A Scandalous Wife (Scandalous #1) by Ava Stone

  A Scandalous Wife (Scandalous #1) by Ava Stone

Blurb:

As the head of his family, Robert Beckford, the Earl of Masten, was accustomed to dealing with various problems his siblings had caused of one sort or another. However he wasn’t prepared when his cad of brother ruined and then abandoned a young lady. To right the wrong, Robert married the girl himself; but his chivalry only went so far. He didn’t want a wife, and most certainly not a scandalous one. So after repeating his vows, he sent her packing, off to a secluded estate and expected her to stay put.

After years of mistreatment at the hands of her family, Lydia was prepared to be an accommodating wife; but her rigid and unforgiving husband asked too much of her. After languishing for years in her opulent prison, Lydia leaves her country estate for the glamour and excitement of London—and unfortunately her husband’s path.


I don't know how often I've read this book already but I just can't get enough of it. You know the kind of book that make you feel well and cozy and that never fail to cheer you up? That's the kind of book  "A Scandalous Wife" is for me.

Seeing overbearing, arrogant Robert Beckford, Earl of Masten fall head over heels in love with his own wife is wonderful to read - even though he fights it, of course and, well, considering their history it is no wonder that Lydia is not ready to trust him and his new feelings for her. The more you get to know about Lydia, the more you wish her well. She is sweet and loving and after everything she's been through, you just want to protect her and make everything alright. But some things can't be changed. You can't change history but you can change the future and that's what Lydia and Robert are doing. A big help in this endeavour are Peter and Penny, Robert's wards aka Lydia's pickpockets.
Unfortunately not everybody is happy when Robert and Lydia fall in love after having been married (and separated) for five years and very soon Robert has to defend Lydia and their love against more than one adversary....

When I started to explore more audio books, I found that everything hinges on the narrator. There are wonderful books that I couldn't listen to despite the fact that I've read and loved them just because I can't stand the narration. So, seeing how much I enjoy reading this book, I was a bit sceptical when I bought the audio book whether I'd like it or not but - I loved it. Stevie Zimmerman is a fantastiv narrator and I really loved every minute of this audiobook. No matter what edition, kindle, paperback or audio book, you can't go wrong with this book.

★★★★