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Scandals and Seductions #5
The Seduction of Scandal
A bride runs from her arranged marriage into the arms of a legendary outlaw in this romantic adventure from a New York Times bestselling author.
Lady Corinne, rebellious daughter of the duke of Banfield, refuses to marry Lord Freddie Sherwin. Yes, he's the catch of the Season and the man her father chose for her. He's also the most despicable male of her acquaintance. With her wedding only weeks away, she flees and finds herself a prisoner of the notorious Thorn!
The rich and powerful tremble at the highwayman's name, while England's villagers rejoice in his bold exploits. His identity is a secret; his life a mystery—until Lady Corinne tumbles into his arms. If the Thorn wants her silence, he must hide her until her wedding day passes. It's a devil's bargain and one that can only lead to a hangman's noose.
Corinne believes it the perfect plan—until her highwayman reveals a passionate lover's heart, and she realizes that in the seduction of scandal, she may have found the hero she's been waiting for her whole life.
Lady Corinne, rebellious daughter of the duke of Banfield, refuses to marry Lord Freddie Sherwin. Yes, he's the catch of the Season and the man her father chose for her. He's also the most despicable male of her acquaintance. With her wedding only weeks away, she flees and finds herself a prisoner of the notorious Thorn!
The rich and powerful tremble at the highwayman's name, while England's villagers rejoice in his bold exploits. His identity is a secret; his life a mystery—until Lady Corinne tumbles into his arms. If the Thorn wants her silence, he must hide her until her wedding day passes. It's a devil's bargain and one that can only lead to a hangman's noose.
Corinne believes it the perfect plan—until her highwayman reveals a passionate lover's heart, and she realizes that in the seduction of scandal, she may have found the hero she's been waiting for her whole life.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2011
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
77 books2,244 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in beautiful West Virginia where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in beautiful West Virginia where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 9, 2021
4.5 I did enjoy this story. Good characters and humour .
July 22, 2011
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Riding through the Glen...
Spoilers ahead. If you are at all familiar with Cathy Maxwell, then The Seduction of Scandal will hold no surprises for you. This is the story of spunky Corinne who doesn't want to get married, so she decides to run away in the back of a carriage. Since there is a highwayman in this story, the carriage she's hiding in gets robbed by our Robin Hood aka the Thorn aka Will Norich, the local minister. I'm not going give too much away, other than to say our intrepid heroine blackmails our highwayman/minister/hero into hiding her. And, they fall in love...fast!
There were parts of this book that I found humorous, and I liked Corinne a lot. I thought she was a pretty forceful woman, however, there were some things that bothered me about Corinne. She didn't seem to have an understanding of the word "hide." According to Websters: Hide is "a. to put out of sight: secret. b. to conceal for shelter or protection: shield c. to keep secret." No where in Websters does it say anything about going outside, going into the village or attending church services. She had an odd way of hiding. I also had a problem with the use of some modern phraseology or, at least, I was thrown out of the story. I just couldn't visualize a woman of the 1800's expressing herself with "How heroic was that?" That phrase just seemed too modern for me, might as well be "What's up with that?"
And then, toward the end of the book another character shows up to save the day. It seems he has been looking for Lord Bossley (or at least the person posing as Lord Bossley) for years. Now, why he had so much trouble finding Lord Bossley or the fake Bossley I don't know - because, unlike Corinne, Lord Bossley/fake Bossley wasn't hiding. He was in plain sight, maneuvering himself through society with a wife and son. So, I didn't get it.
Overall, there were parts that I liked and it had Cathy Maxwell's trademark humor, but it wasn't one of my favorite Cathy Maxwell.
Spoilers ahead. If you are at all familiar with Cathy Maxwell, then The Seduction of Scandal will hold no surprises for you. This is the story of spunky Corinne who doesn't want to get married, so she decides to run away in the back of a carriage. Since there is a highwayman in this story, the carriage she's hiding in gets robbed by our Robin Hood aka the Thorn aka Will Norich, the local minister. I'm not going give too much away, other than to say our intrepid heroine blackmails our highwayman/minister/hero into hiding her. And, they fall in love...fast!
There were parts of this book that I found humorous, and I liked Corinne a lot. I thought she was a pretty forceful woman, however, there were some things that bothered me about Corinne. She didn't seem to have an understanding of the word "hide." According to Websters: Hide is "a. to put out of sight: secret. b. to conceal for shelter or protection: shield c. to keep secret." No where in Websters does it say anything about going outside, going into the village or attending church services. She had an odd way of hiding. I also had a problem with the use of some modern phraseology or, at least, I was thrown out of the story. I just couldn't visualize a woman of the 1800's expressing herself with "How heroic was that?" That phrase just seemed too modern for me, might as well be "What's up with that?"
And then, toward the end of the book another character shows up to save the day. It seems he has been looking for Lord Bossley (or at least the person posing as Lord Bossley) for years. Now, why he had so much trouble finding Lord Bossley or the fake Bossley I don't know - because, unlike Corinne, Lord Bossley/fake Bossley wasn't hiding. He was in plain sight, maneuvering himself through society with a wife and son. So, I didn't get it.
