French heiress Lady Olivia Shea waits futilely for her new husband to return from an emergency errand on their wedding night. As morning emerges and Edmund hasn't reappeared, Olivia's emotions run from humiliation to anger. That anger turns to fury when she discovers he left with her inheritance. Edmund certainly doesn't understand her if he believes she'll endure the disgrace without seeking revenge. Packing her bags, Olivia sets sail for England to search and confront her wayward husband.

Simon Carlisle, the Duke of Durham, thinks he's met an enchanting angel until she opens her mouth and declares he's her lost husband. Unable to determine if she's in league with his renegade and despicable twin brother, Simon plays along. He refuses to succumb to Olivia's beauty, since Edmund's last betrayal years ago nearly cost Simon his sanity. Still not convinced of Olivia's innocence, Simon agrees to return to France, posing as her husband in order to flush Edmund from hiding.

Entering Olivia's world, Simon sees her as an astute businesswoman, who let flattery unwisely rule her heart. Working to expose the nefarious plot to destroy Olivia's heritage, Simon becomes more attracted to the feisty and defiant woman. It becomes imperative for Simon to win her heart as he ignores the scandal that brews around them.

The second book in Ms. Ashworth's newest trilogy, DUKE OF SCANDAL introduces readers to the world of perfume. She interjects fascinating facts about its history, while skillfully weaving it into the plot. It gives added substance to this story of brotherly betrayal and retribution.