency mistakes that can arrest the enjoyment of a story. (One spot had a lord being addressed as Mr. That could be accurate. I don't know. It is clear though that the author does her research to be accurate.) This was a sweet addition to the series. While it is part of a series it can definitely be read as a stand alone. A sweet, clean romance set in the Regency era. Makes for a read to relax with.
February 22, 2021
This book was excellent! I already enjoyed the first 2 books in the series, and the stories of redemption, forgiveness, and change. Midway through reading this book, I realized that it could have passed for Pride and Prejudice fan fiction (of course by changing character names and places) with the premise that Mr. Darcy was accused of being a scoundrel while ardently admiring Lizzy Bennet from afar. Once I had that thought I couldn't stop imagining Marcus as Matthew Macfadyen. But those are just my own musings.
I really enjoyed Izzy and Marcus's characters and reading how they come together.
I really enjoyed Izzy and Marcus's characters and reading how they come together.
February 8, 2021
This is my first book in this series. The characters from the previous books flit about quite a bit and it’s obvious that our male main took part in the previous books. I believe it would build up to a more meaningful story if you read the first two books before this one. That said, I immensely enjoyed this regency romance. I read it in one sitting. Strong characters and storyline. I enjoyed the adventures and there were a couple laughs to be had. I look forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 18, 2021
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book was a pleasant surprise! I’m a sucker for the friends to lovers trope, and this story was just so beautifully written!
Mindy Strunk does an exceptional job of setting the scene. I felt like I got to know more about the ins and outs of London than I do in most historical fiction books. She had great transitions between her scenes.
And Marcus and Izzy were my favorite. I honestly want to read the other books in this series because her characters are so well written!
Highly recommend!
This book was a pleasant surprise! I’m a sucker for the friends to lovers trope, and this story was just so beautifully written!
Mindy Strunk does an exceptional job of setting the scene. I felt like I got to know more about the ins and outs of London than I do in most historical fiction books. She had great transitions between her scenes.
And Marcus and Izzy were my favorite. I honestly want to read the other books in this series because her characters are so well written!
Highly recommend!
April 20, 2021
Loved this!!
So, I don’t know why I put off reading this last book for so long. Maybe because I didn’t like Mr. Tierney at the house party, but nobody was supposed to. That’s why this entire redemption arc for the “bad boys” of the party came from. But I do believe he is my most favorite! I never imagined him to be quite this... romantic and loving! But my mind is 100% changed from previous assertions. Now, if only there were more books in the series... I shall just have to read it all again!
So, I don’t know why I put off reading this last book for so long. Maybe because I didn’t like Mr. Tierney at the house party, but nobody was supposed to. That’s why this entire redemption arc for the “bad boys” of the party came from. But I do believe he is my most favorite! I never imagined him to be quite this... romantic and loving! But my mind is 100% changed from previous assertions. Now, if only there were more books in the series... I shall just have to read it all again!
February 13, 2021
Such a great read! The plot was unique and fun and the characters were believable.
This was the first book in this series I’ve read and it was fine as a stand alone, but now I want to go back and read the first two.
The main characters were so much fun to get to know. I loved Marcus and I was so glad he got a happy ever after! I liked that Isabel had such a unique hobby and that Marcus encouraged her in pursuing it.
This was the first book in this series I’ve read and it was fine as a stand alone, but now I want to go back and read the first two.
The main characters were so much fun to get to know. I loved Marcus and I was so glad he got a happy ever after! I liked that Isabel had such a unique hobby and that Marcus encouraged her in pursuing it.
January 10, 2022
clean romance
A delightful stand alone to the series of Scoundrels,Rakes and Rogues.
The author does a wonderful job of creating the characters and plot line in which the tension and humor between characters makes them come alive.
It is fun to see the other characters from the previous books as well as from” Mistaken Identity “. Each book is great in its own right but I enjoy reading in sequence as it makes the plots and characters richer for me.
A delightful stand alone to the series of Scoundrels,Rakes and Rogues.
The author does a wonderful job of creating the characters and plot line in which the tension and humor between characters makes them come alive.
It is fun to see the other characters from the previous books as well as from” Mistaken Identity “. Each book is great in its own right but I enjoy reading in sequence as it makes the plots and characters richer for me.
February 10, 2021
Great regency romance. I love this author, she is so fun and tells a great story. The storyline of Marcus and Izzy is filled with great banter and swoony romance. The story moves at a good pace, with twists and turns that hold your attention, though out the book. This is the third book in the series. It is a great standalone, but even better when read in order. Wholesome romance at its best.
May 10, 2021
Fantastic
A very good story! I throughly enjoyed it and a great addition to the series! I am sorry that the series has ended I would loved to have the stories continue with the friends and brothers family's being close and adventure together, what a delightful group of characters in this series.
A very good story! I throughly enjoyed it and a great addition to the series! I am sorry that the series has ended I would loved to have the stories continue with the friends and brothers family's being close and adventure together, what a delightful group of characters in this series.
August 9, 2023
He put his head in the Noose for love of the Sister of his Betrothed
Marcus did the right thing not marrying the older sister, whom he did not love as he did the younger. While he waited for her to grow up, the elder maligned him and damaged his reputation. The father hated him for jolting the elder, not knowing the promised from the cradle couple would not suit.
Marcus did the right thing not marrying the older sister, whom he did not love as he did the younger. While he waited for her to grow up, the elder maligned him and damaged his reputation. The father hated him for jolting the elder, not knowing the promised from the cradle couple would not suit.
February 8, 2021
I love this clean regency romance! Mindy does it again with this captivating story! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
February 25, 2021
Isabel finds that she doesn't know what to do about the re-appearance of her childhood best friend, Marcus. Much of the book is about what the two are thinking and feeling. Some readers may love that aspect of the story.
August 26, 2023
Great reading!
I really enjoyed the Scoundrels, Rakes and Rogues series! Secrets of a Scoundrel was fun and clever from start to finish! I've read other books by Mindy and they're always a delight!
I really enjoyed the Scoundrels, Rakes and Rogues series! Secrets of a Scoundrel was fun and clever from start to finish! I've read other books by Mindy and they're always a delight!
July 31, 2024
I've really enjoyed this book series and sad to come to the end. However, as I read them in order (1-4) I liked this one the least. That's not to say it wasn't a good read only that it was not my favorite in the series.
Want to read
February 6, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
February 27, 2021
Not a rake
A woman scorned can do great harm to such a nice guy. I'm glad that Marcus got his love match.
A woman scorned can do great harm to such a nice guy. I'm glad that Marcus got his love match.
May 12, 2021
Sweet story
Loved the characters and the pace of the story. So sweet! Great to read between heavier novels. Will definitely be reading more of her books!
Loved the characters and the pace of the story. So sweet! Great to read between heavier novels. Will definitely be reading more of her books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews