A Scot in the Dark (Scandal & Scoundrel, #2)

by Sarah MacLean

[stacey_is_sassy]

I'll take this Scot in the Dark...or the light...

I love my historical romance reads, but sometimes, I just want to jump into my book and punch a few aristocrats in the nose. The gentlemen thrive on the power they wield by making women dependant on their good nature. Then, we have ladies who use their wiles to manipulate, intimidate and discombobulate her opponents to achieve her place in society. A title holds power, money helps you stand out in a crowd and if your witty barbs hit before the return fire can do damage, there's a good chance you're a success.

Unfortunately, most characters I've met and become close to are dependant on a gentleman's good nature or have been manipulated, intimidated or discombobulated. They're attacked by their peers, have money issues (too much or not enough) and strive for power (of the ton kind). I'm left wiping my eyes from the pain they've suffered or glaring at my Kindle in frustration. Historical romances have the power to swivel my emotions from love to hate with the turn of a page.

Listening to A Scot in the Dark left me wrung out and exhausted. Of course, I was stuck on a train to work when my world...I mean Lilly's world, fell apart. At first, I was a little squinty-eyed at her naivety but as I kept reading, my heart broke for her. She's the most beautiful girl in England...and nobody loves her. She did not deserve what she was put through. No woman deserves to have her privacy invaded and her image used for gain, without her knowledge. I couldn't help but think (for the billionth time) I'm thankful that times have changed.

I would call this one a slow burn romance. These two knuckleheads were competing against each other on who was the more scandalous. Obviously, Lilly's scandal is winning because it's hovering overhead and has the power to turn from a storm to a hurricane. But, Alec's scandal isn't far behind because he won't let it die. He wears his scandal like a kilt. It gives him the freedom to act recklessly, knowing that he couldn't ruin his reputation more. But, a strong gust of wind can expose his secrets, leaving him cold and vulnerable.

So, we spend a lot of time fighting scandal and hoping that we'll come out the other side in one piece. I really liked Lilly and Alec and knew they were meant for each other. I loved seeing into their minds and knowing their innermost thoughts and feelings. I hated that they felt so much shame and that the ton felt justified to ridicule them. It was just so emotional and I loved every minute of it.

The storyline kept my attention from the very beginning to the very end. I loved the main characters and enjoyed catching up with the additional characters we previously met in the Scandal and Scoundrel first instalment. Even though it was a slow burn, when it caught fire...it really...caught...fire.

The narrator does an OK job. I was surprised that I became a little confused when Alec was inner-monologuing. When he's talking, the narrator changes her voice to a man with a Scottish accent (of course) but his inner voice is her normal talking voice. I'm not sure I've had this issue before, but I found myself getting confused over who's inner thoughts I was hearing Lilly's or Alec's?

It's a Sarah MacLean, so, of course, I loved it. Her characters come to life and I become emotionally involved with their love story. I highly recommend A Scot in the Dark.