by Theresa Romain
Series: Holiday Pleasures #3
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Unladylike Risk- Jane Tindall has never had money of her own or exceptional beauty. Her gifts are more subtle: a mind like an abacus, a talent for play-acting—and a daring taste for gambling. But all the daring in the world can't help with the cards fixed against her. And when Edmund Ware, Baron Kirkpatrick, unwittingly spoils her chance to win a fortune, her reputation is ruined too. Or so she thinks, until he suggests a surprising mode of escape: a hasty marriage. To him. On the surface, their wedding would satisfy all the demands of proper society, but as the Yuletide approaches, secrets and scandals turn this proper marriage into a very improper affair.
Season for Scandal is the third book in Theresa Romain’s Holiday Pleasures series. The tale offers up a twist on the marriage of convenience trope with complicated and troubled characters. While this wasn’t my favorite, it was well paced with suspense and mystery that kept me engaged. Mini review: secrets, complicated characters and slow to build romance.
We meet Jane Tindall while in disguise playing a card game in which she gambles too much. Just as she plans to recoup her losses, Edmund Ware, the Baron Kirkpatrick accidentally exposes her costing her a fortune and ruining her reputation. In order to pay her mark, and save her reputation he proposes and surprisingly the head-strong, independent Jane says yes. The tale that unfolds was interesting, with secrets, a little love and danger.
Jane has always been in love with Edmund. She is a curious creature, a plain Jane, who lights up when talking about exotic places she would like to travel to. She is also impatient, stubborn and naïve. Edmund appears to the ton as a kind, noble and caring man. He dances with the wallflowers, helps little old ladies into their coach and has a pleasant ear for anyone who needs to talk. Edmund would tell you this is his atonement for a grave error. This marriage is not easy for them and we feel their struggle. Lack of communication, knowledge and emotions cause turbulence as they attempt to please and get to know each other. Turner is the villain in this tale, a man from Edmund’s past. He is here for revenge, and makes clear to Edmund exactly how he will do it. The man befriends Jane, and under a false identity moves throughout their social circle. Edmund and Jane frustrated me with their lack of communication as a lot of issues could have been resolved if they had confided in each other.
Season for Scandal is not your typical holiday read, and Romain turns the marriage trope upside down, giving us a heavier tale of self-discovery and growth while showing the complicated side of making a marriage work. This was not light and fluffy, but we did work towards our HEA, and the ride to get there was filled with frustration, witty banter and secrets. It is also not your typical swoon-worthy romance; instead it reflects ordinary people and martial problems. While I did not get emotional caught up in this tale, I did enjoy the complexities of the characters, and the message. Romain did a wonderful job of bringing these two together and helping them find their happy.
If you are looking for something a little different, a realistic romance then, Season for Scandal, might be the perfect read for you. While this didn’t wow me, I certainly look forward to reading more of Romain’s work.
Three cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lark
A romance with a more realistic sense of what it takes to build a marriage sounds good to me. I’ve never tried this author, but I’ll keep an eye out for her. I’m sorry it didn’t give you that “book high” we all love, but I’m glad you enjoyed it anyway.
kimbacaffeinate
I did enjoy it and have enjoyed previous books more.
aurian
Not reading your review just yet. I do love this series, and have this book on my shelves. But I really did not like her last book, It takes two to tangle, so I am a bit leary now.
kimbacaffeinate
It Takes Two was ok, it was fun but didn’t wow me.
Pamela D
Although this sounds like a fun book, I have read too many romances recently that involve characters that do not communicate. I think I would be a bit frustrated just like it sounded you were.
kimbacaffeinate
It was a good read, just not a hot romance..thanks Pamela 🙂
A Voracious Reader
I haven’t read this author. I’m going to have to check out her books. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
she writes wonderful historical fiction 🙂
Janice Hougland
I read Season for Surrender last year and loved it. Now I’m game for Season for Scandal! Thanks for getting another lovely story released, Theresa. I really appreciate your stories.
kimbacaffeinate
I adored Season for Surrender too, hope you enjoy this one as well Janice 🙂
Jeann
Wow, I would have thought this read would be light and fluffy too but I’m glad it was an indepth read! Thanks for sharing, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
No fluff here..LOL
emaginette
It sounds like an interesting read. I’ll keep an eye open for the author, but I think I’ll pass on the series.
Thanks.
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
thanks, I have adored some of her books, and the first two in this holiday series. 🙂
blodeuedd
I did prefer the book before cos they were so angry
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha, glad you enjoyed it my friend 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m not sure if this is for me, but I do like the sound of complex characters and realistic romance. Might be worth a try!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Melissa have a wonderful weekend.
Heidi
I hate books that feature a romance where things could be worked out by talking it through, but then again it is realistic. Even though this didn’t wow you I like that it has more realism. Happy weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
Which is why I kept reading, LOL It was a solid read and I enjoy this author 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
That’s an interesting concept – the woman who is addicted to gambling! I actually like some slow-building romances. Realistic can be nice. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I just wanted the hero to be a little more alpha, and for them to communicate more. It was a good tale, just different. 🙂
Fahima
I’m sorry this book didn’t work out that well for you.
But I like marriage of convenience tropes, and realism, so this may be the book for me. Wile I’m skeptical about the fact that it doesn’t get you all emotional, I think I’ll still give it a try.
Thanks! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was an odd romance, but I love the marriage trope too. I am not sorry I read it, and enjoyed it..I just didn’t get swept up in it the way I normally do when reading a HR.
Fahima
You were right, Kimba. I felt like the emotional component of the story was lacking as well. Too bad, because I really wanted to like this book 🙁
Candace
The stupid lack of communication always makes me SO angry! So I’m not sure I could survive this one, I’d probably end up throwing it across the room (at least in my mind). I’m glad you still found yourself enjoying the story though.
You’re really going through the holiday reads, aren’t you?
Lily B
aww slow building romance 🙁 I am not sure if I have this one I feel like I do. I know I own another one of her books that I have not read yet..but she sounds like a good historical-romance author. I am glad that the romance sounded a bit realistic though
kimbacaffeinate
It was good, but I need a rogue ..LOL
Ginny
The characters sound complex, especially Jane. I bet her headstrong ways presented quite a challenge to her marriage and of course the time period. I always expect the warm fuzzy’s from Christmas reads and this one doesn’t sound like it did that for you but I’m still intrigued by the relationships. So I might give it a try after the holidays.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, not the magical romance I hoped for, and Jane was a pleasure on the outside and a traveler, free spirit on the inside.
Felicia S. (
This probably wouldn’t work for me but I do love that cover! It is very pretty!
kimbacaffeinate
Not my favorite, but not a bad read either 🙂 Happy Weekend!
Andrea
Gorgeous cover!
I haven’t read a lot of historical romance lately, but I’ve started feeling the itch. I’ll keep this series in mind.
kimbacaffeinate
Oooh well if you have an itch, email me darling and I will recommend a few that are sure to delight!
kindlemom1
Sorry this one wasn’t just a little bit better Kim. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and upcoming holiday!!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Ali and you do the same 🙂
brandileigh2003
A different and realistic moment sounds great!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a nice read Brandi 🙂
Mary
I do like the witty banter but the guy seems a little…lackluster to me. Nice is good but I want mystery and daring and more alpha in my faux guy. Sorry, Edmund!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, he was self-punishing and didn’t have any idea how to woo a lady..LOL
Keertana
I think I might try the previous installments in this series first, only because this doesn’t sound like the typical guilty-pleasure read I usually enjoy. But, the series itself sounds fantastic, so I’m certainly going to check it out. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed the previous one and she offers clean, fun romances 🙂
Silvia
I’m currently reading an historical romance with a card play in which he gambled too much. So everything is in reverse, but so far I’m liking it a lot. Too bad this particular instalment didn’t get you right on an emotional level, but I’m happy you enjoyed the read in the end. I might have to give it a go!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed this Silvia I just didn’t get that “Book high” I usually experience with this genre.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I’m not really into characters that gamble and drink–so I don’t think I will be reading this.
Lovely review anyways, Kimba! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Oh no, she just gambled in the beginning because she wanted to be free to travel with her money and her uncle kept a tight hold of her purse strings..LOL