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The Scandalous Women of the Ton #1
Whisper of Scandal
SCANDAL ISN'T JUST FOR ROGUES, AS THE DARING WOMEN IN NICOLA CORNICK'S SCINTILLATING NEW SERIES PROVES ...
Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed again but that doesn't stop the flurry of suitors knocking on her door. Desperate to thwart another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Arctic explorer Alex, Lord Grant. Unable to deny the blazing attraction that flares, Joanna knows she's just set the gossip mill turning.
After suffering countless infidelities during her marriage, she's accustomed to scandal. But nothing prepares her for the shocking news that her deceased husband has bequeathed his illegitimate child to her and his friend Alex. As rumors run rampant in the ton, Joanna and Alex travel to the Arctic to claim the orphan. Battling blizzards, dangerous wildlife and a treacherous plot, Alex must protect Joanna, but not before he wickedly seduces her ...
Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed again but that doesn't stop the flurry of suitors knocking on her door. Desperate to thwart another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Arctic explorer Alex, Lord Grant. Unable to deny the blazing attraction that flares, Joanna knows she's just set the gossip mill turning.
After suffering countless infidelities during her marriage, she's accustomed to scandal. But nothing prepares her for the shocking news that her deceased husband has bequeathed his illegitimate child to her and his friend Alex. As rumors run rampant in the ton, Joanna and Alex travel to the Arctic to claim the orphan. Battling blizzards, dangerous wildlife and a treacherous plot, Alex must protect Joanna, but not before he wickedly seduces her ...
362 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
43 people are currently reading
1277 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
224 books1,172 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 8, 2025
Read: 8/8/25
Setting: Regency England, Arctic circle thru Norway
Trope: enemies to lovers, MOC
I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
RTC soon
Setting: Regency England, Arctic circle thru Norway
Trope: enemies to lovers, MOC
I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
RTC soon
March 17, 2017
‘Whisper of Scandal’ is the first book in Nicola Cornick’s sparkling ‘Scandalous Women of the Ton’ series and is a winning blend of passionate love story and intrepid adventure.
The story opens where Alex, Lord Grant, is reluctantly visiting Lady Joanna Ware, the widow of his best friend and fellow explorer, David Ware, in order to pay his respects. He dislikes her because he knows from his friend’s comments that she is shallow, manipulative and deceitful. His opinion is further confirmed when he arrives at her house and sees her obvious lack of mourning for her late husband. Certainly, the last thing he expects is for Joanna to kiss him passionately when he enters the room. Joanna uses the opportunity to pretend that Alex is her lover in order to discourage the unwanted advances of John Hagan, her late husband’s cousin.
Neither Joanna nor Alex is willing to admit to the attraction they feel for each other following the kiss. Alex regards Joanna as ‘a manipulative woman who used men to her advantage’ and Joanna sees Alex as ‘just another philandering bastard’ like David. This does not stop Alex attending Mrs Lottie Cummings’ party that evening knowing the Joanna will there, but he and Joanna end up having a very public quarrel.
Joanna receives a summons from Churchward & Churchward, David’s lawyers, and is surprised to find Alex already there. It appears that David left a codicil to his will and both Joanna and Alex are shocked by its contents. David has an illegitimate daughter, Nina, and has left her to Joanna’s care provided she travels to Spitsbergen to bring the child back to London. Worse is to come. Alex has been appointed joint guardian and sole trustee!
Joanna is determined to travel to Spitsbergen to collect Nina and refuses Alex’s request that he accompany her. However, when John Hagan breaks into her bedroom and tries to blackmail her into ‘pleasing him’, she pleads with Alex to marry her in order to gain the protection of his name and security for herself and her sister, Merryn. Alex agrees because he not only desires Joanna but she can also provide him with the heir he needs.
Following the marriage, they embark on the hazardous journey to Spitsbergen during which their feelings for each other intensify but can their new found love survive when Alex is wary of any deep emotional involvement and Joanna finally reveals the way in which she has deceived Alex?
Ms. Cornick has created an intense and emotional story exploring the complex relationship between Joanna and Alex. She brilliantly conveys the initial hostility between them with her scathing repartee such as Joanna’s response to Alex’s criticism of her way of life:
“You know nothing of my way of life, Lord Grant, other than what is based on David’s lies and your own arrogant assumptions!” Her tone dripped disdain. “If it comes to that, you are the one who rackets about the world like a poorly aimed cannonball. You may provide materially for your family but you have no interest in engaging with them in any emotional sense”.
or when she tells him why she does not want him to accompany her to Spitsbergen:
“You neither like me nor trust me and the journey will be uncomfortable enough without turning around and falling over your disapproval at every turn.”
I understand Alex’s reluctance to accept that David Ware was not the honourable man he thought him to be. They had a close friendship based on their mutual love of exploring and the fact that David had saved Alex’s life. There would be no reason for Alex to believe that what he had learnt about Joanna was untrue. I like the way in which Alex’s preconceptions about Joanna are slowly stripped away as he discovers that she is vulnerable, caring and brave.
He is slow to admit his deep feelings for Joanna because the death of his first wife, Amelia, has left him reluctant to enter into any deep relationships. His guilt over Amelia’s death drives him to constantly accept dangerous assignments. It is almost as though he has a death wish.
I like Joanna and feel great sympathy for her. The lifestyle she leads, although lacking any apparent substance, was originally her way of coping with the trauma of her disastrous marriage. I admire her strength in leaving David and making a life for herself. Her initial dislike of Alex is understandable given her previous experiences with her husband but, gradually, she appreciates that Alex is nothing like David. He doesn’t court fame and popularity as David did and, although he is physically strong, she knows that he would never use that strength to hurt anyone.
Even during the quarrels between Joanna and Alex, Ms Cornick’s superb writing style allows you to sense the sexual tension simmering just underneath. I love the scene where Joanna intends to seduce Alex into marrying her, but can’t go through with it. Alex turns the tables on her, saying that he won’t marry her unless she seduces him. The love scene which follows is sizzling! Here’s a little teaser:
‘He picked her up and tossed her on the bed. It was so sudden and shocking that she lay there, winded for a moment. He was kneeling above her and he looked huge and powerful and shockingly masculine and she felt her heart race with a mixture of apprehension and fascination and the most wicked, wicked delight.’
Lottie Cummings, Joanna’s closest friend, is an interesting character. On the surface, she is frivolous, immoral and selfish, but I believe that underneath this façade, she is lonely and unfulfilled. I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this series ‘One Wicked Sin’ which is Lottie’s story. Quite how Ms Cornick is going to transform Lottie in to a true heroine I’m not quite sure, but I look forward to finding out!
I do hope subsidiary characters, Captain Owen Purchase and Alex’s cousin, James Devlin, get their own books because they would make simply yummy heroes!
What a nasty piece of work David Ware was. He’s lucky that he is already dead; otherwise I would like to have seen him strung up by a certain part of his anatomy!
Ms Cornick vividly conveys the stark beauty of the Arctic Circle and the dangers lurking there and the scene in which sea ice threatens to trap their ship particularly comes to mind.
There’s plenty of humour in the book, and here are some of my favourite quotes:
“It is hoped that you can navigate your way better across the frozen wastes than you can around a woman’s body, or you may end in Spain rather than Spitsbergen.”
“I fear I would need to know you a great deal more intimately before I strip off in your ballroom or indeed any other room.”
“I came here to seduce you”, Joanna said in a rush.
“Excuse me, my lord,” Frazer said into the silence that followed. “I do not believe I should be present at a moment like this.”
“So in the end you’ll make love with me for the sake of your wardrobe? That sounds about right.”
“I shall now allow Mr. Devlin to shaft me with great vigour until he reveals all his secrets.”
I can highly recommend ‘Whisper of Scandal’ to lovers of historical romance and look forward to reading further books in this series.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews
The story opens where Alex, Lord Grant, is reluctantly visiting Lady Joanna Ware, the widow of his best friend and fellow explorer, David Ware, in order to pay his respects. He dislikes her because he knows from his friend’s comments that she is shallow, manipulative and deceitful. His opinion is further confirmed when he arrives at her house and sees her obvious lack of mourning for her late husband. Certainly, the last thing he expects is for Joanna to kiss him passionately when he enters the room. Joanna uses the opportunity to pretend that Alex is her lover in order to discourage the unwanted advances of John Hagan, her late husband’s cousin.
Neither Joanna nor Alex is willing to admit to the attraction they feel for each other following the kiss. Alex regards Joanna as ‘a manipulative woman who used men to her advantage’ and Joanna sees Alex as ‘just another philandering bastard’ like David. This does not stop Alex attending Mrs Lottie Cummings’ party that evening knowing the Joanna will there, but he and Joanna end up having a very public quarrel.
Joanna receives a summons from Churchward & Churchward, David’s lawyers, and is surprised to find Alex already there. It appears that David left a codicil to his will and both Joanna and Alex are shocked by its contents. David has an illegitimate daughter, Nina, and has left her to Joanna’s care provided she travels to Spitsbergen to bring the child back to London. Worse is to come. Alex has been appointed joint guardian and sole trustee!
Joanna is determined to travel to Spitsbergen to collect Nina and refuses Alex’s request that he accompany her. However, when John Hagan breaks into her bedroom and tries to blackmail her into ‘pleasing him’, she pleads with Alex to marry her in order to gain the protection of his name and security for herself and her sister, Merryn. Alex agrees because he not only desires Joanna but she can also provide him with the heir he needs.
Following the marriage, they embark on the hazardous journey to Spitsbergen during which their feelings for each other intensify but can their new found love survive when Alex is wary of any deep emotional involvement and Joanna finally reveals the way in which she has deceived Alex?
Ms. Cornick has created an intense and emotional story exploring the complex relationship between Joanna and Alex. She brilliantly conveys the initial hostility between them with her scathing repartee such as Joanna’s response to Alex’s criticism of her way of life:
“You know nothing of my way of life, Lord Grant, other than what is based on David’s lies and your own arrogant assumptions!” Her tone dripped disdain. “If it comes to that, you are the one who rackets about the world like a poorly aimed cannonball. You may provide materially for your family but you have no interest in engaging with them in any emotional sense”.
or when she tells him why she does not want him to accompany her to Spitsbergen:
“You neither like me nor trust me and the journey will be uncomfortable enough without turning around and falling over your disapproval at every turn.”
I understand Alex’s reluctance to accept that David Ware was not the honourable man he thought him to be. They had a close friendship based on their mutual love of exploring and the fact that David had saved Alex’s life. There would be no reason for Alex to believe that what he had learnt about Joanna was untrue. I like the way in which Alex’s preconceptions about Joanna are slowly stripped away as he discovers that she is vulnerable, caring and brave.
He is slow to admit his deep feelings for Joanna because the death of his first wife, Amelia, has left him reluctant to enter into any deep relationships. His guilt over Amelia’s death drives him to constantly accept dangerous assignments. It is almost as though he has a death wish.
I like Joanna and feel great sympathy for her. The lifestyle she leads, although lacking any apparent substance, was originally her way of coping with the trauma of her disastrous marriage. I admire her strength in leaving David and making a life for herself. Her initial dislike of Alex is understandable given her previous experiences with her husband but, gradually, she appreciates that Alex is nothing like David. He doesn’t court fame and popularity as David did and, although he is physically strong, she knows that he would never use that strength to hurt anyone.
Even during the quarrels between Joanna and Alex, Ms Cornick’s superb writing style allows you to sense the sexual tension simmering just underneath. I love the scene where Joanna intends to seduce Alex into marrying her, but can’t go through with it. Alex turns the tables on her, saying that he won’t marry her unless she seduces him. The love scene which follows is sizzling! Here’s a little teaser:
‘He picked her up and tossed her on the bed. It was so sudden and shocking that she lay there, winded for a moment. He was kneeling above her and he looked huge and powerful and shockingly masculine and she felt her heart race with a mixture of apprehension and fascination and the most wicked, wicked delight.’
Lottie Cummings, Joanna’s closest friend, is an interesting character. On the surface, she is frivolous, immoral and selfish, but I believe that underneath this façade, she is lonely and unfulfilled. I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this series ‘One Wicked Sin’ which is Lottie’s story. Quite how Ms Cornick is going to transform Lottie in to a true heroine I’m not quite sure, but I look forward to finding out!
I do hope subsidiary characters, Captain Owen Purchase and Alex’s cousin, James Devlin, get their own books because they would make simply yummy heroes!
What a nasty piece of work David Ware was. He’s lucky that he is already dead; otherwise I would like to have seen him strung up by a certain part of his anatomy!
Ms Cornick vividly conveys the stark beauty of the Arctic Circle and the dangers lurking there and the scene in which sea ice threatens to trap their ship particularly comes to mind.
There’s plenty of humour in the book, and here are some of my favourite quotes:
“It is hoped that you can navigate your way better across the frozen wastes than you can around a woman’s body, or you may end in Spain rather than Spitsbergen.”
“I fear I would need to know you a great deal more intimately before I strip off in your ballroom or indeed any other room.”
“I came here to seduce you”, Joanna said in a rush.
“Excuse me, my lord,” Frazer said into the silence that followed. “I do not believe I should be present at a moment like this.”
“So in the end you’ll make love with me for the sake of your wardrobe? That sounds about right.”
“I shall now allow Mr. Devlin to shaft me with great vigour until he reveals all his secrets.”
I can highly recommend ‘Whisper of Scandal’ to lovers of historical romance and look forward to reading further books in this series.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews
April 21, 2019
Whisper of Scandal was the first of Nicola Cornick's books I have read. It came as a recommendation and I was not disappointed.
Joanna Ware has been badly treated both physically and mentally by her, now deceased, husband. They were estranged before his death and as a result of his treatment of her, she has become rather self absorbed with outward appearances and the superficiality of the ton. David Ware was an explorer, a hero, and darling of the ton. He courted this popularity shamelessly, whored and shamed Joanna by his behaviour, leaving her to believe that she was the one lacking.
She longed for a child of her own but did not conceive during her marriage and when, on his death, David Ware demanded in his will, cruelly, that she travel to the Arctic to rescue his abandoned love child, in company with his fellow explorer and friend, Alex, Lord Grant, Joanna reluctantly agrees to his escort. Her emptiness over her inability to have a child of her own driving her decision. The two are to be guardians to Nina who at present is residing in a monastery in a far flung area of the Arctic.
The animosity between Joanna and Alex is strong, Alex because he believes Joanna to be shallow and uncaring over the loss of her dead husband. This opinion was fed to Alex, who admired David Ware, because he had once saved Alex's life. Ware took advantage of this admiration to poison the mind of his friend against Joanna.
Joanna thought Alex Grant to be dark and grim, although extremely attractive, and felt his animosity very keenly from the first meeting after his return following his friends demise. The strong physical attraction between them, however, was sizzling! Ignore it they could not. Joanna refused to explain to Alex why she had no pleasant memories of her disastrous marriage and Alex preferred to cling to his opinion without any real substance, other than the vitriolic ranting of his one time friend. Alex wanted to seduce Joanna, purely because he thought her to be promiscuous and shallow - and utterly irresistible.
Joanna lived with her younger sister on the charity of her husbands cousin, Hagan, and her own small inheritance from a relative, and interior design commissions she received from members of the ton - she was a lady who had gained a reputation for her style and talent. Hagan lusts after her and tries to force her into intimacy, after nearly capitulating she decides on drastic action.
Ms. Cornick's research on explorers of the day and also her extensive research on travel to the arctic, including conditions endured, dangers encountered, diet etc lends excellent original credence to this story. I was slightly put off by the shallowness of Joanna's character, particularly in regard to her wardrobe and the matching 'yellow ribbon' in her border terrier, Max's top knot. Owning border terriers myself, I would find it hard to believe that these scruffy little dogs would ever have appealed to someone as fastidious in their appearance as Joanna Ware. I’m pretty sure the author meant Yorkshire terrier, but that’s just my opinion.
I admired the description of Alex Grant as a man of directness, integrity and honesty. I could quite see why Joanna fell for him. His own fears and ghosts simply make him more loveable and human. I did not find Lottie, Joanna's friend, credible, and would have thought that the ton, snobbish as they were, would have considered her an upstart.
This was, on the whole, a well written, original love story, with only minor discrepancies, (I'm probably just being picky) the slowly overcoming of dislike for each other, adding spice and interest and a need to know what happens next; I had one chapter to read and had to read on until 2am.
I'm hoping the rest of this series will find happy endings for Owen and Dev as they are excellent secondary characters. I would also love to read in a later book in this series that Joanna at last has her baby.
A lovely, romantic, well written book which I thoroughly recommend. If not for my few, minor niggles I would have had no hesitation in awarding 5 stars, as it is, a well deserved 4.5 stars.
Joanna Ware has been badly treated both physically and mentally by her, now deceased, husband. They were estranged before his death and as a result of his treatment of her, she has become rather self absorbed with outward appearances and the superficiality of the ton. David Ware was an explorer, a hero, and darling of the ton. He courted this popularity shamelessly, whored and shamed Joanna by his behaviour, leaving her to believe that she was the one lacking.
She longed for a child of her own but did not conceive during her marriage and when, on his death, David Ware demanded in his will, cruelly, that she travel to the Arctic to rescue his abandoned love child, in company with his fellow explorer and friend, Alex, Lord Grant, Joanna reluctantly agrees to his escort. Her emptiness over her inability to have a child of her own driving her decision. The two are to be guardians to Nina who at present is residing in a monastery in a far flung area of the Arctic.
The animosity between Joanna and Alex is strong, Alex because he believes Joanna to be shallow and uncaring over the loss of her dead husband. This opinion was fed to Alex, who admired David Ware, because he had once saved Alex's life. Ware took advantage of this admiration to poison the mind of his friend against Joanna.
Joanna thought Alex Grant to be dark and grim, although extremely attractive, and felt his animosity very keenly from the first meeting after his return following his friends demise. The strong physical attraction between them, however, was sizzling! Ignore it they could not. Joanna refused to explain to Alex why she had no pleasant memories of her disastrous marriage and Alex preferred to cling to his opinion without any real substance, other than the vitriolic ranting of his one time friend. Alex wanted to seduce Joanna, purely because he thought her to be promiscuous and shallow - and utterly irresistible.
Joanna lived with her younger sister on the charity of her husbands cousin, Hagan, and her own small inheritance from a relative, and interior design commissions she received from members of the ton - she was a lady who had gained a reputation for her style and talent. Hagan lusts after her and tries to force her into intimacy, after nearly capitulating she decides on drastic action.
Ms. Cornick's research on explorers of the day and also her extensive research on travel to the arctic, including conditions endured, dangers encountered, diet etc lends excellent original credence to this story. I was slightly put off by the shallowness of Joanna's character, particularly in regard to her wardrobe and the matching 'yellow ribbon' in her border terrier, Max's top knot. Owning border terriers myself, I would find it hard to believe that these scruffy little dogs would ever have appealed to someone as fastidious in their appearance as Joanna Ware. I’m pretty sure the author meant Yorkshire terrier, but that’s just my opinion.
I admired the description of Alex Grant as a man of directness, integrity and honesty. I could quite see why Joanna fell for him. His own fears and ghosts simply make him more loveable and human. I did not find Lottie, Joanna's friend, credible, and would have thought that the ton, snobbish as they were, would have considered her an upstart.
This was, on the whole, a well written, original love story, with only minor discrepancies, (I'm probably just being picky) the slowly overcoming of dislike for each other, adding spice and interest and a need to know what happens next; I had one chapter to read and had to read on until 2am.
I'm hoping the rest of this series will find happy endings for Owen and Dev as they are excellent secondary characters. I would also love to read in a later book in this series that Joanna at last has her baby.
A lovely, romantic, well written book which I thoroughly recommend. If not for my few, minor niggles I would have had no hesitation in awarding 5 stars, as it is, a well deserved 4.5 stars.
February 13, 2022
No me ha gustado. No he comprendido a los protagonistas, he odiado el comportamiento de Lottie (con amigas así quien quiere enemigos), me ha parecido tan absurdo todo lo que va ocurriendo que no se como he acabado la lectura
April 29, 2022
**** Caution on abuse flashback scene. ****
I re-read this Regency. (1st read in 2013.) Action
took place in England & the Artic Circle.
Widowed atypical beauty Lady Joanna was a society
hostess w/ a cool demeanor & many male admirers.
One clingy + obnoxious. Jo's demeanor hid her fears
& distrust of men after abusive treatment by late
spouse David Ware. They were estranged yrs. prior to
his death. Jo thought her dog Max more reliable than
most men.
Alex, Lord Grant & best friend David Ware, explored to-
gether. Royal Navy Captain, Alex, & David, a Commodore
received Admiralty assignments to explore trade routes
+ such. Some assignments had cash awards. Alex shunned
the 'explorer hero' spotlight, unlike David. Alex turned
down several women who favored a seduction interlude.
The MCs argued often & held onto preconceived notions
of each other. They learned via David's Will they'd be
forced to work together. David named the MCs as joint
Guardians of his natural daughter living in Artic Circle.
But they'd need to claim this girl.
Jo had a job of designing home interiors, but she worried
about her finances and future. Her superficial friend Lottie
used and discarded younger men. The opposite-thinking
MCs showed tenderness, yet held ea. other accountable
for their actions. They forgot their past sorrows. Several
men, with no ulterior motives, protected Jo from the
threat of physical harm.
I re-read this Regency. (1st read in 2013.) Action
took place in England & the Artic Circle.
Widowed atypical beauty Lady Joanna was a society
hostess w/ a cool demeanor & many male admirers.
One clingy + obnoxious. Jo's demeanor hid her fears
& distrust of men after abusive treatment by late
spouse David Ware. They were estranged yrs. prior to
his death. Jo thought her dog Max more reliable than
most men.
Alex, Lord Grant & best friend David Ware, explored to-
gether. Royal Navy Captain, Alex, & David, a Commodore
received Admiralty assignments to explore trade routes
+ such. Some assignments had cash awards. Alex shunned
the 'explorer hero' spotlight, unlike David. Alex turned
down several women who favored a seduction interlude.
The MCs argued often & held onto preconceived notions
of each other. They learned via David's Will they'd be
forced to work together. David named the MCs as joint
Guardians of his natural daughter living in Artic Circle.
But they'd need to claim this girl.
Jo had a job of designing home interiors, but she worried
about her finances and future. Her superficial friend Lottie
used and discarded younger men. The opposite-thinking
MCs showed tenderness, yet held ea. other accountable
for their actions. They forgot their past sorrows. Several
men, with no ulterior motives, protected Jo from the
threat of physical harm.
March 24, 2014
That was the second book from this author I read. The first one had been given to me by a friend and had not made such an impression. This one was very cheaply priced and that's the reason why I decided to give it a chance.
I did not like it much. I felt that there was too much liberty taken with the historical reality. I did not care much for most of the characters. The hero had been wrong his whole life regarding the true personality of his best friend. The heroine was a vain and selfish chit. Her friend had been cheating her with her previous philandering husband, was abundantly promiscuous and a lying manipulating self-interested ever-unsatisfied person.
I rolled my eyes several times over the plot, at inconsistencies or nonsense.
That will be my last from this author who really does not work for me at all.
I did not like it much. I felt that there was too much liberty taken with the historical reality. I did not care much for most of the characters. The hero had been wrong his whole life regarding the true personality of his best friend. The heroine was a vain and selfish chit. Her friend had been cheating her with her previous philandering husband, was abundantly promiscuous and a lying manipulating self-interested ever-unsatisfied person.
I rolled my eyes several times over the plot, at inconsistencies or nonsense.
That will be my last from this author who really does not work for me at all.
June 9, 2014
Meh. I like a lot of Nicola Cornick's writing. The characters are well drawn, the pacing good, the dialogue witty, the chemistry well done... but this book featured a trope I'm coming to LOATHE. The 'terrible misunderstanding' trope. Hero thinks heroine is shallow/vapid/sluttish/awful in some way, despite having no real reason to. He begins to suspect that he may be wrong and then - boom - at the slightest provocation decides that no, actually, she really is shallow/vapid/sluttish/awful after all and dumps her.
Until ANOTHER BLOKE comes along and tells him he's wrong and the heroine is actually lovely, whereupon he changes his mind. Cue blissful reunion.
This ruined the book for me. Romance authors, PLEASE stop this. How can we trust a hero who doesn't have any faith in his own judgement and who is determined to think the worst of the woman he supposedly loves? This isn't romance. I wouldn't put up with this shoddy treatment in real life and I don't want to read about anyone else doing it.
There were plenty of opportunities for Alex to find out the truth from Joanna, plenty of times when she would have trusted him with the truth. It would have been far more satisfying if he'd said 'Tell me your side, then' and she'd trusted him enough to do it. Sure, you wouldn't have had the 'crisis point' in the relationship (which was paper thin anyway and undermined him as a worthy hero) but the relationship between them would have been better and so would the book.
Until ANOTHER BLOKE comes along and tells him he's wrong and the heroine is actually lovely, whereupon he changes his mind. Cue blissful reunion.
This ruined the book for me. Romance authors, PLEASE stop this. How can we trust a hero who doesn't have any faith in his own judgement and who is determined to think the worst of the woman he supposedly loves? This isn't romance. I wouldn't put up with this shoddy treatment in real life and I don't want to read about anyone else doing it.
There were plenty of opportunities for Alex to find out the truth from Joanna, plenty of times when she would have trusted him with the truth. It would have been far more satisfying if he'd said 'Tell me your side, then' and she'd trusted him enough to do it. Sure, you wouldn't have had the 'crisis point' in the relationship (which was paper thin anyway and undermined him as a worthy hero) but the relationship between them would have been better and so would the book.
June 30, 2021
[image error] A Whisper of Scandal https://amzn.to/3w7zbNDLots of potential, here, but the story just didn't go deep enough. It gives the impression of being a romantic adventure, but the adventure part wasn't fleshed out enough. I did like the hero and heroine. I liked her the best, I think, because she wasn't one of those women of the ton who, just like that, becomes an out-door girl or who, having lived in luxury, is suddenly all ready to embrace a step-down in society. I liked that she wasn't either of these things because I seldom see a heroine who, in this one's situations, readily admits how important her wealth and status are to her and how much she doesn't want to give them up, not for love or anything else. You go, Girl!
Still, the author needed to take us deeper into what the heroine really wanted much sooner than she did. Several of the hero's whys needed reworking. Also, those adventures need some work; make that details; the kind where readers can see and feel and experience the whole of what is happening.
But I won't close the review without saying that there were some really good moments in this story. One--the most poignant one--I won't share because it would be a major spoiler. Another one was the way the hero and heroine spent time together; time that wasn't about their having sex, but just talking with one another. The sex is explicit and it's handled well, but those other times that these two spent together are the ones you can go back to and relive, like snapshots captured in an album.
So, should you read this book? This is an enemy-to-lovers romance, and the opening animosity between them was handled well. I even liked some of the gradual ways in which they began to warm up to each other. So, with what I've said in mind, I think if you want to experience an HR that's not the usual cookie, especially given some of the side characters, take a look at the more positive reviews and decide based on them.
March 30, 2015
Being here in Milan makes me finish the book – finally. That’s a good thing actually because I loved it. After driving for nearly 7h to Verona and two more by Milano I needed to get some reading done before being able to fall asleep. I left Vienna with only like 100 pages left on this one so it was kind of a quick read before falling asleep finally.
„Whisper of Scandal“ is the 1st book in the „Scandalous women of the ton“ series by Nicola Cornick, and the 4th I think I read so far but of course not in the right row. I tend to do it less and less soften, I don’t know why.
1811. Lady Joanna Ware, short Jo, is the oldest sister of three and was married, her husband David died on an expedition to the Arctic. He hated her and she disliked him but he preferred light skirts to her and didn’t even try to hide it. And he punished her physically, and of course psychically, for not giving him an heir. So in the end she wasn’t that sad that he had died.
About a year after his death, Lord Alex Grant knocks on Jo’s door to say how sorry he is about her husband’s death but she isn’t alone but her cousin is attending and so it happens that she let this cousin think that Alex and she are having a hot affair. The problem is that she didn’t tell him about it before the show went on. And those navigators are the love of the ton at the moment. So her cousin really thinks that they are in love because she is kissing him rather openly in front of him. Alex didn’t know that he tried to blackmail her. Alex doesn’t know what to think about all of it, except for the fact that he starts to lust after her pretty quickly.
A couple of days later they have both a meeting with Joanna’s lawyer because Alex brought a letter from Jo’s husband with him who died 18 months ago. In this letter he tells Jo that he has a daughter out of wedlock who lives in a monastery in Spitzbergen because she’s now an orphan. But she has to share custody with Alex if she wants the kid. David knew that she would do everything to have a kid, even travel to Spitzbergen to pick the girl up which is in the testament.
So now the negotiations start. Alex doesn’t want Jo to go on a ship because a trip to Spitzbergen is to dangerous. She thinks that she can do it because she has the money just to buy herself a passage. In the end it isn’t that easy and her cousin, who learns about David’s testament, threatens to take everything away from if she does this journey because of scandal it would bring over the family to take care of David’s bastard. So Jo has to think about herself, her younger sister that is living with her and the girl in Spitzbergen. She only sees one option – seduce Alex.
To cut it a little short – she is able to go on the ship, with her friend Lottie and they travel to Spitzbergen, together with Alex and Captain Owen Purchase.
What I like about the whole series is that every single book has a really different storyline, not one is the same and that rarely happens. Most of the time I get the feeling that there are similarities but not even the sisters have anything in common except for two of them who have kind of a scandalous past.
Plus I liked the way Cornick described the Artic, Spitzbergen and the two women with their attempts to fit in but also to dress adequate. It’s kind of funny on the one side but also drawn quite realistic on the other.
And I liked Joanna and Alex a lot. I liked Joanna already in the other books where she was a side character only but her past made her the person she is and all of the girls have a past in their family who influence their present - another thing I like a about this series.
So the rating is really easy: 5 stars
„Whisper of Scandal“ is the 1st book in the „Scandalous women of the ton“ series by Nicola Cornick, and the 4th I think I read so far but of course not in the right row. I tend to do it less and less soften, I don’t know why.
1811. Lady Joanna Ware, short Jo, is the oldest sister of three and was married, her husband David died on an expedition to the Arctic. He hated her and she disliked him but he preferred light skirts to her and didn’t even try to hide it. And he punished her physically, and of course psychically, for not giving him an heir. So in the end she wasn’t that sad that he had died.
About a year after his death, Lord Alex Grant knocks on Jo’s door to say how sorry he is about her husband’s death but she isn’t alone but her cousin is attending and so it happens that she let this cousin think that Alex and she are having a hot affair. The problem is that she didn’t tell him about it before the show went on. And those navigators are the love of the ton at the moment. So her cousin really thinks that they are in love because she is kissing him rather openly in front of him. Alex didn’t know that he tried to blackmail her. Alex doesn’t know what to think about all of it, except for the fact that he starts to lust after her pretty quickly.
A couple of days later they have both a meeting with Joanna’s lawyer because Alex brought a letter from Jo’s husband with him who died 18 months ago. In this letter he tells Jo that he has a daughter out of wedlock who lives in a monastery in Spitzbergen because she’s now an orphan. But she has to share custody with Alex if she wants the kid. David knew that she would do everything to have a kid, even travel to Spitzbergen to pick the girl up which is in the testament.
So now the negotiations start. Alex doesn’t want Jo to go on a ship because a trip to Spitzbergen is to dangerous. She thinks that she can do it because she has the money just to buy herself a passage. In the end it isn’t that easy and her cousin, who learns about David’s testament, threatens to take everything away from if she does this journey because of scandal it would bring over the family to take care of David’s bastard. So Jo has to think about herself, her younger sister that is living with her and the girl in Spitzbergen. She only sees one option – seduce Alex.
To cut it a little short – she is able to go on the ship, with her friend Lottie and they travel to Spitzbergen, together with Alex and Captain Owen Purchase.
What I like about the whole series is that every single book has a really different storyline, not one is the same and that rarely happens. Most of the time I get the feeling that there are similarities but not even the sisters have anything in common except for two of them who have kind of a scandalous past.
Plus I liked the way Cornick described the Artic, Spitzbergen and the two women with their attempts to fit in but also to dress adequate. It’s kind of funny on the one side but also drawn quite realistic on the other.
And I liked Joanna and Alex a lot. I liked Joanna already in the other books where she was a side character only but her past made her the person she is and all of the girls have a past in their family who influence their present - another thing I like a about this series.
So the rating is really easy: 5 stars
June 19, 2012
It's a quick light read; nothing more, nothing less than I expected from a Nicola Cornick book.
Having read and been disappointed by Desired my expectations weren't that high for this novel, but the second half--more like the last third--of the story surprised me positively. Joanna's trip offered few very vivid images and events that helped me to round up the rating despite the distasteful sauna sex.
Seriously people, what will it take you to understand that sauna is not a place for sex?!
I'm choosing to ignore every anachronism I could pick up and suspend my disbelief enough to accept once again a virginalised heroine that somehow is at the centre of most scandalous scandals of early 19th century London society.
Speaking of Desired, I had a moment of déjà vu with couple of scenes. The situations and settings were slightly different but similar enough to make me wonder just how fixed is Cornick's model for these books or is she simply reaching for that magical scene in her head she can't ever quite capture on page. Which ever it is, it needs to stop. Good for for getting it right--possibly--but it'll be boring to read if I stumble across it again.
On another day and in another mood, I wouldn't have given this book such a high rating. We need those half stars and you didn't hear me say that.
Having read and been disappointed by Desired my expectations weren't that high for this novel, but the second half--more like the last third--of the story surprised me positively. Joanna's trip offered few very vivid images and events that helped me to round up the rating despite the distasteful sauna sex.
Seriously people, what will it take you to understand that sauna is not a place for sex?!
I'm choosing to ignore every anachronism I could pick up and suspend my disbelief enough to accept once again a virginalised heroine that somehow is at the centre of most scandalous scandals of early 19th century London society.
Speaking of Desired, I had a moment of déjà vu with couple of scenes. The situations and settings were slightly different but similar enough to make me wonder just how fixed is Cornick's model for these books or is she simply reaching for that magical scene in her head she can't ever quite capture on page. Which ever it is, it needs to stop. Good for for getting it right--possibly--but it'll be boring to read if I stumble across it again.
On another day and in another mood, I wouldn't have given this book such a high rating. We need those half stars and you didn't hear me say that.
August 21, 2025
4,5 - Lord Alex Grant è un famoso esploratore, tornato a Londra per eseguire le volontà testamentarie del suo mentore, David Ware, e trovandosi così costretto a frequentarne la vedova. Alex ha sempre avuto una pessima opinione di lei - intraprendente, brillante, piena di iniziativa - senza aver mai compreso che era sempre stato influenzato dai pregiudizi di David (non certo il migliore dei mariti).
E quando il testamento lo porta a sposare Joanna e a organizzare con lei un viaggio verso l'Artico, deve ricredersi su chi, tra i due, avesse davvero un cuore di ghiaccio.
Una protagonista briosa e profonda, libera e infelice.
Davvero godibile, a tratti divertente, a tratti venato di tenero struggimento.
Lettura che merita.
E quando il testamento lo porta a sposare Joanna e a organizzare con lei un viaggio verso l'Artico, deve ricredersi su chi, tra i due, avesse davvero un cuore di ghiaccio.
Una protagonista briosa e profonda, libera e infelice.
Davvero godibile, a tratti divertente, a tratti venato di tenero struggimento.
Lettura che merita.
June 12, 2011
Lady Joanna Ware is a widow recently out of mourning. She has a long line of possible suitors lined up even though she has no desire to remarry. Lady Ware was left with a bad taste for marriage after her former husband, Lord David Ware, created quite the reputation for himself as a womanizer. When Lord Ware died, he left his estate to his only remaining relative, John Hagan. John Hagan is a middle aged man and has kindly agreed to let Lady Joanna remain in the home that she shared with her husband, but it doesn’t come without a price. John Hagan is one of the many suitors lined up asking for her hand in marriage, proposing to her countless times. During one of his proposals, Lord Alex Grant interrupts him, coming to pay his respects to Lady Joanna regarding the death of her husband. Lady Ware sees Lord Grant as a potential life-saver and engages in a passionate kiss with him right in front of Lord Hagan. What she doesn’t expect is the way she responds to the scandalous kiss with Alex.
Like Lady Ware’s husband, Lord Grant is a sailor; an adventurer. He sailed many an adventure with Lord Ware and looks at him as a true naval hero. During his time with Lord Ware, he’d heard him mention his wife in nothing but disrespect, depicting her as a cold, manipulative, heartless woman. Lord Grant doesn’t expect to see such a beauty of a woman, and immediately, he desires her in ways he hasn’t felt since his wife tragically died several years ago. After engaging in such a public passionate kiss, Lord Grant finds himself quite the talk of the ton.
As if their kiss wasn’t enough scandal for Lord Grant and Lady Ware, the two of them soon discover that Lord Ware has left them both guardianship of his bastard child, Nina, who is in a monastery in the North Pole. The two of them must depart on a sea voyage to obtain her. While Lord Grant is confused as to why he would be named guardian to this child, Lady Ware is elated at the idea of possibly having a child of her own. While married to Lord Ware, she was unable to become pregnant and after a particularly brutal beating at the hand of David Ware, Joanna is convinced that she is now completely barren. Even though Nina is not her flesh and blood, she recognizes that this very well may be her only chance to have a child.
Soon, word gets out regarding the quest that Lord Grant and Lady Ware are about to embark on. A lady travelling in itself is scandalous, but the fact that it’s to retrieve a child that is not even the Lady’s own is quite the talk. It doesn’t take long for John Hagan to find out Joanna’s plans and he threatens to take everything away from Lady Ware should she embark on this journey. Not only would that mean that she would have to give up her home and her stylish way of living, but it would also mean that her sister, Merryn, would be without a home as well. Desperate to maintain her lavish lifestyle and a home from a good name for her sister and Nina, Joanna suggests marriage to none other than Lord Alex Grant. Lord Grant is convinced that she only seeks his last name to remain at the top of the ton, but he cannot deny that he is immensely attracted to her. He agrees to marry Lady Joanna with the promise that she will give him an heir to leave his estate to should something happen to him. Lady Joanna, already beginning to feel more that a little attraction for Alex, regretfully does not tell him that she fears she is barren. She agrees to this marriage of convenience without divulging this important information to Lord Grant. A marriage of convenience it may be, but Lord Grant is determined to have Lady Joanna spend as much time as possible with him, especially in his bed.
This was a first read for me by this author, and I very much enjoyed this story. The h/h started out hating one another quite a bit, and the sarcastic banter between the two of them was great! What made it especially delicious, was how intense the sexual tension was between the two of them.
This is full of adventure of every kind. Suspense, backstabbing, treasure hunting, overcoming weather challenges, etc. It was especially entertaining to see the ladies of the ton in less than stellar accommodations aboard the ship when they set out to retrieve Nina.
A whole host of characters are introduced in this novel that set up for several more books in this series, three of which are already completed. James Devlin is the delicious rake that is cousin to Lord Grant. Lottie Cummings is the annoying yet loveable friend of Joanna, who also likes to make her way around the young men. And, my personal favorite, Owen Purchase, a southern American with a sexy drawl and quite a gentleman.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and look forward to the remainder of the series. The only complaint I would have is that I would’ve liked it to have been a little bit steamier, but other than that, a solid first author read for me!! Four stars!!
Like Lady Ware’s husband, Lord Grant is a sailor; an adventurer. He sailed many an adventure with Lord Ware and looks at him as a true naval hero. During his time with Lord Ware, he’d heard him mention his wife in nothing but disrespect, depicting her as a cold, manipulative, heartless woman. Lord Grant doesn’t expect to see such a beauty of a woman, and immediately, he desires her in ways he hasn’t felt since his wife tragically died several years ago. After engaging in such a public passionate kiss, Lord Grant finds himself quite the talk of the ton.
As if their kiss wasn’t enough scandal for Lord Grant and Lady Ware, the two of them soon discover that Lord Ware has left them both guardianship of his bastard child, Nina, who is in a monastery in the North Pole. The two of them must depart on a sea voyage to obtain her. While Lord Grant is confused as to why he would be named guardian to this child, Lady Ware is elated at the idea of possibly having a child of her own. While married to Lord Ware, she was unable to become pregnant and after a particularly brutal beating at the hand of David Ware, Joanna is convinced that she is now completely barren. Even though Nina is not her flesh and blood, she recognizes that this very well may be her only chance to have a child.
Soon, word gets out regarding the quest that Lord Grant and Lady Ware are about to embark on. A lady travelling in itself is scandalous, but the fact that it’s to retrieve a child that is not even the Lady’s own is quite the talk. It doesn’t take long for John Hagan to find out Joanna’s plans and he threatens to take everything away from Lady Ware should she embark on this journey. Not only would that mean that she would have to give up her home and her stylish way of living, but it would also mean that her sister, Merryn, would be without a home as well. Desperate to maintain her lavish lifestyle and a home from a good name for her sister and Nina, Joanna suggests marriage to none other than Lord Alex Grant. Lord Grant is convinced that she only seeks his last name to remain at the top of the ton, but he cannot deny that he is immensely attracted to her. He agrees to marry Lady Joanna with the promise that she will give him an heir to leave his estate to should something happen to him. Lady Joanna, already beginning to feel more that a little attraction for Alex, regretfully does not tell him that she fears she is barren. She agrees to this marriage of convenience without divulging this important information to Lord Grant. A marriage of convenience it may be, but Lord Grant is determined to have Lady Joanna spend as much time as possible with him, especially in his bed.
This was a first read for me by this author, and I very much enjoyed this story. The h/h started out hating one another quite a bit, and the sarcastic banter between the two of them was great! What made it especially delicious, was how intense the sexual tension was between the two of them.
This is full of adventure of every kind. Suspense, backstabbing, treasure hunting, overcoming weather challenges, etc. It was especially entertaining to see the ladies of the ton in less than stellar accommodations aboard the ship when they set out to retrieve Nina.
A whole host of characters are introduced in this novel that set up for several more books in this series, three of which are already completed. James Devlin is the delicious rake that is cousin to Lord Grant. Lottie Cummings is the annoying yet loveable friend of Joanna, who also likes to make her way around the young men. And, my personal favorite, Owen Purchase, a southern American with a sexy drawl and quite a gentleman.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and look forward to the remainder of the series. The only complaint I would have is that I would’ve liked it to have been a little bit steamier, but other than that, a solid first author read for me!! Four stars!!
July 30, 2023
4 stars. This book takes you on a journey. The location changes quite a bit in the story, matched by the changes in the characters. I read Lottie’s book before I read this one. She sure did come across as quite heinous in this one; I almost want to reread the beginning of hers to find out how she transitioned from a bit of a villain in this book to the sympathetic main character in n her book.
Similarly, this book makes me want to find out more about Owen purchase and Steven devlin, so I’ll read their books, too.
Having read the book about Joanna’s sister Merryn already, I got a few clues here that would’ve otherwise gone over my head. Nice to see the author weaving the books together.
Similarly, this book makes me want to find out more about Owen purchase and Steven devlin, so I’ll read their books, too.
Having read the book about Joanna’s sister Merryn already, I got a few clues here that would’ve otherwise gone over my head. Nice to see the author weaving the books together.
May 9, 2019
A beautiful read! I always enjoy wonderful romances by Ms. Cornick. Joanna and Alex are thrown together by unusual circumstances. This sexy first book paves the way for the next one in the series.
March 13, 2023
A very enjoyable read. The ideal read for anyone who loves an adventuring regency romance!
August 30, 2012
I am officially obsessed with Nicola Cornick! This series is amazing...once I start reading, I can never stop. Cornick's writing and characters pull me in so totally that, truly, from the first chapter, it's impossible to put it down. I'm actually working backwards, having first read book 6 of this series. But Whisper of Scandal is every bit as exciting! Adventure, romance, betrayal, heartbreak, forgiveness...this a wonderfully quick and juicy read, which I give 4.5 stars.
Joanna Ware is the widow of Lord David Ware, an explorer who dies in the Arctic. Unfortunately, Joanna and David's relationship was plagued with infidelity and, at its lowest point, physical abuse. After Lord Ware's death, his best friend, Lord Alex Grant arrives in London to deliver an addendum to David's will. In addition to cutting Joanna off from his estate, David has made Joanna the guardian of his illegitimate daughter, who he's abandoned in an Arctic monastery. Despite the scandal she would incur, Joanna aims to travel to the Arctic in order to claim this daughter. And though Lord Grant thinks very poorly of Joanna (believing David's criticisms and angry claims), he's still incredibly attracted to her and determined to help Joanna.
I love Joanna! She has such dignity and grace. It's true that Joanna loves society, but at the same time, she hides behind her vanity. Joanna uses it to cloak her vulnerability. Joanna cares for her family and is willing to sacrifice herself and her happiness from them.
Alex Grant is so dashing, charming, loyal, yet reserved. He loves being an explorer and, since losing his wife, Alex is determined to stay away from London and continue his adventure. Unfortunately, Alex is so loyal that he believes David's bad-mouthing about Joanna. Yet, after meeting her, Alex can't help but question the reasons for David's poor opinion.
There's such Insane attraction between Joanna and Alex, right from the beginning. They have several wonderful tet a tets: one minute Joanna and Alex are arguing, the next they're kissing!
J: "It is unaccounted, is it not, for I do not like you at all."
A: "And yet... And yet you want me." *SHIVERS*
They totally want each other, and it's interesting how Alex pursues Joanna quite vehemently. He wants them to be lovers, but she tries to avoid him, not wanting to become embroiled with another adventurer.
But, as a result of David's will, Joanna and Alex are bound together via this orphaned daughter. But as they get to know each other--Alex seeing the kind, loving woman behind Joanna's facade, Joanna seeing Alex's gentleness and integrity--their hot attraction starts to grow into something more.
A few favorite moments:
-Lottie and Devlin and the ice sword...MERCY! (You have to read it...whoa!)
-Joanna and Alex bonding over the Arctic beauty and travel.
-Alex observes Joanna's London Society persona vs her true nature...
-When Joanna beats Alex at chess...several times!
-THE HOT HOT HOT SEXY TIMES! For example:
"You are my wife and I want you and if you had not been sick for the whole voyage, I would have been in your bed for the entire time. That is how one passes ones time on a ship and playing chess be dammed." *FANS FACE*
OR
The bridal bath!
-When Alex goes after Joanna like a pirate! *SWOON*
This story is so exciting! There's a surprising amount of action in the plot, constantly keeping me on my toes. And by the end, I'm cheering for Joanna and Alex and their happily ever after! I really hope we get to see more of these two in the upcoming books!
I'm excited to keep reading, especially since the next book is about Lottie. She is so despicable to Joanna, so it'll be interesting to see how Cornick redeems her.
I totally recommend this book!
Joanna Ware is the widow of Lord David Ware, an explorer who dies in the Arctic. Unfortunately, Joanna and David's relationship was plagued with infidelity and, at its lowest point, physical abuse. After Lord Ware's death, his best friend, Lord Alex Grant arrives in London to deliver an addendum to David's will. In addition to cutting Joanna off from his estate, David has made Joanna the guardian of his illegitimate daughter, who he's abandoned in an Arctic monastery. Despite the scandal she would incur, Joanna aims to travel to the Arctic in order to claim this daughter. And though Lord Grant thinks very poorly of Joanna (believing David's criticisms and angry claims), he's still incredibly attracted to her and determined to help Joanna.
I love Joanna! She has such dignity and grace. It's true that Joanna loves society, but at the same time, she hides behind her vanity. Joanna uses it to cloak her vulnerability. Joanna cares for her family and is willing to sacrifice herself and her happiness from them.
Alex Grant is so dashing, charming, loyal, yet reserved. He loves being an explorer and, since losing his wife, Alex is determined to stay away from London and continue his adventure. Unfortunately, Alex is so loyal that he believes David's bad-mouthing about Joanna. Yet, after meeting her, Alex can't help but question the reasons for David's poor opinion.
There's such Insane attraction between Joanna and Alex, right from the beginning. They have several wonderful tet a tets: one minute Joanna and Alex are arguing, the next they're kissing!
J: "It is unaccounted, is it not, for I do not like you at all."
A: "And yet... And yet you want me." *SHIVERS*
They totally want each other, and it's interesting how Alex pursues Joanna quite vehemently. He wants them to be lovers, but she tries to avoid him, not wanting to become embroiled with another adventurer.
But, as a result of David's will, Joanna and Alex are bound together via this orphaned daughter. But as they get to know each other--Alex seeing the kind, loving woman behind Joanna's facade, Joanna seeing Alex's gentleness and integrity--their hot attraction starts to grow into something more.
A few favorite moments:
-Lottie and Devlin and the ice sword...MERCY! (You have to read it...whoa!)
-Joanna and Alex bonding over the Arctic beauty and travel.
-Alex observes Joanna's London Society persona vs her true nature...
-When Joanna beats Alex at chess...several times!
-THE HOT HOT HOT SEXY TIMES! For example:
"You are my wife and I want you and if you had not been sick for the whole voyage, I would have been in your bed for the entire time. That is how one passes ones time on a ship and playing chess be dammed." *FANS FACE*
OR
The bridal bath!
-When Alex goes after Joanna like a pirate! *SWOON*
This story is so exciting! There's a surprising amount of action in the plot, constantly keeping me on my toes. And by the end, I'm cheering for Joanna and Alex and their happily ever after! I really hope we get to see more of these two in the upcoming books!
I'm excited to keep reading, especially since the next book is about Lottie. She is so despicable to Joanna, so it'll be interesting to see how Cornick redeems her.
I totally recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2015
"Whisper of Scandal" is a meaty historical romance, with great plot and well defined characters. I liked the heroine straight away. Widowed Lady Joanna Ware is a complex character, as is the hero, but she is immensely likeable, whereas Lord Alex Grant is not. It took me quite some time to warm to him due to his arrogent, presumptuous and incredibly shallow manner, where he dislikes Joanna without knowing her and only goes on one person's opinion.
From the first chapter, when Lady Joanna and Lord Alex meet and Joanna kisses him in the hope to disuade her dead husband's cousin from his advances, I thought this was going to be a fairly light historical romance, but it wasn't.
Joanna's husband, an adventurer, dies while abroad and we are given glimpses into this horrid little man's life and his treatment of Joanna as we read further into the novel, which helped me understand her and how much she has been through. So when Lord Alex Grant is nasty to her, all I want to do is box his ears! But luckily, Joanna is an intelligent and articulate woman and gives as good as she gets. At times, Joanna puts Alex in his place so much so, I wanted to fist pump the air and cry "Yes! Take that, you cad!"
Although I didn't particularly like Alex for most of the book, he did begin to grow on me when he joined Joanna on a trip to the Arctic to bring home an orphaned child, and by the end of the novel, I loved him nearly as much as she did!
The secondary characters are also full of life, I specially liked Purchase, the captain of the boat Joanna charters for the long voyage. He's so protective and so in love with Joanna he will do anything to protect her.
The only secondary character I didn't like was Lottie Cummings - what a horrid woman. She proclaims to be Joanna's best friend and yet had an affair with her husband, she's incredibly grating and very shallow. She doesn't grow or change a bit throughout the entire novel and then she betrays Joanna again. Why Joanna continues to be friends with her I don't quite understand.
The dialogue between all the characters is well written and sharp, especially between Joanna and Alex. I really felt their dislike of each other, even though they simultaneously want to rip each other's clothes off. Venom drips from their words which are, at times, hurtful and spiteful, and it was immensely enjoyable to read. The only thing I will say is this did go on for a bit too long in my opinion and became a touch frustrating.
However, overall the pacing is very good and I believed Joanna and Alex's growing love. It isn't too abrupt, everything happens at the right time, and Alex soon comes to his senses. The sex scenes are sensual rather than explicit and the romance builds wonderfully.
The ending is just swoon-worthy, and so romantic - I won't give anything away, but let me just say, I now want to go on a long boat voyage to the Arctic and be swept off my feet by a Lord...
VERDICT:
A lovely historical romance with all the right ingredients. If you enjoy the love/hate relationship - and I do, it's my favourite kind - then you will gobble this up. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, 'One Wicked Sin'.
From the first chapter, when Lady Joanna and Lord Alex meet and Joanna kisses him in the hope to disuade her dead husband's cousin from his advances, I thought this was going to be a fairly light historical romance, but it wasn't.
