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Scandalous #1
Love and Other Scandals
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?
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 30, 2013
236 people are currently reading
4787 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Linden
53 books1,707 followersCaroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 748 reviews
August 7, 2018
That was bodice-rippingly good!
Our two lovers are Tristan and Joan. I have to admit that when I picture a girl named Joan, I think of a chain-smoker who works in accounting and wants to know why you think you can put your massage & lunch bill on your expense account. Listen, Joan, this job makes me stressed, okay? Besides, you have expressly forbade me from eating out of the tupperware in the breakroom fridge anymore. A girl's gotta eat.
Wait, was the crushed up oxy supposed to be a deterrent? That shit costs a lot of money on the streets.
But, alas, our Joan is a spinster (Okay, no difference there), and lives in Victorian Times. Maybe she's an ancestor of accounting Joan. The thing they do have in common, though, is the terrible fashion sense. Instead of bad poly-blend pantsuits, our Joan wears huge frilly dresses with giant feathers in her hat. This is not a good look on her, as pointed out by Tristan when he tells her that she looks like an umbrella.
A LOT of room under those dresses. Many people could hide out from the rain under there.
So, their relationship is a series of funny little squabbles. I really love the whole enemies-to-lovers trope.
Tristan is a known rake but Joan is completely unmoved by his charms. Well, for a while. Of course, we know that won't last...
Who could resist a guy who understands the horror of pantyhose?
This book was witty and romantic. I really enjoyed it, and I have Hollis to thank for that. Thanks, Hollis!
I'm off to see if the library has the next one in the series.
Our two lovers are Tristan and Joan. I have to admit that when I picture a girl named Joan, I think of a chain-smoker who works in accounting and wants to know why you think you can put your massage & lunch bill on your expense account. Listen, Joan, this job makes me stressed, okay? Besides, you have expressly forbade me from eating out of the tupperware in the breakroom fridge anymore. A girl's gotta eat.
Wait, was the crushed up oxy supposed to be a deterrent? That shit costs a lot of money on the streets.
But, alas, our Joan is a spinster (Okay, no difference there), and lives in Victorian Times. Maybe she's an ancestor of accounting Joan. The thing they do have in common, though, is the terrible fashion sense. Instead of bad poly-blend pantsuits, our Joan wears huge frilly dresses with giant feathers in her hat. This is not a good look on her, as pointed out by Tristan when he tells her that she looks like an umbrella.
A LOT of room under those dresses. Many people could hide out from the rain under there.
So, their relationship is a series of funny little squabbles. I really love the whole enemies-to-lovers trope.
Tristan is a known rake but Joan is completely unmoved by his charms. Well, for a while. Of course, we know that won't last...
Who could resist a guy who understands the horror of pantyhose?
This book was witty and romantic. I really enjoyed it, and I have Hollis to thank for that. Thanks, Hollis!
I'm off to see if the library has the next one in the series.
August 27, 2013
4.5 stars
Oh, what a lovely book! There was no melodrama; there were no huge angst-fests, no mysteries to solve, no evil ex-lovers or relatives out to steal the heroine’s fortune; no big misunderstandings or unexpected pregnancies… this was a story about two people finding each other and falling in love, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Tristan, Viscount Burke and Joan Bennet have been vaguely acquainted with each other since childhood. Tristan is a close friend of Joan’s brother, Douglas, and over the years the pair of them have got into scrapes, caused scandals and generally lived the dissolute lives of young, well-to-do gentlemen.
Tristan lost both his parents as a child and was reluctantly taken in by his aunt and uncle, neither of whom wanted anything to do with him. As a result, he tried to spend as little time at home as possible, inveigling invitations where he could to friends’ homes for school holidays. Having nobody to check him – and more importantly to love him – has meant that his behaviour in society has not always been everything it should be, although as he is young, titled, very handsome and very rich, he is welcome in all but the highest circles of tonnish society.
Joan is twenty-four and has spent most of her life trying to be a good daughter – which seems mostly to consist of doing what her mother wants. The problem is that Joan isn’t like her mother. She’s tall and statuesque, so the dresses, colours and hairstyles her mother favours make her look frumpish and unattractive, yet she continues to wear them because it makes her mother happy. Joan is clever and witty, but her height, figure and awful dresses mean that she is consigned to the ranks of the wallflowers at balls and other functions.
When Joan goes to visit her brother Douglas one morning with the intention of securing his agreement to attend a particular ball, she is surprised when his front door is opened by a shirtless and rather grumpy young man, which fazes Joan not one bit.
Each time Joan and Tristan meet, the sparks fly, and when Lady Bennet is taken ill and has to leave London, Douglas asks Tristan to keep an eye on Joan (whose aunt Evangeline has come to stay with her) and to make sure she doesn’t get bored – by which Douglas means taking her for a drive, dancing with her at a ball, that sort of thing. Well aware of his growing attraction to Joan, Tristan is little short of horrified at his friend’s request, but assents anyway, fully intending to keep his attentions to Joan to a minimum.
But he finds that to be impossible and spends much more time with her than he thinks is wise – taking her on a balloon ascension and dancing with her more times than is strictly proper, so that their names begin to be “linked”. Unfortunately, Lady Bennet is less than fond of Tristan, preferring to blame him for Douglas’ excesses rather than to see that her son doesn’t need any encouragement in that quarter - and when she returns to London, she is horrified to discover that Joan and Tristan are regarded as almost a couple by the society gossips.
What I liked best about the book is that while it’s an “ugly duckling” story, as Joan, with the help of her slightly scandalous aunt, finds her own style and learns to assert herself a little – it doesn’t take nicer dresses and better hairstyles for Tristan to notice her. He’s intrigued by her from the start, dubbing her “the fury” because of her sharp tongue and the way she stands up to him and answers him back; and it’s not long before he’s attracted as well as intrigued and infuriated by her, despite the bad dresses. He’s lusting after her before she makes the transformation into a swan, being appreciative of Joan’s intelligence and wit as well as her… more feminine attributes.
I also liked the fact that, when the inevitable happened and Joan and Tristan HAD to get married, Joan didn’t get missish and insist she wouldn’t marry him because she didn’t want to trap him into it – and in fact, Tristan was already making preparations to approach her father before word got about that he’d compromised her, because he wanted to marry her.
With Lady Bennet being so displeased at the way things have worked out, Tristan and Joan are allowed no time alone in the weeks before their wedding, and are thus unable to talk about their feelings for each other. Joan knows Tristan desires her, but feels he may be marrying her because he has no other option, which puts a damper on the whole thing for her.
What she doesn’t realise is that the uncertainty is mutual. Tristan has little or no experience with loving or being loved, but he’s man enough to own up to his feelings when Joan asks if he wants her for more than just sex. In fact, throughout the book, it’s made clear that he’s a man with a lot to offer – I loved his enthusiasm for his home and all the renovations he was having carried out; he went to a lot of trouble to arrange the balloon excursion for Joan because he knew her life had probably been rather staid and dull, and his teasing was always good-natured. He did something for Joan which nobody else had ever done – he made her feel beautiful, when for years she’d thought of herself as a dowd – and that’s one of the nicest thing any man can do for a woman, IMO.
This book was a treat from start to finish. Joan and Tristan were both truly warm and engaging characters, the dialogue was excellent and the sexual tension just sizzled whenever they were together on the page. Love and Other Scandals is easily one of the best books I’ve read all year.
With thanks to Avon and Edelweiss for the review copy.
Oh, what a lovely book! There was no melodrama; there were no huge angst-fests, no mysteries to solve, no evil ex-lovers or relatives out to steal the heroine’s fortune; no big misunderstandings or unexpected pregnancies… this was a story about two people finding each other and falling in love, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Tristan, Viscount Burke and Joan Bennet have been vaguely acquainted with each other since childhood. Tristan is a close friend of Joan’s brother, Douglas, and over the years the pair of them have got into scrapes, caused scandals and generally lived the dissolute lives of young, well-to-do gentlemen.
Tristan lost both his parents as a child and was reluctantly taken in by his aunt and uncle, neither of whom wanted anything to do with him. As a result, he tried to spend as little time at home as possible, inveigling invitations where he could to friends’ homes for school holidays. Having nobody to check him – and more importantly to love him – has meant that his behaviour in society has not always been everything it should be, although as he is young, titled, very handsome and very rich, he is welcome in all but the highest circles of tonnish society.
Joan is twenty-four and has spent most of her life trying to be a good daughter – which seems mostly to consist of doing what her mother wants. The problem is that Joan isn’t like her mother. She’s tall and statuesque, so the dresses, colours and hairstyles her mother favours make her look frumpish and unattractive, yet she continues to wear them because it makes her mother happy. Joan is clever and witty, but her height, figure and awful dresses mean that she is consigned to the ranks of the wallflowers at balls and other functions.
When Joan goes to visit her brother Douglas one morning with the intention of securing his agreement to attend a particular ball, she is surprised when his front door is opened by a shirtless and rather grumpy young man, which fazes Joan not one bit.
”I’m sorry,” she said, finding her tongue. “Have you taken up residence?”
“For two months,” he said. “Until my roof is repaired.”
“Ah,” she said. “How lovely that Douglas will have a companion in vice so conveniently to hand.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Vice? How interesting you would sieze on that so quickly.”
“It is the first thing that comes to mind when one considers my brother.” She looked him up and down. “And you, I imagine.”
“Good heavens,” he drawled. “It must have been the first thing to come to your mind, then, when I opened the door for you. Should I be flattered?”
The golden flecks in her eyes glinted. “Probably not,” she replied. “I imagine the two of you, thoroughly foxed, unable to walk, lying in your own filth as you sleep it off – no doubt snoring viciously and twitching every few moments.”
Each time Joan and Tristan meet, the sparks fly, and when Lady Bennet is taken ill and has to leave London, Douglas asks Tristan to keep an eye on Joan (whose aunt Evangeline has come to stay with her) and to make sure she doesn’t get bored – by which Douglas means taking her for a drive, dancing with her at a ball, that sort of thing. Well aware of his growing attraction to Joan, Tristan is little short of horrified at his friend’s request, but assents anyway, fully intending to keep his attentions to Joan to a minimum.
But he finds that to be impossible and spends much more time with her than he thinks is wise – taking her on a balloon ascension and dancing with her more times than is strictly proper, so that their names begin to be “linked”. Unfortunately, Lady Bennet is less than fond of Tristan, preferring to blame him for Douglas’ excesses rather than to see that her son doesn’t need any encouragement in that quarter - and when she returns to London, she is horrified to discover that Joan and Tristan are regarded as almost a couple by the society gossips.
What I liked best about the book is that while it’s an “ugly duckling” story, as Joan, with the help of her slightly scandalous aunt, finds her own style and learns to assert herself a little – it doesn’t take nicer dresses and better hairstyles for Tristan to notice her. He’s intrigued by her from the start, dubbing her “the fury” because of her sharp tongue and the way she stands up to him and answers him back; and it’s not long before he’s attracted as well as intrigued and infuriated by her, despite the bad dresses. He’s lusting after her before she makes the transformation into a swan, being appreciative of Joan’s intelligence and wit as well as her… more feminine attributes.
I also liked the fact that, when the inevitable happened and Joan and Tristan HAD to get married, Joan didn’t get missish and insist she wouldn’t marry him because she didn’t want to trap him into it – and in fact, Tristan was already making preparations to approach her father before word got about that he’d compromised her, because he wanted to marry her.
With Lady Bennet being so displeased at the way things have worked out, Tristan and Joan are allowed no time alone in the weeks before their wedding, and are thus unable to talk about their feelings for each other. Joan knows Tristan desires her, but feels he may be marrying her because he has no other option, which puts a damper on the whole thing for her.
What she doesn’t realise is that the uncertainty is mutual. Tristan has little or no experience with loving or being loved, but he’s man enough to own up to his feelings when Joan asks if he wants her for more than just sex. In fact, throughout the book, it’s made clear that he’s a man with a lot to offer – I loved his enthusiasm for his home and all the renovations he was having carried out; he went to a lot of trouble to arrange the balloon excursion for Joan because he knew her life had probably been rather staid and dull, and his teasing was always good-natured. He did something for Joan which nobody else had ever done – he made her feel beautiful, when for years she’d thought of herself as a dowd – and that’s one of the nicest thing any man can do for a woman, IMO.
This book was a treat from start to finish. Joan and Tristan were both truly warm and engaging characters, the dialogue was excellent and the sexual tension just sizzled whenever they were together on the page. Love and Other Scandals is easily one of the best books I’ve read all year.
With thanks to Avon and Edelweiss for the review copy.
July 30, 2018
This might seem like just another wallflower & rake match-up but it was so much more.. and so much fun! Linden's writing is clever, smart, sweet, and makes you feel all sorts of things. It's also funny. I loved seeing Joan, the unfashionably tall, too plump, horribly dressed, almost-a-spinster be appreciated but I also loved that Tristan was more than just a wild rake for no reason but a desire to be that way. His backstory is rather tragic and yet he isn't woe is me about it. The way these two warmed to each other, the gradual fascination, undeniable attraction, admiration.. it was delicious.
This was my first read by this author, and highly rec'd by a buddy (thanks Caz! ps read her awesome reviews here & here), but it will absolutely not be my last.
This was my first read by this author, and highly rec'd by a buddy (thanks Caz! ps read her awesome reviews here & here), but it will absolutely not be my last.
April 21, 2021
A good historical romance is just I need after every few books💕
This was brilliant with :
◾Great characters! They were especially the best part in it. I just wish Joan was a bit more bold.
◾ Great writing style. I loved the author's way of storytelling. She made everything look so believeable.
◾ Amazing plotting. I liked the whole idea of a 'rake turned into an ideal husband' along with my altime fav trope 'Brother's best friend'🤩
◾ Side characters too enhanced the story especially her aunt! She's such a rebel among the whole ton.
This was brilliant with :
◾Great characters! They were especially the best part in it. I just wish Joan was a bit more bold.
◾ Great writing style. I loved the author's way of storytelling. She made everything look so believeable.
◾ Amazing plotting. I liked the whole idea of a 'rake turned into an ideal husband' along with my altime fav trope 'Brother's best friend'🤩
◾ Side characters too enhanced the story especially her aunt! She's such a rebel among the whole ton.
August 28, 2018
It was fun, but I was expecting so much more.
I liked Joan and her father, but I hated her mother! How can a mother call a whore her own daugther???!!! Inconceivable!!! I wanted to slap her so many times that I lost count!
She was so santimonious and straitlaced! Odious woman!
I don't know why Joan, but mostly her father, put up with her! He should have spoken to her about demeaning Joan every time, about stopping dressing her like a clown. But no, he didn't do anything!
Tristan was almost odious at the beginning with his directness that bordered on rundeness. He spoke to Joan without a thought about her feelings. Yes, he was right in most of his criticisms, but he could have had more tact in expressing them.
Still, he was also thoughtful later in the book when Joan changed, but I didn't like that she has to change for him to notice her.
Sorry, but for me this doesn't deserve more than 3 stars...
I liked Joan and her father, but I hated her mother! How can a mother call a whore her own daugther???!!! Inconceivable!!! I wanted to slap her so many times that I lost count!
She was so santimonious and straitlaced! Odious woman!
I don't know why Joan, but mostly her father, put up with her! He should have spoken to her about demeaning Joan every time, about stopping dressing her like a clown. But no, he didn't do anything!
Tristan was almost odious at the beginning with his directness that bordered on rundeness. He spoke to Joan without a thought about her feelings. Yes, he was right in most of his criticisms, but he could have had more tact in expressing them.
Still, he was also thoughtful later in the book when Joan changed, but I didn't like that she has to change for him to notice her.
Sorry, but for me this doesn't deserve more than 3 stars...
August 14, 2024
Review from 2014
A- for the story/ B for narration.
Love and Other Scandals was one of my favourite books of last year. It’s a splendidly written story, full of humour, snappy dialogue and delicious sexual tension, and I’m pleased to say that I found the audio version just as enjoyable.
One of my favourite things about the story is that, other than two people falling in love, not very much happens. There are no spies, pirates, evil relatives, swapped babies, swindled inheritances or other form of drama, and I take my hat off to Ms Linden for being able to sustain the novel solely on the back of the charm and wit of her principal characters and on the searing chemistry between them.
Joan Bennet and Tristan, Viscount Burke, have known each other vaguely since childhood. Tristan is her brother’s best friend and carousing mate, and is widely known for his wild, rakish behaviour, poor manners and his disregard for the social niceties. He’s also gorgeous, ridiculously charming and immensely wealthy, the latter fact accounting particularly for the fact that he is tolerated in those circles where the sticklers are prepared to turn a blind eye.
Joan is twenty-four and practically on the shelf. She tries hard to be a dutiful daughter, which consists of doing pretty much everything her mother tells her to, even down to wearing clothes and hairstyles which are completely unflattering. Joan is tall and curvaceous, while the current taste runs to the petite and svelte; and the ruffles, flounces and ringlets dictated by the fashions her mother is so keen to keep up with do not flatter Joan at all.
I suppose this could be described as a combination of the ‘rake-meets-spinster’ and ‘Ugly Duckling’ stories. The sparks fly between Tristan and Joan from the minute they set eyes on each other, and despite the inner voice telling Tristan that Joan is absolutely not the sort of young woman he should become involved with, and the disapproval of Joan’s mother, the pair can’t ignore the irresistible pull between them.
I suppose this could be described as a combination of the ‘rake-meets-spinster’ and ‘Ugly Duckling’ stories. The sparks fly between Tristan and Joan from the minute they set eyes on each other, and despite the inner voice telling Tristan that Joan is absolutely not the sort of young woman he should become involved with, and the disapproval of Joan’s mother, the pair can’t ignore the irresistible pull between them.
The thing I really like about the ‘Ugly Duckling’ part of the story is that, although Tristan is rendered all but speechless by the sight of Joan in a becoming gown, he doesn’t need it to know there’s a lovely woman underneath all the ruffles – he’s already hooked by her liveliness and wit.
I also like the way Ms Linden turns some established tropes on their heads. For example, Tristan has an unhappy past – his parents died when he was a small child and the relatives who took him made it abundantly clear they didn’t want him – but he’s not an emotional wreck and doesn’t dwell on it, instead just getting on with his life and indulging his passion for gadgets and new-fangled inventions. And while Joan’s mother is rather controlling and her father seems to be somewhat absent-minded, the couple is obviously devoted to each other, which speaks to there being considerably more to them than those simple characteristics would suggest.
I listened to Veida Dehmlow’s recording of How to Tame Your Duke by Juliana Gray, a few months back, and, despite a few reservations, came away with a positive impression of her narration overall. I don’t know which title was recorded first, but I think her performance in Love and Other Scandals surpasses that in the other book. There is a smaller supporting cast here, which I suspect made it easier to portray each of those characters distinctly and appropriately. While Ms Dehmlow does not make a huge distinction between her hero and heroine in terms of register, I thought that what she did here – a slight lowering of pitch for Tristan and a small variation in tempo when he spoke – worked very well and in fact made him sound quite sexy.
Ms Dehmlow brings out the humour in the story very well, and her narration is clear, if a little slow at times. As before, her naturally soft and slightly breathy tones lend themselves particularly well to the more romantic aspects of the story, and she throws herself into the love scenes with gusto.
She’s a narrator who acts – by which I mean, if the character is described as laughing, then she laughs – rather than simply reading that information in character. I admit, the narrator/actor is my preference when it comes to audiobook narration. I want to hear the smile in someone’s voice or hear them intone something breathlessly, rather than just be told that’s how they are speaking, and while Ms Dehmlow doesn’t follow every single “stage direction”, she makes a good job of it when she does.
There were a few places where she seemed about to trip over her words, or made a small mispronunciation. I don’t know if that was due to a hiccup in the recording process, or simply human error, and in all honesty, those are very minor details.
I’m sometimes apprehensive when I acquire an audio version of a book I enjoyed so much, because I know there’s a chance that the narration won’t work for me. This is especially true when the narrator is one with whom I am still becoming acquainted and who is fairly new to the world of romance audiobooks. I am, however, delighted to be able to say that I can add Love and Other Scandals to my library with no qualms and that I’m definitely planning on listening to it again in the not too distant future.
A- for the story/ B for narration.
Love and Other Scandals was one of my favourite books of last year. It’s a splendidly written story, full of humour, snappy dialogue and delicious sexual tension, and I’m pleased to say that I found the audio version just as enjoyable.
One of my favourite things about the story is that, other than two people falling in love, not very much happens. There are no spies, pirates, evil relatives, swapped babies, swindled inheritances or other form of drama, and I take my hat off to Ms Linden for being able to sustain the novel solely on the back of the charm and wit of her principal characters and on the searing chemistry between them.
Joan Bennet and Tristan, Viscount Burke, have known each other vaguely since childhood. Tristan is her brother’s best friend and carousing mate, and is widely known for his wild, rakish behaviour, poor manners and his disregard for the social niceties. He’s also gorgeous, ridiculously charming and immensely wealthy, the latter fact accounting particularly for the fact that he is tolerated in those circles where the sticklers are prepared to turn a blind eye.
Joan is twenty-four and practically on the shelf. She tries hard to be a dutiful daughter, which consists of doing pretty much everything her mother tells her to, even down to wearing clothes and hairstyles which are completely unflattering. Joan is tall and curvaceous, while the current taste runs to the petite and svelte; and the ruffles, flounces and ringlets dictated by the fashions her mother is so keen to keep up with do not flatter Joan at all.
I suppose this could be described as a combination of the ‘rake-meets-spinster’ and ‘Ugly Duckling’ stories. The sparks fly between Tristan and Joan from the minute they set eyes on each other, and despite the inner voice telling Tristan that Joan is absolutely not the sort of young woman he should become involved with, and the disapproval of Joan’s mother, the pair can’t ignore the irresistible pull between them.
I suppose this could be described as a combination of the ‘rake-meets-spinster’ and ‘Ugly Duckling’ stories. The sparks fly between Tristan and Joan from the minute they set eyes on each other, and despite the inner voice telling Tristan that Joan is absolutely not the sort of young woman he should become involved with, and the disapproval of Joan’s mother, the pair can’t ignore the irresistible pull between them.
The thing I really like about the ‘Ugly Duckling’ part of the story is that, although Tristan is rendered all but speechless by the sight of Joan in a becoming gown, he doesn’t need it to know there’s a lovely woman underneath all the ruffles – he’s already hooked by her liveliness and wit.
I also like the way Ms Linden turns some established tropes on their heads. For example, Tristan has an unhappy past – his parents died when he was a small child and the relatives who took him made it abundantly clear they didn’t want him – but he’s not an emotional wreck and doesn’t dwell on it, instead just getting on with his life and indulging his passion for gadgets and new-fangled inventions. And while Joan’s mother is rather controlling and her father seems to be somewhat absent-minded, the couple is obviously devoted to each other, which speaks to there being considerably more to them than those simple characteristics would suggest.
I listened to Veida Dehmlow’s recording of How to Tame Your Duke by Juliana Gray, a few months back, and, despite a few reservations, came away with a positive impression of her narration overall. I don’t know which title was recorded first, but I think her performance in Love and Other Scandals surpasses that in the other book. There is a smaller supporting cast here, which I suspect made it easier to portray each of those characters distinctly and appropriately. While Ms Dehmlow does not make a huge distinction between her hero and heroine in terms of register, I thought that what she did here – a slight lowering of pitch for Tristan and a small variation in tempo when he spoke – worked very well and in fact made him sound quite sexy.
Ms Dehmlow brings out the humour in the story very well, and her narration is clear, if a little slow at times. As before, her naturally soft and slightly breathy tones lend themselves particularly well to the more romantic aspects of the story, and she throws herself into the love scenes with gusto.
She’s a narrator who acts – by which I mean, if the character is described as laughing, then she laughs – rather than simply reading that information in character. I admit, the narrator/actor is my preference when it comes to audiobook narration. I want to hear the smile in someone’s voice or hear them intone something breathlessly, rather than just be told that’s how they are speaking, and while Ms Dehmlow doesn’t follow every single “stage direction”, she makes a good job of it when she does.
There were a few places where she seemed about to trip over her words, or made a small mispronunciation. I don’t know if that was due to a hiccup in the recording process, or simply human error, and in all honesty, those are very minor details.
I’m sometimes apprehensive when I acquire an audio version of a book I enjoyed so much, because I know there’s a chance that the narration won’t work for me. This is especially true when the narrator is one with whom I am still becoming acquainted and who is fairly new to the world of romance audiobooks. I am, however, delighted to be able to say that I can add Love and Other Scandals to my library with no qualms and that I’m definitely planning on listening to it again in the not too distant future.
March 6, 2020
What a fun ride. The banter was fantastic, as were the characters. I would've enjoyed more meat at the end, this book really felt like the wooing and skimped over a part which I enjoy, learning to love each other.
Still, in tone and content-a fun, engaging read.
3.5, read with the HRBC group.
Still, in tone and content-a fun, engaging read.
3.5, read with the HRBC group.
December 4, 2022
(2022)
It’s almost 4 years to the date since I read this the first time. I wanted to see if I still loved it (and also get official steam for this one) and I still love it.
New review:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (one is at the very end of the book)
Humor: Yes, especially lots of banter
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Tristan discovers his best friend has an impossible sister – and when he’s tasked with keeping an eye on ‘the Fury’ while her family is out of town, he’s sure he can handle it easy enough, even if he’s a touch unwilling.
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Georgian time period (1822)
- London setting
- Low to mid steam – 2 full scenes but one is at the very end of the book (it's very slow burn)
- Brother’s best friend
- A touch of ‘enemies to lovers’ feel – more banter and needling than true enemies
- Full figured heroine
- Hero loves first
- Compromised heroine
- Wallflower and the rake
Ages:
- Heroine is 24, hero is around 28
My thoughts:
Yes, I still love this book! It still makes my heart pitter patter and gives me butterflies. It makes me have a big dopey grin on my face while reading it. I totally fall in love with these characters as they fall in love and it’s just….wonderful.
I appreciate romances like this so much more now. Where the focus is all on the relationship. I just eat up every ounce of them falling for each other so slowly and perfectly. The wanting, the longing that grows exponentially as the feelings develop. It’s so good. So so good.
The humor I found delightful. I loved their banter with each other. I loved them poking at each other. So yes I still adore Tristan and Joan immensely!
Quotes/thoughts:
I loooooove this stuff!!!
“She snapped her book closed and replaced it on the shelf. “I don’t think I’d give you anything of mine, of my own free will.”
He raised one eyebrow. “No?”
“Never?”
“Never.”
She tipped back her head and widened her smile. “Never.”
He leaned forward, lowering his face until they were mere inches apart. “I could change your mind,” he whispered.
---
And I love that he is enthralled and obsessed with ‘the Fury’
Bennet jabbed a finger at him. “You let her into the house. You let her stroll off with that paper. You let her keep it even after I explained how dire the situation is. You owe me. I’m turning you out of my house if you don’t come with me to that blasted bloody ball tomorrow night.”
Tristan sighed. He’d meant to go to the ball all along, just for the thrill of confronting the Fury again.
---
I love how he’s already starting to fall
Trouble, yes; but even more dangerous than Bennet suspected. Because Tristan didn’t want to run the other way when he saw Miss Bennet, as vexing as she was. He wanted to best her, to leave her speechless; he wanted to hear her confess that she was wrong and he was right, about anything at all. And most worrisome of all, he wanted to kiss her senseless when she did so. Maybe even before.
---
Yes, yes bring on the forced proximity!
“What do you mea,” asked Tristan, choosing each word carefully, “by ‘look after’ her?” His heart felt like a hammer, booming loud and slow against his breastbone. Look after the Fury? Risk his sanity by spending time with her? He’d just made a vow – at Bennet’s instigation, damn him – to avoid her.
---
Me, grinning and swooning
“So,” she said to quiet the instinctive tumult inside her body just at the memory of his kiss, “does that mean you plan to kiss me again?”
“No,” he said before she even finished the question.
“Good,” she said with all the cool poise she could muster. “I didn’t much care for it.”
For a moment, he didn’t move. A muscle twitched in his jaw. Slowly he turned and started toward her, one deliberate step at a time. Joan held her ground, sure she’d piqued him where it hurt. It was only fair. If he’d only kissed her to make her stop talking, and couldn’t even be gentlemanly enough to let her think he enjoyed it a little, she had no qualms in disdaining his skill at it.
Finally, barely a foot away from her, so close she could smell the faint scent of cologne he wore, he stopped.
“That sounds remarkably like a challenge,” he said, his voice low and silky.
Now his smile grew dangerous. “I’ll take that wager. A shilling says I can kiss you and you’ll enjoy it.”
---
I love scenes like this! This book had great sexual tension because of scenes like this even though we had to wait for ever for a second kiss
“Try harder. Step into it.”
“I am!” She swung again, this time directly at his nose. Instinctively he caught her fist in his hand, then he caught the rest of her as the momentum of her punch carried her forward. For a moment neither moved. He could see her pulse beating at the base of her throat. Her rapid breath was the only sound in the room. Her eyes were more golden than ever, wide and round as she stared up at him. There was an odd roaring in his ears. All he had to do was lower his head and his mouth would meet her soft, rosy lips, already parted in expectation. All he had to do was let his hand slide around her waist and she would be in his arms, her glorious bosom against his chest. All he had to do...
---
I love it
“Not if you keep cutting him off every time he pays you a compliment.”
Joan was shocked. :He didn’t pay me any compliment!” Saying she had finally worn a dress that wasn’t ugly didn’t count as a real compliment, even if he’d managed to make it sound like one. “If he had, I would have…” Fallen over in shock, she thought. Shock, and a wicked daze of delight. “I Would have thanked him very politely.”
Evangeline laughed softly. “My dear child. The way he looked at you was a compliment.”
---
This scene that leads to a kiss is my favorite. And it was so much hotter than so many full sex scenes I read.
She bent lower, craning her neck to peer into the cavity in the wall as a metal bin finally appeared. “Did you think of it?”
He took his time replying. Joan glanced at him and realized her posture was indiscreet; his gaze had dropped to the neckline of her dress, which was right in front of his face, affording him a clear view down her bodice. All she had to do was stand up straight, but she couldn’t move. She didn’t want to move. There was no mocking, no teasing, no cynical amusement in his expression now. His eyes were dark with raw desire.
Slowly Tristan’s gaze traveled up her throat, as bold as a physical touch, and her skin seemed to grow taut.
“Yes,” he murmured. “It was my idea.” Deliberately, openly, he looked back down at her bosom, which prickled and warmed under his intense regard. “I have many, many ideas.”
“A-a coal dumbwaiter is brilliant.” She had to grope for an intelligent thought.
“Do you really think so?” With one finger he traced the gold lacing that edged her neckline. “It’s not even my favorite idea.”
---
I love how he asks for her opinion on decorating his house because he’s already picturing her there with him.
---
I loved that he wanted to know if she loved him just as much as she wanted to know if he loved her
“And you never answered my question: why do you want to know?”
Again, she hesitated. “It’s good for a lady to know where she stands with her husband.”
“And for a man to know where he stands with his wife,” he replied. “Did your father come to see me because of, or in spite of, your wishes?”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Original review (2018)
I thought this book was wonderful. It was very close to a perfect book for me with everything I love.
Our hero, Tristan, and our heroine, Joan, are such great characters. Their interactions from the beginning show their pull to each other even though they don’t understand it. They begin almost as an enemies to lovers trope, Tristan being Joan’s older brothers friend. They challenge each other and drive each other mad while at the same time you can see their feelings growing the more time they spend together. In the beginning she calls him Lord Boor and he calls her The Fury which I found hilarious.
I just love books that focus on the romance and this book is one of those. No one is being stalked or murdered, there’s no mystery to solve. And while I do enjoy those plots too, this was ALL about the love and their growing romance.
This book gave me those butterfly feelings of first falling in love. The anticipation, the excitement, the hesitation, wondering. When you’re all consumed with thoughts of them. I enjoyed the humor in this book too, lightly spread out in the beginning half of the book.
I just loved his feelings here:
“Trouble, yes; but even more dangerous than Bennet suspected. Because Tristan didn’t want to run the other way when he saw Miss Bennet, as vexing as she was. He wanted to hear her confess that she was wrong and he was right, about anything at all. And most worrisome of all, he wanted I kiss her senseless when she did so. Maybe even before”
My only complaint is the steam level.
I loved the first kiss scene! Then you wait and wait and wait. And while you’re waiting you’re getting interaction and witty dialogue and character development. And you’re falling in love with them. But I could have used more. The next kiss is almost the end of the book and the sex scene at the end of the book almost seemed rushed and out of place.
So I gave it like 4 3/4 stars. I will love rereading this story and will definitely be searching out more by this author.
It’s almost 4 years to the date since I read this the first time. I wanted to see if I still loved it (and also get official steam for this one) and I still love it.
New review:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (one is at the very end of the book)
Humor: Yes, especially lots of banter
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Tristan discovers his best friend has an impossible sister – and when he’s tasked with keeping an eye on ‘the Fury’ while her family is out of town, he’s sure he can handle it easy enough, even if he’s a touch unwilling.
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Georgian time period (1822)
- London setting
- Low to mid steam – 2 full scenes but one is at the very end of the book (it's very slow burn)
- Brother’s best friend
- A touch of ‘enemies to lovers’ feel – more banter and needling than true enemies
- Full figured heroine
- Hero loves first
- Compromised heroine
- Wallflower and the rake
Ages:
- Heroine is 24, hero is around 28
My thoughts:
Yes, I still love this book! It still makes my heart pitter patter and gives me butterflies. It makes me have a big dopey grin on my face while reading it. I totally fall in love with these characters as they fall in love and it’s just….wonderful.
I appreciate romances like this so much more now. Where the focus is all on the relationship. I just eat up every ounce of them falling for each other so slowly and perfectly. The wanting, the longing that grows exponentially as the feelings develop. It’s so good. So so good.
The humor I found delightful. I loved their banter with each other. I loved them poking at each other. So yes I still adore Tristan and Joan immensely!
Quotes/thoughts:
I loooooove this stuff!!!
“She snapped her book closed and replaced it on the shelf. “I don’t think I’d give you anything of mine, of my own free will.”
He raised one eyebrow. “No?”
“Never?”
“Never.”
She tipped back her head and widened her smile. “Never.”
He leaned forward, lowering his face until they were mere inches apart. “I could change your mind,” he whispered.
---
And I love that he is enthralled and obsessed with ‘the Fury’
Bennet jabbed a finger at him. “You let her into the house. You let her stroll off with that paper. You let her keep it even after I explained how dire the situation is. You owe me. I’m turning you out of my house if you don’t come with me to that blasted bloody ball tomorrow night.”
Tristan sighed. He’d meant to go to the ball all along, just for the thrill of confronting the Fury again.
---
I love how he’s already starting to fall
Trouble, yes; but even more dangerous than Bennet suspected. Because Tristan didn’t want to run the other way when he saw Miss Bennet, as vexing as she was. He wanted to best her, to leave her speechless; he wanted to hear her confess that she was wrong and he was right, about anything at all. And most worrisome of all, he wanted to kiss her senseless when she did so. Maybe even before.
---
Yes, yes bring on the forced proximity!
“What do you mea,” asked Tristan, choosing each word carefully, “by ‘look after’ her?” His heart felt like a hammer, booming loud and slow against his breastbone. Look after the Fury? Risk his sanity by spending time with her? He’d just made a vow – at Bennet’s instigation, damn him – to avoid her.
---
Me, grinning and swooning
“So,” she said to quiet the instinctive tumult inside her body just at the memory of his kiss, “does that mean you plan to kiss me again?”
“No,” he said before she even finished the question.
“Good,” she said with all the cool poise she could muster. “I didn’t much care for it.”
For a moment, he didn’t move. A muscle twitched in his jaw. Slowly he turned and started toward her, one deliberate step at a time. Joan held her ground, sure she’d piqued him where it hurt. It was only fair. If he’d only kissed her to make her stop talking, and couldn’t even be gentlemanly enough to let her think he enjoyed it a little, she had no qualms in disdaining his skill at it.
Finally, barely a foot away from her, so close she could smell the faint scent of cologne he wore, he stopped.
“That sounds remarkably like a challenge,” he said, his voice low and silky.
Now his smile grew dangerous. “I’ll take that wager. A shilling says I can kiss you and you’ll enjoy it.”
---
I love scenes like this! This book had great sexual tension because of scenes like this even though we had to wait for ever for a second kiss
“Try harder. Step into it.”
“I am!” She swung again, this time directly at his nose. Instinctively he caught her fist in his hand, then he caught the rest of her as the momentum of her punch carried her forward. For a moment neither moved. He could see her pulse beating at the base of her throat. Her rapid breath was the only sound in the room. Her eyes were more golden than ever, wide and round as she stared up at him. There was an odd roaring in his ears. All he had to do was lower his head and his mouth would meet her soft, rosy lips, already parted in expectation. All he had to do was let his hand slide around her waist and she would be in his arms, her glorious bosom against his chest. All he had to do...
---
I love it
“Not if you keep cutting him off every time he pays you a compliment.”
Joan was shocked. :He didn’t pay me any compliment!” Saying she had finally worn a dress that wasn’t ugly didn’t count as a real compliment, even if he’d managed to make it sound like one. “If he had, I would have…” Fallen over in shock, she thought. Shock, and a wicked daze of delight. “I Would have thanked him very politely.”
Evangeline laughed softly. “My dear child. The way he looked at you was a compliment.”
---
This scene that leads to a kiss is my favorite. And it was so much hotter than so many full sex scenes I read.
She bent lower, craning her neck to peer into the cavity in the wall as a metal bin finally appeared. “Did you think of it?”
He took his time replying. Joan glanced at him and realized her posture was indiscreet; his gaze had dropped to the neckline of her dress, which was right in front of his face, affording him a clear view down her bodice. All she had to do was stand up straight, but she couldn’t move. She didn’t want to move. There was no mocking, no teasing, no cynical amusement in his expression now. His eyes were dark with raw desire.
Slowly Tristan’s gaze traveled up her throat, as bold as a physical touch, and her skin seemed to grow taut.
“Yes,” he murmured. “It was my idea.” Deliberately, openly, he looked back down at her bosom, which prickled and warmed under his intense regard. “I have many, many ideas.”
“A-a coal dumbwaiter is brilliant.” She had to grope for an intelligent thought.
“Do you really think so?” With one finger he traced the gold lacing that edged her neckline. “It’s not even my favorite idea.”
---
I love how he asks for her opinion on decorating his house because he’s already picturing her there with him.
---
I loved that he wanted to know if she loved him just as much as she wanted to know if he loved her
“And you never answered my question: why do you want to know?”
Again, she hesitated. “It’s good for a lady to know where she stands with her husband.”
“And for a man to know where he stands with his wife,” he replied. “Did your father come to see me because of, or in spite of, your wishes?”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Original review (2018)
I thought this book was wonderful. It was very close to a perfect book for me with everything I love.
Our hero, Tristan, and our heroine, Joan, are such great characters. Their interactions from the beginning show their pull to each other even though they don’t understand it. They begin almost as an enemies to lovers trope, Tristan being Joan’s older brothers friend. They challenge each other and drive each other mad while at the same time you can see their feelings growing the more time they spend together. In the beginning she calls him Lord Boor and he calls her The Fury which I found hilarious.
I just love books that focus on the romance and this book is one of those. No one is being stalked or murdered, there’s no mystery to solve. And while I do enjoy those plots too, this was ALL about the love and their growing romance.
This book gave me those butterfly feelings of first falling in love. The anticipation, the excitement, the hesitation, wondering. When you’re all consumed with thoughts of them. I enjoyed the humor in this book too, lightly spread out in the beginning half of the book.
I just loved his feelings here:
“Trouble, yes; but even more dangerous than Bennet suspected. Because Tristan didn’t want to run the other way when he saw Miss Bennet, as vexing as she was. He wanted to hear her confess that she was wrong and he was right, about anything at all. And most worrisome of all, he wanted I kiss her senseless when she did so. Maybe even before”
My only complaint is the steam level.
I loved the first kiss scene! Then you wait and wait and wait. And while you’re waiting you’re getting interaction and witty dialogue and character development. And you’re falling in love with them. But I could have used more. The next kiss is almost the end of the book and the sex scene at the end of the book almost seemed rushed and out of place.
So I gave it like 4 3/4 stars. I will love rereading this story and will definitely be searching out more by this author.
September 1, 2016
This was a lot of fun, though with a few drawbacks. The best was Joan's strong sense of self, though with some complications that added depth. I liked Tristan, too, but in kind of a "meh" way and largely in his relation with Joan.
The story really hinges on Joan. She's tall and well-endowed and that makes her appear plump and plain given the fashion at the time. Further, her mother gives her all the wrong feedback because she's so eager for Joan to be "fashionable" and encourages the worst styles for her as a result. What saves this is the strong sense of herself that Joan has. Despite being practically a spinster, she's still happy with who she is and has friends that appreciate her and family that love her. So the story revolves around her finding that last stretch of courage to find her own style and to the contentment in herself that comes with that. All without coming off as a tract on healthy body image. So that was well-done and engaging.
And I loved her banter with Tristan from the start. Indeed, his main draw is as her foil. Yeah, he has some of the wounded good-guy mislabeled bad-guy going on and I did enjoy his growth through his relationship with Joan. But really, I was in it for Joan and he mostly came with.
The rest of the story is pretty period-romance standard. And a little on the thin side, at that. There aren't many side-characters and those that exist are pretty thin (the sole exception being Joan's family—mother, father and aunt). Which leads to the periodic feel that Joan and Tristan are alone on a stage and we're only seeing the highlight reel. Okay, I exaggerate a bit, because the story is solid enough for me to be lost in the flow and to enjoy it thoroughly. Still, Joan is the stand-out and the rest drag along on the strength of her draw and that buries a lot of what might otherwise have made this merely average.
A note about Steamy: There are only two explicit sex scenes, so this is the middle of my steam tolerance. The final one is fantastic, relatively lengthy, and very, very fine...
The story really hinges on Joan. She's tall and well-endowed and that makes her appear plump and plain given the fashion at the time. Further, her mother gives her all the wrong feedback because she's so eager for Joan to be "fashionable" and encourages the worst styles for her as a result. What saves this is the strong sense of herself that Joan has. Despite being practically a spinster, she's still happy with who she is and has friends that appreciate her and family that love her. So the story revolves around her finding that last stretch of courage to find her own style and to the contentment in herself that comes with that. All without coming off as a tract on healthy body image. So that was well-done and engaging.
And I loved her banter with Tristan from the start. Indeed, his main draw is as her foil. Yeah, he has some of the wounded good-guy mislabeled bad-guy going on and I did enjoy his growth through his relationship with Joan. But really, I was in it for Joan and he mostly came with.
The rest of the story is pretty period-romance standard. And a little on the thin side, at that. There aren't many side-characters and those that exist are pretty thin (the sole exception being Joan's family—mother, father and aunt). Which leads to the periodic feel that Joan and Tristan are alone on a stage and we're only seeing the highlight reel. Okay, I exaggerate a bit, because the story is solid enough for me to be lost in the flow and to enjoy it thoroughly. Still, Joan is the stand-out and the rest drag along on the strength of her draw and that buries a lot of what might otherwise have made this merely average.
A note about Steamy: There are only two explicit sex scenes, so this is the middle of my steam tolerance. The final one is fantastic, relatively lengthy, and very, very fine...
March 15, 2022
My first Ms. Linden book and definitely wouldn't be my last one. This book has one of the best banters between the main characters that I've read so far.
The story is pretty cliched (a spinster who fell in love with a rake, who happens to be her brother's best friend, orphaned hero who masked his loneliness by being a rake - pretty standard stuff). The book is light-hearted. What makes it enjoyable would be the writing (the pacing was even and definitely the witty banters).
The steam level is pretty low though. Only 2 scenes and that would be after the 80% mark. The intimate scenes are sensual.
So, I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it if you're after a light=hearted book.
The story is pretty cliched (a spinster who fell in love with a rake, who happens to be her brother's best friend, orphaned hero who masked his loneliness by being a rake - pretty standard stuff). The book is light-hearted. What makes it enjoyable would be the writing (the pacing was even and definitely the witty banters).
The steam level is pretty low though. Only 2 scenes and that would be after the 80% mark. The intimate scenes are sensual.
So, I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it if you're after a light=hearted book.
October 1, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
➕ What I liked:
Interesting story.
Tall curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
Intriguing characters.
Good chemistry and banter.
Good character development.
➖ What I disliked:
The lack of confidence from the heroine in the beginning of the story.
The book cover is not a good/accurate representation of the heroine. (Other than her hair color and maybe her dress)
4 stars.
➕ What I liked:
Interesting story.
Tall curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
Intriguing characters.
Good chemistry and banter.
Good character development.
➖ What I disliked:
The lack of confidence from the heroine in the beginning of the story.
The book cover is not a good/accurate representation of the heroine. (Other than her hair color and maybe her dress)
July 13, 2013
I recently discovers Caroline Linden has a well talented author. I have only read one of her books so far, but loved every moment of it. I was very excited when I saw that Love and Other Scandals was available for review through Avon and Edelweiss. The cover alone made me dizzy with excitement. One of the small aspects of the book that I enjoyed, was that in the book the heroine really does where a beautiful gold gown, just like on the cover. It doesn't happen too often, where the cover is what the book is described as. As far as I know this one isn't part of a series, but maybe it will be in the future. I could definitely see potential to see more books connected to this one. I found that Love and other Scandals was a stirring romance tale that enraptures the reader.
We see a story that begins with seeing when Joan and Tristan first meet when they are children. Tristan is Joan's brothers best friend, and she finds him a rascal yet charming. Years later, they have both matured and grown up. Tristan had to take over his title when his parents are killed when he is young. Now his reputation is well known all over London as a rake and a scoundrel, and Joan's mother has forbidden her to even dance with him. But one evening, Joan can't resist the temptation, and dances with Tristan, and before she knows it, he is taking her on adventures and sharing sensual embraces with her, and she finds herself falling in love with the man. Tristan may have the reputation of a rake, but he is anything but. He loves pleasure however there is much more to him than meets the eye. He knows that he is perfect for Joan, she completes him in a way that amazes him, he just knows he must have her, but he will have to convince her first of his sincerity and his love.
I found Love and Scandals to be a breathtaking tale of sweeping tale of adventure, true love, and makes Regency England come alive with Lindens writing. I found myself falling in love with these characters, there is such a instant passion between the two, but not only that but a bond of friendship forms, and the way the author writes, it is so vividly enchanting, that only captures the readers attention from the beginning. I have to say that I am behind on reading this author. Love and Other Scandals is one of my favorites, and I could help but be swept away by this charming story that won me over from page one. I fully recommend this to anyone that enjoys a fun and witty regency love story.
We see a story that begins with seeing when Joan and Tristan first meet when they are children. Tristan is Joan's brothers best friend, and she finds him a rascal yet charming. Years later, they have both matured and grown up. Tristan had to take over his title when his parents are killed when he is young. Now his reputation is well known all over London as a rake and a scoundrel, and Joan's mother has forbidden her to even dance with him. But one evening, Joan can't resist the temptation, and dances with Tristan, and before she knows it, he is taking her on adventures and sharing sensual embraces with her, and she finds herself falling in love with the man. Tristan may have the reputation of a rake, but he is anything but. He loves pleasure however there is much more to him than meets the eye. He knows that he is perfect for Joan, she completes him in a way that amazes him, he just knows he must have her, but he will have to convince her first of his sincerity and his love.
I found Love and Scandals to be a breathtaking tale of sweeping tale of adventure, true love, and makes Regency England come alive with Lindens writing. I found myself falling in love with these characters, there is such a instant passion between the two, but not only that but a bond of friendship forms, and the way the author writes, it is so vividly enchanting, that only captures the readers attention from the beginning. I have to say that I am behind on reading this author. Love and Other Scandals is one of my favorites, and I could help but be swept away by this charming story that won me over from page one. I fully recommend this to anyone that enjoys a fun and witty regency love story.
May 12, 2022
Joan Bennet is a frumpy spinster who discovers a shirtless Tristan, Viscount Burke, at her brother's residence. She mocks him; he belittles her: it's SPARKS, BABY. After Joan gets a makeover and Tristan gets...horny? they figure out it must be love!
1. The "scandalous stories" are present, but Tristan doesn't even realize what they are until the last 10% of the book. Which is FINE, I was just not expecting them to basically be inessential to the plot!
2. Tristan spends SO MUCH TIME absolutely gobsmacked at the persistence at his manifold boners. He is just so verklempt at the very IDEA of JOAN BENNET getting him HOT that it's SHOCKING. And the text does a decent job of setting up why he'd be like that—he was an unloved child who grew up into an unloved man!—but it was just kind of funny?
3. I did like Joan! And jeeze did her feelings about her wardrobe ring SO TRUE. Like: it sucks HARD when popular fashions don't work for you, or when you try SO HARD to be attractive or at least not frumpy and it ... just doesn't work. UGH, HITS.
4. Joan's mother was. Something? Not a too-terrible mother but MAN was I ready for a good comeuppance.
5. Would you have sex for the first time ever on a chaise in a stranger's house? ASKING FOR SCIENCE. (I don't know if it's like an extension of the wacky places teenagers these days are getting the deed done, or if it's just how the youngsters do, but the thought of going to town in a stranger's library or parlor or GAZEBO or garden or what-have-you just doesn't light my fires I guess?)
6. Evangeline better get a happy ever after!
7. I'm going to give this 4 stars because I did enjoy it even while being faintly amused at its ridiculousness. This review is subject to change at the whims of a waffling reader who hasn't read something this digestible in a few weeks.
1. The "scandalous stories" are present, but Tristan doesn't even realize what they are until the last 10% of the book. Which is FINE, I was just not expecting them to basically be inessential to the plot!
2. Tristan spends SO MUCH TIME absolutely gobsmacked at the persistence at his manifold boners. He is just so verklempt at the very IDEA of JOAN BENNET getting him HOT that it's SHOCKING. And the text does a decent job of setting up why he'd be like that—he was an unloved child who grew up into an unloved man!—but it was just kind of funny?
3. I did like Joan! And jeeze did her feelings about her wardrobe ring SO TRUE. Like: it sucks HARD when popular fashions don't work for you, or when you try SO HARD to be attractive or at least not frumpy and it ... just doesn't work. UGH, HITS.
4. Joan's mother was. Something? Not a too-terrible mother but MAN was I ready for a good comeuppance.
5. Would you have sex for the first time ever on a chaise in a stranger's house? ASKING FOR SCIENCE. (I don't know if it's like an extension of the wacky places teenagers these days are getting the deed done, or if it's just how the youngsters do, but the thought of going to town in a stranger's library or parlor or GAZEBO or garden or what-have-you just doesn't light my fires I guess?)
6. Evangeline better get a happy ever after!
7. I'm going to give this 4 stars because I did enjoy it even while being faintly amused at its ridiculousness. This review is subject to change at the whims of a waffling reader who hasn't read something this digestible in a few weeks.
March 9, 2020
3.5 stars. A light and enjoyable historical romance. Likeable MCs with good banter.
There was a slightly tedious addition of a pamphlet called '50 ways To Sin' which for me was just a shameless grab at the (then) popularity of FSOG. I also found that the final love/sex scene
Apart from this, it was an easy and entertaining enough read. It did not create any deep emotional connections or resonance for me though, which is the type of HR I prefer. So I don't think I'll be reading any more by this author at present.
I read this book as the March 2020 BOTM for the HRBC, Wallflowers theme.
There was a slightly tedious addition of a pamphlet called '50 ways To Sin' which for me was just a shameless grab at the (then) popularity of FSOG. I also found that the final love/sex scene
Apart from this, it was an easy and entertaining enough read. It did not create any deep emotional connections or resonance for me though, which is the type of HR I prefer. So I don't think I'll be reading any more by this author at present.
I read this book as the March 2020 BOTM for the HRBC, Wallflowers theme.
August 9, 2020
I absolutely enjoyed this book!
Viscount Burke is determined to teach his best friend's sister a thing or two on how to respect him. But she keeps getting the better hand and leaving him wanting more of her managing ways.
The dialogue between these two was witty, well written and totally enjoyable.
Totally loved that her aunt turned out to be a sort of fairy godmother. Joan's dad was perfect for the situation Burke and Joan find themselves in. Her mom was a total disappointment and I was not a fan!
My only complaint was the rushed wedding how these two ended up talking about their love for one another. It wasn't very satisfying. But that was ok, because the book was a joy to read.
Viscount Burke is determined to teach his best friend's sister a thing or two on how to respect him. But she keeps getting the better hand and leaving him wanting more of her managing ways.
The dialogue between these two was witty, well written and totally enjoyable.
Totally loved that her aunt turned out to be a sort of fairy godmother. Joan's dad was perfect for the situation Burke and Joan find themselves in. Her mom was a total disappointment and I was not a fan!
My only complaint was the rushed wedding how these two ended up talking about their love for one another. It wasn't very satisfying. But that was ok, because the book was a joy to read.
January 22, 2026
3 a little flat ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This didn’t do it for me, but it was sweet and original in its setup.
This is the story of Joan and Tristan, the synopsis is actually a little misleading, at least to me it is. They don’t embark on an affair, he is pursuing her on a lower level. The met as children and are reacquainted again as adults, as he lives momentarily with her brother. They are pretty much in each other’s lives from then on.
This book is long and I found it straying from the romance too much in order to set the scene of their personalities. There was too much focus on dresses and her height. It’s repeated none stop, and it made it a little tedious for me, because I don’t feel the couple had enough page time together.
I loved the prologue so much, it introduced us to Tristan’s true nature in such a wonderful and reliable way, however it also showed us a Joan, that the rest of the book couldn’t live up to. She was lovely in the prologue but became a little cantankerous and self righteous, as the book moved on. But the prologue is top tier set up, for a novel.❤️
My biggest issue was I didn’t understand what Tristan saw in Joan, she didn’t display much charm or good humor. It’s was all about appearances, clothes, hair styles, and her mother’s opinion. She even judges her two best friends for being of new money. I am a little tough on her, but I did not like how she behaved.
Example : She was kind of dishonest, about the Ms. Elliot and Tristan’s situation in the salon, when her friends asked about it. She gossiped about Tristan with his Cousin and spread it to her aunt instead of standing up for him. You could argue she asked about it, but I would have like her to shut it down.
It was written as if innocent, but as a reader I didn’t find it very innocent, but more a display of a weak character. As much as I loved Tristan I found Joan very lacking and undeserving of him. Another example, and maybe it’s my generation showing😱 but he takes her ballooning and she never says thank you! It just bothered me, that she came across ungrateful. She generally comes across to me as feeling superior.
The book is wonderfully written and the bones are strong, it just didn’t do it for me in terms of romance. The pacing was slow and with my fickle nature, it didn’t blend well this time.
Should you read it? Yes a lot of trusted readers love this book. Joan got on my bad side and I couldn’t shake it off.
This didn’t do it for me, but it was sweet and original in its setup.
This is the story of Joan and Tristan, the synopsis is actually a little misleading, at least to me it is. They don’t embark on an affair, he is pursuing her on a lower level. The met as children and are reacquainted again as adults, as he lives momentarily with her brother. They are pretty much in each other’s lives from then on.
This book is long and I found it straying from the romance too much in order to set the scene of their personalities. There was too much focus on dresses and her height. It’s repeated none stop, and it made it a little tedious for me, because I don’t feel the couple had enough page time together.
I loved the prologue so much, it introduced us to Tristan’s true nature in such a wonderful and reliable way, however it also showed us a Joan, that the rest of the book couldn’t live up to. She was lovely in the prologue but became a little cantankerous and self righteous, as the book moved on. But the prologue is top tier set up, for a novel.❤️
My biggest issue was I didn’t understand what Tristan saw in Joan, she didn’t display much charm or good humor. It’s was all about appearances, clothes, hair styles, and her mother’s opinion. She even judges her two best friends for being of new money. I am a little tough on her, but I did not like how she behaved.
Example : She was kind of dishonest, about the Ms. Elliot and Tristan’s situation in the salon, when her friends asked about it. She gossiped about Tristan with his Cousin and spread it to her aunt instead of standing up for him. You could argue she asked about it, but I would have like her to shut it down.
It was written as if innocent, but as a reader I didn’t find it very innocent, but more a display of a weak character. As much as I loved Tristan I found Joan very lacking and undeserving of him. Another example, and maybe it’s my generation showing😱 but he takes her ballooning and she never says thank you! It just bothered me, that she came across ungrateful. She generally comes across to me as feeling superior.
The book is wonderfully written and the bones are strong, it just didn’t do it for me in terms of romance. The pacing was slow and with my fickle nature, it didn’t blend well this time.
Should you read it? Yes a lot of trusted readers love this book. Joan got on my bad side and I couldn’t shake it off.
August 4, 2017
«— Te amo – dijo, apenas dejando salir la última palabra antes de que su boca descendiera sobre la de ella, hambrienta y deseosa y llena de alegría. Joan lo besó de vuelta con todo el entusiasmo de su corazón. – Te amo – dijo otra vez, cuando finalmente levantó la cabeza. – Desesperadamente. Nunca te faltará otra vez. Y tú amor siempre me importará, así que será mejor que me digas al menos una vez a la semana que aún me amas también.»
De nuevo, lo terminé a la mañana pero estaba muy vaga para hacer reseña...
A ver cómo explico mis sentimientos con este libro. Me gustó mucho, sobre todo al principio. Me encanta que se odien, el sarcasmo, que el sea un libertino y descarado y ella tenga todo el carácter del mundo. Empezó genial pero no sabría decir en qué punto me empecé a aburrir y por eso tardé en acabármelo. Creo que la novedad de sus rifirrafes al principio estaba muy bien pero luego ya me resultaban cansinos. Pero hay que decir que en cuanto se convirtieron en toda una pareja totalmente oficial ahí, remonta la historia. Pero básicamente es cerca del final así que... tampoco es una esperanza fan enorme. Si que tengo que decir que no entendí porque Douglas, el hermano de Joan parece detestarla (a su manera no de esto de te odio a muerte pero si en plan eres una pesada de los cojones) tanto, cuando de pequeño la quería tantísimo. No dio muchas razones para ello a parte de que era eso, un poco pesada pero es culpa de su madre que la manda a darle recados!
En fin, para pasar el rato está muy bien. Me divertí leyéndolo pero no fue totalmente lo que me esperaba...
De nuevo, lo terminé a la mañana pero estaba muy vaga para hacer reseña...
A ver cómo explico mis sentimientos con este libro. Me gustó mucho, sobre todo al principio. Me encanta que se odien, el sarcasmo, que el sea un libertino y descarado y ella tenga todo el carácter del mundo. Empezó genial pero no sabría decir en qué punto me empecé a aburrir y por eso tardé en acabármelo. Creo que la novedad de sus rifirrafes al principio estaba muy bien pero luego ya me resultaban cansinos. Pero hay que decir que en cuanto se convirtieron en toda una pareja totalmente oficial ahí, remonta la historia. Pero básicamente es cerca del final así que... tampoco es una esperanza fan enorme. Si que tengo que decir que no entendí porque Douglas, el hermano de Joan parece detestarla (a su manera no de esto de te odio a muerte pero si en plan eres una pesada de los cojones) tanto, cuando de pequeño la quería tantísimo. No dio muchas razones para ello a parte de que era eso, un poco pesada pero es culpa de su madre que la manda a darle recados!
En fin, para pasar el rato está muy bien. Me divertí leyéndolo pero no fue totalmente lo que me esperaba...
May 6, 2020
4.5 Delighted Stars
Scandalous Rake Tristan, Viscount Burke and Joan Bennet have been vaguely acquainted with each other since childhood, he is a close chum of her brother. Their interactions have been few, but when Joan goes to see her brother in an attempt to appease her mother, her banter/interaction with Tristen will be the first of many over the coming days/weeks, interactions/banter that lead to them getting closer and closer (I didn't pay much heed to the timeline as I was too engaged in their interactions).
A book that had me smiling from start to finish. I really enjoyed Tristan and Joan, especially Joan. There was some well paced and energetic banter between the two, which I adored.
The book may contain predictable tropes but for me the author did well in her execution. A romance which was witty and had me smiling a ton.
Defo re-reading.
Scandalous Rake Tristan, Viscount Burke and Joan Bennet have been vaguely acquainted with each other since childhood, he is a close chum of her brother. Their interactions have been few, but when Joan goes to see her brother in an attempt to appease her mother, her banter/interaction with Tristen will be the first of many over the coming days/weeks, interactions/banter that lead to them getting closer and closer (I didn't pay much heed to the timeline as I was too engaged in their interactions).
A book that had me smiling from start to finish. I really enjoyed Tristan and Joan, especially Joan. There was some well paced and energetic banter between the two, which I adored.
The book may contain predictable tropes but for me the author did well in her execution. A romance which was witty and had me smiling a ton.
Defo re-reading.
December 22, 2023
Love this one every time I read or listen to it. I don’t think I will do a full review but this one is a favorite of mine. It’s an achingly sweet romance with believable compelling characters.
Read as part HRBC BOTM for March 2020.
Read as part HRBC BOTM for March 2020.
December 30, 2025
4 stars
My second read from this author, and I am quite enjoying her stories. Her style is accomplished and her humour is absolutely saucy (this first and third meet were so hilarious). Her characters come alive on page so easily, and their wit and banter were the highlight of this book and the heat was spicy. I think the pacing could use some speed, but overall, it was a very solid HR read.
P.S. Love that cover ❤ - it actually match the characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2018
May I just say how thoroughly enchanted I am with Caroline Linden. This is the first book I've read from her and my heart is bursting to read the next. So pleasantly surprised by the style of her writing.
I'm not sure if all her stories are fashioned primarily with a love story or if some are peppered with intrigue and mystery, but I will take a well written, deeply affectionate, love story over a heavy plot of regency intrigue any day.
This story also ends a bit differently than most romances I've read. I couldn't even tell you what the black moment was. And I was so caught up in the entrancing love story that I don't even care what it was. I'm not one to write a summary because I like a bit of surprise when reading a new book, but if you like romance...true unabashed central to story romance, Caroline Linden will not disappoint.
Enjoy.
I'm not sure if all her stories are fashioned primarily with a love story or if some are peppered with intrigue and mystery, but I will take a well written, deeply affectionate, love story over a heavy plot of regency intrigue any day.
This story also ends a bit differently than most romances I've read. I couldn't even tell you what the black moment was. And I was so caught up in the entrancing love story that I don't even care what it was. I'm not one to write a summary because I like a bit of surprise when reading a new book, but if you like romance...true unabashed central to story romance, Caroline Linden will not disappoint.
Enjoy.
October 17, 2022
Love and Other Scandals is a slow burn historical romance between Joan, a 24-year-old tall and curvy spinster, and Tristan, a 28-year-old rake.
This book is really cute. I really like Joan. I love how snarky she can be and how she stands toe to toe with Tristan (although she's somewhat meek around others, especially her mother).
Tristan is kind of an ass in the beginning, but he improves a lot over the course of the book. I ended up really liking him, too.
Joan's aunt and dad are also pretty awesome, but I didn't like Joan's mom or brother nearly as much. Her mom is controlling and her brother is immature. Joan's brother is the hero in another book in the series, so hopefully he grows up between this book and that one.
This book is really cute. I really like Joan. I love how snarky she can be and how she stands toe to toe with Tristan (although she's somewhat meek around others, especially her mother).
Tristan is kind of an ass in the beginning, but he improves a lot over the course of the book. I ended up really liking him, too.
Joan's aunt and dad are also pretty awesome, but I didn't like Joan's mom or brother nearly as much. Her mom is controlling and her brother is immature. Joan's brother is the hero in another book in the series, so hopefully he grows up between this book and that one.
September 18, 2020
Low Angst
Good Writing
Character-Driven
Story About How Two People Fall In Love
Opponents To Lovers
Heroine Is Wallflower With A Rebellious Streak
Hero Is the Charming Best Friend Of Her Brother
Witty Banter
Funny Side Characters
Sweet Friendships
Sexual Tension
Slow Burn
Refreshing Honest Dialog Between Characters
Light Read
The Blurb Does Not Match The Story
There Is An OTT Romantic Outing I Cannot Wait To Try
Safe No Cheating
December 20, 2022
Ahhhh Finally finished a book after few dnf. This one also not an easy read, the 1st 60% of the book felt a little bit boring. After that it was good. The banters between the hero and heroine were so good!
Brother best friend
Ugly duckling/curvy heroine
Rake/scoundrel hero
Ruined situation (few chapter before the ending)
Low steam
Brother best friend
Ugly duckling/curvy heroine
Rake/scoundrel hero
Ruined situation (few chapter before the ending)
Low steam
February 26, 2019
Enjoyable, light-hearded read with some laugh-out-loud exchanges between the main characters
Technically I started this book in August 2013, but the fact that I just finished it today (July 11, 2015) should not reflect on the book - I put it down, life got in the way, and now that I'm finally reading again, I unearthed it and started over. And it was a super enjoyable read, so I'm glad that I did!
OVERALL:
Really enjoyed this book; the main characters are immensely likable and relatable, there are some wonderful supporting characters, and the exchanges between the hero and heroine are very well-written, definitely charged, and often left me smiling or laughing. Would recommend and possibly read again!
OUR HEROINE: Joan
- 24 years old
- has one older brother and two living parents, all who feature in the book
- never had any romantic relationship to speak of
- tall and curvy, which is not "in vogue" at the time and makes the current fashions look horrible on her
- opinionated, strong-willed, quick-witted, and definitely wants to be independent, but is a dutiful sister and daughter and doesn't want to stray too far from what is expected
- very likable overall
OUR HERO: Tristan
- 28 years old
- no siblings, parents are dead, not at all close to his living family members (quite the opposite)
- is quite the rake/rogue and has a scandalous reputation - we're told this over and over again and it's a big element in the story development, but frankly we don't see that much of it (we only ever encounter 1 ex-lover of his)
- definitely has a devil-may-care attitude and isn't bothered by his reputation, though I wouldn't say he revels in it
- feels very alone because he doesn't have a loving family and his parents died when he was very young
- gorgeous, of course (aren't they almost always? if I were a man, I would consider my favorite genre quite sexist and to have a huge double standard)
THE RELATIONSHIP:
I adored the banter between Joan and Tristan; there were some laugh-out-loud exchanges, others where you're just grinning ear to ear, and some very sweet and heart-melting moments as well. I thought the development was quite good - at least on his part; no sudden lust or love. Joan more instantly is attracted to him, but I guess I can't really fault her for that since he is supposed to be so good looking. While there was definitely sizzling chemistry (one absolutely delicious kissing scene comes to mind), you also clearly see the growing mutual respect and admiration between them.
PROS:
- no big misunderstandings
- no HUGE plot contrivances
- no subplots (not necessarily a pro in itself, but when they're bad they can really bring down a book)
- great supporting characters - specifically ADORE Evangeline, Joan's aunt; Joan's parents are also great and very well rounded out - not perfect, but clearly love their children and want what's best for them
CONS:
- the book felt really short; this happens a lot for me - for some reason, books by authors like Mary Balogh seem so much longer, giving the characters and relationships so much more time to develop and thus feeling way more satisfactory. This author is more on the Julia Quinn side, with the story being simpler and more straightforward - not a bad thing necessarily, but in some ways there felt to be a little something extra missing ... it was all just a bit TOO easy
SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
Technically I started this book in August 2013, but the fact that I just finished it today (July 11, 2015) should not reflect on the book - I put it down, life got in the way, and now that I'm finally reading again, I unearthed it and started over. And it was a super enjoyable read, so I'm glad that I did!
OVERALL:
Really enjoyed this book; the main characters are immensely likable and relatable, there are some wonderful supporting characters, and the exchanges between the hero and heroine are very well-written, definitely charged, and often left me smiling or laughing. Would recommend and possibly read again!
OUR HEROINE: Joan
- 24 years old
- has one older brother and two living parents, all who feature in the book
- never had any romantic relationship to speak of
- tall and curvy, which is not "in vogue" at the time and makes the current fashions look horrible on her
- opinionated, strong-willed, quick-witted, and definitely wants to be independent, but is a dutiful sister and daughter and doesn't want to stray too far from what is expected
- very likable overall
OUR HERO: Tristan
- 28 years old
- no siblings, parents are dead, not at all close to his living family members (quite the opposite)
- is quite the rake/rogue and has a scandalous reputation - we're told this over and over again and it's a big element in the story development, but frankly we don't see that much of it (we only ever encounter 1 ex-lover of his)
- definitely has a devil-may-care attitude and isn't bothered by his reputation, though I wouldn't say he revels in it
- feels very alone because he doesn't have a loving family and his parents died when he was very young
- gorgeous, of course (aren't they almost always? if I were a man, I would consider my favorite genre quite sexist and to have a huge double standard)
THE RELATIONSHIP:
I adored the banter between Joan and Tristan; there were some laugh-out-loud exchanges, others where you're just grinning ear to ear, and some very sweet and heart-melting moments as well. I thought the development was quite good - at least on his part; no sudden lust or love. Joan more instantly is attracted to him, but I guess I can't really fault her for that since he is supposed to be so good looking. While there was definitely sizzling chemistry (one absolutely delicious kissing scene comes to mind), you also clearly see the growing mutual respect and admiration between them.
PROS:
- no big misunderstandings
- no HUGE plot contrivances
- no subplots (not necessarily a pro in itself, but when they're bad they can really bring down a book)
- great supporting characters - specifically ADORE Evangeline, Joan's aunt; Joan's parents are also great and very well rounded out - not perfect, but clearly love their children and want what's best for them
CONS:
- the book felt really short; this happens a lot for me - for some reason, books by authors like Mary Balogh seem so much longer, giving the characters and relationships so much more time to develop and thus feeling way more satisfactory. This author is more on the Julia Quinn side, with the story being simpler and more straightforward - not a bad thing necessarily, but in some ways there felt to be a little something extra missing ... it was all just a bit TOO easy
SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
... "But most appalling of all was the profusion of ringlets curled at her temples. In the dim moonlight, it looked like she had a bunch of grapes at each temple. "Have you something against flattering fashion?" he asked. Her eyes all but ignited. "This is very fashionable!" "But not flattering on you," he said bluntly. "Even a darker shade of blue would be better. You look like you're wearing a half-opened umbrella."*This review is of an ARC provided by the Amazon Vine Program
—
He didn’t want to run the other way when he saw Miss Bennet, as vexing as she was. He wanted to best her, to leave her speechless; he wanted to hear her confess that she was wrong and he was right, about anything at all. And most worrisome of all, he wanted to kiss her senseless when she did so. Maybe even before. He must be cracked in the head.
—
"... He arranged a balloon expedition, just to impress you. He asked you to dance—he even argued for your acquiescence. I’ve heard enough gossip to know he’s not regularly out in decent society, and certainly not to dance with unmarried young ladies. Even if you wish to blame all that on your brother," Evangeline said as she pursed her lips, "I’m quite certain Douglas never told him to look at you as if you were a fascinating riddle he can’t stop thinking about and longs to solve."
June 19, 2025
3 a little flat ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This didn’t do it for me, but it was sweet and original in its setup.
This is the story of Joan and Tristan, the synopsis is actually a little misleading, at least to me it is. They don’t embark on an affair, he is pursuing her on a lower level. The met as children and are reacquainted again as adults, as he lives momentarily with her brother. They are pretty much in each other’s lives from then on.
This book is long and I found it straying from the romance too much in order to set the scene of their personalities. There was too much focus on dresses and her height. It’s repeated none stop, and it made it a little tedious for me, because I don’t feel the couple had enough page time together.
I loved the prologue so much, it introduced us to Tristan’s true nature in such a wonderful and reliable way, however it also showed us a Joan, that the rest of the book couldn’t live up to. She was lovely in the prologue but became a little cantankerous and self righteous, as the book moved on. But the prologue is top tier set up, for a novel.❤️
My biggest issue was I didn’t understand what Tristan saw in Joan, she didn’t display much charm or good humor. It’s was all about appearances, clothes, hair styles, and her mother’s opinion. She even judges her two best friends for being of new money. I am a little tough on her, but I did not like how she behaved.
Example : She was kind of dishonest, about the Ms. Elliot and Tristan’s situation in the salon, when her friends asked about it. She gossiped about Tristan with his Cousin and spread it to her aunt instead of standing up for him. You could argue she asked about it, but I would have like her to shut it down.
It was written as if innocent, but as a reader I didn’t find it very innocent, but more a display of a weak character. As much as I loved Tristan I found Joan very lacking and undeserving of him. Another example, and maybe it’s my generation showing😱 but he takes her ballooning and she never says thank you! It just bothered me, that she came across ungrateful. She generally comes across to me as feeling superior.
The book is wonderfully written and the bones are strong, it just didn’t do it for me in terms of romance. The pacing was slow and with my fickle nature, it didn’t blend well this time.
Should you read it? Yes a lot of trusted readers love this book. Joan got on my bad side and I couldn’t shake it off.
This didn’t do it for me, but it was sweet and original in its setup.
This is the story of Joan and Tristan, the synopsis is actually a little misleading, at least to me it is. They don’t embark on an affair, he is pursuing her on a lower level. The met as children and are reacquainted again as adults, as he lives momentarily with her brother. They are pretty much in each other’s lives from then on.
This book is long and I found it straying from the romance too much in order to set the scene of their personalities. There was too much focus on dresses and her height. It’s repeated none stop, and it made it a little tedious for me, because I don’t feel the couple had enough page time together.
I loved the prologue so much, it introduced us to Tristan’s true nature in such a wonderful and reliable way, however it also showed us a Joan, that the rest of the book couldn’t live up to. She was lovely in the prologue but became a little cantankerous and self righteous, as the book moved on. But the prologue is top tier set up, for a novel.❤️
My biggest issue was I didn’t understand what Tristan saw in Joan, she didn’t display much charm or good humor. It’s was all about appearances, clothes, hair styles, and her mother’s opinion. She even judges her two best friends for being of new money. I am a little tough on her, but I did not like how she behaved.
Example : She was kind of dishonest, about the Ms. Elliot and Tristan’s situation in the salon, when her friends asked about it. She gossiped about Tristan with his Cousin and spread it to her aunt instead of standing up for him. You could argue she asked about it, but I would have like her to shut it down.
It was written as if innocent, but as a reader I didn’t find it very innocent, but more a display of a weak character. As much as I loved Tristan I found Joan very lacking and undeserving of him. Another example, and maybe it’s my generation showing😱 but he takes her ballooning and she never says thank you! It just bothered me, that she came across ungrateful. She generally comes across to me as feeling superior.
The book is wonderfully written and the bones are strong, it just didn’t do it for me in terms of romance. The pacing was slow and with my fickle nature, it didn’t blend well this time.
Should you read it? Yes a lot of trusted readers love this book. Joan got on my bad side and I couldn’t shake it off.
July 11, 2013
Ever since Tristan, Lord Burke, burst into Joan's bedroom as a child she has been half in love with him. When fetching a promise from her brother one morning she is greeted by Tristan all grown up and the sparks, and snipping, fly between them both. When Joan's parents leave town suddenly, she is left in the care of her aunt who sees that Joan's fashion choices, which are guided by her mother and the height of fashion, are all wrong and helps Joan feel comfortable in some different dresses. Coupled with the promise that Tristan made to Joan's brother about keeping an eye on Joan, this couple finds themselves together more and more. During their time together they bicker, laugh, kiss and go on a grand adventure while developing their relationship. A relationship Joan's mother has forbidden due to Tristan's wild ways and seemingly cold ways towards his only family he has left following his parents death. Can Joan help her parents see the true nature of Tristan, the side he has shown her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, fun romance that was a perfect read for a lovely afternoon, It was light, not overly angsty, humorous, sexy and the cover perfectly fits the book (a huge bonus in my book). I loved watching the sparring between Tristan and Joan slowly grow into something more and also how Tristan saw her for who she was even before she started dressing in a more flattering way. Joan is practically on the shelf and she attributes this to her height and non-willow like figure but Tristan sees past this to the warm, clever, kind-hearted and determined woman she is. And though Joan's family think Tristan is too wild, Joan sees past the wildness to the man who just wants a family, a place to finally belong after being alone since a child. I do wish the ending had not seemed so rushed, everything happened rather quickly compared to the nice easy pace of the rest of the story. Overall, one of my favorites from Caroline Linden--light, funny, sexy and a romance that is true and deep with a couple learning to accept who they are and what they can be together. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, fun romance that was a perfect read for a lovely afternoon, It was light, not overly angsty, humorous, sexy and the cover perfectly fits the book (a huge bonus in my book). I loved watching the sparring between Tristan and Joan slowly grow into something more and also how Tristan saw her for who she was even before she started dressing in a more flattering way. Joan is practically on the shelf and she attributes this to her height and non-willow like figure but Tristan sees past this to the warm, clever, kind-hearted and determined woman she is. And though Joan's family think Tristan is too wild, Joan sees past the wildness to the man who just wants a family, a place to finally belong after being alone since a child. I do wish the ending had not seemed so rushed, everything happened rather quickly compared to the nice easy pace of the rest of the story. Overall, one of my favorites from Caroline Linden--light, funny, sexy and a romance that is true and deep with a couple learning to accept who they are and what they can be together. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss
March 7, 2021
Anytime I see an Avon cover like the one that graces Love and Other Scandals I usually resist the urge to read it because the covers are so beautiful and then the stories are so insipid and dull.
However, I decided to bump this book up my TBR after I became very intrigued by Joan when she was in A View to a Kiss, and especially when her hero was to be Lord Burke, another passing character mentioned to be a rouge in A View to a Kiss. Joan also had an amusing dynamic with her brother so I was curious, to say the least.
This is like a 3.5 read overall but 5 stars absolutely for the hilarious and cute prologue and opening chapters.
It’s actually a very cute story of instant flirtation and attraction. It reminds me almost of a Traditional Regency in that respect, pretty lighthearted. The big setpiece scenes was the first date idea going up on a hot air balloon then a chapter devoted to a visit to the H’s very modern home renovation. Sex during a ball is followed immediately by marriage. The End.
This would have been a 5 if the whiplash responses by the H+h in verbally sparring with each other like it was a game of tennis continued in nonsensical scenes like it did in the Prologue when the H+h meet when they were both children and in the opening chapter when the h barges in to her brother’s apartment in order to get his promise in writing to go to a ball and the H answers the door wearing no shirt.
The h was a tall, curvy woman who was very witty while the H was a “rake” who was actually just really into technological advancements.
However, I decided to bump this book up my TBR after I became very intrigued by Joan when she was in A View to a Kiss, and especially when her hero was to be Lord Burke, another passing character mentioned to be a rouge in A View to a Kiss. Joan also had an amusing dynamic with her brother so I was curious, to say the least.
This is like a 3.5 read overall but 5 stars absolutely for the hilarious and cute prologue and opening chapters.
It’s actually a very cute story of instant flirtation and attraction. It reminds me almost of a Traditional Regency in that respect, pretty lighthearted. The big setpiece scenes was the first date idea going up on a hot air balloon then a chapter devoted to a visit to the H’s very modern home renovation. Sex during a ball is followed immediately by marriage. The End.
This would have been a 5 if the whiplash responses by the H+h in verbally sparring with each other like it was a game of tennis continued in nonsensical scenes like it did in the Prologue when the H+h meet when they were both children and in the opening chapter when the h barges in to her brother’s apartment in order to get his promise in writing to go to a ball and the H answers the door wearing no shirt.
The h was a tall, curvy woman who was very witty while the H was a “rake” who was actually just really into technological advancements.
August 13, 2018
I liked the female MC, enjoyed her snappy comebacks and humour, the hero I didn't like, he was rude and a player which i was reminded of constantly, I didn't enjoy it, also the heroine wasn't sure about his feelings until the end, not fun. And for God's sake it's a historical! why can't I have a normal honorable man. The last historical i read the hero was a prostitute and now this!? Come on. I'm trying historical romance bc i've had enough of this nonsense reading CR.
September 5, 2021
One of my favourite books and I think my favourite in the Scandalous series. I just love Joan and Tristan and how their relationship progresses.
It is nice to see a heroine develop her own style and sense of self in this age.
That mother !!
I still love this one and its a regular reread when I'm a bit stressed.
It is nice to see a heroine develop her own style and sense of self in this age.
That mother !!
I still love this one and its a regular reread when I'm a bit stressed.
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