Title: ? Almost a Scandal ?
SubTitle: ? The Reckless Brides ?
Author: Elizabeth Essex
Publisher: ? St. Martin’s Press ?
Imprint: ? St. Martin’s Paperbacks ?
Pub Date: ? July 31, 2012 ?
ISBN: ? 9781250003799
I rarely review Romance books because frankly, I think they tend to be incredibly formulaic which works and obviously sells, but not usually for me. I am a cynic and hate the usual boy meets girl, they both hate each other but can’t keep their grubby hands off each other, with her of course being inexperienced while he has a wealth of sensual knowledge on his hands. She never has control over her body and mind, while he amounts to what is known as a stalker and sexually aggressive creep. They somehow survive all these challenges (snicker) and fall madly, hopelessly in love forever and ever and ever. Yeah. Ick.
I read ALMOST A SCANDAL with that in mind and prepared to scowl. Surprisingly, I didn’t. I got immersed in the book. It wasn’t your typical romance. There were great battles at sea, an extraordinary amount of shipboard trivia and a couple that admired and liked each other and COULD keep their hands off each other during the initial stages of getting to know one another. They were too focused on the job at hand.
I have to say I loved the feisty Sally who is all about honor and duty, even while daring to live a life she’s always dreamed about – that of being in the Navy. Her fresh, honest enthusiasm made me like her. Sally is no one’s silly ingenue, no matter how inexperienced she is in love or sex. She is confident, aware and a full partner in her relationship with Col.
Col isn’t the dark, brooding and tormented hero. No. He’s just as honorable as Sally, a detail-oriented and ambitious Lieutenant, who loves the sea and his duty. He is patriotic and good with his men and in a surprising turn, just as innocent as Sally.
I actually loved this book. I loved the feeling of being on the high seas, of being at Trafalgar with Admiral Nelson, of climbing the riggings with Sally and breathing in the salty air. The author does a wonderful job of painting the world of the British Navy, the ocean and the ships so vividly that you feel you are there. The romance, when it comes fits right in with the story and doesn’t make itself so heavy handed and saccharine. It’s a natural progression of these two admirable people with a healthy respect for each other, slowly falling in love.
Publisher’s blurb:
Bold, brazen, and beautiful, the Reckless Brides refuse to play by society’s rules of courtship. But—come hell or high water—they always get their man…
For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…
Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous—Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test…
Disclosure: A free copy of this book was furnished by the publisher for review via NetGalley, but providing a copy did not guarantee a review. This information is provided per the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission.
