Love in the Time of Scandal (Scandalous #3)
Author: Caroline Linden
Release Date: 26 May 2015
Publisher: Avon
The third book in a deliciously sexy series from USA Today bestselling and RITA award winning author Caroline Linden, in which an utterly shocking book--Ffty Shades of Grey for the Regency era-- has all of London talking and gives more than one young miss a mind for 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. But, 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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I adored this latest book in the Scandalous series from Caroline Linden. It had everything needed to keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning.
Penelope is such a fun heroine and I just found her really refreshing to read about. She's impetuous and has gained a reputation for being a little 'wild' for a lady, but she's at heart totally good-natured. She's incredibly loyal to the people she cares about, which leads her into a spot of scandal when she inadvertently interrupts an assignation that one of her closest friends didn't seem to be enjoying. The thwarted man takes his revenge by spreading lies and scandal about Penelope. Penelope doesn't like being backed into a corner so she's determined to make the best of it and that does not include marriage to Benedict Lennox.
Benedict's a very interesting hero. He appears in the previous book in the series and isn't shown in the best of light there. I was definitely intrigued how he would become the hero in his own story, especially with such a reluctant heroine. Benedict's past and his actions are explained more thoroughly to give us a better understanding of why he acted as he had in the past. It also explains why he's eager to marry a compliant and wealthy wife; to escape from under the thumb of his cruel and controlling father. Penelope is far from the demure, pliable lady he was looking for but her dowry is impressive, as are her beguiling looks.
I loved the relationship between Benedict and Penelope. Their relationship is decidedly antagonistic to begin with, but when scandal pushed them together that starts to change. Their biggest issue is building up the trust and understanding between them. They don't know each other half as well as they both think they do and it takes time before that trust can be built. A solid foundation they do have in place for their marriage is the passion between them. I loved the chemistry between these two and it brings them together at a point when little else does.
As I said, this story has it all. A vastly likable and passionate heroine, paired with a man she actively disliked but can't help feeling drawn towards. With the fun and witty banter between the two and the added element of a loathsome man out for some revenge, the pace is fast and fun and kept me glued to the pages. I can't wait to read Olivia's story which I hope is the next book in the series.
*I received a review copy for my honest opinion. Thank you!
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.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Giveaway
Grand prize: A journal to keep track of all your own scandals, plus print copies of the first two books in Caroline Linden’s Scandalous series, LOVE AND OTHER SCANDALS, and IT TAKES A SCANDAL
Runner Up: print copies of the first two books in Caroline Linden’s Scandalous series, LOVE AND OTHER SCANDALS, and IT TAKES A SCANDAL
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