Before The Scandal: The Notorious Gentlemen    by Suzanne Enoch Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2008 (2008) Paperback, e-Book     Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Alyse Donnelly and Phin Bromley grew up as the best of friends, but when he went to war she never thought she would see him again. When Alyse's parents died, her cousin Richard took her in to be a companion to his mother. Now they treat her like a servant and continuously insult her. Life has changed for her and she is embarrassed to tell Phin when they meet again. Colonel Phineas Bromley is summoned home by his sister Beth, who is being courted by Alyse's cousin Richard. Phin doesn't trust Richard. But since he has been estranged from the family for ten years, he doesn't have much say in what happens with his sister, or with the estate that seems to have been hit with a streak of bad luck. Trying to find out more about what has been going on, Phin assumes the role of a French highwayman and holds up the coach that Alyse is in. He is shocked to see her and even more shocked that she isn't as frightened as he expected her to be. Phin and Alyse start spending time together. Soon they are in love, but Alyse feels she cannot marry him given her social fall. Phin has his own demons since he feels responsible for the accident that left his brother William in a wheelchair for life. Before The Scandal brings two friends back together, to fall in love while they solve the mystery of the bad luck affecting Phin's family estate. The welcome reappearance of Sullivan and Bram creates suspense for readers anxious to know what Bram's role will be in the next Notorious Gentlemen episode. I've found this series entertaining and would also love to see a story about Phin's brother William. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews