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Whisper of Scandal #2
Conspiring with a Rogue (A Whisper Of Scandal
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
In order to save the man she loves from the enemy bent on destroying her, Lady Whitney Rutherford sheds her identity and escapes her past, making a new life for herself as Mr. Roger Wentworth, missing person locator extraordinaire. But when Whitney's best friend from her old life comes up missing and there is every indication the girl was taken by the debauched members of a secret club, Whitney dons a new disguise and infiltrates the club, determined to unravel the mystery and save her friend. She never expects to encounter Drake Sutherland―the man who still has her heart. In the dark world of pleasure and sin, Whitney must play a dangerous game and one wrong move could mean the death of her friend or the destruction of the man she loves.
In order to save the man she loves from the enemy bent on destroying her, Lady Whitney Rutherford sheds her identity and escapes her past, making a new life for herself as Mr. Roger Wentworth, missing person locator extraordinaire. But when Whitney's best friend from her old life comes up missing and there is every indication the girl was taken by the debauched members of a secret club, Whitney dons a new disguise and infiltrates the club, determined to unravel the mystery and save her friend. She never expects to encounter Drake Sutherland―the man who still has her heart. In the dark world of pleasure and sin, Whitney must play a dangerous game and one wrong move could mean the death of her friend or the destruction of the man she loves.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2012
178 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
80 books757 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 2, 2015
Lovesick Hero and TSTL Herione! ugh it was terrible.
Geez that was a tough book to get through.. The hero, Drake was so love sick he was annoying to say the least. The heroine, Whitney was just TSTL most of the time.
The story had potential but was ruined by making the hero so freaking love sick, oh and so extremely prideful. Geez... You wanted to scream! Always saying "Whitney", "Whitney" ,"Whitney". "I won't ask for help", "I won't ask for help", "I won't ask for help",
Whitney was way to meek and mild to be pretending to be an investigator and made some really stupid decisions. And her constant whining about not wanting to be a burden grated on the nerves as well.
Seriously, I did a word count on the name "Whitney" in my Kindle and I got 1,090 hits. I also did a search in Drake's name and got 1,013 hits. I do believe that over half the hits I got on Drake's name was him whining about Whitney!
And of course, the misunderstanding and angst lasted all the way to the end! No resolutions or truths between the two until the last 10 pages. What an annoying book. At one point I wanted to throw my iphone, and another time I literally slapped my hand against my forehead in an "Are you kidding me? You people are so stupid" gesture.
It is really to bad too, I read the first book Bargaining with a Rake and it was great. This one was a total disappointment. This is by far the worst Julia Johnstone book I have read or listened to.
As for the narrator he did a great job, He did a good job on the female voices and read with emotion. So it was not that narrator that ruined this book it was the writing and the story.
Geez that was a tough book to get through.. The hero, Drake was so love sick he was annoying to say the least. The heroine, Whitney was just TSTL most of the time.
The story had potential but was ruined by making the hero so freaking love sick, oh and so extremely prideful. Geez... You wanted to scream! Always saying "Whitney", "Whitney" ,"Whitney". "I won't ask for help", "I won't ask for help", "I won't ask for help",
Whitney was way to meek and mild to be pretending to be an investigator and made some really stupid decisions. And her constant whining about not wanting to be a burden grated on the nerves as well.
Seriously, I did a word count on the name "Whitney" in my Kindle and I got 1,090 hits. I also did a search in Drake's name and got 1,013 hits. I do believe that over half the hits I got on Drake's name was him whining about Whitney!
And of course, the misunderstanding and angst lasted all the way to the end! No resolutions or truths between the two until the last 10 pages. What an annoying book. At one point I wanted to throw my iphone, and another time I literally slapped my hand against my forehead in an "Are you kidding me? You people are so stupid" gesture.
It is really to bad too, I read the first book Bargaining with a Rake and it was great. This one was a total disappointment. This is by far the worst Julia Johnstone book I have read or listened to.
As for the narrator he did a great job, He did a good job on the female voices and read with emotion. So it was not that narrator that ruined this book it was the writing and the story.
November 25, 2015
ROMANTIC AND FUNNY!!
I so wanted to give Conspiring with A Rogue 5 stars because I love all the characters in this series. They are very entertaining and well written characters. But the storyline come up Short. Its one of those story were the disagreements could have been settled with the heroine Whitney trusting betroth Drake Sutherland with the truth. That she was being blackmailed. The story is good but it could have been written better, maybe have them working together sooner with the truth out in the open. The other problem is the villain Lady Westernburt now Mrs. Blightson a bankers wife. She was the villain in bk 1 Bargaining With A Rake and now she is back. I like to see a villain get there comeuppance instead of a light slap on the hand. So 4 stars instead of 5.
The romance between Drake Sutherland the American Shipping Tycoon and Lady Whitney Rutherford was very sensuous, sexy and hot. The banter was sometimes funny between all of the characters. This story had so much potential but its seems Ms. Johnstone the author didn't know how to scale back the angst making the heroin look foolish. Her reasoning wasn't good enough to keep this wonderful romantic couple apart for so long.
The story does mover fast so that helped and the scenes in the book with Mr. Wentworth/Whitney and Drake Sutherland was just down right hilarious. So I do Recommend Conspiring With A Rogue. I off to read bk 3 Dancing With A Devil!!
I so wanted to give Conspiring with A Rogue 5 stars because I love all the characters in this series. They are very entertaining and well written characters. But the storyline come up Short. Its one of those story were the disagreements could have been settled with the heroine Whitney trusting betroth Drake Sutherland with the truth. That she was being blackmailed. The story is good but it could have been written better, maybe have them working together sooner with the truth out in the open. The other problem is the villain Lady Westernburt now Mrs. Blightson a bankers wife. She was the villain in bk 1 Bargaining With A Rake and now she is back. I like to see a villain get there comeuppance instead of a light slap on the hand. So 4 stars instead of 5.
The romance between Drake Sutherland the American Shipping Tycoon and Lady Whitney Rutherford was very sensuous, sexy and hot. The banter was sometimes funny between all of the characters. This story had so much potential but its seems Ms. Johnstone the author didn't know how to scale back the angst making the heroin look foolish. Her reasoning wasn't good enough to keep this wonderful romantic couple apart for so long.
The story does mover fast so that helped and the scenes in the book with Mr. Wentworth/Whitney and Drake Sutherland was just down right hilarious. So I do Recommend Conspiring With A Rogue. I off to read bk 3 Dancing With A Devil!!
August 16, 2017
Some things to love, but also some that's hard to swallow
Story started entertainingly. Whitney and Drake are an engaging pair. The sexual tension was palpable, yet had emotional connection. It was easy to imagine Whitney doing anything to protect Drake.
At first there were few iffy spots, such as Whitney's belief that disappearing was only way to protect Drake. Then Whitney, disguised as a man, successfully dupes loved ones in lengthy encounters. Huge stretch. Her costume- only a wig and clothing.
There were several more incredible incidents but I didn't have quite as much difficulty with them.
Biggest pet peeve is one I encounter in many romance novels.
Question- is it publishing standards which leads to repetitious and over-stretched segments?
Ugh! Double ugh! Ugh to the nth degree!
I'd rather buy a short story or novella than a novel that drags a good story out until interest is lost.
By the end of the day, or book, there were at least as many positives. Since I've enjoyed some of author's other books, I'll try another at some point.
Standalone? Occasionally felt I was missing something, but still could follow plot.
Story started entertainingly. Whitney and Drake are an engaging pair. The sexual tension was palpable, yet had emotional connection. It was easy to imagine Whitney doing anything to protect Drake.
At first there were few iffy spots, such as Whitney's belief that disappearing was only way to protect Drake. Then Whitney, disguised as a man, successfully dupes loved ones in lengthy encounters. Huge stretch. Her costume- only a wig and clothing.
There were several more incredible incidents but I didn't have quite as much difficulty with them.
Biggest pet peeve is one I encounter in many romance novels.
Question- is it publishing standards which leads to repetitious and over-stretched segments?
Ugh! Double ugh! Ugh to the nth degree!
I'd rather buy a short story or novella than a novel that drags a good story out until interest is lost.
By the end of the day, or book, there were at least as many positives. Since I've enjoyed some of author's other books, I'll try another at some point.
Standalone? Occasionally felt I was missing something, but still could follow plot.
July 19, 2015
This was a surprising book. At times I thought I would bust a gut laughing :D Then there is the adventure this story takes you on, with lots of twists and turns, that lead to more mystery, and surprises. Of course there is a good dose of hot romance, I mean with a club named The Sainted Order, with members like "Sin" Lord Davenport, well, you know what I'm talkin' about ladies....hahaha! This was an adventure filled, hot romance, that was fun to read. All the characters are wonderful and some you've met in book 1, some you will read about in book 3, but for sure you will want to read this book! This Whisper of Scandal Series has been so much fun to read, especially getting to know all the wonderful characters. This book series will be on my to read again, and again shelf! 5 STARS!!
July 19, 2014
Great sequel. Although a little confusing in the first chapter, I soon got into this and it kept the story going right up to the end. Looking forward to the third book.
November 28, 2014
Great Story!!
April 22, 2019
Whitney (Gillian's sister) is now aware of her "Secret" knows she is gossiped about within the Ton! She doesn't really care but she doesn't want wind of the gossip to hit Gillian...Gillian is about to leave on her yearlong honeymoon. While they are at some parties Drake Sutherland arrives. They both are quite smitten and do not hide it. Their love and plans move rather quickly but then wham, another Julie twist. A blackmailer from the Rutherford past threatens Drake. Whitney must go into hiding and never return. She does that to save Drake's business and to live on her own she creates a persona like no other. Mr Wentworth...yes a man! She does some strange things not really matching her original personality. She has new friends that are quite lively! One even convinces "Mr Wentworth" to an engagement so she gets her father off her case! When an old friend goes missing Mr Wentworth goes full blown detective...along with her sidekicks. What she doesn't expect is coming face to face with Drake and her cousin Sin (Trent)...Digging deeper into her friends now kidnapping Whitney must take on another persona...woman of the evening! Who is her first customer...none other than Drake...it just gets better and better when they all work together to find the lost friend...and thwarting a blackmailer is even sweeter!!!
October 17, 2017
Enjoy books by this author
Only gave 4 stars, because didn't like quite as well as I do other author's books. This just my opinion that on/off relationship went on a little too long. I felt a little impatient with both H/h and their reaction to problems. The story was interesting. I liked H/h, but thought too long before opening their eyes to situation. There were some mystery and some spicy love scenes which I enjoyed. I liked their friends, very much. It was good book, but as I said before not quite as good as other books. It had a very good end. This author is one of my favorite, have always loved her books, and highly recommend them.
Only gave 4 stars, because didn't like quite as well as I do other author's books. This just my opinion that on/off relationship went on a little too long. I felt a little impatient with both H/h and their reaction to problems. The story was interesting. I liked H/h, but thought too long before opening their eyes to situation. There were some mystery and some spicy love scenes which I enjoyed. I liked their friends, very much. It was good book, but as I said before not quite as good as other books. It had a very good end. This author is one of my favorite, have always loved her books, and highly recommend them.
September 15, 2024
Conspiring with a Rogue, book two in Julie Johnstone’s Whispers of Scandal series was well, just wow! Keep your tissues handy, because this is the most beautiful story of the power of love! ❤️ When Whitney’s happiness is threatened, she makes a bargain, to leave if they will leave her family and those she loves alone. She sacrifices everything for love, but the forces against her don’t hold their end of the bargain. Drake’s love for Whitney is so beautiful, after she hurt him time and time again, he continues to love her. The irony of the story is part of what makes the ending so sweet!
October 20, 2020
I enjoyed this book.
I do have to admit, though, that the plot was largely ridiculous. The idea that Whitney could successfully pass as a man was highly unlikely. Even more unlikely was the idea that no one would recognise her. More unlikely yet again was that Drake wouldn't recognise her when he posed as another woman. It did have me rolling my eyes rather a lot.
Other than that, I did enjoy the book and I liked both Drake and Whitney.
I do have to admit, though, that the plot was largely ridiculous. The idea that Whitney could successfully pass as a man was highly unlikely. Even more unlikely was the idea that no one would recognise her. More unlikely yet again was that Drake wouldn't recognise her when he posed as another woman. It did have me rolling my eyes rather a lot.
Other than that, I did enjoy the book and I liked both Drake and Whitney.
November 12, 2022
Scandalous
Mystery, intrigue, steamy sensual romance all rolled into one. Not sure what is going to happen next to our heroine. The beginning of this book starts perfectly at the end of the book before, but can still be read alone and get what is in the past. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Mystery, intrigue, steamy sensual romance all rolled into one. Not sure what is going to happen next to our heroine. The beginning of this book starts perfectly at the end of the book before, but can still be read alone and get what is in the past. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
March 13, 2023
Conspiring with a Rogue (A Whisper Of Scandal Novel Book 2)
The love story of Whitney and Darke. Whitney is being blackmail leave or Darke will be destroyed. Whitney ran away to save Darke. Whitney had a choice to stay and be happy with Darke or all his loan will be call in. But now his ship are being sink. Did she do the right thing? Great story.
The love story of Whitney and Darke. Whitney is being blackmail leave or Darke will be destroyed. Whitney ran away to save Darke. Whitney had a choice to stay and be happy with Darke or all his loan will be call in. But now his ship are being sink. Did she do the right thing? Great story.
September 23, 2017
Excellent
Lovely story! A stand alone novel but part of a series so we see the sister in this tale. A lot of twists and turns a lot of comedy and of course a happily ever after ending g. Perfect!
Lovely story! A stand alone novel but part of a series so we see the sister in this tale. A lot of twists and turns a lot of comedy and of course a happily ever after ending g. Perfect!
May 26, 2021
Great story
I loved this book as all of Julia’s books because she brings the characters to life with intrigues and insecurities as well as happy ever afters.
I loved this book as all of Julia’s books because she brings the characters to life with intrigues and insecurities as well as happy ever afters.
August 30, 2021
Really enjoyable read. Loved it
May 7, 2019
Lady Whitney Rutherford is madly in love with a dashing American millionare. But when secrets from her past come to light, she must run to save the man she loves. A powerful enemy threatens to ruin her fiance should the wedding take place, now Whitney must lay everything on the line and leave the one person she loves above all others.
October 2, 2019
Stars 4/5 (Jennifer Ashley, Sarah MacLean, Jess Michaels, Margaret Mallory, Julie Johnstone, Monica McCarty)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
4 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book; it just lacked ‘something’ for 5 stars (usually a little slower moving for my liking and/or humour and/or romantic).
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. Laugh out loud and/or smirk with humorous moments. Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. romantic/sexual content (3 or more scenes) was throughout the book.
Will definitely re-read this book to enjoy it again.
Totally recommend author.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
4 stars: This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book; it just lacked ‘something’ for 5 stars (usually a little slower moving for my liking and/or humour and/or romantic).
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. Laugh out loud and/or smirk with humorous moments. Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. romantic/sexual content (3 or more scenes) was throughout the book.
Will definitely re-read this book to enjoy it again.
Totally recommend author.
October 26, 2015
This is a very trying book...I admit I hate the....I won't talk to anyone because I am SO independent I CAN'T thing...
This book is well written and has a great deal of drama.....but all the drama is all based on one character refusing to ask for help or face challenges head on...
And in this case it was the woman...
She refused to talk to family, friends, or her fiancé....because she...was afraid her husband to be might lose....some money...
Instead she ran away....risked death for them all....etc...
Not the best plot or basis of drama IMHO...
Could be worse....could be better...
This book is well written and has a great deal of drama.....but all the drama is all based on one character refusing to ask for help or face challenges head on...
And in this case it was the woman...
She refused to talk to family, friends, or her fiancé....because she...was afraid her husband to be might lose....some money...
Instead she ran away....risked death for them all....etc...
Not the best plot or basis of drama IMHO...
Could be worse....could be better...
July 5, 2015
Great book
Normally when I read a series of books, I find that I always like the first book in the series the most. In this case however it is not true. The second book in the whisper of scandal series is even better then the first!!! It had action, mystery and of course romance!! My only complaint(and its a small one),I would have loved an epilogue to find out what happened to drake and Whitney after they married.
Normally when I read a series of books, I find that I always like the first book in the series the most. In this case however it is not true. The second book in the whisper of scandal series is even better then the first!!! It had action, mystery and of course romance!! My only complaint(and its a small one),I would have loved an epilogue to find out what happened to drake and Whitney after they married.
May 1, 2016
3.75 story, 4 narration (12 hrs, 6 min).
Why less for the story, though it was excellent. I just thought the author threw one to many monkey wrenches into the plot line. It went on a bit longer than it should have. This is a story of PRIDE being nearly the downfall for both parties, Whitney in not wanting to be a burden and Drake for refusing help of any kind.
Very creative though from a plot perspective, not often a woman gets away with dressing like a man in Historical England.
Why less for the story, though it was excellent. I just thought the author threw one to many monkey wrenches into the plot line. It went on a bit longer than it should have. This is a story of PRIDE being nearly the downfall for both parties, Whitney in not wanting to be a burden and Drake for refusing help of any kind.
Very creative though from a plot perspective, not often a woman gets away with dressing like a man in Historical England.
February 26, 2020
This book has a lot more passion and intensity than the first in the series. I like Whitney and Drake’s relationship and the way they are pulled together. My biggest issue with the book was how long Whitney’s lies lasted. I wish she would have given in and told Drake the truth sooner. I felt so much frustration with her because right up until the end she was still telling him she didn’t love him and it was a bit too much of an emotional roller coaster.
July 5, 2015
Not as good as the first book in this series, but still an enjoyable read. My main complaint is that the misunderstanding between hero and heroine went on way too long. Otherwise, this novel had engaging characters and lots of intrigue and action. I am looking forward to the next Whisper of A Scandal book.
October 12, 2016
I started this audiobook so many times. Finally I got to the point where I had 4 hours left and couldn't take it any more. I did something I never do - I skipped to the end. This was dreadful. I gave it an extra star for the narration alone.
Whitney was stupid. She drove me nuts. I hate TSTL characters.
I have to say this is my least favorite Julie Johnstone book.
Whitney was stupid. She drove me nuts. I hate TSTL characters.
I have to say this is my least favorite Julie Johnstone book.
September 4, 2016
I have always been enjoyed reading books written by Julie Johnstone and this was no exception. I'm sorry I didn't read the first of the series because although this is a stand alone story it involves characters from the first Scandal series. I received this book free from the author and will now go back and read the rest of the books in this series.
October 9, 2016
Julie Johnstone has given us an adventure, conspiracy, and love story to make you read without a break. Very detailed characters and plot. Drake, the rags to riches self made man, !over Whitney, the. Burden on her family. These two traverse a world of kidnapping, betrayal, and heart break to find they are stronger together than apart.
February 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this second book in the series - the only reason I didn't give 5 Stars was the ups & downs of their relationship was too long & I felt he was too smitten with her. There was humor, twists, mystery, surprises, romance & some spice. I was entertained and enjoyed the story & characters very much. I am looking forward to Book 3 in this series.
December 3, 2015
Loved this book, I actually stayed up til after midnight so I could finish it! The story of Whitney and Drake and the problems they went through, along with the pain each dealt with in order to save the other and the pride one has to give up when dealing with love. Loved the ending!
June 9, 2015
Excellent story!
September 1, 2015
one of my favourite books!
September 21, 2015
Loved the book!! Whitney and Drake are wonderful characters. Love the mystery, both their heartaches all the go through. Another well written book by Julie Johnstone!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews