Title: A Wedding to Stop a Scandal
(A Very Village Scandal Book #3)
Author: Virginia Heath
Published: December 2023
Genre: Historical Romance, Regence Romance, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical, Marriage-of-Convenience

Blurb:

A charming Regency romance with a touch of humor and sparkle

Caught unchaperoned in a blizzard

Forced into a convenient marriage!

The last words Rose Healy to say again were “I do.” Not after being jilted by her former betrothed. Until she finds herself in a seemingly compromising situation with Dr. Sam Able, the handsome widower caring for her aunt. Now a wedding is the only way to avoid a scandal! Rose vowed never trust a man again – can she vow to spend the rest of her life with Sam?

My Review:

Would you rather live in the centre of London ton where there’s a scandal, or in a village where there’s still a scandal?

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I think life in the Whittleston-on-the-Water was much more entertaining than in my current area.

Rose and Sam have always enjoyed each other’s company but that’s about it. When a nasty fall befalls upon Rose’s aunt, she instinctively attempts to save her but it may turn to no avail as she and her aunt get injured. Calling the most Able Doctor, I found Sam charming, caring and attractive because he is a man of science. I thought Rose and Sam were permanent residents of the village but apparently their past makes them hide there.

The chemistry between Rose and Sam is palpable from the beginning, but both deny their feelings and swear off love because of their too painful pasts. To fool the villagers in a bet, they agree to become partners in crime, yet it backfires as they find themselves in a compromising situation. When Rose’s past and current scandal are in tatters, there’s really no alternative but to marry and they both agree to live without loving one another. Despite the emotional roller-coaster, I found the sarcasm more than entertaining. I have always admired Virginia Heath’s excellent writing and her choice of words.

To be frank, I couldn’t stop feeling sympathetic for Rose every time I read how Rose thinks and feels about herself. It’s so emotionally distracting. She doesn’t deserve it and I couldn’t wait to see Sam in distraught when she leaves him. Thus I kept on turning the pages to see him chase after Rose. I loved how the people in the village care for one another, it’s so heart-warming and wonderfully drawn, particularly the meddling old lady, Mrs Fitzherbert. She is my most favourite character!

The last instalment of A Very Village Scandal is absolutely wonderful with lively humor and tender-hearted villagers. The epilogue almost fooled me but it’s worth it! Thank you, Virginia Heath for the e-arc, which I volunteered to review.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl, it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated – sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. One day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep. Follow her at https://www.virginiaheathromance.com/ or her facebook page Virginia Heath.