Customer Reviews

Her Scandalous Marriage

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first book by LL that I have read. I sought her and a handful of other authors out that I have never read before. I'm always looking for the diamond in the rough. Most of the time, the authors are passable but, not noteworthy. LL is definitely a keeper. I am buying some more of her books and hoping others are as good as "Her Scandalous Marriage" ended up being.

The reason I enjoyed this book so much is that there was passion, attraction and seduction but, unlike many books where the couples get together early and the interest wears off....this author was really talented in keeping the plot line going even after the main characters had been intimate many times. Many authors go from innocence to frankly dark and dirty passion much too quickly with characters. And...they have them doing it so often you actually get bored reading about it. In this book, the author did a good job of having suspense and sexual desire and attraction build and because circumstance wouldn't allow it...often they had to tease but, refrain from being together. Thus...the attraction built to a fine level. When they did get together, it was tastefully written, appealing, light and the intensity was just right. Nothing too deep, exotic or dark. The main characters of Drayton and Caroline were not only attractive and beautiful but, definitely funny, quirky and loveable. They were well rounded and easy to bring to life. Authors often make the male lead one way and the female another (either strong and arrogant for the man and simple and naïve for the woman, etc). LL did a fine job of making Drayton and Caroline into real world characters that had blemishes from their past and mistakes along the way but, they were likeable for all their human weaknesses. And...as they got together, all their best qualities continued to shine and they continued to blossom into warm and appealing lead characters.

Their world was complex and complete with the additions of Caroline's half sisters of Fiona and Simone, Drayton's friends of Aubrey and Haywood and the many employee's at the estates who loved them - one and all. It was a charming group thrown together kicking and screaming by an old man's dying wishes but, fortunately, his unwanted wishes ended up giving them a family and deep love they never expected.

One reviewer said it was boring, hard to read, easy to skim the end and couldn't wait for it to be done. Everyone has their opinion but, if you are looking for more than a sex book, or a book light on romance, than this is the book for you. This book was truly the story of two people who were doing fine on their own and meeting up and realizing that what they thought they wanted was not what they wanted at all. They thought marrying for money to keep their titles and estates in line was what should and had to be done. They didn't think they could give it to happiness, joy and love as that's simply not done in the world of a Duke and a Duchess. Fortunately, they found a way to eventually defy convention.

Together, they found friendship, laughter, joy, a family and eternal love. It was sexy, funny, interesting and appealing. All the emotions were also realistic and you could feel for what they were going through. Their thoughts and actions never felt empty and contrived, instead, it was heartfelt and real. All the internal dialogues each character had in their heads when something happened was a riot - very funny to read (like when Aubrey's mother gave society lessons to Caroline). Especially sassy Simone. Characters that are life like and likeable are not easy to create in one dimension on flat paper or a computer screen. This author brought Caroline and Drayton and the whole gang to life. I am hoping to read a story about Haywood or Aubrey (to redeem these two stuffy and naughty fellas) or even Fiona (gentle, shy and with a limp) and Simone's (sassy, strong and independent) stories one day when they grow up.

This was a great book if you are a true lover of historical romance novels. Add this author and this story to your favorites - it's great! Four stars for sure!

Drayton Mackenzie recently became the new Duke of Ryland following the unexpected deaths of two distant cousins. In order to collect a substantial monetary inheritance, which he desperately needs to maintain and repair the estates that come with the title, he needs to fulfill a very unusual clause in the will. He must find and become guardian for the three illegitimate daughters of the former Duke, and then turn them into proper ladies. He gets a portion of his inheritance upon the suitable marriage of each. The oldest daughter, Caroline, is twenty-three and the owner of a dressmaking shop. She is beautiful and strong-willed, and at first she resists going with Drayton because of his arrogance and her ill feelings toward her late father. Drayton becomes much more human as they travel to collect her two impoverished younger half-sisters, who are eleven and fourteen. Before long - and I mean less than twenty-four hours - the cozy couple has warmed to one another and wind up sharing a passionate night at a roadside inn. Drayton gallantly proposes the next day, but Caroline declines, insisting that it will be more practical for them to find wealthy spouses who can supplement their inheritance. As they arrive at Drayton's dilapidated country estate, he wonders why he isn't happier about being let off the hook by Caroline. He resolves then and there to pursue her, unclear what that means or how it all will end.

This is my first novel by Leslie LaFoy, although I greatly enjoyed her novella in the "My Scandalous Bride" anthology. I therefore had high expectations for this book, but am rather disappointed. I like the general premise of rescuing the illegitimate daughters, and the two younger girls are delightful and add much to the story. I also like how Caroline uses her seamstress skills to make so many wonderful changes to the house. And Drayton has many appealing qualities. However, the romance part of storyline is very unsatisfactory, and the love scenes are too raw, and lack charm and tenderness. I am fine with the love/lust at first sight scenario, but where the story takes us from here is not logical. Caroline's refusal to consider marriage to Drayton, and his feeble acceptance of it, are annoying and inexplicable. Neither lead is a mercenary type, so it is confounding that they would go after a bit more money rather than marry each other when there is such an amazing attraction between them. This would also enable Caroline to remain with her sisters. Moreover, Caroline's behavior does not seem like that of a nineteenth century heroine. She is very sexually forward and her vocabulary seems very modern, at times even a bit crude.

So although there are a number of good story elements here, and the ending is fine, they are overshadowed by some less pleasing facets. I will probable read the next book in the series, because Caroline's sisters seem interesting, but I will hope for a better follow-through.

I have been reading historical romance novels for the last 20 years and know what I like and I liked this book. As one reviewer pointed out that the heroine wasn't a virgin, this usually turns me off to a book right away. I have even stopped reading books when I feel that the female is "slutty". I didn't get that feeling at all. The two main characters had an affectionate and fun relationship. I was glad that I didn't have to wade through 100 pages or more simpering courtship and such. Maybe this is not a "technical" historical romance, but that doesn't take away from this being an enjoyable and relaxing story. If you want something light, where there is romance and a good laugh then gives this book a try.

This novel starts off with a bang. LaFoy does a great job introducing all the characters - our hero, heroine, and her two younger sisters. All are drawn with unique traits and foibles. But, then LaFoy ruins the plot by making the heroine of her historical (and I underline historical!) novel be promiscuous. Why did she do that? About 100 pages into the novel, we find out that the heroine, Caroline, had already had plenty of sex before she meets the hero, Drayton, and couldn't wait to have sex with him as well. Did I mention that this was a historical?! LaFoy didn't need to write her main character this way. We who read Regencies - or any historicals for that matter - don't mind if the heroines are virgins or sexually innocent. Writers who feel that their characters will be more "universal" for the modern reader if they make the heroines sexually active are wrong. Sorry, but it's just not appropriate to read about a promiscuous woman in the early 1800's. It doesn't work in the historical framework. LaFoy misses the mark in that regard.

In order to access his great uncle's inheritance, Drayton MacKenzie has been given the task of finding the man's three illegitimate daughters. Finding them is easy; turning them into marriageable ladies of the English ton may be a bit more difficult.

Drayton MacKenzie never expected to become the new Duke of Ryland. He was content being in the army. When Drayton is notified of his great uncle's demise and his new status, he reluctantly begins his transformation from simple soldier to haughty duke. His transformation will be a piece of cake, right? Definitely, not. Drayton is thrown for a loop with what he is told he must do in order to gain monies needed to run the various dead duke's estates.

Caroline Dutton is satisfied with her life and her dress shop. She is dependent only on herself and Caroline likes it that way. She is content with her lot in life; that is, until a rude, opinionated duke walks into her shop and completely upsets the balance in her life as well as her hormones.

Per his late uncle's will, Drayton has been given the task of finding the old man's three children. He finds the oldest and when he comes in contact with Caroline, he is instantly attracted to her. The fact that she doesn't seem impressed with him intrigues Drayton all the more. It takes a lot of smooth talking, but Drayton finally convinces a reluctant Caroline to help him fulfill the terms of her father's will. Together they set out to find Caroline's other half sisters. Once that is accomplished, Drayton figures the rest will fall into place. He could not be more wrong; especially where Caroline is concerned. Drayton doesn't count on their mutual attraction to each other nor does he count on falling in love and wanting to keep her for himself.

HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Leslie LaFoy is a saucy, romantic tale of two outsiders trying to fit into English society. They don't count on falling in love with each other and that made HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE all the more endearing. I liked Caroline's vitality and her loyalty to family, even family she didn't know she had. I found myself grinning at the antics of the other two sisters as well as Drayton's reactions to the sisters themselves.

Overall, HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Leslie LaFoy is a delightful read that kept me entertained. Full of humor and love, it held my attention from first to last word. I can't wait to see if Ms. LaFoy gives the two sisters their own stories!

This was a charming and fast moving start to what I hope will be a trilogy. I have one comment on the ignorant idea that ALL women in the 19th century were virgins until they were married. . . this heroine was from a different class position and not constantly guarded. Like many women throughout history she had premarital sex with someone she was committed to. . .This does not make her promiscuous.

Her Scandalous Marriage by Leslie Lafoy was a amusing and exciting novel. Both main characters came from humble beginnings and now are thrown into the society world as Duke and Daughter of a Duke. They are two strong loving characters who fight the world before them -- and find out what really counts in the end. This book has lots of humor, great love scenes and view into the society world.... If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon

This is a story about a couple who desire one another so much that they absolutley cannot restrain it...despite any consequences. The heroine was different in this one and I liked her. So often heroines are made to appear so strong and independent, but then they become so missish with the hero, and it tends to counter what the author had previously told us. Not so in this story. This is an easy, light read with enjoyable characters. LaFoy pens two more in this series about the heroine's (Caroline) sisters, Simone and Fiona. I actually read those before I read this one, and although it's been a while, I remember enjoying those as well. I plan to go back and reread them now that I've read this one, and look forward to it. This is a worthy, enjoyable read. The ending is a little abrupt, and maybe a little cheesy, but I still enjoyed it altogether.

Caroline Dutton is happily working in her dress shop when Drayton MacKenzie enters and tells her she has to close up shop and come live with him. Drayton explains that Caroline's father, Geoffrey, asked Drayton upon his deathbed to take care of Caroline and her two stepsisters and to make them into ladies suitable for good marriages. Caroline is an illegitimate child and she was ignored by her father all of her life. She does not want to leave her business, nor does she want money or marriage.

Drayton has his work cut out for him. Not only is Caroline fiercely independent, but she is gorgeous and he is very attracted to her. Caroline thinks Drayton is infuriating, condescending and easily the most handsome man she has ever met.

Drayton gathers Caroline's two younger sisters, Fiona and Simone. They are about as far from ladies as one could get. Drayton realizes that this is an even bigger undertaking than he thought.

Caroline and Drayton can't keep their hands off each other, but a marriage between them is not suitable. Drayton receives advice from his friends regarding his new duties as a duke, but on his own, Drayton must decide what to do about his growing feelings for Caroline. He soon discovers that the burden he was given turns out to be a blessing.

Her Scandalous Marriage is a romantic delight. Caroline and Drayton compliment each other so well. They are attractive, witty, kind, and very passionate. The enjoyment they found in each other's company is endearing. Fiona is adorable and Simone is outrageous. I eagerly look forward to reading their stories. Her Scandalous Marriage is a love story about two people who should not have fallen in love, but did. It is very romantic.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I liked this book-- well-written, fast-paced, good characters, good plot. It made me want to read other titles by the same author.