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"Hard, cold, and calculated, Trent Rexroth rarely speaks, and when he does, it's with disdain. When he does, Edie Van Der Zee's stomach flips and her world tilts on its axis. But when he does, his words aren't meant for her. He is thirty-three. She is eighteen. He's a single dad and Edie's father's business partner. She's a high school senior and his enemy's daughter. Even without any of that, Trent is emotionally unavailable--and yet, when Edie comes to intern at his office, she finds show more herself feeling everything she shouldn't for him. But the two of them are doomed from the start. The writing isn't just on the wall--Edie's father wants dirt on Trent to cut him out of their business, and is blackmailing Edie into getting it for him. She's lying, stealing, plotting Trent's downfall, all the while fighting the forbidden heat between them. She can't stay away. And as it turns out, neither can Trent. A scandal is the last thing the Van Der Zee family needs. But a scandal is exactly what Edie's going to give them."--Back cover. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Scandalous was one of my most anticipated books for 2017. There are not enough words to describe how much I like the Hotholes. LJ can write an Alphahole better than pretty much anyone out there right now. While Trent was close to being the worse of the bunch, Vicious, in my opinion still wins hands down. That is not to say that Trent didn't have his moments. He did. He was just more straight and to the point.
One of the things that I loved about this story was the strong interaction and moments that still tied in the Hotholes. I literally laughed out loud when the first scene happened in the office and Vicious was in his true form. I was dying. He really is a jerk but I still love him. I liked the rapport with all the girls and their show more girl time at the bbq. I pretty much liked anytime that all the characters from the previous books found time in this book without it distracting from Trent and Edie. That takes skill to do and LJ made it seem effortless.
Trent. Sweet Holy titfire. If I could bottle that man up I would. Not only can LJ write the biggest alphahole (no joke- I saw a Facebook post asking who was the biggest Alphahole ever and the majority by a long shot was Vicious. Do you know how many books are out there?!?! Gives you some perspective as to her skill!) but she can also write a hotter than sin man who has the potential to still be sweet. He can also melt panties and kindles so beware. He is quiet, studying those around him while they talk and he remains 'mute'. His life has not been easy like the other Hotholes. Yet, somehow he is still as integral in their connection as they are despite his not coming from money. He lives for his work and his daughter. Sweet Luna. I just wanted to hug her.
Edie. Oh that sweet, delightful, wild child girl. They say that age is nothing but a number and normally I would disagree with them. I have never been a fan of the age gap thing except in rare circumstances. This would be one of those circumstances because not once did I see the age thing with these two. Instead, I saw a girl who had been denied happiness for so long that made both Trent and Luna come alive. I loved her connection with Luna because not only did it make Luna blossom but it started putting cracks in Trent's armor.
Together they were hotter than a Satan's mistress. I am not kidding you when I say that my kindle got HOT. I loved the bantering between them. I loved their intimate moments (and not just the sex) but the actual times they opened up.
We are often asked in LJ's Sparrows (her Facebook reading group--if you aren't a part of it you should be), who our favorite Hothole is. I am still vacillating between Jaime and Dean (if Jaime had a full length book it would be no contest. Just saying) and usually Vicious always wins. I wouldn't be surprised if Trent takes the lead after this book for many of them. Regardless, Everyone of them offer something and are truly amazing.
I am sorry to see this journey and series end. There is a part of me that would love to see the kids in the future. I think Knight and Luna might have something. Whatever is in store for LJ, I am sure it will knock our socks off because she is another author that might be a Unicorn.
Kudos, LJ for another accomplishment and amazing book/series. This book was worth the anticipation! Definitely in the top ten of 2017. show less
One of the things that I loved about this story was the strong interaction and moments that still tied in the Hotholes. I literally laughed out loud when the first scene happened in the office and Vicious was in his true form. I was dying. He really is a jerk but I still love him. I liked the rapport with all the girls and their show more girl time at the bbq. I pretty much liked anytime that all the characters from the previous books found time in this book without it distracting from Trent and Edie. That takes skill to do and LJ made it seem effortless.
Trent. Sweet Holy titfire. If I could bottle that man up I would. Not only can LJ write the biggest alphahole (no joke- I saw a Facebook post asking who was the biggest Alphahole ever and the majority by a long shot was Vicious. Do you know how many books are out there?!?! Gives you some perspective as to her skill!) but she can also write a hotter than sin man who has the potential to still be sweet. He can also melt panties and kindles so beware. He is quiet, studying those around him while they talk and he remains 'mute'. His life has not been easy like the other Hotholes. Yet, somehow he is still as integral in their connection as they are despite his not coming from money. He lives for his work and his daughter. Sweet Luna. I just wanted to hug her.
Edie. Oh that sweet, delightful, wild child girl. They say that age is nothing but a number and normally I would disagree with them. I have never been a fan of the age gap thing except in rare circumstances. This would be one of those circumstances because not once did I see the age thing with these two. Instead, I saw a girl who had been denied happiness for so long that made both Trent and Luna come alive. I loved her connection with Luna because not only did it make Luna blossom but it started putting cracks in Trent's armor.
Together they were hotter than a Satan's mistress. I am not kidding you when I say that my kindle got HOT. I loved the bantering between them. I loved their intimate moments (and not just the sex) but the actual times they opened up.
We are often asked in LJ's Sparrows (her Facebook reading group--if you aren't a part of it you should be), who our favorite Hothole is. I am still vacillating between Jaime and Dean (if Jaime had a full length book it would be no contest. Just saying) and usually Vicious always wins. I wouldn't be surprised if Trent takes the lead after this book for many of them. Regardless, Everyone of them offer something and are truly amazing.
I am sorry to see this journey and series end. There is a part of me that would love to see the kids in the future. I think Knight and Luna might have something. Whatever is in store for LJ, I am sure it will knock our socks off because she is another author that might be a Unicorn.
Kudos, LJ for another accomplishment and amazing book/series. This book was worth the anticipation! Definitely in the top ten of 2017. show less
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I love anything L.J. Shen writes, she creates characters and stories that are so easy to connect with, especially with the men of the Sinners of Saint series. They're best friends, they're hot, they're rich, heck they're nicknamed the Hotholes, but what they aren't is the typical male readers are used to in romance series. Shen has managed to create men that are handsome assholes, all a bit alpha, but all with feelings and hearts and souls hidden deep behind their tough exteriors. Even better, though, is how different they all are and how different each book is. I easily get bored of series when the women and men are all the same, but Shen continues to characters who are unique and gives show more each a story that stands out.
"The intimacy stripped me bare from the snark I usually carried like a cloak to keep the world at bay."
Take Trent Rexroth for example, our hero in Scandalous, he's never had a real relationship, he worked his way from the bottom to the top, and he is desperate for his daughter's happiness. Are you in love yet? I am. Mix in a bit of wild youth and compassion in the form of his business partner's daughter and you have one heck of an affair of the heart story. Edie Van Der Zee is off-limits in every way and yet she and Trent are drawn to one another, like moths to a flame. I knew I was in for it with every teaser and excerpt I read from Scandalous in advance of its release, but nothing prepared me for this book, nothing. It is hands down, no questions asked, my favorite book from L.J. Shen. This book has so much chemistry between Trent and Edie that I started to feel like I was falling in love too. Their attraction is purely based on looks and lust, but there's a child involved and a greedy father that should make them stay far apart and yet it draws them together. We're treated to Edie being more than adorable with Luna, Trent's daughter, we see her caring for her family despite how hard it is, and we see Trent throw caution to the wind as he finds more reasons to spend time with Edie. It's obvious they are doomed from the start and yet they still embark in...something.
"Please come closer.
Please stay away."
