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proteinchemist's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Well written sex scenes
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Do You Want to Start a Scandal proves you can still trigger the joy of reading, even with an overly familiar formula — through a ferocious pacing, fleshed out characters, and abundance of spirited retorts.
Tessa Dare's snappy, light-hearted writing style is the MVP here, filling in the blank with vivid banters. It's not a plot-focused book (I'm sure no one is surprised by where the story is ultimately heading), but the commotion between the start and the end offer ample opportunity to bring the two protagonists to life. While I applaud the attempt at multiple narrative threads, they ultimately resolve with a wrap-up that's a little too juvenile even for the whimsy the book is going for. I also appreciate this book works as a stand-alone (even being a part of 2 series), unlike another romance series book I picked up recently (which baits you to pick up the next one).
Do You Want to Start a Scandal may have dragged a little near the end, and doesn't break new ground, but it's a very polished, adorable regency romance output — as someone who is still relatively new to the genre, I will definitely look up more Tessa Dare's work.
A note of caution: for me, the romance genre is like candy, delectable but teeth-rottingly sweet—I will need to pace myself between books to prevent from burning out by its tropes and formulaic structure.
Do You Want to Start a Scandal proves you can still trigger the joy of reading, even with an overly familiar formula — through a ferocious pacing, fleshed out characters, and abundance of spirited retorts.
Tessa Dare's snappy, light-hearted writing style is the MVP here, filling in the blank with vivid banters. It's not a plot-focused book (I'm sure no one is surprised by where the story is ultimately heading), but the commotion between the start and the end offer ample opportunity to bring the two protagonists to life. While I applaud the attempt at multiple narrative threads, they ultimately resolve with a wrap-up that's a little too juvenile even for the whimsy the book is going for. I also appreciate this book works as a stand-alone (even being a part of 2 series), unlike another romance series book I picked up recently (which baits you to pick up the next one).
Do You Want to Start a Scandal may have dragged a little near the end, and doesn't break new ground, but it's a very polished, adorable regency romance output — as someone who is still relatively new to the genre, I will definitely look up more Tessa Dare's work.
A note of caution: for me, the romance genre is like candy, delectable but teeth-rottingly sweet—I will need to pace myself between books to prevent from burning out by its tropes and formulaic structure.
fbee's review against another edition
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
ladylibrary's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
msmkrm's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A classic tale of a hero who didn't think himself capable of falling in love and a heroine who changed his mind.
fezzik's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ayooo6767's review against another edition
4.0
Very sweet and light, with enough depth to still be interesting. Great characters, with the heroine definitely overshadowing the hero. However, I did think it was unrealistic of them to have sex so soon, and frequently, considering the time period and their status. The lack of supervision was unrealistic as well, but this is all expected in contemporary historicals.
cassandrat's review against another edition
3.75
A sweet and fun romance. The mystery was cute. It is my first Tessa Dare, and I enjoyed it despite some plotting and scene building issues. In general, I am tired of the "no one can love me and I can't give love" love interest.
My big issue is that Charlotte just seems to forget about traveling Europe. Also, the whole time Piers thinks of isolating her in an estate pregnant and that is basically how she ends up. Really weird. I am not sold on Tessa Dare.