London’s Late Night Scandal by Annabelle Bryant

London’s Late Night Scandal by Annabelle Bryant was a historical romance. The author was relatively new to me, so I did not expect to enjoy the book as much as I did. I understood only too well what Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter was going through and found her to be a strong woman.

Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter has been taking care of her grandfather Lord Talbot. Growing up, he took care of her after her parents died and the two of them were very close. Theodosia also is a scientist at heart like her Grandfather, but knowing the climate for women scientists, has sent in articles under her Grandfather’s name.

Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham found one of the new articles sent in by Lord Talbot did not add up. Something about the research could not be replicated, so Matthew sets off to Oxfordshire to talk to Lord Talbot about this.

The scene is set up for a clash of understandings and truths. Theodosia’s determination to take care of her grandfather and Matthew’s realization that she is more important than any research is just one of the fundamental changes both must make. The story was well written with a well thought out plot line. London’s Late Night Scandal by Annabelle Bryant was a good read.

3.5 stars - Good, though not my favorite by this author. The pacing felt slow in the beginning and then moved too fast toward the end. It felt like small scenes wet cut and the transitions not tweaked to accommodate the edit.

There are a few love scenes, but I never really felt the connection between the two main characters. The heroine’s commitment to her grandfather was heartwarming as was the hero’s respect for the heroine’s intellect.

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

London's Late Night Scandal is the third book in Anabelle Bryant's Midnight Secrets series. It stands alone perfectly well if you haven't read the others. Though the last book was entertaining, I was a bit disappointed in the storyline; there were just too many secrets there. This story, however, did not disappoint at all! It started off a bit slowly, but once it built up momentum I was carried away by this clever novel.

Lord Matthew Strathmore, the Earl of Whittingham, is the Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced. Sounds stuffy and pretentious, doesn't it? Though Matthew appears stuffy at first, apparently he isn't, as there seems to be a bit of a bad boy past that caused him to be shot in the knee. Matthew heads to Oxfordshire to meet with Lord Talbot, a scientist who submitted a suspect article of research that cannot be duplicated. When he arrives, he meets Theodosia, Talbot's granddaughter. It appears she is also of a scientific bent, and he begins to suspect that she, and not Talbot, submitted the article.

It was, simply put, a lovely romance between Matthew and Theodosia. Though they were quickly attracted to each other, Matthew first became the caring and considerate friend she desperately needed. I loved his nickname for Theodosia: Bookish. He was not threatened by an extremely smart woman, either, which made him even more attractive. Bookish, besides being wickedly smart, was a kind and caring soul. She cared for her wounded animals (William Snakespeare, Isaac Newt and Catpernicus...hehe) with the same love she showed her beloved grandfather. The issue of dementia in the elderly was extremely well handled here; it was realistic and heartbreaking. Add in a bit of suspense (just why did her best friend NEED to marry her?), and you have a most engaging and satisfying story.

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 are entirely my own.

Another engaging addition to this intriguing series by Anabelle Bryant, who captures me every time with her brilliant storylines. I always have a special place in my heart for the wounded hero and the intelligent heroine and these two are perfect for each other!
In this case the hero is brilliant as well, being the chief officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced and he was on a mission to talk to the elusive Lord Talbott. An article the renowned man had written was being questioned as to it's validity and he felt compelled to challenge some of the claims made.
Well, he found a lot more than he expected when he arrived at Lord Talbott's home. Theodosia Leighton was the great scientist's grandaughter and just as intelligent and obsessed with all subjects pertaining to science. But Theo had started to see her grandfather grow ill and had begun to submit articles and papers in his name to keep up his legacy. Plus it showed her intelligence, even though she had lived isolated for years. She was in no way like the women in society.
Theo became one of my favorite heroines with her strong love and care for her grandfather that branched out to animals and others. She had endured a lot.
Matthew was a sigh worthy hero that captured my heart. Kind, funny, intelligent and so romantic!
This is one of my favorite stories this year and I highly recommend it. Don't miss the others in this series either... My heart smiles.

Matthew appeared in book one as a major secondary character. He was trying to marry off his sister to someone who would benefit himself despite her objections. He was an absolute selfish jerk.
He did Change toward the end of the book and apologize to a sister for the way he treated her .
But I still didn't like him. So I thought how is miss Bryant going to make him likable ?
I don't know how But she does. He is kind sensitive and lovable.
His treatment in support of Theodosia and her grandfather is so endearing.
Theodosia is a strong very intelligent woman/scientist . She has been raised by her grandfather who's in it who is a reputable scientist. He has taught her all he knows about his work. When he starts to show signs his mind is failing (dementia), she tries to take over his work, even to the point of writing an article under his name.
That's what brings Matthew to her door. There are discrepancies 4 article and hes there to clarify them. When he realizes what the situation is with her grandfather he offers Theodosia his support. They former friendship. And if things were different it could have been more. But Matthew has to go back to London., Not expecting to ever see Theodosia again.

When Theodosia goes to London to see if she can get help for her grandfather's memory, she runs in to Matthew. Their connection again is instantaneous. He decides then and there to pursue her. And the way he does it is just so sweet.
As always miss Bryant makes you laugh and makes you sigh! Another great read!
I want to thank netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Lady Theodosia Talbot is the granddaughter of Lord Takbot, a respected and brilliant scientist. Only, it is Theodosia who is the mind behind his latest journal, as her grandfather is suffering from the early stages of dementia.

Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, is the Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, He finds some inconsistencies in the journal and takes it upon himself to visit Lord Talbot to get the truth.

What he finds instead is that he is drawn to the bookish Theodosia and now his objective is convincing her to come to London with him as his bride. Her last impressions of London make this a harder undertaking than it seems.

The fears of Theodosia watching her Grandfather deteriorate are spot on. Having the fortune for the understanding Matthew to come into her life is the break in life she desperately deserves. My only issue was with the supposed villain, It seemed unnecessary and forced to include him as it had little effect in the scheme of the story.

Since a gunshot wound to the leg rendered many physical pursuits impossible for him, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, now sticks to scholarly achievement. He's the Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced in London and is responsible for verifying the validity of its scientific reporting. When an article from the Earl of Talbot, an esteemed scholar, raises heated debate, Matthew hies off to Talbot's home in Oxfordshire to investigate despite the snowy weather reminding him of how far he now is from the able gentleman he was.

Lord Talbot's granddaughter, Lady Theodosia, is interested in scholarly pursuits herself, content with her studies away from London society. Now it seems she's about to be revealed as the fraudulent author of Lord Talbot's latest articles despite her best efforts to misdirect Matthew.

With Matthew's stay extended by the snow and impossible travel conditions, he and Theodosia spend more time together and she begins to help him make herbal remedies for his leg, the attraction between them grows. Matthew's trip soon comes to an end, but the two reunite when Theodosia and her grandfather take an unplanned trip to London. Soon Theodosia and Matthew both realize how undeniable their passion is, even in the face of barriers that could keep them apart.

I loved Matthew. He was such a sweet, serious, terribly romantic hero. It made me sad for him every time Theodosia questioned his feelings. I wasn't the biggest fan of hers. Her constant insistence on worrying about everything, even unnecessarily, and on remaining alone was frustrating and slowed the pace of this romance considerably. The intimacies of Theodosia and Matthew's relationship occurred at an odd pace as well, but all came together for a satisfactory conclusion in the end. I loved how Matthew stepped up and was there for Theodosia and her grandfather once she finally allowed it and that just made me like him even more. I also loved the festive holiday feel of this one and it made me want to curl up with a hot drink and Christmas decorations.

