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Scandal at the Savoy #2
Lady Scandal
From a New York Times bestselling author comes a dazzling Victorian romance featuring a haughty businessman and the headstrong event planner who steals his heart.
Delia Stratham is an unconventional woman. While other ladies learned proper decorum at finishing school, she composed naughty limericks and admired the gardener’s muscular legs. So naturally when she’s widowed for the third time, she does the unthinkable: she gets a job. Planning events for the Savoy Hotel is perfect for someone with her skills. But her dream career turns into a nightmare when she’s forced to work with the most annoying—and gorgeous—man she’s ever met.
Hotel magnate Simon Hayden knows something fishy is going on at the Savoy: the hotel is constantly busy, yet the books say it’s in the red. He’s determined to root out the fraud and its perpetrators, and that means spending time with one of the most likely suspects: the delectable, infuriating Lady Stratham. She’s definitely getting in his way and under his skin and he can’t decide whether to fire her or kiss her until she stops arguing. But when the sparks between them flare into flame, Simon must choose between his love for Delia and his duty to the hotel. Will his choice bring them together or tear them apart?
Delia Stratham is an unconventional woman. While other ladies learned proper decorum at finishing school, she composed naughty limericks and admired the gardener’s muscular legs. So naturally when she’s widowed for the third time, she does the unthinkable: she gets a job. Planning events for the Savoy Hotel is perfect for someone with her skills. But her dream career turns into a nightmare when she’s forced to work with the most annoying—and gorgeous—man she’s ever met.
Hotel magnate Simon Hayden knows something fishy is going on at the Savoy: the hotel is constantly busy, yet the books say it’s in the red. He’s determined to root out the fraud and its perpetrators, and that means spending time with one of the most likely suspects: the delectable, infuriating Lady Stratham. She’s definitely getting in his way and under his skin and he can’t decide whether to fire her or kiss her until she stops arguing. But when the sparks between them flare into flame, Simon must choose between his love for Delia and his duty to the hotel. Will his choice bring them together or tear them apart?
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2024
49 people are currently reading
5836 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lee Guhrke
40 books1,791 followersFrom the publication of her very first historical romance, Laura Lee Guhrke has received numerous honors and critical acclaim for her novels and her writing style. She has been honored with the most prestigious award of romance fiction, the Romance Writers of America Rita Award, and she has received additional awards from Romantic Times and All About Romance. Romantic Times has proclaimed her, “One of the most natural voices in historical romance to be found today”. Her books routinely hit the USA Today Bestseller List, and Guilty Pleasures has been honored with the Romantic Times Award for Best European Historical Romance of 2004. Among her publishing credits are twelve historical romances, including her latest, And Then He Kissed Her, now available from Avon Books.
Laura is currently hard at work on her thirteenth historical romance for Avon Books. She has also written articles for various publications, including the Romance Writers Report, The British Weekly , and the Irish-American Press.
Laura is currently hard at work on her thirteenth historical romance for Avon Books. She has also written articles for various publications, including the Romance Writers Report, The British Weekly , and the Irish-American Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
May 4, 2025
FINALLY SOME GOOD FOOD
this was just: two people trying their hardest to escape the worst fate imaginable (falling in love with one another) (affectionate)
A Haughty, newly titled viscount and a widowed countess and determined event planner butt heads over the management of The Savoy Hotel, courting scandal and unexpected romance as they fight to get their way. Reading Lady Scandal was simultaneously the best time ever and renewed my faith in the historical romance genre. Everything about this book from start to finish is sheer perfection, from the flowering wit to the punchy back and forth between leads Simon and Delia. Guhrke certainly knows how to elevate the chemistry to deliver an outstanding love story with characters that feel like they could leap off the page. Lady Scandal is a refreshing testament to the genre and an excellent addition to the Scandal at the Savoy series. I really just had the best time with this one and will absolutely be keeping up with the next book from Guhrke.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy
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this was just: two people trying their hardest to escape the worst fate imaginable (falling in love with one another) (affectionate)
A Haughty, newly titled viscount and a widowed countess and determined event planner butt heads over the management of The Savoy Hotel, courting scandal and unexpected romance as they fight to get their way. Reading Lady Scandal was simultaneously the best time ever and renewed my faith in the historical romance genre. Everything about this book from start to finish is sheer perfection, from the flowering wit to the punchy back and forth between leads Simon and Delia. Guhrke certainly knows how to elevate the chemistry to deliver an outstanding love story with characters that feel like they could leap off the page. Lady Scandal is a refreshing testament to the genre and an excellent addition to the Scandal at the Savoy series. I really just had the best time with this one and will absolutely be keeping up with the next book from Guhrke.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy
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April 9, 2024
✨ When both characters hate that they’re attracted to each other >>>>✨
We’re so back baby. This was really just everything I look for in a classic Histrom. I loved both MCs, I the hotel setting, and the enemies-to-lovers chemistry.
