I love Romain's writing, but while the characters here were interesting, their chemistry was only so-so. I honestly go nuts with their lack of communication. But I thought the ending was worth it. ( )

‘Season for Scandal’ is the third book in Theresa Romain’s Holiday Pleasures Series of which I read none before. Actually, it wasn’t necessary for me to read the other two books to understand and enjoy this one.

That said, I have to say that I’m new to this author and her voice and style are nothing as I expected it to be. I thought this would be one of those lighthearted and witty tales, but I was pleasantly surprised by what it actually was, a character driven love story of two completely different human beings that had to work hard at finding out what makes the other tick.

As I was reading this story, something just felt off…For the longest time I couldn’t put my finger on it…I even discussed it with my hubby! Something about the story kept bugging me and I was so frustrated for not being able to pinpoint the reason behind my frustration … and then it hit me!

I was uncomfortable! I was uncomfortable with their feelings, their dialogue, and their actions toward each other. The feeling of awkwardness that the characters were going through just made me cringe! I couldn’t understand why the author or her editor hadn’t tried to ‘fix’ this problem…you know, to make the story ‘flow’ more smoothly. The developments of this story had started to hit too close to home [& no I’ll not elaborate!].

That’s when I realized that Ms. Romain did this on purpose! If she did what I expected her to do, and had the story ‘flowed’ as I thought it would, the ‘feel’ of emotional struggle that Jane and Edmund went through would have never been felt by me. She’s made both of these characters flawed, yet she gave them real depth, dimension and they felt very real to me, too real at times. In the end, I came to care and appreciate both characters, their story and the author who took a chance in telling this story of two eccentric souls that were meant for each other.

She also took a very predictable plot and turned it on its head, and that I appreciated to no end!

If you’re looking for a light and fun read, this might not be for you, although it does have lighthearted moments. This is more of a character driven and emotionally charged true love story and I highly recommend it you read.

Now off I go to my local book store to pick up the previous two.

Melanie for b2b

*Book provided by publisher through NetGalley. ( )

This romance was different. I can't say all the ways it was different because that would be to spoil things, but yes it was different.

First we have Jane who marries Edmund after a certain thing she was involved in. They are not in love, he does try to treat her well. But yes the whole marriage is kind of blah. I wished for love but after a while I knew the truth. If these two want a happy loving marriage they will have to work for it. And so they did.

Jane was strong, again I can't say the situation I am thinking of. She also wanted a bit too much. But she was cool. Edmund was kind and was the guy who danced with spinsters at the balls. But he has a secret and it could tear everything apart. And then there is danger hidden in the darkness.

So do not expect a whirlwind romance at once. No, expect two people, one wanting more, the other one all self-sacrifice. Two people who eventually will find love and happiness. ( )