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Request #1
A Scandalous Request
London, 1812. After fleeing the clutches of her vile brother-in-law, Rose Evans finds refuge in the home of her dear friend, Lord Ashton Sennett. They come to an agreement, a marriage of friendly convenience. Since another holds claim to Ashton's heart and body, he seeks to see that Rose experiences all life has to offer. And so to Lord Darington he makes a most scandalous request.
Burke Darington, Third Earl of Blackwood and an austere, solitary man, can scarce believe his ears. Apparently, his whispered reputation has earned him an outrageous solicitation - Lord Sennett wants him to seduce his wife. Though Burke finds Rose fascinating, sweet, intelligent, and with a unique bent toward independence, she is also innocent. She deserves better than to be fouled by a tainted man.
A seduction, a shooting, and an unexpected matter of the heart throw two wounded souls into a sensational scandal.
Burke Darington, Third Earl of Blackwood and an austere, solitary man, can scarce believe his ears. Apparently, his whispered reputation has earned him an outrageous solicitation - Lord Sennett wants him to seduce his wife. Though Burke finds Rose fascinating, sweet, intelligent, and with a unique bent toward independence, she is also innocent. She deserves better than to be fouled by a tainted man.
A seduction, a shooting, and an unexpected matter of the heart throw two wounded souls into a sensational scandal.
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Audiobook
First published October 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 24, 2019
One more new author I discovered with this great read.
The blurb had me wondering in what I got myself into. I feared at first a story of betrayal with cheaters, and if there was, it was not about marriage vows. Sure, the heroine’s husband asks a man to seduce his wife, because he can’t offer her this part of their contract.
Rose has been betrayed by those who should have protected her, her own sister does not care for her and her brother-in-law has base ambitions for her. Why she thought she has finally found peace with her friend Ashton when he proposed a marriage of convenience to escape their fate. But later she will discover there are degrees in the betrayal.
Burke, The Earl of Blackwood thought his life all traced, managing his business, carousing with women he knows he will never ask for more, playing and drinking with his few friends until a business partner offered him a scandalous request. He rejected it at first, then the closer he becomes of Rose, the more he comprehend she is not the usual lofty woman he associates with. She makes him seek for a different path, one with hope and a not lonesome future.
Then everything shattered.
I was quite upset and horrified for Rose when everyone turned their back from her. Even Burke. I was angry at him for immediately thinking the worst of her and never giving her the time of a doubt.
But his upbringing is also the result of his distrust of women. It does not absolve him for not believing in her, but once he understood he was misguided, he works to mend the right he crafted.
My heart cried for Rose, it was like she was left alone in the world, with no shoulder on which to lean on.
It was a reconquest of what they shared at one time but lost in a hurtful way because of Evil people and Burke’s insecurities. I cheered Rose because despite her good heart, the scars left by Burke’s failed trust, she knew her own faith in him was crushed. Only time and a great act of generosity might help her envision a different outcome than a solitary life.
Mrs Micki Miller forged a heartfelt tale of two people after finding another will have to create their own path if they do not want to get lost. Treason and suspicion lurk at every corner, so whom can they trust?
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher The Wild Rose Press but I decided after reading this book to purchase my own edition. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
I do hope the author will feature a sequel with Burke’s friend Drew.
The blurb had me wondering in what I got myself into. I feared at first a story of betrayal with cheaters, and if there was, it was not about marriage vows. Sure, the heroine’s husband asks a man to seduce his wife, because he can’t offer her this part of their contract.
Rose has been betrayed by those who should have protected her, her own sister does not care for her and her brother-in-law has base ambitions for her. Why she thought she has finally found peace with her friend Ashton when he proposed a marriage of convenience to escape their fate. But later she will discover there are degrees in the betrayal.
Burke, The Earl of Blackwood thought his life all traced, managing his business, carousing with women he knows he will never ask for more, playing and drinking with his few friends until a business partner offered him a scandalous request. He rejected it at first, then the closer he becomes of Rose, the more he comprehend she is not the usual lofty woman he associates with. She makes him seek for a different path, one with hope and a not lonesome future.
Then everything shattered.
I was quite upset and horrified for Rose when everyone turned their back from her. Even Burke. I was angry at him for immediately thinking the worst of her and never giving her the time of a doubt.
But his upbringing is also the result of his distrust of women. It does not absolve him for not believing in her, but once he understood he was misguided, he works to mend the right he crafted.
My heart cried for Rose, it was like she was left alone in the world, with no shoulder on which to lean on.
It was a reconquest of what they shared at one time but lost in a hurtful way because of Evil people and Burke’s insecurities. I cheered Rose because despite her good heart, the scars left by Burke’s failed trust, she knew her own faith in him was crushed. Only time and a great act of generosity might help her envision a different outcome than a solitary life.
Mrs Micki Miller forged a heartfelt tale of two people after finding another will have to create their own path if they do not want to get lost. Treason and suspicion lurk at every corner, so whom can they trust?
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher The Wild Rose Press but I decided after reading this book to purchase my own edition. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
I do hope the author will feature a sequel with Burke’s friend Drew.
March 3, 2019
A good quick read with interesting characters.
March 16, 2019
Rose Evans lives with her sister and brother in law as a poor relation, a fact that is constantly cast up to her. As the years pass, Rose's sister becomes more resentful of her presence and her brother in law becomes more familiar. On the day of Rose's twentieth birthday, her brother in law attempts an attack that sends Rose fleeing from her home. Luckily Rose's very good friend Lord Ashton needs a wife and offers to become her husband in name only to protect her.
Months later, Rose is happy with her new situation although Ashton worries that his friend will never experience all the joys of a true marriage. And so Ashton makes a scandalous request of his friend, Lord Darington. Ashton requests that Lord Darington seduce his wife, and once he sees her, Lord Darington finds her hard to resist.
This was an interesting read that was part romance, part mystery. It does have a few steamy scenes and a description of a failed sexual assault. The plot was intriguing and the premise was really unique. The author puts a lot of detail into her scenes and did a great job fleshing out the characters. I especially liked Darington's backstory, and I thought he and Rose fit well together.
This is one of a very few historical romances I've read that portray gay characters, and I appreciate that they were included and so lovingly.
The narration was really well done, the narrator performed a different voice for each character and put life into them all. It was an enjoyable narration. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Months later, Rose is happy with her new situation although Ashton worries that his friend will never experience all the joys of a true marriage. And so Ashton makes a scandalous request of his friend, Lord Darington. Ashton requests that Lord Darington seduce his wife, and once he sees her, Lord Darington finds her hard to resist.
This was an interesting read that was part romance, part mystery. It does have a few steamy scenes and a description of a failed sexual assault. The plot was intriguing and the premise was really unique. The author puts a lot of detail into her scenes and did a great job fleshing out the characters. I especially liked Darington's backstory, and I thought he and Rose fit well together.
This is one of a very few historical romances I've read that portray gay characters, and I appreciate that they were included and so lovingly.
The narration was really well done, the narrator performed a different voice for each character and put life into them all. It was an enjoyable narration. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2019
Rose Evans lives with her sister and brother in law as a poor relation, a fact that is constantly cast up to her. As the years pass, Rose's sister becomes more resentful of her presence and her brother in law becomes more familiar. On the day of Rose's twentieth birthday, her brother in law attempts an attack that sends Rose fleeing from her home. Luckily Rose's very good friend Lord Ashton needs a wife and offers to become her husband in name only to protect her.
Months later, Rose is happy with her new situation although Ashton worries that his friend will never experience all the joys of a true marriage. And so Ashton makes a scandalous request of his friend, Lord Darington. Ashton requests that Lord Darington seduce his wife, and once he sees her, Lord Darington finds her hard to resist.
This was an interesting read that was part romance, part mystery. It does have a few steamy scenes and a description of a failed sexual assault. The plot was intriguing and the premise was really unique. The author puts a lot of detail into her scenes and did a great job fleshing out the characters. I especially liked Darington's backstory, and I thought he and Rose fit well together.
This is one of a very few historical romances I've read that portray gay characters, and I appreciate that they were included and so lovingly.
The narration was really well done, the narrator performed a different voice for each character and put life into them all. It was an enjoyable narration. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Months later, Rose is happy with her new situation although Ashton worries that his friend will never experience all the joys of a true marriage. And so Ashton makes a scandalous request of his friend, Lord Darington. Ashton requests that Lord Darington seduce his wife, and once he sees her, Lord Darington finds her hard to resist.
This was an interesting read that was part romance, part mystery. It does have a few steamy scenes and a description of a failed sexual assault. The plot was intriguing and the premise was really unique. The author puts a lot of detail into her scenes and did a great job fleshing out the characters. I especially liked Darington's backstory, and I thought he and Rose fit well together.
This is one of a very few historical romances I've read that portray gay characters, and I appreciate that they were included and so lovingly.
The narration was really well done, the narrator performed a different voice for each character and put life into them all. It was an enjoyable narration. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2019
Narrator: 4/5
Plot: 1/5
Enjoyment 1/5
Writing: 1/5
Overall: 1/5
The writing was too obviously reliant on a thesaurus, with the overly complex sentences not quite making sense and words used incorrectly. Listening to it required listening around the words to get to the point of the writing.
At first I was inclined to rate the story highly -- The premise was unique and interesting, and I was enjoying it until the improbable plot twist that wrenched it away from great potential and straight to 'bury your gays.' The rest of the story was a chore to listen to, with a plot I saw through from the first and with a murderer who was both obvious and bizarrely motivated.
The story was rife with such improbable phrases as "his lust and integrity erupted into a ferocious battle", "his honor grew murky," and "he teetered on the rim of his honor."
The narrator did the best job she could with the material provided, with the exception of the main character's voice which was a bit too high and breathy and irritating.
*I was given a free review copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review
Plot: 1/5
Enjoyment 1/5
Writing: 1/5
Overall: 1/5
The writing was too obviously reliant on a thesaurus, with the overly complex sentences not quite making sense and words used incorrectly. Listening to it required listening around the words to get to the point of the writing.
At first I was inclined to rate the story highly -- The premise was unique and interesting, and I was enjoying it until the improbable plot twist that wrenched it away from great potential and straight to 'bury your gays.' The rest of the story was a chore to listen to, with a plot I saw through from the first and with a murderer who was both obvious and bizarrely motivated.
The story was rife with such improbable phrases as "his lust and integrity erupted into a ferocious battle", "his honor grew murky," and "he teetered on the rim of his honor."
The narrator did the best job she could with the material provided, with the exception of the main character's voice which was a bit too high and breathy and irritating.
*I was given a free review copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review
April 30, 2019
Duration: 7 hrs 53 mins.
A Scandalous Request by Micki Miller is a Regency romance set against a background of scandal and intrigue. After fleeing her lecherous Brother-in-Law Rose finds solace in a marriage of convenience, but a proposition from her new husband and the enigmatic Earl of Blackwood throws Rose’s world into turmoil and changes all their lives in ways they could never have predicted.
I have to begin by saying that I have very conflicting feelings about this book. There are parts I really enjoyed, but it has also broken the record for the number of times I have spoken back to, and occasionally shouted at, an audiobook.
A Scandalous Request is shamelessly sweet, with a sing-song, fairy-tale expression, and the writing style is very flowery. I am not one who practices any economy with words, as anyone who has read my previous blogs can attest. Yet it felt at times as though the author’s main editing process involved combing back through her manuscript with a thesaurus, swapping perfectly serviceable words with their more grandiloquent counterparts to make each sentence as ‘pretty’ as possible. The florid style gave this Regency romance a very old-fashioned feel which had nothing to do with the historical setting. It reminded me of the 70s/80s Mills & Boon paperbacks which lined shelf upon shelf of every charity shop I visited as a child. Whilst I have never read a book by Dame Barbara Cartland, this audiobook feels the way I always imagined her novels might whenever I saw her dressed head-to-toe in shades of pink, which managed to clash rather violently with the varying candyfloss hues of her home décor.
The plot itself is not a bad one, and I felt an instant affinity to several of the characters. Burke Darington, in particular, is a fine rake and I would have enjoyed having his perspective and development explored in more detail. He was, without question, my favourite character in the book, but I do have a marked fondness for confirmed bachelors who come undone at the feet of women who appear, at first, not quite exotic enough to tempt them. (Thank you, Mr Darcy.)
I was also pleased to see a healthy homosexual relationship portrayed with tolerance by those close to the couple, despite the period setting and the dangers of conducting such a love-affair at the time. It was a little unfortunate that so many stereotypes came into play here, with the main clues to this ‘plot twist’ coming in the form of a gentleman’s inimitable taste in interior design and numerous platonic female friendships. It was refreshing to see the men’s relationship depicted as happy and loving, because the inclusion of homosexual relationships in historical romances is often blighted by torturous self-flagellation or unyielding tragedy. I was, therefore, rather disappointed in the conclusion of this storyline, as it fell into the trap of a rather unfortunate trope. ( I will refrain from going into any more detail so as not to ruin the story for anyone wanting to listen for themselves, but be aware that the link to the article about the history of gay characters in the media contains a spoiler, though not one specific to the book.)
The character with whom I felt the least connection, and the greatest frustration, was the protagonist, Rose. From almost the first moment of her introduction it was clear that she was a Mary Sue of such flawless perfection that she’d make Mary Poppins appear delinquent. Her innocence drives men wild with longing, she is beloved by all but one of her servants, and near the beginning of the book the youthful, blonde, kind-natured, ingenue is literally described as being adored by orphaned children and stray puppies alike. Not a chapter passes without her doing something “adorable” or the sun pitching on her in just the right way to emphasise her angelic beauty. This tendency, and the effusive nature of the writing, is nicely summarised by this quote. As Rose enthuses over a butterfly, Lord Darington muses:
"It was Rose who brimmed his vision. She looked adorable with her graceful hands clasped before her, a smile of fascinated admiration lighting her face all the way to her sapphire eyes. Sunlight caressed her candescent skin and touched her golden hair, envious, without doubt. The glowing effect encompassed all of her, like a celestial corona. It was an effort to wrench his gaze away."
In isolation it may sound romantic, but Rose’s attributes are espoused so frequently that the only surprise is that any mortal man can look upon her for long enough to notice them before bursting into flames. Fortunately, we are reminded by the defiant tilt of her chin that Rose is ‘spirited’, which in Regency London is an adjective reserved for women with some personality. Much of Rose’s spirit appears as an uncanny ability to wield an amber pig with devastating accuracy, an element of the story which I actually thought was great fun and made me wish the author had embraced a little more humour.
A Scandalous Request is a mainly sweet romance with a little intimacy, mainly detailed from Rose’s perspective without delving into her lover’s experience, but it was not explored very explicitly. I felt that the book needed either to include the sex-scenes properly or leave them out, instead of the rather unsatisfying half-and-half approach which begins to build some heat between the characters and then skims over the surface of their actions, as if the author has lost confidence in it. Intimacy of this kind can be excruciating to write if one is embarrassed by the prospect, and I think that it may have suited both the author and the characters if the book had drawn out their courtship instead of treating them to a few lacklustre romps. It would also have solved another issue, namely the etymology of the various intimacies.
In one post-coital moment, the Earl refers to his paramour, Pru, and their “night of sex”. According to Etymology Online, ‘sex’ wasn't used as shorthand for sexual intercourse until 1929, in by D H Lawrence. (No relation.) Regency language has many colourful phrases a rake might use when contemplating his lover and it was shame that such a modern one was used instead. When 'made love' was used later in the book, equally as erroneously, it didn't rankle as much as it usually would because it was, at least, less jarring than the previous choice.
I feel as though I am being unfairly critical because there was certainly a compelling story buried under the sacchariferous styling. (For example, a character becoming wrongly imprisoned in Newgate was an engaging turn of events, but the lady in question ended the worst day of her life dreaming of “fairy lands, and family, and love”. Which was one of the moments when I shouted at it for ruining the first occasions where she begins to develop some dimension beyond that of a Disney princess.) I feel, as I seem to with many a romance novel these days, that this book would have benefitted significantly from a critique group who could have helped the author embrace her talent for plot while preventing her from hiding it behind stereotypes and cloying descriptions. There’s a good book in here somewhere, but it is currently not quite fulfilling its potential, which often made it frustrating to listen to.
The narrator, Melanie Fraser, did an excellent job of infusing the story with life and performs each of the parts very well. She does read it a little like it is a bedtime story, so I mainly listened to it in the evening when winding down. I think that this particular audiobook would have been better with a male narrator, as it may have helped alleviate some of the cloying sweetness, especially given the prominence of the male characters. Fraser’s voice for Rose made her sound incredibly young but was very expressive. I would love to listen to Melanie Fraser narrating children’s books, as I think she would be wonderful reading something like Enid Blyton. She has a storyteller’s style, and whilst in this case it exacerbated the fairy-tale feeling of the book, I think that it would be perfect in a book for a younger audience.
I wasn’t keen on the echoey sound effects used during the scenes at Newgate Prison. No sound effects were used anywhere else – not even the thwack of amber upon chauvinist – so it seemed very out of place. Had it been part of a dramatised recording with other atmospheric sounds then it would have been fine, but in their absence it felt like a gimmick. This is personal preference, however, as I can imagine others finding it immersive.
Overall, A Scandalous Request is a sweet Regency romance with its heart in the right place, and if you are happy to lose yourself in the period and experience it alongside a young woman with similarly benevolent intentions then you may well enjoy this audiobook. However, if you prefer your historical heroines to feel a little more rounded in places other than merely the bosom, then you would do better to consider the ‘clean’ Regency romances by Georgette Heyer, Sophia Holloway, or Lynn Messina.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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A Scandalous Request by Micki Miller is a Regency romance set against a background of scandal and intrigue. After fleeing her lecherous Brother-in-Law Rose finds solace in a marriage of convenience, but a proposition from her new husband and the enigmatic Earl of Blackwood throws Rose’s world into turmoil and changes all their lives in ways they could never have predicted.
I have to begin by saying that I have very conflicting feelings about this book. There are parts I really enjoyed, but it has also broken the record for the number of times I have spoken back to, and occasionally shouted at, an audiobook.
A Scandalous Request is shamelessly sweet, with a sing-song, fairy-tale expression, and the writing style is very flowery. I am not one who practices any economy with words, as anyone who has read my previous blogs can attest. Yet it felt at times as though the author’s main editing process involved combing back through her manuscript with a thesaurus, swapping perfectly serviceable words with their more grandiloquent counterparts to make each sentence as ‘pretty’ as possible. The florid style gave this Regency romance a very old-fashioned feel which had nothing to do with the historical setting. It reminded me of the 70s/80s Mills & Boon paperbacks which lined shelf upon shelf of every charity shop I visited as a child. Whilst I have never read a book by Dame Barbara Cartland, this audiobook feels the way I always imagined her novels might whenever I saw her dressed head-to-toe in shades of pink, which managed to clash rather violently with the varying candyfloss hues of her home décor.
The plot itself is not a bad one, and I felt an instant affinity to several of the characters. Burke Darington, in particular, is a fine rake and I would have enjoyed having his perspective and development explored in more detail. He was, without question, my favourite character in the book, but I do have a marked fondness for confirmed bachelors who come undone at the feet of women who appear, at first, not quite exotic enough to tempt them. (Thank you, Mr Darcy.)
I was also pleased to see a healthy homosexual relationship portrayed with tolerance by those close to the couple, despite the period setting and the dangers of conducting such a love-affair at the time. It was a little unfortunate that so many stereotypes came into play here, with the main clues to this ‘plot twist’ coming in the form of a gentleman’s inimitable taste in interior design and numerous platonic female friendships. It was refreshing to see the men’s relationship depicted as happy and loving, because the inclusion of homosexual relationships in historical romances is often blighted by torturous self-flagellation or unyielding tragedy. I was, therefore, rather disappointed in the conclusion of this storyline, as it fell into the trap of a rather unfortunate trope. ( I will refrain from going into any more detail so as not to ruin the story for anyone wanting to listen for themselves, but be aware that the link to the article about the history of gay characters in the media contains a spoiler, though not one specific to the book.)
The character with whom I felt the least connection, and the greatest frustration, was the protagonist, Rose. From almost the first moment of her introduction it was clear that she was a Mary Sue of such flawless perfection that she’d make Mary Poppins appear delinquent. Her innocence drives men wild with longing, she is beloved by all but one of her servants, and near the beginning of the book the youthful, blonde, kind-natured, ingenue is literally described as being adored by orphaned children and stray puppies alike. Not a chapter passes without her doing something “adorable” or the sun pitching on her in just the right way to emphasise her angelic beauty. This tendency, and the effusive nature of the writing, is nicely summarised by this quote. As Rose enthuses over a butterfly, Lord Darington muses:
"It was Rose who brimmed his vision. She looked adorable with her graceful hands clasped before her, a smile of fascinated admiration lighting her face all the way to her sapphire eyes. Sunlight caressed her candescent skin and touched her golden hair, envious, without doubt. The glowing effect encompassed all of her, like a celestial corona. It was an effort to wrench his gaze away."
In isolation it may sound romantic, but Rose’s attributes are espoused so frequently that the only surprise is that any mortal man can look upon her for long enough to notice them before bursting into flames. Fortunately, we are reminded by the defiant tilt of her chin that Rose is ‘spirited’, which in Regency London is an adjective reserved for women with some personality. Much of Rose’s spirit appears as an uncanny ability to wield an amber pig with devastating accuracy, an element of the story which I actually thought was great fun and made me wish the author had embraced a little more humour.
A Scandalous Request is a mainly sweet romance with a little intimacy, mainly detailed from Rose’s perspective without delving into her lover’s experience, but it was not explored very explicitly. I felt that the book needed either to include the sex-scenes properly or leave them out, instead of the rather unsatisfying half-and-half approach which begins to build some heat between the characters and then skims over the surface of their actions, as if the author has lost confidence in it. Intimacy of this kind can be excruciating to write if one is embarrassed by the prospect, and I think that it may have suited both the author and the characters if the book had drawn out their courtship instead of treating them to a few lacklustre romps. It would also have solved another issue, namely the etymology of the various intimacies.
In one post-coital moment, the Earl refers to his paramour, Pru, and their “night of sex”. According to Etymology Online, ‘sex’ wasn't used as shorthand for sexual intercourse until 1929, in by D H Lawrence. (No relation.) Regency language has many colourful phrases a rake might use when contemplating his lover and it was shame that such a modern one was used instead. When 'made love' was used later in the book, equally as erroneously, it didn't rankle as much as it usually would because it was, at least, less jarring than the previous choice.
I feel as though I am being unfairly critical because there was certainly a compelling story buried under the sacchariferous styling. (For example, a character becoming wrongly imprisoned in Newgate was an engaging turn of events, but the lady in question ended the worst day of her life dreaming of “fairy lands, and family, and love”. Which was one of the moments when I shouted at it for ruining the first occasions where she begins to develop some dimension beyond that of a Disney princess.) I feel, as I seem to with many a romance novel these days, that this book would have benefitted significantly from a critique group who could have helped the author embrace her talent for plot while preventing her from hiding it behind stereotypes and cloying descriptions. There’s a good book in here somewhere, but it is currently not quite fulfilling its potential, which often made it frustrating to listen to.
The narrator, Melanie Fraser, did an excellent job of infusing the story with life and performs each of the parts very well. She does read it a little like it is a bedtime story, so I mainly listened to it in the evening when winding down. I think that this particular audiobook would have been better with a male narrator, as it may have helped alleviate some of the cloying sweetness, especially given the prominence of the male characters. Fraser’s voice for Rose made her sound incredibly young but was very expressive. I would love to listen to Melanie Fraser narrating children’s books, as I think she would be wonderful reading something like Enid Blyton. She has a storyteller’s style, and whilst in this case it exacerbated the fairy-tale feeling of the book, I think that it would be perfect in a book for a younger audience.
I wasn’t keen on the echoey sound effects used during the scenes at Newgate Prison. No sound effects were used anywhere else – not even the thwack of amber upon chauvinist – so it seemed very out of place. Had it been part of a dramatised recording with other atmospheric sounds then it would have been fine, but in their absence it felt like a gimmick. This is personal preference, however, as I can imagine others finding it immersive.
Overall, A Scandalous Request is a sweet Regency romance with its heart in the right place, and if you are happy to lose yourself in the period and experience it alongside a young woman with similarly benevolent intentions then you may well enjoy this audiobook. However, if you prefer your historical heroines to feel a little more rounded in places other than merely the bosom, then you would do better to consider the ‘clean’ Regency romances by Georgette Heyer, Sophia Holloway, or Lynn Messina.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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July 1, 2019
Rose Evans has been betrayed by those she thought she could trust, and by those who she ought to have be able to trust throughout her life, and throughout this book.
This book has both highs and lows, and throughout it all Rose is proven to be a survivor, even when all those around her betray her and believe the worst of her.
Unfortunately I am also including the “hero”, in this description. At what could be argued Rose’s lowest/most vulnerable point (though there are several), the “hero” visits to confirm that she has gotten “what she deserves”, to be frank I do not believe the grovelling was sufficient enough, so I am still angry at Burke. I do not think an altercation with the ornate pig in this instance would be out of line (the pig being a high-point).
Overall, its a well written, well paced story with a murder, and many suspected culprits free and out to kill again. I do think however that there are a number of scenes, including the graphic first chapter describing the attack of her brother-in-law, that were perhaps not necessarily needed to illustrate the betrayal of the heroine in such detail, as it is these scenes that may make readers stop reading the book before it is finished, and given the trigger nature of this scene in particular, perhaps it would have been better served to illustrate Rose's motivations for marriage as a flashback.
I will read more by this author, and I did enjoy the novel, but I think it is important for readers to go into this one aware of its content. There’s a lot going for this book, so 3.5 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has both highs and lows, and throughout it all Rose is proven to be a survivor, even when all those around her betray her and believe the worst of her.
Unfortunately I am also including the “hero”, in this description. At what could be argued Rose’s lowest/most vulnerable point (though there are several), the “hero” visits to confirm that she has gotten “what she deserves”, to be frank I do not believe the grovelling was sufficient enough, so I am still angry at Burke. I do not think an altercation with the ornate pig in this instance would be out of line (the pig being a high-point).
Overall, its a well written, well paced story with a murder, and many suspected culprits free and out to kill again. I do think however that there are a number of scenes, including the graphic first chapter describing the attack of her brother-in-law, that were perhaps not necessarily needed to illustrate the betrayal of the heroine in such detail, as it is these scenes that may make readers stop reading the book before it is finished, and given the trigger nature of this scene in particular, perhaps it would have been better served to illustrate Rose's motivations for marriage as a flashback.
I will read more by this author, and I did enjoy the novel, but I think it is important for readers to go into this one aware of its content. There’s a lot going for this book, so 3.5 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2019
London, 1812. After fleeing the clutches of her vile brother-in-law, Rose Evans finds refuge in the home of her dear friend, Lord Ashton Sennett. They come to an agreement, a marriage of friendly convenience. Since another holds claim to Ashton's heart and body, he seeks to see that Rose experiences all life has to offer. And so to Lord Darington he makes a most scandalous request. Burke Darington, Third Earl of Blackwood and an austere, solitary man, can scarce believe his ears. Apparently, his whispered reputation has earned him an outrageous solicitation – Lord Sennett wants him to seduce his wife. Though Burke finds Rose fascinating, sweet, intelligent, and with a unique bent toward independence, she is also innocent. She deserves better than to be fouled by a tainted man. A seduction, a shooting, and an unexpected matter of the heart, throw two wounded souls into a sensational scandal.
This was a really good story. My favorite part of it was Rose. She went through so much just to find peace. For the most part, I did like Burke. I had issues with the detail (although well-written) of the scene with the brother-in-law as I generally don’t like reading those types of scenes. It takes the enjoyment out of the books for me. Overall though, I did enjoy it and I do recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was a really good story. My favorite part of it was Rose. She went through so much just to find peace. For the most part, I did like Burke. I had issues with the detail (although well-written) of the scene with the brother-in-law as I generally don’t like reading those types of scenes. It takes the enjoyment out of the books for me. Overall though, I did enjoy it and I do recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
April 7, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
This is the kind of romance that has everything - a damsel in distress, a dashing knight in (not so) white armour, a villain or two (or three) with hearts as black as coal...:) There is romantic fascination at first sight, misunderstandings that are heart-breaking, and love that conquers all; there are social rules whose breaking means ostracism for the culprits; and there's murder which must be solved if we are to have a happily ever after... And all this presented to you in a tale that is fast-paced, surprising and truly emotional, with characters you immediately fall in love/hate with and who feel real and solid.
The book comes wonderfully to life in this perfect interpretation by Ms Melanie Fraser. She's a narrator you will definitely come back to; she does voices so well that you can truly visualise particular characters and her acting skills convey brilliantly all the emotional turmoils they go through.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is the kind of romance that has everything - a damsel in distress, a dashing knight in (not so) white armour, a villain or two (or three) with hearts as black as coal...:) There is romantic fascination at first sight, misunderstandings that are heart-breaking, and love that conquers all; there are social rules whose breaking means ostracism for the culprits; and there's murder which must be solved if we are to have a happily ever after... And all this presented to you in a tale that is fast-paced, surprising and truly emotional, with characters you immediately fall in love/hate with and who feel real and solid.
The book comes wonderfully to life in this perfect interpretation by Ms Melanie Fraser. She's a narrator you will definitely come back to; she does voices so well that you can truly visualise particular characters and her acting skills convey brilliantly all the emotional turmoils they go through.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 15, 2019
1.5 I was disappointed in this book. The given circumstances of the plot led to an inevitability of bad plot cliches. After running out of her house after her brother-in-law attempts to rape her, our heroine ends up saving herself by marrying her good friend, which provides him a cover for his relationship with the man he loves. He asks a friend to seduce his wife. The problem becomes one of genre - because these books always end with marriage, invariably the husband ends up having to die. It's predictable and follows unfortunate tropes. So much of the book is centered around this situation that it mostly left an uncomfortable taste in my mouth. Neither the hero or heroine were interesting enough to distract from this fundamental problem. Overall, this was pretty basic writing, contained a ton of tired tropes, and was overall uninspired.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2019
Five stars plus!
Burke has been approached by Rose's husband to seduce her. Yes! You are reading this correctly.
He decided not to but as he gets to know her socially, finds that he has in fact fallen in love with her and so as the story of attempted murders unfolds, he becomes her protector and lover.
This is a love story with a difference and not only is it well written, exciting and very entertaining with all its twists and turns, but is had been beautifully narrated by Melanie Fraser with her amazing voice acting ability. She has really put the finishing touches to this lovely story and I highly recommend it to you.
I requested and voluntarily listened to a copy of the audiobook version and this is my unbiased review.
Burke has been approached by Rose's husband to seduce her. Yes! You are reading this correctly.
He decided not to but as he gets to know her socially, finds that he has in fact fallen in love with her and so as the story of attempted murders unfolds, he becomes her protector and lover.
This is a love story with a difference and not only is it well written, exciting and very entertaining with all its twists and turns, but is had been beautifully narrated by Melanie Fraser with her amazing voice acting ability. She has really put the finishing touches to this lovely story and I highly recommend it to you.
I requested and voluntarily listened to a copy of the audiobook version and this is my unbiased review.
July 14, 2019
A Scandalous Request by Micki Miller. The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 2018.
In this Regency era romance, Rose accepts sanctuary from her lecherous brother in law and bitter sister in return for marrying a friend, giving him and his lover a cover, deflecting suspicion about their relationship. Wishing Rose to also enjoy some love and affection, her husband chooses and approaches a lover (=the "scandalous request") for her shortly before he is murdered. When she is imprisoned for her husband’s murder, both her lover and her husband’s turn against her.
I enjoyed this well written and engaging lite romance/murder mystery.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Scandalous Request for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this Regency era romance, Rose accepts sanctuary from her lecherous brother in law and bitter sister in return for marrying a friend, giving him and his lover a cover, deflecting suspicion about their relationship. Wishing Rose to also enjoy some love and affection, her husband chooses and approaches a lover (=the "scandalous request") for her shortly before he is murdered. When she is imprisoned for her husband’s murder, both her lover and her husband’s turn against her.
I enjoyed this well written and engaging lite romance/murder mystery.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Scandalous Request for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2019
~AUDIO REVIEW~
I’m not a big reader/listener of MF Historical Romance, but I thought this sounded interesting and wanted to give it a try.
I’m so glad I did. It was a wonderful story with great characters. I enjoyed the drama, mystery and the oh so scandalous offer to seduce another man's wife.
I only wish the ending had a bit more to it. I felt it to be a bit rushed. But the story overall was paced nicely and told beautifully.
Melanie Fraser did an amazing job. I loved that she switched up the voices for the characters.
I will be reading more from this author and will also be listening to more audios by this narrator.
I’m not a big reader/listener of MF Historical Romance, but I thought this sounded interesting and wanted to give it a try.
I’m so glad I did. It was a wonderful story with great characters. I enjoyed the drama, mystery and the oh so scandalous offer to seduce another man's wife.
I only wish the ending had a bit more to it. I felt it to be a bit rushed. But the story overall was paced nicely and told beautifully.
Melanie Fraser did an amazing job. I loved that she switched up the voices for the characters.
I will be reading more from this author and will also be listening to more audios by this narrator.
June 19, 2019
The blurb drew me in immediately, as the idea was unique and intriguing, and it piqued my interest enough to not be able to turn away a chance to read it. The beginning is a fantastic whirlwind, the chapters jumping straight into the story right from the start. It's far too easy to fall in love with the characters, and the relationships between each of them is fun to watch unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
April 17, 2019
This was my first Micki Miller's story. This is a great and fun Historical Romance. The storyline is well written, and intriguing. Rose and Burke are great characters, and the secondary characters are also interesting. Melanie Fraser did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
September 18, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The romance was so sweet and beautiful and I was so intriged more and more after every page. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Can't wait for book two!
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The romance was so sweet and beautiful and I was so intriged more and more after every page. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Can't wait for book two!
July 22, 2019
Good writing, fast paced and lots of drama. The problem I had was that I knew from the beginning that there was only one way that this book could end for the main characters to find happiness and I almost didn't want to finish the book.
April 11, 2019
It's interesting listening to the latest book in the Foundling series. I was scrolling through Facebook yesterday and Kate Middleton and the Queen were visiting the Foundling Hospital on its anniversary opening. It's nice to see something etched in history. I don't think I realized that the Foundling Hospital was a real establishment before now.
Melanie Fraser gives another delightful narration to this book, which is sort of a Cinderella story. Younger sister runs away from the home of her sister and lecherous brother-in-law to end up married to a Lord, with a bit of a difference to the story. Lord Ashton Sennet encourages his wife to stray outside the boundaries of marriage, and actually enlists the help of an acquaintance of his, Lord Burke Darington.
Things go sideways with the shooting death of Lord Ashton and his wife Rose accused of murder. Even Lord Burke believes her guilty, until his heart gets in the way. He sets her from from gaol and takes he to his country home. But the real murderer is still after his target.
I found the author to be overly flowery in the phrasing of the book; I caught myself thinking that this is definitely a romance book, more so than the other Foundling books in the series. Rose's character was almost too perfect, and I generally dislike the plot line of the male being so overwhelmed by the woman's beauty and innocence, especially in today's society - it doesn't help women in today's society. Having said that, I knew it was a romance starting the book, so I was prepared.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, I actually did this the murderer was someone different then it turned out to be, which is good for the plot line. And I continue to enjoy the Foundling series.
Melanie Fraser gives another delightful narration to this book, which is sort of a Cinderella story. Younger sister runs away from the home of her sister and lecherous brother-in-law to end up married to a Lord, with a bit of a difference to the story. Lord Ashton Sennet encourages his wife to stray outside the boundaries of marriage, and actually enlists the help of an acquaintance of his, Lord Burke Darington.
Things go sideways with the shooting death of Lord Ashton and his wife Rose accused of murder. Even Lord Burke believes her guilty, until his heart gets in the way. He sets her from from gaol and takes he to his country home. But the real murderer is still after his target.
I found the author to be overly flowery in the phrasing of the book; I caught myself thinking that this is definitely a romance book, more so than the other Foundling books in the series. Rose's character was almost too perfect, and I generally dislike the plot line of the male being so overwhelmed by the woman's beauty and innocence, especially in today's society - it doesn't help women in today's society. Having said that, I knew it was a romance starting the book, so I was prepared.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, I actually did this the murderer was someone different then it turned out to be, which is good for the plot line. And I continue to enjoy the Foundling series.
March 26, 2019
A Scandalous Request is not your ordinary historical romance! This story is a little more intricate and includes a mystery that kept me guessing til the very end. Rose Evans lives with her sister. After an attempted sexual attack, Rose leaves her sister to marry Lord Ashton Sennett. This marriage of convenience proves to be a good arrangement for both, but leaves Rose without finding her true love. When Burke Darington is given a scandalous request to seduce the beautiful Rose, life changes for both of them. Along with a murder mystery, Micki Miller writes a story including the secretive gay relationship, possible infidelity and a dysfunctional family. Rose is an innocent, likable woman. I liked Burke with his seductive ways. I also liked after jumping to conclusions, he was man enough to admit when he was wrong. It made him much more real to me. The murder mystery added a great whodunnit element to the story and really made it that much more enjoyable to listen to. The killer was a surprise to me! Miller did a good job keeping the suspense moving.
Melanie Fraser as always gives a wonderful performance. I love her voice, and the flow of her narrations. She has a great variety of voices, and this shone through with the many characters this story had, From Ashton and Louis to Rose and Prudence, each voice was clearly it's own character. Fraser made the story come to life.
Melanie Fraser as always gives a wonderful performance. I love her voice, and the flow of her narrations. She has a great variety of voices, and this shone through with the many characters this story had, From Ashton and Louis to Rose and Prudence, each voice was clearly it's own character. Fraser made the story come to life.
December 15, 2019
When I first started this book, I was not sure if I was going to be able to stick with it. I was getting confused here and there in the plot. However, I had very strong emotions towards the characters early on. I loathed some (especially that brother in law) and enjoyed some. Plus, the narration was fantastic. So I stuck with it.
Once I found the plot got moving and I figured out a little more of the story I could not stop listening. I love Regency style pieces, but this story was different from many I have read. I loved the murder and mystery in this book. Of course there was also some romance. A lot of times I enjoy the mystery but fall in love with a story for the romance. Again, this audiobook was different in the fact I preferred and stayed for the mystery but did not mind the romance.
Melanie Fraser did a fantastic job with the voices. You could visualize the characters so well and her voice brought them to life. I would try a book just on the fact she was narrating it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Once I found the plot got moving and I figured out a little more of the story I could not stop listening. I love Regency style pieces, but this story was different from many I have read. I loved the murder and mystery in this book. Of course there was also some romance. A lot of times I enjoy the mystery but fall in love with a story for the romance. Again, this audiobook was different in the fact I preferred and stayed for the mystery but did not mind the romance.
Melanie Fraser did a fantastic job with the voices. You could visualize the characters so well and her voice brought them to life. I would try a book just on the fact she was narrating it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 7, 2019
This is an interesting audiobook, that is somewhat different from the usual period romance. Part mystery and part romance, it covers themes of romance, adultery, sexual abuse, homosexuality and social status. This story’s premise was unique and interesting but also still stayed true to the period it was set in. The mystery keeps you guessing until the end and the romances ups and downs are entertaining. The narration was well done, giving a different voice for each character and really bringing life to the story.
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