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Studies in Scandal, Book 2
Due to an illegal marriage, Alexander Westcott finds himself the new Earl of Riverdale. This was not something he coveted, especially when he finds that the previous Earl has let the estate go into disrepair. Alexander didn’t inherit money in addition to his title, so as the gentry is wont to do, he must marry money.
Wren Heyden is a neighbor of the new Earl. She has been a recluse for most of her life. Born with a large strawberry birthmark covering half of her face, she was scorned and abused by her parents until a kindly aunt took her in. The aunt married well, and they adopted Wren, giving her a comfortable life, albeit a lonely one of her own choosing. When her aunt and uncle die, she inherits everything.
The young heiress only wants for one thing; a husband. She invites a few of her unmarried male neighbors to visit, hoping to find a husband in one of them and is quite taken with the Earl. But as much as he needs to marry for money, he isn’t going to rush into anything. They agree to start a courtship, and Wren finds herself in way over her head. He has social obligations, a large family, and wants her to participate in his life. She is very much afraid, but takes small steps to that end, and finds herself falling for Alexander.
Alexander is not looking for great passion, just companionship, and affection. But the relationship deepens, much to their surprise. But Wren has to learn to get past her abusive childhood, and with Alexander’s help, she does.
This is an interesting, lovely romance from Balogh. The sex is more sensual than explicit, but the romance rings true. Another wonderful entry into the Westcott series.
11/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™
DUKE WITH BENEFITS by Manda Collins. St. Martin’s Paperbacks (June 27, 2017). ISBN 978-1250109880. 320p.
Posted by Stacy Alesi 
I’ve been reviewing these books individually but decided to just do a series review at this point. I started reading this series, as I am wont to do, out of order. I actually read book 5, Anything for You, first. Then I sort of forgot about it until my work daughter, Caitlin, told me how much she loved this series and thought I would, too. So I got the first book, The Best Man, and that was it. I was planning on saving the rest to read over my Christmas vacation, but I couldn’t wait. I read them all in a week, and yes, that includes re-reading book 5, reading on my work breaks, reading on my phone in line at the supermarket and at traffic lights, and occasionally (guiltily) during slow times at work.
The Best Man: After being left at the altar years ago, Faith is ready to return to her family’s winery, but when she finds herself drawn to local police chief Levi, she cannot forget the role he played in breaking up her wedding. 
convenience to help British professor Tom Barlow stay in the country, she begins to wonder if there isn’t something more between them. 
Waiting on You: When Lucas Campbell, who broke her heart ten years earlier, returns to town, bar owner Colleen O’Rourke is tempted to give him a second chance, but wary of being hurt again.
In Your Dreams: When she asks Jack Holland to be her escort to her ex-fiancâe’s wedding and they end up in bed together, Emmaline Neal dismisses it as a one-night stand, but Jack is determined to convince her that it could be something more.
Anything for You: When Connor O’Rourke proposes to his long-time on-again, off-again secret girlfriend, Jessica Dunn, and she says no, he gives her an ultimatum–marry him or their relationship is over. 
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