Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti: Review

It has certainly been a minute or two since I last read a historical romance. This particular book called to me because it seemed a little outside of a typical genre story.

Unique, fun, and steamy, this new release is a definite change of pace. Check out my thoughts below.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Link included
Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti
Publisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication date: ‎ June 23, 2026
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250414250

OVERVIEW:

Eccentric heiress Lady Ruby Ballimore has had enough of the Marriage Mart. After offending yet another Very Important Marquess―and imperiling her father’s diplomatic career―Ruby flees London for the holiday house of a glamorous (and better yet, absent) princess. Armed with a forged invitation and accompanied by her like-minded friends, Ruby arrives at the Cornwall estate expecting a summer of blissful freedom.

Instead, she discovers a derelict mansion and the most suspiciously charming man she’s ever met.

Former privateer and current con artist Captain Malcolm Archer has dragged his ramshackle crew into a new life. Posing as staff at a princess’s abandoned estate provides the perfect cover for Archer’s smuggling scheme (not to mention free rent). Everything’s going according to plan―until an unorthodox London heiress crashes the party.

But when Archer and his crew attempt to frighten off their uninvited guests, Ruby’s unfazed by insect invasions and sham sea monsters. Harder to ignore? The scorching heat between the rakish pirate and the debutante who can see right through him. As sparks fly, deceptions run wild―because in this Great Cornish Fake Off, the only thing riskier than telling the truth is falling in love.
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Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti Review

Sometimes you get what you ask for when you are looking for something different. This new release delivers the goods when you are not looking for a traditional historical romance.

Now, don’t get me wrong. All of the required technical pieces are there, but the author chooses to forgo the typical choice of a man.

What we get is an untitled, but very sexy con man, who has been wronged, but still manages to be loyal and honorable. He’s kind, humorous, and sexy, and definitely falls first. Not the typical choice of a man in a historical romance.

She is trying to escape family issues, hiding from reality, and finding herself head over heels in lust with this strange man. She knows something is going on in the house she and her besties crashed, and is determined to figure out what. Together, their antics are fun, and the increasing attraction is a delight.

The story is full of surprises and interesting twists that keep it alive. Vasti embraces the heat and gives the reader the steam that these two combustible characters develop. Secondary characters are interesting and critical for the story, which includes some very nefarious actions.

Scandal of the Summer is an engaging and fun! Never a boring moment with loads of escapades, steamy scenes, and committed characters.

4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.