This was a decent story and I somewhat enjoyed both the hero and the heroine, Charles and Mary. I do like a good Elizabethan romance. However, nothing really stood out making it a great book.

Read one, know all.
Unfortunately this is an average storyline, much too short in my opinion but there is at least more than one in the book. I was not thrilled at all.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Historicals can be something of a struggle for me at this point- I think the tropes have worn a little thin in some places unless there's a very skillful author at the helm. I was delighted to see that Erin Kane Spock is just such an author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I suspect the somewhat unusual setting (the Elizabethan court at Christmastime) contributed to this, but so did the heroine, who was spunky but not in a superficial or eye-rolling way, and the hero, who was just the kind of beta hero I enjoy. I appreciated the light nod to LGBTQ+ rep in a historical in a way that didn't feel out of place. The only things that took away from my enjoyment were the rather cartoonish villain (also HUGE trigger warning here for sexual assault-- yeesh) and the admittedly petty quibble that this should have been a fall release so that I could use this as a way to pregame for the holidays. That aside, I'm excited to see more from this author and would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an unusual historical.

(Disclaimer: This review is based on an ARC kindly provided by the publisher)

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I'll be checking it out now that I've read Courtly Scandals. For historical romance, I primarily read Regency titles, but it was a welcome change to get the chance to read this Elizabethan-era romance. The author did a fantastic job taking the reader into the court during Christmas. I appreciated that she took a chance on including elements that most authors shy away from, and she delivered an engrossing and unique story. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

4.5 stars!

The Elizabethan era is by far my favorite HR sub-genre, unfortunately they are few and far in-between, so I was delighted to see this book listed on NetGalley and while I had never read anything by this author, I was excited to dive into the glittery, treacherous world of Queen Elizabeth's court and I am happy to say Ms. Spock did not disappoint!

This a complex tale of the fictional Mary Montgomery and Sir Charles Fitzjohn, set among the very real members of Queen Elizabeth's court. Mary was introduced in the first book Courtly Pleasures (which I haven't read, but will be soon!) as a member of Frances LeSieur's household. Mary has been invited to stay for the Christmastide festivities by her dear friend Anne, Countess of Oxford, to whom she was a companion for many years until she was sent home ruined and heartbroken, thanks to Anne's husband Edward, Earl of Oxford. But even with the shadow of Oxford hanging over her, Mary looks forward to spending time with Anne and enjoying all the revelry the court has to offer before she returns to her duties with the LeSieurs.

She meets Charles the first night due to the interference of her friend Blanche Parry, they immediately feel a connection and even though Mary believes she is not fit to marry, she is delighted to flirt and dally with Sir Charles. She knows that nothing can come of the flirtation, but she is determined to squeeze every minute of joy she can get out of her time at court.

Charles is a guardsman to the Queen and a bastard by birth, in this era illegitimate children had many limitations, Charles is luckier than most, his father raised him and gave him his name, but that doesn't change the fact that he cannot own land or marry without special permission. Something he never gave a second thought about until he met Mary.

When Mary unwittingly becomes the center of scandal, Charles will do anything to help her clear her name. But for Mary, things go from bad to worse and any dreams of a happy life seemly disappear. She begins to realize for the first time that she does have choices and support comes from the most unlikely of sources. And when she is at her lowest, she is given opportunities that exceed any hopes and dreams she has ever had.

Can these two find a happy ever after? Or will secrets and vicious gossip tear them apart forever?

I loved this book, it is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, lots of intrigue, a delightful blend of fact and fiction, secrets, forbidden desires and finally a very sweet HEA with a epilogue! This is the second book in the series, but I had no problems reading this book as a stand alone (although, I will be going back and reading the first book!!!) The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because there was a bit more modern verbiage than I would have liked and a few typos (which may be corrected by publication). But even with those very minor issues, I highly recommend this book and will be looking forward to reading more by this author!!

I read Courtly Pleasures and loved it. Seven percent into Courtly Scandals and “Girard’s particular brand of love was both illegal and forbidden by the church. …..help cupid along and find a special gentleman friend for Girard.”

Are you trying to make some kind of political statement? I requested this book for male - female style romance. I do not see how mentioning male - male romance contributes to the book. I will keep reading, but if this becomes a larger part of the book, I'm out. Nor will I request any more EK Spock books. I will give an honest review should I finish the book. Because I am required to give a star, I am giving a one until completion.

3/8/18 - Ms. Spock, I just read your description of Courtly Scandals on Twitter. It is a more realistic description of what is contained in your book. You are a gifted writer that I would normally enjoy, but I will not be requesting any more of your books. Thank you for allowing me to provide my honest thoughts.