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The Peveretts of Haberstock Hall #3
Miss Peverett's Secret Scandal
A Victorian twist on a sexy office romance from Bronwyn Scott.
Working in close quarters…
With an employer she can’t resist!
Thomasia Peverett is dreading her return to society, but when she’s offered a secretarial role by Member of Parliament Shaw Rawdon, he tempts her to leave the safety of her home. Shaw’s unlike anyone she’s ever met, and their attraction is undeniable. Even the revelation of her scandalous secret draws him closer! Thomasia knows it’s foolish to trust the wrong man, but will Shaw prove he’s worth it?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
The Peveretts of Haberstock Hall
Book 1: Lord Tresham's Tempting Rival
Book 2: Saving Her Mysterious Soldier
Book 3: Miss Peverett's Secret Scandal
Book 4: The Bluestocking's Whirlwind Liaison
Working in close quarters…
With an employer she can’t resist!
Thomasia Peverett is dreading her return to society, but when she’s offered a secretarial role by Member of Parliament Shaw Rawdon, he tempts her to leave the safety of her home. Shaw’s unlike anyone she’s ever met, and their attraction is undeniable. Even the revelation of her scandalous secret draws him closer! Thomasia knows it’s foolish to trust the wrong man, but will Shaw prove he’s worth it?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
The Peveretts of Haberstock Hall
Book 1: Lord Tresham's Tempting Rival
Book 2: Saving Her Mysterious Soldier
Book 3: Miss Peverett's Secret Scandal
Book 4: The Bluestocking's Whirlwind Liaison
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 26, 2022
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Scott
350 books170 followersBronwyn Scott writes historical romances for Harlequin, Mills and Boon. She has 50 titles currently in print with them.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2022
I really loved the setup of this story.
Part of the plot centres around the 1845 Bastardy Act, which allows unmarried mothers to petition for financial support from their children's father. I had no idea that the concept of child support was around back then (and even farther back), so it was neat to learn about. It was also an interesting parallel to current events, and a timely reminder that progress is not always linear and that rights that have been hard won still need to be protected.
Shaw is a fairly progressive MP who, unfortunately, has patrons/sponsors (I don't understand old-timey British government) he needs to please who are much more conservative than him. One of them is trying to repeal the Act and is pressuring Shaw to support and campaign for him. Shaw is repulsed by this but knows that if he doesn't fall in line, not only will he not get support for his own projects (namely, schools for foundling children), but his political career will be pretty much over before it has even begun.
Thomasia has a young daughter from an affair during her first Season, and it currently laying low at her parents’ home while trying to plan a future that will keep her family from being affected by her scandal. She is involved with a group of women who are, among other things, trying to prevent the Act from being repealed. At first, she comes across as a bit of an over-the-top man-hater, but it's mostly just a defense mechanism.
The two of them getting to know one another was great. Thomasia thinks Shaw is too good to be true and is continually trying to trip him up and get him to reveal his true colours as a Typical Man. But Shaw is an absolute sweetheart and keeps passing her tests. I am such a sucker for a hero who is not only cool with raising another man’s child, but legit falls in love with said child just as hard as he falls in love with Mom. The image of Shaw casually burping baby Effie will live rent-free in my head for a while (as well as him occasionally staring off into the middle-distance daydreaming about the three of them being a little family).
Unfortunately, the back half of the book was a letdown for me. I hoped it would be about the two of them working together to squash the repeal while preserving Shaw’s career, but it was mostly lots of pining and inner monologue from both MCs about why they should/can’t be together. There is also a secondary plot where the father of Thomasia's baby is trying to gain custody of her because Inheritance Reasons. The interesting political aspect of the plot fades into the background, and I felt like the MCs did not really “earn” their HEA. Things were resolved a little too neatly, and mostly because of the actions (both positive and negative) of secondary characters instead of the MCs doing the heavy lifting.
Part of the plot centres around the 1845 Bastardy Act, which allows unmarried mothers to petition for financial support from their children's father. I had no idea that the concept of child support was around back then (and even farther back), so it was neat to learn about. It was also an interesting parallel to current events, and a timely reminder that progress is not always linear and that rights that have been hard won still need to be protected.
Shaw is a fairly progressive MP who, unfortunately, has patrons/sponsors (I don't understand old-timey British government) he needs to please who are much more conservative than him. One of them is trying to repeal the Act and is pressuring Shaw to support and campaign for him. Shaw is repulsed by this but knows that if he doesn't fall in line, not only will he not get support for his own projects (namely, schools for foundling children), but his political career will be pretty much over before it has even begun.
