Ten Kisses to Scandal

Ten Kisses to Scandal (Misadventures in Matchmaking # 2)
By Vivienne Lorret
Published December 24, 2018

Why I chose this book:
After How to Forget a Duke, I couldn't wait to read to read the next book in the series! A review copy was provided by Avon.

Review

With a focus on the youngest of the three sisters, Ten Kisses to Scandal continues the story of the the three Bourne sisters working as matchmakers for their uncle in Regency London.

The best part of Ten Kisses to Scandal, by far, is Briar. She is relatable, affecting, strong, and resilient. All she wants is to succeed as a matchmaker without anyone's help, to be allowed to attempt to succeed. Who has not felt that desire to make a name for themselves, to achieve something, anything, on their own merit? And Briar's confidence in herself and passion for her work is inspiring. Who does not wish to have the confidence that they will indeed succeed, if only given the chance? Unfortunately, Briar's attempts at matchmaking without the help of her sisters or uncle fail spectacularly to the point where her gaffes are the talk of the town. While most people are not going to have their failures printed in the newspapers, embarrassment and humiliation are a part of most people's lives. Briar does not doubt her ability to bounce back after her errors, and forges ahead, though not always with foresight.

In the aftermath of accidentally setting up a young man with his mother, she enters into a wager that she can find a bride for a notorious rake - not necessarily the wisest reaction. The rake is her close friend's cousin; she admits the wager to him, he assures her of her imminent failure, but of course they unwillingly fall in love. I write "of course" because that is the entire premise of this second book in the Misadventures in Matchmaking trilogy; this is Briar's love story, and who better to pair a romantic heart with than a hero who believes himself incapable of love? Lorret works her magic again, drawing the reader so fully into the story that the next thing you know, it's two a.m. and you are ten pages away from a HEA. The relationship between Briar and Nicholas (said rake) grows organically, the dialogue flows as you would like to see it, and the plot progresses so naturally that you never question it. It was excellent! Now I just wish the third book were here!!!