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The Scandalous Ladies of London #1
The Countess
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan kicks off her amazing new high concept series, The Scandalous Ladies of London, which chronicles the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering, Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.
“My husband is a good man… just ask all the women he has bedded.”
Wealthy society maven Lady Gertrude knows how the world works. If her husband is less than faithful, it’s an acceptable price to pay for her coveted position at the apex of London’s most fashionable set. No exclusive soirée or lavish ball is complete without her and her group of decadent, well-connected friends. And this Season promises more excitement than usual: Tru is launching her daughter into Society, helping her navigate the cutthroat Marriage Mart, complete with fortune hunters, jealous debutantes, and malicious gossips.
As skilled as Tru is at playing the high-stakes games of the ton, she never expects to meet her match—until Jasper Thorne begins to court her daughter. Jasper needs a titled bride, but when he meets Tru, all his carefully laid plans go up in smoke. The attraction between Tru and Jasper is undeniable…and unacceptable. To indulge in an affair with her daughter’s suitor would be ruinous. If it becomes public, she’ll never survive the scandal. Especially as it becomes clear that he wants more than one night…he wants the impossible. He wants forever.
A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangers—and joys—of being true to yourself.
“My husband is a good man… just ask all the women he has bedded.”
Wealthy society maven Lady Gertrude knows how the world works. If her husband is less than faithful, it’s an acceptable price to pay for her coveted position at the apex of London’s most fashionable set. No exclusive soirée or lavish ball is complete without her and her group of decadent, well-connected friends. And this Season promises more excitement than usual: Tru is launching her daughter into Society, helping her navigate the cutthroat Marriage Mart, complete with fortune hunters, jealous debutantes, and malicious gossips.
As skilled as Tru is at playing the high-stakes games of the ton, she never expects to meet her match—until Jasper Thorne begins to court her daughter. Jasper needs a titled bride, but when he meets Tru, all his carefully laid plans go up in smoke. The attraction between Tru and Jasper is undeniable…and unacceptable. To indulge in an affair with her daughter’s suitor would be ruinous. If it becomes public, she’ll never survive the scandal. Especially as it becomes clear that he wants more than one night…he wants the impossible. He wants forever.
A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangers—and joys—of being true to yourself.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
318 people are currently reading
11860 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Jordan
83 books8,991 followersPseudonym:
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
March 28, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine, as well as some scenes from Valencia and Cordelia (the heroine’s friend and daughter)
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue? Yes, 11 months later
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book of Jordan’s new series, The Scandalous Ladies of London
Basic plot:
Tru is trapped in an unsatisfying marriage. The only thing that she lives for are her children, but her can’t stop seeing her daughter’s suitor in the wrong light.
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency (1821)
- Both mains are parents
- Class difference – heroine is a countess and hero is a working class hotel owner
- Taboo – heroine is married when she meets the hero
-
- Instalust
- Working class hero – he owns various inns and hotels
- Lower steam – I believe there’s only 1 full scene
Ages:
- Heroine is 37, hero is 33
My thoughts:
So, I do love the idea behind this one. I enjoy the thought of a group of established women finding their HEAs. These are women in their 30s and not new debutantes. Many are parents of young adults. It felt like a totally new read from my usual plot set ups.
But this one ended up not working for me. Basically, the hero felt rather skeevy to me and I never grew to love him. I felt bad for Tru and thought she deserved better. Also the steam was a bit disappointing in this one, but I do think it fit what was happening in the plot.
Specifics about what didn’t work for me – these are specific things that happen in the book and are spoilers!
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine, as well as some scenes from Valencia and Cordelia (the heroine’s friend and daughter)
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue? Yes, 11 months later
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book of Jordan’s new series, The Scandalous Ladies of London
Basic plot:
Tru is trapped in an unsatisfying marriage. The only thing that she lives for are her children, but her can’t stop seeing her daughter’s suitor in the wrong light.
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency (1821)
- Both mains are parents
- Class difference – heroine is a countess and hero is a working class hotel owner
- Taboo – heroine is married when she meets the hero
-
- Instalust
- Working class hero – he owns various inns and hotels
- Lower steam – I believe there’s only 1 full scene
Ages:
- Heroine is 37, hero is 33
My thoughts:
So, I do love the idea behind this one. I enjoy the thought of a group of established women finding their HEAs. These are women in their 30s and not new debutantes. Many are parents of young adults. It felt like a totally new read from my usual plot set ups.
But this one ended up not working for me. Basically, the hero felt rather skeevy to me and I never grew to love him. I felt bad for Tru and thought she deserved better. Also the steam was a bit disappointing in this one, but I do think it fit what was happening in the plot.
Specifics about what didn’t work for me – these are specific things that happen in the book and are spoilers!
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
October 25, 2022
good for her
April 4, 2023
What a fun concept for a book! The moniker of the Scandalous Ladies of London refers to Tru and her friends - most unhappily married to men they now despise, all trying to find what happiness they can in a society that values them for their looks and the children they can bear. The Countess is Tru, a 37-year-old mother whose daughter is about to have her coming out in Society. Tru's dissolute husband, who has ignored his family for at least 15 years, suddenly takes an interest in his daughter when he realizes he can turn her marriage to his benefit: if he finds her a rich man, he will be able to live for years off of his son-in-law's largesse. And he thinks he's found just the guy: Jasper Thorne, entrepreneur, who's ready to join high society.
Tru, of course, wants her daughter to take her time finding a man who will respect her. While she does some sleuthing to figure out who Jasper Thorne is, she comes across a younger man who not only propositions her - she's tempted to accept! Unfortunately it turns out that this young hottie is none other than (dun dun dun) JASPER THORNE!
This is the lust at first sight, older woman/younger man, fake dating HER DAUGHTER romance that we never knew we were looking for. Is Tru married while their relationship develops? She SURE IS. Did we care? NO WE DID NOT. The whole forbidden love (on so many levels) just worked for us here.
Did we love the ending? It verged a little bit on the melodramatic for our taste. That said, the entire Jasper-Tru relationship was deliciously paced, and the reveals came just at the right time. Get ready for a soap opera of a series. Hold up while we make some popcorn!
45-Word Summaries:
Laine: Ya know what shouldn't be hot at all? Wanting to fuck your daughter's betrothed, who inconveniently reminds you of his plans while trying to fuck you. Ya know what IS hot? Not that specifically but like everything else about this situation. This is a MOOD.
Meg: Nothing makes you feel younger than when your daughter’s suitor prefers you over her. It’s even better when they decide to start a fake relationship so he can be invited to the house party you’re hosting with your husband. I was maybe too into this.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Tru, of course, wants her daughter to take her time finding a man who will respect her. While she does some sleuthing to figure out who Jasper Thorne is, she comes across a younger man who not only propositions her - she's tempted to accept! Unfortunately it turns out that this young hottie is none other than (dun dun dun) JASPER THORNE!
This is the lust at first sight, older woman/younger man, fake dating HER DAUGHTER romance that we never knew we were looking for. Is Tru married while their relationship develops? She SURE IS. Did we care? NO WE DID NOT. The whole forbidden love (on so many levels) just worked for us here.
Did we love the ending? It verged a little bit on the melodramatic for our taste. That said, the entire Jasper-Tru relationship was deliciously paced, and the reveals came just at the right time. Get ready for a soap opera of a series. Hold up while we make some popcorn!
45-Word Summaries:
Laine: Ya know what shouldn't be hot at all? Wanting to fuck your daughter's betrothed, who inconveniently reminds you of his plans while trying to fuck you. Ya know what IS hot? Not that specifically but like everything else about this situation. This is a MOOD.
