A magical, captivating and heart stopping debut novel for Susanne Lord and her London Explorers.
In Search of Scandal (London Explorers) by Susanne Lord is a fantastic debut for this new author. I love reading historical romance books and love a great adventure. What a great beginning as we meet the first explorer in this new series.
Will Repton was out exploring the world until a tragic incident forced his return back to London. Years later, Will is insistent that he return back East yet must solicit funds if he’s to set sail.
Upon his most recent appointment he finds himself in the den of a few suitors, all with the intentions of marrying one Ms. Charlotte Baker.
Unbeknownst to Will, Charlotte has read the published stories of his past adventures. If there is any chance for her dreams to come true she’ll need to sort out a plan to capture this elusive explorer.
Perhaps a midnight stroll isn’t the best way to begin? Maybe a kiss to figure it all out? When another suitor comes between them what will happen? Can Will forgive himself and move on from the past? Whatever it is that he’s searching for will be tested as they discover each other.
Torn between the present and the past Charlotte and Will are forced into an arrangement of sorts. When Charlotte agrees to the “proposed” plan she has a few demands of her own. But, is Will up to the challenge?
Deep within this book you will find love and a desire to embark on your own quest for great and wonderful things. Not only is this one story you wont want to put down it’s chock full of intense heat, twist and turns, and yes dear readers, lots passion!
Susanne is a talented story teller and her debut book is a journey of the heart and soul. I look forward to the next installment in this series so that I can see what will happen next.
This two peppers spicy latte hot 
delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle. Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. Do not miss out on this historical must read. Download today to discover for yourself how powerful & emotional this epic adventure is.
**In Search of Scandal Blog Tour Fact, Excerpt & Giveaway**
This December, debut author Susanne Lord releases the first in her London Explorers series, In Search of Scandal! To celebrate, Susanne is here to share one of the facts she uncovered while researching for this adventurous new series:
Explorer Fast Fact: Cholera belts were strips of flannel or wool worn about the waist of travellers and soldiers to maintain a dry and balanced core temperature, who believed the belt would help ward off cholera, dysentery and “bowel complaints.”
An Excerpt:
Charlotte caught her breath and unclenched the grip she had taken upon his hand. “You cannot pretend to like me, Mr. Repton. I just wonder—I have always wondered what I have done to offend you.”
His arm tightened and his lips were right back to hovering over her ear. “Wait…”
More silence. Honestly! She would not stand here and let him trample her heart.
She ripped herself from his arms. “It is fine. I hardly require every man to like me, Mr. Repton. Be assured I am aware of your feelings and you will not have to suffer my attentions anymore.”
She whirled to leave but a steel hand gripped her arm.
“God! Blast it! Now what have I done?” he growled, his blue eyes wintry in the moonlight. “I thought we were getting on. I wouldn’t mind being your friend, as long as you understand that’s where it ends.”
“Wouldn’t mind? I have more friends than I can count, I hardly need—”
He yanked her hard against him. “Then what do you want?”
“I…I will not argue—”
His hands gripped her waist. “What do you want, Charlotte?” He growled. “What do you want me to do?”
Her words died in the face of his rising frustration. What did she want? What had she ever wanted but him? She wanted him still. From the first sight, the first instant. Every day, every hour, she wanted him. In a deep, tender, precious place she could not touch with reason. And all he did was sneer and push her way.
“Why didn’t you ignore me as you normally do?” she asked hollowly.
“Why did you talk to me at all tonight?”
He said nothing. He didn’t move. Something furious and wild thundered through her breast. “You don’t belong here!” Her fist clenched, wanting to slap that frozen look off his face. “Say something!” She launched against him, gripping him about his hard neck. “Say anything!”
But his stubborn lips were sealed, and before she could stop herself, she mashed her mouth against them.
Instantly, she regretted it. Their chins knocked, their teeth scraped, and a grunt of surprise sounded from his throat.
Oh God, what was she doing? She didn’t know how to give a kiss and he certainly didn’t want hers. His hands dropped off her and she sobbed sharply against his mouth. Mortified, she crumpled against his neck.
Oh God, oh God, how will I face him?
A hard hand seized her neck and forced her head up. Blue eyes blazed into hers. “Damn it all!”
Warm lips clamped to hers expertly. Shocked, she sank to her heels but his arm tightened and locked her against the hard wall of his body.
His deep groan shook her.
But it was a sound of surrender.
***** TOUR WIDE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY for 5 copies of In Search of Scandal. The tour will run from 11/22 until 12/23 and the link for it can be found below.
Winners will be randomly selected and contacted by the publisher. Good luck to all.
Rafflecoptor: a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Author Info:
Susanne Lord is a writer of Victorian-era romance and author of the London Explorer series published by Sourcebooks. Originally from Okinawa, off-base and on, she now makes her home in Chicago where she is an active member of Chicago North RWA. When not writing, attending theater or reading, she enjoys hiking the English countryside and visiting historic homes and gardens.
