The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with the client. However, they never said anything about kissing a rake… Briar has an intriguing plan—enlisting London’s most irredeemable rake to teach her everything he knows about attraction. Given his notorious reputation, it’s no surprise that Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont, requests one thing in exchange for his tutelage. For every lesson, he wants a kiss in return. And what harm could there be in a simple kiss? After all, Briar would never fall for a scoundrel…
Nicholas has no romantic notions about love, and no intention of changing his ways. He’s only helping Briar so that she can find the perfect bride for his jilted cousin. Yet Briar is so clever, so curious, so candid—so blasted tempting—that soon, Nicholas can’t stop wondering what it might be like if he was irresistible to her.
Ten lessons. Ten kisses. And a million ways to fall hopelessly, scandalously in love.
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Oh how I loved Briar’s outlook on life. She’s just so FUN. Pair her up with super-sexy Nicholas and whoa, you have an amazing page-turner. Highly recommended!
Series: Misadventures In Matchmaking #2
Publication Date: 12/24/18
Number of Pages: 384
This is a mesmerizing read that kept me smiling, giggling and laughing as I saw these two lovely people wend their way to their HEA. It sucked me in from the first page and just wouldn’t let me go. The writing is outstanding, the plot unique and interesting, and the characters just couldn’t get any better. This might very well be my favorite book of 2018.
Briar Bourne’s life has been both coddled and traumatic. Her father left them and started a new family when she was very young and her mother mourned herself to death after that. Briar and her two sisters (Jacinda – book one and Ainsley – book three) then went to live with their doting Uncle Ernest where they proceeded to ‘protect’ Briar from any of the unpleasant details. Basically, they shielded her from life – even into her adulthood. Briar very much wants to be an active contributor to the matrimonial agency her uncle has opened, but she feels she’s been relegated to doing nothing but pouring tea and filing papers. Well, if they won’t give her a chance, she’ll just make her own chance by finding matches for her very best friend, Temperance and her brother, Daniel.
Nicholas, the Earl of Edgemont is an unrepentant rake, but he is NOT a libertine and he lives by his own code of honor. Nicholas is disillusioned with life and, with very good reason, has an exceedingly poor opinion of marriage and women, but he is very caring and loyal to his family – he will do anything to protect them. What he has done may find him estranged from them for the rest of his life if they ever find out. With his cousin Daniel suffering from a debilitating case of melancholia because of his broken betrothal, Nicholas will do whatever he can to bring him out of it and get him back into life again – maybe even with a new prospective bride.
Nicholas is intrigued with Briar from the first moment he meets her, but she is forbidden to him – she is a virginal debutante. However, as they come into each other’s orbit more and more often, the attraction grows. If she is going to be a successful matchmaker, she needs to become more astute at reading and understanding body language and what goes on between men and women. Who better to teach her what she needs to know that Nicholas. When they strike a bargain – he teaches her in return for a small payment. Her rule is no hands – his rule is – don’t fall in love with him.
You’ll find yourself smiling, giggling and outright laughing throughout most of the book as you are reading Briar’s outrageous scenarios and inner dialogue. She certainly manages to throw our hero off center with some of those scenarios she describes to him. I love that she can leave him absolutely speechless.
Lorret did an excellent job with the character development – especially the two main characters. Briar is twenty, very naïve and protected from life, but her outlook is bright, light, open and hopeful. She can always find something good about a person or situation. Authors usually write that Pollyanna(ish) type of character as much too saccharine and usually too reckless and TSTL. That isn’t the case here. Lorret managed to merge the Pollyanna qualities with a smart, humorous, self-contained, well-centered young lady that you can’t help falling in love with – and neither could our hero – no matter how hard he tries not to. With Nicholas, she didn’t make him come to heel too quickly or give up his deeply held aversion to marriage too easily. She also showed the very caring man he was to his family – and his deep remorse and anguish when he thinks all is lost. The author just did an excellent job.
The only thing I wondered about was Briar’s father’s other family. They are talked about – the brother is even featured somewhat, but we don’t really learn much of the dynamics of that second family and Briar never seemed to make contact or get to know the brother. Certainly, nothing to ding the book about, but just makes me curious. Like – how did that brother come to have possession of the properties, etc.? Maybe we’ll learn more in the third book.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Definitely an enjoyable read!
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
I have received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! While reading it, I had a happy grin on my face the whole time. It just made me laugh and tingle, and it gave me butterflies – what more could I ask for?
Briar is so adorable! She’s a romantic and, yes, she is also a bit naïve but she is so sweet! Some heroines can be a bit annoying when they are too unaware of the world, but Briar is so lovely, she made it so easy to like her, I just adored her. She has suffered her fair share, but we only know how everything has affected her almost at the end of the book, which was fine by me.
Nicholas was… so sexy! I mean… don’t ask me for a physical description because (with the exception of his nose), I probably can’t give you one. Why? Because characters in my mind, even the ones heavily described, don’t actually have a defined face..? There’s always somewhat of a blur. So no, it’s not their face/body that makes them sexy (it helps, of course!), it’s how they act, and how they can make you feel like all their attention is on you, in a good way. And that’s how I felt Nicholas was about Briar. He has other great qualities, naturally: he’s very loyal and protective of his family (like Briar), he’s been hurt before (haven’t we all? and almost every single book character?), and he’s a rake. But, who would have guessed? He’s a rake with a good heart.
Their chemistry was, at the same time, so strong and so subtle. The teasing, and the friendship, the alone moments… Everything made my senses as a reader tingle and be on the lookout for another wonderful scene.
The secondary characters help set the scene: Briar and her family have a matchmaking agency. Her friend Temperance and her brother Daniel, are looking for fiances. And their cousin is… Nicholas, Lord Edgemont. I don’t want to give too much of the story away because it’s their adventures that keep us readers paying attention. Suffice to say, Briar needs help with her matchmaking skills, and Nicholas is more than happy to help – in exchange for a little something, as one would expect.
The one thing – and, let’s be honest, it’s a small thing – that could have made this book even better, was to make the ending a bit more climatic. And I think this was lacking a bit because what was preventing the happy ending was such a small thing that seemed almost… not credible. I really liked Nicholas’ dedication to try and talk to Briar, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that she didn’t even give him a bit of credit – I know, she felt hurt and deceived, but after her time spent with Nicholas, I hoped she knew better. But, alas, miscommunication got in the way.
In the end, it was a great book, with only a small thing to point out. Can’t wait to read the next book in this incredible series.
Vivienne Lorret
Whew! Vivienne Lorret has done it again! I finished the story last night and I am STILL hungover. Briar is fun she’s a bit different from her sisters and she has the wild streak no one saw coming. Enter known Rake, Nicholas who’s drawn to her goodness and innocence. Nicholas has a good heart. He’s protective of his family and Briar. The two are constantly thrown together and with their agreement the two made, they discover their attraction is undeniable.
If you love a slow burn historical romance with a sexy hero and relatable innocent protagonist who will win your heart I highly recommend reading Ten Kisses to Scandal.
A Heroine With Her Head In The Clouds
This story was ok. Aside from the matchmaking part of the setting, it was the basic rake falls for a good girl. Briar was sweet, and I didn’t consider her unintelligent, but she was very gullible. Her lack of sophistication made her seem immature. I was frustrated when she took so long to believe in Nicholas, but it showed how gallant his character was as he tried to win her over.
I’ve enjoyed all of Lorret’s Misadventures in Matchmaking books, but this one takes the cake for me. Briar is a very endearing character, the story seems real, and I love how Nicholas tries to keep his distance but can’t. I listened to the Audible version of the story and enjoyed Justine Eyre’s narration. Recommend.
Vivienne Lorret is a marvelous writer!!! I loved “Ten Kisses to Scandal” (nook) and look forward to reading more stories in the series. Ms. Lorret’s words flow like a gentle breeze and immediately capture the reader. Sex? Yes, there is sex but it is subtle rather than erotic. Another feature I like. Keep writing! If I could, I would rate this book as 6 stars (or more?).
Love love love this book!!! I was hooked from the beginning. The characters were so sweet and lovable. A must read!!!
Arthur: This was some Meet-Cute. Iris: Sorry? Arthur: It’s how two characters meet in a movie. Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in and both go to the same men’s pajama department. The man says to the salesman, “I just need bottoms,” and the woman says, “I just need a top.” They look at each other and that’s the ‘meet cute’. ~Arthur and Iris from the movie, The Holiday
I’ve read hundreds of ‘meet cutes’ over my years of reading romance novels. Never, in all those years, has a ‘meet cute’ involved a young lady stepping in horse dung. I don’t think this is much of a spoiler since it happens in the very beginning of this novel. As far as ‘meet cutes’ go, this one tops my favorites list. It’s imaginative and fun, which is a great way to start off this fantastic love story.
Briar Bourne is the youngest of the Bourne sisters and believes she has the most to prove as a matchmaker in The Bourne Matrimonial Agency. Her first match is a disaster, which leads her to leave her home in the early morning where she bumps into the Earl of Edgemont, Nicholas Blacklowe. ‘Meet cute’ ensues, but they don’t really get to know each other until months later.
I love how Lorret set up this love story! Briar needs to know how men and women relate, learn how to read body language and other telling cues. Nicholas is just the man to teach her, but being the rake he is, he wants something delicious in return. Each kiss is surrounded by a huge development in their blossoming relationship. Their banter is hilarious at times, while sweet and complicated at others.
Lorret brings in an amazing array of secondary characters, mainly Nicholas’ cousins, Temperance and Daniel. Temperance is the no nonsense best friend of Briar as well. She brings in another sassy element that compliments her relationships with both Nicholas and Briar. While Daniel is a bit more sedate because of his depressed state after being jilted, he comes to life again slowly as he interacts with Briar and his family.
While this isn’t my first Lorret read, it is the first in this series. I can’t wait to go back and read Jacinda and Crispin’s story, How to Forget a Duke, and I’m anxiously awaiting Ainsley and Reed’s story, The Rouge to Ruin.
I received Ten Kisses to Scandal for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is my first read by Vivienne Lorret and it was really a great discovery.
I do adored this book, I preordered it because of the blurb and nothing else as I haven’t read anything before by the author.
I do loved Briar, I was at first a little scared when her knees weakened when close to Nicholas, but soon she was able to stand her ground, plus I had to remind me she is just fresh out from the country and had always been overly protected.
She is refreshing, her way of thinking, elaborating crazy scenarios for any situation and always saying what comes to her mind.
Because of the circumstances of her first encounter with Nicholas, the Earl Of Edgemont, she is never shy around him, why she can show him her true self. She is the light in a gathering when she enters a room, she has a knack to make people at ease. Little by little, she will carve her way through his heart. In her own way, she is very naive but also able to see what people may need, even if she does not always know what to do to help them, she will then find a mean.
How I laughed with her when she stated Nicholas was too old for her to even envisage a life with him or than he was far from handsome with his nose.
« His decrepit bones shifted on the seat. “I am four and thirty.” “Oh, I am so very sorry,” she said with the quiet gloom of someone visiting a deathbed. “No need to worry. Once Adams hands me my cane, I’m sure to make it out of the carriage. »
Nicholas’ life was altered years ago, since he has changed so much, he has nothing more in common with the young man he was but the wound is still there, lingering somewhere in his heart and very row. Why he took some rash decisions he is not proud but only with his family’s happiness as goal.
So when Briar enters his life, she is a force to be reckoned, she is the polar opposite of him, so open and fresh. Despite everything he tells himself, he can’t stay away from her, she smooths his pain, making him long for a different future.
But he hold back, afraid to give himself a second chance and to not be enough for her.
When everything goes to hell, I do adored him, he does what all men should do, he grovels in the best way, redeeming everything he did awesomely.
They were so perfect for another, his cynicism is counteracted by her idealism.
« “Your skin has so many different, glorious textures . . . and your scent makes my pulse race. Part of me wishes I could make clothes out of you, just so I could wear you next to my skin all day long.” »
A real discovery!
If you love wonderfully written Regency romance, you are in for a treat! I absolutely adored this delightful story and could not help myself from laughing at times as I turned the pages! Briar Bourne is the youngest of three sisters, who have coddled and protected her after their father left them and their mother grieved herself to death. Going to live with their doting uncle, who has opened up a matchmaking agency, Briar wants to prove that she can work and be successful just like her siblings.
Briar was such a fun character! She is twenty but being so protected, very naive. But in spite of that, she is a smart, a little outspoken and has a luminous personality. She is determined to show her mettle and help find a match for her best friends Temperance and her brother Daniel.
Nicholas, the Earl of Edgemont, is their cousin and wants to help Daniel, who has been very depressed due to a broken engagement. Known as a rake, he is very caring and will do anything for his family. As Briar and Nicholas meet, he knows she is off limits to him but cannot help be drawn to her. A bargain is struck between the two for him to teach her how to read body language and the intricacies that go on between men and women. But the cost will be a kiss for every lesson he teaches her. He refuses to fall in love though.
Vivienne Lorret has created a tale with amazing indepth characters, who come to life when added to her wonderful storytelling! This will be a book added to my read again shelf! Cannot wait for the next story in this series!! Well done! I read this through Edelweiss
Ten Kisses to Scandal by Vivienne Lorret is book Two in the Misadventures in Matchmaking Series. This is the story of Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont and Briar Bourne. I have read the previous book (and Loved it), but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Briar is the youngest sister in the family’s matchmaking business and seems only to be good for serving and welcoming clients. Briar family is also very protective of her due to how they grew up. When Nicholas steels her cab she has gives him a good dressing down. Nicholas taken by her outrage and is intrigued by her outburst. This leads to them striking a deal that he will help her with her matchmaking efforts but in return she is pay in kisses. Nicholas isn’t one for love but there is something in Briar that calls to him.
This was just a wonderful story…which I could give it 100 stars…loved it!
Ten Kisses to Scandal
AMAZING!
Briar Bourne has messed up, not only did she lose a client she unwittingly made the agency a laughing stock!
All she needs now is to prove that she’s able and capable of redeeming the agency, and herself. She neeeds something big, something monumental …..what if she can find a match for a notorious rake someone like Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont!
But first she needs help in finding the true attraction between men and women. Who else better experienced that Nicholas himself?
But with every advice given her payment is a kiss- how deliciously scandalous!
When innocent flirting and hot kisses turn to something more she realizes that more than the reputation of the agency is at stake. She could very well lose her heart!
I soooo loved Briar she’s sassy, witty and innocence all wrapped up in a beautiful package.
And Nicholas was so into Briar I believe he had fallen a little bit in love with her the first time they met. Together they just sizzled! I loved their tension and chemistry. I loved watching them fall in love. A well written and fast paced story! I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author, via Edelweiss. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Every author should aspire to write with the same degree of thoughtfulness as Vivien Lorret. Her metaphors are brilliantly crafted, her characters wonderfully compelling and her dialogue so entertaining it will leave the reader enthralled.
Briar Bourne needs a win so she can prove to her sisters and to her uncle that she’s just as capable of being a successful matchmaker as they are. Especially after her latest disaster where she accidentally paired a mother with her son, for it did not reflect well on the Bourne Matrimonial Agency. But when she meets Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont, a daring plan starts to form in her head. What if the notorious rake could help her better understand what draws men and women together and how to determine compatibility?
What harm could there possibly be when he’s not at all her type?
Briar is about to find out when he accepts her proposal on one condition: with each piece of advice he gives her, she must submit to a kiss, causing her to realize that she’s flirting with the risk of scandal and the very real possibility of losing her heart to a scoundrel.
Nicholas is intrigued by Briar. She is the light to which he is drawn, and although he knows his judgment is skewed where she is concerned, he cannot seem to stop himself from seeking her out. As the two form a closer working relationship, Briar’s kisses becomes something more than a payment, leading Nicholas to realize that he must risk being honest about a past transgression, if he is to save the one good thing in his life.
A brilliant page turner. Regency romance lovers are bound to devour this story!