Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - Do You Want to Start a Scandal

This was fantastic, but also lowkey justice for Delia. Also, Tessa Dare please stop dangling regency lesbians in front of me without AT LEAST writing a novella for one of them

Content Warnings

katewheels13's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

ocepub's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I think this is my favorite of the Spindle Cove books so far! I really loved watching Charlotte and Piers grow as individuals and together. I always love seeing the previous couples (especially Minerva and Colin) show up in different books, so that was a nice surprise as well. There was one part that I really did not love towards the end of the book, more details will be provided below, but caution for the spoilers.

Alright, so the negative - and again, spoilers

The one part I really, really disliked was Piers setting Charlottes room on fire and going ahead with the engagement behind her back. While I was able to suspend my disbelief that the poisoning was an accident, this was just a bit too much for me. I liked the plot line of Piers looking into Sir Vernon, and then it coming to like that the Pankhursts were just spicing up their marriage, the fact Piers set the room on fire was ridiculous and if it weren't for the fact I was 90% done, I probably would have given up on reading. Not so much as a criticism, but I was really hoping that Frances was going to be behind the chaos and was a tad disappointed she wasn't, but that's just me

Content Warnings

kyeruhh's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

3.25

Content Warnings

martamae77's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

anoveldestination's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional 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

For me, Tessa Dare's books are the ideal form of escapism. Her writing is always funny. I love the romance tropes she chooses to include, and her banter and tension are some of the best in the romance genre. I also love her strong heroines and the adventurous plots she often includes. Do You Want to Start a Scandal is no exception.

Charlotte Highwood is currently in the running for one of my favorite heroines. I like her confidence in the novel and how she handles her insecurities. Her motivation and backstory were all very compelling and believable.

However, I had some issues with Piers character, which is why this book isn't 5 stars for me. I think there was too much going on with his backstory and motivations to make it believable that he falls in love in one week. His career, his relationship with his mother, and his previous engagement all complicate his emotions and present obstacles to him falling in love. For the week timeline of his romance with Charlotte, it felt too unrealistic to unpack all of that and for him to be able to fall in love.

Content Warnings

More...