A Scandal By Any Other Name by Kimberly Bell

Jan 30, 2018 Em rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, favourites, disabled-characters

#ownvoices review of A Scandal By Any Other Name by Kimberly Bell
Rating: 5/5

Jasper DeVere isn’t the man he wants to be yet but the world wants him to be a Duke, like his grandfather before him. Julia Bishop is the kind of woman she wants to be but the world won’t let her because of her disability. When they meet by chance on horseback, they are prepared for a romantic fling to help them forget their troubles. But when their fling turns into something more, they must face their deepest troubles b #ownvoices review of A Scandal By Any Other Name by Kimberly Bell
Rating: 5/5

Jasper DeVere isn’t the man he wants to be yet but the world wants him to be a Duke, like his grandfather before him. Julia Bishop is the kind of woman she wants to be but the world won’t let her because of her disability. When they meet by chance on horseback, they are prepared for a romantic fling to help them forget their troubles. But when their fling turns into something more, they must face their deepest troubles before they can take on the world together.

I’ve been anticipating this book for about six months. When I heard there was going to be a historical romance featuring a woman with spina bifida, I was intrigued. I myself have lipomyelomeningocele spina bifida (try saying that three times fast) which is different to what Julia has (spina bifida occulta) but we have most of the same symptoms. I was fairly apprehensive going into this book, wondering how this disability would be represented, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Most people I’ve come across don’t know what spina bifida is. If they do, they wonder why I’m not in a wheelchair. This is the first book I’ve ever read with a character like me in it and to have this book represent my disability respectfully and accurately is incredible to me. Especially when Julia is so bold and capable and in charge of herself. I wish I’d read this book when I was younger for the affirmation that I’m the one in charge of my disability and how I let it affect me. Literally, my only problem with this representation was that the condition isn’t named but that’s not enough to dampen all the wonderful things.

Well, and the way the townspeople treated Julia. I found it hard to believe that with her bulky skirts and Jasper’s aid in walking people could tell she was limping. People generally can’t tell I’m limping unless I’m having a bad day and it becomes more pronounced (virtually turns to a stagger) or I point it out to them. Spina bifida like mine - and from what I can tell, Julia’s - generally isn’t visible and I didn’t buy that she was some kind of spectacle.

But having said that, there were just so many parts of Julia’s experience that are exactly like my own. I hate people touching my scar - not because it hurts but because I’ve spent so long protecting it, shielding it from harm, that it scares me to let it be vulnerable. Her foot has the same deformity mine does and reading about her trying to accept it brought me to tears. The limp and the bathroom schedule and the terrifying notion that a potential suitor wouldn’t accept all these things that can’t be changed. It was like looking into a mirror - only snarkier and with better fashion sense.

And Julia is bold. She swims, she rides horses, she drives her own carriage. And she is so comfortable with her sexuality! Julia’s not only attractive and sexual, she’s a driving force in her escapades with Jasper. I’ve never read a novel where the woman was such an active partner in dalliances. Let alone a disabled woman. Way to destroy the stereotype that disabled people are sexless and don’t engage in fulfilling and exciting sex lives. Julia’s so in charge of herself and it was awesome. She’s the most capable female character I’ve read for a long time - regardless of disability.

And of course, there’s our gorgeous leading man. Jasper is so sweet, funny and charming but he’s not afraid to be vulnerable. And he’s so aware of his emotions - it amazed me how he considered the emotional side of his and Julia’s relationship so much, and how he made sure they were both on the same page. And the way he just took all of Julia’s limitations in stride was incredible. Not once did he question it; he just did what he had to to make her comfortable. There were definitely times I sat back and wished I had a Jasper of my own.

And let’s talk about Amelia. Oh, what I would give to have an ally like her. She is so completely understanding of Julia’s condition and her limitations. And when people ask her about Julia’s disability, she makes sure they understand that it’s Julia they should talk to and not her. Amazing. I loved her. Can she come to life and be my sister too? I’ll definitely be going back and reading the novel about her and Nicholas.

This was such an incredible novel. I read all of it today and I just about feel like starting it again tomorrow. The plot was wonderful - the audience with the Queen! Oh my gosh! - and the characters were excellent. Well, I felt Ruby could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. But everything else was wonderful. I will definitely be looking for more of Kimberly Bell’s books and this is going straight to the top of my disability recommendations list. ...more

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Jan 17, 2018 Barbara Rogers rated it really liked it

Shelves: iblog, netgalley

Series: A Scandal by Any Other Name
Publication Date: 1/30/18

I am so pleased to have read this book. I was a little hesitant to request it because I had such mixed feelings about the first book in the series, but I’m so glad I decided to go ahead and request it. It is well plotted, the writing is excellent and it is filled with lighthearted humor and one-liners. I kept picturing Lucy and Ethel (from I Love Lucy) with a smattering of Wonder Woman thrown in. The Bishop sisters are true terrors. The ...more

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Dec 11, 2017 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it liked it

Shelves: disabilities-or-chronic-illness, romance, m-f, read-to-review-arc, net-galley, losing-the-v-card

*3.5 stars*

I enjoyed this gutsy, unique romance from new-to-me author, Kimberly Bell. Though I think the book struggled with some pacing and plotting issues, it was an interesting, worthwhile reads for everyone who loves bold heroines and atypical MCs.

When I read that this was a romance with a female main character with spina bifida, I couldn't pass it up. I can count on maybe one hand the number of romances I've read with a female MCs with any type of disability or affliction, and I was positiv ...more

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Jan 17, 2018 Mitticus rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-arcs, z-2018-readings, historical-fiction, physical-disability, adult-mature, nobility, victorian-era, dukedom, historical-romance

+Digital ARC gently provided by Netgalley; the thougths are freely mine+

2.5 you better put on your big pants stars

After the death of his grandfather, the duke, Jasper do the usual: escape everything. Meanwhile, Julia Bishop is allowing herself to enjoy life in the country , shunned for her physical condition , and dreaming with a affair.

Thoughts:
Not impressed with the Duke, the explanation about not able to fill his grandfather shoes as a way to justified his running away it is not good at all. ...more

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Feb 04, 2018 Caitlyn Lynch rated it it was amazing

I’m going to run out of superlatives to describe how good this book is. It is, quite simply, the best historical romance I’ve read in ages - and I’ve read quite a few good ones, as you’ll see from my review history.

Lady Julia Bishop is the eldest daughter of a wealthy earl, and as such, she should have too many eligible suitors to count. However, Julia was born with an exposed spinal condition (revealed in the author’s notes to be spina bifida occluda) and is known to society as a ‘crippled frea I’m going to run out of superlatives to describe how good this book is. It is, quite simply, the best historical romance I’ve read in ages - and I’ve read quite a few good ones, as you’ll see from my review history.

Lady Julia Bishop is the eldest daughter of a wealthy earl, and as such, she should have too many eligible suitors to count. However, Julia was born with an exposed spinal condition (revealed in the author’s notes to be spina bifida occluda) and is known to society as a ‘crippled freak’. Instead of hiding herself away from the world, though, Julia is determined to live whatever life she might have to the absolute fullest, schedules and medical treatments notwithstanding. Meeting Jasper, Duke of Albermarle, when he accidentally causes her to fall from her horse, she makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to conceal her identity and pretend her severe limp is caused by a twisted ankle rather than her condition, wanting just for once to be treated as a ‘normal’.

Jasper is already head over heels in love with her by the time he figures out she hasn’t told him everything, and to his credit, the only way he allows the knowledge to colour his actions is in the greater consideration he affords her physical limitations when planning activities for them to do together. He was wonderful, but it was Julia who is the star of this story, Julia the fearless, who refuses to accept other people’s restrictions on her free choices, who refuses to be defined by her illness. Her sense of humour and indomitable will were inspirational, and her interactions with her sister Amelia had me laughing my head off more than once. I have sisters myself, and the way they teased each other was so true to life, I absolutely loved it.

If you’re looking for greater disabled representation in romance, seriously, you cannot do better than this fabulous love story set in the early days of Queen Victoria’s reign. I wish I could give it about fifteen stars, but sadly, five will have to do.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley. ...more

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Oct 31, 2017 Dill Werner rated it really liked it

This is the first book I've read in this series, provided to me by the publisher. I was thoroughly impressed by the heroine and the representation of her disability/illness (Although I know a bit about the condition, I'm not an expert on spina bifida and can't speak specifically about the representation). As a disabled person, it's lovely to see someone who doesn't fit into the swoony doe-eyed damsel. "Juniper" wants to have a romance like her peers, one that doesn't involve her reputation of be ...more

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Dec 11, 2017 Carey’s Reviews rated it it was amazing

5 Stars!! I LOVED this book!! I walk with a limp and have a lot of scars & I felt like I understood where the main character, Julia, was coming from with her fears & insecurities! I feel the same way! I connected with Julia and I really enjoyed her story! I haven’t read Amelia & Nicholas’s story yet but I think I might have to now! This book can be read as a standalone. I can’t say enough how much I loved this story! I definitely recommend this book! Amelia & Julia had me smiling while reading t ...more

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Jun 10, 2019 Skye Kilaen marked it as no-thank-you

I was loving this until about 55% of the way in, when:

Disabled Female MC: When we're having sex, I'm not comfortable with you touching me there or there.
Abled Male MC: Well then I guess you don't trust me and we won't be having sex until you do.
Disabled Female MC: I guess he's right, I have a trust deficit.

I was *so* uncomfortable with this. People are allowed to set boundaries!

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Jan 14, 2018 Sam rated it it was ok

Im not sure how I feel about this book. The future duke makes a run for it at the very start of the book. It was a childish action. The rest of the book followed the same kind of plot. Nothing was serious. It was like reading a novel about two young teens trying to find a way to force happiness.

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Jan 03, 2018 Amy ~ Love At 1st Read rated it it was amazing

I fell in love with Jasper and Julia in the first Tale of Two Sisters. I adored Julia and her sister Amelia’s relationship. They were both so impish and naughty. The kind of girls I’d want to be friends with. Jasper was such fun in the first book. Such a schemer and a flirt! I knew immediately that he and Julia would be the perfect match. And I knew their story would be so much fun to read. I just never imagined it would be so romantic and moving.

Jasper DeVere, Viscount Bellamy was known to b I fell in love with Jasper and Julia in the first Tale of Two Sisters. I adored Julia and her sister Amelia’s relationship. They were both so impish and naughty. The kind of girls I’d want to be friends with. Jasper was such fun in the first book. Such a schemer and a flirt! I knew immediately that he and Julia would be the perfect match. And I knew their story would be so much fun to read. I just never imagined it would be so romantic and moving.

Jasper DeVere, Viscount Bellamy was known to be outrageous, exuberant, wild, and fearless. He didn’t feel like much of that now. After the death of his grandfather, Jasper was to be the new Duke of Albemarle. And that scared him to death. Still grieving for his grandfather, Jasper knew he could never fill the man’s shoes. It would be an insult to his grandfather’s legacy. He had no expertise to offer. He wasn’t qualified. He wasn’t ready. He needed more time. And so he found himself running away. Like he always did. He’d hide out at his friend Nicholas’ house since Nicholas and Amelia were gone traveling. It would be the perfect place for him to come to terms with his life.
Julia Bishop was enjoying the freedom of her sister’s house. Away from society’s whispers and exile. Due to an exposed spine condition at birth, Julia’s family had been more or less a pariah in society. So Julia enjoyed her time in the country where she could do as she pleased and race across the countryside on her horse. Which is exactly what she was doing when she literally tumbled into Jasper’s life. After helping her to her feet, Jasper assumed her limp was due to their mishap, and Julia saw no reason to tell him otherwise. In fact, he didn’t know who she was. But she knew him. He had been the leading role in her fantasy love affairs ever since she’d peeked at him whenever he came to visit her sister. Why should he know she was That Bishop Girl? Jasper was said to be one of the most sought after lovers on the continent and he was here alone with her in the countryside. She could have a taste of the romance she’d always wanted. So, giving him an atrocious fake name, her charade began. It could come crashing down at any moment, but for now she was Miss Juniper Fairchild and she was ready to flirt with the outrageous Viscount Bellamy to her heart’s content. And for Jasper, the thought of flirting with Miss Fairchild added a sense of purpose to his escape that thrilled him.

What follows is nothing short of divine. Of course the ruse falls apart once Amelia and Nicholas return from their travels, but by then Jasper and Julia are captivated with one another. Jasper found Julia bewitching. There was a challenge to her that set his blood on fire. She was wicked and innocent at the same time. The perfect blend of saint and sinner. With her, he didn’t think of the things that were haunting him. He felt a rightness that had been missing for a long time. Julia found that there was more to Jasper than a famous name and perfect face. He made her feel beautiful. No one other than her sister had ever seen beyond her façade. Jasper did. And he didn’t run away. Her time with him felt magical. What had started as a flirtatious fling was so much more now. But Julia knew “the world would never let them keep each other, no matter how good it felt to be with him. He was a duke and she was the disabled daughter of a disgraced country lord”. But Jasper wouldn’t give up. Julia’s objections were based on what society would allow, and Jasper didn’t care what society thought. It was time for him to quit hiding and face his family and his title.
If possible, I fell even more in love with Jasper and Julia in this book. I loved Julia’s strength. She was aware of the stares and whispers from society but she held her head high. She didn’t cower. She was a ‘seize the moment’ kind of girl. So hopeful. Jasper had “devoted his life to fleeting pleasures that distracted him from memories he didn’t want to recall”, but with Julia he finally felt peace. She gave him a reason to face the world.
There were so many romantic, yet funny moments. I loved when Jasper faced his fear of water just to be near Julia. And her defense of him at ‘the dinner party from hell’ was delightful. The banter between Julia, Amelia, Jasper, and Nicholas was marvelous. The family and friend dynamics added so much to the story. The most romantic of all though had to be the Fairy Barrow. I thought my kindle might go up in flames!
I’m hoping there’s more to come in this series. I would love to see Amelia and Julia’s mother redeem herself. And I am dying to know more of Jasper’s sister Ruby’s story. Ruby is so dutiful. Never doing anything dangerous or crazy. I’m anxious to see her discover the chaos that love can bring.
This funny, believable, romantic, and heartwarming story will bring a smile to your lips and a delight to your heart. This series is worth every page turning moment and even the book hangover that will definitely follow. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book. This and other reviews can be read at facebook.com/loveat1stread.
...more

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Jan 17, 2018 Erin Kelly rated it it was amazing

I loved Julia and Jasper!! The plot was not quite as compelling as the previous book in this series, but I think the character development made up for it. These two were so perfectly written for one another.

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Feb 01, 2018 Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, genre-historical-romance, heroine-disability

Julia Bishop knows that dreaming of exciting adventures and grand romances is as close as she will ever come to actually having them. Due to a spinal injury Julia’s life is on a strict schedule where deviation could mean something as small as a headache or as dangerous as life ending infection. But, when Jasper DeVere, an infamous rake and her brother-in-law’s friend unexpectedly arrives it seems the both adventure and romance have been delivered directly to her door.

I’ve been really excited

Julia Bishop knows that dreaming of exciting adventures and grand romances is as close as she will ever come to actually having them. Due to a spinal injury Julia’s life is on a strict schedule where deviation could mean something as small as a headache or as dangerous as life ending infection. But, when Jasper DeVere, an infamous rake and her brother-in-law’s friend unexpectedly arrives it seems the both adventure and romance have been delivered directly to her door.

I’ve been really excited to read this, I enjoyed the first book in this series The Importance of Being Scandalous and one of the things I loved most about it was Julia and Jasper. Although they never met, each of their characters were so vibrant and fun that they stole the show. So, having them couple up seems like a natural next step and was the reason for my aforementioned excitement.

They stole the show in The Importance of Being Scandalous, did they manage the same in A Scandal by any Other Name? I thought so. I loved Julia’s sense of adventure and that although she had some serious physical limitations it didn’t stop her from trying to live her life to the fullest and take opportunities when she found them. One of these opportunities being Jasper, with whom she had some instant chemistry. Jasper falls into the rake-with-a-heart-of-gold category and I was just as in love as Julia with his charm, humour and slight vulnerability.

The romance between them proceeds in a fairly predictable manner. But, although I knew what was happening and what was going to happen, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. Not only because I liked the romance, but because I enjoyed the humour and relationships between not just the main hero and heroine, but between Julia and Amelia, her sister, and others she was close with. It all lent the book a warm cosy feeling, like you’re stepping into a circle of close friends.

A great romance, I am not sure if this is the last book, I assume it is as the series is named A Tale of Two Sisters and both of them are nice and settled. But, whatever Kimberly Bell brings out next I know I am going to be picking it up.
...more

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Jan 22, 2018 Paula rated it liked it

Shelves: read_in_2018

I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review

Devastated by his grandfather’s death, Jasper DeVere leaves town instead of attending the ceremony in which the new queen Victoria proclaims him duke of Albermarle. He’d rather not be a duke and have his beloved old man alive. He wants to mourn alone and rides like a madman with no specific destination. But of course fate plays tricks and by the time he’s exhausted and decides to stop he finds himself in the vicinity of his best frien ...more

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Dec 10, 2017 Jultri rated it liked it

Shelves: maimed-heroine, secret-identity

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Sorry to ruin the string of good ratings, but the behaviours of the protagonists were just too inane for me to enjoy. The blurb is inaccurate. Jasper De Vere did not avoid his grandfather, the Duke of Albemarle. He avoided accepting the title of Duke of Albemarle after his grandfather's passing. He did so by bolting minutes before the formal ceremony presenting him to Parliament! Not the most dignified impression on this reader at the start of the book. He was 26 years old, a man who should have Sorry to ruin the string of good ratings, but the behaviours of the protagonists were just too inane for me to enjoy. The blurb is inaccurate. Jasper De Vere did not avoid his grandfather, the Duke of Albemarle. He avoided accepting the title of Duke of Albemarle after his grandfather's passing. He did so by bolting minutes before the formal ceremony presenting him to Parliament! Not the most dignified impression on this reader at the start of the book. He was 26 years old, a man who should have been prepared and trained for this role for years by his beloved grandfather. Running away from his responsibilities was not the way to honour his grandfather's memory. His excuse was lame - because he could not be the great duke his grandfather was, so he chose not to be a duke at all. His actions would have shamed the esteemed family name his grandfather worked hard to elevate further.

Then we've got Lady Julia, the daughter of an earl, who behaved in shockingly wanton manner. She was supposedly born with spina bifida (see below addendum) which has resulted in a limp, scarrring of her back and slight back deformity and a propensity for bladder infections. Despite all her disabilities, she did not allow her medical condition to hold her back and retained her adventurous spirit. All good and well and commendable, except that does not justify throwing dignity and decency to the winds by throwing herself openly at Jasper, because he might be the only opportunity for her to experience passion. Even when she was caught by his sister, almost naked on his bed, she still had no shame and decided, if his sister thought her his harlot, then she was going to dress like one also. Well, how's that for misplaced attitude! And she was caught in inappropriate compromising situations with Jasper by his sister not just once, so how can Julia blame the sister for thinking so of her, given the conservative behaviour and strict decorum expected of well-raised young ladies in those days. And noone from her family attempted to rein in her overtly outrageous behavior or protect her virtue.

Then we go back to Jasper's stupidity for leaving her without an explanation to back to London in order to finally accept his Ducal title and responsibilities. He didn't want her to be hurt by the knowledge that the Queen refused to endorse their marriage, so instead he crushed Julia's heart by allowing her to think he abandoned her for good! He never did make good on his pledge to be the best Duke he can be, because after being dragged by his sister reluctantly around London while moping forlornly in order to acquaint himself with his peers for a few weeks, he ran off again with Julia. I so hate useless, spineless heroes who contribute little to the welfare of others! And what happened to observing the prerequisite mourning period for his grandfather, not just socially expected but appropriate as a mark of love and respect for the deceased?

Additionally, I don't get how Julia's limp resulted in, not only her complete and utter social ostracism like a leper, but to the point where ordinary village people were pointing at her where ever she went and children were left fearful of her! Surely there were other people walking slightly awkwardly around for various reasons, like acute injuries, war and accidents.

I did like the dialogues between the characters. There were some witticisms and Julia's maid/nurse, was a gem. The author writes well, but the antics of the main characters just were too infantile for me to enjoy.

This was an ARC provided by NetGalley.

Addendum. This does not impact on the story itself, but the author wrote in her endnotes that Julia had spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida occulta is called that because the patient is usually asymptomatic (i.e. Normal gait, no bladder problem)and the only outward sign of very mild incompletely/abnormally formed spinal cord apparatus is a small hair tuft or dimple in the lower back. Julia most likely had a mild form of spina bifida itself (mild meningomyelocoele) treated with the iodine injections in the past, that the author referred to. ...more

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Jan 17, 2018 Alexandra rated it it was amazing

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley & Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

First of all, I'd like to thank Jen from Book Avid for the recommendation. They had posted many times about the importance of the book and about the heroinE, Julia.

The story takes place in the Victorian era, in the early days of the Queen's reign. Julia Bishop is the daughter of a wealthy family, she is beautiful, educated and has a loving family. But she is shun ...more

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Dec 24, 2017 Amanda Richardson rated it really liked it

A Scandal by Any Other Name is a lovely story about a reforming rake and woman who has remained hidden. Julia has a limp and a spinal injury/deformity that she has lived with all of her life. She has been forced to stay out of society and hidden by her mother. Julia thought to never marry, being a third-wheel in her sister's household and facing this possibility she is shocked when she meets a man who wants her.
Jasper is running away from his inheritance. After his grandfather died, Jasper isn't ...more

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Jun 21, 2020 ♆ BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley-reviews, historical-romance

After reading the first book, I had to find out what happens to Amalia's twin, Julia. Julia is a determined female who won't let a disability keep her down. She may not be able to have a respectable life as a married woman, but she is determine to experience a grand passion. The question is, where will she find a man who will overlook her scars and disfigured foot? Who will ignore her limp? Ignore that she follows a strict regimen to prevent her from collapsing down with a fever and illness?

Read ...more

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Dec 15, 2017 Norah Gibbons rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. A Scandal By Any Other Name is the second book in Kimberly Bell’s A Tale of Two Sisters series. They are quite steamy romances set in the early Victorian era. The first book is The Importance Of Being Scandalous. Kimberly Bell is a new to me author so I had not read the first one ... but I immediately purchased it upon finishing this book because I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters. Currently the first book ...more

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Jan 09, 2018 Dot Salvagin rated it it was amazing

This is the second book in the “Two Sisters” series and I loved it. After being introduced to Jasper and Julia in the first book I couldn’t wait for them to get together in this book and I wasn’t disappointed. Julia has suffered a debilitating condition all her life but instead of giving in she fights back and grabs hold of life with gusto. Jasper has some serious self-confidence issues in spite of his wicked sense of humor. Together they are a couple for the age, but will they overcome their se ...more

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Jan 06, 2018 Devon rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Good book. I enjoyed it Fun and steamy. Lovable characters. Great story.

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Feb 19, 2018 Under the Covers Book Blog rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Julia Bishop knows that dreaming of exciting adventures and grand romances is as close as she will ever come to actually having them. Due to a spinal injury Julia’s life is on a strict schedule where deviation could mean something as small as a headache or as dangerous as life ending infection. But, when Jasper DeVe

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Julia Bishop knows that dreaming of exciting adventures and grand romances is as close as she will ever come to actually having them. Due to a spinal injury Julia’s life is on a strict schedule where deviation could mean something as small as a headache or as dangerous as life ending infection. But, when Jasper DeVere, an infamous rake and her brother-in-law’s friend unexpectedly arrives it seems the both adventure and romance have been delivered directly to her door.

I’ve been really excited to read this, I enjoyed the first book in this series The Importance of Being Scandalous and one of the things I loved most about it was Julia and Jasper. Although they never met, each of their characters were so vibrant and fun that they stole the show. So, having them couple up seems like a natural next step and was the reason for my aforementioned excitement.

They stole the show in The Importance of Being Scandalous, did they manage the same in A Scandal by any Other Name? I thought so. I loved Julia’s sense of adventure and that although she had some serious physical limitations it didn’t stop her from trying to live her life to the fullest and take opportunities when she found them. One of these opportunities being Jasper, with whom she had some instant chemistry. Jasper falls into the rake-with-a-heart-of-gold category and I was just as in love as Julia with his charm, humour and slight vulnerability.

The romance between them proceeds in a fairly predictable manner. But, although I knew what was happening and what was going to happen, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. Not only because I liked the romance, but because I enjoyed the humour and relationships between not just the main hero and heroine, but between Julia and Amelia, her sister, and others she was close with. It all lent the book a warm cosy feeling, like you’re stepping into a circle of close friends.

A great romance, I am not sure if this is the last book, I assume it is as the series is named A Tale of Two Sisters and both of them are nice and settled. But, whatever Kimberly Bell brings out next I know I am going to be picking it up.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤ ...more

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Jan 24, 2018 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Publisher's Description:

Julia Bishop has led a very sheltered life. Protected by her family from those who might ridicule her for her secrets, she stays hidden away in the country. But she longs for more, if only for an evening. To kiss a rake in full view of the stable boy. Unchaperoned picnics. Romance. But she knows she’ll never experience any of those things.

That is, until a handsome duke with a mysterious past of his own arrives…

Duke Jasper DeVere left London to grieve his grandfather’s dea ...more

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May 15, 2018 Jo rated it really liked it

So last year there were posts going around about The Importance of Being Scandalous which was a historical romance with a character that has spina bifida. Turns out, the character with spina bifida was the sister and the romance did not include her one bit. I was disappointed especially because I thought she would have made an excellent pairing with Jasper, the best friend of the male love interest.

BUT Julia’s back with her own romance this time! And it was fully adorable (and sexy) and I really ...more

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Jun 14, 2020 Sophie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-beat-the-backlist-challenge, read-in-2020, 2018-releases, 4-stars, arcs-read

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Julia Bishop was born with a spinal condition that should've killed her in her youth, and because of the danger to her health, has been cosseted in the countryside for her entire life. With everything being run to a schedule to ensure she doesn't contract infection or overly fatigues herself, she's long grown sick of her sheltered existence. She's always wanted more, and while staying her her s I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Julia Bishop was born with a spinal condition that should've killed her in her youth, and because of the danger to her health, has been cosseted in the countryside for her entire life. With everything being run to a schedule to ensure she doesn't contract infection or overly fatigues herself, she's long grown sick of her sheltered existence. She's always wanted more, and while staying her her sister's estate while Amelia and Nicholas are on honeymoon, she comes across a handsome gentlemen, Jasper DeVere, who is fleeing his responsibilities, and is perfect for Julia's hopes. Jasper has just lost his beloved grandfather, and the grief, alongside the added pressure of being the new Duke of Albemarle, and can't see it in himself to live up to all expectations, so he flees the House of Lords, leaving even Queen Victoria in his wake. He needs time to mourn and allow himself some freedom, and meeting Julia was just want he needed. As they both are hiding parts of themselves, they still find themselves falling, and falling fast, but Julia's reputation and ridicule in local society, and Jasper's familial connection to the queen mean it's unlikely they'll be allowed to be together, but they'd do anything to make it possible.

This book was one I just couldn't put down, and I loved the main characters. We have Julia, Jasper, Amelia, Nicholas, and Ruby, who all were wonderful, and I loved the camaraderie between them all. Jasper and Ruby's sibling love and arguments were hilarious to see, especially as Ruby wanted Jasper to grow up and stand up to his responsibilities, but ultimately cared about him and wanted the best for her brother. Julia's illness, which is never explicitly named, but the author says is Spina Bifida, has always impacted her life, and the locals have always ridiculed her for her limp and her extended sickness periods, but with Jasper, she feels different, and not just the girl with the illness. He doesn't know about it at first, but as soon as he finds out, he's by her side at every step, through bouts of illness and when facing difficult society. Their love for each other was wholesome and perfect, and I couldn't stop myself from grinning while reading, especially later on in the story. Definitely a book to lift your spirits and full of romance and family. ...more

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Jan 16, 2018 Lindsey Gray rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-reviews, 2018-reads, blog-reviews-2018

This novel could’ve been entitled How to Tick Off a Monarch, because Queen Victoria has more than one reason to be displeased with her cousin, Jasper DeVere. Since his father passed away when he was only six, Jasper has lived the majority of his life as the heir to his grandfather’s title of the Duke of Albemarle. Now with his grandfather’s passing, it’s time for Jasper to take over the dukedom. Seconds before he is supposed to be presented to Queen Victoria and take over the title, he bolts lea ...more

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Jan 25, 2018 Janet rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 Stars
Julia Bishop has led a very sheltered life & because of her disability, she stays hidden away in the country. She longs for more, but she knows she’ll never experience any of those things.
That is, until one day out riding she takes a tumble from her horse & is rescued by Jasper DeVere who’s left London to grieve his grandfather’s death privately, away from the prying eyes and gossips of the ton. Seeking solitude at Nick & Amelia’s country manor, who happen to be Julia sister & brother i ...more

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Jan 29, 2018 Lori D rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgallery, intriguing, historical-romance

This is a story of two people who both have a hard time dealing with their current lives. Jasper De Vere has lost his parents and is about to lose his beloved grandfather and is not ready to take over the Dukedom. So he flees his responsibilities and goes to his friend Nicolas's estate in the country. There he meets Julia Bishop, Nicolas's sister in law who has kept to herself hidden away from society. She was born with a spinal injury and has always stayed close to her family. Although really i ...more

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Jan 28, 2018 Isha Coleman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads, netgalley

Jasper has two simple rules:

(1) Live life to the fullest.

(2) Get out while you can.

Permanent has no place in his life. Until he meets the one woman who stops him in his tracks. Julia is a dreamer. Excitement is what she craves, but life had other plans for her. When a playboy heir to a dukedom walks into her life and makes her forget her less than perfect existence, she starts to think that anything is possible. However, life has a way of changing the best laid plans. Can these two misfits: the ...more

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Dec 19, 2017 SH rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I had just finished reading “The Importance of being Scandalous” which I had purchased when I had the opportunity to read “A Scandal by any other Name” so I was thrilled. The second book, which can be read independently of the first, follows Jasper De Vere who has fled his presentation to the queen as the new Duke. He goes to the country estate of his friends Nicholas and Amelia (book 1), where he meets Amelia’s sister Julia, who pretends to be a family cousin, known as Juniper. Her reason for d ...more

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Dec 26, 2017 Chelle rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, netgalley, historical-romance

Story concept and characters were excellent. The treatment of her disability seemed historically accurate. It had many elements of a good story, certainly it was different.

However the story lost pace and it seemed to go nowhere, by halfway I found it very laborious and I lost any joy I had in my initial reading.

Great potential but for me it just didn't deliver.

The blurb above seems to refer to a slightly different scenario so it maybe that it's been rewritten since I got it from netgalley.

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