Title: Scandal’s Bride
Author: Stephanie Laurens
First published October 1, 1998
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380805686 (ISBN10: 0380805685)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
Lady Genevieve Montgomery was a woman of great independence and strength. So when she found out she was to be wed to the notorious rake, Lord Alexander Blackmore, she was less than pleased.
He was a man with a scandalous reputation, and she had no intention of being tied down to him. But when she discovers that her inheritance is tied to their marriage, she has no choice but to comply.
Alexander, on the other hand, is intrigued by the challenge of taming this fiery woman. He’s never been one for love, but he finds himself drawn to her in ways he can’t explain.
Can they make this marriage work without falling in love, or will their hearts get in the way?
About the Author
Stephanie Laurens was born in the British colony of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. At the age of 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she grew up and later earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
Stephanie and her husband embarked on an adventurous overland journey from Katmandu to London, finally settling in Kent, England where they worked as research scientists. They lived in a historical area, with their own cottage dating back to the 16th century and the protected ruins of an early Roman villa next door.
After four years in England, they returned to Australia where Stephanie continued to work in cancer research and eventually led her own research laboratory. One evening, Stephanie found herself without any of her favorite romance novels to read.
She had always dreamed of writing her own novel and started crafting her own story during nights and weekends. This resulted in the publication of her first book, Tangled Reins.
Her novels, which are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period, have achieved great success, leading her to retire from scientific research and become a full-time novelist.
Stephanie and her husband now live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys reading and tending to her garden.
Editoral Review
Stephanie Laurens’ Scandal’s Bride is a captivating historical romance novel that was first published on October 1, 1998. Laurens is a prolific author with over 50 novels and novellas to her name, and is known for her ability to craft complex, passionate characters and intricate storylines that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in Regency-era England, Scandal’s Bride follows the story of Lady Amelia, a young woman who has been forced into a loveless marriage with a wealthy and powerful man. However, when she meets the dashing and mysterious Robert, her life takes a thrilling turn.
Robert is a man with a past, and as their relationship deepens, Amelia finds herself drawn into a world of intrigue and danger that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.
Laurens’ writing style is elegant and precise, with vivid descriptions that bring the world of Regency England to life. The characters are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, with flaws and complexities that make them feel like real people.
The chemistry between Amelia and Robert is electric, and their love story is both passionate and heart-wrenching.
One of the strengths of Scandal’s Bride is its exploration of the social and cultural norms of the time period. Laurens deftly weaves issues of class, gender, and power into the narrative, highlighting the ways in which these forces shape the lives of her characters.
At the same time, she also manages to make the story feel timeless and relevant, with themes that resonate with contemporary readers.
However, the book is not without its flaws. The pacing can sometimes feel slow, and there are moments where the plot feels a bit contrived.
Additionally, some readers may find the characters’ actions and motivations to be unrealistic or frustrating at times.
Despite these limitations, Scandal’s Bride is a well-crafted and engaging novel that is sure to delight fans of historical romance. Its blend of passion, danger, and social commentary make it a standout in the genre, and its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption are universal.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
