This is the first I’ve read from this series, and from this author. I liked the characters a lot and found the plot to be really interesting. While this is not fantasy romance, it did have a fantasy element to it, which added some mystery and interest. I didn’t guess what would happen, and found it really entertaining. I’d definitely pick up a book by this author again.

Lady Thisbe Moreland is attending a lecture at the Covington Institute when she meets Desmond Harrison. They hit it off immediately and Thisbe can’t wait to see him again, as a female scientist too many people don’t take her seriously, but Desmond treated her with respect and admiration. They make plans to meet again, but Thisbe doesn’t tell him who she really is – the eldest child of the Duke of Broughton. She is scared that he won’t continue to see her if he knows the truth.

Desmond is also a scientist, he works for the once revered, now scorned Professor Gordon. The professor has come under ridicule for his insistence that ghosts exist – Desmond is not a believer, despite his own experience with the spirit world, but he is loyal to the professor who took him under his wing. Desmond grew up poor and is the son of a transported convict, even without knowing who her family is, he knows she is far above him in station, but he is unwilling to give up what they share and knows that eventually it will end.

When Professor Gordon’s benefactor, Mr. Wallace learns of an artifact called the Eye of Annie Blue that might be able to have the professor prove his theory, the entire team is excited. Professor Gordon writes to the owner of the artifact, the Dowager Duchess of Broughton and asks if he might be able to borrow it for study. But the duchess refuses, crushing their hopes. The professor and Mr. Wallace become obsessed and when they learn the Dowager is in town, they ask Desmond to steal it – he refuses, but agrees to check out the Dowager’s house to see if it is even possible to enter. While looking at the house, which he knows will be impossible to enter, Thisbe comes running out – she thinks he has figured out who she is and has come to see her. She invites him back to call and when his professor learns of their connection, he tries to convince Desmond to steal it – again he refuses.

Desmond is surer than ever that nothing can transpire between him and Thisbe, no matter how nice her family is to him and when her grandmother (the Dowager) has a prediction that Desmond’s love will kill Thisbe, he is sure they have no future. Thisbe has been having her own share of strange incidents in the form of dreams, but she rationalizes them and tells Desmond to ignore her grandmother’s “prediction”. She really cares for him and begins to imagine a future with him – until secrets are revealed and Desmond lets her believe the worst to save her life.

This was a well written, fast paced, page turner that held me in thrall from the first page to the last. I loved Desmond and Thisbe, they share such an incredible chemistry that you know they are meant to be, the love scenes are sparse, but they are potent and very touching without being overly graphic, the secondary characters are wonderful and even the villains are engaging. There is a bit of drama, some humor, a healthy dose of paranormal, some heartache and finally a very sweet and hard-won HEA. This is the seventh book in the series, but it is really the prequel to the “Mad Morelands” – you can read this book first or seventh without issue, but either way – read it! I loved this story and happily recommend it!

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

I really expected to love this book. It has everything I like; a strong female character who is intelligent and layered, a plot full of intrigue and interest and a sweet romance. Yet for some reason I just failed to connect with this book at all. It ended up being a real struggle for me. I have heard so many good things about this series so will not give up at this first hurdle. This book just wasn't for me, but I have high hopes for the rest of the series.

Candace Camp involves the Mad Morelands in a Scandalous Pursuit. Thisbe Moreland, daughter of a duke, meets Desmond a scientist and commoner at a scientific talk., and a meeting of the minds and romance ensues. In this Victorian romance the witchy paranormal and science collide; which will win out?

Thisbe is not your average Duke's daughter. In fact, her whole family is a combination of oddities. She's a scientists and loves to learn and attend lectures. This is where she meets Desmond. Desmond is not your usual hero. He's very beta, shy, he even blushes. Thisbe is more the leader of the relationship. They have a lot in common with their interests though, and I feel they are a great couple together.

I did find the romance lacking in this book though. I haven't read anything from this series, this is my first. I believe this book is the prequel to the others in the series. Thisbe has a large family and they take up a lot of page space in this story. It's very cute and reminisce of, say maybe the Bridgerton family by JQ. I wasn't looking for that though, I really just want some damn good romance between two people. But I know many people love this.

Desmond doesn't have a large family, in fact it's only him. He has a mentor that he has the utmost respect for and feels he must help when asked. His mentor wants the Eye, some type of alchemical creation from hundreds of years ago. Things get messy when Desmond realizes the holder of the Eye is Thisbe's own family.

I wasn't expecting this book to have this paranormal feel to it. Dreams partially coming true, gifts running in family member lines, etc. I actually enjoyed that part to it. But the romance I felt got a bit lost in all this. I didn't really connect with either character. Desmond isn't usually a hero I'm totally in love with, but I'm glad he's out there because he's unique and I think many people will love him.

Overall just an okay read for me.

Candace Camp is one of my favorite authors, but this book didn't do much for me. The characters were well written but I did not feel the spark between them. I found the beginning to be confusing.
Thank you for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Candace Camp - an author to be remembered. She always has a fast past storyline, great romance plot, and wonderful characters.
She wrote tons of books and this one won't disappoint you.

Another great book by Candace Camp in the Mad Morelands series. I really enjoyed Thisbe and Desmond's story. Highly recommended!

I loved the set up of this book. It had a strong focus on science and mysticism with a sweet romance. When our two protagonists meet at a lecture sparks fly and shared academic passions set the two on a path to unearth and old secret and possibly forge a strong future together.

Prologue... 1556 Power beyond measure, a creation that could destroy and she had created it. She threw it in the fire to destroy it...
Can I just say I was grabbed by the prologue and could not wait to see what it meant and how this played into the story which picks up in London 1868. There was no doubt in my mind Candace Camp had created another incredible tale and trust me, I was not disappointed!
"Thisbe thought the lecture at Covington Institute would be informative. She didn't expect it would change her life." Yes, it really would because the "odd tingle at the nap of her neck" was Desmond Harrison. As he sat beside her at the lecture and they actually talked about their interest and science, the attraction could not be denied!
A sizzling attraction, humor, some paranormal, drama, secrets and an exciting journey to a happy ever after that took a few twist and turns, makes this one of my favorite in the Mad Morelands series.
Trust me you will not be able to put it down once you start!! Magical!

Her Scandalous Pursuit is the seventh book in Candace Camp's The Mad Morelands series. It's actually a prequel to the first six books, so I suppose it's actually book 0. Since I haven't read the first six yet, I was thrilled to discover it's a prequel; of course it totally stands alone. I need to go back and read the others, as the Morelands appear to be such a unique family. I was charmed by them all!

Thisbe Moreland is the oldest Moreland daughter. Actually, she's the oldest child, since she was born a few minutes before her twin Theo. She is a scholar and a scientist, which makes her rather odd in society. While attending a lecture a handsome young man, Desmond Harrison, sits beside her. Both are quickly smitten. Desmond is thrilled to find such an intelligent woman, and Thisbe is excited to meet a man who doesn't find her scientific bent the least bit offputting. Desmond is of low birth, but the Morelands aren't snobs. However, Thisbe doesn't tell him she's a duke's daughter, frightened that would scare him off. Professor Gordon, Desmond's employer and mentor who is obsessed with spiritualism, wants him to steal an artifact - the Eye of Annie Blue, believed to have great mystical power - from a dowager duchess, Desmond says no, but agrees to look in the house and see if he can find it. Imagine his surprise when he discovers the dowager duchess is his Thisbe's grandmother!

