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Scandalous #2
A Scandalous Charade
A Regency Historical Novel - Book Two of the Scandalous Series...
Handsome ladies’ man Lucas Beckford has agreed to help his friend, an impoverished baron, win the affections of an icy heiress. It should be a simple task, especially for a seducer of his reputation. However when Luke catches sight of the enchanting lady, he is captivated with her pretty brown eyes, quick wit, and sharp tongue; and his desire to see his friend marry the girl quickly evaporates. Now he just has to find a way to convince the penniless lord to turn his attentions elsewhere—leaving the Ice Princess to him.
Lady Juliet St. Claire has always believed that her fortune would protect her from ever having to relinquish her freedom in marriage. Though fortune hunters endlessly hound her, Juliet’s outwardly cold demeanor keeps most of them at bay, licking their wounds or patching up their pride. However when Luke charms his way into her life, he easily melts more than just her heart. Unfortunately, the rogue is of the love ‘em and leave ‘em variety, and leaves Juliet’s tender heart in pieces. But when her fortune lands her in danger from an unscrupulous foe, Luke returns to her side, offering his help and protection. Now Juliet has to decide if her heart is strong enough to trust the rogue a second time.
Handsome ladies’ man Lucas Beckford has agreed to help his friend, an impoverished baron, win the affections of an icy heiress. It should be a simple task, especially for a seducer of his reputation. However when Luke catches sight of the enchanting lady, he is captivated with her pretty brown eyes, quick wit, and sharp tongue; and his desire to see his friend marry the girl quickly evaporates. Now he just has to find a way to convince the penniless lord to turn his attentions elsewhere—leaving the Ice Princess to him.
Lady Juliet St. Claire has always believed that her fortune would protect her from ever having to relinquish her freedom in marriage. Though fortune hunters endlessly hound her, Juliet’s outwardly cold demeanor keeps most of them at bay, licking their wounds or patching up their pride. However when Luke charms his way into her life, he easily melts more than just her heart. Unfortunately, the rogue is of the love ‘em and leave ‘em variety, and leaves Juliet’s tender heart in pieces. But when her fortune lands her in danger from an unscrupulous foe, Luke returns to her side, offering his help and protection. Now Juliet has to decide if her heart is strong enough to trust the rogue a second time.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2011
151 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Ava Stone
140 books227 followersAva Stone is a USA Today bestselling author of Regency historical romance and college age New Adult romance. Whether in the 19th Century or the 21st, her books explore deep themes but with a light touch. A single mother, Ava lives outside Raleigh NC, with her son and two black and white tuxedo kitty cats. She loves classic movies, researching history, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Feel free to visit her at www.avastoneauthor.com and www.desolatesun.com
Feel free to visit her at www.avastoneauthor.com and www.desolatesun.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 16, 2021
I am between a 2 and 3 for this one. A 2.5* probably.
And after that lovely first book!
The h/H do not work as a couple in my estimation and there are many other problems with the plot and the execution.
And after that lovely first book!
The h/H do not work as a couple in my estimation and there are many other problems with the plot and the execution.
February 17, 2012
After readng this book I felt like I had whiplash. I didn't mind the two main characters Luke and Lady Juliet. They are your typical sexy vs. cool-reserve. Aside main romance however there were about four or five other romances going on between other characters. Normally I like a little background romance besides the main attractions, but in regards to this book the background caused more of a distraction. Just when it felt like the story was getting more into Luke and Juliet's romance it would skip to someone else's and cause confusion. And killing off one of my favorite characters (whose own romance I would have liked to have seen turn happily-ever-after) just killed the whole book for me.
October 10, 2013
This book is Lucas Beckford's book...that is, it's about his love match with Juliet St. Claire. And, although I whole-heartedly loved Juliet St. Claire, I never warmed to her hero. However, that is ok, because this book still had merit based on the extra lens it allowed into the lives of Robert and Lydia and other supporting characters in this series.
What I really liked about this book:
1) More perspectives and information on Robert and Lydia. That was the main treat in this book! I consider this book more like "A Scandalous Wife 1.5." I loved hearing about Robert's nature & how his friends & family noticed a big difference within him after he fell in love with Lydia. I enjoyed Juliet's appraisal and perception of Lydia. That increased my liking of both Lydia and Juliet.
2) Juliet is a worthy heroine. She is intelligent, cautious, loving and has good instincts. Overall, I was happy that she found love even if it had to be Lucas. She endured a lot with that man, so I'm glad, in the end it worked out (as is typical in a novel...but hey..still happy for her...lol)
3) One of the characters I most enjoyed seeing in action was Caroline Stavely (Robert & Lucas's sister). I liked seeing her work her magic around the people around her. She's more than a match-maker, she is one who takes the needed action to ensure that her friends and family are happy.
