The Spinster's Secret (Entangled Scandalous)

by Emily Larkin

[Angie]

The Spinster's Secret was so much fun! Mattie has lived with her super cheap uncle since her parents died when she was seventeen. It's the dreariest home you'll ever find, she only wears grey, and is only allowed to read sermons. Her uncle doesn't even pay for quality butter! Of course, Mattie wants to leave this life, and only has two ways of doing it: become independent or get married. The latter isn't an option as she's plain, six feet tall, and curvy. So after finding an ancestor's diary full of sexy scenes, she decides to write a collection of "confessions" under the name Cherie, an ex-courtesan. Quite scandalous!

There are excerpts from Mattie's writing in The Spinster's Secret, which was a nice touch! Mattie does struggle when her publisher asks her to write about Cherie's wedding night, since she has conflicting information about what it'll be like to lose her virginity. But, her uncle has a guest. Edward has promised to help him track down Cherie and stop her, obviously not knowing it's Mattie. Well, Mattie is bold and asks Edward to bed her, so she'd know what it's like. That chapter was sooo funny! Edward has no idea how to respond to her odd request, but he knows that he wants to, since he wants her, but doesn't want to take advantage. It definitely made me smile at all of the awkwardness.

The Spinster's Secret is just a feel good read despite it's gloomy setting. Mattie really wants to be out on her own, and hates that she has to deceive the one person who took her in when she needed it. She also didn't except to fall in love during her research. I also loved that Edward wasn't this perfect, godlike hero. He's extremely scarred and missing fingers as he was injured at Waterloo. He doesn't expect to find a woman who would want him, but he gets his perfect match in Mattie.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.