Book Review & Giveaway: Scandalous Series by Caroline Linden

  

Title: Love and Other Scandals; It Takes a Scandal; Love in the Time of Scandal
Series: Scandalous, Books 1-3
Author: Caroline Linden
Genre: Historical Romance
Sensuality Rating: Sensual-Steamy
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: July 30, 2013; April 29, 2014; May 26, 2015 by Avon

Love and Other Scandals:

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?

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It Takes a Scandal:

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.

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Love in the Time of Scandal:

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?

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Reviewed by: Monica

Love and Other Scandals

Why I Read This Book: I have been in a reading slump lately and these books showed up on my door one day. I thought let's try one. Thank goodness I did.

What I Liked: This book has all the awesome things you think a romance in historical London should have. One ugly duckling heroine: check. One brooding and sexy rake: check. One kick ass makeover: check. And one heck of a scandal: check.

What I Also Liked: From page one the heroine challenges the social norms and her hero and he falls in love with her for it. Every chapter leads the main characters into a new adventure...and adventure by today's standard not just history's standard. The hero and heroine take time to fall in love and there is one line when the hero realizes he loves Joan that is breathtaking. You'll find it and all in love with him for it.

Overall Impression: Great historical romance with a wonderful storyline. Love and Other Scandals was fun to read from page one.

Monica’s Rating:

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It Takes a Scandal

Why I Read This Book: I read the first book in a day and had to start on this one immediately.

What I Liked: I liked the change up of hero. I love a good veteran hero but I haven't read many historical romances where that applies. I loved that this book features on dashing wounded veteran hero getting his happily ever after. This story has impertinent heroines and as I mentioned one dashing hero and I loved every minute.

What I Didn't Like: The book did slow down a bit in the middle. I had to push through for a few pages but it was worth it. I do also think Ms. Linden might keep us on the line a little too long for the final 'act'.

Overall Impression: Lovely historical romance that left me wanting more.

Monica’s Rating:

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Love in the Time of Scandal

Why I Read This Book: I read and enjoyed the first two and wanted to read the third.

In a Nutshell: Pride and Prejudice...with a little more heat.

What I Liked: Benedict...because (sparing Benedict Arnold) who couldn't love a man named Benedict? *cough*Cumberbatch*cough* Anyway...I felt bad for him from page one. Penelope just seemed like a busy body know it all who only wanted him to fail...even after he apologized and repented for his part in the second book.

What I Also Liked: These two had steam! They delved into some things not often seen in ballroom corners or in secret alcoves.

What I Didn't Like: Penelope. I just really hated how she treated Benedict and everyone else for that matter. She is haughty and spoiled and I hated her.

Overall Impression: Decent and steamy historical.

Monica’s Rating:

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Thanks to Monica, one lucky winner will receive print copies of Love and Other Scandals, It Takes a Scandal, and Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden. Good luck to all who enter!

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