A Scandal to Remember (45 page)

 —
USA Today
bestselling author Julianne MacLean

“Elizabeth Essex writes the perfect blend of fast-paced adventure and deliciously sexy romance. I couldn’t put this book down!
Almost a Scandal
gets a place on my keeper shelf—I will read anything Elizabeth Essex writes!”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Celeste Bradley

“The first book in the Reckless Brides Trilogy is a seafarer’s delight. Col and Sally’s high-stakes adventure is fast-paced and fraught with peril. Well-timed humor punctuates the action and the use of frigate-speak adds authenticity to the shipboard dialogue. The love story teases the reader at first, as Col and Sally struggle to conceal their attraction onboard the
Audacious
. Then things turn desperate when the circumstances of war seem intent on driving them apart. A smartly written, emotional tempest.”

—
Reader to Reader Reviews

“Elizabeth Essex has created a fascinating world peopled with fascinating characters. I didn’t want this story to end, and with the promise of more books in this series, it doesn’t have to.
Almost a Scandal
is a joy to read.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“Ms. Essex delivers romance at its finest; adventure-packed, passion-filled, and totally satisfying. Teeming with adventure, passion, sexual tension, secrets, scandal, witty banter, romance, and love, this story is a delight and a definite keeper.”

—
Romance Junkies

A Breath of Scandal

“Essex’s second Reckless Bride certainly suits the title. The bold heroine easily wins readers’ hearts, along with her officer and gentleman hero. Essex brings a breath of fresh and funny air to the Regency while her stylish writing and intelligent characters appeal to hearts and minds. Pure, delicious, sexy pleasure awaits readers.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“Creating two very strong-willed characters and a mouthwatering romance, Ms. Essex has penned a deliciously compelling and heartwarming story that will keep the reader glued to the pages until the very end.”

—Lauren Calder,
Affaire de Coeur Magazine

Scandal in the Night

“[A] sweeping plot, an over-the-top ballsy heroine, and a villain worthy of an Old Skool romance. This book was fun, barrels of it.”

—
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

“Essex seamlessly shifts the action in the story back and forth between the protagonists’ first meeting in India and their reunion in England, and her third exotic, enthralling Reckless Brides historical romance is a potent combination of dangerous intrigue and sexy desire.”

—
Booklist

“
Scandal in the Night
was a story of great talent and beautiful storytelling…The retellings of the India parts left me longing to experience the life and culture of India for myself. Cat and Thomas had a relationship that was combustible and my only wish for this book is that I could have spent more time with these characters…The intrigue and subplot of this book were amazing. This is definitely a must-read book for all of the historical romance novel fanatics out there.”

—
Night Owl Reviews
(4½ stars and a Top Pick!)

“Essex has taken her Reckless Brides on some unique adventures, delivering a fresh take on the Regency era. Full of romance, adventure, sensuality and mystery, and set against a lush backdrop,
Scandal in the Night
immerses readers in a nonstop story. Flashbacks enhance the plot, adding depth to the characters and the slowly unfolding mystery until readers are flying through the pages to uncover the truth and see the lovers united.”

—
RT Book Reviews
(4½ stars)

About the Author

When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in her garden, and simply messing about with boats, Elizabeth Essex can always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classics, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A&M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring, and adventure.

Elizabeth lives in Texas with her husband, the indispensable Mr. Essex, and her active and exuberant family.

Visit
www.elizabethessex.com

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

A SCANDAL TO REMEMBER

Copyright © 2014 by Elizabeth Essex.

All rights reserved.

For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

www.stmartins.com

eBooks may be purchased for business or promotional use. For information on bulk purchases, please contact Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department by writing to [email protected].

eISBN: 9781466843042

St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / September 2014

St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

• Title Page
  
• Copyright Notice
  
• Dedication
  
• Contents
  
• Chapter 1
  
• Chapter 2
  
• Chapter 3
  
• Chapter 4
  
• Chapter 5
  
• Chapter 6
  
• Chapter 7
  
• Chapter 8
  
• Chapter 9
  
• Chapter 10
  
• Chapter 11
  
• Chapter 12
  
• Chapter 13
  
• Chapter 14
  
• Chapter 15
  
• Chapter 16
  
• Chapter 17
  
• Chapter 18
  
• Chapter 19
  
• Chapter 20
  
• Chapter 21
  
• Chapter 22
  
• Chapter 23
  
• Chapter 24
  
• Chapter 25
  
• Epilogue
  
• Also by Elizabeth Essex
  
• Praise for Elizabeth Essex
  
• About the Author
  
• Copyright