Scandal at Vauxhall by Layna Pimentel
Series: Pleasure Garden Follies, Book One
Release Date: February 1, 2016
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Erotic Historical Romance
Tour Dates: February 1 – 5, 2016
The love and happiness Isabel Salisbury expected in life when she accepted the proposal of the Marquess of Stoughton takes an unexpected turn, when he leaves on a mission for the war office. She is married off to the Duke of Brimley.
Nathaniel Thompson, the Marquess of Stoughton, is devastated to learn upon his return that Isabel has married the duke. When news of her husband’s death surfaces, Nathaniel sets out to make amends and will stop at nothing until she’s his marchioness.
But when London learns of a promiscuous tryst between them in the Daily, their credibility is at stake. They soon discover that nothing in life is simple, nor private, and all is fair in love and war.
Excerpt:
London, England, 1815Prologue
Isabel Salisbury hopped up from her seat and faced her mother. “Elevating me? Are you mad? This arrangement only benefits you and Father! What is the rush? Surely, your situation can wait until Nathaniel returns?” She lifted her chin high, attempting to remain controlled, but lost all civility.
“Furthermore, I will not accept a proposal of any sort from any duke or such until I have spoken with Nathaniel!” I could never love another. How can they do this to me?
Interrupting the hostility, the ancient pendulum clock hanging behind her father struck eight bells, reminding her where she needed to be. Without asking for permission, she dashed from the room, wiping her eyes and not looking back. Her conniving parents thought that this—that they—would be over. Not if I can help it. She had to get answers and soon. The last thing she desired was to be pawned off to a duke who had no interest in her.
Isabel had heard in great detail of the Duke of Brimley’s conquests—from the infamous courtesans Madame Martine boasted of, to a mysterious affair with some Italian beauty, who was never seen, over a year ago. All of this and so much more had been revealed at Miss Turner’s garden tea party just a week prior.
While Cecily, Madeline, and several other ladies of the haute ton thought the rumors to be utterly scandalous, that didn’t stop them from letting their imagination run wild. Miss Turner went on to compare Brimley to the men written about in those French novels that her mother kept hidden.
What more could I ask for? Not only will I marry well, but I’m bound to be miserable with a man who thrives on living a life scandalously and shadowed by infidelity. I would much rather perish from consumption.
Hidden in the shadows of her parents’ maze of roses, Isabel raced against time. There she would meet Nathaniel, in what could be their last moments together for months. Despair over not seeing her beloved until he returned from the war office shook her to her core, tripping and stumbling her along the way. Her hopes and desires had been crushed. Emptiness swallowed her heart whole.
What if he never returns? How could he not tell me? She loved him dearly, yet anger simmered beneath the surface and insecurity washed over her.
“There you are, sweetling. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
Isabel threw herself at him, desperately hoping her parents were wrong. “You’re leaving me?” she murmured into his overcoat. Please let it be a falsehood.
“Darling, let me explain, but first I have to ask you something.”
Her eyes widened with disbelief. She sniffled and stepped out of his hold, gazing into his beautiful and stoic blue eyes.
“I wanted to do this sooner, but...would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I know that we cannot be married until I return. Nevertheless...”
Isabel smiled, tears rolling down her cheeks. She almost shrieked with glee, but given their clandestine meeting, her joy had to be contained. Please, please, please, don’t anyone find us right now. “I accept,” she blurted before wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his. She allowed herself to languish in the slow tease of his tongue.
“Outstanding, sweetling. I’ll meet with your father in the morning, and we’ll begin the arrangements when I return in six months.”
“Nathaniel, that is too long! Are you sure you cannot return any sooner?”
She found herself enveloped firmly in his embrace, finally content, when he replied. “My dear, it could very well take longer. I assure you, I will do my utmost best to return to you in time.”
Isabel beamed against his chest. “Very well, my darling. I cannot wait to share the news with Mother!”
Maybe now they’ll see how worthy you are. Now there shouldn’t be any reason why I must meet that wicked duke.
Teatime and Books Review:
This was the first book of Layna Pimental that I've
read and I absolutely loved it, I couldn't put it down. I give a High 5 Stars
to Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies, Book 1) by Layna Pimental, she
writes a sensual and deeply romantic tale that takes the reader on quite a
ride!
Duchess Isabel has been in love with the Marquess of
Stoughton, Nathanial ever since her youth and before going off to war he'd
asked for her hand in marriage, which she gladly gave. During his leave,
however, her father arranged for her to be married to the Duke of Brimley.
During her marriage to Brimley, her life is a shambles and he's turned out to
be nothing but a gambler and drunk and rather rough in the marriage bed. She's
been left sad and childless... her heart still belongs to Nathanial and she
longs to see him again, however, she's learned that he'd been killed in the
war. At a high ball, Duchess Isabel to her astonishment sees Nathanial as he
enters the ball, she's so overjoyed to learn he's not been killed after all.
During the ball there is a dilemma, Isabel is informed that Duke Brimley has
been found having an affair with the Duchess of Downsbury and her husband, the
Duke of Downsbury has challenged Brimley to a duel. Isabel is startled but yet
part of her is relieved when her husband is killed in the duel.
Her life has been in shambles and she's longed so
much to be with Nathanial. He too has longed for her and seeing her at the ball
brought back all the memories and enlivened the love he has for her even more.
This strong desire has pulled at both of the so much so that they are soon
caught in an improper and compromising situation at the Vauxhall Gardens
causing a great scandal. Nathanial wants to make it right and save Isabel's
reputation and make her his bride. Will Isabel accept? Will she and Nathanial
survive this scandal and regain their proper place in society?
Pimental has a gift for writing a wonderful
historical tale of love, passion and splashes of suspense and surprise. I
highly recommend Scandal at Vauxhall by Layna Pimental!
About the Author
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. She’s a bestselling author at All Romance eBooks, and multi-published author of historical, paranormal and contemporary erotic romances. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:
Thank you for hosting, and the lovely review!
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