The Importance of Being Scandalous

Is there anything better than discovering a new author and being utterly charmed! Nicholas Wakefield has been summoned home after two years, he’s the marquess’ second son and highly disposable. Nothing seems to have changed, but in fact, a lot has. Nicholas’ father is not well, he has been showing more and more signs of dementia, and Nicholas’ mother is at her wits’ ends. Nicholas has always loved Amelia Bishop, and when he sees her again, he knows it’s finally time to declare himself, even though the Wakefields disapprove of the Bishops. Unfortunately, things have changed there as well: Amelia is engaged to Embry Montrose, an earl, of all people! The Wakefields cannot believe their luck! I took this book on a whim; sometimes, I wonder if I like to torture myself when it comes to some titles or tropes, and see if the author has done it the way I would like. And by Jove, Kimberly Bell has done it! THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING SCANDALOUS is so much more than the title and the blurb imply. It is a very intelligent book, with a great story, astonishingly well written, and every character is sharply defined. I loved the exchanges between Amelia and her older sister Julia, they felt so real. Julia has a spinal condition, she is Amelia’s better in every way, except for the fact that Julia limps, therefore she is perceived as inferior, which was extremely sad to see. I was never sure if the Bishops were ostracised solely because of Julia’s limp, but with regards to the book, in the end, I didn’t really care, because THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING SCANDALOUS is a monument of elegance, of refinement, with an intelligent plot, characters I really cared for, and stellar writing. Nicholas and Amelia are childhood friends, and I felt it; I also felt Nicholas’ despair. He is so madly in love with Amelia, he is an honourable man, and when Embry shows his true colours, Nicholas is there to help Amelia, hoping she will see him the same way he sees her. Amelia is in love with Nicholas, but things are inordinately complicated, and her acceptance or refusal of Embry could alter many lives. The secondary characters are also so well drawn, and Jasper Bellamy, a recent friend of Nicholas’, is fantastic; I cannot wait to read his story. While Nicholas is proper, and mild-mannered, Jasper is exuberant, wild and fearless. The dialogues are nothing short of spectacular in their historical accuracy and tone. As for Nicholas and Amelia, they were so marvellous together, they were like sunshine and blue skies, so young, vibrant, and utterly lovely, and the sex scenes are some of the most lyrical I have ever read. I expected a peccadillo would provoke Amelia’s need to be “scandalous”, but she had a most valid and most commendable reason. And when things take a serious turn, Oh my! hang on to your reticules! THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING SCANDALOUS is simply phenomenal! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

How can anyone not love a heroine, smart enough to know what she wants and brash enough to set about trying to get it? Strong women characters are a huge plus for me, because so many times they are portrayed as secondary, more than the stars that they are. Amelia is a stunning example of independence. She's strong enough to follow her own rules and wise enough to listen when her heart comes calling. Nicholas is just the icing on the cake. He loves her strength and despite her a scandalous behavior, she owns his heart. The Importance of Being Scandalous wins my vote for a wonderful and empowering tale.

Totally awesome, absolutely loved it, it's a must read. I rate this one a 10😊