A Scandalous Proposal

The Little Season #2

by Kasey Michaels

Who would have thought a man could tire of being fawned over and flirted with? Ever since Cooper Townsend returned from France as a hero with a new title, he has been relentlessly pursued by every marriageable miss in London. Perhaps that's why the unconventional Miss Daniella Foster is so appealing. She doesn't simper or flatter. She only wants him to help unmask her sister's blackmailer, and Coop has never been so intrigued…

Let every other woman in London fight over His Lordship's romantic attentions. Marriage is the last thing on Dany's mind…at least until she samples his illicit kisses. Now, as a mutual enemy races to ruin Coop's reputation and Dany's family name, an engagement of convenience will spark an unlikely passion that might save them both.

Includes bonus story How to Woo a Spinster

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Regency Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 21, 2016

About the author

Kasey Michaels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books (she doesn't count them). Kasey has received three coveted Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, two for the historical romances, THE SECRETS OF THE HEART and THE BUTLER DID IT, and a third for contemporary romance LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (that shows diversity, you see). She is a recipient of the RITA, a Waldenbooks and Bookrak Bestseller award, and many awards from Romantic Times magazine, including a Career Achievement award for her Regency era historical romances. She is an Honor Roll author in Romance Writers of America, Inc. (RWA)

Kasey has appeared on the TODAY show, and was the subject of a Lifetime Cable TV show "A Better Way," in conjunction with Good Housekeeping magazine, a program devoted to women and how they have achieved career success in the midst of motherhood (short version: "with great difficulty").

A highly praised nonfiction book, written as Kathryn Seidick, "...OR YOU CAN LET HIM GO," details the story of Kasey and her family during the time of her eldest son's first kidney transplant.

Kasey has written Regency romances, Regency historicals, category books including novellas and continuities and a few series "launch" books, and single title contemporaries. She has coped with time travel, ghosts, trilogies, the dark side, the very light side, and just about everything in between. Hers is also the twisted mind behind her ongoing Maggie Kelly mystery series starring a former romance writer turned historical mystery writer whose gorgeous hunk of a fictional hero shows up, live and in color, in her Manhattan living room – to melt her knees, to help her solve murders, and to leave the top off her toothpaste. And, says Kasey, she's just getting started!

Series:
* His Chariot Awaits
* Lion On the Prowl
* Crown Family
* London Friends
* Chandlers Request
* The Trehan Brothers
* Maggie Kelly Mystery
* Romney Marsh
* Sunshine Girls

Reviews

[Addie]

DNF 25%

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scandalous Proposal brings the reader back into The Little Season just a few short weeks following the end of An Improper Arrangement, but with a different couple in the crosshairs, this time Cooper Townsend and Daniella (Dany) Foster. While you certainly could read this book as a standalone, having read the first book just gives you a little bit more in the way of character development. Additionally, you get some spoilers from what happened in book 1 during a recap segment – so I recommend reading them in order if possible.

As much as I enjoyed, An Improper Arrangement, I enjoyed A Scandalous Proposal even more. The plot was tightened more here and did not go off on rambling tangents. The intrigue and adventure element, the blackmail, was a uniting storyline that brought all of the characters together on this mission. I appreciated that the four men had a lot bigger role in this novel, but I was hoping to see a little more of Gabriel than we do since he was the main man of the prior novel. It was a lot of fun. While this was one of those stories where the characters are tossed into a relationship from first sight basically, the relationship itself was allowed to grow and I will confess to having a tear in my eye in the final scene as it was so sweet. The one thing that I was a little disappointed by was that this book really used the Little Season as more of a token element; nothing took place that was critical to the Little Season, it was basically just mentioned in passing as the reason by Dany was in town to begin with. As this is the theme of the series, I would have liked a little more importance to the Little Season.

In terms of characters, I liked Dany and Cooper together. They were super cute and were always looking out for each other, while getting in each other’s way. Dany is headstrong and Cooper struggles to handle her; she isn’t willing to just sit by and let him figure out this mystery on his own. As with book 1, I LOVED the bantering between the two of them. My favorite scene is when the two end up in her bedroom to keep an eye out for the blackmailer – such hilarious dialogue and double entendres here.

The romance was a little more sweet, but still passionate. I felt that it evolved from a true heartfelt center for both of the characters. While the scene was a little less descriptive than in A Scandalous Proposal, I felt much more connected to the emotional experience of the characters, which I appreciated.

I am all in for book 3 this summer, A Reckless Promise, focused on Darby Travers!

This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog as the book was received in exchange for an honest review.

[victoria_tonks · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars, because it made me giggle a few times.

I am not even sure why I finished this book. It was not what I had expected - had my edition had this particular cover, I would not have bought it. It was not well written, the characters seemed rather artificial and incoherent, and the plot was silly. I bought it because I was on holidays, wanted some light, fun reading, and it looked like a Regency romance I might enjoy. It started all right, but was getting increasingly worse as the story progressed. But I guess what really sank the book in my opinion was its wildly anachronistic idea of the hero sleeping with the heroine twice even before he properly proposed to her; her being all up for it, quite a few people being aware of 'the development' and nobody doing as much as batting an eyelash. Ugh. I will stick to Georgette Heyer in the future.

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit on the silly side, but not in a bad way. Pretend engagements are always entertaining, and this one was no exception.

To be completely honest, I picked this one up several times and put it right back down before going further, because the start of it simply didn't appeal to me. Some silly nonsense about our hero being a... erm... Hero, and our heroine quite honestly annoying the piss out of me (well, actually her sister did that more, but still..) I couldn't really get past the first few chapters for a while.

Once I did, though, began to find some of that grating silliness to be far less grating and far more entertaining.

I did enjoy the angst of the fake engagement and I LOVED when our hero was put in his place for being stupid about how he went about things.

Overall, a quick, light read that was a pleasant way to pass the afternoon.

4/5

[♥♥Mari♥♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received a complementary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. My personal opinions, and no one else's, are expressed herein.

This novel takes place in the Regency period, which is my favorite when reading historical romance novels. The manners and complicated intrigues of the ton, as the high society of the time was known, have always fascinated me, as they remind me of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Michaels has definitely followed in Austen's footsteps; this novel is full of wit and tongue-in-cheek humor. It was a total delight to read! The author pokes gentle fun at the customs of Regency society, while weaving a tale that, in spite of its serious side, is frequently downright hilarious, as well.

The main characters are just amazingly wonderful! Their dialogues are full of snark and comical innuendoes. I found myself chuckling at times, smirking at others, and frequently laughing out loud. These two people manage to keep their goal in sight -- to catch a nefarious blackmailer -- while still enjoying each other's company to the utmost, falling in love in the process, thereby making this reader thoroughly enjoy the whole thing!

Cooper Townsend (known as 'Coop'), is The Hero of Quatre Bras, a battle in the war against Napoleon. His heroic reputation has been comically embellished through two chapbooks, written anonymously, which have then been circulated all over London. As a result, poor Coop has been besieged by young ladies and their mothers, eager to make a good match, as the Crown has rewarded him with the title of Baron, as well as a large estate. He has therefore decided to find himself a wife; he thinks this will put a stop to all the nonsense. How he will later get rid of the wife, however, (as this will be a marriage of convenience) has not quite entered his mind.

Here's a sample from one of the chapbooks that had me laughing out loud:

"The most Beauteous and Grateful young lady, her name always to be a mystery, her Cornflower Blue Eyes awash in Diamond-Bright tears, turned to our Modest and Abashed Hero, and, quite to his Astonished Surprise, flung her soft round body at his chest, so that he was Without Recourse save to Hold Her Close as He could feel the Frantic Beating of her Virgin Heart...." (pg. 13; capital letters are in the chapbook text)

Miss Daniella Foster (known as 'Dany') is looking for A Hero. She needs to help her silly, vapid sister, Marietta (known as 'Mari'), escape the clutches of a blackmailer, before her husband Oliver (whose hilarious title is Lord Cockermouth) returns from a trip.

Ironically, Coop is being blackmailed as well, and by the same person. In his case, though, his life is at stake.

When they fortuitously meet, Coop and Dany become partners in unraveling this mystery. Coop is immediately taken by Dany's indigo eyes, and she by his blond good looks. The rest, as they say, is history!

I loved the fact that Dany is no simpering, giggly 'damsel in distress', but instead, a very smart, resourceful young woman whose cool head and unconventional ways soon capture Coop's heart.

Coop is not only attracted to Dany, but admires her, as well; thus, he never treats her in a condescending manner. In spite of his reputation for common sense behavior, he's not stuffy at all. In fact, he's not above laughing at himself. In a historical period full of rigid societal conventions, he chooses a woman who doesn't quite conform to the patterns of polite society. (As you will see below, he is definitely his mother's son!) In the hands of a less skilled author, this relationship might have come off as anachronistically unrealistic, but Michaels brings it off in a very convincing manner.

The secondary characters are no less delightful and hilarious! Coop's friend Darby Travers, who is also Viscount Nailbourne, is a case in point. He gives Coop very sound advice couched in witty comments that, again, highlight the silly conventions of the time. He's also an excellent sleuth, helping Coop and Dany to unearth clues regarding the mysterious blackmailer.

Coop's mother is another great secondary character; she's a real trip! She's unconventional to the core (she has obviously had a great influence on her son), and all her comments are outrageously funny. Coop calls her by her first name -- Minerva. This, of course, is also the name of the Roman goddess of wisdom, and Minerva Townsend has plenty of that, which she liberally dispenses to her son and his friends, whether or not they wish to hear it. Her pithy, snarky observations of the society of her time are spot on, and highlight her quirky personality. In short, she can either be a Formidable Foe, or A Great Ally and Friend, as the case may be. Fortunately, she and Dany hit it off right away.

Here's the author's description of Minerva:

"Mrs. Townsend adjusted her spectacles on her splendid, hawk-like beak. She didn't need them, or so she swore, and only employed them as a prop to give her gravitas. Coop had to admit that whenever she looked at him overtop the gold frames (not to mention the hawk-like proboscis), gravitas commenced to spew out all over the place as would hot lava on the unsuspecting villagers below in the valley." (pg. 80)

Rigby and his fiancée, Clarise, who is an American, are a secondary couple who also provide a barrel of laughs. Rigby is totally besotted with Clarise, who lovingly leads him along by the nose, getting whatever she wants from him. She does sincerely love him, though. These two have no hesitation about making out in public, as Dany and Coop soon discover when they go on an outing with them. Through the character of Clarise, Michaels also contrasts and satirizes British and American mores and manner of speech.

I have to be sure to mention Timmerly, who is Mari's butler. Surely no butler in the history of Regency romance has ever had the nerve to direct such sarcastic, pithy observations to his employers. He, too, brings a touch of humor to this novel.

I don't think I've ever read a romance novel which so expertly interweaves mystery with romance and humor. This is wonderful escapist fare! At the same time, it's a very entertaining romp through the Regency period. Michaels succeeded in keeping this reader interested and in A Mirthful Mood throughout!

