One Touch of Scandal (Fraternitas Aureae Crucis Book 1)

One Touch of Scandal (MacLachlan Family & Friends) [Liz Carlyle] on Start reading One Touch of Scandal (Fraternitas Aureae Crucis Book 1) on your Kindle .
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Men should be required to all have this knowledge. View all 3 comments. Nov 16, chanceofbooks rated it it was ok Shelves: Liz Carlyle has been auto buy for me for years now, so this was a huge disappointment. I couldn't believe when I wasn't hooked by page 25 and when I was having to force myself to give it the first 50 then the first pages. I love, love, love her earlier works, particularly One Little Sin, which remains one of my favorite books.

I think the big problem with book is actually an unusual one--there's not enough telling. I spent too much of the early part of the book wondering why Adrian was so br Liz Carlyle has been auto buy for me for years now, so this was a huge disappointment. I spent too much of the early part of the book wondering why Adrian was so broody and mysterious--it took far too long to figure out exactly what the club was and what his "power" was. I agree with another reviewer who said that it didn't feel like the first of a trilogy--I hate joining series halfway though, and that's what this felt like.

FictFact - Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series by Liz Carlyle

Grace felt like a stock character instead of the usual lush, spirited, independent heroines that I know Carlyle for. There was no banter in the first pages! I know Carlyle is capable of so much more, so I'm certain to give her more chances, but this was disappointing. May 09, BJ Rose rated it really liked it Shelves: Part of the problem may be that I read book 3 first, not realizing it was part of a series. I now have the rest of the series, so hopefully it will grow on me. May 27, Isalys rated it really liked it Shelves: Read and reviewed for The Season for Romance.

Grace Gauthier has been falsely accused of murdering her employer in cold blood who, incidentally, she was engaged to. Forced to leave her home and the family she has grown to love, she sets out to clear her name. Instead, she inadvertently acquires the help of Lord Adrian Ruthveyn. Lord Ruthveyn is known about town as mysterious, calculating and indifferent at best.

His interest in Grace is piqued by the warmth and earnest fear in her eyes. He immediately realizes that he cannot read her the way he can read others. Yet nothing happens with Grace, not even when he kisses her. With her experience as governess for her previous employer, he hires her to be governess for his two unruly nephews. Living under his roof with his family, he can protect her from the Commissioner who has named her the number one suspect in the murder of Ethan Holding.

Both Grace and Ruthveyn know that if she is not exonerated, she could very well hang and so they begin their own search for the real killer. As a young man, he once let his guard down with his young bride only to be careened by the vision of her death. Since then, he has distanced himself from others for fear of the visions or sensations that he might be assaulted with. She learns of his abilities and how he came to possess them and still, she accepts him completely and without question. Can he convince her to stay for good?

Grace was lovable and radiated warmth. Lord Ruthveyn, although indeed dark, was a fascinating character who I really enjoyed getting to know. It was especially refreshing when he finally found his happy ending with Grace. Pacing moved along nicely and their story ends quite dramatically with a really sweet epilogue. The plot itself was rather simple, but was well done, suspenseful and even a bit surprising.

What I found to be a bit convoluted was Ruthveyn's past and the historical time line of how he came to possess his prophetic powers as well as how Grace fit into it all. It was a bit difficult to follow at times, even though Carlyle made several attempts to explain it. Dec 28, Virginia rated it liked it Shelves: Indian, Chinese, etc religions or practices. However, Carlyle wove these elements in tastefully and not too "otherizing" if that makes any sort of sense. The mystery was well done even if I guessed some of it and had a satisfying conclusion. A quick and enjoyable read.

Sep 07, Cruth rated it it was ok Shelves: Liz Carlyle First published: Sees visions of the future. Followed the drum with her French father. Book 1 of 4 Reads like I'm missing something - another book or links to another series? Searching through Carlyle's website I learn it is "connected" to books about the MacLachlan family and friends. But it is not clear if reading the earl Author: But it is not clear if reading the earlier books would add context to this one. For example, Anisha's "reading" of Grace's palm. There was nothing particularly extraordinary in her conclusions.

There seemed a lack of chemistry between our MCs, and the story was remarkably unfulfilling with major plot points and background missing. It missed the mark. Oct 17, Jill Dunlop rated it liked it. One Touch of Scandal is the first book in a new trilogy by Liz Carlyle. The trilogy revolves around a secret society, Fraternitas Aurea Crucis. Lucifer, Lord Ruthveyn is one such member. He is surprised to find Grace Guathier on the front stoop of the clubhouse in search of help. Her father now deceased had told her if she was ever in trouble to find Sergeant Welham.

Instead of finding her childhood friend, Grace finds herself ensnared by the dark One Touch of Scandal is the first book in a new trilogy by Liz Carlyle. Instead of finding her childhood friend, Grace finds herself ensnared by the dark enigmatic Lord Ruthveyn. There is a lot going on in One Touch of Scandal.

All of these different side-plots were very well thought out. I especially found the murder plot very intriguing. However, with so much going on in the book I thought the romance between Lucifer and Grace suffered some.

One Touch of Scandal

This could be due to my lack of interest in the political parts of the book, when I would rather to get back to the romance. I liked Grace's character. She was able to pull Lucifer emotionally out behind the wall he built up around himself. The trust between these two characters was crucial and for both characters. Grace is accused of murder and Lucifer intuitively believes Grace when she says she didn't do it. He never waivers in his belief of her.

Similarly, Grace accepts that Lucifer is different and patiently waits for him to trust his secrets to her. I think if the external plot points had been toned down a little I would have enjoyed the story more. Aug 11, KarenF rated it really liked it Shelves: This books was a little overstuffed.

What with secret societies, a murder mystery, a touch of paranormal psychic powers and even some tantric sex there's a lot going on. But I still enjoyed it. I liked both leads and and while there was set up for the series I didn't feel like it took away from the main storyline. I just finished another disappointing historical romance so I was happy to read one where the hero was troubled and tried to distance himself from the heroine without being a complet This books was a little overstuffed.

I just finished another disappointing historical romance so I was happy to read one where the hero was troubled and tried to distance himself from the heroine without being a complete jerk and where the heroine who wasn't a complete ninny. This is my second Liz Carlyle and I've enjoyed them both so I'm happy to find a new to me author with a rich back list to enjoy. Sep 26, Linda rated it really liked it Shelves: I read the second book in this series first and it didn't impress.

This one is a much better advertisement for the franchise.

Hardback Editions

Not as much exposition about the Fraterinas or if so, it's not as dry. The love story between Grace and Rauthavin starts in the midst of a murder and continues to simmer and then boil over in passion that is erotic and compelling. Dark forces surround them as do extra sensory abilities within themselves and their compatriots. Sexy, seductive and satisfying. Feb 04, JJ rated it it was ok. Historical romance meets mysticism. May 14, BonnieL rated it did not like it. The author couldn't decide whether she was writing a paranormal or a romance - so she tried to write a mix of both - and created a mess that was at times incoherent and confusing and, ultimately, boring.

The first rule of paranormal writing is to define the terms and parameters - but she waited until halfway through this book before she gave explanations of the terms and background of her paranormal aspect. So she created this jumble of Hindu mysticism, Jesuits, The "Sight" and foretelling, and The author couldn't decide whether she was writing a paranormal or a romance - so she tried to write a mix of both - and created a mess that was at times incoherent and confusing and, ultimately, boring.

So she created this jumble of Hindu mysticism, Jesuits, The "Sight" and foretelling, and some aspect of the Rosicrucians thrown in for good luck. The romance was almost secondary and both the main characters were blah. The mystery was never really unsolvable and the so-called Police Inspector was useless and almost a caricature.

I felt that somehow I must have missed the first book in the series that actually gave some information about the secondary characters since everyone seemed to have knowledge about each other's past activities- but, nope - this is the first book. Overall, it was a waste of time. Mar 22, Kelly rated it really liked it Shelves: There is a lot going on in this book and it could technically go into a romantic-paranormal box depending on the reviewer.

I personally liked it, but again all the information was a lot to process in addition to following the twists and turns of the romantic plot. Overall, closer to 4 stars than 3 and definitely a yes to reading the next book in the series. Jul 29, Brook rated it really liked it Shelves: Mar 12, Sophie rated it it was ok Shelves: No desire to read anything else by the author though. Sep 25, May Mostly Romance rated it liked it Shelves: Sep 11, Paranormal Romance rated it it was amazing Shelves: Once upon a time the heroine could count herself as content if not truly happy.

Then her world came crashing down. In the span of one night, she is homeless, families and under the suspicion of murder. Her only hope is an old acquaintance of her deceased father. Grievi Once upon a time the heroine could count herself as content if not truly happy. Grieving the loss of the man who she may not have loved but did indeed care for, she arrives that the F.

C club only to discover the man she seeks has left London. In his place she meets the imposing and rather frightening hero. The hero has not had an easy life. His gift for seeing death in the eyes of those he meets and from touching them skin to skin has made him feared even among his family.

So much so that he rarely sleeps and depends upon hashish to cope with the visions. He also is terribly lonely having no real chance of ever marrying in fear that his visions will drive him crazy. Then he meets the heroine. She is beautiful and is every bit as light as he is dark. He feels protective of her. She too is as lonely as he is having been shut out from the life she once knew and from the start he feels a frighteningly deep connection to her though he fights his emotions.

He can see that there is no way she could ever be capable of murder and vows to see her name cleared, even if this passion to be her champion casts suspension on him from his family and friends. Their passion and desire for one another is hot and burns off the pages and though the heroine welcomes her dark hero into her bed, she knows that he his holding himself back emotionally. I thought this book was absolutely amazing. I swooned over the tortured hero who was actually a kind person at heart and devoted to his calling to help his fellows via the club even though visions he saw in the service of the crown plague him still.

And as much as I loved the hero, I loved the heroine. And I felt so deeply connected to these two characters that I never wanting this book to end. But I can say that from start to finish I was hooked and never wanted to put it down. So rare now a days with the amount of books I read to find one that captures my attention so fully that I know I will remember it always. I eagerly await the time in which I can read it again and highly recommend this book to any reader who claims romance novels are drivel and not worth their time.

Oct 08, Jackie rated it liked it. Liz Carlyle is one of my favorite historical romance authors, so I looked forward to her latest with eagerness. But I found this one to be a big disappointment. The novel opens with our heroine, Grace Gauthier, at the scene of her fiance's murder. Living in England has made Grace feel an outsider -- both because she is half French, and because she grew up in Algeria, where her French father was a Commandant in the French Foreign Legion. Marrying Ethan Holding not for love, but f 2.

Marrying Ethan Holding not for love, but for security, and to care for his two young stepdaughters she's worked as their governess , Grace still feels shock at his death, particularly when she becomes a prime suspect in the case.

Fraternitas Aureae Crucis Series

Hoping to find help from an old army friend, Rance Welham, Grace visits his mysterious club, only to find him away. Instead, she discovers the mysterious Lord Ruthveyn, half Indian, half Scottish, who finds himself drawn to Grace despite the fact that he "feels nothing" for her. We later discover this "feeling nothing" is a good thing, for Lord Ruthveyn is of the Vateis, a prophet or mystic, and member of the Guardians, a group devoted to protecting those who have such "Gifts. Sensing that more murders may be in the air, Ruthveyn offers Grace a position as a governess for his two nephews, which she accepts.

The murder plot plays out in the background to a melodramatic end while Grace and Ruthveyn come together and finally realize that they should marry. The book seemed out of character for Carlyle. Stylistically, the writing seems far more cliche-ridden than her usual prose, and her wit and cleverness are notably absent.

