This was my first time reading Wendy LaCapra and I’m hooked! Great storyline, characters you cheer for, and of course, a happy ending! Don’t miss this one!
Cards are a dangerous game, especially when you risk everything and plan to lose. But the tables are turned on Giles Everhart Langley, third Marquess of Bromton. Getting caught was not his plan nor was being blackmailed by the winner, Lord Markham. Markham offers Brom a way to save his honor: marry his sister, Lady Katherine.
Lady Katherine Markham is firmly on the shelf thanks to Beau Brummell deeming her “the most unmarriageable lady in the kingdom” due to two failed betrothals-one to death and the other to a runaway groom. She has dedicated her life to her siblings and to running her brother’s estate. She is content. Isn’t she?
When Brom and Lady Katherine meet, get ready for the sparks to fly! They have secrets that haunt them but together they may find that love truly does conquer all!

Scandal in Spades by Wendy LaCapra is the story of Giles Langley, Marquess of Bromton and Lady Katherine Markham . Giles has learned that he is a bastard and is not the real heir to the titles he has. So trying to make things right he enters a card game set on having Markham win what should rightfully be his. But Markham won't take what he has 'won' because he knows that Giles cheated to loose. But Markham does have a deal for him...he wants Giles to marry his sister Katherine. Giles question Markham on why his sister isn't married already and he learns of two failed attempts and how society treated her afterwards...she is called "the most unmarriageable lady in the Kingdom". Giles realizes that any child they would have would be the rightful heir and correct the issue with the title.
Katherine feels she will never marry and has turned from society but has been taking care of the family estate and helping to raise her sister. So when Giles starts to come around she is cautious and not trusting of her feelings..nor his.
But can these two find what they both need in each other?
Really a great read...could not put it down!

The premise of this story is unique and intriguing and it was off to a great start, even though it did take me a while to distinguish between the four different friends (Spades, Clubs, Hearts and Diamonds). The chemistry between Katherine and Giles was well-written. I loved their cat and mouse game. But I had trouble believing that the man flirting with Katherine was the same broody one we were introduced to in the first chapter. I was under the assumption that this hero was uptight and a stick in the mud. But he acted the opposite the minute he was introduced to Katherine. And he really did fall for her rather too quickly. The other problem I had with the story was the unnecessary, and quite frankly, irritating, inclusion of Julia's foolish actions. I literally could not care less about her and to be quite honest, Katherine was honestly too easy on her. There was enough tension between Giles and Rayne to drive the plot. The whole thing with Julia was completely unnecessary because Rayne was literally brimming with tension from the very first chapter. He was a bomb just waiting to go off, and he would have gone off even if Giles had not confronted him about Julia. Instead of the time wasted on Rayne and Julia, I wish Katherine had found out about the bet earlier on, mostly because I wanted to read more about Katherine and Giles's marital journey to HEA.

Like I mentioned above, the swift change of personality in Giles took me aback, but overall, I did enjoy him as a hero. I was surprised to find out how sentimental he actually was. Katherine was okay for the most part. I did not appreciate how she constantly kept Septimus's ghost alive in the beginning. I did admire her courage to stand up for herself though. Also, I adored Farring! He was such a delightful supporting character and I hope he gets his own HEA. I'd be very picky about his heroine though, mostly because he deserves the best.

Pairings for next books:
<spoiler> Clarissa and Markham? Julia and Rayne (ugh I don't like this pairing)? The Dutch lady and Farring? (not sure about this pairing to be honest) </spoiler>

What a unique, engaging story line . This is the first time that I have come across one of the characters wanting to sacrifice everything for the sake of the family name and history.

I enjoyed Bromton and Katherine's story. I loved the chemistry that these two had.
They were not afraid to walk the fine line and let their relationship evolve.
I liked that Katherine was a strong heroine. Life had dealt her some hard lessons and of course it was difficult for her to trust and love again.

Bromton is one those proper, sexy heroes that prowls his way and finds a great match in Katherine, even if it's for the wrong reasons at the beginning of their story.

Its an engaging, with a steady pace, and a wonderful chemistry. Ms. LaCrapa has a beautiful way with words, and I love how she sets up dialogues that make your toes curl and sigh, wanting to read more. Wonderful book.

Giles Everhart Langley, the Marquis of Bromton known in the gaming hells as Spades, has just learned that he’s a bastard. Feeling his honour is at stake, he attempts to bestow his estate upon a rightful heir by manipulating a high-stakes card game. But the winner Percy Markham demands more than Bromton bargained for a marriage to his spinster sister Lady Katherine who was called the least marriageable lady in all of England by Brummell, but a child of their union would be a rightful heir.
Scandal has hardened Lady Katherine and narrowed her world to duty and family.
Giles & Katherine meet & are immediately attracted to each other. Giles has promised Markham that he will court his sister which he does & the pair fall in love. The wedding is arranged but the eve before the wedding Lord Rayne upsets the apple cart.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it had me gripped from the start. The story flowed really well & the characters had good depth. Giles & Katherine are both lonely but each hoped that in finding each other they that found their soul mate. I loved the way they grew to love & like each other. I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions throughout the book & shed a few tears at Giles’ second meeting with Mrs Blackwood. I hope the other three ‘suits’ have their stories as they are all so likeable, even Rayne, each added to the story & of course Clarissa needs her HEA too!

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Giles Langley, Marquess of Bromton aka Spades has learned that his entire existence is a lie. He has been raised to be the Marquess and embodies the role - he is proper, he is pompous, he is entitled and he cannot abide scandal - so learning that the former Marquess is not his father and his now widowed mother has married an artist is enough to drive him to desperation - he has convinced himself that he must right the wrong done to the marquisate - so upon learning that none of his properties are entailed, he searches his family tree and forms a plan. He befriends Percival Stanley, Earl of Markham aka Hearts, a very distant relative - actually the only other male relative in the Langley line - and convinces him to place a wager on a game of vingt-et-in along with his other friends, Lord Rayne aka Diamonds and Lord Farring aka Clubs. Giles has had each man place secret wagers and "fixes" the game so Markham will win - and win he does, all of Giles unentailed property. Markham confronts Giles and tells him he knows he cheated - he refuses to take the winnings, but proposes an alternative - Giles could marry his sister, Katherine.

Katherine's hopes of a happy life were crushed when Beau Brummell declared her the "Most Unmarriageable Maiden in England" due to two failed betrothals, her first was a love match, but he died before they could marry and the second ran off with his mistress after fighting a duel the day before he was to marry Katherine. She has accepted her lot and cares for her younger sister, Julia and manages Markham's estate, while she might not be happy, she is content. She does worry what her tarnished reputation will mean to Julia when she has her come out next season, but she hopes the talk will have died down and her perfect behavior will ensure that Julia is successful. She is less than thrilled when Markham sends her a letter saying he is bringing home a guest. She an Julia plan how to get rid of them. But Giles is a man on a mission - marrying Katherine and having an heir, will ensure that Langley blood holds the title. He will marry her.

She is attracted to Giles, but she doesn't trust him. Why would a man who prides himself on living a scandal free life, want a tarnished spinster? Slowly, they get to know each other and Katherine begins to fall for Giles, but she is sure that once he learns her secret, he will leave. He pushes for them to marry and she tells him to give them two weeks to get to know each other and if at that time he still wants to marry her, she will say yes. Giles is changing, much to his surprise and he is falling for Katherine. He begins to feel guilty about keeping the truth from her, but convinces himself it is a good thing for her, being married to him will improve her social standing and will help her siblings as well. So when she tells him her secret, at first he is taken aback, but he insists that he still wants to marry her and that her past is the past. Katherine is a little surprised that the oh so proper marquess is willing to overlook her past, but she is happy too and agrees to marry him.

He heads off to London to get a special license and decides to visit his mother. When she learns that his is going to marry and hasn't been honest with Katherine, she warns him that he is making a mistake, but he is still angry with her and says truly awful things to her, so awful she tells him he is no longer welcome to call on her. Ruffled by her words but still set on his plan, he returns to Southford, where he finds Farring and Rayne at the village inn. Farring is happy for him, but Rayne is angry - Giles had a long standing understanding with his sister Clarissa, which he broke off when he learned the truth of his birth, but he never explained why and caused a rift with his friend - He sends them off to the house and tells them that he is just going to freshen up and will meet them later - he then proceeds to get rip roaring drunk with the locals. Katherine was visiting a tenant and slipped into the inn to escape the rain. The innkeeper decides to play matchmaker and sends her up to a room to dry off and then sends up a very drunk Giles. They share a moment of passion and both leave looking forward to their wedding night.

