The Book of Scandal

The Book of Scandal by Julia London (2008)

Pages: 360

ISBN: 9781416547112

Description: Nathan Grey, the Earl of Linsdey, is infamously known as the Libertine of Lindsey for his scandalous ways with women. But when he hears gossip that his estranged wife, Evelyn, is about to be named in The Book of Scandal, he has no choice but to remove her from London to protect her and himself from charges of treason-even if it calls for abduction! While Evelyn has no legal recourse against the man who broke her hearts years ago but is till considered her lord and master, she is no longer the immature girl Nathan married. Her enforced homecoming quickly turns into a battle of wills that tears down her husband's defenses and lays bare the passion that still burns between them. Before it is too late, Nathan must confront powerful adversaries as he convinces Evelyn that she is not only his wife, but the one woman he will love for all time.

Review: The story begins with Evelyn and Nathan living very separate lives... Nathan living in their country estate and Evelyn in London in high society. Evelyn is currently a companion to one of the royal princesses and contemplating having an affair of her own. When Nathan gets word that Evelyn is up to her eyeballs in one of the most outrageous scandals for some time, he decided enough is enough and comes back to take her to their country home. Naturally, she tries to avoid by going all the way to the king himself. However, nothing stops Nathan and she is returned to their home. They have been separated for three years and are virtually strangers, but with much difficult history between them. Nathan wants his wife back and Evelyn continues to struggle for some time to come to terms with their past and move on. When strange things start happening, Nathan begins to worry about Evelyn's safety. After a few attempts on her life and their meddling parents, the two are thrown together and attempt to start their lives over.

This was a difficult book for me to finish. I really liked the character of Nathan, but I could have thrown Evelyn across the room... several times. For the majority of the book she tries hard to reject her husband and not even try to work things out with him. Not until the end does she grow up and begin to discover that he really is a great guy and she should cut him some slack. Yes, they have had tragedy in their lives, but I think she was overreacting greatly. If I were Nathan, I think I would have dumped her long before he gave up on her. The overall story was okay, but it is a book that you can live without reading.

Score: 2.5 out of 5