Too Scandalous to Wed
September 2007, Avon Books (ISBN: 978-0-06-117043-0)

Unwilling to taint any woman with the terrible secret hidden in his heart, Sebastian, Viscount Ravenswood, has sworn never to marry. Luckily, whimsical Henrietta Ashby was never much of a temptation for the devilishly handsome rogue-until now. Suddenly, Henrietta has learned to seduce him with a bewitching charm . . . and clandestine midnight kisses. Henrietta would go to any lengths to catch the eye of the man she's long loved from afar-she would even seek the help of the most notorious courtesan in England! But as Sebastian's secret follows them from the ballroom to the boudoir, and his diabolical enemy plots revenge, will Henrietta risk her life to offer him a passionate redemption . . . or will he prove to be too scandalous to wed?

"Are you a real pioneer?"

Perish the day I look to be 200 years old! But I get asked that question a lot (especially when I'm in costume) at the museum where I work part-time as an historical interpreter. Some comments are much more sweet, like when I'm sitting behind my spinning wheel and young children gasp, "Look mom! It's Sleeping Beauty!"

I love working at a museum, and I love exploring other museums, as well. It was a trip to a museum that actually inspired TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED. I was touring the old house when the interpreter related an anecdote: according to lore, the father, longing for a son and heir, but blessed (cursed?) with only daughters, raised the youngest girl as a boy!

I kept thinking about the comical situation during the car ride home, and that's when it hit me: a baron, so desperate for a son, names his youngest daughter "Henry" and raises her as a boy. Of course, she lacks all feminine grace and charm as a result of her atypical upbringing, and she's forced to hire the services of a courtesan to teach her how to seduce the viscount she's loved from afar for eight long years!

TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED is a stand alone title, however the heroine, Henrietta "Henry" Ashby, makes an appearance in TOO GREAT A TEMPTATION. If you'd like to read all the books in order, the series goes as follows:

• Too Great a Temptation (book one)
• Too Scandalous to Wed (book two)
• Too Dangerous to Desire (book three)

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"Nobody can write a more interesting historical novel than Ms. Benedict . . . TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED is a spectacular example of the delightful English historical romance . . . I guarantee you'll enjoy this enchanting novel."
Carolyn Crisher, Romance Reviews Today

"TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED is a fast paced novel full of humor and sensual steam . . . I thoroughly enjoyed it . . . TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED will delight readers . . ."
- Laurel, The Mystic Castle, 4.5 hearts!

"Sexy, quick-paced, humorous and utterly charming, Benedict's novel is delectable. She puts a new twist on classic themes and engages readers with unforgettable characters we truly care about."
-Kathe Robin, Romantic Times, BOOKreviews

"TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED is a book to be read and re-read. It's one of the best historical romances I've read in a long time . . . Ms. Benedict writes a lush story . . . Her voice is a breath of fresh air." -Connie Payne, Once Upon a Romance

"TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED deserves more than the 5 I have given it but it's our highest rating. I have reviewed for Miss Benedict previously and have been hooked ever since. This latest instalment didn't disappoint. I truly adored it. It was a beautiful story . . . I have come to love this author's work, and anyone who enjoys historical romance will love her too."-Carol, Romance Junkies, 5 blue ribbons!

"Alexandra Benedict always delivers and never disappoints her readers. TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED is well written, fast paced and full of all the romance and sensuality that is permissible by law! Characters to fall in love with and a plot that will keep you glued to the pages, TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED is my pick for your fall reading. Enjoy!!" -Debbie, A Romance Review, 5 roses!

"I loved TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED. With . . . wonderful writing and great dialogue, what's not to love? . . . Alexandra Benedict is fast becoming a favourite author, and with TOO SCANDALOUS TO WED she has penned another keeper for my collection." -Valarie Pelissero, Rakehell

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