Review: Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…

Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous—Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test…

Review:

Sally Kent is the only daughter, with several brothers, who has grown up in a family where going off to have a career in the Navy is important. When her younger brother refuses to take his duty and actually runs away, she decides to take his place to save the honor of her family, and her desires to have the choice of being able to work on ship, which she very much excels at.  I really liked Sally’s independent nature and I loved seeing her thrive while on ship and being able to prove herself as capable. She doesn’t hesitate and I loved her willingness to help out her fellow midshipman.

David Colyear is the 1^st Lieutenant aboard the ship Audacious, Col also happens to be friends with Sally’s older brothers and they met 6 years earlier. Col had fond memories of Sally and it doesn’t take him long to figure out that Sally has in on ship in place of Richard. Col is attracted to Sally and to keep his mind on his job and to help keep Sally’s secret, he attempts to keep his distance, but it just doesn’t work.

I enjoyed this book well enough but I wish there was more of the romance part in it. Obviously while in ship, Col and Sally weren’t able to have the opportunity to do anything in order to keep Sally’s secret. I enjoyed the innocence of their feelings for each other but that also showed in their love making scenes that kind of fell short for me. The rest of the story kept my interest but it was towards the end where it really hooked me and without giving anything away, I could really feel and connect with Sally’s feelings, which is what pulled me into this part of the story the most.