Samara Parish
How to Survive a Scandal
(Forever, May 2021)
A Publishers Weekly Summer Reads 2021: Romance pick
A Publishers Weekly PW Picks: Books of the Week, May 24, 2021
Featured in Bookpage‘s Romance: June 2021 column
In this whirlwind regency romance, perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton, a near-death experience leads to a marriage of convenience for two unsuspecting strangers, but will their unusual meeting lead them to true love?
Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.
Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him exchanging vows with the hoity society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations . . . and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.
Praise for How to Survive a Scandal
“[A] delightful Regency debut… With the perfect combination of drama, sensuality, and emotion, this refreshing story is sure to make a splash.”
–Publishers Weekly, starred review
“In this dazzling debut, Parish gives historical romance readers everything they could ever desire in a novel, beginning with the brilliantly conceived hero and heroine… Add in a captivating cast of secondary characters, a fine-tuned plot that ditches the often-used ton setting in favor of exploring the world of business, and an infusion of delectably wry wit, and you have an extraordinary romance that succeeds on every level.”
–Booklist, starred review
“Parish’s cleareyed examination of what life was like outside the Regency beau monde makes this debut romance a welcome addition to the genre… An intriguing romance debut that centers class struggles along with the love story.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“Amelia and Benedict are an appealing pair, and watching them become their better selves—the heartbeat of all satisfying romances—is delicious and thoroughly gratifying.”
–Bookpage
“A wildly enjoyable marriage-of-convenience story that will have you cheering for this unlikely and very charming couple to find their happily ever after. A breath of fresh air in historical romance.”
–Anna Campbell, Award-Winning Author of
“How to Survive a Scandal is a great addition to the Regency romance genre.”
–Under the Covers
“It was paced perfectly, the plot and characters were developed, and the writing was captivating. I was engaged in the story from the beginning, and it was a “cannot put down” type of book.”
–Harlequin Junkie
Read Publishers Weekly‘s starred review of HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL
Read Booklist‘s starred review of HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL
Read Kirkus Review‘s review of HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL
See the Australian Romance Readers Association’s spotlight on HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL
Read a teaser in the “Tattler” on Home of the Bluestocking Belles
Read Samara Parish’s guest post on Caroline Warfield’s blog about HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL and steam engines
Read Samara Parish’s essay on Darling Axe‘s Success Story series
Read Harlequin Junkie‘s review of HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL
Read Bookpage‘s review of HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL
Samara Parish has been escaping into fictional worlds since she was a child. When she picked up her first historical romance book, she found a fantasy universe she never wanted to leave and the inspiration to write her own stories. She lives in Australia with her own hero and their many fur-babies in a house with an obscenely large garden, despite historically being unable to keep a cactus alive. How to Survive a Scandal is her debut novel.