The Scandal of the Season by Michelle Kenney

Michelle Kenney’s The Scandal of the Season is a sparkling, smartly written Regency romance that had me utterly enchanted from the very first page. As the second book in the Fairfax Sisters series, it more than lives up to its predecessor, offering sharp wit, slow-burn romance, and a heroine who knows her own mind.

Sophie Fairfax is exactly the kind of leading lady I love—clever, curious, and not easily swayed by society’s expectations. She’s determined to find a husband on her own terms, not her family's—or the ton’s. Enter Lord Rotherby, a notorious rake with a devilish smile and a reputation that precedes him. When the two cross paths at her debut ball, a scandalous wager is set in motion, one that spirals into an irresistible game of charm, challenge, and unexpected vulnerability.

The chemistry between Sophie and Rotherby is electric—filled with tension, banter, and emotional depth. But what I appreciated most was how Michelle Kenney gives their relationship space to evolve beyond clichés. There’s more at stake here than just flirtation; themes of agency, reputation, and what it means to truly choose love are woven throughout.

Kenney’s prose is elegant yet playful, capturing the essence of the Regency era while keeping the tone fresh and modern. The supporting cast—particularly Sophie’s sisters—add richness and warmth to the story, and I loved the feminist undercurrent that pulses beneath the romance.

The Scandal of the Season is a must-read for fans of Evie Dunmore, Julia Quinn, or anyone who enjoys a love story with brains, heart, and just the right amount of mischief. It’s witty, swoony, and empowering—and left me grinning long after the final chapter.

I'm already counting the days until the next Fairfax sister takes center stage.

Scandal indeed! It certainly doesn't pull any punches given the starting scene in a brothel. I have to say that I enjoyed this over the top story - I had me chuckling throughout. The dynamic between Sophie and Lord Rotherby was fun to watch evolve.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Loved this so much - addictive, perfect for bridgerton fans. Just joyful reading from start to finish.

The second adventure with the Fairfax sisters is Sophie's, who is impulsive, independent and sometimes indiscreet. She wants to remain her person, but if she does marry, it must be for love. When she makes a wager with a notorious rake, the fun and the possibility of loss of reputation begin. I like the witty dialogue, the dynamic between the sisters and the emotional rollercoaster that leads to romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

DNF - I had been so hopeful as I'm really into shows and movies but book versions aren't for me. It is still a good book for what I read 2/3 but it was a struggle and couldn't push myself. If you've already read this type of book than I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Also, if you haven't but like the similar themed shows and movies give it a try you never know, could end up loving it. Unfortunately, wasn't for me though characters were interesting its the reading of the words that were too much for me.

A rake, a debutante and a wagered wedding for love or money that is the question?
There is a book before this but no matters, this is fun, humorous and outlandish in keeping with the title.

I really enjoyed the first Fairfax Sisters book so was super excited to receive an ARC from NetGalley for The Scandal of the Season the second book in the series.

This is such a fun world to be in and I was excited to return to it for Sophie’s story and loved the stronger focus on romance in this one and I loved the play on the tropes.

It perfect for those looking for a light hearted non spicy romance!

This book was a slog to get into - the writing style teetered between the stylings of other recently released regency romances and trying to write in the style of the time period the book was written in which really did not work. There was a lot of discussion of improprieties and the "mysteries of marriage" but then none of it happened in the book - like I am happy to read a non-smutty romance but this was talked about so much it felt odd. Also opening the book with your MMC paying 2 brothel workers is a choice that doesn't really endear the reader to want him to end up with the incredibly innocent FMC.

The biggest struggle I found in this was that it felt like we were supposed to know these characters. I have read many interconnected romances before but never have I read one that left the reader to flounder in terms of getting the personalities down of their main characters - there also may have been some confusing word choice in the early chapters that made the povs feel a bit uncertain. The first chapter of Sophia at times felt like it was being told from Phoebe's POV (who led the first book).

The Scandal of the Season by Michelle Kenney is a historical read with a lot of promise, especially thanks to its lush French setting and a heroine who truly shines. Sophie was by far the highlight of the book for me — sweet, strong-willed, and determined to shape her own path in a world that constantly tries to define it for her. I admired her spirit and the way she held her ground, even when things weren’t in her favor.

The writing style was elegant and immersive, with descriptions that brought the time period and scenery to life. France was more than just a backdrop — it added richness and charm to the story and made for an atmospheric reading experience.

That said, I did find some aspects a bit underwhelming. The plot, while grounded in some interesting ideas, occasionally felt slow, and I struggled to stay fully engaged at times. The romance didn’t quite deliver the emotional depth or chemistry I was hoping for, and the male lead came across as quite arrogant and hard to connect with in the beginning, which made it difficult to root for the pairing.

Hmm...

I was excited to read this book, but was disappointed from the first because we meet Dominic, Lord Rotherby, in a brothel, leaving his pay for the ladies (plural) who entertained him for the night and putting on his clothes. This is never the way to start a romance. Its how you open on an MC read. Sophie wants to wed for love, she's super young and idealistic and sheltered. She and Dominic in no way make a good pair as he's sure to have an STI and she is a debutante.

