I sped through this in about 2 or 3 hours. I wonder if the spacious margins, generous line spacing, and largish text were chosen to bulk out the book, so that a reader could feel the same familiar heft as when holding another, wordier romance paperback?

Caris wrote a very thoughtful review/reaction and then offered to lend out the book.* I haven't met a bandwagon I didn't like so I jumped on. His assessment is accurate, that this book is rape-free. High five, author! I have to admit, as my foggy brain reads I don't pick out the rape from other violence against women so until the issue was discussed by others, I guess I didn't realize just how much rape did feature in romance novels. I don't like that I found myself thinking this one was ridiculous because the main man didn't enact some violence upon the main woman when she was pert, defiant, and shut him out of her bedroom...have I come to expect force in these books?

The sexytimes! They were pretty sexy of a time. But not, I think, realistic. Are they ever, in romance books? The magical healing and all-powerful ladybits make an appearance.

I remember something that bothered me! The main woman kept thinking how she was going to "tame" him and how he would be great once this or that changed about him. What is it with needing to change someone, not accepting someone's flaws? I guess in this case there were some flaws that needed addressing, but they way it's presented, change or else!, I don't like.

I've, uh, already forgotten the plot. It's light and pleasant. I don't think these books are for me. But I would do it again for the sweet picture it came with.*



* http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/144438771
He was expecting some bestiality and was disappointed. But he added a lovely sketch of what he'd hoped for, hah! ( )

I enjoyedDelilah Marvelle's Gallantry series. It was light, sexy, and romantic. But the beginning of this Scandal series is AMAZING!

In Prelude to a Scandal, the battle of wills between Radcliffe and Justine is so well written I was turning the pages dying to know which one would win or how they would ever finally come together. Justine, raised in Africa by a scientist father, is intelligent, feisty, and doesn't put up with the politics of London. She knows not only what she wants but what she deserves.

And Radcliffe? OMG! How can one not love a man who is trying so hard to get over himself? Forced to become a Duke at 14 and take over all the decision-making, Radcliffe has his own hurdles to overcome. Justine may just prove to the most challenging hurdle he has ever faced.

As if the tantalizing and combative relationship wasn't enough, Marvelle uses the little red etiquette book as a means to provide historical details regarding the expectations of women in the Regency period and juxtapose that against the actual relationship Justine and Radcliffe are trying to hammer out.

When the battle of wills becomes a battle with oneself that little red book becomes more important than I would have ever imagined. This is exactly the kind of historical romance that transcends time and gives each of us a special gift. Highly Recommended!

( )

PRELUDE TO A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle is an exciting historical romance set in 1819 Regency England. This is the first in the "Scandal Series". It is well written depth,details and with
romance,twists,turns,secrets,sex addiction,sexual conflict,sexual tension,a heroine raised in Africa with non conventional ideas,and a hero with a sexual addiction. Lady Justin Fedora Palmer,who was raised in Africa with her father writing about animal homosexuality and placed in prision she needs the help of The Duke of Bradford. She offers The Duke a proposition,in turn for his help freeing her father she would become his mistress. While The Duke of Bradford is often called "Rake of Extraordinaire" he is fighting his sex addiction,secrets,family issues and refuses to use Lady Palmer.So he offers her marriage instead. This is a compelling story with controversial issues of sexuality. The characters will capture your heart as they deal with issues of family,past,
and a young lady raised while traveling the world with her parents who sees sexuality different from most of this era. A must read that will have you turning pages. An interesting historical romance read. This book was received for review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at HQN and My Book Addiction Reviews. ( )

Not a great book, but I enjoyed it. Some of the character development seemed a little unlikely. I am sorry to say that I didn't learn a lot about sex addiction and I am not sure that the way he handled it is realistic. BUT it was an enjoyable read. ( )

Delilah Marvelle is one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her stories feature anything but typical Victorian life, but her characters are convincing as believable weird Victorians. Improbable, but possible. This one deals with some darker issues, but retains touches of Marvelle's usual wit. It's not for the faint of heart, but highly recommended for readers who are up to it. ( )