A Season of Ruin

June 20, 2016
The Sutherland Scandals continue, but the setting shifts from the bucolic countryside to the predictable ballrooms of Regency-era London, sadly leaving behind most of the first book’s vivacity and delight. Lily Somerset’s sister has married an earl (in A Wicked Way to Win an Earl), which affords Lily the opportunity to enter the London season. Seeking a well-ordered life, she sets her cap for a modish, if dull, gentleman, but gets unexpectedly tangled in scandal when her brother-in-law mistakes her for someone else in a dark room and a gossip catches them together. Robyn Sutherland genuinely regrets embroiling Lily in his mischief, but manages to make further trouble with an ill-timed waltz. He wants Lily, and he wants to save her reputation, but he can only do that by marrying her, and he doesn’t believe that he deserves someone so good. Bradley keeps most of the action (what there is of it) confined in ballrooms and the Sutherland townhome, which makes the story feel a bit small. This pleasant coupling will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate Regency manners, but Lily and Robyn’s romance offers no surprises, as there’s never any doubt that the rogue will be tamed. Agent: Marlene Stringer, Stringer Literary Agency.

Starred review from August 1, 2016

When a search for the ladies' retiring room lands straight-laced, naive Lily Somerset in the arms of an out-and-out rake and a gossip rag spreads the word, her social ruin is assured--unless Robyn Sutherland, the rake in question, lends a hand. But Robyn is the last person Lily wants help from, and Robyn isn't eager to spend the Season squiring around an innocent, especially one he's beginning to care about far more than he wants to admit. Then a startling event turns Lily's world upside down, and Robyn isn't at all sure he likes the new situation. Brilliant repartee, spot-on character development across the board, well-handled backstory elements, and a bustling pace make this an exceptional read. VERDICT A tightly controlled heroine afraid to let go and an inveterate, outspoken rogue who's shocked to discover he has a conscience finally give in to love. This perceptive, exquisitely plotted story brings Regency society to vivid life in all its sparkling, often snarky, glory and will leave fans panting for the next book in the series. Bradley (A Wicked Way To Win an Earl) lives in Portland, OR.

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