Review: Ripe for Scandal by Isobel Carr

4.5 Feathers

Ripe for Scandal

by Isobel Carr

(The League of Second Sons # 2)

True to its name, this second installment for The League of Second Sons series is full of scandal, family entanglement, romance with steamy scenes, and suspense. Ms. Carr has outdone herself as this book is so much better than the last!

Lady Boudicea Vaughn is the marriageable daughter of the Duke of Lochmaben, also Lord Leonidas little sister. This girl is not the black sheep of the family by far, but definitely a black sheep of their society. She is always going against the rules, and intentionally or not, her reputation is always in question. She will find herself in a situation where her purity will be at risk to the point of no return. And that‘s where our Hero comes in, the famous Rake of London.

Gareth Sandison is the second son of the Earl of Roxwell, member of the League, and childhood friends with Lord Leonidas, which complicates things. Now, this guy is “..a rake known for dallying with other men’s wives…”, he was a flirt, a wanderer living the life of a bachelor. However, when the responsibility of taking care of Leo’s little sister came up, he definitely came through, in more ways then one.

They have known each other since they were kids and always had feelings for each other. Knowing it will never be, Garreth and Beau avoided each other but a situation will arise where their attraction cannot be ignored. The love scenes were fairly hot and take note, there is very thorough instruction of how-to-do a Hand Job included.

Their coming together was as predictable as the Guy Next Door story, but do not be fooled. This book has twists and turns that are unexpected and left me holding my breath.

Ms. Carr was able to deliver an action packed story, one suspense after the next. She managed to include the Duke, the Earl, few members of the League, other members of their family and of course the villains of the story. And they were all infuriatingly annoying but added intensity to the story. I enjoyed this book beyond my expectations and cannot wait to find out what book 3 entails.

I have to include some quotes from our Rake.

Gareth:
~“Bringing pleasure to your partner, giving rather than receiving, is a pleasure all its own..”
~ “I swear to God, Beau. If you’re still straddling me when you open my Breeches…”
~ “Spit in hour hand..” 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr

3.5 Feathers

Ripe for Pleasure

 by Isobel Carr

(The League of Second Sons #1)

In this era, second sons were nothing but second-rate citizens and treated as such by family and society. As an act of survival and support, a secret league was formed. This secret group pledged to aid each other in their “endeavors”.

Lord Leonidas Vaughn, 2nd son of Duke of Lochmaben is trying to make something of himself in a way of treasure hunting. Family history says there is treasure to be claimed but his search leads to trouble in a form of Viola Whedon. His plans to seduce her bite him in ass as his seduction quickly turns into love.

Viola is a well sought after Courtesan but has taken time off to write a memoir that will shake this uptight society. The scandal she brings will put her life in danger or so she thought. The danger really comes from the treasure she may possess unknowingly. She will find herself under Leo's protection and the time they spend together is definitely a no holds barred experience, as both are well skilled.

It is nice to see a heroine of this time rise up from her past, survive and fully accept her choices. Prostitution is not one I like to read about but in this case, our heroine had little choice. She is tough in her decisions and undeterred by any who threaten her. I like that in the leading ladies I read about.

Leo is another hero to swoon over. Though he is second son to the Duke, he acts as if he is an heir; in the means of confidence, ambition, education, and every bit as skilled. *wink* Ms. Carr delivered very steamy scenes for our H/h and very creative with places and positions.

I truly enjoyed this book but found a few things I had a hard time with. It is possible that it's due to my lack of knowledge with this era or genre. It was hard for me to understand a lot of things such as how they lived and how their society was. One issue was the second son means second rate, really, it seemed so extreme. And how a courtesan was sought after and fought over publicly. I thought maybe prostitution was more a taboo then glamorized. Most questions about the era and how they lived, I guess.

Understanding this era is definitely necessary for me. This book being the first I’ve read in this genre, I had a lot of questions. I am glad I had a few friends who did not mind me asking for more information as I might have not enjoyed this book to the fullest. I have to say I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. 

Purchase Links: Amazon