I really enjoyed this story. I read the first one as well and enjoyed this one better then Hilda’s story.

I love reading about powerful independent women in historical romances. The female characters are very well done.

OH. MY. FOOKIN'. GLORY.

I'm on the floor, flat out STUNNED by the most beautifully written historical romance I've EVER read. PERIOD. Two Scandals and a Scot, involves, as you might guess, two gossip-driven, upper-class feather-ruffling episodes of highly questionable behavior, both involving one beatifically handsome, utterly unsuitable, irresistible, Gaelic-spouting wordsmith of a Scot: Dashiell M. Campbell. Also involved, the Scots lassie from the wrong side of the haut ton: premier bluestocking and not-closeted feminist, Theodosia Astley. A match made in Heaven, dragged through slow-burn hell... Author Tracy Summer weaves a magic spell of love and longing so compelling in its raw intimacy that it leaves you aching, yearning - and ultimately fulfilled. My honest, independent ARC review? This book (and anything else Ms. Summer writes) is an automatic one-click.

I will start with this. Theo is my favorite character in the story. Dash certainly made things a little challenging for Theo. Other characters saw the brilliance behind Theo and tried taking advantage of her. The story moves alright with the plot. The story plot does make the book very interesting and or entertaining. The romance was certainly a passionate affair that Dash made very enjoyable for Theo.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Tracy Sumner does it again. I've wanted to read about Theo and Dash and Dash & Theo, since they first appeared. As much as I say I don't like friends to lovers, I think I'm fooling myself. Or maybe it's just Tracy and how she takes a bluestocking and matches her with a rake, both of whom have more depth than they allow the world to see.

A lot of the friendship between Theo and Dash takes place in other books and off the page as does the event that leads to their friendship "breakup." But we get glimpses of their time together, spent in Theo's brother-in-law's study, while she helps Dash write a book and also teaches him new words. Dash may not realize it but he is a logophile (or a lexiphile, depending on who you ask). And as weird as it sounds, watching Theo teach him new words, and then Dash being *so* into learning new words was a pleasure for me. Eventually we see why they stopped spending time together as well as what each of them was really thinking during their time together in the Duke's study.

Fast forward a year to Theo's pre-wedding day celebration cut short by a scandal (not of Theo's making) and Theo dashing (haha) away. Cut to Scandal #1. She unwittingly finds herself alone with Dash who has kind of come to her rescue but also to get his coach back leading to Scandal #2. Seeing they are in quite the pickle, Dash is quick to help. Theo makes him promise that they will remain "just friends." Oh silly girl. Dash agrees but I think he realizes that this will never work out the way Theo intends.

Thus begins a marriage of convenience, with benefits (aka "sex lessons"), but still just friends. Dash is a gambler and he's willing to go all in with Theo. Whereas Theo, "Friends who played at being lovers? This she would accept." Foolish girl. We cannot have that and soon we see "feelings" and these two people start/continue to fall for each other, realizing the might want more.

I loved that both of these characters come from similar backgrounds--neither grew up in the peerage but instead have found themselves thrust into it, yet still living partially on the outside. Because of their pasts, they can relate to each other in ways that the others in the Leighton Cluster cannot. [And, might I mention that it is always a delight to see the Leighton Cluster again.]

Dash is one of my favorite MMCs ever. He's sure of himself but not to the point of arrogance--despite being one of the most attractive men in Europe. He is not afraid to admit his deficiencies (most of the time) and admires Theo for her intelligence. He finds it incredibly attractive. Who can resist a man who is not intimidated by a woman's brain!? And Theo. She is too practical for her own good. But also bold in asking for what she wants, and taking it when necessary. She refuses to be anyone but who she is.

This book is a standalone but part of a larger series. You can read it on its own, but dear reader, do not deprive yourself of the other books in the series. You will want to read about the other characters finding their HEAs and seeing how the interference and advice they give in this book means that much more. You will want to meet Dash, Theo and Dash & Theo as they were in the beginning, alone, and then, together.

What a charming, heartwarming story!

Theo's first "scandal" was very publicly breaking her engagement at the last minute; the second was accidentally running off in the carriage belonging to a man she can't have, doesn't want, but will be forced to marry anyway just to quiet the rumors.

From this situation, longtime friends Dash and Theo forge a deeper attachment, one that allows them to gently share their hurting hearts and find a safe place for their futures. It doesn't hurt at all that the chemistry they share is obvious even to strangers, making it easy for their tight-knit group of friends to guide them towards their HEA.

I loved that they had a common background, that they were immediately comfortable with each other, that their communication was always open and honest. I wasn't a fan of the constant reminders of Dash's ever-expanding vocabulary (reduced him to a bit of an immature schoolboy at times) but the sexy Scot certainly does have a way with words. I absolutely adored the way he used his particular gifts to give her the exact life she wanted, despite the obstacles.

This is another stellar romance in the Duchess Society series and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves steamy historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I don’t think this book has too many steamy parts. Two people who we come to find out have been listing after each other for years seemed to be pretty tame. ^.^ I liked both Dash and Theo, there background of working on the book together helped us to skip to where we were now in their story. The only thing is I actually think none of their issues to further their relationship were actually resolved. She doesn’t trust him cause like all men he is a rake but one that just can’t say no cause women throw themselves at home (eye-roll). How he may not feel worthy of her love much less her friendship. I haven’t read any other books in the series so I plan on going back and reading them now and look forward to the next book in this series. Thank you NetGally for the ARC for my honest opinion.

What a fun take on my fav: the reformed rake marriage of convenience story! Dash and Theo were really unique characters. Loved how they were both unlikely intellectuals who had written a book together. Loved how closely we followed their emotional journey. Plus, a friends-with-benefits-also-we’re-married situation between two characters this horny? The steam was steaming!

Dash wasn’t your standard issue rake. He wasn’t a seducer, just a hottie who couldn’t be bothered to say no to anyone who wanted to be with him. And it created some fun plot drama because, unlike normal rakes who are masters at seducing their wives, Dash didn’t have a clue, having always been the passive element of a liaison. Enter Leighton Cluster Daddy, Pedro Pascal aka Xander Macauley, to give some much needed life advice.. again 😆

The story was hot, funny, and really sweet. But there was a little but—one I’ve been anticipating since I saw who the MCs of book four would be. Because, in book three we had a POV section from Theo (even though she wasn’t an MC in that book) of her flirtatious meeting with Dash and her agreement to tutor him—a natural bridge to the next (hot-for-teacher) book being theirs. But it wasn’t. Their book was this one, book five. And I think unfortunately some of the events at the beginning of this romance were skipped over during the timeline of book four. I wished we’d seen the flirtatious tutoring, the way Dash kinda-unconsciously stopped seeing anyone else while he was writing the book with Theo, how he felt when Theo abruptly announced her engagement to someone else, if Theo felt conflicted about said engagement, how seriously Dash considered interrupting her wedding.. you see where I’m going. There were a ton of juicy romance plot events that we were told about after the fact. And I wish we’d seen them firsthand instead.

Another delightful novel from Tracy Sumner. Theodosia does not want to marry the man chosen for her, so she picks a carriage at random to run away from a party only to realize too late that the carriage belongs to her brother’s friend Dash. Dash and Theodosia shared a kiss years ago and Theodosia helped him write the book that made him famous but the two have never been closer than that. While assisting with her escape, Dash and Theodosia pose as a married couple and are discovered by her brother who forces them to marry. They then must navigate their new relationship and how to fully trust one another.

I really liked both Dash and Theodosia. They both reside at the fringes of society and are comfortable there. They have their friends but don’t have ambitions of sitting at the top of the ton. The two are clearly infatuated with one another and are acting fully in love with one another before either is prepared to admit their feelings. This book was slightly higher heat that the other books in the series and I am not complaining at all. I enjoyed seeing the other couples from Tracy’s previous books, but am getting to the point that I can’t exactly recall who is who so I found the character guide at the back of the book helpful. I am very much looking forward to Jasper’s book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wolf Publishing, and Tracy Sumner for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am a member of Tracy’s street team.

I’ve been looking forward to reading “Two Scandals and a Scot” by Tracy Sumner since the pairing tease of Dash and Theo in the preceding book. I found the dashing Dashiell Campbell and bookish Theodosia Astley to be a delightful pairing indeed. Try as they might to be practical, these two ultimately succumb to the same fate as the rest of the Leighton Cluster. What I can’t believe is that I must wait till 2024 to read Jasper’s story. Sumner, you’re killing me!

I received an E-ARC from the author via #NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

The banter in this book is top tier. I had so many LOL moments. Also, amazing job with character development. I could’t stop reading because I of the need to understand Dash’s past. This series is added to my “to read list”

Theodosia Astley is the sister in law to the Duke of Leighton who runs away from her engagagement ball after her betrothed's pregnant mistress shows up. She jumps into a carriage belonging to the rogue, Dashiell Campbell and they are caught in a compromising position in a tavern without a chaperone. They end up married but they vow to remain friends and to each live their own lives. Theo longs to be a teacher and Dashiell is a writer, owner of a gambling hell who also has other investments with her brother in law and his group of friends known as the Leighton Cluster. Theo plans to spend her time at Dashiell's home away from London so that she can fulfill her dream to teach and Dashiell has to return to London to manage his business interests. Their relationship is going along fine until one trip back to London causes Dashiell to be caught in a compromising position with a former love interest. Their relationship is challenged and they have to work hard to get back to where they were before the latest scandal caught up with them. Very fast paced, steamy story with a HEA.

I received this story as an ARC from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving a response.

You all know me, I love Tracy Sumner books. She’s my new go to gal for steamy historical romances. If I want to read a novel where theres a high probability that someone is gonna get horizontal in a carriage - I know my girl, Tracy will not let me down.
I have been jonesing for Dash and Theo’s story for some time now. So to say I was pretty excited about Two Scandals and a Scot, is underplaying it. I know Veronica would love it because it’s got the reformed rake, I love it because it features a Scottish hero and a bluestocking heroine plus a marriage of convenience. This hits all the notes, my friends! Buckle up, join hands…join the love train..love train…
A Little Bit of Plot
Ive loved 3 Theos in my life: 1. Huxtable, 2. Dear Theodosia from Hamilton, and 3. Theo(dosia) Astely, the bluestocking sister of the heroine from the Scandalous Vixen (see what Tracy did there with “scandals”…).
Theo is in a pickle, she’s not in love with her intended and becomes even more so when his very pregnant mistress makes an appearance at their engagement ball. She moves from one scandal by starting another; fleeing in a stolen carriage, owned by former student and object of her (secret) affection, Dashiell Campbell. When the two are discovered, it’s wedding bells at dawn and a plan to not fall in love but definitely never leave their marriage bed. As lust becomes much more, who will be the first to admit what they first thought was just heat burns brighter and much longer?
Also, the fucking name Dash, amirite? Also, Dashiell? Both are panty burning, bruv.
The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Leads
I could talk all day about how much I love both Dash and Theo. Sumner has two beautiful characters with tons of depth and an innate relatability. I’m not sure if this stems from both coming from the streets before finding wealth, but it works so well in allowing the reader to connect to both.
I find sometimes it’s tough to relate to historical main characters because we are appending modern day sensibilities to them. I find it hard to find empathy with a 21 year old woman whose never dressed herself sometimes and I’m supposed to believe that she has the wherewithal to make life altering decisions? Um, when I was 21, I remember the night I was at a bar, fell down some stairs and got angry because I tore the knee out of my Gap jeans. I, of course, sidled up to the bar, ripped the hold a bit wider, and continued partying. I was a bit more of a broad thinking woman. All I’m saying is that it’s a different world.
So much of this book Dash tries to almost one up Theo on who had the more meager upbringing. You both win, Dash..they both sucked. Theo tries to impress upon him that he doesn’t need to flagellate himself, they can agree that both are in much better circumstances than ever before.
“You’re a soft touch,” Theo whispered, laughter threading her voice. “Although you scared the wits from the boy. Threatening him with a duke. When I was born not five streets from the workhouse myself and don't deserve such special treatment.
And what can I say about Dash, in general, and his secret endearments to Theo? He’s been in love with her for years, but not willing to admit it. While she taught him to read and edited his first book, he pined for her. Yes, he couches it in lust, but there was much more there.
We meet the two properly in The Wicked Wallflower, and I knew immediately that Dash would be my next book boyfriend. Here is “The Moment in the Book the Hero Ruined Me for All Men IRL” @chicklitbookclubpodcast:
“I ken it’s your bloody birthday.” Taking her arm none too gently, he hauled her down the passageway to a little-used parlor. It was filled, floor to ceiling, with books. Stacks and stacks of them. The room smelled of leather spines and moldy pages, her favorite scents in the world. “Today was the day I set to take my courting to another level, after giving your stormy temper time to calm. No more mooning from afar like a tormented hero in a shilling novel.”
Also, he’s Scottish so he automatically wins ALL the points. Hello!
The Meat (The Con)
I knew that we were too happy at 50% through. That’s all I’m gonna say.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
Good God Damn, this book is HOT.
One thing Tracy Sumner is excellent at and that’s writing her books as hot as a forest fire on the sun. I read some idiot person complaining about the sex scenes - fine, not for you, but more for me, man. This couple takes their time..sexy by sexy bit... eventually breaching the castle (so to speak). Leading up to the pièce de résistance however, we are treated to a lot of loin scorching goodness.
What’s most amazing about these scenes is that Theo takes charge a majority of the time. She’s not afraid to voice her likes and dislikes. She’s inquisitive and brilliant, therefore, this wouldn’t change once clothes were removed. Plus, if you have a sexy Scot in your bed... Can me Bill Nye, cuz we're experimenting, baby...
As they are waiting to be married, Dash has an impromptu meeting with Theo to assure her that what's between is more than convenience, that he’s lusted after for many years.
“I want you, lass. I couldn’t allow you to walk down that aisle thinking I dinnae. That I’m forced into this, when no one’s forcing…This gamble comes down to you and me. Right here, right now.”
Theo drew a breath, meaning to tell him she wanted him, too.
But his hand was trailing along her spine, leaving a path of sensation behind it. His fingertips burning through layers of satin, silk, and cotton. His lips gliding along her jaw and settling a sensitive spot beneath her ear. His whisper swirled inside as he bit her earlobe, turning her leg to butter. “The wicked things I’ve dreamed of doing to you, leannan. Going back to our time battling my book across that desk. I’m starting to think, from the way we spark off each other, starting wee fires, you’ve thought them too”
Yes she has, Dash. Just look at you, man!
And she’s just as enthusiastic as he is when it comes to reciprocation:
When she tunneled past his drawers and her breath hit his shaft, he wrapped his fingers around the chair’s spindles until his knuckles popped. His hips lifted, a deadly sign, as her tongue met his swollen crown. Tentative, she was not. The metal of his ring was cool where it grazed him. Thank the gods, her touch was gentle. He could handle himself for a time if she kept to this pace.
Aye, but then she didn’t keep the pace.
Readers, what I’m saying is that if you want a steamy, sexy read with absolutely realistic and relatable characters falling in love, look no further! I think this is a stand alone, although it would be helpful to understand the side characters better.
One character that I’m so enthralled to learn more about is Jasper Noble. I cannot wait until his book. Until then, I say check out Tracy’s entire catalog, there will be something for everyone!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy, fast-paced and held my interest. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 5 in The Duchess Society series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by this author.

