This book was entertaining, as it sucked me in from the beginning. I loved Jasper and Tru's first meeting at the psychic, and they had some amazing sexual chemistry that built and built every time they saw each other. The only problem... well there are multiple problems getting in the way of their prospective relationship. The first is that Tru is married, to a truly horrible man who thankfully mostly leaves her alone. At least until he becomes aware of the fact that his daughter is entering the marriage mart, which leads us to one of the other issues. Tru's husband has decided that Jasper is going to marry his daughter, no matter how the daughter Delia, or True feels about the situation.

The whole time I was reading this I kept hoping that True's husband would kick the bucket in some karmic way. I figured something would happen since the whole story is True and Jasper falling for each other. While the build-up to the event of separation was very dramatic I was wholly satisfied with the outcome.

I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to see who Valencia gets matched with!

The start of a historical romance series that will transport readers to the glittering ballrooms and scandalous streets of Regency London. Each book will feature a daring and unconventional heroine who defies societal norms and finds love in unexpected places. This first book centers around Lady Gertrude, or better known as Tru, as she helps launch her daughter into society. Being a somewhat veteran of The Ton, Tru knows how to play the game, that is until she meets her match, Jasper Thorne.

The attention to detail in this book was impeccable, making it easy to imagine oneself in the glamorous world of Regency London. I loved Lady Tru and there is no mistaking the chemistry between her and Jasper. What fire! Overall, "Scandalous Ladies of London" is a great read for anyone who loves historical romance. It’s well-written, with engaging characters, vivid settings, and plenty of romance and intrigue to keep readers hooked until the very end. This title hits shelves next week so be sure to check it out!

Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager for the advanced copy.

The first in a new and unique series, real housewives meets Regency romance. I'm curious to see what Jordan does with this "high concept" drama. And there was indeed DRAMA which made for a fun, if forgettable read. I'll keep reading the next releases out of pure curiosity though!

"A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangers—and joys—of being true to yourself."

I took the above quote from the synopsis for this book and I believe that it does a succinct job of covering everything that this book is trying to convey. We are introduced to a group of friends (and Tru's spinster sister), who are surrounded by titled men who are shallow and cruel. Each friend is portrayed as being trapped in their own set of circumstances. Finding out how they rise above their situations as women in a very rigid society, where men hold the power, is something that I am extremely interested in reading about. Add to that that these are scandalous women who flout the norm and I am intrigued!

What this story delivers are temptations, trials, and the opportunity to change ones circumstances. I found that aspect of this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable. At times the book did feel like I was reading about quite a few unhappy women who are negatively affected by men, and the solution was, well....another man. I think that this series could potentially build on the female friendships, and make for a nice balance where the weight is on improving the situation of the self before prioritizing the romance.

As for the romance in this story, it felt absolutely non-existent as far as how my interpretation of romance plays out. If you've read my previous reviews, you may know that I am all about the emotional development of a relationship. Spice is nice, but not at the exclusion of emotions and nuance within the relationship. I also felt that Jasper Thorne was the 2.0 version of Tru's husband-he was just a tad younger and not yet disenchanted with life and women. That was disappointing. I would have liked to see a hero who was the polar opposite of her husband. It did not make for a satisfying match. I was left feeling that the romance could have been left out of this story and that it would stand tall as historical fiction with an emphasis on Tru finding her freedom from a stifling marriage and living happily with her friends beside her. And finding love....eventually.

Jordan uses the points of view of multiple characters in this story, which detracted from the main storyline of this book as it was setting up the scenarios for future installments in this series. This was a strategy that was confusing in the body of the work and interrupted Tru's story quite a bit. I must balance this by stating that Jordan's technique in opening the story with multiple POV's was wonderful. It really pulled me into the story and was placed deftly and with great effect. I felt as if I was viewing the opening to a movie at the cinema! Overall, the multiple POV's were effective in one way and distracting in another.

This story is the start of what I hope will be a series that will continue to develop and become more dynamic in the realm of emotional growth as we are dealing with some pretty heavy topics. Jordan successfully showed how limited women could be by marriage when with the wrong partner. She also showed that women can also rise above and find their strength when they have the room to grow through the support and love of other women.

I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Release Date: March 28, 2023
#TheScandalousLadiesofLondon #NetGalley

A Seance, A Warning, A Wonderful Love Story
This excitingly delicious story reads like an onion, yes onion that has many layers that you peel away as you read about this large cast of characters and how each one adds to this amazing, passionate love story.
Never a dull moment in this spicy fascinating tale that has many surprises, a warning that come true, several laugh out loud situations and a few scary moments that brings forth a shout out of Yeah! at the climatic ending that bring forth a happy epilogue.
My first time reading this author writing. I truly loved this emotional love story and felt it deserves more than 5 stars.
The story moves at a very fast pace, and I was totally engrossed with every page.
The dynamics between H and h were charismatic and filled with desirous passion.
I really am looking forward to the next book about the ladies of London; The Duchess coming soon.
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

Gertrude “Tru”, the Countess of Chatham has been married to the Earl for almost twenty years and has given him two children, but theirs is not a happy marriage and they basically live separate lives. At the ripe old age of 37, Tru is devoted to her children and her small circle of friends, she is faithful to her unfaithful husband and has earned the moniker of “the Cold Countess”, she believes that her chance for happiness is long past and is determined to make sure her daughter Cordelia “Delia” finds the happiness that eluded her. But apparently, her husband doesn’t have the same consideration for her, he wants a rich son-in-law to bankroll him and has set his sights on widower Jasper Thorne. Tru is not happy about this development and even more so when she realizes that Jasper is the man that propositioned her, the man she can seem to forget!

Jasper Thorne is a widower and father of a young daughter, he is a self-made man who wants a better life for his daughter and thinks that marrying a titled, society woman is the key to her being accepted by the ton. He originally sets his site on the current “diamond of the first water” Lady Delia, but then he realizes that her mother is the woman from the garden and changes course. He will stop at nothing to have Tru, the fact that she is a bit older and married doesn’t even matter, he always gets what he wants and he wants her – full stop. All he has to do is convince her that they are meant to be, easy right?

OK, this is a hard review to write because it is a very good book that is well-written and nicely paced with engaging characters and a wonderful primary couple – BUT – the heroine is married. I read the blurb and wondered how this was going to play out and hoped that she wouldn’t commit adultery and for the most part, she tries to resist – but eventually she gives in and sleeps with Jasper – it ruined the book for me because she became no better than her scummy husband. I know that cheating doesn’t bother many readers, but it bothers me, I don’t deny that her husband was a jerk, but that doesn’t excuse it for me – sigh. Anyway, other than that it was a very good book filled with emotion, second chances, steamyish kisses, great secondary characters, a bit of angst, forbidden love, and finally a HEA with an epilogue that nicely sets up the next book. For me, this book was a miss, but I will definitely read the next book in the series and would say that if adultery doesn’t bother you, you would probably love this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Tru is a Countess, advanced in her age, according to that society for a 37-year-old, and has a daughter who is about to bring out into the marriage market. Tru is also married to a pig who claims that he found their daughter a husband. This guy is loathsome, spends the money that she inherited, and is downright degrading to her.

Tru never really knows love outside of her marriage and just focuses on her relationship with her daughter and her devoted friends. Faithful to her husband even though he isn’t faithful to her.

You see life consequences when you get what you want by judging by a person's appearance and not for their character. Rushing to marry because that was what was expected of you. For her husband is now disgusting and has no problem sleeping with other women.

What I find so interesting in this book is, what if you fall in love with someone who is intended to be married to your daughter? What would you do?

Tru tries to fight it as much as possible due to her being currently married and making sure that her daughter is taken care of.

I think this is a twist in historical romance that I loved quite a bit. I didn’t care for the pacing of the story but it was interesting enough to keep going.

The beginning was slightly confusing due to its nature of it. It was switching from multiple POV’s that was hard to keep up with. A lot of characters weren’t really introduced to you so you slightly didn’t know what was going on and from whose perspective.

The ending was quite shocking and quick. Let's just say the ending solved a lot of problems conveniently. Would recommend it to people who are looking for a different kind of historical romance.

Review will be posted on 3/21/23
Lady Gertrude, the Countess of Chatham, is feeling pleased with her daughter's debut into society. A gossip rag gave her a glowing review and things are feeling promising. Gertrude, or Tru, hopes that her daughter, Delia, will make a love match and be happy, unlike her miserable marriage to the Earl of Chatham. After their wedding, he became a different person. He moved out of their house, took a lover, and dealt with Tru only when needed. While they had two children together, she hasn't been with the Earl in years and when they do interact it goes horribly. However, due to his absence, this affords Tru a lot of freedom and she doesn't have to deal with his constant emotional abuse. That is until he enters the scene again. He realizes his daughter is of marrying age and now wants to get involved with her marriage. He takes it upon himself to practically arrange the marriage on his own to a one Jasper Thorne, not a man of nobility, but rather a man with "deep pockets." Jasper made his money off various successful inns, his wife has died tragically in childbirth, and now many years later is looking for a wife and a mother for his daughter. Delia isn't interested in Jasper, despite his good looks and charming personality. Jasper is a bit old for Delia, but that is good, because Tru doesn't want this for Delia; plus, she has met Jasper previously and there were sparks. Sophie Jordan's The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess is a fun first installment in a new series that's filled with Regency-era drama, romance, and of course, a lot of scandal.

I really liked Tru from the start of The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess. It's clear that she tried to make her marriage work, but there's no future with the Earl. They never see each other and he is insufferable. He parades his mistresses in front of her, he belittles her, is emotionally abusive, and now is trying to wreck Delia's future. Very quickly I was rooting for Tru and wanted to see the Earl go down in a big way. Awkwardly, Tru and her friends go to a seance, which is out of the ordinary for Tru. She meets someone there and that mysterious person ends up being Jasper Thorne, the man that her husband wants to set up their daughter with. So, needless, to say, things gets complicated.

Jasper Thorne is a charming love interest and while Jordan plays out the forbidden love trope very well, I did find myself getting frustrated. Delia isn't interested in Jasper, so he agrees to "fake court" her just to get close to Tru. This seemed really complicated at times, but I will admit, it was very entertaining. Jasper is everything the Earl is not, so it was easy to get past some of his missteps and start rooting for him, too.

My only issue with this novel was the rather forced ending that seemed a little too convenient; however, deep down inside I was very pleased! On the other hand, my favorite aspect of The Scandalous Ladies of the London: The Countess was Jordan's portrayal of "mature" women close to 40 years old. Normally this wouldn't be the age of a romantic heroine during the Regency period, but Jordan does it so well. I loved it, because I am tried of reading novels focused on twenty year old women finding love. This was a nice touch and I will definitely continue with the series and look forward to Jordan's next installment which will focus on Tru's friends, who readers met in this novel. I recommend this series to fans of Bridgerton who are looking to fill a void--this will do it!

So, are you a fan of Regency romance? Is this book on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

The Countess by Sophie Jordan is an unexpected treat! It is the first in a new series, The Scandalous Ladies of London, so this story also introduces the reader to the other characters in future books. I like that the author builds a world with women who have strong friendships.

I was caught off guard because the trope was entirely unexpected but interesting storyline – the private fall of a women who considers herself a pillar of society. Our main heroine, Gertrude, is a mature woman who has her loveless life in order and her faithless husband out of her way. She is ready to launch her daughter into society when her money-hungry husband inserts himself back into the family with his meddling scheme. This is where the fun begins!

I liked Tru’s daughter, Deliah, and her straightforward understanding of her father’s motives and her approach to her father’s chosen, rich suitor, Jasper. They work well together and quickly come to an understanding that they will never have an interest in each other.

Jasper’s interest in Tru is what is so unusual in the historical romance world ...Taboo and naughty! I love Jasper and his view of the world. He understands Tru and is patient with her as she sheds her stiff outer shell to reveal her romantic inner self. She is no push over and he has work to meet the challenge she presents! There are obstacles and danger, and I sure couldn’t figure out how I was going to have a happy ending to this book! If you’d like to know then I recommend you pick up a copy of The Countess by Sophie Jordan! Can’t wait to read the next one!

ARC Provided

This one was surprisingly light and a lot of fun given the subject matter! Tru is in a loveless marriage and is getting ready to launch her daughter for her first season. One problem, her absent husband has all but promised her to someone they have never heard of. It was cool to see many of the typical historical romance tropes subverted in this story, including fake dating, infidelity, and a secret baby.

This book looks like it is shaping up to start a series, and to this end, it suffers from first book syndrome. By this I mean, lots of time is spent introducing side characters that it’s clear will be more important later on, but weren’t really relevant to the plot of this book. I will say that the start was quite slow and the ending felt too convenient for the struggles the Tru went through over the course of the novel. I would be really excited to see the next installment, featuring Valencia, because this book covered both her and Tru’s characterization and backstory simultaneously. Hopefully Valencia’s story will begin in medias res and have more even pacing throughout.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading future installments.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and these are my opinions.
I love the books concept. It is totally different from other historical romances.
Tru, the heroine is unhappily married to a man who has pretty much left her and the family alone for the last 15 years. Their daughter is about to be launched into society and he has found the perfect wealthy man for her that can help support his gambling and debauchery.
Tru goes to a seance with her friends and meets a handsome stranger in the garden who tries to seduce her. The next night at a ball she finds out that the handsome stranger is none other than Jasper Thorne, the man her husband wants their daughter to marry. There are a few twists and turns and surprises in the book. It is a very well written and interesting to read book. A 5-star read.

I loved the tropes and the premise in this book. I really like that these ladies have challenges in life and have to overcome things to find happiness. I also like the glimpses we get of future heroines. I loved how Tru held to her principles and didn't just fall for Jasper instantly (even if I was longing for them to get together). I was rooting for him and how determined he was to find the best fit for his life and his daughter.

However, it felt a smidge slow in the first half. I struggled with the shifting points of view until we settled into the romance. It seemed like I would get into the story and then she would shift to someone else. It felt a little disjointed. There was also a quote at the end that was a major spoiler. I hated getting that info early. The conclusion would have been much more satisfying without that spoiler.

The title doesn’t lie, ladies and gentleman- these ladies are scandalous! Pretty much everyone in this book is unhappy and amoral- which is a perfect combo for bad decision making and bad decision making means people doing the dirty. And you just learned literary algebra.

Tru is an unhappily married countess who’s shitastic husband is a supreme cockgoblin. Her friends also pretty much hate their lives. Cockgoblin finds a rich hotelier, Jasper, to marry their daughter but Jasper falls for Tru instead. Of course he does. And she falls from him right back and allows him to give her the proper banging she deserves. But then her husband finds out and locks her in the attic as a cockgoblin is prone to do when he’s been made a cuckhold.

Look there’s cheating and suspected murder and a dash of domestic abuse in this book. I’m fine with all of these things when fake people are doing them. There’s also a lot of lust and yearning and making out in dark hallways and female friendship which I love too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more from this series!! Def recommend if you are amoral like myself.

Smut- 2.32 stars (add a star if you find adultery smutty)
Romance- 3.98 stars
Story- 4.76 stars
Cockgoblins- neg 78.41 stars

4.5 stars

What an amazing start to a new series! Sophie Jordan did it again. This series shows that not all marriages are happy as it usually starts in this genre. Jasper and Tru become enemies to lovers in their journey to a HEA. Jasper sees Tru and knows that he wants her. He does everything for her to see her worth. Tru tries to ignore her own happiness in her future until she realizes that she is worthy of it. Some of the struggles that Tru had were hard situations but was able to go through them and come out on top.
The friendships that are shown along the way are important and at times fraught.

I loved this book.

Sophie Jordan has branched out into the Bridgerton-esque trend and put her spin on it. It’s interesting to see a new style and concept in her writing than the straightforward two main character centric young love/lust story. Here, we have “elder” women of the ton, i.e. 30+ in age so not actually elder, getting another chance at happiness amid horrible marriages. It’s a refreshing twist.

The start of this new series focuses on Tru and Jasper’s connection, which has all the allure of forbidden romance, flirty and lusty, and charming attraction. However it also felt very brusque because so much setup and chapters are devoted to other characters. The very thing that makes this new series venture unique also hurt the main romance by diverting attention. I wanted a lot more from and for Jasper as well as falling love together with Tru.

So, overall, I’m here for more. I’m just hoping that book 2 will have settled more into all the characters and pacing, and give a little more build to the leads. It’s a balancing act.

This is the 1st book in what I believe will be a series under the Scandalous Ladies of London.

I have encountered this trope a couple of times and I must say its not a favorite of mine. Nothing wrong at all with older woman/younger man but I don't particularly like when a grown-up child of the h is involve or likely to be involve with the H.

I like the character and behavior of the heroine, Countess Tru Chatham, when she is amongst her family, friends and even her husband (I get that women in that era has no voice and are submissive to the will of their husbands). I don't like her when she is around Jasper. She becomes soapy, insecure, doe-eyed and acts like an adolescent. Granted she has been loveless for so many years but I wish she can pull herself up!

Her husband is not only indifferent to her and their child but truly a monster and Im glad at some point he got his comeuppance. Overall the story is solid, the writing fairly good and I would recommend this for a quick read.

Thank you for ARC from Avon/Harper Voyager thru Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book.

This was an enjoyable book! I always like reading anything by Sophie Jordan and this book did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more by this author and I will recommend that other romance readers read this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
As a longtime historical romance reader who has become a bit jaded by certain trends, I love when authors dare to play with those trends and step outside the lines a little, while still delivering a satisfying genre-romance experience. The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess, the first in a high-concept new series, does just that.
Style-wise, it perfectly juggles introducing readers to the new colorful cast of characters they’ll be following over the course of multiple books, while also offering a self-contained romance and HEA for one of the central couples involved. It was fun getting to know not just Gertrude, the repressed Countess of Chatham and her would-be lover, Jasper, but her daughter, Delia and friend, Valencia, Duchess of Dedham, and a number of others who are stirring up scandal.
There’s also both inclusion and subversion of a number of tropes. Throughout the narrative, you get a sense of the starkness of the Chathams’ marriage, but unlike many historical romance narratives, it’s presented in the present, with Gertrude seeking a respite while her husband neglects and mistreats her. And while there is an element of “fake dating” in the plot between Jasper and Delia, with their reasoning even evoking some comparisons to the dynamic in Bridgerton book and season 1, it’s very clear that Jasper and Delia have no interest in each other, and that things will never go anywhere between them.
And I love the dynamic between Gertrude and Jasper. The taboo aspect of their romance obviously heightens the stakes a lot, and there’s a great fulfillment of that aspect with the ending. But they play off each other really well, with him presenting a sense of adventure that she needs, and her being experienced enough in the ways of the world to challenge him.
This is a stellar start to a series, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! If you enjoy historical romance and are open to a slightly different, but still satisfying approach to the genre, I recommend picking this up!

I thank the publisher and netgalley for this ebook arc.
I really enjoyed this book and how it concentrated on older women and how doggedly love eluded them.
The Mcs of this book are introduced as well as other characters in upcoming books.
The main love story is very much a forbidden one, and there is a lot of pining involved. I did think it was rather easily resolved in the end but I liked it nonetheless.
I can't wat to read about the other Scandalous women in tje series.

4.5 stars

Don't let this cover fool you, its not all "hearts and flowers." I commend Sophie by taking this leap to write a story that's not in your typical modern day historical romance release. This one is truly refreshing even though OW/YM (shes 37, and I think hes in his early 30's, 33? somewhere around there) is one of my least favorite tropes. Tru and her close best friends are in unhappy marriages. This sounds like it will be a series about each of their stories.

Tru is in a current loveless marriage to her husband the Earl of Chatham. The Earl has been absent from the family (Has a daughter Delia and a son), instead being with his mistresses. He knows his daughter is now 18 and is wanting to use her to find a husband to advance his own benefits. Thats Jasper Thorne, whom Tru and him have previously met with some flirting exchanges. Tru is a mother first and wants Delia to marry for love and not go through what she is currently going through.

This did have some slow moving plot points in the middle of the story, but I'm glad I continued because I enjoyed it. A few things happened unexpectedly towards the end (a few accidents), even with that rushed ending. I even found myself reading the preview for the next book because it does continue off from Tru's friend Valencia's POV. And what about Delia? I hope to see a possible romance fleshed throughout the rest of the series for her.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.