Thomasia has a young daughter from an affair during her first Season, and it currently laying low at her parents’ home while trying to plan a future that will keep her family from being affected by her scandal. She is involved with a group of women who are, among other things, trying to prevent the Act from being repealed. At first, she comes across as a bit of an over-the-top man-hater, but it's mostly just a defense mechanism.
The two of them getting to know one another was great. Thomasia thinks Shaw is too good to be true and is continually trying to trip him up and get him to reveal his true colours as a Typical Man. But Shaw is an absolute sweetheart and keeps passing her tests. I am such a sucker for a hero who is not only cool with raising another man’s child, but legit falls in love with said child just as hard as he falls in love with Mom. The image of Shaw casually burping baby Effie will live rent-free in my head for a while (as well as him occasionally staring off into the middle-distance daydreaming about the three of them being a little family).
Unfortunately, the back half of the book was a letdown for me. I hoped it would be about the two of them working together to squash the repeal while preserving Shaw’s career, but it was mostly lots of pining and inner monologue from both MCs about why they should/can’t be together. There is also a secondary plot where the father of Thomasia's baby is trying to gain custody of her because Inheritance Reasons. The interesting political aspect of the plot fades into the background, and I felt like the MCs did not really “earn” their HEA. Things were resolved a little too neatly, and mostly because of the actions (both positive and negative) of secondary characters instead of the MCs doing the heavy lifting.
April 15, 2022
Thomasia is feeling relegated to an existence governed by society instead of one of her own choosing. She refuses to accept that women’s accomplishments are being written out of history. She yearns for the right to decide her own feelings and her own path forward. Women are still fighting for these same causes today and it is important that women today like Thomasia continue to strive for these rights. A few blushing moments show real love for Thomasia and Shaw, but will they find true love and will she be allowed to follow her passions?
June 15, 2022
Good book with some intriguing parallels to current events. Thomasia is a single mother during a time when such a thing is scandalous. She has managed to keep her secret by hiding at her parents' home while trying to decide her future. She's feeling a bit of cabin fever, having made herself a prisoner. She spent her pregnancy in Yorkshire, where she got involved with a group of women trying to better the lives of poor women who don't have the resources she does. She misses that feeling of doing something important. That changes when she meets their neighbor, MP Shaw Rawdon.
Shaw is a newly elected MP with progressive ideas. His sponsors are much more conservative and expect him to align with their views. He knows how the game is played but hates that he must vote against something he approves of to get their support for his project. When he attends a dinner at his neighbors' home, he is intrigued by Thomasia and her well-stated views on the same subjects. Shaw invites her to become his secretary to get to know her better.
Thomasia is wary of Shaw. Her experience with the father of her child convinced her that men could not be trusted. But she'll work for him and plans to do her best to influence him to vote to preserve the Bastardy Act, which allows women like her to gain financial support from the fathers of their children. That plan quickly falls by the wayside as Thomasia and Shaw get to know each other. There are sparks between them, but once Shaw learns of her daughter, he knows he can't pursue them. Getting involved with an unwed mother would be the death of his career.
As much as he tries to resist it, Thomasia and her daughter have found their way into his heart. I loved seeing Shaw with little Effie-Claire. She utterly entrances him, and it's obvious he would make a terrific father. Even better, he doesn't hold Thomasia's indiscretion against her. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants both of them in his life. Thomasia falls just as hard for Shaw once she gets past her mistrust of him. She also knows how hard he's worked to get where he is. She refuses to marry him because she doesn't want to be responsible for ending his career.
Meanwhile, the father of Thomasia's daughter suddenly decides he wants custody of the child because of an inheritance requirement. I liked that she immediately thought of Shaw as the person to help her. There were some tense moments as she overhears comments by those conservative sponsors, but she reins in her impulse to interfere. I loved the scenes of Shaw joining with the men of Thomasia's family to deal with the threat. I loved seeing Shaw put his feelings for her on the line and step up to protect her in the best way possible. I held my breath, hoping she would finally let go of her fears and accept his love. But her ex is a desperate man, and some heart-pounding moments threaten everything she holds dear. The conclusion was well done. I liked the epilogue, which I thought was realistically done.
I enjoyed the inclusion of one of the political hot points of support for "fallen" women. Thomasia looks at it from a personal perspective. Shaw's view is also affected by his early life. His dilemma of compromising his ideals was difficult, and his struggle was evident every time he had to deal with the other men. I loved his acceptance by Thomasia's family and especially liked how the men supported him. I grinned at their solution to his dilemma and cheered at how it turned out. I also liked seeing that Thomasia is in the perfect place to continue her work with Shaw's support.
Shaw is a newly elected MP with progressive ideas. His sponsors are much more conservative and expect him to align with their views. He knows how the game is played but hates that he must vote against something he approves of to get their support for his project. When he attends a dinner at his neighbors' home, he is intrigued by Thomasia and her well-stated views on the same subjects. Shaw invites her to become his secretary to get to know her better.
Thomasia is wary of Shaw. Her experience with the father of her child convinced her that men could not be trusted. But she'll work for him and plans to do her best to influence him to vote to preserve the Bastardy Act, which allows women like her to gain financial support from the fathers of their children. That plan quickly falls by the wayside as Thomasia and Shaw get to know each other. There are sparks between them, but once Shaw learns of her daughter, he knows he can't pursue them. Getting involved with an unwed mother would be the death of his career.
As much as he tries to resist it, Thomasia and her daughter have found their way into his heart. I loved seeing Shaw with little Effie-Claire. She utterly entrances him, and it's obvious he would make a terrific father. Even better, he doesn't hold Thomasia's indiscretion against her. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants both of them in his life. Thomasia falls just as hard for Shaw once she gets past her mistrust of him. She also knows how hard he's worked to get where he is. She refuses to marry him because she doesn't want to be responsible for ending his career.
Meanwhile, the father of Thomasia's daughter suddenly decides he wants custody of the child because of an inheritance requirement. I liked that she immediately thought of Shaw as the person to help her. There were some tense moments as she overhears comments by those conservative sponsors, but she reins in her impulse to interfere. I loved the scenes of Shaw joining with the men of Thomasia's family to deal with the threat. I loved seeing Shaw put his feelings for her on the line and step up to protect her in the best way possible. I held my breath, hoping she would finally let go of her fears and accept his love. But her ex is a desperate man, and some heart-pounding moments threaten everything she holds dear. The conclusion was well done. I liked the epilogue, which I thought was realistically done.
I enjoyed the inclusion of one of the political hot points of support for "fallen" women. Thomasia looks at it from a personal perspective. Shaw's view is also affected by his early life. His dilemma of compromising his ideals was difficult, and his struggle was evident every time he had to deal with the other men. I loved his acceptance by Thomasia's family and especially liked how the men supported him. I grinned at their solution to his dilemma and cheered at how it turned out. I also liked seeing that Thomasia is in the perfect place to continue her work with Shaw's support.
September 12, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Bronwyn Scott’s Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal is an intense, emotional and poignant Victorian romance with a strong and resilient heroine and an honorable and dashing hero readers are going to love.
When Miss Thomasia Peverett left her tiny country village behind and went to London for the season, she turned every single eligible bachelor’s head. Thomasia had bewitched and dazzled the Ton, however, she had also let her emotions get the better of her and given into temptation with a total cad who had bolted the second he found out she was pregnant. Thomasia, who had always yearned to break free from the claustrophobic confines of her country village, had found herself with no other choice but to go back home and keep a low profile. Other than her family and their staff, nobody knows that Thomasia is now the mother of little Effie-Claire. Thomasia has locked her heart up for good and decided to dedicate herself entirely to her daughter. However, the arrival of MP Shaw Rawdon brings to the fore feelings Thomasia has been suppressing for so long…
Shaw understands the stigma of illegitimacy only too well. However, he was lucky that at a young age he had been adopted by a kind man who had given him and his mother a home and allowed him to pursue an education. Shaw had got into politics with the intention of making life better for his constituents, but that is proving tough with his fellow MPs more interested in lining their own pockets than helping those who need it most. Still, Shaw knows that he needs people of influence on his side to allow him to keep on climbing the political ladder. He must avoid scandal at all costs and not let anyone distract him from his aspirations – until he meets Thomasia Peverett and he finds himself completely bowled over by her.
