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Scandalous (Scandalous #1)

by H.M. Ward (Goodreads Author)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 3,238 ratings · 316 reviews

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLER

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you."

One kiss could have changed Abby's life, but when it...more NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLER

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you."

One kiss could have changed Abby's life, but when it didn't happen, she ran. Jack was everything to her and when he didn't respond, Abby couldn't bear it. Everything about that night--leaning in close to his face, feeling the night breeze teasing her hair, the way his scent filled her head--was burned vividly into her mind, including the moment when Jack pulled away. There was no kiss. Abby was wrong. She was wrong about him, wrong about them.

Maybe she didn't have to go to college two thousand miles away, but she did. She had to forget about him. Abby threw herself off the grid, disappearing completely from the life she knew. After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled in seminary. All contact with her old life was severed and she never looked back, until she was forced to.

When Abby puts idealism into practice, her congregation throws her out. If she can survive a year on her own, they'll take her back, and continue to pay off her student loans--but if she fails, Abby is on her own with enough debt to fund a small town. Seminary wasn't cheap. With no place left to go, Abby returns to New York and her best friend takes her in.

Desperate to make it on her own and prove she was right, Abby follows a job lead to an art studio on Long Island. It isn't until she hears Jack's voice that she freezes. The hairs on the back of her neck prickle as she turns to see Jack, ten years later, looking even more tempting than before.

Fate is cruel. Abby left this life behind, but she's thrown back into it, head first. It's like someone hit rewind on her life and its ten years earlier. She's the cotton-mouthed girl that she always was around Jack, and now her future relies on the man who rejected her.

SCANDALOUS 2 WILL BE RELEASED SPRING 2013(less)

Paperback, 324 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by Laree Bailey Press (first published April 30th 2012)

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Best M/F Erotic Romance like Fifty Shades of Grey (not paranormal, high school, gay or sci-fi)

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May 28, 2012 Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crack-books, explicit, favorites, first-love-crush, highly-emotional, hot-and-heavy, lead-character-s-famous, must-re-read-again, erotica

FIVE HUGE, SINFULLY SCANDALOUS STARS =)

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you"

**SIGH**

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. That’s a heck of a statement, but I mean it. I don’t know how I found this book, maybe it was divine providence, but it qu...more FIVE HUGE, SINFULLY SCANDALOUS STARS =)

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you"

**SIGH**

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. That’s a heck of a statement, but I mean it. I don’t know how I found this book, maybe it was divine providence, but it quenched everything I love about romance books. I was initially hesitant at first, considering the H/h were not at all typical, but the cover and hidden promise of what might transpire just drew me right in. By the way, how beautiful is that cover? I’ll tell you right now, the story is just as provocative. It tore me up, made my heart ache, made me cry and made me happy.

As I said, Jack & Abby were not your typical H/h. Jack is a famous artist, whose work can be construed as either fine art or pornographic. He does not touch, nor date, nor sleep with his models. He also hires a female assistant to oversee his every move when he’s painting a model. With these simple rules, he maintains a pristine reputation that helps him sell his art. Abby is the dubbed as the one who got away. Jack and Abby were close high school friends until she disappears after their near kiss. A decade has passed and Abby returns, practically penniless & desperate looking for job. She has spent most of her time as a minister in a small church in Texas. However, her church forced her to take a mandatory sabbatical after she openly commits an offense. So she’s back and her desperation lands her at Jack’s studio. Yes, she is a minister, but she doesn’t find his work offensive or disgusting, but evocative and beautiful. He hires her as his new assistant.

Working in such close proximity to Jack is having a profound effect on Abby. He’s stirring up feelings within her that she thought was long gone. Those repressed feelings that she has had for him all these years are returning with a force. As for Jack, he’s always seen Abby as his “unattainable goddess.” How long can these two keep up this charade?

He reached out for me, tugging me by the waist closer to him. Gazing down into my face, he whispered, “I’m sorry, but I can’t be the one to start this. I can’t be the one to pull you from your calling and break your vows.”

Talk about forbidden love and lust…WOW!! Though this was told in Abby’s POV, I felt so much for both characters. The tension was palpable and so physically powerful; it literally reached out and tugged at all my emotions. When they finally couldn’t take it anymore, their coming together was explosive. My God, it was beautifully erotic. When a story elicits so much emotion from you, you know it’s good. I love, Love, LOVE this story. I cannot recommend it enough.

Side note: H.M. Ward writes paranormal YA romance. Ella Steele is her pen name. I hope that Ms. Steele continues to write more these adult contemporary novels because this was utterly fantastic.
(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Anas Attic Book Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: after-fifty-shades, rock-stars-bad-boys, smut-romance

Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic

This book is a 4.5 overall (I could round up or down, in this case I chose up) and a 4 for heat. Had the story been longer it may have pushed to a 5, but it all happened way too quickly for my tastes. The art sounded so interesting. I would love to know if it is based on someones work, and I'm dying to see it. It is very difficult to describe beautiful art, but the author did it in a way that left you a bit breathless.

Jack Gray is a millionair...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jun 15, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

3.5 stars

Abigail (Abby) Tyndale returns to Long Island after ten years away. She is in disgrace. As a church minister, twenty-eight year-old Abby has been forced to take a mandatory sabbatical. Loaded down with hefty student loans, without the church to support her, she needs a job and quickly.

Jack Gray is a millionaire and sought-after artist. His work is considered erotic, one step away from porn. His reputation is everything. Selling his art depends on keeping his reputation free of scandal....more

12 likes · like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 Sally rated it 3 of 5 stars

I finished Scandalous this morning. All I can say is ehhhh. The reason I say this is because I just didn’t buy it, nothing felt right or rang true. The back story was just so unbelievable. It wasn’t only the “path she chose” but her reasons WHY, were for lack of a better word..ridiculous. She went from one extreme in the first half of the book to completely another in the second half (I have to be vague for people who haven’t read it yet) I wasn’t crazy about the writing either, I felt like ther...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Lise *friends don't flag* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-faves

Okay... fellow readers: Get this book, it is only .99 cents. I read it last year and it is one of my favorites!

What an exciting surprise. I found this book via a recommendation on Maryse’s facebook page. Gorgeous erotic artist, Jack Gray and preacher-girl, Abby reunite after ten years and WOW… paint sparks start flying everywhere and on everything. Very creative and captivating story. Really enjoyed the emotional artistic detail in the steamy love scenes

9 likes · like · see review

Jan 11, 2013 Jen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, first-book-read-from-author, kindle-available-to-loan

From Nun to Nude Model In A Snap

I'll admit right off the bat I have a thing for priests, nuns and clergy folk in general falling in love and the internal struggles that follow. I blame it on my mom who made me sit through a rerun of The Thorn Birds mini series at what could only be described as an impressionable age. So when I read the blurb for this and found out Abby was a nun still in love with her tortured artist best friend from high school, to say I was anxious to read this is an understat...more

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view all 4 comments

Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity I thought books 2 and 3 were much better than the first, but I think it's because I never really attached to Zach or Nora together. The supporting cha...more
Jan 11, 2013 03:21pm

Jen I'm glad Zach's story ended the way it did. There's no way he could've stayed with Nora long term, regardless of her other relationships. Nora never r...more
updated Jan 11, 2013 03:49pm

Jan 18, 2013 Giselle rated it 3 of 5 stars

I picked up this book after not having read anything for a while and Im honestly really glad I did!
I REALLY enjoyed this novel. At first I was kinda hesitant cause I was like, "is this chick a nun? What? .so strange." Which is kind of sad for me to be thinking cause I go to Catholic school, but this story ended up being GREAT!
It was so unique and the whole paint subject in the book. HOT.

