A Common Scandal

Childhood friends reunite in Weaver’s bright second Grantham Girls historical (after A Duchess in Name). In late 19th-century England, Nate Smythe returns to London after making his fortune in shipping. Nate has reinvented himself from the poor boy growing up in Portsmouth, and he’s determined to find a titled bride. When he is reunited with Amelia Wheeler, his childhood companion, in a London ballroom, Nate realizes that she has grown into a beautiful woman. Despite his attraction to the alluring and opinionated Amelia, Nate is convinced that he has to cement his success as a businessman and add to his social status by marrying Lady Julia Harrow. But Nate’s interactions with both Amelia and Julia at a house party leave him more confused than ever, because he can’t deny that he is mesmerized by Amelia. Amelia’s blunt and forthright nature is a refreshing change from the staid debutantes of her acquaintance, and the blazing sexual tension between Nate and Amelia will keep readers enthralled. (May)