Thomasia daren’t risk anyone finding out her secret – not even Shaw. However, when she starts spending time with him, she immediately finds herself attracted to him; an attraction she knows will not lead to anything. However, when giving into her feelings for him becomes inevitable, Thomasia realizes that she has completely lost her heart to Shaw – even though she is fully aware that as a rising star in politics, he couldn’t possibly contemplate the thought of a future with the mother of an illegitimate child.
Forced to choose between duty and desire, is Shaw ready to give up the woman who has come to mean everything to him for his parliamentary seat? Or will Shaw end up choosing his heart over her head?
Bronwyn Scott’s Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal is an enjoyable Victorian romance that deftly and effortlessly interweaves period detail and historical fact with a powerful high stakes love story readers will be completely captivated by.
I loved how Bronwyn Scott stepped out of the ballrooms of the Ton in Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal and penned a mature, complex and dramatic romantic read with a wonderfully noble hero it is impossible not to fall in love with and a feminist heroine who was brave, resourceful and kind-hearted. Both Shaw and Thomasia had very forward-thinking and modern sensibilities, yet they didn’t feel like they were in any way anachronistic.
A spellbinding historical romance, Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal is an immensely enjoyable Victorian tale by Bronwyn Scott.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bronwyn Scott’s Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal is an intense, emotional and poignant Victorian romance with a strong and resilient heroine and an honorable and dashing hero readers are going to love.
When Miss Thomasia Peverett left her tiny country village behind and went to London for the season, she turned every single eligible bachelor’s head. Thomasia had bewitched and dazzled the Ton, however, she had also let her emotions get the better of her and given into temptation with a total cad who had bolted the second he found out she was pregnant. Thomasia, who had always yearned to break free from the claustrophobic confines of her country village, had found herself with no other choice but to go back home and keep a low profile. Other than her family and their staff, nobody knows that Thomasia is now the mother of little Effie-Claire. Thomasia has locked her heart up for good and decided to dedicate herself entirely to her daughter. However, the arrival of MP Shaw Rawdon brings to the fore feelings Thomasia has been suppressing for so long…
Shaw understands the stigma of illegitimacy only too well. However, he was lucky that at a young age he had been adopted by a kind man who had given him and his mother a home and allowed him to pursue an education. Shaw had got into politics with the intention of making life better for his constituents, but that is proving tough with his fellow MPs more interested in lining their own pockets than helping those who need it most. Still, Shaw knows that he needs people of influence on his side to allow him to keep on climbing the political ladder. He must avoid scandal at all costs and not let anyone distract him from his aspirations – until he meets Thomasia Peverett and he finds himself completely bowled over by her.
Thomasia daren’t risk anyone finding out her secret – not even Shaw. However, when she starts spending time with him, she immediately finds herself attracted to him; an attraction she knows will not lead to anything. However, when giving into her feelings for him becomes inevitable, Thomasia realizes that she has completely lost her heart to Shaw – even though she is fully aware that as a rising star in politics, he couldn’t possibly contemplate the thought of a future with the mother of an illegitimate child.
Forced to choose between duty and desire, is Shaw ready to give up the woman who has come to mean everything to him for his parliamentary seat? Or will Shaw end up choosing his heart over her head?
Bronwyn Scott’s Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal is an enjoyable Victorian romance that deftly and effortlessly interweaves period detail and historical fact with a powerful high stakes love story readers will be completely captivated by.
I loved how Bronwyn Scott stepped out of the ballrooms of the Ton in Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal and penned a mature, complex and dramatic romantic read with a wonderfully noble hero it is impossible not to fall in love with and a feminist heroine who was brave, resourceful and kind-hearted. Both Shaw and Thomasia had very forward-thinking and modern sensibilities, yet they didn’t feel like they were in any way anachronistic.
A spellbinding historical romance, Miss Peverett’s Secret Scandal is an immensely enjoyable Victorian tale by Bronwyn Scott.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 1, 2022
This was a good story. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five was the way in which Thomasia's character arc/growth wasn't quite the way I thought was plausible, considering the previous betrayal she had experienced. I felt that she would have been quite a bit more squeamish about possibly making the same mistake twice. Instead, the author used intimacy as the character arc/growth. Most females in 1855, who were in Thomasia's circumstances, would not have rushed into intimacy without marriage as quickly as Thomasia did. I thought there also would have been more tension between the two main characters, had that likely and plausible hesitancy on Thomasia's part been present.
All in all, a well-written story and I really liked the characters. I felt Thomasia's helplessness when she overheard Stanton talking about the child support repeal in Parliament that was coming up for a vote. I also liked Shaw's personality and his unusual way of thinking for a man in the 1850s. He chose happiness over whatever would be said about him by the gossipers.
