Love in the Time of Scandal

by Caroline Linden

Overview

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?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062244925
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/26/2015
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	311,433
Product dimensions:	4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Caroline Linden knew from an early age she was a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before turning to fiction. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA’s RITA® Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England with her family. Find her online at www.CarolineLinden.com.

Editorial Reviews

10/12/2015
Linden's post-Regency Scandals series sizzles with this third installment as a marriage to avoid social scandal evolves into a greater emotional commitment. Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton, wants to marry Frances Lockwood because of her sweet and biddable nature, but she won't marry him until he professes his undying devotion. Though Benedict believes that Penelope Weston hates him, unwanted circumstances force Benedict to wed Penelope in order to redeem her reputation. And while neither one loves the other, they both admit that their mutual attraction is enough to start out their marriage. But a cloud remains over their wedded bliss as Penelope believes that Benedict has mistreated a friend to save face with his evil father, the Earl of Stratford, and she can't understand Benedict's inability to stand up to him. As she and Benedict learn to trust one another, they build up an easy truce that could be marred by his father's sudden appearance in London. Penelope is an especially engaging protagonist with her outspoken, feminist nature. (May)

Publishers Weekly

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 or 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

“The London of 1822 sizzles in Linden’s third Scandalous novel (after It Takes a Scandal)…Penelope is an especially engaging protagonist-an outspoken and historically accurate feminist-and readers will share Ben’s growing appreciation for her thoughtful mind and clever words.” — Publishers Weekly on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

“A smart, poignant, deftly written romance with characters who remind us that good can triumph and love can heal.” — Kirkus on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

“Linden has a knack for merging emotional plots with heated love scenes, and succeeds at delivering another satisfying read.” — RT Book Reviews on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

“Love in the Time of Scandal’s shrewdly matched protagonists, abundance of heady sexual chemistry, and satisfying measure of sharp wit and snappy banter make it a stellar addition to RITA award-winning Linden’s fabulously entertaining Scandalous series.” — Booklist (starred review) on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

“Likable, flawed characters; an abundance of hot, passionate sex (helped along by Lady Constance and her notorious 50 Ways To Sin pamphlets); and a host of concerns that need sorting out result in a fast-paced, occasionally dangerous adventure.” — Library Journal on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

From the Publisher

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

[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 or erotica to create an engrossing historical fiction.

Examiner on IT TAKES A SCANDAL

OUTSTANDING AND WELL DONE!!

Addicted to Romance 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

If you enjoy historic romance…with a good mystery and great characters then this is a MUST READ!

Wands and Fairy Dust on IT TAKES A SCANDAL Fangs

…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

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

Love in the Time of Scandal’s shrewdly matched protagonists, abundance of heady sexual chemistry, and satisfying measure of sharp wit and snappy banter make it a stellar addition to RITA award-winning Linden’s fabulously entertaining Scandalous series.

Booklist (starred review) on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

Linden has a knack for merging emotional plots with heated love scenes, and succeeds at delivering another satisfying read.

RT Book Reviews on LOVE IN THE TIME OF 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

Love in the Time of Scandal’s shrewdly matched protagonists, abundance of heady sexual chemistry, and satisfying measure of sharp wit and snappy banter make it a stellar addition to RITA award-winning Linden’s fabulously entertaining Scandalous series.

Booklist on LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCANDAL

06/15/2015
Free-thinking Penelope Weston has nothing good to say about Benedict Lennox or any man who plans to marry without love. Yet when Benedict rescues her from a lecherous attack and then proposes marriage to save her reputation when vile rumors begin to swirl, Penelope ends up doing the very thing she was set against—with surprising, ultimately successful results. VERDICT Likable, flawed characters; an abundance of hot, passionate sex (helped along by Lady Constance and her notorious 50 Ways To Sin pamphlets); and a host of concerns that need sorting out result in a fast-paced, occasionally dangerous adventure. Another couple are happy at last, with enough unanswered questions here to keep fans anxious for the next book in the series. Linden (It Takes a Scandal) lives near Boston.

Library Journal

2015-04-02
Lord Atherton is the last man on Earth Penelope Weston wants to marry, but when a scandal forces her to do just that, they're surprised to discover they're a perfect match, though not everyone is pleased with the union. Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton, has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with her, so Penelope is determined to quash any attraction she feels for him. He may be the heir to an earldom, but he's also an arrogant cad. But when Penelope tries to help a friend and Benedict steps in to protect her from assault, he winds up compromising her, and wicked rumors rise up around them. Benedict compels her to marry him—he'd been looking for a mild, temperate heiress to marry in order to get out from under his abusive father's control, but when fate puts the fiery, passionate Penelope in his path instead, he accepts the situation first with resignation, then with gratitude as he realizes she's his perfect wife. His father, however, neither approves of his marriage nor forgives his impudence at marrying without his blessing, and when the earl creates a dangerous situation that places Penelope in peril, Benedict realizes he must break free of his father's influence once and for all if he is to create a future with the woman who makes him happy. Linden has written a satisfying romance with a touch of mystery that digs into the psyches of an abused boy grown into an honorable man and the delightfully passionate heroine who unwittingly saves him. The ending ties everything up a little too neatly, but we forgive that small weakness because we are so invested in Benedict and Penelope's happily-ever-after. A smart, poignant, deftly written romance with characters who remind us that good can triumph and love can heal.

Kirkus Reviews