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Colors of Scandal #13
Persuasive in Pink
When the man you desire won’t take the hint, you need to become creative in your pursuit despite the danger.
Lady Phoebe Mountjoy, daughter of the Earl of Sunderland is trouble. After being violated without her consent at a ball, two months later she discovers she’s increasing. Eight and twenty, unwed and without offers, she’s quite desperate to hide the evidence of the looming disgrace. So, she calls upon a childhood friend in the hopes she can persuade him to marry her for convivence’s sake as well as to save her reputation.
The Honorable Quentin Arkwright, first son of Viscount Tarleton, has often courted scandal in a bid to cripple the illegal slave trade in London. However, when a woman from his past drops by with a shocking proposition, he’s intrigued and then ultimately enraged as she shares her horrible story. He agrees to the marriage in name only with alacrity, for she doesn’t deserve her situation, and he is in need of a match so he can avoid the Marriage Mart.
As the months slip past and Phoebe’s pregnancy grows more advanced, the two strike up an endearing friendship. Despite the roots of their union, romance blooms, but when the man who put her in the compromising position makes a reappearance and threatens everything she and Quentin have built, they’ll have to make some difficult choices that will scandalize the ton. If they’re lucky, love will be a reward neither of them thought possible.
Lady Phoebe Mountjoy, daughter of the Earl of Sunderland is trouble. After being violated without her consent at a ball, two months later she discovers she’s increasing. Eight and twenty, unwed and without offers, she’s quite desperate to hide the evidence of the looming disgrace. So, she calls upon a childhood friend in the hopes she can persuade him to marry her for convivence’s sake as well as to save her reputation.
The Honorable Quentin Arkwright, first son of Viscount Tarleton, has often courted scandal in a bid to cripple the illegal slave trade in London. However, when a woman from his past drops by with a shocking proposition, he’s intrigued and then ultimately enraged as she shares her horrible story. He agrees to the marriage in name only with alacrity, for she doesn’t deserve her situation, and he is in need of a match so he can avoid the Marriage Mart.
As the months slip past and Phoebe’s pregnancy grows more advanced, the two strike up an endearing friendship. Despite the roots of their union, romance blooms, but when the man who put her in the compromising position makes a reappearance and threatens everything she and Quentin have built, they’ll have to make some difficult choices that will scandalize the ton. If they’re lucky, love will be a reward neither of them thought possible.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2022
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
339 books274 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
February 19, 2022
On the shelf after four seasons, Lady Phoebe Mountjoy is seduced, then violated, at her sister's come out ball. Within two months, she's frantic with a baby on the way and no husband. Remembering the vow she made years ago with her neighbor and friend Quentin Arkwright, she goes to him for help. Quentin is thirty-six and constantly nagged about finding a wife. When Phoebe proposes a marriage of convenience, Quentin agrees. Phoebe is so sweet, even though a watering pot, that Quentin's protective instincts and devotion are all for her and the baby. Once they experience a growing sexual intimacy, they are living less as a marriage of convenience and more of a real marriage as a future family of three or more. Until a real threat tests Quentin's devotion. Quentin is a lot more than he seems! I think this book is more about Quentin than Phoebe. He makes the most progressive changes in his look at himself and what he's unexpectedly acquired and loves. He can rub my feet anytime!
February 13, 2022
Lady Phoebe Mountjoy, daughter of the Earl of Sunderland is trouble. After being violated without her consent at a ball, two months later she discovers she’s increasing. Eight and twenty, unwed and without offers, she’s quite desperate to hide the evidence of the looming disgrace. So, she calls upon a childhood friend in the hopes she can persuade him to marry her for convenience’s sake as well as to save her reputation. The Honourable Quentin Arkwright, first son of Viscount Tarleton, is no stranger to courting scandal. However, when a woman from his past drops by with a shocking proposition, he’s intrigued and then ultimately enraged as she shares her horrible story. He agrees to the marriage in name only with alacrity, for she doesn’t deserve her situation, and he is in need of a match so he can avoid the Marriage Mart. As the months slip past and Phoebe’s pregnancy grows more advanced, the two strike up an endearing friendship. Despite the roots of their union, romance blooms, but when the man who put her in the compromising position makes a reappearance and threatens everything she and Quentin have built, they’ll have to make some difficult choices.
Whilst this is the thirteenth book in this lovely series it’s easily read on its own. An emotional read which I found hard to put down, the author handled the ups & downs & uncertainties of the couple sensitively & drew two very endearing people who I was routing for from the word go. Although Phoebe’s tears did grate on me a little, there were just too many of them for me. However I thoroughly enjoyed the book & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Whilst this is the thirteenth book in this lovely series it’s easily read on its own. An emotional read which I found hard to put down, the author handled the ups & downs & uncertainties of the couple sensitively & drew two very endearing people who I was routing for from the word go. Although Phoebe’s tears did grate on me a little, there were just too many of them for me. However I thoroughly enjoyed the book & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 12, 2022
Lady Phoebe has suffered the greatest indignity a woman can suffer in her life and now she’s pregnant and alone. She must take matters in her own hands and find a solution, and quickly. Only a dear childhood friend might help her now and she’s not ashamed to ask, for her sake and the sake of her unborn child…
When Quentin, future Viscount Arkwright, learns about Phoebe’s predicament, he’s shocked and outraged on her behalf. He’s being pressured by his family to find a wife, so he thinks that a marriage of convenience could be the perfect solution for both of them. What neither of them accounted for is that love has a way of being born even in the direst of situations…
The characters and their internal struggles are at the core of this emotional book. Quentin is the perfect hero, endearing, honorable, but also very human with all his doubts and qualms. Phoebe is strong, but vulnerable at the same time and I quite liked the way the author portrayed her. All Sandra Sookoo’s heroines are strong, capable women who don’t let difficulties cower them and I enjoy her books for this. And in this book I especially liked the way she showed Phoebe and Quentin’s love growing day by day.
There is a quote which in my opinion sums up the spirit of the book perfectly: “Life, when all is said and done, never adds up to a perfect equation that makes sense, and neither should it. There is grief and chaos and hurt feelings and challenges, but that’s what makes everything amazing.”
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Quentin, future Viscount Arkwright, learns about Phoebe’s predicament, he’s shocked and outraged on her behalf. He’s being pressured by his family to find a wife, so he thinks that a marriage of convenience could be the perfect solution for both of them. What neither of them accounted for is that love has a way of being born even in the direst of situations…
The characters and their internal struggles are at the core of this emotional book. Quentin is the perfect hero, endearing, honorable, but also very human with all his doubts and qualms. Phoebe is strong, but vulnerable at the same time and I quite liked the way the author portrayed her. All Sandra Sookoo’s heroines are strong, capable women who don’t let difficulties cower them and I enjoy her books for this. And in this book I especially liked the way she showed Phoebe and Quentin’s love growing day by day.
There is a quote which in my opinion sums up the spirit of the book perfectly: “Life, when all is said and done, never adds up to a perfect equation that makes sense, and neither should it. There is grief and chaos and hurt feelings and challenges, but that’s what makes everything amazing.”
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 21, 2022
Persuasive in Pink has a premise you don’t see too often in romance: the heroine has been raped, and the book opens with her discovering her pregnancy. This being Regency England, the situation is dire for a gentlewoman, so she turns to a childhood friend to beg him to fulfill their youthful promise to marry if both were still free at a certain age.
I loved how Sookoo created two characters with a strong sense of responsibility and care. Phoebe and Quentin (what great names!) are truly thoughtful of one another and of other people. Seeing them move from an utterly practical situation that in some ways terrifies them with its finality into like and then love was just a joy to read. Add in a lot of marvelous yet sensitive sensuality, and you’ve got some great stuff.
So why four stars? There’s a lot of repetition of themes. It’s understandable that Quentin is desperate to confirm the identity of Phoebe’s rapist, but the continual return to that theme grew wearisome. In the same way, Phoebe is a watering pot who consistently panics about what she’s done in asking Quentin to live up to that youthful promise. I would have been happier with about half the number of references to these themes and others. There was enough to explore in this couple’s evolving relationship in and of itself.
I also wondered why Phoebe, the daughter of an earl, is consistently referred to as Mrs. Arkwright when she’s technically Lady Phoebe Arkwright. I was pulled out of the book by this, and I hope it’s something the author can fix in future.
But this is a strong read with a fascinating premise. I loved the integrity of these protagonists and definitely recommend Persuasive in Pink!
I loved how Sookoo created two characters with a strong sense of responsibility and care. Phoebe and Quentin (what great names!) are truly thoughtful of one another and of other people. Seeing them move from an utterly practical situation that in some ways terrifies them with its finality into like and then love was just a joy to read. Add in a lot of marvelous yet sensitive sensuality, and you’ve got some great stuff.
So why four stars? There’s a lot of repetition of themes. It’s understandable that Quentin is desperate to confirm the identity of Phoebe’s rapist, but the continual return to that theme grew wearisome. In the same way, Phoebe is a watering pot who consistently panics about what she’s done in asking Quentin to live up to that youthful promise. I would have been happier with about half the number of references to these themes and others. There was enough to explore in this couple’s evolving relationship in and of itself.
I also wondered why Phoebe, the daughter of an earl, is consistently referred to as Mrs. Arkwright when she’s technically Lady Phoebe Arkwright. I was pulled out of the book by this, and I hope it’s something the author can fix in future.
But this is a strong read with a fascinating premise. I loved the integrity of these protagonists and definitely recommend Persuasive in Pink!
February 11, 2022
This was my first Sandra Sookoo novel and while the author certainly has a penchant for writing a good story, I don't feel that this was her best.
For me, the synopsis was the entire story and there was just a lot of filler and month-to-month updating of Phoebe's pregnancy. There was also a lot of self-doubt and back and forth over the sacrifice Quentin made.
Let me say that the storyline here is unique and the author does do a great job of capturing the highs and lows of pregnancy and the uncertainty of a future after having something like this happen. All through the book, that was the one thing that stood out - capturing the emotional roller coaster. However, with so much emotion from Phoebe, it turned her into a blubbering mess most times filled with self-doubt. Not really what I want in a historical romance. Her character got on my nerves fast.
Quentin of course is the hero and he fits the role perfectly.
Where I also thought this story fell a bit was when the viscount comes back. After being told off by Quentin then it was "ok, let's move on". There wasn't any drama, there wasn't any story. It was a letdown.
I am giving this 4 stars as I do feel the author is a good writer and did tackle a very hard subject with dignity. There is a sweet romantic story here, Phoebe and Quentin make a great couple and most readers will feel it swoon-worthy. It just sort of fell flat for me with filler and I wasn't moved by it. I will read more from this author in the future and do recommend her books.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review
For me, the synopsis was the entire story and there was just a lot of filler and month-to-month updating of Phoebe's pregnancy. There was also a lot of self-doubt and back and forth over the sacrifice Quentin made.
Let me say that the storyline here is unique and the author does do a great job of capturing the highs and lows of pregnancy and the uncertainty of a future after having something like this happen. All through the book, that was the one thing that stood out - capturing the emotional roller coaster. However, with so much emotion from Phoebe, it turned her into a blubbering mess most times filled with self-doubt. Not really what I want in a historical romance. Her character got on my nerves fast.
Quentin of course is the hero and he fits the role perfectly.
Where I also thought this story fell a bit was when the viscount comes back. After being told off by Quentin then it was "ok, let's move on". There wasn't any drama, there wasn't any story. It was a letdown.
I am giving this 4 stars as I do feel the author is a good writer and did tackle a very hard subject with dignity. There is a sweet romantic story here, Phoebe and Quentin make a great couple and most readers will feel it swoon-worthy. It just sort of fell flat for me with filler and I wasn't moved by it. I will read more from this author in the future and do recommend her books.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review
February 17, 2022
4.5 STARS
This author handled a tough topic of rape and it's aftermath when the women gets pregnant. The rape is off page but you feel the emotion of the h. She knows her parents will have her leave their home so she visits an old childhood friend and off on their journey to a bumpy HEA.
The H has started to be hounded by his father and aunt to marry so when the h asks him to enter a marriage of convenience he agrees. The h is honest from the start but withheld the name of her rapist.
I do agree with other reviews that it was a let down when the H discovers the rapist and confronts him. I did enjoy how the H handled it but I kept expecting him to turn up and cause havoc. Also, I wanted to witness when they told their parents how she is pregnant and showing more months than they are married, that was off page too.
I did enjoy the relationship of this couple. I know some felt it was repetitive, but that didn't bother me because the h felt like she trapped the H and felt guilty - made sense to me. I found the story very romantic, especially in the little ways the H would do things for the h. Their love grew slowly and was realistic.
Passionate lovemaking within marriage - heat level 4.25 out of 5. The H was very caring in how he bedded the H after her traumatic experience.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, romantic and steam. I recommend this story and author. Even though #13 it is a stand alone. (ljb)
This author handled a tough topic of rape and it's aftermath when the women gets pregnant. The rape is off page but you feel the emotion of the h. She knows her parents will have her leave their home so she visits an old childhood friend and off on their journey to a bumpy HEA.
The H has started to be hounded by his father and aunt to marry so when the h asks him to enter a marriage of convenience he agrees. The h is honest from the start but withheld the name of her rapist.
I do agree with other reviews that it was a let down when the H discovers the rapist and confronts him. I did enjoy how the H handled it but I kept expecting him to turn up and cause havoc. Also, I wanted to witness when they told their parents how she is pregnant and showing more months than they are married, that was off page too.
