Sandy M’s review of A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore
Historical Romance published by Forever 1 Apr 10

I knew with Jennifer Haymore’s debut book, A Hint of Wicked, that I’d found myself a new autobuy author, and AToS, which picks up where AHoW leaves off, proves that I made the right decision. And best of all, I like this latest book even more than her first.

Of course, Garrett is a favorite since we met him in AHoW. Having lost the love of his life to his cousin, he sets off on a return journey to the woman he thinks might soothe his broken heart. But he doesn’t get quite that far before both his heart and his world are first taken to new heights and then shaken again to the core.

I really like Kate. She intrigued me from the moment she wants to leave her maid position early to get down to her secret lake where he has been bathing and lounging for the last week. Sly gal. She likes herself a little peek of the male form she’s not supposed to be ogling. But she can’t help herself, and this time she does get caught. Thank goodness it’s by Garrett.

Looking for the bastard who betrayed him, stole so many years of his life, and was the impetus for losing Sophie, Garrett is closing in on William Fisk. But a little side affair with a willing and beautiful woman just might be in order. However, Garrett is touched by Kate’s innocence as well as her eagerness and desire. They enjoy some time together before betrayal is upon him again.

Both Garrett and Kate are thrown together in a set of cruel circumstances. They don’t find out who each other is until it’s too late, their feelings and hearts are engaged. Finding out Kate is Fisk’s brother is a blow to Garrett. Being held in the family basement, he begins to see Kate’s dilemma, though, when she’s the one who takes care of him during his captivity.

I admire Kate’s loyalty to her family. But then after a bit I began to get a little ticked at her steadfastness to them when they didn’t deserve anything from her. It’s hard to imagine Kate coming from a bunch as the Fisks. At one point I did want to shake her and yell at her to wake up, smell the coffee and the roses, woman, leave those idiots behind and be happy with your man. Thank goodness she does see light. I just wish it had come sooner.

Just when you think things are settling down and these two will finally have some peace to get to know one another better, well, you get wumped up the side of the head for thinking that. There’s enough twists in this book to keep you guessing along the wrong lines for a long while.

We also get caught up with Tristan and Sophie from AHoW. We get to see how Garrett finally takes care of his people when given the chance and not ostracized for his past behavior. And, of course, there’s little sister Rebecca and her ill-conceived idea of love. Her book is next and I look forward to her finally finding some happiness.

Grade: A+

Summary:

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he’s convinced he’s been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett’s powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: