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madeleinehelena's review
3.0
"Nobody knows my faults better than I, Holstoke. Not you. Not anyone. It is impossible to eliminate them, for if it weren’t, I would have done so already."
I really wish that the overhanging mystery/danger had been fleshed out more. Towards the end, there were too many questions unanswered and far too few clues throughout the story. The conclusion felt rushed.
I also had wished for more background story for both Eugenia, Phineas and Hannah. There is some information in the previous books, but not much in this book which makes it a bit difficult to follow their thoughts and actions. Particularly, when so much throughout the series revolves around the Brands, I would have expected more insight into Phineas and Hannah.
I really wish that the overhanging mystery/danger had been fleshed out more. Towards the end, there were too many questions unanswered and far too few clues throughout the story. The conclusion felt rushed.
I also had wished for more background story for both Eugenia, Phineas and Hannah. There is some information in the previous books, but not much in this book which makes it a bit difficult to follow their thoughts and actions. Particularly, when so much throughout the series revolves around the Brands, I would have expected more insight into Phineas and Hannah.
ndouglas11's review
5.0
This book snuck up on me somehow. There were some moments that felt standard in the genre, but I am rating this book five stars because I was surprised by how emotionally invested I became! (When Genie found Phineas’ list I almost cried with her, and likewise some of the suspenseful moments gave me goosebumps). I love Genie, thought murder plot was intriguing, could completely envision the palatial garden-filled estate (I WANT TO GO TO THERE), and I just loved reading about these characters and their families. I am sad that there seem to be only two books left in this series.
ALSO: I am so happy the designer/team included a hat on the cover 😆👒
ALSO: I am so happy the designer/team included a hat on the cover 😆👒
millerbca's review
3.0
The others were better
So I guess I was expecting too much from this book. I was looking forward to it because it had so much promise...disgraced daughter and a tainted Earl. I did not really like Eugenia. Her obsession with hats was way overboard. This drove me crazy. She was also a know it all who did not know when to shut up. I just found her character really lacking. Overall, it was an ok book.
So I guess I was expecting too much from this book. I was looking forward to it because it had so much promise...disgraced daughter and a tainted Earl. I did not really like Eugenia. Her obsession with hats was way overboard. This drove me crazy. She was also a know it all who did not know when to shut up. I just found her character really lacking. Overall, it was an ok book.
squishies's review
3.0
2.5 stars, rounded up for the murder mystery bit
I really like Eugenia - she's fun and has a good head on her shoulders and Holstoke is an alright sort.
I think I did roll my eyes a bit at the conflict, but it was resolved fairly quickly and satisfactorily.
I really like Eugenia - she's fun and has a good head on her shoulders and Holstoke is an alright sort.
I think I did roll my eyes a bit at the conflict, but it was resolved fairly quickly and satisfactorily.
reading_in_brussels's review
3.0
Not my favorite (it did not have me gripped), but it's Braden, it still delivers.
I was not planning to read the next one now, but seeing glimpses of Hannah and Hawthorn made me very curious, so on to the next!
I was not planning to read the next one now, but seeing glimpses of Hannah and Hawthorn made me very curious, so on to the next!
ebgracie77's review
4.0
A nice solid story and relationship. Enjoyed it but definitely cried a little.
melodicfate's review
4.0
I bought this a while ago, and I'm not sure why I waited so long to read it. I've enjoyed every Elisa Braden book I've read so far, and this one was no exception.
Eugenia made for a great heroine. She had ambition, boldness, and kindness. She was a very lively person, too. Phineas was quite complicated emotionally, though he was brilliant. And really possessive when it came to Eugenia. I liked them together, but I did mentally yell at them to communicate. Though I have to say, their misunderstandings didn't last overly long.
There was a mystery in the story, too. I had no clue who the villain was, and it kept me on edge, worrying about Eugenia and Hannah, Phineas's sister.
Overall, I found this enjoyable. There was romance, some angst, and mystery, of course. I don't recommend reading this out of order, though, since it'll spoil some things from a prior book. But if you like this series, I definitely recommend this. And if you haven't read any books in this series and you're a historical romance fan, fix that!
Eugenia made for a great heroine. She had ambition, boldness, and kindness. She was a very lively person, too. Phineas was quite complicated emotionally, though he was brilliant. And really possessive when it came to Eugenia. I liked them together, but I did mentally yell at them to communicate. Though I have to say, their misunderstandings didn't last overly long.
There was a mystery in the story, too. I had no clue who the villain was, and it kept me on edge, worrying about Eugenia and Hannah, Phineas's sister.
Overall, I found this enjoyable. There was romance, some angst, and mystery, of course. I don't recommend reading this out of order, though, since it'll spoil some things from a prior book. But if you like this series, I definitely recommend this. And if you haven't read any books in this series and you're a historical romance fan, fix that!
nelsonseye's review
2.0
A Marriage Made in Scandal was okay. I liked the descriptions of Primvale Castle, its gardens, and the statue/fountain, but I wasn't that engaged in the romance. I was more invested in the developing friendship between Genie and Hannah —I think Hannah's story has lot of potential. As for Genie and Phineas, his attraction/fascination with her felt sudden and, for me, more time needed to be developing said attraction. Also, Genie's actions at Bow Street were very short sighted/ridiculously naïve.
jennifer_jennifer's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0