Overall, there were parts that I liked and it had Cathy Maxwell's trademark humor, but it wasn't one of my favorite Cathy Maxwell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2017
I have to say this was a fun book to read. The characters, well the main characters -Will & Corinne, were realistic. The storyline seemed to be in a rush toward the end. It was pretty easy to figure out the mystery, so pretty easy to follow. The passionate tension between Will & Corinne was intense and wonderful to read. You can really feel his protective stance toward her. And also Corinne's desperation to get out of an arranged marriage.
Will, a reverend, remembers lady Corinne back when she was 15 and they each made a laughingstock of each other at a dance. Will never forgets. So when Corinne is engaged to be married to his foster brother, Freddie, he has decided to enter that world again. Except Will holds secrets. Corinne is trapped. She is trapped in marriage to a selfish, indiscreet man. She desires to be released from these bonds, so she runs away. But she runs into a notorious highwayman on her escape. But there is something familiar about this man. Now she has to hide away until her wedding day passes. But the sparks that fly in the coming weeks are turning into fireworks. Meanwhile, Will learn some hard truths about his 'foster' father.
Will, a reverend, remembers lady Corinne back when she was 15 and they each made a laughingstock of each other at a dance. Will never forgets. So when Corinne is engaged to be married to his foster brother, Freddie, he has decided to enter that world again. Except Will holds secrets. Corinne is trapped. She is trapped in marriage to a selfish, indiscreet man. She desires to be released from these bonds, so she runs away. But she runs into a notorious highwayman on her escape. But there is something familiar about this man. Now she has to hide away until her wedding day passes. But the sparks that fly in the coming weeks are turning into fireworks. Meanwhile, Will learn some hard truths about his 'foster' father.
May 8, 2015
This is only the second book I've read by Cathy Maxwell, but I enjoy her ability to put together an adventurous romance. This one involves a runaway bride and a notorious English highwayman.
August 18, 2011
THE SEDUCTION OF SCANDAL by Cathy Maxwell
08/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Are we all divided personalities – the one we show and the one we really are?
You might convince Lady Corinne to do any number of things she might not like but no one was going to make her marry that horrid man regardless of his title or incredible lineage, the man was a nightmare. Both fathers have big plans for this merger, I mean marriage and Corinne pleading to beg off is soundly rejected. So Corinne decides to step out of the comfort zone she lives in and moves to a place no one could find her, at least until after the wedding date passes. What she never expected on this journey was to be shot, saved and figures out whom the notorious highway the Black Thorn was. When you go past safe and straight into reckless behavior, you never know what is going to happen.
Corinne is having trouble digesting all this information because the Black Thorn may be a noble thief that steals to provide for the poor but he is also the Reverend Mr. William Norwich who just happens to be the foster son of her potential future father-in-law and the man that owns the property the Black Thorn is stealing. Never one to let any situation not be used to her advantage, Corinne decides to hide out at Will’s parsonage. Now this is only until the wedding date passes and in exchange for she will keep Will’s secret, this is a win-win right? Will is not so sure her pretending to be his cousin is going to work out and while she believes God brought her to Will, he is sure the deity came from hell, the direction he is now setting a course for.
Upholding the word of the Lord and finding answers that lead him on a righteous path has been at times a test for Will’s moral compass. Will knows that at some point, he is going to have to answer for his sins but will the judgment come from a higher power or his foster father a man Will owes his existence to or so the story goes. But turning Corinne out is not going to happen because her belief that he is his salvation is stronger than his doubts and his ability to resist her is weakening. The religious life has taught Will strength and control but he is not sure there is enough of it in him to stop him from taking the love and tenderness that Corinne is offering even though the last thing he feels he deserves is her love.
When the dark secrets come out about everyone’s misdeed it is going to take more than faith and good will to get through this sea of deception. But Will and Corinne are meant to be together, work for the good of his church, and start a life together enjoying the passion of a religious life and some good spiritual awakening after the lights go out!
Cathy Maxwell always delivers on an original storyline, fresh characters, incredible twists, and fascinating turns reader do not expect. This book hits on every one of those ideas and adds in a few feisty women, some heart wrenching moments of sadness, startling revelations and in the end you know there is some higher source at work here to great such a work of romantic literature.
08/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Are we all divided personalities – the one we show and the one we really are?
You might convince Lady Corinne to do any number of things she might not like but no one was going to make her marry that horrid man regardless of his title or incredible lineage, the man was a nightmare. Both fathers have big plans for this merger, I mean marriage and Corinne pleading to beg off is soundly rejected. So Corinne decides to step out of the comfort zone she lives in and moves to a place no one could find her, at least until after the wedding date passes. What she never expected on this journey was to be shot, saved and figures out whom the notorious highway the Black Thorn was. When you go past safe and straight into reckless behavior, you never know what is going to happen.
Corinne is having trouble digesting all this information because the Black Thorn may be a noble thief that steals to provide for the poor but he is also the Reverend Mr. William Norwich who just happens to be the foster son of her potential future father-in-law and the man that owns the property the Black Thorn is stealing. Never one to let any situation not be used to her advantage, Corinne decides to hide out at Will’s parsonage. Now this is only until the wedding date passes and in exchange for she will keep Will’s secret, this is a win-win right? Will is not so sure her pretending to be his cousin is going to work out and while she believes God brought her to Will, he is sure the deity came from hell, the direction he is now setting a course for.
Upholding the word of the Lord and finding answers that lead him on a righteous path has been at times a test for Will’s moral compass. Will knows that at some point, he is going to have to answer for his sins but will the judgment come from a higher power or his foster father a man Will owes his existence to or so the story goes. But turning Corinne out is not going to happen because her belief that he is his salvation is stronger than his doubts and his ability to resist her is weakening. The religious life has taught Will strength and control but he is not sure there is enough of it in him to stop him from taking the love and tenderness that Corinne is offering even though the last thing he feels he deserves is her love.
When the dark secrets come out about everyone’s misdeed it is going to take more than faith and good will to get through this sea of deception. But Will and Corinne are meant to be together, work for the good of his church, and start a life together enjoying the passion of a religious life and some good spiritual awakening after the lights go out!
Cathy Maxwell always delivers on an original storyline, fresh characters, incredible twists, and fascinating turns reader do not expect. This book hits on every one of those ideas and adds in a few feisty women, some heart wrenching moments of sadness, startling revelations and in the end you know there is some higher source at work here to great such a work of romantic literature.
September 28, 2011
I finished it, but with many eye-rolls. Picky daughter is betrothed by her father to the supposed catch of the Season when she turns down every proposal she's gotten. Lady Corinne would just as soon someone ELSE "catch" Freddie-- she finds him reprehensible... and finds him in bed with her own maid. But no matter how awful his behavior (and it gets PRETTY awful), her parents will not allow her to cry off. (Frankly, I didn't think the author established that Corinne's parents "doted" on her-- they seem pretty callous and shallow throughout the book, to me).
Meanwhile, Freddie's father, Lord Bossley, is a tyrant with greedy political ambitions and a strong whiff of the unsavory about him. He wrings every last drop of funds out of his tenants, and sends his bullyboys to break their legs when they claim they can't pay. Someone loyal to him can't take it anymore... his conscience has cried "enough." He takes up the mantle of a famed long-ago reiver from the region (right on the Scottish border), covering his face with a hood made from a flour sack and calling himself the Thorn.
Corinne, in attempting to run away from her marriage, finds herself at the mercy of the Thorn... or perhaps it's better said that he's at HER mercy, because Corinne immediately discovers his identity and blackmails him into hiding her for the four weeks until her wedding date, so she can break the betrothal.
I found the entire plot exceedingly far-fetched, and Corinne herself was an unmitigated ninny. She's selfish and completely heedless of danger (until she starts having "feelings" about things about halfway through the book, like her old grandmother used to). She and Thorn despise and avoid each other (with good reason), until suddenly they're the love of the ages. It was like the entire middle of the book, the part where they get to know one another and fall in love, was cut out. Thorn was a fairly decent character, but he also descends into cliche towards the end of the book. The villain of the piece behaved very oddly and was not at all consistent in his character (yes, I figured out the ending "twist" less than halfway through the book... and was disappointed to be proven right). The supporting cast (particularly the housekeeper's daughter) was also quite cliched.
The writing style was enjoyable, but the characterization and plot just didn't do it for me at ALL.
I liked the writing style well enough, and
Meanwhile, Freddie's father, Lord Bossley, is a tyrant with greedy political ambitions and a strong whiff of the unsavory about him. He wrings every last drop of funds out of his tenants, and sends his bullyboys to break their legs when they claim they can't pay. Someone loyal to him can't take it anymore... his conscience has cried "enough." He takes up the mantle of a famed long-ago reiver from the region (right on the Scottish border), covering his face with a hood made from a flour sack and calling himself the Thorn.
Corinne, in attempting to run away from her marriage, finds herself at the mercy of the Thorn... or perhaps it's better said that he's at HER mercy, because Corinne immediately discovers his identity and blackmails him into hiding her for the four weeks until her wedding date, so she can break the betrothal.
I found the entire plot exceedingly far-fetched, and Corinne herself was an unmitigated ninny. She's selfish and completely heedless of danger (until she starts having "feelings" about things about halfway through the book, like her old grandmother used to). She and Thorn despise and avoid each other (with good reason), until suddenly they're the love of the ages. It was like the entire middle of the book, the part where they get to know one another and fall in love, was cut out. Thorn was a fairly decent character, but he also descends into cliche towards the end of the book. The villain of the piece behaved very oddly and was not at all consistent in his character (yes, I figured out the ending "twist" less than halfway through the book... and was disappointed to be proven right). The supporting cast (particularly the housekeeper's daughter) was also quite cliched.
The writing style was enjoyable, but the characterization and plot just didn't do it for me at ALL.
I liked the writing style well enough, and
February 22, 2022
2.5 stars
Pros
+ mailed to me by my Mom, an avid romance reader
+ romance tropes: arranged marriage/runaway bride, injured/caretaker, Robin Hood love interest
+ Corinne: a diamond of the first water who rejects all suitors, ending with her father arranging a marriage of convenience for money to loathsome Freddie
+ Will: Freddie's adopted brother from Barbados, who is the local village reverend
+ I loved Will a lot. He protects those under his care and willingly sacrifices for their health and safety. Plus, he's loyal to his old horse.
Cons
- Corinne, Corinne, Corinne. Such a selfish person! She willingly puts her own agenda ahead of Will's public and secret life, jeopardizing his job, his life, and the care of those he is trying to protect. I thought her hiding ~could~ work if she staying in the hut, but from the moment she showed up on his horse in his village... of course things were going to go up in flames! Corinne, really.
- The plot didn't make a lot of sense regarding Will's backstory and the actions of Lord Bossley. There were too many holes that the author should have tightened up to make it more believable.
- The end twist regarding Will/Lord Bossley was woven in so unsubtly that the breadcumbing of it felt more like the author was leaving whole loaves of bread. By the time the reveal happened, I was like... obviously.
- While I liked the building tension between them, the sex scenes were a bit old-school and overwritten for my liking.
TW: physical assault, murder (off-page), guns, getting shot, implied future sexual assault
Pros
+ mailed to me by my Mom, an avid romance reader
+ romance tropes: arranged marriage/runaway bride, injured/caretaker, Robin Hood love interest
+ Corinne: a diamond of the first water who rejects all suitors, ending with her father arranging a marriage of convenience for money to loathsome Freddie
+ Will: Freddie's adopted brother from Barbados, who is the local village reverend
+ I loved Will a lot. He protects those under his care and willingly sacrifices for their health and safety. Plus, he's loyal to his old horse.
Cons
- Corinne, Corinne, Corinne. Such a selfish person! She willingly puts her own agenda ahead of Will's public and secret life, jeopardizing his job, his life, and the care of those he is trying to protect. I thought her hiding ~could~ work if she staying in the hut, but from the moment she showed up on his horse in his village... of course things were going to go up in flames! Corinne, really.
- The plot didn't make a lot of sense regarding Will's backstory and the actions of Lord Bossley. There were too many holes that the author should have tightened up to make it more believable.
- The end twist regarding Will/Lord Bossley was woven in so unsubtly that the breadcumbing of it felt more like the author was leaving whole loaves of bread. By the time the reveal happened, I was like... obviously.
- While I liked the building tension between them, the sex scenes were a bit old-school and overwritten for my liking.
TW: physical assault, murder (off-page), guns, getting shot, implied future sexual assault
October 29, 2011
Very good book. I liked Will and the way he protected the people of the village where he served as the rector. He was determined to keep Lord Bossley from harming anyone else in his quest for wealth and power. Corinne knew that she could not marry Lord Bossley's son, that there was something very wrong about that family. When she saw an opportunity to escape, she took it. She ended up in Will's village, where he and the villagers hid and protected her. She also saw how good a man Will was, and began to fall in love with him. I started to suspect Bossley's secret fairly early, but I really enjoyed the resolution at the end.
April 8, 2024
I am a sucker for a vicar hero…
This was the perfect conflicted hero/secret identity/ forced proximity romance!
I loved the strong willed heroine and the hero who is drawn to her against his better judgment.
This was the perfect conflicted hero/secret identity/ forced proximity romance!
I loved the strong willed heroine and the hero who is drawn to her against his better judgment.
October 22, 2024
I could not get into this book. I found the heroine to be a bit irritating.
June 14, 2017
I will admit that to begin with I couldn't work out what was meant by this book's title, but having finished it, it makes sense.
The strengths written into the characters of the hero and heroine are quite remarkable and I was never sure what they would do from one scene to the next - so many delightful twists and turns.
Needless to say I was enthralled by this story. It is so cleverly written and so very enjoyable and I can only say thank you to the author, Cathy Maxwell, for entertaining me so thoroughly with it.
The strengths written into the characters of the hero and heroine are quite remarkable and I was never sure what they would do from one scene to the next - so many delightful twists and turns.
Needless to say I was enthralled by this story. It is so cleverly written and so very enjoyable and I can only say thank you to the author, Cathy Maxwell, for entertaining me so thoroughly with it.
October 13, 2011
I'm usually a big Cathy Maxwell fan, but I was disappointed in this book. The storyline was strong & the hero was great! But the heroine was an unlikeable spoiled brat! I couldn't understand what the hero saw in her. There were also a few plot points that pushed my willing suspension of disbelief. I just couldn't buy into it.
October 18, 2015
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it but there were a few things that brought me out of the story:
1. He calls her Cory. No. Just no.
2. He tells her he's been in love with her for years despite the fact that they didn't even know each other. She didn't even remember him.
3. The whole "I'm psychic" thing came completely out of NOWHERE and seemed quite random.
1. He calls her Cory. No. Just no.
2. He tells her he's been in love with her for years despite the fact that they didn't even know each other. She didn't even remember him.
3. The whole "I'm psychic" thing came completely out of NOWHERE and seemed quite random.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
It was a trial reading through this book.
It had the action, it had the romance and it had the mystery (one that you can see from a km away but still).
Somehow except for the second book in this series, none of the books was aptly named.
On a positive note it is short and can be an amusing read once you get past the few hard chapters.
It had the action, it had the romance and it had the mystery (one that you can see from a km away but still).
Somehow except for the second book in this series, none of the books was aptly named.
On a positive note it is short and can be an amusing read once you get past the few hard chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2019
I truly enjoyed this book.
December 3, 2024
2,5/5 stars. Okay so I feel like I didn't get what I was promised in the blurb? There wasn't that much seduction, and the scandal was mostly just a possibility, but didn't really happen 🤷🏻♀️
But let's start at the beginning! I bought this book with my friends at the flea market. There was a guy there who had all these cheap historical romances, we call them 'stationsromannetjes' in Dutch and tbh their reputation is not the best and me and my friends decided to all pick one to read as a tiny little book club, for funsies. All that to say, my expectations were in the cellar. Colour me surprised then when it didn't start off all that bad! The setup of the story was good, the prologue was exciting and after the first couple of chapters I felt for Corinne as she was trying to convince her parents not to make her marry Freddie. Her running away was a bit silly, but still understandable.
On to the part where I started feeling like this wasn't the book the blurb described... we know the identity of The Thorn basically from the start, and not just us, but Corinne as well. So the secret identity part was barely present. Next up, the blurb mentions her being held captive, so exciting! Except she's not a captive in any way, shape or form. In fact, our Robin Hood is actively trying to get rid of her (not kill her to be clear, just not in his vicinity) because she puts him in danger of being found out. Also, the blurb (and the freaking title!) mention seduction. This book is a huge slow burn (not that well executed, as they both just suddenly flip a switch, but still), their first kiss is well over the half-way point, and it takes even longer for us to get anything beyond that. So honestly, my expectations for the writing/depth of characters were in the cellar, then got lifted because the start wasn't bad, and then it turns out that the story isn't even the one that is advertised. It feels like the blurb was written by someone who only read the first 2-3 chapters?
Anyway, I tried to put that aside for a minute and look at the story I was given and like I said, the start isn't bad. I also quite like a slow-burn so I didn't mind that it took time for them to get closer. Except, it felt like both characters just flipped a switch and liked, nay loved, each other. They were both angry and annoyed and frustrated and then she's suddenly like "he's perfect, the best man I ever did see, no man as honorable and brave and beautiful exists in the world" and he's like "I was wrong, I didn't hate her, in fact I've loved her since we were teens and she's perfect and beautiful and brave etc.". You see my issue? They were so caught up in their frustration and nearly hatred (him I could agree with, why she was so angry was beyond me), that I just didn't buy the sudden turn-around.
I could go on about how me liking Corinne slowly faded away and ended with me actively disliking her, to the point were I felt like she didn't deserve the hero, but I'll refrain. I could also extensively explain my disappointment in our male lead when he abandons all his morals and his mission because he likes Corinne, but again, I'll refrain.
Quick note about the mystery/scandal/bad guy part of the story. There was a decent story buried in there, but nothing happening on that front for over 100 pages and then suddenly resolving everything Deus Ex Machina style in 10 pages or so is not very satisfying. I also feel like some people got off way too easily, but that's neither here nor there.
So yes, it was a bit of a whirlwind of emotions for me. Low expectations, turned hopeful, only to be let down again. The sad part is that the advertised story in the blurb could have been really cool, and the prologue and first couple of chapters showed so much promise. About halfway through I would have given it a 3, maybe even a 3,5 stars, but with how the story unfolded in the second half, I can't bring myself to go above a 2,5 (rounded down). Needless to say I wouldn't recommend it. Hope others enjoy it though, because thanks to the price, these kinds of novels are a lot more accessible (at least here in Belgium).
But let's start at the beginning! I bought this book with my friends at the flea market. There was a guy there who had all these cheap historical romances, we call them 'stationsromannetjes' in Dutch and tbh their reputation is not the best and me and my friends decided to all pick one to read as a tiny little book club, for funsies. All that to say, my expectations were in the cellar. Colour me surprised then when it didn't start off all that bad! The setup of the story was good, the prologue was exciting and after the first couple of chapters I felt for Corinne as she was trying to convince her parents not to make her marry Freddie. Her running away was a bit silly, but still understandable.
On to the part where I started feeling like this wasn't the book the blurb described... we know the identity of The Thorn basically from the start, and not just us, but Corinne as well. So the secret identity part was barely present. Next up, the blurb mentions her being held captive, so exciting! Except she's not a captive in any way, shape or form. In fact, our Robin Hood is actively trying to get rid of her (not kill her to be clear, just not in his vicinity) because she puts him in danger of being found out. Also, the blurb (and the freaking title!) mention seduction. This book is a huge slow burn (not that well executed, as they both just suddenly flip a switch, but still), their first kiss is well over the half-way point, and it takes even longer for us to get anything beyond that. So honestly, my expectations for the writing/depth of characters were in the cellar, then got lifted because the start wasn't bad, and then it turns out that the story isn't even the one that is advertised. It feels like the blurb was written by someone who only read the first 2-3 chapters?
Anyway, I tried to put that aside for a minute and look at the story I was given and like I said, the start isn't bad. I also quite like a slow-burn so I didn't mind that it took time for them to get closer. Except, it felt like both characters just flipped a switch and liked, nay loved, each other. They were both angry and annoyed and frustrated and then she's suddenly like "he's perfect, the best man I ever did see, no man as honorable and brave and beautiful exists in the world" and he's like "I was wrong, I didn't hate her, in fact I've loved her since we were teens and she's perfect and beautiful and brave etc.". You see my issue? They were so caught up in their frustration and nearly hatred (him I could agree with, why she was so angry was beyond me), that I just didn't buy the sudden turn-around.
I could go on about how me liking Corinne slowly faded away and ended with me actively disliking her, to the point were I felt like she didn't deserve the hero, but I'll refrain. I could also extensively explain my disappointment in our male lead when he abandons all his morals and his mission because he likes Corinne, but again, I'll refrain.
Quick note about the mystery/scandal/bad guy part of the story. There was a decent story buried in there, but nothing happening on that front for over 100 pages and then suddenly resolving everything Deus Ex Machina style in 10 pages or so is not very satisfying. I also feel like some people got off way too easily, but that's neither here nor there.
So yes, it was a bit of a whirlwind of emotions for me. Low expectations, turned hopeful, only to be let down again. The sad part is that the advertised story in the blurb could have been really cool, and the prologue and first couple of chapters showed so much promise. About halfway through I would have given it a 3, maybe even a 3,5 stars, but with how the story unfolded in the second half, I can't bring myself to go above a 2,5 (rounded down). Needless to say I wouldn't recommend it. Hope others enjoy it though, because thanks to the price, these kinds of novels are a lot more accessible (at least here in Belgium).
January 10, 2021
Romance full of intrigue and deception
4 stars
Daughter of a duke, Lady Corinne, refuses to marry Lord Freddie Sherwin. He may be the catch of the season but he's also a pig and Corinne only wants to marry a man she can love. So rather than face a life of misery she runs away. Only to find herself in the arms of notorious highwayman, Thorn.
Thorn is involved in a dangerous game - his identity is a mystery, his life a secret. Until Lady Corinne tumbles into his arms and turns his world upside down. If he wants her silence he must hide her until after her wedding day passes. But when passion flares it might be the most dangerous thing either has faced before or perhaps the start of a lifetime of adventure.
This is the fifth book in Maxwell's Scandals and Seductions series after A Seduction at Christmas, The Earl Claims His Wife, The Marriage Ring and His Christmas Pleasure. Corinne briefly featured in the last book but apart from that the books stand very much alone and in this one at least, there are no appearances by the main characters from previous books.
From start to finish I really loved this book. It is full of intrigue and romance all the while maintaining the lightness that put me in mind of The Scarlet Pimpernel. However, the real highlight of the book for me had to be Thorn. When we first are introduced to him I was intrigued as to how he would fare as a romantic lead but he turns out to be a brooding, tortured and lonely man who desperately needs the love of a good woman. I liked Corinne too and together the pair had good chemistry. The writing was sharp and this is the kind of story you're desperate to pick up again if you can manage to put it down in the first place.
My one negative about the book was the sheer number of typos. It drove me mad to see duplicated words, spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes on top of the smattering of Americanisms dotted throughout the book. I realise that this isn't necessarily the fault of the author so it's a shame that it affected my feelings about a book whose characters and storyline I otherwise very much enjoyed.
Having said that, if you like Regency romances that you can get lost in and really root for the characters then I would very much recommend this book to you despite its faults. 4 stars.
February 27, 2024
I made it to the end but did so begrudgingly.
I've started characterizing romances by 'written before 2014' and 'written after 2014,' and this not only was published before 2014, it reads that way too. (Though it reads older than its 2011 pub date tbh).
And what I mean by that is: these characters are all sorts of stuffy and stubborn, according to the period yes, but are also rude to each other, make dumb decisions because *honor,* and they fall in love fast and hard, and mostly off-page. Here, at least, Corinne found Will to be honorable and attractive (and she was on an "adventure," so it was all very exciting for her), but when she professed her love for him I was pretty underenthused. I didn't really see the love or chemistry here.
Another classic tell of a romance written before 2014: while there is "action" and a subplot of danger, things never really seem all the threatening and work out quickly and neatly at the end. (Corrine drops mid-book that she has some sort of sight/premonition and has feelings about convenient things that lead us to the highly guessable reveal of Will's heritage.)
There is also usually a woman who is portrayed as a harpy (here a young village girl in love with Will, but in other books, it could be a rival debutant), and worst of all, the sex is quick and penetrative without foreplay, and somehow the virginal heroine always "completes" (sorry to be so crass) during her first experience. And then they have sex like three more times in a row.
*eyeroll*
Anyway, this book had it all.
2 stars.
I've started characterizing romances by 'written before 2014' and 'written after 2014,' and this not only was published before 2014, it reads that way too. (Though it reads older than its 2011 pub date tbh).
And what I mean by that is: these characters are all sorts of stuffy and stubborn, according to the period yes, but are also rude to each other, make dumb decisions because *honor,* and they fall in love fast and hard, and mostly off-page. Here, at least, Corinne found Will to be honorable and attractive (and she was on an "adventure," so it was all very exciting for her), but when she professed her love for him I was pretty underenthused. I didn't really see the love or chemistry here.
Another classic tell of a romance written before 2014: while there is "action" and a subplot of danger, things never really seem all the threatening and work out quickly and neatly at the end. (Corrine drops mid-book that she has some sort of sight/premonition and has feelings about convenient things that lead us to the highly guessable reveal of Will's heritage.)
There is also usually a woman who is portrayed as a harpy (here a young village girl in love with Will, but in other books, it could be a rival debutant), and worst of all, the sex is quick and penetrative without foreplay, and somehow the virginal heroine always "completes" (sorry to be so crass) during her first experience. And then they have sex like three more times in a row.
*eyeroll*
Anyway, this book had it all.
2 stars.
May 20, 2026
The Seduction of Scandal by Cathy Maxwell was a really entertaining read overall, even if I had a few issues with the characters and pacing along the way.
At the beginning, the way Maxwell wrote Will honestly painted him in a pretty unattractive light for me. It almost felt like the author leaned a little too hard into making him the opposite of Thorn so readers would buy into how he managed to get away with everything for so long. But to the book’s credit, he really grew on me throughout the story, and by the end I was much more invested in him than I expected to be.
Corinne, on the other hand, fell for Will fast for someone who was supposedly so unattainable. The romance moved a little quickly for me there, although I did appreciate that the story established Will had been carrying a crush on her for a long time. That helped make their relationship feel more believable.
I also thought Corinne’s decision to run away was kind of dumb, but at the same time, I understood why she reached that point. Being saddled with the absolute loser fiancé Freddie and dealing with two terrible, completely unsupportive parents would push anyone over the edge. Even with her Dad sort of coming through for her in the end, I still didn’t like her parents at all.
The twist near the end was something I saw coming from miles away, but honestly, that didn’t ruin the experience for me. The storytelling was still engaging, the romance kept me interested, and overall I found the book to be a fun and entertaining historical romance read.
At the beginning, the way Maxwell wrote Will honestly painted him in a pretty unattractive light for me. It almost felt like the author leaned a little too hard into making him the opposite of Thorn so readers would buy into how he managed to get away with everything for so long. But to the book’s credit, he really grew on me throughout the story, and by the end I was much more invested in him than I expected to be.
Corinne, on the other hand, fell for Will fast for someone who was supposedly so unattainable. The romance moved a little quickly for me there, although I did appreciate that the story established Will had been carrying a crush on her for a long time. That helped make their relationship feel more believable.
I also thought Corinne’s decision to run away was kind of dumb, but at the same time, I understood why she reached that point. Being saddled with the absolute loser fiancé Freddie and dealing with two terrible, completely unsupportive parents would push anyone over the edge. Even with her Dad sort of coming through for her in the end, I still didn’t like her parents at all.
The twist near the end was something I saw coming from miles away, but honestly, that didn’t ruin the experience for me. The storytelling was still engaging, the romance kept me interested, and overall I found the book to be a fun and entertaining historical romance read.
April 17, 2023
I FINISHED A BOOK. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!
I’ve purchased a ton of romances the past couple months, with my most recent haul being 12 books at a used bookstore. I’ve had this one on my list for awhile, and I was so happy to find it there! A vicar by day and a highwayman by night? A hero made for me. I loved Will and I appreciated his feelings about his unresolved past and his conflict with trying to be himself while also being a clergyman. Corrine was stubborn and naïve at times, but she had a kind heart and I did like how she never gave up. There were moments where the romance felt rushed or too cheesy but then they’d be grounded back into reality. I lowkey want to move to Ferris. Loved this.
AND I FINISHED A BOOK. THANK GOD.
I’ve purchased a ton of romances the past couple months, with my most recent haul being 12 books at a used bookstore. I’ve had this one on my list for awhile, and I was so happy to find it there! A vicar by day and a highwayman by night? A hero made for me. I loved Will and I appreciated his feelings about his unresolved past and his conflict with trying to be himself while also being a clergyman. Corrine was stubborn and naïve at times, but she had a kind heart and I did like how she never gave up. There were moments where the romance felt rushed or too cheesy but then they’d be grounded back into reality. I lowkey want to move to Ferris. Loved this.
AND I FINISHED A BOOK. THANK GOD.
Read
February 19, 2023This was such a disappointment. There was no chemistry between Norwich and Corinne. The plot itself was flimsy and needed more complexity. I was expecting more drama and adventure and I ended up with boredom.
October 16, 2017
I don't know why but this was a "mehh" experience, not bad but definitely not great.
Though both H/h are likeable the story doesn't rise above mediocre.
Though both H/h are likeable the story doesn't rise above mediocre.
October 22, 2019
One time read. Book ok.
February 20, 2021
Almost boring and a bit predictable, but not a bad read.
February 2, 2022
Good romance. I liked the highway man part. Pretty good one!
December 2, 2024
A lady and her beloved priest
Who would ever believe a lady falling in love with a priest would make a good story. This was s very good and original story.
Who would ever believe a lady falling in love with a priest would make a good story. This was s very good and original story.
January 4, 2026
3.5 stars. This was 4 stars until the deux ex machina ending. All those problems and they resolved it so easily and behind the scene??
September 22, 2024
Corinne refuses to marry Freddie, even before she finds him doing to maid, but it's the last straw that leads to her running away before the wedding figuring she just needs to hide for a month to avoid it. In the process of her escape however the couch is set upon by a highwayman and she is shot, she wakes under the care of a reverend and unfortunately for William she remembers everything that happened.
This was a Robin Hood retelling, though I didn't love the whole I'm kinda psychic so I know I'm supposed to be in love with you aspect of this the rest of the story was fun.
This was a Robin Hood retelling, though I didn't love the whole I'm kinda psychic so I know I'm supposed to be in love with you aspect of this the rest of the story was fun.
June 20, 2011
Lady Corrine has realized that her father, the duke of Banfield, is not going to allow her to cry off her wedding to the despicable Lord Freddie Sherwin, son of the earl of Bossley, as their marriage would be a great combination of power between the two fathers. So she decides to take matters into her own hands and takes the drastic step of stowing herself in the boot under a carriage bound for London. What she is exactly going to do there, she is not quite sure but she knows she needs to stay hidden for the next couple of months until her wedding day passes. She encounters a slight mishap along the way though when the carriage is stopped by the mysterious blackguard, Thorn. She quickly tries to flee the scene but ends up accidentally getting shot in the shoulder and the major who shot her flees. leaving her to the mercy of the mysterious Thorn and she promptly passes out.
Reverend Will Norwich, foster brother to Freddie, is stunned when he sees his childhood crush get shot. He reluctantly gathers her up and takes her to his, err Thorns, hideout. He is faced with quite a dilemma though as Corrine pulled off his mask before passing out and she now knows his secret identity. Corrine pleads with him to allow her to stay hidden in the rustic cottage, away from prying and searching eyes so she can jilt Freddie. Seeing as he really has no choice in the matter, he reluctantly agrees but lays do the law about her having to stay hidden. Naturally, strong willed and spirited Corrine does not listen and instead follows him to his real parsonage home and starts causing all sorts of problems for him there. After all, this is the girl that turned her nose up at him years ago when he had a crush on her and he has harbored bitterness towards her for it but his feelings are still the same and continue to mature as they spend more and more time together.
Overall, this was a good book. I did feel as if Corrine fell into love with Will a bit quickly, after all, their living circumstances are quite different. He lives in his parsonage tending to his church and she is the daughter of a duke and is thrown into this situation of a much more simple life and she took to it quite easily I thought. Will was quite a dashing hero. Reverend by day, a type of Robin Hood by night, trying to correct his foster fathers greedy mistakes of his people. And oh his father, what a greedy, nasty, calculating man! Will tries to stay away from Corrine but he eventually just can't resist her and they certainly burn up the sheets when they come together! I found the mystery in the book to be interesting and the ending of it was excellent, even if I thought something along those veins would happen. What I thought didn't exactly happen so that is always a bonus when an author can throw that curveball in at the end. I just wished we would have seen more of Will and Corrine falling in love. Like I said, I thought it happened a bit quickly but other than that, a good solid book. If you are looking for a Robin Hood type hero, a rebellious bold heroine and some great supporting characters in a small village who look out for each other alongwith a dash of mystery, try this one! 3 1/2 stars
(And even though this is book five of Cathy Maxwell's Scandals and Seductions series, I did not feel like I missed anything from not reading the previous books first. I believe Corrine was mentioned in a previous book though)
I received this ebook arc from the publisher via netgalley.com
Reverend Will Norwich, foster brother to Freddie, is stunned when he sees his childhood crush get shot. He reluctantly gathers her up and takes her to his, err Thorns, hideout. He is faced with quite a dilemma though as Corrine pulled off his mask before passing out and she now knows his secret identity. Corrine pleads with him to allow her to stay hidden in the rustic cottage, away from prying and searching eyes so she can jilt Freddie. Seeing as he really has no choice in the matter, he reluctantly agrees but lays do the law about her having to stay hidden. Naturally, strong willed and spirited Corrine does not listen and instead follows him to his real parsonage home and starts causing all sorts of problems for him there. After all, this is the girl that turned her nose up at him years ago when he had a crush on her and he has harbored bitterness towards her for it but his feelings are still the same and continue to mature as they spend more and more time together.
Overall, this was a good book. I did feel as if Corrine fell into love with Will a bit quickly, after all, their living circumstances are quite different. He lives in his parsonage tending to his church and she is the daughter of a duke and is thrown into this situation of a much more simple life and she took to it quite easily I thought. Will was quite a dashing hero. Reverend by day, a type of Robin Hood by night, trying to correct his foster fathers greedy mistakes of his people. And oh his father, what a greedy, nasty, calculating man! Will tries to stay away from Corrine but he eventually just can't resist her and they certainly burn up the sheets when they come together! I found the mystery in the book to be interesting and the ending of it was excellent, even if I thought something along those veins would happen. What I thought didn't exactly happen so that is always a bonus when an author can throw that curveball in at the end. I just wished we would have seen more of Will and Corrine falling in love. Like I said, I thought it happened a bit quickly but other than that, a good solid book. If you are looking for a Robin Hood type hero, a rebellious bold heroine and some great supporting characters in a small village who look out for each other alongwith a dash of mystery, try this one! 3 1/2 stars
(And even though this is book five of Cathy Maxwell's Scandals and Seductions series, I did not feel like I missed anything from not reading the previous books first. I believe Corrine was mentioned in a previous book though)
I received this ebook arc from the publisher via netgalley.com
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