Scandalous Match

Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives.

‘Angelica had always known her lack of high birth, fortune or influence debarred her from being presented as an eligible young woman worthy of marriage. To cap it all, being an actress assured she was utterly beyond the pale of respectability.''

Nightly at the Covent Garden Theatre in London, an enchanting actress is wowing the crowds with her affecting portrayal of Ophelia. Preyed on by rakes and opportunistic young bucks, feted by dukes and earls, even the Prince Regent himself, Angelica Leigh is a sensation.

But in Regency England, beauty and talent are not enough to be considered marriage material, so when the eminently eligible Lord Charles Latimer sets his heart on Angelica, his uncle is sent to intervene.

As a highly respected, hard-working and wealthy lawmaker, The Honourable Ivor Asprey, is himself seen as desirable husband material, but widowed with an eleven-year-old daughter Elinor, he has forsaken all thoughts of romance. Lord Latimer’s mother, the Duchess of Arlington, despairs of her son, despite being reassured by Ivor that his infatuation with the actress will pass. But there is something about Angelica Leigh that demands attention, and even the austere and upstanding Mr Asprey isn’t immune to her charms.

Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life.

Praise for Jane Dunn:

''Brilliant, sparkling and very clever.'' Elizabeth Buchan

''Jane Dunn’s THE MARRIAGE SEASON gives all the immersive pleasure of Georgette Heyer’s brilliantly confected Regency novels, in a sublime alternative world of joy. Bridgerton look out!'' Melanie Reid, The Times

‘Outstanding, perceptive and delightfully readable.’ Sunday Times Books of the Year ‘Jane Dunn has written a splendid piece of popular history with the ready-pen of a highly skilled writer, endowed with remarkable insight.’ Roy Strong, Daily Mail

‘Jane Dunn is one of our best biographers.’ Miranda Seymour, Sunday Times

Readers love Jane Dunn:

‘All the characters were so alive, I wasn’t ready for the book to end and longed to know more of what happens to them…** This is the Regency era come to vivid, believable, exciting life.** I can’t wait for the next book from this author.’

‘I can not rate this book high enough! As a lover as Georgette Heyer I''ve always looked for books that give as much historical detail as hers and I''m often disappointed, but not with this book! The characters are spirited and loveable and I can honestly say I didn''t want to put it down.’

‘Without a shadow of doubt, this is the best novel I have read in ages. Regency addicts won''t find many heaving bosoms or tumbling ringlets. What they will find is an ingeniously plotted story with the emphasis on the men, with all their wit and cynicisms. This is underpinned by strong women whose story it really is, who cleverly manage these men with perfection... I am recommending this book to everyone, and have bought two more as gifts.’

‘Jane has Dunn it again, reassuring us that this is how life really was – for the fortunate – when the boys came home from the Napoleonic wars, and making us feel at home then, nonetheless. Eat your heart out, Bridgerton!’

‘A beautifully written story full of twists and turns that transports you straight into Regency England.’