Meg: Nothing makes you feel younger than when your daughter’s suitor prefers you over her. It’s even better when they decide to start a fake relationship so he can be invited to the house party you’re hosting with your husband. I was maybe too into this.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
June 10, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, a caring, slightly younger male protagonist, a seance, supportive friends, a heart-warming romance, and a happily ever after ending.
This is an excellent start to Ms. Jordan's "The Scandalous Ladies of London" series. I am looking forward to reading the next entry with great anticipation!
This is an excellent start to Ms. Jordan's "The Scandalous Ladies of London" series. I am looking forward to reading the next entry with great anticipation!
November 29, 2022
This book has a lot of interesting tropes I’ve never read before with some elements that are a liiiiittle sketch. But overall, it’s the Scandalous Ladies of London series. It can’t be that title and the scandal be women who just want to sneak out to a gaming hell like every other HR out there.
Tru is married to a complete jerk who checks all the boxes for a big fat divorce but obvs, this is HR and earls and countesses don’t get divorced! They get side lovers! Well, earls do. Tru has been, well, true to her husband despite the fact that he’s grade A garbage.
Jasper is a hotel tycoon with a ten year old daughter we never meet. I’m forever grateful to Sophie Jordan for this lovely trope. More absentee father’s in romance please. I don’t need a chapter of little girls going, “Papa, I need a mother and I want you to be happy.” Sucks all the sexual chemistry right out of the book!!
Jasper and Tru meet and obvs they don’t exchange names because that’s not what you do when you have sexually charged conversations with strangers. You make heated glances and take panting breaths and then leave. Everyone knows this. So then it’s really fun when these two meet.
Lady Chatham, please meet Mr. Thorne, the man selected by your sucky husband to court and marry your daughter.
I’ll admit, Stacy’s Mom was in my head for a portion of this book.
Definitely scandalous, and a scandal I haven’t seen before so I tip my hat to Sophie Jordan for that. My only complaint is the ending which I won’t spoil but will write a note to the publisher about because how they gonna do me dirty like this?!
Excited for this series and all the scandals to come!
ARC provided by the publisher, review is my own.
Tru is married to a complete jerk who checks all the boxes for a big fat divorce but obvs, this is HR and earls and countesses don’t get divorced! They get side lovers! Well, earls do. Tru has been, well, true to her husband despite the fact that he’s grade A garbage.
Jasper is a hotel tycoon with a ten year old daughter we never meet. I’m forever grateful to Sophie Jordan for this lovely trope. More absentee father’s in romance please. I don’t need a chapter of little girls going, “Papa, I need a mother and I want you to be happy.” Sucks all the sexual chemistry right out of the book!!
Jasper and Tru meet and obvs they don’t exchange names because that’s not what you do when you have sexually charged conversations with strangers. You make heated glances and take panting breaths and then leave. Everyone knows this. So then it’s really fun when these two meet.
Lady Chatham, please meet Mr. Thorne, the man selected by your sucky husband to court and marry your daughter.
I’ll admit, Stacy’s Mom was in my head for a portion of this book.
Definitely scandalous, and a scandal I haven’t seen before so I tip my hat to Sophie Jordan for that. My only complaint is the ending which I won’t spoil but will write a note to the publisher about because how they gonna do me dirty like this?!
Excited for this series and all the scandals to come!
ARC provided by the publisher, review is my own.
April 1, 2023
It was just okay. I went in with high expectations and ended up disappointed.
June 25, 2025
while the concept intrigued me, the execution fell flat.
i was really into the set up of her daughter’s suitor falling for her, but it didn’t go into the ton marriage market, nor much suitor-ing. it made the pacing feel odd to me.
the relationship was one of the more instalovey i’ve read of hisrom. jasper had a nice heroic ish moment, but I wish it could have built even more from there emotionally for them.
and her husband. Ugh. cliche villain who was awful and abusive, how could she imagine he’d have any chill? quite ridiculous of her to think so.
overall, i think this could have benefitted from focusing on how to hone in on their dynamic to build the relationship while creating tension of the situation
i was really into the set up of her daughter’s suitor falling for her, but it didn’t go into the ton marriage market, nor much suitor-ing. it made the pacing feel odd to me.
the relationship was one of the more instalovey i’ve read of hisrom. jasper had a nice heroic ish moment, but I wish it could have built even more from there emotionally for them.
and her husband. Ugh. cliche villain who was awful and abusive, how could she imagine he’d have any chill? quite ridiculous of her to think so.
overall, i think this could have benefitted from focusing on how to hone in on their dynamic to build the relationship while creating tension of the situation
February 10, 2023
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
I was lured by the delicious promise of a forbidden romance between a Countess and her daughter's self-made suitor, but I was left disappointed in the execution.
I love that we have an older heroine because it's a rarity in historical romance. It's interesting to read about a married heroine who ends up cheating on her piece of sh*t husband (he has been cheating on her since day 1 of their marriage). The hero is 4 years younger than the heroine and there's an interesting twist on the fake dating/courtship trope that I liked. So basically, this book has a unique premise and breathes new life into overused tropes. And I admire that! I really like that the author decided to write something fresh and new.
I really like the set up of this series. It's based on strong female friendships, with potential future heroines in their 30s and above. This book does suffer from the first-in-a-series syndrome because multiple characters and their POVs are introduced. The set up for future stories is laid out in this book and Jasper's POV kind of gets drowned in the process. I really needed more chapters from his POV. There are quite a few repetitive monologues and information that made my eyes glaze over. But there is also a light supernatural aspect that was a fun addition to the story. The séance with psychic Madame Klara wasn't overdone and I am hoping we see more of her in future books.
The romance was fine. Nothing too special. I was expecting something more delicious on the forbidden aspect. The romance didn't feel as forbidden as the premise advertised because Tru's daughter and Jasper quickly agree early on that nothing will come out of their so-called courtship. Tru's daughter was never interested in Jasper, which I appreciated because there would be an ick factor involved otherwise. That being said, the forbidden romance didn't feel too forbidden as a result lol. So maybe the author needed to find that perfect balance between ick and forbidden? I don't know haha.
As for Tru's husband, he was a villain for the sake of being a villain. A caricature with zero depth. Valencia's husband had more depth than Tru's husband and this isn't even Valencia's book! The climax was incredibly dramatic and it honestly felt like a cop-out. My reaction to the climax and resolution was "Really? That's it?" It was stupid and terribly convenient. But also kind of funny in its stupidity.
Lastly, I'm not sure where the author is getting at with a courtesan character named Fatima. Is she a white woman? Because that ain't a white woman's name FYI.
2.5 stars
I was lured by the delicious promise of a forbidden romance between a Countess and her daughter's self-made suitor, but I was left disappointed in the execution.
I love that we have an older heroine because it's a rarity in historical romance. It's interesting to read about a married heroine who ends up cheating on her piece of sh*t husband (he has been cheating on her since day 1 of their marriage). The hero is 4 years younger than the heroine and there's an interesting twist on the fake dating/courtship trope that I liked. So basically, this book has a unique premise and breathes new life into overused tropes. And I admire that! I really like that the author decided to write something fresh and new.
I really like the set up of this series. It's based on strong female friendships, with potential future heroines in their 30s and above. This book does suffer from the first-in-a-series syndrome because multiple characters and their POVs are introduced. The set up for future stories is laid out in this book and Jasper's POV kind of gets drowned in the process. I really needed more chapters from his POV. There are quite a few repetitive monologues and information that made my eyes glaze over. But there is also a light supernatural aspect that was a fun addition to the story. The séance with psychic Madame Klara wasn't overdone and I am hoping we see more of her in future books.
The romance was fine. Nothing too special. I was expecting something more delicious on the forbidden aspect. The romance didn't feel as forbidden as the premise advertised because Tru's daughter and Jasper quickly agree early on that nothing will come out of their so-called courtship. Tru's daughter was never interested in Jasper, which I appreciated because there would be an ick factor involved otherwise. That being said, the forbidden romance didn't feel too forbidden as a result lol. So maybe the author needed to find that perfect balance between ick and forbidden? I don't know haha.
