By: Elizabeth Essex
Genres: Romance Historical
Posted: September 13, 2012
When Sally Kent's younger brother fails to report for his assignment with the British Royal Navy, she does the only thing she can to save her family's honor and good name. She slips on his uniform and boards the Audacious in his place. What she hasn't counted on is Lieutenant David Colyear, family friend, and someone who will recognize her as Sally. Despite her skill as a midshipman, Col sees through Sally's disguise but he can't bring himself to send home or reveal her secret. Now all he needs to do is protect her from the Spanish, the French, the British navy, and himself.
ALMOST A SCANDAL is the first book in the Reckless Brides Novels and I can't wait to see how this series continues. Sally and Col drive this story through their remarkable personalities and romance. Both are extremely strong-willed characters but there is never a power-struggle that some people mistakenly use to create romantic tension. They're confident enough in their own right that they do not need to prove it. That confidence is truly sexy and it elicits a trust that can only be developed through equality and respect.
The setting was wonderfully drawn. I know next to nothing about ships in this century or the last, but everything was explained with clarity and concise details so it didn't drag the pacing of the story down. Essex brought not only the environment of an 1800's naval vessel to life but the joys and excitement of the ocean to life without forgetting to add in realistic details of being a single female in a male dominated world. The male camaraderie which is so often lacking in historical romance novels adds to this book and it increases the tension for Sally and Col.
Sally is a wonderful character and one that many will identify with. Her role in life doesn't allow her to be the person she knows she is. That's still relevant in today's society as we all struggle to find where we fit. Sally struggles to live up to the expectations of her family and of herself, but it isn't until she sneaks aboard the Audacious does she become true to herself.
Elizabeth Essex has created a fascinating world peopled with fascinating characters. I didn't want this story to end and with the promise of more books in this series, it doesn't have to. ALMOST A SCANDAL is a joy to read.
Book Summary
A LADY IN DISGUISE
For generations, the Kents have served the Royal Navy proudly. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard HMS Audacious, Sally is as able–bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full–bodied woman beneath her navy blues...
A MAN OVERBOARD
Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous‚Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally's charade, and he's furious. But he must admit she's the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide, and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test..."
by: Elizabeth Essex
Reckless Brides #1 St. Martin's Press
August 1, 2012
On Sale: July 31, 2012
Featuring: Lt. David Colyear; Sally Kent
400 pages
ISBN: 1250003792
EAN: 9781250003799
Kindle: B008DCV4AM
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book