Rating: Summary: A Scandalous Laugh Review: As we enter the world of Leah and Devon, we learn of their simply SHOCKING secrets and their love just not meant to be. (gasp!) If you want a good laugh, this is the book for you. The love between Leah and Devon is extremely dramatic and similar to a soap opera. Leah is the typical helpless lead, weeping and swooning in the tan muscular arms of her macho Devon. Without meaning to be, the drama of this book is extremely comical because it is clichéd and fatuous. My two friends and I read this aloud to each other over the summer, and we rolled on the floor laughing. If you want a serious romance, I would not recommend this. However, if you want a light and humorous read, give "A Scandalous Marriage" a try.
Rating: Summary: A Wonderful Hero but a Mediocre Story Review: Beautiful debutante, Leah Carrollton, could have any man she wanted. But the selection found in London ballrooms was dull and unappealing. That is, until she met Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, who was most appealing indeed. Devon shared the same regard for the lovely Leah, and since her family had been pressing her to pick a husband of means to offset their financial situation, Devon seemed perfect. But Leah's brother would not even consider a union between the two, since the Carrollton and Marshall families were old enemies. Leah was forced to end her relationship with Devon, and he left London soon afterward. A distraught Leah exercised poor judgment, and ran off with a notorious scoundrel who ruined her and left her pregnant. She then fled London for the countryside to bear her child alone.Some months later, while traveling through the English countryside, Devon discovers a very pregnant Leah living in squalor. Before much could be spoken between the two, Leah went into labor. After assisting with the difficult delivery, Devon married her and claimed the child as his own. But old secrets and hurts still exist between the two. Will they be able to get past their problems, and rediscover their love for each other? I'm beginning to think Cathy Maxwell is a writer whose work I'm just not really drawn to. I found her story in the anthology TWO FOR TEA quite good, so I sought out more of her titles. Next I read THE WEDDING WAGER, which I also found to be very satisfying. But the last two books I've read by her, this one and its prequel MARRIED IN HASTE, were horribly average. This story started off well, and I very much enjoyed the hero saving the heroine from her less than perfect living situation. Then he even went so far as to claim her fatherless child as his own. In fact, the hero of this book is a wonderful, charming, and honorable man, and his character is the best part of this story. Not that I found Leah unlikable; she was just okay. But after they married, the story seemed forced, lost momentum, and ceased to be as interesting. I did finish the book, but overall it just wasn't that special or memorable for me. I have one other novel by this author already in my possession, so I'll probably read it. However, if its not better than these last two, I'm most likely done reading Ms. Maxwell's work.
Rating: Summary: A Scandalous Marriage Review: Cathy Maxwell's books always put a smile on my face and in my heart. This book is no exception...or rather, this is book is exceptional! A wonderfully satisfying and uplifting read of two people finding and realizing they are soulmates. A keeper and a recommended read to everyone who loves a good story by a gifted storyteller.
Rating: Summary: Not bad, not bad.... Review: CM writes some different types of plots, that's for sure; I always appreciate that. She doesn't mind getting outside the norm for typical Regency era acceptability, I'll say that. So far, I have liked her heros & heroines even though they (like most others) can make some really bad decisions. I really liked reading about people who didn't think that they're entire life was based on their reputation within the ton & that a title is more important than anything else in their life. It's not an overly exciting novel, not super funny, nor adventurous, but it did keep me interested & I just love it when I can admire both a hero & a heroine. I'll be trying an another of CM's books.
Rating: Summary: Aaahhhhh - What a story! Review: I bought this book two days ago and once I started reading, I could not put it down. I loved this story! Devon and Leah were the perfect couple. The "magic" they shared was captivating and I was eager to see their relationship grow. Devon, which in my mind I pictured the actor Dale Midkiff, who played Buck on the Magnificent Seven, was an admirable character in helping Leah all through the birth of her baby, staying by her side the whole time. And then taking that baby in as his own son. What a man! Leah was a beautiful person too who did what she had to do in order to save her baby, although that path was terrifying. Devon and Leah both are very proud characters, but yet, are very human too. It's a great read.
Rating: Summary: Such Potential, but fell short... Review: I'm sorry to say, this book just wasn't that interesting. It started out promising but fizzled quickly.
Rating: Summary: The Bestest Friend You'll Find Review: It was a hot summer's day when my friends (well, they weren't my friends yet) began to read aloud A Scandalous Marriage. We laughed, we cried, we bought the book. This glorious story by Cathy Maxwell brings together the hidden story of Leah Carrollton, a debutante that is mentioned many a time in Married in Haste. It's a fun book to read with your friends, and, it could be the bestest friend you'll ever find.
Rating: Summary: Maybe a comfort read.... Review: Leah and Devon (Viscount Huxold) fall in love at first sight. Unfortunately, their families are enemies; and Leah spurns Devon. A chance meeting brings them together again. The best part of this book, for me, were the initial meetings of Devon and Leah. I found their comings together, passionate, entertaining and believable. I felt their pain when their circumstances separated them. However, when Devon happens upon Leah "where" he does, and "when" he does...it's too much coincidence for me. Devon has a secret/secrets and Leah has a child. Besides these situations, there's the families' feuds. And, then an "old" secret is revealed. For me, there were too many problems, too many obstacles, too easily solved. I expected a more tumultuous read, a more passionate romance. Instead, it seemed a comfortable read with two pleasing leads. Even the love scene(s) seemed comfortable. I'm afraid I like a little more--passion?
Rating: Summary: Sexy, Spirited and Passionate Review: Leah Carrollton and Devon Marshall are perfect for each other--despite the fact that their families have been feuding for generations and Leah is pregnant with someone else's baby. This sexy, spirited and utterly entertaining couple surmounts insurmountable difficulties in a very passionate and smart story that keeps the reader riveted. Cathy Maxwell is a superb writer whose complex and highly sensual characters sizzle on the page. Do not miss this or any of her other books!
Rating: Summary: It would be a scandal to miss this one! Review: Leah Carrollton is her family's best hope for the future. She must marry, and marry well. When she falls for Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, it should be a realization of everyone's dreams. But the Marshalls and Carrollton's history is too deep and too painful. The bitter feud is fueled by new folly, and Leah is forced to make choices that break her heart. Choices that will come back and haunt the couple when they finally reunite and Devon finds the woman he still loves carrying another man's child. Past and future come together in a powerful story of a love that was meant to be. Cathy Maxwell tells a poignant tale of a love that cannot be denied.
|