Title: A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson
The Merry Widow Series Book 3
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Historical, Erotic, Romance
Length: 22,000 words
Book Rating: C+
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
From the moment Daphne, Lady Pomeroy, meets the mysterious Marquess of Hartwell at a masquerade ball, she’s determined to seduce him. The handsome, charming man cannot possibly be the cold, calculating lord who Society calls “Black Hart.” Risking everything, the lonely widow invites the elusive Hartwell to her dinner party…for two.
Hartwell’s arrogant reputation is built on a lie. For he has a shameful secret that keeps him in the shadows: a stutter–his downfall since childhood. He’d rather keep his mouth shut than look the fool. But he’s shocked to discover that in Daphne’s company–and in her bed–his stutter vanishes.
After one wanton evening together, Daphne is hurt when the lord lives up to his Black Hart name. Yet his reasons for leaving surprise even him. Now he must confess everything or risk losing Daphne forever…
22,000 words
The Review:
Like the other books in Karen Erickson’s Merry Widow Series, A Scandalous Affair is a quick read that is delightfully sexy.
Daphne is quite intrigued by her first encounter with the Marquess of Hartwell. With the Marquess keeping his distance from her, Daphne engineers a proper introduction to the dashing Marquess and issues him an invitation for an intimate dinner for two. Has the charming widow discovered a way to win his carefully guarded heart? Or will “Black Hart” continue to live up to his dark reputation?
One of the reasons I am a big fan of the Merry Widows series because Ms. Erickson’s heroines are such unconventional yet strong characters and Daphne is no exception. She knows what she wants and she does not hesitate to go after it.
While Hartwell may not be the typical romance hero, he is still quite appealing. Seeing himself through Daphne’s eyes changes the way he views himself and he gains some much needed self-confidence.
With the other novellas in the Merry Widows series, the main characters already have an established relationship which makes their romance believable. That prior connection is missing in A Scandalous Affair. Daphne and Hartwell do not spend much time together and their relationship felt superficial and rushed. More of an “insta-love” vibe than a true emotional bond. I did enjoy them as a couple and their sexual chemistry leads to some very steamy lovemaking.
If you are a fan of Historical romances, then you should pick up a copy of Karen Erickson’s A Scandalous Affair. It is a short yet satisfying story with two very likable protagonists and an enjoyably unique storyline. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
My review of the first book in the Merry Widows series, Lessons in Indiscretion can be found HERE. The review will be found at the bottom of the Carina Post book sale.
Read my review of Her Christmas Pleasure HERE.