But when tension between Rayne and Giles finally comes to a head and Katherine learns the truth, will there even be a wedding?

This was a fantastic story, well written, flowed great, had probably the most realistic sibling interaction that I have ever read in a book, steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, secrets, some groveling and an ending that gave me goosebumps and made me teary eyed. I have never read this author before, but I am going to check out her backlog and will be looking out for her future books!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

I found myself racing through this book. Bromton and Katherine were both strong characters, but didn't come off as unlikable. As you learn about the events in their past that had developed them, your heart ached for them. Lots of chemistry between them. I could not stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.

I am very excited to read the next installments in the Lords of Chance series. Fabulous historical romance.

The story starts off a bit slow but picks up. It is heartfelt and emotional. There is a lot of turmoil and secrets that can destroy the possibility of everlasting love. I'm excited to read about Diamonds, Hearts and Clubs.

Will you find the happiness that you deserve? Katherine knows that she will never be anyone's wife she has already been so close twice but it has always been out of her reach. And so when her brother Markham brings a friend home she just knows what is going to happen. It will turn out like every other time she will be looked down at because of her past and she knows that this time she will make sure that her to be suitor is sent packing as soon as possible. Bromton knows that he has no choice but to find a bride from the Langley lineage as that is the only way to say his line so he will go along with Markham and see what happens with his sister. He is taken with Katherine from the beginning and he tries to put all his fears away but he knows that he can't be honest with her about his parentage. Katherine can't believe that he wants to marry her and that he doesn't care about her past. But will they get their chance or will secrets tear them apart? Can Bromton put his pride aside and just accept that he is the right man for her and that nothing matters except being a good husband? Will Katherine be able to forgive him? A good read. They make the perfect couple they are were they both belong. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher's Description:

“Lusciously romantic and sparkling with wit, Scandal in Spades will captivate you until the very last page.” –Anna Campbell, bestselling author of the Dashing Widows series

The Marquess of Bromton has just learned that he’s a bastard. Feeling his honor is at stake, he attempts to bestow his estate upon a rightful heir by manipulating a high-stakes card game. But the winner demands more than Bromton bargained for—a marriage…to his spinster sister. Lady Katherine may be the least marriageable lady in all of England, but a child of their union would be a rightful heir…

Scandal has hardened Lady Katherine and narrowed her world to duty and family. There’s nothing to be trusted in the Society she left behind…especially not the imperious marquess with his single-minded pursuit. Or his knee-weakening kisses. Except, the more their connection deepens, the more Bromton surprises Katherine. But the truth about their courtship could destroy everything…

My Thoughts:

This book is a good mixture of humor and unusual circumstances.
It is my first time reading a book by this author though I had previously heard of her.
We have a Maquess that discovers he isn't really the rightful heir so he proceeds to try to divest himself of the estate and title by losing it in a high stakes card game to the next man in line for the title. However that man doesn't seem to want what he has won. He asks instead that Bromton marry his sister who has been dubbed the most unmarriageable lady in England.
Bromton may not desire the title but if he marries Lady Katherine a child of theirs would be a rightful heir.

Katherine thinks herself firmly on the shelf and ruined by scandal so she knows something must be up when her brother brings the Marquess home with him.

Can this unlikely pair of opposites turn an obvious attraction into a lasting love?

I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. The intimacy between this pair is pretty descriptive without being overt.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in a series by an new author for me. This one was just an okay read for me. We first have a Marchiness who is having an identity crisis and Katherine a confirmed Spinster. The two come together and start to heal each other. They are pulled apart by stupid reasons and I just wasn’t a fan. The story had been going well up until that point. Just an okay read nothing really jumped out as an awesome read for me.

I love historical romance novels and I read a lot of them I must say this one is quite unique in the way it's written. I loved how characters talk and interact in this story. All of them are simply amazing and well-written. For me characters made it an exceptional read. Not that I didn't like the story itself, it's quite good too.

Lord Bromton is not who he thinks he is. After the revelation of his mother he has feared his very existence and seek to right the wrong, that in his mind, has been done. That's why he cheated at cards, unfortunately for him, things did not go as planned and now instead of loosing everything he might very well gain the world. It depends on what Markham's sister is like....

Katherine never thought she'd marry, after all she has been dubbed "the most unmarriagable lady." Then she meets Brom, a friend of her brother's, at first she is unwilling to let him into her heart but he is bent upon making his way there. He is everything she craves, everything she wants, but dare she dream?

I perfect historical fictions for readers who love the genre. I'd definitely recommend this book if you love amazing historical romances with hint of humor and angst.

" Scandal in Spades was d 1st book by Wendy Lacapra i have read & am happy to say it was not disappointing i liked d book.
This is story is about two people who very alone ,lost but wen dey come together they compliment each other ,r made for each other .

Marquess of Bromton, Giles, is a bastard and Lady Katherine is tagged as the most unmarriageble lady in England . Circumstances lead Giles to marry her where he has his own selfish reasons in d name of honour , pride but eventually realises his follies & falls in love with Katherine who also after the previous disasters in her life is cautious ,insecure to get in a relationship but she also falls in love with d handsome complex Marquess Giles .

The bonding between d siblings , there characters, personality has been brought out very well by d author..the pace of the story is fast not boring, writing stlye is witty , humourous . the story well written & presented ... Giles character is at times irritating , foolish but also very lovable . Katherine comes out as bold, independent , open character though at some times stubborn. The author Wendy has beautifully scripted d story around all this characters & given us a excellent, wonderful book ,

i would definitely recommend it ... it was a superb work of penmanship by Wendy . i would love to read more of her books & definitely want to read a story about Peppy Julia who is the sister of Katherine in dis book...This is my honest review .

This was an interesting read that I could not put down! One of the things I enjoy more about any good novel is when the characters are interesting (bonus points if they are also flawed, as that means they are human) - and this story had that in spades (pardon the pun).

Seriously though, the author brings to life delightful characters with personality (I can't wait to read Lady Julia's story although I think I may pity the man who ends up with her), and places them into a world that simply draws you in until the satisfying ending. Giles' honor shows through time and again in this story, not only when he tries to do the right thing by returning his lands to Markham, but also in his treatment of Katherine. He manages to make her smile yes, but he also gives her the hope that she had let go of so long ago. I enjoyed watching them find their way into love, even if I do wish he had been as honest with her as she had been with him.

I believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical novel with interesting characters and well developed stories. I can't wait to read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I received a free copy through Netgalley for an honest review. I really like this book. I am always a sucker for a damaged guy. The love developed naturally and was sweet.

I received this book from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!!
This novel was a good read. Sometimes people try to live their lives based on what others perceive as the ideal lifestyle. Lady Katherine was in love once and believed she needed to control her passion. Since then she has been living a virtuous life. Still, after two broken engagement, who would want to marry the unmarriable. Giles, the Marquess of Bromton, has learned he is a bastard. He believes in honor and deliberately loses his property in a card game to the Marquess of Markham, who is the next in line for the title. Each member has their own nickname, hence Bromton's in Spades. However, Markham has other ideas and wants Giles to marry his sister, Katherine. This would solve Giles' problems, but he did not expect a hellion, whom he is extremely attracted to. Katherine does not want to marry, but Giles is changing her mind. However, Katherine has a secret that she knows will push him a way, but believes in being honest with Giles. Giles on the other hand, hid his secrets from Katherine and she is very angry when she finds out the truth. Giles loves Katherine, but needs to sort out his own problems and seek forgiveness before he can truly be the man Katherine deserves.

I requested and received this ARC with the promise that I would give a fair and honest review. A defeated scoundrel, a loving brother and a scandalous, shunned spinster are all entangled in a daring wager. There are sure to be repercussions and perhaps awakenings and even love. Definitely worth you reading.