The Birthday Scandal (edition 2012)

Very interesting historical romance about two sisters and a brother and how their lives intertwine as they find love in very unexpected places. Scandalous but fund read. ( )

This was a fun romance. An over-bearing father and a scheming great-uncle gang up on siblings Emily, Isabel, and Lucien to give them much improved lives. Emily has been living in seclusion since her fiance was killed in a duel with the brother of the woman he compromised. She got very tired of her father throwing more men at her but is now struggling to survive with a limited income and limited opportunities. She's bored! Her sister Isabel has been estranged from her husband since her wedding when he chose to support his friend in the duel which she felt was a betrayal of her sister. They have spent the past year avoiding each other. Their brother Lucien has been living in London on a small allowance and dodging the young women his father has been throwing at him.

All meet together at their great-uncle's in hopes of bettering their lives. Also at the castle is the Duke's American heir. Naturally, Emily takes one look at him and takes an instant dislike to him. However, since she is determined not to marry but is interested in taking a lover, she thinks he would work quite well in that role. He isn't opposed but his sense of honor won't let him completely compromise her. Along the way they fall in love.

Isabel is surprised to find that her estranged husband has also been invited to the house party. He is willing to compromise with her and offer her an adequate income ... if she will supply him with an heir. As he seduces his wife, she begins to fall in love with him. But her mistaken perceptions about his possible mistresses keep her from trusting him.

All three are surprised to find that their father is on the verge of offering for the nineteen-year-old daughter of a neighbor. Lucien is trying to think of any way to stop this marriage because he doesn't want to subject anyone to his father and ends up falling in love with the girl himself.

All of these romances are being played out at a house party and involve lots of clandestine meetings, unsuitable suitors, grasping debutantes, and gossiping society ladies. While the eventual resolution of the romances was never in doubt, it was fun to read about each couple's journey. Leigh Michaels makes each of the characters, with the possible exception of the the protagonists' father, likable and well-rounded people. ( )