It can be such a bummer when a book that you are so excited for doesn't meet your expectations. Minerva Spencer has never disappointed me ... until now. I did not like the story, the romantic hero, or the interactions of practically any of the characters. Ultimately, this feel pretty flat and I think there are definitely better romance books out there that I would be a bit more likely to recommend.

When I finished reading Notorious I immediately went to check to see when the next book was coming out. I happily found it on NetGalley and requested it. To my delight I got a copy! (Thank You Kensington Books!!!).

Let me just say this book is a much better delight than Notorious. I found the characters had more depth to them, the romance was more believable and enjoyable, and I liked the plot. While I did have issues with some plotting and characters arcs, it was a fun read. I only put the book down once when I realized I had been reading too late and couldn't keep my eyes open. My main wish was that it was longer and more drawn out, but otherwise it was so good.

Likes:

Eva and Godric They both have flaws and redeeming characteristics! Woo! It's sad to say that, but I am so thankful for it. Eva speaks before she thinks and Godric has a tendency for self-destruction. But she's fiercely loyal and brave and he's responsible. I loved reading about them interacting and getting to know each other. Their fighting was entertaining and them falling in love was beautifully handled. They're both flawed humans, but they helped each other overcome their flaws.

Dialogue It's quick and witty. The banter between Eva and Godric helped flesh out their characters. The internal dialogue was insightful and I wish there had been more, especially with Godric.

James and Anthony: First, I want them to be a couple. I think they would be a perfect couple. Second, they are wonderful characters that helped move the plot along and were the perfect addition to Eva and Godric. It created a good balance. Plus they were the perfect ending!

Dislikes:

Character Arcs: I wanted more out of Eva and Godric. I liked that they had their flaws, but it didn't feel like they were addressed until the very end. More growth out of the both of them would have been perfect, and in front of each other. I wanted Eva to discuss in more depth about her fears of madness and I wanted Godric to talk about the lasting effects of war and losing his family did to him. Adult discussions and then moving on together. That would have made the story perfect! But we don't get that. We get a lot of the same thing again and again from the two characters, which was annoying.

Plot There is so much that happens in this story. It's intense. I wish that half the plot points had been taken out and more time had been spent on characters. Also the story just ends. Things are mostly wrapped up, but the actual ramifications of their actions aren't addressed only mentioned. I wanted to see how things went and conversations between characters went. It just felt anti-climatic.

Eva's Age Several times throughout the story her age is brought up. Godric treats her like a child (she's 19 and he's 36 so I kinda get it ), but then he also wants to bed her? It hits the uncomfortable button for me. I know those arrangements happened then and now, but it would have been preferable if Godric didn't say those things and treat her in such a manner. Furthermore, I would have liked Eva to grow up at some point as she did act like a child a LOT.

Long Story Short
Do I recommend Outrageous? Yup! It's fun and witty. While I had some issues with character arcs and convoluted plot, the overall story is a good one. I enjoyed watching both Eva and Godric spar with each other and anyone that was against them. Their romance was cute and I liked it. I thought it better than the first book, Notorious, as Godric felt less like an ass than Gabriel and Eva had a backbone. To be honest you don't even have to read the first book to get the plot. Be sure to check this book out when it arrives on June 29, 2021!

Eva was very childish and petulant most of the time. The constant "I hate you" was like a four year old crying for not getting her way. Unfortunately the age difference between the hero and heroine was remarked upon several times. The hero was also childish and an ass. He was the villain in the previous book and he didn't change much in this one either. Godric suffered a lot in a short time but he didn't become a strong heroic character. He was a coward and stayed one till the end. The journey didn't change the characters much.

Eva de Courtney kidnaps Godric Fleming to stop the annoying earl from persecuting the brother she loves and adores, Gabriel. Once she has Godric in her carriage, irritation soon turns to passion as her plan unfolds.

Godric soon turns tables on Eva as kidnapper soon becomes the hostage and demands her hand in marriage. The journey to Scotland is frought with danger and as Eva struggles to maintain her independence and Godric tries to keep his hands from Eva, they both realize their greatest challenge will be to hold on to their hearts.

Truly terrific. Wow! What an adventure.
I have no words for Eva, the female lead. A true incomparable, an original character created by the author.
Godric had his flaws but as always redeems himself bit by bit in true troubled hero fashion.
Together they go on a dangerous adventure which was full of twists and turns and out and out entertainment.
Eva kidnaps Godric so that the latter doesn't create more trouble in the life of her brother than he had already created.
She was headstrong, impulsive, brave and resourceful. She is fiercely protective and loyal to people she loved. Godric is trouble due to trauma in his past. He tried so hard not to fall in love with Eva but it was a losing battle from the beginning. I strongly recommend this book due to its unusual and unique story line. Though it's enemy to lovers trope but it's soon good and nothing like what I have read so far.
Loved the glimpse of Mia and Adam.
I really think Godric should have grovelled more. Eva gave up too easily.
Eagerly waiting for Richard's story.