✨Opposites Attract: He’s buttoned up, She’s wild
✨The Savoy
✨Inexperienced Hero: Bonus points because it’s been years
✨Newly-titled Viscount/Widowed Countess
✨Boss/Employee: Hotel Investor x Hotel Event Planner
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Little bit of jealousy
✨Slow Burn
Both books in this series so far have been just really fun and pretty low angst. My favorite parts in both were the moments that they all realized they were in love. I think we could’ve used one more sex scene since their chemistry was all over that book. The epilogue was adorable and made my heart so happy for them. I can’t wait for book three, which I’m assuming is a second chance situation! Both characters seem to be getting married on the same day to OTHER people at the Savoy. Color me INTERESTED.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
CWs: Suicide, death of parent, miscarriage, successful pregnancy after miscarriages/thinking she couldn’t get pregnant because of her previous two
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
We’re so back baby. This was really just everything I look for in a classic Histrom. I loved both MCs, I the hotel setting, and the enemies-to-lovers chemistry.
✨Opposites Attract: He’s buttoned up, She’s wild
✨The Savoy
✨Inexperienced Hero: Bonus points because it’s been years
✨Newly-titled Viscount/Widowed Countess
✨Boss/Employee: Hotel Investor x Hotel Event Planner
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Little bit of jealousy
✨Slow Burn
Both books in this series so far have been just really fun and pretty low angst. My favorite parts in both were the moments that they all realized they were in love. I think we could’ve used one more sex scene since their chemistry was all over that book. The epilogue was adorable and made my heart so happy for them. I can’t wait for book three, which I’m assuming is a second chance situation! Both characters seem to be getting married on the same day to OTHER people at the Savoy. Color me INTERESTED.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
CWs: Suicide, death of parent, miscarriage, successful pregnancy after miscarriages/thinking she couldn’t get pregnant because of her previous two
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 4, 2024
Lady Scandal by Laura Lee Guhrke
Scandal at the Savoy series #2. Historical romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Viscount Simon Hayden has a business background and is hired under confidentiality to investigate the management of the Savoy. He soon finds fraud and employees that are caught are being fired. Simon is concerned the corruption goes all the way from top to bottom. At the same time, with the family being new to aristocracy, he wants to help his sister gain acceptance, and the hotel event planner may be the person to help.
Delia Stratham works at London’s Savoy Hotel as the event planner and loves the job and being a modern working woman. Yes, the events and flowers and decorations cost money, but she is bringing in the aristocracy with her success, all of them clamoring for her expertise. Having her expenses questioned and her secretary fired makes no sense to her. Her first few meetings with Simon don’t go well but they both realize that working together will get them further towards their goals. The first step towards acceptance is hosting Simon and his sister at the opera where they can be seen. But Simon finds himself watching Delia rather than the opera.
Compensation or kickbacks? On account to be paid later or to be later forgiven or written off? Two very different intents. How much is incentive vs. gifting or embezzlement?
As an accountant, I found the story fascinating. Over and above the wonderful romance, of course. And to read the novel is based on historical documents including the anonymous letter makes me want to go back and read it all over again. Yes, I love romance and fiction in my historical reveals. It’s a fun way to learn. Just like this novel.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Scandal at the Savoy series #2. Historical romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Viscount Simon Hayden has a business background and is hired under confidentiality to investigate the management of the Savoy. He soon finds fraud and employees that are caught are being fired. Simon is concerned the corruption goes all the way from top to bottom. At the same time, with the family being new to aristocracy, he wants to help his sister gain acceptance, and the hotel event planner may be the person to help.
Delia Stratham works at London’s Savoy Hotel as the event planner and loves the job and being a modern working woman. Yes, the events and flowers and decorations cost money, but she is bringing in the aristocracy with her success, all of them clamoring for her expertise. Having her expenses questioned and her secretary fired makes no sense to her. Her first few meetings with Simon don’t go well but they both realize that working together will get them further towards their goals. The first step towards acceptance is hosting Simon and his sister at the opera where they can be seen. But Simon finds himself watching Delia rather than the opera.
Compensation or kickbacks? On account to be paid later or to be later forgiven or written off? Two very different intents. How much is incentive vs. gifting or embezzlement?
As an accountant, I found the story fascinating. Over and above the wonderful romance, of course. And to read the novel is based on historical documents including the anonymous letter makes me want to go back and read it all over again. Yes, I love romance and fiction in my historical reveals. It’s a fun way to learn. Just like this novel.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
June 2, 2024
DNF @ 63%. I tried, but I couldn't read further anymore. Not much romance is going on. The characters are flat, there is no chemistry between the mains, and the pacing is slow. It's such a shame because I was looking forward to reading it. Thanks to Netgalley and its publisher for this ARC. All reviews are my own.
June 19, 2024
3.5 Stars
Lady Scandal, the second book in the Scandal at the Savoy series, is a delightful historical romance between charming and unconventional Countress Delia Stratham and stoic Simon Hayden. Beautiful Delia is a 3-time widow working as an event planner at the upscale Savoy Hotel. But when pragmatic Simon Hayden is hired to overhaul the hotel’s management and finances, her job becomes more difficult. The two butt heads over the hotel’s lavish spending and much-needed changes. Along with the clashes and distrust, they are also fighting a mutual attraction for each other.
I adored the vibrant backdrop of the hotel and the colorful cast of characters. It was very unique to read about the interworkings of a London luxury hotel in the 1800s and have it be the setting for a historical romance. Delia and Simon are intelligent, well-developed characters with important responsibilities. I enjoyed their interactions with other characters like their family members, gossiping staff, board members, and members of the ton. If there was a follow-up of the pair working at the hotel and dealing with crises, I would happily read it. Unfortunately, while I loved Delia and Simon, I didn’t enjoy their romances as much. It was sometimes hard to tell if there was chemistry or if it was physical attraction to each other.