I didn't know how much I wanted this book until I had it in my hands and thank goodness I had a free afternoon, because I couldn't stop reading. The push and pull in Scandalous is my FAVORITE in a book. I love when characters are developed enough to actually thing with their heads and hearts, it feels so authentic. Trent and Edie consider everything else before each other, in a way that truly mirrors real life they consider the consequences of everything and how it will impact their future. They both have things in their lives that could be taken away from them, things they're fighting for, and yet they push the boundaries. Scandalous is so fleshed out, the entire book is layered with complexities and that makes it absolutely one of the best romance storylines I've ever read. I got angry, excited, sad, and I will admit I even cried at one point while reading.
"She was starting to feel a lot like an addiction."
If you like your romance featuring alpha men, sassy heroines, and with all sorts of angst and lusty passion, Scandalous is for you. And if you like a whole lot of that, then you need to read the entire Sinners of Saint series. Trent my be my new favorite, but Vicious, Jamie, and Dean make up the rest of the Hotholes and their stories are true to their nickname.
"It wasn't casual. It had never been casual. show less
I love anything L.J. Shen writes, she creates characters and stories that are so easy to connect with, especially with the men of the Sinners of Saint series. They're best friends, they're hot, they're rich, heck they're nicknamed the Hotholes, but what they aren't is the typical male readers are used to in romance series. Shen has managed to create men that are handsome assholes, all a bit alpha, but all with feelings and hearts and souls hidden deep behind their tough exteriors. Even better, though, is how different they all are and how different each book is. I easily get bored of series when the women and men are all the same, but Shen continues to characters who are unique and gives show more each a story that stands out.
"The intimacy stripped me bare from the snark I usually carried like a cloak to keep the world at bay."
Take Trent Rexroth for example, our hero in Scandalous, he's never had a real relationship, he worked his way from the bottom to the top, and he is desperate for his daughter's happiness. Are you in love yet? I am. Mix in a bit of wild youth and compassion in the form of his business partner's daughter and you have one heck of an affair of the heart story. Edie Van Der Zee is off-limits in every way and yet she and Trent are drawn to one another, like moths to a flame. I knew I was in for it with every teaser and excerpt I read from Scandalous in advance of its release, but nothing prepared me for this book, nothing. It is hands down, no questions asked, my favorite book from L.J. Shen. This book has so much chemistry between Trent and Edie that I started to feel like I was falling in love too. Their attraction is purely based on looks and lust, but there's a child involved and a greedy father that should make them stay far apart and yet it draws them together. We're treated to Edie being more than adorable with Luna, Trent's daughter, we see her caring for her family despite how hard it is, and we see Trent throw caution to the wind as he finds more reasons to spend time with Edie. It's obvious they are doomed from the start and yet they still embark in...something.
"Please come closer.
Please stay away."
I didn't know how much I wanted this book until I had it in my hands and thank goodness I had a free afternoon, because I couldn't stop reading. The push and pull in Scandalous is my FAVORITE in a book. I love when characters are developed enough to actually thing with their heads and hearts, it feels so authentic. Trent and Edie consider everything else before each other, in a way that truly mirrors real life they consider the consequences of everything and how it will impact their future. They both have things in their lives that could be taken away from them, things they're fighting for, and yet they push the boundaries. Scandalous is so fleshed out, the entire book is layered with complexities and that makes it absolutely one of the best romance storylines I've ever read. I got angry, excited, sad, and I will admit I even cried at one point while reading.
"She was starting to feel a lot like an addiction."
If you like your romance featuring alpha men, sassy heroines, and with all sorts of angst and lusty passion, Scandalous is for you. And if you like a whole lot of that, then you need to read the entire Sinners of Saint series. Trent my be my new favorite, but Vicious, Jamie, and Dean make up the rest of the Hotholes and their stories are true to their nickname.
"It wasn't casual. It had never been casual. show less
Scandalous was one of my most anticipated books for 2017. There are not enough words to describe how much I like the Hotholes. LJ can write an Alphahole better than pretty much anyone out there right now. While Trent was close to being the worse of the bunch, Vicious, in my opinion still wins hands down. That is not to say that Trent didn't have his moments. He did. He was just more straight and to the point.
One of the things that I loved about this story was the strong interaction and moments that still tied in the Hotholes. I literally laughed out loud when the first scene happened in the office and Vicious was in his true form. I was dying. He really is a jerk but I still love him. I liked the rapport with all the girls and their show more girl time at the bbq. I pretty much liked anytime that all the characters from the previous books found time in this book without it distracting from Trent and Edie. That takes skill to do and LJ made it seem effortless.
Trent. Sweet Holy titfire. If I could bottle that man up I would. Not only can LJ write the biggest alphahole (no joke- I saw a Facebook post asking who was the biggest Alphahole ever and the majority by a long shot was Vicious. Do you know how many books are out there?!?! Gives you some perspective as to her skill!) but she can also write a hotter than sin man who has the potential to still be sweet. He can also melt panties and kindles so beware. He is quiet, studying those around him while they talk and he remains 'mute'. His life has not been easy like the other Hotholes. Yet, somehow he is still as integral in their connection as they are despite his not coming from money. He lives for his work and his daughter. Sweet Luna. I just wanted to hug her.
Edie. Oh that sweet, delightful, wild child girl. They say that age is nothing but a number and normally I would disagree with them. I have never been a fan of the age gap thing except in rare circumstances. This would be one of those circumstances because not once did I see the age thing with these two. Instead, I saw a girl who had been denied happiness for so long that made both Trent and Luna come alive. I loved her connection with Luna because not only did it make Luna blossom but it started putting cracks in Trent's armor.
Together they were hotter than a Satan's mistress. I am not kidding you when I say that my kindle got HOT. I loved the bantering between them. I loved their intimate moments (and not just the sex) but the actual times they opened up.
We are often asked in LJ's Sparrows (her Facebook reading group--if you aren't a part of it you should be), who our favorite Hothole is. I am still vacillating between Jaime and Dean (if Jaime had a full length book it would be no contest. Just saying) and usually Vicious always wins. I wouldn't be surprised if Trent takes the lead after this book for many of them. Regardless, Everyone of them offer something and are truly amazing.
I am sorry to see this journey and series end. There is a part of me that would love to see the kids in the future. I think Knight and Luna might have something. Whatever is in store for LJ, I am sure it will knock our socks off because she is another author that might be a Unicorn.
Kudos, LJ for another accomplishment and amazing book/series. This book was worth the anticipation! Definitely in the top ten of 2017. show less
One of the things that I loved about this story was the strong interaction and moments that still tied in the Hotholes. I literally laughed out loud when the first scene happened in the office and Vicious was in his true form. I was dying. He really is a jerk but I still love him. I liked the rapport with all the girls and their show more girl time at the bbq. I pretty much liked anytime that all the characters from the previous books found time in this book without it distracting from Trent and Edie. That takes skill to do and LJ made it seem effortless.
Trent. Sweet Holy titfire. If I could bottle that man up I would. Not only can LJ write the biggest alphahole (no joke- I saw a Facebook post asking who was the biggest Alphahole ever and the majority by a long shot was Vicious. Do you know how many books are out there?!?! Gives you some perspective as to her skill!) but she can also write a hotter than sin man who has the potential to still be sweet. He can also melt panties and kindles so beware. He is quiet, studying those around him while they talk and he remains 'mute'. His life has not been easy like the other Hotholes. Yet, somehow he is still as integral in their connection as they are despite his not coming from money. He lives for his work and his daughter. Sweet Luna. I just wanted to hug her.
Edie. Oh that sweet, delightful, wild child girl. They say that age is nothing but a number and normally I would disagree with them. I have never been a fan of the age gap thing except in rare circumstances. This would be one of those circumstances because not once did I see the age thing with these two. Instead, I saw a girl who had been denied happiness for so long that made both Trent and Luna come alive. I loved her connection with Luna because not only did it make Luna blossom but it started putting cracks in Trent's armor.
Together they were hotter than a Satan's mistress. I am not kidding you when I say that my kindle got HOT. I loved the bantering between them. I loved their intimate moments (and not just the sex) but the actual times they opened up.
We are often asked in LJ's Sparrows (her Facebook reading group--if you aren't a part of it you should be), who our favorite Hothole is. I am still vacillating between Jaime and Dean (if Jaime had a full length book it would be no contest. Just saying) and usually Vicious always wins. I wouldn't be surprised if Trent takes the lead after this book for many of them. Regardless, Everyone of them offer something and are truly amazing.
I am sorry to see this journey and series end. There is a part of me that would love to see the kids in the future. I think Knight and Luna might have something. Whatever is in store for LJ, I am sure it will knock our socks off because she is another author that might be a Unicorn.
Kudos, LJ for another accomplishment and amazing book/series. This book was worth the anticipation! Definitely in the top ten of 2017. show less
Let me start by saying 5 stars is not enough. LJ Shen is a master at her craft, and in this book we see her at her finest. Scandalous is the last of the Hothole series, this is Trent's book. Trent is a 33 yr old bi-racial single father that should have the world by the seat, but in reality is more messed up than any other hothole in the series. Edie is an 18 yr old being oppressed and ruled and not allowed to be a normal 18 yr old. That is all I will say about the plot. I mean, read the blurb.
The writing is just this side of magical. The story flows so well, there is crisp dialogue, the characters are on point, and hey...Vicious and the whole gang are here. Whats not to love? It's obvious that LJ Shen has a love for the written word show more because with each story she has become that much better at telling us a tale. She makes you want her next book like you want your next breath. Please do yourself a favor and get this book, if you need nothing else this year. Read this. This story is told in dual pov.
show less
The writing is just this side of magical. The story flows so well, there is crisp dialogue, the characters are on point, and hey...Vicious and the whole gang are here. Whats not to love? It's obvious that LJ Shen has a love for the written word show more because with each story she has become that much better at telling us a tale. She makes you want her next book like you want your next breath. Please do yourself a favor and get this book, if you need nothing else this year. Read this. This story is told in dual pov.
show less
Sexually Explicit
Trent is 34, one of the four HotHoles. His 4 year old daughter Luna doesn't talk. Luna's mother is missing, having abandoned Luna at 1 year old. Edie is 18, being blackmailed by her father and trying desperately to care for her mentally ill mother. This is their story.
This story is hot and tragic and filled with fear and uncertainty and imperfection. It's exquisite.
Trent is 34, one of the four HotHoles. His 4 year old daughter Luna doesn't talk. Luna's mother is missing, having abandoned Luna at 1 year old. Edie is 18, being blackmailed by her father and trying desperately to care for her mentally ill mother. This is their story.
This story is hot and tragic and filled with fear and uncertainty and imperfection. It's exquisite.
Holy HotHoles
Oh man my love for the Hotholes only gets stronger with each book I read. Trent is the mute but his actions are way more than his words and his actions are on fire. Edie and Trent both have issues that they need to work out and both do things that are questionable but on the end their love for each other is stronger than the crap they deal with.
Oh man my love for the Hotholes only gets stronger with each book I read. Trent is the mute but his actions are way more than his words and his actions are on fire. Edie and Trent both have issues that they need to work out and both do things that are questionable but on the end their love for each other is stronger than the crap they deal with.
Excellent story
What happens when you fall in love with the wrong person? That's what Trent and Edie are about to find out.
She's almost 1/2 his age and the daughter of his partner, who just happens to want to kick him out of the business. Trent knows that he should leave Edie alone, he just can't.
Edie's father keeps her under his thumb through blackmail. He wants her to do something terrible, she hates that she has to do it. Can she and Trent find their way to their HEA?
Strong writing, excellent story, great characters. Loved seeing characters from the other books. All in all, really enjoyed it.
What happens when you fall in love with the wrong person? That's what Trent and Edie are about to find out.
She's almost 1/2 his age and the daughter of his partner, who just happens to want to kick him out of the business. Trent knows that he should leave Edie alone, he just can't.
Edie's father keeps her under his thumb through blackmail. He wants her to do something terrible, she hates that she has to do it. Can she and Trent find their way to their HEA?
Strong writing, excellent story, great characters. Loved seeing characters from the other books. All in all, really enjoyed it.
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