A Hint of Scandal

Sins & Scandals #9

by Kelly Boyce

Miss Temperance Lindwell is the worst thing a lady can be according to British an opinionated American in search of a titled husband. Her social-climbing parents are determined to return to New York with the news their scandal-ridden daughter has married a Lord of the Realm. But Temperance, burned once before, has no use for marriage. James Harrow, Marquess of Ridgemont, has always put others' interests ahead of his own. But the time has come to do his duty and find a proper English bride. His plan goes awry, however, when he is tricked into waltzing with an American heiress. Her brashness stretches his gentlemanly manners past their breaking point until he finds himself on the receiving end of Miss Lindwell's well placed slap. Determined to apologize for his part in the very public debacle, James pursues Temperance, only to stumble upon her kidnapping! Soon the two are caught up in a dangerous plot, forced to set aside their differences and trust each other if they are to survive. But can past heartbreaks be mended and trust restored, or will the hint of scandal from their misadventure ruin any chance for future happiness?

Genres: Romance, Historical

268 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2022

About the author

Kelly Boyce is a multi-published author of historical romance in both independent and traditional formats, including The Sins & Scandals Series, The Lindwells, The Brides of Fatal Bluff Series, and The Salvation Falls Series.

Kelly lives on the beautiful Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia with her husband and clownish golden retriever who is in firm possession of a stubborn streak a mile wide. When not writing, she runs her hand-dyed yarn business, Loch Briar Knits.

Kelly is currently working on her new historical romance series, THE LINDWELLS. A Duke In Gentleman's Clothing is now available, and Once Upon A Gentleman will arrive early in 2025.

To stay up to date on breaking news and new releases, please visit her website at http://www.kellyboyce.com and sign up for her newsletter.

THE LINDWELL SERIES
#1 A Duke In Gentleman's Clothing
#2 Once Upon a Gentleman (early 2025)
#3 A Gentleman of Ill Repute

THE SINS & SCANDALS SERIES
#1 An Invitation to Scandal
#2 A Scandalous Passion
#3 A Sinful Temptation
#4 The Lady’s Sinful Secret
#5 Surrender to Scandal
#6 A Sinner No More
#7 The Sweetest Sin
#8 A Most Scandalous Christmas
#9 A Hint of Scandal

THE BRIDES OF FATAL BLUFF
#1 The Outlaw Bride

THE SALVATION FALLS SERIES
#1 Salvation in the Rancher's Arms
#2 Salvation in the Sheriff's Kiss (re-release coming soon!)

Reviews

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5. The book was off to a great start with an amusing interaction between protagonists as they were forced to waltz together and our American heroine conveyed to James Harrow, by way of her famed blunt speaking, that she had little interest and use for "men of his ilk". Well, the Seventh Marquess of Ridgemont got his pompous feathers slightly ruffled, fully aware of all his numerous attributes and hence unused to being rejected, especially by a common chit he had no interest in. He retorted with ungentleman-like chosen words, she retaliated with a slap setting the scene for a promising intro. Mayhem ensued, with unexpected abduction and captivity forcing the two to work together and of course they discovered hidden depths in one another. The author's prose is superb as per usual, lots of humorous banter and inner dialogue, but I felt a bit frustrated by the heroine's stubborn refusal to see reason, when she started out with such an unfailing sense of logic in the beginning. Following their return to London, there was no interaction between them bar the end which would allow their romance develop further. The ending was also a bit too silly and they should have been given the chance to come to their senses on their own without outside interference.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amusing, romantic, captivating and entertaining. James is chivalrous, charming, sweet and amusing. Temperance is stubborn, wary and brave. The two intensely dislike the other and what they perceive as their kind. Things change when they get kidnapped, they learn that they are wrong about many things, and start to have feelings for each other. But both are guarded with their hearts and both are stubborn. This is a fun story with some great characters. I loved it and highly recommend adding it to your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reading Deals. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.

