London’s Late Night Scandal

I really enjoyed the first two stories in Anabelle Bryant’s Midnight Secrets series. I liked #3 London Late Night Scandal but not as much as the previous ones. The development of their romance was slow and didn’t grab my attention! I found the first chapters, filled with details, at a very slow pace and different in a way.

It tells the story of a heroine and hero who have something in common, science matters. Matthew is a wounded soul because he’s suffering from a leg injury which makes it difficult to travel, dance and causes him discomfort. So when he decides to investigate an article written by a gentleman, he makes a startling discovery. Why, Theodosia published an article under a man’s identity. Together they embark on a journey filled with many twists and turns.

Good story. Enjoyed the complicated relationship between the hero and heroine. I received an ARC of this book.

Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, is a scholar and come to find out a paper that was put forth but didn’t seem to be able to prove the hypothesis. It was his job to do so for the society he belonged to. Lord Talbot also belonged to the same society and he had it entered into the periodical for the society.
Lady Theodosia Leighton was the granddaughter of the Earl of Talbot, her grandfather. Her parents had died in a fire when she was five. She loved several aspects of the sciences and enjoyed experimenting and reading about them. It was just her grandfather, the servants and herself, here in this big house. But usually, she could keep busy, with the Conservatory, Library, and the several rooms devoted to science.
I very much enjoyed this story but did feel it bogged down a couple of times. The tale flowed along and kept your attention. While the characters were getting to know each other. They were of a like mind and were very intelligent. They understood each other, liked each other, and respected each other. I very highly recommend this great novel for the over eighteen bunch. The teasing and banter you will have fun with.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Since a gunshot wound to the leg rendered many physical pursuits impossible for him, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, now sticks to scholarly achievement. He’s the Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced in London and is responsible for verifying the validity of its scientific reporting. When an article from the Earl of Talbot, an esteemed scholar, raises heated debate, Matthew hies off to Talbot’s home in Oxfordshire to investigate despite the snowy weather reminding him of how far he now is from the able gentleman he was.

Lord Talbot’s granddaughter, Lady Theodosia, is interested in scholarly pursuits herself, content with her studies away from London society. Now it seems she’s about to be revealed as the fraudulent author of Lord Talbot’s latest articles despite her best efforts to misdirect Matthew.

With Matthew’s stay extended by the snow and impossible travel conditions, he and Theodosia spend more time together and she begins to help him make herbal remedies for his leg, the attraction between them grows. Matthew’s trip soon comes to an end, but the two reunite when Theodosia and her grandfather take an unplanned trip to London. Soon Theodosia and Matthew both realize how undeniable their passion is, even in the face of barriers that could keep them apart.

I loved Matthew. He was such a sweet, serious, terribly romantic hero. It made me sad for him every time Theodosia questioned his feelings. I wasn’t the biggest fan of hers. Her constant insistence on worrying about everything, even unnecessarily, and on remaining alone was frustrating and slowed the pace of this romance considerably. The intimacies of Theodosia and Matthew’s relationship occurred at an odd pace as well, but all came together for a satisfactory conclusion in the end. I loved how Matthew stepped up and was there for Theodosia and her grandfather once she finally allowed it and that just made me like him even more. I also loved the festive holiday feel of this one and it made me want to curl up with a hot drink and Christmas decorations.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The instant attraction and romance between two intellectuals. When the Earl of Whittingham, Matthew Strathmore, shows up at the door of Theodosia Leighton’s home in Oxfordshire, it’s a surprise, but not to her grandfather, Lord Talbot. He’s there at her grandfather’s invitation to discuss some theories that were recently in the Royal Society publication. Only these aren’t exactly her grandfather’s theories. Science, mathematics, astronomy, botony, Theodosia can converse them all, but she’s never met a man like Matthew and Matthew’s never met a woman like her. When her secret is revealed, Matthew promises to keep it and returns to London. She’ll never go back to London, until an opportunity to help her grandfather turns up and a fortunate encounter reveals what the heart knows and wants. (****4 1/2 Stars)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I am addicted to Anabelle Bryant’s Midnight Secrets series. Her characters are vivid, true to life, and just so loveable. Their relationships evolve slowly with plenty of passion and wit, and even a little bit of intrigue. And there’s just something special about her writing style. Her beautiful and eloquent prose never fails to immediately ensnare me in her stories. I’ve devoured them all, but her newest, London’s Late Night Scandal, could very well be her best work yet.
Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham valued his role as the chief officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced. He took his job seriously and when he questioned the validity of a recent article, he was anxious to verify the study. Especially as it was submitted by the renowned though reclusive Lord Talbott, a knowledgeable and meticulous man of science. As chief officer, Matthew was compelled to investigate and repudiate the claims made or get the earl to speak to his colleagues in London. And so began his mission of discovery and investigation. A quest for the truth in the most elemental form. But this mission proved more valuable than any of knowledge and fact. Once he arrived at Leighton Hall, he not only found the truth, he found his heart.
Theodosia Leighton, granddaughter of esteemed scientist Lord Talbott, was extremely intelligent and obsessed with all things scientific. After the death of her parents, she’d been raised by her grandfather at Leighton Hall. She’d spent her life there in the country working alongside him and learning from him. When Lord Talbot began to decline, Theodosia submitted her own articles in her grandfather’s name. Both to protect his legacy and to prove her own worth. She never expected the persistent and annoying gentleman who’d beleaguered her with queries about those articles to show up on her doorstep. Just in time for a snowstorm, no less. And she certainly didn’t expect such a smart, strong, and far too charming gentleman either. Theo had lived an isolated existence for years and kept her emotions in check. But Matthew Strathmore had a way of touching on subjects she preferred to keep tucked away. He intruded on her solitude and brought to surface all her tightly held emotions and buried insecurities. With his appearance, her simple life was being upended. All because of one man. One gloriously attractive, smart, and charming man. With her lack of social polish and her unconventional preference for academics, she’d never fit in Matthew’s world. But she couldn’t deny he sparked her curiosity. And her desire. Was she brave enough to take a chance?
I fell in love with Theodosia when she named the animals she nursed back to health. Anyone who has conversations with their pets is my kind of gal. In spite of the heartache she’d suffered and the responsibility she carried, she was beautiful, smart, kind, and funny. She put everything she had in to caring for her grandfather. Anyone who has ever taken on the role of caregiver knows how emotionally and physically draining it can be. But Theo was strong, patient, and calm. Just like her grandfather had been for her all her life. Everything she did was with him in mind. She was definitely unlike most society women. That unconventionality was what made her so wonderful. For Matthew, he found those qualities intoxicating.
Matthew was hands down the best romantic hero ever. So charming and witty. He treated Theo as an equal and a friend. He admired and encouraged her academic pursuits. He even got turned on by her spouting random scientific facts during romantic moments. I adore his nickname, Bookish, for her and melted every time he used it. When he realized the weight Theo carried, he wanted to protect her, fix all the ills, and resolve all the problems. He wanted to replace painful memories with worthwhile ones. And he did that in some of the most romantic ways. Sleigh rides, trips to the Apothecaries Hall, the circus, and the museum. All the things he knew she’d love. And let me tell you, I never knew the museum could be so titillating! Matthew seemed to know just what Theo needed even when she didn’t. He pulled out all the stops in showing her there was no need to fear the future as long as they were together.
In all honesty, I’ve never read a heroine more worthy of admiration or a more perfectly dreamy hero. As I said before, this is definitely one of Ms. Bryant’s best. A love story for the ages with passion that is to die for and some of the most romantic lines ever written. Yes, Matthew is absolutely swoon-worthy. Though part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand -alone. Consider yourself warned though. Anabelle Bryant’s books will raise a spike in temperature and heartbeat. And an unquenchable need to read more. Her writing never fails to hit all the right notes and keep readers anticipating that next scene, knowing they’ll be swept off their feet. Her writing is exquisite. She writes those lines you linger over because they’re just that mesmerizing. Her books never fail to lift me up. They’re the kind you’ll never want to loan out but keep them for yourself so you can read them over and over. A true literary indulgence.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and absolutely loved the main characters, Matthew and Theodosia! I really felt for Theodosia and what she goes through with her grandfather who has the onset of dementia because I’m going through the same thing with my elderly mother. I’ve learned that love and patience goes a long way!!

When they meet, Matthew is intrigued by Theodosia and soon learns that she has a brilliant mind and is very scientific, just like he is. She would rather be reading a science book than to attend a ball in London and is quite happy living in the countryside taking care of her grandfather. Matthew works and lives in London, although he’s never cared for the ton and all the rules. When they fall in love, decisions need to be made and he has to convince her to take a chance. A truly wonderful love story and a truly beautiful ending that takes place at Christmas time:)

I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Great Premise – And the Story Does Not Disappoint!
I read the first two books in this series, and this one is my favorite. I liked how Matthew and Theodosia connected on an intellectual level as well as physical. Matthew’s injury enhanced his romantic appeal. He wasn’t made bitter by it. Instead, he chose the Society as an alternative to his former pursuits in the wake of his impairment. Theodosia was capable and resilient, as well as smart. Her devotion to her beloved grandfather was sweet.

So what will these two do when life presents an unexpected opportunity to exchange relative contentment for true happiness? It’s worth reading to find out!

Another engaging addition to this intriguing series by Anabelle Bryant, who captures me every time with her brilliant storylines. I always have a special place in my heart for the wounded hero and the intelligent heroine and these two are perfect for each other!
In this case the hero is brilliant as well, being the chief officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced and he was on a mission to talk to the elusive Lord Talbott. An article the renowned man had written was being questioned as to it’s validity and he felt compelled to challenge some of the claims made.
Well, he found a lot more than he expected when he arrived at Lord Talbott’s home. Theodosia Leighton was the great scientist’s grandaughter and just as intelligent and obsessed with all subjects pertaining to science. But Theo had started to see her grandfather grow ill and had begun to submit articles and papers in his name to keep up his legacy. Plus it showed her intelligence, even though she had lived isolated for years. She was in no way like the women in society.
Theo became one of my favorite heroines with her strong love and care for her grandfather that branched out to animals and others. She had endured a lot.
Matthew was a sigh worthy hero that captured my heart. Kind, funny, intelligent and so romantic!
This is one of my favorite stories this year and I highly recommend it. Don’t miss the others in this series either… My heart smiles.

My first read by this author.

I have to be honest, I was thinking about DNF-ing it most of the time.

I don’t know why is this happening to me for the last couple reads I got from NetGalley but I know for sure why this one didn’t work for me.

While it sounds exactly what I like to read (wounded hero, an intelligent heroine), this book focuses more on her worries over her grandfather than the romance itself.

I got the feeling that the author put quite a research into this story because everything was described into details. Everything.

There were some parts that didn’t intrigue me that much so I just skimmed the sentences.

The romance took around 10 % of the whole book. Maybe less. I like to be connected to the MCs, I like to see their relationship progress.

This book really didn’t suit me at all. I know the author probably took time with this book but it just didn’t work for me.

3 stars.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.