This was a very different genre for me! This book started out a little slow, but then I was hooked! Eliza Balfour was married to the Earl of Somerset for 10 years. It was a loveless marriage, and when Eliza learns of her inheritance, it seems that she will finally get a chance to live a life of her choosing. However, society rules don’t appear to allow this. Along with her cousin, Margaret, Eliza will set out on a path to find a life of happiness and true love.

This one starts slowly and takes unexpected turns. Lady Eliza Balfour marries for family duty at the age of 17. Ten years later she is a widow Countess. Surprisingly, the late miserly Earl leaves her wealthy with his un-entailed property. The new Earl of Somerset is her first love and who she wanted to marry years ago. I expected that to be the romance. Eliza while still in mourning. She impulsively rejects returning to her family who wants to run her life and instead decides to rent a house in Bath taking her cousin Margarette along as a companion. There she meets Lord Melville and his sister Carolyn. Somerset arrives soon assuming he and Eliza will become reunited.

Love triangles are hard to work with. Until someone makes a miss-step you are waiting for Eliza to decide what she wants for her future. I think my favorite relationship was the loving and accepting cousinship between Margarett and Eliza. And I love the side f/f romance for Margarett. Of course it all fits into the time period and everything is all very proper. The book is clean with only mentions of kissing.

This isn’t an historical romance I will rave about but I enjoyed it enough to look for the author in the future. Thank you to Penguin Group, Penguin Books and Netgalley for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

I went into this novel expecting one thing - I am a sucker for second-chance romance and the whole "right person, wrong time" scenario, and for the majority of the book that's what I was getting. However, along the way I found that Irwin slowly changed the tides and before I knew what was going on I had completely changed my perspective on this book and our lovely dowager Lady Somerset.

Pretty straightforward for someone who reads a lot of regency/historical romance, however I did really like the slight deviation this one took - one I will not discuss further to avoid spoilers. A really good takeaway is just that your life and the fates have plans for you and sometimes you need to just sit back and enjoy the ride because you will end up exactly where you need to be with exactly who you need to be with. Loved this!

I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Books through NetGalley.
This books starts as expected from a romance in this period. A timid main character who has put duty above love and married the person her family selected. Now, ten years later, as the story begins, Eliza is a widow and still hasn't found her courage to speak for herself. To everyone's surprise, the husband who put her down for their entire marriage, left her an estate and made her a wealthy widow. But, a morality clause, included in the Will, sets up the remaining story.
Eliza brings her cousin, Margaret, with her to Bath and meets a wide variety of characters. She is sure she is still in love with the new Lord Somerset even after ten years but also meets Lord Melville and is drawn to him despite his scandalous past. The plot plays out as expected in a romance but the characters make the unfolding interesting. I appreciate the humor woven in as Irwin hits on the ridiculousness of some of the expected behaviors and morals.
A much needed light summer read.

Eliza Balfour has always done exactly what was expected of her, including marrying the man who has recently left her a widow at 27, when the person who actually wanted to marry was his nephew, Oliver Somerset. At the reading of the will (delayed by months, due to Somerset's absence), Eliza--the Lady Somerset--has quite the shock when she discovers that her husband left everything to her in the will--and that there's a morality clause. If, at any point, Somerset deems her in breach of the clause, the land and the money will revert to him.

Overwhelmed, she and her cousin Margaret flee to Bath, where they meet the Melville siblings, Max and Caroline, who scandal seems to cling to. Max and Eliza strike up a friendship--one that dances on the edges of propriety, especially as Eliza is still officially in mourning over her husband, and Melville is a known rake.
Meanwhile, Somerset is back in Eliza's life, and she wonders if there's any chance at putting their history behind them--if there's any chance she could marry the Somerset she loves.

A Lady's Guide to Scandal follows Eliza as she learns to listen to trust in what she wants, rather than follow what society says she should. It's fun, and sweet, and very tense at moments. I've rarely read historical romances with actual love triangles, and I was torn over who I wanted her to end up with.

The Melvilles are half Indian, and I did was either slightly more or slightly less about that--the prejudice they face is definitely both alluded to and outright talked about at a few points, but I would have loved to see both some more specific ways society treated them (rather than it just being talked about that things were harder for them) and a little more about the good that comes with that (there's allusion to Indian food at their house, and Melville talks about his mother some, but I would have loved to see more of that).

Overall it was a fun read and the ending felt earned.

When I got this ARC from NetGalley I was so happy because I love Sophie’s writing! While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as her first book, it was still cute and clever.

Here’s what to expect:
💗 sweet FMC with great character development as she learns what she wants
💗 Persuasion type vibes but with a twist
💗 love triangle trope
💗 strong side characters and plot
💗 regency but written in a unique way
💗 LGBTQ+ representation

I really wanted to love this one and I still enjoyed a lot of it, but I didn’t connect with the characters as much as her other book, so it fell a little flat for me. Regency fans should definitely try it!

I freaking loved this book. I read it in two days and I have a book hangover. I cannot say enough good things about this book.

Every part of this book just hit different and I could not get enough. First, the character development of Eliza, our FMC, was just top tier. Watching her gain her independence and become who she was always meant to be was part of what I loved most about the book. She goes from a wallflower to an independent woman and I really enjoyed that journey. That transformation was realistic and relatable because she spent her whole life putting duty before her happiness. Seeing her embrace her own happiness was truly a delight.

I also adored the character interactions and the writing. Each one was insightful and delightful in their own way. Their relationships were twisted, complex, and full of fun. The relationship between Margaret and Eliza, one of mutual support, understanding, and love was true female friendship goals. But the interactions between all the other characters were just as wonderful and fleshed out. That had to do with the author's writing, which was flawless and banter filled. I thought she just did an incredible job throughout and this story was well written and fun.

I do have to warn people that there is a love triangle in this. And for some, that is a trope that they just cannot do. I respect that and don't read this book if you don't like the trope. However, I think love triangles are amazing, so I didn't mind it at all. I actually thought it enhanced the book. Eliza's complex feelings for Somerset, one of the MMC, and Melville, the other MMC, is what gave the book it's depth.

Overall, read this book. It is fun, it is well written, it is full of female empowerment, and it is a great romance read. I couldn't put it down. Just don't read it if you don't like love triangles.

Thank you to the publisher, Penguin Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another winner from Sophie Irwin!

While it seems like nearly every historical romance gets pitched as "ideal for fans of Bridgerton (or Jane Austen)" I think A Lady's Guide to Scandal actually fits the bill. Witty repartee, meddling and money-grubbing mamas, a mixed race MMC, queer rep, and a love triangle...or could it be a second chance romance? The whole thing's just a delight.

I loved the journey just widowed Eliza goes on, though at first I was like, how long is this shrinking violet thing gonna go on? You're finally free, woman (but not quite). But the thing is, that's what makes this a journey! I loved that most of the book happens in Bath, though they do get to London eventually. The romance is pretty chaste as Eliza is in her first year of mourning for most of the book, but there's a bit of kissing.

Definitely a Regency romp to put on your summer reading list.

4 stars.

Synopsis:
When shy, rule-follower Miss Eliza Balfour married the austere Earl of Somerset, it was the match of the season--no matter that it wasn't a love match. But, 10 years later, Eliza is a titled, rich, and for the first time in her life free widow. She’s always lived by society’s rules for long enough and now she longs to do whatever pleases her. And what pleases her is heading to Bath with her cousin Margaret to pick up some new hobbies. All is fine and good until she begins her acquaintance with the infamous Lord Melville.
But when the ripples of Eliza’s new friend reach her late husband’s nephew --who broke Eliza’s heart, years ago-- Eliza will learn that title and money do not come without consequences. The only way to ensure she can keep her fortune is to avoid all scandal—but is that even possible where Lord Melville is involved?

My Thoughts:
Simultaneously did not go the way I wanted it to, and yet, still ended in a satisfying manner. I definitely prefer Irwin's previous novel. But all the best parts of her writing as still here, likable lead, shenanigans, banter. I don't particularly like love triangles and this one was especially annoying. But I appreciate that at least the focus and the onus was on the female lead. And the choice seemed to be more based on who she wanted to be and the life she wanted to lead rather than just which man swayed her more. That was a conversation I enjoyed watching her talk out. Not quite what I want out of a historical romance, but all's well that ends well and that is generally true here.

Sold as a persuasion retelling but really isn't one. There is a love triangle but isn't played out well. I enjoyed the first book so much more. I did enjoy Eliza finding herself and her voice but the love triangle was off putting

This historical romance is a romp regarding a wealthy young widow with the delightful dilemma of needing to choose between two handsome men who seem to be quite taken with her. For her part, her heart belongs to art. She starts her new vocation by painting a portrait of the most notorious bachelor in Regency England. Simultaneously, she is renewing a romance with the young man she was forced to jilt years earlier in order to enter into a forced marriage with his uncle. Stir in a dash of scandal, a marriage-hungry miss and her mother, and a same-sex romance and it all makes a delightful stew!

This is beach reading, light as air and frothy. If the reader is looking for deep thinking, I suggest a different novel.

This was a diverting and pleasant story and it was definitely different. However, its premise felt contrived, which I suppose it was as the author presumably wanted the book to stand out. In addition, the ending was not the expected ending. Which, while it’s good to not always go with the expected, I didn’t feel the groundwork was laid sufficiently to support the ending.

That being said, fans of the genre looking for something new to read and solidly written should definitely give this book a chance.

