|
From the author who has time after time enchanted her readers with such scrumptious tales as ‘The Bride Bed’ and ‘The Pleasure of Her Kiss’ comes yet another stellar historical romance. In ‘A SCANDAL TO REMEMBER’, Linda Needham once sweeps the readers away into a sparkling world of history, romance and legend interspersed with ample doses of suspense and hilarity.
London, 1851: as per his new assignment, Andrew ‘Drew’ Chase, the Earl of Wexford, is resigned to the prospect of once again acting as bodyguard to yet another spoilt regent. This time his charge is the beautiful exiled Princess Caroline of Boratania, after whom an unknown assassin is after. With his high-handed, commanding ways, Drew soon draws the ire of Caroline upon his head when he and his security team take over her household and severely restrict her gadding about. But Drew has his work cut out for him as, in her zeal to prepare for her coronation ceremony and reclaim the artifacts looted from her country, Caroline simply refuses to take the threat seriously and constantly dashes about with little regard to her safety.
Equally determined and resourceful, the two of them constantly try to outwit and discombobulate each other as they engage in a spirited battle of wills and wits. But all the antagonism doesn’t conceal the fact that they’re greatly attracted to each other. Being well aware of the duties and differences between their stations however, they’re forced to suppress their unruly emotions and as a result, the seething sexual tension grows to volcanic proportions. Danger too grows in proportion to their affections. There’s also a deep, dark secret which Drew is privy to, and which has the potential to destroy Caroline if she ever learns of it. Will these two ever make it? And if they do, can their love survive the truth?
Linda Needham is par master at keeping her readers riveted with tales of dashing derring-do’s with a touch of suspense and romance and passion enough to satisfy all. ‘A SCANDAL TO REMEMBER’ has all that and more besides. For a commanding and somewhat grim character like Drew, Needham provides the perfect foil in the spirited and effervescent Caroline who with her intelligence and quick-wittedness is more than his match in all aspects. They’re opposites and yet strangely complementary and it is this very fact that makes their battles so interesting and their growing romance an utter treat to read. While plenty of historical ambiance and a keen look into political shenanigans of yore add weight and authenticity, danger in the form of assassins and age-old secrets add a darker edge to the romantic tale, and there is also some humor to balance it all out. To put it simply - this well-crafted, greatly entertaining and engaging saga is a treat that Needham fans, both new and old, can rejoice in for time to come.
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
August 8, 2004
|
