Member Reviews
This was my first Liana De la Rosa book and I enjoyed it. It is not my favourite hr romance but. This book follows The marriage of convinces of Niall and Alicia. Niall is in the running for prime minister, but an unknown author publishes articles criticizing his ways but also supports him. What Niall does not know is that the beautiful blonde woman that he can’t get out of his mind, are the author that can ruin his career.
To Tempt a Scandalous Lord is the fourth book in the Once Upon a Scandal series by Liana De la Rosa, A steamy historical romance that is sure to take your breath away! To Tempt a Scandalous Lord is a well-written story with characters that have undeniable chemistry making this a must-read for those who love historical romance.
I think I spent half this story cringing... Our heroine, Alicia, has been trashing our hero, Niall, in the "tabloids". She thinks he can be a better man/politician than he is. Of course, this is before she actually meets him. HE is a sincere, guy running for Prime Minister, trying to keep all opposing forces in balance as he tries to pass significant legislation that will change the lives of people and children who need it. Compromise, communication, trust, forgiveness,... love. Selfless love. All of these intertwine in the phenomenal love story of these two souls. Thanks to the Fates for the wardrobe malfunction that forces these 2 to find a way past initial impressions to see the person behind the facades. Loved this tory, and I highly recommend it!
This is the 4th book in the Once upon a scandal series. In this story we have Nialls story, he is running for public office and is forced into a marriage of convenience. I really was not a fan of his wife. She had no reason to be mad she did hide the truth from him. The story was ok just not in love in the characters.
A tempestuous story of two people who desire the same outcome but are determined to fight it. Alicia is a young widow enjoying the freedom to live her life as she wishes. She is passionate about her causes and wants to see real change occur for the underdog. Niall is a Scottish Lord vying for the post of British Prime Minister. He is also passionate about his cause and career and seriously focused on the end goal. The story is filled with witty and passionate arguments between the two. The authors writes do that you can feel the sparks between the flying off the page. There coming together is wonderful as they realize the full potential of the power they can wield together.
She's a widowed Countess writing political chapbooks critiquing the candidates for Prime Minister. He's the Scottish Marquess running for PM. And due to a wardrobe malfunction they must marry.
It's a slow burn marriage of convenience where one character has a Big Secret that they keep from the other.
I really liked that Niall respected Alicia's mind and keen political thinking. Their mutual respect was lovely.
I think it's a solid, well written book with a lot of great points, but there were several reasons why this book wasn't the one for me right now:
- I'm a little burned out on Big Secrets. I appreciate that it's never a secret from the reader, and I appreciate some parts of the Big Reveal. But it's still a Big Secret.
- A book which leans heavily into politics is not for me at the moment. I'm a bit burned out on real world politics, so delving into historical politics didn't feel like an escape.
- There's an illness which is both mysterious and contagious. This immediately put my guard up. It's quickly identified, but it still interrupted my enjoyment.
- It's such a slow burn. I'm not sure they even kiss until 70%. And there wasn't quite enough longing to carry me through such a slow slow burn.
Despite all these things, I had no trouble getting though it. I would have enjoyed it more if the above factors weren't working against me.
It's definitely a YMMV situation!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Alicia Lindsay, the dowager Countess Lindsay, has spent her life under the dominion of men— leered at yes, but ultimately silenced and cast aside. But widowhood has granted her the freedom to voice her critiques against injustices in articles that have enraptured the nation. Resolved to bring about political change, Alicia's investigation of the newest party candidates leads her to the captivating, hard headed Lord Inverray. She's unprepared when he proves to be not only charming but chivalrous when a slight wardrobe malfunction—with all eyes of the ton upon them—forces her to accept his proposal. Now she’s keeping a huge secret from her soon-to-be-husband. Niall Campbell, Marquis of Inverray, has spent years finding support for numerous legislations to help his fellow Scots. Now poised to grasp the party leadership, his success has been threatened by some anonymous articles critiquing his campaign.
This is the fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. However I did love that characters from previous books make appearances after all they are family. I loved both Niall & Alicia who were attracted to each other from their first meeting but waltzing too close & a rogue brooch meant they entered a marriage of convenience. They are both passionate about political reform especially child labour & as their relationship grows & changes they are very passionate about each other. The road to their HEA isn’t easy but it did make for a totally engrossing read, which kept me awake until silly hours. I've loved the whole series but I think this is my favourite
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A really good and satisfying read.
I’ve read a few from this author and not a bad one among them.
This storyline revolves around the arranged marriage and relationship between a Marquess running for office and his nemesis.
Set around the year 1834, and the highly contested Child Labour Act.
Although fictionalised this is a wonderful version of a romance in turbulent times and how the couple dealt with their differences. I for one loved it.
Liana is a definite go to for me if I want a sensitive, in-depth and passionate romance.
This was exactly what I got.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Liana De La Rosa has penned yet another marvelous romance, this time between a candidate for prime minister and his chief but anonymous critic, the author of broadsides about the candidates. Wed after he he ‘exposes’ her at a ball, he keeps his distance although she is no retiring virgin but a widow. Both suffer from the uncertainty whether their affections are returned and secrets have a a way to be revealed always. Readers will love the tension between these protagonists and the intelligent repartee of the heroine. An altogether charming novel of rocky beginnings leading to a very rewarding conclusion.
Lady Alicia, Countess Lindsay, has her ears tuned to current politics. So engaged that she writes political tracts in a chapbook. One person in particular holds her interest, Niall, Marquess of Inverray Vigilant in his campaign for Prime Minister, he is more interested in following instead of leading, holding back his influence in Parliament. Alicia's tracts are drawing a lot of attention, not necessarily well received. When an accidental circumstance requires Alicia and Niall to marry, neither one is ready to live as a married couple. It takes a life and death crisis to bring them close, until Alicia's secret is revealed. Interesting hero and heroine who take center stage in politics.
Very enlightening information on reform for Child Labor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
To Tempt a Scandalous Lord is the fourth book of a series but stands wonderfully well on its own, even though couples from the previous books make appearances. Meeting those couples shouldn't confuse readers though it might make you want to discover more about them by reading their books.
One of the things I enjoy about De la Rosa's books is how she weaves pertinent issues of the day into her stories. In this one, both Niall and Alicia are politically-minded individuals, willing to use their words and actions to advance necessary reforms to benefit the disadvantaged population of England, especially children. The author's research shines in the way she presents the issues as a natural part of the story. She expands my knowledge of the time without me feeling like I've sat through a history lesson.
Having a hero and heroine who barely know one another and are just beginning to acknowledge the desire they're feeling when they're "compromised" opens many opportunities for those characters to evolve, both individually and as a couple, something this author takes full advantage of. It also allows the reader to learn about the characters as they are learning about one another, making me feel like I'm traveling their journey to love and understanding with them. I like how Alicia and Niall challenge each other's beliefs, how they are open to listening and learning, even if some of the lessons are difficult to hear and take time to sink in. They both have significant growth arcs, and difficult decisions, that solidified my affection for them and my belief in their hard-won happily ever after.
I typically don't enjoy one half of a couple keeping a (huge) secret from the other but I understand why Alicia feels she has no choice. Women of that time were too often, and too easily, silenced and she has important things to say. I was in her corner, cheering her on the entire way.
I will say that I found the first few chapters of the book to be a bit sluggish. If you have that same experience, I encourage you to keep with it. Once the book hits the 25% mark, the pace picks up. From that point on, I was fully invested and eagerly flipping pages until I reached the end.
If you enjoy historical romance with fully-developed characters, well-researched historical detail, witty banter, realistic issues, and a slow-burn romance, give this one a try.
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“To Tempt A Scandalous Lord” is a standalone story in Liana De La Rosa’s Once Upon A Scandal series.
The story features Alicia Lindsay, the widowed dowager Countess Lindsay, and Niall Campbell, Marquess of Inverray. It’s clear from the beginning that these two were drawn to each other but each envisioned a different life for themselves and their country. When they had no choice but to marry, their marriage of convenience experiences highs and lows as they promenade to their HEA.
I loved that Alicia had more to her than just being a widow who was pretty. She contributed I society at a higher level and loved it. Good for her! I also loved the cinnamon Rollie as of Niall, especially with the children in the story. Hot men who are good with kids speak to me 🗣🥵
This is my first Liana De La Rosa book and I look forward to catching up on her other books… adding to my TBR right now!
* I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
#ToTemptaScandalousLord #NetGalley
A political 1800’s enemies to lovers romance, oh my!
Alicia is a widow and an anonymous political columnist who critiques all the men in the House of Lords. Niall is a Scottish Marquess with political inspirations and no time for romance, they’re natural born enemies, and yet when they meet sparks fly.