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

As always, Anabelle Bryant’s latest book, lives up to the dreamy covers and what promises to lie within the covers. The third book ‘London’s Late Night Scandal’ in the Midnight Secrets series is every bit as good as the previous books. Whilst it refers to other characters who again appear in this book, this is a standalone book.
Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham is so determined in his role as the chief officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, that he is desperate to speak to Lord Talbott on his quest for an element and on receival of an invitation, quickly makes the journey to Leighton Hall. However, he is immediately captivated by Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, Theodosia Leighton, who has an amazing scientific mind. Having been raised by her grandfather since the death of her parents, she has had the freedom to study and learn from him. Yet she soon realises that Matthew, will discover that she has written the article that he is interested in and will uncover the fact, that her grandfather is suffering from dementia.
Both Theodosia and Matthew were such beautifully written characters. Whilst Theodosia, is clever and kind, her vulnerability is there for all to see. Her love for her grandfather is quite admirable but not done in a manner to make her appear to self-sacrificing. However, Matthew as the true hero. I loved his nickname for Theodosia - ‘Bookish’ and everything that he does for her, he does with such gentleness and respect. Their feelings for each other were evident from the beginning of the relationship, without any falsehoods. This was a story that had me smiling from the start, despite the sad undertones from Lord Talbot’s illness. This is a story to savour, written with such elegant prose.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In this Midnight Secrets series “London’s Late Night Scandal”, you’ll not only fall in love with the characters, but their stories.

We first meet Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham in book 1 ”London’s Wicked Affair” where he tries to marry off his sister Amelia. He’s pompous, overbearing and rude. I honestly resented him a bit. The only thing he seems to care about is his position as Chief Officer of The Society for the Intellectually Advanced. What pains him now, other than his leg, where he suffered a gunshot wound, is an article written by scientist Lord Talbot. Matthew journeys in bad weather to confront Lord Talbot only to be met by his granddaughter Theodosia.

Theodosia doesn’t like London society, she’d rather stay tucked away at home working on her own experiments, herbal concoctions and scientific articles. Only problem is, she signed her grandfather, Lord Talbots, name on the article in question. Upon finding out Lord Whittingham wants to speak to her grandfather about the article Theodosia tries to distract him. He thinks her dull and a bit odd at first, then things start to get interesting.

Not only do I highly recommend this book, I very highly recommend this entire series. Anabelle Bryant has a uniquely captivating way of describing characters, setting, time period, and storyline by using expressive, eloquent speech which draws you in and keeps you coming back for more.

Definitely one of my most favorite authors.
I know you won’t be disappointed.

I love books with nerdy hero’s and Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham is a nerd. Add in a nerdy heroine, Theodosia Talbot, and you have two scientific nerds who shouldn’t suit, but they do. I’ve enjoyed the previous two books and this one was just as great. I think these two played off each other well and were perfectly suited for each other. Very well written and I would recommend to others to read as well.

Lord Matthew Strathmore is the Chief Officer of London's Society for the Intellectually Advanced and when a artical is published under the name of Lord Talbot with questionable calculations, he feels determined to either prove or disprove his findings. After exchanging multiple correspondences without a cear solution, an invitation to Talbot's home is extended to him and so he races off to the country despite the poor weather conditions.
And upon arrival, is greeted with a less than warm welcome.

Theodosia is willing to do what she must to ensure that Matthew is not given time alone with her grandfather to address the article, her own which she secretly published under her grandfather's name. But as the snow continues to fall, her unwanted houseguest must extend his visit, thus pushing them into continued company and therefore putting her secret and heart at risk.
__________________________________

This is the first book from this author that I have read, but the third in this season. Even so, I did not feel lost in this book whatsoever. There is not a large cast of characers and I didn't pick up on any references to previous books. I can comforably say that this book can serve as a stand-alone.

Besides the title following the theme of the others in the series and some late night kisses, there is no scandal and so the name of this book is kind of pointless. I kept waiting for a scandal that never came. I don't need a bunch of drama in a book, but I found the lack of scandal disappointing since I went in with that expectation.

Whatever it was, this book just didn't really work for me and I had a hard time getting through it. The romance was thin and felt like more of a secondary plotline even though it was the the main storyline. The scenes that were meant to have highstakes were quickly brushed aside with no real consequences for our characters and so they essentially weren't needed at all. Could have just skipped them and it would have made no defference. For example: Kirkman. Kirkman created a wholly unnecessary and unreciprocated love-triangle. With a 'high stakes' culmination that is resolved with our main characters unphased and is dealt with in a matter of mere paragraphs. Please don't make a love-triangle just to make one, it should be relevant to the plot.

I wouldn't personally recomend this book, but if you enjoyed the previous two from the series or the author's other works then I am sure you'll enjoy this one as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing an eARC with me for reviewing purposes, this is my honest review.

London's Late Night Scandal by Anabelle Bryant is book three in the Midnight Secrets Series. This is the story of Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham and Theodosia. I have read (and Loved!) the previous books but feel you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Matthew is the Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced when goes to investigate a article written by Lord Talbot a Scientist but whit some questionable calculations. This has him on a trip to the country that ends up aggravating his gun shot wound from a earlier time. When he finally arrives he meets Theodosia who ends up helping him with his pain but he soon starts to learn something else she being doing. Theodosia has inherited her Grandfather's knowledge and when her Grandfather ended up with dementia it brought her into doing her own articles...which of course leads to Matthew.
Loved their story.

Anabelle Bryant's books were new to me, but I am hooked. I found her characters delightful and the story line kept me wanting more.

Lord Matthew finds irregularities in Lord Talbot's article and accepts an invitation to visit the elderly gentleman. Weather is not his friend, and Lord Talbot's granddaughter, Theodosia is surprised at his unexpected visit. 
Theo is a STEM girl before her time and, unbeknownst to Matthew, is the author of the article. She's taken on her grandfather's work, but she may have missed a few calculations--she doesn't want his reputation sullied or for the Ton to find out her grandfather suffers from dementia. 
Attracted to one another, but it cannot be, Matthew loves London and his position at the Society, and Theodosia won't leave Oxfordshire and the secrets she possesses. A chance meeting in London stirs the fires, but not enough to change their minds.
Matthew decides to gift Theo a Christmas like no other, There's danger lurking, and Matthew saves her life, but is it enough to unite these two hearts? Have the stars aligned for these like-minded souls? Will the magic of Christmas be the gift they both need to give in to what can be?
A wonderful Christmas romance for two people perfect for one another.

received an ARC from netgalley

A beguiling and seductive historical romance that sizzles with passion, drama, humor and heart, London’s Late Night Scandal brings to a close Anabelle Bryant’s sensational Midnight Secrets series. A captivating romance that draws you in from the very first chapter, London’s Late Night Scandal is another must-read by this talented storyteller.

Lady Theodosia Talbot is as far removed from a typical Regency miss as it is possible to get. While other girls of similar age and station occupy their minds with banal trivialities like balls, parties and routs, Theodosia is keen to put as much distance between herself and London as she possibly can and is perfectly content to bury herself in the countryside tending to her aged grandfather and dedicating herself completely to scientific endeavor. Having inherited her grandfather’s gift for inquiry and his passion for science, Theodosia’s days are spent with her nose in a book – and she couldn’t be happier. Her life in the country and her grandfather’s standing in the scientific community has allowed her to fully indulge in her passion and to submit and publish articles in prestigious journals using her grandfather’s name. Theodosia is sure that nobody is going to discover her secret – until Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham turns up on her doorstep wanting to speak to the writer of the articles he is keen to discuss and repudiate!

As Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Matthew takes his job extremely seriously. Not only does his position provide him with plenty of distraction from a gun shot wound sustained to his leg in battle, but it is also work which he is immensely proud of. Matthew is proud of the society’s standing in the scientific community – which is why he is absolutely baffled when he reads Lord Talbot’s latest article which is riddled with shocking inaccuracies and irresponsible claims. Setting off from London to Lord Talbot’s house, Matthew thinks he is going to be spending a couple of days with an irascible and fusty scientist – only nobody told him that Lord Talbot had a beautiful and intelligent granddaughter who takes the wind out of his sails!

Theodosia cannot risk her secret coming out. She has built a perfectly good life for herself and she certainly does not want Matthew to ask too many questions or upset her grandfather – who is unaware of Theodosia’s quiet life. Yet, the more time she spends with Matthew, the more she finds herself drawn to him. While Matthew is the most good-looking man she has ever clapped eyes on, there is more to him than good looks. He is charming, smart and has made her feel things she has never experienced before. But could a man like Matthew, who has the world at his feet, possibly ever even contemplate the possibility of a future with her? Theodosia knows that Matthew could never reciprocate her feelings, but fate might just end up surprising her…

Will Matthew be able to prove to Theodosia that she is the one for him? As Theodosia finds herself leaving the safety of her home behind for the bright city lights, will she realize that an unexpected late night scandal could give way to the love of a lifetime with the only man who could ever make her happy?

Wonderfully romantic, immensely emotional and a joy to read from start to finish, London’s Late Night Scandal is a fantastic Regency tale which is hard to resist and impossible to put down. As always, Anabelle Bryant writes with great verve and gusto and has written a dramatic, compelling and dazzling romance I simply did not want to end. Theodosia and Matthew are two brilliantly drawn and richly nuanced characters you will cheer for as they are intelligent, believable and relatable.

A spellbinding read from a terrific talent, London’s Late Night Scandal is an engrossing Regency romance fans of the genre are simply going to love!

I must admit, I have been waiting for Matthew, the Earl of Whittingham's book, as I wanted to see what kind of heroine was going to capture his heart! You see, I wasn't a fan of Matthew's, even though he did have a thing for puzzles in Anabelle Bryant's first book in her Midnight Secrets Series (London's Wicked Affair). He was a pompous, know-it-all stinker; but....I hoped Anabelle would tell us his story. With the third book in her latest series, Anabelle brought Matthew to life, and I found myself beginning to like him, really like him. Then, she introduced me to the lovely, bookish, science-loving Theodoisa, Lady Leighton, granddaughter of Lord Talbot, a well known and highly respected scientist. The two lead characters have their own secrets and hidden wounds. Anabelle has deftly woven an intriguing, timely and very romantic story of these two wounded souls. Theo, or Bookish, is someone I would love to befriend and darn it, Matthew is now this thoughtful, kind, romantic man!! Does he have an older brother...or maybe an older uncle??

My favorite Theo line is from a scene at The British Museum when she is gazing upon and becoming entranced by the beautiful 'marbles' on display... "One can read of history and masterful artwork, but until seen..." That line is perfection and evoked so many wonderful and happy memories for me! My favorite lines from Matthew are the last lines he speaks to Theo... "Imagination has no limits, love. Our dreams can only come true from now on." I sighed when I read that. I do love a happy ending. Oh, did I mention the story takes place at Christmas???

Seriously, this is my favorite book from Anabelle...so far!

Good story. Enjoyed the complicated relationship between the hero and heroine. I received an ARC of this book.

The Earl and the Bluestocking!

Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, is Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced. He has questions about a recently published article by the respected scientist, Earl Talbot. Despite a wounded leg he hies off to Oxfordshire when Lord Talbot grants him an interview. Matthew wants Talbot to come to London to take questions on his latest paper.
Unfortunately the Lord's granddaughter, Lady Theodosia Leighton has her own very good reasons for stymieing such a meeting. Theodosia is a gifted reclusive woman, trained by her grandfather. She has written a scientific paper under the Talbot name. Things are certainly shaken up by Matthew's arrival.
I liked Matthew and Theodosia as antagonists who can't help the sparks that ignite between them.
I felt the reasons for Theodosia's withdrawal from society had so much more going for it than was represented. In the end her confrontations with her Finishing School persecutors seemed a bit tame.
The whole problem around Lord Talbot's ongoing behaviour was handled and explained really well. Matthew wins high praise from me at least here.
There was one loose end for me. I couldn't quite determine what the underlying problem was that governed Lord Kirkman's behaviour. Why is he driven to seek a wealthy wife? Given his desperate actions, I wanted more guideposts.
All in all, I felt the tantalizing beginning did not really live up to its promise.
Mind you, I did love that the scientifically bent Earl also believed in intuition—and just as well he did!
A charming read!

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury. Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot’s article is about to be exposed.
This is the third book in the series & my favourite. Matthew & Theodosia ticked all the boxes for me & I was one very happy reader. I loved the wounded hero & the bluestocking , they complimented each other beautifully & it made for a lovely read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

In Anabelle Bryant’s novel of unexpected romance, a lord and lady learn that not all emotions can be expressed in the light of day.
Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously.
Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society.
I was intrigued and taken in immediately to Theodosia and Matthew's story. It is a sweet, and swoon worthy book and well written as I have come to expect from Anabelle Bryant.
I gave this newest Midnight Secrets book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.