What do you think?
Rate this book
Dirty Money #1
Scandal
Little secrets always grow up to be a big scandal...
ASHER
Everyone’s got secrets.
Dirty little secrets.
But not like this.
Chloe Carlyle is totally off-limits.
The one girl I can’t touch.
Her mother is about to marry my dad, her father is in prison for murdering my mom…and I want her more than anything. Yeah, I never said this wasn’t fucked up.
And things are about to get a whole lot more fucked up.
This town has seen a lot of scandals, but this one’s gonna blow them all out of the water…
CHLOE
A wealthy city like Claremont Bay is accustomed to sinful scandals, but this latest one has shaken everyone to the core.
My father has been accused of murdering his mistress, and my mother is marrying the man who put him in prison — Robert St Clair.
Despite how messed up that is, it's not exactly Robert I'm worried about. It's his son.
Asher St Clair.
He’s insufferable. Intoxicating. Impossibly handsome.
I can’t fall for him. Can’t let him get under my skin.
I have bigger things to worry about, like my father’s imprisonment, because I’m the only one who believes he didn't kill that woman. So who did? The answer may lie closer to home than I know…
Scandal is a full-length bad boy romantic suspense novel. There is no cheating and a happily-ever-after for this couple. Scandal is the first book in the Dirty Money series with connected characters.
ASHER
Everyone’s got secrets.
Dirty little secrets.
But not like this.
Chloe Carlyle is totally off-limits.
The one girl I can’t touch.
Her mother is about to marry my dad, her father is in prison for murdering my mom…and I want her more than anything. Yeah, I never said this wasn’t fucked up.
And things are about to get a whole lot more fucked up.
This town has seen a lot of scandals, but this one’s gonna blow them all out of the water…
CHLOE
A wealthy city like Claremont Bay is accustomed to sinful scandals, but this latest one has shaken everyone to the core.
My father has been accused of murdering his mistress, and my mother is marrying the man who put him in prison — Robert St Clair.
Despite how messed up that is, it's not exactly Robert I'm worried about. It's his son.
Asher St Clair.
He’s insufferable. Intoxicating. Impossibly handsome.
I can’t fall for him. Can’t let him get under my skin.
I have bigger things to worry about, like my father’s imprisonment, because I’m the only one who believes he didn't kill that woman. So who did? The answer may lie closer to home than I know…
Scandal is a full-length bad boy romantic suspense novel. There is no cheating and a happily-ever-after for this couple. Scandal is the first book in the Dirty Money series with connected characters.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2017
About the author
Isabella Starling
101 books2,625 followersUSA Today bestselling author Isabella Starling describes her books with three words: dark, dirty and forbidden.
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://amzn.to/3lhl4R5
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!
https://twitter.com/authorstarling
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER!
https://subscribepage.com/isabellasta...
And don't forget to join my Facebook group Good Girls Love Bad Boys to be the first to see my new covers, receive ARC opportunities & connect with myself and other readers! We do tons of giveaways and author takeovers too.
Click on the pic below to join!
CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/authorisabe...
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://amzn.to/3lhl4R5
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!
https://twitter.com/authorstarling
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER!
https://subscribepage.com/isabellasta...
And don't forget to join my Facebook group Good Girls Love Bad Boys to be the first to see my new covers, receive ARC opportunities & connect with myself and other readers! We do tons of giveaways and author takeovers too.
Click on the pic below to join!
CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/authorisabe...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
April 4, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Scandal (stand-alone). Mixture of secret affair & mystery as two college student navigate through scandals!
“Take it all,” he said. “Every fucking inch of my cock. Dirty girl.”
Scandal (stand-alone) opens up to law student and heir Asher St. Clair meeting college freshman Chloe Carlyle at a party. He is immediately attracted to her even after discovering her identity, and their connection to a devastating scandal.
Lust clouds his better judgment.
The story goes on to follow them as their lives are turned upside down, one scandal at a time. While they fight their attraction, a friendship is forged and soon Asher and Chloe work to solve a mystery.
The biggest scandal is yet to come…
Five words to describe Asher St. Clair: Complex, private, noble, aloof and dirty-talker.
Five words to describe Chloe Carlyle: Determined, unassuming, naïve, loyal and trusting.
Scandal, told from dual POV, is a mixture of forbidden romance and mystery as two families reels from scandal. Though there are elements of insta- and they are both young the hero carries the story through. It ends as scandalously as it started and includes two epilogues.
***
Hero: ★★★★1/2
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | HIGH FOCUS |
March 12, 2017
Asher & Chloe meet one night while Asher is having a college party. He is prepared to throw out some under age uninvisted female guests who are drinking until he notices Chloe & decides she can stay. After walking her home he discovers that he & Chole share a damaging past but he tries to keep to himself. When Chloe finally realizes the truth of the matter she storms out of his place. Chloe is not done learning about kept secrets though because it turns out that fate has more in store for Chloe & Asher than either of them could ever imagine. It isn't just their pasts that have crossed it is also the present that is on a head-on collision course. While they both know that their growing attraction to one another is taboo it doesn't seem to be able to stop them from ending up in bed together. Yet that isn't the only challenge facing the young couple, someone is out to shut Chloe up & is starting to threaten her physically. Asher vows to protect Chloe & help her discover the truth that someone is trying to keep her from remembering.