Summing up, I recommend that anyone wishing to spend some time enjoying the foibles and hilarious adventures -- as well as the Impassioned Romance -- of a pair of Well-matched, Witty, Smart, Resourceful Characters and their attendant Kooky Relatives and Various Interesting Friends, swiftly avail themselves of a copy of this novel. You will definitely not regret spending time with these terrific characters, and will thoroughly enjoy the romance, humor, and kooky mystery!


For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.

http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Read this one for the piffle. By that, I mean that this is a banter book, where the hero and heroine fall for each other through very clever conversation that never flags for a minute. Or a page.

While the initial meeting between Cooper Townsend and Danielle Foster may seem just a bit contrived, everything that happens to them and between them after Dany initially bumps into Coop (literally) really puts the spark into the phrase “court and spark”. Even when they are not getting along, Dany and Coop entertain each other endlessly. And it is their burgeoning but unconventional friendship resulting in an unintentional courtship that lets them fall in love with each other.

A Scandalous Proposal is one of those lovely stories where the heroine holds her own every single minute, in spite of the historical setting. Dany may be sexually innocent at the beginning of the story, but intellectually she is a match for Coop and his friends, and never gives in to what society expects of her. She is never going to be a simpering little miss. Dany is an “original”.

And it’s lucky for both of them that Coop has oodles of experience dealing with “originals”, because that allows him to see Dany for who and what she is, and not merely accept her, but love her for those differences. He gives her just the little bit of grounding that she needs, and in turn, she keeps him from becoming a staid stick-in-the-mud. This is a relationship made in heaven.

But the circumstances that bring them together are far from heavenly. Coop is being blackmailed, as is Dany’s sister Mari. Admittedly, Mari made a complete “cake” of herself, and basically handed herself over to the blackmailer. The happily married Mari was miffed at her husband for going off to a shooting party on her birthday. In petty revenge, she began a clandestine correspondence with a “secret admirer”. They never met, nothing ever happened, but silly Mari actually signed her own name to the incendiary letters, and is now being blackmailed for her thoughtless peccadillo.

Coop, on the other hand, is being blackmailed for being a secret hero. He was at the Battle of Quatre-Bras, and he did rescue of group of orphans who were in harm’s way between the Napoleonic and British armies. But the circumstances of that rescue, which led to a very generous reward from the Prince Regent, are not merely secret but clearly involve the highest levels of the Crown and government. Even though Coop did nothing remotely wrong, his blackmailer is threatening to reveal the secret he is protecting, an event which will probably get Coop either exiled or more likely killed.

Dany entreats Coop, as a bona fide hero, to recover her sister’s silly letters. But as the two of them dig deeper into the plot, they discover that the two blackmailers are, in fact, one and the same. A revelation that will eventually result in the villain’s unmasking and downfall.

But not before Coop and Dany talk themselves into turning their investigative association into something much, much more.

Escape Rating A-: A Scandalous Proposal contains a great deal of delightful froth, and is pure fun from beginning to end. Dany is an “original”, and makes a terrific heroine. She doesn’t merely know her own mind, but she says what she is thinking, and to hell with what society thinks of that. While her family hopes that she will marry, no one, including Dany, has any expectations that she will find anyone who can put up with her straight talking. She is not what society expects her to be and has no plans to change, which makes her marvelous fun and tremendously easy for 21st century readers to identify with.

It does turn out that the plot against Coop and her sister Mari is quite serious. And it is lovely to see the villain get his just desserts without it resulting in a traditional beat down, or beating up. Nor does Dany ever find herself seriously in danger. This is thankfully not one of those stories where the hero has to ride in with the historical equivalent of guns blazing to save the heroine from a fate worse than death.

This is a story where brains and charm outwit the villain, and it is a romp every step of the way. If you are looking for a story to put a smile on your face, A Scandalous Proposal is it. Dany manages to skewer every convention of historical romance, and the reader applauds her for doing it. Especially when she reminds Coop that she has her own views on everything, and that he ignores those views and actions very much at his own peril.

A Scandalous Proposal is the second book in Michaels’ Little Season series, but it can certainly be read as a chuckle-a-minute stand alone. While some of the characters introduced in An Improper Arrangement, particularly the marvelously down-to-earth Clarice have roles to play in A Scandalous Proposal, they get more than enough introduction in this second book to weave them into the plot.

Read this one for the absolutely marvelous piffle. Then wait with bated laughter, for the third book in the Little Season, A Reckless Promise.

[Alicja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the series. And again a light, cheerful and pleasant story. Another strong character of Coop's hero, talkative and amazing Dan. Once again, the wonderful heroes of the second plan - Dan's Sister, Coop's friends, Coop's Mama, the servants. The author has a light pen which gives the book a lightness.

[Kindle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly entertaining romp. Lots of banter, at times so much that intended humour became inane and detracted from story.
I like quips but I felt painfully aware of author's efforts to force in humorous banter. Sometimes less is more effective.

Story overall was fairly good.

[Mrs Caroline Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a good book. It had really great characters. It had a great plot that moved the story along quickly and a great relationship between the 2 main characters.

[Monique Takens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the Mills and Boon publication and it includes the novella - How to Woo a Spinster .

[SidneyKay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted a book to work so much that you just keep on reading? Maybe the need to finish is because one has been a fan of the author for so long that one ignores the passing of time and the missing freshness that was once present in their books. Maybe the need to complete the book was because one of my allll time favorite funny books was written by this particular author. (The Tenacious Miss Tamerlane.) Maybe I was hoping for another great fun story, after all the heroine in this book was so irrepressible that she just made me smile. There were a lot of reason’s I wanted to finish A Scandalous Proposal. I wanted this book to work for me, but sad to say even with one of the funniest, perkiest, breath-of-fresh-air heroines I’ve seen in a long time, she just couldn’t make this story any more than an average tale. I thought about my disappointment for a long time and I think one of the biggest problems I had was with our hero Cooper Townsend. He was just no match for our zippy heroine Daniella (Dany) Foster.

Dany was just a delight. She was what one might consider a spunky heroine, but in a good way. She was the type of heroine who would spell disaster to most romance heroes. This could make for some really fun times if we had the right kind of hero. I adore a hero who stumbles, struggles and basically has a hard time with the female lead. An arrogant hero would be fun to watch. This doesn’t mean the hero has to be an alpha bonehead, but I think the story takes on a life of its own if the hero was really arrogant – a stuffed shirt – someone who is alllways right. With that kind of guy the sparks should fly off of the page. Cooper just wasn’t stuffy. He wasn’t arrogant – he was just bland. Cooper was the weak link in this book and that’s toooo bad because he could’ve been so much better.

Maybe you might be interested in the plot. Well, it revolves around everyone in England being blackmailed and Dany and Cooper try to find the blackmailer. Well, not everyone in England was blackmailed. Dany’s sister, the Countess of Cockermouth (yes that’s the name) and Cooper were. Cooper was being blackmailed because everyone thinks he’s a hero and he’s not – or was he? The Countess of Cockermouth was being blackmailed because she wrote some indiscreet letters. (Never put anything in writing.) She also thinks her husband, Oliver, was tired of her and she’s boo-hooing about that throughout the book. The portion of the book dedicated to the sister was another missed opportunity for making this story into a great farce. Maybe if less space had been allotted to the gathering-of-series-characters there would have been more time to develop other secondary characters. But as it was there was a giant get-together of all the other primary heroes from the other stories and their wives and their aunts and their dogs. And, they all had a plan to find the villain. Word of warning, don’t blink or you might miss the villain.

Villain. Spoiler! This was one of those villains we only hear about. In fact I don’t think he even talks in this one. There might be one scene where he breezes through, but mostly he was talked about and dealt with completely as an afterthought. The absentee villain syndrome has the feel of a rush to get to the end of the story and go on to the next one. I wonder if middle books are similar to middle children.

Bottom line – loved the heroine, but she’s not strong enough to carry the entire book on her own. The hero was weak, the secondary characters not fully developed and the villain almost invisible. This was not one of Ms. Kasey’s better books and I was very disappointed because I had such high hopes.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cooper Townsend is a hero, a former soldier whose popularity has been enhanced by the publication of two books that exaggerated his exploits. Coop isn’t happy with all the attention, but he has a bigger problem—the author of the books is threatening to publish a third volume that will tarnish his reputation, unless Coop pays him a substantial sum. Daniella Foster also has a problem—a blackmailer is threatening her sister with indiscreet letters she foolishly wrote to a secret admirer. When they realize that they are being blackmailed by the same person, Coop and Dany join forces to discover the culprit and concoct a fake engagement so they can spend time together without being questioned. As they hunt for the blackmailer, though, both Coop and Dany realize that they might not want their engagement to end once the danger is over . . .

The thing I liked most about this novel is the heroine, Dany. She’s smart, funny, and willing to defy convention whenever necessary. Dany is not about to let others stifle her, just because she’s a young woman. As a character, Coop suffers a little in comparison, because he’s written as fairly calm and sensible—the kind of person who’s the voice of reason when others want to do something crazy. Next to Dany, he seems a bit boring. However, under her influence, he does to come life a bit as the book progresses.

As much as I liked Dany, though, I didn’t think this book was quite as good as the first in the author’s The Little Season series. One of the strengths of the first book was the secondary characters that the author introduced to add humor to the plot. The secondary characters in this book—Dany’s ditzy, slightly selfish older sister and Coop’s embarrassingly outspoken mother—aren’t as strong. Luckily, all those amusing characters from the first book also appear in this one, so that helped a bit.

The other thing that I didn’t appreciate in this book was the almost instantaneous love between Coop and Dany. They fell completely in love in the space of two days. I guess anything is possible, but I prefer romances where there’s a bit more time devoted to building the relationship between the characters.

In spite of those quibbles, I generally enjoyed this romance and am looking forward to the next in the series featuring Coop’s friend Darby. He’s been presented as rakish but charming—my favorite kind of character!

An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Phoenix77 · Rating 3 out of 5]

In A Scandalous Proposal, fame isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

At least that’s what Lord Cooper Townsend comes to find when he becomes the darling of the ton after the release of two stories of his heroics in France. These highly exaggerated tales of his time fighting Napoléon and saving widows and children from the French army have made it impossible for Cooper to go anywhere without being mobbed. His popularity has become a joke to his friends but is much more of a nuisance to Cooper, especially as the anonymous author of the pamphlets has hinted at knowledge of events that no one but Cooper and a select few should know. Those small hints, hidden in the pages of both stories, become threats that all will be revealed in a third and final story that could ruin not only Cooper but also highly placed members of society unless he pays to keep the author silent. Unable to risk exposure, Cooper begins an investigation to find the blackmailer and keep them from ever publishing again.

Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on From the TBR Pile

A Scandalous Proposal is the first book that I have read by this author. I know it won't be my last. I definitely enjoyed reading this historical romance. In it, Cooper and Dany find themselves in the same predicament. Someone is blackmailing them and if they don't find out who it is in time, the scandal would be devastating.

The thing I liked most about this one was the characters. Dany was a breath of fresh air. She is how I would have liked to have been during that time. Not one for social norms, she speaks her mind and isn't afraid to think or "be" outside the box. I thought she was a great match for Cooper. The banter between the two was amusing and fun to watch. The peripheral characters were equally as strong and entertaining. The race to find the blackmailer was really fun to read as well.

I definitely recommend giving this one a try. It is the second in this series, but I thought it held up well as a stand alone.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

«Il mio amico Oliver ha sposato una tonta? Sia chiaro che, per quanto desideri rendermi utile a sua moglie, mi rifiuto di danneggiarlo in alcun modo»

« Il vostro amico Oliver ha sposato un sorriso dolce come zucchero, un paio di sognanti occhi azzurri e un corpo snello e flessuoso che lo attraeva come il miele le api, e poi si è ritrovato legato a una stupida sentimentale, convinta di dover essere corteggiata giorno dopo giorno, per il resto della vita. L’ho avvisata che questo genere di cose si esaurisce nel giro di pochi anni, e poi si diventa comodi e rilassati l’uno con l’altro, proprio come i nostri genitori. Però lei non si persuade Mari…Ebbene Mari ha bisogno di attenzione. E di…emozioni forti.»

« Che il conte non le procura più? Mi fate arrossire Miss Foster» Dany scrollò le spalle snelle. Spiegarsi era più difficile del previsto. «Poiché non sono informata sulla loro vita intima, non posso rispondervi. E voi, milord non avreste dovuto rivolgermi la domanda. Vi dirò soltanto che mio cognato ha dimenticato il compleanno della moglie prima di dirigersi a nord con gli amici per pescare i salmoni o sparare ai volatili, il che può essere interpretato soltanto come un segno di disaffezione.»

La piccola stagione Londinese è una serie di libri che raccontano le vicissitudini di quattro reduci della guerra contro Napoleone. Cooper Townsend è stato coinvolto in un particolare episodio di tale guerra, che gli è valso il titolo di Barone, la riconoscenza di Sua Altezza Reale il Principe Reggente e una tenuta. Quello che però nessuno sa, è che, anche se Cooper ha più volte rischiato la vita in azioni di guerra comportandosi con coraggio e onore, a Quatre Bras si è svolto qualcosa che i detrattori del Principe non dovranno mai sapere. La nomina a Barone è un motivo per tacere, ma anche la possibilità di un tragico incidente, se si scoprisse la verità. E, purtroppo per Cooper, qualcuno sembra averla scoperta e sta tentando di ricattarlo. Ma non è il solo a subire questa sorte. Anche Mari, Contessa di Cockermouth, moglie del suo amico Oliver, si trova nella stessa situazione. Qualcuno la sta ricattando per delle lettere scritte in un momento in cui il marito sembrava non curarsi più di lei, ed ora è in preda alla disperazione. Fortuna però, che sua sorella Danielle sa esattamente di cosa hanno bisogno per uscire da questo guaio, “un eroe” ecco quello di cui necessitano, e lei è intenzionata a trovarlo e salvare la sorella. E se Cooper e i suoi amici hanno poco tempo, prima che gli scandali vengano alla luce, Danielle non intende essere lasciata indietro.

Il neo Barone non è felice, da quando le sue gesta eroiche vengono decantate in ogni salotto non riesce più a evitare le orde di giovinette e le loro madri, disposte a qualunque cosa per essere compromesse da lui e portare all’altare l’osannato eroe di Quatre Bras. Per questo, quando si scontra con Danielle, pensa sia l’ennesimo tentativo di destare il suo interesse; ma ben presto si deve ricredere. Una volta appurato che la sorella maggiore di Danielle e preda del suo stesso ricattatore, i due si ritrovano improbabili alleati nel tentativo di scoprire chi si celi dietro le lettere minatorie che minacciano le loro vite. E nonostante la giovane età della ragazza, Cooper intuisce fin dal primo momento che Danielle non rimarrà nelle retrovie lasciando che lui risolva la situazione.

«Detto questo, essendo io al comando, prenderete ordini da me. Non tenterete di aggirarli né d’improvvisare e in nessun caso li metterete in discussione. Non concepirete soluzioni che giudicate migliori delle mie né cercherete di metterle in atto da sola, costringendomi a darvi la caccia e raccogliere i cocci.» Sì, la conosceva già molto bene. Com’era successo? Dany aveva un segnale di avvertimento appiccicato in fronte che solo lui riusciva a vedere?

Il Barone infatti, al contrario della maggior parte degli uomini del ton, ha capito immediatamente di che pasta è fatta questa ragazza sfacciata, intelligente e unica. Lui ha passato tutta la vita con una donna di quello stampo, ed è sicuro che la madre Minerva e Danielle andranno molto d’accordo, e se inizialmente questo sembra terrorizzarlo, in breve non può fare a meno di cominciare a provare per lei ben più che ammirazione.

Adoro questo tipo di protagonista femminile specie se la trovo in uno storico, ritratto di una dama fuori le righe che veleggia fra gli squali dell’alta società come una nave pirata sempre in procinto di finire nei guai, mentre l’eroe di turno è sempre in bilico fra il desiderio di strozzarla e quello di baciarla. E del resto Danielle stessa si prende in giro con grande ironia, ben cosciente di non essere la debuttante ideale.

So che mia madre in questo preciso momento, si trova nel suo salottino privano, impegnata a fare promesse azzardate al Signore se mi renderà muta finché un povero idiota deciderà di non poter vivere senza figli dai capelli rossi.

Al contrario di molti altri protagonisti, Cooper si rassegna ben presto al destino e ai sentimenti che Danielle gli suscita, ben conscio che difficilmente avrà mai l’ultima parola, tenta in ogni modo di tenerla al sicuro ma non cerca di soffocarne la personalità. Un uomo insolito per il suo tempo, abituato a gestire e interagire con una madre molto speciale: Minerva, un personaggio davvero indovinato, che ha reso la storia ancora più accattivante.

Nonostante il ricatto e la successiva indagine non è un libro in cui accade molto, ma ho apprezzato moltissimo la scrittura ironica e divertente dell’autrice. Dialoghi che fanno sorridere e personaggi davvero belli, hanno reso questa lettura l’occasione di passare un pomeriggio piacevole e rilassante. Aspetto con trepidazione il prossimo libro, in cui Darby Visconte Nilbourne dovrà destreggiarsi fra la vulcanica ed eccentrica fidanzata che lui ama con tutto il cuore, e la fantomatica fanciulla a cui deve fare da tutore.

[DemetraP · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. Annoying characters.

The heroine's sister wrote love letters to another man, while her husband was away. Heroine asks hero to help her stop the blackmailer. Only, oh wait, hero is being blackmailed too. Someone is threatening to tell the truth about how the hero became a war hero.

They have some annoying back and forth about how to investigate the blackmail. Hero decides to fake a betrothal to heroine (without asking her) so the other women will leave him alone and he'll be free to concentrate on the blackmailer.

At this point I gave up on the book. I didn't feel any chemistry between the love interests and heroine's sister was annoying.

[JulianneWells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instant love, which is never my preference. Writing style tries a bit too hard to be witty, and not much historical detail. Still, cute story and likeable main characters.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by NetGalley

I am happy to say this second book in the "Little Season" series is even more delightful than the first installment.

Cooper Townsend has returned from war with a hero's welcome like no other, even having a title bestowed upon him, for all his efforts. The truth surrounding his heroic exploits have been slightly embellished upon with the truth being a highly guarded secret. But, with throngs of young ladies and their mothers fainting and swooning over him, his popularity is beginning to annoy him, and it has apparently made him the subject of a chapbook and a blackmail victim to boot.

Daniella Foster's sister, Mari, needs the help of a hero, after foolishly exchanging notes with a secret admirer, in hopes of getting even with her inattentive husband, making her an easy prey for blackmail. So, with her sister in a delicate condition, Dany approaches the most notable hero around for help in locating the damning letters.... Cooper Townsend.

Putting their heads together, Dany and Coop, investigate the source of this blackmailer, his motive, and how to prevent Mari's letters from going public, as well as the truth about Coop's hero status, but in the process, find they enjoy talking to each other and being together. Perhaps this friendship, could lead to something more?

This in another clever regency period story with a little bit of adventure and mystery tossed in for good measure.

While witty banter has almost become a hallmark feature of Regency romance novels, on occasion, it becomes too much of a good thing. The banter overruled character depth and individual growth, but the development of the relationship between Cooper and Dany was so subtle, they were head over heels for each other before they knew what hit them, and it even crept up on me! The chemistry is almost pitch perfect, and by the midway mark, things really start to heat up between the couple with the romantic elements being nearly perfect, too.

The way the author built the relationship upon friendship, then sweet and tender romance, then added in some spice, was simply divine, written just they way I like it.

The blackmail plot added mystery and a little suspense into the mix which is also something I really enjoyed about the book, which kept the pace moving along at a nice clip.

Although there were a few of those pesky modern terms sprinkled through the book, there is very little colorful language, which is far more authentic to this period of time, plus I think it helped keep all that witty banter sharp and tight.

This is a light pleasure read, wonderfully entertaining, and a lot of fun, which is something we all need on occasion.

[Karine Darnessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note réelle 4,5/5.
Il aura fallu plus d'un an pour enfin connaître la suite de cette série. J'avoue que je n'y croyais plus.

Même si mes souvenirs du premiers tomes sont assez flous, je me suis plongé dans celui-ci sans appréhension. Et j'ai eu raison. Daniella est un personnage féminin comme je les aime, elle n'est pas une petite chose fragile qui minaude et ne cesse de penser à l'homme pour qui elle ressent des sentiments. Elle est là pour sortir sa sœur de la plus grosse bêtise qu'elle a faite dans sa vie et même si elle trouve Cooper à son goût, elle se concentre sur l'enquête qui doit l'aider à récupérer les preuves que détient le maître chanteur de sa sœur. Cooper n'est pas en reste, c'est un homme qui ne cherche que la tranquillité depuis que le roi lui a donné un titre et des terres, mais c'est sans compter sur un livre qui raconte ses hypothétiques aventures, un livre écrit par une personne qui tente de lui soutirer une forte somme d'argent.

J'ai beaucoup aimé les personnages, on dirait une grande famille qui se côtoie de façon particulière et qui tente de ne pas prêter attention aux ragots. La relation entre Danielle et Cooper, enfin la romance est dans un sens rapide car l'histoire se déroule sur deux ou trois semaines. Lorsqu'on est plongé dans le récit, on l'oublie très vite. Cela peut peut-être déranger certains, pour ma part j'ai vu ça comme un coup de foudre spectaculaire.

Quant à l'histoire, j'ai été agréablement surprise par le parti pris de l'auteure de nous faire découvrir l'identité du maître chanteur en même temps que les personnages, rien dans l'histoire ne peut nous mener à lui avant notre groupe. J'ai apprécié aussi Clarice et Minerva (la mère de Cooper) qui sortent du lot. ce n'est pas avec elles que vous aurez droit à un respect strict des convenances.

Pour conclure, ce deuxième tome m'a bien plu. Je me suis bien amusé et j'ai passé une bonne séance de lecture. Et pour mon plus grand plaisir, cette fois-ci l'attente ne sera pas longue pour découvrir le troisième tome et le personnage de Darby. Car il est censé paraître au mois de juillet.

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick, if not flimsy, story about revenge and scandals. It was ok.

Daniella’s sister has started a correspondence with a secret admirer, until said person extorts her. Except she has no idea who this person is. Dany tries to get to the bottom of it and realizes she needs a hero. In walks Cooper Townsend. He is part of the quartet of this series and established hero status from his exploits in the war against Bonaparte. Prinny gives him an estate and a title for what he has done, so now he is a Baron. And when stories appear of his stories about being a hero, he is a regular celebrity. Dany literally runs into him on the street and so begins their friendship. Dany gets Cooper to help them and he obliges, until he realizes his blackmailer is one in the same. Together they embark on a mystery to solve before the allotted comes up and their news becomes public knowledge. And it just so happens they fall for each other. Crazy that.

It was a quick read for me, and the humor was dry which I did like. But this book didn’t really grip me. The formalness of these relationships yet wanting to be tawdry is kinda nonsensical.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy the writing style. There is so much “witty” dialogue, you can’t catch your breath. Dialogue is constantly, relentlessly used instead of narration. So, for example, as a character is expressing her opinion about something, they are apt to comment on how people are acting, looking, the scenery.. So you are getting details about the "action" through the dialogue.

For example:
Heroine: "Hello, how are you? Mother, what are you doing. Don't drop that teapot. Snuggles, you cute little boy, you feel so nice in my lap. What a beautiful sunny day we are having. I'm glad I am wearing my yellow jacket with a touch of rose. What did you say? I thought you mumbled."

It is just too much and gives the book a frenetic feeling. At the same time, the overall plot is boring.

[Babette Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discreto * * *
Non ho letto il precedente e quindi per tutto il romanzo sono stata molto confusa dal gran numero di personaggi. Inoltre per la verità il segreto di Coop mi pare decisamente inverosimile (solo stupido quello della sorella di Daniella) e tutto l’intrigo alla base dei ricatti non è proprio convincente.
Però la storia d’amore è bella, anche se un po’ anacronistica, mi pare.
Qualche refuso in più rispetto al livello usuale degli Harper Collins cartacei.

(Teresa Siciliano)

[Susan Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently I had given this book 5 stars years ago. I just read it again and can't figure out why. Although I loved the dialogue, this story and the novella at the end had a ridiculous timeline with the heroes and heroines having instantaneous love and sex and marriage within days.

Dany was a lot of fun though.

[Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the antics of Dany and Coop. The dialogue is fast paced. The mystery adds to the thrill of reading it.

[Nancy McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to read the rest of the series.

[LaZia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Copertina fantastica....ecco, avrei anche finito.....

[Monique Lebrocq · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rollicking tale
of blackmail, secrets, and love.
#FansofBridgerton

[Jenny Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in this series, An Improper Arrangement, was my first Kasey Michaels novel, and while there were some aspects of it that I loved, overall I did not enjoy it quite as much as I'd hoped. But this second book really takes the series to the next level, and I loved it!

In the opening chapter, we learn that Cooper Townsend, whom we met in book one, is being blackmailed by the same person responsible for his unwanted fame, the author of the sensational chapbooks chronicling his supposed acts of bravery and good deeds during the war and beyond. These woefully exaggerated tales have gained Coop a legion of admirers, both male and female, but it is the latter that he has to dodge at every turn as every eligible maid and husband-hunting mama is out to land the catch of a lifetime. But now the author of the books is threatening to publish the third and final volume in the series, which will paint Coop as a cad who takes advantage of the damsels he rescues while exposing a real wartime secret that Coop--and the king, to whom Coop owes his title and allegiance--must keep hidden at all costs.

Enter Daniella Foster. Dany's sister is also being blackmailed for a foolish indiscretion, and Dany, being newly unleashed upon London from her banishment to the country and having just heard about the great hero Cooper Townsend, believes he's just the man to help them out of their pickle. He is a hero after all. How can he refuse to help a lady in distress? Just as she's trying to figure out a way to arrange a meeting, she literally walks out of a dress shop and right into him. Talk about fates colliding! Of course, Coop thinks she's yet another husband hunter, but her earnest plea for help has him intrigued. And when he realizes he and her sister are being blackmailed by the same person, he proposes a fake engagement to allow him all the access he needs to Dany's house and her company. As Coop and Dany, with the help of a few friends, try to track down the blackmailer, they realize there's much more between them than a mutual interest in catching a criminal. But as their net tightens around their quarry, a dangerous new element comes into play, and Coop and Dany find themselves not only fighting for their hearts, but for their very lives.

What I'm discovering about Kasey Michaels is that she has a real knack for creating engaging characters. I was utterly charmed by Dany, who is a breath of fresh air in historical romance, and in Cooper's life. The pace at which her brain works and her mouth moves is astonishing. And the fact that she's had no time or even an interest in learning how to act like a prim and proper lady of the ton makes her incredibly authentic. The reader can't help but fall in love with her right along with Coop. And Cooper is also a refreshing hero in that he's not a rake in need of reforming--despite his reputation for rescuing grateful damsels in distress. Unlike his other companions at the Battle of Champaubert, he went back for more, becoming a hero for a daring act of bravery at Quatre Bras. He is a soldier, a more somber man, and because of his unwanted fame, a man who has to be careful whom he lets get close to him. Watching him get knocked off his feet by Dany was a real treat.

