More Than a Scandal is a wonderfully layered story full of emotion, depth and humor and it should be on everyone's must read list!

More Than a Scandal
by Sari Robins
reviewed by Valarie Pelissero
July 2005, 373 pages, Publisher: Avon, ISBN: 0060575352

Major Marcus Dunn is an exemplary soldier, never failing to do what was asked of him in the line of duty, until he is asked to return to Andersen Hall and sit on the board of trustees. You see, Andersen Hall is the orphanage where his father is headmaster and where Marcus grew up. Andersen Hall was also the scene of an angry argument between father and son seven years earlier and Marcus has sworn to never return. When Major Marcus Dunn refuses a direct order he finds himself in military prison facing a court-martial. Wellington, knowing Marcus's stubbornness, makes Marcus a deal he cannot refuse and Marcus reluctantly agrees to the assignment in order to save one of his friends and fellow officers who is also facing a court-martial. Marcus has some unique skills that have made him a success as a spy and his new mission is to infiltrate the board of trustees of the orphanage and discover which one of the trustees is selling secrets to the French and bring the traitor to justice.

Catherine Miller showed up at the orphanage ten years ago sporting a broken leg, and with her four year old brother Jared in tow. Having narrowly escaped cruel relations intent on taking everything the children owned, including their lives, Cat and Jared have been hiding out at the orphanage ever since. At twenty-two, Cat should have left Andersen Hall to make her own way in the world, but Headmaster Dunn, knowing that she couldn't leave her brother, made Cat his secretary so that she could continue to live at the Hall. Cat has been in love with Marcus since she was a girl, and even though he always had the ability to render her speechless with his nearness, Marcus never really noticed Cat, which always hurt her. When Marcus returns unexpectedly and takes his place with the trustees, Cat decides to make his life hell. Marcus may not have noticed Cat as a child, but he is definitely noticing her now.

In More Than a Scandal Sari Robins has written a multi-layered story that she slowly reveals to the reader throughout the entire story, instead of rushing everything at the end of the book. The story never felt rushed to me, instead I was able to get invested in the both of the characters' past and present which made for a more interesting story for me. Cat has one goal in life - to see her brother Jared reclaim his inheritance as Baron Coleridge, but with their villainous relations searching for them and without funds or connections, Cat knows that she has no hope, yet she does what she must to protect her brother. Cat's past is revealed little by little throughout the course of the story, and even though Cat is so unrelenting in her attitude towards Marcus when he finally returns, the reader is really given the opportunity to understand how protective she is of the ones she loves and even the lengths she will go to to protect them, which really made me like the character of Cat. When her brother Jared is swindled and faces prison, Cat faces her demons and dons the mantle of the "Thief of Robinson Square" in order to steal from her relations what is needed to help Jared. The "Thief of Robinson Square" stole from the rich and gave to the poor at Andersen Hall, and even though the Thief hung up his hat seven years ago, he left behind a "how-to" manual detailing his exploits, never expecting anyone to find it or to use it. It is this book that helps Cat come out of her protective shell and embark on her own daring escapade.

Marcus's father has always been the headmaster at Andersen Hall, and to a young Marcus's mind, Uriah Dunn always put the needs of his orphans above the needs of his own family. Marcus's reasons for becoming the thief may seem a bit juvenile at first considering his age when he started on that path, but in light of the revelations that the reader learns about Marcus and his father, they fit within the story and make sense. What at first seems like a very antagonistic relationship between father and son, is shown through Marcus's back story to be one of miscommunication and misunderstanding, and it is only after the death of Uriah Dunn that Marcus realizes how much is father did for him and how deeply he cared for Marcus.

As the Thief and as a spy Marcus learned to develop his skills and his cool detachment in the heat of battle is legendary, but Cat has the ability to make him lose that calm demeanor. How is he ever going to find the strength to leave her when his mission is over? Marcus is probably one of the deepest heroes I have read about in a long time. Even though he is a Major and has been in the army for seven years, in many ways he is still a little boy seeking approval from the only parent he has, and when that parent dies Marcus finally realizes that he always had that approval and that it is time to forgive himself, something he has never been able to do. Marcus is one of my favorite heroes and I thought that he and Cat were perfectly matched in strength and character. I loved the fact that while Marcus made love to Cat, he never took her virginity because he knew that he would have to eventually leave her, not many heroes are written with that strength of character.

To sum it up, More Than a Scandal is a wonderfully layered story full of emotion, depth and humor and it should be on everyone's must read list!

"Great characters make this Regency romance delightful."

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted June 17, 2005

Catherine Miller escaped with her young brother 10 years ago from their murderous relatives who were intent upon stealing her brother's title. Arriving with only the clothes on their backs, Catherine takes refuge in an orphanage with her brother. For the past two years, Catherine has been secretary to the dear Headmaster Dunn, never divulging their true background. Instead, she leads a lackluster life while trying to prepare her brother for eventually receiving his title. A title she has no idea how to regain.

Seven years ago, Major Marcus Dunn left Andersen Hall after a brutal argument with his father. He swore he'd never return. However, Marcus' superior officer suspects a spy operating in his hometown and blackmails Marcus into returning. Upon his homecoming, memories assail him of his father's diligent care of the orphans and his father's neglect of his mother and him. With the passage of time dampening the anger, Marcus and his father reach a tentative truce, which abruptly ends with his father's murder.

Catherine's infatuation with Marcus returns full force upon his arrival, but thankfully, Marcus is unaware of her. Before, Marcus only saw a quiet mouse following him and his friends around, now he sees a lion protecting his father and the other orphans. Together they work to find the killer and spy, while denying the growing attraction between them.

MORE THAN A SCANDAL is a pleasant romance. Ms. Robins has created appealing characters and adds a delightful Robin Hood twist at the end.

Distinctive characters and flawless writing . . . wonderful story of passion.
~ Romance Reviews Today

MORE THAN A SCANDAL - Sari Robins
Avon
ISBN: 0-06-057535-2
July 2005
Historical Romance

With distinctive characters and flawless writing, Ms Robins will thrill readers with this wonderful story of passion.

Spring 1811, London, England

Marcus Dunn has put aside his past, but when his commanding officer demands that he return home, he balks. Marcus wants nothing to do with his estranged father or the orphanage he runs. But Marcus soon finds himself back in London trying to ferret out a spy. Being home brings Marcus face to face with the animosity he feels for his father, and forces him to deal with emotions he put aside when his mother died. To complicate matters, Marcus becomes reacquainted with one of the orphans who once was infatuated with him, Catherine Miller. Only Cat isn't the little girl he remembers; she is a full grown woman who has him thinking about anything but his mission and setting to rights the rift between him and his father. Marcus wants Cat in the most primitive of ways, and he is willing to do almost anything to have her.

Catherine Miller knows she was born to lead a better life, but she and her little brother were robbed of their inheritance. Catherine wants to avenge her parents' deaths and obtain the title that was stolen from her brother, but to do so she must first find a way to keep her brother safe. Her plans become complicated when she learns that Marcus Dunn is returning home under some very feeble pretense, and Catherine suspects that something more is afoot. Cat soon realizes that Marcus's mission is putting the orphanage in grave danger, but that isn't the only threat surrounding the two of them. Cat's heart is also in grave peril, for she still feels an attraction to Marcus. Problems other than Marcus arise for Cat when her brother gets into trouble. To bail him out and keep her brother from hanging, she must don the guise of the Thief of Robinson Square, and steal from those who have stolen her inheritance.

With the threat of a spy involved in the orphanage, Cat and Marcus work together to keep the orphanage running and correct wrongs committed years ago. Along the way, Catherine and Marcus discover a love that will defy all odds and heal old wounds.

MORE THAN A SCANDAL is a thrilling tale with many twists and turns. The characters are each unique and all have secondary stories that blend seamlessly into one stirring tale. Catherine and her brother had their inheritance stolen from them and must find a way to gain what is rightfully theirs. Marcus must come to terms with the wrongs of his father, which were committed in love. Together they must find a way to save the orphanage and honor a love that is undeniable. The passion between Marcus and Catherine is gripping and will have readers cheering them on as they discover the meaning of true love.

With distinctive characters and flawless writing, Ms Robins will thrill readers with this wonderful story of passion. Be sure to grab your copy of MORE THAN A SCANDAL before they are gone.

Edith Morrison
Romance Reviews Today

"MORE THAN A SCANDAL is a novel that readers will enjoy sinking their teeth into. Don't miss this majestic adventure of love and intrigue."
    ~ Reviewer: BJ Deese, Romancejunkies.com

MORE THAN A SCANDAL by Sari Robins is a tale of love that is hindered by intrigue, traitors, and devious relatives. Will this headstrong heroine finally get a chance to be with her one and only love?

London, England ~ Spring 0f 1811
Catherine Miller and her young brother came to live at Andersen Hall orphanage several years ago after their parents were killed. Initially they lived with their cousins, but it became evident that their cousins meant them harm. So, Catherine took her titled brother away from danger and kept their identities a secret. At the Hall she meets Marcus Dunn, the Headmaster's son, and she finds out what young love can do to a person.

Marcus Dunn has come back to Andersen Hall even though he never wanted to return. He is on a mission now to uncover and bring down a traitor. When he arrives home, it's obvious his anger and hurt towards his father have not lessened. Marcus puts a lot of blame on his father for the death of his mother. But, Marcus must put that aside to accomplish his duties.

Marcus doesn't expect to find Catherine, his father's secretary of two years, to have grown into a feisty and beautiful woman. But, that's exactly what she's turned into, and he can't quell the growing and mysterious attraction for the little spitfire. It seems that Catherine has deep suspicions about Marcus's return, and she is bound and determined to find out the true reasons for his return to the orphanage, even if it does put her in harm's way.

Catherine finds a very shocking journal as she is cleaning out Headmaster Dunn's closest. Immediately she guesses this journal belonged to the "Thief of Robinson Square" who burgled many of the ton's homes. Now what is she to do with this information? She also has to keep an eye on the slick Marcus, a man she has loved since she first came to Andersen Hall. She soon realizes her feelings for Marcus are stronger than ever. Will Marcus and Catherine keep those they love safe and find the traitor?

Sari Robins has created a wondrous world with MORE THAN A SCANDAL. The hero in this historical romance is a man of courage, strength, passion, honor and love. He is at times bold and angry, and it takes the love of this fiery heroine to complete him. I love the way these characters are so full of life that they practically pop right off the page. The plot was filled with an intrigue that made the pages turn quickly. The historical details and facts have been researched well, and Ms Robins has done a beautiful job in capturing the historical setting and making the reader feel like a part of the story. MORE THAN A SCANDAL is a novel that readers will enjoy sinking their teeth into. Don't miss this majestic adventure of love and intrigue, coming from Avon romance in June 2005.

"MORE THAN A SCANDAL is an entertaining Regency romance.
Sari Robins provides a fine historical."

More Than a Scandal
by Sari Robins
ISBN: 0060575352

Rating: 9/10
Reviewer: Harriet Klausner

In 1811 shy Catherine Miller cannot believe her odious cousins want to displace her and others to sell her home as they need money. She has no plan at first but knows she must act assertive or else. However, a concept surfaces when she finds the diary of the Thief of Robinson Square. She will be a reincarnation of the thief robbing from the affluent to save the orphanage she calls home.

Major Marcus Dunn has just arrived in England after spending time in Spain. He is on a critical key mission, but realizes the reticent Catherine that he met years ago when she was a child is masquerading as the Thief. Already attracted to her, he admires her spirit, but ponders whether to expose her for her safety. However revealing who she is could destroy his mission by revealing who he truly is.

MORE THAN A SCANDAL is an entertaining Regency romance starring two delightful protagonists, several fine supportive characters and the heroine's dislikable cousins. Catherine is the center of the fun story line as she willingly risks all to save the orphanage from her avaricious relatives yet her solution is a dandy. Marcus is her perfect foible as he fears for her safety, wants to kiss her all over, and must hide his real reason for being home. Sari Robins provides a fine historical.

Harriet Klausner