Between Scandal and Desire

Those Very Bad Fairbanks #5

by Alyssa Clarke

Nicholas Fairbanks, younger brother of the newly minted Earl of Celdon, is shocked. And shocking one of the ‘very bad Fairbanks’ was a fairly difficult thing to achieve. Lady Cressida Winters, the auburn-haired beauty he had been obsessed with all season, daringly visits his lodgings and demands that he paints her. As an artist of some merit and rising fame, such a thing is not so alarming, except for how she wants to be painted…

Lady Cressida refuses the match her parents are determined on, having discovered the real character of her former suitor, and is determined to show him what he has lost out on by sitting for a scandalous portrait. The last thing she expects is to be tempted by the notorious rake. Clearly, a match between the families would not be supported, and she should dismiss the attraction between them. If only he isn’t so wickedly irresistible…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Fiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2022

About the author

Alyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.

When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Nicholas Fairbanks, younger brother of the newly minted Earl of Celdon, is shocked. And shocking one of the ‘very bad Fairbanks’ was a fairly difficult thing to achieve. Lady Cressida Winters, the auburn-haired beauty he had been obsessed with all season, daringly visits his lodgings and demands that he paints her. Cressida refuses the match her parents are determined on, having discovered the real character of her former suitor the Marquis of Linfield, and is determined to show him what he has lost out on by sitting for a scandalous portrait. The last thing she expects is to be tempted by the notorious rake.
Nicholas is the fifth Fairbanks to find love & he falls hard for Cressida. A short delightful read, which I read in a sitting. I loved both Nicholas & Cressida their chemistry sizzled plus their feelings for each other grew with each meeting. I love the Fairbanks & how they support each other but Cressida also had support from her sister. My only quibble was that I thought Colin would have pressured Lindale to do the right thing with Lady Wimpole
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, steamy story with cute moments between the characters and a lot of complicity. I especially liked the resolution of the painting in the ex's house. 🤭

Given the number of pages, don't expect too many details or descriptions. I don't mind, but I get that such quick reforms (from scoundrel to just one true love) can hardly be credible. 

[Gloria · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did manage to finish this by skim-reading, while hoping the sacrifice would build my character. Thank goodness it was novella-length.

It badly needed proofreading but even if it wasn’t riddled with errors, it was riddled with stupidity. Lady Airhead had discovered her soon-to-be-betrothed with his mouth on his pregnant mistress’s breast in a garden just minutes before their betrothal was to be announced at a ball. There was only one thing to do: get her sister to take her to the rooms of a well-known, handsome, portrait-painting rake and pay him to paint her nude and hang the nude in the almost-bethrothed’s bedroom for revenge.

And it got more ridiculous from there. I kid you not.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked Nicholas from the first book in this series.
He is asked by Lady Cressida to paint her in the nude. This is a nice story that starts with Cressida wanting revenge on a Marquess, who her mother wants her to marry.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Cressida wants revenge against the man who betrayed her with another woman. She asks Nicolas Fairbanks to paint her in the nude, then secretly leave it in the marquess' bedroom, forcing him to look upon the woman he betrayed. Nicolas' attraction to Cressida keeps him from refusing. As he paints, it is the beginning of a passionate affair and they fall deeply in love. Another rake is reformed by love. Only the marquess will not give up.
A fast paced novella!
Heat level 4
🔥🔥🔥🔥.

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

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a lovely surprise. I really enjoyed reading this love story. Couldn't put it down so read it through til morning. Lovely main characters but also a bad guy too. Loved it! 5☆

[Polly Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little story for Nicholas Fairbanks (a notorious rake)and Cressida Winters (the seasons diamond). Cressida thought she could love the marquess and was ready for an engagement with him, that was until she caught him with his pregnant mistress. Her idea of getting back at the marquess is to have Nicholas Fairbanks paint a nude portrait of her. I guess her reasoning behind this is to show the marquess what he is going to miss out on because now she is determined not to marry him. Nicholas and Cressida end up having a love affair. The marquess is still determined to have Cressida for his wife even if it means compromising her. In order to save Cressida from having to marry the marquess Nicholas finds himself in scandel.

