Blame It On Bath
Author: Caroline Linden
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: February 28, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062025333
Pages: 384 pages
Digital Price: $7.99
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A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny?

Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order—just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he’s not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience.

Katherine Howe’s first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she’s being pressured to marry her late husband’s heir, she’s desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she’s nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better—and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune—but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?

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REVIEW

A man desperate for money and running from potential scandal, a woman desperate for freedom—a match made in heaven.

Gerard de Lacey is on a mission to locate the man behind the mysterious letters that threaten to expose his father’s scandalous secret. He’s also looking for a wife, a rich one, to provide him with plenty of funds in case the worst of the threats come to pass. Katherine Howe is seeking a savior. She wants a man to wed her and take her away from the evil influence of her mother, and her first husband’s nephew and heir. Gerard fits the bill. He’s a glass of whiskey— quick to go down, leaving a scorching trail across your insides, and Katherine has long known, regardless of his reputation, he’s a gentleman with a backbone. She’s determined that love matters naught. The only thing she needs is the chance to get away from the current influences in her life, but when these two get close the desire to be with each other starts stoking more than just the fires of passion.

I loved this story! Linden creates such wonderful characters, good and bad ones. I always enjoy stories with well-written characters. Katherine is the waif. She’s been pushed aside by a self absorbed mother and treated in a second class manner all her life. She’s played the dutiful daughter and wife for a long time. Yet, a marriage suit from her husband’s zealot heir is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. It’s a wonderful journey watching the real Katherine emerge under Gerard’s influence and presence. The transformation is astounding, and her character’s weaknesses are a prime example of verbal abuse over time.

In the opposite corner you have Gerard. He’s plagued with the duty of tracking down the blackmailer, and with the added responsibility of a new wife. The additional duties don’t seem too bad in Gerard’s mind, but his wife needs a bit of support. Plus, whether Gerard wants to admit it or not he needs Katherine’s support. The looming scandal could drive a man insane unless he has someone to talk to. Gerard also has difficulty dealing with big emotions, and this issue drives a carriage filled with a bunch of slowly emerging problems between him and Katherine. Add in a horrible mother in-law, who makes Lady Jersey look like the nicest woman on the planet, the zealot heir determined to get retribution for Gerard stealing his bride, and you have a wonderful story that keeps pages turning. In a way this story was like a damsel in distress tale, and in return the damsel did a little rescuing of her own.

Overall, if you want something that has love forming in unplanned situations and enjoy a heroine coming into her own then this is the story for you. Honestly I can’t wait for the final book in this series, as the last of the De Lacey’s meets his match!

Rating: 4(Very Good – Highly Recommend)

Heat-Level: 4 (Hot)

Reviewed by Landra

Comment and enter to win your own copy of BLAME IT ON BATH.

4 Starshistoricals
By Avon Books, Giveaways, Reviews58 Comments on Review & Giveaway: Blame It On Bath by Caroline Linden

58 Replies to “Review & Giveaway: Blame It On Bath by Caroline Linden”

  3. After reading the review, I can’t wait for the book. I love the series and I just know this one is going to top it off with all the usual love and excitement. You have a great talent in your writing and I am so glad you are sharing it with the world.

  5. This looks like it will be a good read. Would love to win it, but if not I will be buying it. Thanks for the giveaway.

  6. Cant wait to read it! I like strong, well written characters too, but I love seeing the other side of them – that makes them almost real by showing their weaknesses. It’s nice to see them overcome not only the antagonist of the story but also tbeir own faults, fallacies, beliefs and worries.

  7. Great review. Sign me up I have been waiting forever for this book. I tried to purchase her book I love the Earl and Amazon was taking forever to get it to me. I never received it I was soooo disappointed.

  8. I actually was watching this book as a potential read but wasn’t sold on it by the blurb – after having read your review, I am actually looking forward to reading this book. I love the waif theme!

  9. I always enjoy reading your reviews, as it makes me want to read the book so badly. I don’t believe that I’ve read anything by Caroline, so keeping fingers crossed. It’s a very pretty cover, and I love the color of her dress.

  11. After reading the review, I have added this to my TBR list. Can’t wait to have this book!! TY

  13. I have not yet read any of Caroline Linden’s books. Thanks for the review introducing a new-to-me author.

  15. Read the Reece Family trilogy and I Love The Earl, which were both great. Can’t wait to try out Blame it on Bath.
    Thanks for the chance giveaway

  16. Love the review for this book I put it on my to get list I’m looking forward to reading it! Thanks
    Penney6

  23. I didn’t knew this was a series!! :O Oh my!! Yay!! I love so so much romantic novels!! They’re my favorite books in the world! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

  29. I always enjoy a marriage of convenience story, it’s so much fun to see the couple realize there’s so much more there once they get into the marriage. Blame it on Bath sounds great and I’m looking forward to reading it.

  31. After reading your review I want to read this book. I like stories with well-written characters as well and they’re the most important for me.

  35. Thanks for a great review, Landra. I have never read anything by Caroline Linden before, but Blame It On Bath sounds like a must read.

  37. Thank you for the review, Landra. This sounds like a good read. Watching someone overcome years of abuse and develop into a person who feels free and secure in themself is rewarding and enjoyable. Now that the series is almost finished, I’ll have to make sure I have them all so I can read them through when the last one comes out.

  41. I don’t like books of Caroline Linden in general, but you’ve made me very curious about this book. Great review!

  42. Sounds like both Kate and Gerard grow up and realize the treasure they’ve found in each other! NICE! I want to read this series. I want to know more!

  44. Great review. Sounds like a fun read. Can’t wait to see what happens between Gerard and Katherine. Thanks for the giveaway.

  45. Hi Landra!

    I enjoy reading Caroline Linden’s books.
    I read the first book in this series now I need to get my hands on book #2.
    Thank you for the chance to win it!

    Have a nice day!

  48. I receantly read my first Caroline Linden book & I loved it 😀 ..can’t wait to read more of her 🙂
    Thanks for the review & giveaway :*

  49. The story line sounds just ok, but the characters might make up for that. A nicely written review for this book =)

  50. Loved the series ebook novella, I Loved the Earl, now definiteliy want to read about more de Lacey’s!

  51. Great review Landra! 🙂 This book looks really good. I’ve never read a Caroline Linden book.

  52. I have not read any books by Caroline Linden but this books sounds like a good place to start!

  55. a great rivew..but i haven’t read caroline lynden…it is cover very beautiful..i love it..

    thanks for the giveawy

  58. Great review. I’ve been waiting for a new book by Caroline. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the giveaway.

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