How to Survive a Scandal
Series: Rebels with a Cause #1
Author: Samara Parish
Published May 25th 2021 by Forever

Goodreads Synopsis
In this whirlwind Regency romance, a near-death experience leads to a marriage of convenience for two unsuspecting strangers, but will their unusual meeting lead them to true love?

Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.

Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him being shackled to the hoity Society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations... and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.
Goodreads

Review
In How to Survive a Scandal, Lady Amelia Crofton knows that she will one day marry the Duke of Wildeforde, and has been raised to be the perfect duchess. But as time goes on, and no wedding date is set, the rumours start to fly about whether the union will occur. And when Amelia is forced to seek shelter from a storm, alone with only the uncouth Benedict Asterly, she finds herself forced to marry him when a stickler for the rules and property demands in. Instead of being a duchess taking the ton by storm, Amelia is relegated to the shires, and is completely out of place. For Benedict, though he's the grandson of a marquess, his mother was thrown out for marrying the footman, and he wants nothing to do with high society, so having a wife like Amelia forced on him is a nightmare. He has never wanted to rely on others in his life, but in order to improve his business ventures, he needs to liaise with members of the aristocracy, and Amelia volunteers to help. Can Benedict trust her, and will Amelia soon realise that being his wife is better than being a duchess?

I'll admit, I wasn't too sure what to expect from this book. I found Amelia to be a little too snobby to begin with, but it was understandable when that was how she was raised. Soon though, as we saw more of her, and not the polished exterior she showed the ton, it was easy to love her, and see why Benedict was struggling with his own feelings so much. Meeting the secondary characters - especially Fiona and Edward, who will be the protagonists of book 2 - really helped to make the story more enjoyable, and allow us to get a feel for the place, and the situation the characters found themselves in. While I might not have loved the book, I did enjoy it, and can't wait to read more in the series!

Dates Read:
November 20-22, 2021

Rating
3 Stars