""A Delightful Regency Romance""

At the death of her husband in Portugal, Emily brought her son to London to eke out a living. Because their families would not give their approval, she and Andrew had eloped and when he joined the army, she followed the drum until his death. Emily is a beautiful woman and all the young bucks have been visiting her at her shop. One look by Evan, the Earl of Cheverley, and he is totally smitten. He offers her his protection and they become lovers.

When Evan's best friend dies, he promises to protect his sister by marrying her. He is heartbroken to no longer see Emily. He knows that he cannot in all good conscience marry a shop girl and make his family outcasts. Can he really stay away from the only love and joy he has ever known?

I first encountered books by Julia Justiss when I read her novella, The Honest Bargain, in the anthology The Officer's Bride. I was captivated by her writing style and immediately hunted for her backlist. A Scandalous Proposal was no disappointment. It is a well-written regency that kept me captivated all over again. I enjoyed both hero and heroine. They are vulnerable, romantic and delightful characters. I believed their love to be strong and real. I enjoyed the secondary character of Brent who was also interested in the lovely Emily and do hope he gets a book and his own love. I am happy to say I still have a few more books by this new (to me) author. I will be at the front of the line when her new books are released.

Reviewed by Marilyn Heyman
Posted September 12, 2001