Sandy M’s review of Lady of Scandal by Tina Gabrielle
Historical Romance published by Zebra 1 Sep 09

This is Tina Gabrielle’s debut novel, and she’s done a terrific job. Though there’s a part here and there in the book that we’ve read before, Ms. Gabrielle makes up for that with a hero and heroine who are strong and independent and who are seething with passion. It’s that passion that surprises them both in their journey together and that gives the reader a one heck of a steamy, wicked time.

Victoria Ashton is ahead of her time. She’s learned on the sly how to play the stock market and she’s done a moderately successful job of it, especially because she can’t be on the trading floor due to her gender. Her intelligence is a hindrance to her finding a husband, however. Those gentlemen of the ton don’t want a wife smarter than they are. Most of her proceeds have gone to keep her gambler brother out the local loan shark’s hands. But she’s made money that’s her own if ever she needs it.

Needing vengeance and justice, Blake has returned to London to break the one man he holds responsible for the destruction of his family. Years before Charles Ashton turned on his partner, who then committed suicide instead of facing financial ruin, which led to the man’s family becoming destitute and living in the poorhouse where Blake’s mother and sister subsequently died. Being a boy at the time, he’s had to wait for his chance to make sure Ashton pays for his deceit.

Blake’s plans change slightly when he comes face to face with Victoria on his return. What better way to begin her father’s ruin than by ruining the woman herself. His proposal to Charles Ashton is either pay the debt owing to Blake immediately or allow Victoria to be Blake’s mistress for a year. Victoria’s father doesn’t even hesitate. He’s far more concerned with his comfort and what the ton will think of him. And the man only gets worse as the story goes on. If you feel nothing else for Victoria throughout this book, you will definitely feel for her when it comes to her father.

Once she’s in his home, Blake has a change of heart and wants to slowly woo and seduce Victoria. As spirited as she is, she must also be passionate and Blake is determined to bring that side of her out. Being the woman she is, Victoria really has no chance against him once he puts his mind to seducing her for all the right reasons.

Of course, things don’t go exactly to plan, they have to improvise as they go along and even fight more evil in the end. They are an enjoyable couple, and when things begin to work for them, you can’t help but like them. I like Ms. Gabrielle’s writing, it’s perfect for this genre. I look forward to more of her books in the future.

Grade: B

Summary:

Victoria Ashton has intelligence and ambition – qualities of little value to most marriage-minded gentlemen of the ton. Her own father has no idea of Victoria’s hidden life as an anonymous trader in London’s stock market. But her hopes of independence are shattered when her father’s enemy, Blake Mallorey, assumes Charles Ashton’s debts and presents Victoria with a stark choice: live with him as his mistress for one year, or condemn her family to bankruptcy. For years Blake has dreamed of justice, and his scheme becomes all the sweeter when he sees the beauty that Victoria has become. Scoundrel he may be, but Blake will not force anyone into his bed. He intends to entice Victoria, one wicked kiss at a time. But with a woman as spirited and sensual as Victoria, seduction works both ways – and a plan rooted revenge can blossom into a scandalous passion…

Read an excerpt.