When her father is arrested for publishing his observations on buggery amongst South African mammals, Lady Justine Fedora Palmer is prepared to do anything to get him out, including sell herself to the Duke of Bradford. Justine offers herself to the Duke for several nights in exchange for him securing her father's release, but is amazed when the Duke writes back with an offer of marriage instead. Having been enamored with the Duke for years, Justine had often dreamed of becoming the Duchess of Bradford, but she never actually thought it would happen. Now if only she could get him to love her.

Radcliff Edwin Morton, the Duke of Bradford, is famous for his numerous conquests throughout the ton. However, a tragic incident has made him re-think his life and Bradford is determined to change. Spending the last eight months in seclusion to fight an addiction, Bradford hopes gaining a wife will help him fight his demons. However, once married, his wife demands he respect her and refuses to consummate their marriage until Bradford trust her with his secrets. But will baring his soul to Justine cost him the very thing he's trying to gain?

Delilah Marvelle kicks off her Scandal series in truly scandalous fashion with PRELUDE TO A SCANDAL, a well researched book that is not your typical historical romance. I find Ms. Marvelle's books to be unique, as they cover topics you rarely see in a romance novel, let alone a historical. Sex addiction (which wasn't diagnosed or acknowledged in the 1800s), abuse, rape, there's quite a bit going on in this book, but Ms. Marvelle handles all topics deftly. Don't think this book is all doom and gloom though. There are plenty of laughs to be had, striking a great balance between serious topics and humorous scenes. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will come running back for more, I'm certain of it. Bestseller lists better make some room for Ms. Marvelle, as I have a sneaking suspicion she'll be adding her name to their lists soon, perhaps even for her next book, Once Upon a Scandal.

Book Summary

The battle between the lady and the rake is about to begin

Lady Justine is willing to trade her good name, her reputation and her place in London's gossip-hungry ton to secure her father's release from prison.

But when the notorious Duke of Bradford counters her offer with a proposal of marriage, the stakes grow higher still. For while the smoldering lord is famous for his conquests, the man is oblivious to both her devotion and her charms. And Justine is soon afraid she has wagered all for naught...