Overall, I liked this and am looking forward to the next book in the series. It’s a refreshing take on a lot of traditional historical romance novels. I would recommend it to romance readers who are looking for something a little different and fun. The writing is great, and I love all the characters, though the romance itself was not my favorite part of the book.
Thank you Netgallery and Forever (Grand Central) Publishing for providing an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Lady Scandal, the second book in the Scandal at the Savoy series, is a delightful historical romance between charming and unconventional Countress Delia Stratham and stoic Simon Hayden. Beautiful Delia is a 3-time widow working as an event planner at the upscale Savoy Hotel. But when pragmatic Simon Hayden is hired to overhaul the hotel’s management and finances, her job becomes more difficult. The two butt heads over the hotel’s lavish spending and much-needed changes. Along with the clashes and distrust, they are also fighting a mutual attraction for each other.
I adored the vibrant backdrop of the hotel and the colorful cast of characters. It was very unique to read about the interworkings of a London luxury hotel in the 1800s and have it be the setting for a historical romance. Delia and Simon are intelligent, well-developed characters with important responsibilities. I enjoyed their interactions with other characters like their family members, gossiping staff, board members, and members of the ton. If there was a follow-up of the pair working at the hotel and dealing with crises, I would happily read it. Unfortunately, while I loved Delia and Simon, I didn’t enjoy their romances as much. It was sometimes hard to tell if there was chemistry or if it was physical attraction to each other.
Overall, I liked this and am looking forward to the next book in the series. It’s a refreshing take on a lot of traditional historical romance novels. I would recommend it to romance readers who are looking for something a little different and fun. The writing is great, and I love all the characters, though the romance itself was not my favorite part of the book.
Thank you Netgallery and Forever (Grand Central) Publishing for providing an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2024
This was great fun! I blazed through the first half of this in one sitting because the setting and characters were so interesting. Set at the Savoy Hotel in 1898, we see Delia and Simon in constant conflict over as aristocrats employed by the hotel. Delia works with high end clients who are holding special events at the hotel. Simon is a newly-minted Viscount who was brought in to investigate Caesar Ritz and other members of management for financial mismanagement. Delia is friends with Ritz and doesn't know of the business practices - she just knows that he gave her a job when she was devastated by personal tragedies and basically saved her life by giving her some purpose.
Delia lives at the hotel and knows everyone who works there. Simon is seen as an interloper and starts firing people and changing practices. Eventually, the relationship softens and they get together. Delia meets Simon's lovely sister, who is of the age when she could be presented (might that be a future book?) and she falls in love with Simon. Meanwhile, the investigation into corruption at the hotel continues and Delia is somewhat ignorant about the inevitable conclusion of the investigation.
There's one glaring issue with the timeline in this one in that it's 1898 and one of Delia's ex-husbands supposedly died in a car crash more than five years ago and cars weren't really being used in France at that time. You could also argue that it's a little early for a Countess to be working, but the explanation of why she's employed makes sense.
Bonus: Both characters are in their 30s. Not the norm in this genre.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book in the series!
Delia lives at the hotel and knows everyone who works there. Simon is seen as an interloper and starts firing people and changing practices. Eventually, the relationship softens and they get together. Delia meets Simon's lovely sister, who is of the age when she could be presented (might that be a future book?) and she falls in love with Simon. Meanwhile, the investigation into corruption at the hotel continues and Delia is somewhat ignorant about the inevitable conclusion of the investigation.
There's one glaring issue with the timeline in this one in that it's 1898 and one of Delia's ex-husbands supposedly died in a car crash more than five years ago and cars weren't really being used in France at that time. You could also argue that it's a little early for a Countess to be working, but the explanation of why she's employed makes sense.
Bonus: Both characters are in their 30s. Not the norm in this genre.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book in the series!
May 26, 2024
Thrice widowed Lady Delia Stratham gets a job planning events for the Savoy Hotel. But her dream career turns into a nightmare when she’s suddenly forced to work with the most annoying man: hotel magnate and Viscount Calderon, Simon Hayden. The hotel is constantly busy, but the books say it’s in the red. Simon is tasked with rooting out the fraud by spending time with one of the most likely suspects: Delia!
This is the second book in the Scandal at the Savoy series. This book is a homerun for any reader that loves their historical romance with real historical context. The Savoy is a real hotel and the events that Simon is investigating really did happen! The story can be read alone, but Delia's cousin (book one hero) shows up and there is a set up for book three.
I was thoroughly invested in this plot, but I have to say that I cared more about the hotel intrigue than the romance. That's just because it felt so perfectly weaved with real history, though, not because the characters were lacking. This was enemies-to-lovers done very well, with genuine conflict. Also, Delia and Simon had lived experiences that were rich and shaped their actions in a believable way. I think Historical Romance and Historical Fiction readers would enjoy it.
Tropes: Widow, Working Heroine, Enemies to Lovers
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in the Scandal at the Savoy series. This book is a homerun for any reader that loves their historical romance with real historical context. The Savoy is a real hotel and the events that Simon is investigating really did happen! The story can be read alone, but Delia's cousin (book one hero) shows up and there is a set up for book three.
I was thoroughly invested in this plot, but I have to say that I cared more about the hotel intrigue than the romance. That's just because it felt so perfectly weaved with real history, though, not because the characters were lacking. This was enemies-to-lovers done very well, with genuine conflict. Also, Delia and Simon had lived experiences that were rich and shaped their actions in a believable way. I think Historical Romance and Historical Fiction readers would enjoy it.
Tropes: Widow, Working Heroine, Enemies to Lovers
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2025
Buddy read with aya 💕
May 4, 2024
I loved Delia in the first book, so I was excited to have this story be about her. She’s a 33 year old widow three times over, and against all odds works at the Savoy. Enter Simon, who has come on board to find out why such a popular hotel is losing money. As soon as Delia and Simon meet they are at odds. They fight, they don’t trust each other, and they have different opinions about the hotel and how it should be operated. Then they….maybe start liking each other, and perhaps they start falling in love. Loved them together. Delia is a spitfire and Simon is a stand up guy. They complemented each other so well. Loved this romance 🥰
June 15, 2024
Delia Stratham is an unconventional woman. While other ladies learned proper decorum at finishing school, she composed naughty limericks. So naturally when she’s widowed for the third time, she does the unthinkable: she gets a job. Planning events for the Savoy Hotel is perfect for someone with her skills. Hotel magnate Simon Hayden knows something fishy is going on at the Savoy: the hotel is constantly busy, yet the books say it’s in the red. He’s determined to root out the fraud and its perpetrators, and that means spending time with one of the most likely suspects: the delectable, infuriating Lady Stratham.
The second book in the series & a well written romance which was a stroll rather than a run. I liked both Simon & Delia & enjoyed their journey to a HEA. The characters had depth & I liked the setting & the descriptions of the hotel. An enjoyable read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The second book in the series & a well written romance which was a stroll rather than a run. I liked both Simon & Delia & enjoyed their journey to a HEA. The characters had depth & I liked the setting & the descriptions of the hotel. An enjoyable read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
dnfs
April 25, 2024DNF at 30%
sorry but this is sooo boring and the characters are incredibly flat
sorry but this is sooo boring and the characters are incredibly flat
June 20, 2024
If you've been going through a Bridgerton withdrawal, this is a great one to pick up!
Delia, Lady Stratham works for the Savoy hotel. Very different from the other ladies. She's been widowed three times and has always marched to the beat of her own drum.
When she returns to work to find a few people sacked (including her own secretary!)
and Simon Hayden in charge she's pretty shocked. And a little ticked.
Simon, Lord Calderon, is a new lord. He's grown up in the hotel world (with some scandal) and the army world. He knows what he's doing. And what he's doing is rooting out all the problems in the Savoy. Thievery. Fraud. And he doesn't know yet how far and deep it all goes. Is Lady Stratham one of the perpetrators?
I really enjoyed it. These two were like oil and water. She's been part of the wealthy class all her life, and he's had to work. There's some attraction there, but Simon doesn't know for sure if she's been doing the hotel wrong or not. It's quite funny at times, with the two of them trying to out wit the other. But their both good-hearted people. We know it, but it takes them a while to figure that part out.
It's part of a series, but I haven't read book 1, and I still liked it. I didn't feel lost at all. It does lead some plot lines for book 2 that have really made me interested in reading it!
Delia, Lady Stratham works for the Savoy hotel. Very different from the other ladies. She's been widowed three times and has always marched to the beat of her own drum.
When she returns to work to find a few people sacked (including her own secretary!)
and Simon Hayden in charge she's pretty shocked. And a little ticked.
Simon, Lord Calderon, is a new lord. He's grown up in the hotel world (with some scandal) and the army world. He knows what he's doing. And what he's doing is rooting out all the problems in the Savoy. Thievery. Fraud. And he doesn't know yet how far and deep it all goes. Is Lady Stratham one of the perpetrators?
I really enjoyed it. These two were like oil and water. She's been part of the wealthy class all her life, and he's had to work. There's some attraction there, but Simon doesn't know for sure if she's been doing the hotel wrong or not. It's quite funny at times, with the two of them trying to out wit the other. But their both good-hearted people. We know it, but it takes them a while to figure that part out.
It's part of a series, but I haven't read book 1, and I still liked it. I didn't feel lost at all. It does lead some plot lines for book 2 that have really made me interested in reading it!
October 8, 2024
3.5
I liked the romance. The heroine and hero were a refreshing change than the usual historical romance characters among the aristocracy. The protagonists are developed enough that the reader became invested in their happy ending, but they need more depth and development to make them memorable. I do look forward the next installment in this series. I forgot I read the first book. Based on the lack of rating for book 1 there was a reason.
I liked the romance. The heroine and hero were a refreshing change than the usual historical romance characters among the aristocracy. The protagonists are developed enough that the reader became invested in their happy ending, but they need more depth and development to make them memorable. I do look forward the next installment in this series. I forgot I read the first book. Based on the lack of rating for book 1 there was a reason.
November 3, 2024
good but not as good as BC. The first half’s pacing should have been kept to the first third and I wanted the MCs to develop just one step further
June 21, 2024
This story was boring and I did not see the chemistry between the main characters that other reviews have mentioned.
Also, this is a minor detail mentioned in the epilogue,
Also, this is a minor detail mentioned in the epilogue,
June 20, 2024
Historical romance (actually romance in general) has not been on my favorite reads list for a really long time, but that has all changed with Lady Scandal. It is the second book of the Scandal at the Savoy series (based on actual historical events), but I didn't read the first one and I wasn't lost with the characters or the plot and Lady Scandal works as a true standalone book. The main characters from book 1 are mentioned and the main characters for a further book down the line are introduced, but Guhrke kept the focus strictly on Delia and Simon's love story and I just adored this book.
