Review: A Study in Scandal by Caroline Linden

A Study in Scandal by Caroline Linden

Book 3.5 of the Scandalous series

Publication Date: February 17, 2016

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC sent by the author

Summary (from Goodreads):

After a youthful infatuation went terribly wrong, Lady Samantha Lennox gave up all thought of suitors and happily-ever-after. But when she angers her strict and demanding father, the Earl of Stratford, he retaliates by arranging a marriage for her to a man she could never admire, much less love. In a panic, Samantha flees to London, only to find herself lost, alone, and nearly kidnapped—until an unlikely hero saves her. 

Lord George Churchill-Gray is an artist, not a knight in shining armor, but he doesn’t hesitate to rescue Samantha from disaster and offer her temporary sanctuary. He wouldn’t mind if she repaid him by modeling for his latest painting. He’s enchanted by her face… her smile… all of her, really. But with every study he sketches, he falls a little more in love with her, and Samantha begins to suspect her scandalous actions might lead to the sort of love she never thought to find…

What I Liked:

Note: I received this book for free from the author. I was not compensated for my review, nor did the source of the copy affect my opinion of this book at all. 

Ah, this series is a favorite of mine. I adored the previous books and novella, and I just recently read and enjoyed the fourth full-length novel, Six Degrees of Scandal. Each pair's story is so unique and lovely, and I especially love just how connected and interwoven the plots of each book are, even though this series is a companion series. If you're a historical romance fan, I highly recommend this Scandalous series!

In this novella, we have Lady Samantha's story. Years ago, Samantha stole money from her father to help her neighbor and friend, Sebastian (read his story in It Takes a Scandal). Years later, Samantha confesses to her father so that Sebastian's name will be cleared. At first, her father does not seem angry (which is out of character); but then he decides that Samantha will marry a brute of a man, in a month's time. Samantha runs away, only to become lost and almost kidnapped in London. If not for a dashing artist painting nearby, Samantha might have disappeared forever. Lord George Churchill-Gray, son of the Duke of Rowland, is more concerned with his artwork than his title. When he saves Samantha from kidnappers, he offers her his place temporarily. But weeks pass and the pair can't deny their attraction. Will Samantha leave her life in Richmond behind?

This story was short, which is to be expected - it's a novella. I love how Linden is able to fit in a beautiful and very developed story in such a short space. We get all of the wonderful aspects of a historical romance novel,, but in a compact form. In this novella, time moves slowly at first. Only a few days pass between Samantha telling her father that she stole money from him years ago, and her fleeing to London when her father tells her about her new marriage. But when Gray saves her and takes her in, time starts to move faster. Weeks pass. So there is no case of an undeveloped relationship, though it might seem that way.

I can't remember how I felt about Samantha in previous books, but I think I liked her more than I did in previous books. In this novella, she is determined to take her fate into her own hands, even if she doesn't realize that is what she is doing. She accepts help from Gray, and while living in his apartment, she takes to helping the landlady and servant with small things. Samantha has a strength of character that we don't always see in historical romance novels.

Ahh, Gray. He has an artist's heart, and a noble one too. He generously offers his apartment to Samantha; he knows that she is more than she says she is, and he wants to help a lady in a bad situation. He's the son of the Duke of Rowland, but he does not flaunt his title and he isn't interested in multitudes of women. He and Samantha are such a perfect pair; quiet souls, appreciative of the arts, and rich in intelligence.

I remember seeing the pair in Six Degrees of Scandal and wondering, when did Samantha get married? Who is Gray? So while I wish I had held off a few days longer before reading Six Degrees of Scandal, I'm really glad I had the chance to read this novella, and Linden wrote it at all! Samantha probably wasn't one of my favorite characters earlier in the series (for good reason), but I really liked to experience a different side of her, in this novella.

Overall, an excellent addition to the series! I usually don't bother with novellas, but this one was definitely worth the time. If you enjoy Linden's books, or historical romance novels in general, I recommend this novella and series!

What I Did Not Like:

It's a novella but I can't help but want more!

Would I Recommend It:

If you've read any of Linden's books, I'd definitely recommend this one too. Like I said, I'm usually someone who doesn't bother with novellas, but I really, really enjoyed this one. It adds nicely to the series too, as Gray plays a pretty important role in Six Degrees of Scandal.

Rating:

4 stars. If you couldn't tell, I'm a huge fan of this series! I wonder if there will be more books (or novellas) to follow. I would love to read more!

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Review: Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Book Four of the Scandalous series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: March 29, 2016

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Olivia Townsend is in trouble and out of options. Pursued by a desperate man in search of a lost treasure, which she doesn’t have, she’s got only two things in her favor: her late husband’s diary, which she was never meant to see … and the man who was her first-and-only-love. Losing him broke her heart, though she’s been careful to hide it for the last ten years. But when he comes to her aid and vows to stand by her this time, no matter what, she can’t help but hope things will be different this time.

James Weston has blamed himself for letting Olivia down when she needed him years ago, and he will not do it again. Fortunately, his unusual life has equipped him well to outsmart the villain chasing Olivia. Unfortunately, being so near her again threatens to expose every secret in his heart…even those that should stay hidden forever.

What I Liked:

Caroline Linden has never disappointed me! This Scandalous series is easily one of my favorite historical romance series of all time. I don't think I've rated a single one of the books (novel or novella) less than four stars. Generally I enjoy historical romance novels - I'm pretty easy to please, when it comes to this genre - but I LOVE Linden's books especially!

This is James and Olivia's story. Ten years ago, a twenty-year-old James promised a seventeen-year-old Olivia that would get married. But Olivia's family was under dire circumstances, and despite James' family being extremely rich, Olivia's father needed Olivia to be married as soon as possible. So Olivia was forced to marry Henry Townsend. Ten years later, Henry's been dead for two years. But with his death came strange happenings; a viscount Clary has been hounding Olivia, claiming that she has something valuable that Henry left behind. Olivia has been hiding from Clary, but James finds her. Determined to help Olivia and hunt down Clary, James abandons everything and he and Olivia begin the search for the treasure. But the pair discover that Henry's dealings were a lot shadier and dangerous than they thought.

I'm pretty sure this is the last novel in the series, and this makes me immensely sad! However, if it is the last novel, then I must say, the series ended on a beautiful note. I love second-chance romances! Usually I don't like romances with a female widow and male rake, but the backstory was so well-written, and the circumstances were terrible but not heartbreaking. 

Olivia never wanted to marry Henry, and even while married to him, neither he nor she wanted to be married. When he died of sudden health causes, Olivia is left penniless, and Lord Clary starts to hunt her for whatever Henry left behind. But James has great timing, and starts to help Olivia. I like that Olivia accepts help from him, as well as stands on her own two feet. It's admirable to defend yourself and fight for yourself, but I think it's equally admirable to accept help when you need it.

I like Olivia so much! I thought I would dislike her a tiny bit, after reading Part One of this book (the background, what transpired between Jamie and Olivia before she was forced to marry Henry). Olivia blamed Jamie for not being there to prevent her marriage to Henry, and Jamie and Olivia part ways on a very sad note. So I thought I wouldn't like Olivia. But it was hard not to like her and respect her. She is strong and determined, but not willful and overbearing. And she is so full of forgiveness and love - I was so happy to see a female protagonist that wasn't stubborn in her ways; Olivia was very open to loving the man she once loved.

And Jamie! Ah, how I loved him. He never stopped loving Olivia, and regretted leaving her that day. He had wanted to make his own fortune so that he could marry her, but his absence made it possible for Olivia's father to find someone else to marry Olivia and provide money for the Herbert family. Poor Jamie! He's suffered terribly for ten years, and cannot forgive himself. Yet he is more than willing to leave everything behind and help Olivia search for the missing treasure that her late husband has hidden. Jamie is honestly such a sweetheart, not at all a rake or scoundrel (like many historical romance heroes are). While I LOVE the rakes and scoundrels, I also adore the wicked sweethearts, like Jamie.

The romance is so sweet, and not drama-filled! About 55% of the book is spent with no physical interaction - Olivia doesn't want to overstep, and Jamie doesn't want to overstep. Both of them are cautious and they don't know where the other stands. I love that it is Olivia that pushes Jamie, and that they stand steadfast once they realize that they're both still so in love with each other. There are no betrayals or big twisted secrets that keep them apart, just them learning to trust and love each other after ten years of bitterness and sadness between them.

And while the romance is sweet, there are some REALLY steamy scenes in the book. Only a few, but tastefully done. Linden always has a good balance of steamy yet not too much steamy.

This book is entertaining, exciting, and heart-warming! I was never bored, and despite it being your usual historical romance length, I breezed through this book. Linden's stories always captivate me, and this one is not exception. We learn something VERY important in this book! And That Reveal is one of the reasons why I think this is the final book in the series. But the epilogue... I'm curious. Linden left a door slightly ajar!

Anyway, I shall say no more. I love Jamie and Olivia's story. I can't decide whose story I liked the most, because I liked them all! Maybe Joan/Tristan's, Abigail/Sebastian's, or Olivia/Jamie's. But seriously, this whole series is so good!

What I Did Not Like:

Hmm. I can't think of anything, except maybe more from Jamie and Olivia in the epilogue? The epilogue features someone else - which is fine! - but I was hoping to catch Jamie and Olivia's happily ever after in even more detail, in the epilogue. But that's okay! Maybe there will be more books to the series. *winks*

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this book - and series - if you're a historical romance fan. I read tons of historical romance novels, and I usually enjoy what I read, but I especially like this Scandalous series. I love how Linden weaves the stories together, places characters and subplots meticulously into each book. And I love how well-written and developed her characters are. And the romances!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (I think I'm being a little mean here, but it doesn't quite feel like a five-star read, though it does feel like a year-end favorite). I so hope that there will be more (full-length) novels in the series, though I would be content if there weren't.

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Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: All's Fair in Love and Scandal by Caroline Linden

Welcome to the blog tour for All Fair's in Love and Scandal! I'm honored to be promoting this fantastic novella, and series! Check out my review of All Fair's in Love and Scandal, read an excerpt, and enter to win some books!

Read my reviews of the full-length novels:

Love and Other Scandals | It Takes a Scandal | Love in the Time of Scandal

All's Fair in Love and Scandal by Caroline Linden

Book 2.5 of the Scandal series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: April 21, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Official Summary:

Nothing wagered…

Douglas Bennet can't resist a good wager, especially not one that involves a beautiful woman. When a friend proposes an audacious plan to expose the most notorious woman in England, Douglas agrees at once. After all, it would be quite a coup to discover the true identity of Lady Constance, author of the infamous erotic serial scandalizing the ton, 50 Ways to Sin.

Nothing won…

Madeline Wilde is used to being pursued. For years she's cultivated a reputation for being unattainable and mysterious, and for good reason: her livelihood depends on discretion. When Douglas turns his legendary charm on her, she dismisses him as just another rake. But he surprises her—instead of merely trying to seduce her, he becomes her friend…her confidant…and her lover. But can it really lead to happily-ever-after…or are they about to become the biggest scandal London has ever seen?

What I Liked:

I really liked this novella! It's definitely a great addition to the series. Usually I don't bother with novellas because they're so short and not entirely necessary to read a series. Novellas in historical romance series are great though, because books in historical romance series are companion novels anyway, so no novel is necessary to read the next ones. So novellas are just short versions of a companion novel. And in this case, I really enjoyed the novella! It didn't even feel too abbreviated, which is great!

In this novella, we have Douglas Bennet - Joan's brother (remember Joan from Love and Other Scandals?), Tristan's best friend (Tristan and Joan got married at the end of Love and Other Scandals). Douglas likes to make wagers, to place a bet on everything. When he challenged to prove that the widow Madeline Wilde is Lady Constance from the 50 Ways to Sin pamphlets, Douglas accepts the challenge and immediately begins to try and woo Madeline into revealing herself. Madeline certainly has an air of mystery about her, and she seems to fit Lady Constance's profile. But as Douglas gets to know Madeline, he finds himself falling for her. While the rake and heir who claims he won't get married expose the one woman he falls in love with, as the scandalous Lady Constance?

I always liked Douglas - I felt bad for him in Love and Other Scandals. He's his family's heir (he'll be a viscount or earl or something, I forget), and he's unmarried, so his mother is always harassing him into going to balls and social functions to find a wife. He doesn't expect to fall for a widow who is possibly Lady Constance. But now that he has his eye on her, he can't help but wonder if she is just as wild as her pamphlets are. He's quite the rake himself, and he can't see himself settling down, but we all know it just takes the right woman for even the most rakish to fall.

Madeline is also quite a likable character. I don't think we've seen her in the previous books. She's very mysterious, and avoids the attention of everyone. Everyone except a bookstore owner who sells her work. Pamphlets? Newsletters? Articles? Books? What is Madeline publishing? You'll have to read the book to find out what Madeline's up to...

Madeline has every reason not to trust Douglas, and to push him away. She leads him on a merry chase, and refuses his attention as much as she can. But they fall for each other, and give in. The romance isn't my favorite romance story ever, but it was very sweet and endearing. Madeline and Douglas get their happy ending, despite several obstacles. You'll have to read the book to see how things work out with Lady Constance.

Overall, I really liked this novella! It's definitely worth reading. Douglas finally gets his own story, and hey - we get a little bit of insight into Lady Constance's mysteriousness. Not that I'm saying anything about her identity. 

What I Did Not Like:

Of course I wanted this novella to be longer. But alas, it's a novella.

