LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL is Book three in Caroline
Linden's Scandals (50 Ways to Sin) series. From the
beginning, Penelope Weston appears to be an interesting
and
likable character. However, she immediately gets herself
into a situation worthy of Jane Austen's Emma. Happily,
Penelope is a more sympathetic version of Emma Woodhouse.
Her loyalty to a friend and her unwavering belief in a
romantic ideal leads her to find love when least expected.
In the early part of LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL, Penelope
and Benedict have a somewhat antagonistic relationship. I
like that the story is told from both points of view so
that the reader is able to see what's behind the
animosity.
Caroline Linden does a good job of explaining how, no
matter what she tells herself, a lot of Penelope's
abrasiveness to Benedict is just her way of protecting
herself. She tries to push him away because, deep down,
she
originally liked him more than she always believed that he
liked her. She harbors a little hurt that he originally
courted her sister rather than her. It's satisfying when
Penelope finally discovers just what a good man Benedict
really is and how much he suffered in his past. With
Penelope and Benedict, Caroline Linden has created two
complex and textured characters.
At first, I was worried that the hero and heroine would be
snapping at each other for the majority of the book, or
that a misunderstanding would overshadow the relationship.
I am pleased to say that neither thing proves to be true.
Benedict and Penelope have a wonderful chemistry and the
passion between them is incredibly intense. The drama
created by Benedict's unfeeling and austere father, the
mystery surrounding Penelope's friend, and the mischief
caused by a true villain all add excitement to LOVE IN THE
TIME OF SCANDAL without obscuring the romance.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL is a red-hot romance with
shades of Jane Austen and Shakespeare. The characters are
well-developed and the romance is beautifully crafted.
LOVE
IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL is a must-read for romance fans. I
can't wait for the next book!
USA Today bestselling author Caroline Linden's third novel
in her Scandalous series brings together a feisty heiress,
a
notorious rake, and a shocking book that could bring one
woman the utmost despair— or the greatest pleasure
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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