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School for Scoundrels #2
His Study in Scandal
Megan Frampton's deliciously witty A School for Scoundrels series follows the adventures of five gentlemen who navigate life--and love--in London. Here, a dashing young businessman enters into a liaison with a widowed Duchess. Perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and anyone who loves Bridgerton!
Alexandra, Duchess of Chelmsworth, is tired of pretending to mourn a husband who squandered a fortune and never bothered to give her the time of day, much less any attentions at night. So, the still-beautiful duchess cuts up her mourning gowns, deciding to experience the pleasures long denied her by daringly visiting the Garden of Hedon. It is there the ton anonymously gives in to their deepest desires, and where Alexandra finds herself in the arms of a mysterious man. She willingly gives in to the passion he offers her, fully believing she would never see him again.
But she is shocked to soon discover he is none other than Theo Osborne, who is continually being pushed forward as a husband--for Alexandra's own stepdaughter! While his wealth would save the family from financial ruin, his intentions are clear: he has no interest in anyone but Alexandra. And though he tempts and teases her, she is determined not to give her heart to any man. But what started as a sensuous game turns into something much more...
Alexandra, Duchess of Chelmsworth, is tired of pretending to mourn a husband who squandered a fortune and never bothered to give her the time of day, much less any attentions at night. So, the still-beautiful duchess cuts up her mourning gowns, deciding to experience the pleasures long denied her by daringly visiting the Garden of Hedon. It is there the ton anonymously gives in to their deepest desires, and where Alexandra finds herself in the arms of a mysterious man. She willingly gives in to the passion he offers her, fully believing she would never see him again.
But she is shocked to soon discover he is none other than Theo Osborne, who is continually being pushed forward as a husband--for Alexandra's own stepdaughter! While his wealth would save the family from financial ruin, his intentions are clear: he has no interest in anyone but Alexandra. And though he tempts and teases her, she is determined not to give her heart to any man. But what started as a sensuous game turns into something much more...
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
54 people are currently reading
2724 people want to read
About the author
Megan Frampton
41 books1,053 followersMegan Frampton's love affair with books began when her parents moved her to a remote town in New Hampshire where there was only one television station. And then the TV broke. She devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents' library, finding special joy in Georgette Heyer and the fairy tales collected and translated by Andrew Lang. Megan majored in English literature at Barnard College and worked in the music industry for fifteen years. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband (her former intern) and her kid.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
May 23, 2023
✨His study in simping for a woman who’s just not that into him 😭✨
So I started this book with the highest of expectations. I loved book one SO much and absolutely adored the core guy group. I didn’t even read the summary I just knew I’d be reading it. The first few chapters were GREAT and then I just lost interest once the plot showed up.
Basically, Alexandra is finally done mourning her dead (literally) beat duke and is ready to be scandalous. She goes to Theo’s pleasure gardens and the two hit it off or maybe pound it out? That was fun! But then it’s revealed that Theo is going to be marrying her daughter to improve his social status because that’s what his late father wanted, and her terrible duke for a stepson was pressing the marriage. Two things I’m…just not that into. Frankly the terrible, controlling relation trope is such a turn off, especially as it played out here.
But! It was actually surprising because Theo immediately was ONLY going to pursue Alex, even before he found out Harriet was her daughter. He was like MILFS only aboard this ride. She was ten years older than him which was HOT. I really liked how down he was for her, and their intimate moments were sweet and sexy, but Alex was way too hot and cold. She just had some really weird blinders on, and their whole relationship was unbalanced.
Alex said she had all this freedom, but her stepson still controlled everything and wasn’t afraid to threaten. So she was scared of her relationship with Theo because she wanted to maintain freedom…that she didn’t even posses. The only things she could do were things the duke basically didn’t know about. It sucked for her, of course, but she was really just blaming everything on Theo, projecting on him, and accusing him of not listening, when she didn’t listen either.
A lot of my issues boil down to one of the last lines: “he’d learned, and changed, and loved her.” Because he truly didn’t change? He was always supportive and she was just not receptive, and nothing was said about how she also changed for their HEA? He wasn’t blameless at the end, but neither was she. I’m fine with her not wanting marriage because she had a traumatic first one, but then for it to end like it did? I really didn’t buy her change of heart (more on this in the spoiler section below).
The rest of the focus revolved around her frustrating stepson duke and the marriage he was trying to push. Since Theo wasn’t even contemplating marriage to Harriet, the duke got stale real quick. He was annoying and obnoxious and didn’t even get the proper comeuppance. I mean I get that he was a duke and there wasn’t much they could do to him, but A SIN nonetheless.
Overall, the third act made sense for Alex’s character, but I just didn’t enjoy it. Theo was so enamored by her and I really don’t know why. The relationship was instant lust and didn’t have much depth, especially on Alex’s end. Did she even love him??? By 95%, she still didn’t trust this guy to not be like her dead husband and I simply don’t think that’s reconcilable. Theo didn’t have much going on character development-wise aside from placing Alex on a pedestal. There were moments I really loved (hello bath scene!!) and the side characters were fun, but ultimately it was both boring and frustrating. I’ll continue the series, but I really hope the next book has book one’s witty banter, humor, and charm.
⭐️⭐️.5*/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️**/5
*I genuinely thought I could round up to 3⭐️a but the imbalance of groveling (only from Theo) at the end really soured any love I had. I get why she was angry!! But I don’t think was 100% fair to him during the entire book either.
**It was a pretty good steam level, but I think the scenes talked a bigger talk than what the ultimately delivered. Once they were hot and heavy, they were over very quickly. Also the words “penis” and “spurt” were used too often.
***Also the summary is wrong because Harriet (the one Theo is kind of engaged to) is Alexandra’s biological daughter, not her stepdaughter??? Her actual stepdaughter is Edith and her stepson is the duke, William.
**MAJOR SPOILERS below**
The reason she ended up agreeing to get married at like 98% didn’t help at ALL to convince me that she loved him. Without certain “conditions” she definitely would’ve stayed stubborn. Yeah he fucked up but she didn’t hold any accountability either. I love accidental pregnancy in historicals, but I’m not really a fan of secret baby and/or it being the only reason at NINTY EIGHT percent for her to agree to get married. She may think otherwise, but she only agreed to meet with him because she had zero options. I mean she basically always had zero options pre-pregnancy but I digress. It’s all fun at like thirty percent when there’s time for love and trust to develop, but right at the end is not enough time to work through everything, or to make it not seem like some magic fix.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
So I started this book with the highest of expectations. I loved book one SO much and absolutely adored the core guy group. I didn’t even read the summary I just knew I’d be reading it. The first few chapters were GREAT and then I just lost interest once the plot showed up.
Basically, Alexandra is finally done mourning her dead (literally) beat duke and is ready to be scandalous. She goes to Theo’s pleasure gardens and the two hit it off or maybe pound it out? That was fun! But then it’s revealed that Theo is going to be marrying her daughter to improve his social status because that’s what his late father wanted, and her terrible duke for a stepson was pressing the marriage. Two things I’m…just not that into. Frankly the terrible, controlling relation trope is such a turn off, especially as it played out here.
But! It was actually surprising because Theo immediately was ONLY going to pursue Alex, even before he found out Harriet was her daughter. He was like MILFS only aboard this ride. She was ten years older than him which was HOT. I really liked how down he was for her, and their intimate moments were sweet and sexy, but Alex was way too hot and cold. She just had some really weird blinders on, and their whole relationship was unbalanced.
Alex said she had all this freedom, but her stepson still controlled everything and wasn’t afraid to threaten. So she was scared of her relationship with Theo because she wanted to maintain freedom…that she didn’t even posses. The only things she could do were things the duke basically didn’t know about. It sucked for her, of course, but she was really just blaming everything on Theo, projecting on him, and accusing him of not listening, when she didn’t listen either.
A lot of my issues boil down to one of the last lines: “he’d learned, and changed, and loved her.” Because he truly didn’t change? He was always supportive and she was just not receptive, and nothing was said about how she also changed for their HEA? He wasn’t blameless at the end, but neither was she. I’m fine with her not wanting marriage because she had a traumatic first one, but then for it to end like it did? I really didn’t buy her change of heart (more on this in the spoiler section below).
The rest of the focus revolved around her frustrating stepson duke and the marriage he was trying to push. Since Theo wasn’t even contemplating marriage to Harriet, the duke got stale real quick. He was annoying and obnoxious and didn’t even get the proper comeuppance. I mean I get that he was a duke and there wasn’t much they could do to him, but A SIN nonetheless.
