Made the Grade: The Reckless Brides Series, Book 3.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1147 KB | Expected Release Date: October 8, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Scandal Before Christmas" [The Reckless Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Elizabeth Essex

Author's Book Description : Lieutenant Ian Worth needs a wife by Christmas, and he can’t afford to be choosy. He has to find her, woo her, and wed her before he goes back to sea—all within a matter of days. Anne Lesley is a shy spinster with no prospects, and nothing and no one to recommend her but her own self. She accepts the lieutenant’s hasty offer only for the comfort and security it will bring. But when a midwinter storm snows her and Ian in, they both find they got much more than they bargained for—laughter, light, and a Christmas filled with honest to goodness true love...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet historical romance that keeps entertained while allowing you to enjoy catching up with favorite past characters.

Ian and Anne's story is charming in the way that they become friends, to confidants, to lovers. Plus it helped that they have similar interests.

All in all, I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the series and to those who enjoy historical (slightly erotic) romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Almost a Scandal | Feasted On: Eloisa's Fairy Tales Series, Book 4 | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2012 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : The Scandal Before Christmas - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: The Scandal Before Christmas

Author's Series Extras : Almost A Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | A Breath of Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | Scandal in the Night - Overview & Excerpt | After the Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: Almost a Scandal | Pinterest: A Breath of Scandal | Pinterest: Scandal in the Night | Pinterest: After the Scandal

Book Teaser(s) :

"Well, you have your marching orders, Miss Lesley," he said for her ears alone as he ushered her out the door of the dining room. "You are hereby required to contribute more than two words as you inspect the premises. Or perhaps you might defer them until some later time. Perhaps in the morning, on another walk, when we march resolutely toward the village of St. Helens."
His teasing had goaded her into looking at him then, giving him a glimpse of heat firing in the depths of her eye. "As you wish, lieutenant."
The words were quiet, but hot.
"Four already. But I shan't let you off that lightly. And you did promise not to call me lieutenant."
"I never did."
She was so resolutely battened down, he could feel his own sail shaking loose to run before the wind. "Ian," he insisted, just as determined as she. But he was determined to find out what made the quiet, serious Miss Lesley tick. So far, her pleasure was limited to walking.
"Sir---"
"Ian. Give it a try." He gave her his best, most winning smile---the one that made barmaids forget to charge him for his beer, and offer up other delights instead.
And it was working. She was having trouble keeping her determined look in order---she had to keep pursing her lips. "I---"
"Almost. Almost. But you didn't say 'sir,' so I shan't object any more this evening. This way." ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.