Character development-wise, the book also seemed lacking, particularly when compared to some of her earlier books the Neville trilogy in particular. Plot-wise, this was far below Carlyle's usual standard; usually if there is a mystery or secret that unfolds during the course of her novel, it is intricately tied to character development, but here the murder mystery just seemed like window-dressing. And the supernatural stuff did not engage me. Carlyle did touch upon mysticism in one of her earlier books, it takes center stage here, and not to good effect.

We hear a bit about Scottish mysticism, and all too much about Indian mysticism, giving the book an Orientalist in the Edward Said sense of the word feel. Perhaps Carlyle has truly become interested in Indian culture, but she isn't able to make it come alive in any believable way in this book; instead, it serves only as exotic accessory. The book was shorter than Carlyle's previous novels not in page count, but the larger typeface makes for a shorter story.

It is also a new publisher for her, I think -- I wonder if a new editor has contributed to the lesser quality of this book? Or the rush to produce it? At times, I almost wondered if it had been ghost-written, so far from Carlyle's usual did it seem As in all of her first entries in a new series, Carlyle lays the groundwork for future volumes.

Here's hoping the stories of Rance, Royton, and Anisha prove more believable Feb 17, Christine Seybolt rated it really liked it. Leaving her destitute homeless and scared for her future. In search of a family friend, Sergeant Rance Welham, Lord Lazonby to help her out of this awful predicament Grace lands on the doorsteps of the Society; face to face with the Review: Not know what else to do Grace confides in the charismatic stand-offish man before her. Ruthveyn hearing her plight reluctantly agrees to help her in clearing her name.

That Grace move in to his home and under his protection, as a governess to his to hellion nephews. This giving Adrian easier access at keeping the young beauty alive and out of harms way. But just how far will they both go to protect the other from the harsh realities that are flooding them. Born with aristocracy blood running through his veins, Lord Ruthveyn should have an easer go at life. But hard ships and a deep secret keep this devilishly wicked man at bay.


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Having envisioned evils to reprehensible to name Adrian keeps his life and himself securely tucked away. Not allowing anyone to remotely touch his heart. That is, until Grace Gauthier, with her classic English beauty and beguiling blue eyes walks into his life, forever changing his world. The two come together, rather reluctantly but to an all consuming passion that neither can understand. Sponsored Products are advertisements for products sold by merchants on Amazon. When you click on a Sponsored Product ad, you will be taken to an Amazon detail page where you can learn more about the product and purchase it.

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Read reviews that mention carlyle liz romance paranormal grace mystery hero ruthveyn novels lord adrian historical tortured genre dark romances society gauthier governess heroine. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. I've only recently discovered Liz Carlyle as an author and am mowing my way through her back list. Great entertainment and a great example of the best of the romance genre. One person found this helpful. This was so good. I will admit that I usually quick scan through most of the sex scenes in romance novels because they are usually so similar, they use the same phrases, descriptions etc, but in One Touch of Scandal I read it all.

The sex descriptions were new, refreshing, detailed without be tasteless.

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The rest of the book kept me reading, in the most recent previous book I reviewed I had to force myself to read, in this I had to force myself to put it down at three am and go to bed. I am also not usually a fan of paranormal romances, no vampires, werewolves or demons for me thank you, but the mystic of the St. James Society was fascinating. I strongly recommend this book.

Adrian is tortured, but for a good reason, he appears cold, but it is for a good reason. If he looks into the eyes of another person, or touches them he can see their future, even to the date of their death, so he tries to protect himself from this knowledge,especially with his family. Grace desperately wants to be loved, to have a home and children. When her intended is brutally murdered she seeks out an old family friend to help solve the mystery. Instead she meets Adrian and he steps in for his friend.

There is growth in the characters and they come to terms with their fears and weaknesses. When the two meet I really liked it and have already stared the next in the series. One person found this helpful 2 people found this helpful. Okay, if you are looking for a different kind of story, with Lords and ladies this is it. I have read the whole series, and actually read this, the first, last. I could not get enough of this series. However having said that, this was a little different with all the "gifts" added in.

I normally don't read books with that theme but once I got into it I had to have them all. This is my second favorite in the series, but hands down, without a doubt, the best book in the series is A Bride by moonlight.