I hate to give Sumner such a low score, but I just didn't enjoy this one at all. The story felt unbelievable and like it was just cobbled together from other books. And the language was flowery and super repetitive, and felt like it was trying too hard to be clever. I'd liked Dash as a side character and Theo had definite potential, but Dash just didn't feel as clever and roguish as he had previously, and I ended up actually disliking Theo (she's kind of a goose actually). Their entire relationship seemed like 60% lust, 30% mistrust, and 10% rash choices and vocabulary. If it wasn't the 6th book I've read in this series, and an ARC, I could have easily just set it aside forever. I didn't expect this and am bummed.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSprout, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. ( )

Two Scandals and a Scot by Tracy Sumner
The Duchess Society #5

Splendid, scintillating, sensual story that was a joy to read! Slipping back into the Leighton Cluster, seeing how the couples are doing, and joining in vicariously as the family closer than one based on blood manages to continue to thrive was the perfect way to spend the day.

What I liked:
* Theodosia “Theo” Astley: raised in poverty, taken in by a sister that was unaware of her, trained by The Duchess Society, intelligent, dreams of having an education and teaching, tries to be what is expected – but is not, doesn’t trust easily
* Dashiel “Dash” M. Campbell: Scottish, difficult backstory, intelligent, lived by his wits, taken in by Macauley, beautiful, chick-magnet, doesn’t share or trust easily, true to the Leighton Cluster, an author, a bit of a surprise to himself and others
* The way Dash came to Theo’s rescue after what must have been a fiasco of an engagement party
* The kiss that changed the lives of Dash and Theo
* The strong bond between all in the Leighton Cluster
* The sizzle and steam leaping off the page when Dash and Theo are together
* That quiet Theodosia is not as quiet as most think she is – she might even surprise herself
* The way it all works out in the end – loved every moment of the reading of this story
* Looking forward to Jasper Noble’s story in book six of the series
* All of it except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about ton expectations and people trying to live up to them
* Thinking of the way the poor must have lived in this time and wishing it wasn’t so

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to Wolf Publishing and the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )

It’s always the quiet ones!

The Duke of Leighton’s sister Theodosia Astley desperately wants to fit in but underneath she’s a true radical. What she really wants is to go to University, encourage women to vote, teach, you name it. What she prefers for a present is books, not tiaras. The girl from the rookeries is now part of the Leighton Clan. She decides to marry so that she can have her independence, only her fiancés very pregnant mistress turns up at the pre-wedding ball! Unleashing a scandal!
What Theo does next is run! Right into the carriage of Dashiell Campbell, rookery pickpocket and renowned card sharp, and takes off. Dash is pretty sure who’s stolen his carriage as soon as he sees its missing. He grabs a horse and follows Theo. (Mind you his driver thinks she’s one of the legions of women who throw themselves at the sinfully handsome Dash.)
Dash, determined to rescue Theo from the ensuing scandal, catches her at his gaming establishment, (thanks again to his driver!) Theo calls in the marker Dash owes her from years ago. Oops!
Unfortunately the Leighton Cluster (Yes! Dukes, Duchesses, kids etc.) catch up with them at an inn just as they’re in a very public clinch. (Kissing!) Another scandal! Before you know it Dash and Theo find themselves about to be married.
The story takes off from there amidst very funny moments, awkward moments, frustrating moments, and dangerous ones!
Dash’s married a radical not a mouse (which he already knew).The road to their happiness is strewn with rocks and moments of mirth, not to mention Theo’s book reading which extended to sexual tomes that need a lot of practice! Dash loves her command of words and is always after an explanation of their meaning. He adores the scholarly side of her.
A chuckling, enjoyable read!

A Wolf Pub. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. ( )