Leah Carrollton had dreams of meeting—and marrying—the perfect man. Then a scandalous affair ended in abandonment, and she left London rather than face her disgrace. With no one to turn to, Leah ran away to the country. Abruptly Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, strides into her life, enveloping her in his strong embrace and offering her a chance to recapture what she\’d lost.
Heir to one of England\’s most honorable titles, Devon has spent his life breaking the rules—and giving Leah and her fatherless child his name is just one more way to flaunt convention. But Devon discovers Leah tantalizes him as no other woman ever has, making him long for all the sweet bliss that marriage has to offer. But can a marriage made in scandal become a happily-ever-after affair?
Originally published in 2006, Cathy Maxwell’s A Scandalous Marriage gives the tried and true historical romance a twist. Our hero and heroine are separated by bad family blood and consequently our heroine finds herself at the mercy of the men of the Ton.
A baby born on the wrong side of the blanket later, the couple meets again and thats when sparks once again fly.
But pain from the past prevents them from expressing their true feelings.
My, I am filled with alliteration tonight.
Having given this book a few solid reads, I think that there is humor and real depth of character that historical romance lovers will enjoy. The real strength is in the true spirit of the hero, Devon. He is the quintessential man that we all wish for as little girls…only with the true to life flaws we come to understand as women.
Its not a story for everyone. There is melodrama, but no dramatic conflict. Its serious, so lovers of the light romp will be dissatisfied. Adult subject matter and themes will also turn off clean hist ro readers.
Cathy Maxwell is talented, and I think she demonstrates that with her well written and attractive hero. Worth at least a reread, it nonetheless didn’t go in my keeper pile.