At first I was disappointed to discover that there were paranormal aspects to the story, but as I read along it really started to draw me in. Thisbe had terrifying dreams that seemed very real. Being a scientific woman, they totally threw her for a loop. Desmond was also a scientist, but believed in omens that concerned him. I loved Thisbe, but got irritated with her when she found out Desmond's employer wanted him to steal the Eye and she wouldn't believe Desmond had no intention of doing so. I understood that she thought he was just using her, but she withheld the information that she was a duke's daughter. But regardless of my brief annoyance, I loved Desmond's relationship with Thisbe and also her family. It was heartbreaking when it appeared their love would not survive upcoming events, and neither would they. I could not put the book down! I have got to read more about this "mad" family.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Her Scandalous Pursuit by Candace Camp is book 7 in The Mad Morelands Series but is also the Prequel. This is the story of Desmond Harrison and Thisbe Moreland. I have already read a few books in this series (which I loved!) and the characters have been mixing around each book but I did feel you can easily make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Although Thisbe is the daughter of the Duke of Broughton her passion is being a scientist. This leads her to many lectures learning which no man really takes her seriously. So when she is attending the lecture at the Covington Institute and a man sits down beside her she is taken with him which has never happened before then when they talk he takes her seriously in conversation. Thisbe doesn't give him the information that she is from a titled family but only wants his attention on her and their love of science...not any class or title. Desmond is a shy low born man who is working with his mentor Professor Gordon, who was once a respected scientist but now the Professor is scored upon.
Thisbe and Desmond build on their love of science, friends and of course their attraction. Then the Professor request that Desmond take the Eye of Annie Blue which the Professor wants to use to prove his theories. Desmond is asked to steal it if he can not get it any other way. Of course when Desmond goes to the dowager Duchess of Broughton to ask to see it he is refused. Which leads him to look around to see how easily he could take it. But he is found by Thisbe where he learns who she really is but will he reveal what he really is doing?
I am such a fan of this author's writing....loved it!

I'm more than happy I got this ARC because it's a fun read, engrossing and enjoyable.
It's a prequel to a series I will surely read and the characters are interesting and likable.
The story is well plotted and I read it as fast as I could.
I will surely read the rest of this series, I loved this one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Finally, Candace Camp has written the prequel to her Mad Morelands series! Thisbe and Desmond have been married since book one, but how did they meet? Each of the Mad Morelands books (His Wicked Charm) has included a hint of the supernatural, but Desmond and Thisbe are both scientists who don't believe in ghosts or magic- just what they can see and measure.

Thisbe Moreland has had to be strong and stubborn since she decided to become a scientist. She has several marks against her. One: she's a woman, and everyone knows women can't think rationally or analyze anything. Two: she's the Duke of Moreland's daughter, and everyone knows aristocrats might dabble in things, but they don't have careers. Three: she's the Duke of Moreland's daughter and everyone knows that family is odd at best, mad at worst. She's never felt a connection to a man before, but when Desmond Harrison sits next to her at a lecture everything changes. They develop a sweet romance based on mutual respect and appreciation- and attraction- but Thisbe doesn't want to tell him she's an aristocrat and have him change the way he sees her. Desmond is shy and lives in his head, always wanting to know the why's behind everything. He doesn't want to admit to Thisbe his low birth, or that his father was sent to Australia for theft.

All that could get straightened out if it wasn't for Desmond's work. His mentor is determined to prove that ghosts exist and to do that he wants Desmond to steal a relic called Annie Blue's Eye. Desmond doesn't want to steal anything- and then finds out that Thisbe's grandmother has the relic! Now he's afraid Thisbe will think he made up to her just for the Eye and he'd rather lose his work than Thisbe. But spiritualism can lead people down dark paths and when Thisbe is threatened, Desmond has to decide how to protect her- even if that means giving her up.

Her Scandalous Pursuit brings long-time readers back to the world of the Morelands, where romance and mystery blend with a hint of supernatural in a way that shouldn't put off too many readers of "regular" historical romance. The writing and characters are strong and flow well, and emotions run high, making for a book you won't want to put down.


I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

Two scientists from very different worlds come together in the delightful Her Scandalous Pursuit. Candace Camp returns to her Mad Morelands series with a prequel featuring the eldest Moreland, Thisbe.

Thisbe is a scientist who has the support of her family and the freedom provided by her station to attend lectures and meetings, even if the men there don’t take her seriously. I enjoyed her fearless nature and the way she wouldn’t let sexism stop her from pursuing her studies. When she meets Desmond at a lecture, she’s delighted to find a man who is willing to talk with her as an equal. Desmond was a total sweetheart. He’s patient, kind, and protective, though that last quality tends to get in his way at times. Desmond is very conscious of his “low birth” – especially when he finds out Thisbe is a duke’s daughter – but he cannot deny the pull between them. Thisbe comes from a very unconventional family and is unconcerned with their difference in stations. While some suspension of disbelief is required for how casual the Morelands are and how much freedom Thisbe has to be alone with Desmond, I was happy to go along for the ride. Thisbe and Desmond fit extremely well and were so easy to root for, even when misunderstandings or misplaced honor get in their way.

The romance between Desmond and Thisbe might have been better suited to a novella if it weren’t for the subplot filling out a good portion of the book. Desmond is working for a disgraced scientist who is obsessed with finding Annie Blue’s Eye, an ancient artifact rumored to possess supernatural powers. At the same time Thisbe begins to have nightmares connected to the Eye’s creator. When Desmond learns Thisbe has a connection to the Eye, it sets off a chain of events that lead the two of them on a dangerous pursuit. I can’t say much about this plotline for fear of spoiling the story. For me, this storyline slowed down the book at times and wasn’t as interesting as the romance, but that could just be personal preference.

Her Scandalous Pursuit is a prequel to the Mad Morelands series and having not read the other six books I can safely say it stands alone. Fans of the series will undoubtedly be thrilled to see their favorite characters before their happily ever afters. And I enjoyed this welcoming, loving, intellectual family so much that I cannot wait to read the rest of the series (Thisbe’s youngest brothers, the Greats, were especially charming). All in all, Her Scandalous Pursuit is a thoroughly entertaining read.

I am so very pleased to have finally read Thisbe and Desmond’s story. Although this book was written seventh, it is actually the prequel to the series. I absolutely adored Desmond! We had met him in the other six books, but he was more a nebulous figure who was just sort of there – now, we get to meet and love him. The chemistry between Desmond and Thisbe is so thick you would need a knife to cut it. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed Thisbe – and the rest of the Morelands – but Desmond made the book for me. It was also fun to see Alex and Con (The Greats) as three-year-old twins after having just read their books, His Sinful Touch (Alex) and His Wicked Charm (Con).

Lady Thisby Moreland is attending a lecture at the Covington Institute when the late arrival of a tall, handsome, slightly disheveled man attracts her attention. Her eyes are immediately drawn to him. For some odd reason, he catches and holds her attention – something no other man has ever done. Then, he sits next to her and she discovers he is not only incredibly attractive, but he is also shy. When the lecture is over, she doesn’t want the interaction to end and does whatever she can think of the prolong their conversation – not that he minds – he wants it to continue as well.

Desmond can’t believe his good fortune in meeting a lovely woman who loves science as much as he does. Thisby can’t believe she’s finally met a man who is a scientist and speaks to her as an equal. Over the coming days, they find many ways to meet and get to know each other. Each, of course, is smitten with the other. Except – Thisby hasn’t been entirely honest with Desmond. You see, she introduced herself as MISS Thisby Moreland rather than Lady Thisby Moreland – daughter of the Duke of Broughton. She didn’t want her father’s title to color how Desmond perceived her.

Desmond is in thrall. Thisby is everything he could have ever wanted in a woman. Then, his mentor, Professor Gordon, mentions the Eye of Annie Belew. The Eye can be used to prove Professor Gordon’s theories regarding ghosts. All they need to do is to get access to the eye. That is easier said than done because the owner of the eye, the dowager Duchess of Broughton, refuses to let anyone see it, much less study it. Then, unbelievably, the professor asks Desmond to steal it for them to study. Desmond refuses, then, rethinks his answer and checks out the dowager duchesses home. Who does he meet when he is checking it out – you guessed it – Thisby. She thinks he has tracked her down and is at the house looking for her -- and he doesn't tell her any differently.

Thus, begins a tale of romance, trust, betrayal, mistrust, and immense sacrifice for love. Both Thisby and Desmond have reasons to distrust each other. Can they overcome that mistrust to save the ‘eye’ and each other?

This was a delightfully well-told tale with interesting, magnetic characters. It was fast-paced and well-written – and I couldn’t put it down. I read it straight through from the first page to last and loved absolutely every word in it

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Her Scandalous Pursuit is a prequel to the epic The Mad Morelands series (6 books). I had not read any of the series so far… thus this was a perfect place to start!

Thisbe Moreland is the eldest daughter of the Duke of Boroughton’s seven children, all eccentric in their own ways. Thisbe has devoted herself to the pursuit of science and chemistry. She not one to shy away from a scientific challenge, and no better than the laws of attraction!

Desmond Harrison is shocked to find such a stunning creature at a the scientific lecture, not only that, she’s incredible smart and interested in him! Too bad as he soon finds out that opposites really do attract since he is a lowly mister with nothing to his name and the love of his life turns out to be the daughter of a duke!

And as these star-crossed lovebirds attempt to come together fate places another obstacle/ mystery in their path. A powerful antiquity known as the Eye of Annie Blue us needs by Desmonds’ employer to save his reputation… the owner of the Eye turns out to be the one and only Dowager Duchess of Boroughton, Thisbe’s very own cantankerous grandmother … turns out the Eye can either bring them together or tear them apart…

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The start of the book was heavily based on the scientific, which was a slow go for me. That lasted for about the first 25% of the book, but from there it picked up speed with the mystery and the developing relationship. So, I highly recommend staying the course. By the end chapters of the book, I couldn’t put it down!

I am eager to continue this series and see where the other captivating Mad Morelands end up! I have peeked at some of the synopsis’s and noted that the other series continue with a mystery or another supernatural element as well, very fun!

Her Scandalous Pursuit by Candace Camp is scheduled to release January 28th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HerScandalousPursuit #CandaceCamp #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Lady Thisbe Moreland is attending a lecture at the Covington Institute when she meets Desmond Harrison. They hit it off immediately and Thisbe can’t wait to see him again, as a female scientist too many people don’t take her seriously, but Desmond treated her with respect and admiration. They make plans to meet again, but Thisbe doesn’t tell him who she really is – the eldest child of the Duke of Broughton. She is scared that he won’t continue to see her if he knows the truth.

Desmond is also a scientist, he works for the once revered, now scorned Professor Gordon. The professor has come under ridicule for his insistence that ghosts exist – Desmond is not a believer, despite his own experience with the spirit world, but he is loyal to the professor who took him under his wing. Desmond grew up poor and is the son of a transported convict, even without knowing who her family is, he knows she is far above him in station, but he is unwilling to give up what they share and knows that eventually it will end.

When Professor Gordon’s benefactor, Mr. Wallace learns of an artifact called the Eye of Annie Blue that might be able to have the professor prove his theory, the entire team is excited. Professor Gordon writes to the owner of the artifact, the Dowager Duchess of Broughton and asks if he might be able to borrow it for study. But the duchess refuses, crushing their hopes. The professor and Mr. Wallace become obsessed and when they learn the Dowager is in town, they ask Desmond to steal it – he refuses, but agrees to check out the Dowager’s house to see if it is even possible to enter. While looking at the house, which he knows will be impossible to enter, Thisbe comes running out – she thinks he has figured out who she is and has come to see her. She invites him back to call and when his professor learns of their connection, he tries to convince Desmond to steal it – again he refuses.

Desmond is surer than ever that nothing can transpire between him and Thisbe, no matter how nice her family is to him and when her grandmother (the Dowager) has a prediction that Desmond’s love will kill Thisbe, he is sure they have no future. Thisbe has been having her own share of strange incidents in the form of dreams, but she rationalizes them and tells Desmond to ignore her grandmother’s “prediction”. She really cares for him and begins to imagine a future with him – until secrets are revealed and Desmond lets her believe the worst to save her life.

This was a well written, fast paced, page turner that held me in thrall from the first page to the last. I loved Desmond and Thisbe, they share such an incredible chemistry that you know they are meant to be, the love scenes are sparse, but they are potent and very touching without being overly graphic, the secondary characters are wonderful and even the villains are engaging. There is a bit of drama, some humor, a healthy dose of paranormal, some heartache and finally a very sweet and hard-won HEA. This is the seventh book in the series, but it is really the prequel to the “Mad Morelands” – you can read this book first or seventh without issue, but either way – read it! I loved this story and happily recommend it!

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

As a scientist Lady Thisbe Moreland is quite used to being treated poorly and not taken seriously by the men who inhabit the same scientific circles. So she's happily surprised when an attractive man sits next to her at a lecture and winds up engaging her in a lively scientific discussion.

Desmond Harrison is thrilled to sit next to the beautiful and obviously intelligent Thisbe, even if his shyness means she's the one to start their conversation. He longs to spend more time with her but she's obviously a lady and he worries his low status as the son of a laborer will be problematic, as well as the fact that he works for the once respected and now heavily scorned Professor Gordon.

Gordon is seeking proof of the existence of a spiritual realm and tasks Desmond with procuring an artifact for him, the Eye of Annie Blue, a device reported to have great, and not necessarily good, power. Desmond soon realizes that the lady reported to be in possession of the Eye is Thisbe's grandmother, and he is torn between his loyalty to the mentor who has done so much for him and his growing love for Thisbe.

This was a classic situation in which both the hero and heroine have concealed some facet of their lives from each other. It was actually quite well done in this instance, although Thisbe got on my nerves with her stubborn and rather hypocritical insistence on being angry with Desmond for doing essentially the exact same thing she'd done. Thisbe's stubbornness in general was a bit annoying, especially in its repetitiveness, however I found her quirky and unconventional family to be delightful to read about. I was very rather thrown off by the paranormal aspect of this one, as I wasn't expecting its extent and it really freaked me out a bit, so I suppose that's a good show since it held my attention.

This book was well-written and I plan to read the rest of this series, which I've been collecting for awhile now but have yet to read. Luckily this is apparently a prequel to the series so I haven't missed anything and this can be read out of order with no problems.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When a scientist woman meet the perfect man, do they have a future together when villains and dark forces league together to tear them apart...

This is my first read by Mrs Candace Clamp ans despite this book being the seventh in this series, it is also a prequel so the number 0.
So lucky me, as I was new to this author, it was a great way to meet the different heroes of the books set after this one.
And as a lover of paranormal, I was happy with the add of supernatural details.
And for a great read, it was one.

Thisbe and Desmond are far from perfect, flawed in their own way, it is mostly their own Insecurities which will threaten their relationship and burgeoning romance.
Thisbe has never known any hardship, her family standing on her side whatever she decides, she is even free to go to lectures alone, as they trust her judgement. But when she meets a man sharing her love for science, she fears her name might scare him or bring him to make unsolicited demands.
Desmond, on the other side, had never had anything easy, like for many paupers. He was lucky his cleverness opened some doors to him but his absence of wealth closed much more. Yet, he is able to instruct himself through the different lectures he attends and he has a job even if it does not pay much, he has a roof over his head. Why from the beginning he juggled with the idea of wooing the delicious and intelligent Miss he just met. In his ideas, he has nothing to offer.
So when he learns whom she is, he wants only to run away.
But he listens to her reason for keeping her family’s connections hidden and understands.
And there is the matter of this artefact he is pressed to find.
The author did a great job at portraying Desmond’s struggles between his rising affection toward Thisbe to his loyalty to the man who gave him a chance. He fights but caught between two fires, he tried to do the right thing until it blows to his face.
Thisbe despite her own faults, is easy to anger, if her trust is tested, she becomes blind to any reasonable explanations, outraged, she sees the world as black and white. Her upbringing and youth prevent her to see the layers of grey life brings between the black and white.
When Desmond, whatever his mistakes, never truly betrayed her, he withdrew some informations but never he meant any harm.

The paranormal side of the story is related to the artifact Desmond is missioned to steal and the side effects said artefact has on the persons close to it. It hold a certain power in the plot and in some it guides the characters on a different road they have followed. Still it is their partnership that might help solve the mystery surrounding the Eye.
5 stars for this clever tale with a hint of fantastical.

I was granted by the publisher Harlequin Books an advance copy through Netgalley. I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.