First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

May 6, 2020
Nothing like a Julia Quinn Book to Cheer You Up!

https://juliaquinn.com/
First Comes Scandal is the most recent addition to the Rokesby series, which is also tied to the Bridgerton family. For those of you who don't mind cameos, Violet Bridgerton, and the little Bridgerton’s: Anthony, Benedict, and Colin put in an appearance. Watching these three boys when they were really young was quite entertaining, and made me smile. However, this story is not about those Bridgerton’s. It is about Georgiana Bridgerton and Nicholas Rokesby.

Georgiana and Nicholas are neighbors, and grew up together. Never did either of them think of each other as anything but a friend. Evidently, Georgiana Bridgerton was kidnapped, but I didn’t remember that from the previous book. Nonetheless, because she was kidnapped her reputation is ruined. And, as in all romance novels the only way to save her reputation is by her marrying. Evidently the only guy handy is Nicholas Rokesby. At least that's what his father thinks. His father calls Nicholas home from school, and proceeds to browbeat him into a marriage with Georgiana. Even though Nicholas is an adult, he doesn't stand up to his father at all, and agrees. The interesting thing, at least to me, was that Nicholas's father seems to be the only one to think this is a great solution. Even though Georgiana’s mother is a big boo-hoo mess, none of the Bridgerton’s seem to have arrived at the conclusion that a marriage between Georgiana and Nicholas is the answer.  Anyway, it is also up to Nicholas to talk a reluctant Georgina into marriage. Saying that Nicholas and Georgina are an unenthusiastic betrothed couple is an understatement.

But marry they do. Nicholas has a plan. Once they marry, he will return to his medical studies in Edinburgh, and Georgiana will stay behind. Georgiana doesn't agree with that little option. Both Nicholas and Georgiana have a lot of growing to do. In the beginning of the book, they seem very young. Nicholas is still in medical school, and being ordered around by his father. Georgiana was sickly growing up, and in the process, she has been overprotected by her mother for years. Georgiana appears to have had asthma when she was young, so I can understand her mother's anxiousness. But, because of her mother's good intentions, Georgiana has been stifled - she wants to be free. So, the marriage of convenience gives Nicholas and Georgiana the freedom neither of them ever expected. They also have the opportunity to go from friends to lovers; it was charming to watch.

This was a feel-good book, there wasn't too much angst, and there was plenty of humor. There were also some wonderful cats in this story, especially one called Cat-Head. As I was reading the scenes with the cats in them, I kept thinking that Ms. Quinn has to have cats. Only someone with cats know about the howling that happens when transporting them from one place to another. Very funny road trip.

This book came along at just the right time. We are given the opportunity to watch a nice man and his childhood friend turn into a loving couple. This is not a case of opposites attracting, this is a case of similar people finding just the right spark. It was wonderful to read a book that made me feel happy. I thought the romance was charming, gentle, and made me believe in HED. I do recommend this book.

Time/Place: Georgian England
Sensuality: Warm/Hot