All in all, a well-written story and I really liked the characters. I felt Thomasia's helplessness when she overheard Stanton talking about the child support repeal in Parliament that was coming up for a vote. I also liked Shaw's personality and his unusual way of thinking for a man in the 1850s. He chose happiness over whatever would be said about him by the gossipers.
July 12, 2022
I know when I pick up one of Bronwyn Scott's books that I am going to have an enjoyable, engaging read. This was no exception.
I love the interesting spin the author puts on her characters who are fighting for progress in a world where women in particular were expected to stay in their place and offer no opinions. Thomasia Peverett no longer trusts men and is on a mission to improve the lives of unmarried and abandoned mothers in an era when the laws were focused on protecting the men. She accepts local MP Shaw Rawdon's offer of employment as his secretary and learns he too wants change. They cannot deny their attraction, but both have their 'shameful' secrets.
I was intrigued as to how they would overcome society rules to allow them to be together. I confess the denouement was a bit of a shocker and had me spellbound! Wonderful!
I love the interesting spin the author puts on her characters who are fighting for progress in a world where women in particular were expected to stay in their place and offer no opinions. Thomasia Peverett no longer trusts men and is on a mission to improve the lives of unmarried and abandoned mothers in an era when the laws were focused on protecting the men. She accepts local MP Shaw Rawdon's offer of employment as his secretary and learns he too wants change. They cannot deny their attraction, but both have their 'shameful' secrets.
I was intrigued as to how they would overcome society rules to allow them to be together. I confess the denouement was a bit of a shocker and had me spellbound! Wonderful!
September 11, 2022
This was interesting. The third in a series, each book can be read on its own. Thomasia is a single mother, hiding the fact with her family's support in their country home. But she is also passionate about women's right, especially the law that requires men to support all their children, including those conceived outside marriage. Enter Shaw, the new MP (member of parliament) for their district who says he agrees with her views but owes his seat to other MPs who think otherwise. Any kind of marriage between them would ruin his aspirations for a political career.
Thomasia's family is well-off, but not titled. Shaw has made his own fortune. Thomasia has only this winter to decide her future.
There is one more book in the series. I am wondering if it will touch on the consequences of Thomasia's and Shaw's decision.
Thomasia's family is well-off, but not titled. Shaw has made his own fortune. Thomasia has only this winter to decide her future.
There is one more book in the series. I am wondering if it will touch on the consequences of Thomasia's and Shaw's decision.
May 29, 2022
First off let me say how I adore Bronwyn’s writing! So much of historical is rakes and debutantes in the Regency era. I loved reading about Victorian era and particularly a new facet of history 1845 Bastardy Laws.
This was a fascinating story of romance and politics. The issue of unwed mothers and unexpected pregnancies is eerily timely with possible abortion repeal in present day US. Women have had to stand up for themselves and future generations for a long time.
Fans of Victorian England and characters in politics and social justice would definitely like this!
This was a fascinating story of romance and politics. The issue of unwed mothers and unexpected pregnancies is eerily timely with possible abortion repeal in present day US. Women have had to stand up for themselves and future generations for a long time.
Fans of Victorian England and characters in politics and social justice would definitely like this!
April 26, 2022
3/5
Good chemistry, but a bit Insta-lovey. You've got the political angle which would have been ripe for a bit more banter.
I'm not usually a fan of the secret baby to instant family trope, but it worked here.
Tags: Setting: 1855, Mostly Hertfordshire but ends in London, Politcial: Shaw is an MP in the House of Commons and politics is a central theme (seriously concentrated in woman's rights)
Good chemistry, but a bit Insta-lovey. You've got the political angle which would have been ripe for a bit more banter.
I'm not usually a fan of the secret baby to instant family trope, but it worked here.
Tags: Setting: 1855, Mostly Hertfordshire but ends in London, Politcial: Shaw is an MP in the House of Commons and politics is a central theme (seriously concentrated in woman's rights)
June 16, 2023
i didn't enjoy this book as much as the last two. i did like the hero he was wonderful with the baby. the heroine has alot of mistrust when it comes to men no surprise really. i hope the next one is better.
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April 2, 2022Categories
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
The Peveretts of Haberstock Hall (Book #3)
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
The Peveretts of Haberstock Hall (Book #3)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews