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Colors of Scandal #17
Imperfect in Peridot
Searching for answers… Lady Evalina Dunston, daughter of the Earl of Hallewell, has lived a quiet life for years at her father’s country estate, for it was her beloved husband’s last request that she hide herself away to evade the dangerous people he used to ferret out during the war. The last thing she wants is an attraction to the intriguing military man asking for work.
Distracted by forbidden desire… Captain Christopher Mowbray is down on his luck. After an injury put an end to his cavalry career, he’s knocked about England searching for purpose. Now, needing a paying job, he stuck around a rich nob’s property hoping to become a jack of all trades. What he didn’t expect was the instant desire for the pretty widow.
Dodging threats to their lives… While they struggle to deny the tension between them, danger has them in its sights, and when two attempts on the lady’s life fail, the intrigue surrounding her grows. As forced proximity gives way to passionate meetings, they race to discover the secret information she knows. Clever plots and daring deeds might foil the assassins, for only then can they explore the romance they both desperately want. If they survive.
Distracted by forbidden desire… Captain Christopher Mowbray is down on his luck. After an injury put an end to his cavalry career, he’s knocked about England searching for purpose. Now, needing a paying job, he stuck around a rich nob’s property hoping to become a jack of all trades. What he didn’t expect was the instant desire for the pretty widow.
Dodging threats to their lives… While they struggle to deny the tension between them, danger has them in its sights, and when two attempts on the lady’s life fail, the intrigue surrounding her grows. As forced proximity gives way to passionate meetings, they race to discover the secret information she knows. Clever plots and daring deeds might foil the assassins, for only then can they explore the romance they both desperately want. If they survive.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
10 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
333 books272 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 4, 2022
4.5 Stars
Widowed Lady Elizabeth Dunston, sister of the Earl of Hallewell, has lived a quiet life for years at her father’s country estate, trying to live peacefully so her panic attacks are under control. The last thing she wants is an attraction to the intriguing former soldier asking for work. Too bad anxiety continues to bedevil her. Captain Christopher Mowbray is down on his luck, injured at Waterloo put an end to his cavalry career. Now, needing a paying job, he finds himself on the Hallewell property hoping to become a jack of all trades. What he didn’t expect was the instant desire for the pretty widow or the need to play father to her six year old son Cecil
Another well written engrossing read in this wonderful series. I loved both Christopher & Elizabeth, both damaged souls who were attracted to each other from their first meeting & I loved how their feelings grew & how they both found solace in each other. The author dealt with their afflictions sensitively, she deals so well with sensitive subjects & doesn’t shy from them. I didn't like John who was such a snob but he did improve by the end (he needs a good woman to bring him down to earth!)
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Widowed Lady Elizabeth Dunston, sister of the Earl of Hallewell, has lived a quiet life for years at her father’s country estate, trying to live peacefully so her panic attacks are under control. The last thing she wants is an attraction to the intriguing former soldier asking for work. Too bad anxiety continues to bedevil her. Captain Christopher Mowbray is down on his luck, injured at Waterloo put an end to his cavalry career. Now, needing a paying job, he finds himself on the Hallewell property hoping to become a jack of all trades. What he didn’t expect was the instant desire for the pretty widow or the need to play father to her six year old son Cecil
Another well written engrossing read in this wonderful series. I loved both Christopher & Elizabeth, both damaged souls who were attracted to each other from their first meeting & I loved how their feelings grew & how they both found solace in each other. The author dealt with their afflictions sensitively, she deals so well with sensitive subjects & doesn’t shy from them. I didn't like John who was such a snob but he did improve by the end (he needs a good woman to bring him down to earth!)
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 5, 2022
Captain Christopher Mowbray is searching for a purpose. After obtaining several injuries during the battle at Waterloo, he is no longer in the army or has prospects for a job. Traveling from one village to another, all he wants is the ability to prove himself as an upstanding man. From the moment her son discovers the Captain asleep in the stable, Lady Elizabeth, a widow, has found a lightness of heart and a calmness to her fears. A kind, compassionate man, he looks at Elizabeth and her son, Cecil, as his possible happiness. What promises to be the fulfillment of wishes, turns into tears and pain. Only love is worth fighting for.