Would I Recommend It:

If you've read the other books in the series, definitely give this one a shot! The 50 Ways to Sin pamphlets are what ties this series together, so this novella would the potential reveal of Lady Constance's identity is pretty significant. And like I said - you should read this one to find out the reveal of certain identities!

Rating:

4 stars. Usually, I'm not one for novellas, but I'm glad I had the chance to read this one! The whole series - Love and Other Scandals, It Takes a Scandal, Love in the Time of Scandal - is one of my favorite historical romance series ever!

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The Excerpt:

“Quite a crush, isn't it?” He gave Mrs. Wilde his winning smile, the easy, friendly one that soothed anxious nerves and made women of every age and rank like him. 

She turned at his voice behind her. Something like mirth glimmered in her eyes. “Indeed.”

“I hardly know a soul here tonight.” He lowered his voice but without leaning toward her. Leaning put women on guard. A low voice made them lean toward him, which he much preferred. “It’s rather intimidating, to tell the truth.”

“You?” She arched one golden brow. “You don’t seem the sort to be easily intimidated.”

Douglas grinned. He knew he was a big fellow. Women tended to like it once they got to know him. “Rubbish. I’m petrified just looking at the elegance of this assembly.”

Her lovely lips curved. Her head tipped toward him, just a little. Her dark eyes gleamed. “I don’t believe you.”

“It’s true,” he protested. “My heart is racing, my knees are unsteady. Look—see how my hand trembles.” He caught her hand in his, tensing his muscle to produce the tiniest tremor in his hand, and then relaxing it. “Ah. Your touch has healing power, I see.”

She left her hand in his, but that slight smile tugging at her mouth grew a bit wider. “It’s not flattering to a woman, to say her touch calms a man’s heart and body. Usually she wishes it were the other way around.”

His heart did skip a beat at that. She was a flirt; excellent. He adored flirts. Douglas stroked his thumb over the back of her hand. “It only stilled the terror, my dear. I suspect you could elicit an entirely different sort of tremor.” He lifted her hand and brushed the faintest kiss over her knuckles. “We must be introduced.”

“I fear there’s no one here in this quiet corner who will do it.” Her eyes seemed to grow darker as he drew one finger across her palm.

“Then I will risk being appallingly rude and present myself.” He bowed over her hand, his eyes never leaving her face. “Douglas Bennet, at your service.”

“Yes, I know.”

“You do?” He smiled in delight. “Then we should become acquainted…”

“Mr. Douglas Bennet,” she repeated, her voice changing just enough to freeze him in place. “Son and heir of Sir George Bennet, baronet. A very handsome title, an even handsomer fortune. An unrepentant rake, gambler, brawler, and sometime rogue. Your mother wants you to marry; you couldn't be less interested. Your taste runs to tavern maids and opera dancers, preferably French. Your sister wed your bosom friend Lord Burke, much to your disgust, although no one quite knows if you pity your sister or your one-time friend more.” She tilted her head and smiled as he stared at her, blank-faced with shock that was rapidly turning to indignation. “What have I forgotten? Oh, yes—you love a good wager. What was the one that sent you over here: a wager to get me into your bed?” She slipped her fingers from his slackened grip. “If it was…you've already lost. I hope you didn't stake a large amount.”

“It was merely for the pleasure of a dance,” he said, hiding his temper behind a flat tone.

She laughed. By God, she had a beautiful laugh, throaty and soft, the sort that made a man want to amuse her so he could hear it again. “I doubt it. But then, you’re also accustomed to losing, aren’t you?” She sank into a graceful curtsey, giving him one last view of her matchless bosom. “Good evening, sir.” She turned and walked away, unhurried, unaffected.

He was still standing there, pulsing with unexpected desire and insulted pride, when Spence slung an arm around his neck. “Rough luck,” he said, his voice brimming with amusement. “She’s a cold one.” He grinned and slapped Douglas’s shoulder. “Five quid, gone in a blink.”

Douglas turned a black look on the man. “You didn't say when.”

Spence raised his eyebrows, still grinning like a cardsharp. Come to think of it, he usually looked like that, right before he took someone’s money. Douglas had won and lost to Spence with equanimity—for the most part—but tonight he wanted to punch his friend. Spence had deliberately dared him to an impossible task, sending him over to be humiliated and rejected. And now he wanted five pounds. “What do you mean?”

“You didn't say when.” Douglas bit off each word. “She rejected me tonight, but there’s always tomorrow night, and the next, and the next after that.”

A scowl darkened Spence’s face for a split second before he threw up his hand. “You’re right! I didn't. Let’s say…within a fortnight. That ought to be enough time to work up some charm and get between the fair widow’s legs.”

“You wagered for a dance, not a tupping.”

“Well.” Spence’s eyes glittered. “I thought I wagered for tonight. Allowances must be made.” When Douglas said nothing, Spence leaned closer. “You’re not afraid, are you? Not going soft in the head like Burke? The woman gutted you and denied you in front of all society, man. Look around.” He swept one arm toward the rest of the room. “Don’t you think half the people here guessed why you sought her out? And now they see her leaving alone, and you looking like she took your ballocks with her.”

Against his will, Douglas’s eyes caught on Madeline Wilde as she made her way toward the doors. Damn, she was beautiful. He had wanted to dance with her, and probably get her into bed as well, even though she was not, as she had so baldly pointed out, his usual type of woman. She was…something more. 

As if she could hear his thoughts, she paused at the top of the short flight of stairs leading out of the ballroom. She glanced back over her shoulder, and her eyes met his. For a moment he felt again a bolt of lust—unwanted this time—and her lips curved, as if she knew. She lowered her chin and smiled in a coy, entrancing way, as if they shared secrets—or as if she dared him to uncover hers. With breathtaking nerve, she pursed up her lips as if in a kiss, and touched one finger to them.

He took a harsh breath as she turned and continued on her way, her emerald skirts swaying bewitchingly. “Why her?”

“Why not her?” 

Douglas set his jaw. “You had her marked from the moment we stepped into this room. I saw you watching her, Spence. A former lover? Was I supposed to exact some revenge or retribution by asking the lady to dance?”

“The courtesan’s daughter?” The other man’s lip curled. “Hardly a former lover of mine. I have higher standards than that.”

Not really, in Douglas’s opinion. Spence liked married women who couldn't impose on his freedom, and who often wished to keep their liaisons secret. That was hardly what one could call a refined requirement. Still, Douglas hadn't known she was a courtesan’s daughter. He made a mental note to find out more about that.

“She appeared respectable enough to me,” he said.

“To you,” repeated Spence with an edge of condescension. “Compared to a tavern wench with rounded heels, she might be. To the rest of us…” He snapped his fingers at a passing footman and took a glass of wine from the man’s tray. “You really ought to improve your taste, Bennet.”

Douglas let that go. He did like tavern wenches. They were friendly and earthy, nothing delicate or prim about them. They were more willing to be adventurous in bed, and they demanded so much less of him—financially and emotionally—than any other woman would. 

“But why her?” he asked again, circling back to his main question. “Just for the sport of it? Or did you simply want the pleasure of seeing me turned down flat?”

Spence didn't reply for a moment. His eyes were sharp and calculating. “How plump are your pockets at the moment?” he finally asked.

“Reasonably,” said Douglas. He’d been gone from town for a month overseeing repairs at one of his father’s estates, to the great benefit of his purse. Still, it was a few weeks to quarter day, when his father paid out his allowance. He could always find a use for more money.

Spence lowered his voice. “I suspect our lovely Mrs. Wilde of being more than she appears. And if I’m right, there’s two thousand quid to be had.”

Douglas’s eyebrows shot up. “What is she, a spy?”

“Of some sort,” muttered Spence. “You aren't acquainted with a little piece of rubbish called 50 Ways to Sin, are you?”

“No.”

“Get a copy. It’s a pamphlet of a most…intriguing nature.” A cunning smile split his face. “I suspect you’ll enjoy it.”

That smile put him on guard. Douglas might not be the most discerning fellow, but he wasn't stupid, and he knew Spence too well. “If you insist—not that it answers my question about why you wanted me to charm my way into Mrs. Wilde’s good graces.”

“The authoress is unknown. I daresay even you’ll guess why when you read it. But she’s piqued more than one man’s pride with her scandalous pen, and there’s a bounty out for her name. Mrs. Wilde seems a very likely candidate.” He shrugged. “If you can unmask her, I’ll split the bounty with you.”

Douglas folded his arms and looked at Spence through narrowed eyes. “I should seduce the woman, gain her confidence, presumably enough to be admitted to her boudoir, where I would have to search for some proof that she writes this pamphlet. And for that, you’ll take half the money? Not so, Spence, not so.”

His friend’s hooded eyes flashed. “Very well. Forget I said anything.”

Douglas shrugged. “Hard to do that. Who staked the bounty?”

Spence hesitated.

“If the bloke’s serious about finding the author, he can’t be too secretive about it.”

“Lord Chesterton,” said Spence with obvious reluctance. “He felt she identified him too clearly in one story and he’s livid.”

“Identified? She didn't use his name?”

Spence looked impatient. “No, she uses obviously false names.”

