Member Reviews

This was a fun and enjoyable read. I liked the story and the characters. Would definitely recommend.
Thank you Nadine Millard, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

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I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

As the eldest Templeworth sister, Elodie has the fate of the whole family on her shoulders. She must be perfect, and above reproach, so being discovered lying atop Christian Harrison, Viscount of Brentford, is nearly enough to ruin them all. The last thing Christian wanted was to be in the small village, with little to no entertainment, but he's drawn to the eldest Miss Templeworth. When the scandal breaks, Elodie needs nothing more than to escape Halton, and her mother, and so she stows away in Christian's carriage as he's heading to London. Giving him little say in the matter, the couple are stuck together until London, at the very least, and the proximity is setting the sparks alight.

I really felt for Elodie in this book. She had a selfish mother, and three unruly sisters, to control, so all the pressure was on her, and she was bound to crack at some point. After a complete misunderstanding which set her mother off, claiming she would need to be married off, Elodie had to flee, and hiding in Christian's carriage was the perfect choice. I loved how funny this book was at times. The couple had such a witty banter, and the situation they found themselves in was both humorous and heartfelt at times. A really great start to a new series, and one I'm looking forward to continuing.

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A Springtime Scandal is a lively, madcap adventure with Elodie and her three sisters, Francesca, Sophia and Hope, who are all as sweet as possible. After being caught in a compromising situation, Christian refuses to marry Elodie, since ‘nothing’ happened. His cousin, a pig farmer has always wanted to marry Elodie, offers for her. That works for Christian; he’s off the hook. But, it does not end there. Elodie, with her sisters help, gets in Christian’s carriage as he is leaving town so she can start anew in London, running away from the pig farmer. Christian owes her a ride, after all.

Let me say how much I enjoyed seeing Christian change as he fell in love with Elodie, and her with him. Christian is not even sure what love is! His realization that someone needs to take Elodie’s three sisters in hand to keep them out of trouble is what endeared him to me. He sees Elodie’s parents are kind of worthless when it comes to parenting and Elodie has been watching over them for way too long.

Obviously, their HEA cannot come easily. There has to be a former mistress to ruin their love just a bit. All in all, this is an enjoyable romance with more coming from the sisters.

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Entertaining Regency Romance

Elodie is a most proper miss, but scandal finds her anyway. Unlike a proper gentleman, Christian escapes his obligation. He won’t marry Elodie because nothing happened to warrant such a drastic action. However, Elodie won’t accept her fate and marry his cousin to avoid scandal. With the help of her sisters, she concocts a devious scheme that involves the viscount. She must escape the village, and he is the man with the carriage. What happens when Elodie and Christian get to know each other? Will Christian continue to want to escape marriage to Elodie? Perhaps, Elodie is not as proper as everyone thinks she is. This is an entertaining story with laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to lovers of lighthearted Regency romance.

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I was utterly charmed by this novel! I love a high-concept historical romance, but I also equally adore a classic entry in the genre done right and A Springtime Scandal is definitely the latter. If Bridgerton Season 2 left you wanting for a historical regency that hits all the tropes and keeps its focus tightly focused on its main characters, let me recommend A Springtime Scandal. It is a delightful, no-frills regency, with everything you need from the genre. There is no distraction from the main romance here nor is Millard asking you to care about a complex set of extenuating circumstances or a large cast of characters—she gives you just enough of the world to set up the other books in the series, but in an efficient way that doesn’t detract from the central romance. Christian and Eloide have a (largely) low-angst, steamy connection, and this book hits the marks you want and expect. We get a scandal in the gardens, carriage travel, just one bed, and balls in the country and in London—so this book really runs the gamut of traditional Regency locations and scenarios beloved to readers of the genre.

Christian is a hero that I have a particular weakness for: the unattached, untraumatized aristocrat rake-lite who suffers from a bit of rootlessness and ennui but no soul-rending trauma. I can really appreciate a hero with demons—I have read every Sarah MacLean book, after all—but I also love heroes like Christian who are just going about their lives pleasantly enough until the other main character draws them into the deep end of the pool emotions-wise. Essentially, Christian felt to me like your classic popular boy/high school quarterback/leading man, but the Regency version, so (of course) he is a viscount.

I also enjoyed Elodie’s dynamic with her sisters—it was a nice departure from the norm. Elodie is the responsible older sister and her three younger sisters are rebellious and often at risk of ruining the reputation of their family. Usually, a novel with this set-up demonizes the wayward younger sisters or makes clear from the outset that the sisters are already perfectly bonded and essentially similar; I really appreciated that Elodie and her sisters actually have their own arc over the course of the novel. Elodie goes from feeling like she must rein her sisters in and resenting them to seeing that they are the ones who are there for her when she needs them most; they push her not to accept less for herself and she comes to absorb some of their rebellious nature. This dynamic changed up the canonical Jane and Elizabeth Bennett vs. Kitty and Lydia Bennett dichotomy—because of Pride and Prejudice, Regency romance abounds with responsible, long-suffering older sisters who finally get their due. As an older sister I’ve never hated it (!!!!), but it can get old even for me. I really enjoyed how, in this romance, the older, responsible sister is guided by the younger, wilder sisters, and I found this departure really refreshing. Similar to above, if Bridgerton Season 2 left you frustrated with their casting of Edwina and Kate’s relationship, A Springtime Scandal has a fresh take on this classic Regency dynamic that very much respects these sister relationships. The other bright spot here is that the younger sisters are very daring and compelling, so I was excited to read their books, which I presume are next in the series.

Overall, I really recommend A Springtime Scandal if you like a classic, no-nonsense Regency with moderate steam and, in particular, if you enjoy rich sister relationships and aristocratic yet untortured heroes.

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book!

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Ms. Millard is a new-to-me author and I was excited to try this book out. I was not disappointed! She did a nice job of creating the scenes with her detailed descriptions and really bringing the story and characters to life. Elodie is eldest of four sisters and is the one with all the responsibility in the family. She handles that burden well, except when she encounters Christian Harrison, Viscount of Brentford, and because of a misunderstanding, she is caught up in a potential scandal. She decides the only way out of this, whether he likes it or not, is to have Christian help her escape the village and thus the consequences of the scandal.
This was a delightfully fun and charming story with wonderful characters that I grew to love. They had such great chemistry! I was hooked from the beginning anxiously turning the pages to see how things progressed. With wonderful characters and captivating storyline, this story is one that is definitely not to be missed and I wholeheartedly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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This was a fun read. I fully enjoyed every moment reading. I don’t normally read period romances, but this was a page turner for me.

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This historical romance presents us the Templeworth girls: Elodie, Hope, Francesca and Sophia; resigned to being motherhen, Elodie keeps constant vigil of her younger sisters, after all she is the paragon of manners and politeness. However, her world and all of her beliefs come crushing down when she lays eyes on the Viscount of Brentford. By trying to save one of her younger sisters from a compromising situation, Elodie finds herself thoroughly tangled in a scandal with the Viscount. While they insist it was just a misunderstanding, they can't stop the rumors from raging through the small village, and, ironically, it seems that it is the "good sister" to bring ruin and shame to the Templeworth name. With the help of her sisters, Elodie escapes from the village with the unknown help of the Viscount... For the rest you should really read the book! I found it very entertaining, the dynamic between the sisters are really funny, each one so different from the others but showing a unity beyond compare. Can't wait for the other books!

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A Springtime Scandal by Nadine Millard was, for much of the story, kind of bland. It was predictable and not particularly moving, but as we got past halfway, it picked up. Elodie Templeworth is the eldest daughter and responsible for the others. Her mother was present, but not present. Her sisters were handfuls, where she was the good daughter. Apparently not remarkable in appearance, everyone was just used to her. Mr. Harrison's cousin, Christian, Viscount Brentford was in attendance at the Assembly Rooms having come to town to transact some business regarding the Harrison farm. Things got complicated when Elodie followed one of her sisters from the dance, hoping to keep her from being ruined. Instead, Elodie ended up ruined, by the Viscount, of all people.
Just not a particularly interesting story. It was predictable and milk toast. Elodie didn't appear to have enough of a personality to inspire much and Christian, like many heroes in romances, took the entire book to be convinced of his love. There were some interesting moments. It was her sisters that provided the positive moments in the book. They had true personality and I am looking forward to the books in which they each take center stage.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Springtime Scandal by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #Nadine Millard #aspringtimescandal

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In walks trouble.

Elodie made a vow to be respectable and dutiful. She has succeeded for two years.
But a bit of rebellion is past due when in walks Christian to their little town.
He's experienced and well, trouble.
Elodie decides to abscond with him in his carriage, for a bit of forced proximity.

