Having read Seduced and Tempted, I was dissapointed with the book. I didn't like the hero in this book, because he kept believing he was dumb. I was annoyed that he believed everything his classmates and father said about him. Come on! It wasn't him being dumb that made me annoyed but that he kept telling himself that he was dumb. I really don't believe the hero was dumb, because in the end, he found out who was trying to kill him. If he was dumb he wouldn't have figured that out. But why did he constantly, and even in the epilogue, kept telling himself that he was dumb?

Anyway, I also thought that the ending was abrupt. "Will you marry me?" That's all he says? No speech of declaring his love to her? No speech of declaring the heroine's love to him? Them coming together in the end was just so short. It wasn't anything spectacular as in some other romances out there.

If not for these two issues I would have given this book 5 stars. Yes, 3 stars to 5 stars is a big difference. But these minor issues in this book could have made this book great if they weren't there. This book was alright to read, but I wish that our hero was braver and tougher, and that the ending was more captivating. Now I really want to re-read Seduced and Tempted (also by Pamela Britton) because those books are absolutely wonderful (definitely way better than this book)!!!

P.S.
I just have to say that Pamela Britton is still one of my favorite romance authors!!!!!

Perhaps "Scandal" isn't the best title, but that isn't always the author's decision. Anyway, even though these may not be Britton's best characters (Rein, at least), their chemistry is undeniable. There are indeed some very...ahem...hot scenes. Others have complained about Rein not being more help to Anna; I found it in character considering all we know from him before she enters his life. I, too, wonder if she'll really be hapy with him over the long haul considering the apparent disparity in their intellects. I think, however, that was Britton was aiming for was that Rein have a learning disability. It could have been presented in a way that didn't sometimes make him seem "stupid," but people often live up to (or down to) others' expectations of them. Pehaps that was the case with Rein. It's an imperfect book, but has mostly good things to recommend it. I'd put it in the middle of the trilogy ratings wise (about a 3.8).

3.5 stars. I'm guessing that the Scandal is the fact that a Duke dares to marry below his station for those who are lost on the title. This was a good but not great book for reasons mention from another reviewer. Though I'm all for having flawed heroes and heroines, I can't get with a "Dumb" hero. Surely people make mistakes and that would have been fine had the author not remind me at almost every turn that Rein is stupid. Other than burn evidence, I wouldn't have thought him so. I would have thought that he'd done a dumb 'thing' but not that it was some character flaw. What woman in fantasy or reality wants a dumb man? Now, don't get me wrong, there are many of dumb folks among us, but the difference is they aren't aware that they are dumb. Sure, I know a few guys who don't like to be referred to as being dumb because someone in their past (Usually father) kept referring to them as such, but in this book, it just made me wonder why the heroine liked him. Rein could've just been spoiled and snobby and then was forced to change. But dumb does nothing for me. Plus, Rein not learning to do for himself was another serious character flaw. He should have gotten a job and pulled his weight. As it was, the heroine worked all day, came home to feed her grandfather and him, and then started having to please Rein at night. Sound familiar? It should...it's called REAL LIFE. Women read Historical Romances for the fantasy--to be taken away from real life. The middle of the book was hard to plow through, but it picked back up in the last act. Plus, I wasn't too sure about the murder being justified in this book. I was a little uncomfortable with it. What I liked about the book: Molly and Anna's relationship..as well as Anna and her grandfather's relationship. The scenes of testing sails on Rein's yacht and what follows afterward was the best scenes in the entire book. I will read more books by Ms. Britton, but please...no more 'dumb' heroes or heroines.

Ok, ladies! I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a strong, smart alpha male in my fantasies! Rein gave in too much, and was just wandered around the story trying to please Anna.

This was the first Pamela Britton book I read and she hooked me right away. I love stories the feature a female lead character who isn't of the same social class as the hero. (Think Cinderella). In my opinion Pamela Britton pulled this story off beautifully! I found myself laughing while I read this book and then crying in some places. After I finished I went and ordered two of her other books which I also loved. A new favorite author of mine and one I really recommend.