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 26, 2022
Lady Elizabeth Dunston became a widow six years ago and a brand-new mother on the very same day. She's not yet healed from the loneliness, but it's the dawn of spring and the May Day ball isn't far away. Her son, Cecil, is "lively" and has a child's imagination so Elzabeth is sure that he can't be telling the truth when he tells her that there's a man in the stables. Not only is Cecil correct, but the man causes an awareness to ripple over her. He may look ragged, after sleeping in the barn, but his words have bite and he's definitely getting the best of her. And he's proud. He's been wounded in a battle but offers his services for any work she can give him. Captain Christopher Mowbray had no idea, when he ducked into that barn, that the lady of the house would reward him with work and wages. As they spent time together, he found himself softening to her and Cecil, but was self-conscious, knowing that he wasn't good enough for her. A soldier isn't fit for a Lady. This is a story of awakening from years of slumber and realizing that there's more to life. Beth was terrified of the dark and prone to anxiety attacks. The only one who was able to comfort her through the attacks was Christopher and she felt such safety in his arms. And Cecil came to view him as a father and he wanted nothing else but for that to be true. Beth was a people-pleaser and didn't like change; whereas, Christopher was everyman and a special man. Their journey to a happy ending wasn't without its problems, one of which was their inability to say those three words, even though they felt each one. The Color of Scandals series is one of my favorites. One hallmark of Ms. Sooko's writing is the clever give and take between a man and a woman, all the while falling in love. This is book #17 and a perfect addition to the colorful series.
September 27, 2022
A very sweet romance story with the ongoing theme of looking past imperfections and trauma in order to love.
Elizabeth is a widow who suffers from anxiety and fears that debilitate her. Christopher is a former soldier who has nothing and due to his injuries thinks he is worthless. When Elizabeth finds him in the barn, she takes a chance on giving him some work to earn his keep. But will an intruder wipe away this little spark of joy for them both?
What absolutely sold me on this romance was how very sweet and understanding Christopher was to Elizabeth when she had a major panic attack in town and how he was able to talk her through it. He was written so beautifully in how he helped her see past her barriers. Elizabeth in turn did the same for him but it was subtle. And his impassioned speech in the field was just swoon-worthy. Such outstanding writing from Sandra Sookoo and very well done in dealing with subjects such as PTSD, anxiety, and trauma.
While this was insta-love and the characters fell fast for each other, I did like that the development of their relationship took center stage for the rest of the book. And the epilogue was nice a year later.
Overall a great read, highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth is a widow who suffers from anxiety and fears that debilitate her. Christopher is a former soldier who has nothing and due to his injuries thinks he is worthless. When Elizabeth finds him in the barn, she takes a chance on giving him some work to earn his keep. But will an intruder wipe away this little spark of joy for them both?
What absolutely sold me on this romance was how very sweet and understanding Christopher was to Elizabeth when she had a major panic attack in town and how he was able to talk her through it. He was written so beautifully in how he helped her see past her barriers. Elizabeth in turn did the same for him but it was subtle. And his impassioned speech in the field was just swoon-worthy. Such outstanding writing from Sandra Sookoo and very well done in dealing with subjects such as PTSD, anxiety, and trauma.
While this was insta-love and the characters fell fast for each other, I did like that the development of their relationship took center stage for the rest of the book. And the epilogue was nice a year later.
Overall a great read, highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2022
The h's son was so charming and helped with his insightfulness to bring his mom and the H together. He asked a zillion questions as any child would at age 6. It brought a smile to my face remembering when mine were little.
The H was a Captain in the fight against France and came home with many injuries and people looked down on him. When he meets the h she tells him she and her brother do what they can for those returning from war. But, when the h's brother returns he is awful in his speech with the H. That was so sad for the H had to endure being treated awful again.
The h has panic attacks and her son is so special with her. I loved the relationship between the h's son and the H.
They lust after each other almost from the start and the H lets her know what he wants to do with her. There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and described several times. I didn't feel a connection to this couple in the beginning but I did as the story progressed.
A villain adds a touch of mystery to the story. No cheating, no cliffhanger, stand alone story even though 17 of the series, some romance, HEA and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to decide whether to purchase this story.
I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
The H was a Captain in the fight against France and came home with many injuries and people looked down on him. When he meets the h she tells him she and her brother do what they can for those returning from war. But, when the h's brother returns he is awful in his speech with the H. That was so sad for the H had to endure being treated awful again.
