Cover Image: To Tempt a Scandalous Lord

To Tempt a Scandalous Lord

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Member Reviews

I just loved getting to read this title. It was just so much fun seeing these characters and I just couldn’t get enough of them. I look forward to reading more wonderful stories in this series.

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Young widow Alicia is enjoying her long-sought freedom when she is compromised into a tempestuous marriage with powerful politician Niall. Set in 1834, the plot and characters in this historical romance result in a delightful reading experience.

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To Tempt a Scandalous Lord is the first book I have read by this author and I'm so happy I had the chance to read her work! I will definitely be on the lookout for her other titles. The MCs are Alicia Lindsay, Dowager Countess Lindsay and Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray. First I love that the author has included aristocracy from both England and Scotland. With the tumultuous history between these two countries having a H/h combo from opposite sides always adds a bit of underlying tension. I enjoyed both MCs - Alicia is a strong and determined woman who is finally not under the control of a man via widowhood and she is very passionate in her political views. Niall, he is very laser focused and goal oriented, he is running for Prime Minister and has no room for distractions outside of his political course. When these two come together sparks fly and with the help of a wardrobe malfunction Niall and Alicia are married. This places Alicia back under control by a man and causes serious distraction for Niall. ❤️‍🔥 On top of this Alicia is keeping a secret and as we all know secrets are always exposed.

The author has done a great job of combining historical accuracy, political strife, and romance which creates an entertaining read. The character development throughout the story was well done and the love aspect was realistic as the H/h got to know each other. Telling the story from a dual POV allowed me to connect with both MC.

Overall this is a great romance that can be enjoyed without reading the first 3 books of the series.

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

📚I received a review copy of this book from Entangled Publishing - All opinions are my own and this review was freely given. 🦄

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This was a really interesting read. It was well researched for the time period. The characters were likable and the romance was steamy, but delicately done. I really liked it. I wish the epilogue was a few years out, but maybe the author will be making a second book? 🙃

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I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After marrying an older Earl to protect herself, Lady Alicia Lindsay found herself having to discover politics and knowledge for herself in salons and drawing rooms. Now widowed, she secretly pens political papers, denouncing the lack of change which the politicians are bringing about, and encouraging the prospective Whig leaders to take action, especially the forerunner, Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray. Niall has a laser focus on becoming the next Prime Minister, and will allow nothing to stand in his way, especially not the words of an anonymous chapbook writer. When he meets the beautiful Lady Lindsay, he's entranced, but he can't think about marriage until his future is set. But when a wardrobe malfunction means they must marry otherwise there's a scandal on their hands. Hoping for a happy marriage, Alicia knows that she needs to put off her writing, or at least tell Niall, but she's finding it difficult to do so. When the truth comes out, as it undoubtedly will, will Alicia be able to convince Niall that all she's done is to help him, or is their marriage doomed?

I tried reading this book 3 or 4 times before I was really hooked by it. Once I was, though, I couldn't put the book down. The start was slow, but once we get to know Alicia and Niall more, and understand their actions, it was easy to be invested in their future. I really enjoyed the two of them, especially when we learn about their childhood and why they were so focused as they were. Alicia lost her mother and brother to cholera, and it broke her father, who left her wholly alone at 18, and she was forced to marry an earl decades older than herself. She was stuck in the country, with no companionship, and had to fend for herself. She found widowhood much more suited for herself, and had no intention of remarrying and losing that little bit of freedom she'd won, until it became too late. Only the thought of having children could help her face her marriage, but with Niall, it seemed as if they got off on the wrong foot again and again. I really enjoyed seeing them grow closer, especially when spending time at the orphanage - little Eunice and Edith were the cutest, and I wish Niall and Alicia would adopt them. The ending was a little contrived, but I liked how Niall fought for Alicia, and proved he loved her, and forgave her writings. All in all, a decent book.

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Alicia Lindsay, the dowager Countess Lindsay, has spent her life under the dominion of men— leered at yes, but ultimately silenced and cast aside. But widowhood has granted her the freedom to voice her critiques against injustices in articles that have enraptured the nation. Resolved to bring about political change, Alicia's investigation of the newest party candidates leads her to the captivating, hardheaded Lord Inverray. She's unprepared when he proves to be not only charming but chivalrous when a slight wardrobe malfunction—with all eyes of the ton upon them—forces her to accept his proposal. Now she’s keeping a huge secret from her soon-to-be-husband.
Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray, has spent years finding support for numerous legislations to help his fellow Scots. Now poised to grasp the party leadership, his success has been threatened by some anonymous articles critiquing his campaign. Niall vows to find the author and silence them, no matter the cost. But when he finds himself engaged to an alluring widow with a sharp tongue, his plans get derailed in more ways than one…

I just couldn't care for this book as much as I wanted to.
Alicia and Niall were interesting characters but the storyline just didn't flow.
In spite of this I gave this book a 3.5 rating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

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This book was good but I found myself thinking, I’ve read this before. Perhaps it’s that I’ve read too many historical romances, but I felt the descriptions and interactions were par for the course.

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This is a new author for me and I really be joyed Niall and Alicias story. I enjoyed these characters the author did a great job with them and the story line. I recommend this book.

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This is a new to me author and I’m so glad I had the chance to read this one! De la Rosa has a unique talent to draw the reader in instantly and keep them hooked until the very last page. Her characters are wonderful and her story line definitely engaging!

Niall and Alicia are beautiful together. Their banter is refreshing and the sparks of passion between truly fly off the pages. Seeing them together, reading their story had me wishing I could jump into the pages and be a part of their lives.

The way this author tells their tale, the reader is taking on a roller coaster ride. This story is unforgettable and definitely worthy of every 4 star rating it can get. I can’t wait to read more from this author and add this one to my forever shelf!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

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I really enjoyed watching Alicia and Niall's relationship blossom! Unfortunately though, whenever I see the name Niall, I think of Niall Horan and Niall Horan alone. Oops. That aside, Alicia and her determination are inspiring.

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I loved the complicated characters and the politics of England/Scotland and how a woman deemed less for her gender, influences more people than the politicians with her anonymous essays. I appreciated that this wasn't JUST a romance, it had a complicated plot, a couple tiny twists that gave me a squeal or two, and of course a very happy ending (because the book boyfriend always is better 🤣). There are a couple fairly erotic scenes so 18+ for sure!!!

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Alicia, the Dowager Countess Lindsay is enjoying the freedom her widowhood brings, away from the control of the men in her life. Now she can publish her political critiques for public consumption, albeit anonymously. She hopes to bring about meaningful political changes and her research brings her into the orbit of candidate for prime minister, Lord Inverray. She’s not prepared to be charmed by him or to find that he’s an honorable man when, after she is compromised by a very public wardrobe malfunction, he preserves her reputation by declaring them engaged. Alicia is left with her honor intact and a secret to keep from her new husband.

Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray and future Duke of Kilmorrow, has devoted the last ten years of his life to his work in the House of Commons, trying to improve life for his fellow Scotsmen. Now he’s so close to attaining the leadership of his party, but his success is threatened by harsh criticisms made against him in a popular political chapbook. Niall is determined to learn the author’s identity and save his campaign, but his plans are thrown rather off course when his new wife proves to be exceptionally distracting.

I have some mixed feelings about this book. Overall, for me, the focus on the political machinations aspect of the story was too heavy and the romance too light. Alicia and Niall did demonstrate some nice relationship development as they learned to openly communicate with one another, but this was very late in coming and wasn’t quite enough for me after how quick Alicia was to blame Niall for every bit of discord in their relationship despite her own dishonesty. I found Alicia to be very judgmental of Niall, extending her experiences of the two men in her life (her father and her late husband) to a man she’d never even met. She came off as very arrogant to me and her glorification of her manipulation of her husband and his friends didn’t sit well with me. Niall was trying his best to be respectful of her and allow her time to adjust and this incensed Alicia, despite the fact that she’d given him absolutely no indication that she might be interested in him. She was downright belligerent at times and that, combined with how bogged down we get into politics just detracted from the romance for me. Even near the end when we finally started to get some delicious and much longed-for communication, Alicia was still abrasive and seemed to have fairly little respect for Niall’s hard work on behalf of others, mostly just pointing out his weaknesses. I wouldn’t have minded the rather interesting focus on politics, but there was also very little discernible chemistry between Niall and Alicia, especially given her deception and short-sightedness, so I was left not quite satisfied by the romance. On the whole, this was a strong story, but not a favorite for me.

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

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

Alicia has suffered from having her passionate political views disregarded by her first husband. Now as a widow she is free to express herself-anonymously, in the papers. She is the biggest critic of Niall, who is a leader among the House of Lords, until she gets to know him and understand where he is coming from. Niall does not like how he has been criticized in the news, not knowing the woman he is falling for is behind it. When they are forced to marry to save both of their reputations, it is difficult keeping this secret. As their attraction grows, so does their respect for each other, and the more Alicia has to lose if her secret comes out.

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I read the story. The choice of topic in the book lead me to lose interest in the book. I thought that Niall and Alicia characters were great in the book. Them willing to help the foundlings I loved as well. The book narrative discussed to much on the background of voting in Parliament and about the other nobles on how they vote or campaign.

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I really enjoyed Alicia and Niall's story. I always love to see how authors have the H/H fall in love when it is a forced marriage like this one was and De la Rosa did not disappoint!! I loved watching these two fall in love. It was not an easy path, but it was such fun!

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This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it.

This is the story between Alicia and Niall, there is a strong heroine, and the chemistry is off the chart between the two of them. I liked that there was drama throughout the book, but it was interesting that the drama came from situations from both of the characters. I will be reading more from this author.

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4.5 stars - I’m not sure the earl in this romance is very scandalous, but I did think the story was extremely well written. It also is clear that the author has a lot of respect for representing the time periods appropriately. I don’t mind when writers take liberties, but if you do, you’ll be very pleased with this one.

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

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This was a good ending to this series. The story line was well written, even though political stories are not really my cup of tea, overall, I enjoyed it.

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This book had everything - drama, suspense, humor, a strong heroine, and a hero who needed to be awakened from his "reality" of what he really needed in his life. This book was so well written and complex and so entertaining. It was truly a pleasure to read it from start to finish. I highly recommend this book.

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This is the first book I have read by this author and I'm so happy I had the chance to read her work! I will definitely be on the lookout for her other titles. To Tempt a Scandalous Lord follows Alicia, a delightfully intelligent female lead with an abundance of wit and charm, as she fights to bring about political change through her anonymous critiques. We also have Niall, our rational and detail-oriented male lead who is running for Prime Minister and has no room for distractions outside of his political course.

In terms of historical romances, I am thoroughly impressed with how unique this storyline was. Not only was I able to enjoy a fictional read with lots of romance, but I was also educated on the political world at the time the book is set in! I found the level of research and detail presented throughout this book absolutely extraordinary, and I love how seamlessly the author was able to blend fact with fiction.

I also could not have asked for better character development. Niall went from a male lead that I was unsure could be redeemed to someone I absolutely loved and was rooting for. I loved his respect for Alicia's opinions and the political conversations between them kept me turning the pages as fast as I could! Really fantastic romance aspect, they are definitely one of my favorite couples.

Overall, I found this book to be unique and well-researched, with an incredible female lead and great development of the male lead. I recommend giving this book a try as well as anything else this author comes out with! Now I am off to get my hands on the other books in this series lol!

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