Review: Scandal by Carolyn Jewel

The earl of Banallt is no stranger to scandal. But when he meets Sophie Evans, the young wife of a fellow libertine, even he is shocked by his reaction. This unconventional and intelligent woman proves to be far more than an amusing distraction– she threatens to drive him to distraction. Unlike the women who usually fall at Banallt’s feet, and into his bed, Sophie refuses to be seduced. And soon Banallt desires her more than ever– and for more than an illicit affair.

Years later, the widowed Sophie is free, and Banallt is determined to win the woman he still loves. Unfortunately, she doesn’t believe his declaration of love and chivalrous offer of marriage– her heart has already been broken by her scoundrel of a husband. And yet, Sophie is tempted to indulge in the torrid affair she’s always fantasized about. Caught between her logical mind and her long-denied desire, Sophie must thwart Banallt’s seduction– or risk being consumed by the one man she should avoid at all costs… .

This historical was amazing. I don’t quite know what I was expecting, but whatever it was, it didn’t come close to what I actually got. Carolyn Jewel is an amazing historical writer. I read her paranormal, My Wicked Enemy, and thought it was very good. It doesn’t hold a candle to Scandal. I didn’t even mean to rhyme there, btw.

The earl of Banallt is deliciously tortured. When he first met Sophie Evans, he was a notorious rake. No woman was safe from his seduction. He cared about nothing and no one. All he cared about was pleasure; his own pleasure. Meeting Sophie changed Banallt in a fundamental way that he can’t even explain to himself. Sophie remains true to her husband, even knowing that he married her for her money and hasn’t been faithful for one day in their marriage. Banallt is drawn to her and the peace he feels while he’s in her presence.

It’s been three years since Banallt last saw Sophie and he’s a changed man. He’s determined to show her that he’s nothing like the man she remembers. He wants her to see that he’s a man that is worthy of her. Even knowing that it will be a battle, Banallt is not quite prepared for Sophie’s resolve to stay far away from him.

Banallt is someone that Sophie can’t chance loving. Having been in one faithless marriage, she knows that she cannot be in another. Especially with Banallt, someone that she could grow to love more than she ever loved her husband. Turning down his proposal, Sophie does what she can to stay far away from the man. He makes it frustratingly hard. Sophie has always been drawn to him, but finds it almost impossible to stay away from him now that they are both in London.

One of the best parts of this book was Banallt’s willingness to stay away from Sophie when he believes it’s what she wants. All he wants is Sophie’s happiness, even if it’s not him that makes her happy. His selflessness showed that he really had changed; staying away from Sophie was something the old Banallt would never have done. There were other ways that he could have gotten what he wanted, which was marriage to Sophie. They were all underhanded and sneaky ways and he wouldn’t resort to them. That’s what made him a great hero. I absolutely loved him.

After a tragedy, Sophie finally realizes that she is letting her fear rule her life. When she finally took the leap, I admired her b/c it was so incredibly hard for her.

This was a marvelous historical and I look forward to reading more from Carolyn Jewel.

4.5 out of 5.

This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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