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izziede's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was so well written.
It conveys with very realistic feelings, whether you agree with the way the hero and heroine react it not, they both make mistakes but it's well written and honest.
There is cheating in their separation.
He is numb so cheats with random women who of course don't mean anything.
She feels rejected by her husband, feels he hasn't offered her support but instead has sought comfort from another woman. The other woman is married and has only offered a shoulder to lean on but to the heroine it feels like a betrayal so she doesn't cheat but finds herself developing feelings for another man in her time away in London and considers a physical relationship with him.
I don't find the actions of either particularly surprising. I do not agree with the cheating but of course men of the time this is based often engaged in extramarital affairs and there is an immoral spirit at court in London that the heroine is immersed in, so she does well to not have succommed earlier considering the temptation and opportunities.
There are no intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
The story is about reconciliation even if when they first reunite that may not have been the intention.
I found some of the writing very emotional. They split originally due to not dealing well with the loss of a child, that situation is hard in this day and age with all the understanding, counseling and even offer of medication for things like depression but of course in those days this sort of support network didn't exist and wasn't understood for the mother or the father.
I liked both the Hero and heroine, I could see how hard it was for both.
I did feel the Hero's cheating was sort of excused even though his reputation was widely known, even if it was accepted at that time I would have liked more redemption or discussion how that was not acceptable.
It conveys with very realistic feelings, whether you agree with the way the hero and heroine react it not, they both make mistakes but it's well written and honest.
There is cheating in their separation.
He is numb so cheats with random women who of course don't mean anything.
She feels rejected by her husband, feels he hasn't offered her support but instead has sought comfort from another woman. The other woman is married and has only offered a shoulder to lean on but to the heroine it feels like a betrayal so she doesn't cheat but finds herself developing feelings for another man in her time away in London and considers a physical relationship with him.
I don't find the actions of either particularly surprising. I do not agree with the cheating but of course men of the time this is based often engaged in extramarital affairs and there is an immoral spirit at court in London that the heroine is immersed in, so she does well to not have succommed earlier considering the temptation and opportunities.
There are no intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
The story is about reconciliation even if when they first reunite that may not have been the intention.
I found some of the writing very emotional. They split originally due to not dealing well with the loss of a child, that situation is hard in this day and age with all the understanding, counseling and even offer of medication for things like depression but of course in those days this sort of support network didn't exist and wasn't understood for the mother or the father.
I liked both the Hero and heroine, I could see how hard it was for both.
I did feel the Hero's cheating was sort of excused even though his reputation was widely known, even if it was accepted at that time I would have liked more redemption or discussion how that was not acceptable.
rivka_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Regency romances often fall victim to the few well-trod, tedious tropes that define the category. The Book of Scandal is a superb exception, wrapping contemporary concerns in a Regency context.
The Book of Scandal addresses a very modern relationship - a longstanding marriage that has broken down in the wake of a child's death. When reputational concerns force the hero and heroine to reunite for the sake of appearances, they undertake a sensitively written, believable and evocative process of emerging from grief and rebuilding their relationship.
I realized only after I started this book that I'd read the sequel, Highland Scandal. I definitely prefer this one, as Highland Scandal unravels somewhat toward the end. This novel also has more fully realized secondary characters and a compelling dash of suspense and intrigue thrown in. I gather the third installment focuses on the Duke of Darlington and a courtesan heroine, and after the strength of this first novel I may very well check it out - who doesn't love a courtesan?
The Book of Scandal addresses a very modern relationship - a longstanding marriage that has broken down in the wake of a child's death. When reputational concerns force the hero and heroine to reunite for the sake of appearances, they undertake a sensitively written, believable and evocative process of emerging from grief and rebuilding their relationship.
I realized only after I started this book that I'd read the sequel, Highland Scandal. I definitely prefer this one, as Highland Scandal unravels somewhat toward the end. This novel also has more fully realized secondary characters and a compelling dash of suspense and intrigue thrown in. I gather the third installment focuses on the Duke of Darlington and a courtesan heroine, and after the strength of this first novel I may very well check it out - who doesn't love a courtesan?
auntiel's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first book in a new series that takes place a bit earlier than Regency books. Unfortunately, it was dull and it was difficult to relate to the characters.
booklover81's review against another edition
3.0
The Book Of Scandal
Julia London
Historical Romance
362 pages
copyright: 2008
isbn: 1-4165-47118
Julia London
Historical Romance
362 pages
copyright: 2008
isbn: 1-4165-47118
pattydsf's review
3.0
I thought I had read one of Julia London's historical romances, but if I did it slipped my mind. And after finishing this one, I think that London a good enough writer that I wouldn't forget her heroes and heroines.
Evelyn and Nathan started their life together in an arranged marriage that had become happy. However, they have not lived together for three years.
What has kept them apart? Can they live together? Can they love each other once again. Well, the last question is easily answered because this is a romance.
But the best part of romance is how the author brings things together for a happy ending. London does a great job of including all the elements necessary to make for a wonderful story.
Evelyn and Nathan started their life together in an arranged marriage that had become happy. However, they have not lived together for three years.
What has kept them apart? Can they live together? Can they love each other once again. Well, the last question is easily answered because this is a romance.
But the best part of romance is how the author brings things together for a happy ending. London does a great job of including all the elements necessary to make for a wonderful story.
booklover81's review
3.0
The Book Of Scandal
Julia London
Historical Romance
362 pages
copyright: 2008
isbn: 1-4165-47118
Julia London
Historical Romance
362 pages
copyright: 2008
isbn: 1-4165-47118
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