The thing I don't understand is how an earl and a second son think they can force a wealthy marquess to leave London for a year. If they have the power to do that then why didn't they just force him to marry his pregnant mistress and make his child legitimate and keep his mistress from ruin.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Between Scandal & Desire ~ Those Very Bad Fairbanks ~ Book 5 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Lady Cressida Winters, the diamond of the season approaches Nicholas Fairbanks in his private quarters with a proposal to be painted. This starts a wonderful adventure where a brother with no title wins the daughter of noble family; it was a delightful story of a love match.

[Karen Hollon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming story about a young lady having to come to terms of her parents wishes for her future and the wishes of her heart. I enjoyed seeing the Fairbanks once again stand together supporting one of their own who’s happiness was in danger of never being realized. The ending was a very happy one.

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

[Kelly Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3 star read. Cressida and Nicholas’s clearly loved each other and made a great pair but I’m seeing a trend with this series that everything happens in a matter of weeks or even days. It’s just too fast. I thought the plot was original though.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas & Cressida. Very enjoyable! She is the diamond of the season and has been in a courtship with a Marquess. On the night they were to become engaged and announce it at a ball, she sees him with his mistress in a passionate embrace (mistress is also preggo). Hurt and pissed she tells him they will not be getting married. Nicholas is a well known in society as not only a rake but also a pretty good artist. She shows up at his quarters and tells him that she wants to commission a painting of herself completely naked and to have the painting delivered to the Marquess to piss him off that someone else had not only seen her naked but also what he would never see. Nicholas has been watching her all season and to see her nude...he tells her that he would only do the painting in exchange for kisses (not the $$$ she was offering). She initially declines but when the Marquess shows up at her home to meet her dad and sign the marriage contracts she decides to accept Nicholas' "fee" and have the painting done. After a passionate kiss, they arrange the first of three sessions needed to complete the portrait. Despite being nervous, she gets naked and they start the session. This scene is written beautifully (you could visualize the scene and feel the nerves). He ends the evening with another passionate kiss and tells her they will be "lovers". She doesn't shy away because she also wants him. Their 2nd session ends with a "taste" of her (nether regions) and they keep meeting up at balls to make out. At her sister's ball, she takes him to her bed. They don't even need the 3rd session because he has finished the painting and asks her if she still wants it delivered and she says "yes". He delivers it but has 2nd guesses and decides to take it back. She also shows up to take the painting. Neither one of them want someone else seeing her naked. At the final ball, the Marquess (who is now open with having a pregnant mistress and no plans of fidelity) decides to compromise her so she is forced to marry him. He forces kisses and tears her dress as people that he arranged to catch them are coming up. Nicholas shows up and when the people walk in he is found kissing her/compromising her. The Marquess is beat up a little and leaves town. Even though her family was not happy about her marrying a 3rd son, they become accepting because she is in love and he loves her too.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Nicholas Fairbanks and Lady Cressida Winters

Tropes: Revenge-ish,

I absolutely loved reading Nicholas and Cressida’s road to HEA. They both certainly made me smile… before I started fanning myself with their hotness!! Holy WOW!! They deliciously singed the pages!!

I love stories where the hero isn’t a Duke or an Earl. Nicolas may be peer, but he isn’t an heir or a spare. He’s a mere “mister” who is actually a very talented artist. And he’s all kinds of YUM!! And I love the way he looks at Cressida. You could feel his desire for her… and it’ll make your toes curl!!

Cressida is a take action kinda heroine… and she knows what she wants and goes for it. She refuses to be forced into the perfect box that her parents and society wants to put her in. I cheered for her every step of her journey!! I think she and Nicholas is going to be very happy together.

I am really loving this series and can’t wait to read more about Those Very Bad Fairbanks!!

Alyssa Clarke does it again… makes me feel the feely-feels for these amazing characters. I love being in her world!! I look forward to reading more from her!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My star system: 4 1/2 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Storyline kept me entertained. Gave me the feels and aaaaaaalmost made me cry in some parts.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Cressida Winters is one-half of the match of the season, but when she catches the other half with his pregnant mistress, all bets are off. She wants revenge. She seeks the help of the youngest brother to the new Earl of Celdon. Nicholas Fairbanks, one of the very bad Fairbanks, is a talented artist. Cressida approaches him to paint a picture of her nude. She plans to use it as revenge for her cheating almost fiancé. Nicholas, who has watched Cressida all season and is quite taken with her, is first a little shocked, then decides he will do as the bold and spunky Lady Cressida asks. Sitting for the portrait, dancing at balls, talking and getting to know each other, one thing leads to another and these two realize they are falling for each other. Of course, nothing can come of this, can it? His brothers advise caution, her parents are furious, and the ex is determined he will have her one way or the other. A messy situation to say the least. This is a fast-paced entertaining story with a bit of drama, humor, and romance. I loved Cressida and Nicholas. It’s always great to see a rake reformed by the love of a feisty lady. Enjoyable story, I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Novella

This is an awesome novella. Nicholas and Cressida were always meant for each other but will they overcome their problem of treachery and love?
Nicholas Fairbanks, younger brother of the newly minted Earl of Celdon, is shocked. And shocking one of the ‘very bad Fairbanks’ was a fairly difficult thing to achieve. Lady Cressida Winters, the auburn-haired beauty he had been obsessed with all season, daringly visits his lodgings and demands that he paints her. As an artist of some merit and rising fame, such a thing is not so alarming, except for how she wants to be painted…
Lady Cressida refuses the match her parents are determined on, having discovered the real character of her former suitor, and is determined to show him what he has lost out on by sitting for a scandalous portrait. The last thing she expects is to be tempted by the notorious rake. Clearly, a match between the families would not be supported, and she should dismiss the attraction between them. If only he isn’t so wickedly irresistible.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Cressida wants to make her soon-to-be fiance, the marquess, jealous and teach him a lesson so she asks Nicholas Fairbanks, a notorious rake and painter, to paint her nude and send the painting to the marquess. Neither of them counted on the feelings that might come about by doing so.

I really enjoyed this book of the series. Although short, I felt it was just enough to tell the story and introduce characters with a good plotline. I liked seeing Nicholas go from thinking himself a total rake to realizing maybe he's really not and opening up his heart. Cressida was hard to get a handle on at first, she was bold and daring yet quiet and demure, she seemed to flip back and forth. But by the end, I liked her and felt her a great match for Nicholas.
This is a nice addition to the series, can be read as a stand-alone, and has on-page bedroom scenes and kissing. It all works together nicely to tell a really sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley-Ann Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be a Fairbank. This is a family that I would happily time travel back to and be a part of. They are by no means perfect, but they do know how to love and enjoy life. My only complaint is that it ended. I would have happily read about Nicholas and Cressida and the rest of the Fairbanks for much longer. They were such a pleasure to read and I loved their HEA. I do love Alyssa’s characters, they are fun to read about and very believable.
Although these are all fine to read on their own, my favourite part is how the story continues so you catch up with the rest of the family in each new book. I love reading Alyssa's books, they are well written, have strong characters that tell a good story and the steam is hot. I am eagerly awaiting the next book and looking forward to the story continuing.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love it when an arrogant lord and a manipulative mother get their comeuppance. Cressida was being courted by the Marquess of Linfield and was quite happy about it until she found out just what kind of man he truly was. She expressed her displeasure and informed him she would never marry him, despite the fact that her parents were pushing for the match. She devised a plan of revenge and enlisted the assistance of Nicholas Fairbanks, a notorious rake. Well, one thing led to another, and they fell in love, much to the chagrin of her parents. This is a quick delightful story filled with adoring innocence, shocking moments, defiance and steam. I wonder if it was as much fun to write as it was to read. Such a wonderful series!.

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

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore these Fairbanks, and I just adore Nicholas and Cressida together. Nicholas is a handsome painter and a rogue, whose brother just became an Earl. Cressida is a Lady who is a diamond. She is beautiful and almost engaged to a Marquess. When she finds out the man, she is almost engaged to has a mistress and she is pregnant, she decides to not see him anymore and take her revenge by sending him a painting of her naked. This is how Nicholas and Cressida officially meet, but they have both noticed each other for a few months. This story is well written and easy reading. I finished this in one afternoon and wanted more of them and their love. Waiting for the next story to come out.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book.
I must admit I love the Fairbanks and this tale about Nicholas and Cressida was such fun to read. It all started with a painting. Cressida did not want to marry the man who her parents had agreed to. She had found out some disturbing news about him so she comes up with a plan to stop the marriage. Not till the very end will the reader know for sure if she will be forced to marry this horrible man or the one she is in love with. The book is short, entertaining, and was such an engaging read. Great characters, a pushy mother and a delightful sister for Cressida and for Nicholas a family ready to take on any scandal for those they love. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Nicholas Fairbanks the artist and lady Cressinda revenge plot!

Mr. Nicholas Fairbanks is not Gentlemen in the eyes of Society. Being one of the Gorgeous 'Bad' Fairbanks twins. Nicholas has the character of a heart of gold. When a masked lady comes into his bedroom to commission him to paint her nude. He is amused. He wants to know the reason why a lady of her class & standing in Society as the beauty & catch of the season wants to ruin her reputation? Lady Cressinda is determined to get revenge on Lord Linford after catching his in the act with his widow mistress at the ball. She is also aware that his mistress is in a state w/ child. While during this entire season he has been dancing & courting hat for her hand in marriage.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandal and Desire is the story of Nicholas Fairbanks and Lady Cressida. A match never meant to happen between a younger son, a painter, a member of the notorious Fairbanks and a member of high society from birth, one of the most desirable matches of the season, daughter of an important family. Yet when she seeks him out for revenge, their attraction cannot be denied. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter, their escapades and their happy end. Just wished that her former suitor had been forced to face the music!.

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

[Ana Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas & Cressida

What a beautiful couple!
Lady Cressida is pressured to marry a Marquis. When she thinks she could love him, she finds out he has his mistress pregnant with a child and refuses to marry her.
Lady Cressida decided to teach him a lesson and stop his persistent chase for her hand. She asks the scandalous Nicholas Fairbanks for help. He is a very good artist and he agrees to paint her nude.
Both fall in love but Nicholas is a third son and from a very improper family. Cressida's parents accepted the Marquis offer for her hand but Cressida will marry for love only.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was throughly enjoyable and I loved Nicholas and Cressida's story, it was also lovely to catch up with all the other Fairbanks bith single and married. Fairbanks is one of those bad Fairbanks, but he is also a renowned artist and one that Lady Cressida intends to proposition and pay to paint her picture not as a respectable lady in all her finery, but scandalously naked bereft of all her finery. To revenge herself against her current suitor.

Nicholas is a rake and rogue who is attracted to Cressida and is willing to forgo payment in lieu of a more intimate form of payment.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was oh so improper and thoroughly enjoyable! You can feel the connection between Nicholas and Cressida right from the beginning and as it grows into more. There was a part at the end where I felt the author could have added a little more detail, but it didn’t detract from the story. A definite must read if you love romance.

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

[Di Ketchup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Scandal and Desire is a very naughty book that will make you to read it in one breath. A heroine willing to teach her fiancee a lesson in most unappropriate way - by taking her nude portrait. She does not expect that the rake who is painting her will become irrisistible and will conquer her heart in the process.

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

[Loujean Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done with Book 5

Now I’m ready for book 6, I am really enjoying all of these Very Bad Fairbanks books and I’m reading them in order which is unusual for me.
They are a very nice length for books especially as there are so many to read but I wouldn’t want them any longer.
Each book has a fresh feel to them and each one has been a real jewel and I am looking forward to the rest in the series!

[Julie ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read .
Loved these two characters , the irresistibly handsome rake and the beautiful daring innocent.
A real page turner that I found hard to put down , the romance builds through the pages into a fiery passionate conclusion with a daring and fun storyline .
Looking forward to reading more from this author .

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story! Those very bad Fairbanks will not be swayed by society rules or parental demands. Nicholas Fairbanks puts the charming in Rake! Who could resist the gorgeous scoundrel? Certainly not Cressida, the Diamond of the ballroom who throws over her cheating Earl for her seductive artist. Their delicious romance was a page turner, start to finish! Loved it!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found Lady Cressida to be very daring and her plan of revenge led her to Nicholas. The revenge plan was forgotten as they fell for each other. I liked how Nicholas stood up for her and protected her honor when another tried to ruin it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and a little naughty story that was fun to read. This book keep entertained for hours and I didn't want to stop reading it. It has everything that I look for in a historical romance. Aylssa Clarke did not disappoint.

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