Review: Scandalous, by LJ Shen

MY REVIEW:

4 of 5 stars

Talk about hot poetic rage! I absolutely loved this book and I wanted to give it a five star rating so bad, yet I found myself comparing it to the first three books in the series and I just couldn’t quite put it in the same category as the previous Hot Hole stories. *sniffles a slaps forehead* But, in LJ’s defense I don’t think many books, like ever, will compare (especially to Defy – that one’s my fav)!! That said, lets talk about what I did love about Scandalous.

The loathing rage-full chemistry between Trent Rexroth and Edie Van Der Zee is dangerously sexy. Trent is the fourth Hot Hole’s story to be told in the Sinners Of Saint Collection, yet possibly the most complex. He grew up poor unlike his three best friends, which made his romance with money a different sort. They call him The Mute. He’s the strong silent type, but being quiet really only adds to his mystery. Getting inside his head is a f*cking treat! He’s brilliant. Kind when it counts and ruthless where it’s necessary.

Edie is more than ten years his younger, and barely legal. They both know the attraction is wrong, but the irresistible pull to one another is a powerful force that, well, is clearly not to be reckoned with. One thing I love, is that Edie isn’t your average naive rich spoiled teen. This poor sole has been raised by the nastiest wolf in the pack. She’s had to grow some thick skin and deal with some very real tough things in her life. Stuff that would break most adults. Despite carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, she manages to maintain her poise, dignity, and absolutely admirable spitfire attitude. That’s not to mention she’s smart as a whip.

The two start out on rocky ground. They are forced into each other’s lives on less than pleasant terms. But, after the first time Trent witnessed Edie’s kind hearted spirit in an interaction with his daughter (she got the troubled child to smile and that was HUGE! and adorable) He melted a little around the edges, and had to make sure Edie stayed around the office for his kid.

What grew between the two was an emotional roller coaster. Both having fearless and nasty agendas, they wound up completely intertwined with one another. I love the banter!! I love the irresistible emotions! The ending was to die for, a beautiful shocker. And am 100% satisfied with the entire Sinners of Saint set as a whole. Each and every one of the Hot Hole stories is an absolute must read!

BLURB:

NOW A TOP TEN AMAZON BESTSELLER

“Best book of the year” – Angie’s Dreamy Reads.
“Best book I HAVE EVER READ” – Bookalicious Babes Blog.

They call him The Mute for a reason.
Hard, cold and calculated, he rarely speaks.
When he does, it’s with disdain.
When he does, his words aren’t meant for me.
When he does, my stomach flips and my world tilts on its axis.
He is thirty-three.
I am eighteen.
He’s a single dad and my father’s business partner.
I’m just a kid to him and his enemy’s daughter.
He’s emotionally unavailable.
And I am…feeling. Feeling things I shouldn’t feel for him.
Trent Rexroth is going to break my heart. The writing isn’t just on the wall, it’s inked on my soul.
And yet, I can’t stay away.
A scandal is the last thing my family needs. But a scandal is what we’re going to give them.
And oh, what beautiful chaos it will be.