The Book of Scandal (Mass Market Paperback)

by Julia London (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
London (Highlander Unbound) sets this convincing tale of romance and intrigue in the early 1800s, an obscure period of strife in the English monarchy. Nathan Grey, the Earl of Lindsey, lost himself in liquor and debauchery after the death of his infant son, while his wife, Evelyn, abandoned their loving but superficial marriage and began flirting with another peer. Three years later, when Nathan learns that Evelyn could be named in Princess Caroline's infamous Book of Scandal, he kidnaps her from court, pretending they've reconciled. Nathan's attempt to guard the family's reputation soon blossoms into a genuine desire to rebuild their marriage, but Evelyn resists. Meddling by servants and both sets of parents provides needed backstory and also unites the couple against their helpful interference. The only sour note is Nathan's insistence that Evelyn apologize for adulterous thoughts that pale compared to his unabashed actions. Despite the confusing court scandals, this reunion story is mostly a joy. (Sept.)
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From Booklist
When Princess Caroline threatens to publish her potentially treasonous memoirs—The Book of Scandal—as part of divorce-negotiating tactics against her husband, Prince George, Nathan Grey, the Earl of Lindsey, doesn’t expect to hear that his wife, Evelyn, may be one of those named in the gossip-rich book. To protect Evelyn and himself from any political repercussions, Nathan sets off for London to bring his wife home. Evelyn is equally determined to find a way to convince Nathan to divorce her, but as Evelyn discovers more about what really happened after tragedy struck their lives three years earlier, she begins to wonder if she really does want to end their marriage after all. London deftly blends a subtle sense of characterization, elegant writing, and a dash of danger into her latest beautifully crafted Regency historical as she fashions an emotionally powerful tale of two married people who find themselves falling in love all over again. --John Charles

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (August 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416547118
• ISBN-13: 978-1416547112
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #261,288 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Estrangement and treason, August 22, 2008

By	Helen Hancox "Auntie Helen" (Essex, England) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Nathan Grey, the Earl of Lindsay, has been living without his wife for the last three years. Following the death of their young son Robbie their relationship deteriorated and Evelyn went to London and became a helper to Princess Mary. However, rumours of Evelyn's affairs with Lord Dunhill may have landed her in a great deal of trouble as a royal scandal is brewing and she may be implicated. In order to preserve his family's good name, Nathan abducts Evelyn from London and returns her to their country estate, Eastchurch. There Nathan and Evelyn have to get to know each other again, to come to terms with their shared history and Evelyn has to learn to deal with her distress over the death of Robbie. But someone has followed them to Eastchurch and someone may be plotting against their lives.

This was an enjoyable book with some tearjerker moments and amusing sideplay with the butler, Benson. Both Nathan and Evelyn were appealing characters, despite their faults, and their reconciliation felt believable. There were some inaccuracies in terms of dialogue for the period but nothing too grating and the overall impression of the book was positive. It highlighted the rather inequitable societal opinion about men and their mistresses versus women and their chastity and there were, for this reader at least, a few question marks over Nathan's future faithfulness to his wife, but it was overall a good read.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Death, Adultery, Murder, Suspense, Politics, Betrayal, Grief...HEAVY, August 15, 2008

By	R. Phillips (MS USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a book that captures your attention with the depth of the circumstances of the hero and heroine. It can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming for the reader, and I found myself in need of a little comic relief more than once (more than the empty threats to the butler). The overwhelming grief that the H/H both feel almost spills over to the reader, so be ready. I love this couple and their attempt to rebuild the "scaffolding" of their marriage. I'm not certain the murder attempts added anything to the story - detracted from it in my opinion. The story could have been strong enough on its own, without that. There were enough factors and characters to keep the story interesting as the H/H carved new paths to one another. As it is, it is a heavy read but the love of the H/H is touching and heartfelt.
BTW, the previous reviewer calls the heroine Evangeline...her name was Evelyn (Evie, for short)...maybe it was different in an advanced copy or something???; also the separation was 3 years, not 5; and the heroine was not completely prim and proper in London, hence, adding to their marital woes.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Julia London scores again, September 2, 2008

By	Bookworm (michigan) - See all my reviews

The Earl and Countess of Lindsey have been married for years. Unable to cope with, accept, deal with the death of their toddler son, the two drift apart and become estranged. Nathan remains at the country home, Eastchurch while Evelyn flees to London. But with scandal brewing in London and Evelyn very possibly right in the middle of it, her husband, whom she hasn't seen in 3 years, comes to London and forces her to return home. The story that follows is a very poignant, eloquently written tale of two people struggling to come to terms with their son's death, the betrayal each of them felt in the aftermath and how they finally, together, sort through it and come to terms with it. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and become strong again, the little blasts into the past and also Nathan's relationship with his butler, Benton. The quality of writing in this book rates right up there with London's Rogues of Regent Street series and is just as unputdownable.