Two Scandals and a Scot

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.

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”

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!

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.

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.

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!

Another amazing read in the The Duchess Society series. I feel this story has been building in the previous stories even though it can be read alone. Theo and Dash are forces in society. She grew up under poor circumstances but has been elevated to the sister of a Duke and has many powerful aristocratic allies. Dash was born into even worse childhood trials but has now been taken under the wing of others, writing a book on gambling which Theo helped him edit and becoming rich in his own right. Theo is an intellectual wanting only to be educated at the highest level. Dash is opening a gambling hell and sleeping his way through all the women of the ton.
One night in their lives changes everything as Theo runs away from her engagement party and Dash ends up helping her. Marriage ensues, there are fun and exciting romantic scenes, but the battle is ongoing for the heart and commitment of the other.
Could not turn the pages fast enough, caught up in their banter and lust for each other.

Theo and Dash’s story did NOT disappoint. After a failed engagement, Theo runs off and it is up to Dash to save her. If you read previous novels in this series, then you know these two and their happily ever after was everything a reader could want it to be. (Note-you do not need to have read the previous novels to read this story, but it does make it that much more of a delight.) My favorite part of this story is that the characters say what they think and feel. Many novels are so full of angst and characters misunderstanding one another that it is tiring. This was not the case. Both characters are honest and vulnerable and very relatable. I also loved the way they seemed to grow together. Falling in love for the first time-together. Consumed by passion for the first time-together. There was something sweet and innocent about it. Although-the story was steamy all at the same time! That is a hard balance, but this author did it! Overall, this is a fast paced, steamy read.

WOW!! I have been looking forward to this book for a while now. It did not disappoint. I never thought someone could replace Xander from Wicked Wallflower but they have! It is almost like a total role reversal with what I see as the hero falling first! (First to admit anyway) Yea it is steamy but it links so well with the story and develops the characters. If you haven’t already read the others in the series you won’t be disappointed. Now what happens with Jasper Noble? X

HOW ON EARTH DOES TRACY SUMNER DO IT?! This series continues to get better, which is unbelievable. Dash and Theo are the perfect couple. Friends to enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, this book will hit you right in the feels! These two go through so many trials and tribulations together, and the way they support and come to love each other was breathtaking. Their steam was so passionate and romantic, it’s crazy to me how Tracy can create such amazing couples and plots for her books. A must read for sure!

At last we get to see F
Dashs story!!! Waiting not so patiently for Dash is Theodosia. These two have been in previous books and you could just tell they were being set up. Although I didn't expect it to happen in such a grand way.
The book is a fast moving tell with romance and intrigue. I could hardly put it down.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

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:

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.)

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.

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