With This Ring: Matter of Scandal v.3: Matter of Scandal Vol 3 (Avon Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

Firstly, the period detail is almost non-existent. Yes, Ms. Enoch mentions breeches and barouches and all the other things she should, but there's no sense that the story could only happen in another time. Greydon Brakenridge might as well be visiting a finishing school in Switzerland, climbing out of a sports car, as dismounting from his horse in Hampshire. And is it me, or does his name seem somewhat American - it certainly looks peculiar to my English eyes. Names are so important, and his was so out of keeping with the period that it jarred horribly, that I just didn't fancy 'Grey' at all.

As well, how much does Ms. Enoch know about Regency manners - or is she choosing to ignore what she knows to make the plot work? Grey might well be in a position to ignore etiquette if he likes, but surely the headmistress of a finishing school would be more reluctant to abandon propriety.

This brings me to the second, most important fact: the romance wasn't convincing. All the ingredients are there - he's tall, handsome and well-built, she's slim and equally well-built, in a female way - and you read over and over again how they can't stop thinking about each other, how much they desire each other, but there's just no spark. These characters are attracted because the author makes them attracted to each other, and in the blandest, most conventional way possible. It's no surprise, then, that when Miss Emma does give in to Grey's advances, the sex is treated briefly and unerotically - if you've read a few romance novels, you'll know that these are stock scenes with stock descriptions.

'A Matter of Scandal' is not a bad book, but it is average, which is possibly worse. I would only recommend it to Suzanne Enoch completists, or somebody desperately in need of a romance fix. For everybody else, there are better reads out there.

Instead of the anticipated easy victory, Grey finds himself being educated into the ins and outs of the female mind, not only by Emma herself, but also by the 5 pupils in his new class.

Suzanne Enoch has written a delightful romance, but even more than that, has introduced strong secondary characters and the education of the Duke is not only amusing, but endearing. The story switches viewpoints between Emma and Grey, so the reader gets to delve into their thoughts and passions.

The two strongest elements of the storytelling in my view are the humor and very quick wits of all the characters, from the youngest student Lizzy on up. Emma in particular is very clever, thoughtful and well read, with a quick wit and smart mouth. Some of the best moments are their earlier discussions, as Emma and Grey's opposite views clash against the other's considerable verbal abilities. The sparks that fly, and so quickly and brightly!

And on the romance side of the story, I enjoyed that Emma is just as physically passionate about Grey as he is about her. Often stories set in this period have women being emotionally attached, and physically responsive to the central male, but very much lead by them in that arena. Here Emma is a fully participating partner in the physical part of their relationship. She wants Grey and is not afraid to go against the rules of Society to enjoy their relationship. They are often nearly caught out, and for example make love in a chair in a solicitors office (!) each time with not only Emma's full consent, but her active participation. She does not consider giving their relationship up even when it appears that everything else is falling apart, once the parents of her pupils are told of her 'scandalous' behaviour and they descend on the school to expose and ruin her.

I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys romance, and the thrust and parry of wit and intelligence. Enoch's tale will not disappoint.