Joanna's husband, an adventurer, dies while abroad and we are given glimpses into this horrid little man's life and his treatment of Joanna as we read further into the novel, which helped me understand her and how much she has been through. So when Lord Alex Grant is nasty to her, all I want to do is box his ears! But luckily, Joanna is an intelligent and articulate woman and gives as good as she gets. At times, Joanna puts Alex in his place so much so, I wanted to fist pump the air and cry "Yes! Take that, you cad!"
Although I didn't particularly like Alex for most of the book, he did begin to grow on me when he joined Joanna on a trip to the Arctic to bring home an orphaned child, and by the end of the novel, I loved him nearly as much as she did!
The secondary characters are also full of life, I specially liked Purchase, the captain of the boat Joanna charters for the long voyage. He's so protective and so in love with Joanna he will do anything to protect her.
The only secondary character I didn't like was Lottie Cummings - what a horrid woman. She proclaims to be Joanna's best friend and yet had an affair with her husband, she's incredibly grating and very shallow. She doesn't grow or change a bit throughout the entire novel and then she betrays Joanna again. Why Joanna continues to be friends with her I don't quite understand.
The dialogue between all the characters is well written and sharp, especially between Joanna and Alex. I really felt their dislike of each other, even though they simultaneously want to rip each other's clothes off. Venom drips from their words which are, at times, hurtful and spiteful, and it was immensely enjoyable to read. The only thing I will say is this did go on for a bit too long in my opinion and became a touch frustrating.
However, overall the pacing is very good and I believed Joanna and Alex's growing love. It isn't too abrupt, everything happens at the right time, and Alex soon comes to his senses. The sex scenes are sensual rather than explicit and the romance builds wonderfully.
The ending is just swoon-worthy, and so romantic - I won't give anything away, but let me just say, I now want to go on a long boat voyage to the Arctic and be swept off my feet by a Lord...
VERDICT:
A lovely historical romance with all the right ingredients. If you enjoy the love/hate relationship - and I do, it's my favourite kind - then you will gobble this up. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, 'One Wicked Sin'.
October 5, 2011
Lady Joanna Ware is the widow of Lord David Ware and she has decided she would never marry again. Not because of a great love affair but because of her unhappy marriage, even before his death she had been estranged from David for five years. Yet she is still the darling of the Ton whom everyone adores as she adores them, at least that is until she meets Lord Alexander Grant. Grant was her errant husband’s best friend and is disturbed by Joanna. David had tainted Joanna’s reputation by speaking ill of her not to mention Grant hates the Ton, the very society that Joanne has embraced. From the first moment they meet Alex & Joanna disagree and are often unable to be civil towards each other, but David has thrown them a curve ball from beyond the grave. David has fathered a child and abandoned her somewhere near the North Pole; he had complicated matters by naming them both guardians.
If you are looking for a really great historical romance novel this is it. The book does not take place in one location, the first half of the book is in London and the second half is at sea as they travel to the North Pole. I really loved this couple, Joanna is a strong woman but she has been dealt a lot of blows and she has tremendous courage. David was a well known philanderer and was known to engage in frequent affairs outside of their marital bed, the list seemed quite long and even included her best friend Lottie. Not to mention if Joanna was to raise the orphaned child she could easily loose her social status. I liked how she handled matters always attempting to hold her head high and she remained quite calm and sweet. Grant is also an intriguing hero, he is very loyal and stubborn, I found it interesting to watch him come to terms with all of who David was. At the onset Grant think Joanna frivolous, yet despite all his friends allegations, Grant had trouble reconciling what he saw in Joanna vs. what he thought he knew. The setting on sea was perfect and gave a glimpse into what life for an expedition must be like. The writing really gives the book life, I easily believed these two were falling in love with each other even if they had intended otherwise. All and all a very pleasurable read, and was quite sad it ended.
If you are looking for a really great historical romance novel this is it. The book does not take place in one location, the first half of the book is in London and the second half is at sea as they travel to the North Pole. I really loved this couple, Joanna is a strong woman but she has been dealt a lot of blows and she has tremendous courage. David was a well known philanderer and was known to engage in frequent affairs outside of their marital bed, the list seemed quite long and even included her best friend Lottie. Not to mention if Joanna was to raise the orphaned child she could easily loose her social status. I liked how she handled matters always attempting to hold her head high and she remained quite calm and sweet. Grant is also an intriguing hero, he is very loyal and stubborn, I found it interesting to watch him come to terms with all of who David was. At the onset Grant think Joanna frivolous, yet despite all his friends allegations, Grant had trouble reconciling what he saw in Joanna vs. what he thought he knew. The setting on sea was perfect and gave a glimpse into what life for an expedition must be like. The writing really gives the book life, I easily believed these two were falling in love with each other even if they had intended otherwise. All and all a very pleasurable read, and was quite sad it ended.
January 14, 2012
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Sensitive readers warning: Contains graphic love scenes
Wow. I started this book and didn't want to put it down. I thought about it when I had to put it down. I loved it.
The main characters were engaging. I even liked Alex, with his arrogance and ignorant determination to believe in his "friend's" honesty, thus believing Joanna to be a manipulative harpy. I thought it made him realistic. At moments it was irritating, but like I said, realistic.
My favorite part of this was the unusual setting. The Arctic in a Regency romance? That's awesome! It was fascinating and reminded me why I enjoyed Madeleine Brent titles so much, the exotic locales. My only beef was how long it took them to get there. Halfway through the book I was beginning to wonder if they'd ever go.
There are sex scenes, but they are skippable (if you're the skipping type) and the story stands on its own without them. At least, I think it does.
I will be reading the next in the series, One Wicked Sin, even though I didn't like Lottie in Whisper of Scandal. The setting is a parole town in 1813 and that intrigues me more than anything else.
Disclaimer: I purchased this paperback at Wal-Mart. I am not being paid in any way for my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Sensitive readers warning: Contains graphic love scenes
Wow. I started this book and didn't want to put it down. I thought about it when I had to put it down. I loved it.
The main characters were engaging. I even liked Alex, with his arrogance and ignorant determination to believe in his "friend's" honesty, thus believing Joanna to be a manipulative harpy. I thought it made him realistic. At moments it was irritating, but like I said, realistic.
My favorite part of this was the unusual setting. The Arctic in a Regency romance? That's awesome! It was fascinating and reminded me why I enjoyed Madeleine Brent titles so much, the exotic locales. My only beef was how long it took them to get there. Halfway through the book I was beginning to wonder if they'd ever go.
There are sex scenes, but they are skippable (if you're the skipping type) and the story stands on its own without them. At least, I think it does.
I will be reading the next in the series, One Wicked Sin, even though I didn't like Lottie in Whisper of Scandal. The setting is a parole town in 1813 and that intrigues me more than anything else.
Disclaimer: I purchased this paperback at Wal-Mart. I am not being paid in any way for my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 4, 2010
Excellent read, Nicola never has let me down with her great works!!
Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed a second time. Desperate to refuse another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Alex, Lord Grant, Artic exployer, even though he knows that gossip will fly among the ton about them. Even though no affair is going on.............yet.
In her first marraige, her husband went from one bed to another of lusty women. But when her dead husband's will is read, she is shocked at hie bequeathel for his illegimate child to her and his friend Lord Grant. They must go to the Artic to obtain the daughter and bring her back and raise her together.........
Oh they make the journey, and what a nasty trip it is, especially furing the early 1800's.........I won't say anymore, but it's great! Romance, sensual, witty, and some.
Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed a second time. Desperate to refuse another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Alex, Lord Grant, Artic exployer, even though he knows that gossip will fly among the ton about them. Even though no affair is going on.............yet.
In her first marraige, her husband went from one bed to another of lusty women. But when her dead husband's will is read, she is shocked at hie bequeathel for his illegimate child to her and his friend Lord Grant. They must go to the Artic to obtain the daughter and bring her back and raise her together.........
Oh they make the journey, and what a nasty trip it is, especially furing the early 1800's.........I won't say anymore, but it's great! Romance, sensual, witty, and some.
February 24, 2012
Whisper of Scandal is a very unusual Regency romance in that it’s not just set in the ballrooms of London or some country house. Its intrepid hero and heroine travel all the way to Spitzbergen, in the Arctic, on a quest and the setting is quite simply breathtaking! Sparks fly between Lady Joanna Ware and Alex, Lord Grant, right from the start, but the antagonism between them slowly turns to something else. Following them on this journey of emotional discovery, as well as their real travels, was absolutely fascinating and I couldn’t put this book down until I’d finished it. It was a wonderful story!
February 8, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book, surprisingly. When I got the book, I was a little bit skeptical but I don't really know why. But once, I picked it up, I was pulled into the story and was glad that I read it. The two main characters: Lord Alexander Grant and Joanna Ware were great. The interaction between the two was interesting and even though there was not much humor in it, it was still entertaining. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series and hope that the story is as good as this.
January 10, 2018
Have read it again and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it yet again. Nicola Cornick is a brilliant Regency writer. She brings to life her characters and their situations in a wonderful. dramatic and romantic way that makes you forget reality and spend time in History!!
March 20, 2013
this was a very good book. Alex Grant was a little annoying, he needed to slapped lol. It was so moving, adventurous, sad and heartbreaking, and romantic. can't wait to read the rest.
January 3, 2023
*3.25/5 stars*
This is the first Nicola Cornick book I've ever read. I'm generally not a big fan of the 'terrible misunderstanding from the beginning' trope but this was being sold for rather a cheap price at my local thrift store and the description did look decent enough so I decided to give it a shot.
The witty banter-like dialogues between the two MCs (especially in the beginning), the I-hate-you-but-can't-stop-lusting-after-you vibes between them, vivid descriptions of the sceneries, side male characters and the overall pace of the book are some of the factors I really enjoyed about this book.
However, individually, neither of the main characters is quite likeable. To be blunt, there is not enough character depth to either of them to seriously judge them as characters. The hero thinks the heroine is a shallow/cold/slutty woman for no good reason (other than because 'my best friend said so') but then lets his libido control his actions (cue some steamy love-making scenes), starts thinking that he may have judged her too quickly, but still refuses to form an opinion of his own about the heroine out of sheer stubbornness for more than half of the book. I found that quite annoying, to be honest. The heroine is no better with her usually vain, selfish and unnecessarily stubborn behaviour for the most part of the book.
Long story short, it was an okay light read. Something one could read while they travel. It's neither the best nor the worst book I've read. Having said that, the latter half of the book still made enough impact on me that I'm quite inclined to read the other books in this series, even though the female lead in the second book is currently my least favourite character (based on this first book) in this series.
This is the first Nicola Cornick book I've ever read. I'm generally not a big fan of the 'terrible misunderstanding from the beginning' trope but this was being sold for rather a cheap price at my local thrift store and the description did look decent enough so I decided to give it a shot.
The witty banter-like dialogues between the two MCs (especially in the beginning), the I-hate-you-but-can't-stop-lusting-after-you vibes between them, vivid descriptions of the sceneries, side male characters and the overall pace of the book are some of the factors I really enjoyed about this book.
However, individually, neither of the main characters is quite likeable. To be blunt, there is not enough character depth to either of them to seriously judge them as characters. The hero thinks the heroine is a shallow/cold/slutty woman for no good reason (other than because 'my best friend said so') but then lets his libido control his actions (cue some steamy love-making scenes), starts thinking that he may have judged her too quickly, but still refuses to form an opinion of his own about the heroine out of sheer stubbornness for more than half of the book. I found that quite annoying, to be honest. The heroine is no better with her usually vain, selfish and unnecessarily stubborn behaviour for the most part of the book.
Long story short, it was an okay light read. Something one could read while they travel. It's neither the best nor the worst book I've read. Having said that, the latter half of the book still made enough impact on me that I'm quite inclined to read the other books in this series, even though the female lead in the second book is currently my least favourite character (based on this first book) in this series.
February 10, 2017
Really struggled to get through this, heroine was vain, selfish and and unnecessarily stubborn and the hero was unwilling to hear anything bad about his 'best friend' whom he obviously didn't know very well but was happy enough to form a completely unflattering opinion, bordering on hatred, of the heroine based on a few words said by aforementioned best friend on his death bed. another one of those books that is set in the early 1800s but might as well have been set in the 21st century, if not for the amount of time taken to get from England to Scandinavia. Obvious mentions of Georgian/Regency era entertainments but not really historically accurate enough for me.
The heroine's best friend was undoubtedly my least favourite character and I was also a bit put out that the first sex scene was hers. The next book in this series is focusing on said best friend but I really don't see how anything could possibly make him like her after this book.
The heroine's best friend was undoubtedly my least favourite character and I was also a bit put out that the first sex scene was hers. The next book in this series is focusing on said best friend but I really don't see how anything could possibly make him like her after this book.
November 4, 2021
First time reading Nicola Cornick!
This is not your typical Regency tale. I was intrigued from the beginning at this set up. Two people who can't get along brought together by deceased friend and husband in order to take care of a child bequeathed to them. I just had to get my hands on this book!
Without spoiling anything, Whisper of Scandal does not play out the way readers expert. Bedsides part of it taking place in the Artic (a rarity to take place outside of London), there was a bit more grit to this story than I was expecting. Lottie the nympho socialite made for great comedic fodder. There were humorous and darker themes throughout this truly unique tale.
The only reason this didn't get five stars was the actual romance. The leads were quite antagonistic for a while and when they did come together it wasn't so swoony a expected. Still enjoyable addition in the Regency canon for its departure from the norm.
This is not your typical Regency tale. I was intrigued from the beginning at this set up. Two people who can't get along brought together by deceased friend and husband in order to take care of a child bequeathed to them. I just had to get my hands on this book!
Without spoiling anything, Whisper of Scandal does not play out the way readers expert. Bedsides part of it taking place in the Artic (a rarity to take place outside of London), there was a bit more grit to this story than I was expecting. Lottie the nympho socialite made for great comedic fodder. There were humorous and darker themes throughout this truly unique tale.
The only reason this didn't get five stars was the actual romance. The leads were quite antagonistic for a while and when they did come together it wasn't so swoony a expected. Still enjoyable addition in the Regency canon for its departure from the norm.
August 30, 2025
Lady Joanna è stata il diamante di questo libro. Apparentemente superficiale e disinteressata al prossimo, mi ha conquistata con la profondità del suo amore e del suo dolore.
Dopo gli abusi subiti dal marito ha avuto la forza di tornare ad amare e di lasciare andare il suo sogno più grande, diventare madre, per garantire la felicità di quella che avrebbe potuto essere sua figlia.
Il suo rapporto con Alex è stato magnifico. La sua forza e la sua capacità di perdonare un esempio che il suo subdolo marito avrebbe dovuto seguire, invece di cercare di spegnere la sua fiamma.
Lottie è una persona detestabile, ancora più del cugino John, visto che in teoria lei avrebbe dovuto essere amica di Joanna.
Il finale mi ha lasciata un po' con l'amaro in bocca. Avrei voluto sapere come Jo e Alex sarebbero riusciti a superare l'ultima difficoltà, tuttavia non è stato del tutto deludente.
Dopo gli abusi subiti dal marito ha avuto la forza di tornare ad amare e di lasciare andare il suo sogno più grande, diventare madre, per garantire la felicità di quella che avrebbe potuto essere sua figlia.
Il suo rapporto con Alex è stato magnifico. La sua forza e la sua capacità di perdonare un esempio che il suo subdolo marito avrebbe dovuto seguire, invece di cercare di spegnere la sua fiamma.
Lottie è una persona detestabile, ancora più del cugino John, visto che in teoria lei avrebbe dovuto essere amica di Joanna.
Il finale mi ha lasciata un po' con l'amaro in bocca. Avrei voluto sapere come Jo e Alex sarebbero riusciti a superare l'ultima difficoltà, tuttavia non è stato del tutto deludente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
This book did not disappoint and the reader is thrown straight into story, which I did not expect. Its a quick read but don't let that fool you into thinking it will be a light one.
I did find Alex's desire for Joanna a little confusing at first, given that he had only exchanged a few words with Joanna at this point, a woman he did not like. However, the rest of the book followed much the same pattern I have come to expect from this author - but I didn't mind it.
Without giving too much away, I appreciate how the author wrote second marriages, especially where the first was a love match which I have not come across much (due to me actively avoided these as I tend to get very jealous on the current spouse's behalf...?!)
One point I must make is that there is talk of pregnancy loss and struggling to conceive - I give no indication as to which characters this affects so hopefully this does not spoil anything, but it is important to note if this is something you are sensitive to.
I appreciate the author highlighting such topics in her work, along with domestic violence, rape and other issues that must have been prevalent at the time but rarely discussed. I have come to expect more than just love and desire from her work, knowing that whatever happens, it will be a rollercoaster.
I did find Alex's desire for Joanna a little confusing at first, given that he had only exchanged a few words with Joanna at this point, a woman he did not like. However, the rest of the book followed much the same pattern I have come to expect from this author - but I didn't mind it.
Without giving too much away, I appreciate how the author wrote second marriages, especially where the first was a love match which I have not come across much (due to me actively avoided these as I tend to get very jealous on the current spouse's behalf...?!)
One point I must make is that there is talk of pregnancy loss and struggling to conceive - I give no indication as to which characters this affects so hopefully this does not spoil anything, but it is important to note if this is something you are sensitive to.
I appreciate the author highlighting such topics in her work, along with domestic violence, rape and other issues that must have been prevalent at the time but rarely discussed. I have come to expect more than just love and desire from her work, knowing that whatever happens, it will be a rollercoaster.
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