Title: Worth the Scandal
Author: Karen Erickson
First published March 20, 2012
247 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781609287740 (ISBN10: 1609287746)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
“Behind the corporate walls, a forbidden romance blooms…” “Worth It, Book 1” The business world is all Alexander Worth knows and he’s made sure to keep it that way. As the CEO of Worth Luxury Goods, he runs a tight ship and doesn’t let anyone in…until Tessa Crawford walks into his life.
Tessa is a dedicated employee, with a gentle spirit and curves that make his head spin. He knows he shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but the more time he spends with her, the harder it becomes to resist.
Tessa has worked hard to overcome her troubled past and she won’t let a workplace romance jeopardize her future. But when a business trip to Europe puts them in close quarters, their attraction becomes impossible to ignore.
Will they give into their desires or will the risk be too great?
About the Author
Karen Erickson, a bestselling author in the USA, resides in central California with her loved ones. Her ultimate dream is to give life to her characters and create a world of romance for her readers.
Monica Murphy, another bestselling author in the USA and New York Times, is also a pen name of hers. Join Karen’s newsletter to stay updated!
Editoral Review
Worth the Scandal by Karen Erickson is a contemporary romance novel that was first published on March 20, 2012. Erickson is a bestselling author who has written dozens of romance novels across several sub-genres.
Worth the Scandal is a passionate and emotionally charged love story about two people who are determined to overcome their differences and find their way to each other. The plot revolves around Tessa Donovan, a smart and successful journalist who is tasked with writing a scandalous expose about the wealthy and powerful Holt family.
In order to get the inside scoop, Tessa starts hanging out with the eldest Holt brother, Ian, who is notorious for his playboy lifestyle and devil-may-care attitude. Despite their initial attraction, Tessa and Ian clash at every turn, with both of them being stubborn and fiercely independent.
As they spend more time together, however, they start to realize that there might be more to their feelings for each other than just physical attraction. Erickson’s writing is engrossing and immersive, with vivid descriptions and relatable characters that draw the reader in from the very first page.
Tessa is a strong and complex protagonist, who is driven by her ideals and her desire to make a difference in the world. Ian, on the other hand, is a charming and charismatic hero who hides his insecurities and vulnerabilities behind a carefree mask.
The chemistry between them is palpable, and sparks fly whenever they are in the same room. The pacing of the novel is also well-executed, with just enough tension and conflict to keep the plot moving forward without feeling rushed or contrived.
The setting of the novel is contemporary and realistic, with vivid descriptions of modern-day New York City and the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous. The novel also touches on important themes such as social inequality, journalistic ethics, and the pressures of media scrutiny.
Overall, Worth the Scandal is a well-crafted and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. While the plot may be formulaic at times, Erickson’s writing and characterization elevate the story beyond mere cliches.
Readers who are looking for a steamy and satisfying love story with plenty of emotional depth and heart will not be disappointed by this book. That being said, there are a few flaws and limitations to the novel that should be addressed.
For one, some of the secondary characters, such as Tessa’s boss and Ian’s family members, come across as one-dimensional and stereotypical, with little depth beyond their surface-level personalities. Additionally, the plot does rely heavily on certain romance novel tropes, such as the misunderstanding that leads to a brief separation between the main characters, which may be predictable to some readers.
Overall, while Worth the Scandal may not redefine the genre, it is a well-crafted and satisfying romance novel that is sure to please fans of the genre. It has strong characters, a compelling plot, and enough steamy romance to satisfy even the most jaded reader.
I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its overall quality and appeal to its target audience. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or romantic suspense, as well as readers who are interested in exploring the themes of social inequality and media ethics that the book touches on.
