When I read a book like this from an author I once enjoyed, I wonder whether my tastes have changed or if the author has dramatically altered her style. Many books by Teresa Medeiros sit on my keeper shelf, but after reading One Night of Scandal, careful consideration of the above question seems a necessity.

Carlotta “Lottie” Fairleigh is an indulged, pampered, high-spirited TSTL ninny for a good portion of the book. About an hour before her debut, she decides to climb down her trellis to get a glimpse of the “Murderous Marquess,” her new neighbor. Never mind that she’s in a corseted in a ball gown, with her hair done, etc. She must catch a glimpse of him for inspiration to write her own dastardly villain for her novel. She also conveniently ignores the fact that her long-suffering sister and brother-in-law have had to postpone her debut for years because of her continuing shenanigans. The gossip about her has finally died down enough for her to obtain some suitable offers.

Hayden St. Clair, the marquess of Oakleigh, has the ghost of his dead wife and a few other problems to deal with. He hates coming to London, but he needs help for his daughter. What he doesn’t need is an old friend sending him some “entertainment” for the evening. When he spies someone peering in his window, he yanks her inside through the window. Yes, Hayden mistakes Lottie for a lightskirt. She is instantly terrified and captivated at the same time, so she is unable to utter a single word about her identity. Since Hayden sent away his coachman, and believes Lottie is stranded with him, he decides to at least sample the merchandise. Things go downhill from there when the real entertainment shows up, and Hayden notices the entire household next door looking in through his window.

A marriage of convenience ensues, and Lottie is taken off to Hayden’s Cornwall estate. Lottie spends most of her time attempting to deal with Hayden’s angry daughter and the apparent ghost of his beloved wife. Did Hayden really murder his wife as all of society believes? It’s certainly a mystery Lottie believes is worth novelizing.

Thankfully, Lottie does grow up a bit, after nearly driving me over the edge with her spoiled attitude and outrageous hijinks. Hayden’s daughter, Allegra, helps Lottie to see the immaturity of her ways. Allegra is not the typical angelic romance novel child – she definitely has behavior problems. Because Lottie spends most of her time developing a relationship with Allegra, the focus on the romantic relationship suffers. And of course, just when things start to go smoothly, something throws a wrench between Hayden and Lottie.

It’s all very familiar territory, which doesn’t make a bad book in itself. Lottie did most of that herself, and then Hayden joined in by portraying the stubborn, unforgiving male at the end. The supporting characters didn’t help matters either. Lottie’s friend Harriet Dimwinkle was a complete dimwit (pun intended) with no apparent purpose whatsoever.

This author can do better – much better. My advice is to skip this one and read one of her older titles instead; many have been very well-received at AAR. As for me, I’ll be re-reading an old Medeiros keeper and hoping that this was merely a blip on the radar for a normally excellent author.