4 1/2*STARS*
Theodosia Astley now has the title of RUNAWAY BRIDE. Fleeing her wedding, she escapes in the first coach she sees. It belongs to Dashiell M. Campbell. As he chases down his coach, he finds Theo without a chaperon. It means more scandal if they don't marry. Dash isn't too happy about the marriage. They make a pack to remain friends, but the passion between them is very real and their relationship takes an unexpected turn to love.
Can they trust each other to build a solid marriage? Unexpected events will put them to a test. It's nice to visit again with The Duchess Society and the Leighton Cluster. A bond that is unbreakable. Some humor and descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Ahhh! I have been waiting for Dash and Theo's story since their scene in The Wicked Wallflower. And Two Scandals and a Scot does not disappoint. Having run of her engagement ball when the pregnant paramour of her milquetoast fiance crashes the event, Theo ends up in Dash's carriage. Dash, an essential member of the Leighton Cluster, seen as akin to Theo's brother by most who know both Theo and Dash. But oh wrong they are.
Dash owes Theo, and she calls in her marker. Thus they embark on an adventure that ends in the expected but still delicious compromise induced marriage. But Theo and Dash rashly decide that they will have a marriage based on friendship and passion - no love. I think the entire Leighton Cluster knew how that would turn out!

Theo and Dash are a great couple. Their chemistry is off the charts and I loved the new word game they would play. Both are also extremely stubborn. Theo was set for so long on making herself look like a proper young lady of the ton - even as she borderline detested doing so - that she lost sight of her true self for a bit. Dash finds confidence in the attention of others and has to learn he alone is enough. The third act split did seem a little like an overreaction, but understandable given the "condition" involved. I do agree that Dash had to learn Theo was not his simply by default.

I am also now super looking forward to Jasper's story. I have been loving all the clues being dropped as to his background and secrets.

Great read. 4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this title. The opinions herein are my own.

Two Scandals and A Scot is the fifth installment in Tracy Sumner’s Duchess Society series. Although this is Theo and Dash’s story, its chock full of characters from her other books in the series. Yes, the entire Leighton Cluster and Duchess Society are present, and they definitely add to the humor of the story. Boy, do they keep Dash on his toes with their teasing and advice!

Theodosia Astley flees her engagement ball when her fiancé’s pregnant mistress shows up. She quickly realizes the carriage she jumped into belongs to Dashiell Campbell. In the meantime, Dash rushes from the ball to follow Theo and rescue her from a scandal. Needless to say, their encounter ends in scandal anyway, as the entire Leighton Cluster sees them kissing at an inn. Quickly they find themselves getting married, but as friends who never intend on falling in love. Oh, the best laid plans . . .

Theo and Dash learn more about each other while setting up their home. Dash loves when Theo teaches him new words and he is more than happy to indulge her inquisitive mind and further her understanding of what she reads in her books. There is humor, joy, angst, and smoking hot passion as they discover this new life together.

Although I enjoyed Theo and Dash’s story, there remain unanswered questions regarding Dash’s past. Will we ever learn what happened to his family, causing him to be the last of the Campbell line? How was he able to keep the signet ring safe while in the workhouse?

Thank you to Tracy Sumner, Wolf Publishing, and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

First of all...Theodosia is an EPIC name.
Alpha male, Scot, with a sad past yet full of sweetness inside.
Theo, female protagonist, is an intellectual. She's so interesting.
They meet casually through Balls, parties and friends, family and end up essentially writing a book together. He's learning more about academia and she's learning more about emotions etc.
This is the first book I've read by this author but apparently this book is part of a series although happily it did not hinder my reading so I'd say it's fine as standalone. But I definitely am going to read the rest of the series!
I loved reading them both learn to trust each other and work to be vulnerable with each other.
Historical romance, cinnamon bun, scot, intelligent female, scarred pasts.
A solid 4 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another winner from my favorite series 🤩

My love for the cluster, as they call themselves, is infinite and this book was no less lovelier than the first ones. This is the story of Dash and Theo, as they quickly jump into a marriage to save her reputation, while both of them had a crush on each other. Now they have to get past their self imposed friendship and deal with their new life.

Both characters are charming, they are so likeable. They both have special traits that make them so particular and build the story, Dash with his good looks and luck and Theo with her mousy yet strong temper.

The book was fast paced, filled with heat and action, and not a great level of drama. Even mad at each other they were greatly in love.

I loved how old characters made new appearances and I cannot wait to read more about Jasper Noble, such an intriguing character!

I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal view on it.

This was my introduction to Leighton Cluster and I’ve definitely been missing out, though I can’t imagine liking any of the other couples more than Dash and Theo.

This book is #5 in a series but was easy to follow as a stand alone, although I did sort of wish there was a list of couples as the group gatherings could be a bit confusing. There were a lot of references to the other characters from earlier books and there’s obviously tons of history but I didn’t find that it made it difficult to understand what was happening with Dash and Theo’s story.

This book was quick and the main characters are sweet but I would have loved more details about Dash’s history or family. His past was alluded to frequently (he even authors a book about it), but I would have liked to see more about his Grandfather/the ring or his Mother.

Theo reminds me a bit of the FMCs from Lisa Kleypas’ Ravenels series in that she’s sassy and knows what she wants, and is not preoccupied with the social norms and customs of the times.

Spice rating: 3/5

This was a quick read and I will likely go back and read the rest of the series based on how much I enjoyed this book.

So Tracy Sumner is one of the best new (to me) authors that I’ve discovered. I still strongly believe that the previous novel to this, One Wedding and an Earl, is the best book of 2023. Two Scandals and a Scot is something I’ve been waiting for. We have been hearing about Dash for quite some time in the series. He is the most beautiful man on earth apparently and incredibly intelligent. This intelligence has allowed him to make a living cheating at the gaming hells, then he and Theo got together to put it all in print and now he’s selling a book on cheating that has taken London by storm.

These two are on a collision course that has been fated since the Wicked Wallflower. We’ve heard in several of the other books how they were joined at the hip for a while and then all of a sudden she is marrying this stick in the mud academic, which you would think would work for her because she’s definitely a bluestocking, but her fiancé has a pretty major skeleton in his closet that is going to ruin things for the two of them and they will never get married. Which is fine because we’ve been waiting for Dash.

But Dash doesn’t think he’s good enough for her because he grew up poor Scotsman in London. But think about it, Theo grew up in the stews as well, but now through marriage and blood, she is part of the upper crust.

There’s a lot to give away so I’m gonna try really hard not to, but basically this is an excellent 4 1/2 star story. We have seen a whole lot of Dash throughout the series and a good amount of Theodosia, enough that we know their personalities and recognize that their happy ever after is going to be difficult. I have to say, as a person who is in the communication field, I am often irritated by stories where everything could be easily rectified if the two parties just spoke to each other. But in this case, their stumbling blocks in communication definitely enhance the story and made me appreciate the complexity of their personalities.

FYI, I cannot wait for Jasper’s book. There have been some hints into what’s going on with him, he’s not the rookery lad that he portrays himself to be. That is going to be an amazing ending to the series!