Lord of Scandal

Since I hate reviews with spoilers (there are in fact many around, argh!), I won't comment too much on the plot, except that it was the darkness of some of the characters' and their actions that made me enjoy this in particular. I am tired of goody-2-shoes heroes and aristocratic heroines from perfect backgrounds. The period was one of great contrast, and this novel brings it alive, last not least due to the great historic detail Ms Cornick weaves into her stories.The hero was so well written I am almost a bit in love with him myself, and I would definitely not refuse Catherine Fenton as a friend in need!Don't buy this though if you are looking for a Barbara Cartland fairy tale, this is more grown-up!

This was a very good book. I liked all the mystery, strong character and great romance. Both of main character evolve so you believe that over time they do love each other and change. I think I found a new favorite author.

A young lady in need of a white knight and a devil-may-care lord who does not want to be a hero find themselves curiously drawn to one another in this involving and often dark romance. Heiress Catherine Fenton's life is falling apart. She is in a forced engagement with a vile and abusive man who may be involved in murder. The father who never loved her now has money troubles and is suspiciously beholden to her fiancé. And her miserably unhappy stepmother has turned to drugs and gambling. Dragged by her father to a public hanging, Catherine becomes separated from her group, and is almost trampled by a wild mob. She is rescued by Lord Ben Hawksmoor, who tenderly shields her in his arms. Ben was a close friend of the hanged man and is distraught, and Catherine is sickened by the gruesome spectacle and shows Ben her heartfelt sympathy. They share a soul-deep physical and emotional bond as they cling to one another for support and comfort amidst the pressing crowd. Soon they must part, but neither can stop thinking about the other and inevitably they meet again. Due to a misunderstanding, Ben thinks Catherine is the mistress of the detestable man she left with (she is really the fiancée). Ben vows to take her away and make her his own. But nothing too permanent, he tells himself. Ben leads a selfish life and has no interest in being responsible for someone else. Although titled, he is virtually penniless. He survives by his gaming skills and by cashing in on his celebrity, all while flaunting his infamous courtesan. Catherine is aware of Ben's scandalous reputation, but he makes her feel cherished for the first time in her life. She senses a deeper and more giving nature beneath his shallow veneer, and starts to weave her hopes and dreams around him. Will it lead her to heartbreak, or will Ben come through for his damsel in distress? I like darker romances like this one where the leads are beacons of hope for each other in an otherwise bleak world. This is true from the very first scene at the gallows, steeped as it is in a brew of death and decadence. Ben and Catherine zero in on each other across the maelstrom, she in her pale yellow dress and he with his fair hair, almost as if a beam were lighting their way. And each time they meet, the atmosphere is electric. Their need and desire for each other is so vital right from the start - and they are both so long overdue for happiness - that it is truly easy to root for this couple. I like how the bad people and the bad events are all interconnected, with a fine cast of unsavory characters. The murder of a friend near the end of the book does not sit well with me, and the first duel is a bit silly, but otherwise the story is quite good. I particularly like the way the villain gets his just desserts. The dark backdrop makes this much more than a typical romance without in any way detracting from the love story. Indeed, the lovers shine all the more.

Because of his heroic daring exploits, almost all Englishmen regardless of social status hold Lord Hawksmoor in high esteem. Since he is one thin ice step from scandalous poverty, Benjamin uses his legendary reputation enhanced by his charm to live like wealthy quality amidst the Ton who marvels at his risk taking escapades. In 1814 wealthy Lady Catherine Fenton has decided to never marry as her fiancé is a reprobate chasing any female he sees. However, upon meeting Ben, she feels an instant attraction to him; he reciprocates. However she hears the rumors that big Ben is cynical rake needing money. Catherine believes he loves her like she does him, but trust is the issue between them as someone takes advantage of their doubts with the objective being to take taking control of the heiress' wealth. On the surface, LORD OF SCANDAL is a by the numbers Regency romance starring a rakish aristocrat and an innocent lady who takes him to task when he takes inane chances. However, the changing relationship between the lead pair makes for an entertaining early nineteenth century gender war between Ben and Catherine who surprises him as this seemingly soft kitten has claws. Sub-genre readers will enjoy reading Ben's most courageous risk taking adventure of all; offering his heart to his beloved while not knowing how she will react. Harriet Klausner

I love Nicola Cornick's writing and she's an auto buy for me. I wasn't at all disappointed with her new book Lord of Scandal. It's dark and passionate and explores some difficult issues, but I like that in a historical romance. Especially if the characters and the story are as compelling as they are here. Ben is just so sexy - what a great hero! And I thought Catherine made a wonderful match for him. They really deserved their happy ending!