Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the first BOTM for July 2023. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some HTML is ok' for instructions.)


Do You Want to Start a Scandal

Join us in reading this HR that features the theme Age Difference!

Synopsis:

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.
• Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan?
• Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall?
• Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit... and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

Happy reading!

Looking forward to reading this one next month.

I just finished this book and it was delightful. I laughed a lot and wanted to solve the mystery too. I didn't figure it out but the MC did. It is the 5th book in Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove HR series. I think now I will have to read the rest of the series. I hope you all enjoy this entertaining novel.

Can this be read as a standalone?

Lauren wrote: "Can this be read as a standalone?"

I think so. I did, and I didn't feel too lost for not having read the others in the series preceding it. There are recurring characters, but not to the point where you don't know is happening between Charlotte and Piers.

Maureen wrote: "I just finished this book and it was delightful. I laughed a lot and wanted to solve the mystery too. I didn't figure it out but the MC did. It is the 5th book in Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove HR serie..."

I haven't read all the ones preceding this, but I LOVED When a Scot Ties the Knot and also Say Yes to the Marquess, which is the one most directly tied to this book because it involves Clio, previously betrothed to Piers, and his younger brother, Rafe.

I am ready for a reread of this book. I plan to start today.

The reread was just as fun and amusing as the first time. It was also quick and easy since I already finished.

This is listed as part of the Castles Ever After Series and Spindle Cove. I had previously read the primary works in both of these series in order. Romancing the Duke was my favorite.

I never read the novellas. I am now inspired to read her older sister's story Beauty and the Blacksmith.

I have just started reading this and I am enjoying already. I was particularly pleased to see that Lord Payne from 'A Week to Be Wicked' (Spindle Dove#2) made an appearance in chapter 2. I read that book quite a number of years ago and it is one of my favourites (it is a road trip with a rake - my fave!!)

I was also intrigued (as an Aussie) to the reference to the Earl being vetted to see whether he was appropriate for a posting to Australia to sort out the government corruption. As an Aussie I was wondering what government corruption we were talking about and whether Dare had made that up. So down the rabbit hole I went. It would appear that our governor (Macquarie) was doing all sorts of stuff the English didn't like such as freeing/reforming of convicts and spending money on public works!! A good history lesson for me - who says that you cannot learn anything from Historical Romance novels.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing a bit about your history research!

Oh this was so disappointing. I had read it several years ago and thought it one of TD's worst books. Having just read it again, I feel exactly the same. So very disappointed!

This is not up to the author’s usual standard. I found books like When a Scot ties the knot, Romancing the Duke, and The Duchess Deal absolutely delightful. But this one is not up to that standard. Mediocre plotting and poor characterisation. Suspension of disbelief was required at every part of the book.

I disliked the faux-naïf heroine. The older hero never demonstrated why he was a successful spy, nor did he convince me that he'd actually fallen in love with the adolescent heroine.

The story ceased to mildly funny and became simply farcical and then melodramatic very swiftly. Having loved so many of her books. - this one failed for me.

I am really pleased for those who've read it and enjoyed it. Just not my cup of tea.

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Oh this was so disappointing. I had read it several years ago and thought it one of TD's worst books. Having just read it again, I feel exactly the same. So very disappointed!"

Susan, I'm glad to read that not everyone loves this book. I thought I was the only one! I have tried reading this book twice now, once a few years ago and then again recently for this BOTM. I haven't been able to finish it either time. I found the characters a bit flat and unconvincing, and just couldn't believe in their romance, much as I wanted to.

I've tried a couple of other books by this author, and haven't enjoyed any of them. There is so much love out there for her books, but sadly I think they're just not for me.

Like you, I'm glad others are enjoying the read. It just wasn't my cup of tea either.

Jan wrote: "Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Oh this was so disappointing. I had read it several years ago and thought it one of TD's worst books. Having just read it again, I feel exactly the same. So very disappo..."

I have enjoyed several although I have to suspend my pedantic, historian persona and simply enjoy them as fantasy romantic fiction. The Duchess deal is one of the few books I've read which actually had me laughing out loud so much, my husband asked what was so funny and I read a section out to him and it Madde him laugh too! Never mind Jan, there are lots of other authors to read!

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "JI have enjoyed several although I have to suspend my pedantic, historian persona and simply enjoy them as fantasy romantic fiction. The Duchess deal is one of the few books I've read which actually had me laughing out loud so much, my husband asked what was so funny and I read a section out to him and it Madde him laugh too! Never mind Jan, there are lots of other authors to read!"

Thanks Susan. So true. And it makes life interesting that we don't all enjoy the same authors. I'm still interested to read people's thoughts on the BOTMs even when I didn't particularly like the book myself.

Lauren wrote: "Can this be read as a standalone?"

It sure can. There is a little background on Piers in this previous book but nothing you don't pickup on quickly in this book.

Thanks Suzanne!