[Maryalice adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a wonderful read. first time reading this author and will be reading more of her books. pulls you into the storyline. the characters were awesome. the plot was edge of your seat. I was provided a complimentary copy of their book so I could give an honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a bit of a romp, and I enjoyed it very much. I do love Kelly Boyce's writing.
5☆
(I cannot find book 10, about Lord Grenville and Charlotte. Will it be 2018 or next year?)

[BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last one (?) in the series. Not quite as good as the previous ones, I'm afraid, although that could be me, of course. I felt it dragged on a bit at times.

[Tanya Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this entire series...I cannot wait for more from Kelly Boyce.
Swoon-worthy binge reads!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free complimentary book through Reading Deals and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is a historical romance about a wealthy American family who moves to London. Since the Lindwells already have money, the father wants each of his twin daughters to marry titled me.

Temperance Lindwell, one of the twins, was deceived by her fiancé who was in love with someone else. She called off the engagement and caused a scandal. She is the main reason the family left.

Unfortunately, Temperance no longer wants to get married. She is a smart, independent woman who does not want to become the “property” of some man who caters to his “whims,” while she is unable to follow her own dreams.

James Harrow, Marquess of Ridgemont, has been told it is time for him to marry. His brother-in-law sets up a dance for James with Temperence. When they have their dance, James and Temperence disagree about everything.

When Temperence goes outside for some fresh air, she is attacked by two men who kidnap her. James, being a gentlemen and a protector of women, tries to stop it, and he, also, gets captured.

The rest of the book reminds me of an old black and white movie. James and Temperence, with their totally different personalites, are kept in one room where they must work together to find a way to escape.

The two captors are so inept and so stupid that they remind me of the crooks on “Home Alone.” This unusual situation allows James and Temperence to get to know each other better, and they learn to respect each other. It is fun to watch as this author, skillfully, allows the main characters to reveal their true personalities to each other.

This is the ninth book of the “Sins and Scandals” series. Throughout most of the book, I could not even notice that there were other books in this series. However, toward the end of the book, many secondary characters referred back to their own experiences when they courted their wives. At that time, I wished I had read the other books, just because their back stories sounded interesting. In spite of that, I was able to appreciate and enjoy this book.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)

Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).

I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.

3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.

Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).

Read it once and that is enough for me.

However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.

I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, emotional, suspenseful read filled with deceive, lies and scandal. A father who wanted his daughters to marry men with titles which doesn’t work out the way he has planned. Temperance is a strong woman who doesn’t want to fall in line with a man giving her orders. It is time for James to get married and is setup at a dance with Temperance. Things do not go well, when Temperance goes for a walk she is kidnapped along with James when he tries to save her. They are left together which leads to a lot of fun for the readers as they flight it out and get to know each other.

I had a lot of fun reading this and watching these two work out their differences. The characters are very likable and the plot is nothing really new but the author does add some interesting twists and turns that keeps the story moving. I totally enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book via Reading Deals and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review from Reading Deals. I absolutely loved traveling with Temperance and James through their lively adventures. The characters were very well developed, and Kelly does a fantastc job of showing you their character. As I usually am attracted to historical romance, I am so happy that there are great stories available to read, and it is even better to have discovered a new author who has written lots of books to dive into. So happy to have found Temperance, James and Kelly; you will be too! I can't wait to read the other books in this series.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two different personalities who are stubborn and have to work through things and other relatives to finally find each other. It is sweet, emotinal, suspenseful and so much more. I really enjoyed this and do not want to give spoilers. I highly recommend it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clashes are inevitable with their different backgounds and views on marriage. Although part of a series, makes a good stand alone also. Now it remains to be seen if they can get beyond their misgivings and learn to love each other. The attraction is there but it takes more than that. Enjoy.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a beautiful, educated and bossy American woman meets up with a handsome, educated and boring titled Englishman? (As each thinks of the other!) The answer is aA lively, captivating historical romantic read, that's what! James and Temperance can't even agree to disagree. They've both been burned before, romantically, and have no delusions about "love." Thoroughly enjoyed!
Provided a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.