This book had hopes of being a fun and light read, but it really fell flat for me. It had itself in the historical fiction category, but really did not delve into anything worthwhile. The story was plain and the characters were simple and kind of boring. The story was fine, but with the lackluster characters that were a tad too whiney, it just didn't make for an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a fun and quick read. It seemed a smidgen less historically accurate as some others I’ve read but enjoyable. The main character, Primrose, was bold and a great lead. I loathed her mother though! She was so hateful and almost unreasonable about her negative feelings towards her youngest two daughters. The romance was cute.

A very fun regency read! While I felt some of the writing repetitive (especially about how much Prim was in a “cage”), I really enjoyed the plot. It was well thought out and, for the most part, stuck to what I’ve read in other period pieces. It had enough angst and action to keep the attention of younger readers. While I would’ve liked the ending to be fleshed out a little more, I loved how Jacob staged the ball to find Prim and then returning to Vauxhall for her next birthday. All in all, a fun read, but wish some of the plot had been more detailed and more editing for some of the repetitive words and situations,

"Love at first sight was illogical. It did not exist." —Sixteen Scandals
Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan is a story that you read with a smile on your face. If you’re a fan of regency romance with a Cinderella-twist, then Sixteen Scandals is the light-hearted read for you. There are not many books lately that I can say I read in one sitting, and this is that book for me. The lack of sleep I’m currently encountering is one hundred percent worth it.

Primrose Ainsworth is a young woman in a situation that would put any one of her peers in fits. She’s the youngest of four daughters, and her parents are tapped out. With her prospect-less sister, Aster, having no luck finding a suitor, her mother insists that even though Primrose is a newly minted sixteen-year-old, she has to wait her turn to present herself to the ton. Instead of bemoaning her situation, she decided to seek out some silver linings for herself. Primrose is a young lady of keen intellect, and fierce constitution. I adored her character. She’s the perfect heroine for young teens, and romance veterans alike.

In stark contrast to Primrose’s character, Prim’s mother is the exact opposite of her, which is why I think this is easily labeled a “Cinderella retelling” because Mrs. Ainsworth is shrewd, calculating, very judgmental, and really has no wish for Primrose to enter society as a young woman ready for marriage. Her mother’s insistence to keep Primrose away from society, by any means, results in Primrose hatching a plan to sneak out and sample London nightlight for herself…unchaperoned. Totally scandalous for the time.

While Primrose enlists the help of her best friend, Olympia, once they reach Vauxhall the friends become separated, and the true test of Primrose’s mettle begins. When a good-hearted gentleman comes to her rescue during a tavern brawl, Primrose gets separated from Olympia. Her rescuer, Jacob, is stuffy but quickly realizes that Primrose isn’t an ordinary young woman. Jacob and Prim’s back and forth verbal sparring is the stuff that I love to read. Full of passion, and confidence, and yet while reading between the lines you can see the attraction growing.

The culmination of Sixteen Scandals is truly swoon-worthy. How Primrose finally gets out of her harrowing situation is what had me reading until the very end. I had to know if Primrose gets her Happily Ever After, especially with how her mother is determined to keep her hidden away.

I can already tell that Sixteen Scandals will be a top read of 2021 for me. It is full of so many wonderful descriptions, heartfelt emotions, and truly swoony moments. Jacob and Primrose are wonderful characters that seem almost magnetized with their attraction. Sixteen Scandals is a story that you can share with your teen, and then also enjoy in your adult book club. This is one truly unforgettable read. Be sure to add this one to your bookshelf immediately and look for the release on May 25th!

I'm fine with light-hearted. Not every single thing has to be revolutionary. I'm even okay with predictable in certain situations, but when it became clear the only way our heroine could possibly get out of this was with a man rushing in to save her, I was over it.

So cute, so witty. It's obvious it's based on the film Sixteen Candles (duh), but I felt it made it it's own story throughout reading it. So much fun, sexy enough but not too much for YA. A fun and excellent read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed many of Jordan's romance novels, but admittedly, I have not read any of her adult Regency-type romances. I thought Sixteen Scandals would be a good place to start. I enjoyed the premise of this book, but I felt like it was rushed. I expected more changes in the main character, Prim, and her insta-love interactions with the lead male character. It was a light and fun read, but I wish the plot had developed more.

Sophie Jordan, bestselling romance author, takes a turn at young adult historical romance and is sure to win over the hearts of new readers. This delightful, quirky, romp, telling the story of a whirlwind week in the life of Primrose the fourth daughter in a family that is on the downturn. Once landed gentry, her father sold the country estate to live in London as his wife wished. Their funds are dwindling and they have four girls.

The oldest Begonia is married if not happily at least securely. Daughter number two, Violet, is betrothed and will be married in two weeks to a man from a rich family in trade. Unfortunately, the third daughter is in her second season and has had no prospects and really isn't interested in getting married. This means poor daughter number four Primrose on her sixteenth birthday, is ignored and disappointed to be told she will not have a season until her sister Aster is married. The family can't afford it and Aster doesn't need the competition.

Primrose has always been an afterthought and left to her own devices she has become adventurous. When she is denied a birthday celebration, she convinces her friend Olympia to sneak out to Vauxhall with her. They arrive at Vauxhall and realize they will stand out because they don't have a male escort. They done masks and decide to stick together to be safe. First they stop at a tavern for a drink, and things don't go as expected. A bar fight erupts and the two girls are separated. A very close call, a fire, and some dangerous thieves make the night more than Primrose wanted. When she is caught sneaking back into the house things go from bad to worse and her entire future has been put at stake. Can Prim be saved from her fate?

It was cute, but there a a hundred books out there similar to this one in the genre. There was nothing really new or original. So, if you are looking for a quick read in the genre, this will satisfy you. If you are searching for something more you will be disappointed,

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review**

The description of this book interested me from the start as I love both Jane Austen and historical fiction. Scanning other reviews before I requested it (a good way to dodge terrible books), I realised that it was based on the classic 80s film Sixteen Candles which I'd never got around to watching. I decided to watch the film before reading the book, just in case there were references I didn't understand but it turned not out to be necessary.

All that to say, I enjoyed this book. I found the characters of Prim and Jacob very believable and I was rooting for them from the start. I liked the friendship between Prim and Olympia as well, reminding me of teenage friendships of my own. It's not often I finish a book and feel disappointed that it's over already. I hope there's a sequel.

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. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I enjoyed reading this book.

Review posted on GoodReads (December 16, 2020).
Review linked.

2.5/5 stars!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for sending me an E-ARC for an honest review.

Okay... so this book. I have SO MANY mixed feelings about this book. For one, it was so short. This story was rushed and didn't even feel like a novel. It felt more like a short story. (If it is meant to be a short story and I just missed that memo, I apologize.) I was so excited to read this because I absolutely LOVE historical fiction novels. However, there were a few things that just made me a bit uncomfortable, one being the romance. I loved it on one hand because the main guy was fun and charming and usually stories like their romance work for me. However, on the other hand I felt like the age gap between the two characters was unnecessary and made it a bit awkward for the reader. I would have liked it a bit more if the main character was a few years older. The romance felt way too much like instalove. This, and the main character's naivete made the age difference even more awkward and slightly concerning. The writing and the main character felt really immature.

There were some really interesting conversations happening in the book, especially about gender roles of the time. However, I felt like everything was rushed. I feel like this book had SO MUCH potential, and I kept reading because I could see the story's potential and the threads that should have been developed/could have turned into a really good book. However, the book itself didn't even feel like it had a flushed out plot.

I really wanted more from this story.

Thanks for reading!
Caden

I had a lot of problems with this book. The writing was extremely juvenile and the characters acted like toddlers in pre-pubescent bodies. The kissing scene-----like what in the world was that I thought we were over gossip magazine like advice, it was truly terrible. It has such a beautiful cover but the actual book needs some help.

2.5 stars

Start 'em young in romance! The romance genre has long been read by teens and even tweens. It's no secret that they secretly read this sometimes very adult genre. So Sophie Jordan's Sixteen Scandals makes soooo much sense. Jordan herself is an acclaimed romance writer and here we see her give her historical romances the teen treatment, creating a Regency world for teens complete with headstrong, obstinate girls, flirtations and adventure.

The ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“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.”

SIXTEEN SCANDALS by Sophie Jordan is a delightful, romp-y reimagining of the 1984 John Hughes film SIXTEEN CANDLES.

In London 1821, Primrose lives completely sheltered from London society. The youngest of four daughters, she is excited to finally take her place in London Society on her sixteenth birthday. That is, until her mother, overwhelmed with her sister Violet’s upcoming nuptials, and Prim’s sister Aster still unmatched, tells Prim that she won’t be going out in society until all her sisters are married. Frustrated with her dull existence, Prim sets out for one evening of scandalous exposure to the pleasures of Vauxhall with her worldly friend, Olympia. There she meets the mysterious gentleman Jacob, who pledges to help her enjoy her one magical night.

Overall, this was a cute, quick read. It is 256 pages, so I was able to finish it in two sittings.

I liked Primrose as a character. An avid reader, she is hopelessly lonely and bored stuck in her family’s London home all day while everyone else is out and about. She’s somewhat naïve in setting out on her fantastical night of adventures, but is quick to catch on when a situation turns sour, which I appreciate. She's not stupid. That said, there were moments where I felt her inner monologues, the “golly I’ve never dealt with this before” diatribes were too long and ill-placed. It gets to the point where I felt it detracted from the time she and Jacob spent together. They were totally adorable, and I really enjoyed their banter, and his protectiveness over her. At the same time, I wish more time had been spent showing their relationship develop through meaningful discussions, instead of spending so much time in Primrose's head. Instead, it felt at times like their conversations were just Primrose marveling over how rich Jacob probably was. I believed that they really liked each other by the end, but I still wanted to see more of that development.

Also, I wish the revelation that Jacob didn’t want to be married had been established sooner, because then there could have been more room to show development that led to him changing his mind, which I don’t feel we got much of. Still, I felt that their relationship was cute and I especially liked that scene at the ball!

I wouldn’t say this was my favorite Sophie Jordan, but it definitely fills the demand for a specific type of regency romance, and I really enjoy her reimaginings of the classic 80s movies that we all know and love. I look forward to reading the next one! Maybe THE BREAKFAST CLUB can be next?

Many thanks to NetGalley and HMH for the opportunity to review this ARC!

Primrose, the youngest of 4 girls, can't wait to celebrate her 16th birthday and come out in society. But when her mother tells her that'll have to wait until her older sister is married, Prim decides to take matters into her own hands. Along with her friend, Olympia, Prim sneaks out for some birthday fun. Almost the whole book takes place during this night of hijinks. While predictable, this story was fun and engaging.
I love stories about girls breaking the mold. Prim was bold, with a thirst for life, and very likable.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to review this arc.

An enjoyable and delightful read! The proverbial youngest child rebelling against the restraints of her family and achieving a grand adventure all on her own... with a handsome companion. A good quick read for lovers of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice.

Sixteen Scandals is perfect for any young adult who likes Jane Austen or historical periods. Loved the story line, characters and writing, This regency romp was fun! Will definitely have copies of this one in my classroom library!!!

Sixteen Scandals was a delightful teen romp in the Regency Era. It's a good starting point for budding Jane Austen and romance readers alike. The plot felt very much in the "Harlequin Romance" area but the writing was adorable and charming so I can't be too hard on it. Primrose and Jacob made me smile and I finished the novel in a single sitting, so I found it quite diverting. If you're looking for a sweet fluffy Regency teen romance, then grab Sixteen Scandals.

This is a light little historical rom com that is sure to provide a few hour of escape to those who enjoy this genre.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.