Many things in the book I totally saw coming and I just wished I could have fallen more for Jack. I didn't f...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Becky N rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series

When Abby returns to Long Island after being gone 10 years, she is broke and homeless. Her church, where she happens to be the minister, has placed her on a forced sabbatical. And not only does that mean no pay but it also means she is stuck footing the bill for her student loans. She needs to find work and fast. It is that search that leads her to the art studio where she sees the very person who sent her running all those years ago.

Jack.

He is now a famous artist. Of nude paintings. He is also...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2013 Sara rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-a-series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 13, 2013 Christina Lyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay first things first this is my ever first copy of H.M. Ward. I never thought Emma will be so much a strong person will portray in this book. I thought this book will be a total cliffhanger but fortunately it did not. I happy with the ending though, I thought their story will be continue to the upcoming series and it will lead my heart broken because of the unfinished story gladly I was wrong. I loved their story so much that I enjoyed reading every seconds of it.

Thank you H.M. Ward this is...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Raina {The LUV'NV} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Holy. Hell. I was expecting the usual boss-employee troupe, not the provocative and evocative art, smokin' sex, forbidden love, and believable scandals I actually got—and for only 99 cents*.

Jonathon is a famous artist with integrity, trying to keep his pristine reputation, for his work can be considered either fine art or pornography. Abby is a female minister forced on a one-year sabbatical without pay and is still in love with her best friend from high school, Jack. Too bad she didn't know J...more

1 like · like · see review

May 06, 2012 Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hotnsteamyromance, erotica, hot-artist-boy, i-3ny

IT WAS AS HOT AT THE COVER! Review to follow...

I'm in <3! Grabbed this on sale today (under $5). Oh yes, I like reading AND saving money. I was waiting and drooling. And the verdict so far is: Its as hot as the cover!!!

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 22, 2013 Misty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

loved it. can't wait to finish the next one!

1 like · like · see review

Apr 15, 2013 loveandstolenkisses rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am pretty amazed by this book - I wasn´t sure what to expect when I picked it up, but I can´t tell you how happy I am that I read it.

This book is so original - I love how the author didn´t write a cliched novel about a virgin nun that falls in love with the rich bad boy. It´s not about sex, it´s about finding your soulmate.

The author is amazing at describing the art. Normally it can be a plain thing, but she really managed to make it become a very sensual tool in her story telling. I think tha...more I am pretty amazed by this book - I wasn´t sure what to expect when I picked it up, but I can´t tell you how happy I am that I read it.

This book is so original - I love how the author didn´t write a cliched novel about a virgin nun that falls in love with the rich bad boy. It´s not about sex, it´s about finding your soulmate.

The author is amazing at describing the art. Normally it can be a plain thing, but she really managed to make it become a very sensual tool in her story telling. I think that is what I love the most in her story. That, and the connection between the two characters. I love how you can feel the friendship between them.

A great second chance romance.

Jack and Abby have a past - they were best friends - Abby always felt something more for Jack, but after an episode where she tried to kiss him, and he didn´t show any affections back for her, she ran away - away from him. She find her salvation in preaching, but after ten years her church throw her out, because she did something they didn´t like. She is mad - mad at her church for treating her like this, and she starts to doubt whatever she really wants to go back. She has to return home, to stay with the only family she has left - her best friend Kate. She have no money, only a huge debt that she have no chance to pay off. She looks for work, and have no idea what wait for her when she enter Jonathan Gray´s galleria. Jonathan is her Jack, and no matter how long time has passed, she still feel the special connection to Jack.
Jack is a famous painter that are known for his controversial pictures - when he hear that Abby really needs a job he offer her one as his assistant. Because of the way he paints he needs for the public sake (for his reputation sake) someone that look him over his shoulder. Making sure/can report that the pictures remains art, and not pornography. Abby knows how working with Jack can affect her career, but for her the pictures are not sex on canvas - it´s Jack. Everything he feels and thinks. Sorrow, loneliness, longing.
But no matter how you guard your heart, or your art, someone will always try to destroy the most precious in life.

