Six Degrees of Scandal

Linden's sensuous fourth Scandalous Regency (after Love in the Time of Scandal) pairs up an independent heroine and a dependable hero. Olivia Herbert and Jamie Weston meet as young children in Sussex and eventually pledge their love to one another, determined to marry. When Olivia's father forces her to wed another man for quick financial security, both Jamie and Olivia are devastated. Ten years later, Olivia is alone after the death of her husband, Henry Townsend, and is fleeing evil Viscount Clary, a man who wants her for his mistress and may have been involved in shady dealings with her deceased husband. Jamie steps in to save her from the attentions of the viscount, and their flame rekindles, but Olivia is determined to keep him at arm's length for fear of being hurt again. With Jamie's help, Olivia discovers that she is a capable woman who can accomplish a great deal on her own and is even stronger when she and Jamie are together. The gradual awakening of sensuality between Jamie and Olivia is expertly written, and the undercurrent of mystery surrounding Clary's pursuit of Olivia propels the novel swiftly forward to its stunning conclusion. (Mar.)