A Scandalous Marriage

Rating:
Summary: Not Scandalous Enough
Review: Not Scandalous Enough

In A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE, the prologue and first three chapters alternate between the past and present relationship of Devon Marshall and Leah Carrollton. From there, this Regency-era story moves on in the present. This out-of-chronological-sequence style can often work, but here it hinders the forward momentum of the plot. It also diminishes the initial meeting of the hero and heroine, which needs to be a key moment in a romance. Once past this however, the story unfolds at a comfortable pace.

Scandal and old feuds are spoken of, but never is there a real sense that much is at stake. The characters are all either very nice people or misunderstood, and conflicts vaporize easily, some with tears, others with apologies. Sweet sentiments abound, making for a low-stress, pleasant read, albeit without genuine drama.

Rating:
Summary: Tedious
Review: This book took forever to get to the point of things. I found that very frustrating. Leah seemed lovely, but like the hero, it was hard to get to know her well.


Rating:
Summary: Satisfying!
Review: This one started out slow for me, but picked up. I didn't necessarily buy all of the reasons why Leah runs away, or all the ways she forgives her family for their acts of betrayal, but the romance is satisfying. Maxwell's portrayal of Devon as the doting adoptive father is sweet, as well.

Rating:
Summary: The viscount who stole my heart
Review: When Devon and Leah first met they felt a connection that they had never felt before, but when they realized that their families were enemies they vowed to hate eachother forever. After several weeks of avoiding eachother, Devon sought Leah out with a plan to seduce her. But he fell in love instead.

Unable to marry due to the family quarrel and a devestating duel, Devon leaves London and Leah behind. Leah is distraught and throws herself at other men. After she becomes pregnant she leaves London to live a life as a pauper.

A chance meeting brings the two lovers back together on the date of her son''s birth. After Devon helps to birth her child he immediately falls in love with her son. He marries her and claims her child for his own.

Although both love eachother, neither will allow themself to acknowledge that love. The past haunts them. Devon brings his new wife and son home to meet his family that he hasn''t seen in over a year. They are outraged that he would marry the daughter of their sworn enemy.

I loved this book, I truly did. Especially Devon, the viscount who stole my heart. If you''re a lover of regency and you love a hero who will melt your heart, this is the book for you. I can''t wait to read all past novels by Cathy Maxwell.