As always books are marketed as tropes only, in this case grumpy x sunshine and Simon fit the internet fan favorite trope of Sad Historical Businessman, but it was definitely more than tropes. Guhrke shows her experience by weaving together plot points, characterization, real life historical figures, a misunderstanding, and the ever present historical romance grovel. The whole book was just done beautifully and I really loved how Delia and Simon became friends while falling in love. Guhrke has done that with some of her previous books and it just hits all the feels to see two people who not only love each other, but actually LIKE each other. They LIKE spending time together outside of lust and they have deep conversations and they really just come to understand each other's point of view. It's so refreshing to have adults in the room in a romance. My only quibble is that technically this book is a workplace romance and Simon is ultimately Delia's boss. Guhrke doesn't make it weird, but there is an underlying power imbalance so if this is not your jam, this book might not work for you.
Overall, Guhrke just reignited my love for the historical romance genre and I'm looking forward to getting the first book in Scandal at the Savoy and reading the next one coming in 2025.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the arc for review purposes.
As always books are marketed as tropes only, in this case grumpy x sunshine and Simon fit the internet fan favorite trope of Sad Historical Businessman, but it was definitely more than tropes. Guhrke shows her experience by weaving together plot points, characterization, real life historical figures, a misunderstanding, and the ever present historical romance grovel. The whole book was just done beautifully and I really loved how Delia and Simon became friends while falling in love. Guhrke has done that with some of her previous books and it just hits all the feels to see two people who not only love each other, but actually LIKE each other. They LIKE spending time together outside of lust and they have deep conversations and they really just come to understand each other's point of view. It's so refreshing to have adults in the room in a romance. My only quibble is that technically this book is a workplace romance and Simon is ultimately Delia's boss. Guhrke doesn't make it weird, but there is an underlying power imbalance so if this is not your jam, this book might not work for you.
Overall, Guhrke just reignited my love for the historical romance genre and I'm looking forward to getting the first book in Scandal at the Savoy and reading the next one coming in 2025.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the arc for review purposes.
unfinished
October 10, 2024There are plenty of positive reviews of this book, but I just don't think it's going to work for me. At just shy of 20%, I can't take any more of the heroine, Delia. She is rampaging to any connection that can be pressed to handle the hero that's been brought in to improve business flow within the elite hotel where Delia works. Banter is present in loads, though it lacks chemistry, feeling more like two errant children are having a spat. I thought the setting of this book would be a nice change from the typical historical romance that I read, but it is being overshadowed by my dislike of the MCs. Since I feel like reading it is a chore , and there are thirteen patrons waiting on my library copy, I can at least find pleasure in returning it early to make someone's day better.
July 19, 2024
I took a lot of time to read bc it was just ok and...kids!
June 30, 2024
This book can be broken into thirds not only for my enjoyment levels, but also the decline in its rating.
The First-Third: 5 Stars
We’ve got a thrice-widowed Countess, Delia, coming back to her job as a hotel event planner to find out there’s someone new overseeing the hotel and changing everything. Who does he think he is?
As a newly minted Viscount, Simon gives less of a damn about nobility and more about properly run business and if Delia is going to stand in his way of sorting out the Savoy Hotel, then she’s Enemy Number 1.
The loathing on sight between these two was *chef’s kiss* - the banter was fantastic and I was settling in for a fantastic and proper hate to love romance. The hope I had here was unparalleled. I thought this might be a new favorite romance.
The Two-Thirds Mark: 4 Stars
While Delia and Simon slowly - SLOWLY - come to know one another, try to save the hotel from going under, and deal with other everyday things, I could believe in the progression of the friendship - but that’s where it really felt stuck for me. As these two claimed in their POVs to be developing deeper feelings and lusting after one another, nothing felt like it had developed properly and a lot of that was due to other plot-lines taking over the story.
I was still interested in the story, but resetting my expectations!
The Final Third: Here is where I kindly settled my rating to 3 Stars.
“I’m in love with him/her” was said in the POV of both of these MCs and both times I went “bitch, when” because there was so much telling instead of showing/developing their relationship and I WAS SAD ABOUT IT. SO SAD.
Add in the mystical magical inexperienced man who can get Delia to orgasm multiple times with his fingers (I’m not talking twice - the narrative says she orgasmed around 4-5 times - it’s unclear and at first I thought it was a typo but then Delia double-down and it happened AGAIN) and I was rolling my eyes. Then there’s the super dramatic third-act break-up and with it my interest weaned.
Good luck to Simon and Delia. I don't believe in your HEA but apparently you got one. *shrugs*
Overall this isn’t a BAD romance, but it feels rushed more than not and there’s a lack of development of actual feelings and the relationship where instead the author chose to tell the readers about these feelings instead of use her craft to show the growth.
The First-Third: 5 Stars
We’ve got a thrice-widowed Countess, Delia, coming back to her job as a hotel event planner to find out there’s someone new overseeing the hotel and changing everything. Who does he think he is?
As a newly minted Viscount, Simon gives less of a damn about nobility and more about properly run business and if Delia is going to stand in his way of sorting out the Savoy Hotel, then she’s Enemy Number 1.