I really love how Alicia was portrayed in this book. She was a strong willed woman in a time where strong willed women weren’t always welcome, and the author embraced that fact and wrote an amazing character that I think most modern women can relate with. She’s feisty and funny and has a huge heart and I just loved her as a character. Niall is a scot and so of course I loved him as well but Alicia shone.
The pacing of this book was okay, there were some parts where I wish the story would move a little faster, especially towards the end, and then also points where things happened in such quick succession it was hard to follow exactly what was going on. There were some points where I had to put the book down and take a break because there was something I was waiting for to happen, and it just seemed like it never would. Ultimately though it was a good story and I really enjoyed it in the end.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the marriage of convenience trope. These two characters have some great banter and chemistry. I love that Alicia stands up and speaks for herself, and doesn't let the men around her push her to the side. And I love that Niall cares about her opinion and listens to her. Really enjoyable historical romance.
To Tempt a Scandalous Lord was, decent.
The writing was good, but the story was drowned out by the copious amounts of political information. Personally I don't read historical romance to learn about how the political system worked at the time. I liked the characters individually, but I don't think their relationship was fleshed out, they didn't have very much chemistry.
Also, the scene that causes the marriage of convenience was confusing and I had to read it several times to figure out what happened.
*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC
I came to know about the author via Twitter and then found her on Facebook. Once the cover reveal was done though, I was already expecting a great book! I have not read her before but now I have already got the 1st one out of this series.
So Alicia is bloomed into her own self by the time she comes to London. In a way. She is sure of herself, is clever, and has a knack of putting political items in perspective. Enough to be able to pen debates on the political candidates, especially Niall.
While Niall, already dealing with his Scottish lineage being looked down by the Englishmen, despite his title of a duke, is determined to run for the next prime minister. And becomes the target of Alicia's honest reviews through an anonymous newspaper article. But when they meet in real life? a bodice ripper. Literally but I won't add a spoiler.
All in all Niall does understand her perspectives and maybe he doesn't need to be the prime minister to achieve his goals. And Alicia also understands everything may not be done overnight. I love how both of the characters have a certain mature vibes. Alicia makes a conscious decision to stay anonymous with her secrets (I like nicely done secret tropes). Because she knows Niall would have a certain gender related and egoistic reaction and then she remarks on it too that he proved her right. That's actually my favorite scene, where she is justified in her decision! How she understands the risks and it is not out of her own sense of self failure or lack in faith in herself.
Niall is witty and intelligent enough to understands what he has in Alicia. But like all men, he has to go through his own realizations to fully recognize and accept it. I particularly liked how he was portrayed with children and yet is frustrated with himself cause he can not seem to connect and have Alicia to himself. Nicely done that yearning :)
And well, did I say the cover was niiiiiceee?
Liana De la Rosa writes a book which has you so interested you do not know where the time goes. This is one of those books. It is about Niall who is a Lord and very involved in politics and Alicia who is a Countess and a widow who has thoughts about politics and will not let men stop her thoughts. A situation comes up which causes these two to marry, but there are secrets between them. This book for me had a little too much political talk, but still kept me interested.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley for my honest opinion.
2 stars
To Tempt a Scandalous Lord tempted me indeed. With a Scottish lord, a secret female author, and a marriage of convenience, I figured that this would be a slam dunk for me. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to its title or description for me.
I think that Niall and Alicia had a lot of potential as characters, but I found their romance to be pretty cold. Much of that had to do with the dense amount of political and historical information that is being presented in this book. Additionally, when you consider how much time they spend yearning for each other, the actual descriptions of their physical relationship were fairly scant. They also didn't take place until 70% into the book.
While this was not the book for me, I know for a fact that there are romance readers out there who will love this. If you like your historical romance with massive amounts of political intrigue, this could be the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!
Alicia Lindsay, the dowager Countess Lindsay, has spent her life under the dominion of men— leered at yes, but ultimately silenced and cast aside. But widowhood has granted her the freedom to voice her critiques against injustices in articles that have enraptured the nation. Resolved to bring about political change, Alicia's investigation of the newest party candidates leads her to the captivating, hardheaded Lord Inverray. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Liana De la Rosa is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.
A slow burn political based regency romance that kept me engaged with the story and the building romance between Niall and Alicia. He's charming and honourable and she's keeping a secret that can destroy him or bring them closer together.
To Tempt a Scandalous Lord is book 4 in the Once Upon A Scandal series by Liana De la Rosa and gives you much more than expected.