London, 1812. After fleeing the clutches of her vile brother-in-law, Rose Evans finds refuge in the home of her dear friend, Lord Ashton Sennett. They come to an agreement, a marriage of friendly convenience. Since another holds claim to Ashton’s heart and body, he seeks to see that Rose experiences all life has to offer. And so to Lord Darington he makes a most scandalous request. Burke … Darington, Third Earl of Blackwood and an austere, solitary man, can scarce believe his ears. Apparently, his whispered reputation has earned him an outrageous solicitation – Lord Sennett wants him to seduce his wife. Though Burke finds Rose fascinating, sweet, intelligent, and with a unique bent toward independence, she is also innocent. She deserves better than to be fouled by a tainted man. A seduction, a shooting, and an unexpected matter of the heart, throw two wounded souls into a sensational scandal.
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The blurb drew me in immediately, as the idea was unique and intriguing, and it piqued my interest enough to not be able to turn away a chance to read it. The beginning is a fantastic whirlwind, the chapters jumping straight into the story right from the start. It’s far too easy to fall in love with the characters, and the relationships between each of them is fun to watch unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
One more new author I discovered with this great read.
The blurb had me wondering in what I got myself into. I feared at first a story of betrayal with cheaters, and if there was, it was not about marriage vows. Sure, the heroine’s husband asks a man to seduce his wife, because he can’t offer her this part of their contract.
Rose has been betrayed by those who should have protected her, her own sister does not care for her and her brother-in-law has base ambitions for her. Why she thought she has finally found peace with her friend Ashton when he proposed a marriage of convenience to escape their fate. But later she will discover there are degrees in the betrayal.
Burke, The Earl of Blackwood thought his life all traced, managing his business, carousing with women he knows he will never ask for more, playing and drinking with his few friends until a business partner offered him a scandalous request. He rejected it at first, then the closer he becomes of Rose, the more he comprehend she is not the usual lofty woman he associates with. She makes him seek for a different path, one with hope and a not lonesome future.
Then everything shattered.
I was quite upset and horrified for Rose when everyone turned their back from her. Even Burke. I was angry at him for immediately thinking the worst of her and never giving her the time of a doubt.
But his upbringing is also the result of his distrust of women. It does not absolve him for not believing in her, but once he understood he was misguided, he works to mend the right he crafted.
My heart cried for Rose, it was like she was left alone in the world, with no shoulder on which to lean on.
It was a reconquest of what they shared at one time but lost in a hurtful way because of Evil people and Burke’s insecurities. I cheered Rose because despite her good heart, the scars left by Burke’s failed trust, she knew her own faith in him was crushed. Only time and a great act of generosity might help her envision a different outcome than a solitary life.
Mrs Micki Miller forged a heartfelt tale of two people after finding another will have to create their own path if they do not want to get lost. Treason and suspicion lurk at every corner, so whom can they trust?
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher The Wild Rose Press but I decided after reading this book to purchase my own edition. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
I do hope the author will feature a sequel with Burke’s friend Drew.
This was my first Micki Miller’s story. This is a great and fun Historical Romance. The storyline is well written, and intriguing. Rose and Burke are great characters, and the secondary characters are also interesting. Melanie Fraser did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
This is an interesting audiobook, that is somewhat different from the usual period romance. Part mystery and part romance, it covers themes of romance, adultery, sexual abuse, homosexuality and social status. This story’s premise was unique and interesting but also still stayed true to the period it was set in. The mystery keeps you guessing until the end and the romances ups and downs are entertaining. The narration was well done, giving a different voice for each character and really bringing life to the story.
A Scandalous Request
By: Micki Miller
Narrated by: Melanie Fraser
A Scandalous Request is not your ordinary historical romance! This story is a little more intricate and includes a mystery that kept me guessing til the very end. Rose Evans lives with her sister. After an attempted sexual attack, Rose leaves her sister to marry Lord Ashton Sennett. This marriage of convenience proves to be a good arrangement for both, but leaves Rose without finding her true love. When Burke Darington is given a scandalous request to seduce the beautiful Rose, life changes for both of them. Along with a murder mystery, Micki Miller writes a story including the secretive gay relationship, possible infidelity and a dysfunctional family. Rose is an innocent, likable woman. I liked Burke with his seductive ways. I also liked after jumping to conclusions, he was man enough to admit when he was wrong. It made him much more real to me. The murder mystery added a great whodunnit element to the story and really made it that much more enjoyable to listen to. The killer was a surprise to me! Miller did a good job keeping the suspense moving.
Melanie Fraser as always gives a wonderful performance. I love her voice, and the flow of her narrations. She has a great variety of voices, and this shone through with the many characters this story had, From Ashton and Louis to Rose and Prudence, each voice was clearly it’s own character. Fraser made the story come to life.
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Five stars plus!
Burke has been approached by Rose’s husband to seduce her. Yes! You are reading this correctly.
He decided not to but as he gets to know her socially, finds that he has in fact fallen in love with her and so as the story of attempted murders unfolds, he becomes her protector and lover.
This is a love story with a difference and not only is it well written, exciting and very entertaining with all its twists and turns, but is had been beautifully narrated by Melanie Fraser with her amazing voice acting ability. She has really put the finishing touches to this lovely story and I highly recommend it to you.
I requested and voluntarily listened to a copy of the audiobook version and this is my unbiased review.