I need to preface this by saying the book isn't bad. For readers that have read the previous books, I'm sure it's very enjoyable. However, that's the main problem for me with this one. Standalones of an interconnected series need to be able to stand on their own. That is not the case here. With in the first two chapter you are introduced to about 10 people that are related, married or business partners. If you held a gun to my head, I would not be able to tell you all of the connections. I still don't know who Theo's brother is or if he is actually related to her or her brother in law. For the first third of the book I was too confused to really follow the storyline, because it relies so what heavily on the reader being aware of the connections in this friend group and their overall dynamic. Because I haven't read the previous books, I didn't know anything and I really don't think there should be so much back story that you can't enjoy the book in its own, without reading the whole series. Beyond the missing context it also felt like the book was kind of a filler book. Especially the main protagonists of previous books show up quite frequently and the ending of the books seems to mostly be a setup for the next one. In the end Dash and Theo don't really stand on their own. And disappointingly the book isn't as feminist as you would think from the blurb. Theo is pretty much the only woman in the whole book that matters and I pretty sure it wouldn't pass the Bechtel test. Beyond that, pretty much all the women not in Theo's immediate circle are painted as desperate man hungry villains, that don't respect Dash's boundaries. Is it tactless to go after a married man? Yes absolutely. But Dash doesn't actually draw any boundaries and the fact that he seemed to sleep with married women before his own marriage kind of suggests that he does not actually respect marriage vows. He's continually painted as a powerless victim that women go after, because of his good looks. The setup just really has a weird aftertaste. I also continually had the feeling that Dash and the other heroes should be praised for "letting" their women have some control and freedom which seems to me like they missed the whole point. Especially because amongst themselves they talk like their wives are side characters to the men's lives. Like these are your wives. They really should be your first priority, but instead you talk about how best to handle them.
Overall I was just a bit let down, even though I did like the writing. Fans of the series will probably enjoy this one, but if you haven't read the previous book, I wouldn't recommend this one.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This latest book in The Duchess Society brings us Theo and Dash's story. Due to a scandal Theo and Dash decide to marry, but to marry as "friends", like that's going to happen! It doesn't take long before they are engaged in hot and constant sex, as they begin to get closer and begin opening up to each other about their childhoods. Both are interesting characters and it's fun being around the Leighton Cluster and the animal menagerie.

I received an ARC for free but I am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.

It’s always the quiet ones!

The Duke of Leighton’s sister Theodosia Astley desperately wants to fit in but underneath she’s a true radical. What she really wants is to go to University, encourage women to vote, teach, you name it. What she prefers for a present is books, not tiaras. The girl from the rookeries is now part of the Leighton Clan. She decides to marry so that she can have her independence, only her fiancés very pregnant mistress turns up at the pre-wedding ball! Unleashing a scandal!
What Theo does next is run! Right into the carriage of Dashiell Campbell, rookery pickpocket and renowned card sharp, and takes off. Dash is pretty sure who’s stolen his carriage as soon as he sees its missing. He grabs a horse and follows Theo. (Mind you his driver thinks she’s one of the legions of women who throw themselves at the sinfully handsome Dash.)
Dash, determined to rescue Theo from the ensuing scandal, catches her at his gaming establishment, (thanks again to his driver!) Theo calls in the marker Dash owes her from years ago. Oops!
Unfortunately the Leighton Cluster (Yes! Dukes, Duchesses, kids etc.) catch up with them at an inn just as they’re in a very public clinch. (Kissing!) Another scandal! Before you know it Dash and Theo find themselves about to be married.
The story takes off from there amidst very funny moments, awkward moments, frustrating moments, and dangerous ones!
Dash’s married a radical not a mouse (which he already knew).The road to their happiness is strewn with rocks and moments of mirth, not to mention Theo’s book reading which extended to sexual tomes that need a lot of practice! Dash loves her command of words and is always after an explanation of their meaning. He adores the scholarly side of her.
A chuckling, enjoyable read!

A Wolf Pub. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Gambling, Teaching, Romance:
My first time reading this author so I wasn't sure if I should start with this book which is the 5th book of the series.
I am glad I did. I was not lost and look forward to reading more from Ms. Sumner.
The characters were quite enjoyable along with the romance that was extremely satisfying. The descriptive writing of the
intimate scenes had me reaching for my ladies' fan more than once. 
I was highly satisfied with all the sparks that flew off the pages at times and I enjoyed each characters' personality.
Mature Advisory:

I'm so mad because of this book. It had EVERYTHING that makes a good historical romance, or even romance in general. We got a morally gray, bad boy with a heart of gold, an independent, strong, educated heroine, perfect setting, lovely side characters and a decent plotline.
So, what is the problem? The problem is that the author left all these interesting details and just wrote a whole book of erotica. That's it.
Whenever the story got personal and deep about each character's struggles, the author would suddenly stop and write about them having sex. It felt so irritating and predictable. It also turned repetitive quickly, the whole thing consisted of steamy scenes and both characters' inner dialogues about how breathtaking the other is. The amount of spotlight the MMC's looks got was borderline shallow and condescending. The heroine kept saying how she hates that everyone is summing the hero's existence in his looks while she is the first person who does that!!
She literally admitted she can't trust him because of how handsome it is. Talk about insecurity!!
I'm really disappointed by the whole thing because Tracy is one of my favorite authors in the genre, so my expectations were high for her newest work...
*I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher, in exchange of an honest review*

A sequence of unforeseen events, starting with Theodosia Astley running from her own engagement ball and ending with the Leighton Cluster walking in on a searing kiss in the common room of an inn, seal their future: they will be wed.

For whatever reason did he, Dashiell Campbell, ever think he could rescue her? He could kick himself over the head. She nearly robbed him of his reason and restraint when they worked on his book. And now, the most unique lass he ever met, would be his.

Since there is no way out, they both willingly enter the union. Surrounded by their well-meaning and meddling ‘family’ that is the Leighton Cluster. A group of friends linked by unconditional loyalty, trust, deep-rooted friendship, love and matrimony. Bonds stronger than blood.

Friendship is what they agreed upon, but neither of them took into account what sizzling desire might add to that bargain.
Which will it be? The meek bet? Or the gamble of a lifetime?

📚 I have rarely seen two characters so passionately fight their unquestionable fates. Two souls made for each other, carved from the same wood. Yes, driftwood. Hardened, scarred and driven by life but not set in stone. Both determined, yet vulnerable. An unquenchable love for one another they fight with every fibre of their being. A love neither of them ever dared imagine. A love that frightens them witless. Because to love the other unconditionally and completely is the end of independence and invulnerability, or is it? 💗🎲🍀
📚 enemies to friends to lovers, MCs with a past, fated mates, scandal and the forbidden
📚 very steamy – they truly discover every nook and cranny of his new home 🔥❤️‍🔥🔥

Marvelous, excellent and delicious! I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it!
Thank you to Tracy Sumner, NetGalley, and Wolf Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

In Two Scandals and a Scot, the fifth book in the Duchess Society series, we have Theodosia and Dashiells story. Theo a child brought up in poverty in the Rookeries and Dash having had a cruel childhood in Glasgow. They are both now part of high society but on the edge due to their pasts. Theo is well read and intelligent and angry that woman are unable to go to university or sit in the House of Commons, Dash made his fortune gambling and now has a whiskey business making good money. Theo has help Dash write a book about gambling to help others which is a best seller.
During her engagement party for an arranged marriage the mistress of her intended turns up pregnant so Theo flees the scene stealing Dash’s carriage, he chases after her and they end up in an inn for the night, but their friends follow them, they are told the only way to avoid a scandal is to marry, and so they do.
They are both highly attracted to each other but decide being just friends and not falling in love is best, but the sexual chemistry is strong and the subsequent scenes are scorching as they become extremely intimate. We take their journey of discovery with its ups and downs and drama.
This is a great story, well told, with a cast of previous characters that add much humour and support. I think this is my favourite so far even though the previous books were wonderful.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Theodosia Astley attempt to escape her engagement ball, leads to her leaving with her Dash Campbell, the man she has been fascinated by. Whilst Dash was her former student, he is a renowned gambler. Famous for his novel that Theo helped him write, he is now presented with an opportunity to repay her for the assistance. When Dash proposes marriage to salvage her reputation, Theo is determined that they will stay friends but not fall in love. Yet two scandals, a kiss and a runaway bride, is sure to lead to an interesting ending.
Two great characters are explored in ‘Two scandals and a Scot’ with Theo, a determined and headstrong woman and Dash, who is a rake with a soft spot. The dialogue is witty and entertaining. With plenty of secondary characters who are interspersed in the story, this book moved along at a steady pace.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This delightful series continues with its fifth full length story. (There are also two novellas.) Theodosia Astley is at her own engagement party when a scandal unfolds regarding her fiancee. She flees into the first carriage she sees. She eventually recognizes it as belonging to Dashiell (Dash) Campbell. She helped him previously as he wrote a popular book about gambling. He runs a gaming hell and is friends with her brother in law who is a duke. Dash catches up with her and helps her to an inn. Unfortunately, just being together is compromising and a wedding is in the making.

Dash and Theo are friends and before the wedding they discuss friendship as the basis for their marriage which they want to be real including children. Dash and Theo also share very rough backgrounds. She grew up in the rookery until her half sister finds her and moves her to Mayfair. Because of her background she is on the edge on society. Dash grew up in a brothel but his probable half brother is an earl. His brother is his mentor and they have profitable whiskey ventures and other businesses in addition to his book and gaming rooms. He would be shunned by the ton except for the power of his friend group that includes two dukes and other titles. These friends are the romances from the previous books and it is fun to see most make appearances in this story. (I’ve read them all.)

I think this is one of my favorites in the series. Both Theo and Dash are smitten with each other long before they can see it themselves. And I love how important the word home is to both of them. Sumner usually is the medium heat range with scenes fading to black. But being newlyweds the heat level picks up a notch. Sumner’s writing is easy to read and enjoyable. There is at least one more story coming and I’ll be waiting for Jasper to get his romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tracy Sumner and Wolf Publishing for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

*Swoon*

Oh, how I've missed the Leighton Cluster. Two Scandals and a Scot is the fifth book in the Duchess Society series by Tracy Sumner. I waxed poetic previously about how Xander McCauley is my ultimate book boyfriend but Dash might just be giving him a run for his money with his smooth Scottish brogue. I think this book reads best having read the prior books in the series since Theo and Dash's story begins in previous novels.

Theo discovers a scandal concerning her fiancé right before the event is to take place. She escapes into a waiting carriage only to realize it's her longtime crush Dash's. They head to a nearby Inn to wait out the night before Dash will send her on her way back to her brother in law, Leighton. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately,) Dash and Theo find themselves caught in a compromised position and are told they must marry. It's fine to be best friends with your spouse, but Theo doesn't want to lose her newfound independence to love. They make a promise to each other to keep the bedroom passionate but keep love out of their everyday life.

I cannot speak highly enough of the Duchess Society series. Sumner has a real gift creating her heroes. Dash is a complex character with a rakish exterior but is gone for Theo from that first pact. You can't help but love him. Theo is smart, independent and stubborn. I love their verbal sparring. We get plenty of cameos from all our Leighton Cluster favorites. Xander and Roan both give Dash plenty marriage advice and one liners. I'm excited to see where Jasper's story is going to go. He was a breakout character in the last book.

This book is for you if you love: friends to lovers, runaway brides, marriage of convenience, don't fall in love with your spouse, wooing your wife, vocabulary lessons, bluestocking heroine, reformed rake, Leighton Lovesicks, sneaking in windows, found family, literary pet names

Thank you to Tracy Sumner, NetGalley, and Wolf Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #tracysumner #TwoScandalsAndAScott #DuchessSociety #WolfPublishing

I am in an abusive relationship with this book, this series and this author.
I really wanna love this book because I like the characters and the story and I think Sumner can weave some really beautiful prose sometimes. But gosh this book (like the others I’ve read by her) can really use some heavy editing. The dialogue is particularly difficult to get through. There will be paragraphs upon paragraphs of internal dialogue between actual dialogue. To where a character asks a question and it only gets answered out loud after several paragraphs of internal thought.
Worse yet, the dialogue moves so quickly from topic to topic apropos of NOTHING; it follows the thread of THOUGHT of whatever characters POV were in, not the thread of a conversation. In other words characters are answering other characters thoughts instead of their actual words. It’s so crazy frustrating to keep reading scenes that move at a snails pace and conversations that go nowhere. I NEED to see some short back and forth dialogue from this author. Quick prompt, reply. Back and forth. No internal rants, no changes of subject.
When the plot is moving in this book, it’s SO GOOD. So much longing and tension between the characters. But please someone edit this authors books and do it well. I want to love these books, I know they could be phenomenal. they just need a little bit of polish!

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 5 of the Duchess Society series. Theo runs away from her pre-wedding ball when her fiancee’s pregnant mistress shows up. Of course, she gets into the carriage of Dash, the friend she helped learn to read and write so that he could publish his book of gambling cheats. When he realizes that she’s run away from her duke of a brother-in-law’s house, he chases after her. Of course they cause an even bigger scandal when they’re at an inn on the road and pretty much forced to marry when Theo’s family catches up to them. Since the two are friends who are very much attracted to each other, Theo proposes that they stay friends with their own independence, not to fall prey to the obsessive love that surrounds the other couples in their social sphere (basically all the other couples from past books of the series). Bargain made, they go onto marry and settle into their new life a bit, trying so very hard not to involve their emotions. Which goes exactly how you’d expect it to go if you’re a frequent romance reader. I really enjoyed this book and learning more about Dash’s background, how he basically worships Theo, and her strength and stubbornness that most people underestimate. Another great addition to the series!