5 stars - I am pretty amazed. You really need to read this(less)

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Mar 22, 2013 Michelle Doyle rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely Love Holly Wards writing... I seriously can't say enough Good about her stories!!!!

Well, in most novels I normally believe the worst in men... Not this time!!!! I adore Jack Gray (yummmmmmm)!

Kate reminds mee of my friend Lori...The dedicated mother Friend ready to tear the man a new one, and take care of You!!!

I'm so proud of Abby... Ms. Tyndale isn't quite as naive (like me) as everyone thinks!!! I adore her... She was brave thoroughout the whoole story...

I've read some of the revi...more

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Feb 22, 2013 Cherry Wink rated it 4 of 5 stars

Since starting The Arrangement serial I have been on a bit of an H.M. Ward kick. Since I get giddy when there is an entire complete series to read I thought Scandalous would be a good choice. And boy was I RIGHT! I absolutely loved this book. I was so into the story that at 4 AM I had to force myself to go to sleep. From the start I was a little hesitant because I knew the main character was a minister and was currently being scorned, however this just made the book more intriguing and really un...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Lariza rated it 5 of 5 stars

This a book I enjoyed so much! Abby & Jack were great. Abby left her old life behind seeking solace from rejection. She becomes a minster and devotes her life to her church. However, Abby is strong willed and her actions cause her church to send her on sabbatical. Abby has quite a mouth- she was funny, witty and raw. Returning home, see encounters Jack again and she questions all her decisions. She is torn between her beliefs and everything she has worked so hard for because of what she feel...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Jenn Green rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"You're out of bounds. I can't be the one that makes you fall, Abby. You chose your path, you said your vows, and since that's the life you want, I'll help you keep it."

I wasn't really sure how I would feel about the erotic romance of a Minister & the old high school friend/crush, so I was kinda on the fence about this. However, it got some great reviews & it was only ¢99 so I thought, what the hell? Though the book didn't bowl me over, I did enjoy it.....with a few minor complaints.

'A s...more "You're out of bounds. I can't be the one that makes you fall, Abby. You chose your path, you said your vows, and since that's the life you want, I'll help you keep it."

I wasn't really sure how I would feel about the erotic romance of a Minister & the old high school friend/crush, so I was kinda on the fence about this. However, it got some great reviews & it was only ¢99 so I thought, what the hell? Though the book didn't bowl me over, I did enjoy it.....with a few minor complaints.

'A swarm of butterflies erupted in my stomach, rendering me speechless and stealing my brains. Butterfly bastards.'

Abby & Jack were good friend in high school, and though Abby was crushing on Jack, he was the horny teenaged man-whore who lived by the 'try it before you buy it' motto. When Abby finds herself inches away from kissing Jack & he does nothing but stare at her coldly, she flees town with a broken heart. Now it's 10yrs after the kiss that never was & Jack is an artist worth millions for his erotic paintings, while Abby is a minister starting a year long forced sabbatical from her church with no money & buried under a ton of student loans. She moves in with her best friend Kate & goes in search of a job. When she applies at an art gallery owned by Jonathan Gray, she has no idea that her past & present is about to collide.

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you."

Jonathan is Jack's pen name, he convinces her to take on the job of his assistant & sparks fly. Turns out, Jack's feelings for Abby are far deeper than she ever would have guessed, but it's too late. As a minister, she is out of bounds.

"I'm sorry, but I can't be the one to start this. I can't be the one to pull you from your calling and break your vows."

Throw in some sabotage & a scandal that rocks the art world to test their feelings and see if these two can come out of it with their hearts & reputations in tact. It was a hott yet sweet romance with a villain you never see coming.(less)

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Jan 06, 2013 Heather andrews rated it 5 of 5 stars

The book grabbed me from page one. I think the concept of the book is unique, different and refreshing. After all those years Abby and Jack still have that playfulness that they had in high school:
"Preacher girl, I think you like naughty art," he laughed, a dimple showing as his smile deepened.
Trying to defend myself, I said, "It's not naughty it's..." but he didn't let me finish.
"Then why are you beat-red?" He laughed.
I loved the scene where he tells her how he feels, it made my heart flu...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 28, 2012 Reeses rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: The entire world

Recommended to Reeses by: amazon & goodreads

Shelves: ebooks, favorites

I wasn't sure what to expect from H.M. Wards novel Scandalous before I read it. I loved the cover, just like all her others, was completely stunning. While reading I honestly could not put this story down. Scandalous follows the life of Abby Tyndale who finds herself back in New York after a mishap with her congregation down in Texas.

This book was nothing like I expected. It was completely original, and breathe taking, and just over all like any of H.M. Wards books, mold breaking.

I originall...more I wasn't sure what to expect from H.M. Wards novel Scandalous before I read it. I loved the cover, just like all her others, was completely stunning. While reading I honestly could not put this story down. Scandalous follows the life of Abby Tyndale who finds herself back in New York after a mishap with her congregation down in Texas.

This book was nothing like I expected. It was completely original, and breathe taking, and just over all like any of H.M. Wards books, mold breaking.

I originally thought you that they would meet, lots of sexual tension, and then in then end they would be together. And honestly if you're looking for that, don't read Scandalous. This book was nothing like I expected.

I loved everything about this novel. The characters, the plot, the art....Oh the art!!! I honestly wish from the deepest depths of my soul that I could see one of these amazing works of are that Jonathan/ Jack Gray created. The art in my mind is so stunning I can only imagine what H.M. Ward was imagining while she wrote this story up.

Characters

Abby Tyndale was the perfect character. Seriously I loved her. She's an amazingly strong character. Never giving up on what she wants. She knew exactly what she wanted, and although sometimes she doubted, she knew who she was and never backed down. She was shy, and was always blushing which was so cute. Honestly, even though she had flaws, that's what made her even more likeable.

Jack Gray was the perfect male character. Naughty, professional,drop dead GORGEOUS!!! And amazingly talented. I loved reading about what he did with the paintings and the models. I had to start fanning myself when reading about how he moved his artistic ways into the "bedroom." Honestly they were the perfect couple. Both seeing what the other needed and wanted.
Kate was amazing. She's the best kind of friend. Honest, even when you don't want to hear the truth. She was incredibly funny, and so mom like, yet friend at the same time. Completely hilarious.

Oh and on the sexual tension level I have two words: Nipple clamps. Seriously, I loved how the sexual tension was so perfect and not over the top. In all honesty I was a little scared for a while that they would never get together, and when they did, I was doing a serious happy dance around the entire planet.

The twist towards the end of the book, and yes of coarse there's a twist...you sillies, I never saw that coming. I was completely appalled! Seriously H.M. Ward knows how to throw an extremely heart wrenching twist you'd never see coming into every novel and Scandalous was no exception!!!

Okay so if you missed it somewhere in my review I'll spell it out: YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!! ASAP!!!

Rating: 100/5(5/5) (less)

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Feb 01, 2013 Maria rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: richie-rich, h-o-t, hero-hot-as-hell

Ah, my first review ever. Some spoilers ahead.

I did like this book and right after I finished reading it I gave it 4 stars. Then I thought about it and maybe I was a bit too affected by the happy ending and I reduced it to three stars.

The story is kind of absurd. A nun gone wild? When I first read the blurb, I must admit I was thinking "What the hell?". However, I choose to get it and to read it anyways, many thanks to the great reviews here. I'm glad I did it because I ended up liking the jour...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Cocktails and Books rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult, 2013-reading-challenge

Girl likes boy. Girl tries to kiss boy. Boy doesn't try to kiss girl. Girl runs off to Texas and become a nun. Seems kind of extreme just because a boy you like doesn't kiss you back, but this is how Scandalous starts out.

