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jackiehorne's review
Got about halfway through, but couldn't push myself any further. The characters have a backstory, but no real personality or individuality. Lots of period-inappropriate behavior anachronisms (not the least of which was the seamstress named "Wendy," a name invented by J. M. Barrie during the Edwardian period), and a plot with a lot of logic gaps made for a book I just had to put down.
sadie_rae's review
5.0
After Roberts first meeting with Helaine he knows that he want's her for his mistress. But Helaine has already had her life ruined by titled men and she isn't about to give in.
So, with out plots of death, murder or mayhem, this book manages to still give you everything that you could have hoped for and leave you happy. I loved the interaction between Helaine and Robert, even more I enjoyed Helaine's strong character after all the hard ships that she has endured. I laughed, I cried, I was outraged! And when it got to the end I LOVED the ending! 5 stars!
So, with out plots of death, murder or mayhem, this book manages to still give you everything that you could have hoped for and leave you happy. I loved the interaction between Helaine and Robert, even more I enjoyed Helaine's strong character after all the hard ships that she has endured. I laughed, I cried, I was outraged! And when it got to the end I LOVED the ending! 5 stars!
cleheny's review
1.0
This had the potential to be an interesting romance. Helaine is the daughter of a disgraced earl, a drunk and wastrel who stole from another member of the ton and then abandoned his family after his fall. She and her mother were destitute and rescued from the poorhouse by a working-class woman, Wendy, who is a seamstress and once made a dress from Helaine's design. Wendy recognizes that Helaine has talent, and, together, they open a dress shop, A Lady's Favor, with Helaine as designer/saleswoman and Wendy as seamstress.
There's some stuff here that's very good. Helaine and Wendy are talented, and they've landed an earl's daughter as a client, who has just commissioned them to create her trousseau. That's a big coup, but customers routinely only paid upon delivery; Helaine and Wendy don't have enough money to purchase the materials outright, and there is only one person--a lecherous, manipulative trader--willing to let Helaine purchase on credit. He fondles her while shopping, and she has to flirt and put up with it, in order to keep her business running.
The scenes where Helaine strategizes about how to keep her business afloat amid the bullies and sexual predators she deals with are the best part of this story. I appreciated that the author spent some time showing how desperately precarious Helaine's life is--how quickly it could all fall apart if even one thing goes wrong.
And then there's Robert, the "when you say, 'no,' I hear, 'yes'"/"when I realize how far you've fallen from your previous social position, I think of how this will make it easier for me to get you into bed" hero. He really is awful, and what's horrifying is that Helaine--who is intelligent, mature, independent, and resourceful--secretly loves it when he forces her into a kiss or other intimacy. So not only do we have a "hero" who doesn't respect the heroine's boundaries or the risks he poses to her, we have a "heroine" in service of the "when she says, 'no,' it's only for form's sake--she really wants it" trope. Good to know that some authors are still romanticizing rape culture; I was so worried that the 21st Century might emphasize respect for each other's boundaries!
There are so many times in the first half or so of this book where Robert or his sister, Gwendolyn (the earl's daughter getting married), just barrel into Helaine's business and override her, without giving any thought as to the effect on her. Gwendolyn smashes through boundaries and sees everything as just a lark, while Robert smashes through them because he's constantly angling for ways to get Helaine to have sex with him.
Of course, Lee comes up with a secret for Robert that reveals him to be a kind and generous guy. But his backstory--and his supposed nobility to those less fortunate than himself--rings hollow given his predatory behavior to a woman that he knows is economically and socially vulnerable.
Just a disappointment all around.
There's some stuff here that's very good. Helaine and Wendy are talented, and they've landed an earl's daughter as a client, who has just commissioned them to create her trousseau. That's a big coup, but customers routinely only paid upon delivery; Helaine and Wendy don't have enough money to purchase the materials outright, and there is only one person--a lecherous, manipulative trader--willing to let Helaine purchase on credit. He fondles her while shopping, and she has to flirt and put up with it, in order to keep her business running.
The scenes where Helaine strategizes about how to keep her business afloat amid the bullies and sexual predators she deals with are the best part of this story. I appreciated that the author spent some time showing how desperately precarious Helaine's life is--how quickly it could all fall apart if even one thing goes wrong.
And then there's Robert, the "when you say, 'no,' I hear, 'yes'"/"when I realize how far you've fallen from your previous social position, I think of how this will make it easier for me to get you into bed" hero. He really is awful, and what's horrifying is that Helaine--who is intelligent, mature, independent, and resourceful--secretly loves it when he forces her into a kiss or other intimacy. So not only do we have a "hero" who doesn't respect the heroine's boundaries or the risks he poses to her, we have a "heroine" in service of the "when she says, 'no,' it's only for form's sake--she really wants it" trope. Good to know that some authors are still romanticizing rape culture; I was so worried that the 21st Century might emphasize respect for each other's boundaries!
There are so many times in the first half or so of this book where Robert or his sister, Gwendolyn (the earl's daughter getting married), just barrel into Helaine's business and override her, without giving any thought as to the effect on her. Gwendolyn smashes through boundaries and sees everything as just a lark, while Robert smashes through them because he's constantly angling for ways to get Helaine to have sex with him.
Of course, Lee comes up with a secret for Robert that reveals him to be a kind and generous guy. But his backstory--and his supposed nobility to those less fortunate than himself--rings hollow given his predatory behavior to a woman that he knows is economically and socially vulnerable.
Just a disappointment all around.
loverofromance's review
5.0
"Thank you for your wisdom,"
He blinked, his mind only slowly shifting away from the sight of her lips. "You make me sound like a old cleric sitting on a dais. You know, some women find my quite spry"
"Some women would find aged cheddar cheese to be spry."
He Blinked. "Did you just compare me to cheese?"
"I did, my lord." Then she leaned forward and touched his hand. "But never fear. I have quite the fondness for cheddar cheese."
Lady Helaine was once a member of the Ton, and was raised in society, but then when it became a scandal that her father was stealing from others, they were cast out. Her father disappeared, and she and her mother were forced to provide for themselves. So in order to keep them from starving and living on the streets, Helaine's takes a new identity as a "Mrs. Mortimer" and she then designs gowns for young ladies in high society. When put in a hard position of asking for money instead of credit, since she will need food and more supplies in cloth and accessories, she decides to go to the Viscount Redhill. Robert is outraged when the Mrs. Mortimer comes to call and demands that he pay for his sister wedding trousseau, and believing the amount to be way more than he thought it would cost, he forces her out of his home, and threatens to call the magistrate on her. When Helaine returns home, she knows she will have to take swift action, but then Robert's sister, devises a plan for Helaine to get supplies. Helaine has been forced to take certain measures to get credit at certain suppliers, but when Robert and his sister demand to come along, she concedes reluctantly. A disaster ends up happening, and Helaine has lost her one and only source of materials. Then Robert declares his intentions to have her as his mistress. Even though that is the last thing that Helaine could ever desire, she finds she can't resist his tender embraces, or the way he heightens her senses with his kisses. When Helaine's past comes to light, he wonders if there will be a way to overcome the past and build a future together as husband and wife.
Over the years I have heard so many great things about Jade Lee. When I found Wedded In Scandal on the shelves of my local library, I couldn't resist trying it out. Especially since this whole series was there, and I wanted to try out the first one in the series. I don't always have the chance to read a series in order, but I do want to try in this series. I do love Regency romances that have a setting of a hidden identity and where a character has to get creative to survive. I truly fell in love with Helaine for the most part, strong and independent and smart. She had spunk and fire to her personality, she didn't just give into any demands, but went after what she desired. Robert, is like most hero's from this time period-Handsome, Arrogant, Stiff and proper. But underneath is a man that has a secret that could ruin him just as Helaine's secret could destroy all that she has built. Even though they seem to be from opposite worlds, they both have a unique bond with each other, and seem to connect because underneath the surface they are more alike than different.
I found the style of this story, very original in its own way. There were certain things, such as the basic story line that was very similar to many other Regency era romances that I have read. However, as I read Wedded In Scandal I found that it was way more intriguing than I thought it would be. I found it to be so captivating and witty and charming that I couldn't put it down, having only read it under a couple of hours. Yes it is slight shorter with only 300 pages, but I flew through the pages faster than I have in a book for a long time. There was a certain detail to the story that pulled me in from the beginning. I couldn't help but admire the compelling writing of Jade Lee as she weaves a tale of in depth characters and a plot with fast paced tension to sweep you away into a beautifully crafted love story of passion and desire.
Overall I couldn't help but fall in love with Jade Lee and the first installment in the Bridal Favors Series of Wedded In Scandal. A truly sensational read that is refreshing and emotionally driven!!! A WONDERFUL STORY!!! Well Done!
.
He blinked, his mind only slowly shifting away from the sight of her lips. "You make me sound like a old cleric sitting on a dais. You know, some women find my quite spry"
"Some women would find aged cheddar cheese to be spry."
He Blinked. "Did you just compare me to cheese?"
"I did, my lord." Then she leaned forward and touched his hand. "But never fear. I have quite the fondness for cheddar cheese."
Lady Helaine was once a member of the Ton, and was raised in society, but then when it became a scandal that her father was stealing from others, they were cast out. Her father disappeared, and she and her mother were forced to provide for themselves. So in order to keep them from starving and living on the streets, Helaine's takes a new identity as a "Mrs. Mortimer" and she then designs gowns for young ladies in high society. When put in a hard position of asking for money instead of credit, since she will need food and more supplies in cloth and accessories, she decides to go to the Viscount Redhill. Robert is outraged when the Mrs. Mortimer comes to call and demands that he pay for his sister wedding trousseau, and believing the amount to be way more than he thought it would cost, he forces her out of his home, and threatens to call the magistrate on her. When Helaine returns home, she knows she will have to take swift action, but then Robert's sister, devises a plan for Helaine to get supplies. Helaine has been forced to take certain measures to get credit at certain suppliers, but when Robert and his sister demand to come along, she concedes reluctantly. A disaster ends up happening, and Helaine has lost her one and only source of materials. Then Robert declares his intentions to have her as his mistress. Even though that is the last thing that Helaine could ever desire, she finds she can't resist his tender embraces, or the way he heightens her senses with his kisses. When Helaine's past comes to light, he wonders if there will be a way to overcome the past and build a future together as husband and wife.
Over the years I have heard so many great things about Jade Lee. When I found Wedded In Scandal on the shelves of my local library, I couldn't resist trying it out. Especially since this whole series was there, and I wanted to try out the first one in the series. I don't always have the chance to read a series in order, but I do want to try in this series. I do love Regency romances that have a setting of a hidden identity and where a character has to get creative to survive. I truly fell in love with Helaine for the most part, strong and independent and smart. She had spunk and fire to her personality, she didn't just give into any demands, but went after what she desired. Robert, is like most hero's from this time period-Handsome, Arrogant, Stiff and proper. But underneath is a man that has a secret that could ruin him just as Helaine's secret could destroy all that she has built. Even though they seem to be from opposite worlds, they both have a unique bond with each other, and seem to connect because underneath the surface they are more alike than different.
I found the style of this story, very original in its own way. There were certain things, such as the basic story line that was very similar to many other Regency era romances that I have read. However, as I read Wedded In Scandal I found that it was way more intriguing than I thought it would be. I found it to be so captivating and witty and charming that I couldn't put it down, having only read it under a couple of hours. Yes it is slight shorter with only 300 pages, but I flew through the pages faster than I have in a book for a long time. There was a certain detail to the story that pulled me in from the beginning. I couldn't help but admire the compelling writing of Jade Lee as she weaves a tale of in depth characters and a plot with fast paced tension to sweep you away into a beautifully crafted love story of passion and desire.
Overall I couldn't help but fall in love with Jade Lee and the first installment in the Bridal Favors Series of Wedded In Scandal. A truly sensational read that is refreshing and emotionally driven!!! A WONDERFUL STORY!!! Well Done!
.
thepassionatereader's review
3.0
Dear Ms. Lee,
I fell head over heels in love with your hero in the very first few paragraphs of your novel, Wedded in Scandal.
However, by the end of the second chapter, I no longer thought he was a paragon of male perfection. By the end of Chapter Two, I thought he was a pompous prick. I was wrong both times—Robert isn’t a jerk, although he does tend to arrogantly overwhelm most everyone he encounters, nor is he a dreamboat peer. By the end of the book, I liked him and understood why the heroine, Helaine Talbott, not only fell but stayed head over heels in love with him.
Helaine has had a difficult past decade. When she was in her teens, her father, a drinker and a cheat, stole a case of fabulous brandy the Earl of Bedford had sent as a gift to his son, a soldier finding for England in Spain—Helaine’s father, the Earl of Chelmorton, had a drinking buddy in charge of certain military shipments to Spain and he somehow used information from his friend to nab the booze. Helaine’s dad, immoral and stupid, then threw a party and carelessly bragged about the brandy’s provenance. The Earl of Bedford, an unforgiving type, retaliated by socially destroying Helaine’s father, now known as the Thief of the Ton. Her father subsequently vanished and, within a few short months, Helaine and her mother were tossed out of the ton, and found themselves in the poorhouse. Helaine’s now business partner, a seamstress named Wendy (there’s a mystery there that’s never explained) bailed Helaine and her mother out of the poorhouse and suggested that Helaine and she—Wendy—open a dressmaking business together. Thrilled at a chance for survival, Helaine said yes. For years, Helaine has supported herself and her mother but, each day, Helaine worries the shop could fail and she and her mother will be again without resources. As a dressmaker and shop owner, Helaine has completely left her aristocratic past behind; in fact she keeps her past rank a secret, sure the ton wouldn’t buy clothes made, no matter how well, by the daughter of the Thief of the Ton. She uses the name Helen Mortimer and presents herself to clients as a lowly tradeswoman.
Helaine has one aristocratic client—the rest of her patrons are from the business class—the soon to be married Lady Gwendolyn, Robert’s sister. Gwen wants Helen to make Gwen’s trousseau—Helaine is really good at what she does. This would be marvelous for Helaine if she, Helaine, could convince merchants to let her buy fabrics and the like on credit which they, given that she’s a woman of no means, adamantly will not. Gwen, like all aristos, is used to buying on credit and so Helaine is stuck—she needs to make gorgeous creations for Gwen, but she can’t afford the fabrics she needs to do so. Desperate for funds, Helaine calls on Robert and asks if he will pay Gwen’s bills. Helaine tries to convince Robert the bills are for dresses already made, but he calls her bluff. Even worse, he accuses her of extortion, and readies to call the constable. Helaine implores him not to and tells him the truth, and he, still unwilling to pay her, says the best he can do is give Gwen control over her clothing funds and she, Gwen, can decide whether to pay Helaine. As the two bargain, Robert becomes enamored of the buxom, attractive Mrs. Mortimer. So much so, that, later the same day, he goes to Helaine’s shop with the intent of asking her to become his mistress.
Once there, he gets her alone and kisses her—she’s twenty-eight but knows nothing of passion. It’s a damn good kiss in part because
Despite the stirring kiss, Helaine turns down his offer. A few days later, he kisses her again, and, this time, he realizes despite her reputation as the long-term mistress of a recently dead Lord, she’s a virgin. He believes this is the reason she’s turned him down and he, sure the passion between the two of them would be remarkable, asks her again, differently.
to read the rest of this review, go to Dear Author: http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-b-reviews/b-minus-reviews/review-wedded-in-scandal-by-jade-lee
I fell head over heels in love with your hero in the very first few paragraphs of your novel, Wedded in Scandal.
“Yer wants to go in there? But, er, why?”
Robert Percy, Viscount Redhill, ignored the mine manager and began stripping off his coat and gloves. They were in the shack outside a coal mine that his father had purchased in a fit of drunken entrepreneurship. Sadly, the earl didn’t fall down in his cups like a normal person. No, instead he bought businesses, which Robert then had to save. And given that no one in his family knew anything about coal mining, this was going to be a challenge indeed.
But the first step in a new venture—or after one of his father’s drinking binges—was to inspect the new property. So he was determined to go down into the hellhole of a mine despite Mr. Hutchins’s objections. He’d already pulled off his coat and folded it neatly to the side, but after one glance outside at the filthy employees all lined up near the mine entrance, he stripped off his waistcoat as well. He would have taken off his fine lawn shirt, but he couldn’t greet his new employees half naked.
