Sutton's Spinster

The Sinful Suttons #1

by Scarlett Scott

Jasper Sutton, London’s most dedicated scoundrel, needs a wife. He needs one quickly. He needs one yesterday, in fact. His requirements are precise. She has to be capable of mothering the wild twin daughters who have unexpectedly appeared in his life. She must also possess the patience of a saint and the understanding of an angel. Better still if she is plain and has no expectation of a true marriage. He is not about to reform his ways. But how is he to find such a paragon of womanly virtue when a troublesome, maddening baggage keeps haunting his gaming hell and getting herself into scrapes?

Lady Octavia Alexander, the ton’s most dedicated spinster, has no need of a husband. She is quite firmly and happily on the shelf, a devoted aunt to her beloved nieces and nephews. But she does harbor one illicit dream: she wants to start her own newspaper devoted solely to scandal and gossip. What better way to do so than to immerse herself in the sordid underworld of the East End? There is just one problem standing in the way of her plans, and his name is Jasper Sutton. But Octavia won’t abandon her independence and her future for an unscrupulous rogue. No matter how handsome he is, and regardless of how irresistible his kisses.

Between running his family’s gaming hell, chasing after his wayward daughters, and keeping Lady Octavia from being robbed, spirited away by some enterprising criminal, or worse, Jasper is losing his patience. Even more concerning? He’s beginning to fear the only woman he truly wants to marry is the vexing lady who has sworn she will never wed. All he has to do is change her mind and win her heart.

Heat level: Scorching hot!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Regency Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2021

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Scott's but some of her books I like better than others. This is a spin off from another series and I just don't remember that series. It is a stand-alone book with a bit of a thin plot about a woman who wants to start a gossip paper with a lot of spicy bits between a married couple thrown in. Others have liked this book more than I but I do plan to read the next in the series.

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars on a re-read!

I was feeling very guilty about rating this book so low when I loved the others that followed, hence I decided to give it another go.

My earlier review was a product of confirmation bias as I had read too many similar books back to back, and that is why this book seemed repetitive at the time.

Quick Review
- You know, I have always liked anything that Scarlett Scott writes, as she is ridiculously talented.
- The prose is brilliant, humorous and emotional to a certain degree.
- The plot was simple enough - a gaming hell owner thug meets an aristocratic spinster.
- There was drama, an enjoyable amalgamation of East End meets Mayfair, short misunderstanding, foul-mouthed twins, crazy villain, and a mystery character.
- I liked Jasper and Octavia. I really liked that they fell in love with each other at the same time, so there was no unrequited emotional bullshit. And in true Ms Scott fashion, steamy goodness.

My Recommendation
An adorable, easy evening read.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe what a great story this was. I really almost cancelled my pre-order because of Jasper's behavior, which was not what I thought it was, in the last novel. But this book was absolutely delightful. Jasper was one great hero! His two six year old daughters were dumped at the Sinners Palace. He didn't even know they existed and they have been neglected. They were so cute. I loved how Lady Octavia bonded with them and I also loved her interactions with Jasper. Once He saw her, he didn't want anyone else but he fought it and tried to find a wife for the twins, but he couldn't do it. Octavia was in his blood. He was such a protective hero and again he was so in love with her. And she with them. I can't wait for the next story! Scarlett you sure know how to write good heroes!! I loved this book.

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper Sutton was everything and met his match!

I am a massive fan of the Winters series and doubly excited to find out we get more of East End Scoundrels.

This is wonderful tale of opposites attract, grumpy vs sunshine wrapped up in a humorous but loving family finding its way. Author offers a little bit of mystery to add to the excitement for more of the Suttons. I for one cannot wait.

A new favorite series from a delightfully talented storyteller.
Recommendation: Read It

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid read by Mrs. Scott. I found Sutton to be very intriguing and liked the gaming hell setting. I found the h to be very naive and impulsive. Most of Scott’s storylines are quite unrealistic and this book was no exception, but it was a fun read with a sweet HEA. I am missing the angst that was prominent in her earlier works.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I took my time reading it because I wanted it to last longer! This is a great beginning to the Suttons.
Jasper Sutton is the owner of The Sinners Palace, a gaming hell in the East End of London. His brothers help him running the club. He is very handsome and has no time for relationships.
Lady Octavia is determined to sneak into his club which is dangerous to her reputation. But she doesn’t plan on marriage, and needs a favor from him. She is a brave and determined lady.
Scarlett Scott always writes such captivating books and of course this is just the beginning of another amazing series. This is a fast paced romance, with sizzling attraction, drama and I found myself laughing. I love epilogues and this one has a happy and beautiful one.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wandered off down a rabbit hole looking for a quick read. This suited the moment. Owner of a gambling house, Jasper Sutton, needs a minder for his twin girls (who he didn’t know existed) who’d been dropped at the door by their gin drinking (say no more) mother.
Lady Octavia Alexander wants to start a gossip journal and sees Jasper’s gaming hell as the place to pick up juicy tidbits. Let’s just say neither sees what’s coming.
I’m not that enthused to read anymore in the series though.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, sexy, romantic story of Jasper Sutton, owner of a gaming establishment and Lady Octavia Alexander, a spinster who has come to ask Jasper to help her with the newspaper she would like to publish. Jasper has just found out he has twin girls and needs help, so decides marrying is the best solution. Octavia has decided never to marry, so she is not a candidate. However, since Jasper can't stop thinking about her and Octavia keeps showing up at his place, their attraction is undeniable, eventually even to them. Loved these characters - Jasper, the hard, sometimes violent man brought to his knees by Octavia, a strong, driven woman with a heart of gold. Side characters, especially the twins Anne and Elizabeth, are also wonderful. Always appreciate how Ms Scott includes humorous encounters in her books. This is a new series related to the Wicked Winters series, but as the first in this series can easily be read as a standalone.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

So good to be back in this world of Sutton’s and Winters.

Jasper Sutton is the joint owner of a Hell, his brothers and sisters are also owner‘s and help run the business, what he needs now is a wife to help him raise his twin daughters. Anne and Elizabeth are a handful, And such fun.

Enter Octavia, sister in law to Damien Winter.
As you can guess things get heated, gritty and entertaining with this cast.
Scarlett’s going to have another excellent series on her hands without a doubt.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super steamy love story between an aristocrat and an east ender.

Lady Octavia Alexander
Spinster
Doesn’t want a husband
Values her independence
Wants to start a journal

Jasper Sutton
Runs his family’s gaming hell
Recently found out he has 6 yr old twin daughters
Searching for a wife

Octavia wants to start her business and do it on her own so she is seeking a partnership with Jasper instead of just asking for money from her family. She keeps sneaking out to the gaming hell to strike up this agreement but Jasper keeps turning her away. A lady does not belong there and she threatens to ruin herself each time she ventures to the east end. He cautions her about ever returning to the hell, but Jasper is as handsome as sin and she can’t help but be drawn to him.

Jasper has to find a wife, to help take care of his girls but not a true wife. So he starts his process of determining who would be a good fit with the help of his sisters. But Octavia shows up again and he starts to think maybe she should be his wife? She is good with his children and they have a great attraction which was not a part of the marriage he wanted but he just can’t get her out of his head. So instead of returning her right away he locks her in for the night and there begins the story of how Octavia & Jasper, two people from opposite worlds marry and try and make their life work. It’s hard when you have a thriving business in the east end to keep the people you care about safe. I received an ARC of this book, chose to post my review, and enjoyed every minute reading about their HEA and all the sizzling scenes that went along with it.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the twins, they made me laugh. I flew through reading this delightful story. Great storyline and characters. Loved it! Just waiting now for the next book in this series. 5☆

[Lady Whitbrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this author, she writes extremely well. First book in a new series, the characters where very likable “A typical and boy meets good girl theme”
I need to adjust how I am rating books this book is a 4 star good read, well worth it but not fabulous!
Plot 5.5(1-10) steaminess 8(1-10)

[Leena Aluru · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what happens when too much time has elapsed between the reading and the review. I know I was OK with it, but I cannot remember the specifics. Time for a brush up this weekend. 🙄

[Theresa Mayweather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to another fantastic series!!!! This is a spin-off to the Wicked Winters series. The Suttons are a family that owns a rival gaming hell. Jasper Sutton is the leader of this family who unexpectedly finds himself with twin daughters that are abandoned at his door. They are more than he can handle by himself and decides he must find a convenient wife. Lady Octavia Alexander is a confirmed spinster who just wants to establish a gossip newspaper. What better way to gain ton gossip than to enter into a partnership with Jasper. The sparks fly between these two from the start. Jasper wants nothing to do with this idea but he may have found the answer to his wife problem. Can Jasper convince Octavia to marry him and can Octavia give up her dream? Can Octavia become the mother the twins need and soften the rough edges of a wicked rogue? This book has everything you could want with just the right amount of romance, humor and heat. It even has a bit of mystery surrounding one of the Sutton brothers. I can't wait for book 2 Sutton's Sins featuring Rafe Sutton. I received an ARC of this book and is my honest review.

