I wanted to love The Scandal of the Season. Truly. A Regency romantic comedy with a rebellious FMC and a rake in need of redemption? That’s basically a must for me, a huge fan of Bridgerton and other historical romance television shows. But unfortunately, this one felt like a glittery mess of good intentions and awkward execution.

We’re following Sophie Fairfax this time, the younger sister of book one’s FMC. She’s smart, fiery, and determined not to be married off like some bartering chip. Naturally, she ends up in a scandalous situation with Dominic, Lord Rotherby, who is the infamous rake everyone warns her about. Cue tension, banter, and longing glances. Sounds great in theory, but in reality? It didn’t land.

The tone shift from book one is wild. We go from a sweet, proper story to opening with a brothel scene. Yup. A Regency rom com kicking off in a brothel, but without the payoff or heat to justify it. The rest of the book swings back into pretty tame territory, so it just ends up feeling out of place, like the book doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.

Also… the French. So. Much. French. I get that it’s supposed to be cute or add flair, but at some point, I felt like I needed Duolingo to keep up. Add to that a heaping dose of Regency slang, with some of it charming, some of it so obscure it made me feel like I was reading a historical fever dream, and it all became a bit much.

The biggest issue, though, was the lack of chemistry. Sophie and Dominic go from strangers to somehow being into each other without any real buildup. Their dynamic had potential (hello, enemies to lovers!), but it moved way to quickly before I was even invested. I didn’t feel the slow burn or tension, and it was more like a spark that fizzled out before it even lit the fuse.

Honestly, it felt like a first draft that needed a bit more polish and a lot more editing. The plot meandered, the dialogue overwhelmed the narrative, and the emotional beats missed their mark. I wanted witty, romantic chaos; I got disjointed pacing and a romance I didn’t buy into.

If it hadn’t been an ARC, I probably would’ve DNFd. But hey, I appreciate the chance to read it early. Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, NetGalley, and Michelle Kenney for the eARC of this book.

From the premise of this book I thought it would be a great fit for me, unfortunately I really struggled with the writing style and overall storyline. I probably would have DNF'd it if it hadn't been an ARC.
I hope that this story finds it's intended audience, thank you again for providing me with ARC.

What a stunning follow up! I read the mismatch of the season and thoroughly enjoyed it, but wasnt totally sure if i would enjoy the follow up. I am so happy that i did!! I felt that story did an amazing job of capturing my attention and holding it until the very end. I also did not see sir weston being such a terrible man, but thats how well this book was written! with a premise that could have been simply fluff, this book had real depth. the feelings between sophie and dominic were tangible and well written. i cant wait for mattys book!

The Scandal of the Season is a regency rom-com, written by Michelle Kenney. It is book 2 in the Fairfax Sisters series, and since there are quite a few characters that are introduced in book 1, I recommend reading this series in order. This book is written using a primarily traditional regency writing style, however it felt more modern that book 1 and had less formal language.

Plot Summary: Sophie wants to find a love match. But, through a series of unfortunate circumstances, she may be faced into a less than ideal marriage of convenience with the infamous rake Dominic. She works tirelessly to avoid matrimony to someone she doesn't truly love, and in doing so, begins developing feelings for Dominic that don't reconcile with her goals. Will she find a love match where she least expects it?

Impressions: I found the opening brothel scene with its explicit reference to be both shocking and scandalous, considering there was nary a kiss in book 1, or anything more than kissing in the rest of this book. I felt like that started the book on the wrong foot.

The first half of the book was primarily dialogue, and I found myself wanting more narration to go with it. The second half shifted by adding in tons of French phrases and words in every paragraph. Since I took French for several years, I knew the meaning of the words myself, but I could see this alienating and confusing some readers. I also felt like the regency slang was overused.

Overall, the book felt silly/over-the-top with odd pacing, as if the plot was just in first-draft mode and not polished. I didn't personally connect to any of the characters. Therefore, this book was a miss for me.

Content: Light scant language, A brief brothel scene with one explicit reference, some innuendoes, kisses only.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

This unfortunately was a DNF for me. I read the first few chapters and it did not pull me into the story at all. It starts in a confusing way and adds so much detail immediately that its overwhelming what youre supposed to remember for the storyline

I really tried to enjoy or appreciate this book (not very nice to rate a book with only two stars), but the thing is... apart from Matilda and Duke Wellington, there weren't that many likable characters. Dominic keeps insisting to have his way without ever mentioning his feelings and Sophie doesn't stand a chance against all those men (at least four of them) and their testosterone driven behavior.

fun-ish romance with interesting ideas. the biggest problem is that it feels that a lot of times it doesn't have much substance. 3.5 stars, tysm for the arc.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★☆☆☆☆
𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭/𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 0/5
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: regency romance ~ enemies to lovers
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: regency romance

*DISCLAIMER: Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

OVERVIEW
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I feel terrible saying this but this was honestly one of the most boring book I have ever read. The plot was terrible and extremely ridiculous, to the point it was annoying and unbelievable. Both characters were extremely annoying, especially Sophie. All the decisions she made were childlike and poorly thought out. I was so angry with her the whole book! And the male character was so boring, as far as I can see all he did was take up space. I hated the plot it was boring and crazy and the two mc had no chemistry together. There was no cute scenes with them and I genuinely do not understand how they fell in love. I really wish I could say something nice about this book, but I pride myself on being honest.

Thanks! Ellie,

While The Scandal of the Season offers a light-hearted, Regency-era romance with all the hallmarks of high society drama, it didn’t quite work for me. The story felt like a close imitation of Bridgerton, but leaned so heavily into the whimsical and outrageous that it lost a sense of believability.

The central romance developed very quickly—jumping from strangers to lovers in a way that felt rushed and emotionally unconvincing. Some of the plot twists and social scenarios also stretched credibility, even within the bounds of a frothy Regency romp.

That said, readers who enjoy fast-paced, drama-filled romances with exaggerated stakes and playful tension might find this a fun escape. It’s light, dramatic, and full of over-the-top moments that may appeal to fans of romantic fantasy over historical realism.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

At first the book was thrilling and the last chapter is cute, but I find the middle lacking. It had so much potencial, but the story is too fast. The characters went from "hating" to "loving" all of a sudden. Maybe adding some scenes where they interacted would been fun and would added deph to their relationship.

Its not bad, its just to fast. And the ending was kinda confusing.

I received rhos book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. It lost me from the first page, but I gave it a shot. Enter Lord Rotherby who is quite an unlikable character with a penchant for brothels and loose women. I had no patience for him or the ridiculousness.

I’d give it zero stars.

I’d call this an accidental road trip rom-com. And it was fun, but it was almost too silly and over the top. The circumstances were too much to be believed, and the romance (clean) went from zero to infinity in the blink of an eye. I just didn’t buy it. Thanks to One More Chapter for the ARC.

I don’t normally take many chances on new authors since so many of them tend to use such foul language, but I took a chance on this one and am SO VERY GLAD I DID! I loved her style of writing, the wittiness of the banter, the way she delves into the emotional upheaval and the beautiful style of writing. Sophie is determined to have a love match, Dominic is determined to never marry. All of my emotions were in play reading this story and I found it harder and harder to put down! The twists and turns are mind-bending and Lu-Lu is adorable! I could feel Sophie’s devastation at losing all and the way it ended was funny, sweet and charmed me totally. I would say that having a family tree at the beginning would have been nice as I had not read the first in the series and I was a bit (or lot) lost as to who was who in the first 3 or so chapters. Nor did I understand Aurelia chasing after Sophie, but it certainly made for entertainment! I am definitely putting this author on my must read list!

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

Perfect for Georgette Hester fans!
A fun regency romance with lovable characters and a quick moving plot.

What a fun and charming read! I loved the first book and this one is no different. I really enjoyed The Scandal of the Season! It’s the kind of book that makes you smile while reading. Phoebe is such a strong and likeable heroine—determined to take control of her own future, even if it means causing a little scandal. Her chemistry with Viscount Damerel was so fun to watch unfold—there’s great banter, a bit of tension, and a lot of heart.

The story felt like a mix of Pride & Prejudice and a playful rom-com, with just the right touch of drama and twists. I loved the disguises, the misadventures, and how Phoebe kept everyone on their toes. Even though it’s low spice, it didn’t feel lacking—there was plenty of emotion and charm.

If you enjoy historical romances with wit, bold heroines, and swoon-worthy moments, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

A fun enemies to lovers book. A series of misadventures and misunderstandings with the conclusion that is always hoped for. An easy read which will brighten your day.

After LOVING the first book in this series, I wanted more and I was not disappointed!!

Phoebe is a brilliantly feisty heroine, determined to stand up for what she believes in. Her only flaws? Not being able to turn down a wager. And when it comes from one of the most notorious rakes of the ton, chaos ensues!

Each character is so well written, each plot twist leaves you gasping and the end is perfection. I could go on forever but I'll spoil it for everyone else!

A fun, romantic enemies to lovers regency read. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC.