Caroline Dutton has long had the odds stacked against her, born as she was one of the ‘unwashed masses’ and illegitimate, the result of a liaison between her mother and a profligate Duke. She and her mother fought hard to achieve a life they could be proud of, and whilst her mother has now passed on, Caroline has continued the path they set together. Proprietress of her own clothes store, Caroline is an independent women with no plans to change her unmarried status. But it seems that life, destiny or fate, call it what you will, has other plans for her. With the arrival of Drayton MacKenzie at her store, life as she knows it comes to an end, and her mother’s dreams are fulfilled. Seemingly, the late Duke of Ryland had a change of heart regarding his illegitimate daughters, and began the process of recognising them as his offspring, a complicated process to be sure. Now the new Duke, Drayton, must carry forth the plans set in motion by the previous Duke, teach them to be ladies and see them successfully married off. Should he not, he will not inherit the money that he so badly needs to fix up the estates left to him.

Whilst Caroline is at first resistant to Drayton’s plans, but upon learning of her half-sisters she determines to do what she must to see them provided for. Soon, Caroline finds herself ensconced with her sisters and Drayton at Ryland Castle, his country estate - the only house he has inherited that is not crumbling around his ears. Thus begin Caroline’s lessons to become a Lady, as well as her job managing the household affairs and staff. With barely enough time to sleep among the renovations, Caroline manages to find time to further the surprising physical relationship between herself and Drayton that had come into existence on the first day they had met. Even as she convinces herself she wants only physical pleasure from him, her feelings for him begin to deepen. But a relationship between them is impossible. She is his eldest ward, and they each must marry as advantageously as possible. Yet, one’s intentions do not always work out as planned, nor as wanted. Plans have a way of going off course, and no one can control their feelings, Caroline included…

Drayton MacKenzie had never expected to become a Duke, or any titled member of the elite, for that matter. He was about as far removed from the line of inheritance as he could possibly be, or so he would have thought. The death of the Duke of Ryland, followed by the death of his only son, proved otherwise. Not only has this military officer found himself steered onto a course he had not set for himself, but he has also inherited an estate that is in such chaos it will take years to sort it out. A Dukedom is not his only inheritance. The late Duke of Ryland was in the process of recognising his illegitimate offspring, for only if he did could he access his late wife’s large dowry. He had had one indiscreet affair too many, too much to drink and lost too much to gambling. A woman scorned is a woman to be wary of. Revenge is sweet, and can be administered from the grave. Only now the whole mess has fallen squarely into Drayton’s unsuspecting lap. He is determined to sort out the chaos, and begins by collecting his wards. Though first impressions are not reassuring, he soon finds himself captivated with them, unique as their characters are, and enamoured of one in particular. At twenty-three, Caroline is the eldest of his wards and ripe for the marriage market. The problem is he is drawn to her as he is not to the others, and the pull is desire. A wanting surfaces that he cannot resist and soon gives in to. But he resists falling in love with her, knowing there is no advantage to their marrying. Yet, his desire for her deepens and resisting a physical relationship with her is futile. He offers her marriage, only to be rejected for she, too, is aware that it would benefit neither of them. With Drayton in denial over his feelings and Caroline’s determination to keep her deepening feelings to herself, is there any chance of the wall they have built between them being knocked down? Or are they doomed to each go their own way, into loveless but financially viable marriages?

Leslie LaFoy’s Her Scandalous Marriage is a must-read for any historical romance fan, though I also recommend it to any romance lover. Fabulously written, its engaging characters and brilliant plot make Her Scandalous Marriage an amazing story that will hook you on this author, as it has me, and have you adding this book to your keeper shelf for long into the foreseeable future. Her Scandalous Marriage is one you will most definitely re-read, for it is a truly remarkable tale that will make you smile, laugh and admire Leslie LaFoy’s storytelling abilities. There is detailed sex in this story, though nothing that could be considered taboo - unless you count locations. The characters are all excellently and fully developed, very likeable and charming. I loved Caroline’s half-sisters, Fiona and Simone. Two such young girls I have never come across, and both are very endearing. I sincerely hope that Ms. LaFoy is going to pen their own stories. I would certainly be most interested in finding out what man can successfully capture Simone’s heart, a formidable task to be sure. Whilst this is the first tale I had read by Ms. LaFoy, I had no sooner put it down than I was searching for more of her stories, for she is most surely an author to look out for whose tales will capture both your imagination and your heart.



Reviewed by: Elizabeth