As for Tru's husband, he was a villain for the sake of being a villain. A caricature with zero depth. Valencia's husband had more depth than Tru's husband and this isn't even Valencia's book! The climax was incredibly dramatic and it honestly felt like a cop-out. My reaction to the climax and resolution was "Really? That's it?" It was stupid and terribly convenient. But also kind of funny in its stupidity.
Lastly, I'm not sure where the author is getting at with a courtesan character named Fatima. Is she a white woman? Because that ain't a white woman's name FYI.
August 5, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” heroine. (37)👏👍👍👍
"Older" woman and younger man romance.
(The hero is 33)
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Interesting side characters.
(Especially the heroines younger sister…. Hopefully she gets a book.)
No pregnancy or babies in the plot or end of story.
(But both main characters have children from other relationships.)
OK romance.
OK plot.
Working class hero.
(Hero owns several inns/hotels.)
The book is part of a series that seems to focus on more mature characters of the Ton.
(Rather unique and also refreshing idea.)
Even if a little bit disjointed and sometimes confusing…. Having multiple POV’s both from the main characters but also from side/secondary characters was interesting and added more perspective.
The heroine does not overly obsess about the tiny age difference between her and the hero (4 years).
➖ What I disliked:
The steam/sex scenes were a little bit sparse and boring/lukewarm.
(Only 1 full scene… and some kisses in others.)
A little too much insta-lust.
The romance/romantic build-up and the tension/chemistry was a little lacking and rushed and needed more depth.
Both main characters were somewhat lacking in depth.
The heroines jerk of a husband.
The hero mentions he has a daughter but she is never in the story at all.
The main characters spent way too little time together alone.
The ending was too rushed and too melodramatic and predictable/convenient ...but also nonsensical when it came to the heroines husbands behavior.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of main character.
(All the heroes so far in this series have been very similar in looks ...tall or very tall... hulking big muscular and very handsome… and this could be said about many if not all of the heroes in this authors books… at least the ones I have read so far.
It would be nice and interesting with a little more variation and diversity.)
The character description of the heroine is a little bit vague.
(The little info there is suggests she is built a tiny bit on the curvy side … and some little info on hair color and eye color but not much else.)
Even if the heroine does not overly obsess about the tiny age difference between her and the hero (4 years) it would have been interesting to see her be more like another side character in the story that was more unapologetic about having lovers… that also very often were a little younger than her.
A little too repetitive about how handsome the hero was.
A little disjointed in some places of the story.
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” heroine. (37)👏👍👍👍
"Older" woman and younger man romance.
(The hero is 33)
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Interesting side characters.
(Especially the heroines younger sister…. Hopefully she gets a book.)
No pregnancy or babies in the plot or end of story.
(But both main characters have children from other relationships.)
OK romance.
OK plot.
Working class hero.
(Hero owns several inns/hotels.)
The book is part of a series that seems to focus on more mature characters of the Ton.
(Rather unique and also refreshing idea.)
Even if a little bit disjointed and sometimes confusing…. Having multiple POV’s both from the main characters but also from side/secondary characters was interesting and added more perspective.
The heroine does not overly obsess about the tiny age difference between her and the hero (4 years).
➖ What I disliked:
The steam/sex scenes were a little bit sparse and boring/lukewarm.
(Only 1 full scene… and some kisses in others.)
A little too much insta-lust.
The romance/romantic build-up and the tension/chemistry was a little lacking and rushed and needed more depth.
Both main characters were somewhat lacking in depth.
The heroines jerk of a husband.
The hero mentions he has a daughter but she is never in the story at all.
The main characters spent way too little time together alone.
The ending was too rushed and too melodramatic and predictable/convenient ...but also nonsensical when it came to the heroines husbands behavior.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of main character.
(All the heroes so far in this series have been very similar in looks ...tall or very tall... hulking big muscular and very handsome… and this could be said about many if not all of the heroes in this authors books… at least the ones I have read so far.
It would be nice and interesting with a little more variation and diversity.)
The character description of the heroine is a little bit vague.
(The little info there is suggests she is built a tiny bit on the curvy side … and some little info on hair color and eye color but not much else.)
Even if the heroine does not overly obsess about the tiny age difference between her and the hero (4 years) it would have been interesting to see her be more like another side character in the story that was more unapologetic about having lovers… that also very often were a little younger than her.
A little too repetitive about how handsome the hero was.
A little disjointed in some places of the story.
January 8, 2023
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
3.5 Stars
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance. I read this blurb and saw that it was about a married woman who has an affair with her daughter's potential suitor...in Regency England and I couldn't sign up for this ARC quickly enough.
Jasper and Tru have an instant connection that is only heightened by the fact that there should be nothing between them at all. I loved their first meeting, although it was a little predictable that it would happen, it set the expectation for what was to come nicely.
I loved their connection. I loved that while her husband was vile, it wasn't really used as any type of justification for her behavior
The only thing missing, and this is a thing for me, is a bit of a spoiler so I won't get into it...suffice to say for a romance to check all the boxes it needs to have certain things and this was missing just one...which admittedly isn't even an issue for a lot of readers and didn't ultimately keep me from enjoying the book.
I enjoyed and recommend this title and I'm going to be keeping an eye out for the next in the series.
3.5 Stars
I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance. I read this blurb and saw that it was about a married woman who has an affair with her daughter's potential suitor...in Regency England and I couldn't sign up for this ARC quickly enough.
Jasper and Tru have an instant connection that is only heightened by the fact that there should be nothing between them at all. I loved their first meeting, although it was a little predictable that it would happen, it set the expectation for what was to come nicely.
I loved their connection. I loved that while her husband was vile, it wasn't really used as any type of justification for her behavior
The only thing missing, and this is a thing for me, is a bit of a spoiler so I won't get into it...suffice to say for a romance to check all the boxes it needs to have certain things and this was missing just one...which admittedly isn't even an issue for a lot of readers and didn't ultimately keep me from enjoying the book.
I enjoyed and recommend this title and I'm going to be keeping an eye out for the next in the series.
October 25, 2022
Wow Wow Wow!!! I am so excited about this new series from Sophie Jordan! If you are a fan of Bridgerton and Desperate Housewives you will absolutely adore this book and surely the books to come! A fresh new historical romance that focuses on more mature characters of the Ton. It was impossible to put down. Sophie gave us the story through multiple POV’s so not only did it make for an interesting love story between the two main characters, we got a glimpse of the perspective of the secondary characters as well a look into the lives of the other “Scandalous Ladies” which sets us up for their stories.
This book is not like any historical romance I’ve ever read before. We get our happily ever after but I really was not sure how this story was going to play out…fans of HistRom are going to have a great time reading this one!
Lady Gertrude Chatham is married to a complete POS. Her husband the Earl of Chatham disrespects her at every corner, flaunting his mistresses, gambling her dowery away and then going back to her parents for more, and when he’s not completely ignoring her existence he’s berating her. They have lived separately for years which is just fine for Tru thank you very much. The charming man she married is a rotter and life is better without having to be graced with his presence. She is happily unhappy until she meets him…the sultry mysterious man on a darkened balcony at a séance. He scandalously propositions her and gets her heart racing. She cannot possibly entertain taking a lover! She is a proper Lady, not to mention she doesn’t want to be anything like her husband, but oh he makes her feel so desirable and it feels so nice…but she has bigger problems right now. Her greedy husband has arranged to marry off their daughter to a rich man none of them know and she is determined that Delia does not end up trapped in a miserable marriage as she is and she will do anything to protect her daughter.
Jasper Thorne. Owns a chain of coaching inns and hotels, deep pockets, needs a aristocratic bride to be a mother to his young daughter. He thinks he’s found her when The Earl of Chatham offers up his darling daughter Lady Cordelia fresh to the Marriage Mart on a silver platter, there is only one problem, he propositioned her mother the night before and can’t stop thinking about her. When he realizes who his Mysterious Lady is he is thrilled to see her again but can’t believe she is the mother of the girl he is supposed to be courting! He knows he can never marry Delia when he’s hot for her mother, and she isn’t interested in him because he’s much older and she wants to enjoy a season or two before choosing a husband, one’s she is well suited to, so they decide to fake a courtship to keep her father from pushing her towards another old rich guy, but they don’t let Tru in on this plan, she thinks he is a rake who is pursuing her AND her daughter at the same time and that is unacceptable. His feelings for her intensify as he pursues her which leads to a battle of wills top notch inner conflict and scorching kisses. 🔥🔥🔥
Jasper wants forever with Tru but she’s married to another…it’s impossible!
What happens when her husband finds out….
Highly recommend!! Historical Romance readers are in for a treat! This book kept me guessing at every corner, delivers laugh out loud moments, colorful characters and of course romance!
This book is not like any historical romance I’ve ever read before. We get our happily ever after but I really was not sure how this story was going to play out…fans of HistRom are going to have a great time reading this one!
Lady Gertrude Chatham is married to a complete POS. Her husband the Earl of Chatham disrespects her at every corner, flaunting his mistresses, gambling her dowery away and then going back to her parents for more, and when he’s not completely ignoring her existence he’s berating her. They have lived separately for years which is just fine for Tru thank you very much. The charming man she married is a rotter and life is better without having to be graced with his presence. She is happily unhappy until she meets him…the sultry mysterious man on a darkened balcony at a séance. He scandalously propositions her and gets her heart racing. She cannot possibly entertain taking a lover! She is a proper Lady, not to mention she doesn’t want to be anything like her husband, but oh he makes her feel so desirable and it feels so nice…but she has bigger problems right now. Her greedy husband has arranged to marry off their daughter to a rich man none of them know and she is determined that Delia does not end up trapped in a miserable marriage as she is and she will do anything to protect her daughter.
Jasper Thorne. Owns a chain of coaching inns and hotels, deep pockets, needs a aristocratic bride to be a mother to his young daughter. He thinks he’s found her when The Earl of Chatham offers up his darling daughter Lady Cordelia fresh to the Marriage Mart on a silver platter, there is only one problem, he propositioned her mother the night before and can’t stop thinking about her. When he realizes who his Mysterious Lady is he is thrilled to see her again but can’t believe she is the mother of the girl he is supposed to be courting! He knows he can never marry Delia when he’s hot for her mother, and she isn’t interested in him because he’s much older and she wants to enjoy a season or two before choosing a husband, one’s she is well suited to, so they decide to fake a courtship to keep her father from pushing her towards another old rich guy, but they don’t let Tru in on this plan, she thinks he is a rake who is pursuing her AND her daughter at the same time and that is unacceptable. His feelings for her intensify as he pursues her which leads to a battle of wills top notch inner conflict and scorching kisses. 🔥🔥🔥
Jasper wants forever with Tru but she’s married to another…it’s impossible!
What happens when her husband finds out….
Highly recommend!! Historical Romance readers are in for a treat! This book kept me guessing at every corner, delivers laugh out loud moments, colorful characters and of course romance!
January 27, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed The Countess, though the pacing was a bit off throughout the whole book. I wanted more of Jasper's perspective and life outside of Tru, but as a set up to a series, it felt like the balance was more tipped to introducing the upcoming characters and stories than really delving fully into the one that was currently being told. Tru and Jasper have a really solid chemistry and devotion towards each other, but I wished it was built up more and that there was a bit more time for them to be in love and fighting against the obstacles in their way. The story wraps up really quickly and I wanted a bit more oomph to it before it ended.
This being said, I'm excited to see the stories from the other ladies in the series. The Duchess is set to come next and after what she went through in this one, I'm wondering who her perspective match could be. I'll also freely admit that I hope Ros' match happens to have made a cameo in this book, a certain highwayman who seemed to have more to him than first seen. Either way, I'll be reading the next one!
This being said, I'm excited to see the stories from the other ladies in the series. The Duchess is set to come next and after what she went through in this one, I'm wondering who her perspective match could be. I'll also freely admit that I hope Ros' match happens to have made a cameo in this book, a certain highwayman who seemed to have more to him than first seen. Either way, I'll be reading the next one!
September 23, 2024
Not one of my favourite Sophie Jordan books unfortunately.
Was wondering how she would deal with the fact that our FMC is married and her husband is well and alive, whilst she's falling in love with another man in Regency times, and I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Did think it was a little short. Like the first 60-75% of the book, nothing really happens and then we have a short amount of time to get the two together and wrap the story up. I feel like it could have had another 50-100 pages to fill the story out a bit more.
Was wondering how she would deal with the fact that our FMC is married and her husband is well and alive, whilst she's falling in love with another man in Regency times, and I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Did think it was a little short. Like the first 60-75% of the book, nothing really happens and then we have a short amount of time to get the two together and wrap the story up. I feel like it could have had another 50-100 pages to fill the story out a bit more.
April 12, 2023
I loved this book! Sophie Jordan brings a raw and fresh new take to the historical romance genre with the first book in her The Scandalous Ladies of London series! Jordan's writing is smart, accessible, well paced, and richly embellished. I found this story to have a level of uniqueness that felt real and relatable, especially when it comes to a historical romance. I love that Jordan takes the idea of a group of women who are close to each other and builds this series around them, they might not always get along with each other, they might sometimes challenge each other, but they all have an understanding of each other that is built around an understanding of the societal circles they all have to navigate.
This first novel is The Countess, and the central focus is between Tru, a married woman, and Jasper, a rich hotel owner who is suppose to court her marriageable daughter. This novel highlights the solicitous relationships the exist behind closed doors of the aristocracy. Please be aware, this novel features cheating, and domestic abuse. Jordan has crafted this world, inspired by the real house wives, and beautifully weaves themes of drama, money, and jealousy beautifully into a regency world. I love that this novel has the driving forces of a forbidden romance and an age gap. I love that Jasper is so taken with Tru he will do anything to have her. I love that Tru learns her value and choses to fight for her happiness. I really enjoyed seeing Tru be the strong mother bear when it comes to her daughter, and I love that Jasper sees this and his respect of true grows so strong. I love that we see women learning to help each other out in this novel and not just trying to tear them down. This novel is romance at times, sensual at times, the chemistry between Tru and Jasper is rich an evocative, and when it comes to super explicit interactions it is on the light side (only really one), but I don't feel like I was missing anything. Jordan does a really wonderful job of building their intimacy and trust with each other through stolen touches and passionate kisses that I was able to fully embrace their romance and was constantly guessing how things would eventually play out in their favor.
I just really adored this novel, I found it to be so interesting, I loved all of the characters and I am left so excited to see where this series grows! If you love Sophie Jordan, I think you will find a rich and unique novel that suits her voice so beautifully. If you have never read Jordan before, do yourself a favor and pick this one up, I don't think you will be disappointed!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This first novel is The Countess, and the central focus is between Tru, a married woman, and Jasper, a rich hotel owner who is suppose to court her marriageable daughter. This novel highlights the solicitous relationships the exist behind closed doors of the aristocracy. Please be aware, this novel features cheating, and domestic abuse. Jordan has crafted this world, inspired by the real house wives, and beautifully weaves themes of drama, money, and jealousy beautifully into a regency world. I love that this novel has the driving forces of a forbidden romance and an age gap. I love that Jasper is so taken with Tru he will do anything to have her. I love that Tru learns her value and choses to fight for her happiness. I really enjoyed seeing Tru be the strong mother bear when it comes to her daughter, and I love that Jasper sees this and his respect of true grows so strong. I love that we see women learning to help each other out in this novel and not just trying to tear them down. This novel is romance at times, sensual at times, the chemistry between Tru and Jasper is rich an evocative, and when it comes to super explicit interactions it is on the light side (only really one), but I don't feel like I was missing anything. Jordan does a really wonderful job of building their intimacy and trust with each other through stolen touches and passionate kisses that I was able to fully embrace their romance and was constantly guessing how things would eventually play out in their favor.
I just really adored this novel, I found it to be so interesting, I loved all of the characters and I am left so excited to see where this series grows! If you love Sophie Jordan, I think you will find a rich and unique novel that suits her voice so beautifully. If you have never read Jordan before, do yourself a favor and pick this one up, I don't think you will be disappointed!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 16, 2023
This is quite a unique historical romance. It felt like an old-school histrom mixed with a reality tv show. Overall it wasn't for me, but it is well written and I could see the series being perfect for someone else.
I thought I would be thrown off by the cheating, but that really wasn't it. Without spoiling much, there is an HEA and the actual romance was well done. But it almost didn't feel like a historical- it felt so modern in so many ways, that sometimes I would find myself picturing the characters in the present day. That was the part I disliked actually.
It is a fresh take on the genre. There is some setting up for the characters of future installments in the series, which was a bit clunky. I'm undecided on if I'll read future installments of this series.
Star Rating: 2/5
Tropes: Forbidden romance, group of girlfriends, slow burn
CW: Infidelity, toxic relationship
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought I would be thrown off by the cheating, but that really wasn't it. Without spoiling much, there is an HEA and the actual romance was well done. But it almost didn't feel like a historical- it felt so modern in so many ways, that sometimes I would find myself picturing the characters in the present day. That was the part I disliked actually.
It is a fresh take on the genre. There is some setting up for the characters of future installments in the series, which was a bit clunky. I'm undecided on if I'll read future installments of this series.
Star Rating: 2/5
Tropes: Forbidden romance, group of girlfriends, slow burn
CW: Infidelity, toxic relationship
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2023
Ya'll... just do yourself a favor and buy the book. Are you lusty for a historical romance? Buy the book. Like an older woman and younger man trope? Buy the book. Love some high societal drama and decadence? Buy the book. Ready to be swept away with passion? BUY THE BOOK!
~Tanja
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~Tanja
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March 19, 2023
This one was surprisingly light and a lot of fun given the subject matter! Tru is in a loveless marriage and is getting ready to launch her daughter for her first season. One problem, her absent husband has all but promised her to someone they have never heard of. It was cool to see many of the typical historical romance tropes subverted in this story, including fake dating, infidelity, and a secret baby.
This book looks like it is shaping up to start a series, and to this end, it suffers from first book syndrome. By this I mean, lots of time is spent introducing side characters that it’s clear will be more important later on, but weren’t really relevant to the plot of this book. I will say that the start was quite slow and the ending felt too convenient for the struggles the Tru went through over the course of the novel. I would be really excited to see the next installment, featuring Valencia, because this book covered both her and Tru’s characterization and backstory simultaneously. Hopefully Valencia’s story will begin in medias res and have more even pacing throughout.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading future installments.
This book looks like it is shaping up to start a series, and to this end, it suffers from first book syndrome. By this I mean, lots of time is spent introducing side characters that it’s clear will be more important later on, but weren’t really relevant to the plot of this book. I will say that the start was quite slow and the ending felt too convenient for the struggles the Tru went through over the course of the novel. I would be really excited to see the next installment, featuring Valencia, because this book covered both her and Tru’s characterization and backstory simultaneously. Hopefully Valencia’s story will begin in medias res and have more even pacing throughout.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading future installments.
February 4, 2023
4 Stars! I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first in a new series ‘The Scandalous Ladies of London’ by Sophie Jordan. The main characters are Tru & Jasper & it’s a forbidden romance with a slightly older woman and a HEA ending. At times it seemed to drag on a bit and I was skimming through but I still enjoyed the book. I still have a few questions that the short epilogue didn’t answer but they’ll probably be answered in the rest of series. I love that the series is focused on older women, by older I mean only in their 30’s. No naive school girls here! Definitely worth reading. I especially loved the ending and how everything got wrapped up and how it’s an original plot, I’ve never read anything like it before.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
February 24, 2023
This books was really surprising and written in such a unique way that we don’t typically see in historical romance.
With multiple points of view throughout the entire book, you really get a grasp on everything that’s going on. This does make it a tad harder to pick out the main characters of this book, but don’t worry, there is still an HEA, and a satisfactory one at that.
I loved the fact that many of the characters in this series are older and are in their 30s. This is definitely a unique series, and I would definitely suggest going into it slightly blind.
I am definitely a big fan of his author, and this book felt so different, but completely binge-able! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
With multiple points of view throughout the entire book, you really get a grasp on everything that’s going on. This does make it a tad harder to pick out the main characters of this book, but don’t worry, there is still an HEA, and a satisfactory one at that.
I loved the fact that many of the characters in this series are older and are in their 30s. This is definitely a unique series, and I would definitely suggest going into it slightly blind.
I am definitely a big fan of his author, and this book felt so different, but completely binge-able! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
April 2, 2023
actual rating: 2.5 stars
okay, so i understand that it’s historical romance set in an era when having affairs in the shadows is a “not shameful but shameful thing if you get caught” situation. however, tru’s husband is an absolute scum and has been cheating on her for their entire marriage. i wouldn’t fault her for doing the same thing, but things get tricky when feelings started to develop between tru and jasper, and i’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop. (the other shoe, when dropped, will be very bad for tru. which made it hard for me to read. definitely more of a me issue)
okay, so i understand that it’s historical romance set in an era when having affairs in the shadows is a “not shameful but shameful thing if you get caught” situation. however, tru’s husband is an absolute scum and has been cheating on her for their entire marriage. i wouldn’t fault her for doing the same thing, but things get tricky when feelings started to develop between tru and jasper, and i’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop. (the other shoe, when dropped, will be very bad for tru. which made it hard for me to read. definitely more of a me issue)
November 9, 2023
I have always liked Sophie Jordan's books. This is my 24th book by her. I've been reading her since 2018 although the last book I read of hers was from Aug, 2022. I didn't plan on getting this book because it was way too expensive for my blood but was able to use some credits so I saved a few bucks and though why not. I am so glad I did. I couldn’t put it down. At almost 400 pages I had it finished in a few hours.
I loved Jasper and Tru. There were times I wanted to scream at her to get a backbone and tell her husband to “fuck off” but I know that is not how things were done back then. She also came across a bit sheltered even having been married all those years. With that being said, I still loved her. What a great read. The sex scenes were not as detailed as I thought I remembered from Sophie's previous writings but it was so well written I didn't care. Such a damn good book. I listed as one of my favorite reads of June.
Can't wait for "The Duchess" to come out.
I loved Jasper and Tru. There were times I wanted to scream at her to get a backbone and tell her husband to “fuck off” but I know that is not how things were done back then. She also came across a bit sheltered even having been married all those years. With that being said, I still loved her. What a great read. The sex scenes were not as detailed as I thought I remembered from Sophie's previous writings but it was so well written I didn't care. Such a damn good book. I listed as one of my favorite reads of June.
Can't wait for "The Duchess" to come out.
March 17, 2023
I loved the tropes and the premise in this book. I really like that these ladies have challenges in life and have to overcome things to find happiness. I also like the glimpses we get of future heroines. I loved how Tru held to her principles and didn't just fall for Jasper instantly (even if I was longing for them to get together). I was rooting for him and how determined he was to find the best fit for his life and his daughter.
However, it felt a smidge slow in the first half. I struggled with the shifting points of view until we settled into the romance. It seemed like I would get into the story and then she would shift to someone else. It felt a little disjointed. There was also a quote at the end that was a major spoiler. I hated getting that info early. The conclusion would have been much more satisfying without that spoiler.
However, it felt a smidge slow in the first half. I struggled with the shifting points of view until we settled into the romance. It seemed like I would get into the story and then she would shift to someone else. It felt a little disjointed. There was also a quote at the end that was a major spoiler. I hated getting that info early. The conclusion would have been much more satisfying without that spoiler.
October 29, 2022
To be honest, in the beginning, I was not so very sure about this book. By the end I could not get enough of it and the characters. The book starts out a little slow and there are quite a few characters to keep up with. The book is interesting and I understood exactly how Gertrude was feeling. The book was long and not always fast paced, but when the epilogue arrived, I wanted a few more pages. I look forward to reading more books in this series and discovering the fate of the other Scandalous Ladies.
I received this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins for an honest review.
I received this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins for an honest review.
tbr-netgalley
November 3, 2025I'm ridiculously intrigued!
#TheScandalousLadiesofLondon #NetGalley
#TheScandalousLadiesofLondon #NetGalley
June 5, 2023
For when you're vibing with... A grown-ass woman of heroine and a grown-ass man of a hero, a bit of scandal (my God, he's supposed to court her daughter), female friendships and women living on the edge, and just... punishment for bad men.
Sophie Jordan takes on a whole new series that's a bit less "ingenue stumbling through her debutante season" (which we love, but is, let's be real, in huge supply in the subgenre) and more about high society women who've seen some shit. Gertrude, the Countess of Chatham, has been awfully wedded to her shithead of husband for nineteen years, having given him two children and seen little of him since. During that time, she's cultivated a reputation as the Cold Countess, one of tastemakers of the ton, and has found solace in her friends (but no lovers--her reputation is beyond reproach).
Unfortunately, Chatham reinserts himself in her life by demanding that their daughter, Delia, wed an upstart of a man who doesn't have a title but does have tons of money--all the better to pay Chatham's debts with. Tru won't have her daughter consigned to the misery she's been dealing with... but that's really not the biggest problem. The biggest problem is that the man Chatham is eyeing for their daughter is Jasper Thorne--who happens to really, really want to sleep with Tru. Really really. And the feeling is, in fact, mutual.
This series concept (The Scandalous Ladies of London) has me absolutely hooked. I am in for the ride, take my money, I will be reading every single one of these. Because listen--I love a virgin heroine, I love a young heroine, I love the Classiques. But how fucking refreshing was it to read about women who are by and large thirty or over (not sure about one of them, but she's certainly not an ingenue) and experienced in life? You have Tru, but also her friend Valencia--the heroine of the next book in the series--a duchess in a once-happy marriage that went horribly wrong. I assume we're also getting a setup for Tru's "old maid" sister Rosalind, who put aside marriage to care for their parents, and maybe Hazel...? Valencia's scandalous stepmother who used to be the mistress and is now married to a doddering old man? Maybe? Will we get Hazel's book? I love Hazel, please Sophie Jordan you're my only hope.
But let's focus on Tru. She's thirty-seven, she's jaded, she's very aware of her reputation, and she's also a bit... prim for even her own set. This book totally dispels the notion of the ton as this uptight society wherein people were shocked, SHOCKED, if even a hand was held, and gets into the reality of the situation. There's the societal rules, and then there's the shit everyone knew everyone else was getting up to, but just didn't cop to out loud. One of my favorite scenes in this book involves Tru's mother telling her to go and get some because everyone is doing it and she needs to get LAID.
A lot of Tru's conflict is really less about what society will allow and more about what she will allow herself, her own self-perception, and the risks she's willing to take. Her growth is just excellent. And this is a heroine-forward novel. Jasper is a great hero. He's sexy, he's romantic, he's got a cute kid that drives his early motivations but like. Never speaks. The best kind of kid, in my opinion. But we get much more of Tru's perspective, and most of the conflict is Tru's. If you're looking for a novel in which the man is all in from day one and the heroine is the one that needs some seduction and persuasion, this will hit those buttons.
A few highlight notes aside from what I've already said:
Quick Takes:
--Tru's a great mom, and while we don't have too many scenes of her mothering (we really don't need to see it on the page, so much of her conflict is about being a good mother to Delia) her relationship with Delia is lovely and never falls into overwrought cliche.
--There is so much positivity towards women in this book, from women. Yes, Chatham is horrible, Valencia's husband is horrible (if a bit more tragic), and most of the men besides Jasper basically suck. But the women... Valencia has animosity towards Hazel, understandably, because having a stepmother essentially your own age is awkward. Yet Tru really doesn't. And when we see Chatham's mistress, Fatima, she's actually not at all what a lot of books would set her up to be. And she has a moment at the end that's just ...!
--There's a huge "everyone can see his feelings for her coming through because of this heightened situation" moment that had me dying. It was very classic and kind of old school-feeling. Like, keep your shit together, man!
--It's pretty funny, honestly. There is one scene in this book that is just... the kind of humor you can really only make work in a historical romance.
--The world is really well done? You get the balls, yes, but also the seances, the weird little candlestick game that gives everyone an excuse to kiss everyone publicly, which most certainly is something our hero takes full advantage of. There's what goes on behind closed doors, and what you do in public, and it's just... a lot.
--This is a book wherein you do have snippets from the perspectives of characters that aren't the leads. In part because you're totally getting setup for the rest of the series, and in part because... The series conceit is so dependent on gossip and perception, and you kind of need to see other people watch a scene and go "oh fuck, Jasper Thorne looks like he's about to eat that woman alive in the ballroom". I do think we could've perhaps gotten a bit of it trimmed, or otherwise added more scenes that are just Jasper and Tru. It still absolutely works and you want to follow their story, I just could have used more. Sophie also writes a pretty tight historical romance compared, always fast-paced and quick, and I don't know if there was space for more--but if there could've been, I would've liked it.
--The ending is very quick, and it does come off as a little abrupt. I honestly had no problem with how things are resolved (in fact, reader, I did cackle with delight) but it is a pretty sudden resolution that could've been drawn out a bit further. Again, this is something that didn't totally surprise me as a lot of Sophie Jordan books I've read have a quick charge to the finish line, but it was pretty apparent here.
The Sex Stuff:
I will say that the sexuality in this novel is a bit more contained than it is in some other Sophie Jordan books I've read (and I suspect that this has to do with the delicacy of the subject matter, especially in a traditionally published romance novel--I'm sure so many people will jump to judgment about this book based off the summary alone) it is CHARGED. The sexual tension between Jasper and Tru is fabulous. There is so much longing, and almost every moment they have before Thee Moment is just this dam-breaking, can't hold back anymore type of situation.
I wholeheartedly recommend this one, and I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. My critiques are minor, and I think that you get something super fresh here. I was actually really excited while reading this book, because to me, it felt different from a lot of historical concepts I've seen thrown around lately. Again, I have no issue with the innocent debutante books, but it was just really nice to read about high society in a lens wherein a woman is married, just accepts that it is what it is, and then has her life blown up by a hot guy who's like "you deserve better". Tru is the type of character who would give a cautionary tale monologue to a heroine of a different book. Here, she gets to shine.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie Jordan takes on a whole new series that's a bit less "ingenue stumbling through her debutante season" (which we love, but is, let's be real, in huge supply in the subgenre) and more about high society women who've seen some shit. Gertrude, the Countess of Chatham, has been awfully wedded to her shithead of husband for nineteen years, having given him two children and seen little of him since. During that time, she's cultivated a reputation as the Cold Countess, one of tastemakers of the ton, and has found solace in her friends (but no lovers--her reputation is beyond reproach).
Unfortunately, Chatham reinserts himself in her life by demanding that their daughter, Delia, wed an upstart of a man who doesn't have a title but does have tons of money--all the better to pay Chatham's debts with. Tru won't have her daughter consigned to the misery she's been dealing with... but that's really not the biggest problem. The biggest problem is that the man Chatham is eyeing for their daughter is Jasper Thorne--who happens to really, really want to sleep with Tru. Really really. And the feeling is, in fact, mutual.
This series concept (The Scandalous Ladies of London) has me absolutely hooked. I am in for the ride, take my money, I will be reading every single one of these. Because listen--I love a virgin heroine, I love a young heroine, I love the Classiques. But how fucking refreshing was it to read about women who are by and large thirty or over (not sure about one of them, but she's certainly not an ingenue) and experienced in life? You have Tru, but also her friend Valencia--the heroine of the next book in the series--a duchess in a once-happy marriage that went horribly wrong. I assume we're also getting a setup for Tru's "old maid" sister Rosalind, who put aside marriage to care for their parents, and maybe Hazel...? Valencia's scandalous stepmother who used to be the mistress and is now married to a doddering old man? Maybe? Will we get Hazel's book? I love Hazel, please Sophie Jordan you're my only hope.
But let's focus on Tru. She's thirty-seven, she's jaded, she's very aware of her reputation, and she's also a bit... prim for even her own set. This book totally dispels the notion of the ton as this uptight society wherein people were shocked, SHOCKED, if even a hand was held, and gets into the reality of the situation. There's the societal rules, and then there's the shit everyone knew everyone else was getting up to, but just didn't cop to out loud. One of my favorite scenes in this book involves Tru's mother telling her to go and get some because everyone is doing it and she needs to get LAID.
A lot of Tru's conflict is really less about what society will allow and more about what she will allow herself, her own self-perception, and the risks she's willing to take. Her growth is just excellent. And this is a heroine-forward novel. Jasper is a great hero. He's sexy, he's romantic, he's got a cute kid that drives his early motivations but like. Never speaks. The best kind of kid, in my opinion. But we get much more of Tru's perspective, and most of the conflict is Tru's. If you're looking for a novel in which the man is all in from day one and the heroine is the one that needs some seduction and persuasion, this will hit those buttons.
A few highlight notes aside from what I've already said:
Quick Takes:
--Tru's a great mom, and while we don't have too many scenes of her mothering (we really don't need to see it on the page, so much of her conflict is about being a good mother to Delia) her relationship with Delia is lovely and never falls into overwrought cliche.
--There is so much positivity towards women in this book, from women. Yes, Chatham is horrible, Valencia's husband is horrible (if a bit more tragic), and most of the men besides Jasper basically suck. But the women... Valencia has animosity towards Hazel, understandably, because having a stepmother essentially your own age is awkward. Yet Tru really doesn't. And when we see Chatham's mistress, Fatima, she's actually not at all what a lot of books would set her up to be. And she has a moment at the end that's just ...!
--There's a huge "everyone can see his feelings for her coming through because of this heightened situation" moment that had me dying. It was very classic and kind of old school-feeling. Like, keep your shit together, man!
--It's pretty funny, honestly. There is one scene in this book that is just... the kind of humor you can really only make work in a historical romance.
--The world is really well done? You get the balls, yes, but also the seances, the weird little candlestick game that gives everyone an excuse to kiss everyone publicly, which most certainly is something our hero takes full advantage of. There's what goes on behind closed doors, and what you do in public, and it's just... a lot.
--This is a book wherein you do have snippets from the perspectives of characters that aren't the leads. In part because you're totally getting setup for the rest of the series, and in part because... The series conceit is so dependent on gossip and perception, and you kind of need to see other people watch a scene and go "oh fuck, Jasper Thorne looks like he's about to eat that woman alive in the ballroom". I do think we could've perhaps gotten a bit of it trimmed, or otherwise added more scenes that are just Jasper and Tru. It still absolutely works and you want to follow their story, I just could have used more. Sophie also writes a pretty tight historical romance compared, always fast-paced and quick, and I don't know if there was space for more--but if there could've been, I would've liked it.
--The ending is very quick, and it does come off as a little abrupt. I honestly had no problem with how things are resolved (in fact, reader, I did cackle with delight) but it is a pretty sudden resolution that could've been drawn out a bit further. Again, this is something that didn't totally surprise me as a lot of Sophie Jordan books I've read have a quick charge to the finish line, but it was pretty apparent here.
The Sex Stuff:
I will say that the sexuality in this novel is a bit more contained than it is in some other Sophie Jordan books I've read (and I suspect that this has to do with the delicacy of the subject matter, especially in a traditionally published romance novel--I'm sure so many people will jump to judgment about this book based off the summary alone) it is CHARGED. The sexual tension between Jasper and Tru is fabulous. There is so much longing, and almost every moment they have before Thee Moment is just this dam-breaking, can't hold back anymore type of situation.
I wholeheartedly recommend this one, and I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. My critiques are minor, and I think that you get something super fresh here. I was actually really excited while reading this book, because to me, it felt different from a lot of historical concepts I've seen thrown around lately. Again, I have no issue with the innocent debutante books, but it was just really nice to read about high society in a lens wherein a woman is married, just accepts that it is what it is, and then has her life blown up by a hot guy who's like "you deserve better". Tru is the type of character who would give a cautionary tale monologue to a heroine of a different book. Here, she gets to shine.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2023
"A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangers—and joys—of being true to yourself."
I took the above quote from the synopsis for this book and I believe that it does a succinct job of covering everything that this book is trying to convey. We are introduced to a group of friends (and Tru's spinster sister), who are surrounded by titled men who are shallow and cruel. Each friend is portrayed as being trapped in their own set of circumstances. Finding out how they rise above their situations as women in a very rigid society, where men hold the power, is something that I am extremely interested in reading about. Add to that that these are scandalous women who flout the norm and I am intrigued!
What this story delivers are temptations, trials, and the opportunity to change ones circumstances. I found that aspect of this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable. At times the book did feel like I was reading about quite a few unhappy women who are negatively affected by men, and the solution was, well....another man. I think that this series could potentially build on the female friendships, and make for a nice balance where the weight is on improving the situation of the self before prioritizing the romance.
As for the romance in this story, it felt absolutely non-existent as far as how my interpretation of romance plays out. If you've read my previous reviews, you may know that I am all about the emotional development of a relationship. Spice is nice, but not at the exclusion of emotions and nuance within the relationship. I also felt that Jasper Thorne was the 2.0 version of Tru's husband-he was just a tad younger and not yet disenchanted with life and women. That was disappointing. I would have liked to see a hero who was the polar opposite of her husband. It did not make for a satisfying match. I was left feeling that the romance could have been left out of this story and that it would stand tall as historical fiction with an emphasis on Tru finding her freedom from a stifling marriage and living happily with her friends beside her. And finding love....eventually.
Jordan uses the points of view of multiple characters in this story, which detracted from the main storyline of this book as it was setting up the scenarios for future installments in this series. This was a strategy that was confusing in the body of the work and interrupted Tru's story quite a bit. I must balance this by stating that Jordan's technique in opening the story with multiple POV's was wonderful. It really pulled me into the story and was placed deftly and with great effect. I felt as if I was viewing the opening to a movie at the cinema! Overall, the multiple POV's were effective in one way and distracting in another.
This story is the start of what I hope will be a series that will continue to develop and become more dynamic in the realm of emotional growth as we are dealing with some pretty heavy topics. Jordan successfully showed how limited women could be by marriage when with the wrong partner. She also showed that women can also rise above and find their strength when they have the room to grow through the support and love of other women.