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Elodie Templeworth had a big problem. She was the good sister; the one no one had to worry about. She was blessed with three of the most hopeless younger sisters one could ever imagine. If there was trouble in the area, they found it. Never could they be trusted, and she felt the weight of her family on her shoulders. Then she met Christian Harrison, Viscount of Brentford, as he was returning home from being abroad. Naturally, they found themselves being attracted to each other and the world seemed to shift. Wonderful plot, interesting characters include delightfully unmanageable younger sisters, and a mother that does not help, make this an interesting and at times humorous read.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an ARC copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This was my first Nadine Millard book, and I'm going to dive into the rest of her books immediately (or once I've read some more of the TBR pile, anyway).

Other than an uptick of drama at the end, this was just so incredibly fun! It was frothy and delightful and the perfect distraction from *gestures at the state of the world*, y'know, everything. I got through it quickly but absolutely want more.

The steam is moderate--everything short of the official act of consummation is open-door, but there's a fade-to-black at that point. They have great chemistry, though.

Adventures, meddling families, gossip, and threats of ruination...it has it all (or close enough). I can't stress enough what a delight this was.

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Miss Elodie Templeworth is the eldedt and most proper of the four Templeworth sisters. She never puts a foot wrong and she helps everyone. The whole of their village admire her. There is a lot more to our heroine than anyone expects.

Christian Harrison, Viscount of Brentford is visiting his cousin when he's persuaded to attend a country party. The boring event he expects will turn into a scandal to change a lot of lives. Our well travelled, man about town hero has no idea what is facing him.

A very amusing historical romance with lots of fascinating characters. I can see more mischief coming in the next books in this series.

Lots of giggles and strong family bonds.

Great fun.

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Elodie Templeton is known as the good girl in the family. She is constantly keeping tabs on her three sisters who are always into trouble. All of that changes when Elodie meets Christian, Viscount Brentford, at the Assembly Room in the village of Halton. Christian is drawn to Elodie and she is mesmerized by him. An accidental fall with Elodie and Christian ending up in each other's arms is witnessed and could lead to scandal. Christian refuses to offer marriage, but the incident is spreading through the village. Elodie needs to leave, and the only way to get to London is to secretly travel in the viscount's coach. Anything can happen when two people cannot keep their hands off each other. I love this family. Elodie's sisters are hilarious and a handful. I can hardly wait to read what happens in the upcoming books. Elodie and Christian will have to be on their toes to keep up with their antics, because their parents could care less.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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A delightful story full of entertaining characters and a rocky road to finding a happy ever after!

She had to take control of her three younger sisters and try to keep them in line, because her actress mother, sure wasn't to be relied upon! So she tries to be beyond reproach and act as straightlaced as possible! But then she meets him....

He is only visiting the small little town and boredom was setting in. Then he met her... But he soon came to the conclusion she was just a little too good for him.

When these two find themselves in a compromising position, he wants to flee and she is going to go with him.. Only he does not realize it at first...

A fun tale with a lot of twist and turns will keep you reading until the end!

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This is the first book in a new series by Nadine Millard-A Lord for All Seasons., and I was immediately captivated and drawn into the world. Millard's writing style is charming with an easy and accessible tone that swiftly drew me in and kept me engaged throughout the novel. Millard's pace is well balanced as this novel moves from the country, to on the road and ultimately ending in pre-season London. The characters and interesting and engaging, the romance is sweetly sensual and the situations are delightful and fun.

Elodie is the oldest sister, she is well behaved and always ready to keep her sisters in line. Christian is a viscount, recently returned from America and not looking to be trapped in a small country town. When these two meet at a country dance, Christian is immediately taken with Elodie's beauty and they both find each other intriguing and interesting. A small mishap gets blown out of proportion and a scandal is circulated throughout the town. Christian and Elodie now find themselves at a cross roads, Christian is not interest in marriage (but is having a hard time imagining Elodie married to anyone else) and Elodie will not find herself trapped in an unwanted marriage to Christian's cousin. Thus they embark on a road trip to London where they have a hard time not falling under each other's spells.

This novel was so enjoyable, I loved watching Elodie and Christian be so taken with each other, but still fighting their inner feelings. Elodie is such a kind hearted and self less heroine, she is always putting other's feelings first above her own, even when it comes to Christian. I do love that this makes her compassionate and strong in her own way, it is not a weakness and other's don't see it as a weakness in her. Christian on the surface might seem unfeeling but he is really drawn to Elodie and he lets those feelings organically grow. While he might seem to create his own internal struggle I do love that when his mind is made up, he will do anything to make Elodie him and he full embraces his feelings. I loved that this romance is ultimately a road trip one, I love a road trip, the only one bed and we have to pretend we are married is my absolute favorite! I think Nadine Millard does a wonderful job with this trope, she is able to let her characters explore and get to know each other on another level as well as it really create a beautiful build up of chemistry that creates a lovely passionate build up between these two. The sensual and steam level of this novel is on the medium/light side but it really works with the structure of the novel and the characters. There is lovely consent and exploration, Christian is able to show Elodie a nice physically way of exploring their passions without taking things too far as she learns to open herself up to this new side of their relationship.

I would definitely recommend this novel, if you love a road trip, forced-proximity and delightfully sweet romance, this novel is not to be missed. This is the first book I have read by Nadine Millard, and it will definitely not be my last and I am extremely excited for the rest of this series (which I hope will be about Elodie's sisters)!

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First in a new series. Christian, Viscount of Brentford sees Elodie Wentworth at a local dance and is immediately struck by her. An unfortunate turn of events during the dance, where Elodie is trying to stop her rather headstrong sisters making any major missteps results a rather compromising situation with Christian.

Elodie's mother has a bit of the Mrs Bennett to her and a salvageable situation gets out of control leading Elodie to stow away in the Viscounts coach rather than stay and be married off to a local farmer.

The road trip leads to Elodie and Christian becoming closer but can they navigate the ton to get their happy ending?

I enjoyed this book! It's a bit daft but the sisters are great fun and Elodie and Christian are made for each other.

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From the moment that Christian Harrison, Viscount of Brentford meets Elodie Templeworth, he knows that she is perfect, yet in many ways quite different to how society perceives her. With three younger sisters who are incorrigible, Elodie has strived to do all that it takes to be above any scandal. However, when she meets Christian, she realises that being perfect might not be what she really wants. When they are found in an innocent embrace, scandal seems quick to stick to Elodie, despite both Christian and her denials. So when it seems that Christian is leaving her to face marriage to his cousin to avoid the scandal, Elodie decides to take matters into her own hands and escape from the village.
Both Elodie and Christian were great characters to read about in this entertaining story. Whilst Elodie holds herself to a high standard, she appears to accept that others may not be quite so good and in doing so, had the support of each sister, throughout the book. Christian is the perfect match for her, where his confidence and feelings for her, ensure that she starts to believe in her own worth. Likewise, Elodie’s goodness brought out Christian’s kindness. Despite the setbacks, their relationship grew, and it was lovely to see how it had progressed by the end of the book. This book is a promising start to what will be a delightful series with the Templeworth sisters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I was hooked from Chapter One! Elodie Templeworth was a kind, loving young Miss. Despite her young years, having only Come Out last year, she spends all her time caring for her three younger siblings. At the country dance she catches the eye of the visiting Viscount. He is lost from that first sighting, but of course, life gets in the way. True love never runs smooth. With the help of her brave, forthright and brazen sisters, she sneaks into the Viscounts carriage to escape London…. What ensues is madcap adventure, with quiet inns and explored feelings.
Seeing her sisters come together to support her was truly beautiful,. Their fierce defence showed that they care as much for her as she did them. The ending was so sweet. And again we learn the key to success…. Communication!

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4.5 Stars
Elodie Templeworth is the eldest of four sisters & she’s always been the good sister, the well-behaved sister, the sister on whose shoulders the fate of their family rested. And she was doing a wonderful job of it, too. Until she met Christian Harrison, Viscount of Brentford who returning from making his fortune abroad is visiting his cousin Philip in Halton. An unfortunate misunderstanding leads to a potential scandal for Elodie and Christian - leading Christian to discover that all is not so innocent and demure with the fiery Miss Templeworth. And he’s more than a little intrigued by the passion lurking beneath her rigid composure. Not enough to help her out of a sticky situation though. With little options left available to her, she decides the viscount is going to help her escape her village, and the consequences of their actions, with or without his knowledge.
The first of a new series & a delightful read. It was well written with strong characters, I loved the angelic Elodie whose prim exterior hid a fiery, passionate woman & I loved the confident, handsome Christian. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting & both fell in lust but enforced close proximity changed their feelings & I loved how their relationship changed & grew. There were misunderstandings & assumptions, which needed to be addressed, plus the interference of Elodie’s three precocious sisters. I thoroughly enjoyed theor road to a HEA & look forward to reading the rest of the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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