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Available
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Publication
Tantor Audio (2014), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, Downloadable WMA/MP3 Audiofile, 12 hrs 35 mins
Description
Sometimes It Takes a Scandal . . . Abigail Weston has everything: beauty, wit, and one of the largest dowries in England. Her parents hope she'll wed an earl. Abigail hopes for a man who wants her desperately and passionately. But the money seems to blind every man she meets-except one. Sebastian Vane has nothing. He came home from war with a shattered leg to find his father mad and his inheritance gone. He's not a fit suitor for anyone, let alone an heiress. But Abigail lights up his world like a comet, bright and beautiful and able to see him instead of his ruined reputation. And it might end happily ever after . . . To Reveal Your Heart's Desire. . . Until Benedict Lennox begins courting Abigail. Ben is everything Sebastian isn't-wealthy, charming, heir to an earl. Sebastian won't give up the only girl he's ever loved without a fight, but Abigail must choose between the penniless gentleman who moves her heart, and the suitor who is everything her parents want.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member JaneSteen
Where I got the book: review copy provided by publisher. My feature article on this and two similar romances appears on the Historical Novel Society website.
For once, this historical romance came with a date attached. Two dates, in fact. The first is 1816, when Sebastian Vane has returned from the
We move on to 1822, and the arrival of the nouveaux riches Westons at a nearby house, bought by Mr. Weston as a country estate. Sisters Abigail and Penelope Weston are all set to find Richmond a rural bore, and are especially concerned that they won’t be able to get hold of their favorite naughty pamphlet, 50 Ways To Sin. Fortunately, both the pamphlet and a handsome male presence—in the shape of the now-reclusive Sebastian Vane—are available. Abigail is immediately attracted to the reserved Mr. Vane, while he spots what’s she’s reading and is intrigued enough to break his usual habit of shunning feminine company.
There follows a tale that combines the tropes of a modern historical romance with elements of Gothic stories with which Jane Austen would have been familiar. Linden has a good grasp of the mores of the early nineteenth century, and the Westons’ eye to social advancement rings true to the literature of the period. She elaborates a plot that moves both romance and intrigue forward with a sure hand, culminating in a satisfactory climax in the literary and, ahem, romantic sense.
There are some jarring notes, but very few. The use of modern Britishisms like the word ‘brilliant’ to mean excellent (a better Regency term would be ‘capital’) might lend a British flavor for American readers, but tended to pull me out of the story. And once again, the characters suffer from an inability to address the nobility correctly—‘my lords’ abounded, although since this is standard practice in historical romance I wonder what it’d take to set this right. More British proofreaders, perhaps? I’ll do it for the right price!
For once, this historical romance came with a date attached. Two dates, in fact. The first is 1816, when Sebastian Vane has returned from the
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Battle of Waterloo with a shattered leg to find that his father has gone insane and sold off most of their Richmond estate for a pittance. He is forced to lock up his father for the latter’s own safety, and blames himself when his father wanders off at night, while fending off the accusations of a former friend who accuses Sebastian of abducting his sister.We move on to 1822, and the arrival of the nouveaux riches Westons at a nearby house, bought by Mr. Weston as a country estate. Sisters Abigail and Penelope Weston are all set to find Richmond a rural bore, and are especially concerned that they won’t be able to get hold of their favorite naughty pamphlet, 50 Ways To Sin. Fortunately, both the pamphlet and a handsome male presence—in the shape of the now-reclusive Sebastian Vane—are available. Abigail is immediately attracted to the reserved Mr. Vane, while he spots what’s she’s reading and is intrigued enough to break his usual habit of shunning feminine company.
There follows a tale that combines the tropes of a modern historical romance with elements of Gothic stories with which Jane Austen would have been familiar. Linden has a good grasp of the mores of the early nineteenth century, and the Westons’ eye to social advancement rings true to the literature of the period. She elaborates a plot that moves both romance and intrigue forward with a sure hand, culminating in a satisfactory climax in the literary and, ahem, romantic sense.
There are some jarring notes, but very few. The use of modern Britishisms like the word ‘brilliant’ to mean excellent (a better Regency term would be ‘capital’) might lend a British flavor for American readers, but tended to pull me out of the story. And once again, the characters suffer from an inability to address the nobility correctly—‘my lords’ abounded, although since this is standard practice in historical romance I wonder what it’d take to set this right. More British proofreaders, perhaps? I’ll do it for the right price!
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LibraryThing member Sarah_Gruwell
3.5 Stars
Typical romance with all the requisites of that genre. The characters were pretty well-rounded with personalities that stood out. The emotional pull was definitely there, always a good thing with this genre.
I enjoyed the fact that Sebastian’s strapped-for-cash situation wasn't stopping
There seemed to be an unresolved nature to the book, though. A lot was left in the air with no resolution, Sebastian’s financial state as well as the situation with his estate being a major one. I also found myself desperately wishing for more stuff after the dramatic get-together resolution, maybe a wedding or some domestic scenes. Something like that would have rounded the romantic feel of the novel nicely for me. Some of the motivations for the secondary characters were also left unexplained, thinking Benedict’s actions and his turn around towards the end.
The H/h and the emotional content were perfect for a romance novel. Even though some stuff was left unresolved and unexplained, that didn't stop me from enjoying this tale of love and getting together, despite the odds and scandals. Truly a lovely historical romance, all told.
Typical romance with all the requisites of that genre. The characters were pretty well-rounded with personalities that stood out. The emotional pull was definitely there, always a good thing with this genre.
I enjoyed the fact that Sebastian’s strapped-for-cash situation wasn't stopping
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him from pursuing his girl. In a similar plot setup, I could see where an author might strive for melodrama by making the guy angst over not being able to get his love and brooding over that fact. I also liked how Abigail wasn't afraid to tell Benedict to take a hike and her father to basically “stick it”, she was marrying the guy she wanted. She had balls, and I like that in a romantic heroine. No wimpy chicks here!There seemed to be an unresolved nature to the book, though. A lot was left in the air with no resolution, Sebastian’s financial state as well as the situation with his estate being a major one. I also found myself desperately wishing for more stuff after the dramatic get-together resolution, maybe a wedding or some domestic scenes. Something like that would have rounded the romantic feel of the novel nicely for me. Some of the motivations for the secondary characters were also left unexplained, thinking Benedict’s actions and his turn around towards the end.
The H/h and the emotional content were perfect for a romance novel. Even though some stuff was left unresolved and unexplained, that didn't stop me from enjoying this tale of love and getting together, despite the odds and scandals. Truly a lovely historical romance, all told.
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LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
So often fiction authors have characters toss out all reason and just do whatever causes the most drama. And I've gotten kind of used to them keeping secrets when they should just be straightforward, or having a blow-up over something small. So it was just really pleasant how sensible these
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characters were. They didn't do everything perfectly of course, but I appreciated the break from all the unnecessary drama! And it made them more believable for me. Good relationship development, good hurdle for the couple to overcome to be together, just far from run of the mill. This is my second book by Linden and I am impressed. I look forward to more books by her. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
It Takes a Scandal
A delightful Regency romance with an appealing couple and a minor mystery.
Wounded in the Napoleanic Wars, Sebastian Vane embodies all of the superior qualities of a soldier - honesty, dignity, loyalty and courage. His treatment at the hands of his so-called friends and neighbors
Abigail Weston is a wonderful heroine. She is able to see beyond Sebastian's cold reserve to the passionate and caring man beneath. Her faith in him is admirable and she manages to navigate the strictures and limitations of society with aplomb.
Thankfully, Linden manages to avoid many of the annoying pitfalls that can undermine the love-triangle trope, i.e., keeping secrets, silly misunderstandings and angsty moments, by having her characters communicate with one another.
The secondary characters are also appealing, especially Abigai's sister, Penelope, and it will be interesting to see how Linden manages to overcome the obstacles established between her and Benjamin Lennox in the next book. He is going to have to redeem himself in her and my eyes.
A delightful Regency romance with an appealing couple and a minor mystery.
Wounded in the Napoleanic Wars, Sebastian Vane embodies all of the superior qualities of a soldier - honesty, dignity, loyalty and courage. His treatment at the hands of his so-called friends and neighbors
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is abominable, especially considering his sacrifice, but this make's the heroine's appreciation for him all the sweeter. Abigail Weston is a wonderful heroine. She is able to see beyond Sebastian's cold reserve to the passionate and caring man beneath. Her faith in him is admirable and she manages to navigate the strictures and limitations of society with aplomb.
Thankfully, Linden manages to avoid many of the annoying pitfalls that can undermine the love-triangle trope, i.e., keeping secrets, silly misunderstandings and angsty moments, by having her characters communicate with one another.
The secondary characters are also appealing, especially Abigai's sister, Penelope, and it will be interesting to see how Linden manages to overcome the obstacles established between her and Benjamin Lennox in the next book. He is going to have to redeem himself in her and my eyes.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-04-29
ISBN
1494501023 / 9781494501020