I read this book in one sitting. It is a sweet YA historical meet-cute loosely based on John Hughes' "Sixteen Candles." Just kissing, no racy stuff. Jordan knows how to write love at first sight with a rebellious female POV and a reserved but infatuated leading man (a la Darcy).

Primrose wakes up on her 16th birthday to no celebration and news that her debut will be delayed until her older sister is married. Prim and her friend Olympia take matters into their own hands and sneak off to the dangerous and rowdy Vauxhall Gardens for a secret birthday adventure where she meets Jacob and has a night she'll never forget.

There were a couple of places where this story could've turned real dark and I was happy she kept it light and fun. It would be interesting to revisit these characters when they were a bit more mature. I would give this book to my 14 year old daughter as a clean intro to the romance genre.

An amazing story, I absolutely loved it!

When oft forgotten Prim decides to do a little something different for her birthday, she has no idea the adventure upon which she is about to embark! I really enjoy historical fiction in general, but seeing the setting through Prim's eyes was a joy. She is such a wonderful, relatable character too, I think any Teen/YA (or, as evidenced by me, adult) readers could see themselves in her.

Crammed with mischief, a really well done romance, and some very entertaining secondary characters this was so much fun to read!

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our library collection on preorder and will recommend it to students.

To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. I simply adored this story! Primrose feels locked in a cage inside her home with her family. The youngest and yet to come out in society she’s lonely and waiting to join her family in society for excitement. Unfortunately her mother has other ideas and Prim finds out she won’t be coming out until after her sister finds a match.
So Prim with her closest friend decides to be daring and celebrate her birthday by sneaking out and going to scandalous Vauxhall. Things go off the rails of course and she runs into Jacob. Our adorable and charming hero that completely makes this book complete. One night of excitement before she goes back to her dim future.

I adored the story but I will say it tided up too neatly and too fast. I wanted and needed more. Too easily tided together for two from two different classes of regency society. But I loved Jacob so it’s ok!

Sometimes life throws you a curve and you need a book that will take your mind off things, right? Enter Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan.

Prim has just turned 16, which means she can be presented in Society. No more nights at home reading while her family attends dinners and balls. Except...her mother has decided that all of Prim’s sisters should be married off first. She is going to have to wait at least one more year. So Prim decides to sneak out in disguise. One night out. What could possibly go wrong?

I have so many mixed feelings about this book. The story felt rushed and I didn't feel like it was a novel. It felt more like a short story.
The age gap between the two characters was a bit unnecessary and felt awkward.
The writing and main character felt immature.
I felt like this book had so much potential that needed to be developed further. It didn't feel like it had a flushed out plot...

I am going to preface this by saying that I am a HUGE Austen fan! That was the type of book that I devoured when I was a teen.

This book took me back to my teen years with its style and setting. Arguably there were parts of this book that fell a bit flat for me-parts just seemed too be added to shock the reader but didn't really move the plot forward. And I wasn't really feeling the relationship between our two protagonists (beyond an intense physical attraction). All that being said, I still enjoyed this book. It definitely felt like a nice throwback to that old style of writing, but in a more accessible way for modern readers. Honestly, I keep going back forth between a 3 and 4 star rating, so I'm going to be kind and move it up to a 4.

For Libraries: If you have a lot of readers that you think will enjoy a more sultry version of Austen, then this would be a good fit. But if you don't have a lot of historical fiction/romance readers then you can probably skip this one.

I wanted to love this book, I really did. I am a huge fan of period pieces with romantic plots. But I’m feeling pretty lukewarm about this book. so let’s get into it.

the story itself:
it was simultaneously too fast-paced and filled with unnecessary detail. this book is supposed plot-driven? I think? it certainly wasn’t character-driven. but there were no stakes? the conflicts were brought up and resolved so easily and I had no connection to any of the characters. I wasn’t really invested.

the title:
loved it! very clever, but misleading. honestly, there isn't much scandal at all.

the characters:
primrose- I liked her but I wish she had more character development and I wanted to see more of her personality and
Jacob- cute, charming, kinda basic
Olympia & Aster- I love them. they’re very cute together
prim’s mom- horrible, horrible, so frustrating I can’t put it into words

Overall, this book was meh. I wasn’t invested in the story or plot and although it was a relatively fun read, it didn’t really go anywhere. But, if you’re looking for a fun, quick, easy-to-read story this book might be worth the read.

"In this irreverent regency romp by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan, newly minted sixteen-year-old Primrose Ainsworth finds herself on a wayward birthday adventure through London with a mysterious hero - perfect for fans of My Lady Jane.

The youngest of four daughters, Primrose Ainsworth is used to getting lost in the shuffle. But when her parents decide to delay her debut into English society, Prim hatches a plan to go rogue on the night of her sixteenth birthday.

Donning a mask, Prim escapes to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens for one wild night. When her cover is nearly blown, a mysterious stranger intercedes, and Prim finds an unexpected partner in mischief...and romance. But when it’s revealed her new ally isn’t who he says he is, her one night of fun may last past dawn.

In this frothy regency romp perfect for fans of Austen-esque flirtation and Shakespearean hijinks, sometimes a little scandal can be a good thing."

If you're like me you HAVE to read this book not just because of the John Hughes-esque title but to find out what a sixteen-year-old was doing at Vauxhall Gardens!

First sentence: She was going to die here, crouched beneath a table on a dirty tavern room floor with bits and crumbs of food that predated the Magna Carta surrounding her. Glass shattered nearby, and she flinched, shrinking into herself as tiny shards sprayed her and the pungent scent of sweat, ale, and wine soaked the air. If this was to be it, then it was an ignominious end. She had always imagined there would be more to her life. She had simply imagined there would be . . . more life.

Premise/plot: Primrose Ainsworth wakes up on her sixteenth birthday convinced that her REAL life is about to begin. You could even insert a Disney-like "I want" song at this point and you wouldn't be wrong. Her hopes are soon dashed. Not only is her family not planning to celebrate her birthday, they're not planning to celebrate her year. She won't be coming out this year, OR, in other words she won't be getting her season. She'll still be "in the nursery," if you will.

Primrose, well, isn't PRIM. And she won't just take this INCREDIBLY BITTER news calmly and rationally. If her family won't celebrate her day with her and recognize her entry into womanhood, then she'll celebrate with her best friend. And what better way to celebrate than to sneak out of the house and literally go to the MOST DANGEROUS place in LONDON: Vauxhall Gardens.

If she survives the night--with her purity intact--and can make it home before she's discovered to be missing by the servants or her family, then it may just be the best night of her life. (Of course, she's not worried about her purity! It doesn't occur to her that any trouble whatsoever could ever befall her).

Of course, her plans, well, her plans get off to a shaky start and then completely flop and flail. But do they? Could the most unexpected night filled with unexpected-to-her dangers still end up being the best night of her life?

The thrills begin when she is separated from her friend and finds herself on her own...but not for long....

Enter Jacob.

My thoughts: Expectations. I would suggest beginning the novel with low-to-medium expectations. It may just surprise you if you start low enough. I found Sixteen Scandals to be a contradiction that probably shouldn't work but probably does for many, many readers--myself included.

Yes, it is predictable. There is nothing original or unique about it. Not the characters. Not the plot. Not the steamy scenes. Not the tied up with a bow ending. But here's the thing, depending on the genre, or sub-genre, or sub-sub-genre, predictability can be an asset. It can be a strength in the hearts and minds of the readers. Of course, not every single reader predictably likes predictable.

The characters. What can I say about Primrose? She was incredibly annoying, full of angst, selfish, naive, full of herself, and foolish. She reminded me of a preschooler with lipstick smeared across the bottom of her face, standing in her mother's high heels shuffling around telling everyone she's off to work. I mean Primrose is so obviously out of her element all the while she's proclaiming complete, full, total independence. What she is saying contradicts how she is behaving. And Jacob?! Well. I think Jacob reminds me of a Disney prince OR a twelve-year-old's ideal boyfriend. I think so much of what makes Jacob, Jacob, is found in the imagination. He's just about perfect in every way.

Primrose's family--well, in some ways it's stretching it to say they are cardboard cut-outs. I don't think they are even that well fleshed out. They are a means to an end. How can we introduce a problem so it can be overcome magically and usher us straight into a fireworks exploding happily ever after???

In some ways Sixteen Scandals is no more ridiculous than Disney's A Little Mermaid.

The steam. Sixteen Scandals offers some steam. Probably not enough for older readers; maybe just maybe a little too much for younger readers. It is neither clean nor graphic.

I saw one review criticize the book for "being written for twelve-year-olds." And I'm not sure I'd label it exactly that. But it probably does read babyish for adult readers who read adult romances. And perhaps even for a young adult audience who is used to more depth, substance, and graphic-ness in their romances.

I mentioned A Little Mermaid, but, maybe that isn't the best fit. Maybe more ENCHANTED.

In the end, I found it silly but charming. I can read criticisms and technically agree most of the time, but, I still liked it.

First, LOVE the title. But beyond that, it was a refreshing take on Regency romance. Don't get me wrong, I love that genre! But they sometimes tend to run together because there are certain elements that are inherently expected in the storylines. This was fresh and fun, and even offered a few historical tidbits that are not always common knowledge. Very enjoyable, and the writing quality was excellent.

This was the perfect YA read after binging Bridgerton! Fun, lighthearted, time period romance great for teens and adults who want a light read.

I've read multiple of Sophie Jordan's young adult and adult books that I have really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I did not like this one as much as her other books. I felt like the inner monologue of the main character was repetitive and I found myself skimming over a lot of it. I enjoyed the story and the characters in this book though. I loved the adventure aspect of the story. While this book was not for me I think that younger readers that are interested in this time period will enjoy the book. Jordan does a good job of explaining the workings of this time period to the younger readers that are not familiar with it.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

A completely charming romp through Vauxhall Gardens as the heroine meets her hero and tumbles from one scrape to another, while celebrating her birthday.
Immensely enjoyable escapade, threaded with humour, leading to frequent chuckles.

A novel to enjoy.

Disclaimer: I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I picked it up because of its comp title to My Lady Jane. I thought it was going to be like it and the premise sounded promising! Unfortunately, it doesn't come close to it at all and I felt like it's meant for pre-teens rather than teenagers. This book needed more dialogue and snarky or witty banter between characters (in my opinion)! I think this is great for a younger audience, but this book wasn't for me. The protagonist is sixteen but I felt like she acted more like a thirteen-year-old. This might be of interest to kids who are twelve and thirteen.

Primrose is the younger of the four Ainsworth sisters and is excited that her sixteenth birthday is upon her. Her sixteenth birthday means her introduction into Society and finally being able to accompany her parents and sisters to dinners, balls and other outings. She is sorely disappointed and deeply hurt when, on the morning of her birthday, her mother informs her that with the upcoming nuptials of her sister Violet, and the heretofore unsuccessful attempts to wed off her other sister, Aster, Primrose's debut will be postponed until Aster is betrothed. Primrose rebels, and sneaks off into the night to the scandalous Vauxhall for a night of "living" before returning to the seclusion of her home. At the follies of Vauxhall, she gets separated from her friend and is rescued by a handsome stranger, with whom she spends the evening while looking for her friend.

I always love a good regency romance! It reminds me of Victoria Holt's books and Nancy Fitzgerald's "Mayfair," a favorite of mine when I was younger. Complete with chapter headings from "Lady Druther's Guide to Perfect Deportment and Etiquette," of which Prim and her sisters were required to memorize and abide by, this is an amusing look into the whirl of the Regency Ton with its social hierarchy and propriety. This book stands out from other current YA as a sweet, simple, romance story from a different time and place.

SIXTEEN SCANDALS is a young adult novel meant for people who enjoyed BRIDGERTON. Enough said. Go read it if you enjoy that kind of content.

This was a cute & quick read. The story was funny and light and it had feels of 16 Candle (16th birthday forgotten! madcap adventure - think of the exchange student staying at Samantha's house) movie plotline with funny dialogues interspersed with the excerpts of proper behavior of a young lady and Primrose's shattering that society's expectations. Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Bridgerton for the teen set, loooove it. A strong main character who's stuck in the middle of her siblings. She doesn't let anything get her down and sets her own course.

“A regency romance that misses the mark, Sixteen Scandals may have its moments, but falls short on some key points.” Cecelia Beckman Sheaf & Ink

Regency novels are a favorite.

Particularly when written from a feminist POV.

So, when I read the synopsis for Sixteen Scandals I was excited to see where Jordan would take us.

After finishing, I came to the conclusion that I liked the idea of Sixteen Scandals.

As mentioned, this is a genre I enjoy reading. Primrose, the main character of the novel, seems like the perfect character to mold those feminist qualities we often want to see in regency era novels and shape her into a more modern day thinking young woman who believes in equal rights, pay, and the right to vote (among many, many other aspects women deserve).

However, Jordan misses the opportunity to do just that. To take an ignored daughter and make her more than what meets the eye. Giving her depth and substance. Having her push societal boundaries, norms, and constraints beyond the superficial.

Sadly, Primrose is your stereotypical regency character. She wants a debut into society just like her sisters (except for the older sister just before her) and sees marriage as her only option in life. She wants to go out into society and be part of the rigmarole of balls, a perfect match, and the glitz and glam of a London season. There wasn’t anything unique about her circumstances, besides scheming a rebellious way to be seen. And even during those chapters it seemed awkward and confusing.

When it comes to romance there were moments in the novel that stood out. That yes, were swoon worthy-ish, but they weren’t often and felt fleeting. I do want to point out that the novel starts off strong and brings the reader in quickly in a catching way. But the first chapter can’t sustain an entire novel.

Further, Jordan uses the love at first sight troupe and I feel this particular troupe isn’t used as often because it doesn’t feel believable. And in Sixteen Scandals this troupe is used and it feels artificial and contrived. Where the setup between Primrose and her love interest is obvious and flushed out in a way that shows her clear lack of judgement and experience.

Even though the novel spans over a few days, it ends rather abruptly and has an epilogue that I literally was like, wait… what?

So, if you enjoy regency era novels wrapped in the overly dramatic, with little character development, focusing solely on the adventure of being scandalous, and ends in a quick neatly tied bow, this one is for you.