The Scandalous Deal of the Scarred Lady

by Hanna Hamilton

The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal...

The charming Lady Helena Barrington, the only daughter of the powerful Duke of York, is tormented by a serious skin condition. Having spent her whole life watching the world from behind her window, she longs for love, acceptance, and freedom.

James Campbell, the very handsome and kind Duke of Durham, is on the threshold of financial ruination and in need of an immediate solution as his business associates betrayed him.

Each has something the other needs…

Desperate to feel normal, even for a while, Helena comes up with a scandalous deal: five courtship visits from the Duke, one for each ruby on the invaluable rose brooch she inherited from her mother.

A deal that could turn out as a fairytale or a nightmare...

*If you like a realistic yet charming depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then The Scandalous Deal of the Scarred Lady is the novel for you.

This is Hanna's sixteenth book, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Pick up "The Scandalous Deal of the Scarred Lady" today to discover Hanna's new amazing story!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2018

About the author

Hanna Hamilton has been fascinated with the Regency era ever since she was a young teen, first discovering historical romance novels by famous authors such as Jane Austen and Lisa Kleypas. She believes that love was just so much more magical back then, more like a fairy tale. She always daydreamed about finding love herself that way, but since that is impossible in the twenty-first century, she decided to write about it instead!

Born in Texas, Hanna Hamilton obtained a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a literature teacher before becoming a novelist. When she isn’t writing, Hanna likes to explore the countryside with her husband and two children, gaining inspiration from the natural world around her.

So, come on a journey into love, confusion, and redemption all within the Regency era. Hanna hopes that you will enjoy immersing yourself into her novels and that you too will find a love for old-fashioned romance, just as she has. 


Facebook page: http://facebook.com/hannahamiltonauthor

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEATH BY .....Strawberries????
Hanna has done it again!
This book , once I started reading, I couldn't put it down !
Had to see what was happening on the page , the next paragragh.
The story line was very engrossing as you have so many things happening. And what a tale , a few actually with past events from the fathers and mothers and their friends privy to what occurred. The resentment of those passed over. Goodness , and the truth when finally everything comes to be told leaves you shaking your head...
This book is by far your best work yet ,Hanna.
And I've read a few of yours. Well done ! Can't wait to see how you top this one😉

To my fellow readers , if you have read any of Hanna's books be sure to read this one. You won't be disappointed.
To new readers , grab a coffee , curl up in your favorite reading spot and read this book. I believe you'll be most pleased.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SETTING: Regency period England. The Duke of Durham has just lost his fortune when his fleet sank, and is now worried that he will now not find a wife willing to marry without him having money. Helena is a 21 + year old Lady that has a disfigurement about which she has been made embarrassed by the aunt that has raised her. Her aunt Phoebe tells her she will not marry, as constantly treats her as if she is an invalid in need of 24 hour care and oversight. Furthermore, Phoebe is able to elicit feelings of guilt and inadequacy over nearly every action and activity in which Helena engages. The emotional abuse is understated early on, but the pattern becomes clear as the story progresses. How will Helena ever break free of the mental contrictions Phoebe has placed around her? How can she earn the love of the Duke of Durban, when her aunt sends her to her room every time the Duke is present, for verging on illness or misbehaving (according to her aunt)? What about Helena’s father? Can he not see the detrimental control Phoebe has over his daughter and help her break free?
CRITIQUE: A wonderfully encouraging book that helps all of us see how we should view our own imperfections, as we all have them. The Duke saw the beauty of the inner person and was able to overlook the imperfections as of no matter when it came to choosing a wife, as Helena had not allowed her affliction to make her bitter, resentful of others, nor did she blame anyone for it. We, too, need to concentrate on perfecting the person within, love the gifts we HAVE been given, and then look for the good in others. In that way, Helena made herself lovable and found true love in the end. This book brings that message front and center.
This clean book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Jewel 💎

James Campbell🐺, the Duke of Durham, loses his fleet⛵⛵ and his fortune in a storm in the Atlantic🌊. He goes to Lord Barrington to float a loan. The terms are interesting,

James🐺 must attend Helena💃💋, the Lord's daughter, as if he were courting her. Lord Barrington, The Duke of York, insists on five separate meetings.

Helena💃💋 is beautiful but her beauty is marred by a skin condition that no doctor can seem to cure. Her Aunt, procures various salves and oils, to no avail. Helena💃💋 is bright, cultured, fiesty, but afraid to be seen in public.

She dreams of true 💘love, and she dreams of a tall, handsome man that very much resembles James!🐺 It's a dream come true for her when he is forced to court her, but right away, Lord James🐺 realizes he really cares for Helena💃💋!

ARC Received.
These opinions are my own.

The book is a sweet Regency romance💕 and a criminal mystery, as well. Recommend!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Heart went out to Lady Helena Barrington--she was kept sequestered in her home because of a rash that was all over her body and worse on her face. The rash was so itchy that she would scratch it till it bled. Her mother had died giving birth to her and her mother's sister came to live with them to take care of her.

All Helena wanted was to be courted like other girls so she would feel normal--not marry-bccause who would want to marry her with her affliction. Her Aunt never taught her societies rules so Helena kind of did and thought how she wanted.

Then one stormy night she saw a woman walking towards their house. She forced the butler to get her and bring her inside. Turns out this woman worked for James Campbell-a Duke who had just lost his entore fortune-or most of it. When the women grabbed a 5 ruby pin Helena caught her at it--and thus begins the story--and what a story it is!

I found myself up late reading this one. But have no fear--as in all historical romances (or most) there is a very happy ending!! Will you be able to guess what was causing Helena's affliction before it is revealed?

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how it turned the beauty and the beast story on its head, this time with the heroine presumably being the beastly one. She has a skin condition, to the point she has open sores on her, and I was pleased the author decided to go for it to that extent.

But then it was ruined by the fact that she is also gorgeously beautiful and the hero sees it right away. A little more bonding between the two would have been nice. Yet the first time he sees her he is head over heels. Which can work nicely in a romance, but not the best start for a beauty and the beast-type storyline.

We also have the heroine experiencing an entire lifetime of (obvious, to me) abuse that no one seems to notice until the villain completely loses their shit and then everyone is like “oh, hmmm, wow so this person is crazy.” When to me it was blatantly obvious from the beginning the heroine was being abused.

Still, those things were easy enough to set aside to just enjoy the story. 3 stars.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanna Hamilton is a true pro at writing Regency Period tales that are imaginative, romantic and period appropriate. The Scandalous Deal of the Scarred Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel. Read the publisher’s blurb for this one. I can guarantee that if you find it even remotely interesting you will absolutely adore the book. Both the plot and the leads here are refreshingly different and yet their romance works perfectly. I love both the complexity and purity of both Lady Helena Barrington and James Campbell, the Duke of Durham. Their tale was a true treat. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

love books of this era. This is a twist on Beauty and the beast. Helena Barrington has a skin condition to her face and upper torso that has kept her homebound. James Campbell the Duke of Dunham loses his ships in a storm and to make matters worse his business partner has ran off with his money. He is penniless. A servant of the Duke takes refuge in Hanna's home during a winter storm and tries to steal her mothers ruby brooch. A deal is made for the Duke to visit 5 times and she can have the ruby. There are so many twists and turns. Townspeople try to keep them apart. It's a feel good, captivating story as James is able to see beyond her scars both inside and out. You'll watch Helena grow as she gains confidence. Many surprises. I received an ARC for an honest review. I recommend this book

[Sheila Wellworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Hanna Hamilton! There's nothing better than curling up with a nice, long well written book. This is a long story, with the extended epilogue I love, but it never lags or gets boring - I couldn't put it down, couldn't wait to find out what would happen next for Helena. I couldn't imagine being afflicted all my life with a health problem that kept me isolated within the four walls of my home, having to live vicariously through others of my family. Then to find out the person you trusted, who has taken care of you all your life has lied to you and betrayed you then tries to kill you. How awful. My heart broke for Helena, but I admired her strength and was so pleased with the way it turned out for her in the end. Bravo, Hanna! Another great book!

[Robyn Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fascinating reading from start to finish with Lady Helena so longing to experience what other young ladies have while she has been kept in seclusion all her life, to the extent that she took drastic measures to be courted and then meeting James Campbell who has such a soft heart and is looking for someone whose beauty is not skin deep.
I laughed and cried at all the assumptions that come from feeling insecure and feel that there is a lesson here for all of us that if we don't communicate then we will often get the wrong impression or motive. James made her feel special but so often she misunderstood.
The twist at the end took me by surprise but I am not going to spoil it for you, you need to read for yourself.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reverse Beauty and the Beast story. Reading about Helena's skin problem reminds me so much of my own eczema. Going to the doctor and getting all kinds of ointments that didn't work. And the doctor, after asking me how school was and learning about my exams, looking at me, clearly thinking 'I knew it, it's just stress'... Until I demanded to see a specialist and demanded I got an allergy test.
So, I can very much relate to how Helena feels.
I love the different employers. They obviously care a lot for their employers. Who are almost like family to them. I also like the father, who loves his daughter very much.
Great story!
I received a copy and chose to review it.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book, which was an inspired take on Beauty and the Beast. The characters of Helena and James were refreshing in their total disregard for the rules and expectations of society. At times, I really liked Helena’s father; at other times, I found him a bore. For a man who seemed to have his finger on the pulse of his family, he certainly seemed to miss some major red flags. I found this aggravating because I was beginning to suspect what was going on and kept wondering when he would pull his head out of his butt. Naturally, everything resulted in a happy ending and it was quite a relief.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!! Lady Helena Barrington I loved in this story. The author 's writing just makes you feel her emotions. Hoping that the Duke of Durham would fall for her. And he brings out the beautiful person inside her, despite her issues with a skin condition. Helena is very smart and clever how she gets the Duke to agree to her courting agreement. But, there is someone very devious close by to Helena? And this person wants to bring harm to her! A lot of secrets from the past are revealed. This was a Great Read and I loved all the characters. This is my third book I have read of Hanna's . I have not been disappointed yet. Definitely five stars from me Hanna !!!

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Helena Barrington the daughter of the Duke of York had a bad skin condition. It was snowing badly when Helena thought she saw someone slumped in the snow. They found the lady who was named Lucy and a servant of the Duke of Durham, James Campbell, she tried to steal a ruby broach and was caught by Helena. Helena and Lucy made a deal for the Duke of Durham that he would visit 5 time pretending to court Helena. If he did this he could keep the broach and buy a ship to start to rebuild his the fortune he had lost leaving him a pauper. He spoke to the Duke of York. To find out everything that happens u must read the book.

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scandalous Deal of the Scarred Lady by the ever so wonderful writer Hanna Hamilton was a fantastic story with some lies, secrets, intrigue and most definitely passion. The characters are exciting and have an incredible attraction and chemistry. This is definitely a story that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to see what is waiting for you on the next pages. A book you will not want to put up for the night until you are done. I absolutely loved and I highly recommend this great book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Christiane Robillard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot

I would give this book very mixed reviews. Firstly, the plot and storyline were original and interesting. However, I found the dialogue to be awkward, inapt and often malapropos. I found the behaviours of the main characters erratic and confusing; at times, it made them seem emotionally deranged. The plot took a very very long time to develop. Quite frankly, I had to force myself to keep reading. And there were a great many typos. All in all, a mediocre book.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story with intrigue, danger and romance. Helena’s affliction has kept her house bound her entire life, but when she meets James, he doesn’t see what society does. Their feeling grow deeper the more they are together, but someone doesn’t want to see them happy. This is a wonderfully well-written story, with realistic characters and a couple of twists to keep your interest from start to finish.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helena has a skin condition that keeps her inside and views life from behind her window. James, the Duke of Durham is close to financial ruin and needs cash fast. Hannah makes him an offer he can’t refuse will they both get more than they bargained for? This is a wonderful historical read with loads of drama and suspense. I really liked the characters and found Helena’s condition to be an interesting twist in the story. A good read.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The injustices done to this lady are unbelievable. James, the Duke of Dunham, doesn't see her blemishes, but sees the beauty of the woman underneath. The thing that holds him back is the ruby brooch that Helena is holding between them.The intrigue is exciting and the insanity of one woman stretches to destroy lives when she can no longer control them. It held my attention through the climax and I wanted to finish to see all it all played out.

[Marybelle A. Swaim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

I found this book to be both exciting and entrancing with plenty of suspense involved. The aunt was indeed a very wicked lady and all my sympathies were with her niece who was so vowed by her. Another great historical romance by Ha na Hamilton. You won't regret getting this one but start it when you have plenty of quiet time because you will have a problem putting it down.😊💕

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review. This was actually a fairly good read. We have a lady who has a horrible skin condition who has an opportunity to have a taste of real life. The only thing I wasn’t in love with was how malleable she was. She allowed herself to be run all over without putting her foot down and standing up for herself. That was a little frustrating but overall a good read.

[Laila Viking · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that is a bit the opposite of the Beauty and the beast story. Here is it only the lady that is the scarred. Nice storyline and plot. I did not feel the connection as much as I would have liked between the main characters. I also think that the surroundings should have noticed that she was being abused. But apart from this it is an enjoyable and well written story that it recommendable to others.

[Aryn Jy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something new

I bought this book because I was quite intrigued about the Scarred Lady. Turns out her skin condition was merely a case of eczema and a severe allergic reaction due to a trigger. Well in a modern time, it wasn't anything special anymore, but in the past it was such a big deal. It was refeshing to see a new point of view. Anyways, the story lack more depth or a certain je ne sais quoi to it.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this book had lots of twists and turns in the plot! It was good, just so entangled. You could pick out the bad guy (or girl) easily within the first couple of chapters and I kept wanting to shake everybody and tell them to wake up. I wish the hero\heroin had more interactions. It seemed as if they barely talked even when together. The hero had more interactions with her dad than her. I normally like Hanna Hamilton's books, this one just didn't match her usual standards.

[Irene Langston-Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story of Helena and James who meet because of the action of his servant Lucy. The story has mystery, betrayal, surprises and twists. The characters were strong and knew what they wanted and went after it. Helena and James went through several obstacle in developing their relationship. Received an ARC copy and voluntarily leaving this review.

[Dee Jay Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The disgruntled companion..

James has lost most of his fortune due to trusting his partner too much.
Lady Helena has been isolated most of her life by a skin condition and her Aunt Phoebe who is her companion, governess, housekeeper intends to keep her isolated.
How Helena and James meet and overcome many obstacles makes great reading.

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I diagnosed her aunt with munchausen by proxy syndrome in chapter 14. For Helena's father to be so aware of things he dropped the ball on what Phoebe was doing. The parents getting married in the end made me cringe but at least Hanna explained that dynamic. The double epilogue still annoys me. With all that being said I enjoyed reading this novel.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Helena Barrington had a skin affection that had kept secluded. When a chance called her door, she thought that if she took things in her hands, she could enjoy a little. But evil had its ways to stay present and make harm so, it was a hard way for Helena and the targeted Duke of Durham to get their HEA. Intrigue, suspense, prejudices, secrets, mystery, betrayal, amusing scenes, danger, romance and madness. Interesting characters, good flow of the plot development, a web of secrets that kept me entertained and a HEA.

[Gareth Ellzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming fairy tale with a twist

I really enjoyed this story. Helena, as the scarred lady, was a very believable character. James was a worthy hero. I suspected the ‘surprise’ reason for Helena’s terrible rash, quite early on. The whole book was a beautiful exposition of the machinations of a suppressive person, almost textbook in its development. I recommend it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

I do like this author and this book did not disappoint. It had a lot of intrigue and mystery which the author skillfully worked through the book and concluded everything at the end. Even the epilogue tied in some more mystery and answered even more questions. Very nice read

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It was so far so good this story has taught about good at communicating, so you won't get wrong impressions by not confronting right away or how will know motives if the person is genuine and sincere of the intentions towards you.