Overall, the third act made sense for Alex’s character, but I just didn’t enjoy it. Theo was so enamored by her and I really don’t know why. The relationship was instant lust and didn’t have much depth, especially on Alex’s end. Did she even love him??? By 95%, she still didn’t trust this guy to not be like her dead husband and I simply don’t think that’s reconcilable. Theo didn’t have much going on character development-wise aside from placing Alex on a pedestal. There were moments I really loved (hello bath scene!!) and the side characters were fun, but ultimately it was both boring and frustrating. I’ll continue the series, but I really hope the next book has book one’s witty banter, humor, and charm.
⭐️⭐️.5*/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️**/5
*I genuinely thought I could round up to 3⭐️a but the imbalance of groveling (only from Theo) at the end really soured any love I had. I get why she was angry!! But I don’t think was 100% fair to him during the entire book either.
**It was a pretty good steam level, but I think the scenes talked a bigger talk than what the ultimately delivered. Once they were hot and heavy, they were over very quickly. Also the words “penis” and “spurt” were used too often.
***Also the summary is wrong because Harriet (the one Theo is kind of engaged to) is Alexandra’s biological daughter, not her stepdaughter??? Her actual stepdaughter is Edith and her stepson is the duke, William.
**MAJOR SPOILERS below**
The reason she ended up agreeing to get married at like 98% didn’t help at ALL to convince me that she loved him. Without certain “conditions” she definitely would’ve stayed stubborn. Yeah he fucked up but she didn’t hold any accountability either. I love accidental pregnancy in historicals, but I’m not really a fan of secret baby and/or it being the only reason at NINTY EIGHT percent for her to agree to get married. She may think otherwise, but she only agreed to meet with him because she had zero options. I mean she basically always had zero options pre-pregnancy but I digress. It’s all fun at like thirty percent when there’s time for love and trust to develop, but right at the end is not enough time to work through everything, or to make it not seem like some magic fix.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
June 29, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Older heroine (40) 👍👏
(Rather uncommon/unusual in historical romance.)
Tall/tallish heroine. 👍
Interesting side characters.
(Especially the heroes group of friends, but also the heroines friend/step-daughter.)
A good and likable hero.
Younger Hero and older Heroine.
The hero was not a aristocrat/nobility.
➖ What I disliked:
Annoying and unlikable heroine.
Immature heroine.
(She did Not act like a 40 year old woman…. more like a typical debutante and not like what she was a widow free from a 20 year loveless marriage etc.)
The hero was almost “too nice” or/and a doormat for the heroine.
The romantic build up and chemistry was a little rushed/underwhelming and lacked depth.
(And a little bit one-sided… the hero loved the heroine much more than the heroine loved the hero… it almost felt like she settled for him.)
Repetitive.
Anachronistic.
The heroines step-son got no real comeuppance.
Issues were too quickly/easily resolved.
How naive the heroine was about the world.
(Especially about money and being independent etc. some of it is kind of understandable because of her class and being sheltered etc. but most of it was her just being willfully ignorant or/and having blinders on)
The sex scenes were over a little too quickly…. They are not bad but a little bit too quick/rushed.
The lack of communication between the main characters and all the miscommunication/misunderstandings.
(Most especially from the heroines side because she did not want to listen to the hero and blamed him for things that was not his fault or doing etc.)
The heroines distrust in men is totally understandable, but it made the heroine act undecided/indecisive and unfair to the hero …even though he over and over again proved to be different than other men in her life.
The imbalance of the groveling (only the hero did it and not the heroine… both were at fault.)
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Older heroine (40) 👍👏
(Rather uncommon/unusual in historical romance.)
Tall/tallish heroine. 👍
Interesting side characters.
(Especially the heroes group of friends, but also the heroines friend/step-daughter.)
A good and likable hero.
Younger Hero and older Heroine.
The hero was not a aristocrat/nobility.
➖ What I disliked:
Annoying and unlikable heroine.
Immature heroine.
(She did Not act like a 40 year old woman…. more like a typical debutante and not like what she was a widow free from a 20 year loveless marriage etc.)
The hero was almost “too nice” or/and a doormat for the heroine.
The romantic build up and chemistry was a little rushed/underwhelming and lacked depth.
(And a little bit one-sided… the hero loved the heroine much more than the heroine loved the hero… it almost felt like she settled for him.)
Repetitive.
Anachronistic.
The heroines step-son got no real comeuppance.
Issues were too quickly/easily resolved.
How naive the heroine was about the world.
(Especially about money and being independent etc. some of it is kind of understandable because of her class and being sheltered etc. but most of it was her just being willfully ignorant or/and having blinders on)
The sex scenes were over a little too quickly…. They are not bad but a little bit too quick/rushed.
The lack of communication between the main characters and all the miscommunication/misunderstandings.
(Most especially from the heroines side because she did not want to listen to the hero and blamed him for things that was not his fault or doing etc.)
The heroines distrust in men is totally understandable, but it made the heroine act undecided/indecisive and unfair to the hero …even though he over and over again proved to be different than other men in her life.
The imbalance of the groveling (only the hero did it and not the heroine… both were at fault.)
April 22, 2023
Alexandra, now the dowager Duchess of Chelmsworth, cuts up her mourning gowns and is persuaded to visit a pleasure garden where she participates in an anonymous tryst. But the last place she expects to find her mystery man, Theo Osborne, is as a suggested suitor for her debutante daughter!
This is the second book in the School for Scoundrels series, which focuses on a male group of orphan friends who have all made successes of themselves. It can be read as a stand alone, although previously introduced characters do make an appearance.
Theo, a successful businessman, has been approached by the new Duke of Chelmsworth with an offer: trade his money for the Duke’s half-sister’s hand in marriage and favorable connections to the House of Lords. Theo is not terribly interested in the marriage, but is willing to meet the girl…until, that is, he meets another lady at his pleasure garden and has an unforgettable experience. He’s stunned to find out that his one night stand was with his potential fiancée’s mother and now they all have to get out of the situation, but the petty and broke Duke is desperate to get his hands on Theo’s money.
I’m not a fan of age gap stories (heroine is 12 years older than the hero) and I especially don’t like care for when the heroine comes off as extra inexperienced and naive. However, I did come to like these characters and this story. I liked that there was never any interest between Theo and Alexandra’s daughter, and they were actively trying NOT to make the match. Frampton’s writing style is very easygoing and moves quickly, and I generally liked how the story built up. (3.5 stars rounded to 4)
Tropes: Age Gap, Widow, One Night Stand, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Road Trip
Steam: 4
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in the School for Scoundrels series, which focuses on a male group of orphan friends who have all made successes of themselves. It can be read as a stand alone, although previously introduced characters do make an appearance.
Theo, a successful businessman, has been approached by the new Duke of Chelmsworth with an offer: trade his money for the Duke’s half-sister’s hand in marriage and favorable connections to the House of Lords. Theo is not terribly interested in the marriage, but is willing to meet the girl…until, that is, he meets another lady at his pleasure garden and has an unforgettable experience. He’s stunned to find out that his one night stand was with his potential fiancée’s mother and now they all have to get out of the situation, but the petty and broke Duke is desperate to get his hands on Theo’s money.
I’m not a fan of age gap stories (heroine is 12 years older than the hero) and I especially don’t like care for when the heroine comes off as extra inexperienced and naive. However, I did come to like these characters and this story. I liked that there was never any interest between Theo and Alexandra’s daughter, and they were actively trying NOT to make the match. Frampton’s writing style is very easygoing and moves quickly, and I generally liked how the story built up. (3.5 stars rounded to 4)
Tropes: Age Gap, Widow, One Night Stand, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Road Trip
Steam: 4
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 9, 2023
How many older woman/younger man "oops I'm engaged to your daughter" romances do we have to read before we get tired of them? Honestly, we think it's never happening, because this one was a hit for us, too.
Alexandra is a widowed duchess, and her second act as a free woman is to go to some pleasure gardens and get her pleasure on with an anonymous man. Theo is one of those ethical rakes whose chosen form of stress reduction is S-E-X - in fact, he owns the pleasure gardens. Theo and Alex have an out-of-this-world encounter and go their separate ways ... until they meet the next night at Alex's daughter's debut, where Theo is supposed to be meeting her as her prospective fiance. Oops?
Now Alex and Theo have to figure out how to get him out of his engagement (because he is NOT going to marry Alex's daughter) while also making sure no one ever figures out they spent one incredible night together. Alex is all about choices, and Theo is all about giving her what she wants, which is a really great combo in a couple. The book is on the "surface" side, but you know what? We had fun, Theo and Alex had a lot of sex, and we all ended the book with some goofy grins.
15-Word Summaries:
Laine: Woman's one night of passion is with her daughter's fiance, brb gotta go to Paris.
Meg: No one ever checks whether their future fiancees’ mothers are hot until it’s too late.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Alexandra is a widowed duchess, and her second act as a free woman is to go to some pleasure gardens and get her pleasure on with an anonymous man. Theo is one of those ethical rakes whose chosen form of stress reduction is S-E-X - in fact, he owns the pleasure gardens. Theo and Alex have an out-of-this-world encounter and go their separate ways ... until they meet the next night at Alex's daughter's debut, where Theo is supposed to be meeting her as her prospective fiance. Oops?
Now Alex and Theo have to figure out how to get him out of his engagement (because he is NOT going to marry Alex's daughter) while also making sure no one ever figures out they spent one incredible night together. Alex is all about choices, and Theo is all about giving her what she wants, which is a really great combo in a couple. The book is on the "surface" side, but you know what? We had fun, Theo and Alex had a lot of sex, and we all ended the book with some goofy grins.
15-Word Summaries:
Laine: Woman's one night of passion is with her daughter's fiance, brb gotta go to Paris.
Meg: No one ever checks whether their future fiancees’ mothers are hot until it’s too late.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 3, 2023
First, I’ll start with the things I liked. The female protagonist is 40! Love this! A lot of the historical romances I’ve read have a FMC who is in her 20s or maybe early 30s, so I enjoyed having a more mature character. There’s also an age gap, as Theo is 28, which is twelve years her junior. I also thought the story started off strong, and I loved when Alexandra cut her mourning clothes off. It was a wonderfully symbolic scene that shows her shedding the pain of her past and exemplifies the new, free woman she wants to be.
The conflict, however, was not my favorite. After a steamy one-night stand., Alexandra realizes that Theo is actually the man intended for her step-daughter, who has recently entered the marriage mart. This makes for a pretty sticky and uncomfortable situation, and it was a little odd. I also didn’t love Alexandra’s character, especially as the story progressed. She is so insistent that she is free to make her own choices, yet her stepson really had all the control. Also, I wanted a bit more depth and development with Thoe and Alexandra, as well as their romance. Some parts of their love story felt some parts, like the inner conflicts and monologues, felt repetitive.
Overall, this was a good read. It’s steamier than the first book in the series, and the spice starts pretty quickly. The messages and secondary characters are also strong. I just wanted a bit more development and backstory.
The conflict, however, was not my favorite. After a steamy one-night stand., Alexandra realizes that Theo is actually the man intended for her step-daughter, who has recently entered the marriage mart. This makes for a pretty sticky and uncomfortable situation, and it was a little odd. I also didn’t love Alexandra’s character, especially as the story progressed. She is so insistent that she is free to make her own choices, yet her stepson really had all the control. Also, I wanted a bit more depth and development with Thoe and Alexandra, as well as their romance. Some parts of their love story felt some parts, like the inner conflicts and monologues, felt repetitive.
Overall, this was a good read. It’s steamier than the first book in the series, and the spice starts pretty quickly. The messages and secondary characters are also strong. I just wanted a bit more development and backstory.
June 12, 2023
2.5 stars. His Study in Scandal is the second book in Megan Frampton’s School for Scoundrels series and I was looking forward to getting to it after really enjoying the first book in the series. Sadly I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much, but I still really love the green cover and clinch. 😅
Alexandra is the widow of a Duke and tired of mourning for a man who never really cared about her. So she ends up cutting up her mourning clothes (literally) and heads off to a pleasure garden to enjoy a night of passion for once, something she was never able to enjoy before. She ends up sharing a night in the pleasure garden with a mystery man, who ends up being Theo, a man who keeps getting pushed as a prospective husband for her stepdaughter!
I really liked the idea of the premise of this one! It reminds me of another historical I read and enjoyed a few years ago, Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, so if you like the vibes definitely check that one out too. This does have age gap with an older heroine (she’s 40, he’s 28). I liked how she’s best friends with her stepdaughter, who is actually a couple years older than her. I just thought this one started to drag and I wasn’t a fan of all the story choices. That said, I still enjoy the premise of this whole series and these heroes as friends who were raised in an orphanage together, so I’ll continue on for sure.
Alexandra is the widow of a Duke and tired of mourning for a man who never really cared about her. So she ends up cutting up her mourning clothes (literally) and heads off to a pleasure garden to enjoy a night of passion for once, something she was never able to enjoy before. She ends up sharing a night in the pleasure garden with a mystery man, who ends up being Theo, a man who keeps getting pushed as a prospective husband for her stepdaughter!
I really liked the idea of the premise of this one! It reminds me of another historical I read and enjoyed a few years ago, Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, so if you like the vibes definitely check that one out too. This does have age gap with an older heroine (she’s 40, he’s 28). I liked how she’s best friends with her stepdaughter, who is actually a couple years older than her. I just thought this one started to drag and I wasn’t a fan of all the story choices. That said, I still enjoy the premise of this whole series and these heroes as friends who were raised in an orphanage together, so I’ll continue on for sure.
June 2, 2023
Book #2 in The School for Scoundrels series.
3.5 stars. Our heroine Alexandra is a forty-year-old widow who after two-years + one day of mourning.. secretly sets out with her step-daughter to go to a pleasure palace. It’s there she meets a mysterious younger man (our hero Theo) enjoying a steamy night together.
It’s only to find out the next day this is the same man chosen by Alexandra’s step-son (the new Duke).. to marry her daughter. The Duke threatens Theo to follow through or he will destroy him.. he needs this marriage (Theo’s large wealth) to settle debts he owes.
Theo and Alexandra’s “secret indiscretion” complicates everything. Thank goodness no one wises up to it!
Alexandra’s daughter refuses to marry Theo concocting a plan with her Aunt + Theo’s friend to undermine the Duke. So then Alex and Theo go on a road trip to find them.
I enjoyed it, although Alex’s distrust in men caused her to be much too undecided in my opinion about Theo.. even as he proved to be different than others in her life. I disliked the pain she caused him.. he was in love with her, so it was torture for him. He’s the real deal.. a true HEA hero.. he’s so kind at heart, putting others needs before his own.. and is my favorite character! ❥ — Pub. 5/23/23
**Definitely an open door romance with spicy language and scenes**
3.5 stars. Our heroine Alexandra is a forty-year-old widow who after two-years + one day of mourning.. secretly sets out with her step-daughter to go to a pleasure palace. It’s there she meets a mysterious younger man (our hero Theo) enjoying a steamy night together.
It’s only to find out the next day this is the same man chosen by Alexandra’s step-son (the new Duke).. to marry her daughter. The Duke threatens Theo to follow through or he will destroy him.. he needs this marriage (Theo’s large wealth) to settle debts he owes.
Theo and Alexandra’s “secret indiscretion” complicates everything. Thank goodness no one wises up to it!
Alexandra’s daughter refuses to marry Theo concocting a plan with her Aunt + Theo’s friend to undermine the Duke. So then Alex and Theo go on a road trip to find them.
I enjoyed it, although Alex’s distrust in men caused her to be much too undecided in my opinion about Theo.. even as he proved to be different than others in her life. I disliked the pain she caused him.. he was in love with her, so it was torture for him. He’s the real deal.. a true HEA hero.. he’s so kind at heart, putting others needs before his own.. and is my favorite character! ❥ — Pub. 5/23/23
**Definitely an open door romance with spicy language and scenes**
September 28, 2023
Very much loved the first book in this series, however, this wasn’t my cup of tea. First…..sex does not equal love. The sex starts within a couple chapters, so be prepared for a lot of it. I know that the majority of people who read HR want that steam, but I don’t prefer that myself. I prefer sexual tension….the steamy glances, the touches, etc. That, by far, is my favorite. I got tired of hearing about Theo’s sexual prowess & how he’s made Alexandra come several times. Definitely an overuse of the words fuck, fucking, & cock. The story plot itself is what allowed me to finish this book, but overall it was underwhelming.
December 19, 2023
This is my 20th book by Megan Frampton. I have been reading her since 2016. I love her writing and her stories and sex is super hot.
OMG I LOVED this book. I loved Alexandra and Theo. I loved their story. I loved their journey. Their sex was super hot. Just a great couple. I couldn't put this book down. I was so damn good. One of my favorites of 2023 to be sure.
OMG I LOVED this book. I loved Alexandra and Theo. I loved their story. I loved their journey. Their sex was super hot. Just a great couple. I couldn't put this book down. I was so damn good. One of my favorites of 2023 to be sure.
June 23, 2023
Loved loved loved it .! Thank you again to good reads for this book it was amazing from beginning to end
My only complaint is we only get two of the bastard five and only for a few chapters . . Mr Simeon and Mr ash .
I know one of them has married but it would’ve been nice to have seen Theo ask for his advice .? And I know we will see more of the rest as there stories come but I wish there was more tie in on there .. instead of some repetition elsewhere other than that you go girl getting you’re self a younger man and you doing you .! 🫶🏽
My only complaint is we only get two of the bastard five and only for a few chapters . . Mr Simeon and Mr ash .
I know one of them has married but it would’ve been nice to have seen Theo ask for his advice .? And I know we will see more of the rest as there stories come but I wish there was more tie in on there .. instead of some repetition elsewhere other than that you go girl getting you’re self a younger man and you doing you .! 🫶🏽
June 10, 2023
Megan Frampton is a historical romance author who is always consistent and comforting. Frampton's writing has an ease and accessibility to it that is easy to understand and a perfect place to start if you are new to the historical romance genre. His Study in Scandal is Frampton's second book in her new series, A School for Scoundrels. Frampton novel is fun and light hearted and has a sensual undercurrent which is not always found in her novels. Frampton also uses the age gap (heroine is older), and daughter's intended as a way to explore a mature romance built on attraction, secrecy and the forbidden.
While this is not a new idea in the historical romance genre, I did really enjoy Frampton's exploration of this type of story. Frampton builds upon this one night stand and truly uses this as a driving force for the heroine to explore what it means to be a widow on her own terms and her new found freedom. Our heroine in finally in a place in her life where she can make decisions soully based on her wants and needs and when love becomes a complication to her perceived freedom, she must decided how she is going to explore her future. In this novel, I found that Frampton really opens herself to explore the way physicality can influence and encourage a relationship. She shows that in these stollen and forbidden moments when the hero and heroine are in their base form that they can be vulnerable and open with each other on a level of clarity and equality.
If you enjoy Megan Frampton, I believe you will also enjoy this novel. If you are looking to explore Frampton's work this series is a delicious place to start. Her novels have a lightness and softness to them which make them charming and sweet reads and the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
While this is not a new idea in the historical romance genre, I did really enjoy Frampton's exploration of this type of story. Frampton builds upon this one night stand and truly uses this as a driving force for the heroine to explore what it means to be a widow on her own terms and her new found freedom. Our heroine in finally in a place in her life where she can make decisions soully based on her wants and needs and when love becomes a complication to her perceived freedom, she must decided how she is going to explore her future. In this novel, I found that Frampton really opens herself to explore the way physicality can influence and encourage a relationship. She shows that in these stollen and forbidden moments when the hero and heroine are in their base form that they can be vulnerable and open with each other on a level of clarity and equality.
If you enjoy Megan Frampton, I believe you will also enjoy this novel. If you are looking to explore Frampton's work this series is a delicious place to start. Her novels have a lightness and softness to them which make them charming and sweet reads and the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 23, 2023
This whomped, which is too bad because the green on the cover is fabulous.
August 8, 2023
Now widowed and the Dowager Duchess of Chelmsworth, Alexandra is determined to shed her mourning for the husband who wasted her dowry and ignored her when he wasn’t belittling her. Encouraged by her outrageous stepdaughter to try something new, Alexandra visits the notorious Garden of Hedon where she quickly finds herself in the arms of a mysterious man. They don’t exchange names, but she drinks in the pleasure he offers her, with neither of them ever expecting to cross paths again.
So, Alex is shocked when she learns her mystery man is Theo Osborne, the wealthy businessman her stepson is trying to convince to marry his half-sister, none other than Alex’s daughter, Harriet. Thanks to her stepson’s financial ineptitude, the estate needs the money this deal would bring, but Theo makes it clear he’s only interested in Alexandra. She, however, is determined never to enter anything permanent with a man ever again, although it rapidly becomes obvious that whatever is going on between herself and Theo is much more serious than an anonymous night of passion.
I was so excited for this book, especially when it jumped into a very steamy scene early on and had a large age gap with an older heroine. Unfortunately, my interest began to wane around the 30% mark when Alex was so upset and bitter that no one had ever stood up for her, but then she immediately bristled when Theo wanted to do so. She just seemed to keep spiting herself and I actually put this down for over a month before returning to it and getting it finished.
When I picked this book up again, I was quickly reminded of why I put it down. Alex was determined to never marry and place herself under a man’s control again, and yet she was very much under a man’s control even in her widowed state since her stepson controlled all her resources. It was very frustrating to me that she didn’t seem to want to admit this since that would mean admitting to herself that she truly would be better off with Theo.
Also, as seems to happen so often with the feminist themes that are so on trend in HR at the moment, we’re inundated with Alex’s repetitive inner monologues about her repression at the hands of the men in her life and she makes very little distinction for Theo, which I found very unfair and smacking of misandry. I get it. Women are oppressed. I live that every day and don’t need to be reminded of it in my escapist romance reads and this heroine just beat that topic into the ground.
Theo’s utter obsession with pleasing Alex was adorable but, quite frankly, I was left feeling like she didn’t really deserve him. He certainly didn’t deserve her erratic treatment of him. For instance, she was adamant in her refusal to give him any kind of commitment or to allow him to commit to her, yet she stressed over the thought of him with anyone else, even as she toyed with him and kept him at arm’s length. The whole thing just had me puzzled and hating how unequal their relationship was. It was super unfair that Alex forbade Theo from speaking to her of his feelings, then turned around and used the fact that he hadn’t spoken of his feelings as a way to convince herself that he saw their relationship as nothing but temporary. It was like she was continually setting up these weird, manipulative tests for Theo that he was always going to fail, enabling her to justify her warped views and gaslight him.
I think Alex was supposed to seem noble and self-sacrificing, but for me she just came off as stupid and immature. She was way too wishy-washy and willfully ignorant of all logic. Theo did everything he could to support her choices, but all she could do was rail about her independence. Even when she did actually need rescuing, she was too blinded by her own stubbornness to see or admit it. For me, she ruined the whole romance of the relationship and the deliciousness of the age gap. She was so determined to be independent that she spent the whole story keeping herself from what she actually wanted, all the while continually forgetting that her independence was nothing but an illusion. She never could seem to recognize that Theo wanted to give her more freedom, not take it away, so it really seemed like she had no concept of anything.
I’ll try not to be spoilery, but you do run that risk from here. Y’all know I hate the third act breakup anyway, but most especially the faux noble ‘I love him so I can’t marry him’ line. What a load of hogwash. In the end I wanted it to be her who went to him and her who groveled, though of course we were never going to get that. She persisted in criticizing how he loved her and thinking he needed to change when he was the one deferring to her whims the entire time. I also loathed the plot device deployed in the last chapter. It was wholly unnecessary and kind of ruined the age gap allure for me a bit.
To me, misandry isn’t sexy or romantic, so the mood of this book was pretty much brought down. Love is precious and rare, and Alex didn’t give it nearly enough respect or cherishing. Especially after how much I adored the first book and how highly I’ve been anticipating the stories of this adorable guy group, this one wasn’t really what I was hoping for.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
So, Alex is shocked when she learns her mystery man is Theo Osborne, the wealthy businessman her stepson is trying to convince to marry his half-sister, none other than Alex’s daughter, Harriet. Thanks to her stepson’s financial ineptitude, the estate needs the money this deal would bring, but Theo makes it clear he’s only interested in Alexandra. She, however, is determined never to enter anything permanent with a man ever again, although it rapidly becomes obvious that whatever is going on between herself and Theo is much more serious than an anonymous night of passion.
I was so excited for this book, especially when it jumped into a very steamy scene early on and had a large age gap with an older heroine. Unfortunately, my interest began to wane around the 30% mark when Alex was so upset and bitter that no one had ever stood up for her, but then she immediately bristled when Theo wanted to do so. She just seemed to keep spiting herself and I actually put this down for over a month before returning to it and getting it finished.
When I picked this book up again, I was quickly reminded of why I put it down. Alex was determined to never marry and place herself under a man’s control again, and yet she was very much under a man’s control even in her widowed state since her stepson controlled all her resources. It was very frustrating to me that she didn’t seem to want to admit this since that would mean admitting to herself that she truly would be better off with Theo.
Also, as seems to happen so often with the feminist themes that are so on trend in HR at the moment, we’re inundated with Alex’s repetitive inner monologues about her repression at the hands of the men in her life and she makes very little distinction for Theo, which I found very unfair and smacking of misandry. I get it. Women are oppressed. I live that every day and don’t need to be reminded of it in my escapist romance reads and this heroine just beat that topic into the ground.
Theo’s utter obsession with pleasing Alex was adorable but, quite frankly, I was left feeling like she didn’t really deserve him. He certainly didn’t deserve her erratic treatment of him. For instance, she was adamant in her refusal to give him any kind of commitment or to allow him to commit to her, yet she stressed over the thought of him with anyone else, even as she toyed with him and kept him at arm’s length. The whole thing just had me puzzled and hating how unequal their relationship was. It was super unfair that Alex forbade Theo from speaking to her of his feelings, then turned around and used the fact that he hadn’t spoken of his feelings as a way to convince herself that he saw their relationship as nothing but temporary. It was like she was continually setting up these weird, manipulative tests for Theo that he was always going to fail, enabling her to justify her warped views and gaslight him.
I think Alex was supposed to seem noble and self-sacrificing, but for me she just came off as stupid and immature. She was way too wishy-washy and willfully ignorant of all logic. Theo did everything he could to support her choices, but all she could do was rail about her independence. Even when she did actually need rescuing, she was too blinded by her own stubbornness to see or admit it. For me, she ruined the whole romance of the relationship and the deliciousness of the age gap. She was so determined to be independent that she spent the whole story keeping herself from what she actually wanted, all the while continually forgetting that her independence was nothing but an illusion. She never could seem to recognize that Theo wanted to give her more freedom, not take it away, so it really seemed like she had no concept of anything.
I’ll try not to be spoilery, but you do run that risk from here. Y’all know I hate the third act breakup anyway, but most especially the faux noble ‘I love him so I can’t marry him’ line. What a load of hogwash. In the end I wanted it to be her who went to him and her who groveled, though of course we were never going to get that. She persisted in criticizing how he loved her and thinking he needed to change when he was the one deferring to her whims the entire time. I also loathed the plot device deployed in the last chapter. It was wholly unnecessary and kind of ruined the age gap allure for me a bit.
To me, misandry isn’t sexy or romantic, so the mood of this book was pretty much brought down. Love is precious and rare, and Alex didn’t give it nearly enough respect or cherishing. Especially after how much I adored the first book and how highly I’ve been anticipating the stories of this adorable guy group, this one wasn’t really what I was hoping for.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
March 12, 2023
Second in the series of the the Five Bastards (so 3 more to go). Theo was adopted by Mr. Osbourne, a successful merchant, and Theo is even more successful , so successful that a Duke wants him to marry his niece. That is the set up. However, before Theo meets the niece, he has a night in a pleasure garden with an anonymous woman, (there is A LOT of sex in this book)
Imagine his surprise to find the woman he has had the best night of his life with is the mother of the girl he is supposed to marry. (Not a spoiler as we know thus) The rest of the book is how this will play out.
Alexandra is a 40 year old Dowager Duchess just celebrating the end of a 2 year mourning period and his ready for freedom.after a truly horrible marriage.
Hence the visit to the pleasure garden.
As the relationship between her and Theo, who is 12 years younger unfolds, I didn't quite know who to root for, because Alexandra's turmoil was quite real, and Theo's was also.
Frampton managed to have them make good choices. I gave 3 stars because I thought there was a tad too much sex as well as a little too much inner indecision. I did really enjoy all the characters and eagerly await the next book, which I hope will be Harriet's ( the daughter) and Fenton.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC for an honest review.
Imagine his surprise to find the woman he has had the best night of his life with is the mother of the girl he is supposed to marry. (Not a spoiler as we know thus) The rest of the book is how this will play out.
Alexandra is a 40 year old Dowager Duchess just celebrating the end of a 2 year mourning period and his ready for freedom.after a truly horrible marriage.
Hence the visit to the pleasure garden.
As the relationship between her and Theo, who is 12 years younger unfolds, I didn't quite know who to root for, because Alexandra's turmoil was quite real, and Theo's was also.
Frampton managed to have them make good choices. I gave 3 stars because I thought there was a tad too much sex as well as a little too much inner indecision. I did really enjoy all the characters and eagerly await the next book, which I hope will be Harriet's ( the daughter) and Fenton.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC for an honest review.
March 2, 2023
I am seriously smitten by this friend group, but these to MCs just didn't captivate me.
I liked Alexandra and Theo. They're open and honest and have great conversation and even better chemistry. Edith was a delight and I'm really hoping Fenton and Harriet will happen.
Plot wise, it was a lot of repetitive inner monologue and that quickly became boring. I found myself skimming passages here and there and don't feel like I missed anything imperative. I will say the last couple of chapters were fantastic (and likely why it's 3 stars instead of 2) and I'm eager to see who gets the next book.
Overall, it's the promise of these five men that kept me reading this one. I liked it, but something was lacking.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Alexandra and Theo. They're open and honest and have great conversation and even better chemistry. Edith was a delight and I'm really hoping Fenton and Harriet will happen.
Plot wise, it was a lot of repetitive inner monologue and that quickly became boring. I found myself skimming passages here and there and don't feel like I missed anything imperative. I will say the last couple of chapters were fantastic (and likely why it's 3 stars instead of 2) and I'm eager to see who gets the next book.
Overall, it's the promise of these five men that kept me reading this one. I liked it, but something was lacking.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
October 20, 2023
I'm glad I made the decision to continue this series after not really caring for the first book, Her Lessons in Persuasion. One of the immediate things I loved about this book is that we have a FMC in her 40s in a historical romance novel. Maybe my log of historical romance novels is very small, but it's not often I see a histrom with an older FMC as they're mostly in their 20s. I also really enjoyed that this was truly about the FMC, Alexandra, doing the things and slowly becoming the women she wanted to be since her husband died; it's giving Alexandra her autonomy in the best way that could be done during this time period (Victorian England??).
I found Theo very sweet and caring and loved how he never seemed very alpha male like some historical romances can be (i.e. the MMC often saying, "You're/she's mine." He was very confident and secure in himself as well. We see less of the Bastard Five but I don't doubt that there will be a total of 5 books in this series, one for each character. (Case in point, Book 3: Her Adventures in Temptation). It's obvious (I would hope) that we'll get a Fenton/possible Harriet book and I'm eager to see if that's true. I enjoyed many of the side characters, including Edith, Alexandra's slightly older step-daughter and hope she gets a happy ending as well (though she doesn't have to have her own book).
One of the things that turned me off was the multiple mentions of Theo "spurting his seed" inside Alexandra. You would think that a smart and bookish business man would realize the repercussions of multiple cream pies, but alas, it's not mentioned at all. So find me so little surprised at the ending. I find this tolerable in historical romances, as I've said before, but I still kind of wish it hadn't happened because it really makes it seem like that is an end-all, be-all. Did the author simply do this because the MMC is only 28? No idea.
I found Theo very sweet and caring and loved how he never seemed very alpha male like some historical romances can be (i.e. the MMC often saying, "You're/she's mine." He was very confident and secure in himself as well. We see less of the Bastard Five but I don't doubt that there will be a total of 5 books in this series, one for each character. (Case in point, Book 3: Her Adventures in Temptation). It's obvious (I would hope) that we'll get a Fenton/possible Harriet book and I'm eager to see if that's true. I enjoyed many of the side characters, including Edith, Alexandra's slightly older step-daughter and hope she gets a happy ending as well (though she doesn't have to have her own book).
One of the things that turned me off was the multiple mentions of Theo "spurting his seed" inside Alexandra. You would think that a smart and bookish business man would realize the repercussions of multiple cream pies, but alas, it's not mentioned at all. So find me so little surprised at the ending. I find this tolerable in historical romances, as I've said before, but I still kind of wish it hadn't happened because it really makes it seem like that is an end-all, be-all. Did the author simply do this because the MMC is only 28? No idea.
February 19, 2024
First, the things I really loved:
- She’s a widow and 12 years older (she’s 40yrs old)
- She’s tall!! And her stupid husband didn’t appreciate it. But Theo does 🧎
- They have a one night stand and he IMMEDIATELY falls for her. As he should.
- Plenty of “tell me what you want” and “i will do whatever you want” in the bedroom and it’s so fucking hot
Now for what I didn’t enjoy.
The last chunk of this book?? Genuinely why. There is a trope that comes out of nowhere and def doesn’t fit the plot leading up to this point imo. Then we’re supposed to just forgive and forget Theo’s fuck up, WITHOUT GROVELING MAY I ADD.
Theo’s mistake in the ending of this was so out of character for him, it made me so mad honestly. The entire book he preaches that he respects her right to make her own choices (bar is in hell i know), and then at the end of this he directly goes against that? I loved him up until the end of this, ugh.
I still plan on reading the last book since I loved the majority of this book, that ending was just…not it hahah.
- She’s a widow and 12 years older (she’s 40yrs old)
- She’s tall!! And her stupid husband didn’t appreciate it. But Theo does 🧎
- They have a one night stand and he IMMEDIATELY falls for her. As he should.
- Plenty of “tell me what you want” and “i will do whatever you want” in the bedroom and it’s so fucking hot
Now for what I didn’t enjoy.
The last chunk of this book?? Genuinely why. There is a trope that comes out of nowhere and def doesn’t fit the plot leading up to this point imo. Then we’re supposed to just forgive and forget Theo’s fuck up, WITHOUT GROVELING MAY I ADD.
Theo’s mistake in the ending of this was so out of character for him, it made me so mad honestly. The entire book he preaches that he respects her right to make her own choices (bar is in hell i know), and then at the end of this he directly goes against that? I loved him up until the end of this, ugh.
I still plan on reading the last book since I loved the majority of this book, that ending was just…not it hahah.
May 5, 2023
I wanted to like this more than I actually did, which was a real disappointment, honestly.
The friend group remains the highlight of the book, with the Bastard Five providing a lot of real estate for many different stories. Unfortunately, the story itself didn't much grab me. There's been set ups before of a younger hero and an older heroine, even ones where the hero is initially meant to marry the daughter or stepdaughter of the heroine. But this never really seems like a major conflict in this book... They don't ever stop to consider the challenges of their relationship or the awkwardness of the initial set up. Instead, they're only focused on Alexandra's hesitation to be involved with another man and therefore allowing him control over her.
This conflict is understandable, but not very eventful. It mostly consists of Alexandra and Theo thinking about it and then proceeding as normal. It's a bit repetitive and doesn't yield much external conflict.
On the other hand, I'm interested in Fenton's story and hope that Harriet is a big part of it.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The friend group remains the highlight of the book, with the Bastard Five providing a lot of real estate for many different stories. Unfortunately, the story itself didn't much grab me. There's been set ups before of a younger hero and an older heroine, even ones where the hero is initially meant to marry the daughter or stepdaughter of the heroine. But this never really seems like a major conflict in this book... They don't ever stop to consider the challenges of their relationship or the awkwardness of the initial set up. Instead, they're only focused on Alexandra's hesitation to be involved with another man and therefore allowing him control over her.
This conflict is understandable, but not very eventful. It mostly consists of Alexandra and Theo thinking about it and then proceeding as normal. It's a bit repetitive and doesn't yield much external conflict.
On the other hand, I'm interested in Fenton's story and hope that Harriet is a big part of it.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
It's was ok.
I have really loved Theo since book 1. The 5 kids that grew up to be exquisite gentlemen captivated me from the get-go. The issue I had with this one was the forbidden romance aspect. I am a prude. What can I say?
I have really loved Theo since book 1. The 5 kids that grew up to be exquisite gentlemen captivated me from the get-go. The issue I had with this one was the forbidden romance aspect. I am a prude. What can I say?
March 13, 2023
This started out strong with a H/h combo we don't see often. Alexandra is a 40 year old widowed duchess just coming out of 2 years of mourning her much older husband and getting ready to launch her daughter on society. Theo is a 28 year old successful business man who is ready to put his rakish ways behind him and settle down with the sister of a Duke (you see where this is going right...). The two meet at a pleasure garden, owned by Theo, when they both plan a last hurray before getting down to the business of the Season. They have a steamy one night stand and then go their separate ways. A week later they meet when Alex's step-son, the Duke, introduces Theo to the family as Harriet (the daughter's) potential husband. At this point in the story, I was hooked. There was an opportunity to develop some strong emotional connections and build a solid unique story. Unfortunately, that is not what we got. Instead we were given a ton of very repetitive internal dialogue and I mean repetitive. Theo was a very beta hero who fell into insta-love but never displayed that spine that should have accompanied being such a successful business man. Alex came across more like your typical debutante rather than a widow forged in a 20 year loveless marriage. I was exhausted by 2/3 in with Alex's demands to keep her independence despite the fact that her life and livelihood were still controlled by her step-son, the Duke. Honey, you have no independence. The Victorian setting was very wallpaper and many of the events of the last third just didn't make sense. This would have been a DNF if I hadn't received an ARC for an honest review.
December 4, 2023
This was pretty good. I love a good age gap romance and it's even better when it's the herione who's older. I did feel that it got a bit repetitive with Alexandra always lamenting about wanting to have choices and make her own decisions. I get it, I just didn't want to read it every page or two.
August 25, 2024
First off, that cover is *chef's kiss*. Anyone who's seen my left hand knows I go for green 💚.
I loved how we get a sweet/steamy romance about a younger man falling first and fast for an older woman (Theo is 28 to Alexandra's 40). But our heroine is hesitant, not feeling the need to rush into anything; Alexandra's was so controlled in her first marriage (and I'm assuming her girlhood), she doesn't even know how to have fun/ask for what she wants out of life. Alexandra also makes it clear that while her husband wasn't physically abusive, he certainly neglected her emotionally: she knew that she was just just a vessel for Harriet (whom she loved dearly), a second wife as a means to please the ton (and physically on occasion, her husband).
The way Alexandra describes her own society debut/eventual role in the ton wasn't romanticized: she was pushed into marrying a man who had children (particularly a son) who were her peers in age, but still had her under a financial thumb. Theo being the one to fall first was a welcome change, and I loved how his wants of physical and emotional intimacy were a shock to Alexandra (they basically play of game of "what's your favorite _" while naked in a hot bath. Alexandra internally remarks that no man has seen her fully naked: sex with her husband consisted of his rucking up her night rail under the cover of night (and literal covers), and even the doctor who assisted in Harriet's labor covered her legs with a light sheet). Her dedication to her daughters (even her step-daughter, who's more friend than child) was another welcome change: rather than resent Harriet's existence, seeing it as the last tether to a loveless marriage, Alexandra dons Mama Bear mode, vowing that Harriet will not pay for her half-brother's financial mistakes (the whole reason Theo's pushed onto Harriet is because he's got money and William made very bad investments), that she's not to settle. And Edith-her stepdaughter, is the one who accompanies Alexandra to The Garden of Hedon (clever name, that).
Side notes:
-I need Fenton and Harriet to have a novel.
*I can't be the only one who felt the connection. (she's even looking out for his GI distress).
-Simeon befriending/becoming roommates with Alexandra after she flees her step-son's home
*He's even the second person to find out Alexandra's pregnant.
-Theo's reaction to Alexandra's pregnancy was just 🥹❤️ .
*Alexandra slapping him during an intense contraction made me laugh. Too bad it happened off page.
-The hero falls first!!!
* And in case you're wondering, nice guys do indeed finish last 😏.
While we do know about Theo's interests/friends/past, this is very much Alexandra's book with romance on equal footing. Which having read other Frampton books (particularly in this series), I'm more than ok with that. Her writing is very Tessa Dare+Sarah MacLean. If that's your jam, go forth!
I loved how we get a sweet/steamy romance about a younger man falling first and fast for an older woman (Theo is 28 to Alexandra's 40). But our heroine is hesitant, not feeling the need to rush into anything; Alexandra's was so controlled in her first marriage (and I'm assuming her girlhood), she doesn't even know how to have fun/ask for what she wants out of life. Alexandra also makes it clear that while her husband wasn't physically abusive, he certainly neglected her emotionally: she knew that she was just just a vessel for Harriet (whom she loved dearly), a second wife as a means to please the ton (and physically on occasion, her husband).
The way Alexandra describes her own society debut/eventual role in the ton wasn't romanticized: she was pushed into marrying a man who had children (particularly a son) who were her peers in age, but still had her under a financial thumb. Theo being the one to fall first was a welcome change, and I loved how his wants of physical and emotional intimacy were a shock to Alexandra (they basically play of game of "what's your favorite _" while naked in a hot bath. Alexandra internally remarks that no man has seen her fully naked: sex with her husband consisted of his rucking up her night rail under the cover of night (and literal covers), and even the doctor who assisted in Harriet's labor covered her legs with a light sheet). Her dedication to her daughters (even her step-daughter, who's more friend than child) was another welcome change: rather than resent Harriet's existence, seeing it as the last tether to a loveless marriage, Alexandra dons Mama Bear mode, vowing that Harriet will not pay for her half-brother's financial mistakes (the whole reason Theo's pushed onto Harriet is because he's got money and William made very bad investments), that she's not to settle. And Edith-her stepdaughter, is the one who accompanies Alexandra to The Garden of Hedon (clever name, that).
Side notes:
-I need Fenton and Harriet to have a novel.
*I can't be the only one who felt the connection. (she's even looking out for his GI distress).
-Simeon befriending/becoming roommates with Alexandra after she flees her step-son's home
*He's even the second person to find out Alexandra's pregnant.
-Theo's reaction to Alexandra's pregnancy was just 🥹❤️ .
*Alexandra slapping him during an intense contraction made me laugh. Too bad it happened off page.
-The hero falls first!!!
* And in case you're wondering, nice guys do indeed finish last 😏.
While we do know about Theo's interests/friends/past, this is very much Alexandra's book with romance on equal footing. Which having read other Frampton books (particularly in this series), I'm more than ok with that. Her writing is very Tessa Dare+Sarah MacLean. If that's your jam, go forth!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
I have never read a book that portrays anger at the patriarchy more than this book. If you're looking for someone who shares your rage about the way women's autonomy has been erased, Megan Frampton's rage radiates off the page.
In this Victorian romance, Alexandra has finally been freed from her arranged marriage and from the "mourning" for the husband whom she could hardly stand. Wanting a bit of fun now that she has her freedom, she has a one night stand with an anonymous gentleman at a pleasure garden which introduces her to enjoyable sex and her own burgeoning sexual desires, only to discover the following morning that her lover is the man her stepson has arranged for her daughter to marry.
The news of this less than desirable wedding - neither her lover Theo, nor her daughter Harriet are remotely interested in the match - proves to be the main plot of the book as Alexandra ponders how to extricate them but beneath the surface is the author's extremely thinly veiled anger at how much damage the patriarchy does to people, generally speaking. The wretched stepson, only making this arrangement because he's in dire need of money and the only way for him to get it is to sell off his half sister in marriage, has the power and authority to force his widowed stepmother into doing his dirty work - to force Theo to propose and force Harriet to accept - and should Alexandra fail, he will destroy everything - he'll take away her money, her home, and make his sisters' lives miserable. All of which he threatens and eventually acts upon.
But he's hardly the only character to use the patriarchy to justify his actions. Even Theo at times seems to play into the patriarchal ideas. While he proclaims to abide by Alexandra's choices - to allow her the freedom from more men making her choices for her - he not only takes no care in preventing pregnancy (which would inevitably take away all of her choices) but he also persistently asks her to marry him (which she is clear holds no interest for her).
Alexandra also struggles with how the patriarchy has played out in her own life, first with her father, her husband, her stepson, and finally Theo. She struggles with the example it has set for her daughter and does what she can to ensure that her daughter has freedom of choice and autonomy over her own life.
This wasn't the best book I've ever read. In fact, I truly wondered how a happily ever after could take place without Alexandra compromising all of her morals and values. And honestly, I would have been happier with a different ending. But if you're looking to rage at the patriarchy - look no further.
In this Victorian romance, Alexandra has finally been freed from her arranged marriage and from the "mourning" for the husband whom she could hardly stand. Wanting a bit of fun now that she has her freedom, she has a one night stand with an anonymous gentleman at a pleasure garden which introduces her to enjoyable sex and her own burgeoning sexual desires, only to discover the following morning that her lover is the man her stepson has arranged for her daughter to marry.
The news of this less than desirable wedding - neither her lover Theo, nor her daughter Harriet are remotely interested in the match - proves to be the main plot of the book as Alexandra ponders how to extricate them but beneath the surface is the author's extremely thinly veiled anger at how much damage the patriarchy does to people, generally speaking. The wretched stepson, only making this arrangement because he's in dire need of money and the only way for him to get it is to sell off his half sister in marriage, has the power and authority to force his widowed stepmother into doing his dirty work - to force Theo to propose and force Harriet to accept - and should Alexandra fail, he will destroy everything - he'll take away her money, her home, and make his sisters' lives miserable. All of which he threatens and eventually acts upon.
But he's hardly the only character to use the patriarchy to justify his actions. Even Theo at times seems to play into the patriarchal ideas. While he proclaims to abide by Alexandra's choices - to allow her the freedom from more men making her choices for her - he not only takes no care in preventing pregnancy (which would inevitably take away all of her choices) but he also persistently asks her to marry him (which she is clear holds no interest for her).
Alexandra also struggles with how the patriarchy has played out in her own life, first with her father, her husband, her stepson, and finally Theo. She struggles with the example it has set for her daughter and does what she can to ensure that her daughter has freedom of choice and autonomy over her own life.
This wasn't the best book I've ever read. In fact, I truly wondered how a happily ever after could take place without Alexandra compromising all of her morals and values. And honestly, I would have been happier with a different ending. But if you're looking to rage at the patriarchy - look no further.
July 24, 2023
Alexandra, the Dowager Duchess of Chelmswich , 40 years old has been doing what she has been told to do most of her life. Her parents told her who to marry, and her much older husband told her what to eat, what to wear, who to talk to….you get the picture. She had a terrible marriage to an unfeeling man. Now that her morning period is over she’s ready to bust out and she is never going to let anyone run her life again. I loved the first half of this book. We see Alexandra literally cutting “her widow weeds” dress from her body at the dress makers and be fitted for a new wardrobe. You see she has her daughter, Harriet’s season to manage. But before that all starts she has one thing she needs to do. She wants to have some good, anonymous sex with someone at the Garden of Hedon. Theo Oswald, 28 is a self made man, orphaned but raised by a kind businessman man. He has come up in the world and enjoys life to the fullest. But there’s one wish of his adopted father he has yet to fulfill: Marry into society. Well wouldn’t you know that Theo has made an arrangement with the new Duke of Chelmswich, Alexandra’s son-in-law, to marry her daughter. He goes off to the garden to have one last hurrah before meeting his intended. He happens to meets Alexandra right away and they have a good old time. Alex goes back to planing her daughter’s come-out now sexually enlightened. Well you can imagine when they meet again, that this is going to be interesting, but Theo’s a good guy and there’s no way he will marry the daughter of the woman he just banged and let’s Alex know that. Unfortunately the new Duke needs Theo’s $$ in exchange for some parliamentary privileges for Theo’s business so the Duke’s having none of this. And Alex is pissed because here’s Duke Jr. forcing her daughter into a marriage just like she was. I want to say that I was pretty engaged with this book for about 60% of it. I like that there is a reversed age gap and that the author doesn’t harp on it and make that the central issue to the MMCs not being able to get together. I also enjoyed a few of the side characters. But after 60% I started to loose interest, I just wasn’t really feeling any chemistry between the two, and by 80% I just skimmed to the end. The author threw a few plot twist here and there but they just seemed forced and then the ending was just so predictable that it was disappointing that it was used. It’s too bad as I really enjoyed the first book in the series and like the other side characters enough to continue reading this series, but this book was just meh.
I was kindly given this book as an ARC by NetGallery for my unbiased review.
I was kindly given this book as an ARC by NetGallery for my unbiased review.
November 6, 2023
The second book in the The School for Scoundrels series features Theo and Alexandra, the widowed Duchess of Chelmsworth.
