How to Survive a Scandal by Samara Parish

About the Book

Book #1 in the Rebels with a Cause series

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical

POV: 3rd person limited, dual POV

Publication Date: May 25, 2021

Format: eBook – Netgalley ARC

Length: 369 pages

Synopsis

In this whirlwind Regency romance, a near-death experience leads to a marriage of convenience for two unsuspecting strangers, but will their unusual meeting lead them to true love?

Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.

Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him being shackled to the hoity Society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations… and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.

My Review

Rating: 4/5 stars

I really enjoyed this debut and look forward to the rest of the series and anything else Samara Parish will write. I liked both our hero and heroine and the growth they experienced, the wonderful cast of side characters, and how each element of the plot was woven together to make it all feel well-balanced. The setting was also really fun, going mostly between Benedict’s estate and the factory where he worked to build steam engines for an important deal with the Americans. I really enjoyed the sexual tension between Amelia and Benedict leading up to steamier scenes, however I was disappointed this was a closed-door romance as the chemistry between them was so promising. This was my personal preference, though, and other readers might not mind this. Overall, I would recommend this book and can’t wait for Wilde and Fiona’s story in book #2!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

As an Australian army brat in the ‘80s, Samara Parish grew up moving from city to city—always with plenty of book boxes (to the movers’ annoyance).

Romance novels have been a big part of her life for years. She used them as her ‘escape’ during the trials and tribulations that are working, dating, and living in your 20s.

She is now living in Canberra with her husband (a true romance hero) and her menagerie of pets.

How to Survive a Scandal is her debut novel.

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➜ Book #2 How to Deceive a Duke will be released on January 22, 2022

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