A Breath of Scandal [Paperback]

The action and mystery line was a bit light and predictable, however since I am not much on action/mystery, this didn't bother me at all. Just thought I'd mention it here for others who prefer heavy action/mystery added on their romance books.

The appearance of the characters in A TASTE OF SIN was one of the best part for me. I love reading updates of the characters from my previous books especially if they are my favorites. The Epilogue of this book was simply perfect. It's happy, filled with love, family & children. Goose bumps alert :-)

The reason why this book didn't belong to a five star rate to me is because of the added romance of Emma and Rudy. I loved Emma's spunky character in A TASTE OF SIN and couldn't wait to read her very own story. I didn't expect her to simply be an extra piece here in A BREATHE OF SCANDAL. I didn't mind her marriage with Rudy, I think it's fitting but I would have love to read how she tamed Rudy. I just want more of her. Oh well, that's only a small niggle which unfortunately took one star out of my overall rating.

Back in London, Julian attends a ball in honor of Lara, who turns out to be an earl's daughter. Julian informs Lara they will marry because he compromised her. Although she loves Julian, she rejects him because she wants his love and can't compete with the ghost of his deceased fiancee. The Jackal's henchman recognizes Lara as the Gypsy who saved Julian's life, making her life forfeit unless Julian can save the woman he loves.

A BREATH OF SCANDAL is a powerful sequel to Connie Mason's warm Scottish Regency romance, A TASTE OF SIN. The story line is fast-paced and authentic, especially Julian's reactions to Lara the Gypsy vs. Lara the aristocrat. Lara is an intrepid individual who loves the people in both of her worlds and any spouse of hers would have to do likewise. The return of several popular characters from the first book adds to an exciting Regency romantic suspense that will leave Connie Mason's audience wanting the final book in her Scottish trilogy.

Harriet Klausner

On his secret mission, he fell prey to the hunchmen of the Jackal but is saved by a half Gypsy girl, Lara. From there, the attraction is set - Lara sacrifices her pride to pose as Julian's wife and to hide him from his tenacious enemy, he assumes the identity as Lara's husband, Drago. After nights of passion, Julian and Lara forged a tenuous love only to be shattered by Julian's guilt and the mismatching social status. It is only after he returns to London did he find that Lara is actually the daughter of the Earl of Stanhope.Their reunion is short-lived - with the chase of enemy behind both of them, their love would prove even more difficult....

Connie Mason sculpts the characters to finesse in this book. I was a bit disappointed with Sinjun's profligate ways last time, but Julian shows a more nuanced, mellow and resilient shade which I much preferred. The only thing was his xenophobia and parochial view on Gypsy group - even to the shallow point of thinking Lara was a loose woman. Lara - as usual is strong, brave and decisive, as with all the women characters in Ms. Mason's book. Ms. Mason does not disappoint. The passionate scenes are fiery and sensual, and complimented by an exciting plot to the finish, A BREATH OF SCANDAL is lushly scandalous to take the breath away from the fanatics.