Granting anything by Stephanie Laurens only 2 stars pains me, especially with my love for Richard.
Sadly, I can't back Catriona's character, regardless of gender. Her actions, if portrayed by a man, would be disgusting for everyone. Her actions are unsettling, and I can't endorse it.

Although the story is undeniably steamy, Catriona doesn't deserve Richard. ( )

2.5 stars

Least fave of the three I’ve read so far. Catriona was annoying, and the whole “Lady” religion was rather vague. The drugging business toward the beginning was dumb, but I wasn’t really worked up or offended by it. Laurens was walking a line with how she wrote it, but I found the whole thing just silly and contrived.

I liked Richard, the arrival of Cynsters (although it was laid on a bit thick how wonderful and accepting they were), and getting a nice long stretch of happiness for the couple, but I won’t be rushing to read the next book. ( )

Catriona Hennessy, la señora del valle, queda desconcertada al recibir esta predicción. ¿Cómo puede ella casarse con Richard Cynster, un autoritario caballero con una reputación escandalosa? Más asombroso todavía resulta el testamento de su tutor, que decreta que ella y Richard han de casarse en el plazo de una semana.

There's not much to this hero besides his *Alpha Maleness*, or to differentiate him from the other heroes so far in this series. I can overlook the unlikely premise pretty easily, but the hairbrained scheme to handle it is a bit far, and involves definite consent issues. =/ Entirely too much of the plot focuses just on their piss-poor communication skills. And though I think the sex was a bit less flowery than in the one before, which is a plus, it felt as if at least half of the book was taken up by their sex scenes, lol. If there was interesting backstory, character growth, *plot*, something in between those I wouldn't even much mind, but as it was it felt very shallow and seemed to go on for ages. ( )

Scandal's Bride
3.5 Stars

Richard ‘Scandal’ Cynster is summoned to the home of his mother’s husband for the reading of his will. Not expecting much of a bequest, Richard is shocked at the deceased’s demand that he marry Miss Catriona Hennessy or the family will forfeit their inheritance. While marriage is not off the cards for Catriona, she always expected to wed a meek and biddable man who would allow her, her freedom. Unfortunately, Richard is anything but subservient. Can these two fiercely independent and strong willed people make a go of it?

Richard has played a minor role in the series up until know, but this is his moment to shine and he certainly does so. Not only is he a caring, considerate and honorable man who places family above all else (much like all the Cynster men), he is also sexy and insatiable - a killer combination.

Catriona is a likable heroine right up until the moment that she drugs and virtually rapes Richard and plans on keeping the resulting pregnancy a secret from him. Her actions put a damper on a romance that would otherwise have tremendous potential. She also comes across as somewhat naive about her position and fails to understand the very real danger she is in from the “suitors” who are only interested in her land.

Aside from Catriona’s behavior, this book involves another trope that I am not at all enamored of - the lack of communication between the hero and heroine. Thankfully, this issue does not drag on for too long and is resolved quite quickly.

The minor mystery is also a weak due to a very disappointing climax and resolution. One villain is ultimately redeemed (another annoying trope as attempted murder should not be treated so lightly) and the other more or less gets way without punishment. Very unsatisfying.

All in all, not the strongest romance or story in the series thus far although I am pleased to have read it as Richard definitely make it worthwhile. ( )