Sandy M’s review of Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase
Historical Romance released by Avon 27 May 08

I was a little hesitant to begin reading this book. The only other Loretta Chase I’ve read is Lord of Scoundrels. If you’re a fan of hers, I don’t have to tell you what most folks think about Lord of Scoundrels. I’m not one of them. At least not to the extent all those folks are. It’s a good book, but it’s not one I sigh over or tell other people about. After I began reading Your Scandalous Ways, I had the thought that this is going to be another one that just isn’t my cup of tea. It started a little slow for me, but I’m glad I hung in there.

My favorite part of the book is James. He’s a spy who’s been at it a long time. He’s tired of the espionage game and wants to leave it behind, relax at home, take in the sights and sounds of the city if he so pleases. However, he ends up on one last mission. His assignment this time is to retrieve some letters from a woman. How difficult can that be, especially for a seasoned spy like James? Once he meets Francesca he finds out how truly difficult things are to become for him. Although she is a high-priced whore, he and his body still react to her. He tries to keep it all professional, but every time they’re together sparks fly, in more ways than one.

Francesca chose to become a whore after her husband divorced her and ruined her name and reputation with accusations that a woman can never live down, so her logic was to do the very thing she’d been accused of and be very well compensated for it. She loves her freedom, loves not having a man control her life. She was a fool once over a man and look what that did for her. She’s about to become a fool again over another man, but what fun the reader has on that particular journey.

The banter between these two characters is just wonderful. Francesca holds her own and then some in the battle of words with James. Even when they both succumb to their passions for each other — and those are some lovely, intense scenes — their relationship is not cemented until later in the book when they work together to bring down a traitor and their wordplay is constant and sure-fire all the while. It even transitions into their relationship, it just takes on a different tone.

When I first started the book, I didn’t know if I was going to like having a whore as the heroine. Of course, I jumped to that conclusion way too soon. Finding out what Francesca went through during the latter years of her marriage and then her divorce brings everything into perspective and you cheer her on for the woman she’s become despite everything. I loved how James always lost his perspective when in Francesca’s company. Even the most solid, by-the-book, duty-bound man couldn’t hold his resolve in check when face to face with the woman made for him. I also enjoyed the backdrop of Venice, the gondolas and gondoliers, the perfect Italian flavor for the story.

I love the way Ms. Chase completely turned me around while reading this book. I started out doubtful and became a true believer. And I know a lot of you won’t agree, but I enjoyed this book so much more than Lord of Scoundrels. This time around the spy won my heart instead of the usual tormented hero I normally like to read about.

Grade: A-

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Summary:

James Cordier is all blue blood and entirely dangerous. He’s a master of disguise, a brilliant thief, a first-class lover—all for King and Country—and, by gad, he’s so weary of it. His last mission is to “acquire” a packet of incriminating letters from one notorious woman. Then he can return to London and meet sweet-natured heiresses—not adventuresses and fallen women.

Francesca Bonnard has weathered heartbreak, scorn, and scandal. She’s independent, happy, and definitely fallen; and she’s learned that “gentlemen” are more trouble than they’re worth. She can also see that her wildly attractive new neighbor is bad news.

But as bad as James is, there are others far worse also searching for Francesca’s letters. And suddenly nothing is simple—especially the nearly incendiary chemistry between the two most jaded, sinful souls in Europe. And just as suddenly, risking everything may be worth the prize.

Read an excerpt.