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Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.
Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she's a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he'll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who'll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family's name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He's betting their future he'll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?
Content warning: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.
A Lyrical Press Historical Romance | Lyrical Press Vintage
Reviewed by: Sarah
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Only Scandal Will Do packed quite the punch right from the start with Lady Katherine Fitzwilliam being kidnapped on her way to a ball and delivered to a brothel where she was gagged and sold to the highest bidder in an auction. The author did an excellent job of drawing the reader in and making you feel the wide range of emotions that Kat was experiencing.
Initially I understood why Kat was horrified with Duncan (he did just buy her at an auction) but towards the middle of the book her attitude became tiresome and the story started to wane. Her animosity towards Duncan went on too long. The last third of the book however, oh my! The action picked up and then some. Lots of excitement at the end and things started to really heat up.
Duncan’s character was fabulous. During the brothel scene right after the auction I really wasn’t sure how I would feel about him but I must say his character really impressed me a lot. He showed a lot of patience and kindness with Kat. More than she deserved for a while there. Kudos to him when he finally snapped and gave her the verbal lashing she deserved.
The interaction between Duncan and Kat in the barn when they were discussing Juliet riding Romeo the horse was cute and held a lot of flirtatious innuendo. I would have enjoyed seeing more of this throughout the middle of the story and watched the two gradually grow closer together rather than witnessing Kat’s bitterness.
This story held a lot of promise for many more in the series to come with all the wonderful secondary characters: Jack, Juliet and Reginald. It is actually very obvious the next book will be Juliet’s. I cannot wait to find out her escapade turns out.
karenYbynum
Posted November 26, 2012
From page one I was hooked. How can you not be when the heroine (Katarina) is abducted, taken to a brothel and sold to the highest bidder for a night of his wildest desire! From the moment Katarina meets the hero (Duncan)--the man who bought her--there is immediate believable chemistry between the two. There is also a power struggle between them that is so real it's nearly tangible.
The author does a wonderful job of showing the reader both the heroine and the hero's motivation and conflict. Every time they get close, something pulls them apart. I found myself wanting them to be together so badly I just couldn't stop reading! Normally I'm not a very fast reader, but with this book I had it finished in two days.
The writing was excellent, just the right amount of detail that I could decide for myself how to picture scenery and characters, fast-paced with awesome sword fights and an intriguing plot that will keep you guessing. Katarina's brother and Duncan's sister were also great characters. I enjoyed how they brought different personality traits out in their siblings...what a fantastic way to show instead of tell the reader information.
The heroine and hero go through a lot to be together, but their journey is worth taking. You will be so happy to see how everything turns out. Brilliantly woven together with no loose ends.
Highly recommend this book.
SandyRuth
Posted October 15, 2012
ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO by Jenna Jaxon is a delightful escape and not at all what I expected. The plot is much more than boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl get together. Yes, it's a romance and happily-ever-after is a requirement, but the characters' journey to the HEA took unexpected turns and kept me turning pages.
The story opens with action - the heroine is kidnapped in the first scene - and the plot develops from there and doesn't lag. Rather than repeat a description of the plot (read the other comments and the author's synopsis), I'll just say that what appealed to me about the book was the heroine, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam. I expected a shy simpering maiden, but Kat is a sword-wielding, strong-minded young woman who is anything but helpless. On more than one occasion, Kat extricates herself from peril without the hero coming to her rescue -- a refreshing change from many romance novels. I also liked the fact that although she is strong-willed, Kat isn't stubborn. There is a difference.
I'll admit I was disappointed that the disappearance of the hero's sister wasn't resolved, but that's another story for another book - a book I'll definitely look forward to reading. If you enjoy reading historical romance, you'll love ONLY SCANDAL WILL DO
Anonymous
Posted April 18, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.
Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims ...