Member Reviews
I tried really hard to get into this book and it's completely possible it was just my mindset at the time. I can see myself enjoying London's Late Night Scandal at a later date but right now, it just wasn't for me. I really enjoyed the other books I've read in this series.
I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I typically really enjoy Annabelle Bryant but this book just didnt work for me. Theodosia was really milquetoast. Theodosia's life seems to be one big tragedy but she does nothing to overcome it. She is just handed a man. Theodisia has been living with her grandfather since her parents died when she was five. Ever since she has become a recluse surrounding herself with her studies. Until Matthew shows up investigating an article submit by under the name Theo at the invitation of Theodosia's grandfather. Who also has dementia. The book was kinda dull, nothing occurred. Everything just worked out for Theodosia because she needed a happy ending, there was no personality. I like this author so I will check out her next book but I wasn't a fan of this one.
Wicked, feverish and decidedly scandalous! London's Late Night Scandal is full of all the sordid, yet lovable characters one can expect from such a title. The author, Anabelle Bryant, certainly knows how to weave a tale of intrigue, lust and love. I recommend!
BY Guest BOC Reviewer: Amy compton
I am addicted to Anabelle Bryant’s Midnight Secrets series. Her characters are vivid, true to life, and just so loveable. Their relationships evolve slowly with plenty of passion and wit, and even a little bit of intrigue. And there’s just something special about her writing style. Her beautiful and eloquent prose never fails to immediately ensnare me in her stories. I’ve devoured them all, but her newest, London’s Late Night Scandal, could very well be her best work yet.
Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham valued his role as the chief officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced. He took his job seriously and when he questioned the validity of a recent article, he was anxious to verify the study. Especially as it was submitted by the renowned though reclusive Lord Talbott, a knowledgeable and meticulous man of science. As chief officer, Matthew was compelled to investigate and repudiate the claims made or get the earl to speak to his colleagues in London. And so began his mission of discovery and investigation. A quest for the truth in the most elemental form. But this mission proved more valuable than any of knowledge and fact. Once he arrived at Leighton Hall, he not only found the truth, he found his heart.
Theodosia Leighton, granddaughter of esteemed scientist Lord Talbott, was extremely intelligent and obsessed with all things scientific. After the death of her parents, she’d been raised by her grandfather at Leighton Hall. She’d spent her life there in the country working alongside him and learning from him. When Lord Talbot began to decline, Theodosia submitted her own articles in her grandfather’s name. Both to protect his legacy and to prove her own worth. She never expected the persistent and annoying gentleman who’d beleaguered her with queries about those articles to show up on her doorstep. Just in time for a snowstorm, no less. And she certainly didn’t expect such a smart, strong, and far too charming gentleman either. Theo had lived an isolated existence for years and kept her emotions in check. But Matthew Strathmore had a way of touching on subjects she preferred to keep tucked away. He intruded on her solitude and brought to surface all her tightly held emotions and buried insecurities. With his appearance, her simple life was being upended. All because of one man. One gloriously attractive, smart, and charming man. With her lack of social polish and her unconventional preference for academics, she’d never fit in Matthew’s world. But she couldn’t deny he sparked her curiosity. And her desire. Was she brave enough to take a chance?
I fell in love with Theodosia when she named the animals she nursed back to health. Anyone who has conversations with their pets is my kind of gal. In spite of the heartache she’d suffered and the responsibility she carried, she was beautiful, smart, kind, and funny. She put everything she had in to caring for her grandfather. Anyone who has ever taken on the role of caregiver knows how emotionally and physically draining it can be. But Theo was strong, patient, and calm. Just like her grandfather had been for her all her life. Everything she did was with him in mind. She was definitely unlike most society women. That unconventionality was what made her so wonderful. For Matthew, he found those qualities intoxicating.
Matthew was hands down the best romantic hero ever. So charming and witty. He treated Theo as an equal and a friend. He admired and encouraged her academic pursuits. He even got turned on by her spouting random scientific facts during romantic moments. I adore his nickname, Bookish, for her and melted every time he used it. When he realized the weight Theo carried, he wanted to protect her, fix all the ills, and resolve all the problems. He wanted to replace painful memories with worthwhile ones. And he did that in some of the most romantic ways. Sleigh rides, trips to the Apothecaries Hall, the circus, and the museum. All the things he knew she’d love. And let me tell you, I never knew the museum could be so titillating! Matthew seemed to know just what Theo needed even when she didn’t. He pulled out all the stops in showing her there was no need to fear the future as long as they were together.
In all honesty, I’ve never read a heroine more worthy of admiration or a more perfectly dreamy hero. As I said before, this is definitely one of Ms. Bryant’s best. A love story for the ages with passion that is to die for and some of the most romantic lines ever written. Yes, Matthew is absolutely swoon-worthy. Though part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand -alone. Consider yourself warned though. Anabelle Bryant’s books will raise a spike in temperature and heartbeat. And an unquenchable need to read more. Her writing never fails to hit all the right notes and keep readers anticipating that next scene, knowing they’ll be swept off their feet. Her writing is exquisite. She writes those lines you linger over because they’re just that mesmerizing. Her books never fail to lift me up. They’re the kind you’ll never want to loan out but keep them for yourself so you can read them over and over. A true literary indulgence.
Enjoyable read. The only thing that I did not enjoy was the fact that the book was way to predictable. Otherwise 4 stars.
It is clear the author did a lot of research for this book, she devotes large amounts to providing unnecessary details at the expense of the romance. I couldn't connect with either of the main characters, and I found myself bored with their story.
There are many reviews praising this book, and I'm sure this book will appeal to some fans of historical romance. It just wasn't for me.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I am told the story becomes richer if you read the series in the order in which it is supposed to be consumed (which I did not do). However I found the story to be charming without the benefit of having read the previous novels in the series, if it was somewhat verbosely and colourfully told at times.
All in all, a good story, but the nature of its telling may lead some to abandon it before its over, as the romance element of the story took up very little of the book...
The heroine was a bit too shrill for me but the book was enjoyable.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
Matthew feels duty bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot when things in his latest article just don't add up. But when he arrives, Talbot's granddaughter seems to be doing everything in her power to not allow them time to talk. He senses that she is not telling him something, but doesn't know what it is.
Theodosia can't believe that Matthew has come about the article. She is the person that wrote it and NOT her grandfather. They wouldn't have published something written by a female. Her grandfather's mind is also not well and she doesn't want anyone but those in her household to know about it, fearing that the work he had done will be questioned.
The two are soon falling for one another, but Theodosia knows that Matthew will soon be leaving for London and she wants to part of it. They go their separate ways. But Lord Talbot's medical issues bring Theodosia to London where she mets up with Matthew once again. The passion is still there, but can the two make it work?
I really enjoyed Matthew and Theodosia's story! I loved that they both had a scientific background and were able to use that as a base for their relationship. Too many couples in historical romances don't have anything in common and it's purely based on physical attraction, so this was a nice change of pace. This was a great addition to the Midnight Secrets series!
Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. Not only does it distract him from the painful aftermath of a gunshot wound to the leg, earned most honorably, it is important work. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury, reminding him he is far from the dashing gentleman he once was. Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot’s article is about to be exposed. And if Matthew expects a dour bluestocking, surprises abound. Not only do Theodosia’s botanical concoctions soothe his leg, he’s clearly attracted by her delicate beauty. But dare she hope for more? It will take an urgent trip to London for both to discover how passion and lasting love can ignite under the cover of darkness .
This was a pretty decent read. I liked both main characters and the story. However, there was a bit too much descriptions which made the book drag a bit, but it was still a good read. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
Annabelle Bryant wraps you up in a heartwarming story that you don't want to put down. The romance progressed at a leisurely pace, where we could see what was to come but the characters couldn't. I would love to see these characters in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position as Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced very serious. He feels duty-bound to travel to Oxfordshire to Lord Talbot’s to question the esteemed scientist about a suspect article. He finds himself estranged in the country because of bad weather and an old war gunshot wound to his leg bothering him. He encounters Talbot’s granddaughter Theodosia who has inherited his gift for inquiry and is about to be exposed as a fraud since she’s the real author of Talbot’s article. She find him quite interesting and she begins to help him by make herbal remedies for his leg. He soon finds himself irritably drawn to her and the attraction continues to grow. Poor Theodosia had one bad experience in society and now desires to spend her life with her scientific grandfather in their quite isolated estate. Theodosia and Matthew both have scientific minds I feel they’ve both found a partner. I loved this story and I voluntarily wrote a review.
This book had all the fixings for a lovely historical romance: injured hero, forced proximity, mutually intelligent characters, self enforced isolation…
The story starts out with the illustrious, but damaged Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham on a breakneck speed trip to Oxfordshire. He had finally received an invitation from the reclusive Lord Talbot. Talbot’s scientific work of late has drawn the attention of the society and Matthew is eager to find answers to his scientific questions and prove himself worthier of his position as Chief Officer. Sadly, upon arrival things don’t go as planned… he meets Lord Talbot’s beautiful and intelligent granddaughter, Lady Theodosia and ends up with more questions than answers.
Lady Theodosia has lived a quiet life in Oxfordshire with her grandfather ever since loosing her parents to a hours fire as a child. Her grandfather not only raised her, but had her follow in his scientific studies. Now as a young woman she is content to remain in her grandfathers house studying the sciences and taking care of her aging guardian. He has done so much for her, the least she can do is take care of him now that old age is taking its toll… besides where would she go? Oxfordshire is hame and her brief experience in London has shown her that she doesn’t belong there. All is going well until a winter snowstorm brings in the Earl of Whittingham who seems determined to discover her secrets and upend her peaceful existence.
This was a delightful read. I enjoyed both of the main characters and the addition of the ailing grandfather, Lord Talbot was respectfully done. A delightful read altogether.
The third and final book in the Midnight Secrets trilogy , London's Late Night Scandal by Anabelle Bryant was released September 24th, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zebra Romance and Kensington Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#LondonsLateNightScandal #AnabelleBryant #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, is a scholar and come to find out a paper that was put forth but didn't seem to be able to prove the hypothesis. It was his job to do so for the society he belonged to. Lord Talbot also belonged to the same society and he had it entered into the periodical for the society.
Lady Theodosia Leighton was the granddaughter of the Earl of Talbot, her grandfather. Her parents had died in a fire when she was five. She loved several aspects of the sciences and enjoyed experimenting and reading about them. It was just her grandfather, the servants and herself, here in this big house. But usually, she could keep busy, with the Conservatory, Library, and the several rooms devoted to science.
I very much enjoyed this story but did feel it bogged down a couple of times. The tale flowed along and kept your attention. While the characters were getting to know each other. They were of a like mind and were very intelligent. They understood each other, liked each other, and respected each other. I very highly recommend this great novel for the over eighteen bunch. The teasing and banter you will have fun with.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
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This book was enjoyable. It took some time to get into, with the beginning being a little slow. I liked the characters, and it was fun following two characters involved in the sciences. I honestly wish there could have been a bit more focus on what exactly they were studying. As it was, it felt pretty vague, as if the author wanted to make them scientists without saying what they actually studied. Still, the book was sweet. I can see myself continuing to read the series.
a really solid historical romance that is a delight to read. Good well-developed plot and charming characters. ENjoyed!
Wow!!! What q fabulous book! I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley. I love Annabelle Bryant's story of Theodosia and Matthew. Theo is this beautiful intelligent woman taking care of her ailing scientist grandfather. Her capabilities, her love for science and nature are commendable.. A beautiful respectful love grows between Matthew and Theo as they realize they are 2 parts of a whole.
***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***
Overall rating: 3/5 Snowy journeys, scientific intrigue, stolen kisses.
Heroine (Theodosia): 3/5 She is the granddaughter of Lord Talbot an aging scientific figurehead. Isolated in the countryside she has had time to develop scientific interests of her own.
Hero (Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham): 3/5 He injured his leg and now walks with a limp. He is self conscious about the injury but tries to never allow it to hold him back.
Plot: 3/5 Matthew is sent to find out from the source whether certain points in a scientific journal can be proven. He visits the country home of Lord Talbot late one snowy evening to find he cannot return to London for a few days. During that time he learns secrets of the family such as it was Theodosia who wrote the article in the first place. Will Matthew even want to leave this interesting girl when the roads clear?
Personal Review: The first third of the story has a lot of scientific jargon and leaves the conversations and inner monologues a bit stilted. But as the story goes on it becomes much better.
I liked the sleigh ride scene and the library scene is very cute.
I liked the first book of this series, the second book was ok. I wanted to like this one, but after spending 2 weeks trying to finish it I have decided it’s a dnf for me.
London’s Late Night Scandal by Annabelle Bryant
London’s Late Night Scandal by Annabelle Bryant was a historical romance. The author was relatively new to me, so I did not expect to enjoy the book as much as I did. I understood only too well what Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter was going through and found her to be a strong woman.
Theodosia, Lord Talbot’s granddaughter has been taking care of her grandfather Lord Talbot. Growing up, he took care of her after her parents died and the two of them were very close. Theodosia also is a scientist at heart like her Grandfather, but knowing the climate for women scientists, has sent in articles under her Grandfather’s name.
Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham found one of the new articles sent in by Lord Talbot did not add up. Something about the research could not be replicated, so Matthew sets off to Oxfordshire to talk to Lord Talbot about this.
The scene is set up for a clash of understandings and truths. Theodosia’s determination to take care of her grandfather and Matthew’s realization that she is more important than any research is just one of the fundamental changes both must make. The story was well written with a well thought out plot line. London’s Late Night Scandal by Annabelle Bryant was a good read.