The Captain in him could not fathom that she had stolen from him again. First it was his heart, a devastating loss, and now it was the one artifact that could have saved the life of his brother! Of all the dirty underhanded deeds, how had this one woman managed to destroy his life so completely? Captain William Hurst could not believe his luck or lack thereof. As a sailor, William had known his share of woman, but there was something about the Lady Marcail Beauchamp that had captured his attention from the stage. She wasn't merely the best actress he had ever seen, but perhaps the most beautiful woman as well. If William had known the hurt she would have caused him perhaps he never would have loved her as he did. Now two years later that same woman had smuggled herself on board his ship and stolen the artifact he was to use to free his brother! There was nothing, not her beguiling eyes, not her beautiful looks, and not her charming ways that was going to stop him from retrieving what was his!

For Marcail life on stage had never been easy. There would always be the men who thought they could buy her charms. There would always be the society that looked down on her no matter how much they paid to see her perform. Unfortunately, her own family had all but disowned her in their embarrassment. Even though it was her money that kept them afloat, somehow they were better than she was. Marcail would risk everything -- her hopes, her dreams, and even her future- to protect her sisters from disgrace. Unknown to William, Marcail had made such a gamble two years ago when she forced him away. Blackmail was no laughing matter, and whatever the risk whatever the cost Marcail had always paid it. She knew that William would come looking for her, knew even that he would find her and demand answers. Answers for past hurts and new ones that she was loathe to answer. Could she trust William this time with her secrets? Could the one man she walked away from be the one to save her?

I felt that Marcail and William were very strong characters. I began to feel for each of them within a few chapters. Their unfortunate past and the chance that they were thrown together again to embark on an adventure only added to the allure their relationship presented. The tale was enchanting and captivating both with the new romance between these two and the goals they were pursuing. Hawkins' additional letters gave an insight into William's family and the life he led, while Marcail was like an open book. I think that the mystery only added to the strength of the book. SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND was simply a delightful tale, Hawkins was able to keep the action coming and the reader captivated never knowing if Marcail and William would find their happily ever after!

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins spins an unforgettable tale of a captivating beauty with a secret, a dashing sea captain on a treacherous mission—and the priceless artifact that seals their destiny.

A DESPERATE BEAUTY
Despite fame and countless admirers, actress Marcail Beauchamp has never forgotten William Hurst, the audacious seafarer she once loved . . . and lost. Now, forced by a mysterious blackmailer who threatens her family, she must steal an ancient onyx box from the one man she’s vowed never to see again.

A BOLD ADVENTURER
To save his brother from a ruthless abductor, William must deliver the artifact as ransom. He’s stunned when Marcail, more lovely than ever, suddenly appears on his ship. But when she drugs him and steals the box, his fury knows no bounds.

THE TREASURE EVERYONE WANTS
William pursues Marcail, but too late: she has already delivered the box. The estranged lovers realize they must work together—both to regain the artifact that could mean life or death to his family and to destroy the mysterious blackmailer’s power over her family. Thus begins a high-stakes quest through the reaches of Scotland, a quest that stirs up long-forgotten memories and an unquenchable passion. . . .