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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.
Scandals are funny things, and for a headstrong and curious young miss, the allure of the retiring and reserved Sebastian far outweighs the scandalous whispers about him. Abagail is the daughter of a wealthy man and his often over-reaching wife. With a sister who is full of derring do and a brother who manages to escape their mother’s various strident edicts, expectations and criticisms, she is the ‘good and dutiful daughter’, and was happy to take to the country house for the summer. The house is set in the shadow of both the Earl’s residence and a now decrepit former estate of a gentleman farmer. The two houses and their occupants will play a great role in the story as it unfolds.
Abagail was a wonderful character: far from being the obedient and dutiful daughter, her more circumspect and carefully planned actions do not draw her mother’s notice. Wanting only to marry for love, titles be hanged, her romantic notions are appropriate for a girl of her age and station, while her good heart and friendly nature are often challenged by her love of gossip and thirst for diversion. Aided in her hijinks by her sister Penelope, these two are a clever combination and display of sibling rivalry and conspiracy.
Sebastian and Benedict were childhood best friends: in and out of one another’s homes, playing and plotting and planning their futures despite the differences in station. Yet Sebastian purchased a commission and went off to France to war, while Benedict, as heir to the earldom stayed behind: their relationship forever altered. Sebastian returned injured from the war to find his father’s estate in ruins and his father declining into madness. With his father’s disappearance during one stormy night, and his limited mobility and funds, he has become a recluse: subject of speculation, rumor and gossip. Benedict, however, is the Earl’s son with all of the prospect, respect and privilege that comes with the title.
Each character was beautifully created and detailed: given the right amount of issues, concerns and emotional connection to the reader to make you care about what happens. Abagail could follow her heart and turn her back on polite society, choose Sebastian and help him to reclaim his land and life. Only her parents, in their desire for upward mobility are pushing Benedict in her direction: a future as an Earl’s wife will improve their family standing, Penelope’s options and give her brother entrée into the more exclusive men’s clubs in London.
But, the heart wants what it does: the connection between Abagail and Sebastian is palpable: she wants to see his eyes light when he smiles, and to have reasons to smile often. For his part, Sebastian does not wish to damn her to society’s scorn, and without a real solution to the mystery of his father’s whereabouts, he has no hope to improve his lot in the future. A not insubstantial dowry would provide relief from the worst of his issues, and of course there is no lack of comments to that effect. The best part of the book for me was his character: so completely desirous of keeping Abagail safe and away, yet unable to lie to her or be mean to send her off. So injured and so many questions that all center around Ben and their now defunct friendship, the mystery about his father and the Earl’s missing guineas and Ben’s plans for Abagail and his own sister Lizzie: the potential to find something to love in this story is never-ending. And, the conclusion – just made me happy.
The first in the series that I have read: it will not be the last.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
It Takes A Scandal by Caroline Linden
Book Two of the Scandals series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: April 29, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
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.
What I Liked:
I haven't read many adult books for the year so far, which makes me a little sad, because I usually read a good amount of historical romance adult books. I love historical romance books, but I guess it's not the season for them yet? Well, in at any rate, I really enjoyed this book. The first book in the series was great, and this second book was AWESOME!
Sebastian is a young but injured war veteran with no money, no father, no wife, nothing. His father was a raving madman who disappeared, and everyone thinks that Sebastian killed him. They also think that Sebastian stole money from Lord Stratford, a rich lord whose son was friends with Sebastian. Sebastian is reserved and calm, but everyone thinks that he is reclusive and guilty.
Abigail and her recently rich family moves to Richmond for the summer. Abigail and Penelope (sisters) want romance and passion. Abigail meets the brooding and mysterious Sebastian, and becomes fascinated with him. They are strangely alike, despite the fact that she is bubbly and innocent, and he is mysterious and dark. I LOVE the dynamic between the two of them - they are night and day. That seems really cliche, but I love this relationship. I feel like that's how I am - vivacious and bubbly - and the guy I like? He has a really great sense of humor, but he also has a "bad", sexy side. Love.
Sebastian is seriously the best part of this book. I LOVE him so much. He is dark, mysterious, brooding, and actually really honorable. I love his perspectives, and I love how Abigail sees him. She is fascinated by him, but she also cares for him greatly. I love how gradual and beautiful it is, the development of their relationship. Sebastian is just about perfect in a completely non-perfect way. His story is tragic and horrible, but he demonstrates true honor and respect throughout the book.
So I loved the romance. I loved the story of this book - it deals with the development of the relationship between Abigail and Sebastian, but also Abigail's personal life with her family, and who her parents want her to marry. I was quite intrigued with the story, even if it seemed a little bit long. The mystery of the book - what happened to Sebastian's father, where is the money, what happened with Sebastian and Samantha, what Benedict would do with Abigail... there were so many unknowns in this book, and I wanted to figure out everything! I love it when a historical romance novel does that - it's not just about the romance. Although, the romance is seriously breathtaking.
Basically, I really enjoyed this book. I loved Linden's first book in this series, and I'm really happy that the second book in the series lives up to the first book - in fact, to me, it's even better than the first book!
What I Did Not Like:
I can't think of any specific that I didn't like about this book. I really liked it! It's getting four stars from me, but it's definitely going to be a favorite historical romance novel of the year.
Would I Recommend It:
YES! I really enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed the second book even more! Granted, they both got the same rating, but I seriously liked this book a lot. The male protagonist was definitely the best part of this book, and yet the book itself was simply wonderful. If you love historical romance novels, then you should DEFINITELY check out this book! This will most likely make my top ten of 2014, in terms of historical romance novels.
Rating:
4 stars. This was a really wonderful book! I haven't read a historical romance book in a while, so this one was a welcome change. And it was seriously great!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Jul 11 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Sorry I forgot which book to go to...if your locked out of this one go to which res 1
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Not mich detail, i did not have a connection with any of the chacters...just ok
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.kydirtgirl68
Posted Fri May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Sebastian is a recluse. He was injured in the war and came home to find his father had went mad. He had run through all their money and sold off most of their property. Then one night his father disappeared and everyone blames him. No one will hardly deal with him. He has gotten used to being alone but when he saves a dog one night that all changes. Abigail is rich, beautiful and has a vast appetite for reading. She is attracted to Sebastian despite what everyone says. They begin to explore the woods together and it awakens a love between them. Another suitor has his eye on Abigail as well. Abigail will have to decide if she wants to marry for love or a good name.
Abigail alone makes this a great read. She is not spoiled at all, she tries her best to not look down on people and she is very curious about things of a sexual nature. While she must hide the last part it still comes out at certain times. Sebastian is also a great character. Everyone looks down on him and talks about it and he just doesn't seem to care. He would like things to be like they were before but knows it probably won't happen. I love both these characters and even the secondary characters.
Not just a good love story this book also has an element of mystery as well. Sebastian's dad was never seen again and you wonder what happened to him. I guessed a few ideas but I was wrong on that. I love Abigail and how she isn't afraid to stand up for love. She knows what she wants and goes after it. The town people can be jerks but Sebastian still keeps his head up. There is a lot of heat between these two and it was a delight to read about it. The author does a great job on this and it is an excellent historical romance.
zeeba
Posted Tue May 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Fantastic Story
It Takes a scandal is another wonderful book by Carolin linden. The story is about Sebastian Vane,a man who injured his leg in war and came home to find his father mad and his inheritance is gone and Abigail Weston who is a beautiful, sweet heroine with the large Dowries. It is so sweet that she changes his world and give him hope. I love the way Abigail family treat Sebastian even though they know about the rumors. It is a heartbreaking, romantic and fun story with lovable characters.I can't wait to read Penelope's story. Thank you Carolin Linden for writing another fantastic book.
A very sweet, lovely, and enjoyable read, It Takes a Scandal was a wonderful historical romance. I really liked this book. From the sweet romance, to the surprising secrets, this book was delightful. Loved it!
Abigail was a lovely heroine. She was strong, clever, and willing to fight for what she wanted. I liked that she stood by Sebastian, refusing to listen to unfounded rumors and determined to defend him against those who did. I really liked her. She was a wonderful character.
Sebastian was absolutely amazing. He had a lot of darkness in this past, with his father's madness, loss of his estate, and the rumors of theft and murder that ruined his good name. But, he was still an imminently good man at heart. Though he had resigned himself to his fate after failing to clear his name and take back his estate, he was very determined once he had a reason to fight again. He was very sweet and utterly adorable. I thought he was a perfectly flawed hero.
The romance was lovely. Abigail and Sebastian were great together. I liked that, other than a few moments of self-doubt, they were determined to fight for each other, whether it was Sebastian competing with Ben or Abigail working to find out the truth. The chemistry between them was there from the moment the met and it led to a sprinkle of steaminess. I thought they were a perfect couple.
The plot was well paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of Sebastian's past was intriguing and I never suspected the truth. My only issue with the book was that, though the mystery was talked about throughout the book, the characters didn't actually start investigating until the last few chapters. The result was what felt like a rushed inclusion and resolution of that whole subplot. But, I still enjoyed the story and the ending was very sweet.
It Takes a Scandal was a wonderful historical romance. I really liked this book and I really enjoyed reading it. It was a sweet, lovely, delight of a read. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Anonymous
Posted Fri Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
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 ...