Book Review: Whisper of Scandal

Whisper of Scandal
Nicola Cornick

Published: 28 September 2010 by HQN
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0373774400
ISBN-13: 978-0373774401

Summary:
Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed again but that doesn't stop the flurry of suitors knocking on her door. Desperate to thwart another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Arctic explorer Alex, Lord Grant. Unable to deny the blazing attraction that flares, Joanna knows she's just set the gossip mill turning.

After suffering countless infidelities during her marriage, she's accustomed to scandal. But nothing prepares her for the shocking news that her deceased husband has bequeathed his illegitimate child to her and his friend Alex. As rumors run rampant in the ton, Joanna and Alex travel to the Arctic to claim the orphan. Battling blizzards, dangerous wildlife and a treacherous plot, Alex must protect Joanna, but not before he wickedly seduces her…
[Courtesy of Goodreads]

Review:
Lady Joanna Ware is the darling of the ton. She is an intelligent and spirited widow who hides behind a facade of superficiality to protect herself.

Lord Alex Grant is an explorer and national hero. He is also the good friend of Joanna's late husband and therein lies the problem. Alex's opinion of Joanna is prejudiced by the stories told to him by the late Lord Ware and he is determined to think the worst of Joanna despite his physical attraction to her.

I loved Joanna and Alex and the chemistry between them sizzles on the page. Ms Cornick immerses you in a Regency world with the unusual setting of the Arctic. The story really comes to life when Joanna and Alex embark on their expedition to Spitsbergen, and it's in this harsh landscape that Alex finally faces his fears. Great stuff.

This is the first book in a new series about the Scandalous Women of the ton. One Wicked Sin is Lottie's story and Mistress by Midnight is Merryn's story. I really hope at some point the dashing Messrs Owen Purchase and James Devlin get their own books - those guys are seriously hot. Just wait 'til you see what Mr Devlin can do with an ice sculpture!

Rating:
I loved the characters and the unusual setting of this fast paced book and give it a very enjoyable 4 out of 5.