Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Buddy Read - May 26

An Invitation to Scandal Kelly Boyce

Nicholas Sheridan, Viscount Roxton, is as wicked as they come, but when his sinful actions result in the death of one of his peers, guilt forces him to change his scandalous ways and seek redemption through marriage to a proper lady.

Miss Abigail Laytham is a lady on a mission, determined to see the man responsible for her beloved uncle’s death pay. But revenge has its price, and with scandal courting her every step, can the headstrong beauty find the satisfaction she craves, or will she find something else entirely at the hands of her former beau, Viscount Roxton.

The Sins & Scandals Series

While there are those who spend their time in modest pursuits, upholding propriety befitting the lords and ladies of the ton, it would seem that for others scandal is just a sin away…

Buddy Read - beginning May 26 everyone welcome

Alright! Looking forward to it.

Me too!

To dangle a carrot for everyone else, this one is free on Kindle.

Mariana wrote: "Me too!

To dangle a carrot for everyone else, this one is free on Kindle."

Thanks Mariana I will add that to the main thread

I just realised that I have this book in my kindle app! I am in:)

This is free in the kindle store.

Yesterday, I noticed that this is self-published aside from being free.

Free was not enough to inspire me to read this BUT if self-pub AND free!! I’m up for it!

I have been having luck lately with titles from lesser-known HR authors.

Made an early start:
Chapter One - This is why I could never be a writer I couldn't put my heroine in embarrassing / humiliating situations.

Yes, I would have difficulty with that also. I liked the first chapter, it seemed to have a bit of info dumping, but also an interesting dynamic between the two leads.

Just downloaded. Starting today.

I am not a fan of being dumped into the middle of the story and then as you say the info dump to catch up.

Hey there!

I’m wrapped up with catching up on some challenge stuff today and tomorrow

I’m shooting to begin on Monday at the latest, possibly get started Sunday afternoon.

All good Andrea we tend to take our time.

;-)

Chapter Two Lots of questions, drawing me in... (view spoiler)[
Using the key an act of desperation or just naivete? Opal's intervention in confronting Nicholas in his carriage obviously not in Abigail's interest but some mercenary intent of her own? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Three (view spoiler)[ I don't think Abigail knows that her uncle refused Nicholas's offer? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Four (view spoiler)[ Attending the party seemed improbable and immature in the beginning but worked in the end. However it adds another layer to what Abigail will feel she has been deceived about. (hide spoiler)]

Easy reading looking forward to the masquerade.

I read the first five chapters:

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[The embarrassing situation was extreme! I actually rather enjoyed it. I agree that there was a lot of info dumping, and it was difficult to understand what was going on at this point in the middle of the story. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[ I don't get how in her mind this thought of using the key could possibly benefit Abigail Laytham and her family at all! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[Abigail definitely does not know that her uncle refused Nicholas' offer. My question is why in the world would Nicholas think she did and blame her for not turning him around. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[Attending the party seemed improbable, immature, and pointless to me. I did enjoy the scene with the kiss. (hide spoiler)]

I am also looking forward to the masquerade.

Nicholas Sheridan, the Viscount of Roxton
(view spoiler)[ I do not like his character, nor do I understand his motivation. He is a bastard who sustained himself on short-lived pleasures. I get that. He obviously felt something for Abigail when he courted her, but I do not understand why he simply gave up and chose to steal her uncle's mistress when he was denied her hand in marriage. I do not understand why he never spoke to Abigail about it, nor do I understand his current motivation to live exactly as his "father" wants him to, even marrying a woman he does not care for. He is certainly not doing it out of familial love as he and his "father" obviously have continued animosity.
I hope there are more flashback scenes and back story provided. (hide spoiler)]

Miss Abigail Laytham
(view spoiler)[ I like her spunk. She has experienced more tragedy and heartbreak in 21 years than she should. Her father died. Her mother was ill, so her uncle took her in. Her aunt never liked her, and then her uncle killed himself. To top that off, her Suitor abandoned her and the huge Scandal caused the rest of society to do so as well. Now she's likely to be married to a man over 60 years old. In spite of all that, she is the one trying to cheer up her brother and her cousin. However, despite experiencing this much of life, she definitely does not think things through. She's naive, immature, and foolish in many of her actions. (hide spoiler)]

I am through Chapter 4 too - I think it’s starting to smooth out, rather than jump back and forth so much.

Looking forward to the masquerade also.

(view spoiler)[ I am seeing Abigail’s motives as mostly despair driven, though naïveté is helping her make poor choices. I am curious on Opal’s motives also. It seems like she may know something. Right now, Abigail’s reason for being angry with Roxton makes sense, but Roxton’s disappointment in Abigail not confronting her uncle is less so. I agree that Abigail didn’t know her uncle refused. I am hoping there is more to that than we have seen thus far. (hide spoiler)]

Love your character exposés Mariana - spot on!