The h has panic attacks and her son is so special with her. I loved the relationship between the h's son and the H.
They lust after each other almost from the start and the H lets her know what he wants to do with her. There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and described several times. I didn't feel a connection to this couple in the beginning but I did as the story progressed.
A villain adds a touch of mystery to the story. No cheating, no cliffhanger, stand alone story even though 17 of the series, some romance, HEA and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to decide whether to purchase this story.
I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
October 5, 2022
FANTASTIC!!! Imperfect in Peridot by Sandra Sookoo is book 17 in the Colors of Scandal series and I can’t believe this is book 17!!!! I have so enjoyed this series and especially this book as Sandra is on of the most talented authors of today. She always picks a disability to write about and I can relate to so many that it really makes them special. This story is about Panic Attacks as many people I know, including myself, suffers from them. It is not something that one can control and is a real serious problem to those who suffer from them. Sandra alway has a way of writing these problem with care and respect and that is a true and great talent. I found this book to be very well written, had wonderful characters, vivid descriptions, easy to read, had the real feel of the regency era and just a joy to read. I cannot say enough about this book. This story has a widow that suffers panic attacks, a wounded soldier, needing shelter, not being accepted after coming back from war, giving someone a chance, respect for one’s duty, a sweet yet smart 6 yr old boy, giving comfort, being scared, helping each other over come their disabilities, being hunted, being shot at and falling in love. I am very highly recommending you read this book… though it is called Imperfect In Peridot, I think the writing was Perfect!!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
October 4, 2022
Anxiety can cripple your life. Widowed Lady Elizabeth has some attacks that she can’t seem to cope with. Weakness, rapid breathing, feeling faint, make her question her sanity. She’s trying to stay strong for her 6-year old son. Meeting and hiring ex-soldier Captain Mowbray is almost the answer to her prayers. He comes with physical and emotional issues after Waterloo that seem to make him a lesser man in his eyes.
The course of true love is never an easy one. As they encourage each other and nurture each other to become better people, they still have to fight their doubts, Elizabeth’s brother, and an attempted murderer.
I think everyone has doubts about themself and their worth at some time. I loved the patience that Christopher had for Beth. Their shared loneliness made her feel safe and more open to him. He shifted her focus during anxiety attacks.
So often in books the servants in the household are cold and closed off. Not the case here—where they knew of the Captain’s genuine worth after a short time and became like his family.
This is book 17 of the series. I’m looking forward to reading the other 16 now.
I received a copy of the book in advance for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
The course of true love is never an easy one. As they encourage each other and nurture each other to become better people, they still have to fight their doubts, Elizabeth’s brother, and an attempted murderer.
I think everyone has doubts about themself and their worth at some time. I loved the patience that Christopher had for Beth. Their shared loneliness made her feel safe and more open to him. He shifted her focus during anxiety attacks.
So often in books the servants in the household are cold and closed off. Not the case here—where they knew of the Captain’s genuine worth after a short time and became like his family.
This is book 17 of the series. I’m looking forward to reading the other 16 now.
I received a copy of the book in advance for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2022
Lady Elizabeth Dunston and her six-year-old son Cecil have lived at Hallewell Hall since the death of her husband. She lives a quiet life taking care of the household when her bother, the earl, is in London. She is shocked when her excited son summons her to the barn to see what he has found. With Cecil, who is smart and curious, it could be plant, animal, or insect.
There sleeping in her barn is Captain Christopher Mowbray, a destitute soldier in search of a job and a roof over his head. It doesn’t take long for the two of them to realize a strong attraction, and for Cecil to become engrossed with his new friend. There is no way this can ever be more, is there? Miracles have been known to happen, and Elizabeth and Chris need one. Both suffer from anxiety, he with PTSD, and she with panic attacks. They have a wonderful calming effect on each other. There are some other obstacles. John, Elizabeth’s brother, objects to their budding relationship, and danger stalks Chris. Will they be able to stand against such hurdles and find their happy future? Wonderful characters, a fragile, sensitive hero and heroine, and an insightful, understanding six-year-old. An engrossing, emotional story with a lovely ending.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
There sleeping in her barn is Captain Christopher Mowbray, a destitute soldier in search of a job and a roof over his head. It doesn’t take long for the two of them to realize a strong attraction, and for Cecil to become engrossed with his new friend. There is no way this can ever be more, is there? Miracles have been known to happen, and Elizabeth and Chris need one. Both suffer from anxiety, he with PTSD, and she with panic attacks. They have a wonderful calming effect on each other. There are some other obstacles. John, Elizabeth’s brother, objects to their budding relationship, and danger stalks Chris. Will they be able to stand against such hurdles and find their happy future? Wonderful characters, a fragile, sensitive hero and heroine, and an insightful, understanding six-year-old. An engrossing, emotional story with a lovely ending.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
September 26, 2022
Can Wishes Come True?
Elizabeth is a widow, Christopher a very flirty soldier who arrives at her brother's country home looking for work after the war.
It seems there is interest or attraction as soon as the two meet.
This is a gripping emotional story of discovering how to trust and overcome not only physical but emotional scars that life as brought to both of them.
A charming cast of characters especially Cecil the talkative little boy plays an intracule part.in Christopher and Elizabeth sizzling romance as they find a HEA.
There is more to this story than just romance. There are shadows in the night,
panic attacks, anxiety, desirous feelings, heartfelt discussions.
I love these characters and whenever a man cries, I have to do the same.
A lovely story that captured my heart. Bravo to the author.
Adult Advisory:
Elizabeth is a widow, Christopher a very flirty soldier who arrives at her brother's country home looking for work after the war.
It seems there is interest or attraction as soon as the two meet.
This is a gripping emotional story of discovering how to trust and overcome not only physical but emotional scars that life as brought to both of them.
A charming cast of characters especially Cecil the talkative little boy plays an intracule part.in Christopher and Elizabeth sizzling romance as they find a HEA.
There is more to this story than just romance. There are shadows in the night,
panic attacks, anxiety, desirous feelings, heartfelt discussions.
I love these characters and whenever a man cries, I have to do the same.
A lovely story that captured my heart. Bravo to the author.
Adult Advisory:
November 8, 2022
imperfect in Peridot
This book was fantastic and I loved every word of it.
The story from the beginning was brilliant. He had come to her brothers home looking for work. Her son who was 6 years old adored him and as time went on so did she. He was formally a top rated captain, who fought in France A passing traveller was harassing the Mother of the child and bothering her in the middle of the night. She was a widow whose husband had died the day his child was born. The child Cecil, loved the captain and wanted him to be his papa. They eventually realised who the mad tormentor wanted and it was not the lady, but the Captain. He blamed the captain for his own wife dying. It was wonderful to read this book and the story was o it of this world. Thank you Mrs Sookoo for writing this book. I enjoyed every word. Xxx
This book was fantastic and I loved every word of it.
The story from the beginning was brilliant. He had come to her brothers home looking for work. Her son who was 6 years old adored him and as time went on so did she. He was formally a top rated captain, who fought in France A passing traveller was harassing the Mother of the child and bothering her in the middle of the night. She was a widow whose husband had died the day his child was born. The child Cecil, loved the captain and wanted him to be his papa. They eventually realised who the mad tormentor wanted and it was not the lady, but the Captain. He blamed the captain for his own wife dying. It was wonderful to read this book and the story was o it of this world. Thank you Mrs Sookoo for writing this book. I enjoyed every word. Xxx
October 2, 2022
Letting go of fear is very hard to do.
This is tale of an injured soldier who just happens to make a stop at our heroine home. He is found by the young master and is offered work. This was such a wonderful book to read. In this book the hero and heroine have hurt souls and they so needed each other. The young master of the tale also needed both of the too. There is danger from someone unexpected that will bring everything to a head. It is a very good story, with down to earth characters, great banter, and so well written. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is tale of an injured soldier who just happens to make a stop at our heroine home. He is found by the young master and is offered work. This was such a wonderful book to read. In this book the hero and heroine have hurt souls and they so needed each other. The young master of the tale also needed both of the too. There is danger from someone unexpected that will bring everything to a head. It is a very good story, with down to earth characters, great banter, and so well written. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 11, 2022
I adore a forbidden love story and this didn't disappoint. This has lots of desire, danger and a well woven romance. Christopher and Evalina are strong and enticing characters and I was captured by their desire and their journey to love.
March 7, 2024
They each came from a tragic and traumatic past. They found strength in each other and their love provided the healing to forge ahead into their happily ever after. Characters are wonderful and the son is adorable. Enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews