Scandal

TEST

Scandal, the newest novel by Pamela Britton, is a delightful Cinderella story with oftentimes smooth and fun writing and characters who possess the perfect blend of qualities readers want in a hero and heroine, with a touch of self-centered humanness that often made me chuckle. Near the end, though, her witty writing gives way to a more formulaic story and a drawn-out plot.

Although she currently lives in the worst of tenements in one of the poorest parts of London, Anna Rose Brooks did not begin her life in poverty. Growing up in a small seaside town with a Captain for a father and a well bred mother who loved to sail, her youth was an idyllic one spent creating new designs for boats she hoped one day to sail. It all vanished, however, when the sudden death of her parents forced Anna to move at a very young age to the slums of London to live with an inventor grandfather slowly losing both his memory and his mind. Anna now spends her days at the market selling kitchen tools and her evenings taking care of her grandfather and working on the sails she will use to win a contest held by the British Navy. She is confident that she will win, and, when she does, she will finally have enough money to move out of the tenement she so hates.

Rein Montgomery grew up with wealth and privilege, living in the best of homes and going to the best of schools. He also had to contend with a father who liked to beat him and schoolmates who made fun of his bad memory. To make up for his insecurities, Rein became a master at pranks and a thorn in the side of his ducal uncle. When the duke’s only son dies, Rein thinks his time has finally come: He will gain not only the title but also the wealth that comes with it. But there is an unexpected stipulation in his uncle’s will requiring Rein to live on his own for one month’s time with no funds or help from his friends or family. Rein accepts the challenge for there is no other choice. Yet, when he is dropped off in the middle of St. Giles, one of the most disreputable areas of London, Rein realizes that he just may be in for for more than he has bargained for since someone is out to make sure Rein fails his assignment.

When one of Anna’s inventions knocks Rein unconscious, she feels that it is her duty to help the man – or at least get him cleaned up and allow him a night of rest in her flat. But that night, turns into two, which turns into three and so on until she finds herself spending most of her free time with the man. Rein has no intention of leaving the comfort of Anna’s place since he has nowhere else to go and no money. Besides, what could be better than spending his days and nights with an attractive woman? Rein claims to have no memory, but Anna can’t help but wonder if he is lying since he is too refined and his clothing too expensive to be a poor man. Could he possibly be a titled gent?

Rein finally admits that he is alone in St. Giles because of a wager, but what kind of man would live in poverty and danger just to win a bet? Still, the more time she spends with Rein, the more Anna fears she is losing her heart. But if she gives in to her desires, will she end up heartbroken and pregnant with no man at her side?

Britton starts out with witty, fluffy writing that had me chuckling in quite a few places (you know if a writer can make you laugh over a small dog being run over, than she must be rather good). Unfortunately, that writing gave way to a more serious tone that was not nearly as fun and intriguing.

Anna is a heroine any person would love since she is witty, intelligent, fun and caring. But, regretfully, Anna turns rather shrewish toward the end of the book. I usually prefer the alpha male in my reading and, though I certainty can’t apply that designation to Rein, I still liked him, finding his snobbish ways amusing. Unfortunately, he becomes almost obsessive about getting Anna into bed, causing me wrinkle my nose in disgust.

The intimate scenes were done rather well, all but for one voyeuristic setting that was decidedly unromantic. Additionally, the conflict tended to drag at the end and the suspense is all tied up a bit too quickly. Nevertheless, Britton delivers interesting and fun-loving characters and humorous and sharp writing that will keep readers interested – especially those who can’t resist a Cinderella story.

Buy it on Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Reviewed by Lori Sowell

Grade: B

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date: 26/07/04

Publication Date: 2004

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Recent Comments …

  1. excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.

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