However, by the end of the second chapter, I no longer thought he was a paragon of male perfection. By the end of Chapter Two, I thought he was a pompous prick. I was wrong both times—Robert isn’t a jerk, although he does tend to arrogantly overwhelm most everyone he encounters, nor is he a dreamboat peer. By the end of the book, I liked him and understood why the heroine, Helaine Talbott, not only fell but stayed head over heels in love with him.
Helaine has had a difficult past decade. When she was in her teens, her father, a drinker and a cheat, stole a case of fabulous brandy the Earl of Bedford had sent as a gift to his son, a soldier finding for England in Spain—Helaine’s father, the Earl of Chelmorton, had a drinking buddy in charge of certain military shipments to Spain and he somehow used information from his friend to nab the booze. Helaine’s dad, immoral and stupid, then threw a party and carelessly bragged about the brandy’s provenance. The Earl of Bedford, an unforgiving type, retaliated by socially destroying Helaine’s father, now known as the Thief of the Ton. Her father subsequently vanished and, within a few short months, Helaine and her mother were tossed out of the ton, and found themselves in the poorhouse. Helaine’s now business partner, a seamstress named Wendy (there’s a mystery there that’s never explained) bailed Helaine and her mother out of the poorhouse and suggested that Helaine and she—Wendy—open a dressmaking business together. Thrilled at a chance for survival, Helaine said yes. For years, Helaine has supported herself and her mother but, each day, Helaine worries the shop could fail and she and her mother will be again without resources. As a dressmaker and shop owner, Helaine has completely left her aristocratic past behind; in fact she keeps her past rank a secret, sure the ton wouldn’t buy clothes made, no matter how well, by the daughter of the Thief of the Ton. She uses the name Helen Mortimer and presents herself to clients as a lowly tradeswoman.
Helaine has one aristocratic client—the rest of her patrons are from the business class—the soon to be married Lady Gwendolyn, Robert’s sister. Gwen wants Helen to make Gwen’s trousseau—Helaine is really good at what she does. This would be marvelous for Helaine if she, Helaine, could convince merchants to let her buy fabrics and the like on credit which they, given that she’s a woman of no means, adamantly will not. Gwen, like all aristos, is used to buying on credit and so Helaine is stuck—she needs to make gorgeous creations for Gwen, but she can’t afford the fabrics she needs to do so. Desperate for funds, Helaine calls on Robert and asks if he will pay Gwen’s bills. Helaine tries to convince Robert the bills are for dresses already made, but he calls her bluff. Even worse, he accuses her of extortion, and readies to call the constable. Helaine implores him not to and tells him the truth, and he, still unwilling to pay her, says the best he can do is give Gwen control over her clothing funds and she, Gwen, can decide whether to pay Helaine. As the two bargain, Robert becomes enamored of the buxom, attractive Mrs. Mortimer. So much so, that, later the same day, he goes to Helaine’s shop with the intent of asking her to become his mistress.
Once there, he gets her alone and kisses her—she’s twenty-eight but knows nothing of passion. It’s a damn good kiss in part because
Nearly a decade ago, his uncle had taught him how to seduce a woman with just his tongue. It had been the most useful lesson any relative had ever given him.
Despite the stirring kiss, Helaine turns down his offer. A few days later, he kisses her again, and, this time, he realizes despite her reputation as the long-term mistress of a recently dead Lord, she’s a virgin. He believes this is the reason she’s turned him down and he, sure the passion between the two of them would be remarkable, asks her again, differently.
“I have handled this incorrectly, Helaine, but the desire remains. I should like you to be my mistress.”
“And I desire to be an honest dressmaker who isn’t constantly accosted.” She did not invest her words with anger. She simply stated it and prayed he would hear her.
He did understand her implication. His wince was proof of that. But that didn’t stop him from pleading his case. “I am a slow lover, Helaine, patient and generally considerate. And though I have never taken a virgin, I would make an exception for you. I would introduce you correctly to this business. And would pay handsomely for the privilege.”
to read the rest of this review, go to Dear Author: http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-b-reviews/b-minus-reviews/review-wedded-in-scandal-by-jade-lee
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