Scandal is just that a twisting turning sexy endless trek of scandal surrounding our main characters. From a murder parent, an imprisoned parent, other parents marrying each other, secret half siblings, attempted murder.... the scandals are endless. The co-authors did a good job of bring a story that focuses on a budding relationship while in the middle of utter chaos. It is the changes that Asher & Chloe go through becoming better versions of themselves as they grow closer that makes the story endearing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Scandal is just that a twisting turning sexy endless trek of scandal surrounding our main characters. From a murder parent, an imprisoned parent, other parents marrying each other, secret half siblings, attempted murder.... the scandals are endless. The co-authors did a good job of bring a story that focuses on a budding relationship while in the middle of utter chaos. It is the changes that Asher & Chloe go through becoming better versions of themselves as they grow closer that makes the story endearing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Read
March 15, 2017Trying to be respectful so not even rating
Sorry, I started and the writing just wasn't my cup of tea so instead of a dnf'ing read, I started skimming, very quickly to the end. I can see I am in the minority but there was nothing that jumped out at me at all. I will still give this author a second chance since this was my first read by her and hope that her writing "matures" because she does have potential there!
Sorry, I started and the writing just wasn't my cup of tea so instead of a dnf'ing read, I started skimming, very quickly to the end. I can see I am in the minority but there was nothing that jumped out at me at all. I will still give this author a second chance since this was my first read by her and hope that her writing "matures" because she does have potential there!
March 5, 2017
5***** Can't get enough stars from me!!
An exceptionally suspenseful story with many twists and the feeling of the unknown possessing your body!!! This sentence can perfectly sum up this storyline.
I had a long time to read a story with this kind of theme and believe me this book has the perfect ingredients such as suspense, mystery, twists, secrets, drama to keep you reading 'till you reach the final page and as a result to unravel the whole mystery and get your answers.
Furthermore, the personalities of our characters were perfectly suitable for the story and they really won me from the beginning, both Asher and Chloe had the perfect sparkly chemistry giving us a lot hot, steamy scenes and enjoyable dialogues.
To sum up, my review I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the pair Isabella Starling and Piper Hart, they did a fantastic job delivering a well-made story.... so yeah I'm looking forward to reading more stories from both of them!!
An exceptionally suspenseful story with many twists and the feeling of the unknown possessing your body!!! This sentence can perfectly sum up this storyline.
I had a long time to read a story with this kind of theme and believe me this book has the perfect ingredients such as suspense, mystery, twists, secrets, drama to keep you reading 'till you reach the final page and as a result to unravel the whole mystery and get your answers.
Furthermore, the personalities of our characters were perfectly suitable for the story and they really won me from the beginning, both Asher and Chloe had the perfect sparkly chemistry giving us a lot hot, steamy scenes and enjoyable dialogues.
To sum up, my review I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the pair Isabella Starling and Piper Hart, they did a fantastic job delivering a well-made story.... so yeah I'm looking forward to reading more stories from both of them!!
November 29, 2017
This was a good book. It was a bit of a mystery and love story together.
The mystery part had me constantly guessing all the way to the reveal. Definitely worth reading
The mystery part had me constantly guessing all the way to the reveal. Definitely worth reading
April 7, 2017
This book was okay, but it did not blow me away. My lack of connection with the characters was the downfall from completely falling in love with this read. I think that this could have been a DNF for me if it was not for my curiosity to find out who the killer was. I think that the mystery was my favorite part and I was not disappointed when the big twist as revealed, but the rest of this book fell flat for me other than some occasional moments.
I thought the writing was okay and it flowed well. The pacing of the plot was very good and created a lot of tension. I will say that one VERY smart thing in the writing was one of the chapter headers. {Slight Spoiler} Near the end of the book, there is a chapter in the killer’s perspective and it was labeled ‘killer’. I thought it was weird since the identity of the killer was already revealed, but then I realized it was done so that readers who look at the chapter headers before reading would not get spoiled. Brilliant! I would have never thought of that.
The characters are where I had a very difficult time connecting with this story. Chloe was okay, but she was nothing special. I felt like she was very average and ordinary. I wish she had a bit more spunk and sparkle. But Asher was my biggest pitfall. His personality at the begging of the story was bi-polar. One moment he was a complete douche and then he would become caring and sweet the next. I am okay with male characters that start out mean/rude and end up being sweet, however, there needs to be a catalyst for the change in behavior and Asher lacked that. I also wish there would have been more interaction/connection with the side characters. They all just seemed to be there with not purpose other than being a potential suspect.
The romance in this book was good, but I wish that I would have felt the connection more. Chloe and Asher’s feelings seemed to appear out of nowhere and I am a big critic of insta-love unless it is done perfectly. I will say that by the end of the book, I was invested in their romance.
I will say the mystery aspect in this story gave it a BIG plus in my book. I kept changing who I suspected as the book progressed. I thought it was done amazingly. There were also a lot of twists and turns. However, I did have a hard time being convinced at how the characters were able to put the pieces together to find out who the killer was.
Although I did not enjoy all the elements of this book, it still had its moments of greatness. I am interested in reading a different book by both of these authors to see if I enjoy it more. I would recommend trying this book if the synopsis sounds interesting since it seems like I am in the minority with my review.
I thought the writing was okay and it flowed well. The pacing of the plot was very good and created a lot of tension. I will say that one VERY smart thing in the writing was one of the chapter headers. {Slight Spoiler} Near the end of the book, there is a chapter in the killer’s perspective and it was labeled ‘killer’. I thought it was weird since the identity of the killer was already revealed, but then I realized it was done so that readers who look at the chapter headers before reading would not get spoiled. Brilliant! I would have never thought of that.
The characters are where I had a very difficult time connecting with this story. Chloe was okay, but she was nothing special. I felt like she was very average and ordinary. I wish she had a bit more spunk and sparkle. But Asher was my biggest pitfall. His personality at the begging of the story was bi-polar. One moment he was a complete douche and then he would become caring and sweet the next. I am okay with male characters that start out mean/rude and end up being sweet, however, there needs to be a catalyst for the change in behavior and Asher lacked that. I also wish there would have been more interaction/connection with the side characters. They all just seemed to be there with not purpose other than being a potential suspect.
The romance in this book was good, but I wish that I would have felt the connection more. Chloe and Asher’s feelings seemed to appear out of nowhere and I am a big critic of insta-love unless it is done perfectly. I will say that by the end of the book, I was invested in their romance.
I will say the mystery aspect in this story gave it a BIG plus in my book. I kept changing who I suspected as the book progressed. I thought it was done amazingly. There were also a lot of twists and turns. However, I did have a hard time being convinced at how the characters were able to put the pieces together to find out who the killer was.
Although I did not enjoy all the elements of this book, it still had its moments of greatness. I am interested in reading a different book by both of these authors to see if I enjoy it more. I would recommend trying this book if the synopsis sounds interesting since it seems like I am in the minority with my review.
March 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
Well Scandal is a truly fitted title. Chloe Carlyle found out her dad is accused of murdering his mistress, Catalina who was pregnant. Immediately her mother filed for divorce and Chloe is the only one believing that her dad is innocent. To take her mind off matters, she attend a college party where she met Asher St.Clair. She is attracted to him not knowing his identity, i.e he's Catalina's son. To make matters worst, Chloe's Mother, Victoria announced that she's engaged and moving in with her fiancée and soon they are going to be married. And the surprise didn't end here, said fiancée of Victoria is Robert St.Clair, ex-husband of Catalina and father of Asher whose firm was responsible for putting her father behind bars. So how are Chloe and Asher going to ignore their feelings when they are living under the same roof?
The suspense was good and the plot too. I personally thought it was Robert but that was so far from the line. I happen to not to take a liking to the characters. Firstly I love my heroines to be strong and kickass which Chloe was lacking. As for Asher, at first I wanted to punch him because
“I told you, Chloe, you belong to only one person in this house,” I murmured in her ear. “And when I tell you to do something, you do it. Right?”
I mean, don't get me wrong, I do love alpha male. Just not when they act like a jealous brat and threaten other male who tried to approach the heroine, and then they act like a jerk afterwards. But as the story progressed, Asher kind grew on me and I liked him better.
In all, it was an okay read, where I really appreciated the mystery, murder and suspense.
Well Scandal is a truly fitted title. Chloe Carlyle found out her dad is accused of murdering his mistress, Catalina who was pregnant. Immediately her mother filed for divorce and Chloe is the only one believing that her dad is innocent. To take her mind off matters, she attend a college party where she met Asher St.Clair. She is attracted to him not knowing his identity, i.e he's Catalina's son. To make matters worst, Chloe's Mother, Victoria announced that she's engaged and moving in with her fiancée and soon they are going to be married. And the surprise didn't end here, said fiancée of Victoria is Robert St.Clair, ex-husband of Catalina and father of Asher whose firm was responsible for putting her father behind bars. So how are Chloe and Asher going to ignore their feelings when they are living under the same roof?
The suspense was good and the plot too. I personally thought it was Robert but that was so far from the line. I happen to not to take a liking to the characters. Firstly I love my heroines to be strong and kickass which Chloe was lacking. As for Asher, at first I wanted to punch him because
“I told you, Chloe, you belong to only one person in this house,” I murmured in her ear. “And when I tell you to do something, you do it. Right?”
I mean, don't get me wrong, I do love alpha male. Just not when they act like a jealous brat and threaten other male who tried to approach the heroine, and then they act like a jerk afterwards. But as the story progressed, Asher kind grew on me and I liked him better.
In all, it was an okay read, where I really appreciated the mystery, murder and suspense.
April 5, 2017
3.5 stars
I'm sure this book is higher than my rating but im the worst funk ever and can't get over the funk. Everything is meshing together.
Pick this up and give it a go, the twist got me by total surprised, I wasn't expecting it. I'm pretty good at figuring these types of plots out ahead of time but I've got give it to this author, she did a great job with keeping you in the dark of who the killer truly was. This book in my good funk would be a solid 4.
I'm sure this book is higher than my rating but im the worst funk ever and can't get over the funk. Everything is meshing together.
Pick this up and give it a go, the twist got me by total surprised, I wasn't expecting it. I'm pretty good at figuring these types of plots out ahead of time but I've got give it to this author, she did a great job with keeping you in the dark of who the killer truly was. This book in my good funk would be a solid 4.
April 1, 2017
This is a brilliant and amazing story. There is romance, drama, suspense and a lot of surprises. Chloe is a vulnerable, hurt girl. Asher is a real cocky loser in the beginning, but he eventually turns into a sweet, gentle, caring man. The murder storyline has so many twists that as soon as you think you figured it out, you find out that you're wrong. As for the final surprise, I really didn't see that coming. At all. This is a must add to your TBR list, at the top.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion of it.
