Four lives tangled by an invisible thread…Prepare to be scandalized!Nolan and Piper have a lot in common, and a complicated history that has already hit the rocks twice before. But their undeniable chemistry keeps pulling them back together, and even if she’s Mistress Ice, Nolan is determined to have Piper any way he can get her — secrets and all. Famous actor, Shane Covington has almost … Shane Covington has almost nothing in common with Runway housekeeper Nalani Ione, but after one fateful meeting there’s no denying the fire between them. Dirty words and naughty fun bring them closer and closer together… but there’s danger in the halls of Black Light.
One dark force will bring these two couples crashing together, and it will take love to bring the scandal to light.
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A soul ripping story addressing the darkest of acts to the bright light of love.
When kink meets tragedy, does one have to give the former up in order to survive and recover from the latter?
There are those who would say so. Would tell you kink has no place while recuperating from a traumatic life event, especially if it is something horrific AND has a sexual component to it.
There is no real way to ignore that the two female heroines in Black Light: Scandalized are victims of rape. It cannot be ignored, especially because it is integral to the narrative of the story. But unlike many dark romance stories, the non-consensual scenes in this are not… romantic. They are brutal, they are raw, and they will rip you apart as you hurt for what both Nalani and Piper suffer through. But the real question in this story is this: does one let a life event (in this case sexual assault) define and/or redefine who you are as a person? Or do you separate the attack from who you are as an individual and go on to return your life to what it once was as you recover, including kink still being a component in it? How much ownership do you let your attacker have in redefining who you become after the fact?
A corollary to this is how people around you, especially loved ones, contribute to the idea that you must or must have fundamentally changed as a person after assault. That the very things that may have once brought you together as a couple can no longer be, because the victim obviously can no longer want those particular aspects in their life any longer. Addressing all the emotions and myriad issues regarding these subjects is where Scandalized excels. It does not avoid those issues. It addresses them head-on, and it does not sugarcoat the pain and difficulty that a couple have in navigating these waters. Additionally, it does not take the road of putting forth the notion that someone who has suffered the trauma of sexual assault *must* change who they are at a core level by dint of that event. Nalani and Piper both struggle during their recovery, but neither of them gives the power over themselves to their attacker that would be required for them to completely reverse from their original sexuality. That is an incredibly powerful message, and one which the author does a fantastic job of portraying. Not only from the POV of the victims themselves, but also from the loved ones around them who are struggling with their own feelings of helplessness and guilt.
The BDSM components of this book are very well fleshed out, and I love that at no point does the author engage in kink-shaming any of the characters. What they enjoy sexually they are given free rein to take pleasure in without it being made to feel trite or with any sort of underlying derisive tone. This is especially true—and very important—in the latter half of the book after the main assault has taken place. It becomes a painful catalyst at one point in forcing Shane (Nalani’s paramour) into addressing how he’s treating her like a fragile piece of glass rather than engaging in the kinds of sexual play that had originally brought them together. There are no simple solutions, no one gets away from having to confront the oft times difficult processes that take place during this phase through some sort of deus ex machina, and as a reader it was sometimes very difficult to read, but it made the story that much richer overall. Nolan and Piper go through similar tension in their own relationship, although I personally found Nalani and Shane’s story stronger in this regard.
This is a fantastic, though often difficult to read book. The subject matter makes it so. This is not a lighthearted fun, beach-read BDSM story. That isn’t to say there aren’t some incredibly sexy scenes: trust me, there are. But it all circles back to the main theme of the book, and honestly, that is where the strength of this novel lies. If you are looking for a story that is going to be tear at your heart with some incredibly difficult yet powerfully poignant scenes, and yet at the end still brings you up with movingly uplifting stories of recovery, then Black Light Scandalized is definitely for you.
Just WOW!!! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster. Livia Grant has touched on a subject that is hard to hear and to talk about. As hard as it is for readers to read the details, I’m sure as an author, it was hard to hear her muses tell the tale. This is such a powerful story that gives us intrigue, danger, and fear, while unleashing every insecurity held tightly around the secrets being kept. Two couples, Shane and Nalani plus Nolan and Piper are friends within the BDSM community and as the plot continues to unfold, find they have more in common than any would ever have suspected. We’re given love, devotion, honesty, courage, and tears of heartbreak are replaced with tears of joy but the journey to get there was not easy and kept me glued to my kindle and my heart racing the entire time.
SCANDALIZED by Livia Grant
AWESOME, AWESOME book!!! Two wonderful love stories .. Nolan Boeing and Piper Kole, Shane Covington and Nalani Ione .. unforgettable. Two stories that end up being intertwined. Great job Ms. Grant.
Nolan and Piper already had a story brewing in Roulette, with Piper as Domme Mistress Ice leaving Nolan tied up at Black Light. Walked out! Left him there – bye bye! This is their continuing story.
Big bad, bad, bad boy Shane Covington, an A actor, meets sweet, quiet, kind housekeeper of Runway, Nalani Ione, and sparks fly all over the place, igniting everything in their path. It’s a lot of fun following their stories, until …..
darkness falls over all; everything and everyone gets involved in the hell that one person brings into their lives.
Want strong storylines? Strong characters? HEA? Then you’ve GOT to read this book.
Nalani, Shane, Piper and Nolan find themselves intertwined in a story about adversity, love, passion, finding our family that matters. This story is dark and will shake you up a bit and makes you thankful. Loads of heat.
I AM GUTTED!
This book is by far the most emotional Black Light book! I’m not going to give you anything but my thoughts cause you know how to read a blurb yourself.
Nalani and Shane are one amazing couple. Shane is dirty as all get out and I thought it would bother me but it’s done in a very hot way. Nalani is one freaking tough cookie and a newbie, which I’m SO GLAD Shane didn’t say away from.
Nolan, oh sweet stubborn Nolan. I swear you’d think he was a masochist but he’s got it bad for Piper. and Piper, she melted my heart this time. I did not like how she treated Nolan in Valentine’s Roulette, but now we know why.
These 4 characters go on one massively emotional roller coaster!!! Hardcore chicks who are as bad booty (you know the word) as they come! And just for the record…there’s the one character, you’ll know who I’m taking about…pig farm, that’s my thoughts on that!
Wow, this is a very powerful and moving story. I love it when a write takes these risks and pours everything into writing stories like Nalini and Shane. This is an emotional journey that spans from present, past and future. I’m so glad that Nolan and Piper’s story were in conjunction with Shane and Nalani’s. The strength and wisdom that was past on and shared was powerful to them all. It gave birth to stronger couples and build new family and brought friends closer together.
Great plot with unique characters
This story is timely and evocative. Hard to read sometimes but that is part of what makes this book great. Gritty and compelling. Tight writing within an amazing world of various authors all writing within one framework. Can’t get enough.
This book took me out of my comfort zone.
*contains triggers
*not recommended to sensitive readers
I bought this book via amazon and am leaving my review voluntarily. I struggled how to rate this book. Up until now, I have loved the entire Black Light Series – every author has done an amazing job writing their story for Livia Grants Black Light world. My first book was Infamous Love and I thought it was awesome. Her subsequent books in the series have been just as enjoyable. This particular book just falls short.
TRIGGER WARNING: while this book may have some BDSM in it, (it is loosely practiced without prior discussion of limits or safety other than pick a safe word), about 50% in, there is a particularly vicious assault/rape/forced drugging/attempted murder scene that is pretty descriptive- this may be a hard pass for some
**spoilers**
So this book, is really 2 stories about 2 different couples. I feel this was a mistake because the author can’t really delve into each couples storyline properly because she switches focus every chapter.
Piper and Nolan should’ve been the primary focus here – we met them in the Celebrity Roulette story but here it was all rushed, we learn about her tragedy then boom HEA.
Shane and Nalani deserved a book of their own. Things could have progressed with Shane helping introduce Nalani to the lifestyle properly (discussing limits, safety etc). The heavy subject of her attack and then they arrive at HEA only 3mos after even meeting was a bit unbelievable.
I’m not sure if the author simply ran out of time and threw both story outlines together to make 1 book or if she gave both outlines to someone to finish for her. It definitely wasn’t the style or quality I expect from her.
Ripped from current entertainment industry news Scandalized is a realistic look at the brutality of sexual assaults and they affect not only the victims but their loved ones, families and friends. It’s not only the crime itself but the aftermath and the effects that may lessen but never truly go away. I won’t lie this was a tough story to read, at times. Livia Grant really delves into the heart of the emotions and turmoil brought about by savage acts. I was completely captivated and totally invested in this drama.
Makes you want to go to work at Black Light like Nalani and meet a guy actor like Shane. Then you have Piper an actress who is Mistress Ice and Nolan a movie producer who is in love with her, but not her with him.
In the beginning I was wondering why all in one book and not each their own, but was I surprised how they were connected. Livia out did herself in this book. I will not tell you anymore about the book except you need to read this wonderful book and enjoy all the emotions I did and I will tell you there are some brutal scenes in this book. Enjoy
The Black Light family is brought together in sadness, but it also gives us two couples who know how to bring out the naughty in us all! Pain, humiliation, and desires all come forth in some seriously steamy scenes! This story also has some triggers that should be noted, but hopefully if you’re into BDSM romances, that won’t be a problem. But the messages and love that springs from this book brings it all together so well!
I am continually astounded at the level of emotion that some authors can put into a book, just for our enjoyment. This novel, one of the best in the Black Light world, offers a fantastic read that can be read standalone but is best if you’ve read the Black Light Celebrity Roulette, where the characters were introduced. This book, like all of the others is an incredibly engrossing story that had me hooked right from the start.
Shane’s kink is so delightfully naughty that you can’t help but want to read more. His desires for tears, humiliation, a burning bottom are the things you wish for in the dark of night. His ability to make his kitten bend to his desires is delightful.
The tragedy that brings his friends and the Black Light family together breaks your heart. It is sickening and sad and so very visceral. It wrenches your insides and brings tears to your eyes.
You can see the lost girl in Piper. With her actions, her relationships, her hard demeanor. I applaud her long and arduous journey to recovering herself.
This is by far my favorite of the Black Light series. I was hooked from the beginning.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I received an Advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is a partial sequel to a story in the Celebrity Roulette anthology of Blacklight. It was a well-written book, full of steam and kink. It is also the story of two couples, tied together by a common trauma. This is an important story in the age of MeToo. There are some scenes that may trigger some people. A strong 4.5 star read.
This is truly the most scandalous book in the Black Light family. Livia Grant, you gutted me! I don’t know where to begin…
Thank you for writing Scandalized!
It’s hard to believe that I just finished reading only one book. I don’t know how you did it Mrs. Grant, but you artfully blended every scandalous scenario into a masterpiece.
Will Nalani and Piper find their happily ever after after their horrific pasts
Livia Grant rocks the next story in the Black Light series with Scandalized about 2 sets of couples, Nalani and Shane, and Piper and Nolan. Housekeeper Nalani put herself in harms way when she enters Ainsworth’s room when she hears screams and Shane intercedes between Ainsworth and her when she tries to escape. The instant steamy attraction between Shane and Nalani simmers as Shane introduces Nalani to his kink until it implodes when Ainsworth shows his true colors.
Nolan continues to pay to put himself back in Piper’s life while she shows her icy persona to the world. Until the instant when Piper breaks over a news broadcast. Nolan works out what happened with Piper all those years ago when she pushed him away. But will Shane’s request for help from Piper be the turning point for Piper to heal after all this time? Will Nalani and Shane, and Piper and Nolan recover to have their happily ever after? You have to read to find out and know that your emotions will be all over the place.
This book had me feeling all the emotions, so much so that it has taken me a couple of days to process it to be able to write the review. The story revolves around two couples, Piper and Nolan and Nalani and Shane. If you have read Black Light Valentine Roulette you will recognize Piper and Nolan since that is where their story started. Be warned that there are some possible triggers for those who struggle with things like rape and sexual assault.
Black Light is one of my favorite series for so many reasons, but the top one is probably the character development. Ms. Grant makes her characters real by giving them faults, insecurities, fears, desires, and longing for things they don’t always feel they deserve. Very few of her characters are all bad or all good, even though there are some people I wanted to throat punch in this one. The romances between her characters are also very believable and all the ups and downs associated with those romances are spread out before the reader which helps the reader become emotionally attached. Mixed in with all the passion and drama are moments that will make you smile or even giggle, and leave the reader with a huge smile when they all reach their HEA. These stories tugged at my heartstrings more than some of the others, but I loved it just as much as I have loved all the other books.
Two intertwining love stories that I could not put down once I started. The sexy alphas Nolan and Shane made my heart flutter and hormones race. Piper and Nalani made me envious of their strength to persevere after the most horrific assault. The two couples together help each other thru the hard times, and help lead the way for all to be happy .
Great! Two stories in one. We get to find out about Nolan and Piper from a BL Roulette book.
It starts with Nalani, who works at Runway/Black Light cleaning. She hears something and breaks into a room with no announcement to find Henry Ainsworth having “fun” with a female. Anisworth then tries to commandeer her in his “fun”. She runs out the room straight into Shane Covington’s arms. He is attracted to Nalani. They start to play together, but she has doubts about him. Ainsworth confronts her again but she gets away and she tells what he was about to do to her. He gets arrested but gets out and away. She shows up at her apartment and brutally beats and rapes her. Shane knows something is wrong. They head over to find Nalani a bloody mess. Nalani has a long period to get back to herself. All her friends at Black Light help her on this hard journey.
Meanwhile, Nolan tries to get back with Piper. Piper has issues but slowly lets him in to a certain extent. Piper finds out about what happened to Nalani by seeing it on TV. She freaks out just when Nolan thought they were getting somewhere. She leaves, not wanting to be found. Piper thinks long and hard about her life and why she keeps running instead of facing the truth. She’s tired of running away and makes a decision to come clean at a news conference that’s being held with an update on how the case against Ainsworth is proceeding. Nolan and Shane, plus others are there for support. Nolan had figured out what freaked out Piper. He holds back and lets Piper get it all out. He’s so proud of her. From her revelations, Aimsworth is done for. Nalani is going to leave her job and friends at Black Light because she thinks it’s best for everyone especially for Shane. But than she realizes they are the family she always wanted. Shane starts to push er again and that is what she has missed from him. Can they have a HEA with all that’s happened? Awesome story and ending!!