Reviews

Flirting with Scandal by Chanel Cleeton

bookdevouringmisfit's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

IDK. Skimmed this book to the highest level. I was really bored with this so I figured I would just skip to the sex scenes and those were really boring, too. The dirty talks weren't even sexy. They just made me cringe. *sigh* I'm feeling a little bit nicer today so I'm giving this two stars.

aralston08's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I received this book for free from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review:

I am a huge fan of Chanel Cleeton, being first introduced to her International School Series which is so fun! When I saw she was releasing a new series revolving around a high-profile political family I needed to get my hands on it.

Jackie Gardner is the illegitimate child of a powerful Senator and one of DC’s most infamous political mistresses. Since her father refuses to acknowledge her existence and her mother is always off on lavish vacations with her latest fling, Jackie is used to being independent. Determined to make her own way in the political world, Jackie takes an internship with one of the most respected consulting firms in the DC area. However, the secret of Jackie’s paternity has the potential to ruin her future career.

Will Clayton is an up and coming Senator candidate and one of DC’s most eligible bachelors. So eligible, in fact, that the political gossip blog Capital Confessions is fixated on making his love life their main focus. Will comes from a political family and is well aware of the pressure to find a suitable wife. However, Will isn’t really interested in marrying purely for political reasons.

When Jackie and Will meet at a bar one night, the attraction between them is intense.

"Why me?” His voice was quiet, but I saw the question in his eyes, could hear the confusion in his voice.
I could have given him a lot of answers. I could have teased him, flattered him. I could have evaded his question with little to no effort. Instead, I settled for honesty.
“Because when you touched me, I had to have more."


They end up back at Will’s house but before they can go any further Jackie sees a picture of Will and her father in the hallway. This turns Jackie’s blood cold when realization hits her: Will must be a politician. With her career just beginning and the sting of her father’s abandonment, Jackie has a strict hands-off policy when it comes to politicians.

The next day Jackie is recruited to work on an election campaign. Little does Jackie know, she’s already familiar with the candidate…intimately. In fact, approximately 12 hours ago she was standing in his hallway, half-naked. This puts both Jackie and Will in an awkward position. They agree to keep things professional. However, as time goes on and their attraction builds, they begin an illicit inter-office affair.

Will and Jackie begin a tumultuous relationship, one Jackie tries to convince herself is purely sexual. She builds walls around her heart but Will deftly chips away at them. Over time, the threat of their relationship and Jackie’s secret paternity being revealed puts strain on their relationship.

I loved Jackie and Will’s relationship. I’m not always a big fan of insta-lust but I felt that Cleeton wrote their relationship well. It was clear that while their relationship started out as pure attraction, they began to build a friendship, as well. At times I would get a little frustrated with Jackie’s wishy washy attitude towards Will. I understood that she was very young and had some attachment issues due to her parents’ neglect so it was easy for me to reconcile her behavior but it was soooo frustrating!

Will was equal parts sweet and sexy. One moment he would be utterly romantic and the next he was a dirty mouthed as can be. With Jackie, all his inhibitions flew out the window. Although he was clearly passionate about his political career, he was much more passionate about Jackie. She was the real deal for him and I’m glad he didn’t give up on her.

"First off, whoever told you sex was just physical wasn’t doing it right." Will cleared his throat. “I see beauty every time I look at you.”

I liked Jackie, I felt like she experienced all the normal feelings any 21 year old would face given her situation. She was under a lot of pressure. Pressure to succeed despite a father and mother who were less than supportive, pressure to make the right decisions when it came to her job and Will, and so on. Although she was really hot and cold with Will, I couldn’t really blame her. She was worried about their relationship being leaked and the ensuing scandal tarnishing Will’s career and destroying hers. I loved that she used her anger towards her parents to create a successful career for herself rather than letting it defeat her. Jackie definitely reminded me of a young Olivia Pope (Scandal), so if you’re into watching a strong-willed woman get things done, Jackie’s your kind of heroine.

The story line of this book was a breath of fresh air. There was enough drama and angst to keep me entertained without being overwhelming. I loved the idea of Capital Confessions being incorporated into the story…it was reminiscent of Gossip Girl (one of my guilty pleasures). All the sexual aspects of the story were well placed without making me feel like they were filler. I actually read the whole book in one sitting because it was so addicting!

I would recommend this book to someone looking for an NA that breaks the mold a little bit. While it is a bit predictable, in a sea of carbon copy heroes and heroines, I think Will and Jackie bring new light to the NA genre. The story is captivating from page one and is a fun and quick read. I cannot wait to read Playing With Trouble which revolves around Blair, Jackie’s half-sister.

Read this and other reviews at Teacups and Bookends Blog.

merkyr's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Loved this fun and sexy romance set in the DC political world.

brandece1's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I was excited for this book when I saw it because I loved the show Scandal and I was hoping for something along those lines. And as far as drama in the political world I did get exactly what I wanted. This was a quick read, full of drama, it was steamy, both MC were likable enough (although I did hate that the heroine was so dang young), and for it to be a political drama I would say that it's not very political. I feel like the author did a great job at making this a political book without saying that the characters were this political party or the other. There were a lot of things that took me out of the story but as a whole I enjoyed it and will eventually read the other two books in this series.

hijinx_abound's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Easy read.

sexyvixenreader's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I'm hooked Capital Confessions was a fun, sexy read. William Clayton is my new man crush. The characters were believable and the writing is excellent. The story keeps moving and I just couldn't put this book down until I finished.

erinarkin20's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Loved this one and didn't want to put it down.

yvireads's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

5 checkmotherfuckingmate Stars

I don't know what to say, I just love this book. I would've never picked it up, 'cause politics aren't really my thing. But after it was highly recommended to me, I gave it a try and I'm so lucky I did this.

This was such a wonderful story about love, lies and secrets.
And holy shit, I'm in awe with Jackie. She's smart, funny and can curse with the best. Really she's one of my all time favorite heroines. Jackie kicks ass, big time!
Will was great, too. I was immediately in love with him. First I thought he's sweet and maybe a little naïve. But he surprised me as well as Jackie. There's no denying, this guy knows what he wants and does everything to get it! Together they're a kick ass couple.

I just loved the book and start right away with the second. Can't wait for Blairs story.

amymargaret's review

Go to review page

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A

2.0

rini1310's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

2,8/5
It was one of those books that left me : awwww!!
Cuteness is present and steamy scenes make a pleasant romance story.