A Dash of Scandal

Terrible Threesome #1

by Amelia Grey

When Millicent comes to the aid of her injured aunt, she never imagined her "help" would require her to do all of the legwork her aunt can't do– attend society's most fashionable events in order to help write her aunt's gossip column!

But the devastatingly handsome Chandler Preswick, Earl of Dunraven, is on to her when he sees Millicent writing notes on her dance card. Outraged, he believes she's connected to the mysterious "Mad Ton Thief " and vows to expose her. Millicent must stop him before they are both plunged into scandal. If only he weren't so irresistibly attractive...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Regency, British Literature

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Amelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.

Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.

Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.

Reviews

[Sara Reads (mostly) Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Sweet, Low key stars

Very adorable light hearted romance with intelligent characters and a fun plot! Super low key and minimal drama!

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so adorably cute and unpredictable. Our characters lead us on a merry chase as they not only try to get to know each other or not to but also try to find out who in all of London is a thief that steals right under their preferable noses.

Millicent has arrived from the country to aid her ailing Aunt with a most secret mission. Auntie tells her she is not to bring notice to herself but to mingle with the ton during their every evening parties gathering every juicy bit of gossip that's to be had. Poor Millicent has two itty bitty problems though. One, she's quite beautiful and catches the every without trying and two, she has a terrible memory so writing notes to herself is a must but how to do this without notice is quite challenging.

The Earl of Dunraven is a wicked rake and one of the trio of bad boys that the ton loves to wag their tongues about. He is the Adonis of London at the moment and loves a challenge so when Millicent slides by him trying to make herself look shy, demur and unattractive our beloved Earl finds himself a wonderful challenge. But oh how is our Earl to find himself a thief when a raving beauty keeps churning his mind like a vat of butter?

The author has given us a delicious scandal, intriguing thief, raving beauty and wicked Earl. The story is light but with an action packed base that will surly keep you sitting on the edge of your seat salivating for more and more of what's to come.

The best part is an innocent heroine who is put in the most wonderful pickles and watching intently to see how she will wiggle out of each and every one. This is one of those lovely instances where the author has literally thrown our lovely mouse into a nest of vipers. Oh dear, oh dear, how will she survive?

[Linda Banche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only scandal, but love, laughter, secrets and mystery abound in Amelia Grey's latest delightful Regency historical, A DASH OF SCANDAL.

A mysterious thief has invaded the ton, stealing priceless objects d'art, including a gold raven sculpture from the Earl of Dunraven. Then the earl meets Miss Millicent Blair, who always takes notes at parties and secretes herself in dark corners. Could this charming young lady possibly be the thief? Not helping Dunraven's quest to retrieve his property are the daily doses of scandal offered by the ton's favorite gossip columnist, Lord Truefitt, who has the uncanny knack of skewering the rich and famous, especially the earl.

Millicent despises dashing young men of the ton--one of them ruined her mother. She wants nothing to do with the earl, even though he's the only man who has ever stirred her heart. But she also guards a secret not her own she must keep from him.

Ms. Grey has written another of my favorite type of story, romance plus. I prefer romances that contain another element in addition to the love story, and this one has plenty of mystery and humor to enliven the action. I also like honorable main characters, especially ones who are evenly matched, and Dunraven and Millicent are wonderful. Millicent, with her witty, spirited repartee, is the formidable earl's equal. And Dunraven honors her as a worthy opponent, even as he seeks to unravel her secrets.

Fresh and fast-paced, with abundant doses of humor, plenty of deceptive appearances, and a mystery to tantalize us until the end, A DASH OF SCANDAL has everything.

ARC provided by Sourcebooks

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millicent Blair has come to London on the request of her Aunt. Her Aunt Beatrice has recently fallen and is covered with bruises, has a hurt leg, and broke her arm. She hasn't called Millicent to her to take care of her though. She wants her to go to the best parties for the season and find out all the gossip on the Ton. It turns out Lady Beatrice is actually the gossip column writer Lord Truefitt and now she needs Millicent to fill in for her while she is injured. Millicent goes about her spying reluctantly and keeps sneaking off to write gossip notes on the back of her dance card.
Right about when Millicent came to town the "Mad Ton Thief" began stealing expensive objects from house parties including an Egyptian gold raven from Chandler Prestwick, Earl Dunraven. Chandler is determined to get his family heirloom back and has joined the hunt for the thief. When he happens across Millicent writing on her card he is drawn to her and starts to seek out her company despite her protests. Millicent actually really likes Chandler but she has a responsibility to keep her word to her Aunt. Chandler isn't taking no for an answer though and ardently pursues her.
This was a very fun read and I really liked the characters. When the Mad Ton Thief is finally caught I had actually guessed the identity at the end of chapter 16. I wish it had gotten a little more into details about the thief instead of just a brief reason but the book was still an enjoyable read. I'll be reading more Amelia Grey in the future.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chandler and Millicent
An enjoyable story with a wonderful HEA

[PATRICIA KUNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book from Amelia Gray.

Millicent Blair is not looking for love and neither is Chandler Prestwick.

He see Millicent and is instantly attracted to her.

She is not interested. She is secretly writing a gossip column.

Prestwick is trying to find an item that was stolen from him and he finds that other houses has been robbed as well.

Him and Millicent see each other but she keeps telling him that is she in interested but she is becoming attracted to him.

He finds out about her column and thinks she is to person stealing things. They work together to find out who is the robber.

The sparks started when they first meet and continue to grow.

They find their love that is meant for them.

[Jill B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found the book charming. The heroine is different because she isn’t coy with the rake of a hero. She knows she’s dealing with a rake, she knows she’s supposed to be staying away from him but when the hero confronts her about enjoying his company, and wanting his kisses, she just goes right out and admits it. This is an example:

“Sometimes you look as innocent as a church mouse, and it drives me to madness, and I think you enjoy every moment of it.”
She smiled. “I enjoy you.”
Chandler’s heart tripped.

She just surprises the hero, and the reader as well. This directness and honesty is refreshing in romantic heroines. The story is lightweight, no overwrought drama, and it just adds to its delightful formula.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Dash of Scandal" by Amelia Grey 2002
Reading a scandal Sheet was abhorrent to Millicent Blair, much less writing for one, but she found herself in that position in London during the Season.
Chandler, The Earl of Dunraven, wondered what in the world was this country girl, Miss Blair sneaking off to write? Mellicent was writing notes to herself on the back of her Dance Card.
Then you have the Mad Ton Thief thrown in who stole a Golden Raven from Chandler and the fun begins. Happy Reading! ReadingGenie

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming regency romance and mystery. Not my current typical genre. Fun to revisit this era of romance. I was pleasantly surprised when the author gifted me a copy. Low key, enjoyable read. Would like to say more, but don't want to provide any spoilers.

[Miriamgreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an all night escape from the news. good enough

[Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing story and well drawn characters. I was a little taken aback by a woman whose mother was ruined by a rake who gives in to one so readily.

[Frieda Usmar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of her best. Just Okay. Not gripping.

[Miriam Boucher]

Stopped reading at 87% when main characters had sex.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Dash of Scandal by Amelia Grey
Grade: C

“Can a startle be good?’ she asked.
“Yes.”
“How so?”
“I’ll show you sometime, but in order for it to work you can’t have a guilty conscience.”

Millicent Blair never thought she would have a season in high English society, The Ton, after twenty years earlier her mother was driven from London by scandal and never returned. An unfortunate accident involving her dear aunt, her aunt’s dog and a flight of stairs make it impossible for her aunt to go to society parties and listen for the gossip that she then uses for her Lord Truefitt’s Society Daily Column. Millicent now has to be her aunt’s eyes and ears at parties and in ballrooms and been instructed to stay far away from three men known as the Terrible Threesome, three famous rakes, who happen to be Earls she may find herself in way over her head.
Chandler Prestwick, the Earl of Dunraven, and a member of what the Ton calls the Terrible Three, has one goal this season and that is to find the person who stole a priceless heirloom from his estate after a party his mother hosted. Soon the gossip pages are filled with news of the Mad Ton Thief who just happens to be a part of the high society he or she is stealing from. and Chandler searches for clues at society parties and balls looking for the thief. At one such party he stumbles across newcomer Millicent Blair who always seems to be in hidden corners. Millicent is unlike any woman Chandler has ever met and he soon finds himself forgetting all about his family heirloom and spending time finding out all he can about Millicent Blair.
Chandler and Milicent are very typical historical romance characters: he is an Earl who has never had to worry about anything but getting into a compromising situation with a young lady and having to marry before he decides to grow up, where she has some scandal in her family’s past and has some how gotten to come to society but know one can know who she truly is. They meet, fall in love although it’s not a good match and somehow everything turns out perfectly. If that paragraph sounds cynical or like I’ve read too many books from this genre you might be correct but that didn’t stop me from enjoying A Dash of Scandal anyway.
Even though Chandler and Millicent are typical characters I found that I liked both of them very much and found their banter to be very clever and funny. I did find it annoying at times that Chandler seemed to go out of his way to try to ruin Millicent’s reputation even though she begs him over and over to leave her alone. I got even more annoyed when later on Millicent begs Chandler to ruin her reputation after she fought so hard to keep it in tack. These two issues are the main reason that I didn’t give the book a higher grade. I felt that both characters were being selfish and I didn’t enjoy either of them behaving this way.
I loved that at the beginning of each chapter there is blurb from Lord Truefitt’s Society Daily column and in the blurb Mellicent has added a Shakespeare quote. I found these entries to be something that I looked forward to at the beginning of each chapter and I looked forward to seeing of I could identify the quote that was used. It was very clever little things like this that made me enjoy this book and set it apart from others in it’s genre. The Mad Ton Thief was another one of these clever things that I looked forward to and I wish that there had more focus on catching the thief then on Chandler and Mellicent going on and on about her reputation and him being a rake. I was very surprised that I couldn’t guess who the thief was and even more surprised when it’s revealed who it is.
I know from one of my earlier paragraphs it may have sounded like this is just another typical historical romance novel and if you’ve read these novels before this is just like all the rest of them and in parts this is true and parts its not. If you are looking for characters to break out of the historical romance lord and lady this is not for you but if you are looking for a clever story, a little Shakespeare and a mystery that will keep you guessing to the end this is the historical romance novel for you.

[Ids Fuentes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mirabelle and Whit's story wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be :(

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and charming, those are the words to describe this book. It was just so sweet and wonderful. I had a grin on my face while reading and I just could not read fast enough. At the end I truly feared for them, even though I know that of course there would be a HEA.

Millicent, our lovely heroine comes to London to help her aunt, who writes a gossip column in secret. But she needs Millie's help and so Millie gets her season but tries to stay under the radar. But what would the book be if she was not spotted by someone. Oh yes one of the most notorious rakes in the city, one that is always in the papers for thsi and that. But Chandler is never such a rake (ok he is ;), but most of all he is nice and he wants to pursue her. Sure he has women in his past, but the gossip always makes more of a thing that it really is. Still, I truly enjoyed these two together, because Millicent tries to stay away from him, but he keeps showing up, at balls, and in secret. I do love a man who does not give up even though she tells him to.

I think the only thing I did not like was the scene where these two found passion together. Sure it was good, but up to that it was just so sweet and i liked it sweet since I went to "oh no! her virtue is gone" mode. But for the rest of you, yes things will heat up once too. These two can't stay away from each other.

As for the story, it was fun, she writes gossip, he is trying to catch a thief and gets the wrong idea. There are misunderstandings and plots, and most of all, two people falling in love. And he does not want a wife, and she does not want a rake. Yes they are perfect for each other in the end.

Like I said, it was a delight to read this book. It was sweet and fun and I read it in a heartbeat with a smile on my face. I need to read more by Amelia Grey, she does not disappoint.

[BookMaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Little Substance

Chandler, the Earl of Dunraven, is obsessed with finding the thief that stole a priceless heirloom from his home during a dinner party. He scans everyone at every party thereafter, determined to bring the thief to justice. His watchful eye brings to his attention a lovely young lady, Millicent Blair, who is new to the ton. Her suspicious actions makes Chandler wonder if she might have some of the answers he seeks.

This book starts out with the beginning of an excellent mystery, but quickly bogs down to pages and pages and pages of Chandler ruminating about why he is so attracted to Millicent, and Millicent determined not to fall for Chandler. This book is only slightly more engrossing than reciting to oneself, "He loves me. He loves me not," for hours on end. I was bored and started skimming almost immediately. By the time the author got back to the plot, I could care less about the resolution.

I have read other books by this author, and it is more of the same. Ms. Grey is excellent at devising plots that intrigue, but obviously incapable of fleshing out her ideas. This book, and all the books I have read by this author, is like a 4th grade reader, and then, disconcertingly, a sex scene is thrown in. Next comes a 4-5 page solving of the mystery, then a chapter on getting the couple together. The end. If one likes simple to the extreme, this is your book. I always come away from Ms. Grey's books feeling cheated and wondering why she has not developed as a writer.

[Perdani Budiarti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Di bagian awal buku ini aku tertarik dengan ide penyamaran Milly yang menggantikan bibinya untuk memata-matai setiap pesta dansa di London. Bibi Milly tersebut diam-diam adalah penulis kolom gosip yang paling dinanti dan menjadi topik hangat sosialita London. Sebagai seorang keponakan dari desa, Milly tinggal di rumah bibinya dan diperkenalkan ke pesta dansa oleh sahabat bibi yang tentu saja sekaligus menjadi pendampingnya selama mengorek gosip dari sekitarnya.

Walaupun sebenarnya Milly enggan mendatangi London karena masa lalu ibunya yang terlibat skandal semasa muda di kota tersebut, namun demi sang Bibinya yang tercinta, Milly bersedia membantunya.

Tak disangka di kunjungan pertamanya ke pesta dansa, Milly bertemu dengan Chandler Prestwick, salah satu dari Terrible Threesome yang diwanti-wanti sang Bibi untuk dihindarinya. Seperti layaknya cerita hisrom pada umumnya, keduanya akhirnya saling tertarik walaupun sama-sama tidak mengakuinya. Milly juga tidak ingin rahasia yang disimpannya dan juga bibinya terbongkar oleh orang lain termasuk Chandler, sehingga dia berusaha menjaga gerak-geriknya.

more review:
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[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A DASH OF SCANDAL by Amelia Grey is a historical romance set in Regency England.It is the story of the dashing,handsome,sexy,Chandler, Earl of Dunraven and Millicent,a gently bred lady who is in London to help her aunt,who writes a gossip column for Society's Daily Column as Lord Truefitt.It has witty dialogue,with mystery,a clever scheme,vivid characters,sensual tension,romance,thief,and a spice of love. This is an engaging story full of charm,set at a lively pace that is sure to appeal to any historical,romance,mystery and Regency readers. "A Dash of Scandal" is a dash of spice in a world there there is upheaval,a thief,uncertainity and a few complications.A great,light read full of charm and characters that will capture your heart. Received for review from the publisher.Details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca,an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction Reviews.

It was originally published by Jove Books in 2002.

[August A.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
Oh ya, this is a sweet story!
-------
Millicent Blair tidak memiliki niat untuk mendapatkan kehidupan seperti Ibunya-walau berakhir bahagia dengan harga yang berat sebelumnya. Namun ia tidak dapat menolak pesona buaya darat, Chandler, Lord Duraven. Millicent sudah berusaha keras untuk menjaga jarak dengan Lord itu, dan mengingat apa yang dilakukan oleh dirinya karena harus membantu Bibinya di London, Millicent percaya bahwa ia bukanlah tipe wanita yang hendak dinikahi oleh Chandler. Seandainya itu benar...
-------
Well, Chandler such a sweet, romantic man!--even when he being a ****, and he said a wonderful, famous words from Shakespeare. But Millicent is kind of fickle lady--oh no, every woman sometimes--always done that.

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters are engaging the plot is delicious and the ending is perfect. The characters are bold, smart and sweet without being annoying. I love that the female character owns up to being attractive to the male character without being melodramatic. I like that the male character keeps his interest to himself and doesn't exploit her and I like that he truly likes the female character and really wants to know all about her.
I also enjoy the small investigative work that the characters have to solve. It helps break up the romantic elements. Although I like love scenes my favorite part was the kissing scene they were sweet and heated.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl leaves her country home and arrives in London to help her aunt who has suffered a fall. The aunt writes a gossip column for the daily newspaper under the name of Lord Truefitt. Since she is unable to attend the balls and soirees to learn the latest gossip, her niece has been recruited to take her place. She was warned about the Terrible Threesomes, a trio of young men who attended school together and now have reputations as hellraisers. Millicent Blair meets one of the Treesomes, the Earl of Dunraven, at a dance and both are attracted to each other. Millicent has been warned but there is something about the gleam in his eyes and the smile on his face.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dash of Scandal by Amelia Grey was a quick read for me since once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down! Grey's main characters--Millicent, Chandler, Aunt Beatrice, and Lord and Lady Heathecoute take us to the days of London's best parties of the Season. Grey throws in a few Shakespeare quotes, some society gossip, some physical chemistry, and a mysterious Mad Ton Thief and the pages just flow. The story is well written, has interesting characters, and doesn't need foul language or blood and gore to make it work! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Przyznam szczerze że książka mnie pozytywnie zaskoczyła i zaciekawiła. Nie sięgam często po akurat ten rodzaj książek ale trafiła się więc przeczytałam. Fajnie napisana, przyczepi się można, trochę oklepany temat - Dobra dziewczyna zakochuje się w tym najgorszym i mimo równie oklepanych przeciwności losu żyjemy razem i jesteśmy szczęśliwi - classic happy end - Jednak książka do poczytania i oderwania się od szarej codzienności. Polecam :)
Enjoy!
-JB

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this romance with a twist of mystery. My favorite parts were the humorous and intelligent exchanges. My only complaint was something Millicent asked Chandler at the end of the book. I didn't find that to be believable, but other than that I enjoyed the book thoroughly.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay book (not well-edited which was very distracting) about a girl who starts the story substituting as a gossip columnist for her aunt who tripped over a dog.
The hero is okay too I guess, rogue who's slept with countless women but changes his reckless ways for an intriguing innocent.

[yoli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gossip columnist, definitely an interesting premise. But the rest of it is exactly as we expected, for the followers of this genre. The usual Regency romance.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come

[Gaile · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another run of the mill Regency romance. I got through this but frankly I was bored! Someone else might enjoy this though.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was wonderful! The 2 main characters were very easy to love. I would most def read this book!