Ripe For Scandal: Number 2 in series (League of Second Sons) [Mass Market Paperback]

This book did not live up to the description on the back cover at all. I actually finished this book and cannot tell you what this so called hero did for a living. 'Secret Society of second sons sworn to aid and abet'....what a joke! Just another sad tale of a man whoring his way through women....preferably married...as this somehow made his behaviour acceptable....and the woman who didn't care how many women he had been with nor whether he was full of disease or had fathered any children. In fact she accepts a child into her home who she believes is her husbands bast**d with a shrug of her shoulders thinking to herself 'I should have known!'

I usually wait to read the reviews before purchasing a book now but took a chance anyway. What a huge disappointment not to mention waste of time and money. I know I am not alone in wanting to read a story about a hero with some integrity and depth....someone with a few morals perhaps? Unfortunately there are too many authors not listening.

Gareth Sandison is in love with his best friend's little sister, Beau. But as a second son, he knows the lady is out of his reach. Beau has other ideas. She wants Gareth for her own, and when he saves her from a kidnapping attempt, she grasps her opportunity to have him.

The two decide to wed in order to keep Beau's reputation intact --and it works for the most part. But swooping in on a friend's sister is a cardinal sin among gentlemen and the marriage leaves Gareth ostracized among his buddies. The love is there for our couple and so is some pretty rockin' sex... but they aren't without problems. In addition to Gareth losing his friends, they must also deal with a revenge plot against Beau and the appearance of Gareth's bastard nephew, who his brother refuses to claim.

This is where the book lost me. I kind of like the idea of our hero and heroine banding together to thumb their nose at society. They were a united force --who entertained me with steamy love scenes. But Gareth's willingness to break Beau's heart to perpetrate his brother's lies completely alienated me. It was totally unnecessary. Even if he wanted to maintain the pretense to the outside world, lying to Beau was inexcusable.

The first half of the book was pretty enjoyable... and I was satisfied by the time we got to the ending. But the baby plot device/ secret/ misunderstanding was a big fail. 3 1/2 stars.

An adventurous and tempting novel, Ripe for Scandal is a great addition to the League of Second Sons series. Isobel Carr pens a charming and delightful novel with plenty of drama and sizzling passion.

Lady Boudicea "Beau" Vaughn has spent her fair share of time flirting with young gentlemen, but their is only one she wants and he is the one she can't have. Gareth Sandison, second son of an Earl, is not only below her station, but a notorious rake. They have both known each other since they were children and both harbor secret feelings for each other, but cannot act on them. When Beau is kidnapped by an admirer, Gareth is there to save the day. Now that Beau is on the cusp of utter ruin, they must seek out a solution and it is not an easy one. As these two face the consequences of their actions, they must see if they have any chance at a `happily ever after.'

In truth, I adored this novel. Perhaps one of the most unconventional historical romances I've read in quiet some time and it completely enthralled me. The stunning couple at it's forefront is overflowing with perfect chemistry. One of the aspects I loved best was the fact that you were introduced to a couple that was already infatuated with each other yet did not reveal it. It was perfect! Yet their situation sort of forces them together and because of it, each side feels guilty for entrapping the other. It was hilarious yet sweetly romantic! Especially once the truth finally comes out.

While the storyline was fantastic, it was really the excellent detail of Ripe for Scandal that kept it going. Half way through I was truly stumped with where this story was going. You almost felt like things could wind up into a perfectly neat ending at any minute. Therein lies the brilliance of Carr's story...it was always far from over. Each experience and each chapter in this novel was just as exciting as the last. The romance and the drama never let up for a moment and that was fantastic to read. Lovely cast of supporting characters as well. They were always fun and entertaining to read about.

Beau was an interesting heroine because she was so complex. She wanted Gareth as her better half but was not willing to give up her individuality to have it. I adored her bold independence and her willingness to fight for the things she wanted. She was always willing to make the best of a bad situation and she had such passion for life, you couldn't help but find her endearing. On the other hand, Gareth was an unusual rake. He knew he could never have the one woman he wanted, so he went out searching for anyone to take her place. Of course, no one could match up to his beloved Beau. When fate finally brings them together, he is not willing to give her up. His determination to make Beau his was one of the most romantic aspects of the novel. You knew he would fight for her no matter what the cost.

Overall, a splendid novel. The story line was perfect, the characters were fantastic and the passion was sizzling. I was entertained from beginning to end, hardly knowing what to expect in the next chapter. Isobel Carr has certainly left her mark on the historical romance genre with this fabulous series...I look forward to her future works!

Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5