Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Once Upon a Scandal (Scandal #2)

by Delilah Marvelle (Goodreads Author)

3.63 of 5 stars 3.63 · rating details · 259 ratings · 52 reviews

Lady Victoria Jane Emerson left behind her girlish notions of romance when Jonathan deserted her without a backward glance. Now the time has come when she must finally choose a husband, and she has vowed to marry someone who will never break her heart.Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, has returned home, free of all his family's debts. Only to discover that by s...more

Paperback, 384 pages

Published January 18th 2011 by HQN Books (first published January 17th 2011)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2011 Romance

207th out of 394 books — 770 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 729)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jan 05, 2011 Diana~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, arc-galley, author-delilah-marvelle, regency-romance

My heart broke for Remington because despite all of the misfortunes that he has endured for five years after his disappearance, he has always and will still love Victoria no matter what. Just because he broke her heart after he left for Venice and stopped contacting her for all these years, she became a cold-hearted person. It's really amazing that I still feel compassion for her, but I do. I don't blame either of them, Remington nor Victoria. It's just things happen at the wrong place and time-...more My heart broke for Remington because despite all of the misfortunes that he has endured for five years after his disappearance, he has always and will still love Victoria no matter what. Just because he broke her heart after he left for Venice and stopped contacting her for all these years, she became a cold-hearted person. It's really amazing that I still feel compassion for her, but I do. I don't blame either of them, Remington nor Victoria. It's just things happen at the wrong place and time-- especially, concerning to what exactly happened to Remington during his stay in Venice... Which I'll let you readers figure out what happened once you read this book. For one, I definitely cried my heart out in the beginning because of the beautiful and blossoming relationship between them and the situation that eventully broke it.

Anyway, at least there were quite a few things that I loved about this book and that is Viscount Jonathan Remington and his best friend and Victoria's cousin, Grayson. I would like a story for him, definitely. He's one entertaining character, that's for sure! I adore Remington because of his belief in magic and hope. It really gives the story a Cinderella-ish sort of theme doesn't it? He has loved Victoria since forever, when he was merely nineteen years old and she, seventeen. To be honest, Victoria came off as a spoiled brat in the beginning because even though Remington declared his love for her, she ignores it and tells him to wait for her coming out and then she'll think about it. Wow, that's pretty cold. But oh well, brats will be brats. Thankfully, she grew up to be a much better person... I guess, lol.

Either way, Once Upon a Scandal was my first book by Delilah Marvelle and I have to say, I really liked it! She really does have a way with her stories and I love her hero because unlike other Regency romance novels that I've read, the hero actually believes in soulmates and fate. Isn't that just cute? Although he does have his dark side... be so forewarned. Overall, I shall give this book a five stars! As for the rest of the book and what'll happen between the two after Remington comes back (dun, dun!)... why don't you read it and find out. ;) It's definitely a twist that I didn't expect to have happened.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 Charly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not badly written, but it didn’t blow me away

*NOTE: I received a free review copy of this book.*
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 6/10

