I read this book shortly after the first in the trilogy. I don't think this second book was anywhere near as good as the first. The lack of chemistry between between Phin and Alyse was disappointing. I was actually looking for more of a storyline for Phin's brother William as he seemed to be the more interesting character in the book. The Roman baths deception didn't seem to have much thought and detail put into it to make it seem plausible. All in all, it was just an ok story. ( )

decent trashy novel ( )

Well, this one is really more like 3.5 stars. I read "After the Kiss" yesterday, so I thought I'd go ahead and get "Before the Scandal" done today while the characters were still fresh in my mind. I was a little disappointed that I still have to wait for Bram's story, but Phineas' wasn't too bad at all.

Phineas is estranged from his family. He left home 10 years ago after a horrible accident and his only link has been his sister's letters to him while he's fighting on the peninsula. So he's pretty worried when her latest letter leads him to believe his older brother is on his death bed. He's just plain worried when he quickly returns home only to find out his brother is fine, but the estate is on the brink of bankruptcy. After only two days he's pretty sure of two things: the estates troubles are being orchestrated by somebody; and the 'girl he left behind' has become the woman he can't live without.

Alyse is shocked when Phineas arrives home while she and her remaining relatives are dining with his brother and sister. He's just as handsome as always, if not more so in his dashing uniform. But Phineas has always been a troublemaker since they played together as children and she's already been burned before. That's why she's living as a companion to her crotchety aunt, little more than an unpaid servant. She can't deny her growing feelings for Phineas, but will she risk her heart and a roof over her head when she knows it's just a matter of time before he leaves her again?

I didn't like "Before the Scandal" as much as I liked "After the Kiss". All the delightful regency trimmings that Enoch excels at were there, but the mystery wasn't very mysterious and the lack of communication among most of the characters including Phineas, Alyse, Phineas' brother, etc. just irritated the crap out of me. I also didn't buy into Phineas' reasons for becoming a highwayman...that seemed like it came from left field somewhere. It was neat to revisit some of the characters from the last book, and I'm still excited about Bram's upcoming book, but this one just didn't hit the right notes for me and isn't headed for my keeper shelf. ( )

Series: The Notorious Gentlemen. When Alyse Donnelly's parents die she is forced to live at the whim of her relatives. This is a tough blow for the popular young woman, especially when her former crush Phin Bromley returns to town after a decade of war. However, when suspicious events take over Phin's household, Alyse has more to worry about than her own reputation - which is a good thing since she and Phin get up to antics that could reduce that to rubble if they are found out. Highly enjoyable with likable characters. Recommended. ( )