Alexandra is finally out of mourning. Not that she was all that heartbroken when her husband died, truth be told. She’s so thrilled she cuts off her black herself at the modiste’s. That evening Alexandra’s step daughter (and her closest friend) takes her to a pleasure garden for a bit of fun before Alexandra’s youngest daughter (with the new Duke, Alexandra’s step son) arrives for her debut.
Theo, our hero, is out for his last night of fun before he puts effort into a proposed marriage/business match.
At the garden she meets Theo (they do not exchanges names or titles) and they have a night together, quite a night together. They can’t stop thinking about each other.
Just days later Alexandra is at a ball and is introduced to the man her step son has arraigned a marriage for her youngest daughter with. You guessed it, it’s Theo. They are stunned.
The story kicks off at a sprint from there. There is more great sex, secret identities, runways, confrontations with the Duke, a chase to the continent. It’s quite an adventure!!
The two things that stuck out the most to me were (1) the age gap, she’s more than a decade older than he, and (2) Frampton’s dedication to consent. Both themes are excellently done here.
Alexandra is self conscious about the years, Theo is determined to prove her wrong.
Alexandra is inexperienced (in sex and life), Theo is determined to teach her, but only if she asks. Frampton is a very sex positive writer, one of the many things I appreciate about her stories.
Also, men with friends, friends with whom they discuss feelings, is such a great part of newer romance novels! This group of guy friends (they have a book club and read books by women, shocking! 🤣) is outstanding.
His Study in Scandal is a love story founded on mutual respect and it is absolutely swoon worthy. I really enjoyed book 1, book 2 is a slam dunk!
Thank you to Frampton, Avon, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Alexandra is finally out of mourning. Not that she was all that heartbroken when her husband died, truth be told. She’s so thrilled she cuts off her black herself at the modiste’s. That evening Alexandra’s step daughter (and her closest friend) takes her to a pleasure garden for a bit of fun before Alexandra’s youngest daughter (with the new Duke, Alexandra’s step son) arrives for her debut.
Theo, our hero, is out for his last night of fun before he puts effort into a proposed marriage/business match.
At the garden she meets Theo (they do not exchanges names or titles) and they have a night together, quite a night together. They can’t stop thinking about each other.
Just days later Alexandra is at a ball and is introduced to the man her step son has arraigned a marriage for her youngest daughter with. You guessed it, it’s Theo. They are stunned.
The story kicks off at a sprint from there. There is more great sex, secret identities, runways, confrontations with the Duke, a chase to the continent. It’s quite an adventure!!
The two things that stuck out the most to me were (1) the age gap, she’s more than a decade older than he, and (2) Frampton’s dedication to consent. Both themes are excellently done here.
Alexandra is self conscious about the years, Theo is determined to prove her wrong.
Alexandra is inexperienced (in sex and life), Theo is determined to teach her, but only if she asks. Frampton is a very sex positive writer, one of the many things I appreciate about her stories.
Also, men with friends, friends with whom they discuss feelings, is such a great part of newer romance novels! This group of guy friends (they have a book club and read books by women, shocking! 🤣) is outstanding.
His Study in Scandal is a love story founded on mutual respect and it is absolutely swoon worthy. I really enjoyed book 1, book 2 is a slam dunk!
Thank you to Frampton, Avon, and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 9, 2023
Oooof this is as close to DNFing as I could get. Honestly, when you skim as much as I did in this book, IS it a DNF?
Here is the strange part, I actually liked the first book in this series. It has some great parts and funny moments. Looking back at that review, I did make a note that I couldn't tell the difference between Simeon and Theo-- that still held true.
Quick Summary:
Dowager Duchess Alexandra, decides to have one night of fun before returning to her prim and proper duties of chaperoning her daughter's first season. An anonymous encounter with a hot man (Theo)-- and multiple orgasms later leads to her sexual awakening. Meanwhile, Theo has the best one night stand of his life to only later realize that the special lady he cant stop thinking about is actually the mother of the debutant he was seeking to marry.
I'll say it right now, I'm not a fan of the 'she's older' trope. So this could 100% be me! I wasnt a fan of the extensive internal monologues form both Theo and Alex. However, the one thing that got under my skin was the fact that the obstacle they seem to face, was one they really made up in their heads. I just couldnt feel sympathetic for either characters.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my (obviously) honest opinion.
Here is the strange part, I actually liked the first book in this series. It has some great parts and funny moments. Looking back at that review, I did make a note that I couldn't tell the difference between Simeon and Theo-- that still held true.
Quick Summary:
Dowager Duchess Alexandra, decides to have one night of fun before returning to her prim and proper duties of chaperoning her daughter's first season. An anonymous encounter with a hot man (Theo)-- and multiple orgasms later leads to her sexual awakening. Meanwhile, Theo has the best one night stand of his life to only later realize that the special lady he cant stop thinking about is actually the mother of the debutant he was seeking to marry.
I'll say it right now, I'm not a fan of the 'she's older' trope. So this could 100% be me! I wasnt a fan of the extensive internal monologues form both Theo and Alex. However, the one thing that got under my skin was the fact that the obstacle they seem to face, was one they really made up in their heads. I just couldnt feel sympathetic for either characters.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my (obviously) honest opinion.
May 8, 2023
ARC copy kindly provided by NetGalley but all thoughts are my own.
I really loved the first book in this series do I was so excited to read this one. And i really hate writing reviews like this, But this is probably Unfortunately one of my most disappointing reads.
this has a lot going for it. Alexandra is ready to come out of mourning from losing her awful late husband. she goes to a pleasure garden and has an amazing one night stand with a mystery man (Theo). come to find out, the mystery man is sort of but not really about to be in an arranged marriage with her own daughter.
plot sounds good right? I was really liking that part. Theo is very feminist. always wanting her to make a choice. having her express what she wants asking for nothing in return. but it really started to make this relationship extremely one sided. and the times he said it were frankly beginning to be annoying and he was ALL IN from page one completely. BUT THEN, this book does something at the end that I and many readers hate. it isn't rocket science that when you have unprotected sex something might....happen. and the timeliness of everything at the end doesn't make sense at all. it seems like they go to Paris and back within days but then he says it's been over a month.
I really wanted to like this age gap historical romance (heroine is 40) it has a lot of potential but I think the execution of this wasn't there for me. However, overall I like the mens book club and the characters and will absolutely be continuing in the series.
I really loved the first book in this series do I was so excited to read this one. And i really hate writing reviews like this, But this is probably Unfortunately one of my most disappointing reads.
this has a lot going for it. Alexandra is ready to come out of mourning from losing her awful late husband. she goes to a pleasure garden and has an amazing one night stand with a mystery man (Theo). come to find out, the mystery man is sort of but not really about to be in an arranged marriage with her own daughter.
plot sounds good right? I was really liking that part. Theo is very feminist. always wanting her to make a choice. having her express what she wants asking for nothing in return. but it really started to make this relationship extremely one sided. and the times he said it were frankly beginning to be annoying and he was ALL IN from page one completely. BUT THEN, this book does something at the end that I and many readers hate. it isn't rocket science that when you have unprotected sex something might....happen. and the timeliness of everything at the end doesn't make sense at all. it seems like they go to Paris and back within days but then he says it's been over a month.
I really wanted to like this age gap historical romance (heroine is 40) it has a lot of potential but I think the execution of this wasn't there for me. However, overall I like the mens book club and the characters and will absolutely be continuing in the series.
February 1, 2024
Ooff I do nor like Alexandra. I feel like this book was okay until she got so upset with Theo. And it felt like she only forgave him because of her predicament. Theo deserved some one that loves him. Also, when he is like I should have told you I loved you... He basically already had. He kept asking her to consider not ending their relationship had previously suggested marriage and ahe was "shocked" by his declaration to her step son??
February 23, 2025
I am completely flummoxed over this book. While reading this story I simply could not connect with it or the characters. The story seems a bit rushed as far as the reading aspect of it. For example reading the narrative the pace feels as though I’m racing through the wording. As a reader I did not have the opportunity to enjoy a particular scene, any particular scene actually with the characters and the plot. This was a hard book to review. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
December 27, 2025
Whateverrrrrr i just dont think id ever say no to a hot rich man asking to solve my problems especially if he was 12 years younger than me and i was pushing 40 which is essentially the death bed for this time period. Also did the word p*ssy exist as slang in the 1800s. Also what did like normal people do back then if they wanted to get married like was it also a dowry business i feel like these are all just rich people problems respectfully.
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