Xander was my heaven, filling me with life.After surviving my worst nightmare, Xander proved to be my hero once again, shielding me the best he could. Our peace is cut short, brutally destroyed when a vicious killer strikes too close to home, revealing devastating secrets that should have remained forever buried. Sin was my hell, his desertion complete.Cutting me out of his life with the cruelest … complete.
Cutting me out of his life with the cruelest words possible, Sin left me broken, my heart shattered in pieces. After weeks without him, his unexpected reappearance catapults me into a tailspin, torn between the fierce desire that never seems to diminish and my inability to trust him again.
I still wanted both but could only have one.
Ultimately, finding justice had destroyed us all, inciting a violent war in which there could be no winner. Two men, one accused of murder, the other seeming just as guilty, both withholding the truth. Caught between them, I was forced to choose, a heartbreaking decision that, in the end, was sure to ruin me.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This book is intended for mature audiences due to explicit language and sexual content. Scandalous is a ménage romance that’s all about the girl. There are NO M/M scenes. Scandalous ends in a cliffhanger.
The Sinful Surrender Quartet should be read in the following order:
Sinful (Available)
Sensuous (Available Now)
Scandalous (This Title)
Shameless (Coming Soon)
more
Crime, mystery, and scandalous romance. It’s Hot!
Just when I thought the great crime part of the story was over when Belle learned who killed her parents, I find out that there is more involved. The writer, Katherine Hawthorne does such an awesome job of making these terrific crime/mystery books with great romances as well as scorching love scenes.
Most romance books have some storyline to tie it all together. Mystery, thriller or suspense novels have a romance thrown in, but you rarely find truly good stories like this which includes hot steamy romances, especially between three characters. There are enough sexy scenes to keep a reader who likes that stuff awfully happy. More than that though, the crimes, detective work, lies, mystery and suspense is pretty great. I have been enthralled throughout these three books.
In this book, there is a murder and Belle is not sure if Xander and/or Sin committed the crime. They often keep her in the dark about things “for her own protection”, which is stupid on their part because she always finds out and usually she ends up endangering herself more because she sets out to find the answers on her own. But that’s one thing I really like about her.
Sometimes she seems to fall in to their demands a bit too easily. Though If you look back at it later you can sort of see that when she does that it is because she really wants to anyway. When she wants to do something that they don’t want her to do, she goes ahead and does it when they aren’t around to stop her. Though in this book Xander and Sin put her in an awful position because they are both so jealous of each other and want her for their own. So they force her to make a choice.
I have to admit it’s kinda fun watching her torment, going between one and the other. Like I said in the last review, she was pissing me off with the way she always would choose Xander and hurt Sin whenever she did that. I was hating her and Xander and feeling bad for Sin. But in this book we get to see more of how Xander actually feels about her. So I was starting to feel more for him also. Belle was more tormented but also stronger in this book and she was more likable as well.
Xander seems to hold a lot inside, he is such a mystery man. Not only because of his secret Government job, whether it is as an assassin or spy. But a lot more came out about his background in this book. Again, I can’t wait to start the next book. Of course there was another humongous cliffhanger!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
~Riveting page-turner of a series – one more to go~
—>>> Wow. This installment could not be more intense, in fact, so much happens that the events will keep you gripping your reader until you get to the end. The tug of war between two men who are desperate for Belle’s affections continue, and the chemistry is even more sizzling between them as they each claim her for themselves, only to lose what footing they have when the next twist unravels, knocking them all for a loop. Elements of trust, betrayal, suspense and drama will play out, giving you some answers, while jacking up the angst between them all. This cliffhanger is the most exciting thus far!
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. OMFG! This book is so freaking great. So much action, drama, suspense, heat, sexy scenes, great storyline with awesome characters. My heart broke at the end, tears falling!
I just hate waiting for the next book!
Scandals Galore!
The mystery, suspense and over plot of the story continues to get better. Every time we think we’re getting somewhere, another clue is discovered.
What caused the loss of a star after rating the first two 4 stars, is the actual couple (trio). I like angsty reads just like anyone else, graveling and the push and pull, but they are not growing as group or even as individuals. I often find myself skipping what used to be steamy scenes due to repetition.
I will continue onto the final book, like I said I am enjoying the actual storying.
What’s better than Dual POV read Audiobook? Three narrators. Lacy Laurel, Connor Crais, and James Cassidy all do an amazing job playing their respective parts.
Audio ARC provided and I decided to leave an honest review.
This series gets better and better with every book. It’s thrilling and exciting and captivating. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Still a lot of secrets………some being kept while others are found out
And the story continues in Scandalous, the third book in the Sinful Surrender Quartet series. This is not a stand-alone series, the books must be read in order otherwise you will be lost.
The love triangle between Belle, Sin and Xander continues in this book which picks up where the previous ended. Their relationships are still not what you would call healthy, as there are lots of secrets, half truths and manipulation. But the story-line is still suspenseful as the mysteries continue. There are a couple twists in the journey that add more intrigue. They do have some steamy hot chemistry though so there is that. But the character development is still lacking to me and I would like to knock all three of them upside the head a few times.
As with the previous books Scandalous ends in a cliffhanger so on to the last book, and hopefully getting the answers we need.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Read the whole set. Recommend
4.5 Stars Emotional, and twisted!
This is the third book in the Sinful Surrender Quartet, and the continuation of Xander, Sin, and Belle’s story. This book picks up, right were book 2, Sensuous ends, and the whirlwind of their story, just keeps on spinning. The web of secrets, that surround Belle are starting to be revealed, leaving her unable to trust anyone. This was an amazing read, full of drama, emotion, suspense, mystery, action, and hot steamy scenes. The characters are well written, and the chemistry is intense, and explosive. This story reached into my heart, and soul, and kept me on the edge on my seat. I highly recommend this series, and can’t wait to read the next book! 4.5 Stars
This series gets better with each addition. Volume three while it gives us more of what we have seen in the first two, gives it in a way that is fresh and keeps we the readers in its firm grasp. Warning, there is a major league cliffhanger at then end. But remember, the best part of a great series is the journey and this journey is wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anxiety is at its highest level while also being suspenseful & exciting! I was at the edge of my seat & couldn’t put this book down! Lots of action going on in this book but you can’t forget the heat!!!! Must read!!!
Buckle in readers as this is book three in the quartet. This books.continues with the tradition of sexy hotness and suspense that the books so far have offered. However, this one has some twists that I am not sure can be untwisted. I tell you I shed some tears with this one as some things cannot be unsaid or undone bit can they be worked through and worked past?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I cannot wait to read their conclusion!
This is book 3 and books 1 and 2 MUST BE READ FIRST! This picks up directly after the cliffhanger of book 2 and Boy Howdy did it make my chest tighten up! The emotions in this one are so strong you might be tempted to throw your e- reader. On top of all that there is still the action and suspense found in 1 & 2. Belle, Sin and Xander leave us on a cliffhanger once again and I cannot wait to read their conclusion!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With this book the alphaness seemed tenderer, more emotional, kinder than the previous book. I felt more in love with the two male protagonists this time. I realize they still have their moments of over the top (for me) alphaness but they still show better, softer, more affectionate, loving sides to their individual selves. That is what I crave in an “alpha” male as I love the male protagonist to have a heart, vulnerabilities, emotions he is in touch with, not barking out orders to submit or tell the female protagonist that she is his and taking away her autonomy, freedom, liberty at the same time. I honestly still must fight the hate to love, love to hate dynamic but I’ve warmed up to the characters more as I see them fully rounded out and show the full gamut of existence, feeling, motivations. It takes this third book for me to feel like I know Sin and Xander enough to see them three-hundred and sixty degrees as whole beings. And yet the book enthralls me with its character and plot arcs and intensity.
It’s difficult for me to fully love and appreciate the entire intimate dynamic at first because it seems to lust focused with little desire but to control Belle and make her come undone at the hands, and other body parts, of Sin and Xander. By this book I can see love come out and it makes me fall in love with the protagonists so much more than in the previous two books. That vulnerability of thinking about and needing love by the two men and the craving by Belle to love without bound someone who loves her fully and without reserve or question, that is what endears me to an alpha and his girl.
I had to see the softer side of the Xander and Sin. If they hadn’t rounded out by this book I’d not feel attached to them at all after so much time and emotion invested into them. I really, really wanted to feel attachment. Being patient for this book to be read gave me what I needed. The arcing plotlines and the subplots move the story along as something much deeper and both sinful and virtuous ways. It took the plots and the powerful intimacy until the third book, from my personal point of view, to really, fully blend together in harmony.
This book makes me feel what I’ve been craving, true, potent, soul-filling love in the relationships. Hawthorne makes me “feel” in her work things that I don’t usually feel with I read another author’s work. That takes writer magic right there. It is so very well written.
With this book the alphaness seemed tenderer, more emotional, kinder than the previous book. I felt more in love with the two male protagonists this time. I realize they still have their moments of over the top (for me) alphaness but they still show better, softer, more affectionate, loving sides to their individual selves. That is what I crave in an “alpha” male as I love the male protagonist to have a heart, vulnerabilities, emotions he is in touch with, not barking out orders to submit or tell the female protagonist that she is his and taking away her autonomy, freedom, liberty at the same time. I honestly still must fight the hate to love, love to hate dynamic but I’ve warmed up to the characters more as I see them fully rounded out and show the full gamut of existence, feeling, motivations. It takes this third book for me to feel like I know Sin and Xander enough to see them three-hundred and sixty degrees as whole beings. And yet the book enthralls me with its character and plot arcs and intensity.
It’s difficult for me to fully love and appreciate the entire intimate dynamic at first because it seems to lust focused with little desire but to control Belle and make her come undone at the hands, and other body parts, of Sin and Xander. By this book I can see love come out and it makes me fall in love with the protagonists so much more than in the previous two books. That vulnerability of thinking about and needing love by the two men and the craving by Belle to love without bound someone who loves her fully and without reserve or question, that is what endears me to an alpha and his girl.
I had to see the softer side of the Xander and Sin. If they hadn’t rounded out by this book I’d not feel attached to them at all after so much time and emotion invested into them. I really, really wanted to feel attachment. Being patient for this book to be read gave me what I needed. The arcing plotlines and the subplots move the story along as something much deeper and both sinful and virtuous ways. It took the plots and the powerful intimacy until the third book, from my personal point of view, to really, fully blend together in harmony.
This book makes me feel what I’ve been craving, true, potent, soul-filling love in the relationships. Hawthorne makes me “feel” in her work things that I don’t usually feel with I read another author’s work. That takes writer magic right there. It is so very well written.
This was so delicious, mouth watering good. Characters, scenes, settings, steam. So yummy. So very yummy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Outstanding!
This series gets better and better with each book. There is so much drama the character’s world seems to be falling apart and it is written so well that you will get lost in the story, but then there is a cliffhanger and you almost want to pull out your hair. I can only thank heaven that I have all four books trying to wait for an installment would have been hell. Expect dark and intense in this installment it is so good. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Wow, I could not even put this book down. I so love this entire series with the betrayal, lies and deceit. I’m still team Sin in this entire series and I am wanting to get to the ending to see what the end results would look like. Xander was just too good to be true for me. Now I am looking for the next book. This author will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I would recommend this series for others to read.
10 OUT OF THIS WORLD STARS FOR SCANDALOUS
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review …
Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way ….
Scandalous is Book #3 in this series & not a standalone – highly recommend reading in this order :
Sinful – Book 1
Sensuous – Book 2
WOW this series has been amazing & Scandalous is no exception !!
I read in a 24 hour period & would classify this one as well as all in the series “Just can’t put this book down “ & I should have learned by now I will be up reading into the early hours of the morning anything Katherine Hawthorne writes …
This book gets a Night Award from me – it’s just that good …
Where to start …
This book starts off where Sensuous leaves off & without giving anything away we find out not only what happened to Belle’s parents but how both Sin & Xander are involved & impacted …
There are a number of major plot twists & at times especially the last few Chapters I was anxiously reading word for word to find out what happens …
This story has intrigue / suspense & a great story line !!!
Characters are OFF THE CHARTS together so much so that I can’t see any way that all (3) are not going to find a way to be together !
I rarely get this emotional when reading but this book had me feeling like my heart was being pulled out of my chest – so much angst – & for me there can only be hopefully / fingers crossed one ending !
Highly recommend this book & PLEASE start with Book One / read the entire series – you will not be disappointed….
SO GOOD rating should be well over 5 Sinfully – Sensuous & Scandalous Stars !!!!!
Omg book three is just as phenomenal as the other two. Belle is still for answers when another body shows up, xander and sin are in a war for belle’s heart and love. Who will win it? Will she pick or run and hide?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Could NOT put the book down. There are so many twists. I have not read all of the series so I am lost part of the time, but for the most can keep up with what’s going on. Maybe just not the whys of everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.