PROS:
- There’s a decent amount of sadness and angst in the story, but I didn’t feel there was too much or that it was contrived.
- I thought it was interesting to see a depiction of dementia in a historical context. The inability of Victoria’s father to recognize her for much of the story is certainly sad, but the descr...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2011 Addictive rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jonathon Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington has been in love with the lady Victoria Jane Emerson for well over a year now. Against the best advice of her brother and Jonathon’s best friend, he would like nothing better to declare himself at a house party at the Linford estate before he has to leave the country for Venice to attend to his younger sister. He has been advised to be subtle, but Jonathon is anything but when it comes to Victoria. Subtle would not wait until he made his way back to l...more Jonathon Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington has been in love with the lady Victoria Jane Emerson for well over a year now. Against the best advice of her brother and Jonathon’s best friend, he would like nothing better to declare himself at a house party at the Linford estate before he has to leave the country for Venice to attend to his younger sister. He has been advised to be subtle, but Jonathon is anything but when it comes to Victoria. Subtle would not wait until he made his way back to lady Victoria’s side in a year’s time when she would have already come out, subtle would not make him a contender for her hand when he was not even a suitable match for her.
Lady Victoria had lost her mother and very dear twin brother at a young age and so is disillusioned about love conquering all which is exactly what Jonathon believes love can do, but she can admit to a deep affection for him. When Victoria’s dog runs away, she is entrusted to believe Jonathon when he speaks about magic doing wonderful things. Victoria cannot believe it but is emboldened to when the dog returns to her side; in the arms of Remington no less.
Professing himself the day before he is to leave, Remington is hopeful when Victoria doesn’t reply in the negative. Instead they are compelled to write letters to each other while they are apart. But after investing in some risky funds overseas in hopes of offering Victoria the life she deserves with him, his money is gone and he is penniless thus he has to stay an extra two years in Venice trying to make up for his investments. All the while he does not write to his beloved Victoria
Eight long years later finds Victoria attending to her father, the sixth earl of Linford who has contracted syphilis, his final wish? That Victoria marry before he dies, but Jonathon is still away in Venice! But yet is she not still mad at him for not responding to any of her letters? But she must do her duty and grant her father’s last dying wish or be disinherited.
Victoria’s father is declining rapidly to the point where he does not even know his own daughter. It seems if she does not agree to marry one of three gentlemen her father had chosen when he had been of sound mind within twenty four hours, she will be disinherited!
After a slightly strange request from her father in choosing her husband, Victoria decides between the three men, is it any wonder she chose Remington? Although she is mad at him for the moment, she has always been in love with him. But when Remington reveals why he really stayed away for all those years, can she ever really for give him?
Victoria and Remington’s story was not what I expected of Marvelle. I absolutely adore the other two books in this series but Once upon a scandal left me feeling drained from reading almost four hundred pages. It could have been Remington in his simpering, undying love for Victoria or it could have been that I just did not get any emotion of true love coming from Victoria herself, she seemed not to have any really, or maybe it was just the plot. It brings to mind the question of what makes a story? The characters or the plot. I found the role Remington played in Venice as a cicisbeo or bodyguard (which I really do think happened to men back then) a little too drastic to repay a debt if you were male. I felt Victoria was not all that in love with Remington in the beginning but as the story progressed her friendship grew into a strong affection and by the end of the book, it was finally love. It was odd to me having the roles reversved but not all together strange.

But the details interwoven throughout the story are what kept me reading until the very last page. I was fascinated by the Earl of Linford’s disease and the resulting condition that rendered him mental and I was also intrigued by the city of Venice and the history of it.

Although Marvelle did not capture me with Remington’s’ story as much as Bradford’s or Moreland’s in the other two books, her theme has always captured my undivided attention and interest. Anything I can learn about the history of sex, I will read because sex in today’s world is still slightly taboo and no one really wants to talk about the subject.(less)

like · see review

Apr 25, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, non-erotic

Can love survive when it’s separated by hundreds of miles, a militant father and one colossal mistake? If you love as deeply and purely as Jonathan Thatcher, Viscount Remington, then nothing will stand in your way.

Of the three books in Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series I can honestly say this was my favorite. You’ll want to read Ms. Marvelle’s letter to the reader to get a good understanding of what inspired this particular story. In my mind it was pure genius and the twist she takes on a popul...more Can love survive when it’s separated by hundreds of miles, a militant father and one colossal mistake? If you love as deeply and purely as Jonathan Thatcher, Viscount Remington, then nothing will stand in your way.

Of the three books in Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series I can honestly say this was my favorite. You’ll want to read Ms. Marvelle’s letter to the reader to get a good understanding of what inspired this particular story. In my mind it was pure genius and the twist she takes on a popular fairy tale is delightfully unique.

When you first meet Jonathan he is of the tender age of nineteen and reminded me of a lovesick puppy when he talks about Lady Victoria Linford, bless his heart. Ms. Marvelle’s writing is so vivid you can just see him sighing over her beauty and practically writing poetry in her honor. Two words came to mind most often when I thought of how Jonathan acts toward Victoria: courtly love. Don’t let Jonathan’s honorable demeanor lead you to believe that he has no fire in his spirit. When it comes to winning Victoria’s hand and ensuring her happiness and safety, Jonathan’s inner fire leads him into trouble more than once in this beautiful novel.

Likewise, Victoria Linford is an intelligent and witty heroine. She has had a lot of heartache in her young life but has refused to let it leave her bitter or torn. Victoria tries to be practical and not believe in the magic of love or faith. Through the very personal use of letters written back and forth between Jonathan and Victoria the reader is able to witness the intensity of their love as well as the point where Jonathan must cut off communication with Victoria for her own good. As with book one in the Scandal series, Ms. Marvelle utilizes passages from the ladies etiquette book How To Avoid A Scandal to introduce each chapter. You get the impression that whoever is the unknown writer of the book, they have had experience with causing enough scandal to know just what advice needs to be given to help others avoid it.

Will Jonathan and Victoria finally be joined forever in holy matrimony? Well, it is a romance book so you can probably guess the answer fairly easily. In their case, the journey from infatuation to love is long, carries sacrifices and ultimately ends in a breathless happily ever after you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget the story continues with the unveiling of the mysterious author of the etiquette book in The Perfect Scandal. Another can’t miss from the terrifically talented Ms. Marvelle.

originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...(less)

like · see review

Jan 24, 2011 Joanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Delilah comes through again, love her books!

When Lady Victoria was about 17, she fell in love with Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington and he with her. He had to go to Venice, Italy to look after his step mother and his step sister. He promises Lady Victoria that he will be back in months time, but months turn into years, 5 yrs. She wrote to him faithfully and he to her, but when he got himself mixed up in a money loss scheme and lost all of his monies, he had to find work, degrading wo...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 06, 2011 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Delilah Marvelle is making one heck of a splash into the world of historical romance with her Scandal series. They're not technically her first books but these are definitely getting more attention in the mainstream market. Once Upon a Scandal is the second in this series and I found it to be just as good as the first.

Victoria was less than a year away from her coming out season in London when Jonathan made a play for her heart. A complete romantic, Jonathan wooed her with sweet words and only o...more Delilah Marvelle is making one heck of a splash into the world of historical romance with her Scandal series. They're not technically her first books but these are definitely getting more attention in the mainstream market. Once Upon a Scandal is the second in this series and I found it to be just as good as the first.

Victoria was less than a year away from her coming out season in London when Jonathan made a play for her heart. A complete romantic, Jonathan wooed her with sweet words and only one kiss. They were already friends but he wished to have a promise from her before he left for Venice that she would wait for him to return. It should have been seven to ten months, tops, but instead he was gone for five years. And he wouldn't tell her why he couldn't return. From Victoria's perspective, it felt like he dumped her as an afterthought. He stopped replying to the letters she wrote and forbade her cousin, his best friend, from telling her the truth about him. It broke Victoria's heart, a heart that was already fragile after losing her mother and twin brother years before, and so she never married. Fast forward five years. Victoria's father is dying from tertiary-phase syphilis and doesn't even remember her. She is informed that three men have agreed to vie for her hand in marriage and she must marry one before her father is too ill to stand at her wedding - her inheritance depends upon it. Guess who shows up that night to be one of the three? Jonathan. Victoria has to speak to each for an hour before making her decision and than marry them within a week. How does someone make a decision like this, especially with these circumstances? Where has Jonathan been the last five years? And does Victoria still love him?

Delilah Marvelle does not make life easy for her couples, does she? (See my review for Prelude to a Scandal.) I consistently find it appalling, the way that women were treated back then for I do not doubt that this scenario was likely forced upon some poor girl back then; possibly now too. Many men also didn't have it all that easy either, I suppose. Anyway, Once Upon a Scandal is a bittersweet love story. The sex theme is back, too, in a different incarnation, yet still applied to the man in the equation. Sexual abuse in literature or fiction is generally forced upon the woman and I appreciated that Marvelle is turning the tables on that. (Not that I like reading about sexual abuse in any fashion.) I also liked that Jonathan's version of romance didn't involve sexing up Victoria, exactly, as well as his devotion to her and their love. On the flip side, I felt that the villain, Marchese Casacalenda, was rather uneven. He does all these horrible things (i.e. rape, murder) because his influence and money has bought him impunity and then at the end, he voluntarily acquiesces and accepts bodily harm? That felt inconsistent and didn't make sense. On the whole though, I found Once Upon a Scandal to be a riveting story.

The Perfect Scandal, starring Marquis Moreland, one of Victoria's suitors, is the final book in this series. I will definitely be reviewing that one as well.

Once Upon a Scandal can be found in stores on January 18, 2011. The Perfect Scandal will be out on February 15, 2011.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 11, 2011 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars

ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle
Book #2 in the Scandal Series
01/11 – Harlequin – Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

A bit of scandal, a touch of history and a huge cup of love make for a fabulous book!

What happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve and the sleeve not only gets torn but the whole shirt is shredded? Well you get a needle and thread and put it all back together or so Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington thought so. He believed love and a little magic conquered all...more ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle
Book #2 in the Scandal Series
01/11 – Harlequin – Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

A bit of scandal, a touch of history and a huge cup of love make for a fabulous book!

What happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve and the sleeve not only gets torn but the whole shirt is shredded? Well you get a needle and thread and put it all back together or so Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington thought so. He believed love and a little magic conquered all and could fix everything. Remington was a romantic with a poetic soul who fell in love at 19 to the beautiful Lady Victoria Jane Emerson. Remington believed regardless of their tender age that his strong affection for her could make anything possible and he would win Victoria. Remington confessed his love and had her swear to wait for his return from his quick trip to Venice to straighten out his affairs. She would go through her coming out but still hold the love and the ring he gifted her until he returned and they could marry. All these ifs, hopes and wishes can they come true?