This book is saved from the slower and more meandering pace of the first book in this series by the addition of a mystery, that of discovering who the blackmailer is and what his/her ultimate goal is. Really the only thing that keeps me from rating this higher is that I thought a few threads were underdeveloped and/or unresolved. Unfortunately, I can't go into detail here without the risk of spoiling anything, but they were minor quibbles when compared to how much I enjoyed the characters and the delicious banter and sexual tension between them. I am looking forward to reading Darby's story in book three this summer!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary from Goodreads:

"Who would have thought a man could tire of being fawned over and flirted with? Ever since Cooper Townsend returned from France as a hero with a new title, he has been relentlessly pursued by every marriageable miss in London. Perhaps that's why the unconventional Miss Daniella Foster is so appealing. She doesn't simper or flatter. She only wants him to help unmask her sister's blackmailer, and Coop has never been so intrigued…

Let every other woman in London fight over His Lordship's romantic attentions. Marriage is the last thing on Dany's mind…at least until she samples his illicit kisses. Now, as a mutual enemy races to ruin Coop's reputation and Dany's family name, an engagement of convenience will spark an unlikely passion that might save them both."

My Thoughts:

What a fun, delightful read this was! I really enjoy historical romances even though I don't feel like I've read nearly enough of them. This book though managed to take me completely by surprise with just how fun of a read I found it to be. There were times that I laughed out loud at this book and there were many a time I just found myself grinning at my kindle while reading (I'm pretty sure my husband has learned to just ignore my weirdness at this point). Even the way that the author writes was fun to read although I admit at the beginning it took me a bit to get used to. I found myself highlighting passages to save that I just loved which isn't something that I often do while reading. This book was a breath of fresh air after all of the dark and thrilling reads that I have been reading as of late. It fit my reading mood just perfectly and I found myself unable to stop reading.

One of the things that I really loved about this book was Dany and Cooper and the relationship that was developing between them. Dany was such a great leading female character filled with spunk and an unapologetic nature. She is who she is and doesn't pretend to be anything else. I found her to be such a refreshing female lead and a perfect match for Coop. The chemistry between the two of them was just perfect and fit right into the story. I was eagerly waiting for them to realize their true feelings for one another and find their happy ever after. It was just so sweet and perfect! I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in this story and am eager to read the first book in this series to see how it all began. This author really managed to pull me into this book and I loved every minute of it!

Overall, I found this to be a really enjoyable read that fit my reading mood perfectly. I love when that happens! It was fun, romantic, and had just the right amount of heat to it in my opinion. I adored watching Dany and Coop find each other and loved the way that the book ended. It was absolutely perfect and was just what I had been hoping for. This may have been my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. I actually already have An Improper Arrangement (book one) ready for me on my kindle to read and I don't plan on waiting long to read it! I can easily recommend this book to historical romance lovers and romance fans in general. Recommended!

Bottom Line: A delightful read that made me laugh at times and sigh with happiness in others!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley as part of a TLC book tour.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scandalous Proposal by Kasey Michaels is the second book in her 'The Little Season' series. I have read the first book, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and while this one lacks a little in comparison to that one, I very much enjoyed this second book as well.

This is the story about Cooper Townsend and Miss Daniella Foster. Coop is a hero, a much adored and lusted after man all thanks to somebody publishing small books, making him out to be every woman's desire. He doesn't know who has written the books, but he's not happy about them at all. He enjoys the quiet life, a life he isn't having because of the ridiculous exaggerations written about him. It all seemed harmless until he received a letter saying that a third book was going to be published, and this one would be telling some major secret of Coop's, one that if discovered could lead to Coop's death! The book would be published unless Coop paid the writer to stop it. Blackmail at it's finest.

Daniella's sister is being blackmailed also. She's a married woman, and in a fit of melancholy she decided that her husband wasn't in love with her anymore. He actually forgot her birthday before he went off to the country to a shoot with friends. She had received a letter from a secret admirer, and she decided to correspond with him. She poured her heart and soul out in the letters much to her detriment as she too ends up with a blackmail demand. The supposed secret admirer tells her that if she doesn't pay him, then the letters which he has in his possession, would all be sent to her husband. Already fearing her husband has gone off her, the last thing she needs is for him to know of the letters. She enlists Daniella's help in trying to get them back.

Daniella of course has heard of the wonderful hero Cooper Townsend, and she is certain if anybody can help get the letters back and keep her sister's marriage from failing, it would be him. She enlists his help, and as it turns out they are both being blackmailed by the same person, Coop is even more adamant to find the culprit and stop him.

Daniella and Cooper have to spend a lot of time together and so that she isn't compromised and her reputation sullied, they decide to pretend to be betrothed. Will that betrothal become real, will the blackmailer be stopped, and who is he??

I enjoyed reading the developing relationship between Coop and Daniella, she is everything he never knew he wanted in a woman: Although straight from the start he loved that she wasn't a simpering woman like all the other ladies who thought him the perfect husband material.

The mystery in the story was captivating especially when we learn that the blackmailer Isn't just a simple blackmailer out to make a buck, he is so much more than that.

The romance in the book is just right with some well written passionate moments thrown into the mix. Nothing crass, just beautiful love making.

I think what I find missing from this book in comparison to the first in the series is the comical side of things. I guess it's hard to find a way to add a lot of humour to a story revolving around blackmail though, so I certainly won't let that affect the rating that I give for this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.