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Scandalous Sisters #2

Liberty for Paul

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Liberty Banks loves revenge almost as much as she hates one Mr. Paul Grimes, who, she considers to be the most improper creature she has ever clapped eyes upon. But when her plans for revenge against Paul go bust, she suddenly finds herself walking down the aisle (or shall we say, staircase) to him. Once married, a battle of the wills breaks out as each tries to reform the other. Liberty wants nothing more than to have a proper husband. And much to Liberty's dismay, Paul will stop at nothing to have is all too proper wife do something--anything--to break the rules of society, specifically do the most improper thing imaginable, fall in love with the most improper man: her own husband.

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2011

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805 people want to read

About the author

Rose Gordon

48 books473 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.

When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.

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5 stars
558 (34%)
4 stars
593 (36%)
3 stars
366 (22%)
2 stars
83 (5%)
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31 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Tzippy.
264 reviews106 followers
March 14, 2016
What a mess. I can't figure out which of these characters is the worst; probably because all the characters are the worst. First, there's Paul "Well, it just never occurred to me to keep the unconscious girl's underwear on when giving her a bath" Grimes--he's a self-centered idiot who never thinks more than half a step ahead. Mr. Paul "Burn my wife's entire library just because I don't like her books" Grimes.

Mr. "My watch is broken so therefore I have no way of ever showing up on time for anything; what, you think I can just buy a new watch with that fifteen thousand pound dowry I demanded? Or just, you know, ask somebody what time it is?" Grimes.

Speaking of idiots, meet Liberty "I know, I'll pretend he tried to rape me, that will definitely make things better" Banks. On the other hand, if I had crappy parents like hers, I'd probably be desperate enough to lose some screws, too.

Yep, the hands-down worst character in this book is John "Listen, I know you hate him and you're mortified by the fact that he saw you naked, but that's not my damn problem, what do you think, that because I'm your father I should have some consideration for your feelings or something?" Banks.

Yeah, John "My moron daughter* hates this man so much she'll stage a rape in order to avoid being in his presence; definitely I should force her to marry him and scare her into behaving, on the other hand, how he treats her is utterly inconsequential--anything but a scandal!" Banks is definitely my least favorite character here.

* Well, she is a moron, but you're her father, so maybe take some responsibility for her, eh?
Profile Image for Ash.
569 reviews24 followers
June 22, 2012
The book started out with promise, I didn't much care for Liberty who came across as petty, inconsistent and severely immature but Paul seemed like a nice guy. I figured Liberty would grow up a little during their marriage however she continued to be immature till the very end.
The premise of the story was a little far fetched but halfway through the book went from implausible to downright ludicrous.

SPOILERS

through vicious gossipy women liberty discovers that Paul has not one not two but fourteen illegitimate children and storms off in a heart broken huff. the truth is that these by blows belong to Paul's brother and being the nice guy he is he is providing financial support to more then a dozen fallen women. (maybe its just me but I thought 14 children were a little much, what was wrong with 2 or 3)
after Liberty storms off her well meaning but meddlesome family decides to help these two find their way back to each other. Their brilliant plan is to throw a masquerade ball, lure Paul and Liberty there under false pretenses, get them to disguise themselves, and then introduce them to each other by false names so they have no idea who the other is. (Firstly this plan defies all logic, how in the world could this fix anything at all. getting them under the same roof to talk things out makes sense but to make them think the other is a stranger is ridiculous,secondly what sane adult would go along with this plan but in this book just about every adult, Liberty's parents included participated in this farce)
so once propriety obsessed Liberty meets "Mr Daltry" she tells him all about her marital troubles and that she loves her husband and then proceeds to make out with him. at another juncture in this book she calls for Mr Daltry again and fondles him while telling him just how much she loves her husband and how she will never get a chance to tell him that. all of this put liberty firmly into TSTl category for me.

that said the book does have some humorous moments. The author does have talent but her plots and characters need maturing
Profile Image for Julie.
187 reviews12 followers
April 8, 2013
Liberty for Paul is the 2nd book in the Scandalous Sisters series by Rose Gordon which is part of the larger Banks family saga. Liberty is the youngest daughter of John & Carolina Banks. She managed to create quite the rift between herself and Paul Grimes in the previous book Intentions of the Earl. Despite the abuse he has received at her hand, when Liberty falls into the frozen Thames, Paul doesn’t hesitate to help the unconscious, frozen girl when she is returned home and there’s no one else there to help. If only he hadn’t removed her clothing before putting her in the hot bath.

When Liberty learns of what Paul did while she was unconscious, she sets about to exact her revenge. The only problem is she doesn’t consider all of the repercussions of her actions. Thus, Liberty and Paul wind up having to get married. This was not exactly what either of them had planned.

Liberty for Paul is a fun historical romance that explores the dynamics of a marriage where a decided lack of communication exists. If either of them had been willing to set aside their pride and actually try to get to know the other their marriage would have gotten off to a much better start. But, that wouldn’t have made for a very interesting book, now would it?

Both Liberty and Paul are strong-willed and determined. They each have wonderful qualities of kindness, charity, and love also. But, they are so busy “butting heads” so-to-speak that they have a hard time seeing those things. Sometimes I got so frustrated with them – why couldn’t they see that they were just making things worse? They were both well-intended and tried to make it work, but their own insecurities were in the way and led them to going about it all the wrong way.

I loved how there were elements to the story that were slowly revealed throughout the book (such as the “scandal” surrounding Mr. Grimes). I enjoy having some elements that the reader is left wondering & puzzling about for a while before it’s completely revealed. I also loved Mr. Daltry. While I was a bit frustrated with Liberty’s behavior I loved that it demonstrated the value of open and honest communication.

In short this is a wonderful addition to the series and the saga. Rose made me a fan of Liberty.

source: purchased as part of the Scandalous Sisters bundle on amazon.

FYI does contain open door sex
Profile Image for Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog).
1,746 reviews563 followers
February 25, 2012
2.5 Stars

For Librety Banks and Paul Grimes it is hate at first sight. Liberty thinks Paul is a bore and a cad, and is determined to get revenge on him for, through no fault of his own, seeing her in a state of undress. However, her plans of revenge goes awry when she is caught by her mother, father and loud mouthed butler being chased around the room by a angry naked Paul after she has stolen all his clothers whilst he was in the bath. It wasn't the greatest start to their inevitable marriage. After disappointing her father with her antics though, Liberty is determined to be a good wife and not disappoint him again, no matter how infuriating her new husband is.

Before I start the review I have to mention the BEST name I have heard for a penis I have heard in a while...LOVE MUSKET.

But although this book did have a few humourous moments and it was an okay read I had a few problems with both the heroine and the hero, Liberty and Paul. Liberty I found I didn't really like, she was petty and vindictive through most the book, and although her history was explained and I did sympathize with her at times, I just didn't like her. Paul was okay, but as I didn't like Liberty and she treated him terribly I couldn't see why he fell in love with her, and he seemed a little bland.

But I did like certain aspects of the book, mainly the humour and I loved her meddling family so although I didn't necessarily enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, I would consider reading the others in the series.
Profile Image for Feminista.
872 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2013
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Okay, so before I even start reviewing this novel. I have to add a disclaimer. I was completely biased while reading/reviewing this novel, because the hero is a virgin!

That's right. Virginal heroes are like a gasp of fresh air in a closed dark space.

Having said that, this novel is probably a 3 star. The premise of the novel was good. The heroine is a prickly spinster who bristles when ever the hero comes near her.

Except that she was too prickly. I just wished she would stop snapping at him for small things. I understand that she had reasons why she was so insecure, but my understanding started to fray after a while.

This whole novel was full of miscommunication, and it got to the point where it was a bit too much.

The hero made it worth it. He didn't give up on her, even when she made me want to bang my head against the wall, or give up speaking, because no matter what she says, she never says anything properly. Anyway, the fact is, if there are heroes like that who will take care of me when I am all prickly, I'd marry them as soon as possible. ;)
Profile Image for Ruth.
Author 172 books715 followers
March 18, 2011
This book was so much fun to read! The thing that stands out the most is the author's sense of humor. Even in the worst of circumstances for the characters, the author was able to word things in such a way that had me laughing. Like when Liberty's being forced to marry Paul, and before the wedding, her sister and mother instruct her on her wedding night but are too afraid to name the male privates but just tell Liberty that Paul will 'touch her with it'. In light of the fact that Liberty is horrified enough to be marrying Paul, her reaction to her mother and sister's well meaning spiel was just too funny.

The humor was what kept me up most of the night reading the book, but what compelled me to buy this book was the plot. Paul and Liberty meet, and Liberty thinks Paul is a huge bore so she doesn't like him. From there, they become enemies, and Liberty is determined to get her revenge on Paul so she sneaks into his room while he's bathing and takes all of his clothes. (The fact that she can't keep her eyes off his private area while she's trying to get him to promise to cut all ties with her father was funny too.) Her parents and the butler catch her, and the butler ends up creating a scandal about the whole thing, saying she was trying to seduce Paul. The next thing Paul and Liberty know, they're being forced to marry. I love the arch enemies forced into married plot. I also love the virgin hero characteristic. I should add here that the fact that he is a virgin becomes very important in the book later on, but I won't spoil it.

So Liberty who values propriety above all else marries Paul who wants to see the real Liberty. The evolving of their relationship from hate to love was done gently and tenderly. For example, he gave her a journal to start recording whenever she smiled and told her that she becomes beautiful whenever she smiles. Liberty had a hard time believing it due to her plain appearance, but that was one of the most touching scenes I've read in a long time. The book was actually full of such tender moments, and I couldn't help but love both of these characters.

Mix humor with tenderness and you end up with a definite keeper for your bookshelf. Definitely worth 5+ stars! I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,416 reviews142 followers
October 1, 2015
When I read the first book in this series Intentions of the Earl, I knew there was definite potential in Rose Gordon's writing style. This book exceeded my expectations and really made me anxious for more of her work.

Liberty was not my favorite character in the first book because I found her and her obsession with propriety annoying. But, Ms. Gordon did the almost impossible and made me care for Liberty. Her characterization is well-done and sympathetic. Her obsession with etiquette could not completely quelch her desire for revenge and adventure. Liberty's fears for disappointing her father, and later husband, were understandable and really shaped how she acted in the later sections of the book.

Paul Grimes, the handsome vicar, was a joy to read. He did not completely understand Liberty's animosity towards him, but he still cared enough about her to help her in times of need. Paul's past and family were a mystery for a significant portion of the book, but offered up a decent explanation for his protective and gentle nature.

One of biggest joys of this book was watching Liberty and Paul learn to live together after their marriage. Both are determined for it to remain a marriage in name only, but their interactions make it difficult. It was so obvious to me, as a reader, that they were perfect for each other and it was entertaining to watch them figure it out for themselves.

I look forward to reading more of Ms. Gordon's work especially the next in the series. I know it is Madison's story and I have a sneaking suspicion who were love interest will be. Definitely recommended to fans of sweet historical romances.

For more of my reviews, please check out my blog


Profile Image for Goblin.
56 reviews20 followers
November 4, 2013
Wow Liberty drove me crazy! So aggravating! I'm not sure I feel poor Paul should have to deal with her for the rest of his life. lol
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,850 reviews498 followers
November 10, 2013
I love Rose Gordon's books but Liberty is not my favourite character, that said this is still a very good book the supporting characters are wonderful
Profile Image for Christina.
705 reviews
April 18, 2019
I enjoyed Liberty and Paul's story. I don't mind suspending reality for a book. That's never been a problem for me. That's why I read. Real life sucks sometimes.....
Profile Image for Emily.
1,261 reviews
October 5, 2012
I thought I really liked Intentions of the Earl, but I really loved book two of the Scandalous Sisters Series, Liberty for Paul.

Author, Rose Gordon had me laughing hysterically with her clever and witty dialogue. I was literally laughing so hard, I thought I would pee my pants. "Love Musket" is quite the term of endearment for said male part. My husband did not share in my enthusiasm, but I thought it was a fantastic characterization for the Regency era.

I wasn't a huge fan of Liberty in book one, Intentions of the Earl, but I adored her in book two, Liberty for Paul. Of course, who wouldn't fall for Paul. He was utterly enchanting.

I've totally fallen in love with John and Carolina. They are so cute, and I love all of John's scheming.

I can't wait to start on book three, To Win His Wayward Wife. I've been looking forward to Madison's story. Book two, Liberty for Paul, has done a nice job of setting up for the series finale, per se. I'm anxious to see what author, Rose Gordon has in store.

I highly recommend this series. It's a fantastic balance of regency romance and humor.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Judy.
3,299 reviews
October 14, 2011
Liberty for Paul by Rose Gordon Scandalous Sisters Book 2.

We met Paul Grimes and Liberty Banks in Intentions of the Earl. Liberty took an instant dislike to Paul and treated him cruelly. Paul is a Vicar and because of some issues within his church he comes to be mentored by John Grimes. Now it's about seven months later and Liberty is beginning to hate Paul and has planned a way to get him out of her life completely.

After Liberty has fallen through the ice and into the Thames she is brought home, Paul is the only one there to take care of her, he was suppose to meet John Banks but at the time he was in the house alone. He has to get her wet clothes off and gets her into a hot bath while waiting for the Doctor to arrive. When Liberty is told about this she hates him more than ever. Liberty comes up with a way to make it look as Paul as seduced her. Even though things don't work quite like she wants, her father does break off mentoring Paul. No one but family and their odd butler has seen her last act of revenge.

The book is full of ups and downs with Paul and Liberty. If they would only talk to each other! It is a case of two steps forward and three back in their relationship. I like that Rose has brought the characters back from the first book as well. We get to know Andrew's mother, Elizabeth, in this book. Liberty's sisters and parents are back as well. Benjamin Collins, the Duke of Gateway makes his appearances as well.

**Sexual situations within marriage
Profile Image for Angieleigh.
986 reviews121 followers
August 19, 2012
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Liberty, oh how I nearly likened you to that dreadful Lady Olivia. For nearly three quarters of yours and Paul's story I wanted to bend you over my knee and give you a good paddle on your derriere due to your horrible attitude towards your husband!

Ms. Gordon warned me long ago when I volunteered to read Her Sudden Groom that her characters are flawed and to this day I will once again say that that is exactly why I love her characters so much; they are not perfect. They can be spoiled rotten, vengeful brats up to no good and causing scandal to rain down upon their family - and that is exactly why I like them.

Ms. Gordon has a sense of humour unlike any other. While her books are full of interesting historical tidbits, there is plenty of material for you to giggle over late into the night while you're mentally paddling a Pastor's wife's behind in your head for hours upon hours until she finally redeems herself.

I won't lie, Liberty is my least favorite Banks sister, but her story is just as good as her sisters' are. I dare you to read just one Scandalous Sisters book and not itch to read about the next one and then the next one. Betcha can't do it!

And in case you think you can...you're not worthy of reading about them then.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3 reviews
November 29, 2011
This book was just as good (or perhaps a bit better than) Intentions of the Earl. In this book, Paul Grimes and Liberty Banks (the heroine's younger sister in Intentions of the Earl) are forced to marry when Liberty's hasty plan of retaliation against Paul falls apart and a nasty scandal ensues.

The H/H of this book were introduced in the first book at a house party, at which neither could stand the other.

After they marry, the two have a hard time learning to adapt to living with who they each consider to be their nemesis. As they continue to get in the other's way and intentionally try to provoke the other, love forms. Unfortunately since neither of them wants to admit such a feeling for the other to themselves, they certainly don't tell the other.

Like the first book in the series, this books contains a lot of humor (genuinely funny, not silly) and witty dialogue. But there are also a lot of very sweet, sensual moments--which actually surprised me because of how much the two disliked each other to start with. The love that formed between them happened in a very believable and sweet way.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,490 reviews31 followers
May 3, 2013
Liberty isn't my favorite from the three sisters. She is uptight and has a mean streak. She is always wanting to get back at people even though they don't know what they did wrong. Liberty reads all the proper books on how to behave. I think she just needs to be like her sisters and not worry about it.

Paul is a man that has taken on a lot. He doesn't know that he is outsmarted by Liberty's dad and made to marry her because of the trick she pulled and now Paul will have to put up with Liberty and her ideas that no one gets.

Get thing Paul has patience and you get to see how Liberty starts to change. The best part that I loved about this book was Paul waiting for Liberty to go to sleep so he could burn some of her books every night.

By the end of the story you realize that Liberty isn't as bad as you thought she was.
393 reviews
February 13, 2023
Liberty has grown up believing she is nowhere near as pretty as her sisters.

To cover up her insecurities she hides behind a rigid adherence to what she believes is “proper “ behaviour.

When she meets Paul a vicar who has come to seek advice from her minister father they get off on the wrong foot.

Following an incident where Liberty is attempting some form of revenge for a perceived slight they are forced to marry.

Can Paul convince Liberty of his feelings for her and of the fact her really does believe she is attractive and can Liberty accept her growing feelings for Paul and convince him of her love?
34 reviews
March 28, 2025
I didn't have super high expectations for this one going in, if you read the first book in this series you gather two things: 1) they're teeing up Liberty & Paul for their own book and 2) Liberty's whole personality is just that she's a huge bitch with rocks for brains. So I went into this book with my eyes wide open I like to think. Still I was slightly disappointed. The whole middle third or so of the book actually shaped up like something I might enjoy a little. However it just wasn't executed with any finesse. The main characters remain totally at odds with each other until the very last chapter essentially, which is just a huge pacing flaw in my opinion. Also this book is frankly not sexy. There is some very mild sexual tension throughout most of the book but they don't even bang it out until, again, the very last chapter, and it kind of felt like an afterthought. Could've gone as high as 3.5 stars but the last third or so put it back down to 2 for me.
173 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2022
Liberty and Paul's story is so cute! It was a bit disjointed in some places but overall a cute read. I love the enemies to lovers trope, and the fact that they had to get married because Liberty was trying to get back at him is priceless. I love the progression of their feelings, but it drove me nuts that so many of their problems would be resolved if they would communicate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
June 7, 2021
Oh my goodness. I struggled with Liberty from start to finish. Her character is extremely immature. Paul was an intriguing hero, but I can’t begin to imagine him falling in love with the heroine. Sorry, this one just didn’t grab me at all. The narrator is fine. Happy reading and listening!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,100 reviews38 followers
July 31, 2021
This was an attempted reread. Liberty is possibly the worst h I’ve read to date. Why Paul allowed her to constantly berate him is beyond understanding. He was weak. She should have been sent packing back to America.
Profile Image for Bev Bridges.
342 reviews
June 7, 2022
These girls are so annoying but cute at the same time.
Heaven they get there in the end 🙏🏾
Profile Image for Alison.
749 reviews
July 7, 2022
Listened on Audible as it was included
14 reviews
November 13, 2019
Book two in this series made me chuckle out loud with the main character’s antics. The heroine is definitely a contrasting character. Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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