WIDOWS CLUB BOOK 4: Secrets of a Scandalous Bride
Sophia Nash
ISBN:  978-0061493300
February 23, 2010
Avon Books
Historical Romance/Regency
Mass Market Paperback

Elizabeth Ashburton has been living on the edge for the past two years; posing as a widow although never having been married; and hiding from a most ardent and dangerous pursuer.  From the moment Elizabeth spots General Leland Pymm, she knows she must escape, but her spontaneous escape plan sees her jumping from the frying pan into the fire – into the arms of the biggest wastrel in London, Rowland Manning.  However, once she’s spent time in Rowland’s company, Elizabeth’s instincts as to his true character kick in and she sees the honorable man he truly is beneath the cold, cynical, hard core surface he portrays to the world.

***  Having read previous books in this series, I will say right from the start that Ms. Nash has outdid herself in character development with the protagonists in SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE!    Both Elizabeth and especially Rowland were amazing!  Stories abound in this genre featuring the illegitimate children of the nobility, but I must say that Nash perfected the haunted and tortured hero who used inner strength  and intelligence to pull himself out of the dregs of humanity to a  position of admiration for his accomplishments – this is not to say people necessarily liked Rowland, but they did seem to respect him especially after Elizabeth was able to start influencing his behavior a bit.

The dialogs and sensuality were marvelously worked together with the requisite despicable villain, and the edge of the seat suspense was turned up each time you dared to think all was worked out and nothing else would go wrong.  The plot is strong and the opportunity to catch up on the lives of the other widows and heroes from prior books was a bonus.   Additionally, Nash put together a marvelous secondary cast of characters who provided extra romantic storylines that were as lovely and almost as endearing as the main one.

I really enjoyed the originality Nash employed using one ploy of the old adage of the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach and not only did Elizabeth win over all of Rowland’s employees with her gingerbread recipe as well as Rowland himself, but Nash made her more than just a pretty face.  However, I won’t reveal the best parts that will enchant the readers into cheering for Elizabeth and Rowland. My advice is to rush out and grab a copy of SECRET’S OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE and discover for yourself why Nash’s star has soared to top as an author to put on your auto-buy list.  I HIGHLY Recommend this series and especially this novel – outstanding writing.

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

Reviewed By:

I started reviewing books many years ago - but my love of reading began as soon as I could read and that’s a long time! From my very first library card, I would spend my summers at the local library rather than outside playing. My tastes ran from every horse book I could find, to dog books, then gothic romances, and now historical romances with the Regency period having a very close spot in my heart. [Many of my friends, who really know me, say I was born in the wrong era - they’re probably right.] Now that I am retired, and busier than ever, I read almost all genres with the exception of hard core erotica, horror and anything involving more than one sex partner! I am loyal to my tried and true favorite auto-buy authors but love discovering the newer authors as well. I was once a very impatient person, but now retired, and with a book, an audio, or my Kindle by my side - I am the epitome of infinite patience to sit and wait for whatever comes next be it for the light to change, a doctor’s appointment, or a commercial break on the television!

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