Scandalizing the Ton

Though I'm sad to see the last of this combination of characters, what an incredible way to end! Diane manages to create a feeling of familiarity with the characters and their situation while remaining true to historical social details. Watching these characters grow into healthier, happier people was heart wrenching and rewarding. The little unexpected insights into human nature are present, as ever found in any of Diane's books. I wondered how in the world Diane would be able to bring together such very different people and have it work believably. She succeeded delightfully. Brava!!

At one time, Lady Lydia Wexin was one of the Ton's most sought after beauties. Now since the scandalous death of her murderous husband she's been abandoned by family and those she once thought friends. Left impoverished, the only people calling on her these days are reporters looking for more gossip and creditors looking for payment. When it becomes clear the widow is with child the news causes another frenzy with the newsmen surrounding her home all asking the same question; who is the father? Only one man knows - Adrian Pomroy, the new Viscount Cavanley. Known among the ton as a libertine, a reputation Adrian has carefully cultivated, very few realize that what he seeks now is `purpose' in his life. Coming to the aid of the very beautiful Lady Wexin seems like a noble and inspiring challenge; unfortunately the Lady would prefer not to have anything to do with him. *** Ah, but does the Lady protest too much? That is the question and will only be discovered by reading another of Diane Gaston's truly inspiring and deliciously sensual Regency historical novels! Ms. Gaston once again proves that she is at the top of her game in writing SCANDALIZING THE TON - another beautifully crafted novel with memorable characters and a very sensual love story. While SCANDALIZING THE TON is completely stand alone, it follows up on the heels of THE VANISHING VISCOUNTESS mentioning names and events while bringing back the leads from that book as secondary characters in this one. I thought it very ingenious of Gaston to return and write of the repercussions that befall the `innocents' connected to the villain from THE VANISHING VISCOUNTESS. Gaston picks up the thread and tells the story of how one scandal affects the life of those `innocent' but tainted by the villain's crimes. It is sad but true that those associated with a murderer are often found `guilty by association', and as the widow of such a scandalous murderer, Lydia was tried and convicted by the lies and innuendoes spread by the gossip mongers. Yet in spite of being left with a tattered reputation and near penniless, Gaston showed Lydia to have enormous strength and the support of her faithful servants - much appreciated when even her family would not come to her aid. Adrian was divine as he attempted to help behind the scenes remaining in the background while his regard and love of Lydia remained absolute. I thought it quite imaginative to have him working completely in the background to save Lydia from her own stubbornness when he could have just forgotten her after she continually pleaded for him to `stay away' all the while her libido warred with her mind. When Adrian finally convinced Lydia to marry him all should have settled nicely, except for more lies and innuendoes that continued to torment the fragile bond of trust Adrian had tried so hard to forge with Lydia. I thought the passion and the bumps along the road to happily ever after were paced very well making this a non-s

Diane Gaston knows how to write about the deepest fears and desires that drive us, and in SCANDALIZING THE TON, she has done it again - this is a KEEPER! She has created a set of believable characters, in a believable and desperate situation, and created a riveting plot, based in something we have all seen in our own lifetimes... how the tabloid press can hound famous people (including innocent people), into the ground. Lydia, Lady Wexin, is that person in this romance, and Adrian, Viscount Cavanley, is the hero who loves her enough to help her even though she has rejected him, even after a night of passionate lovemaking. Gaston's background as a psychiatric social worker gives her insights into the human condition that allow her to create amazing depth in her characters. She KNOWS what makes people tick, and I look forward to every new novel impatiently! This is a page-turner. What will happen when Lydia's child is born? Who IS the father? (And no DNA testing, here!) How will she be united with Adrian? You'll love this romance!