I did enjoy the relationship of this couple. I know some felt it was repetitive, but that didn't bother me because the h felt like she trapped the H and felt guilty - made sense to me. I found the story very romantic, especially in the little ways the H would do things for the h. Their love grew slowly and was realistic.
Passionate lovemaking within marriage - heat level 4.25 out of 5. The H was very caring in how he bedded the H after her traumatic experience.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, romantic and steam. I recommend this story and author. Even though #13 it is a stand alone. (ljb)
January 26, 2022
INCREDIBLE!!! Persuasive in Pink by Sandra Sookoo is book 13 in the Colors of Scandal series and I so like this series and this book. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I really liked about this book is that Sandra can take a delicate subject and with respect, write an incredible story. I think this is my favorite in the this series and yes I have read them all. This book is so well written, original and had the true feeling of the regency era. The romance that bloomed between Quentin and Phoebe was just too charming for words and I just fell in love with Quentin…he is a true hero and I have to admit I am a bit smitten. I could not put this book down. Be prepared to stay up all night ladies with this one. Sandra has just an amazing gift for writing and story telling and is one of the best authors of today. This story has rape, finding herself pregnant, asking a childhood friend to rescue them, a total gentleman that is so very honorable, protection, wanting to take the baby away, a father and aunt pushing for him to marry, acceptance and falling in love. You must read this book and I am highly recommending that you do… you will not be disappointed. Bravo Sandra Bravo!!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
February 21, 2022
Persuasive in Pink (Colours of Scandal Book 13)
This book is wonderful. What an amazing man Quentin was to accept Pheobe and marry her and have a full marriage with her. The last time Phoebe had seen Quentin was when she was a child when they had agreed that they would marry each other if either didn’t have an offer of marriage by the time of Pheobe’s fourth coming out party. Pheobe had been raped by a Viscount at her sisters first coming out party. She was then so worried about telling her parents she did not know what to do.
Quentin asked her and asked her who the father of the baby was, but Pheobe was afraid to tell him.
He was shocked when she asked him to marry her but he agreed and two days later they married. The story was so interesting and it was not long before they fell in love. He accepted the baby, their new lifestyle, the love that they had for each other was fantastic. This book is extremely special. I could feel the fear and the love in it. It was a brilliant story and when I started it I did not want to put it down. Excellent story Mrs Sookoo. Thank you.
This book is wonderful. What an amazing man Quentin was to accept Pheobe and marry her and have a full marriage with her. The last time Phoebe had seen Quentin was when she was a child when they had agreed that they would marry each other if either didn’t have an offer of marriage by the time of Pheobe’s fourth coming out party. Pheobe had been raped by a Viscount at her sisters first coming out party. She was then so worried about telling her parents she did not know what to do.
Quentin asked her and asked her who the father of the baby was, but Pheobe was afraid to tell him.
He was shocked when she asked him to marry her but he agreed and two days later they married. The story was so interesting and it was not long before they fell in love. He accepted the baby, their new lifestyle, the love that they had for each other was fantastic. This book is extremely special. I could feel the fear and the love in it. It was a brilliant story and when I started it I did not want to put it down. Excellent story Mrs Sookoo. Thank you.
February 18, 2022
I did enjoy reading of the growing relationship between Phoebe and Quentin. Phoebe, I feel indulged in too many doubts about Quentin which I found sometime a bit too far to be considered realistic. What the Viscount did to her was very realistic. I did feel badly for her. Quentin had no reason whatsoever to assist Phoebe during her plight. It did seem a bit unrealistic that after not being in touch for years that he immediately rescued her. Also, when the Viscount reappeared with his demands and threats, the whole confrontation seemed anti-climactic. What man in his right mind would willingly admit a sexual impediment and not feel uncomfortable? The Viscount had no problem voicing his condition. During this exchange Quentin really impressed me with how he kept the upper hand in his conversation with the Viscount. In the end everything worked out to Phoebe and Quentin's favor.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Unpredictable
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Unpredictable
February 16, 2022
Taken without her consent, Phoebe finds herself pregnant and on the verge of ruin. Desperate, she seeks out her childhood friend Quentin Arkwright. She tells him of her situation and asks him to marry her. He agrees to a marriage of convenience. They are friends. Perhaps there is hope for something more.
This is heart-warming story where love grows between two friends brought together by unfortunate circumstances. I love the characters. Quentin is a wonderful hero, kind, honorable, and protective. Just the hero Phoebe, who is usually strong and practical, needs at this time in her life. As they work to acclimate themselves to their life together, their love grows. The families are delightful. And the villain? Well, he gets his comeuppance in more ways than one. An engaging story, lovely characters, a great read.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.
