ARC Review – His Scandalous Kiss (Secrets at Thorncliff Manor #3) by Sophie Barnes

Sophie Barnes really pulled out all the stoppers with His Scandalous Kiss. The writing in this story really made me feel like I was back in the era of Masquerade Balls, walks in the garden, picnics on the lake. ~ Kitty, Guilty Pleasures 

Description:
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.

 

Review copy provided for an honest review

I adore Historical Romances. Why? Because they really do bring the romance back. No, there’s not any explicit, hot, sweaty sex. What there is is a bit of mystery, a ton of romancing and a whole lot of love.

Sophie Barnes really pulled out all the stoppers with His Scandalous Kiss. And, as we learned the truth about both Lady Mary and Richard Heartly, about the secrets they have both been hiding, you can’t help but hope that all works out well for them. Because, when everything and everyone is revealed, it could mean the ruin of Lady Mary and the end of what Richard thought would be the beginning of the rest of his life.

The writing in this story really made me feel like I was back in the era of Masquerade Balls, walks in the garden, picnics on the lake. It made me yearn for simpler times when being entertained was with music, reading or talking and not computers or cell phones. You knew who the good people were and who were just out for revenge. You knew who was going to be the back-stabber, who was going to try to bring ruin to Lady Mary But, what you didn’t know is who Richard brought down and how that was going to affect his budding relationship with the one woman who saw him for who is was and not what he looked like.

I fell in love with Richard. Yes, he was mysterious and had nothing but revenge on his mind. But, he was truly romantic and loving. He knew that Mary was special when he first laid eyes on her but did not think that she would ever be interested in a man like him. He was almost a recluse because of his injuries. She saw right through to the heart of the man and he, in turn, decided that she was definitely worth facing the public and the ton again.

Mary had her own mystery around her. She was a caring person with a passion for Opera. She knew that her secret, if it came to light, would ruin her whole family. She also had no choice but to continue since her brother could not handle the responsibilities of running the estate. Until everything comes to a head and she has to decide who she loves more … her brother or Richard.

There is also another mystery that still has not been solved and I am really looking forward to finding out what it is all about. Thorncliff Manor is a really interesting place and I am sorry that I haven’t read the other stories leading up to His Scandalous Kiss. The good thing is that it can definitely be read as a stand-alone and you won’t be lost in the least … you would have just missed all the other weddings leading up to this story. So, Ms. Barnes really has me interested in finding out just what did go on down in the tunnels and the secret rooms. With that said, I will really be looking forward to reading the rest of the Secrets of Thorncliff Manor and enjoying the wonder writings of Sophie Barnes.

4.5 stars

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