I really enjoyed Scandal of the Summer. This was such a fun and engaging read, and I found myself smiling more than once while reading. The chemistry between Ruby and Malcolm was charming and entertaining, and I loved how their personalities played off each other throughout the story.
One of the things I liked best was the humor and lighthearted banter in the first half. Those early interactions felt playful and made the characters feel very alive. Even when the story slowed down a bit later on, I was still invested because I cared about what happened to the people on the page.
The side characters were also memorable and added so much personality to the story. Their interactions and the way they fit into Ruby and Malcolm’s world made everything feel bigger and more fun. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh, and the balance between romance and adventure worked well for me.
I also appreciated the spice and chemistry between the leads. It felt natural and engaging, and it added warmth to the story without overwhelming the rest of the plot.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and delightful read for me. I finished it feeling satisfied, amused, and glad I spent time with these characters. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with heart, humor, and strong character dynamics.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

This charming and steamy Regency romance was everything I hope for when I reach for an Alexandra Vasti book and more!

Our heroine Ruby, fierce and seemingly too smart for her own good, comes up with a scheme for a summer of freedom for her and her best friends. When they arrive at an unconventional Cornwall estate, they need to face its suspicious staff: Malcolm, a smuggler and con artist, and his crew. Hidden identities and conflicting interests make for an entertaining clash of the two groups. That is, until they need to start working together, and the stakes are high.

As expected, the writing it beautiful and humor abounds. I enjoyed the hilarious scheming, mischief and adventures. Between the engaging plot and lovable characters, I inhaled this book. There is so much heart in this story.

The romance was perfect, both tender and spicy. Malcolm simply stole my heart. His fierce loyalty and devotion, and the way he yearns for Ruby made me swoon. I love how they see each other for who they are, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, emotional and sexy historical romance. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

This is Vasti at her most charming and delightful. Here she plays with found family yet again, has a diverse cast of lovely characters, and the writing has her signature playful voice while also feeling fresh. This book is poised to be the perfect summer read. I cannot WAIT for fans and new readers alike to get their hands on this joy of a novel.

I love all the novels I’ve read from Alexandra Vasti, and Scandal of the Summer did not disappoint!

The story blends historical romance with an exciting and eccentric group of characters that are easy to love. Lady Ruby is a complex and interesting FMC with a vast knowledge of art and Archer compliments her so well. Their scenes together were well written and developed their romance believably.

I loved the witty dialogue, setting, character dynamics, and action throughout. Once I began reading it was tough to put it down! This book put a smile on my face and I hope we get sequels for some of the supporting characters.

Sizzling and sexy, Scandal of the Summer is another winning Regency romp by Alexandra Vasti, a must-read author for any romance reader who adores histfic love stories with spice.

After a ballroom disaster, Lady Ruby Ballimore and her friends flee to a Cornwall estate posing as a princess's ladies-in-waiting. There, they clash with Captain Malcolm Archer and his crew of kind-hearted Navy sailors-turned-smugglers, posing as the estate staff. Antics ensue. Malcolm and Ruby would each be better off without the other in the house, except of course that they are wildly attracted to one another...

What a delightful read with such strong chemistry. The yearning! The earnest belief in one another! The spice!

I am such a fan of Vasti's Belvoir's Library series, so I was nervous about jumping ship (pun intended) and entering this new world. But I am so on board (see where these puns are going...) for this new trilogy! I love that Vasti has taken inspiration from pirates in history who relied more on their wits than on violence. Makes for such a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read Scandal of the Summer in advance.

Scandal of the Summer was a high stakes romance with all of the allure and temptation you could want! Ruby, Archer, and their crew of both humans and animals brought along so much enjoyment. The premise of the book- two individuals posing as someone else to the other- was hilarious, and a new take for me on historical romance.

On paper, Ruby and Archer are not compatible. In real life? The tension and chemistry is sizzling. Their individual stubbornness made for some delightful banter, and there’s nothing I love more than good banter. The setting of Pomoroy House has that perfect historical romance feel & there wasn’t a dull moment on these pages!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and going for a literal adventure with Ruby and Archer. I am chomping at the bit now for the next book in this series! Without spoiling this one… there is a lot more going on that I’m going to need to see through to its end. Alexandra Vasti has me completely hooked and I absolutely adore her historical romances!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.