The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess by Sophie Jordan
Description
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan kicks off her amazing new high concept series, The Scandalous Ladies of London, which chronicles the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering, Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.
“My husband is a good man… just ask all the women he has bedded.”
Wealthy society maven Lady Gertrude knows how the world works. If her husband is less than faithful, it’s an acceptable price to pay for her coveted position at the apex of London’s most fashionable set. No exclusive soirée or lavish ball is complete without her and her group of decadent, well-connected friends. And this Season promises more excitement than usual: Tru is launching her daughter into Society, helping her navigate the cutthroat Marriage Mart, complete with fortune hunters, jealous debutantes, and malicious gossips.
As skilled as Tru is at playing the high-stakes games of the ton, she never expects to meet her match—until Jasper Thorne begins to court her daughter. Jasper needs a titled bride, but when he meets Tru, all his carefully laid plans go up in smoke. The attraction between Tru and Jasper is undeniable…and unacceptable. To indulge in an affair with her daughter’s suitor would be ruinous. If it becomes public, she’ll never survive the scandal. Especially as it becomes clear that he wants more than one night…he wants the impossible. He wants forever.
A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangers—and joys—of being true to yourself.
Publication Date 28/3/2023
My Review
Lady Gertrude “Tru” to fault and close friends is a lady of London society. She cares deeply for her children, she just doesn’t care for her husband (who is a well known adulterer!) it was a price to pay in those days, divorce was frowned upon and most ladies were ostracised! So Tru turned a blind eye and concentrated on her children and her “Ton” reputation. A ball or soirée wasn’t complete without her attending……
Jasper is a widower and in need of a “mother” to his children! A lady of the society would see his daughter being accepted and then wooed by the right kind of gentleman, so he sets his sights on the lovely young lady Delia….
Tru and Jasper meet at a seance and the again in the garden, there is a small spark of interest, but she’s a married woman and older (not much) than him!
But to accept Jasper’s offer would be scandalous! Her reputation would be ruined! And it would break her daughters heart! No! She must resist, but Jasper is determined to have his forever with Tru!
This is the first book of a new series and new author for me. I’m excited to read the next book.
It’s really well written and thought out. The characters are great, Gertrude is my favourite character. She’s in a loveless marriage, she turns a blind eye to her husbands numerous affairs, but makes a stand when her husband intends to “sell” his daughter to the highest bidder! She shows her compassion for her friends, and her love for her children.
And Jasper at first didn’t rate very high in my estimation (trying to seduced a married woman!) but he’s heart wants what it wants, and his determination to win Tru, finally won me over.
If your not a big fan of adulterer’s, then you might be a little disappointed with the main female character, although in her defence she does resist for most of the book.
It’s not high on spice, but it’s full of drama, a few twists, and a little angst.
But it is a great story, with really likeable characters.
🦋
About the Author
Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of more than thirty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.
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