Loriidae wrote: "Love your character exposés Mariana - spot on!"

I agree! It is spot on.

Through Chapter 7

(view spoiler)[I am glad she knows now. I was worried it would keep dragging out.

Despite good reason to dislike the hero, I find myself intrigued. Not sure if I am just really wanting to like this one after a number of duds or what. (hide spoiler)]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 7


I also am glad the author chose not to drag it out.

This is an easy story to read, and I feel the author can redeem the hero. I don't dislike him as much as I should.

I read 2 chapters (view spoiler)[but it felt like 4 or 5 chapters with all that info. Abigail is too naive to think that she could appeal to his supposedly good conscience, which she herself thinks might not exist anymore. (hide spoiler)]

Mariana wrote: "...Miss Abigail Laytham
(view spoiler) "

Spot on! (view spoiler)[ One would think she is a lot wiser than that (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Five (view spoiler)[ He would not entertain thoughts of Miss Laytham. He no longer had that right. And if the late Lord Glenmor was to be believed, he never had. What did Glenmoor hold against Nicholas? His illegitimacy perhaps? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Seven -(view spoiler)[I agree, I also liked that Boyce didn't drag on the disguise plot. I also liked that Abigail worked it out for herself. (hide spoiler)]
Through Chapter Nine -(view spoiler)[ it was interesting how no one else sees Nicholas as the villain. (hide spoiler)]

At almost halfway, I am still feeling that there must be a prequel that I should have read before the story. I am not quite ready to call it a dud, but it seems rather flimsy reasoning on which to base the entire book.

Through Chapter 9

It is starting to feel very repetitive and circular to me. I was thinking that the writing was good enough that it made up for the weak plot, but it’s starting to grate now. I am not quite willing to call it a dud yet either, but it’s definitely past the point of being a winner also.

Re Chapter 9 spoiler: (view spoiler)[ I think it strange no one else blames Roxton. The points that the Uncle’s death wasn’t his fault is valid, but it’s not true that he acted honorably. It should be quite clear that he broke Abigail’s heart to her family. Wouldn’t that make her family angry? Isn’t rubbing an affair in their face a despicable action? Did he for one second think about how it would make her feel? It does not make sense!

So now they are going to a house party hosted by the Hero’s mother.....because I guess they have to be forced together somehow... I am starting to get cynical (hide spoiler)]

I think what is encouraging for me is that going on the publishing dates on GR, this appears to be a debut novel and the fact that the rest of the books in the series are all rated over 4.

Yes I am also becoming annoyed with the repetitive circular feel. and I totally agree re your spoiler to my spoiler on Chapter Nine.
(view spoiler)[I think Nicholas acted immaturely out of spite and revenge towards the uncle and now is unable to undo that. I agree that he obviously didn't care enough for Abigail to think about the repercussions for her. Even now he is totally governed by lust rather than affection. (hide spoiler)]

What do you think about the characterisation or lack thereof of Miss Caldwell? (view spoiler)[I can't help thinking that in an effort to emphasise how unsuitable the match is that we only see her as a cardboard figure in the background of Nicholas' mind. At the moment her thoughts would be more interesting to me than our hero and heroine's. (hide spoiler)]

Loriidae wrote: "I think what is encouraging for me is that going on the publishing dates on GR, this appears to be a debut novel and the fact that the rest of the books in the series are all rated over 4.

Yes I a..."

Oh, I didn’t realize it was her debut good catch! That is encouraging. The writing flow seems good, so with a stronger plot that could mean a good read.

I agree that his actions were immature. He is perhaps redeemable still.

I agree with your thoughts on Miss Caldwell. She feels a bit too convenient to me. Perfect for the lord courting Abigail perhaps?

Good discussion. I agree with all points.

I have finished the book. Despite the repetition, it was easy for me to keep reading.

(view spoiler)[
Unfortunately, we never find out what her uncle Glenmoor held against Nicholas or a valid reason why no one else in her family blames Roxton. Many of the questions due to lack of backstory are not answered (though some are). It even says, "And although Uncle Henry was not in attendance, Abigail felt her uncle’s presence in her heart and imagined he would have greatly approved in the end. For despite his faults, Uncle Henry had been a romantic at heart." (hide spoiler)]

Don’t have much time to write something, but I made it to Chapter 17 this morning.

Through Chapter Sixteen (view spoiler)[ Chapter Ten The description of Glenmoor's death gives credence to Nicholas' abrupt character reversal. I initially thought it was because he suddenly wanted to please his family which seemed weak. This is much more convincing.

Chapter Eleven Abigail's stubbornness is becoming annoying.

Chapter Thirteen And finally they talk to each other!

Chapter Fourteen And Now Another misunderstanding rears its ugly head.

Chapter Sixteen I am pleased that the idea of Abigail wanting him purely for his money appears not to have gained momentum.

