If it is one thing this author does well, it is developing her characters VERY well. Serafina is a poor relation and her sister in law would rival Cinderlla’s stepmother for. Hellacious woman of the year. Her brother wouldn’t win brother of the year either. Max is a wounded soldier and his inability to come to terms with his problem was well written..I could feel his torment and sense of worthlessness. Two people who don’t believe they can be loved finding each other was so sweet and adorable. Their meet-cute was well designed, especially in the summerhouse. There is a ‘realness’ to this author’s writing , that makes reading a true pleasure. Would have loved to have seen Ogden and family eating a little more ‘crow’ after the way they treated Serafina and perhaps the wedding as well, but a very enthralling story and hard to put down.

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

I loved Fil Reid's Arthur and Gwen series, so I really wanted to give this book a try as well.

I really enjoy how her stories are easy to read, with just very comfortable language - great descriptions without getting too lyrical, much showing without telling, realistic dialogue that doesn't sound stilted.

In this book, we've got two main characters who have self-esteem issues, a marriage of convenience for an inheritance, and some Cinderella vibes. I found the characters to be surprisingly well-rounded in a "I really don't like you, but also, you're not all bad" kind of way. It's surprising because so often, we see protagonists being perfect, and villains being perfectly evil. Seeing characters who are so double-sided definitely made me feels some ways while reading.

The pacing was a bit choppy. Some parts were great with Serafina and Max interactions, but their inner monologues got repetitive and "will she/won't she" very quickly.

I think overall, it's a pretty basic trope story that didn't fill out as I had hoped from reading the author's Gwen series.

Max accompanies his sister-in-law law and mother to London.
He needs to find a wife before his birthday in order to get his inheritance.
He meets Serafina and a marriage proposal is offered.
Serafina goes to the family estate to get to know his family when they encounter a secret and possible scandal.
Together they work to solve the mystery.
Enjoyable read. Believable characters and dialogue.

3.5 stars.
An interesting tale about a kind of Cinderella heroine and the wounded hero who is both rescuer and rescued, “A Hint of Scandal”, by Fil Reid, is an enjoyable read with a credible depiction of historical time and space.
Serafina and Max are lovable, relatable characters: her intelligence and survival instincts within her evil, stingy family, and his acceptance of his duties and physical limitations give them compelling personalities.
I liked the honesty between them and the affection within family and with friends. Although Serafina step-brother and his wife are just horrid people, Letty, their daughter, is still not totally lost, even with all that selfishness.
I also enjoyed having both their perspectives on things, although at some point I felt there was a bit too much internal musing.
The representation of Max’s disability seemed accurate, but I was curious about how he would manage eating, since several scenes involve meals.

A Hint of Scandal is perfect mix of Cinderella and Bridgerton with a touch of mystery in the later parts of the novel. Max, a wounded soldier who is an earl’s younger brother, and Serafina, the orphaned spinster half-sister of an unkind baronet, cross paths and enter into an engagement for a marriage of convenience. While it is the second novel in Fil Reid’s Mismatched Lovers series it is able to be read as a stand alone. The writing style was a pleasure to read and felt true to the time period the book is set in while still being an easy read. The slow burn was very sweet and the main characters were pleasant and well developed. I deducted a star for two reasons. First, I wish the scandal was introduced earlier and felt that storyline felt very rushed. Second, the explicit scene felt unnecessary It felt like it was tacked on just for the sake of having one and wasn’t to my taste. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and have already recommended it to my book club friends.

A Hint of Scandal is the second book in The Mismatched Lovers series. This book can be a stand-alone read.

Major Max Aubrey has returned home after being wounded. As if that isn't enough, he also has to marry before he turns thirty or he loses his inheritance. Max knew he should marry but feels as if he is not marriage material with one arm in a sling and feeling useless. He reluctantly agrees to accompany his mother, sister-in-law and niece for her season in London where he should be able to find a bride.

Serafina Gilbert, lives with her half=brother more as part of the help than as a member of the family. Her brother is a miser and provides the barest of necessities for his family, let alone his sister. While in London for the season, he and his wife, who treats her more like 'Cinderella' than a family member brings her along so she can be a companion to their oldest daughter, Lettie.

At her first ball, wearing a gray drab gown runs into Max. Shortly after, the sparks begin to fly as they learn they have a few interests in common. Serafina feels as if she is an ugly duckling and will never be considered by Max as someone he would court. Max also feels as if he is not marriage material because of his useless arm.

Max quickly agrees to ask Serafina to marry him when his brother's illness makes it clear he is not likely to live much longer and would like to see him married before he dies. But he has a favor to ask which will require Max to ask for Seraphina’s help to save the family from a scandal rearing its head from a past indiscretion.

This was a quick afternoon read. The characters were wonderful written and the plot while not new felt a bit fresh and entertaining.

The book is the second one in the series but can be read as a standalone. Although the plot is not a novelty as far as the romances go, it has a very comfortable reading flow and writing style. I enjoyed reading it very much. The main characters are likeable and not overdrawn, although the villains are a bit too villainous. Their characters, as well as Letty’s, might need a few more nuances to keep up with the atmosphere provided for the MC, but it does not distract too much from the main cozy feeling. Also, the mystery is dropped towards the last quarter of the book and brings the needed dynamics for the characters as well as some variety into the romantic plot.
Light and easy read, not overladen with conflicts, cringes, drama or trauma. And not too steamy also.
Some editing issue is that Letty is called Hetty in the most part of chapter four.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Two people who believe they are unlovable, one because no-one has cared for her for eighteen years and the other due to a life-changing injury, meet when they are escaping the crowds at a ball and nothing is ever the same again. An enjoyable story which I read in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was a fantastic book that i thoroughly recommend and will be buying as I need a trophy version lol. I enjoying the different dynamics at play between the main characters especially towards the end.