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First Scandal: A Regency Romance Novella
He offered her kindness. She heard only duty.
Lady Margaret Danby has perfected the art of being invisible. An impoverished widow with siblings to protect and a reputation balanced at the edge of Society, she can’t afford another whisper—another mistake—another man who offers kindness with conditions. She has fought too long for every scrap of safety to gamble it on hope… no matter how tempting his gaze, how steady his hands, or how quickly he makes her feel seen.
Henry “Dash” Dashfield never expected to become a duke. Newly elevated and painfully aware he doesn’t quite fit into polished society, he’s determined to do his duty—keep the title respectable, the estate solvent, and the Ton at a safe distance. Falling for a widow with sharp wit, stubborn pride, and a heart far too easy to admire was never part of the plan. But Dash has spent his life being told what he owes—and Margaret is the first thing he wants for himself.
Then watchful eyes set a trap.
A stolen moment becomes a weapon. A whisper turns into a noose. And when Dash does the only honorable thing he can, Margaret hears the one word that shatters her duty.
Now, with gossip sharpening its teeth and Dash’s formidable aunts tightening the snare, Margaret must decide whether she can risk everything—her name, her freedom, the fragile family that depends on her—for a man who might only be doing what’s proper.
And Dash must prove, in daylight and in public, that Margaret is not his obligation… she is his choice.
A swoony, steamy Regency romance full of weaponized scandal, a redeemed hero, and found family—because the most dangerous thing in the Ton isn’t being caught… it’s being brave enough to stay.
Tropes You’ll
✔ Dutiful Duke
✔ Scandalized Widow
✔ Marriage of Convenience (with real feelings)
✔ Gossip & Watchful Society
✔ Found Family
✔ Class Difference
✔ Stubborn, Clever Heroine
✔ Love vs Duty Conflict
✔ Swoony, Slow-Burn Longing
✔ Redemption Arc (Hero)
✔ Second Chance Romace
If you love your Regency romances with stolen moments, sharp banter, and the delicious ache of two people falling too hard in a world that punishes it, this one is for you.
This standalone novella is a short read to enjoy, with no cliffhangers and a happy ending.
A multi-author Regency romance novella, published and edited by Sara Adrien.
Contributing
Sara Adrien
Kathleen Ayers
Carrie Lomax
Lavinia Glen
Edie Cay
Eliana Piers
Britt Belle
Tanya Wilde
Lady Margaret Danby has perfected the art of being invisible. An impoverished widow with siblings to protect and a reputation balanced at the edge of Society, she can’t afford another whisper—another mistake—another man who offers kindness with conditions. She has fought too long for every scrap of safety to gamble it on hope… no matter how tempting his gaze, how steady his hands, or how quickly he makes her feel seen.
Henry “Dash” Dashfield never expected to become a duke. Newly elevated and painfully aware he doesn’t quite fit into polished society, he’s determined to do his duty—keep the title respectable, the estate solvent, and the Ton at a safe distance. Falling for a widow with sharp wit, stubborn pride, and a heart far too easy to admire was never part of the plan. But Dash has spent his life being told what he owes—and Margaret is the first thing he wants for himself.
Then watchful eyes set a trap.
A stolen moment becomes a weapon. A whisper turns into a noose. And when Dash does the only honorable thing he can, Margaret hears the one word that shatters her duty.
Now, with gossip sharpening its teeth and Dash’s formidable aunts tightening the snare, Margaret must decide whether she can risk everything—her name, her freedom, the fragile family that depends on her—for a man who might only be doing what’s proper.
And Dash must prove, in daylight and in public, that Margaret is not his obligation… she is his choice.
A swoony, steamy Regency romance full of weaponized scandal, a redeemed hero, and found family—because the most dangerous thing in the Ton isn’t being caught… it’s being brave enough to stay.
Tropes You’ll
✔ Dutiful Duke
✔ Scandalized Widow
✔ Marriage of Convenience (with real feelings)
✔ Gossip & Watchful Society
✔ Found Family
✔ Class Difference
✔ Stubborn, Clever Heroine
✔ Love vs Duty Conflict
✔ Swoony, Slow-Burn Longing
✔ Redemption Arc (Hero)
✔ Second Chance Romace
If you love your Regency romances with stolen moments, sharp banter, and the delicious ache of two people falling too hard in a world that punishes it, this one is for you.
This standalone novella is a short read to enjoy, with no cliffhangers and a happy ending.
A multi-author Regency romance novella, published and edited by Sara Adrien.
Contributing
Sara Adrien
Kathleen Ayers
Carrie Lomax
Lavinia Glen
Edie Cay
Eliana Piers
Britt Belle
Tanya Wilde
Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
About the author
Sara Adrien
35 books838 followersSara Adrien is the new voice in Historical Fiction and the best-selling author of the Infiltrating the Ton Series. She writes hot and heart-melting Regency Romance with a Jewish twist. Sign up for her VIP newsletter to get special perks and updates at http://saradrien.com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 11, 2026
I loved Lady Margaret Danby and Henry “Dash” Dashfield’s story! Neither fits in the mold for their role in society, but that helps them understand each other from the start. Margaret is tired of playing the sad, heartbroken, charity case widow. She simply wants to help her family and be happy. Dash is a duke by accident, and definitely doesn’t fit in – he doesn’t smoke, doesn’t hunt, and wants most in life to help people. Lifting those who need help the most.
Lady Margaret is determined to avoid a marriage like her first and avoid another scandal until Dash comes along. He sees her for who she truly is and doesn’t judge her. He is immediately protective of Margaret and her family. Realizing Margaret is terrified of gossip and not being able to make her own choices, he gives her options.
How can Dash not be your next book boyfriend?? He falls first, giving Margaret time to learn what her heart is telling her. He gives her the choice of courtship, rather than a quick marriage, which is EVERYTHING for Margaret! He gives her the strength to stand up to his snooty aunts. Dash shows her siblings they don’t have to fear being alone. I loved how protective all three siblings were of Margaret.
I found the idea of multiple authors collaborating to write one story quite fun. What emerged was a well-written, fast-paced, and charming story with plenty of witty banter between the main characters (I loved Dash’s best friend), and great come-backs for the ton and Dash’s aunts. I will forever look at green peas (which happen to be one of my favorite veggies) in a “hopeful” light LOL!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella and wish it had been longer. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! I want to thank the author for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Margaret is determined to avoid a marriage like her first and avoid another scandal until Dash comes along. He sees her for who she truly is and doesn’t judge her. He is immediately protective of Margaret and her family. Realizing Margaret is terrified of gossip and not being able to make her own choices, he gives her options.
How can Dash not be your next book boyfriend?? He falls first, giving Margaret time to learn what her heart is telling her. He gives her the choice of courtship, rather than a quick marriage, which is EVERYTHING for Margaret! He gives her the strength to stand up to his snooty aunts. Dash shows her siblings they don’t have to fear being alone. I loved how protective all three siblings were of Margaret.
I found the idea of multiple authors collaborating to write one story quite fun. What emerged was a well-written, fast-paced, and charming story with plenty of witty banter between the main characters (I loved Dash’s best friend), and great come-backs for the ton and Dash’s aunts. I will forever look at green peas (which happen to be one of my favorite veggies) in a “hopeful” light LOL!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella and wish it had been longer. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! I want to thank the author for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 7, 2026
We have Lady Margaret Danby and Henry “Dash” Dashfield that are electric at their first meeting! Margaret knows her place and Henry is trying to find his as a new Duke!
Margaret fears that this will be like her first marriage where she is trapped by Henry is a true Book boyfriend and sees her and courts her and her whole family.
They are like two magnets that strongly attract. She is beautiful and resilient! Henry is fierce and protective. He is ready and has everything in place. Love has its own rules!
This was very inspirational Henry fell first and hard but Margaret was afraid of the vicious gossip from the Ton plus she has younger siblings!
Margaret is much stronger now then when the Ton forced her to wed. When her father in law took ill Henry was magnificent he left no stone unturned! Bravo
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review.
Margaret fears that this will be like her first marriage where she is trapped by Henry is a true Book boyfriend and sees her and courts her and her whole family.
They are like two magnets that strongly attract. She is beautiful and resilient! Henry is fierce and protective. He is ready and has everything in place. Love has its own rules!
This was very inspirational Henry fell first and hard but Margaret was afraid of the vicious gossip from the Ton plus she has younger siblings!
Margaret is much stronger now then when the Ton forced her to wed. When her father in law took ill Henry was magnificent he left no stone unturned! Bravo
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a heartwarming class difference. Second chance historical romance muti author Regency romance novella. It was an engaging, fast-paced story with delightful characters who share stolen moments and quickly fall in love. I enjoyed this charming happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews