Scandalous [Kindle Edition]

H.M. Ward (Author)

Book Description

~NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER~

~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 on Feb. 14, 2013.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"5 huge sinfully scandalous stars! Beautifully erotic. I cannot recommend it enough." -Tessamari

"This might be the sexiest book I have ever read! Sooooo freaking sexy!"
-Leslie

"Steamy, sexy read... One of my favorite couples." -Faithima

About the Author

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

H.M. Ward has a bachelors degree in Youth & Family Ministry and attended seminary for graduate school. She turned to writing when she realized that her years of church work could never pay off her student loans.

You can interact with over 48,000 fans and this author at: facebook.com/demonkissed. Don't want to miss a release date: Text AWESOMEBOOKS to 22828 and get an email reminder on release dates.

Product Details

• File Size: 369 KB
• Print Length: 324 pages
• Publisher: Laree Bailey Press (April 29, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007Z5POMM
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #930 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #94 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FIVE HUGE, SINFULLY SCANDALOUS STARS =) May 28, 2012

By Tessamari

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"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 innovative 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.

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Scandalous by H.M. Ward/ Ella Steele June 28, 2012

By Reese's

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Review of Scandalous by H.M. Ward/ Ella Steele

Synopsis:

Millionaire Jack Gray earned his fortune creating erotic art for a discerning clientele. He doesn't use a brush to depict these hauntingly beautiful portraits--he uses bare skin. A sterling reputation is the only thing standing between Jack and poverty as he skirts the thin line between fine art and cheap sensationalism. To ensure that his character remains beyond reproach, an assistant observes his sessions.

While interviewing for a new assistant, Jack hears her voice--Abby Tyndale--the girl who got away. The last time Jack saw her was over a decade ago. After years of romantic tension she had nearly kissed him, but then disappeared without a trace. He hasn't seen her since. Until now. When he learns that his lost love joined the clergy after she fled to West Texas, his heart sinks. She's forbidden, forever set apart by her vows.

Jack's life quickly spins out of control as Abby grows closer to him, and worsens when his client list is stolen. The financial blow alone is damning, but it's the scandal brewing beneath the surface that he fears the most. Jack and Abby's livelihoods rely on their reputations. A single scandal will destroy them both. While fearing a contrived scandal, they have courted a very real one as their romance reignites.

This erotic romance is an addictive tease that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

This romance novel is by bestselling author H.M. Ward under the pen name Ella Steele.

Review:

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!!! In my mind all I could see was provocative, bold, colorful canvases. Such amazing description, 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!!!

Favorite Quote:

"You suck, you know that?" I laughed, cringing as I felt sand in places they shouldn't be. "I'm full of sand. All my clothes could be from Sandcastles-R-Us."

He straighted, "Is that so?"

"Which one? The sucking or the sand?" I laughed. I couldn't stop. I hadn't laughed so hard in forever. My sides felt like they were going to split open. Before I knew it, Jack was leaning down, reaching for me. I laughed, swatting, swatting him away, not realizing what he was doing. He managed to get a hold of my wrist and my thigh. He swung me up over his shoulders while I kicked and screamed.

Jack began to wade into the water, as I pulled his hair trying to stop him. "The sucking or the sand," he murmured, still laughing as he went into the water deeper."

(I seriously had a extremely hard time picking just one quote but I did it! I love this quote because it's so cute, and just made me laugh. Reading about how perfect they were together was in little cute moments like these and I enjoyed this one mostest.)

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)

26 of 34 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Scandalous?? Did not live up to its name... January 13, 2013

By D. Richardson VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

*********Spoiler warning********Spoiler warning***********Spoiler warning******************

Sometimes I write reviews about bad books; most of the time I just delete them and move on. If I paid for a bad book on Kindle and can't finish it, I sometimes request a refund. I decided not to request a refund because I finished the book and it was only 99 cents. I also feel compelled at times, to warn others about bad books.

