NEVER MARRY A STRANGER Book 3 of the Sons of Scandals trilogy by Gayle Callen

Publisher: Avon
Date published: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0061235078
Victorian Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Danny



The return of Captain Matthew Leland is quite shocking, because he was presumed dead. When he arrives home he is in for a shock himself, a bewitching beauty, who claims to be his wife is living at his family home. He pretends that he has amnesia and hopes to discover the reasons for her trickery. Soon a person from her past appears and tries to blackmail her. Meanwhile Matthew and Emily fall in love and try to find a way to eliminate the threat that comes from Emily’s old acquaintance.

I have been a Gayle Callen fan from her first book onward and I was never disappointed by any of her books and NEVER MARRY A STRANGER is no exception. The book is another keeper and I am looking forward to see with what Ms. Callen comes up with next.

Ms. Callen has created great main characters, who make the book such an enjoyable read. You never really know what will happen next, because the book is absolutely not predictable. I was so caught up in the book, that I read it in one sitting.

Although NEVER MARRY A STRANGER is the third book of the Sons of Scandal trilogy you can easily read it as stand-alone or start the trilogy backward, because I tell you will want to read the previous books of the series, too, after reading this book.

NEVER MARRY A STRANGER is the wonderful story about those who dare to trust that love can conquer everything.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

NEVER DARE A DUKE by Gayle Callen

Publisher Avon
Date published December 2008
ISBN 978-0-06-123506-1
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan




Abigail Shaw is a desperate woman. Her father may be on the verge of losing his business and she must do what she can to help him. Her idea is to uncover some scandal thus increasing the newspaper’s readership. She targets Christopher Cabot, the Duke of Madingley. With fate taking them in hand, Abigail and Christopher come to an understanding and a “pretend” romance ensues. Supposedly Christopher is hiding some deep, dark secret and Abigail must find out the truth.

Abigail comes across as a headstrong woman. She is driven to prove herself to her father and to be taken seriously by him. At times, the reader had to wonder how she could think that her idea was a good one thus making us wonder about her intelligence level. As the story progress, she still doesn’t seem to get it that her pursuit of the “scandal” will hurt everyone she loves and ultimately, she would be the most injured party. Christopher is a man who is also driven by his own desires. He does not want to be a target of “matchmaking” thus enters into an agreement with Abigail. Christopher doesn’t feel as well-developed as Abigail or perhaps, her personality and actions are such a powerful force that it takes center stage in the book. They make for an interesting couple as each have their own agendas and motivations for their actions. However they are not very likable characters and it was difficult to empathize or sympathize with them.

Having read almost all of Ms. Callen’s books, Never Dare a Duke was not one of her best. At times, the lead couple was not likable and it was difficult to understand why they would do the things they do. The storyline just wasn’t that interesting and it didn’t capture my interest.