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Release Date: March 28, 2023
#TheScandalousLadiesofLondon #NetGalley
I took the above quote from the synopsis for this book and I believe that it does a succinct job of covering everything that this book is trying to convey. We are introduced to a group of friends (and Tru's spinster sister), who are surrounded by titled men who are shallow and cruel. Each friend is portrayed as being trapped in their own set of circumstances. Finding out how they rise above their situations as women in a very rigid society, where men hold the power, is something that I am extremely interested in reading about. Add to that that these are scandalous women who flout the norm and I am intrigued!
What this story delivers are temptations, trials, and the opportunity to change ones circumstances. I found that aspect of this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable. At times the book did feel like I was reading about quite a few unhappy women who are negatively affected by men, and the solution was, well....another man. I think that this series could potentially build on the female friendships, and make for a nice balance where the weight is on improving the situation of the self before prioritizing the romance.
As for the romance in this story, it felt absolutely non-existent as far as how my interpretation of romance plays out. If you've read my previous reviews, you may know that I am all about the emotional development of a relationship. Spice is nice, but not at the exclusion of emotions and nuance within the relationship. I also felt that Jasper Thorne was the 2.0 version of Tru's husband-he was just a tad younger and not yet disenchanted with life and women. That was disappointing. I would have liked to see a hero who was the polar opposite of her husband. It did not make for a satisfying match. I was left feeling that the romance could have been left out of this story and that it would stand tall as historical fiction with an emphasis on Tru finding her freedom from a stifling marriage and living happily with her friends beside her. And finding love....eventually.
Jordan uses the points of view of multiple characters in this story, which detracted from the main storyline of this book as it was setting up the scenarios for future installments in this series. This was a strategy that was confusing in the body of the work and interrupted Tru's story quite a bit. I must balance this by stating that Jordan's technique in opening the story with multiple POV's was wonderful. It really pulled me into the story and was placed deftly and with great effect. I felt as if I was viewing the opening to a movie at the cinema! Overall, the multiple POV's were effective in one way and distracting in another.
This story is the start of what I hope will be a series that will continue to develop and become more dynamic in the realm of emotional growth as we are dealing with some pretty heavy topics. Jordan successfully showed how limited women could be by marriage when with the wrong partner. She also showed that women can also rise above and find their strength when they have the room to grow through the support and love of other women.
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Release Date: March 28, 2023
#TheScandalousLadiesofLondon #NetGalley
April 18, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This fun, steamy historical fiction romance is about the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.
I had a great time meeting all of the ladies. This book focuses on Lady Gertrude, Tru to her friends, who is trying to find a suitable match for her daughter. Living in a loveless miserable marriage herself, she is determined to allow her daughter to find a love match that is suitable to her so that her daughter doesn’t suffer the same fate as Tru.
Unfortunately Tru's despicable husband, who has squandered away his and Tru’s fortune, has other thoughts on his mind – namely finding a rich husband (Jasper Thorne) for his daughter so he can sponge off his son-in-law for the rest of his life. Complicating that plan, however, is the instant attraction that Tru and Jasper have the moment they set eyes on each other. (it's not icky - neither knows who the other is, or the plan Tru's husband has to match Jasper with his daughter, when they first meet).
I loved Tru’s friends, each suffering in their own horrible marriages. They support each other and help each other as much as they can, but they are limited in what they can do to help. Sadly, women get no say in anything, and the ladies’ frustration and anger about it leaps off the pages. I look forward to reading Tru's friends' stories in the upcoming books. The attraction between Tru and Jasper Thorne is hot and the way the story eventually plays out is very satisfying. If you’re looking for an easy-to-read romantic escape, this book is just the ticket.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bibliolifestyle and Avon Books. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This fun, steamy historical fiction romance is about the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.
I had a great time meeting all of the ladies. This book focuses on Lady Gertrude, Tru to her friends, who is trying to find a suitable match for her daughter. Living in a loveless miserable marriage herself, she is determined to allow her daughter to find a love match that is suitable to her so that her daughter doesn’t suffer the same fate as Tru.
Unfortunately Tru's despicable husband, who has squandered away his and Tru’s fortune, has other thoughts on his mind – namely finding a rich husband (Jasper Thorne) for his daughter so he can sponge off his son-in-law for the rest of his life. Complicating that plan, however, is the instant attraction that Tru and Jasper have the moment they set eyes on each other. (it's not icky - neither knows who the other is, or the plan Tru's husband has to match Jasper with his daughter, when they first meet).
I loved Tru’s friends, each suffering in their own horrible marriages. They support each other and help each other as much as they can, but they are limited in what they can do to help. Sadly, women get no say in anything, and the ladies’ frustration and anger about it leaps off the pages. I look forward to reading Tru's friends' stories in the upcoming books. The attraction between Tru and Jasper Thorne is hot and the way the story eventually plays out is very satisfying. If you’re looking for an easy-to-read romantic escape, this book is just the ticket.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bibliolifestyle and Avon Books. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2023
I received an ARC via a GoodReads Giveaway for a review which I never write, so here we are: 3.5
I’ve never been much of a romance reader, but have always enjoyed regency literature as well as historical fiction and am certainly not opposed to a passion/dalliances, etc. After the Bridgerton series blew up with the Netflix show, it only makes sense that we see more regency romance coming out. This is my first Sophie Jordan read.
This book meets all the requirements for a quick, saucy read for a little drama/escapism and satisfies in terms of sexy/passionate scandal. Pacing was off as others have mentioned, and many characters were tropes/one-dimensional lacking nuance, but I wasn’t necessarily expecting them to be anymore than that so it didn’t particularly bother me. Especially as it’s clearly set up to be a series with each book focusing on one of Tru’s friends.
Do you want a quick, sexy read where a “middle-aged”woman gets the attention and passion she deserves? Great! Do you want to get a little angry about just how horrible most of the men are in this story? We’ll there’s plenty of that too.
- - - spoiler below - - -
Getting rid of several characters with some rather quick/gruesome deaths seemed a little too easily tied up in barely the last couple chapters, but whatever, it works. Also pretty annoying that this strong/smart/calculating woman gets so caught up in love/passion that she loses her survival instincts with her reprehensible husband but whatever. It was like 3/4 of the book was foreplay and then some quick crazy plot points to get people out of the way and pretty bow: done! But again, I don’t think the purpose of this is to win any literary awards. A perfect weekend couch read or beach read, though, yes!
I’ve never been much of a romance reader, but have always enjoyed regency literature as well as historical fiction and am certainly not opposed to a passion/dalliances, etc. After the Bridgerton series blew up with the Netflix show, it only makes sense that we see more regency romance coming out. This is my first Sophie Jordan read.
This book meets all the requirements for a quick, saucy read for a little drama/escapism and satisfies in terms of sexy/passionate scandal. Pacing was off as others have mentioned, and many characters were tropes/one-dimensional lacking nuance, but I wasn’t necessarily expecting them to be anymore than that so it didn’t particularly bother me. Especially as it’s clearly set up to be a series with each book focusing on one of Tru’s friends.
Do you want a quick, sexy read where a “middle-aged”woman gets the attention and passion she deserves? Great! Do you want to get a little angry about just how horrible most of the men are in this story? We’ll there’s plenty of that too.
- - - spoiler below - - -
Getting rid of several characters with some rather quick/gruesome deaths seemed a little too easily tied up in barely the last couple chapters, but whatever, it works. Also pretty annoying that this strong/smart/calculating woman gets so caught up in love/passion that she loses her survival instincts with her reprehensible husband but whatever. It was like 3/4 of the book was foreplay and then some quick crazy plot points to get people out of the way and pretty bow: done! But again, I don’t think the purpose of this is to win any literary awards. A perfect weekend couch read or beach read, though, yes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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