4) I also enjoyed the side romance between Hugh St. Claire and Susan Clark; that was really sweet and quite perfect. It was sooo fortunate that she avoided what would have been a miserable marriage to Hayward.
5) Lucas main redeeming quality is his love for Juliet. His love for his brother Robert that he demonstrated by allowing the ruin of his own reputation to propagate some measure of "damage control" in his second tarnishing of Lydia's reputation in society. Also, I like how Lucas shows affection toward his nieces/nephews.
Let me count the reasons I don't like Lucas Beckford
1) One of the reasons I can't stand Lucas Beckford is because he is exactly what Juliet described him as a "self-serving bastard." (Although he's not literally a bastard). Lucas is selfish, irresponsible (in his relationships because monetarily he's quite responsible), and impulsive.
2) The main reason I can't stand him is because of his mistreatment of Lydia. His treatment of Lydia is reflective of his poor value toward women, in general---at least that's my take. From the beginning I could not believe how Lucas held such disdain for Lydia. He ruined her as he was caught in bed with Lydia when she was 16 years old. He abandoned her and left his brother Robert to pick up the pieces. Ok, that was 5 years ago, but even after all of that time, Lucas's is condescending, resentful and loathsome in his treatment of Lydia. And, the only reason given is that she didn't end up being the innocent miss she originally presented to be---WHAT GIVES???? So, even though Lucas is a notorious rake who has been with innumerable women, because he was not Lydia's first sexual partner, he feels the liberty to refer to her as a "whore" and hold judgement of her that hardly wained throughout the first two books. Unfortunately, because there is never a well connected resolution to his disdain for her, I could not warm up to him as a hero. Although there are moments where you get the idea that he reconsiders his position, there is nothing really concrete or meaningful in this regard. For example, he never asked her forgiveness or verbalized that he was happy for his brother, Robert, in his newfound love for Lydia. I think Juliet had good instincts in this area because she excoriates Lucas for his behavior toward Lydia....way to go Juliet!!! (another reason I like the heroine).
3) Lucas's poor value of women, in general, seeps through in his treatment of Juliet. He also abandons her after their first intimate sexual experience and then resurfaces into her life once he realizes he can't live without her. Unfortunately, when he re-enters Juliet's life she has gone through a MAJOR life crisis and tragedy. And, even with knowledge of this tragedy and loss, and her need for secrecy, the Jerk continues to patronize her in the presence of others (as a way of getting a response from her since, at this point she wants nothing to do with him). Oh yes, he does apologize, but overall he just doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He leaves her twice in the book...for unsubstantial reasons. That is too much for me.
Overall, I notice that Ava Stone embeds a time apart between all of the hero and heroines of this series (since I've read the other books as well....well, with the exception of A Scandalous Secret). There were no truly emotional or memorable love scenes in his book. It was kind of lackluster for a reformed rake...lol.
With all of that being said, I think the book was still worth my time when reading it as a part of the series because of the information you glean about the continuing lives of the characters in this series.
What I really liked about this book:
1) More perspectives and information on Robert and Lydia. That was the main treat in this book! I consider this book more like "A Scandalous Wife 1.5." I loved hearing about Robert's nature & how his friends & family noticed a big difference within him after he fell in love with Lydia. I enjoyed Juliet's appraisal and perception of Lydia. That increased my liking of both Lydia and Juliet.
2) Juliet is a worthy heroine. She is intelligent, cautious, loving and has good instincts. Overall, I was happy that she found love even if it had to be Lucas. She endured a lot with that man, so I'm glad, in the end it worked out (as is typical in a novel...but hey..still happy for her...lol)
3) One of the characters I most enjoyed seeing in action was Caroline Stavely (Robert & Lucas's sister). I liked seeing her work her magic around the people around her. She's more than a match-maker, she is one who takes the needed action to ensure that her friends and family are happy.
4) I also enjoyed the side romance between Hugh St. Claire and Susan Clark; that was really sweet and quite perfect. It was sooo fortunate that she avoided what would have been a miserable marriage to Hayward.
5) Lucas main redeeming quality is his love for Juliet. His love for his brother Robert that he demonstrated by allowing the ruin of his own reputation to propagate some measure of "damage control" in his second tarnishing of Lydia's reputation in society. Also, I like how Lucas shows affection toward his nieces/nephews.
Let me count the reasons I don't like Lucas Beckford
1) One of the reasons I can't stand Lucas Beckford is because he is exactly what Juliet described him as a "self-serving bastard." (Although he's not literally a bastard). Lucas is selfish, irresponsible (in his relationships because monetarily he's quite responsible), and impulsive.
2) The main reason I can't stand him is because of his mistreatment of Lydia. His treatment of Lydia is reflective of his poor value toward women, in general---at least that's my take. From the beginning I could not believe how Lucas held such disdain for Lydia. He ruined her as he was caught in bed with Lydia when she was 16 years old. He abandoned her and left his brother Robert to pick up the pieces. Ok, that was 5 years ago, but even after all of that time, Lucas's is condescending, resentful and loathsome in his treatment of Lydia. And, the only reason given is that she didn't end up being the innocent miss she originally presented to be---WHAT GIVES???? So, even though Lucas is a notorious rake who has been with innumerable women, because he was not Lydia's first sexual partner, he feels the liberty to refer to her as a "whore" and hold judgement of her that hardly wained throughout the first two books. Unfortunately, because there is never a well connected resolution to his disdain for her, I could not warm up to him as a hero. Although there are moments where you get the idea that he reconsiders his position, there is nothing really concrete or meaningful in this regard. For example, he never asked her forgiveness or verbalized that he was happy for his brother, Robert, in his newfound love for Lydia. I think Juliet had good instincts in this area because she excoriates Lucas for his behavior toward Lydia....way to go Juliet!!! (another reason I like the heroine).
3) Lucas's poor value of women, in general, seeps through in his treatment of Juliet. He also abandons her after their first intimate sexual experience and then resurfaces into her life once he realizes he can't live without her. Unfortunately, when he re-enters Juliet's life she has gone through a MAJOR life crisis and tragedy. And, even with knowledge of this tragedy and loss, and her need for secrecy, the Jerk continues to patronize her in the presence of others (as a way of getting a response from her since, at this point she wants nothing to do with him). Oh yes, he does apologize, but overall he just doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He leaves her twice in the book...for unsubstantial reasons. That is too much for me.
Overall, I notice that Ava Stone embeds a time apart between all of the hero and heroines of this series (since I've read the other books as well....well, with the exception of A Scandalous Secret). There were no truly emotional or memorable love scenes in his book. It was kind of lackluster for a reformed rake...lol.
With all of that being said, I think the book was still worth my time when reading it as a part of the series because of the information you glean about the continuing lives of the characters in this series.
August 24, 2018
I can’t believe there are good reviews for this book. I don’t often say this but I would like my money back for having purchased it. Lucas Beckford is the most despicable purported H I have ever had the misfortune to have read about. Neither character goes through any real development. Even after Juliet finds a back bone in the end she just falls back into bed with him having to do absolutely nothing. He basically bumbles around, gets a rich duke’s daughter to fall for him, ruins other characters lives and gets to do it with zero remorse. I don’t generally write reviews but this book was just so bad.
Spoilers:
I didn’t like Luke from the first book but I do like a good redemption story. I thought the reckoning here might be especially good because of everything he does to Lydia. But there is absolutely no reckoning, no remorse, and he doesn’t even apologize. In fact the entire book acts as if his brother never tells him his wife was raped. Instead he gets a pass on treating Lydia as if she is a “whore” - hate to use the word but was in the book - when not only does he basically make Juliet his “whore” but also is himself a “whore”. I get the historical perspective but you don’t then get a pass for never having the character face any kind of growth or true adversity for being an awful person. And I’m sorry but he should have faced a reckoning. Juliet’s shaming him for seducing a 16 year old (and I’m pretty sure he is 27 when this happens making this story truly beyond the pale) doesn’t even go anywhere. He feels bad drinking and gambling but his only penance for anything is that his sister starts a rumor he is unable to father children? It’s just so disgusting. Frankly I’m not even going to finish reading the series and I have at least 2 more in my library. I feel disgusting having read the book and cheated for having to try to consider Luke Beckford a hero.
Spoilers:
I didn’t like Luke from the first book but I do like a good redemption story. I thought the reckoning here might be especially good because of everything he does to Lydia. But there is absolutely no reckoning, no remorse, and he doesn’t even apologize. In fact the entire book acts as if his brother never tells him his wife was raped. Instead he gets a pass on treating Lydia as if she is a “whore” - hate to use the word but was in the book - when not only does he basically make Juliet his “whore” but also is himself a “whore”. I get the historical perspective but you don’t then get a pass for never having the character face any kind of growth or true adversity for being an awful person. And I’m sorry but he should have faced a reckoning. Juliet’s shaming him for seducing a 16 year old (and I’m pretty sure he is 27 when this happens making this story truly beyond the pale) doesn’t even go anywhere. He feels bad drinking and gambling but his only penance for anything is that his sister starts a rumor he is unable to father children? It’s just so disgusting. Frankly I’m not even going to finish reading the series and I have at least 2 more in my library. I feel disgusting having read the book and cheated for having to try to consider Luke Beckford a hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2018
Good book
This book was cute, captivating and exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone even a Novice. I cannot wait to read the other stories.
This book was cute, captivating and exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone even a Novice. I cannot wait to read the other stories.
May 8, 2015
The second installment in Ava Stone’s very entertaining Regency era Scandalous series is much more enjoyable than the first book. The hero and heroine, Lucas and Juliet, are more likable and their story more complex than that of Lydia and Robert.
Lucas is Robert’s younger profligate brother, a man who has tired of his licentious life and now finds it dull and boring. When he agrees to help his hapless friend Haywood woo Lady Juliet St. Claire, he isn’t prepared to fall for her himself, even though she is twenty and he is thirty-two.
Especially when Lucas discovers that Juliet is not the least bit interested in Haywood, nor in any suitor only interested in her fortune. He is also happy to learn that Juliet is not interested in marriage–so she is the perfect woman for him! He offers to court her publicly while trying to get her into bed privately; she agrees to this “scandalous charade” because she has been attracted to him for a very long time.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1KR7njm
Lucas is Robert’s younger profligate brother, a man who has tired of his licentious life and now finds it dull and boring. When he agrees to help his hapless friend Haywood woo Lady Juliet St. Claire, he isn’t prepared to fall for her himself, even though she is twenty and he is thirty-two.
Especially when Lucas discovers that Juliet is not the least bit interested in Haywood, nor in any suitor only interested in her fortune. He is also happy to learn that Juliet is not interested in marriage–so she is the perfect woman for him! He offers to court her publicly while trying to get her into bed privately; she agrees to this “scandalous charade” because she has been attracted to him for a very long time.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1KR7njm
June 7, 2011
3 1/2 stars
I think Ava Stone is a new author to watch for.
This second book in the series overlaps the first A Scandalous Wife and shows the story from other characters points of view. Very clever. I like the style, voice and wit. My biggest problem was with the hero, Luke. He was a pr*ck and I didn't feel like he redeemed himself enough. There are also quite a few editing errors that I see so much of lately...it's getting ridiculous!
Still, I enjoyed this and look forward to the rest.
I think Ava Stone is a new author to watch for.
This second book in the series overlaps the first A Scandalous Wife and shows the story from other characters points of view. Very clever. I like the style, voice and wit. My biggest problem was with the hero, Luke. He was a pr*ck and I didn't feel like he redeemed himself enough. There are also quite a few editing errors that I see so much of lately...it's getting ridiculous!
Still, I enjoyed this and look forward to the rest.
June 21, 2015
#2 in the "Scandalous" book 2, while can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading Book 1 as well. This is a Regency family saga.
Fast paced story. Written with witty banter, sizzling relationships, family drama, passion and romance.
The characters will woo the reader. Oh, there are some twists and turns, readers won't see coming. An enchanting and entertaining story. I can't wait for the next installment.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com**
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fast paced story. Written with witty banter, sizzling relationships, family drama, passion and romance.
The characters will woo the reader. Oh, there are some twists and turns, readers won't see coming. An enchanting and entertaining story. I can't wait for the next installment.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com**
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 2, 2012
I cannot bring myself liking the H at all throughout the whole book and hence the low ratings.
October 17, 2017
Scandalous Charade
Second book in Ava Stone's Scandalous series. At least 80% of this story runs on a parallel timeline with the first book, but fills in the gaps relating to Luke and Miss Mitford, aka Lady Juliet.
However this does not mean that you are left feeling cheated out of a second story. By reading the two stories straight after each other, it gave me a much fuller and more satisfying experience than if I had just read one of them.
I love the characters, both main and supporting, and the fast pace of the story telling.
It's like a soap opera in a book and the supporting cast just make you want to read more about their own stories.
Second book in Ava Stone's Scandalous series. At least 80% of this story runs on a parallel timeline with the first book, but fills in the gaps relating to Luke and Miss Mitford, aka Lady Juliet.
However this does not mean that you are left feeling cheated out of a second story. By reading the two stories straight after each other, it gave me a much fuller and more satisfying experience than if I had just read one of them.
I love the characters, both main and supporting, and the fast pace of the story telling.
It's like a soap opera in a book and the supporting cast just make you want to read more about their own stories.
July 2, 2018
Another good read
It was an interesting novel to read. Luke was a character that I felt I had to deal with while reading this novel. He was really difficult. I didn't like him in the previous novel.
I was glad that Julia set him off his toes and he was able to change. She was another character that was intriguing too read too.
But above all it was one book that I enjoyed.
It was an interesting novel to read. Luke was a character that I felt I had to deal with while reading this novel. He was really difficult. I didn't like him in the previous novel.
I was glad that Julia set him off his toes and he was able to change. She was another character that was intriguing too read too.
But above all it was one book that I enjoyed.
July 14, 2018
Awesome book!
Omg absolutely loved this story! It was so exciting,intriguing,romantic and sad. Luke and Juliet just made this book so wonderful. Read read it! You will fall in love with these people.
Omg absolutely loved this story! It was so exciting,intriguing,romantic and sad. Luke and Juliet just made this book so wonderful. Read read it! You will fall in love with these people.
October 31, 2018
I finally got around to reading book two in this series and I have to say I was a little disappointed. This book overlaps with book 1 so I do recommend reading that first. Luke was a huge Jerk for a bout 95% of the book I just didn’t enjoy him. I am hoping the next one improves.
February 16, 2018
Loving
So loving this series. Sad a great character was lost. Can't wait for more. A definite must Read. Get your copy today😀😀👍👍
So loving this series. Sad a great character was lost. Can't wait for more. A definite must Read. Get your copy today😀😀👍👍
July 13, 2019
Dnf.. I just couldn't with the Hero Lucas.. he came across as a total a** to me..
March 30, 2020
By MR
It was ok but I thought it was too long ...half way through all these other characters were introduced and another story seemed to take place
It was ok but I thought it was too long ...half way through all these other characters were introduced and another story seemed to take place
October 19, 2020
Very entertaining
This is as good as book 1 except I deducted one 🌟because there were too many salacious scenes which were unnecessary the plot alone was good enough.
This is as good as book 1 except I deducted one 🌟because there were too many salacious scenes which were unnecessary the plot alone was good enough.
May 25, 2024
Basically, Hugh St Claire is the only redeeming male. Wish the book was about him and Susan, not this mess, but hindsight…
June 8, 2015
A Scandalous Charade by Ava Stone
Book #2: Scandalous Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:
Round two of Ava Stone’s Scandalous Series is an even better read than the first!! A Scandalous Charade follows Lucas Beckford, infamous ladies’ man and confirmed bachelor. Luke has spent the vast majority of his life chasing tail, drinking, gambling and, generally enjoying every second of his life. Luke is wealthy, gorgeous and, has no intention of ever changing his ways.
Lady Juliet St. Claire is, without doubt one of the most sought after women in English society. She is beautiful and wealthy beyond belief and has always felt her money will be the thing to protect her from the wretched state of marriage. Lady Juliet has never seen a successful nor happy marriage and as such has no desire to give up her independence and engage in such nonsense. With the start of the new social season, Lady Juliet is quickly seeing the flaw in her plan. With her money and her beauty she is constantly being accosted by fortune-seeking “gentlemen” looking to wed and bed the young lady and take control of her considerable fortune. In her determination to avoid romantic entanglements, Lady Juliet has developed the reputation of being cold and impenetrable – a reputation she both despises and holds dear.
When Luke Beckford meets Lady Juliet St Claire everything in his world turns upside down! Juliet is all Luke could ever hope to have in a woman and most disturbingly, with very little effort at all, she has Luke considering things like commitment and monogamy. Dismissing these horrifying thoughts, Luke hatches a plan that will get him closer to Juliet and keep the wolves at bay. Startlingly, Juliet not only accepts Luke’s proposition but jumps at the chance to spend more time with the dashing Luke Beckford. Night after night, Luke and Juliet spin around dance floors and chat with friends and family in an effort to convince all they are a true couple. Within just a few nights all of English society is buzzing and both Luke and Juliet are mostly thrilled with their arrangement.
If emotions weren’t a part of life, Juliet and Luke may have been able to pull off their perfectly plotted plan. The more time each spends with the other, the deeper each falls for the other. Juliet is willing to accept her feelings and move forward with Luke but Luke is a coward and completely ill-prepared to deal with something like feelings. As one would expect from a somewhat reformed playboy, Luke totally and completely freaks out and leaves Juliet with her head spinning and her virtue no longer intact. As if to add insult to injury, Juliet’s estranged family rears their collective and ugly head and add a considerable amount of danger to Juliet’s already devastating life. With few choices and her life in danger, Juliet also pulls a runner.
The Bottom Line: Lady Juliet and Luke Beckford are absolutely, 100% made for one another but their road to an HEA is disturbingly difficult. Luke is perhaps the most charming and most stubborn of men and totally taken aback by his feelings for Lady Juliet. In an effort to spare Juliet anymore pain Luke runs for the hills causing her more pain than he could have ever imagined. Additionally, the dumbass causes himself a considerable amount of pain when he belatedly realizes just how much he cares for Juliet. The give and take – the struggle – between Luke and Juliet is all kinds of fun with her sharp wit and his charm constantly battling for dominance. Adding to pure enjoyment of this read is Luke’s sister, Caroline whose meddling ways are as delightful as they are devious. Caroline is pure joy and without her, Luke and Juliet would have no chance at all. Thank you, Ava Stone for Caroline In all, I found A Scandalous Charade to be a most enjoyable Regency read and see it appealing to lovers of this genre as well as lovers of HEAs and light mystery.
P.S. A Scandalous Charade has, near the end some repeated parts from book one, A Scandalous Wife. If you have already ready book one, I highly recommend skimming over these parts as you won’t need the information twice. If you haven’t read book one, the information is necessary and you should definitely pay attention.
Book #2: Scandalous Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:
Round two of Ava Stone’s Scandalous Series is an even better read than the first!! A Scandalous Charade follows Lucas Beckford, infamous ladies’ man and confirmed bachelor. Luke has spent the vast majority of his life chasing tail, drinking, gambling and, generally enjoying every second of his life. Luke is wealthy, gorgeous and, has no intention of ever changing his ways.
Lady Juliet St. Claire is, without doubt one of the most sought after women in English society. She is beautiful and wealthy beyond belief and has always felt her money will be the thing to protect her from the wretched state of marriage. Lady Juliet has never seen a successful nor happy marriage and as such has no desire to give up her independence and engage in such nonsense. With the start of the new social season, Lady Juliet is quickly seeing the flaw in her plan. With her money and her beauty she is constantly being accosted by fortune-seeking “gentlemen” looking to wed and bed the young lady and take control of her considerable fortune. In her determination to avoid romantic entanglements, Lady Juliet has developed the reputation of being cold and impenetrable – a reputation she both despises and holds dear.
When Luke Beckford meets Lady Juliet St Claire everything in his world turns upside down! Juliet is all Luke could ever hope to have in a woman and most disturbingly, with very little effort at all, she has Luke considering things like commitment and monogamy. Dismissing these horrifying thoughts, Luke hatches a plan that will get him closer to Juliet and keep the wolves at bay. Startlingly, Juliet not only accepts Luke’s proposition but jumps at the chance to spend more time with the dashing Luke Beckford. Night after night, Luke and Juliet spin around dance floors and chat with friends and family in an effort to convince all they are a true couple. Within just a few nights all of English society is buzzing and both Luke and Juliet are mostly thrilled with their arrangement.
If emotions weren’t a part of life, Juliet and Luke may have been able to pull off their perfectly plotted plan. The more time each spends with the other, the deeper each falls for the other. Juliet is willing to accept her feelings and move forward with Luke but Luke is a coward and completely ill-prepared to deal with something like feelings. As one would expect from a somewhat reformed playboy, Luke totally and completely freaks out and leaves Juliet with her head spinning and her virtue no longer intact. As if to add insult to injury, Juliet’s estranged family rears their collective and ugly head and add a considerable amount of danger to Juliet’s already devastating life. With few choices and her life in danger, Juliet also pulls a runner.
The Bottom Line: Lady Juliet and Luke Beckford are absolutely, 100% made for one another but their road to an HEA is disturbingly difficult. Luke is perhaps the most charming and most stubborn of men and totally taken aback by his feelings for Lady Juliet. In an effort to spare Juliet anymore pain Luke runs for the hills causing her more pain than he could have ever imagined. Additionally, the dumbass causes himself a considerable amount of pain when he belatedly realizes just how much he cares for Juliet. The give and take – the struggle – between Luke and Juliet is all kinds of fun with her sharp wit and his charm constantly battling for dominance. Adding to pure enjoyment of this read is Luke’s sister, Caroline whose meddling ways are as delightful as they are devious. Caroline is pure joy and without her, Luke and Juliet would have no chance at all. Thank you, Ava Stone for Caroline In all, I found A Scandalous Charade to be a most enjoyable Regency read and see it appealing to lovers of this genre as well as lovers of HEAs and light mystery.
P.S. A Scandalous Charade has, near the end some repeated parts from book one, A Scandalous Wife. If you have already ready book one, I highly recommend skimming over these parts as you won’t need the information twice. If you haven’t read book one, the information is necessary and you should definitely pay attention.
April 26, 2021
Okay, it's a Penny Dreadful and that's fair enough. As such it was entertaining for the most part and had actually quite some wit and humour. However, the plot felt very drawn out at times – like could Luke and Juliet get over their misgivings already, at some point it seemed like merely an exhausting back and forth on the same issues. Then again, I didn't understand certain reactions: How was Juliet not more distraught over her sister's murder?
Other issues I had were with language. If you choose to use lines in a foreign language in your novel, I cannot see why you wouldn't have them checked out by a native speaker (unless you're fluent in it as a second or third language yourself which Stone is clearly not). There are over 100 million people in the world whose first language is German after all.
– "Guten nacht"... well, it's "Gute Nacht" and you wouldn't say that in place of "Good evening", you really only wish that to someone who is taking his or her leave to go to bed to sleep. No innuendos here either.
– "Es würde mein vergnügen sein." ... well first of all since it's a noun you'd have a capital first letter "Vergnügen", and secondly the tense is all wrong. When you use Konjunktiv II it's to express something you might imagine but that isn't possible or probable at present or at all. So I suspect the author wanted to say "It would be my pleasure" but what she conveyed instead was basically "I wish I could but I don't want to". Not very fitting for the prostitute who expresses that sentiment in the book. (If anything in that context, the correct translation might been: "Es ist mir ein Vergnügen.")
– it's "Fräulein" not "fraülein".
Last but not least since, Penny Dreadful or not, it's a historical novel and while I try to overlook the U.S. American spelling and some U.S. American idioms that seem so out of place when reading about England in the (early) 1800s, there are things that are just simply wrong:
– Anytime everyone mentions Germany before 1870/71, I cringe. It's really Prussia or any of the small (Grand) Duchies and Kingdoms before that (and even after if we're honest... till the end of WWI).
– So this is set in the 1810s and at the end of the novel Juliet forces her Uncle to emigrate to Australia. It's my understanding that the first free settlers (that means not convicts) came to Australia in the 1830s. I'm just saying... do keep in mind what's historically plausible when making these things up.
Other issues I had were with language. If you choose to use lines in a foreign language in your novel, I cannot see why you wouldn't have them checked out by a native speaker (unless you're fluent in it as a second or third language yourself which Stone is clearly not). There are over 100 million people in the world whose first language is German after all.
– "Guten nacht"... well, it's "Gute Nacht" and you wouldn't say that in place of "Good evening", you really only wish that to someone who is taking his or her leave to go to bed to sleep. No innuendos here either.
– "Es würde mein vergnügen sein." ... well first of all since it's a noun you'd have a capital first letter "Vergnügen", and secondly the tense is all wrong. When you use Konjunktiv II it's to express something you might imagine but that isn't possible or probable at present or at all. So I suspect the author wanted to say "It would be my pleasure" but what she conveyed instead was basically "I wish I could but I don't want to". Not very fitting for the prostitute who expresses that sentiment in the book. (If anything in that context, the correct translation might been: "Es ist mir ein Vergnügen.")
– it's "Fräulein" not "fraülein".
Last but not least since, Penny Dreadful or not, it's a historical novel and while I try to overlook the U.S. American spelling and some U.S. American idioms that seem so out of place when reading about England in the (early) 1800s, there are things that are just simply wrong:
– Anytime everyone mentions Germany before 1870/71, I cringe. It's really Prussia or any of the small (Grand) Duchies and Kingdoms before that (and even after if we're honest... till the end of WWI).
– So this is set in the 1810s and at the end of the novel Juliet forces her Uncle to emigrate to Australia. It's my understanding that the first free settlers (that means not convicts) came to Australia in the 1830s. I'm just saying... do keep in mind what's historically plausible when making these things up.
June 4, 2012
The heiress Juliet has the biggest dowry in England ton, not to mention she is also the daughter of a Duke and don't forget that she is pretty too which makes for an army of poor suitors that dog her ever step in society. She tries her best to dissuade the suitors with a sharp tongue because she has witnessed terrible marriages in her own family, therefore she has decided to become s spinster, although at twenty years old she has some time to wait before she actually becomes one.
Mr Luke (Lucas) Beckford meets her one night whist helping a Baron Hayward to seduce the heiress Juliet, but in the end he decides to have her himself, but not for marriage, just for seduction.
The best parts are the family interactions with Luke and his sister and Edmund, Georgie and Juliet. It is almost Austin-like in the detailed and character driven family banter in the private moments.
I was shocked that the author kills off on of the beloved sweet characters. That was surprising and unexpected, but believable and real.
I'd like to know more about Felicity (15 years old married to Captain Aaron Pierce) and her American adventures. Well written and a fun read.
Free on kindle in 2012, 257 pages.
2 and half stars
Mr Luke (Lucas) Beckford meets her one night whist helping a Baron Hayward to seduce the heiress Juliet, but in the end he decides to have her himself, but not for marriage, just for seduction.
The best parts are the family interactions with Luke and his sister and Edmund, Georgie and Juliet. It is almost Austin-like in the detailed and character driven family banter in the private moments.
I was shocked that the author kills off on of the beloved sweet characters. That was surprising and unexpected, but believable and real.
I'd like to know more about Felicity (15 years old married to Captain Aaron Pierce) and her American adventures. Well written and a fun read.
Free on kindle in 2012, 257 pages.
2 and half stars
May 28, 2012
In this book, we focus more on the relationship of Juliet St. Claire and Lucas Beckford. Juliet is described as the "Ice Princess" to all that know her and an heiress. Luke is a scoundrel of the first order. Luke's buddy Hayward enlists his help to melt the "Ice Princess" so he can marry her and get her money. Luke gets to know her and decides that he wants Juliet for himself. Not to marry of course, what scoundrel does that, right? They strike up a bargain, so they can pretend to court each other. However, it goes horribly wrong. She had the audacity to fall in love with him. After making a biggest mistake of her life she does what most do in her circumstances, flee to the country. That's when her life gets turn upside down and needs to flee for her life.
What you will find in this book: compromising situations, attempted murder (who doesn't like that), death, a bastard of an uncle, and of course a scoundrel.
What you will find in this book: compromising situations, attempted murder (who doesn't like that), death, a bastard of an uncle, and of course a scoundrel.
November 4, 2012
Waited a long time to read this, because it was the 2nd in the Scandalous series. I like to read them in order. I recently bought the first book. Both books alone, were fun to read and enjoyable. Having read them very close together. Finished one and started the next immediately. I was annoyed to no end when entire chapters seemed to have been copied from the first book. Although the story was nice, and if you omitted the copied text from the first book the book was good. In copying, the author also made mistakes. The dress that the governess wore to dinner in the first book was a Pink dress borrowed from the lady of the house, in this book it was a dark blue gown. It was just disappointing that the author didn't bother even changing up the text to make it feel new.
I think I won't bother with the next one in this series.
I think I won't bother with the next one in this series.
June 21, 2011
I only moderately liked the first book. But the price was right for the second one. I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I didn't like the main character of this book at all in the first book (he ruined a 16 year old girl and then refused to marry her so his brother did to save the family). I also wasn't impressed by him at the start of this book when his justification for not marrying her was because she wasn't "innocent." Still, as a character he grew in this book. That's what I want books about love to do! Plus - I LOVED the fact that this book overlapped the first book. There were entire scenes that happened in the first book, but they were told from a differing perspective. Very clever, very interesting. It certainly kept me reading!
April 16, 2012
Considering the book was obtained for free, I rather enjoyed it! As for the plot, I really enjoyed the many story lines surrounding the main characters. I found it a bit annoying how the main character luke kept calling Juliette "princess", as if it's the only possible romantic endearment he was capable of. I also hated how some loose ends were left I untied. Also some of the characters, even Luke at times, were wiser her moronic (Hayworth) or bottom line vicious at times (Luke).... But maybe that was the entire purpose? I haven't read any of the scandalous series but I thought that after reading this one, I should like to try the other stories.
March 14, 2015
Rhinoceros horns & elephant tusks, oh my!
What can I say about this book without giving away key pieces of the story? I recently discovered this series and have been reading the books out of order, which I don't recommend. There are many characters to keep track of, and previous stories that I have missed thus far. I will catch up, because I'm hooked on these stories and the characters. They burrow into your heart and make you love them, weep with them, and celebrate with them. Even the rogues and scoundrels are loveable, although there are also a villain or two who nobody would love, including their mothers.
What can I say about this book without giving away key pieces of the story? I recently discovered this series and have been reading the books out of order, which I don't recommend. There are many characters to keep track of, and previous stories that I have missed thus far. I will catch up, because I'm hooked on these stories and the characters. They burrow into your heart and make you love them, weep with them, and celebrate with them. Even the rogues and scoundrels are loveable, although there are also a villain or two who nobody would love, including their mothers.
October 30, 2018
Lucas Beckford is a rake but agrees to help his friend with the ‘Ice Princess’ Juliet St Claire, however things don’t go to plan, of course,so Lucas & Juliet agree to be friends & Lucas will pretend to court her to vanquish the horde of fortune hunters that dog her path.
I really enjoyed this book & love the characters & how its linked to the previous book in the series(The Scandalous Wife). As well as romance there’s intrigue & murder plus unexpected twists that will make you gasp. I love a rake & how they fall, I was reading until the small hours to finish it, definitely a keeper, really looking forward to the rest of the series
I really enjoyed this book & love the characters & how its linked to the previous book in the series(The Scandalous Wife). As well as romance there’s intrigue & murder plus unexpected twists that will make you gasp. I love a rake & how they fall, I was reading until the small hours to finish it, definitely a keeper, really looking forward to the rest of the series
July 15, 2012
I liked it all up to the part where she killed off one of the characters. After that, I deleted it. I felt betrayed because at no point did Ava Stone give any hints of danger; it was only until I reached 50% of the book did I find out there was a secondary plot that seemed to be forcibly added in. Was there a word count that Ava Stone had to reach or something? Because it was a great love story until the H just up and leaves after the H/h have sex - what a bastard. But I hope this doesn't cause you to change your opinion if you still want to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2014
The book wouldn’t have been too bad except for three things: 1) I have rarely met a hero I liked less, the way he treats the heroine hot and cold, hot and cold is so annoying, at some point he obviously realizes he loves the heroine, but I would have kicked him to the curb way before he comes around. 2) Why did the author think killing of one of the nicest people in the book would be a good idea? 3) There were a few points in the story when I felt like this would be a nice ending to the story only to read on and realize that the hero did something stupid again....
March 16, 2016
Although this is the second book in the series, it was the first one I read and it got me hooked.
I must say that the Hero in this book was one that I had a hard time liking in parts, though he does come around, regardless, I was completely drawn into the story. Lots of plot twists and turns, which I've no doubt some people won't be happy about, but that's what makes this author so amazing, she makes you feel for these characters.
I must say that the Hero in this book was one that I had a hard time liking in parts, though he does come around, regardless, I was completely drawn into the story. Lots of plot twists and turns, which I've no doubt some people won't be happy about, but that's what makes this author so amazing, she makes you feel for these characters.
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