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Before the Scandal: The Notorious Gentlemen (Avon Historical Romance)
written by Suzanne Enoch
Studio : Avon
by Avon
Release Date : 2008-07-29
Publisher : Avon
Released : 2008-08-01
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9780061456749
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 13 reviews)
List Price : $6.99
Our Price : $3.00
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Product Description |
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It Was a Scandal Waiting to Happen . . . Colonel Phineas Bromley is a legend—on the battlefield and in the bedroom. Though he's won many wars, and even more hearts, nothing could prepare him for his new life. When Phin discovers that someone has been pushing his family toward ruin, he assumes the role of a legendary highwayman. Riding out in the middle of the night, hidden behind a mask, Phin heads straight into trouble . . . and into the arms of the ravishing girl next door. Coming face-to-face with a masked man did not frighten Alyse Donnelly as it should have. Instead, she finds him rather dashing. But her foolish heart has led her into trouble before, and helping a fugitive may mean jeopardizing her own plans, no matter how enticing his kisses. Now, as the danger grows, Alyse must make a choice between freedom . . . and the chance for true love. |
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Romance and Action combined |
Many romances are written mostly from the heroine's point of view; not surprising as most of the readers are likely women. This romance is written at least equally from the point of the hero, if not primarily from his perspective. That, plus his efforts to discover who was trying to harm his estranged family, gave this book a different feel from many other romances.
I read so many romances that I enjoy any time an author goes to the effort to write something different enough to stand out from the masses. Readers who want lots of sex are going to be disappointed. There is only one that I recall -- but lots of stolen kisses behind closed doors. The romance itself is that of two childhood friends and sort of sweethearts finding each other after both have gone through emotionally difficult times.
I enjoyed this book enough that I am going to get the first book in the series. |
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What Scandal? |
I'm not sure what happened between the first book in this series, After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen, and this second one but it definitely was lacking. For the life of me, I could not hold my interest in this book or its characters.
As a general summary, the main hero is Phineas Bromley, a soldier on leave to help his family in their time of need. Phineas also returns to an old childhood friend and crush, Alyse Donnelly. Alyse has fallen from grace due to her parents' deaths years ago. Instead of her previous status as a very wanted debutante, she lives as a poor companion/maid to her evil aunt and cousin. The story circles around Phineas, his interaction with his family and Alyse, his eventual lover, who helps him to find out who is trying to destroy his family's fortune.
The suspense, mystery, and passion was thoroughly lacking in this story, even though it had the appropriate elements for it. I read to about halfway and then just stopped because I could care less what happened to any of the characters. I didn't think I could get bored with a romance, but this one proved me wrong. I absolutely loved Ms. Enoch's first book in this series and am sad to see that this book fell so far from the first.
Hoping the next one will turn out better! |
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Pretty boring from start to finish... |
Phinneas Bromley & Alyse Donnelly's story just fizzled for me. The total lack of chemistry/spark between the two leads made this book such a boring read. Maybe it's because they grew up together and their relationship had always been one that was platonic? I don't know. But it didn't grab at me like her previous book "After the Kiss" did. Even the scandal was pretty boring.
I did, however, love reading about the supporting characters like William, Beth, and Bram. I hope they all turn up in Enoch's final book in this series, especially Beth and Bram. |
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Excellent - I found myself swept away to another time ! |
This was great book - I found myself telling my family - wait..wait...I just have find out what happens and then I'll help! (opps I quess I won't be mother of year)
This is the second book of the The Notorious Gentlemen series (1st book After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen). In this book Phin the second son comes home from the war after being gone for 10 years because he thinks his brother is ill. When he arrives home he realizes that his 17 year old sister tricked him but she does need him home because something is wrong. When he arrives home he see his old childhood friend Alyse who has has her own problems throughout the years. Together they solve a mystery , have a sweet romance and French Highwayman enters their lives!! ENJOY!
I am looking forward to Bram's Story! |
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Couldn't see through it right away, so yay! |
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I enjoyed this historical romance for the sheer fact that while it was obvious who the villians were, the reason behind the plotting was a slow reveal. The writing was well done, the romance believable for the genre. The heroine isn't too perfect nor is she a simpering victim waiting to be rescued. I liked her pluck and her conversations with the hero. The villians were nasty enough to deserve more than the got in the end.... |
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