If dreams and wishes could be reality this would have all played out so well for Remington but he found himself once in Venice making bad decisions which led to his being indentured in a way no one in proper London could imagine. He was unable to return to Victoria in the time promised, which became the reality of five years and decided to not even return her letters begging him to come home to her. Remington had to pay off his debts and the punishment for his bad decision was worse than the crime itself which was made so much more painful by his separation from Victoria, the love of his life.

Once he is able to return he finds the loving girl with an open heart has grown to a jaded woman that has turned her heart to stone. Remington still fights for her and commits his entire existence to winning her over, but is it too late and does Victoria ever see a way to forgive him for what has kept them apart? The truth is so hurtful and scandalous but Remington believes in the love he has for Victoria and the ability to get a second chance with her, everyone makes mistakes he just has to convince her that this chance is the best one she can take and make that leap of faith.

You have to believe in the destiny of love because what else is there at the end of the day but the touch of your hand over mine. I will forever love these characters because their story remind you of how much love can overcome, how deep love runs between soul mates who will forever be together. Delilah Marvelle definitely knows how to write scandal, but absolutely knows how to write a love story that makes you believe in all that love can be. She has always been able to show the true worth of her characters even when they are embroiled in one scandal or another. Plus as it turns out Victoria has the same birthday as I do – that can’t be a coincidence now can it?
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 thuy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 52-books-in-52-weeks-2012, review-written, historical, romance

Once Upon A Scandal is the second book in the Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series. I didn’t read the first book and don’t think you need to in order to read this. I have mixed feelings about this one. Maybe I’ve just read a lot of really good historicals lately but, while I enjoyed this book, it didn’t end up being one of my favorites. First, I found the whole setup with Victoria’s father’s will a little implausible. It just seemed like a lot of trouble to go to for the outcome. But he was a sick...more Once Upon A Scandal is the second book in the Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series. I didn’t read the first book and don’t think you need to in order to read this. I have mixed feelings about this one. Maybe I’ve just read a lot of really good historicals lately but, while I enjoyed this book, it didn’t end up being one of my favorites. First, I found the whole setup with Victoria’s father’s will a little implausible. It just seemed like a lot of trouble to go to for the outcome. But he was a sick man and maybe that accounts for the eccentricity of the whole thing. The scene in the carriage also seemed highly unlikely to happen. I know this a romance and I definitely want my sexy times, but I just didn’t think that it was something Victoria would agree to or that Jonathan would think to ask. So, while it was hot, it didn’t seem very in character.

Jonathan was a very different type of tortured hero. He had to do some very unsavory things to survive. I don’t want to give too much away but the thing he had to do to keep his family and Victoria safe isn’t a subject that gets brought up much and I actually wish that they had talked about it more. I like that he’s very emotional and passionate, often acting on his feelings. Sometimes it’s not the smartest thing to do but he isn’t afraid to tell Victoria how he feels, which I admired.

Victoria took a little while to warm up to. I could understand why she would be so angry at Jonathan after he disappeared for five years. Trust me, I’d be mad, too. But she seemed cruel at times and it wasn’t until she started softening a little and got over her initial anger that I started to like her. Both she and Jonathan were so stubborn at times that I wanted to smack both of them. They were stuck in the past and it was keeping them from having a future together. Thanks goodness they both get some sense and all ends well.

While the book did have its flaws, I enjoyed it. Marvelle has a wonderful way of writing and I could easily picture London and Venice. I also felt like there was real love and affection between Jonathan and Victoria and was glad when they finally found their happy ending.(less)

like · see review

Jan 22, 2011 Camille rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, 18-and-older, historical-fiction, women, rated-r, 3-stars

Let me start with a disclaimer:

This book is RATED R!!!!

I wanted to start with that so that my readers who are uninterested can stop now, but my review will be 100% clean.

I am talking about

Once Upon A Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

Once Upon A Scandal is the story of Lady Victoria Jane Emmerson, who at a young age falls for Jonathan Pierce Thacher, Viscount Remington. He falls for her in return and swears to himself that someday he will make her his wife.

Unfortunately, they fall for each other some m...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 07, 2011 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicalromance

Once Upon a Scandal was a nice follow up to the first book in the trilogy, tying in loosely but standing well on its own. I'm normally not a fan of a book that spends so much early time setting up the hero/heroine in the past, but it really gave me the opportunity to see how far each of them had come. Victoria was sweet but spoiled, guarded by her well-meaning chaperone and a overbearing father. Jonathan was a romantic, in love with Victoria and happy to lay out all his feelings for her before h...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 11, 2011 VampFanGirl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, historical-romance

4 1/2 STARS!!!

My Review:

The Plot:

At nineteen, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, was led by his heart having waited for the day to fall head first into love from the very moment he was capable of understanding its meaning. And when Jonathan found his heart's reciprocating beat in the young, green-eyed Lady Victoria, he was desperate not to bed her but to wed her! Having little to offer Victoria, Jonathan strove to win her heart and win it he did just in time to secure her hand before...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2011 Highland-dreamer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Feb 18, 2011 Dwayne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, for-review

Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.

I shall admit - while Once upon a Scandal is not the best romance book I've read, it definitely ranks high amongst the most interesting ones I've read. This book has a particularly pecular set of characters and settings, which - sucker for romance that I am - enchanted me to no end.

I have been drawn to the blurb, of course - a long-lost lover (Viscount Remington) who have deserted our heroine and is now suddenly back for her hand... yes I know, romantic. The...more Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.

I shall admit - while Once upon a Scandal is not the best romance book I've read, it definitely ranks high amongst the most interesting ones I've read. This book has a particularly pecular set of characters and settings, which - sucker for romance that I am - enchanted me to no end.

I have been drawn to the blurb, of course - a long-lost lover (Viscount Remington) who have deserted our heroine and is now suddenly back for her hand... yes I know, romantic. The cover is also gorgeous and sigh-worthy, right?

Although this is a stand-alone novel it genuinely feels like a short story befitting an anthology. There are only a handful of scenes between the beginning and the ending, all of which are lengthy, which obviously gives the book its volume. Which is why, the pace felt a little too quick, and also underscores why it feels like an anthology short story. The salvaging point though, is that they are all mildly interesting at least, and did not drag like it easily have. While they are not remarkable, the premise had me turning the pages in the hopes it gets better.

What really strikes out most are the characters. In particular, Jonathan - or Viscount Remington as he is mostly addressed - is a breath of fresh air to the many heroes of the genre. Unlike most gentlemen of his time, this character is affectionate, sensitive and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is very outspoken in what he feels for Victoria. On the contrary, Victoria is guarded and reserved, bitter almost in the second half of the book. They share a very peculiar relationship - I was not sure how to look at it, as it is the very opposite of consistent. They simply ricochet off different paths every time. Although there is an effort to include tenderness in their interactions, it feels a little bit awkward as one cannot be entirely certain as to their emotions.

While Once Upon a Scandal is supposed to be inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, I felt there was hardly similarities between the two, and would rather forget that little piece of tidbit. Also, the book is partly based in Venice, which felt like a complete waste as the setting hardly played a memorable role in the plot - sure, things happened in Venice, but it takes more than that to make a setting worth noticing. Having said that, despite the lack of tangible plot in the book, it ends rather vaguely - and so, should there be a sequel, I will perhaps pick it up.(less)

like · see review

Jun 12, 2011 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Once upon a Scandal is second in Marvelle's Scandal Series and I have to say I enjoyed it much better then the first. Remington's overly passionate and romantic nature is swoon worthy, although he is overly idealistic. Victoria is a wonderful character, and the 2 combined was exciting to read. You'll find a lump in your throat through pretty much most of the story with all it's angst, but it is worth reading on. The only thing that could have made the story a 5 star is if the end didn't feel to...more

like · see review

Dec 17, 2010 Barbara ~*Lindt Ninja*~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, series, arc, netgalley

While not necessarily a sequel, Once Upon a Scandal loosely follows in the trail of Prelude to a Scandal, Marvelle’s first book of a planned trio (The Perfect Scandal is set for release in March 2011). “How to Avoid a Scandal,” a fictional etiquette book, features prominently in each book, offering some fitting advice at the beginning of each chapter.

Five years earlier, Jonathan Remington had won a promise from Victoria Emerson that she would wait for him to return from a short trip he was takin...more While not necessarily a sequel, Once Upon a Scandal loosely follows in the trail of Prelude to a Scandal, Marvelle’s first book of a planned trio (The Perfect Scandal is set for release in March 2011). “How to Avoid a Scandal,” a fictional etiquette book, features prominently in each book, offering some fitting advice at the beginning of each chapter.

Five years earlier, Jonathan Remington had won a promise from Victoria Emerson that she would wait for him to return from a short trip he was taking to Venice to see his step-sister and her family before letting her father accept any suitors for her at her official coming out. They’d shared a passionate kiss, he’d pledged his love and even given her his mother’s ring. The two wrote letters over the course of a few months but Jonathan suddenly and inexplicably broke things off, begging Victoria not to try to contact him anymore.

Her father now dying and her suitors long gone, Victoria is being forced to marry a man of his choosing in order to keep her inheritance. She’s unaware that he’s been in contact with Jonathan for over a year and that the two had an agreement that when he was able to return, he'd be allowed to vie for her hand. When she felt forced to accept his proposal, Jonathan decided to confess why he'd been gone so long: he'd been kept as a sexual pet of sorts with the wife of an Italian mobster-type and to protect Victoria, had kept it all secret from her and his family. Of course she didn’t know all this and has had a little change of heart when it comes to Jonathan and their future. She’s more than a little reluctant (and bitter) when it comes time to marry him.

I enjoyed Prelude to a Scandal, but I have to say, I enjoyed this so much more. Prelude was a different type of romance (for anyone who hasn’t read it, the theme revolved around whether or not it was possible a man who’d been considered a “rake” could really be a sex addict) and while it did it in humorous ways, was more about a couple defining their relationship and learning to deal with some serious sexual issues. This is very romantic and despite some sad issues like Jonathan’s service with the Italian wife that kept him away from Victoria, it was remarkably sweet and the humor was much lighter and flirtier. Marvelle’s forward said that she wanted to take the Cinderella character and twist it to make a male version of it, to make a hero that dreamed of a happy ever after, that his princess was out there; I think she succeeded, although I’d argue that Jonathan is both Cinderella and Prince Charming all wrapped up together in one package.

Although I wondered at times how far she'd push Jonathan, I liked Victoria as well. She could have come off as pretty shrewish and there were times when she was so stubborn I wanted to give her a shake, but there was no question Jonathan had wronged her and she was entitled to make him sleep on the proverbial couch. By the time Jonathan gets his woo back on with her in Venice, she’s toast (or putty in his hands, since I'm pulling out my Cuisinart of metaphors), and they were fun to read. Their no-sex sex scenes were as breathless as many consummated ones because of the groundwork laid earlier in the book with these two characters.

I’m choosing to overlook the sort unnecessarily dramatic bit near the end that didn’t really have anything to do with anything else (I know it forced a plot point, it just seemed a bit..much), just because it marred an otherwise perfect story. If for no other reason than that Jonathan was one of the most doggedly romantic historical heroes I’ve read this year, I loved this.

(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Lady Lioness marked it as old-borders-reviews

Review from the Borders days: 11/12/10

I had to check [my notes] about Prelude to a Scandal to refresh my memory. I disliked that book intensely, but I enjoyed Once quite a bit. There were weak points. I thought the near rape scene was a little much and Victoria does an emotional 180 very quickly thereafter. However, the mixture of Venice and England was great. I also loved the idea of the hero having been a cicisbeo. It gave him a humility and vulnerability that was sorely lacking in the previou...more

like · see review

Jan 25, 2011 Bookworm1858 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, read-2011, romance

Once Upon a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Harlequin, 2011
378 pages
Romance; Historical
Second in Trilogy
4/5 stars

Source: Netgalley

While this is the second in a trilogy, I believe it can be read standalone as I did without missing anything.

At first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this book because it features a trope I don't like: boy meets girl, boy and girl are separated for years with him giving her no reason why-just that it has to be, boy comes back to discover girl is not receptive to his advan...more Once Upon a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle
Harlequin, 2011
378 pages
Romance; Historical
Second in Trilogy
4/5 stars

Source: Netgalley

While this is the second in a trilogy, I believe it can be read standalone as I did without missing anything.

At first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this book because it features a trope I don't like: boy meets girl, boy and girl are separated for years with him giving her no reason why-just that it has to be, boy comes back to discover girl is not receptive to his advances (because he was such a jerk!) but I didn't mind it this time. First I was very invested in their relationship to start and second because Thatcher was very much in love with Victoria all of those years and it was well conveyed to the reader. Victoria's heartbreak was real but she was also using those feelings as a defense mechanism after losing her mother, her brother, and, slowly but surely, her father so I easily rooted for their feelings to accord once again.

That's not to say that I thought the journey would be easy. Victoria is essentially forced to marry Thatcher in order to retain her nearly 100,000 pound inheritance and she does not want to give him another opportunity to break her heart. Thatcher is battered after his five years of service to brutal Venetians as a cicisbeo, a man who serves a married woman as champion, protector, lady's maid usually in a non-sexual way, and his poverty that led to that situation. The practice sounds so bizarre to me but Marvelle mentions its ubiquity. He is a complete romantic while she is more practical and I loved that combination.

In order to win her over (and I think he does manipulate her in order to do this), she must accompany him to Venice where she can meet his stepsister and her family and fall in love with the city as he has. They will also have to confront the past especially his male pride when his former employer appears; I did not like those scenes. But of course everything works out so they can live happily ever after.

Note: There were several references to Napoleon that made it sound like he was still terrifying Europe, despite being set in the year 1829 when Napoleon was already dead. I suppose they could have been referring to when he was Emperor but the way the references were used made it sound more like he was still in power. Has anyone else read this who can clarify my understanding?

A quote from their pre-separation times: "How could she not adore this man when all he continued to do was try to get her to adore him?" (page 52 of Netgalley egalley edition, October 29, 2010.)

Cover: I like the creamy colors but his head looks really ugly and that angle in general looks quite uncomfortable. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 09, 2010 Anaiz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-on-blog

What can I say, I loved this book as much as the first in the Scandal series (Prelude to Scandal) I now consider myself a huge Delilah Marvelle fan! This book wasn't as funny, but it was still *scandalously* enjoyable. Jonathan came across as such an honest guy, he really takes his responsibilities to his family seriously. It is for this reason he and Victoria are separated. I couldn't help but feel so bad for them, to be separated just when things were becoming sweet between them... but it happ...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 25, 2012 Dana Delamar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: keepers

Like the other books in the Scandal series, this book is a real page-turner. I was late for appointments, that's how good this book is! Delilah Marvelle pretty much single-handedly got me interested in Regency historicals again. Her storylines and heroes and heroines are unusual and fascinating, and I highly recommend them to anyone who loves the time period. You'll learn something new and laugh and swoon at the same time.

This book features one of my favorite heroes of all time. It's on my keep...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 24, 2011 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm giving it 4 stars because this is one of the few books I have ever read that deal with MEN being "ideal" and not compromising their principles. Mostly you see women take on this role but it was reversed. OH, Remington had to compromise...but he didn't lose his IDEAL in the process.

I read the scandals out of order, this being the last I read. I think I was expecting Remington's "flaw" to be more on the order of the first two books and this was refreshing. The flawed character seemed to be Vic...more

like · see review

Jun 14, 2011 Aislynn (Stitch Read Cook) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, netgalley-read, arc-s-to-review, read-in-2011, historical-romance

When I first picked up this book I didn't realize it was part of a series. I've since added the other books in the series to my TBR! While part of a series, this could easily be a stand alone book - which is a big plus!

The story of Jonathon and Victoria had me intrigued. Young and in love, they are torn apart by distance, family and obligation. He in Venice - tied to an obligation he can't get out of. Pushing Victoria from his life for her own safety and his sanity. Her in England - stuck in a s...more

like · see review

Jan 29, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, delilah-marvelle

This is the second in Marvelles Scandal series (love the cover!), though it is not necessary to read the first to enjoy this one. Marvelle poses this story as a 'darker Cinderella' but with the male lead as Cinderella, complete with evil stepmother. Our hero, Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, declares his love to Lady Victoria Jane Emerson at the tender age of nineteen. After a heated kiss before he must leave for Venice, Victoria agrees to carry his mothers ring and write to him. Ho...more

like · see review

Sep 08, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-regency-england

ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle is another exciting historical romance set in 1829 Regency England. It is the second in the "Scandal Series",but can be read as a stand alone. See "Prelude To A Scandal".It is the story of Lady Victoria and Viscount Remington,Jonathan Pierce.This is the story or lost love,scandal,secrets,second chances,romance,love,sexual tension,
passion,family madness,a quest for a husband,and the trials of love lost and found again. While Lady Victoria lost her heart at...more

like · see review

Jan 15, 2011 Keri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: delilah-marvelle, 2011-read, reviewed, romance-historical

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I don't really know now to rate this book. It was really unique to other romances that I have read. At the opening of the book we have two young people, Victoria and Jonathan, who have in a burst of innocent sweetness, pledged to love one another. But before they can think about getting married Jonathan must escort his sister to Venice for her own marriage and Victoria must have her coming out season.

Once Jonathan gets to Venice, something happens that he loses his fortune and he must bondage h...more I don't really know now to rate this book. It was really unique to other romances that I have read. At the opening of the book we have two young people, Victoria and Jonathan, who have in a burst of innocent sweetness, pledged to love one another. But before they can think about getting married Jonathan must escort his sister to Venice for her own marriage and Victoria must have her coming out season.

Once Jonathan gets to Venice, something happens that he loses his fortune and he must bondage himself in order to recoup his losses. Him and Victoria had been writing letters, but Jonathan stops responding to her and for the next several years, she has no idea what has happened to him.

Now Victoria's dad is dying and is determined that his daughter will be wed before he does. So enter the 1800's style of The Dating Game. Three men will line up and Victoria is to ask them questions and she will choose one of those men to be her husband by midnight. She doesn't know who has been chosen by her father until she arrives and shockingly who is one of the men, but Jonathan. Of course the other men knowing their history eventually withdraw before the night is over, leaving in the end how it started Jonathan and Victoria.

Victoria is furious but ends up marrying him, but she promised Jonathan that their life will be anything but serene. He eventually tells Victoria what happened during his time away from her and why he stopped writing. Although Victoria forgave him she couldn't forget. I understood where she was coming from, she lost her mom, her brother, the potential husband she always wanted and then her dad. Her heart was pretty beat up by the time Jonathan came back. Jonathan though, being the romantic that he is, is determined that he will get his Victoria back and she will love him again.

What made this book hard to rate was the ending. There was a HEA, but it was also very sad. Maybe if the book could have been a bit longer or had an epilogue, it might have been different. Also unique to this book there was only one sex scene in the whole book, not saying that is bad, just for a Marvelle, I was surprised. Overall I would say that the book was romantic with a distinct edge of sadness to it. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2011 Jo (My House of Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

The second in the Scandal series by Ms. Marvelle, these books are interconnected thanks to a "little red book" by an unknown author.

Once Upon a Scandal is difficult to review because it's not the worst book I've ever read nor is it the best. It's middle of the road for me, a bit of an "eh" plus a shrug. Had Jonathan's pure pursuit of Victoria not happened in the beginning, I'm not sure I would have finished it. Victoria's father's stipulation added a lot of mystery to the middle of this story,...more

like · see review

Apr 15, 2011 Susan Lute rated it 5 of 5 stars

The thing I love about a Delilah Marvelle novel is the honesty of her writing. The characters are fully formed, the story so engaging. ONCE UPON A SCANDAL is no exception. Though Jonathan's love for the lovely Victoria sprouts early on, these two have a lot of life to travel before they find their happy ending. Marvelle is such a master at thickening the plot, you begin to wonder if the hero and heroine are ever going to get together. Bravo! Well done!

like · see review

Mar 04, 2011 Tiffany rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Mar 20, 2013 Lynn Spencer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, tbr-challenge

So my assignment for TBR challenge is to catch up on a series I’ve been neglecting. Since I read tons of books and have a tendency to fall off the series wagon midstream, I had so many possible books to read, it was downright mind-boggling! I’ve been craving a historical lately and I generally like Delilah Marvelle, so I decided to dive back into the neglected Scandal series with her 2011 release, Once Upon a Scandal. The promise of lovers reunited (love that plotline!) and a tale set at least p...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2012 Susie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not a review. SPOILERS.

H is young romantic, impetuous In Venice, he becomes a cicisbeo to an aristocrat. Ashamed, he releases the HH back in England. After 5 years, he returns. She needs to marry to secure he fortune. Father dying. Nice tension in writing. Resolution (the duel) frustrating and verging on a TSTL moment for the H/HH.

like · see review

Jun 28, 2011 Kit rated it 2 of 5 stars

What started as a good premise for a romance- the young hero and heroine separated by circumstances beyond their control and brought back together by fate- could have been very good. Instead Victoria and Jonathan's story stays stuck in some melodrama from the scene of Victoria's acceptance of their marriage to to duel scene.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 24 25 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Romance > Historical Romance

40 users

Romance

30 users

Regency

6 users

Historical Fiction

3 users

European Literature > British Literature

2 users

Adult

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

The Secret Desires of a Governess
by Tiffany Clare
Too Wicked to Wed
by Cara Elliott
Deadly Vows
by Brenda Joyce
Duchess of Sin
by Laurel McKee
A Midnight Dance
by Lila DiPasqua

About Delilah Marvelle

I spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribe...more

More about Delilah Marvelle...

Books by Delilah Marvelle

Mistress of Pleasure (School of Gallantry #1)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Once Upon a Scandal

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Once Upon a Scandal

“How much do you love me?"
She drew in a breath and let it out. "Too much."
"Too much is just enough for this man."
"And do you love me?" she whispered.
"I have always loved you. Always. You know that.” — 7 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Once Upon a Scandal
avg rating	preview: Once Upon a Scandal Goodreads rating: 3.63 (259 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8891686-once-upon-a-scandal?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327894083l/8891686.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8891686-once-upon-a-scandal?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Once Upon a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle[/url]

Once Upon a Scandal (Scandal #2)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website