Graced in Scarlet

Colors of Scandal, Book 5

By: Sandra Sookoo

Narrated by: Daniella Rose

Finding love on Valentine’s Day is an impossible feat without a little scandal to start things off.

It’s the year 1819, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, Lady Grace Norrington is still unwed at nearly 30. Tired of the pitying glances, she means to have a husband before her upcoming birthday by hook or by crook, and she’s expected to make a good ton match. Except all her plans are thwarted by the handsome new butler and her disturbing attraction for him.

Mr. Harrison Conrad’s livelihood wins him respect in whatever household he manages. His references are impeccable, as are his manners and sense of duty, and he takes his position as seriously as the rules. What he doesn’t need is scandal in the form of an enchanting daughter of the house, who is bound to fall in trouble and take him with her, especially if he can’t control his budding awareness of her.

As the annual Valentine’s Day birthday masquerade approaches, an ill-advised and equally illicit romance springs between Grace and Harrison. While she’s curious and determined, he’s cautious and wondering, but neither can ignore the heat or desire between them. When a premature unmasking goes awry and scandal is the order of the night, they’ll both have to decide what’s more valuable - reputation, status, or love.

©2021 Sandra Sookoo (P)2021 Sandra Sookoo

scandalous lady

Grace was far from a lady or appropriate for her station. She was persistent and wanton with her inappropriate demands of Harrison. Him,.being a servant and a man complied with his employer. I enjoy the role reversal, but Grace was as tenacious and single minded as a dog with a bone and overly aggressive . Then, when it counted she's meek, until sister Patience gives her a talking to. WTH?? With all her bravado throughout the story, I expected more from her before her sister's encougmemt. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life.

A very enjoyable book

I stumbled across this book and found the blurb intriguing and I really enjoyed it. To start I have to say that this storyline held a great amount of appeal for me. The status difference between the main characters made things extra interesting, intense and emotional. I found Harrison immensely likable and quite swoon worthy. I felt that the inner turmoil he struggled with came through quite well and I felt plenty of sympathy for him as he struggled with what his head knew and what his heart wanted. I wish I could say that Grace was as easy to like and connect with but in my opinion, she was not. Now, please do not get me wrong. I didn't hate her but I did find her a bit off-putting to start and so, it took me time to warm to her, which I did. However, I admit to still having lingering pet peeves and major frustrations with her. Despite that, I did though, love these two as a couple. Their attraction was so powerful and their chemistry so tangible, that I found it impossible not to be rooting for them. All in all, a very enjoyable book.

Delightful!

Lady Grace is a flight almost 30 year-old whose one goal is to find a husband before the Valentine Party her father, Earl of Hampstead, is throwing. Grace's twin sister, Patience, is pushed into the background because she is considered a disgrace to the family. She had the misfortune of discovering carnal pleasures with a man who, when she became pregnant, denied he'd even been with her. Harrison Conrad is the newly-hired butler who served with the Earl in the war and actually saved his life. He is a no nonsense employee who finds the forward and impetuous Lady Grace a nightmare. With her pushing into his room, asking him personal questions and ordering him to give her information about a man she wants to wed, he is entirely out of his comfort zone. But Lady Grace isn't the woman she appears to be and is hiding a side that is never let out because it's not what her parents expect of her. When she asks Harrison to help her prepare for what it will be like to be with a man, he's mortified! She doesn't give up and it's only a matter of time before their strong attraction must be addressed. It's truly delightful and poignant to watch this humble man lower his guard and take her under his figurative wing. Her kindness and goodheartedness are a pleasant surprise to Harrison and the rest of the family's staff. At the Valentine ball, Grace dances with Harrison, unrecognizable because of his mask, and her parents are scandalized. But neither Harrison nor Grace are going to stand by without fighting for their love. A lesson is learned within the family and the HEA is both passionate and sweet. 
Daniella Rose does an exemplary job narrating with a dynamic voice that imbues each character with an individual personality. 

delightful

Delightful twist to a Regency Romance. Sweet story with wonderful characters, 2 POV, Standalone, HEA, narrator did amazing.

Fantastic!

The girl brought up in the ton falling in love with the butler was a delight to see. That caused some stress on everyone. The narrator did a great job narrating the characters. They came out to play.