Customer Reviews

Scandalous

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Ever wonder why all romances are about the same size? Publisher's everywhere have somehow decided that readers cannot keep their attention on a romance if it runs over 350 pages. For some stories, this arbitrary stopping point works OK, but this is one of those stories where page 350 comes like a slap in the face.

Up to the final chapters, it's a roaring good tale: a ne'er-do-well, mysterious hero, a repressed, highborn spinster gambling for very high stakes, an unsolved murder. Lady Gabriella must make her way through society, find a husband for her achingly eligible sister, and keep some very important information completely under wraps, all by the side of a charming rogue who alternately helps and hinders.

Then, with the quickness of lightning, the villian is exposed, the plot twists neatly unravelled, and everyone lives happily ever after. Not only is this ending rushed in the extreme, but it leaves all sorts of unanswered questions. I can only hope that book 2, the middle sister's story, clears up some of my questions--but that in turn will deprive this poor dear of her measely share of pages (I'm sorry dear, but we need another fifty pages for your sister; you have been demoted to a novella...). In short, a great story, seemingly cut off at the knees.

One of the better-organized romances I've read in a while. Robards does an excellent job finding valid reasons for the hero, Marcus, and the heroine, Gabriella, to be often (1) in communication with one another (2) keeping secrets from one another (3) frequently hostile with one another. I find that a lot of romance novels flounder from an inability to do one of those things without really stretching the reader's credulity, or just ruining the characters.

Gabriella is a particularly well-done heroine, with a distinct and appealing personality - very level-headed, very mature, very much in control of herself. It was really, really a pleasure to read a romance through the eyes of a woman who I respected. Marcus isn't quite as good; he remains a little bit mysterious throughout, but he's certainly a good enough Prince Charming.

My only complaint is that I'm starting to get tired of the sickroom ploy. I don't know why more than half of all the romances on the market resort to sudden illness to bring the protagonists together or create a feeling of trust between them. There must be a better way.

And, also, I agree with the reviewer who mentioned the 350 page rule as a detractor. I have a feeling that's an all-too-accurate analysis.

I am a huge fan of Karen Robards and this is among her best ever. The romance is fun (hot) and the emotions are beautifully expressed. These people aren't perfect but you care deeply about them. I read this in one sitting and then proceeded to re-read the passages about the dancing several times. Sometimes there is too little focus on the sex or too litte focus on the emotions. This time, Karen Robards got it JUST RIGHT! Can't wait to see the next installments!

I loved the premise -- masquerading stranger appears as half-brother, heroine falls in love with him and scandalizes London. I'd buy it again - which is my personal standard for romance novels.

I would rate this book only acceptable. The relationship between Nick and Gabby is never really fully developed and after making love one time, they are suddenly in love only to have Nick "disappear". Sorry, it just doesn't wash. The ending was good but was thrust upon us too suddenly. Suddenly, Nick finds the bad guy, suddenly Nick returns, suddenly the book ends.

In Ceylon, someone kills the Earl of Wickham during a hunting expedition. Jem Downess crosses the ocean and two land masses to inform his employer Lady Gabriella Banning that her half-brother is dead. Gabriella worries about what will happen to her two younger half-sisters, eighteen years old drop dead gorgeous Claire and fifteen-year-old Beth now that her odious cousin is the new Earl of Wickham. Her cousin is almost as malicious as her deceased father who abused the siblings when he lived.

However, before he died, Marcus gave Jem a letter that told Gabby to take Claire to London and allowed her carte blanche to his funds. Gabby knows the letters are worthless unless she and Jem keep quiet about Marcus' death. Feeling a bit guilty, Gabby decides Claire needs her season and will find a good husband in town. When the three women reach London, they find Marcus living in the family home. Since no one has seen Marcus in two decades except Jem, Gabby asks him to identify the man. Jem insists the real Marcus is dead. Marcus and Gabby reach an understanding, but neither one expected to fall in love.

SCANDALOUS is an entertaining Regency romance with the twist of two individuals, deceiving society for different reasons, ironically falling in love in the process. The story line is fast-paced, but it is the characters who make it so much fun to read. The lead couple is charming as they react differently to their growing attraction and to their joint culpability. The mystery behind the Marcus masquerade adds a sense of danger to a cleverly designed tale that will please historical romance fans.

Harriet Klausner

The story begins wonderfully. I love the three sisters - Gabby, Claire, Beth. And Claire, although being the most beautiful of the three, is refreshingly devoid of arrogance, or narcissism. Beth is adorably adolescent in her outlooks and mannerisms. And Gabby, the eldest sister, is very responsible, loving, protective of her sisters, and caring.

I find it rather hard to REALLY like Nick Devane, the impostor, who posed as their dead brother Marcus, in order to find his (Marcus's) killer. He has a rather callous attitude.

However, the story is very good, suspenseful. Great story writing. Great unfolding of scenes and plots. A very good and thorough job. I'm eagerly looking forward to more of Karen Robards.

This book started off slow, but then suddenly I was sucked into the story and could not put it down!

The story is about two people who need each other to keep their own scandal from being found out. Mostly, it is a romance ~ a very enjoyable one that blossoms very sweetly. I hate when characters are stubborn and won't admit to themselves or each other how they feel. This wasn't the case in SCANDALOUS. I liked how our heroine wasn't a perfect woman and I liked how our hero thought she was.

My only complaint, to echo other reviewers, was the last few chapters. I felt Robards could have ended the story a lot smoother without some unnecassary scenes. Regardless, this is worth reading. :)

This book was so good and fast paced, I just wanted to know what was happening page after page. I thought Wickham to be sexy, funny, and the banter between the two fun and romantic. Like the other reviewers above me, I think that it was cut too short. An awesome read that deserved the time to come to a complete conclusion. Wouldn't it have been neat to see Gabby go to Ceylon, or see Nick reintroduced as Gabby's spouse to the gaping jaws of the London Ton? I laugh just thinking of what he would say to those bitter baggages!
Really wish it could have been longer... publishers, take note!

Karen Robards' books are wonderful but as all romances, some are better than others. I have to say that this is one of my favorites. If you like an uncommon heroine, one that is not afraid to battle her economic woes by deceiving everyone as her last alternative then you'll enjoy the book. If you like the time frame and English setting you like it even more. A well-rounded heroine who is plain looking but shines in spirit. The storylines are definitely worth the read!