Proceed With Caution:
This book contains discussions of infertility, death, blood, violence, and a rape threat.
The Basics:
Scandalous Passions follows Lady Janet, a prior mistress of King James and the most sinful woman in Scotland, Lady Marjorie, the king's ward fresh from sixteen years living in a convent, and Sir Lachlan, the king's champion and the ladies' protector. The three seem to have nothing in common other than being connected to their king, but soon they'll share more than just that as they travel across the highlands.
My Thoughts:
Scandalous Passions is the sexy Historical Romance menage I didn't know I was missing! Who says sixteenth century people only had one partner at a time? The misinformed, that's who! Janet, Marjorie, and Lachlan are such a great throuple! They each brought something different to the relationship and it all just works. The setting felt real. The emotions felt real. The drama felt real. Everything was just...real.
It's not all sunshine and sex though. Janet may be known for her sexual escapades, but there's much more to her than that, and she is the heart of this story. Lachlan has been in love with her for years, but knows he can't have her. She's a lady of the court, and he's just a guard. But Janet sees him! Sees him deep into his bones and senses what he needs. He also knows her greatest pain in life is that she couldn't have children, and he's so sweet about it when Marjorie starts talking about wanting to become a mother.
Meanwhile, Janet becomes Marjorie's guardian until the king finds her a husband, so Janet takes it upon herself to teach the innocent girl about the marriage bed, so she's prepared when that day comes. I'm such a sucker for "love lessons" and these were especially hot. Marjorie is sweet, but far from innocent. Sure, she has zero experience but she is a most eager student! She also embraces the fact that she has feelings for two different people at the same time.
I loved how Scandalous Passions wasn't just a menage romance. There's real relationship development here and a convincing plot that threatens to tear our lovers apart! And Janet is a domme! I would have liked her to go bit a further with Lachlan (as did he!), but what we get was still sexy. The only thing that kept this from being perfect for me was a lack of emotional connection. I adored all of the characters but I didn't fully connect with them. It's still an amazing read though!