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| Harlequin 28 September 2023 My thanks to the author for my copy of this book |
A compelling Regency romance.
The infamous lady…
He must resist!
Major Jack Clifton must fulfill his military friend’s dying wish by returning his wedding ring to his widow. But when honorable Jack finds Eloise a year later, she’s nothing like the woman that he was told to expect. In fact, the ton view her as utterly scandalous! Yet, Jack quickly learns that Eloise’s reputation has been wrongfully imposed on her…and that he has forbidden feelings for the real Eloise!
📖 My Review
When I was a teenager I became fascinated by the Regency romances of Georgette Heyer and Barbara Cartland and this love for them has survived. It's still my favourite pastime on a rainy afternoon to escape to Georgian England and go back to a bygone time of grand salons and gossip ridden soireés.
The Major and the Scandalous Widow caught my attention from the start as we join the story just as Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and Major Jack Clifton's sad mission to return his dying friend's wedding ring to his widow. Eloise, Lady Allyngham has something of a lively reputation and having mourned her husband for a year she is now back in society which is where Jack Clifton tracks her down, however, the handsome major is unprepared for the attraction of this scandalous widow.
I raced through this book, entranced by the relationship between the widow and the major and completely at ease in the world they inhabit, be it in the grand salons at an evening ball, or sheltered by moonlight in a secluded garden, the regency world, with all its faults and foibles, is brought into sharp focus. Both central characters have their own fascination and I enjoyed discovering more about Eloise, she's a feisty heroine and more than a match for the dashing major whose sense of propriety is tempered only by his obligation to protect his friend's widow at all costs. Whilst there is the undeniable pull of romance there's also a deeper message embedded in the story, that of the unbreakable bonds of loyalty between lovers, friends and fallen comrades.
Charmingly sophisticated and with an undeniable sizzle of passion, The Major and the Scandalous Widow is another wonderful Regency romance from this talented author who brings the Regency world alive with all its glamour, intrigue and passion.
About the Author
Sarah Mallory was born in the West Country and grew up with a love of books and history. She has had over 40 historical novels published and won the Rona Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013.
Twitter @SarahMRomance