March 6, 2017
Isabella Starling has another hit on her hands, and her writing partner Piper Hart is awesome! This story hooked me from page 1 and I couldn’t put my kindle down until the very last word . The story will keep you on edge, there is mystery, suspense, passion, betrayal, sexual tension, and yes, love. You wouldn’t expect it with all the players involved but love happens. Scandal is a fitting name for such a story!
Asher St.Claire meets Chloe Carlyle and all he can think of is how her father killed his mother –for she was his mistress and at the time of her death, she was pregnant with his baby. Chloe doesn’t know who Asher is. Asher’s mom was all kinds of messed up- mistress to a married man and having his baby. Yet Asher still is very upset over her death. So when he meets Chloe, he doesn’t tell her who he is and they have this immediate chemistry and have a hot and steamy kiss…but surprise surprise…when they meet up again its to find out that her mother and his father are going to get married –and the sexual attraction between Asher and Chloe is still hot . But Chloe is upset that Asher played her for a fool and she is not at all wanting to renew their attraction. But that’s the least of Chloe’s worries- someone starts threatening Chloe regarding the Asher’s mother’s murder. Suddenly she begins doubting whether her father is innocent after all. She is being harassed and threatened all because she never thought her father killed his mistress and soon to be born child.
Asher believes Chloe’s father did yet he can’t understand why her life is being threatened. He wants her to back off looking into the murder but Chloe cant. Chloe starts to really ramp up the look into the murder. Will Asher help Chloe or will he be more of a hindrance ? Will Chloe get to the bottom and prove her father innocent? Or will she lose her life to the madman trying to get to her before that?
This is a fantastic story full of every twist and turn out there. I was totally shocked by the ending and something tells me this story isn’t over yet…
My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Asher St.Claire meets Chloe Carlyle and all he can think of is how her father killed his mother –for she was his mistress and at the time of her death, she was pregnant with his baby. Chloe doesn’t know who Asher is. Asher’s mom was all kinds of messed up- mistress to a married man and having his baby. Yet Asher still is very upset over her death. So when he meets Chloe, he doesn’t tell her who he is and they have this immediate chemistry and have a hot and steamy kiss…but surprise surprise…when they meet up again its to find out that her mother and his father are going to get married –and the sexual attraction between Asher and Chloe is still hot . But Chloe is upset that Asher played her for a fool and she is not at all wanting to renew their attraction. But that’s the least of Chloe’s worries- someone starts threatening Chloe regarding the Asher’s mother’s murder. Suddenly she begins doubting whether her father is innocent after all. She is being harassed and threatened all because she never thought her father killed his mistress and soon to be born child.
Asher believes Chloe’s father did yet he can’t understand why her life is being threatened. He wants her to back off looking into the murder but Chloe cant. Chloe starts to really ramp up the look into the murder. Will Asher help Chloe or will he be more of a hindrance ? Will Chloe get to the bottom and prove her father innocent? Or will she lose her life to the madman trying to get to her before that?
This is a fantastic story full of every twist and turn out there. I was totally shocked by the ending and something tells me this story isn’t over yet…
My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
March 8, 2017
This was such a great book. It was quite different than I expected from this pair of authors, but it was an excellent surprise! I expected a dark, bdsm romance, but what I got was a thrilling murder mystery with a steamy, forbidden love story intertwined.
I can’t say much without giving away spoilers, but expect twists and turns aplenty, twisted family scandals, a gripping murder mystery, a sexy taboo love story and an ending you won’t believe. It’ll take your breath away, or at least it did mine.
There’s also a fabulous happy epilogue for the young lovers and an update on the murderer.
This Scandal will have you glued to the pages until you solve the mystery. The suspense, the romance and the mystery are all crafted with detail and care, making for a thrilling and very satisfying read!
No cliffhanger. Standalone. HEA for some. Told in alternating POVs including the occasional chapter from the Killer’s perspective (which I loved!)
I can’t say much without giving away spoilers, but expect twists and turns aplenty, twisted family scandals, a gripping murder mystery, a sexy taboo love story and an ending you won’t believe. It’ll take your breath away, or at least it did mine.
There’s also a fabulous happy epilogue for the young lovers and an update on the murderer.
This Scandal will have you glued to the pages until you solve the mystery. The suspense, the romance and the mystery are all crafted with detail and care, making for a thrilling and very satisfying read!
No cliffhanger. Standalone. HEA for some. Told in alternating POVs including the occasional chapter from the Killer’s perspective (which I loved!)
March 10, 2017
omg wow! I don't even know what to say about this book , it was amazing! so many feelings! I thought I had it worked out and then bang! I wasn't expecting that at all! and that ending omg! you HAVE to read this book!
10 stars!
10 stars!
March 7, 2017
Well-written, amazing characters, a suspenseful plot, secrets, lies, scandal, twists and turns, mystery, intense chemistry, lots of hot sex... everything I love in a bad boy romance story.
I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
March 5, 2017
Scandal is a darker story that is filled with crazy coincidences. From Chloe running into Asher at a party, to their parents deciding to marry, crazy!
This was like a mystery and a love story all in one. It kept me on the edge of my seat and kept surprising me, right until the very end! I loved it so much And Chloe and Asher have great chemistry and heat and genuine affection. This is a must read.
I received an arc.
This was like a mystery and a love story all in one. It kept me on the edge of my seat and kept surprising me, right until the very end! I loved it so much And Chloe and Asher have great chemistry and heat and genuine affection. This is a must read.
I received an arc.
March 4, 2017
Isabella Starling in collaboration with Piper Hart, has once again displayed her diversity as an author. “Scandal” has it all; danger, suspense, intrigue and enough steamy romance to engage a wide variety of readers. This full length novel grips the reader from the first page to the last. The many twists, turns and ongoing suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Unable to put the novel down, I found myself reading almost non-stop because I needed to know what would happen next. “Scandal” effectively kept me guessing, doubting what (or who) I thought I knew and eventually revealing how wrong I was. Anyone who loves a mystery loaded with suspense, intrigue and romance will thoroughly enjoy “Scandal”.
As with all of Isabella Starlings work the novel is professionally written with few to no grammatical errors (trust me, the story is so good you’d never notice if there were editing errors!). The story flows seamlessly, builds in intensity, adding many twists and turns until ending with a startling conclusion. The main characters are complex (Asher especially), the secondary characters are well developed and so integral to the story-line.
I very highly recommend “Scandal” along with the steamy romance, suspense, danger, mystery and intrigue that comes with it! This may be Isabella Starling’s and Piper Hart’s best work yet… but I say that every time Isabella Starling releases a new novel!
RATING DETAILS (based on a 5-star rating system):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 STEAMY STARS
WRITING STYLE: 5 STARS
PLOT: 5 STARS (based on 5326 KB file size)
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 STARS
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 STARS
As with all of Isabella Starlings work the novel is professionally written with few to no grammatical errors (trust me, the story is so good you’d never notice if there were editing errors!). The story flows seamlessly, builds in intensity, adding many twists and turns until ending with a startling conclusion. The main characters are complex (Asher especially), the secondary characters are well developed and so integral to the story-line.
I very highly recommend “Scandal” along with the steamy romance, suspense, danger, mystery and intrigue that comes with it! This may be Isabella Starling’s and Piper Hart’s best work yet… but I say that every time Isabella Starling releases a new novel!
RATING DETAILS (based on a 5-star rating system):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 STEAMY STARS
WRITING STYLE: 5 STARS
PLOT: 5 STARS (based on 5326 KB file size)
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 STARS
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 STARS
March 4, 2017
I absolutely love any books by Isabella. This one was co written by Piper Hart and these two together write one amazing book. This one is about Asher St.Clair and Chloe Carlyle. These two should be enemies. Should not get anywhere near one another due to what has happened between their two families. But fate has something much stronger in store for them. Asher lost his mother tragicallly the mother that was not in his life. But he is still dealing with it no matter what has happened. A mother is a mother. Chloe has a huge secret that should change how Asher feels about her but to him once he gets to know her that secret doesnt matter. There is a bond spark between these two that builds when reading this book and you cant get enough of these two.
There is a huge huge mystery while reading this book. And once you figure out who actually did the crime I guarantee you will be shocked. But the buildup to who done it is so very well written. There is so much great detail regarding who did what in this story. It is suspensful shocking all of the above. I loved the build up to who actually did what. I was shockingly surprised at the end of the book. But it was a great ending.
This is an absolutely must read. There is great character chemistry between all of the characters. I absolutely love the way things played out it made for a very interesting story. Very gripping from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading this book. The storyline fits the title there is scandal from beginning to end. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and I am so very glad that I did. 10 stars
There is a huge huge mystery while reading this book. And once you figure out who actually did the crime I guarantee you will be shocked. But the buildup to who done it is so very well written. There is so much great detail regarding who did what in this story. It is suspensful shocking all of the above. I loved the build up to who actually did what. I was shockingly surprised at the end of the book. But it was a great ending.
This is an absolutely must read. There is great character chemistry between all of the characters. I absolutely love the way things played out it made for a very interesting story. Very gripping from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading this book. The storyline fits the title there is scandal from beginning to end. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and I am so very glad that I did. 10 stars
March 5, 2017
It is no secret how much I love Isabella Starling's books. I love her solo books and I am a big fan of the previous collaborations she has done. This one was co-written with Piper Hart. I was very eager to read this book because I just knew it was going to be a good read and I was not disappointed.
This book follows Chloe & Asher – two people that should have every reason not to be together and yet they just can't stay away. Chloe's dad has been arrested & found guilty of the murder of Asher's mom. From their first meeting, when they didn't even know who the other person was you could almost feel the chemistry through the pages of the book. The craziness they go through while trying to find out who really killed Asher's mom was wild and so dangerous. I don't want to spoil so I'll just leave it at that and say it is a must read for sure.
I started this book this morning & could literally not put it down. I was reading it on my kindle & the battery died, so I had to switch to the app on my phone because I was going to finish this book today. The authors did a great job with this book; the suspense had me guessing the entire time & every time I thought I knew who was the real killer they went and threw a curveball at me (side note: I loved that they included a few pieces from the Killer's POV). The romance between Asher & Chloe was very intense and quite steamy. Like I said – if you're a fan of Isabella Starling's other books, you will not be disappointed with this one!
This book follows Chloe & Asher – two people that should have every reason not to be together and yet they just can't stay away. Chloe's dad has been arrested & found guilty of the murder of Asher's mom. From their first meeting, when they didn't even know who the other person was you could almost feel the chemistry through the pages of the book. The craziness they go through while trying to find out who really killed Asher's mom was wild and so dangerous. I don't want to spoil so I'll just leave it at that and say it is a must read for sure.
I started this book this morning & could literally not put it down. I was reading it on my kindle & the battery died, so I had to switch to the app on my phone because I was going to finish this book today. The authors did a great job with this book; the suspense had me guessing the entire time & every time I thought I knew who was the real killer they went and threw a curveball at me (side note: I loved that they included a few pieces from the Killer's POV). The romance between Asher & Chloe was very intense and quite steamy. Like I said – if you're a fan of Isabella Starling's other books, you will not be disappointed with this one!
March 5, 2017
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review...OMG I loved this book... a wonderfully intense and thrilling story I love Isabella Starling's writing and this collaborative, first in a new series, is one of the best I have read.. .it has to be said that the 'hero' is, from the outset, a Grade A, arrogant, womanising, a***hole; I put that out there because when you first read about him you will hate him but stick with him even bad boys can, on occasions, be saved in the presence of a strong, beautiful woman....and oh wow when these two get it together their chemistry is super hot and the sex so steamy and dirty...
This is an exciting murder mystery with all the players tangled in a web of lies, deceit and past mistakes...the story is told mostly from the two protagonists point of view which allows the plot to move swiftly forward without the need for a recap... more intriguing are the chapters giving a perspective and personal insight into the mind of the killer....the characters good, bad and despicable are so well written and believable I found myself caught up in their emotions, not to mention feeling increasingly tense and anxious as the story played out and the denouement approached.
This was an addictive read I can not wait to see which rabbit hole this twisted plot will take the reader in subsequent instalments of the series ...already this book is in my list of 5 star favourites for 2017.. a brilliant, enthralling must read...
This is an exciting murder mystery with all the players tangled in a web of lies, deceit and past mistakes...the story is told mostly from the two protagonists point of view which allows the plot to move swiftly forward without the need for a recap... more intriguing are the chapters giving a perspective and personal insight into the mind of the killer....the characters good, bad and despicable are so well written and believable I found myself caught up in their emotions, not to mention feeling increasingly tense and anxious as the story played out and the denouement approached.
This was an addictive read I can not wait to see which rabbit hole this twisted plot will take the reader in subsequent instalments of the series ...already this book is in my list of 5 star favourites for 2017.. a brilliant, enthralling must read...
March 7, 2017
Title: Scandal
Author: Isabella Starling & Piper Hart
5+ smashing stars
I don't think anything could have prepared me for what this author duo had in mind when they came up with Scandal. When the daughter of a murderer meets the son of the lawyer whose team was responsible for convicting him of the crime, i thought that was pretty much the extent of the major surprises i would come across. Boy was i wrong. So very horribly wrong. Since the entire novel is based on twists and turns that you need to pay attention to so you can figure out exactly what happened and why - trust me, it'll all be worth it in the end, i'm not going to say much more about the plot and what happens.
4.5 sexy dreams
Of course, as i've come to absolutely hope and enjoy from any of Isabella Starling's novels and collaboration, the chemistry between these characters is hot. Like smoldering, i need a cold shower hot. I loved how they were flawed, angry, confused and more than willing to change when they realized that was to be gained at the end. And trust me, it's all completely worth reading because you'll know you'll want to keep reading until more from this series (and i truly hope it's not the end) becomes available. Absolutely loved Scandal and can't wait for more!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Author: Isabella Starling & Piper Hart
5+ smashing stars
I don't think anything could have prepared me for what this author duo had in mind when they came up with Scandal. When the daughter of a murderer meets the son of the lawyer whose team was responsible for convicting him of the crime, i thought that was pretty much the extent of the major surprises i would come across. Boy was i wrong. So very horribly wrong. Since the entire novel is based on twists and turns that you need to pay attention to so you can figure out exactly what happened and why - trust me, it'll all be worth it in the end, i'm not going to say much more about the plot and what happens.
4.5 sexy dreams
Of course, as i've come to absolutely hope and enjoy from any of Isabella Starling's novels and collaboration, the chemistry between these characters is hot. Like smoldering, i need a cold shower hot. I loved how they were flawed, angry, confused and more than willing to change when they realized that was to be gained at the end. And trust me, it's all completely worth reading because you'll know you'll want to keep reading until more from this series (and i truly hope it's not the end) becomes available. Absolutely loved Scandal and can't wait for more!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
March 7, 2017
> Book review - Scandal -
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the first in the Dirty Money series and ends in an HEA, but with a potential for the bad guys to re-emerge in the future. Asher is a rich college student attracted to a virginal woman he sees at a party. Once he finds out that Chloe is the daughter of the man convicted of killing his estranged mother, Asher fights his attraction to Chloe. Chloe, in turn can't understand why Asher is acting so hot and cold towards her.
>The book has a lot of differing emotions. Asher is jealous when his buddy wants to date Chloe. Asher and Chloe show a lot of lust that eventually turns to love. Anger and revenge are top emotions when an unknown assailant targets Chloe. Asher shows his alpha side when he finally claims Chloe even though the step sibling taboo will cause a scandal.
>The book is equal parts romance and suspense. Asher is introduced as a womanizer, but quickly redeems himself in his care of Chloe. The strange interactions amongst Chloe's and Asher's parents lead to some misdirection in the mystery surrounding the death of Asher's mom.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the book 5 stars. Fans of romantic suspense will love this book.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the first in the Dirty Money series and ends in an HEA, but with a potential for the bad guys to re-emerge in the future. Asher is a rich college student attracted to a virginal woman he sees at a party. Once he finds out that Chloe is the daughter of the man convicted of killing his estranged mother, Asher fights his attraction to Chloe. Chloe, in turn can't understand why Asher is acting so hot and cold towards her.
