His Scandalous Kiss by Sophie Barnes Pages: 384
Series: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor #3
Genres: Historical Romance
Goodreads
Thorncliff Manor is the perfect setting for a masquerade ball... where the heart’s secret desires are about to be uncovered in this scintillating Regency romance from Sophie Barnes...
Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue.
Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever.
His Scandalous Kiss
Sophie Barnes
If you love a tortured hero, this is the book for you! His Scandalous Kiss gives us “Signor Antonio” and he is the definition of tortured hero. After returning from war, he is physically and mentally battered and has been in seclusion for 5 years. He agrees to attend a ball only because its a masquerade ball and therefore he can remain anonymous (not even his family knows he has been back from war!). At this ball he meets the charming Mary and begins to want things he hasn’t wanted in many years.
I loved Mary because she was smart, well read, and witty. She wanted more that a typical, vapid marriage. I loved that about her. I loved Richard as well. He is scheming something and you spend a lot of time trying to figure out his end game and what other reasons he has been in self imposed isolation. I loved trying to figure out Mary’s secrets as well. The mystery and the banter combined to make this a book I didn’t want to put down.
Barnes writing style was great! She didn’t over explain things or spend too much time giving overly verbose descriptions. The story moved along at a good pace that kept me reading. There is a lot going on that just keeps you on your toes and interested. Overall, this is what I love about historical romance! I look forward to more from Barnes for sure!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: No
- Trope: Regency
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: Standalone
- Cliffhanger: No
- HEA:View Spoiler »
The Virgin and the Viscount by Charis Michaels, The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah Maclean, Luck is no Lady by Amy Sandas…then you will probably like His Scandalous Kiss!
oh I just adore tortured heroes and I have liked what Barnes has done with this series so far so I am really excited for this one. I do love a story that keeps me on my toes. Lovely review hun.
This was my first Sophie Barnes book. Needless to say I grabbed books 1 and 2 right after finishing!
Thank you so much for the lovely review and for participating in the His Scandalous Kiss tour! I hope you have a wonderful summer.
My pleasure! I am looking forward to reading more of your books!