New York Times bestselling author “I will get married… But it sure as hell won’t be for love.” A compromising viral video has ruined Jeffrey Harper’s reputation. But his father’s offer for a new start comes with strings. To develop a luxury resort at Plunder Cove, the celebrity hotelier must first settle down–with an arranged marriage. That suits the cynic fine, until aspiring chef Michele … until aspiring chef Michele Cox whets his appetite for something spicier than a contract would allow…
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This is the second book in a series about three siblings who spent their formative years at Plunder Cove. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is a richer experience when all three are read in order.
Jeffrey Harper is caught in a ‘manufactured’ scandal for filming some inflammatory footage at a resort, whose owner doesn’t want it shown. As a result, his show, Secrets and Sheets, is canceled, and he is in need of employment. His father, RW Harper, offers Jeffrey the opportunity to redeem his reputation by becoming the project manager and hotel manager at Casa Larga Resort. The catch is that he has to get married. He is willing to accept an arranged marriage that is part of the deal, if only to get the job that his dad dangles before him.
Michele Cox used to be the chef-in-training at a fancy Manhattan restaurant, Alfieri’s, only she lost all of her savings and her job when the head chef, and also her mentor, pulled a fast one on her. She lost her confidence as well, and needs to come up with a way to pay her bills quickly. The job opportunity at Plunder Cove seems like a dream come true for her, but she has so many doubts about her abilities now, that she subconsciously sabotages her chances.
Jeffrey has some internal demons to battle, as does Michele. Actually, almost every main character in this story has one internal battle or more to wage. These are strong characters and they work well together most of the time. The driving force behind their actions isn’t always clear at first, but eventually things get clarified. There’s quite a bit of ebb and flow in their professional as well as personal lives, and for the most part, this story flows well. RW wasn’t a model dad when Jeffrey and his siblings were growing up, and he realizes that he has some atoning to do. He is trying his best to be a better father, to live a better life, and make restitution for the harm he has done.
The pacing is fairly consistent, and there are a few instances of letting go and even a time or two of giving up on the part of Michele. She always comes back around after some time has passed, and realizes that both the job and the man are worth fighting for. Jeffery seems like the weaker character; however, he experienced some deep trauma as a child, and that takes a huge amount of inner strength to overcome. There is a HEA ending, and the book is able to hold the interest of the reader.
This was a really fun read. Jeffrey (Jeff to his friends) Harper is from a rich family. His family is building a new resort at Plunder Cove but Jeff has gotten caught in a really bad, compromising position from a rival hotelier named Finn. It seems that Jeff has a TV show and filmed Finn’s hotel engaging in really bad practices so to get Jeffrey not to air the bad footage, Finn sets up Jeff and videotapes it. He keeps releasing bits and pieces slowly to destory Jeff’s image.
Enter Jeff’s father… he’s willing to help him recover his image and take over Plunder Cove and the restaurant, but he must get married. Jeff doesn’t believe in love or marriage but agrees because he’ll get to run the restaurant. Jeff decides to have a competition to select the head chef.
Michele is a chef looking to get her mojo back. She was an amazing chef on the rise until Alfieri (a restaurant owner) took advantage of her and left her with nothing and destroyed her confidence.
Michele is struggling to get back on her feet and to make matters worse, she has a sick sister who relies on her to pay for her expensive medical care. Michele enters the competition.
Jeff is immediately smitten with Michele and Michele is starting to get her magic back but everything isn’t smooth sailing. The competitiors offer drama, Jeff’s siblings are trying to help him believe in love and want Michele to win and his dad has a lot of drama on the side and fesses up to what happened to Jeff when he was little.
I don’t want to spoil it but this is definitely a fun, romance. You don’t want to miss it!
Sizzling!! Sensual! Intriguing!! Dynamic!!
We are going to visit Plunder Cove on the
California coast. This is the homestead
for the Harper family who all have been
called home.
For Jeff Harper, playboy extraordinaire,
growing up there was a horrible experience.
His mother was constantly punishing him.
So much so that the kitchen staff took the
little Jeff under there wing. Now he has been
set up in a video that ruined him professionally.
He returns home to set up a restaurant and
hotel for his father.
Michele Cox is a chef recovering from a life
changing situation. Michele needs to find a
good job as she has a sister with Down’s
Syndrome in a group home. Michele pays
for her sister care.
Jeff Harper is looking for the perfect chef
for his new restaurant. He holds a contest
between several chefs at their Plunder Cove
home.
Michele applies but after being there….Will
she stay? Will the magic she once had cooking
return?
Will Jeff overcome his past so he can move on
to the future? Will Jeff finally realize his family
worth?
The characters are cleverly created, three
dimensional, colorful and interesting. They
are involved in a fast paced complex plot with
some subplots.
The authors description is so realistic and flows
effortlessly. You feel you are right in
A Convenient Scandal by Kimberley Troutte was such a lovely romantic read. Although I haven’t read the first book in this trilogy this books stands alone quite well. I really enjoyed meeting all of the Harper family. RW, Matt and Chloe are all very likable. The story has a little bit of everything for a reader with a little danger, family history that has shaped both Jeff and Michele and a little humor with the Harper family. I’m alread looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.