This is heart-warming story where love grows between two friends brought together by unfortunate circumstances. I love the characters. Quentin is a wonderful hero, kind, honorable, and protective. Just the hero Phoebe, who is usually strong and practical, needs at this time in her life. As they work to acclimate themselves to their life together, their love grows. The families are delightful. And the villain? Well, he gets his comeuppance in more ways than one. An engaging story, lovely characters, a great read.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.
March 27, 2023
While Persuasive in Pink is the 13th book in the Colors of Scandal series, it is easily read as a stand alone novel. I haven't read all of the books in the series and I never felt lost in Quentin and Phoebe's story.
The author chose an unusual plot for this book - the heroine, Phoebe, was raped (the rape happens off the page) and the story begins with her realizing she's pregnant. She goes to a childhood friend, Quentin, for help and asks him to marry her.
With that type of plot, the story could have quickly gone off the rails, but it didn't. This is a great book about how two people who may not have come together otherwise grew to know and love one another. I enjoyed reading about their growing relationship.
If you're looking for a heartwarming story to enjoy on a rainy day or evening, I highly recommend this book.
The author chose an unusual plot for this book - the heroine, Phoebe, was raped (the rape happens off the page) and the story begins with her realizing she's pregnant. She goes to a childhood friend, Quentin, for help and asks him to marry her.
With that type of plot, the story could have quickly gone off the rails, but it didn't. This is a great book about how two people who may not have come together otherwise grew to know and love one another. I enjoyed reading about their growing relationship.
If you're looking for a heartwarming story to enjoy on a rainy day or evening, I highly recommend this book.
February 13, 2022
Quentin and Phoebe true best friends
In deep trouble our heroine seeks out an old friend will he help her or turn his back? The hero of the story is so wonderful, kind hearted, and an outstanding character. What he was willing to do for the heroine was mind blowing. This is tale about how they learned to cope and grow into something so special. The hero looks out for his lady right up to the end and even when faced with a horrible challenge he comes through for her. Loved the story, the characters, and the ending was a delight. High praise for jewel hope you check it out I know I am glad I did. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
In deep trouble our heroine seeks out an old friend will he help her or turn his back? The hero of the story is so wonderful, kind hearted, and an outstanding character. What he was willing to do for the heroine was mind blowing. This is tale about how they learned to cope and grow into something so special. The hero looks out for his lady right up to the end and even when faced with a horrible challenge he comes through for her. Loved the story, the characters, and the ending was a delight. High praise for jewel hope you check it out I know I am glad I did. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 16, 2022
Lady Phoebe was naive, but no one deserves what happened to her. Quentin was someone she could always rely on and remembering their promise to marry if she hasn’t found someone else after several seasons she turns to him in desperation, hoping he can save her from ruin. She spends much of the book worried her baby will be taken from her by man who attacked her. Quentin didn’t have to marry her and he keeps second guessing his decision, whether he can care for a child not of his blood, and worried about losing Phoebe in childbirth. This was a steamy romance detailing the ways Quentin makes sex enjoyable for Phoebe.
February 18, 2022
Highly Recommended!
I take my hat off to any woman who has survived a rape and has successfully carried on building a life for herself. The mental anguish alone is a test of valour and the success is exactly what Sandra Sookoo has captured in this story as well as the perfect, happy outcome.
It is written in such a way that it shows the beauty of two people learning how to live the best life they can. Phoebe and Quentin burrowed their way into my heart, impressing me with their trust, caring and love for each other.
This is a story that every woman should read!
I take my hat off to any woman who has survived a rape and has successfully carried on building a life for herself. The mental anguish alone is a test of valour and the success is exactly what Sandra Sookoo has captured in this story as well as the perfect, happy outcome.
It is written in such a way that it shows the beauty of two people learning how to live the best life they can. Phoebe and Quentin burrowed their way into my heart, impressing me with their trust, caring and love for each other.
This is a story that every woman should read!
March 21, 2022
This was a nice short book, only about 2 1/2 hours to finish. I liked it, but it was very predictable. No surprises or much tension. That said, I enjoyed reading the story. It was softly romantic.
February 11, 2022
loved this book. Quentin was the epitomy of romantic, gallant and a real gentleman. so glad i got to read this book
February 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this story. Will seek out other titles by this author.
April 6, 2022
Persuasive in pink
Loved this book. Finished it in two days. So much emotion and warmth from the two main characters of this wonderful story.
Loved this book. Finished it in two days. So much emotion and warmth from the two main characters of this wonderful story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews