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The Realm #1
The Scandal of Lady Eleanor
THE FUTURE EARL OF LINWORTH
James Kerrington, a key member of the British government’s
secret unit, the Realm, never expected to find love again after
the loss of his beloved wife. But a visit to his close friends, the
Thornhills, leads to a chance meeting with Lady Eleanor Fowler.
Instantly Kerrington’s whole world tilts on its axis.
THE DEBAUCHERY OF LORD THORNHILL
For years, Lady Eleanor hid from Society, knowing her father’s
notorious reputation for wickedness tainted her chance for
romantic fulfillment. Now with Kerrington’s advances and
her father’s recent death, she is at last hopeful that her family’s
dark past is behind her. But when Sir Louis Levering appears
with final proof of her father’s depravity, Eleanor is drawn into
a web of immorality and blackmail.
RETURN OF THE REALM
To free Eleanor from Levering’s diabolical clutches, Kerrington
brings together his former Realm comrades. Before they can
save her, they must confront their own secret pasts and tangle
with Shaheed Mir, a longtime nemesis who is exacting revenge
against members of the Realm for stealing a mysterious emerald
from his homeland.
James Kerrington, a key member of the British government’s
secret unit, the Realm, never expected to find love again after
the loss of his beloved wife. But a visit to his close friends, the
Thornhills, leads to a chance meeting with Lady Eleanor Fowler.
Instantly Kerrington’s whole world tilts on its axis.
THE DEBAUCHERY OF LORD THORNHILL
For years, Lady Eleanor hid from Society, knowing her father’s
notorious reputation for wickedness tainted her chance for
romantic fulfillment. Now with Kerrington’s advances and
her father’s recent death, she is at last hopeful that her family’s
dark past is behind her. But when Sir Louis Levering appears
with final proof of her father’s depravity, Eleanor is drawn into
a web of immorality and blackmail.
RETURN OF THE REALM
To free Eleanor from Levering’s diabolical clutches, Kerrington
brings together his former Realm comrades. Before they can
save her, they must confront their own secret pasts and tangle
with Shaheed Mir, a longtime nemesis who is exacting revenge
against members of the Realm for stealing a mysterious emerald
from his homeland.
325 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2010
15 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Regina Jeffers
136 books705 followersRegina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 11, 2011
Okay. No more "romance" books for me. When I see "A Regency Romance," I'm thinking Pride and Prejudice, not porn in period dress. I want romance. I don't want lurid sex. The scandal the title is talking about would have been a scandal and ruined Eleanor's life if she was really from that period. But, I liked that she could overcome it. However, she didn't do the overcoming. Other people did it for her. And she added a lot of other questionable choices that would have been cause for ruin. How did she manage to get through unscathed? Beats me. I got this expecting Georgette Heyer, but got Danielle Steel. And then, on top of all the disappointment, I discover at the end that it is going to be a series and there are a lot of loose ends let to fix. Blech. It's good that the characters were unconvincing and boring enough that I won't feel like I need to read the rest. I got the idea that it was trying to be a little like the Pink Carnation series where different secondary characters from the first book will get their own romances, intrigue and adventures. Unfortunately, I found it a lot more sleazy than the Pink Carnation, and only a fraction as interesting. I feel like I wasted my time.
July 29, 2011
Why do authors who write adult romance have to put pornography in their books? It ruins a perfectly good story line.
June 1, 2011
Regina Jeffers is well known for her Austen sequels such as Vampire Darcy's Desire, Honor and Hope and The Phantom of Pemberley. As you may or may not know, I'm a huge fan of all things Austen. I've read a few of the Austen sequels by Jeffers and was thrilled to read her newest novel, The Scandal of Lady Eleanor. Lady Eleanor has had a very difficult childhood. Much of it was spent taking care of her ailing father. When he finally passes away her brother, Brantley Fowler finally comes back to take his place. Eleanor loves her brother but she longs to escape from her prison of the past years. That is until she meets James Kerrington. James has a few demons in his past he wishes to escape also but after one chance meeting with Lady Eleanor his entire world changes. James Kerrington makes it his mission in life to woo Lady Eleanor in any and every way. However many obstacles stand in their way. Someone is trying to kill Lady Eleanor and if that's not enough, someone is also trying to blackmail her as well.
This book has a few different plot lines going on at the same time but it never got confusing. The main plot line focused on Lady Eleanor and James Kerrington. Lady Eleanor is a strong female character. She is not only beautiful and smart but she's also a survivor. Lady Eleanor does what ever it takes to protect the ones she loves. I admired her character a lot. Jeffers does a great job showing what little options women in the Regency Period had and the tough choices they had to make. James Kerrington was a great character too. James is a widower with a young son. His heart was broken when the love of his life passed away. He felt he had nothing left to lose so he joined the Realm. My heart went out to him as he tried to pick up the pieces of his life. The chemistry between Eleanor and James was wow. All I can say about that is hold on to your bonnets, ladies.
This is the first novel in The Realm Series. Jeffers introduced the characters in the 'Realm' in this book. She didn't go into a lot of detail, just enough to keep me wanting more. There was a sneak peak in the back for the next book in this series and I can't wait to read it. The 'Realm' is a group of men working covert operations. They are a bit of a mystery at this point. They are brought together to help Lady Eleanor as well as solve the mystery of the mysterious emerald. They've made a few enemies along the way. They must band together to protect the ones they cherish.
I really enjoyed this story. It has mystery and adventure. It has love and passion. There are parts that made me laugh and there are parts that made me cringe. The Scandal of Lady Eleanor has themes such as love, acceptance, forgiveness, and humility. This book is a definite win for me. I also want to mention that the storyline deals with the sensitive subject of child abuse. It has a few descriptive scenes that are disturbing. It is necessary for the storyline, so if you can get past that I think you'll enjoy this book.
This book has a few different plot lines going on at the same time but it never got confusing. The main plot line focused on Lady Eleanor and James Kerrington. Lady Eleanor is a strong female character. She is not only beautiful and smart but she's also a survivor. Lady Eleanor does what ever it takes to protect the ones she loves. I admired her character a lot. Jeffers does a great job showing what little options women in the Regency Period had and the tough choices they had to make. James Kerrington was a great character too. James is a widower with a young son. His heart was broken when the love of his life passed away. He felt he had nothing left to lose so he joined the Realm. My heart went out to him as he tried to pick up the pieces of his life. The chemistry between Eleanor and James was wow. All I can say about that is hold on to your bonnets, ladies.
This is the first novel in The Realm Series. Jeffers introduced the characters in the 'Realm' in this book. She didn't go into a lot of detail, just enough to keep me wanting more. There was a sneak peak in the back for the next book in this series and I can't wait to read it. The 'Realm' is a group of men working covert operations. They are a bit of a mystery at this point. They are brought together to help Lady Eleanor as well as solve the mystery of the mysterious emerald. They've made a few enemies along the way. They must band together to protect the ones they cherish.
I really enjoyed this story. It has mystery and adventure. It has love and passion. There are parts that made me laugh and there are parts that made me cringe. The Scandal of Lady Eleanor has themes such as love, acceptance, forgiveness, and humility. This book is a definite win for me. I also want to mention that the storyline deals with the sensitive subject of child abuse. It has a few descriptive scenes that are disturbing. It is necessary for the storyline, so if you can get past that I think you'll enjoy this book.
January 19, 2012
The Scandal of Lady Eleanor: A Regency Romance by Regina Jeffers has turned me into a Regina Jeffers fan...and I can't wait for another one of her books to read!! There are many reasons for this. The Scandal of Lady Eleanor is a Historical Romance from start to finish. Eleanor and James are destined to be together.............but before this could ever happen.........there is so much more intrigue that keeps you wanting to read more. The mystery that surrounds the two of them make this a spellbinding book. I have given this book 5 STARS...but it deserves much more. I look forward to Book two of the Realm Series!!
March 4, 2011
I cannot wait to read the second book in the series. I fell in love with James and Eleanor immediately. The story has a modern touch, but it speaks truthfully of the lack of options women held during the Regency period. I have read Jeffers's Jane Austen pieces, and I like this one just as well.
October 2, 2014
I stopped reading this book when it graphically detailed a early-teen Eleanor being sexually assaulted by her father and a married couple.
I am so vehemently opposed to the promotion of child pornography that I will not support this author by ever reading another of her books.
I am so vehemently opposed to the promotion of child pornography that I will not support this author by ever reading another of her books.
January 15, 2022
A Lovely Romance
Once again, Regina Jeffers has written a beautiful and heart tugging romance. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. This story is rich in interesting characters, rich in a wonderful love story, rich in feelings and so much more. There is much depth to these lovers' feelings for each other.
Once again, Regina Jeffers has written a beautiful and heart tugging romance. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. This story is rich in interesting characters, rich in a wonderful love story, rich in feelings and so much more. There is much depth to these lovers' feelings for each other.
January 15, 2022
The story was intriguing. But the grammatical errors were so horrible that I didn't get past a few chapters. Too bad.
Did Not Finish
Did Not Finish
March 22, 2015
(Disclaimer: This is not a new title. It is the self-published version of The Scandal of Lady Eleanor.)
The men of the REALM have served their country, while ignoring their responsibilities to home and love, but now Bonaparte is defeated, they each mean to claim their portion of a new and prosperous England. However, their long-time enemy Shaheed Mir has other plans. The Persian warlord believes one of the Realm has stolen a fist-sized emerald, and the Baloch intends to have its return or his revenge.
JAMES KERRINGTON, the future Earl of Linworth left his title and his infant son behind after the death of his beloved Elizabeth, but he has returned to England to tend his ailing father and to establish his roots. With Daniel as his heir, Kerrington has no need to marry, but when Eleanor Fowler stumbles and falls into his arms, Kerrington’s world is turned upon its head. He will do anything to claim her.
LADY ELEANOR FOWLER has hidden from Society, knowing her father’s notorious reputation for debauchery has tainted any hopes she might have of a happy marriage. And yet, despite her fears, her brother’s closest friend, James Kerrington, has rekindled her hopes, but when Sir Louis Levering appears with proof of Eleanor’s participation in her father’s wickedness, she is drawn into a world of depravity, and only Kerrington’s love can save her.
The first fully original series from Austen pastiche author Jeffers is a knockout. – Publishers Weekly
Jeffers’s characters stay in the reader’s heart and mind long after the last page has been turned. – Favored Elegance
### About the Author
Regina Jeffers is the author of several Austen-inspired novels, including Darcy’s Passions, Darcy’s Temptation, Vampire Darcy’s Desire, Captain Wentworth’s Persuasion, The Phantom of Pemberley, Christmas at Pemberley, The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy, Honor and Hope and The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy. She also writes Regency romances: The Scandal of Lady Eleanor, A Touch of Velvet, A Touch of Cashémere, A Touch of Grace, A Touch of Love, A Touch of Mercy, A Touch of Honor and The First Wives’ Club. A Time Warner Star Teacher and Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, Jeffers often serves as a consultant in language arts and media literacy. Currently living outside Charlotte, North Carolina, she spends her time with her writing, gardening, and her adorable grandson. http://rjeffers.com http://reginajeffers.wordpress.com Awards: The Phantom of Pemberley – SOLA’s Fifth Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Awards – 3rd Place – Romantic Suspense Darcy’s Temptation – 2009 Booksellers’ Best Award Finalist – Long Historical The Scandal of Lady Eleanor – Write Touch Readers’ Award – 2nd Place – Historical Romance A Touch of Grace – SOLA’s Seventh Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Awards – 3rd Place – Historical Romance The First Wives’ Club – SOLA’s Seventh Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Awards – Honorable Mention – Historical Romance Christmas at Pemberley – 2011 Booksellers’ Best Award Finalist – Inspirational Romance; Second Place, General Fiction, New England Book Festival The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy – SOLA’s Eighth Annual Dixie Kane Awards – Honorable Mention – Romantic Suspense; 3rd Place, 2nd Annual Frank Yerby Award for Fiction Angel and the Devil Duke – SOLA’s Eighth Annual Dixie Kane Awards – 3rd Place- Historical Romance
August 23, 2011
Unlike stories written as sequels to Jane Austen’s works, The Scandal of Lady Eleanor is a story set in the regency period, but has no ties at all whatsoever to any of Jane Austen’s character, as a matter of fact it is more of a story in line with novels written by historical romance writers. Kathleen Woodiss, a pioneer in historical romances and author of “The Flame and the Flower” comes to mind.
The Scandal of Lady Eleanor is a story written by Jeffers for her “The Realm” series about a group of men who work for the British government. The men of “The Realm” are loyal, courageous, will fight to the death to protect the innocent and when they love they do with great intensity. This particular story focuses on James Kerrington, the leader of the group and now the Earl of Linworth, who comes back to his peaceful home and to claim his title. Barely having experience the quietness of the countryside, Kerrington is sent for by his friend, Brantley Fowler, also a member of the Realm and now the Duke of Thornhill to help solve a mystery.
When James arrives he meets Brantley’s sister and falls head over heels in love with her. The feelings are returned, though Lady Eleanor is a lot more reserve in her initial estimation of Kerrington and rightly so. For years Lady Eleanor has harbored a horrible secret, involving her father and his sexual appetites. Ashamed at what she had to endure she had given up on ever finding love until she meets Kerrington, the man who would change everything, including reminding her of her self-worth.
According to Jeffers, “Every woman dreams of her one great love, the man who inspires an emotional response with just a glance across a crowded room. A romance novel must by definition exist purely for the advancement of the hero’s love affair with the heroine; yet, the reader must want the hero to win the woman’s love. To be believable, there must be a connection beyond the sexual appeal; there must be some conflict, which is character-driven. The characters must have believable reasons to be drawn together, as well as to be frustrated by their dreams.” The Scandal of Lady Eleanor is no exception to this rule.
This story has a lot for everyone: love, mystery, villains, misunderstandings, sex and happy endings. Jeffers commands regency accuracy in her details of the societal expectations of its members. She weaves the many characters of the story with grace and wit. Warning! Your heart will go out to Eleanor for all she had to endure including humiliation and abuse from the one person who should had protected her, her father.
While human weakness is a constant theme throughout the novel, there is also the knowledge that all the evils of the world can be conquered through love, faith and trust, attributes Eleanor exhumes through all of her trials, as do the men of “The Realm.”
Last but not least, I found the sex scenes very explicit and a little too much for my sensibilities. However, I believe it was necessary in order for Jeffers to get an important point across ― while sex abuse is wrong and should not be tolerated at all by any society, sex between two people who love, trust and believe in each other with their entire being is a beautiful experience. I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to reading other stories about the men from “The Realm” series and the women they come to love and rescue.
Sincerely,
…Miguelina Perez
The Scandal of Lady Eleanor is a story written by Jeffers for her “The Realm” series about a group of men who work for the British government. The men of “The Realm” are loyal, courageous, will fight to the death to protect the innocent and when they love they do with great intensity. This particular story focuses on James Kerrington, the leader of the group and now the Earl of Linworth, who comes back to his peaceful home and to claim his title. Barely having experience the quietness of the countryside, Kerrington is sent for by his friend, Brantley Fowler, also a member of the Realm and now the Duke of Thornhill to help solve a mystery.
When James arrives he meets Brantley’s sister and falls head over heels in love with her. The feelings are returned, though Lady Eleanor is a lot more reserve in her initial estimation of Kerrington and rightly so. For years Lady Eleanor has harbored a horrible secret, involving her father and his sexual appetites. Ashamed at what she had to endure she had given up on ever finding love until she meets Kerrington, the man who would change everything, including reminding her of her self-worth.
According to Jeffers, “Every woman dreams of her one great love, the man who inspires an emotional response with just a glance across a crowded room. A romance novel must by definition exist purely for the advancement of the hero’s love affair with the heroine; yet, the reader must want the hero to win the woman’s love. To be believable, there must be a connection beyond the sexual appeal; there must be some conflict, which is character-driven. The characters must have believable reasons to be drawn together, as well as to be frustrated by their dreams.” The Scandal of Lady Eleanor is no exception to this rule.
This story has a lot for everyone: love, mystery, villains, misunderstandings, sex and happy endings. Jeffers commands regency accuracy in her details of the societal expectations of its members. She weaves the many characters of the story with grace and wit. Warning! Your heart will go out to Eleanor for all she had to endure including humiliation and abuse from the one person who should had protected her, her father.
While human weakness is a constant theme throughout the novel, there is also the knowledge that all the evils of the world can be conquered through love, faith and trust, attributes Eleanor exhumes through all of her trials, as do the men of “The Realm.”
Last but not least, I found the sex scenes very explicit and a little too much for my sensibilities. However, I believe it was necessary in order for Jeffers to get an important point across ― while sex abuse is wrong and should not be tolerated at all by any society, sex between two people who love, trust and believe in each other with their entire being is a beautiful experience. I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to reading other stories about the men from “The Realm” series and the women they come to love and rescue.
Sincerely,
…Miguelina Perez
April 4, 2011
Oh wow, ok, I was expecting something completely different when I started this book. I guess I did not read the description at all, and the cover completely threw me off. I was expecting more of a historical fiction type book with a romance and no sex, so was a bit surprised by the naughtiness in this novel. This book plays more like a historical romance, and most historical romances have a couple on the cover in an intimate pose or at least a woman on the cover in a sexy pose with half her head chopped off by the top of the book. But I think if I had paid more attention to the description, I would have recognized it more as a straight up romance.
In any event I did enjoy the story and characters, and the naughtiness was a plus. The hero James was part of a secret British government unit. He and his comrades have pretty much retired and are all settling down to normal lives (normal for British Society as it were). His comrade's sister, Eleanor, literally falls into his arms while James is visiting and he falls into instant lust and as he gets to know her, love. The story involves a past enemy threatening James and his happiness and Eleanor dealing with a blackmailer. And it looks like it is to be a series with each of James' comrades heroing a book. Very fun historical romance; don't let the cover fool ya.
In any event I did enjoy the story and characters, and the naughtiness was a plus. The hero James was part of a secret British government unit. He and his comrades have pretty much retired and are all settling down to normal lives (normal for British Society as it were). His comrade's sister, Eleanor, literally falls into his arms while James is visiting and he falls into instant lust and as he gets to know her, love. The story involves a past enemy threatening James and his happiness and Eleanor dealing with a blackmailer. And it looks like it is to be a series with each of James' comrades heroing a book. Very fun historical romance; don't let the cover fool ya.
Read
July 18, 2014I can't rate this book. I just don't know what to say about it really. I enjoyed the premise of it. There was so much truth in how one would feel in such horrible circumstances. I loved the Realm members themselves and I thought the characters were really well written. I could grasp each ones strengths and weaknesses. I was happy for the Captain (Worthing) finding real love of course. I loved the mystery of where is the emerald. Do I enjoy reading about horrible, sexually perverted parents? No, does it happen. Yes, then as now. I did enjoy how Louis seeking to take advantage of this knowledge was dealt with. I just can't get into all the sexual intimacy. It doesn't matter to me how much they love each other. I just don't need all these sexual descriptions. Because of that being such a part of the text I can't recommend it to my close friends because they wouldn't read such a novel. If you have no objections to sexual intimacy being described in a novel then the mystery, suspense, plot, and characters will be of interest to you. This is the second time I've read this book. I couldn't recall exactly what all it was about from the first time.
January 18, 2014
A remarkable romance, well-written and fascinating.
Lady Eleanor is not the typical Regency miss, she's reluctant to enter into any romantic entanglements. Her father's legacy is painful and persistent, as yet another shadow in the form of Sir Louis Levering attempts to confine her in the past forever.
Her one ray of hope is James Kerrington, the future Earl of Linworth. He doesn't care about her past, loves her passionately and is willing to root out all the evil in her life.
After a series of mishaps and some poor decisions, the two lover succeed in marrying and being accepted into society.
The subplot of The Realm, a secret society of which James is a member, is an excellent subplot and will probably provide the next bachelor for the series.
I wish this book had a better cover, instead of a portrait by Gainsborough. An Amazon of a lady emerging from the shadows would have been much better.
Lady Eleanor is not the typical Regency miss, she's reluctant to enter into any romantic entanglements. Her father's legacy is painful and persistent, as yet another shadow in the form of Sir Louis Levering attempts to confine her in the past forever.
Her one ray of hope is James Kerrington, the future Earl of Linworth. He doesn't care about her past, loves her passionately and is willing to root out all the evil in her life.
After a series of mishaps and some poor decisions, the two lover succeed in marrying and being accepted into society.
The subplot of The Realm, a secret society of which James is a member, is an excellent subplot and will probably provide the next bachelor for the series.
I wish this book had a better cover, instead of a portrait by Gainsborough. An Amazon of a lady emerging from the shadows would have been much better.
February 1, 2012
This was a fun summer/beach read. Not particularly deep or challenging, but enjoyable. Obviously a period drama. You get scandal, blackmail, chivalry, love, secrect brotherhoods, mysterious strangers lurking in the dark...all the makings of a fun light summer read. The plot isn't really necessary to go into, if you're looking for this type of book, go for it...Jeffers has a few other books that seem to revolve around the Jane Austin novels which I think I'll give a try and this book may be the first in a series so we shall see if any other books follow.
September 1, 2013
Unfortunately this is the 1st book and I read the 2nd in the series first but sadly the first two books are way too similar with some word for word paragraphs. I would have been better to combine the first two books and give chapter preference to characters... Great romances though borderline risque :)
September 4, 2011
I picked this up expecting a historical fiction novel. I definitely would classify this as a romance. It was a lot too dirty for my taste, but not the worst thing I've ever read.
I won't be looking for the rest of the series.
I won't be looking for the rest of the series.
December 6, 2011
Love it! It was a great read.
November 20, 2013
Two stars, or less than two stars. Can't recommend this one. It's just too silly.
July 19, 2014
Very interesting book, well worth a read especially if you are a history fan!
March 1, 2025
The Realm Books
1. A Touch of Scandal
2. A Touch of Velvet
3. A Touch of Cashmere
4. A Touch of Grace
5. A Touch of Mercy
6. A Touch of Love
7. A Touch of Honor
8. A Touch of Emerald
January 18, 2012
Regina's first book in the Realm series is a hit. I fell in love with Ella and James. Pick it up!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews