1 May 2012

Night Owls Book Reviews - 4.5 Stars Top Pick

Invitation to Scandal is my first Bronwen Evans romance, and I'm glad I didn't miss this sexy read! It's always great when the attraction between the characters is immediate and mutual and the sexual tension heats you up. Although Rufus doesn't know it, Rheda is an innocent and she completely melts when Rufus does little more than touch her. That keeps the reader delightfully on edge, if you know what I mean (ooh!). Rufus slowly unravels the mystery of the Dark Shadow through his own devious means, which adds an erotic blend to the story. I was glued to the pages and hated to see it end. Invitation to Scandal is not only a must read, but most definitely a keeper!

Upon her father's death, Rheda is left to care for her little brother with little to no money thanks to her good-for-nothing father. Trying to keep them from further debt and complete ruin, she's forced to the smuggling trade. Rufus is on a mission to find the Dark Shadow and he's sure he can seduce some vital information from Rheda.

An Excerpt from Invitation to Scandal

...His forceful gaze swept over her trying to ascertain their identities. A shiver of fear sliced her insides. Damn the moon. She prayed it was dark enough, and her disguise good enough, that he would not know who she was. Perhaps he would think her one of Lord Hale's stable boys.
    She ground her teeth in resignation. What was the worst that could happen? He was too late; the deed had been done, with one horse anyway.
Eyes sharp as flint slashed in her direction, and she took a step back.
    Ignoring her, Lord Strathmore bent to study his horse. "Have you been having an enjoyable evening, Caesar? I hope you have not let the Strathmore name down, and you have performed appropriately."
    In a voice she hoped mirrored a young boy's she said, "Actually we were debating if he had enough stamina to service the second filly." Since Lord Strathmore appeared to be buying her story, she might as well push her luck.
    "I think you will find Strathmore males are perfectly capable of pleasuring more than one female in one night."
    A chuckle escaped from his companion while Jamieson gave a discreet cough.
    Rheda, thankful for what little darkness the moon provided simply blushed, his insinuation not lost on her.
    Lord Strathmore approached until he towered over her, menace pouring from every pore. Rheda thought the effect was somewhat spoilt because he looked thoroughly enticing in his formal dinner wear. "We shall have to discuss how you are going to repay me for Caesar's services - Miss Kerrich, Miss Rheda Kerrich - Rhe."