For eleven years, Gillian Rutherford has dreamed of escaping her family’s dark secret and living a normal life. Now, faced with an unwelcome marriage that will chain her to London and the secret slowly killing her, she’s desperate to save herself and the sister she adores. Salvation comes in the form of an American shipping tycoon, and all she must do is seduce him into marrying her. But … Gillian’s scheme hits a snag when she makes a bargain with a notorious rake Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. He’ll help her win the hand of his American friend, if she’ll assist him with exacting revenge against her unwanted fiancé. But the price of the pact may just be their hearts.
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I love to read Julie Johnstone’s books because she is a great story teller and never disappoints me in any of her books.
I enjoyed reading this book until suddenly I arrived at the “steamy” part. I enjoy clean reads and so didn’t finish the book. I’m sure it would have been delightful because I enjoyed it up to the sex.
This book is so amazing
I love all of the books written by this author you will enjoy every moment
This was a good read, a little different than most of the historical romances. I enjoyed reading it and did not get bored in that it wasn’t redundant page after page. I would definitely read another book by Julie Johnstone.
One of my favorite books. Loved it!
A thrilling plot-twister right up to the very end! She keeps you on the edge all the way to the surprising end. A must read for those tired of formula romances.
I liked this book better than most romance novels. This was the first of a series of 3 (?) books, and I found the characters likable and the plot interesting enough that I’ll probably buy the next in the series to see what happens. This book started several story lines, most of which were resolved, but left enough open questions to intrigue you into wanting to read on.
Ending was a joke
I enjoyed this book but it did seem to drag on in several places. I found humor in the beginning and the characters were very likable – even though there were quite a few to keep track of. I would recommend this book for an entertaining read!
Enjoyed the characters
I enjoyed the plot and characterrs
I likes this story for the most part. It twisted around a bit too much and sometimes seemed disconnected. It kept my interest though and I wanted to see what happened at the end. Great characters.
I enjoyed this period set book with incredably deep characters! I found myself laughing out loud and startling my husband by accident! You will find yourself staying up late to find out what happens next! Definatly worth the read!
Trying to write an original romance is very difficult and trying to read one as an avid romance reader is even harder. This novel was predictable and lacked creativity to set it apart from any other Regency romance novel.
Bargaining With a Rake – Book 1 of A Whisper of Scandal series – A Great Start!
Enjoyable story with strong characters. From the beginning there is obvious sexual chemistry between Gillian and Alex our main characters. Because of threats to her family and sister, Gillian is determined that the only way to protect her sister is to get a proposal from Alex’s American business partner and take her sister with her to America. Though Alex would rather seduce Gillian, he agrees to help her in getting her proposal from Drake. There is plenty of mystery, secrets, revenge, blackmail and nasty villeins. There are lots of engaging supporting characters and a delightful Aunt who all enhance the story going on. Julie Johnstone has provided a great lead-in to what portends to be a charming Whisper of Scandal series.
This is a very enjoyable story. A woman, Gillian, who is willing to give up her home and her chance at happiness to protect her sister from a secret. Gillian’s loyalty to family despite all the secrets surrounding her endeared her to me. She does what she thinks is right, even bargain with a rake. Alex was a good counterpart with his own dark issues. The narrator, Tristan Hunt, helped bring life and emotion to the characters. I highly recommend this story.
I received a copy of this audio as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Great reading. Can’t wait for sequels.
Didn’t like the ending. In my opinion it was too quick. However the rest of the book was good. Couldn’t put it down.
A little “steamy”