The loathing on sight between these two was *chef’s kiss* - the banter was fantastic and I was settling in for a fantastic and proper hate to love romance. The hope I had here was unparalleled. I thought this might be a new favorite romance.
The Two-Thirds Mark: 4 Stars
While Delia and Simon slowly - SLOWLY - come to know one another, try to save the hotel from going under, and deal with other everyday things, I could believe in the progression of the friendship - but that’s where it really felt stuck for me. As these two claimed in their POVs to be developing deeper feelings and lusting after one another, nothing felt like it had developed properly and a lot of that was due to other plot-lines taking over the story.
I was still interested in the story, but resetting my expectations!
The Final Third: Here is where I kindly settled my rating to 3 Stars.
“I’m in love with him/her” was said in the POV of both of these MCs and both times I went “bitch, when” because there was so much telling instead of showing/developing their relationship and I WAS SAD ABOUT IT. SO SAD.
Add in the mystical magical inexperienced man who can get Delia to orgasm multiple times with his fingers (I’m not talking twice - the narrative says she orgasmed around 4-5 times - it’s unclear and at first I thought it was a typo but then Delia double-down and it happened AGAIN) and I was rolling my eyes. Then there’s the super dramatic third-act break-up and with it my interest weaned.
Good luck to Simon and Delia. I don't believe in your HEA but apparently you got one. *shrugs*
Overall this isn’t a BAD romance, but it feels rushed more than not and there’s a lack of development of actual feelings and the relationship where instead the author chose to tell the readers about these feelings instead of use her craft to show the growth.
April 25, 2024
Lady Scandal is a story that takes place at the Savoy Hotel in London. Lady Delia Stratham is the hotel's event planner and friend to the manager of the hotel. She returns from a work trip and finds out that the hotel's board has put someone new in charge - Lord Calderon. And he is intent on getting to the bottom of the Savoy's finances...or lack thereof. What he doesn't anticipate is how the Savoy's clientele will react to his new policies - and how his investigation will bring him closer to Delia.
I really enjoyed this! I love how quickly Delia figured out how to get under Simon's skin and I also loved how gone he was for her and how determined he was to marry her. I loved all the things he did to get her back. I also really enjoyed the authors note at the back that shows how much actual history Guhrke imbued into this book.
Here's the thing - while I really liked this, I may inadvertently hold all books that take place in a hotel to the standard that Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller set. And that is certainly not fair but that's where we are. I did think the relationship between Simon and Delia went a little too quickly from "oh I kind of like you" to "I'm in love with you" and the pacing of the first third was a little slow for me. But I still really like it and would recommend this whole series!
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this! I love how quickly Delia figured out how to get under Simon's skin and I also loved how gone he was for her and how determined he was to marry her. I loved all the things he did to get her back. I also really enjoyed the authors note at the back that shows how much actual history Guhrke imbued into this book.
Here's the thing - while I really liked this, I may inadvertently hold all books that take place in a hotel to the standard that Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller set. And that is certainly not fair but that's where we are. I did think the relationship between Simon and Delia went a little too quickly from "oh I kind of like you" to "I'm in love with you" and the pacing of the first third was a little slow for me. But I still really like it and would recommend this whole series!
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2024
I think I’m done reading Laura Lee Gurhke? I have despised her last two books.
The heroine here was so grating and flighty and useless
DNF at 62% because I couldn’t stand reading about them any more
The heroine here was so grating and flighty and useless
DNF at 62% because I couldn’t stand reading about them any more
June 16, 2024
Genre: historical romance
London, 1898
Simon Hayden, newly elevated Lord Calderon, has been charged with investigating the expenses and potential embezzlement at the Savoy. Delia, Lady Stratham, has worked at the Savoy as decorator and event planner for five years, and doesn't like to see the changes the Board is making at Simon's recommendations....and she's not afraid to let him hear about it. A tornado of a woman, he thinks of her. And yet this tornado is exactly what the starchy former soldier now hotelier and lord may need in his life.
Laura Lee Guhrke’s prose is always gorgeously refreshing to read, and I loved sinking my teeth into this one; so much in fact that I inhaled Lady Scandal in an afternoon. Gurhke’s writing is so solid as to be understated, but she’s a historical romance reader’s writer - one for whom the excellence of writing form and character development tends to be so subtly good she can be easy to overlook.
The waning years of the Victorian era, and its traditions and customs, give way to the very modern feel of the turn of the century. Delia is thrice widowed: her first husband died of a cocaine overdose and her second husband died in an automobile accident, which feel shockingly modern for historical romance. Delia herself is a countess (having married three titled husbands, the last one being an earl), and yet she chooses to work for the Savoy, giving herself something other than idle aristocratic pursuits to fill her time. Simon came from nothing, as the son of two hotel workers himself, he bought a commission the army and his valor won him a title. Now that he is an aristocrat himself, he also finds he cannot be idle and sullies his hands with matters of business. And yet, Guhrke has created Simon and Delia into characters who are suited well to their time and era. While she doesn’t necessarily fill Lady Scandal with specific historical details, you could not take this story and place it even ten years earlier in history to the same effect.
If you love flare and drama and two main characters butting heads, you’ll love to pick this up. I find that the late Victorian era is actually one of the easiest entry points into historical romance because there are more modern conventions, classes intermingling, and bolder exchange of ideas than you often find in regency romances.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an eARC for review. Lady Scandal is out 6/18/24.
London, 1898
Simon Hayden, newly elevated Lord Calderon, has been charged with investigating the expenses and potential embezzlement at the Savoy. Delia, Lady Stratham, has worked at the Savoy as decorator and event planner for five years, and doesn't like to see the changes the Board is making at Simon's recommendations....and she's not afraid to let him hear about it. A tornado of a woman, he thinks of her. And yet this tornado is exactly what the starchy former soldier now hotelier and lord may need in his life.
Laura Lee Guhrke’s prose is always gorgeously refreshing to read, and I loved sinking my teeth into this one; so much in fact that I inhaled Lady Scandal in an afternoon. Gurhke’s writing is so solid as to be understated, but she’s a historical romance reader’s writer - one for whom the excellence of writing form and character development tends to be so subtly good she can be easy to overlook.
The waning years of the Victorian era, and its traditions and customs, give way to the very modern feel of the turn of the century. Delia is thrice widowed: her first husband died of a cocaine overdose and her second husband died in an automobile accident, which feel shockingly modern for historical romance. Delia herself is a countess (having married three titled husbands, the last one being an earl), and yet she chooses to work for the Savoy, giving herself something other than idle aristocratic pursuits to fill her time. Simon came from nothing, as the son of two hotel workers himself, he bought a commission the army and his valor won him a title. Now that he is an aristocrat himself, he also finds he cannot be idle and sullies his hands with matters of business. And yet, Guhrke has created Simon and Delia into characters who are suited well to their time and era. While she doesn’t necessarily fill Lady Scandal with specific historical details, you could not take this story and place it even ten years earlier in history to the same effect.
If you love flare and drama and two main characters butting heads, you’ll love to pick this up. I find that the late Victorian era is actually one of the easiest entry points into historical romance because there are more modern conventions, classes intermingling, and bolder exchange of ideas than you often find in regency romances.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an eARC for review. Lady Scandal is out 6/18/24.
August 7, 2024
This is book two in the Scandal at the Savoy series but could easily be read as a stand-alone.
Set in 1898 and featuring Delia, Countess of Stratham, and Simon Hayden. She has been widowed three times and isn't interested in falling in love again. She's put all of her energy into her career at the Savoy. He is a self-made man sent in by the board of the hotel to figure out if employees are stealing.
Lady Scandal is a workplace that enemies to lovers' historical romance that I enjoyed very much! Delia and Simon have a ton of chemistry and are definitely a case of opposites attract.
I love that this romance features two mature working main characters who see each other as equals. That isn't something you find very often in a Victorian romance. Laura Lee Guhrke does a fantastic job bringing these two strong and capable love interests together. I really loved the pining and sexual tension in this book. This is how you do enemies to lovers!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Set in 1898 and featuring Delia, Countess of Stratham, and Simon Hayden. She has been widowed three times and isn't interested in falling in love again. She's put all of her energy into her career at the Savoy. He is a self-made man sent in by the board of the hotel to figure out if employees are stealing.
Lady Scandal is a workplace that enemies to lovers' historical romance that I enjoyed very much! Delia and Simon have a ton of chemistry and are definitely a case of opposites attract.
I love that this romance features two mature working main characters who see each other as equals. That isn't something you find very often in a Victorian romance. Laura Lee Guhrke does a fantastic job bringing these two strong and capable love interests together. I really loved the pining and sexual tension in this book. This is how you do enemies to lovers!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 25, 2024
The tension and chemistry between Simon & Delia is absolutely delightful. All the angst of enemies to lovers with a bit of mystery mixed in. The storyline is compelling and the emotions hit you deeply. Poor Delia has been through the wringer, having lost 3 husbands and with endless bad judgment, she must learn the hard way who she can trust. Simon has his own lessons to learn, a newly minted viscount he must learn how to exist amongst the peerage. Getting a cameo with Delia’s cousin the Duke of Weetbourne was a special thrill. I so loved Max in Bookshop Cinderella. Seeing her with her family shows her softer side. This story was a wonderful enjoyment.
May 9, 2024
This book was DELISH!!! From the very beginning I was hooked. Grumpy sunshine AND enemies to lovers?? Sign me up!!
I thought Delia was an absolute delight. A countess with some sadness in her past, she works hard (a countess who works!) creating joy for the hotel guests but also all the people around her. Love love love.
Simon was so upright and proper and wanting to do the right thing! I loved watching him struggle against his inappropriate desire!
I was also fascinated with Ritz and I loved the info included at the end about him as a real person. Magical!
I was a little frustrated that there were some injustices (both past and present) that didn't get tied up in a bow. But truly this was wonderful!!
I thought Delia was an absolute delight. A countess with some sadness in her past, she works hard (a countess who works!) creating joy for the hotel guests but also all the people around her. Love love love.
Simon was so upright and proper and wanting to do the right thing! I loved watching him struggle against his inappropriate desire!
I was also fascinated with Ritz and I loved the info included at the end about him as a real person. Magical!
I was a little frustrated that there were some injustices (both past and present) that didn't get tied up in a bow. But truly this was wonderful!!
October 22, 2024
Appreciate. Appreciate. PICK ANOTHER DAMN WORD. There's an iteration of it in every chapter, sometimes MULTIPLE uses like EVERY OTHER paragraph!!!!! There are better words to pick more often. JFC 🤦🏽♀️
It wasn't a bad book, the story's fairly cute, but yeah, the use of the word appreciate irked me from its first usage cause it was so outlandish. Like, why that word????? And the writing towards the beginning hinted that the author was trying to force an English accent. Along with that, the end of the story lost its appeal to me. You're telling me the HERO, who was a SOLDIER, blacked out from an uppercut???? 😑😑😑 Like, what absolutely unnecessary bullshit. I would've preferred he made the appointment they'd had, and they get interrupted by the solicitor while he's trying to fight his case and THAT'S what leads to their little rift.
I don't know if I want to continue reading any other works. It felt very much like I was TOLD what was happening, and not SHOWN. Which is too bad, because they seemed like interesting characters and they had great banter.
It wasn't a bad book, the story's fairly cute, but yeah, the use of the word appreciate irked me from its first usage cause it was so outlandish. Like, why that word????? And the writing towards the beginning hinted that the author was trying to force an English accent. Along with that, the end of the story lost its appeal to me. You're telling me the HERO, who was a SOLDIER, blacked out from an uppercut???? 😑😑😑 Like, what absolutely unnecessary bullshit. I would've preferred he made the appointment they'd had, and they get interrupted by the solicitor while he's trying to fight his case and THAT'S what leads to their little rift.
I don't know if I want to continue reading any other works. It felt very much like I was TOLD what was happening, and not SHOWN. Which is too bad, because they seemed like interesting characters and they had great banter.
November 18, 2024
"Historical Romance" but I didn't feel the romance, at all. Blah.
April 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the arc. This was a fun historical romance about Delia Stratham and Simon Hayden, set in a luxury hotel located in London in the late 1800's. Delia is a thrice widowed Countess, in charge of scheduling major events in the Savoy Hotel. Simon is a newly titled Viscount, tasked with investigating possible fraud taking place in the Savoy Hotel. There is a lot of information provided on the running of a luxury hotel in the late Victorian era. Titled clients and guests are feted and enticed to book their events and stays in the hotel, not really expected to pay for their events and stays because they bring cache to the establishment. Eventually, though, these methods eliminates profits to the hotel owners, and that's what's happening at the Savoy Hotel.
Some titans of the hotel and culinary industry are mentioned in this book, namely Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier, and it was fascinating reading about the ins and outs of running a hotel, but I felt it overshadowed the romance between Delia and Simon. I loved Delia's character: pragmatic and fun-loving, even though her life has been very challenging. She cares about everyone around her, and always wants to do her best. And Simon is a very honorable gentleman, trying to get used to being part of the gentry, while making sure to stay true to his convictions of running profitable businesses lawfully. Delia and Simon feel instant attraction to each other, but both fight against it because they're both suspicious of each other's intent, not just with each other, but with the business of running the Savoy. But once they allowed themselves to feel the feelings, it was wonderful. And, the sex scenes were steamy, once they finally got there. All in all, a great story.
There are TWs for miscarriage, suicide, and death of loved ones.
Some titans of the hotel and culinary industry are mentioned in this book, namely Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier, and it was fascinating reading about the ins and outs of running a hotel, but I felt it overshadowed the romance between Delia and Simon. I loved Delia's character: pragmatic and fun-loving, even though her life has been very challenging. She cares about everyone around her, and always wants to do her best. And Simon is a very honorable gentleman, trying to get used to being part of the gentry, while making sure to stay true to his convictions of running profitable businesses lawfully. Delia and Simon feel instant attraction to each other, but both fight against it because they're both suspicious of each other's intent, not just with each other, but with the business of running the Savoy. But once they allowed themselves to feel the feelings, it was wonderful. And, the sex scenes were steamy, once they finally got there. All in all, a great story.
There are TWs for miscarriage, suicide, and death of loved ones.
February 16, 2024
Lady Delia Stratham is not what Simon Hayden expected. The hotelier and newly titled aristocrat has been brought on at the famed Savoy Hotel to tighten the ship and clear out fraud from its ranks, and Delia is one of the targets of his investigation. But, despite being a widow three times over, she is not a very advanced age; in fact, she is in her early thirties and still quite striking. And despite being accused of using her feminine wiles to manipulate others, she appears to be naturally quite charming. And she seems to truly care about the people around her. How entirely inconvenient for Simon, who has set up shop in the office directly connected to hers.
As for Delia? Well, returning from a business trip to a bevy of unexpected changes at her beloved hotel, spearheaded by an admittedly handsome—but extremely straight-laced—individual who simply does not seem to understand how her beloved Savoy operates, is not the homecoming she was expecting. And, understandably, that rankles her.
This is an utterly delectable, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, workplace romance.
I. Ate. It. Up.
And did I mention that Simon and Delia’s chemistry is explosive?
“‘Kissing you would be like lighting a match in a room full of gunpowder.’”
…
“‘What a delightful prospect.’”
Delightful indeed.
I received an advance copy of the book from Forever and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
As for Delia? Well, returning from a business trip to a bevy of unexpected changes at her beloved hotel, spearheaded by an admittedly handsome—but extremely straight-laced—individual who simply does not seem to understand how her beloved Savoy operates, is not the homecoming she was expecting. And, understandably, that rankles her.
This is an utterly delectable, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, workplace romance.
I. Ate. It. Up.
And did I mention that Simon and Delia’s chemistry is explosive?
“‘Kissing you would be like lighting a match in a room full of gunpowder.’”
…
“‘What a delightful prospect.’”
Delightful indeed.
I received an advance copy of the book from Forever and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
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