A review by theellabelle
Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I really enjoyed this! The first 80% or so were incredible: the sparing and banter! The slowly building tension! The makeover that revealed rather than changed! Joan and Tristian have undeniable chemistry that is intellectual first and then physical second and I loved watching their relationship develop. I would have liked to see the brother's friend angle explored by more fully as well as the villainous aunt and the last 20% ended up feeling really rushed, as did their first night together. Without those pacing issues that would have been a full five stars. But there was a ton I loved about this, from the good parenting (rare!) to the elaborate descriptions of plumbing (fanning myself #IYKYK) to Joan's amazing aunt. Linden is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.