>The book has a lot of differing emotions. Asher is jealous when his buddy wants to date Chloe. Asher and Chloe show a lot of lust that eventually turns to love. Anger and revenge are top emotions when an unknown assailant targets Chloe. Asher shows his alpha side when he finally claims Chloe even though the step sibling taboo will cause a scandal.
>The book is equal parts romance and suspense. Asher is introduced as a womanizer, but quickly redeems himself in his care of Chloe. The strange interactions amongst Chloe's and Asher's parents lead to some misdirection in the mystery surrounding the death of Asher's mom.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the book 5 stars. Fans of romantic suspense will love this book.
March 7, 2017
I am going to keep this a spoiler free review which is really hard since there is so much going on in this story. The general plot is that Chloe’s father has just been sent to prison for murder and now her mother is marrying the man who put him in prison. Who just happens to be the father of the guy she hooked up with on campus. That is what happens in the first 15% of the book and it just gets more complex from there when Chloe is still convinced that her father didn’t murder anyone, but there is someone who wants to make sure she stops looking for the real killer.
This was so good. It had amazing twists and turns and completely shocking moments. I completely loved Asher even though he was a rich jerk for a fair amount of the book. This is a really good length book for the price and there were so many times, that I thought I figured out who the killer was only to be proven wrong. It was fantastic. I can’t wait to see more from this series.
Hero 5 Stars / Heroine 5 stars / Steam 5 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 5 Stars
Keys: MF, alpha, wealthy, strong female, twists and turns, edge of my seat, #MSBB
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This was so good. It had amazing twists and turns and completely shocking moments. I completely loved Asher even though he was a rich jerk for a fair amount of the book. This is a really good length book for the price and there were so many times, that I thought I figured out who the killer was only to be proven wrong. It was fantastic. I can’t wait to see more from this series.
Hero 5 Stars / Heroine 5 stars / Steam 5 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 5 Stars
Keys: MF, alpha, wealthy, strong female, twists and turns, edge of my seat, #MSBB
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
March 9, 2017
Reading the blurb for this book instantly made me excited to read this story, and it did not disappoint. Isabella and Piper have written an amazing book.
I loved the prologue and the mystery in it, after that I just had a hard time putting it down. There were a few slow going parts for me but it wasn’t long before the story picked back up and had me hooked.
I loved going through this emotional rollercoaster of a story involving Chloe and Asher. Loved the interactions between them and the other characters. Asher was so sweet at times which made it hard not to love him. All these characters were very easy to love.
I thought this book was very well written especially the twists, turns and suspense within it. Absolutely can’t wait to see what happens in the next book involving the killer! (Is it a bit twisted that I actually liked the killer? I though they were great!)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I loved the prologue and the mystery in it, after that I just had a hard time putting it down. There were a few slow going parts for me but it wasn’t long before the story picked back up and had me hooked.
I loved going through this emotional rollercoaster of a story involving Chloe and Asher. Loved the interactions between them and the other characters. Asher was so sweet at times which made it hard not to love him. All these characters were very easy to love.
I thought this book was very well written especially the twists, turns and suspense within it. Absolutely can’t wait to see what happens in the next book involving the killer! (Is it a bit twisted that I actually liked the killer? I though they were great!)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
March 5, 2017
The night Chloe's father is sentenced to life her friend convinces her to go to a party with her and she ends up meeting a man too cocky for his own good. Asher St. Claire is used to getting what he wants, he knows he lives a privileged life, but the new object of his flirtation is the last woman he would have expected. Chloe and Asher shouldn't be attracted to each other, but their lives keep throwing them together when they find their parents are together. While Chloe and Asher get closer the danger neither expected is getting closer than they could ever imagine. Them being together is scandalous, but at the same time it's everything they could want. This is a hot and edge of your seat read from Isabella Starling and Piper Hart that i loved from the first page! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 9, 2017
Description: Bad Boy Romantic Suspense Novel
First Book in the Dirty Money Series with connected character's.
Asher St.Claire - Dirty Little Secrets. Wealthy family. Father is Robert St.Claire & about to marry Chloe's mother.
Chloe Carlyle - Her father is accused of murdering his mistress Asher's mother.
Wow! A gripping & thrilling murder mystery novel with twists. A sexy spicy taboo love story with twisted family scandal's that will take your breath away. The premise of this darker novel is captivating & the plot will have you on the edge if your seat. A perfectly intertwined novel of romance & suspense. With compelling characters that are realistic with real emotions & flaws & undeniable chemistry. A perfectly done ending with a lovely epilogue. Can't wait to read book two in the fantastic series. A definite one-click must. I volunteerly reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
First Book in the Dirty Money Series with connected character's.
Asher St.Claire - Dirty Little Secrets. Wealthy family. Father is Robert St.Claire & about to marry Chloe's mother.
Chloe Carlyle - Her father is accused of murdering his mistress Asher's mother.
