By: Caroline Linden
Release Date: July 30th, 2013
Published by: Avon Books
Genre(s): Adult Historical/Romance
My Review: (4/5 stars*)
Disclaimer: A review copy was provided for an honest review
I've never enjoyed a historical romance more! Love and Other Scandals has biting wit and a feisty leading lady with a sharp tongue. The love-interest is anything but proper he's a rogue whose sexy with the habit to gamble, drink, and cause trouble wherever he goes. Even though Joan and Lord "Tristan" Burke have chemistry they fight it at every corner. The romance builds up slowly but has a lot of fun scenes in between making it every bit worth the wait. I love that Joan is a little brash, and doesn't fit in quite well with society because of her behavior. I think it makes her more endearing by speaking her mind, wearing clothes that are less fashionable but more flattering, and socializing with the town's handsome rake. She tries incredibly hard to be what her mother wants her to—a well-mannered lady—but finds that with Tristan she can just be herself without reprimand. Love and Other Scandals has a great array of characters with interesting back-stories, an arsenal of wit, strong writing, and a passionately thrilling romance.
After numerous encounters with her brother's best friend throughout the years, and who spells out nothing but trouble Joan Bennet is helplessly intrigued. Lord Burke is a rogue, a womanizer, and a dangerously sexy acquaintance to have, but she can't seem to stay away from him. As they meet again Tristan—having hardly noticed her before—now looks her way and he can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. What he comes to realize is that Miss Bennet is a handful, she wears unflattering dresses, is impertinent, and can argue till the end of time. As much as he would like nothing more to do with her he can't quite shake the alluring—if inexplicably—draw he feels towards her, and nor is she immune to him. Edging closer to remaining a spinster forever Joan has grown tired of her lonely status, but the scandalous bachelor Tristan hardly seems ready to give up his. With an almost fateful turn of events Joan's mother falls ill and her brother Douglas asks that Tristan keep his sister company while his family is away. This rules out avoidance and pulls Joan and Tristan closer together which may just cause a scandal and lead Miss Bennet to social ruin, and heartbreak.
Love and Other Scandals is a cute and engaging romance story with a lot of flirty and enjoyable banter. The interactions between Joan and Lord Burke are by far the best scenes—which there are many. They have great chemistry together and you'll be smiling constantly. Some of my favorite secondary characters are Lady Courtenay (Joan's aunt), and Joan's brother, Douglas. Lady Courtenay—according to Joan's mother—is a corrupt influence as she's been involved in many scandals, but she's unconventionally a good figure in Joan's life. She really helps her figure out who she is, and inevitably helps Joan go after what she wants. Douglas is an interesting character, having all the same mannerisms as Tristan but brought up in a much different and stricter environment. He's resistent to finding a wife, bets on just about everything, and makes it a habit of getting into trouble. His character reminds me of a more immature version of Tristan and I found that to be entertaining. This is my first read by Caroline Linden but it most definitely won't be my last. She has written a beautifully charming story with spirited characters that'll have you hooked. If you're looking for a fast-paced, tension-filled romance this is the read for you.
I've never enjoyed a historical romance more! Love and Other Scandals has biting wit and a feisty leading lady with a sharp tongue. The love-interest is anything but proper he's a rogue whose sexy with the habit to gamble, drink, and cause trouble wherever he goes. Even though Joan and Lord "Tristan" Burke have chemistry they fight it at every corner. The romance builds up slowly but has a lot of fun scenes in between making it every bit worth the wait. I love that Joan is a little brash, and doesn't fit in quite well with society because of her behavior. I think it makes her more endearing by speaking her mind, wearing clothes that are less fashionable but more flattering, and socializing with the town's handsome rake. She tries incredibly hard to be what her mother wants her to—a well-mannered lady—but finds that with Tristan she can just be herself without reprimand. Love and Other Scandals has a great array of characters with interesting back-stories, an arsenal of wit, strong writing, and a passionately thrilling romance.
After numerous encounters with her brother's best friend throughout the years, and who spells out nothing but trouble Joan Bennet is helplessly intrigued. Lord Burke is a rogue, a womanizer, and a dangerously sexy acquaintance to have, but she can't seem to stay away from him. As they meet again Tristan—having hardly noticed her before—now looks her way and he can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. What he comes to realize is that Miss Bennet is a handful, she wears unflattering dresses, is impertinent, and can argue till the end of time. As much as he would like nothing more to do with her he can't quite shake the alluring—if inexplicably—draw he feels towards her, and nor is she immune to him. Edging closer to remaining a spinster forever Joan has grown tired of her lonely status, but the scandalous bachelor Tristan hardly seems ready to give up his. With an almost fateful turn of events Joan's mother falls ill and her brother Douglas asks that Tristan keep his sister company while his family is away. This rules out avoidance and pulls Joan and Tristan closer together which may just cause a scandal and lead Miss Bennet to social ruin, and heartbreak.
Love and Other Scandals is a cute and engaging romance story with a lot of flirty and enjoyable banter. The interactions between Joan and Lord Burke are by far the best scenes—which there are many. They have great chemistry together and you'll be smiling constantly. Some of my favorite secondary characters are Lady Courtenay (Joan's aunt), and Joan's brother, Douglas. Lady Courtenay—according to Joan's mother—is a corrupt influence as she's been involved in many scandals, but she's unconventionally a good figure in Joan's life. She really helps her figure out who she is, and inevitably helps Joan go after what she wants. Douglas is an interesting character, having all the same mannerisms as Tristan but brought up in a much different and stricter environment. He's resistent to finding a wife, bets on just about everything, and makes it a habit of getting into trouble. His character reminds me of a more immature version of Tristan and I found that to be entertaining. This is my first read by Caroline Linden but it most definitely won't be my last. She has written a beautifully charming story with spirited characters that'll have you hooked. If you're looking for a fast-paced, tension-filled romance this is the read for you.
Synopsis:
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?
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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