A historical debut novel by Cecil Cameron that has a synopsis and cover that literally begs you to open the book. I fell in love with this cover from the minute I saw it. I love my history as well so I was so glad to be a part of the tour.
A captivating story of romance, passion and adventure set in nineteenth century London and Italy.
London 1859. Carina Temple has put away the stifling black crepe demanded by the death of her father – but with it she has also cast aside society’s expectations of what a single young lady should be and do.
When Carina’s uncle summons her to Belgrave Square to inform her that her reputation is ruined, thanks to a certain Lord Danby, he tells her that she must travel to Italy until the gossip recedes and a suitable match can be found for her.
But Italy is a tempestuous place – her grandmother and cousins soon tell her of the fault lines between the states and the dangerous rebels fighting for freedom. Chief among these is Ben Mavrone – and when he and Carina meet, he distrusts her society pedigree, and she considers him a violent extremist.
When trouble comes to Carina’s door, it is Ben who saves her – reluctantly – and as they go on the run, they must learn to understand each other to stay alive.
Meanwhile back in England, Carina’s family has plans for the life Miss Temple should lead – if she ever returns…
If you are a reader who loves a sweeping historical novel filled with forbidden romance, passion and adventure, An Italian Scandal will easily fit the bill. It is a story of a young woman who is headstrong, resourceful and very independent who is attempting to find her place in the world.
A rich, intriguing and enthralling adventure, set in a period that was the perfect setting. Filled with illicit passion and romance as well, what more could you want? Well, for me this is such a fulfilling read anyway. I look forward to more from Cecil Cameron and do recommend this book to historical and romance readers out there.
Carina, at 18, is sent to live in Italy with her maternal grandmother to allow the gossip from London to die down after her friendship with a married man is found to be on everybody’s lips. We see Carina going to Italy with the hope she will return to London as soon as possible. What She expects to be a quiet visit to Italy soon becomes much more than that. Italy is amid unification and when she meets Ben, one of the rebels, it soon becomes clear her life will never be the same again.
Carina is a character that jumps of the page. She is more like a modern woman just trapped in the 1800s. I could understand her although she didn’t always make the right decisions. Upon meeting Ben the sparks begin to fly and although they are from different backgrounds, it is almost like they just know they are both rebels and are drawn to each other.
The historical detail of Italy’s unification and the time all around this just sets the scene for the story. I had no idea about this period in time in Italy, so I was just soaking it all up through An Italian Scandal. I always feel really satisfied if I read a fiction book and find myself entertained and educated in some way. This novel did exactly that. I even had a look for a little bit more information to fill out my knowledge after I had finished the book. That is a great sign that I have loved a book and the period it is set in.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Harper North for my copy of the book.
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