Friday, July 05, 2019

A Soft, Low-Stress Book: Some Like it Scandalous by Maya Rodale

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I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Soft, Low-Stress Book: Some Like it Scandalous by Maya RodaleSome Like It Scandalous by Maya Rodale
Series: The Gilded Age Girls Club #2
Published by Avon on July 18th, 2019
Source: Avon
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four-stars

They are sworn enemies… 

Theodore Prescott the Third, one of Manhattan’s Rogues of Millionaire Row, has really done it this time. The only way to survive his most recent, unspeakably outrageous scandal is marry someone respectable. Someone sensible. Someone like Daisy Swan. Of all the girls in Gilded Age Manhattan, it had to be her.

Pretending to be lovers... 

Daisy Swan has plans and they do not involve a loveless marriage with anyone. But when a devastating family secret threatens to destroy her standing in society, suddenly a fake engagement with Theo is just the thing to make all her dreams come true.

And now it’s time to kiss and make up… 

Daisy Swan aspires to sell cosmetics that she has created, but this brainy scientist needs a smooth talking charmer’s flair for words and eye for beauty to make it a success. Before long, Daisy and Theo are trading kisses. And secrets. And discovering that despite appearances, they might be the perfect couple after all. 

I will fully admit to not reading book 1 in this series but I have read Maya Rodale before and when I saw that Some Like it Scandalous was hate to love, I was sold. I did go in expecting good romantic tension but I was a little surprised by how much I was taken in by this book. Rodale must have done a lot of research to help immerse us within the gilded age. 

I wouldn’t categorize it as a true love to hate because their dislike is based on misunderstandings and apologies are made quite early on but… their relationship is still amazing. It is founded on their mutual agreement that they do not want to get married, then they become business partners and finally something more. They aren’t immediately attracted to each other but as they get to know each other they realize that their engagement might be less of a sham than they thought it was.

Daisy Swan is just fine with the prospects of spinsterhood, thank you very much. She wants freedom, to complete her education and finally start a cosmetics empire designed to empower women. Thedore Prescott the Third on the other hand, doesn’t have much of a plan. He has always had an eye for beauty but his father wants him to join the business and do something more manly.

With Daisy’s brains and Theo’s eye for detail, it is no surprise that their business becomes an instant hit and soon doors open for both of them in a way that they didn’t think possible before. They can finally escape the shadow of their insistent parents and pursue whatever dreams they have. Turns out, their dreams might have changed a little since they first met.

Generally speaking, there isn’t a whole lot of conflict within this book so if you crave drama, this might not be the best fit for you. Just because there was no major conflict doesn’t really mean that there was nothing happening though!! The book still has a plot… it’s just not particularly stressful?  I enjoyed the calmness and I enjoyed just getting to see these two nerds create products and achieve their dreams. I also enjoyed their blossoming relationship and liked that there weren’t many misunderstandings between them. Sometimes you need a nice, soft, book that isn’t going to stress you out.

With Some Like it Scandalous, Maya Rodale has officially cemented herself in my must-read authors list and I am going to have to go back and read book 1 (featuring a dressmaker!!!) because I cannot get enough. Some Like it Scandalous is definitely worth your time if you enjoy historical romances and want one with a little something extra – a home grown cosmetics empire with a dash of major girl power. 

 

four-stars

4 Hot Espressos

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Rashika has been tired since 2013. There are very few things that spark joy for her besides a nice cup of tea, warm, baked goods, good books and good TV shows. She is here to pile onto your giant TBRs and to-watch lists. Offer her a cookie and she might be nice to you.
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