This book includes age gaps and love triangles. Slow beginning. The FMC was hard to relate and care about. I wish I had done more research into the era of this book. It’s a fun love story. Just want my cup of tea.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. This was a lovely, fun story that was full of surprises. At first you think you're getting a re-telling of Persuasion with second chances. The premise is that the now 27-year-old widow Lady Somerset is bequeathed a vast fortune by her late husband with a morality clause attached. She's not terribly interested in the will or the money at first. She is more concerned about a second chance with her late husband's nephew, the man she wanted to marry before her family pushed her into a loveless union with better financial and titled recommendations. Will Eliza, Lady Somerset get another chance at love with the new Lord Somerset? After all, he's everything Eliza ever wanted since she was seventeen.

What I didn't plan for and neither did Eliza was that a decade of experience and a new-found independence might make what who she wanted since she was 17 not so much the thing at 27. Enter Byronic hero Lord Melville, the mixed race earl who has the reputation of being "mad, bad, and dangerous to know." Will he tempt Eliza into ruin? Will he cause her to lose everything and everyone she has ever wanted, or ... will he help her to embrace individualism and art and a life of passion? Exactly which love of her life is the bad guy and which is the good guy? Eliza will have to decide for herself because society has a very firm opinion on the matter. Oh, and there's also a sweet little sapphic subplot that turns the Regency old maid trope upside down. Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and Julia Quinn fans especially will love A Lady's Guide to Scandal.

I enjoyed A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, but I absolutely adored A Lady’s Guide to Scandal! I listened to the audiobook thanks to PRH audio and loved Imogen Church’s narration: I like that Irwin covers some of the difficulties women faced in this time period. Eliza was forced into an unhappy marriage to help her family despite being in love with the nephew of her husband. When her older husband passed away, she finally had the chance for some freedom, especially when he gives her some of his lands in his will.

I loved seeing Eliza and her cousin establish themselves in Bath. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, but I was here for the Eliza, Somerset, Melville one. I originally rooted for Somerset until I saw how Melville encouraged Eliza to be hersef. The chemistry and banter between Eliza and Melville was apparent while Somerset didn’t really seem to see her. I loved how many times Eliza chose herself throughout the course of the book. I can’t wait to see what Irwin writes next!

The author's first "A lady's guide" novel was more of a mystery...this second, A Lady's Guide to Scandal, was more on the romance spectrum. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Eliza grow into herself, after first being a young miss traded on the marriage market and then the easily dismissed wife of a much older man. Widowhood, while a shock, was not necessarily a great sorrow, and once Eliza realized that she COULD make changes in her life, she set forth to do so. When her first love reappears on the scene, she must ask herself if her feelings are the same as in her youth. Really delightful to see Eliza grow, deal with the consequences of her actions, and find a new life for herself. There's still one cousin left single, so I hope this means a third book in the series.

This is what Persuasion should have been all along! I was a little hesitant at first because Persuasion is not my favorite Jane Austen book (or second or third) and I'm also not a big second-chance trope fan either but I really enjoyed Irwin's first book so I knew I wanted to give this one a try anyway. She did it justice, guys. I really enjoyed seeing Eliza come out of her shell and grow into a more confident independent woman. I loved how painting with oils was considered more of a hobby for men (lol, really?) but that she still pursued it because of her grandfather. This was a more emotional read than I was expecting with a lot of little twists and turns that impacted the plot in big ways. Overall, very happy with this one and can't wait to see what the author does next!

This was a delightful little novel! I wasn't immediately hooked because I thought I knew where the story was going but was pleasantly surprised. All of the characters (even the secondary and tertiary characters) were well-rounded and colorful. The dialogue was witty and heartfelt. Even in the 19th Century, Eliza struggles with issues that many young women still go through: balancing familial expectations against living your authentic self and finding and using your voice even in situations where you are considered the lesser.

I did not read the first book in this series "A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting" but I am going to pick that up once I knock a few more books off my TBR.

Thanks to Sophie Irwin, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Books and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.

I absolutely loved A Lady's Guide to Scandal. We take for granted that we as women have more choices today than years ago. However, many of us still feel bound to make choices that make our family proud or happy. I loved the freedom she felt and I loved the romance. And it is always our right to change our minds!!

Reviewed on Goodreads on April 29, 2023.

When I tell you I literally squealed with glee when I saw this was available as an ARC... Read it in one sitting because I just adore Sophie Irwin's historical romance writing style, and the more I read the more I appreciate her characters and how things can be dramatic but in a realistic way.

I highlighted so many dryly amusing lines, shout-out to cousin Margaret for being amazing and Caroline also coming in with the witticisms. I loved also the PERSUASION vibes (though not a direct retelling, which made it feel fresh). I adored the male lead. Eliza's growth was realistic and satisfying. Before anyone asks, no this is not "spicy" but it's romantic in a Mr. Darcy fist-clench way and left me plenty happy with how everything went.

The only downsides to reading this book early is having to wait even LONGER for a new book AND that my friend who also loved the other book doesn't have this one yet, so I had no one to send my favorite quotes to.

**Disclosure: I received this free ARC in exchange for my honest review, and all my thoughts are most definitely my own.**