ARC Review: To Tempt a Scandalous Lord (Once Upon a Scandal #4) by Liana De la Rosa
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Series: Once Upon a Scandal #4
Author: Liana De la Rosa
Published June 21st 2021 by Entangled: Amara
Goodreads Synopsis
Alicia Lindsay, the dowager Countess Lindsay, has spent her life under the dominion of men— leered at yes, but ultimately silenced and cast aside. But widowhood has granted her the freedom to voice her critiques against injustices in articles that have enraptured the nation. Resolved to bring about political change, Alicia's investigation of the newest party candidates leads her to the captivating, hardheaded Lord Inverray. She's unprepared when he proves to be not only charming but chivalrous when a slight wardrobe malfunction—with all eyes of the ton upon them—forces her to accept his proposal. Now she’s keeping a huge secret from her soon-to-be-husband.
Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray, has spent years finding support for numerous legislations to help his fellow Scots. Now poised to grasp the party leadership, his success has been threatened by some anonymous articles critiquing his campaign. Niall vows to find the author and silence them, no matter the cost. But when he finds himself engaged to an alluring widow with a sharp tongue, his plans get derailed in more ways than one…
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After marrying an older Earl to protect herself, Lady Alicia Lindsay found herself having to discover politics and knowledge for herself in salons and drawing rooms. Now widowed, she secretly pens political papers, denouncing the lack of change which the politicians are bringing about, and encouraging the prospective Whig leaders to take action, especially the forerunner, Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray. Niall has a laser focus on becoming the next Prime Minister, and will allow nothing to stand in his way, especially not the words of an anonymous chapbook writer. When he meets the beautiful Lady Lindsay, he's entranced, but he can't think about marriage until his future is set. But when a wardrobe malfunction means they must marry otherwise there's a scandal on their hands. Hoping for a happy marriage, Alicia knows that she needs to put off her writing, or at least tell Niall, but she's finding it difficult to do so. When the truth comes out, as it undoubtedly will, will Alicia be able to convince Niall that all she's done is to help him, or is their marriage doomed?
I tried reading this book 3 or 4 times before I was really hooked by it. Once I was, though, I couldn't put the book down. The start was slow, but once we get to know Alicia and Niall more, and understand their actions, it was easy to be invested in their future. I really enjoyed the two of them, especially when we learn about their childhood and why they were so focused as they were. Alicia lost her mother and brother to cholera, and it broke her father, who left her wholly alone at 18, and she was forced to marry an earl decades older than herself. She was stuck in the country, with no companionship, and had to fend for herself. She found widowhood much more suited for herself, and had no intention of remarrying and losing that little bit of freedom she'd won, until it became too late. Only the thought of having children could help her face her marriage, but with Niall, it seemed as if they got off on the wrong foot again and again. I really enjoyed seeing them grow closer, especially when spending time at the orphanage - little Eunice and Edith were the cutest, and I wish Niall and Alicia would adopt them. The ending was a little contrived, but I liked how Niall fought for Alicia, and proved he loved her, and forgave her writings. All in all, a decent book.
Dates Read:
October 25, 2021
Rating
4 Stars
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