Early Review of Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove, #5) by Tessa Dare

Title: Do You Want to Start a Scandal
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Spindle Cove
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (September 27, 2016)
ISBN-10: 006234904X
ISBN-13: 978-0062349040
Author's Website: http://tessadare.com/
Notes: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Once upon a time a young English Miss attempted to do the noble thing and warn a Marquess about her mother's scheme to ensnare him for her daughter. Things did not go quite as planned...

'Charlotte wasn't even certain how it happened.
Had she bolted in panic? Had he swept he into his arms somehow?
One moment, she was staring in mute horror at the scraping, turning door latch, The next, she was ensconced in the library's window seat, concealed by heavy velvet drapes.
Pressed chest to chest with the Marquess of Granville.'

While they managed to initially escape notice, a couple. whom neither Charlotte or the Marquess could see, engaged in extremely scandalous behavior which was overheard by a small boy. Said boy mistook the throws of passion for sounds of murder. That same small boy came rushing into the library, quickly followed by others, in an attempt to save the poor woman he heard scream only to arrive after the amorous couple had left and Charlotte and the Marquess had come out of hiding.

Now, in order to clear her reputation and prevent herself from marrying a man she doesn't love, Charlotte must discover who was doing it in the library with the garter that was discovered at the scene of the crime. A task which will prove more difficult than she could ever have imagined.

This was a deliciously charming, hilariously funny, scandalously good read. If you have never read one of Ms. Dare's books this one will have you kicking yourself for not having done so sooner. It is the fifth installment of her Spindle Cove series, but you can read it out of order and not feel lost. I don't know if I can do this book justice with my review in conveying just how funny this one was. Needless to say, I'll be still chuckling over this one for days to come.

Charlotte is as smart as they come, but even smart people can make mistakes. Seeking out the Marquess in the study was by far one of her stupidest moves. She had meant to get in and out quickly, but from the beginning we can see the reaction these two have on each other, and immediately know we're in for a treat. The Marquess is handsome, rich, eligible, and is hiding a secret. One that will keep him from protesting too much to marrying Charlotte. After all agree to postpone a formal betrothal announcement until the house party is almost at an end, the two have some time to find out who really did it in the study.

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. It was expertly crafted to tickle your funny bone. I adored everything from beginning to end. It is definitely going straight to my keeper shelf. I HIGHLY recommend this one. It had twists and turns, a touch of suspense, and a heaping helping of steamy romance. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a  STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I loved it.