2.5⭐️ Honestly, I didn’t love this. I didn’t feel the spark between the two MCs, and the plot was pretty mid. I could see the similarities to Bridgerton, which I was hoping I’d love, but I feel like this missed the mark.

I didn’t feel connected to either main character, and also wasn’t a fan of the constant time jumps every chapter. Everything felt rushed and not fully developed.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read in exchange for an honest review!

i read ‘the mismatch of the season’ - the first in the fairfax sisters series - back in february and said it would be one of my favourite reads of the year and the same goes for this one. ‘the scandal of the season’ is full of charm, a dabble of silliness and chaos and strong-willed characters. i adored sophie and reading the romance play out, with all the twists and turns before the happy ever after.

Another delightful installment about the Fairfax sisters, this one focusing on Sophie. Read it in an afternoon- and it was just as witty and charming as Phoebe's story (Book 1)...however, the romance aspect of it was slightly underplayed- it needed a little more development and felt rushed at the end. Can't wait for the next sister to find her love match!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for the ARC.

Sophie Fairfax of Knightsbridge Manor in Devon, enjoys discussing her future with her many sisters and what she looks for in a future husband. She is to have her come out soon and her newly married sister, Viscountess Phoebe Damerel, is her chaperone. Their parents died some years ago.

At a soiree, she meets Lord Dominic Rotherby, 29, who is a suave man, but also a bit of a reputation as a rake. As they chat, they end up making a wager. She bets that by the end of the season, she will marry a man for love and he bets that she will marry for any reason other than love.

Sophie chafes at not being allowed to do certain things because she is a debutante. When her friend says she is going to do something scandalous, Sophie jumps in to rescue her so she doesn’t lose her reputation. However, it’s Sophie who gets caught up in a frightening situation that may mean she will not only lose her own reputation but her family may disown her. It appears that Lord Rotherby is calling the shots and she must follow what he says or she may lose everything. Oh, this handsome man is so irritating.

There is a lot of romping around France that I’m sure a lot of people will love. Having lived there myself for years, I found myself chuckling at the French and the locations. This book is quite busy which I found to be a bit overdone. However, I’m sure many readers will enjoy it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Miss Sophie Fairfax is determined to marry for love, so she decides to take matters into her own hands, rather than abide by her brother’s plans for her to marry for a title. She chooses to pick Lord Dominic Rotherby, who is a well-known rake and possibly too scandalous.
A clean romance despite the initial scene in the brothel, this book is largely from Sophie’s perspective. I did enjoy Sophie, particularly for all the situations she finds herself in, determined to decide her own future. However, I did find that the storyline was a bit too chaotic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you love Bridgerton then you need to read this book! The book was very well written and had great romance!

I struggled to connect with this book.

I feel that it has potential but unfortunately for me it felt a little too silly in parts. Almost like it was trying too hard to embed the characters' traits that separate them. I also couldn't picture any of the characters.

It could be that this is book two in the Fairfax sisters series and I have not read book one, however as this is about a different sister and is interconnected rather than a duet I would expect it to stand on its own with no prior knowledge of the characters. I did not feel it did this.
Unfortunately I DNF'd at 36% as I just did not click with this book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

This was an entertaining Regency romance. It was fun, frothy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this Regency romance and would recommend it to others.

3.5 Stars
Miss Sophie Fairfax has every intention of marrying for love, refusing to go along with her brother’s plans for a marriage of convenience or title. Throwing caution to the wind at her very first ball, Sophie finds herself in the path of the most notorious rake in the ton. Agreeing a wager with him may be wicked, but finding herself alone with the dangerously attractive Lord Rotherby might be one scandal too far
The second Fairfax sister to find her HEA. A well written enjoyable & entertaining book which I liked but didn’t love. I liked Dominic & Sophie but I found the book to be over the top. The pace was good but for me there were too many tropes & too much conflict. I’ll definitely read more from the author as she hones her craft
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

I’ve been on a Bridgerton kick lately after finishing “The Viscount Who Loved Me”. So when I saw “The Scandal of the Season” described as for Bridgerton fans, I had to get my hands on it. Lord Rotherby on the cover is giving younger Anthony Bridgerton vibes. This story is closed door which I really appreciated because sometimes I just want the romance. You also get all the regency romance staples here, the balls, Sophie’s debut season, the tortured Lord, the Ton, ect. This book does take place in Paris instead of London like a bulk of these type of romances. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton or regency romance this will check all those boxes. However I feel like the connection between the MMC and FMC was lacking and I didn’t get the passion I look for in these types of books. Also if I wasn’t reading this on my kindle where I could look up the old English words I would have been lost. I know that’s a big part of these books but someone didn’t even have translations and I’ve never seen them before so had NO idea what they could mean. The Glossary at the end of the book was lacking. Like “ a rum ’un”, I still have no idea what they means and it wasn’t included in the glossary and the look up on my kindle had no idea either.