In Scandal They Wed
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: March 30, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061579219
Retail: $7.99
384 pagesWhat kind of woman would marry a man she only just met?
The kind with nothing to lose.
Long ago, Evelyn Cross sacrificed her good name, her freedom, and any hope for love. Now, in the remote English countryside, she struggles to survive and avoid the scandal threatening to destroy all she holds dear . . . until a sinfully handsome viscount arrives on her doorstep, offering marriage, salvation, and tempting her with so much more . . .
What kind of man would marry a woman he only just met?
The kind bound by duty.
Fresh from war, Spencer Lockhart returns home to claim his title and right the wrong his cousin perpetrated upon Evelyn Cross. In need of a wife, his marrying her is a small price to pay for duty. But when he meets her, the fiery chit is not what he expects to find in a ruined lady. As desire flares hotly between them, honor is the last thing on his mind . . .
What kind of man and woman would marry when they’ve only just met?
The kind who could ignite a scandal with just one touch.
~*~*~
In Scandal They Wed… desire fairly crackles in the air and gives the reader shivers!Sophie Jordan has written an original book with a unique concept as a main plot that I have never encountered before…which made for a very interesting read. The desire she has created between her two main characters fairly crackles in the air and gives her readers the shivers! Our leading man may vow not to be “another fool to fall at our heroine’s feet” but anytime a man says that you know he is in for the ride of his life.
As I mentioned, the desire between our characters is well written but I can not say the same for the romance. Both lead characters were not adapted enough. I like it when you can feel their love grow as you get to know them. You feel no ‘ownership’ to this story, however, that did not take away from the overall effectiveness of the book for me.
Evie is a smart and courageous woman, making an unbelievable sacrifice for her sister and family. But she winds up married to a man she doesn’t know and is filled with a sense of betrayal over the lies she must tell him. She is perplexing sometimes, having all this courage to go through life but not enough to trust her new husband with the reality of her situation. Other than that little bit of annoyance, I liked Evie’s character very much.
Spencer has also made a sacrifice to repair the honor of the woman he feels was wronged by his cousin, even if he still loved her with his dying breath. The fact that Spencer has secretly coveted the mysterious “Linny” helps the reader to see past his so-called selfless act; he is infatuated with the idea of a woman who he thinks can solve all his problems. What he really wants is a quiet life to forget the horrors of war and the predilections and betrayals of the ton. So he marries a stranger and winds up with the last type of woman he expects. Spencer bothered me many times in this book and I will admit to not really liking him all that much. However, he does somewhat redeem himself at the end.
The love scenes are steamy but not overly so and match the tone of the book well.
A different plot concept saved this book for me and I would recommend it to most historical romance enthusiasts.
Rating: 8 (Very Good )
Heat-Level: 3.5 (Very Sensual)
Now that I’ve found Sophie Jordan I’m really enjoying her books!
Congratulations on your NYT, Sophie!!!!
I adore Sophie’s books–they are just like her, full of warmth and fun. And the heroes are so completely yummy!
Don’t know how I’ve missed her but she is new to me. The covers are gorgeous and the books sound wonderful. (I too read a lot of V. Holt and the John Jakes series was fantastic). Thanks at a chance at a great prize!
I’ve read a couple of her books and enjoyed them. I agree that the covers are gorgeous (not that I judge a book by its cover, but a nice one doesn’t hurt.) I didn’t know she wrote paranormals, too, I will have to look for those.
Good review Danielle. I look forward to this one.
Thanks for the review Danielle! I just bought a Sophie Jordan book recently and I’m really looking forward to reading it. And I agree, her books do have very pretty covers.
Have read several summaries and reviews of this book and most have similar comments about the plot. You did a good job of explaining how and why it worked and didn’t work for you. It sounds like the type of story I’ll enjoy.