A review by thebritishbibliophile
One Hot Scandal by Anna Durand

5.0

'Steamy by name, steamy by nature. Hugh Parrish, aka 'Lord Steamy' is here to blow us all away with his title, his charm, and something else. Get ready to meet the Lord!

Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader's Copy for me to read and leave an honest review.
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Have I been waiting for this one? Yes, yes I have. We first got our glimpse at Hugh Parrish in the triple series crossover novel (Hot Brits/Hot Scots/Au Naturel), which focused on the unequal love triangle between Callum MacTaggart, Hugh's best mate and strapping Scot, Kate Wagner, the American lass and Hugh himself, a Brit. Callum fought hard against Hugh--sometimes quite literally--for Kate's heart, with the surly Scot sending the Brit home to England with his tail between his legs. This is where Hugh's story begins, and where we get to see the first layer of Lord Steamy.

Hugh's exuberant and cocky personality and charm oozes from The American Wives Club and into this novel of his own with ease. It's like I've never been away from him, reading about him. This novel was his chance to come into his own, charm and schmooze his way as much as he dared, proving that he still has what it takes while for the public eye at least, trying to prove something else entirely. That said, we as readers get to see the real Hugh come through from all the layers he's been using to shield himself under for more than he can remember. We see the real Lord Steamy evolve into good old Hugh Parrish, and it's all thanks to the tenacity and talent of Avery Hahn. And she's starting a revolution.

Now, let's talk about the title because ladies and gentle readers, you're getting what's written on the can so to speak. Yes it is true that there is indeed one scandal--which you'll all get to read about when you pick up this book--, but there is far from one hot moment between Hugh and Avery. I could swear my bedroom window steamed up from the heat between the pages I was reading! Suffice to say, Hugh wasn't lying about his reputation when it comes to being Lord Steamy. Phew.

One Hot Scandal is a story of redemption, reputation and rakes. Or rather, rake. Singular. In a world where image and status is everything, he will quickly learn that there are more important things on the menu. Sincerity, honesty, truth. Opening up his life and his heart to Avery Hahn could be Hugh's key to a future he never knew was possible, or that he could ever have dreamed of having while supposedly ditching his distinguishing moniker laid on him by another. As for Avery? She has as much to get out of the situation she has been put into as much as Hugh. Changes can be scary, unwelcome or unsettling, but there's one thing Ms. Hahn knows she wants, and it's the man who--at least she thinks--is out of her reach. The Lord wants his Lady, and she might just want him back.

Thank you to Anna Durand for crafting another unforgettable story with even more unforgettable characters. I'm post-Hugh and Lord almighty--pun intended--, his impression has been left and left with only the charm a Parrish could muster.

Five steamy stars for Lord Steamy, Avery and of course, Anna!