Kissed by Scandal

Havenwood Academy #2

by Dawn Brower

A shy wallflower, a reckless rogue—together, they rewrite the rules of love.

Miss Georgina Williams has always lived in the background. Painfully shy and perpetually overlooked, she’s more comfortable with her books than a ballroom. Her father’s last-ditch effort to see her bloom sends her to Havenwood Academy, a reformist school for young ladies who don’t quite fit society’s mold. But even there, Georgina struggles to find her place, until a house party at Easton Abbey changes everything.

Adrian Carter, the Earl of Foxmoore, is a man marked by scandal. With a reputation as charming as it is disreputable, he’s never been one for quiet or convention. But the soft-spoken Georgina stirs something in him he can’t explain. She’s unlike any lady he’s ever known, gentle, sincere, and seemingly immune to his rakish charm.

As proximity turns into shared confidences and fleeting touches, Georgina and Adrian are drawn into a connection neither of them expected. But can a girl who believes she’s invisible risk her heart on a man society has already condemned? And can a rogue accustomed to fleeting pleasures open his heart to a love that just might redeem them both?

Tropes &
✔ Wallflower / rogue pairing
✔ Reformed rake
✔ Forbidden love
✔ Forced proximity (house party setting)
✔ Quiet heroine with hidden strength
✔ Rogue falls first
✔ Class difference
✔ Emotional healing through love


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Havenwood Academy
Book 1 - One Scandal Too Many
Book 2 - Kissed by Scandal
Book 3 - Love Me Scandalously

Genres: Action, Historical Romance

394 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com

Reviews

[Margaret]

Miss Georgina Williams is extremely shy. Her father, Viscount Greenville, has lost patience with her behavior and sends her to Havenwood Academy. A house party and meeting Adrian Carter, the Earl of Foxmoore, changes her life. He is enchanted with Georgina and has to be with her at every opportunity. A known rake with a bad reputation, he decides to change his ways and win the lady he loves. A very nice romantic love story. Mild sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Monie_11]

This was my first time reading anything by Dawn Broker, and I have to say—I really enjoyed "Kissed By A Scandal". It’s one of those books that doesn't try too hard but still manages to pull you in with its charm and heart.

The story follows Georgina Williams, a shy wallflower who gets sent off to a reformist school so she can “come out of her shell.” There, she meets Adrian Carter, the Earl of Foxmoore—a total rakehell with a reputation for being trouble. You’d think he’d go for someone flashier, but nope—he falls for quiet, awkward Georgina. And honestly, it’s kind of adorable. What I liked most is that, underneath all the historical romance tropes, both Georgina and Adrian feel real. They both carry the weight of disappointing their fathers in different ways, and that shared feeling adds depth to their relationship.

As someone who’s definitely more of a Georgina than the other female characters, I can really relate to her. The way she gets overwhelmed in crowds or doesn’t always know how to act—I’ve been there. I usually end up finding a quiet spot somewhere too, just like she does.

That said, a few parts felt a little slow, like the story was dragging its feet a bit. But it wasn’t a dealbreaker. I still found myself turning the pages and wanting to see how everything would play out.

I also liked that the book gave some time to the side characters. It wasn’t just all about Georgina and Adrian—there were little glimpses into other relationships and friendships that made the story feel fuller.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, feel-good historical romance, this one’s worth picking up. Would recommend for anyone who loves a cozy romance, shy heroines, and reformed rakes.

Huge thank you to Dawn Broker, Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the e-ARC.

#NetGalley #DawnBroker #KissedByScandal #DragonbladePublishing #eARCreview

[Jenna]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I initially chose this from the catalog because I resonated with the heroine: shy, overlooked, and unlucky in love. I did like Georgina from the beginning, but it seemed as if she was too skittish. She barely acknowledged Adrian's advances towards her. Look buddy, the hard part is over. He's already interested in you. Say yes, I wanted to scream! The earl was incredibly quick in his adoration of the heroine, but hey I've never complained of a quick romance timetable. It was hard to gauge the ages of the characters considering they were attending an academy yet they still maintained impressive titles in the gentry. Make it make sense.



This romance was very sweet albeit incredibly slow. Adrian was ready to get the show moving while the cautious Georgina dug her heels in like a nervous pony. This book highlighted young, gentle love whereas my tastes have lately leaned toward more mature, faster-paced romances. While this wasn't my speed, I can applaud the slower nature of this book. I don't believe I'll continue with this series, but it was nice to see a kindred spirit in the heroine. These two were Kissed by Scandal, although I prefer my books to have a bit more tongue.

[Jayne Butcher]

Georgina Williams, daughter of Viscount Greenville was an extremely shy wallflower. After an unsuccessful season, her father sent her to Havenwood Academy hoping that they could help her come out of her shell. She shared a room with Charlotte and Jaclyn, both of whom were sent there after being involved in a scandal. The three became fast friends and one day while picnicking in the meadow, they encountered three men from Easton Abbey, a nearby estate. The Duke of Amberwood and the Earl of Foxmoore, who had been guests of the Marquess of Easton at Easton Abbey, encountered the ladies while out for a ride and decided to join their picnic. When his mother coerced Easton into hosting a house party, the ladies from Havenwood were invited. The Marquess seemed interested in Charlotte. The Earl was taken with Georgina, and it was clear that the Duke and Jaclyn had some sort of history. As the story and house party progresses, so do the relationships between the three couples. You will find all sorts of games, schemes, secrets, clandestine meetings, steamy kisses and a few surprises. Eventually rogues are tamed, parents are thwarted and a few find their happy endings. It is always fun when a notorious rake meets his match and a wallflower finds her voice. This is a delightful tale that will get your heart pumping and leave you with a smile.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews]

Could a Shy Wallflower Tame a Rogue?
When Georgina’s father sends her to Havenwood Academy, she goes reluctantly—unsure of what she’ll find there, or who she might become. What she discovers is something she’s long been missing: friendship, confidence beginning to take root… and Adrian.
Adrian has all the markings of a rogue, the kind of man who avoids entanglements—especially at a house party filled with eligible ladies. And yet, there’s something about Georgina that catches his attention. The question is… what happens when a man determined not to fall finds himself drawn to someone who barely believes she could be chosen at all?
Georgina’s friends each arrived at the academy under a cloud of scandal, which makes her feel like the odd one out. She’s quiet, reserved—hardly the sort to invite gossip. But could stepping outside her comfort zone lead to a different kind of notoriety… or even something more?
This story leans into that familiar, satisfying contrast: a shy wallflower and a notorious rogue. There’s a gentle charm in watching Georgina navigate new emotions while Adrian wrestles with expectations he never intended to challenge. It’s light, engaging, and easy to slip into.
Dawn Brower delivers another enjoyable installment, and I’m curious to see how the rest of the academy girls’ stories unfold.

[Cheryl McTyre]

Second in Brower's new series centering around students at Havenwood Academy. A finishing school for unmarriable, scandalous and troublesome misses according to the Ton. We met Miss Georgina Williams, only she is none of those things. She's only guilty of being very shy and her father sends her away out of concern for her future, not because he doesn't love her. He hopes she gains the confidence she needs in order have another season and not remain a wallflower.
Adrian Carter, Earl of Foxmoore is a rake and a rogue. He's also bored with life. We met both of these characters in Book 1, One Scandal too Many, I love that this book is happening simultaneously with the 1st and 3rd books. The relationships portrayed between the male leads and female leads are fun, witty and heartwarming. Georgina and Adrian think they are so very different, apart in feelings and worth. How they come together and overcome their 'daddy issues" is a blessing. Brower weaves a tale of love, trust and a new found confidence in themselves and each other. Really looking forward to Jaclyn's story and I'm hoping Melisande maybe gets her due as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Anonymous 5]

A slow-burning, swoon-worthy delight for fans of quiet heroines and scandalous rogues. This romantic gem is everything you'd want from a historical love story steeped in emotional tension and tender transformation. Miss Georgina Williams is a painfully shy wallflower whose journey from invisibility to inner strength is both heartwarming and empowering. Enter Adrian Carter, the scandal-ridden Earl of Foxmoore, whose rakish charm meets its match in Georgina’s unassuming sincerity.

Their chemistry simmers beneath the surface—helped along by a deliciously trope-filled house party setting—and watching Adrian fall head over heels first is pure catnip. The emotional growth on both sides, especially Georgina’s emergence from her shell, makes this more than just a romance; it’s a story about being seen and truly known.

Perfect for readers who love wallflowers with hidden fire and rogues on the path to redemption. A tender, beautifully written tale that proves love doesn’t just rewrite rules—it shatters expectations.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret Watkins]

I enjoyed this novel even more than the first one in the series, as Georgina Williams is exiled to Havenwood Academy, “for her own good”. Crippled with shyness, it takes removing her from the gilt and glitter of London ballrooms for Georgina to safely explore her options. Her roommates are her perfect foil, drawing her out of her shell whilst respecting her privacy. However, due to their antics, the girls come face to face with three London rogues from the neighbouring estate. At least, according to their reputations, they are rogues, but when the Earl of Foxmoore lays his eyes on Georgina, he is immediately attracted to her quiet demeanor and gentle spirit. She is very different from every other woman he knows, but he is also aware that she cannot be his latest toy. Adrian gently entices Georgina out of her shell and gives her the affirmation she so desperately needs. When Adrian is finally sure of his heart and intentions, he makes his move, bringing the novel to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Masala LaVita]

Kissed by Scandal, the second book in Dawn Brower’s series, overlaps with the first, making the initial 20% feel repetitive. Georgina, a shy wallflower, is sent to finishing school by her father to overcome her timidity. Initially hesitant, she finds support in friendly roommates and meets Adrian, Earl of Foxmoore, a charming rogue who is instantly smitten. Georgina’s character is pretty consistent with how she was introduced in the first book and her confidence grows surrounded by friends she trusts and Adrian, making her a compelling heroine. However, Adrian feels flat, defined mostly by his rakish reputation with little depth beyond his attraction to Georgina. I’m not a big believer of love at first sight but even for the sake of story, intense devotion Adrian feels after a brief exchange feels unearned, and his inconsistent thoughts about courting her are frustrating. The premise holds promise and there’s slight improvement in the romance from the first book but overall the book doesn’t fully deliver.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Rose Seals]

Very well written, full of drama, love, society, action, family, friends and intrigue. Georgia Williams is to sent to the Havenwood School as her father thinks it would be good to help her with her shyness. She meets Charlotte and Jaclyn who becomes her roommates and friends. She meets the Earl of Foxmoore earlier after she hurts her ankle and he helps her back to school. She again sees him when all are invited to a house party. As they spend more time together , they both start to have feelings for the other. They team up during the party in the scavenger hunt and archery only to kiss in the maze. They both want to be together and he asks Georgia to marry him but her brother shows up and takes her back to their father. Adrian follows her and takes her to Scotland to marry. Curl up and enjoy this story and can't for the next story of Jaclyn and the Duke. Would recommend to everyone this book and this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Star-Book Reviewer]

This is truly an entertaining series with scandalized ladies of the ton or in this case one needing help with her shyness being sent to Havenwood Academy and after some unusual circumstances finding their forever love. This one is an instant attraction that quickly develops to love between Miss Georgina Williams and Adrian Carter, the Earl of Havenwood.

The house party activities really add to this book and I found I really enjoyed the clues for the scavenger hunt very much. The instant attraction was rather sweet and I would say this was rather mild on the steam scale but yet plenty of passionate between the two to make it interesting. I love the friendships between the ladies at Havenwood and the camaraderie between Adrian, the Duke of Amberwood and the Marquess of Easton. I can’t wait to see how the Duke finally relents.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy]

This is a light-hearted story of young love developing in several couples. The Hero of our story is a young man who has been deemed a rogue by society for his activities in society thus far in his life. The heroine, a shy girl sent to finishing school by her father to help her overcome her shyness. In their case, opposites attract!
No huge mystery to solve or great evil to overcome—just young men and young women on the verge of marriage if the right person can be found. A series of the usual house party pursuits follows, which allow the young people to come to know each other. We have 2 couples who find their HEA by the story’s end. Light reading, perfect for easy reading and appropriate for all ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy]

Georgina Williams is painfully shy. Her father has sent her to Havenwood Academy hoping it will help her lose the shyness and become more confident in Society (and find a husband). Charlotte and Jaclyn are slowly drawing her out of her shell. She meets Adrian Carter, Earl of Foxmoore, at a house party at a neighboring estate. Adrian is immediately taken with Georgina. She is quiet, gentle, and kind; nothing like any other woman he knows. He is the first man she has been interested in. Adrian is sure of his feelings, and thinks Georgina may feel the same way. If he can convince her they belong together, they can be off to begin their happy ever after. Lovely enjoyable story! The characters, most of whom are from the previous story, are delightful.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Pat Robinson]

This tale is intertwined with Book 1 and the author does a wonderful job of doing so. Seeing the same setting from different points.of view gives me a better understanding of what is going on with each character. Georgina is a girl after my own heart with her shyness and watching her bloom was so beautiful . Adrian’s character was a bit all over the place, but his love and desire for her was very realistic and precious. Would have loved to have had a scene between Georgina , Adriana and her father, as I think that would have been more satisfying .(At least more fireworks!) A good story, that dragged a little in places , but overall a very enjoyable read.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Carmel Zumbo]

Havenwood Academy was where wallflower Georgina had been sent by her father in hopes that she might finally be ready for marriage. Georgina is still unsure of how to proceed until the scandalous and scandalous Earl of Foxmoore enters her life. She is struck by him and he in turn cannot forget her.
Adrian Carter displays roguish charm and a comes with a soiled reputation but he is instantly enchanted by this quiet entrancing girl. A house party brings them together, and what begins as spark blows out into full blown attraction that cannot be denied.
As Georgina and Adrian engage secretly and in ways she never expected they cannot deny they love each other. Read this story of growing affection and passion to see how these two overcome doubts and reach their HEA. You won’t be disappointed.

[Nancy]

Thank you NetGalley. Georgina was very shy so suddenly her father decided to send her to the Havenwood Academy. It is off season all of the students except two have gone home. She finds that she makes friends with the two easily and soon realizes that she was lucky to go there. On the estate next to the school is an Earl and his friends who the girls meet whenever they are outside. The Earl's mother has a house party as she is getting him to marry. Emmeline meets Adrian who is quite a rouge but falls in love with her. One of her friends also weds. Her father comes to take her home when he finds she is wanting to stay because of Adrian. Will she be able to marry?

[Jo]

Georgina is one of those beautiful but extremely shy young woman who are often overlooked and ignored. I found I could fully identify with her. Adrian is instantly smitten but recognized that like a very cautious animal, Georgina needs to be persuaded to trust him. A lovely story of both scandal and the need to build trust when someone has been horribly treated or is terribly afraid. I'd highly recommend reading this story if only to gain a better understanding of how shyness can completely hinder people and that extreme patience is definitely necessary.

[Marie Bourgery]

I can relate to Georgina who is too shy to have a successful season so her father sends her to finishing school to learn the skills to help her overcome it. She finds friends in her new roommates Charlotte and Jaclyn and the courage to take chances. But will they get her into trouble with their mischief or will the visiting earl next door? There were several interesting lawn and parlor games at the house party next door that gave Georgina and Adrian reasons to spend time together in this steamy romance.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson]

Georgina and Adrian are attracted to each other from the moment they meet. Adrian has to find ways to get her alone. She finds herself charmed by him. She is very shy but wants to overcome that flaw. He makes her feel alive and seen for the first time in her life. They end up eloping and get their HEA. I recommend this book to all historical romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sven]

Two characters, Georgina and Adrian, meet at a house party / town. They are worlds apart in character, but something brings them together. Adrian is smitten by the heroine and over the book we see how he overcomes her barriers to build something pure and long lasting. Slightly slow in pace and lacking in depth, this book was an okay read.

#KissedByScandal #NetGalley

[Maria]

Miss Georgina Williams is a shy wallflower sent to Havenwood Academy by her father in the hopes that the company of other girls will bring her out of her shell. When an invite to a house party puts her in the path of the enigmatic Adrian Carter, the Earl of Foxmoore who is no stranger to society. Can Adrian be just the person to bring Georgina out of her shell. Loved this fabulous book.

[Jessica]

She is shy but found friends and start to blossom. He meets her and his world is upended. Witty love story as they explore their initial attraction towards true love, as two other couples find their love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze82]

believing
Georgia is extremely unsure of herself, no wonder she has a hard time believing a rake like Adrian is willing to change his ways for his love for her. I enjoyed reading about two characters that seem quite opposite finding their true match in each other.

[Rebecca]

This was another amazing book. I read the entire thing in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. I thoroughly loved everything about it. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Cerian]

Georgina is incredibly shy and it hindered her popularity when she made her debut, relegating her to sit with the other wallflowers. Her father decides to send her to a finishing school in the hopes that she’ll be able to overcome her shyness and have more success after. She’s dubious and reluctant to leave, but when she’s greeted by her new friendly roommates, she realises this might be her chance to break out of her shell. When she meets the handsome Adrian, Earl of Foxmoore, things are looking even more promising.
Adrian is instantly drawn to the shy and innocent Georgina. He’s a notorious rogue but Georgina immediately makes him want to cease his rakish ways and consider a different future, with her.

Georgina was a good FMC - I like it when a shy FMC is able to make progress to overcome some of the worst of their shyness, without changing themselves and I think the author did a good job with this. She doesn’t change, she just grows in confidence and is able to let more of herself shine.
Adrian was a charming MMC, but he was a little two dimensional. We don’t really know much about his life, other than that he’s a notorious rogue and disappoints his father.

Look, I don’t mind instalove, especially in a novella, but this was too much for me. After their first meeting, Adrian is thinking about how she’ll never know pain again and he’d protect her with his own life. They’ve exchanged about 10 sentences at this point. It was also pretty inconsistent - at one point he’s thinking about how he’ll court her and then a few chapters later he’s shocked that he’s thinking about courting her…It was quite frustrating and repetitive to read.

The romance was sweet but felt shallow. They didn’t really have meaningful conversations until they were declaring their love for each other, so it didn’t feel terribly believable.
This book had promise but it didn’t live up to it for me, but others might find it more enjoyable as I didn’t find it without merit entirely.

*I received a review copy from the publisher - this is my honest opinion.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

We have Miss Georgina Williams who is shy, beautiful and has a hefty dowry and a hard nosed father! He has sent her to Havenwood stating that his harshness has done her no favors and she has become a wallflower but maybe Havenwood can help her! Georgina grows a backbone and starts to see her own worth! Then she meets the gorgeous, rich rake Adrian! Adrian Carter, the Earl of Foxmoore, is a man marked by scandal. With a reputation as charming as it is disreputable, he’s never been one for quiet or convention. But the soft-spoken Georgina stirs something in him he can’t explain. But Adrian is not up to his usual seduction he has surprised himself. He is protective of Georgina and sees maybe love and forever with her! When doubts creep it’s Adrian who reassured her that he for real and do are his intentions! But Georgina father sends for her to return home and leave Havenwood possibly forever! Georgina is determined to find her way back to Adrian but he also determined not to let her go! It seems we have another father determined to have the last word! Adrian is full of surprises and he does what any self respecting rake would do! He runs away with his lady! By the time return they are deliriously happy and no threats from her brother will undue this! Bravo can’t wait for the Dukes story!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Lyn D Rose]

This second book in the Havenwood Academy series was a delightful and engaging regency historical romance that was beautifully intertwined with book one. The characters and their growth were wonderful. The plot was entertaining, and the ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!