A Scandalous Marriage [Mass Market Paperback]

Some months later, while traveling through the English countryside, Devon discovers a very pregnant Leah living in squalor. Before much could be spoken between the two, Leah went into labor. After assisting with the difficult delivery, Devon married her and claimed the child as his own. But old secrets and hurts still exist between the two. Will they be able to get past their problems, and rediscover their love for each other?

I'm beginning to think Cathy Maxwell is a writer whose work I'm just not really drawn to. I found her story in the anthology TWO FOR TEA quite good, so I sought out more of her titles. Next I read THE WEDDING WAGER, which I also found to be very satisfying. But the last two books I've read by her, this one and its prequel MARRIED IN HASTE, were horribly average. This story started off well, and I very much enjoyed the hero saving the heroine from her less than perfect living situation. Then he even went so far as to claim her fatherless child as his own. In fact, the hero of this book is a wonderful, charming, and honorable man, and his character is the best part of this story. Not that I found Leah unlikable; she was just okay. But after they married, the story seemed forced, lost momentum, and ceased to be as interesting. I did finish the book, but overall it just wasn't that special or memorable for me. I have one other novel by this author already in my possession, so I'll probably read it. However, if its not better than these last two, I'm most likely done reading Ms. Maxwell's work.

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.