Ripe for Scandal

The League of Second Sons #2

by Isobel Carr

The League of Second Sons

A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost . . . Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion they refuse to accept second best.

No one would ever suspect Lady Boudicea "Beau" Vaughn, a well-bred, young heiress, of secretly harboring unladylike desires. The object of her affection: Gareth Sandison, a notorious rake and her brother's best friend. Beau knows her brother would never approve, yet one glance into Gareth's smoldering eyes stirs a longing deep inside her.

The second son of an Earl, Gareth has always known the lovely Lady Beau is above his station. But when she is kidnapped, Gareth sees a chance to prove his worth and plans a daring rescue. Soon he and Beau are on the run. Yet Beau's abductors are not the only threat-passion pursues the pair at every turn. Long nights fuel forbidden fantasies, and with danger closing in, Gareth and Beau will finally give in to the ultimate temptation...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Georgian

321 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Isobel Carr has a BA in philosophy, with minors in history and creative writing (Hollins College) and an MFA in creative writing (San Francisco State University). Combine all that with $3.25 and you can buy a spicy chai at her favorite coffee shop. After finishing graduate school, it became painfully clear that a job in the arts wasn't going to pay enough to eat, so she set about looking for a "real" job, ending up as an international trade consultant (basically, fighting with lawyers for a living). When she is not doing that, she is usually writing, though she very occasionally still takes a day to go to a historical re-enactment, in the name of research of course.

Reviews

[Jen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gareth Sandison is in love with his best friend's little sister, Beau. But as a second son, he knows the lady is out of his reach. Beau has other ideas. She wants Gareth for her own, and when he saves her from a kidnapping attempt, she grasps her opportunity to have him.

The two decide to wed in order to keep Beau's reputation intact --and it works for the most part. But swooping in on a friend's sister is a cardinal sin among gentlemen and the marriage leaves Gareth ostracized among his buddies. The love is there for our couple and so is some pretty rockin' sex... but they aren't without problems. In addition to Gareth losing his friends, they must also deal with a revenge plot against Beau and the appearance of Gareth's bastard nephew, who his brother refuses to claim.

The baby is where the book lost me. I kind of like the idea of our hero and heroine banding together to thumb their nose at society. They were a united force (who entertained me with steamy love scenes.) But Gareth's willingness to break Beau's heart to perpetrate his brother's lies completely alienated me. It was totally unnecessary. Even if he wanted to maintain the pretense to the outside world, lying to Beau was inexcusable. She handled it better than anyone could expect, but when the truth comes out and she apologizes for being a bad wife... she lost me too.

The first half of the book was pretty enjoyable... and I was satisfied by the time we got to the ending. But the baby plot device/ secret/ misunderstanding was a big fail. 3 1/2 stars.


*ARC Provided by NetGalley

[Book Review Diva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isobel Carr “Ripe for Scandal”

Sizzling and scandalous is what “Ripe for Scandal” by Isobel Carr delivers. I could not turn the pages fast enough reading this one! Beau and Gareth's intoxicating romance lights up the pages with fiery passion page after page. This book had it all. From the humor, the scandal, the excitement, the drama and the heart pounding action. This is the second book in Isobel's series called “The League of Second Sons”, and I recommended this book to everyone.

Gareth Sandison is what the Ton would call a rake. He has been with married women, and women of the night to satisfy his hunger for women. He is also a second son to a prestigious Earl, meaning that he doesn't feel obligated to marry or have children, since his child would not become the next Earl in the family. Marrying is the last thing that Gareth has on his mind. That is until he finds himself rescuing his best friends sister from being kidnapped by thugs.

Gareth has secretly always fancied the beautiful Lady Boudicea Vaughn, but that is the extent of his thoughts for her. Gareth now finds himself saving Lady Boudicea from harms way in broad daylight, and this is a sure to cause a major scandal among the Ton. Gareth would hate to see his best friends sister's name ruined. He needs to prevent this from happening. If Gareth only knew that the beautiful Lady Boudicea Vaughn has plans for him that he won't be able to resist.

Lady Boudicea Vaughn has just been kidnapped by a bunch of thugs, and has no idea where she is being taken to, or who these men are. Lady Boudicea also has no idea that Gareth Sandison, her brother's best friend saw her being kidnapped and is in the process of trying to rescue her. Beau also knows that her reputation is completely ruined with the Ton, and that no man is going to want her. Her family name is officially ruined because of being kidnapped. Now that Gareth has come to Lady Boudicea's rescue and saved her from her kidnappers he can finally get her off his hands and take her back to her parents. Unfortunately Lady Boudicea comes up with an idea of seducing Gareth into marrying her, and running off to Scotland so she can try to restore her family name.

Will Beau and Gareth be able to evade her kidnappers? Will Beau be able to pull her plan off and seduce Gareth, or will she be ruined for the rest of her life? Find out what happens in this wonderful and exciting book of Isobel Carr's.

5 Hearts Out Of 5

Reviewed by Lady Victoria-HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca


Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca

[Mallorie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book by Isobel Carr that I've ever read, and I believe it will be the last. The book, as a whole, was just deplorable. I bought it with high hopes, but I absolutely could not stand Carr's writing. The characters lacked a certain depth that's typically established within the first few chapters of a novel. I'm the kind of person who enjoys siting down and reading a book all the way through, without stopping, but I actually had to put this book down-- and I rarely stop reading a book, even if it is bad. In fact, I can only recall one other time that this has happened.

This story was nothing more than a simple story. You have the set up, plot, and interaction, but they never become more than just words, people, and actions. I never felt any emotion while reading this book, save for anger at the fact that I paid $8.00 for it. As I've said before, there's simply no depth to the character, and I actually found myself slightly angry at both Beau and Gareth.

Overall I do not recommend this book-- not even for light reading. It was a huge let down, and a waste of money & time.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much better than book 1, the hero of book 1 is a villain in this book because he hasn't grown any from the last book where he was barely a hero. Still not fabulous but I'm giving it a 3 because of it's vast improvement. Only recomending if you just have to read Georgians and can't find anything else.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

For a complete review, visit Affaire de Coeur magazine, hard copy or online at: http://affairedecoeur.com
October 2011 issue.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow ... what an engrossing read ... something definitely different from the Jane Austen novel "Persuasion".. but gosh even Lady Dalrymple got mentioned as part of the ton in this epistle of 'sexy lovemaking' of characters (no not Lady Dalrymple, but the other two mentioned below) which was never described so vividly in Miss Austen's story! However, Beau and Gareth are quite a couple, both head strong young things (having known each other all their lives) get entangled in their own adventures with abduction, seduction, marriage, naughty first son whose past dives into Gareth's present! Lady Beau and her 'second son' husband are not ready to be parents but both do sort of fall in love with toddler Jamie! But there are two men who want to seek revenge on Beau and those around her which adds murder to this plot ... till the last page I was intrigued but then it left me wanting ..... as to how their future progressed !!!

[Maritza Valle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was the first book in the series and o thought it was satire.

On both fronts I was laughably wrong.

As best I can tell, this is pure bodice ripper? All the pertinent expected CWs for the genre, all the expected problematic tropes, except I didn’t expect them because the cover re-design on Scribd made me think this was something along the lines of Kitt Webb. was mostly fine (no trouble keeping up with what was going on), just not a genre I enjoy.

Probably recommend for fans of Bridgerton?

[Cordelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

What a wonderful historical romance novel with lots and lots of steamy sizzling hot sex. I truly identified with Gareth and Beau. I had not read anything by this author for awhile, so when a friend suggested this book specifically, as well as the entire series, I immediately got the book and am so very glad I did. Keep writing the exceptional sexy historical romance. A big fan forever.

[Galia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

เล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุด The League of Second Sons ซึ่งเล่าเรื่องกลุ่มคนที่ถูกมองข้ามมากที่สุดในหนังสือโรแมนซ์ นั่นก็คือ เหล่าบรรดาลูกชายคนรอง ส่วนใหญ่โฟกัสทุกอย่างมักจะอยู่ที่ทายาท หรือลูกชายคนโต พวกเขาสืบทอดบรรดาศักดิ์และทรัพย์สมบัติทั้งหมดของวงค์ตระกูล ในขณะที่น้องชายทั้งหลายเป็นตัวประกอบของเรื่อง (แม้ว่าจะมีโรแมนซ์หลายเล่มที่จับเอาลูกคนรองมาเป็นตัวเอกนะคะ แต่ส่วนใหญ่ก็มักจะเป็นหนังสือชุดที่เล่าเรื่องทั้งตระกูลไปเลย)

บทนำของเรื่องนี้ได้ใจมาก แม้ว่าเนื้อเรื่องที่ตามมาไม่ค่อยจะต่อยอดจากบทนำนั้นเท่าไหรนัก แต่สไตล์การเขียนที่ค่อนข้างแปลกไม่เหมือนใครของคนแต่ง ก็ทำให้เราติดตามอ่านเรื่องนี้ไปตลอดทั้งเรื่องอย่างไม่เบื่อหน่าย

เลดี้บอดิซี วอห์น หรือโบ เป็นถึงลูกสาวของดยุค และนั่นทำให้เธออยู่เกินเอื้อมของกาเร็ธ แซนดิสัน เพราะแม้เขาจะเป็นเพื่อนสนิทของพี่ชายของเธอ แต่กาเร็ธก็เป็นเพียงลูกชายคนรองของท่านเอิร์ล ลูกชายคนที่พ่อไม่ค่อยจะส่งเสียเลี้ยงดูอีกต่างหาก ข้อจำกัดในสถานภาพทำให้กาเร็ธไม่อาจเริ่มต้นชีวิตที่เขาเลือกได้ เขาไม่ชอบเส้นทางที่พ่อกำหนด แต่ในขณะเดียวกันก็ไม่อาจก้าวผ่านความเชื่อที่ว่า ชนชั้นขุนนางไม่อาจลงไปยุ่งเกี่ยวกับอาชีพบางอย่างได้ (เช่นทำการค้า) ทำให้ชีวิตของกาเร็ธอยู่ไปวัน ๆ และทำให้เขาแน่ใจว่า ไม่ว่าความรู้สึกที่เขามีต่อโบเป็นยังไง เขาก็ไม่มีวันได้เธอมาครอบครอง

แต่ทุกอย่างก็เปลี่ยนไป เมื่อโบถูกลักพาตัวโดยชายที่หมายตาในตัวเธอไว้ และกาเร็ธบังเอิญผ่านม��ช่วยเธอไว้พอดี แต่มันไม่ทันเวลา โบหายตัวไปจากวงสังคมเกินหนึ่งคืนแล้ว และหญิงสาวรู้ดีว่าตัวเองมีทางเลือกน้อยมาก เธอสามารถกลับไปลอนดอนพร้อมชื่อเสียงที่เสียหาย ถูกส่งไปเก็บตัวที่บ้านในชนบท และยอมรับชะตากรรมเป็นสาวแก่ หรือเธอจะเลือกกาเร็ธ ชายที่เธอแอบมองมาพักใหญ่ และหญิงสาวก็เลือก

การแต่งงานที่ไม่มีใครเห็นด้วยเกิดขึ้น ชีวิตคู่ที่เริ่มต้นอย่างไม่ได้ตั้งใจเริ่มต้น ในที่สุดกาเร็ธก็ได้หญิงสาวที่เขาแอบหมายปองมานาน แต่ก็เสียเพื่อนรักไป เมื่อลีโอ พี่ชายของโบไม่อาจยอมรับการแต่งงานของเพื่อนสนิทกะน้องสาวได้ ถ้านั่นแย่ไม่พอ ลีโอทำให้เพื่อนคนอื่น ๆ (ในกลุ่มเหล่าลูกชายคนรอง) ปฏิเสธเขาไปด้วย การกระทำของกาเร็ธถูกมองว่า เป็นเรื่องเลวร้าย (เพราะลีโอไม่รู้ว่า กาเร็ธไปช่วยโบมาจากคนร้ายอีกคน แต่คิดว่าเขาเป็นคนลักพาตัวเธอไปตั้งแต่ต้น)

เล่มนี้พล็อตธรรมดามาก ๆ นะคะ แต่เราชอบการเขียนของคนแต่งค่ะ รู้สึกว่าแปลก และมีเอกลักษณ์เป็นของตัวเองมาก คาแร็คเตอร์มีชีวิตชีวา สดใหม่ ทั้งที่ไม่น่าจะทำให้เรารู้สึกแบบนั้นได้ แต่การเล่าเรื่องก็ทำให้เรารู้สึกเช่นนั้นจริง ๆ หลายคนอาจจะมองว่า มีหลายอย่างในตัวนางเอกที่ดูสมัยใหม่เกินยุค แต่เราไม่รู้สึกว่าเป็นเรื่องเลวร้ายนะคะ เราชอบความมั่นคง และการกล้าตัดสินใจของเธอ ในฉากที่พระเอกบอกรัก อ่านแล้วก็รู้สึกว่า น่ารักมาก เพราะเธอตอบกลับไปว่า ทำไมเพิ่งมาบอก ฉันรู้มาตั้งนานแล้วนะว่ารู้สึกยังไงกะฉัน

พระเอกก็ถือว่าโอเคค่ะ มีความรู้สึกผิดบ้างที่ไปได้ตัวน้องสาวของเพื่อนรักมาเป็นภรรยา แต่ก็ไม่มากถึงกับทำให้รู้สึกว่า น่ารำคาญ จุดที่เราว่าแตกต่างจากเรื่องอื่นก็คือ พฤติกรรมของลีโอ พี่ชายของโบ เราชอบนะคะ เขารักน้องสาว และแม้จะรักเพื่อน แต่ก็รู้จักนิสัยของกาเร็ธดี จนทำให้คิดว่า เขาไม่ใช่สามีที่ดี หรือเหมาะสม และเมื่อทั้งสองแต่งงานกัน ลีโอก็ไม่ได้ลืมอะไรง่าย ๆ ฉากเพื่อนทะเลาะกันนี่ ดูเป็นธรรมชาติดีค่ะ

ก่อนหน้าที่จะเริ่มอ่านเล่มนี้ เราเห็นรีวิวหลายแห่งที่ไม่ค่อยเป็นบวกกับเรื่องนี้เท่าไหรนะคะ เหตุผลใหญ่ที่คนไม่ชอบกันก็คือ พวกเขารู้สึกว่า คาแร็คเตอร์ไม่มีความลึก ซึ่งนั่นก็จริงค่ะ แต่เราไม่รู้สึกว่า เป็นปัญหานะ เพราะจริง ๆ แล้ว ทั้งโบ และกาเร็ธก็อายุน้อย ทั้งชีวิตก็อยู่ในร่มเงาของครอบครัว ไม่เคยทำอะไรด้วยตัวเอง การคาดหวังให้ทั้งสองมีด้านลึกในทางความคิด จึงอาจจะมากเกินไป ดังนั้นเราเลยรู้สึกว่า คาแร็คเตอร์สมกับบทบาทของพวกเขาเอง

ขอบอกว่า อ่านเล่มนี้แล้วติดใจสไตล์การเขียนของคนแต่งมากกว่าอย่างอื่นค่ะ นี่ก็กำลังคิดว่า จะกลับไปหยิบเอาเล่มแรกในชุด (เรื่องของลีโอ พี่ชายของโบ) มาอ่านดีไหม แต่เรามีประเด็นกะพล็อตเรื่องเล็กน้อย (a whore with heart of gold) เลยยังลังเลอยู่ แต่สำหรับเล่มนี้ เราแนะนำให้คนอ่านที่รู้สึกเบื่อไปกะความจำเจของเรื่องแนวย้อนยุคนะคะ เพราะการเขียนแตกต่างจริง ๆ แม้ว่าเนื้อเรื่องจะยังคงตามสูตรอยู่ก็ตาม

คะแนนที่ 70

[SidneyKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two! Two! Two books in one!

I'm glad I stuck around for the second in Isobel Carr's League of the Second Sons series, Ripe for Scandal. This book had some wonderful stuff in it.

Have you ever been surrounded by nincompoops? Have you ever felt like everyone was out to get you? Are you the only sane person in the world? Well, those questions and many more are some that our heroine and hero might be asking themselves.

For those of you keeping count, we've met this couple in the previous book: Boudicea aka Beau was the sister of Leo from Ripe for Pleasure. Gareth is one of the second sons and the best-est buddy of Leo. And, let me tell you, with friends like Leo you don't need any enemies. Also, while I'm on the subject (I'm not), I hated the name Beau. Every time I read it, I had to remember that Beau was a girl.

This is a story of two people who have known each other forever and are in love/infatuated with each other. Of course, for one reason or another, nothing can ever - ever come of this love - so, Boudicea/Beau moons over Gareth. And, being a rake, Gareth does what any self-respecting rake would do when deprived of the woman he lust after. Jumps on anything in long skirts that moves. He's one of those Romanceland heroes that I get concerned over. You know the ones with diseases and what-nots. Anyway, the first part of this book is taken up with the abduction of Boudicea/Beau, the rescue by Gareth and their being forced to marry. It is during this part of the book that we grow to understand Boudicea/Beau and Gareth. We watch them as they discover each other. They are truly an amazing couple, and a step above other romance couples struggling with misunderstandings. These two are mostly honest with each other, they like each other, they enjoy being together. It was an amazing relationship. And, this was in the first part. So, if the couple are getting along with each other by the first half of the story, where's the tension you might ask?

Well, let me tell you, there were so many things beating against this couple, it's amazing they made it through to the HEA. There were also quite a number of horrible people in this book; it was really quite horrendous. Horrible friends, horrible families, horrible villains. And, I really wanted to choke Leo...I don't think I liked him very much in the first book. This book didn't change my mind. He was not any kind of friend to Gareth. He gave no thought as to what his actions might be doing to his sister. He was truly a creep! Thank goodness there were animals in this book. The animals were the only beings that were nice to our couple.

And then - there is the BIG problem and the mood of the book shifts. By the time this happens, you have come to love Gareth and Boudicea/Beau. When the BIG problem came along, I knew how my wonderful couple would react. Knowing how Gareth and Beau were going to react and wondering how the author was going to resolve the BIG problem led to some mighty tense moments in my mind. All I can say is my fingernails are gone and I stayed up late just to finish this book.

Yes, there was some uneven plotting. Yes, there appeared to be some things that were rushed...but, overall this was a good book and a great addition to the series. Good job Ms. Carr aka Kalen Hughes, glad you're still around.

[Lisa Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adventurous and tempting novel, Ripe for Scandal is a great addition to the League of Second Sons series. Isobel Carr pens a charming and delightful novel with plenty of drama and sizzling passion.

Lady Boudicea “Beau” Vaughn has spent her fair share of time flirting with young gentlemen, but their is only one she wants and he is the one she can’t have. Gareth Sandison, second son of an Earl, is not only below her station, but a notorious rake. They have both known each other since they were children and both harbor secret feelings for each other, but cannot act on them. When Beau is kidnapped by an admirer, Gareth is there to save the day. Now that Beau is on the cusp of utter ruin, they must seek out a solution and it is not an easy one. As these two face the consequences of their actions, they must see if they have any chance at a ‘happily ever after.’

In truth, I adored this novel. Perhaps one of the most unconventional historical romances I’ve read in quiet some time and it completely enthralled me. The stunning couple at it’s forefront is overflowing with perfect chemistry. One of the aspects I loved best was the fact that you were introduced to a couple that was already infatuated with each other yet did not reveal it. It was perfect! Yet their situation sort of forces them together and because of it, each side feels guilty for entrapping the other. It was hilarious yet sweetly romantic! Especially once the truth finally comes out.

While the storyline was fantastic, it was really the excellent detail of Ripe for Scandal that kept it going. Half way through I was truly stumped with where this story was going. You almost felt like things could wind up into a perfectly neat ending at any minute. Therein lies the brilliance of Carr’s story…it was always far from over. Each experience and each chapter in this novel was just as exciting as the last. The romance and the drama never let up for a moment and that was fantastic to read. Lovely cast of supporting characters as well. They were always fun and entertaining to read about.

Beau was an interesting heroine because she was so complex. She wanted Gareth as her better half but was not willing to give up her individuality to have it. I adored her bold independence and her willingness to fight for the things she wanted. She was always willing to make the best of a bad situation and she had such passion for life, you couldn’t help but find her endearing. On the other hand, Gareth was an unusual rake. He knew he could never have the one woman he wanted, so he went out searching for anyone to take her place. Of course, no one could match up to his beloved Beau. When fate finally brings them together, he is not willing to give her up. His determination to make Beau his was one of the most romantic aspects of the novel. You knew he would fight for her no matter what the cost.

Overall, a splendid novel. The story line was perfect, the characters were fantastic and the passion was sizzling. I was entertained from beginning to end, hardly knowing what to expect in the next chapter. Isobel Carr has certainly left her mark on the historical romance genre with this fabulous series…I look forward to her future works!

Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5

[Rory O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau has been out in society for years now, but has yet to choose a suitor. This vexes Gareth to know end, he knows she’s above him, and if she just hurry up and marry herself off he could stop fantasizing about her (or at least try). Beau, on the other hand, has other ideas – including trying to get the seemingly indifferent Gareth to notice her. Despite being chased after by a number of suitors, Beau refuses to marry. She wants to marry for love and Gareth is her choice. Even if Gareth continually chooses to be London society’s most desirable rake…

Beau, both beautiful and rich, is constantly chased after by suitors. Even if she has made her intention clear, some choose to ignore her to the point to kidnapping her and trying to force her to marry. Beau’s been kidnapped once before, but her family manages to cover it up (lest she be ruined). They do, however, warn her, that should it happen again, they will let her lose her reputation. When she is kidnapped in broad daylight, in front of Gareth, she knows she is a good as ruined – until Gareth rescues her. Somehow, despite his reservations (he knows he will be viewed as both a fortune hunter and a poor friend), Beau manages to convince him to save her from ruin by marrying her. Both are secretly delighted with the arrangements, as they are getting greatest desires fulfilled. Despite her new marriage, Beau’s scorned suitors are not satisfied and Gareth may be hiding a few secrets of his own…

Ripe for Scandal, the second entry into The League of Second Sons series, is a charming and delightful novel, filled with plenty of drama and sexual tension. Beau and Gareth have great chemistry together. Each has responsibilities to their families, but they cannot seem to resist each other (though they certainly keep secrets from each other, Gareth especially). Just when you think they’ve gotten everything right: they’re happily married, settling into their new home, surprising new secrets threaten to ruin their newlywed bliss.

Leo and Viola, the characters in first entry into the series, make a few brief appearances. Leo, as Beau’s older brother and Gareth’s best friend, feels both hurt and betrayed by Beau and Gareth’s actions. He cannot forgive Gareth, thinking he kidnapped and forced Beau into marriage, simply because he refuses to believe his sister when she tells him the truth of their arrangement. Each of the characters, except Viola, is stubborn to a fault. It makes for fun, if frustrating, reading. The truth, of course, eventually comes out – but it’s questionable if things have gone too far to be forgiven.
Isobel Carr’s The League of Second Sons series is fun and enticing series. The characters are witty and engaging, each with their flaws, but lovable none the less (especially Gareth!). I’m looking forward book #3, Ripe for Seduction, which is scheduled to be released December 18, 2012. Romance readers, this is a series worth checking out.

[Angela Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Feathers

This Review also posted at UTC Book Blog

True to its name, this second installment for The League of Second Sons series is full of scandal, family entanglement, romance with steamy scenes, and suspense. Ms. Carr has outdone herself as this book is so much better than the last!

Lady Boudicea Vaughn is the marriageable daughter of the Duke of Lochmaben, also Lord Leonidas little sister. This girl is not the black sheep of the family by far, but definitely a black sheep of their society. She is always going against the rules, and intentionally or not, her reputation is always in question. She will find herself in a situation where her purity will be at risk to the point of no return. And that‘s where our Hero comes in, the famous Rake of London.

Gareth Sandison is the second son of the Earl of Roxwell, member of the League, and childhood friends with Lord Leonidas, which complicates things. Now, this guy is “..a rake known for dallying with other men’s wives…”, he was a flirt, a wanderer living the life of a bachelor. However, when the responsibility of taking care of Leo’s little sister came up, he definitely came through, in more ways then one.

They have known each other since they were kids and always had feelings for each other. Knowing it will never be, Garreth and Beau avoided each other but a situation will arise where their attraction cannot be ignored. The love scenes were fairly hot and take note, there is very thorough instruction of how-to-do a Hand Job included.

Their coming together was as predictable as the Guy Next Door story, but do not be fooled. This book has twists and turns that are unexpected and left me holding my breath.

Ms. Carr was able to deliver an action packed story, one suspense after the next. She managed to include the Duke, the Earl, few members of the League, other members of their family and of course the villains of the story. And they were all infuriatingly annoying but added intensity to the story. I enjoyed this book beyond my expectations and cannot wait to find out what book 3 entails.

I have to include some quotes from our Rake.

Gareth:
~“Bringing pleasure to your partner, giving rather than receiving, is a pleasure all its own..”
~ “I swear to God, Beau. If you’re still straddling me when you open my Breeches…”
~ “Spit in hour hand..”

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The League of Second Sons returns with a bang. Boudicea "Beau" Vaughn is the lovely but untouchable sister of Lord Leonidas Vaughn. Gareth Sandison knows Beau is above him, even if her brother did approve. Beau is aware of Gareth's rakish reputation, but still can't shake him from her mind. When she is kidnapped by a scorned suitor's henchman, she knows she is ruined. Her liberator is none other than Gareth. She convinces Gareth to complete the kidnapping and marry her. Against his better judgement, Gareth agrees. Beau's family intercepts the couple before the vows are exchanged, and grudgingly accepts Gareth. But their new marriage is tested by the appearance of a small child bearing Gareth's blue eyes and name. Will Beau and Gareth regret their hasty decision?
I loved the second book in The League of Second Sons series just as much as I loved the first. Beau is much more fiery than Viola, which makes for some great dialogue. And Gareth is a total sweetheart of a man! The introduction of the Sandison heir, Jaime, makes for quite a mystery, which amps up the story! The love scenes were nice, not overdone, but well written. Isobel Carr writes some awesome books. Pick this one up when you need a fluffy but sturdy read!

[Marcy Strahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful girl with a large dowry is something many a men would go to any lengths to have. Kidnapped once again...only to be saved by her brothers best friend. Now on the run because no one would believe he is not the kidnapper. Her reputation is ruins. They find love & redemption on the road. Can they build a life together & defeat those who plot to destroy them? Read this fast & furious novel to see! Warning~it's beyond steamy ...almost XXX! Still, you will love this guilty pleasure even though it is Scandalous!

[Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a lot better than I expected. With a cover to match it's title, Ripe for Scandal offers the reader a range of emotions not typical to the usual smutty historical romance fare as the main characters take on hardship after hardship in their already shaky marriage. I gave it three stars for diverting a bit from the formula of historical romance we are so used to. However, fans of this genre will still feel comfortable and familiar with the style and locales.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read for me due to the fact that I couldn't put the book down. I found myself wanting to leave my class and just read my book. The characters were enjoyable and Jamie threw a good curve ball in the storyline. I still need to read the first book, and it's in my stack to read. I can't wait to start!

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

strong female character. beau fought for what she wanted and refused to be kidnapped and made life a living hell for her captures. great villain to hate. as for gareth all i can say is yum. and both sets of parents were jerks, but ended up nicer than they were at first. can't wait for the next installment.



(Received free through Goodreads First Reads)

[Jill Twigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any which way she turned Beau was going to be scandalized. Why not take advantage of her predicament. Gareth had been in love with Beau since they were very young; he knew what he was getting into when he allowed Beau to carry on with her plan.
I loved his pet name for her, I loved the plot and I loved getting to know the other characters which will be in other books.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Gareth and Beau (should have had a better spelling) as a couple but Leo didn't match the character as written in his book. This was Beau getting her man and Gareth getting his HEA with the woman he has always loved.

[Ella Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Beau Vaughn has her sights on her brother’s best friend. Gareth wants her as well, but not at the cost of his friendship and reputation. However, the going gets interesting when Beau is kidnapped and Gareth is the only one close enough to rescue her.

[Jo (My House of Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simply okay, which I hate saying about a book, but there's not enough here to compel me to continue with this series.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book.

I loved this book! It was really nice! Full of romantic, a little mystery, and lots of scandal! I really recommend this book.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The conflict between Beau and Gareth. The twists and scandals. Cant go into detail or will spoil it. but I recommend this book

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, you just need a good bodice ripper. This is one :)

[Gypsie Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Lots of explicit scenes with doses of intrigue. How much can a man take? I feel for Gareth.

[Foggygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very entertaining steamy historical romance with a heroine who is no shrinking violet.

[Tuuli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th star is for Margo and the Earl