[Emilia Redington · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that wowzers what a way to start a new series! This book deserves more than a 5 star.. It deserves a 10.. It's full of happiness, romance, laughter and sexiness..


He is known as the king of the East End's most notorious gaming hell, she's a member of the ton, he finds himself being a father to twin daughters and he needs a mother for them. Who better than the stubborn woman who he is attracted to that just won't stay away? So he settles on a plan to trap her make her his. What he doesn't know is that she will be his weakness his drug the light of his dark world in the East End. A marriage of convenience turned into a marriage of love.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Octavia and Jasper's story is it full of attraction, love and sin, you will love it.

Lady Octavia Alexander is the spinster sister of Lady Mirabel Winter, wife of Demon Winter and the former  Duchess of Stanhope who wants to start her own scandal journal, but to do so she needed scandal, gossip and lots of it. This was where Jasper Sutton came in, she would need his help or rather his unwilling cooperation to garner the requisite gossip and scandal to fill her journal, if only she could get him to say yes to allowing her to gather her gossip from within the walls of The Sinners Palace the notorious gambling hell owned by the Infamous Sinful Suttons of which Jasper is the head.

Jasper Sutton is attracted to Octavia, but he has more pressing issues at the moment such as his newly discovered twin daughters Anne and Elizabeth who were summarily dumped on his doorstep in the middle of the night some six weeks ago by they alcoholic mother.

Octavia and Jasper are drawn to each other and when Mirabel finds out about Octavia's nighttime excursions to The Sinner's Palace she bans her from leaving Tarlington House after a week of enforced dolitude Octavia is literally climbing the walls and decides to stage one last ditch attempt to persuade Jasper to become her partner in her new enterprise, but to do this she must escape her confinement, so she decides to climb a tree down to the street below which she does until she sprains her ankle on the way down when she fell out of the tree. She however does manage to get herself to Sinner's Palace where Jasper decides to decline her new proposal and lock her in his bedchamber for her own good as her ankle prohibits her from putting any weight on it.  This decision changes the course of their lives entwining them forever as Octavia has no recourse, but to marry Jasper and to become a mother to his six year old daughters.

Will their attraction lead to love and who is the person or persons who have put a price on Octavia's head. Who wants her dead and will they succeed?

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sutton’s Spinster, by Scarlett Scott. Oh my gosh! Ladies this book was on fire. The sinfully bliss moments of when Octavia was wrapped in Jaspers arms was exquisite, delightful and very wicked. Scarlett thank you for allowing me to live out my fantasies in this book.
I couldn’t get enough of these two. I haven’t forgotten the story behind the romance. I found the struggle as a single independent woman during this time frame very hard for one and all. I was very happy to read how Octavia fought for what she wanted. And when her back was pushed against the wall, she learned to out whit and out play her Opponents.
I truly did love the characters. The twins were definitely my favorite along with Hugh. I surprised myself by not getting frustrated from reading the characters dialect. I think from how the writer wove in the language eased the readers into it. I like that the writer didn’t give Octavia a specific age or range.
That made reading the romantic scenes all the more fun. Now ladies let’s discuss our leading man Jasper. Think of him as a smooth, illustrious, dominating male lion on the prowl for his Lioness. The many moments he thought about playing between the sheets was very fun for me. Let’s just some it up.
Jasper is a very naughty; naughty boy. I give this book my personal two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

[Kate Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the first page, you are thrown into the tension of the story, and the two main characters. The story has everything you need to keep you entertained, lots of hot encounters, and I mean steaming, along with good banter, throw in a couple of troublesome children, a good dose of peril and a mystery for the next book, what more could you ask for. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didnt want it to end, cant wait for the next in the series. I know this is a spin off series but you dont have to have read the Winters stories to enjoy this one. I will admit I will now be finding the Winters Series and reading them as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read.
This is actually my favorite trope.
I just always wish her books were about 1o0 pages longer. They are such quick reads for me.
I am so glad I discovered Scarlett Scott.
I have now read 53 or her books. Such an awesome writer.

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The h is sweet, the H is rich and out-classed by her in a lot of ways. He wanted a woman to care for this twins and gets the idealistic h. Somehow they believe they are in love, but it seems a physical attraction that morphed into like rather than love. The twins are cute and it was a nice read.

[Laur Laur]

I don't know what it is, I used to really like this author but now I can't seem to finish one of her books...

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sutton's Spinster is Book 1 in the Sinful Sutton's Series. This is my first Scarlett Scott book courtesy of Amazon Prime Reading, and I have mixed feelings although I did enjoy it as a quick, fluffy, steamy read.

Jasper Sutton owns and runs The Sinner's Palace along with his siblings that I presume become the main characters in the other books making up The Sinful Sutton's Series.

Octavia is a Lady living with her sister and brother-in-law in London and dreams of publishing her own scandal journal. She comes to Jasper in the hopes that he will help give her access to the scandalous goings-on that she needs for her publication.

Not only is Octavia sneaking about and gallivanting to the dangerous East End unchaperoned, she's visiting a man with a sinful reputation and cares not a whit because she plays the spinster card and doesn't feel she needs to act the lady she is. But Jasper cares and doesn't want her coming around anymore because he won't help her with her journal, the Palace is not a good place for her to be, and admittedly, he finds her to be too good of a distraction. Besides, he needs to focus on finding a wife to take care of his illegitimate twin 6 year-old girls that were unceremoniously dumped at the club just one day prior.

So, some stuff going on here...

1. Jasper manipulates things so Octavia really has no choice but to marry him, which wasn't cool - she is estranged from her parents as a result. The plot is thin and pretty much forgotten once Jasper and Octavia marry. But he realized she was the girl for him when he found himself not wanting anyone else. Then Octavia impressed him with her handling of his twins. It was pretty cute that Octavia was one of the only people who could even tell the twins apart.

2. Jasper makes Octavia question everything one day after their marriage when she is barred from his office, and upon finally gaining entry, catches him kissing Mary (a prior paramour) or she's kissing him. Either way, he didn't stop it. Given Jasper's reputation, I expected, wanted, no... I required groveling! Nobody ever questions him, nor does he feel compelled to explain himself. Ever. That's a big nope from me. I was not satisfied with how he handled it.

3. A lot of key moments in the story are glossed over and/or discussed after the fact. When we first see Jasper and Octavia meet in the book, they talk about their prior meetings and the fact that Jasper has had her tossed out of the club before. So Jasper already has a soft-spot for Octavia and tries to protect her by sending her home each time. Also, banns are read and their wedding is fast-forwarded to Jasper bringing her back to the family quarters of the club - so there's three weeks plus a wedding that we don't see. And when the Sinner's Palace II burns to the ground, there is drama and rumors that the rival Bradley family started it, but aside from the remnants of a fight, we get nothing else. Even at the end when it is revealed that Tessa started the fire at the Sinner's Palace II, it just didn't work for me. I can't imagine how her drunken self started it without lighting herself up too.

4. I liked that Octavia took to the twins right away, and that they took to her. However, in a matter of a couple weeks they are calling her mama when the twins are well aware of who their real mama is. Plus, they just met Jasper too, the day prior to meeting Octavia. Apparently the girls have no abandonment issues.

5. I like the mystery of Jasper's presumed-dead brother, Logan, and the hints that he might be alive. I'm eager to see that story arc over the series.

6. When you boil the plot down, you are left with nothing but steam. No, I mean literally. It's like the author knew there wasn't much holding this story together and tried to make up for it with a few love scenes. To her credit, they are steamy, well-written, and somewhat justified within the story, but this didn't balance out the lack of plot. Their physical relations fuel their relationship and move it forward.

7. The three dogs are named Barnaby, Drunkard, and Motley (AKA Arsehole). F*** is used 20 times.

8. The author uses oddball words that in all my years of reading historical fiction and romance I rarely or have never come across. Cant (as in speech), coves (referring to people or persons), blue ruin (slang for gin), Leather Lane (a London marketplace that's been around for nearly 400 years - why have I never heard of this?), idea pot (slang for brain/head), belch and bingo (slang for ale and spirits), all-a-mort (dumbstruck or insensible), charleys (watchmen patrolling the streets).

So, yes, mixed feelings galore! It started off strong but then it felt like the author started a lot of random story ideas to see which one might pan out, then didn't follow through on any of them. The scandal journal... the situation with Mary... the fire... the rival family of the Bradleys... all brief parts to the story that really didn't go anywhere or amount to much. The ending is contrived, but at this point what did you expect? In the epilogue, Octavia gets her journal (although we never really know why it's so important to her) but that was wishy-washy too. The Sinner's Palace II is built on a new property and is almost ready for opening. All looks bright for their future with glitter, rainbows, and unicorns, and happily ever after is achieved.

I rated this 3.5 stars rounding down. I'm a critical reader and I liked different elements, but as to how this story came together, it was lacking. If you are looking for a quick steamy read with little substance, this is a good book, not great.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning to a new spin-off series! I loved the two fascinating characters who met their match - it was humorous & sexy with danger & excitement!

Jasper Sutton is King of the East End, head of his family & they own The Sinner's Palace, a gaming hell. He has recently had his six year old twin daughters dropped, literally on his doorstep, by their drunken Mother - girls he had no idea he had but barely remembers their mother & can't deny how much they look like him, but now he needs to find a wife.

Lady Octavia Alexander is on the shelf & is a happy self proclaimed spinster. She doesn't want or need a husband so all of the Ton's social functions don't really interests her. The one thing she wants is to publish a Journal full of gossip & scandal & she has approached Jasper Sutton at his gaming hell to help fund her project.

His answer is always no but every time they meet, they find themselves attracted to one another. Jasper knows they are from two different worlds so nothing can come of their attraction & one night she is caught there & Jasper offers to marry her in order to save her reputation & that of her sister, Mirabel, brother in-law, Damian Winter & their children she must marry Jasper. Their romance, spice, danger & love of his daughters, along with the changes he makes is a fantastic story! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gambling hell owner, a spinster that is hellbent on starting a scandal sheet and twin girls. What more can you ask for? How about throw in three dogs, several sisters and brothers of said gambling hell owner. Oh yes, this is one wild ride. I love the cant talk and how Jasper can make any woman swoon but his mind is set on one woman. This book has so much going for it. The sense of family is so present and is very sweet. There are plenty of sexy times and Octavia’s enthusiasm far surpasses even herself. There is a little mystery regarding one of the Sutton brothers that I am sure will play out throughout the series culminating in their story. I absolutely loved Jasper and Octavia.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Karen Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just ok for me. A lot of cussing, a lot of sex, and left with an unanswered question.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Scarlett Scott has written another winner. I loved Jasper and Octavia together.

I wondered how I’d feel about Jasper having known him in several other books in the Winters series, but he has a charm, strength, and vulnerability all of his own. I absolutely loved how he grew into himself throughout the story. The chemistry is, as always with Scarlett’s books, very hot. But there is also the ever present depth to her characters, even in the shorter ones like the Winters and Suttons series, that always pulls me in.

A must-read for sure.

[Andriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Scarlett Scott and she didn't disappoint me again. I was waiting for Jasper story. I liked the chemistry between the characters, Octavia was excellent match for him. I liked their banter, it was witty, sexy and utterly enjoyable.

[Liz (lizreads15) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett Scott has done it again!!! I absolutely loved Sutton's Spinster! Book 1 in the Sinful Sutton's. Jasper Sutton is left with the responsibility of twins he had no clue about. He needs a wife to help with raising them! Octavia becomes his wife and sparks fly!!😍🙌 I loved everything about this book! Getting to see the entire side of Jasper and how Octavia and him are perfect together!

[Bluestockings Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

The male narrator (Will Thorne) did a great job! (Edit: I learned that Will Thorne is an alias for one of my favorite narrators, Alex Wyndham. It also explains why I thought they sounded similar🤦‍♀️.) The MMC's actual speaking voice is Cockney - which, frankly, is a tricky accent to make sound sexy. But he nails it! He sounds way more like Jason Statham than Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins 😝. The female narrator was good but a bit stiff, considering the FMC's forward personality.

Tropes are marriage of convenience, after she's compromised (situationally, not physically). But with my favorite twist: He made sure it happened, just so he could marry her 😈.

Sex scenes were pretty steamy. He was so 🥵 while paying her lip service 😏😉 that he humped the mattress, and then came on her seconds later. Love it.

Downsides:
● Their first kiss happened off-page. I thought maybe it was in the preceding book, Winter's Warrior. But no kiss in that book either, so I gave up searching. Really wish the author had just put it in a prologue.
● In the beginning, the FMC repeatedly risked her safety & reputation, but her motivation was... illogical at best.
● At the climax, the MMC (a "street smart" gaming hell owner) had a huge TSTL moment. Just painfully gullible.

Safety Notes:
● Pseudo-OW drama (FMC walks in on OW kissing MMC. It was unwanted on his part but she was crushed, and the drama was stretched out a bit)
● Angst was mild to moderate. Besides the OW drama, he appears hot & cold to her, which makes her feel a bit rejected.
● No real separations once married, except he's very busy so she doesn't often see much of him each day.
● No breakup! 3rd Act drama is external.

Other Notes:
● Free on Kindle Unlimited, although I definitely recommend the audiobook.
● Ends on page 213 (224 Kindle pages total)