Review: Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

Almost a Scandal
(The Reckless Brides, #1)
By: Elizabeth Essex
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Published: July 31, 2012
Genre: Historical Romance
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For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…

Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous—Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test

When Sally’s brother, Richard, runs off before reporting to duty on a naval ship, Sally steps up and takes his place. She has grown up with her father and brothers in the Navy and has yearned to be on a ship like everyone else. So she chops off her hair, dresses in her brother’s uniform and shows up to report to duty on the ship. The only problem, the LT. aboard is an old family friend and could easily reveal her secret.

This was a predictable story but it was still very enjoyable. It’s isn’t too long after Sally boards the ship that Col realizes that she isn’t Richard. However, he doesn’t reveal her secret to the Captain in hopes that she will fess up but when she doesn’t, neither of them come clean. Both Sally and Col are very stubborn and head strong characters. Sally is by far one of the best midshipman Col’s every had and he is reluctant to lose her. If not for her skills but his growing fascination for her as well. But the story doesn’t just revolve around these two, there is also a bully in the ranks who is not only stealing from other midshipman but attacking them as well. Plus there are some battle scenes while out at sea that make for some exciting fighting. So you get more than just a romance novel with this one, you also get a great story about what it was like to be on a Naval ship.

There was a covert operation where Col and Sally had to go on land. Sally waited in their small dingy of a boat while Col finished the mission but when Col comes running into the boat and tells her to row as fast as she can, she notices that he’s being chased by the enemy. She throws him down on the boat, straddles his hips and acts as if they are two peasants out in the middle of the night without a care in the world having a grand ol time.

“God Almighty, Kent.” Col was laughing against her breasts, as if the same insane desperation had infected him. “You’re going to get us killed. But at least I’m going to die happy.”