Wow! A gripping & thrilling murder mystery novel with twists. A sexy spicy taboo love story with twisted family scandal's that will take your breath away. The premise of this darker novel is captivating & the plot will have you on the edge if your seat. A perfectly intertwined novel of romance & suspense. With compelling characters that are realistic with real emotions & flaws & undeniable chemistry. A perfectly done ending with a lovely epilogue. Can't wait to read book two in the fantastic series. A definite one-click must. I volunteerly reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 2, 2017
I loved this book! The authors have seamlessly written a psychological romantic drama (is that a genre?). There is so much going on in this story but not too much that you can't keep track of the events. The main and secondary characters are well-developed and memorable. Asher and Chloe meet under difficult circumstances-we see Asher change from Doucher to a guy who grew some. So much more to rave about but I don't wanna give any spoilers! This is a super well written book, with a great twisty, whodunit plot (I'd like to say that I guessed who it was, but I think I guessed everybody at some point!), hot sex and tender love. I felt really satisfied the the end of the epilogues, and crazy-excited to think of what may come next in the series.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
March 8, 2017
Wow! This book!! I read the blurb and knew I was going to l really enjoy it but it was so much better! Isabella Starling and Piper Hart have really outdone themselves with this one. It's definitely going straight into my favourites!
It's a little dark filled with mystery, suspense, off the charts steaminess, romance and full of twists and turns. It definitely has something for everyone!
Asher and Chloe on paper should steer very clear but in fact they couldn't be more perfect for each other. I particularly enjoyed seeing Asher mature throughout the book.
It had me sucked in from the very first page and I desperately needed to know how it all played out.
This is the first in a series and I can hardly contain my excitement as what's to come. I just know it's going to be amazing.
It's a little dark filled with mystery, suspense, off the charts steaminess, romance and full of twists and turns. It definitely has something for everyone!
Asher and Chloe on paper should steer very clear but in fact they couldn't be more perfect for each other. I particularly enjoyed seeing Asher mature throughout the book.
It had me sucked in from the very first page and I desperately needed to know how it all played out.
This is the first in a series and I can hardly contain my excitement as what's to come. I just know it's going to be amazing.
March 11, 2017
Steamy step-brother, mystery, suspense
Scandal has a storyline that is full of twists and turns. Great collaboration of Starling and Hart in bringing us a story filled with page-turning excitement to reveal the truth behind a murder of a mistress, the convoluted truth about a hidden adoption. Throw in some sexy, hot sex and this has the makings of a great Scandal. The plot was fantastic, I just wished I felt more of a connection between Asher and Chloe. Their relation became instantly taboo when their parents marry. And the parents’ relationship is absolutely scandalous as they are ex-spouses of the murdered mistress and the alleged imprisoned murderer.
I received and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Scandal has a storyline that is full of twists and turns. Great collaboration of Starling and Hart in bringing us a story filled with page-turning excitement to reveal the truth behind a murder of a mistress, the convoluted truth about a hidden adoption. Throw in some sexy, hot sex and this has the makings of a great Scandal. The plot was fantastic, I just wished I felt more of a connection between Asher and Chloe. Their relation became instantly taboo when their parents marry. And the parents’ relationship is absolutely scandalous as they are ex-spouses of the murdered mistress and the alleged imprisoned murderer.
I received and reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 23, 2017
Another amazing book from a very talented writer. This is another book that makes you wonder what the heck just happened? There are so many surprises on every page of this book, that you cannot stop reading it. I could not put this book down. When you meet someone that you are attracted to and the attraction is instantaneous,what happens when eventually you find out they are an you cannot have them? The past can really mess up the present, and when family is involved that can make it so much worse. There is so many emotions covered in this book; so much suspense, intrigue, romance, betrayal, and a story line full of surprises. Asher and Chloe must decide what happens when secrets come out, and danger makes an appearance; will they depend on each other or only themselves?
March 8, 2017
**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
This story is a real nail biter! Chloe's life is like a soap opera. Her father is in jail for a murder he did not commit. Her mother is engaged to marry the man who owns the law firm that put her Father in jail, and the boy who has caught her eye, will someday soon be her step-brother.
Scandal is a mystery as much as a romance. In my opinion, it is one of those stories you can not put down. You just have to know who and why?
I am really hoping there will be a sequel to this story. I have a feeling it would be a real thriller.
This story is a real nail biter! Chloe's life is like a soap opera. Her father is in jail for a murder he did not commit. Her mother is engaged to marry the man who owns the law firm that put her Father in jail, and the boy who has caught her eye, will someday soon be her step-brother.
Scandal is a mystery as much as a romance. In my opinion, it is one of those stories you can not put down. You just have to know who and why?
I am really hoping there will be a sequel to this story. I have a feeling it would be a real thriller.
March 6, 2017
4*
Asher dad's firm convicted James of the murder of his mum who was 7mths pregnant at the time, his wife divorced him obviously & he'd no alibi only his daughter Chloe believed he was innocent.
Chloe meets Asher at his party she's upset after a phone call so he walks her home & finds it's been ransacked.
Two people who's worlds were joined together unexpectedly.
A brilliant story lots of drama couldn't put it down.
The book is a standalone and has an ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Great book can't wait for more in this series
Asher dad's firm convicted James of the murder of his mum who was 7mths pregnant at the time, his wife divorced him obviously & he'd no alibi only his daughter Chloe believed he was innocent.
Chloe meets Asher at his party she's upset after a phone call so he walks her home & finds it's been ransacked.
Two people who's worlds were joined together unexpectedly.
A brilliant story lots of drama couldn't put it down.
The book is a standalone and has an ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Great book can't wait for more in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews