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aeblack's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Confinement, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexual content, Suicide, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
booketofbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
iskanderjonesiv's review
4.0
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.
Review
“Whispers, rumors and scandal make for a delicious tale when mixed with murder, treasure and passion. Linden enchants readers with her engaging characters - especially the bold heroine - who light up the page with their enthusiasm for life and love, compelling readers to smile and savor this lovely story.” (Romantic Times Book Reviews on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“I loved this engaging and romantic historical romance! IT TAKES A SCANDAL has complex characters and a fabulous story with a little mystery thrown into the romance.” (Fresh Fiction on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“…in the hands of Caroline Linden, [IT TAKES A SCANDAL] is both an effective, and affective, journey.” (Heroes and Heartbreakers on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“[IT TAKES A SCANDAL] is well written and the storyline is appealing. Her characters, both primary and secondary really come alive in it. IT TAKES A SCANDAL did not disappoint.” (Romance Junkies on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“Linden manages to combine historical detail with romance and a bit of erotica to create an engrossing historical fiction.” (Examiner on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“A poignant mystery woven throughout the plot adds depth to both Sebastian’s character and the overall story, perfectly balanced by the deft writing of Linden. It Takes a Scandal delivers on every level, and is one you shouldn’t miss!” (Reader to Reader on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“IT TAKES A SCANDAL is a beautifully written and charming romance…I enjoyed the book immensely and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, emotionally satisfying and sensual romance.” (All About Romance ("Desert Island Keeper" Top Rated Review) on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“OUTSTANDING AND WELL DONE!!” (Addicted to Romance on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
“If you enjoy historic romance…with a good mystery and great characters then this is a MUST READ!” (Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust on IT TAKES A SCANDAL)
About the Author
Caroline Linden is the author of smart, sexy historical romances, including the Reece Family series, the Scandals series, and What a Woman Needs. She holds a math degree from Harvard University. A recipient of Romance Writers of America's coveted RITA Award, Caroline lives with her family in New England. Visit her at carolinelinden.com.
A classically trained actress in England, Veida Dehmlow has dozens of stage credits to her name. Her voice work includes commercials, video games, and the narration of books in a variety of genres, including nonfiction, historical romance, short stories, and children's books.
bonzaklibo's review against another edition
3.0
ameretet's review against another edition
2.0
jess_justmaybeperfect's review
4.0
mdalida's review against another edition
2.0
Every book and "catnip" is different for each reader, sure. But this book definitely was like watching a fledgling bird leave the nest for the first time - and take multiple nose dives... get your hopes up by looking steadier... and then nose-diving again. Essentially, that could be my overall impression with this book.
I say it a lot when talking about my faves: heroes can make a book for me, but heroines can break a book faster. And this book, the heroine Buh-ROKE this book for me.
Abigail Weston was the best friend in the previous book. She appeared quiet and intuitive, but also confident and steadfast. I looked forward to her book....
But in her book, I thought, "Where did she go?!" Abigail here is wishy-washy: her parents tell her to stay inside, to take a walk, to fetch things, etc etc etc like she's a teenager.
Abigail isn't steadfast: her beau who said the biggest implication of a declaration before a declaration EVER (aka, "if I were to ask you father a a very important question, would that please you?" "Yes it would"), and then she allows another man to pay her attentions and encourages those intentions? I understand not being rude to a nice man, but there's oceans of difference between amiability and allowing advances (touch, gifts, flowers, c'mon!).
Abigail is not intuitive or compassionate here - she rationalized to herself and came to the conclusion that Sebastian is not a secret, mentally ill thief and killer like all rumors stacked against him, but could not rationalize why he was stunned and angry to see her with her hands all over his former bestie who threw him over? And then she chastises him for not paying her enough attention?
Once they started acknowledging all lovey dovey feelings (around 26%, which I thought didn't bode well for a story with little ... plot), I realized each scene made me like the heroine less and less.
And the big reveal!? If some person, in their idiocy, caused the ruin and defamation of someone they supposedly cared about.. and then said NOTHING in 7 years out of fear... I still think that is hard to explain away with tears and good intentions - and it's a shit way to quickly wrap up a storyline.
There are some assumptions you kinda deal with when reading historical romances. A little suspension of belief; but This book had me rolllllllling my eyes at some of these, and it ended up killing any goodness I liked about the book;
LIKE THE HERO! He was an "Acts of Love" kind of love language, and I appreciate that! He didn't talk a whole lot of fluff (until the end which I thought was not in his character) but he did stuff to show his feelings. He was great, just not enough to save this book.
I LOVE Penelope, but Noooooo to Benedict the Ass aka the Worst Friend Ever aka the Hero of Penelope's book! Nooo! I'm so torn if I should even read the next one!
vicrine's review against another edition
1.0