Abby tried to kiss Jack when they were seniors in high school. She goes 90% When he doesn't make an attempt to go the remaining 10% and actually touch lips with her, she leaves him and runs for Texas and the seminary. Ten years later, Abby finds herself on a forced sabbatical...more Girl likes boy. Girl tries to kiss boy. Boy doesn't try to kiss girl. Girl runs off to Texas and become a nun. Seems kind of extreme just because a boy you like doesn't kiss you back, but this is how Scandalous starts out.

Abby tried to kiss Jack when they were seniors in high school. She goes 90% When he doesn't make an attempt to go the remaining 10% and actually touch lips with her, she leaves him and runs for Texas and the seminary. Ten years later, Abby finds herself on a forced sabbatical with no money, no job and forced to move back to New York and sponge of her best friend (who she's also not spoken to in ten years). In hopes of repaying her ginormous student loan debt, she gets a job as an artist's assistant...who just happens to be Jack. Back in Jack's universe, Abby begins to question her choices and wonders if being by Jack's side was where she was meant to be.

There was something about this book the caught my eye when I found it on Amazon. Maybe it was the cover, the book blurb or even the price...but something drew me in. I only wish I knew what it was, because it didn't live up to the hype my mind created for it.

As I started the story, I thought it was extreme that Abby would run off and become a nun rather than face Jack's rejection. Even stranger was the fact that she would cut off contact with her best friend for ten years. But Abby was a quirky character. She overanalyzed things and didn't really know how to deal with her emotions. But I always felt like I was missing something about Abby. We got a hint of her childhood, but I kept waiting for more information about her parents and her home life to explain why she was the way she was. Unfortunately, we never got it.

Then there was Jack. He's a famous artist known for his sensual and somewhat erotic pieces. Knowing Abby is a nun, he hires her to be his assistant. An assistant who much watch him paint nude woman. Hello! I'm not a prude, but that seemed a little over the top for me. But even more perplexing was Abby's reaction to not so much the naked women, but to Jack himself. It was clear she had unresolved feelings as far as Jack was concerned and for someone who was so hell bent on going back to her parish in Texas, I couldn't wrap my head around why she would work for him when what he represented meant disaster for her professionally and personally.

I struggled with this story. Not because Abby was a nun or because of Jack. I struggled because I couldn't connect with Abby or understand why she did some of the things she did. She ran, from many things, and didn't seem to have the inner piece one would think someone would have after making the life decision she made (I'm assuming one doesn't make the decision to become a nun lightly). I wanted to be sympathetic towards her, but at times I just found myself shaking my head and hoping the story moved along faster.

This said, the erotic elements to the story were fabulous. The painting/photography scenes with Jack and Abby saved this book for me. I only wish there were more of them, because those seemed to be the only time either character were truly happy and enjoyable.(less)

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Jan 09, 2013 J *I did it all for the nookie.The book nookie* rated it 4 of 5 stars

4+ Stars!!
What did I just read??? WOW, just wow! This book was SO good. SO. GOOD. I kind of stumbled upon on it by accident. I was originally checking out the Secrets series and this book also popped up. It went on sale so I grabbed it up. The synopsis was very intriguing to say the least. A minister + a provocative artist--what's not to love right?!?! This story seriously sucked me in from the get-go. I couldn't stop reading. The sexual tension between Jack and Abby was exploding off the pages...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Crina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, reviews, romance

"I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you"

I just couldn`t help myself. I don`t usually post quotes from books, but this one is just so beautiful.

Jack is a famous artist, whose work can be construed as either fine art or pornographic. He does not touch, nor date,...more "I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you, and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but can't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow... and standing in front of you"

I just couldn`t help myself. I don`t usually post quotes from books, but this one is just so beautiful.

Jack is a famous artist, whose work can be construed as either fine art or pornographic. He does not touch, nor date, nor sleep with his models. He also hires a female assistant to oversee his every move when he’s painting a model. With these simple rules, he maintains a pristine reputation that helps him sell his art. Abby is the dubbed as the one who got away. Jack and Abby were close high school friends until she disappears after their near kiss. A decade has passed and Abby returns, practically penniless & desperate looking for job. She has spent most of her time as a minister in a small church in Texas. However, her church forced her to take a mandatory sabbatical after she openly commits an offense. So she’s back and her desperation lands her at Jack’s studio. Yes, she is a minister, but she doesn’t find his work offensive or disgusting, but evocative and beautiful. He hires her as his new assistant.
Working in such close proximity to Jack is having a profound effect on Abby. He’s stirring up feelings within her that she thought was long gone. Those repressed feelings that she has had for him all these years are returning with a force. As for Jack, he’s always seen Abby as his “unattainable goddess.” How long can these two keep up this charade?

This is truly a beautiful love story that got in some places a bit boring because it just made a big fuss about something so small and so obvious. I mean, really it was easy for me to see that the assistant Abby replaced was the one behind the whole scandal. This is the only thing I was to argue against the book. Otherwise, everything else was interesting and perfect.(less)

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Jan 25, 2013 Capri rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, h-m-ward

Found this sexy cover with an interesting blurb and had many great reviews. To my disappointment Scandalous was 1 star - not good. I do not expect a lot for 99 cents novels but I want to at least like them - 3 stars. The writing style and characters did not grab my attention. I wanted spark or some kind of emotion from Abby especially the first time she sees Jack after 10 years but got nothing. Both characters are flat and boring. More research was needed with the church to at least make it a 2...more

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Jan 25, 2013 GW rated it 4 of 5 stars

Surprisingly, I really liked this book.

I honestly think it was the art that got to me. His paintings. Ward described the pieces so well, and I felt like I was seeing the paintings themselves. They're so raw and emotional. Evocative. I felt like I connected with Jack's art pieces. And, now his muse is back.

Let's be honest, a nun? That got me skeptical from reading this book, but it actually turned out fine. I thought this book would go all religious on me, which I'm not a fan of, and thankfully...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Jacqueline The Everyday Shopaholic rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

I didn’t really know the plot to Scandalous, I’ll admit, I judged the book by the sexy cover. Scandalous is a mild steamy art themed read.

Abby ran away from NY to Texas 10 years ago due to a traumatic event (I thought that would be the mind issue, but it wasn’t). Her current employment in Texas kind of put Abby in a bind, so Abby goes back to NY to live with her best friend and find a job to pay off her student debts. Jack needs a “marm” someone to supervise while Jack uses models to pa...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Cecilia rated it 4 of 5 stars

mmm where do I start..?? of course as always I don't do book summaries....what for, right? every other reader, reviewer etc.. gives you that and then the opinion so I'll just get to the point:

I liked the overall story, I liked Abby's background. I hardly understood her "role" because I have no idea what a minister is and what they do, and why she had a "job" in a church... I actually did not know that beign a minister for a church was an actual job and you could get paid for it... etc... and fir...more

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Jun 14, 2012 Rose *The Book List Reviews* rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am so completely torn over how to rate this book. I stayed up until 2am to finish it because I was so into it but the end just fell so flat. I gave it 4 stars because I couldn't bear to give it 3, but really it was probably a 3.5 or 3.75 for me.

The way this book starts out, it was 5 star all the way. The author's writing and the descriptiveness when it came to the art and the love scenes was just so beautiful, I was completely captivated. I was sucked right into the story and didn't want to f...more

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May 02, 2013 Tiffany rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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About H.M. Ward

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY Bestselling author H.M. Ward is a native New Yorker living in Texas.

Ward was featured in the Washington Post for her debut novel Demon Kissed. Series by H.M. Ward include Secrets, Scandalous, The Arrangement, Demon Kissed, Vampire Apocalypse, and The Secret Life of Trystan Scott.

You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/demonkissed. Don't wan...more

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Quotes from Scandalous

“You're not alone, unless you choose to be." As she left my room, she said over her shoulder, "It's time to stop running.” — 4 people liked it

“You're not alone, unless you choose to be."

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"It's time to stop running.” — 2 people liked it

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