SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE is Book three in Valerie Bowman's Secret Brides trilogy. I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I think this is a book that can be enjoyed without reading the previous ones. I love the unusual plot. Not every historical romance has the heroine starting out locked up in the Tower of London awaiting trial. Kate Townsende, the Duchess of Markingham is accused of murdering her husband. James Bancroft, Viscount Medford is anxious to publish Kate's side of the story. A legal loophole allows Kate to live under the same roof as James until her trial.

There are many things that I like about this story. The little bit of social commentary about the status of women at the time and the comparison made between the heroine of this story and Anne Boleyn was very appropriate.

In addition to the hero and heroine being likable, the hero's friends and their wives add a nice element. When they find out what's going on with James and Kate, they do everything they can to help. Even though there is a murder mystery wrapped in this romance, there is really no arch villain to provide conflict.

The mystery does get resolved by the end of the book, but it's really Kate and James who turn out to be their own worst enemy. I think it's their sense of honor that keeps them from acting on their desires and taking what they want. It's a good thing that James has such good friends. They refuse to let the couple let their noble intentions ruin their chance at happiness. I loved the romantic scene in which James gives Kate the experience of attending a ball that she never really had.

The story provides background information for the two main characters. I appreciated this while reading this story because it helped give valuable insight that explains their behavior. James can relate to Kate's current situation because his father always blamed him for his mother's death, since she died in childbirth. I'm happy with the way the author tied things up at the end and I liked the epilogue. SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE makes me eager to read the previous stories in this series as well as other things by Valerie Bowman.

Book Summary

A duchess awaiting trial for her vile husband's murder is the most delicious gossip the ton has heard in years. But for Kate Townsende, the woman in question, it could be a matter of life and death. And when a shrewd and handsome nobleman offers to publish her side of the story while arranging for a barrister to take her case, she's tempted by much more than the chance to defend herself...

James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, tells himself he's only interested in a bestselling pamphlet, but Kate's stubborn determination is captivating. Could the accused widow be telling the truth? At first, James isn't sure of anything besides his growing desire for her...but before long he's willing to risk much more than his reputation to make the infamous beauty his wife.

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