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Before the Scandal: The Notorious Gentlemen (Avon Historical Romance)x$1.90
  (18 reviews)
Best Price: $6.99 $1.90
It Was a Scandal Waiting to Happen . . . Colonel Phineas Bromley is a legend—on the battlefield and in the bedroom. Though he's won many wars, and even more hearts, nothing could prepare him for his new life. When Phin discovers that someone has been pushing his family toward ruin, he assumes the role of a legendary highwayman. Riding out in the middle of the night, hidden behind a mask, Phin heads straight into trouble . . . and into the arms of the ravishing girl next door. Coming face-to-face with a masked man did not frighten Alyse Donnelly as it should have. Instead, she finds him rather dashing. But her foolish heart has led her into trouble before, and helping a fugitive may mean jeopardizing her own plans, no matter how enticing his kisses. Now, as the danger grows, Alyse must make a choice between freedom . . . and the chance for true love.
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Customer Reviews
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Luke warm -second installment in The Notorious Gentleman series
By A2NICGGIGIFU22 on 2008-07-31
Ten years have past and Colonel Phineas Bromley has finally returned home. Back to the family he escaped after shattering their lives. He didn't come hoping for forgiveness because some things can never be forgiven. Instead, Phin came to help solve a mystery. The estate, it seems, has been plagued with a lot of bad luck lately. And Phin means to be the man to find out who or what is behind all the destruction. Its the least he can do. Yet never in his wildest dreams did he think of ever seeing the dark-eyed Alyse Donnelly again. The diamond of the first water should have been snatched up a long time ago. But that was before the scandal. And Alyse can't afford another one so she means to stay away from the handsome soldier.............which might prove to be difficult.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Some parts were exciting (mystery and highwayman bit) and others excruciatingly dull (romance). I didn't care about Alyse one way or another. She felt a bit wooden and at times annoying, particularly when she couldn't make up her mind whether to be with Phin or not. I understand that her options were limited but sometimes you just have to go out on a limb and trust your heart. On the other hand, Phin's character is more endearing. He seems adrift. Agonizing over the past but not knowing what the future holds -refusing to hope. Phin is doing his best to protect his family but can't do so without stepping on a few toes and causing an even greater rift between him and his brother.
And its Phin's brother, William, the Viscount Quence who stole my heart in Before the Scandal. The paraplegic single handedly has been raising a younger sister, maintaining an estate for tens years and at the same time dealing with his poor health. No small feat in that time period. I just kept hoping that he would get a love interest (perhaps in the 3rd book?).
Before the Scandal follows After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen in the series which concludes with the rakish Bram's book. It can be read as a stand alone. And I recommend getting this one at the library, not bad but not spectacular. Either way I'm looking forward to Bram's book. Maybe Phin's sister, Elizabeth, will be his heroine? *fingers crossed*.
Update (sept 2008)-its official, Elizabeth is not Bram's heroine. Enoch states that she's too young for him. Dammit!!:(
You find out who your real friends are when you're involved in a scandal.-Elizabeth Taylor
By A37E6RW5BUX4U0 on 2008-08-05
Years ago Alyse Donnelly and Phinneas Bromley were the best of friends. Their childhood homes/estates were next to each others and they grew up playing together. About the time when Phin began to see Alyse in a more romantic light, he left. For the past ten years he has been fighting on the battlefield and making himself a hero and a colonel.
Alyse was once the belle of the ball. Coming from a titled family and having looks and charm she was sought after by many gentlemen. But a scandal and the death of her parents changed all that. She is now essentially a Cinderella type figure in her home, catering to a cranky aunt and her over indulged son.
Phin rushes home when he gets a letter from his little sister thinking his brother is ill. What he finds is a healthy brother, an estate in trouble and Alyse. He's shocked and secretly thrilled that she is still unmarried; their friendship picks up where it left off.
I really teetered on the rating of this book. My first problem was the title of the book, it promises a scandal and I was expecting a scandal involving the two main characters. The actual scandal itself is a little lame. Another issue I had was the `mystery' with the accident prone estate, it dragged on a bit and I couldn't help but think all of it could have been solved with a little communication.
For the most part though, I really enjoyed it; the characters are charming and entertaining. The aunt is written so well that I absolutely hated her; I kept hoping Alyse would trip her or something. The villains are loath worthy and the heroes loveable. I hope she writes next about Phin's sister Beth and his pal, Lord Bramwell, next. I wouldn't mind hearing about his brother, William, some more, either. This book is not as good as the first book in the series, After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen, but still an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars
Cherise Everhard, August 2008
It was okay. Was expecting more.....
By AWCNOXDK24FJ1 on 2008-08-01
The previous comment kinda says it all! I wasn't all that excited after reading After The Kiss and I was hoping that Before The Scandal would be a little more entertaining and fun (and it was at SOME parts), but sadly I was left feeling disappointed at the end of this one as well! To me it seems as though her books have gotten kinda boring and are lacking the passion and fire her previous books have had! I have been so discouraged ever since I read Sins of A Duke, which I thought was so unlike her previous works!!! Here's hoping Bram's story catches fire in my hands (not literally of course).
Excellent - I found myself swept away to another time !
By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2008-08-18
This was great book - I found myself telling my family - wait..wait...I just have find out what happens and then I'll help! (opps I quess I won't be mother of year)
This is the second book of the The Notorious Gentlemen series (1st book After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen). In this book Phin the second son comes home from the war after being gone for 10 years because he thinks his brother is ill. When he arrives home he realizes that his 17 year old sister tricked him but she does need him home because something is wrong. When he arrives home he see his old childhood friend Alyse who has has her own problems throughout the years. Together they solve a mystery , have a sweet romance and French Highwayman enters their lives!! ENJOY!
I am looking forward to Bram's Story!
Romance and Action combined
By A2X2WTEVCZ5L8N on 2008-09-05
Many romances are written mostly from the heroine's point of view; not surprising as most of the readers are likely women. This romance is written at least equally from the point of the hero, if not primarily from his perspective. That, plus his efforts to discover who was trying to harm his estranged family, gave this book a different feel from many other romances.
I read so many romances that I enjoy any time an author goes to the effort to write something different enough to stand out from the masses. Readers who want lots of sex are going to be disappointed. There is only one that I recall -- but lots of stolen kisses behind closed doors. The romance itself is that of two childhood friends and sort of sweethearts finding each other after both have gone through emotionally difficult times.
I enjoyed this book enough that I am going to get the first book in the series.
I'm editing this review to add my explanation of the title. At least one reviewer couldn't figure out what the scandal was in the book. The scandal occurred 4 years before the start of the book and I believe the title refers to the fact that the hero and hero knew each other before the scandal and that the heroine would not have still been single and stuck living with her nasty cousin and his mother when the hero comes home from war but for the scandal.
- excellent Regency romantic suspense
By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2008-08-03
Lieutenant Colonel Phineas Bromley is as much a legend in the bedroom as he is at battle. However, the war hero known also as a notorious gentleman lover is stunned when he gets home to his estate. The place looks like a battlefield. He concludes someone is methodically ruining his family and he plans to expose the scoundrel.
He dons a mask and hunts the thug disguised as a highwayman. To his shock when he stops on the shelf Lady Alyse Donnelly, she does not act frightened as he would have expected. He is attracted to her courage and could not care less of the scandal that made her unsuited for marriage. However, he does care that Alyse insists on helping him with his charade though that places his beloved in danger from the still unknown adversary.
The second Notorious Gentlemen tale (see AFTER THE KISS) is an excellent Regency romantic suspense starring two fully developed protagonists and a lurking stalker ready to pounce on any weakness; in this case Phin's Achilles' heel is Alyse. Historical romance readers know you cannot have enough novels from Suzanne Enoch as she consistently provides entertaining exhilarating epics.
Harriet Klausner
- Couldn't see through it right away, so yay!
By A1GWDRBUMQOCRK on 2008-08-15
I enjoyed this historical romance for the sheer fact that while it was obvious who the villians were, the reason behind the plotting was a slow reveal. The writing was well done, the romance believable for the genre. The heroine isn't too perfect nor is she a simpering victim waiting to be rescued. I liked her pluck and her conversations with the hero. The villians were nasty enough to deserve more than the got in the end....
- Great Book
By A1HNZO8LDNOSRJ on 2008-11-03
Suzanne Enoch is one of my favorite authors and this book is an excellent example of why. No one does personal redemption stories like her.
- Entertaining Story...I liked it!
By AJ9AE2BVND0GS on 2008-08-02
This is a fast and easy read. I found that the story kept me entertained and I liked the characters as well. I read the other reviews and I think there was something missing between the H/H. I think when they were first getting together, there wasn't enough development of their feelings and their emotions. It just kind of said they wanted each other and that was it. And the wishy-washy nature of the heroine's trust for the hero just didn't fit - there needed to be something different for the conflict or greater development of her feelings about her mixed emotions. But for me, the overall story was enjoyable and worth the read.
- Before the Scandal
By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2008-08-07
Lieutenant Colonel Phineas Bromley has returned home to Quence Park at the urgent request of his sister, Beth. Phin has been a soldier for the past ten years. Some things have changed during his absence, and some have not. His brother William still scorns him but his childhood friend Alyse Donnelly has changed quite a bit. She is now a beautiful and desirable woman. Alyse lives with her Aunt Ernesta and her cousin Richard who treat her poorly. Both Phin and Alyse have secrets they are not willing to share and yet, Phin begins to court Alyse anyway.
Not long after he arrived home, Phin realized that someone is out to get his family. It¢s not bad luck like everyone thinks, but whom, and why? Phin decides to pose as an infamous highwayman to try and find out what¢s going on. Will he help solve the mystery, or make matters worse for them all though?
Before The Scandal¢s fast paced plot has friends who become lovers and villains running amok. Phin is an honorable man trying to outlive his rebellious past. Alyse is sweet and kind and in need of a hero. Their love affair is very romantic. I recommend reading the previous book in this series, After The Kiss first. Before The Scandal is a fun, exciting, and sensual story.
Nannette
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
- Ummm, not too sure
By ALHDS6ALNS9HL on 2008-08-12
Have got mixed views about this book and really can't make up my mind what I think. I enjoyed the story and read the book in one go but thought the romance was a little lacking in chemistry. The ultimate test...is it a keeper? No, not for me.
- What's with all the highwaymen lately?
By A38YAJSGKJXFIX on 2008-08-14
Maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn't just read Julia Quinn's new book and Ms. Enoch's other book "After the Kiss". It's Highway/masked men everywhere!!
This was an okay read - not as good as "After the Kiss." I wish I had more background on Alyse and Phin's childhood to really see how close they were before and their chemistry. It would have made their instant relationship when Phin came home more feasible.
I really liked Phin - he had to work through some tough internal and external conflicts to get to his happy ending.
SPOILERS*********
The whole bath thing being the motivation for Richard Donnelly and Co. to committ murder felt too artificial. These were affluent noblemen after all... Didn't really see their need to do what they did - especially in the way they went about it. Also, they way they all got off scot free after nearly burning everyone alive was annoying.
The romance was so, so. Phin was amazing, but as others said, Alyse wasn't all that wonderful. She needed some more spunk.
Overall, I give this 3.5 stars - because of Phin.
I am eagerly awaiting Bram's story... Hope Ms. Enoch is writing quickly!
- Pretty boring from start to finish...
By A3PUNJNIM8612F on 2008-08-19
Phinneas Bromley & Alyse Donnelly's story just fizzled for me. The total lack of chemistry/spark between the two leads made this book such a boring read. Maybe it's because they grew up together and their relationship had always been one that was platonic? I don't know. But it didn't grab at me like her previous book "After the Kiss" did. Even the scandal was pretty boring.
I did, however, love reading about the supporting characters like William, Beth, and Bram. I hope they all turn up in Enoch's final book in this series, especially Beth and Bram.
- What Scandal?
By A8TLN8H7YJIOR on 2008-08-25
I'm not sure what happened between the first book in this series, After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen, and this second one but it definitely was lacking. For the life of me, I could not hold my interest in this book or its characters.
As a general summary, the main hero is Phineas Bromley, a soldier on leave to help his family in their time of need. Phineas also returns to an old childhood friend and crush, Alyse Donnelly. Alyse has fallen from grace due to her parents' deaths years ago. Instead of her previous status as a very wanted debutante, she lives as a poor companion/maid to her evil aunt and cousin. The story circles around Phineas, his interaction with his family and Alyse, his eventual lover, who helps him to find out who is trying to destroy his family's fortune.
The suspense, mystery, and passion was thoroughly lacking in this story, even though it had the appropriate elements for it. I read to about halfway and then just stopped because I could care less what happened to any of the characters. I didn't think I could get bored with a romance, but this one proved me wrong. I absolutely loved Ms. Enoch's first book in this series and am sad to see that this book fell so far from the first.
Hoping the next one will turn out better!
- I liked the lead characters
By A3GIYC4RZ9PE4R on 2008-09-26
I read this book before reading the previous installment in the series -- 'After the Kiss' -- and I really did enjoy it. I saw the chemistry between the two leads right away. I liked that they were old friends who had just been discovering that they might have feelings for one another when they'd been torn apart by other circumstances.
As someone else mentioned though, it would have been nice to see a couple of flashbacks to really cement their prior relationship with the reader, but I still got the feeling of their closeness through the scenes presented. They ended up being each other's only allies and those moments were well written.
I have to say that I think Phin's older brother is such an interesting character, I wish he could have his own romance. There's no reason why a disabled person can't find love ... ask Stephen Hawking! Viscount Quence seems like such a lovely, loving person, and once Elizabeth is gone he'll be alone. I hate that thought. He could at least have novella or something. I think Enoch is up to such a challenge.
SPOILERS
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My main complaint is in the area of believability. We all suspend our disbelief whenever we open a historical romance, but I really couldn't believe that Bram and Sullivan were too stunned in the midst of a crisis to figure out a way to break out the windows and get Elizabeth and William out of the burning building. They seemed helpless, and it just didn't make sense to me.
Also, regarding the fire, the villains ran right into the house with guns and then left to start the fire? After they'd shown themselves? Why in the world did they not start the fire in the middle of the night when they had a better chance of killing everyone inside? I'm not even a bad guy and I can think of that.
And that glitch coming at the end of the book leaves a dissatisfied feeling.
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END SPOILERS
However, taking the book as a whole I give it four stars. I really liked the main characters and I like this series. Untitled heroes who are making their mark is a nice theme for a series. And, as always, Suzanne Enoch has a great sense of humor and witty dialogue, which makes her one of my current favorites.
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