Falling Head Over Heels Into Romance
Scandal & Scoundrels Series by Sarah MacLean
The Rogue Not Taken (2015), A Scot in the Dark (2016), The Day of the Duchess (2017)
Avon Romance
Admittedly, I’ve had a strong stance against reading romance. My mentality has always been “If you like it read it, but it’s not for me.” However, thanks to following some wonderful bookstagram accounts like The Reading Foodie among others,I found myself thinking I should give them a try. I’d remembered hearing about a historical romance series on “All the Books!” podcast and went through their archive to look for it. It was Sarah MacLean’s Scandal and Scoundrels series. Lucky for me, my local library had all three books and I quickly requested a hold place on them. As it happened when I finally picked up the books at the library, it was also one of the hottest weekends of the summer. With 115 degree weather and no desire to exert myself, it was the perfect time to settle in with a refreshing drink and devour an entire series.
I enjoyed book one! Some of the scene seemed a bit far-fetched for my historian mind, but overall I liked the main couple well enough and the book came to a satisfying conclusion. However, it didn’t completely blow my socks off. It was a quick delicious brain candy of a book. Luckily, I had the next to books at hand because I’m not sure I would have pushed through the rest of the series.
Although a number of readers have said they didn’t like this second book as much, I personally like book two even more than book one! I really connect to both of the romantic leads. Additionally, the plot device of our heroine dealing with public humiliation over a nude portrait seemed all too relevant.
Book three is my favorite in the series! I think the character depth and development is the best out of all of them. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but I think that’s why I liked it so much. Seraphina is a strong character and her desire for independence makes you root for her!
I’m totally on board for Sarah MacLean’s fun, at times hilarious, romance writing! I don’t think she ever takes the story too seriously and I enjoy the modern parallels. I’m also excited to read her next series, Bare-knuckle Bastards. I’ve heard that Wicked & the Wallflower is fantastic and really emphasizes consent.
Have any recommendations a romance newbie? Let me know in the comments!