The romance still isn't that believable for me. I have switched sides and Nicholas' feelings now seem more real. It is too quick a turnaround for Abigail. (hide spoiler)]

Lorii re: your spoiler: I feel like it changes gears pretty quickly. Sometimes that’s a good thing (view spoiler)[ like with the not knowing her mystery man and Roxton were the same. (hide spoiler)] but sometimes it’s too quick (view spoiler)[ like with Abigail suddenly forgiving him (hide spoiler)].

Through Chapter 18 (view spoiler)[ Miss Caldwell’s knowledge of Abigail’s visit to that party is suspect to me. Yet another misunderstanding/flip flop *sigh* (hide spoiler)]

Yes, the personal witnessing of Glenmoor's grotesque death seems a proper motivation for Nicholas' change and introspection.

Chapter Seventeen (view spoiler)[ one of the rare books where the heroine at least considers that she might be pregnant and unwed. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18 - yes I agree more drama and misunderstandings!

Read through Chapter 20 today. Will finish it out tomorrow.

I finished reading. I agree with your comments about Abigail's (view spoiler)[ turnabout. I think she blamed Roxton mainly because she couldn't accept her Uncle's part in the scandal and she never got over the hurt caused by their cut-short courtship. I liked that they talked to each other eventually. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished up.

I don’t have any strong opinions on this one, and it was easy to read. I never did get over the feeling that we were dumped into the middle of a story.

I read the synopsis for the next in series and think I will give it a try sometime.

Yes exactly!

Ideas for next month err this month? Where is the year going?

On my TBR I have
The Forbidden Duke Darcy Burke (Allie was raving about her at one stage)

Ravishing in Red Madeline Hunter - which you have read but a different one by her would work.

A Talent for Trickery Alissa Johnson

Or anything else you would like to read.

Mariana any ideas?

One thing I did not bring up before was the whole situation with the maid. I just couldn't get over it. Our heroine trusted her maid as one of only two people, the other being her cousin and best friend, to share that she would be sneaking out and using the key to attend and illicit sex party. Later on, when her maid attempted to be too familiar, she told the maid that she must behave in accordance with her position and not treat her like a friend. It just seems to me like it should be one way or the other. Either the maid is very close to you, almost like family, and you trust her implicitly; or she's not. In that case, it's fine to tell her put her in her place; but why ever in the world would you share something so dangerous!? Was it any wonder the maid went to the arch-nemesis and shared such a scandalous tidbit?

If we are going to read Darcy Burke, I would prefer to go with Her Wicked Ways as it is free on Amazon Kindle.

I am also open to reading Madeline Hunter. My library has over 20 of her books but not Ravishing in Red.

A Talent for Trickery is available on Hoopla, so I think that would be a good choice.

Mariana - Not many of my friends have read Her Wicked Ways, but it says you’re one of them. Do you remember it? I actually have it marked as read, and after reading the summary, I think I recall liking it. I would welcome a reread. Either Burke would be fine with me. I have seen Allie and Becca rave about her.

Madeleine Hunter is one of my favorites. I haven’t read any of her medievals, but I think I have read all of the others. I would reread any except her most recent release which I did not enjoy.

I am game for A Talent For Trickery.

Well A Talent for trickery sounds like the plan.

Dates??? Over the year we have gradually pushed out to the end of the month. Do you mind coming forward? I have a darker series on audio for the 18th and I wouldn't mind something a bit lighter to follow. A palette cleanser so to speak. :) Perhaps the 20th (June) which is a Wednesday or do you prefer to start on the week-end?

What suits?

Mariana wrote: "One thing I did not bring up before was the whole situation with the maid. I just couldn't get over it. Our heroine trusted her maid as one of only two people, the other being her cousin and best f..."

Oh I agree that part was a bit of a clumsy set up for the betrayal.

Loriidae wrote: "Well A Talent for trickery sounds like the plan.

Dates??? Over the year we have gradually pushed out to the end of the month. Do you mind coming forward? I have a darker series on audio for the 18..."

Works for me!

Hey there!

I don’t think I’m going to finish this book.

I’ve been caught up with bingo and reading books to the series challenge and RATA for this group.

I was attracted to this book bec it’s self-published—and I’ve been having good luck with HR outside of the HR machine (self-published, non-famous authors etc., obscure publishers, obscure authors), such as it is.

Im only a couple of pages in and there are hints that this is not something that I would enjoy enough to insert it with my reading for the two challenges for this group.

Honestly Andrea, I don't think you are missing anything. Way too much drama for me!

Loriidae wrote: "Honestly Andrea, I don't think you are missing anything. Way too much drama for me!"

Thanks Loriidae.

Loriidae wrote: "Well A Talent for trickery sounds like the plan.

Dates??? Over the year we have gradually pushed out to the end of the month. Do you mind coming forward? I have a darker series on audio for the 18..."

I return from vacation on the 18th, so the 19th or 20th is perfect!

Great I will post an invite over in the main thread.