“Then how did he recognize himself?”

His friend smirked again. “Find a copy and see if you can deduce that yourself.”

Douglas wondered what on earth this story was, that would drive Lord Chesterton to such an action. The man was as correct and polite as anyone could be, distantly connected to the King and as stiff as a piece of kindling. Now he’d placed a public bounty on a woman’s head? What could Mrs. Wilde—if she was in fact the author—have written about him? Two thousand pounds was a small fortune, and certain to attract a fair amount of attention.

Of course, that also made it a much more interesting contest.

“Three to one,” he said after a moment’s thought.

“Eh?”

“Three to one split, if we take the bounty.” He glanced at Spence. “You’re the one, obviously.”

“Two to three,” countered the other man.

“Do it yourself, then.”

Spence muttered a few curses under his breath, but stuck out his hand. “Done.”

Douglas shook on it, already anticipating his next meeting with the wily widow. “Done.”

About the Author:

Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer software before turning to writing fiction. Ten years, twelve books, three Red Sox championships, and one dog later, she has never been happier with her decision. Her books have won the NEC Reader’s Choice Beanpot Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA’s RITA Award. Since she never won any prizes in math, she takes this as a sign that her decision was also a smart one. Visit her online at www.carolinelinden.com

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Review: Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Book Three of the Scandalous series

Publisher: Avon Books

Publication Date: May 26, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Penelope Weston does not like Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton. He may be the suave and charming heir to an earl, as well as the most handsome man on earth, but she can't forget how he abandoned a friend in need—nor how he once courted her sister, Abigail. He's the last man she would ever marry. If only she didn't feel so attracted to the arrogant scoundrel...

Once upon a time, Benedict thought he and Penelope got along rather well. Though he needs a wealthy bride to escape his cruel father's control, spirited Penelope just doesn't suit his plans for a model marriage—until a good deed goes awry, and scandalous rumors link his name to Penelope's. She might not be the quiet, sensible wife he thought he wanted, but she is beautiful . . . beguiling . . . and far more passionate than he ever imagined. Can a marriage begun in scandal become a love match, too?

What I Liked:

Gosh this series is amazing. Quite possibly in my top five historical romance series of all time! I love Caroline Linden and her books - she's definitely on my "auto-read" list. I admit, I've only read this Scandalous series by her, but I've read all three books and I've given all three book very high praise. You know you love the series when you can't even decide which book is your favorite! All three got the same rating from me!

I admit, I was a bit surprised when I saw that this would be Penelope and Benedict's book. I can't remember specifically Benedict or Penelope in book one, Love and Other Scandals, but it's been a year and a half since I read the book - I remember the primary couple's story (Tristan and Joan), and I LOVED it. I do remember Penelope very well in It Takes a Scandal - she's Abigail's sister, and she encourages Abigail to read the 50 Ways to Sin pamphlets, and to go in the forest with Mr. Vane (I looooooove Sebastian Vane, let it be known). While I liked Penelope, I didn't like Benedict in book two (It Takes a Scandal)! Hence my surprise when I saw the synopsis of this book months ago. However, this book was magical, and Linden did an EXCELLENT job of changing my opinion of Benedict completely. 

Benedict needs to marry an heiress or a noblewoman with a significant dowry. His father is a cruel, hard man, and he is very particular. Benedict wants the money to distance himself from his father and his tight rein of control. Benedict has his sights set on a young lady Frances, but then a huge scandal occurs, and he finds himself offering marriage to none other than Penelope Weston. Penelope has despised Benedict ever since he treated Sebastian (his former best friend) so poorly. But she needs him in order to avert the scandal, and the more she's around him, the more she's reminded of the Benedict she first met, before she found out about what he did to Sebastian (remember, that was all in book two, It Takes a Scandal).

The big scandal is quite heartbreaking, in my opinion. Penelope is unmarried, not promised to anyone, and is very spirited in nature... and so when she is found in a bit of a compromising situation, and Benedict happens to be there as well, rumors go around that Penelope is a whore and a girl with loose morals. This will destroy her marriage prospects, even if she has a huge dowry. Benedict offers to marry her... but we both know that Benedict didn't have to offer, and Penelope didn't have to accept. Fate has a way to pushing two people towards each other.

When they met, earlier in the series, they got along quite well. I believe it was in It Takes a Scandal - Benedict seemed very suited for Penelope, and vice versa. But then Benedict didn't defend Sebastian, and Penelope cannot forgive him for that. But back to their relationship. It's obvious that they enjoy each other's company, before. In this book, they appear to despise each other, but there's a lot of buried passion and emotion wrap up in that hostility. 

I love both of these characters. Penelope is more than feisty and spirited - she speaks her mind and asks too many questions and often doesn't know when to stop. This definitely leads to trouble at times, but it's also a quality that Benedict finds he really likes. He thought he wanted someone like Abigail - sweet and respectful and thoughtful - but he slowly realizes that he wants someone passionate and quick-witted and fierce.

I like Benedict. I think I like Sebastian better, but I understand Benedict more. He certainly has his own charm, and while he has a dark attitude to him, I like him. It definitely helps to know his past, his current situation with his father, and the way he protects everyone, especially his sisters. He's like an antihero, now redeemed.

The romance is lovely! Benedict and Penelope need time to grow to love each other, and to trust each other. The chemistry, on the other hand, has never been misplaced. Penelope is very, um, curious about things, especially given those pamphlets she's been reading (sooo glad those pamphlets are a part of this series). And Benedict is, well, Benedict.

There is an interesting story to this one, besides the scandal. It's tied with the scandal, and isn't resolved in this book (not quite), which makes me think there will be at least one more companion novel in the series? Penelope is protecting someone, and the person gets away from the blackmailer, but we don't know where Penelope's friend disappears to, so I'm thinking there has to be a book about Penelope's friend. At least, I hope.

I'm really pleased with this novel! This book is a companion novel in this series - remember, this entire series is a companion series, and each novel can be read by itself. But you should read all of this series (if you're interested), because it's an excellent series!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything off the top of my head - except maybe that last part I mentioned. If there ARE NOT any more novels in this series, then I kind of wanted more of a concrete ending to that subplot involving Penelope's friend. If there ARE more novels in this series (one, or more), then never mind. The thing is, I don't know, so I don't necessarily want this to be a dislike or a deal-breaker.

Would I Recommend It:

I totally would recommend this book! And series! Again, it's a companion novel, part of a series that can be read in any order, or one by itself. However, you would benefit by reading all of the novels, in order, not just because the series is amazing (it is!), but also because information builds as the series goes. Like, with this novel - secondary characters become protagonists. Information from the last book is used in this novel - though Linden does refresh quite a bit from the last novel when necessary. So either way, you can read this book and be fine! But I'd recommend reading the other ones too. They are definitely worth the time (and money)!

Rating:

4 stars. An excellent addition to a wonderful series! I do hope there will be at least one more novel, featuring a certain character from this book - if only to know what happened to her after she fled! But also so she can get her own happy ending. I do love happy endings!

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Review: It Takes A Scandal by Caroline Linden

It Takes A Scandal by Caroline Linden

Book Two of the Scandals series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: April 29, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Sometimes It Takes a Scandal...

Abigail Weston has everything: beauty, wit, and one of the largest dowries in England. Her parents hope she'll wed an earl. Abigail hopes for a man who wants her desperately and passionately. But the money seems to blind every man she meets—except one.

Sebastian Vane has nothing. He came home from war with a shattered leg to find his father mad and his inheritance gone. He's not a fit suitor for anyone, let alone an heiress. But Abigail lights up his world like a comet, bright and beautiful and able to see him instead of his ruined reputation. And it might end happily ever after...

To Reveal Your Heart's Desire

...Until Benedict Lennox begins courting Abigail. Ben is everything Sebastian isn't—wealthy, charming, heir to an earl. Sebastian won't give up the only girl he's ever loved without a fight, but Abigail must choose between the penniless gentleman who moves her heart, and the suitor who is everything her parents want.

What I Liked:

I haven't read many adult books for the year so far, which makes me a little sad, because I usually read a good amount of historical romance adult books. I love historical romance books, but I guess it's not the season for them yet? Well, in at any rate, I really enjoyed this book. The first book in the series was great, and this second book was AWESOME!

Sebastian is a young but injured war veteran with no money, no father, no wife, nothing. His father was a raving madman who disappeared, and everyone thinks that Sebastian killed him. They also think that Sebastian stole money from Lord Stratford, a rich lord whose son was friends with Sebastian. Sebastian is reserved and calm, but everyone thinks that he is reclusive and guilty. 

Abigail and her recently rich family moves to Richmond for the summer. Abigail and Penelope (sisters) want romance and passion. Abigail meets the brooding and mysterious Sebastian, and becomes fascinated with him. They are strangely alike, despite the fact that she is bubbly and innocent, and he is mysterious and dark. I LOVE the dynamic between the two of them - they are night and day. That seems really cliche, but I love this relationship. I feel like that's how I am - vivacious and bubbly - and the guy I like? He has a really great sense of humor, but he also has a "bad", sexy side. Love.

Sebastian is seriously the best part of this book. I LOVE him so much. He is dark, mysterious, brooding, and actually really honorable. I love his perspectives, and I love how Abigail sees him. She is fascinated by him, but she also cares for him greatly. I love how gradual and beautiful it is, the development of their relationship. Sebastian is just about perfect in a completely non-perfect way. His story is tragic and horrible, but he demonstrates true honor and respect throughout the book.

So I loved the romance. I loved the story of this book - it deals with the development of the relationship between Abigail and Sebastian, but also Abigail's personal life with her family, and who her parents want her to marry. I was quite intrigued with the story, even if it seemed a little bit long. The mystery of the book - what happened to Sebastian's father, where is the money, what happened with Sebastian and Samantha, what Benedict would do with Abigail... there were so many unknowns in this book, and I wanted to figure out everything! I love it when a historical romance novel does that - it's not just about the romance. Although, the romance is seriously breathtaking.

Basically, I really enjoyed this book. I loved Linden's first book in this series, and I'm really happy that the second book in the series lives up to the first book - in fact, to me, it's even better than the first book!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of any specific that I didn't like about this book. I really liked it! It's getting four stars from me, but it's definitely going to be a favorite historical romance novel of the year.

Would I Recommend It:

YES! I really enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed the second book even more! Granted, they both got the same rating, but I seriously liked this book a lot. The male protagonist was definitely the best part of this book, and yet the book itself was simply wonderful. If you love historical romance novels, then you should DEFINITELY check out this book! This will most likely make my top ten of 2014, in terms of historical romance novels. 

Rating:

4 stars. This was a really wonderful book! I haven't read a historical romance book in a while, so this one was a welcome change. And it was seriously great!

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Review: Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: July 30, 2013

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Joan Bennet is tired of being a wallflower. Thanks to some deliciously scandalous—and infamous—stories, she has a pretty good idea of what she's missing as a spinster. Is even a short flirtation too much to ask for?

Tristan, Lord Burke, recognizes Joan at once for what she is: trouble. Not only is she his best friend's sister, she always seems to catch him at a disadvantage. The only way he can win an argument is by kissing her senseless. He'd give anything to get her out of her unflattering gowns. But either one of those could cost him his bachelor status, which would be dreadful—wouldn't it?

What I Liked:

Oh, guys, I loved this book so much! I needed something amazing after the last book I read, and historical romance books are always my go-to read because they always end well and have great stories (for the most part). This one was exceptionally great! I don't even know why I liked this one so much - I just did!

Joan is never noticed by anyone. She is getting older, and doesn't have any marriage proposals. She wants romance and love and a good husband - but no one will have her. 

Tristan isn't looking for any of those things, but his best friend's sister has his attention. When she barges in to Douglas's home, without a care for either man's appearance, his interest in her is piqued. They meet again at the ball, where she walks in on him and another woman in a compromising position.

I love Joan and Tristan's relationship! They are like magnets, that can't keep away from each other, and yet, they are always fighting and bickering. Joan doesn't care what she says, because no one will have her, and Tristan doesn't deserve nice words from her. Tristan just wants her to stop talking all the time, and kissing her seems to do the trick. Except, it does other things too...

Joan and Tristan really get to know each other when Douglas heads out of town to check out family properties, leaving Tristan in charge of his house, and Joan. Joan and Douglas's parents leave town, because their mother gets sick, and so their aunt comes to stay with them. The aunt lets Joan and Tristan meet and go out - one particular event that Joan liked was ballooning!

I love Joan's aunt, because she helps Joan find her stride, especially in fashion! Tristan kept telling Joan how her dresses and hairstyles didn't suit her, and Joan would get angry with him. But Joan's aunt lets her explore her own style of dress and hair, while her mother is not there to stop her.

But back to Tristan and Joan. I love the two of them together! They are adorable and mean to each other and by the end of the book, they really care for each other. It takes a bit of convincing on Joan's parents' end, but Tristan and Joan get their happy ending.

What I Did Not Like:

There wasn't much that I didn't like! I just wasn't AS wow-ed by the middle of the book as I was with the beginning and the end. The beginning of the book started really strong, and I was totally sucked in. The middle of the book lagged a bit, though I loved all the interactions between Joan and Tristan. The ending was superb, and I loved it.

Would I Recommend It:

Yes! If you're a historical romance lover, add this one to your TBR list! Lucky for you, it's out in the world! So, get to it! You don't want to miss this one.

Rating:

4 stars. I'm so glad I got to read and review this book! Hopefully anyone who reads this review and then reads the book enjoys it as well!

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