The long-awaited prequel to the Mad Morelands series—the story of Thisbe, the oldest Moreland daughter.Thisbe Moreland is used to men not taking her seriously. As a scientist, she’s accustomed to being the only woman at lectures and meetings, her presence met with scorn and derision. So it comes as a pleasant surprise when she sits next to a handsome young man who is actually interested in having … interested in having a conversation about science.
Desmond Harrison cannot believe his good fortune when he sits next to Thisbe—she’s intelligent and incredibly beautiful. He longs to see her again—but he’s ashamed of his low birth. Not to mention his employment with the infamous Professor Gordon, a formerly respected scientist who turned to spiritualism and is now deeply scorned.
When Professor Gordon demands that Desmond recover an artifact for him—an ancient object reputed to have terrible power, known as the Eye of Annie Blue—Desmond realizes that only Thisbe holds the key. Desmond must choose between his love for Thisbe and his loyalty to his mentor…but humanity’s very future will depend on his choice.
more
Her Scandalous Pursuit is the seventh book in Candace Camp’s The Mad Morelands series. It’s actually a prequel to the first six books, so I suppose it’s actually book 0. Since I haven’t read the first six yet, I was thrilled to discover it’s a prequel; of course it totally stands alone. I need to go back and read the others, as the Morelands appear to be such a unique family. I was charmed by them all!
Thisbe Moreland is the oldest Moreland daughter. Actually, she’s the oldest child, since she was born a few minutes before her twin Theo. She is a scholar and a scientist, which makes her rather odd in society. While attending a lecture a handsome young man, Desmond Harrison, sits beside her. Both are quickly smitten. Desmond is thrilled to find such an intelligent woman, and Thisbe is excited to meet a man who doesn’t find her scientific bent the least bit offputting. Desmond is of low birth, but the Morelands aren’t snobs. However, Thisbe doesn’t tell him she’s a duke’s daughter, frightened that would scare him off. Professor Gordon, Desmond’s employer and mentor who is obsessed with spiritualism, wants him to steal an artifact – the Eye of Annie Blue, believed to have great mystical power – from a dowager duchess, Desmond says no, but agrees to look in the house and see if he can find it. Imagine his surprise when he discovers the dowager duchess is his Thisbe’s grandmother!
At first I was disappointed to discover that there were paranormal aspects to the story, but as I read along it really started to draw me in. Thisbe had terrifying dreams that seemed very real. Being a scientific woman, they totally threw her for a loop. Desmond was also a scientist, but believed in omens that concerned him. I loved Thisbe, but got irritated with her when she found out Desmond’s employer wanted him to steal the Eye and she wouldn’t believe Desmond had no intention of doing so. I understood that she thought he was just using her, but she withheld the information that she was a duke’s daughter. But regardless of my brief annoyance, I loved Desmond’s relationship with Thisbe and also her family. It was heartbreaking when it appeared their love would not survive upcoming events, and neither would they. I could not put the book down! I have got to read more about this “mad” family.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Loved seeing all the Morelands when they were younger (three-year-old Alex and Con! So. Cute.)
Overall, reading this made me wish the Duke of Broughton had had a hundred kids instead of only seven, so I could keep reading about them forever. This series is pure fun :).
I am so very pleased to have finally read Thisbe and Desmond’s story. Although this book was written seventh, it is actually the prequel to the series. I absolutely adored Desmond! We had met him in the other six books, but he was more a nebulous figure who was just sort of there – now, we get to meet and love him. The chemistry between Desmond and Thisbe is so thick you would need a knife to cut it. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed Thisbe – and the rest of the Morelands – but Desmond made the book for me. It was also fun to see Alex and Con (The Greats) as three-year-old twins after having just read their books, His Sinful Touch (Alex) and His Wicked Charm (Con).
Lady Thisby Moreland is attending a lecture at the Covington Institute when the late arrival of a tall, handsome, slightly disheveled man attracts her attention. Her eyes are immediately drawn to him. For some odd reason, he catches and holds her attention – something no other man has ever done. Then, he sits next to her and she discovers he is not only incredibly attractive, but he is also shy. When the lecture is over, she doesn’t want the interaction to end and does whatever she can think of the prolong their conversation – not that he minds – he wants it to continue as well.
Desmond can’t believe his good fortune in meeting a lovely woman who loves science as much as he does. Thisby can’t believe she’s finally met a man who is a scientist and speaks to her as an equal. Over the coming days, they find many ways to meet and get to know each other. Each, of course, is smitten with the other. Except – Thisby hasn’t been entirely honest with Desmond. You see, she introduced herself as MISS Thisby Moreland rather than Lady Thisby Moreland – daughter of the Duke of Broughton. She didn’t want her father’s title to color how Desmond perceived her.
Desmond is in thrall. Thisby is everything he could have ever wanted in a woman. Then, his mentor, Professor Gordon, mentions the Eye of Annie Belew. The Eye can be used to prove Professor Gordon’s theories regarding ghosts. All they need to do is to get access to the eye. That is easier said than done because the owner of the eye, the dowager Duchess of Broughton, refuses to let anyone see it, much less study it. Then, unbelievably, the professor asks Desmond to steal it for them to study. Desmond refuses, then, rethinks his answer and checks out the dowager duchesses home. Who does he meet when he is checking it out – you guessed it – Thisby. She thinks he has tracked her down and is at the house looking for her — and he doesn’t tell her any differently.
Thus, begins a tale of romance, trust, betrayal, mistrust, and immense sacrifice for love. Both Thisby and Desmond have reasons to distrust each other. Can they overcome that mistrust to save the ‘eye’ and each other?
This was a delightfully well-told tale with interesting, magnetic characters. It was fast-paced and well-written – and I couldn’t put it down. I read it straight through from the first page to last and loved absolutely every word in it
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Thisbe Moreland is attending a lecture at the Covington Institute when she meets Desmond Harrison. They hit it off immediately and Thisbe can’t wait to see him again, as a female scientist too many people don’t take her seriously, but Desmond treated her with respect and admiration. They make plans to meet again, but Thisbe doesn’t tell him who she really is – the eldest child of the Duke of Broughton. She is scared that he won’t continue to see her if he knows the truth.
Desmond is also a scientist, he works for the once revered, now scorned Professor Gordon. The professor has come under ridicule for his insistence that ghosts exist – Desmond is not a believer, despite his own experience with the spirit world, but he is loyal to the professor who took him under his wing. Desmond grew up poor and is the son of a transported convict, even without knowing who her family is, he knows she is far above him in station, but he is unwilling to give up what they share and knows that eventually it will end.
When Professor Gordon’s benefactor, Mr. Wallace learns of an artifact called the Eye of Annie Blue that might be able to have the professor prove his theory, the entire team is excited. Professor Gordon writes to the owner of the artifact, the Dowager Duchess of Broughton and asks if he might be able to borrow it for study. But the duchess refuses, crushing their hopes. The professor and Mr. Wallace become obsessed and when they learn the Dowager is in town, they ask Desmond to steal it – he refuses, but agrees to check out the Dowager’s house to see if it is even possible to enter. While looking at the house, which he knows will be impossible to enter, Thisbe comes running out – she thinks he has figured out who she is and has come to see her. She invites him back to call and when his professor learns of their connection, he tries to convince Desmond to steal it – again he refuses.
Desmond is surer than ever that nothing can transpire between him and Thisbe, no matter how nice her family is to him and when her grandmother (the Dowager) has a prediction that Desmond’s love will kill Thisbe, he is sure they have no future. Thisbe has been having her own share of strange incidents in the form of dreams, but she rationalizes them and tells Desmond to ignore her grandmother’s “prediction”. She really cares for him and begins to imagine a future with him – until secrets are revealed and Desmond lets her believe the worst to save her life.
This was a well written, fast paced, page turner that held me in thrall from the first page to the last. I loved Desmond and Thisbe, they share such an incredible chemistry that you know they are meant to be, the love scenes are sparse, but they are potent and very touching without being overly graphic, the secondary characters are wonderful and even the villains are engaging. There is a bit of drama, some humor, a healthy dose of paranormal, some heartache and finally a very sweet and hard-won HEA. This is the seventh book in the series, but it is really the prequel to the “Mad Morelands” – you can read this book first or seventh without issue, but either way – read it! I loved this story and happily recommend it!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*
Nice to read Thisbe and Desmond’s story
Candace Camp has done it again! I am a huge fan and she did not disappoint. Her Scandalous Pursuit can be read as a prequel to the Mad Morelands or as book number seven. Either way you will not be disappointed. It is the story of Lady Thisbe Moreland, a female scientist that is not taken too seriously until she meets Desmond Harrison. Desmond is the son of a transported convict who works for a once revered Professor Gordon. The story revolves around an ancient artifact that is being held by Thisbe’s grandmother, the Duchess of Broughton, called the Eye of Annie Blue. Professor Gordon’s benefactor wants the artifact and tasks Desmond to steal it which leads to drama, villians, and a little paranormal activity. There is humor and heartache and of course, some romance. It is an incredible story! I would like to thank Roses Are Blue for the advanced copy!
Her Scandalous Pursuit by Candace Camp is book 7 in The Mad Morelands Series but is also the Prequel. This is the story of Desmond Harrison and Thisbe Moreland. I have already read a few books in this series (which I loved!) and the characters have been mixing around each book but I did feel you can easily make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Although Thisbe is the daughter of the Duke of Broughton her passion is being a scientist. This leads her to many lectures learning which no man really takes her seriously. So when she is attending the lecture at the Covington Institute and a man sits down beside her she is taken with him which has never happened before then when they talk he takes her seriously in conversation. Thisbe doesn’t give him the information that she is from a titled family but only wants his attention on her and their love of science…not any class or title. Desmond is a shy low born man who is working with his mentor Professor Gordon, who was once a respected scientist but now the Professor is scored upon.
Thisbe and Desmond build on their love of science, friends and of course their attraction. Then the Professor request that Desmond take the Eye of Annie Blue which the Professor wants to use to prove his theories. Desmond is asked to steal it if he can not get it any other way. Of course when Desmond goes to the dowager Duchess of Broughton to ask to see it he is refused. Which leads him to look around to see how easily he could take it. But he is found by Thisbe where he learns who she really is but will he reveal what he really is doing?
I am such a fan of this author’s writing….loved it!
I was so excited to see Thisbe Moreland get her own story. It was fun to revisit the family and see all the kids as younger versions. A great story, some twist and turns, and some unexpected outcomes that surprised me. I definitely recommend this story. This book was a gift and I am choosing to leave a review.
Thisbe is finally getting her HEA, with Desmond, Falling in love with Thisbe but feels as if he couldn’t have her both are interested in science with the era they live in women are thought to be too delicate to understand so Thisbe is before her time in knowledge.
The mystery of “eye” has them working together in finding it and in learning more but there are those that want to control it for themselves.
Thisbe and Desmond has to decide what is more important…love or power?
Candace Camp has written a wonderful book with a little bit of everything with a mysterious twist to a HEA
Thisbe Moreland is used to men not taking her seriously. As a scientist, she’s accustomed to being the only woman at lectures and meetings, her presence met with scorn and derision. So it comes as a pleasant surprise when she sits next to a handsome young man who is actually interested in having a conversation about science. Desmond Harrison cannot believe his good fortune when he sits next to Thisbe—she’s intelligent and incredibly beautiful. Professor Gordon, Desmond’s employer demands that he recover an artefact for him an ancient object reputed to have terrible power, known as the Eye of Annie Blue Desmond realizes that only Thisbe holds the key. Desmond must choose between his love for Thisbe and his loyalty to his mentor
I’m so very pleased that Thisbe and Desmond have finally had their story. Although this book is book seven, it is actually the prequel to the series. We met Desmond in the other six books, but he was more in the background. I simply loved him. It’s the chemistry between Desmond and Thisbe that makes this book so good. It was lovely to see some of the characters from other books as children. A very well written enjoyable read that drew me in from the start
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another GREAT by Candace Camp! Her Scandalous Pursuit is book 7 in the Mad Morelands series and I hope this series never ends it is that good. Though in a series it can be read as a standalone. Candace has such an amazing and creative way in her writing, she is truly one of best in historical regency and mystery. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath while reading this story and the Eye of Annie Blue. Thisbe and Desmond have such a great chemistry as well as all her characters. This story has nightmares, a kidnapping, mistrust, secrets, hiding one’s identity, family love, misunderstandings, thief, a very brave heroine and love at first sight. You must read this book, I highly recommend it and any of the Mad Morelands series book… you won’t be disappointed.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Her Scandalous Pursuit is actually a prequel to the Mad Moreland series by Candace Camp. I enjoyed this book for the first section of it. Thisbe Moreland is a blue stocking and a scientist. She is also the daughter of a Duke, but that’s a secret she tries to keep when attending scientific lectures. When a handsome young man sits next to her, she is amazed to meet someone with similar interests and someone who takes her seriously. I thought this story started off quite strong. It lagged in the middle and I found myself skimming through the chapters. It does pick up the pace quite a bit the last fourth of the book. There are several steamy love scenes and quite a bit of mystical art and intrigue. Overall a good read but not my favorite Mad Moreland. I was given a copy of this book.
As a scientist Lady Thisbe Moreland is quite used to being treated poorly and not taken seriously by the men who inhabit the same scientific circles. So she’s happily surprised when an attractive man sits next to her at a lecture and winds up engaging her in a lively scientific discussion.
Desmond Harrison is thrilled to sit next to the beautiful and obviously intelligent Thisbe, even if his shyness means she’s the one to start their conversation. He longs to spend more time with her but she’s obviously a lady and he worries his low status as the son of a laborer will be problematic, as well as the fact that he works for the once respected and now heavily scorned Professor Gordon.
Gordon is seeking proof of the existence of a spiritual realm and tasks Desmond with procuring an artifact for him, the Eye of Annie Blue, a device reported to have great, and not necessarily good, power. Desmond soon realizes that the lady reported to be in possession of the Eye is Thisbe’s grandmother, and he is torn between his loyalty to the mentor who has done so much for him and his growing love for Thisbe.
This was a classic situation in which both the hero and heroine have concealed some facet of their lives from each other. It was actually quite well done in this instance, although Thisbe got on my nerves with her stubborn and rather hypocritical insistence on being angry with Desmond for doing essentially the exact same thing she’d done. Thisbe’s stubbornness in general was a bit annoying, especially in its repetitiveness, however I found her quirky and unconventional family to be delightful to read about. I was very rather thrown off by the paranormal aspect of this one, as I wasn’t expecting its extent and it really freaked me out a bit, so I suppose that’s a good show since it held my attention.
This book was well-written and I plan to read the rest of this series, which I’ve been collecting for awhile now but have yet to read. Luckily this is apparently a prequel to the series so I haven’t missed anything and this can be read out of order with no problems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Very good read.
Prologue… 1556 Power beyond measure, a creation that could destroy and she had created it. She threw it in the fire to destroy it…
Can I just say I was grabbed by the prologue and could not wait to see what it meant and how this played into the story which picks up in London 1868. There was no doubt in my mind Candace Camp had created another incredible tale and trust me, I was not disappointed!
“Thisbe thought the lecture at Covington Institute would be informative. She didn’t expect it would change her life.” Yes, it really would because the “odd tingle at the nap of her neck” was Desmond Harrison. As he sat beside her at the lecture and they actually talked about their interest and science, the attraction could not be denied!
A sizzling attraction, humor, some paranormal, drama, secrets and an exciting journey to a happy ever after that took a few twist and turns, makes this one of my favorite in the Mad Morelands series.
Trust me you will not be able to put it down once you start!! Magical!
This is book 7 in The Mad Moorelands series by Candace Camp. It was a delightful story of th I ding love. Lady Thisbe Moreland, scientist, is at a lecture when she meets Desmond Harrison. They talk and become fast friends, leading to much more between them. Thisbe is smart, strong and goes after what she wants. Desmond is sweet, honorable, and loyal to those he cares about. This romantic adventure has learning to trust in yourself, mystery, romance, evil villains, danger, family, and love. Candace Camp has a way of making her characters leap from the pages. I fell in love with Thisbe and Desmond as well as their families! @this was an awesome read and I highly recommend this book. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own. Five stars!!
Her Scandalous Pursuit
The Mad Morelands Series #7
Candace Camp
https://www.facebook.com/CandaceCampauthor/
Release date 01/28/2020
Publisher HLQ Books
Blurb :
The long-awaited prequel to the Mad Morelands series—the story of Thisbe, the oldest Moreland daughter.
Thisbe Moreland is used to men not taking her seriously. As a scientist, she’s accustomed to being the only woman at lectures and meetings, her presence met with scorn and derision. So it comes as a pleasant surprise when she sits next to a handsome young man who is actually interested in having a conversation about science.
Desmond Harrison cannot believe his good fortune when he sits next to Thisbe—she’s intelligent and incredibly beautiful. He longs to see her again—but he’s ashamed of his low birth. Not to mention his employment with the infamous Professor Gordon, a formerly respected scientist who turned to spiritualism and is now deeply scorned.
When Professor Gordon demands that Desmond recover an artifact for him—an ancient object reputed to have terrible power, known as the Eye of Annie Blue—Desmond realizes that only Thisbe holds the key. Desmond must choose between his love for Thisbe and his loyalty to his mentor…but humanity’s very future will depend on his choice.
My review :
When a scientist woman meet the perfect man, do they have a future together when villains and dark forces league together to tear them apart…
This is my first read by Mrs Candace Clamp ans despite this book being the seventh in this series, it is also a prequel so the number 0.
So lucky me, as I was new to this author, it was a great way to meet the different heroes of the books set after this one.
And as a lover of paranormal, I was happy with the add of supernatural details.
And for a great read, it was one.
Thisbe and Desmond are far from perfect, flawed in their own way, it is mostly their own Insecurities which will threaten their relationship and burgeoning romance.
Thisbe has never known any hardship, her family standing on her side whatever she decides, she is even free to go to lectures alone, as they trust her judgement. But when she meets a man sharing her love for science, she fears her name might scare him or bring him to make unsolicited demands.
Desmond, on the other side, had never had anything easy, like for many paupers. He was lucky his cleverness opened some doors to him but his absence of wealth closed much more. Yet, he is able to instruct himself through the different lectures he attends and he has a job even if it does not pay much, he has a roof over his head. Why from the beginning he juggled with the idea of wooing the delicious and intelligent Miss he just met. In his ideas, he has nothing to offer.
So when he learns whom she is, he wants only to run away.
But he listens to her reason for keeping her family’s connections hidden and understands.
And there is the matter of this artefact he is pressed to find.
The author did a great job at portraying Desmond’s struggles between his rising affection toward Thisbe to his loyalty to the man who gave him a chance. He fights but caught between two fires, even when he tried to do the right thing, at a time it will blow to his face.
Thisbe despite her own faults, is easy to anger, if her trust is tested, she becomes blind to any reasonable explanations, outraged, she sees the world as black and white. Her upbringing and youth prevent her to see the layers of grey life brings between the black and white.
When Desmond, whatever his mistakes, never truly betrayed her, he withdrew some informations but never he meant any harm.
The paranormal side of the story is related to the artifact Desmond is missioned to steal and the side effects said artefact has on the persons close to it. It hold a certain power in the plot and in some it guides the characters on a different road they have followed. Still it is their partnership that might help solve the mystery surrounding the Eye.
5 stars for this clever tale with a hint of fantastical.
I was granted by the publisher Harlequin Books an advance copy through Netgalley. I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/542648872990955/?d=n