I am a very hard core Minerva Spencer fan and was eagerly awaiting this book. So appreciative to have had the chance to read an ARC. This also means I am likely highly critical of what she writes because I always anticipate a 5 star read. Some spoilers are below.

What worked for me: Minerva Spencer’s fearlessness to write flawed, messy characters. It always reminds me of characters in the book Treasure Island. Earthy, multi-faceted, and injured (physical and mental). These characters were likewise so colorful and diverse with their behaviors and quirks. I loved the unabashed way Minerva showed Visel getting beat up and hurt throughout the novel. Many times the author does not want to show the hero looking less-than. Minerva never had an issue with this. Dialogue was mesmerizing. I enjoyed hearing what everyone would say in response to a comment or question. I could see the movie reel in my head as I read through each scene.

Now for my quibbles. I really wanted more information about Mia’s real or perceived madness. At the end of the book I was left believing her madness was due to strong emotions. But that kind of feels like a cop out. I had been hoping, based on her behavior and on previous books descriptions of her and her mother, that there would be a hereditary link for bipolar disorder. Obviously they wouldn’t call it by it’s modern name. But I was expecting/hoping to see glimpses of the heroine’s mania followed by periods of depression. I understand that would be hard, and may make for lulls in the book. But I wanted it. I was anticipating that the book would be a slow ride drama-wise, but would show Mia’s disorder understood and buffered by Visel’s war hysteria (presumably PTSD as we know it today). There are definitely hints at this, but then it seems almost dropped in for the sake of action within the story (attempted murder, etc...). I felt like we lost that potential in lieu of more chapters showing action, ie the kidnapping and the chapters with Mia and Thomas.

Excellent writing as always, I just have a very high bar for Minerva Spencer’s writing and I wish she had delved more into the emotional toils of mental illness in a time without therapeutic medicine. 4 and a half stars!

One of my favorite romance reads of the last few months! An exciting, engrossing, and enjoyable read. I enjoyed seeing Eva' and Godric's relationship develop, they had witty banter and the steamy moments were well-written. Spencer did a wonderful job of balancing both the humorous and more serious moments; the on-the-road hijinks (while silly at times) kept me riveted and entertained. I do think the ending felt a little rushed, I would have liked to have read a longer make-up or post-wedding scene between the couple instead of the many pages on horse breeding (kudos to Spencer for her diligent research, it is just not a topic I am personally interested in reading haha). Can't wait to read the next addition, and I hope we also get a book on Catherine and her husband. Spencer is definitely becoming a new must-read romance author for me!

I do agree with another reviewer who mentioned that Godric frequently referring to Eva as "a child" was off-putting. I didn't mind the age difference, but to keep referring to her in such a way was unnecessary in my opinion!

<i> Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an E-ARC of this book in return for an honest review</i>

<b> 3.75 stars</b>

Outrageous, continuing the Rebels of the Ton series, follows the story of Eva (nicknamed Evil), who in an attempt to protect her brother and best friend kidnaps Lord Godric Visel. A quick-witted, entertaining period romance ensues, containing plenty of hijinks and odd but loveable character!

Just like the first instalment of the series, I thought this was a very fast, easy and enjoyable read! Just what you need if you want to switch off for a bit!

My main quibble with this book, as it is quite often in romance, is that the MCs just didn't seem to communicate with each other properly! So many issues could easily have been less dramatic and easily resolved if they'd just had a conversation!

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Really wanted to like this one because it was so different, but I could have used a little more old fashioned romance

I did not finish this book. I really liked the storyline, but I couldn't get past how the hero kept referring to the heroine as a child, infant, etc... There is a seventeen year age difference. I wasn't turned off so much by the age difference but the fact that he kept thinking of her as a child and was still attracted to her. Yuck.

Oh my goodness this book was entertaining! The first half had me in absolute stitches. Even when I put the book down to do something else, I found myself laughing out loud over remembered scenes, and had to return to reading as soon as I could.

The middle became more serious, although still engaging. I did become a little lost as to the motivations of the secondary characters, but still enjoyed reading. The developing relationship between Godric and Eva was plausible, fun, and extremely swoony.

Unfortunately, the last section lost me. Not having read previous books in the series, I knew none of the family members who now joined the story. The separation between the hero and heroine went on too long for me, and without their sparking banter the vivacity that charmed me earlier was absent, leaving me feeling rather bored. Having said that, I am certain this section of the book would have delighted a reader familiar with the series, and so I can't fault it.

This was the first book by Minerva Spencer that I've read, and I'll definitely be coming back for more!

Reviewed also on instagram: @india.holton

Beautifully written, the pace of the book just flew. I couldn't believe 5 hours had passed and I had finished it. This was my first Minerva Spencer, but it won't be my last.

This is the second book in the series. I don't think that you need to read the first one to understand it but it gives you such a better understanding. Besides, the first book was incredible. :) I was curious how they planned to redeem the hero in this book. He was a villain in the first book and they did an excellent job explaining his earlier actions. Being a Minerva Spencer book, this one is smart and fun. Liked both of the main characters and I liked how they are together. :) A fun and terrific read.

.Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review