Review: Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove #5) by Tessa Dare

Posted on the 28 September 2016 by Readingromances

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.
*Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan?
*Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall?
*Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn't her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers' true identity, she'll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville-the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she's ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn't got a clue. But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit ... and melt a woman's knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte's safety is the truth about his dark past. Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte's feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who's sworn to never love? Do You Want to Start a Scandal is charming, funny and entertaining!

The story can be described as a Spindle Cove/Castles Ever After crossover since the hero, Piers, is the Marquess in book two of the Castles Ever After series, Say Yes to the Marquess. Although it's part of a series it can be easily read as a stand alone.

Charlotte is the perfect heroine, she took over the story with her wit, charm and joy. As adorable as can be she was also a bit too candid, and brave in her naive way. Those characteristics made her interesting and fresh, perfect for a historical romance.

My problem with this book was that I didn't fall involve with Piers. There was something missing about him, I can't quite describe what it was, but I felt I didn't know enough about his character.

I must point out that some situations were a bit over the top and not very believable, but I put them aside because this book was laugh out loud funny (mainly because of Charlotte) and overall very entertaining.

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.