Scandalous was so bad that it almost (not quite) ventured into the so bad that it's good category. The only thing scandalous about this book is how bad it is. I was so excited to find what I thought would be a great read for only 99 cents. Unfortunately, the best thing I can say about this book is that I only paid 99 cents for it.

Abby has been ordered by her church board to take a one year unpaid sabbatical from her post as a minister in some Texas fire-and-brimstone backwater. Abby is now back in New York, desperately looking for employment to make her huge student loan payments. Jack Gray (now known as Jonathan Gray), is a hot, young artist, famous for his unusual nude paintings. Jack and Abby were friends in high school, haven't kept in touch or seen each other in 10 years, when Abby almost kissed Jack. They meet again when Abby returns to New York and applies for a job at his gallery.

My problems with this story - both Jack and Abby were TSTL. Abby and Jack are attracted to each other but she acts like a dumb, scared little girl and Jack acts like an idiot. But the biggest thing that bugged me was all the erroneous information about ministry, nuns, police procedure, etc. The author confused Abby's being a preacher/minister, with her being a nun. All the silly talk ad nauseum about Abby taking a vow of celibacy, being teased about being holy, the contract she was "duped" into signing with the board of her church, the $270k student loan, the conniving church board members - none of this stuff made sense. There were so many things that peeved me about this book.

First, as another reviewer correctly pointed out, ministers don't take vows of celibacy. Ministers get married all the time and most churches prefer ministers who are married. I guess this plot contrivance was to explain why Abby was a 28-year old virgin. Why did she have to be a virgin? Christians enjoy sex too! Second, Abby had no one to blame but herself for taking out loans of $270k, even with the belief that the church would pay off her loans. Most ministers don't make that kind of money and to go school and rack up that kind of debt is simply idiotic. And what kind of burden that would put on a church if they did pay back a loan of that size!!? Think of how many poor people you could feed and clothe for $270k. That's the kind of debt you would expect a lawyer or perhaps a physician to have, not someone pursuing a divinity degree. Where did she attend school, Harvard? I'm not sure about Abby having used the max number of student loan deferments, as thankfully, I was never in that situation, but although they'll take your future tax refunds and your credit is trashed, they don't put you in debtors prison for not paying back a student loan. If Abby was working for the church after getting her Master's, how did she qualify for multiple deferments? Deferments are for periods of unemployment or economic hardship. If Abby was employed by her church, she was not unemployed. As for Jack being ruined due to the false allegation of prostitution, I've heard of dumb cops, but it would take more than mere allegations for the police to act the way they did, especially when the alleged perpetrator is famous and wealthy. Regarding the break-in, why would Jack would leave what was referred to as "millions of dollars" worth of jewelry (and his paintings) unprotected by an elaborate security system? That's just tempting fate and borders on insanity.

Ultimately, because I didn't believe in Jack or Abby, I couldn't get into them being in love. Although not a virgin like Abby, Jack was described as being thought of as possibly gay, because he hadn't had a relationship in years. The slurs on the Texas church people bothered me. I'm not a native Texan, but have come to really love and appreciate Texas. There are bible-thumping hypocrites everywhere, but if the church people that Abby described were as narrow-minded etc as described, they would have never hired a female pastor. While female pastors are becoming more common, they are still far from the norm. The majority of pastors are male. What Abby confessed to that earned her the one-year sabbatical was theft by conversion, as she had no right to sell assets belonging to the church without approval, even for what she felt was a good cause. Remember that pesky 8th Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal?" She was lucky she wasn't prosecuted!!

Lastly for a book entitled scandalous, there was very little sex, and none til the half-way mark.

More About the Author

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 want to miss a release date: Text AWESOMEBOOKS to 22828 and get an email reminder on release dates.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

(What's this?)

#4 Overall (See top 100 authors)

#1 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Contemporary

#1 in Books > Romance > Contemporary

#2 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction

#4 in Books > Literature & Fiction

#34 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Contemporary Fiction

#1 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Contemporary

#1 in Books > Romance > Contemporary

#2 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction

#4 in Books > Literature & Fiction

#34 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Contemporary Fiction