Scandalous

by Victoria Christopher Murray

Before she was a minister's wife, she was Jasmine Cox, the most prized dancer at Foxtails. Newly engaged to her high school sweetheart, Kenny Larson, Jasmine knows it's time to leave her secret life behind and settle down. But on the night of her bachelorette party, she meets Roman and their lust-at-first-sight tells Jasmine this man is nothing but bad news. Built like a god yet sinful as dark chocolate, Roman ignites a passion in Jasmine that has long since fizzled out between her and Kenny. When a mindblowing one night stand with Roman turns into another...then another...Jasmine must face the fact that she's full on addicted to a man who isn't her husband--and this secret can only lead to trouble.

A prequel to the Jasmine series, written with Victoria Christopher Murray's trademark twists and electrifying voice, SCANDALOUS is a thrilling peek into Jasmine's world before she becomes the woman we all love to hate.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Audiobook

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2012

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did not like this book at all, it was not typical Victoria book.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to this audio while driving. Review to follow: The main character, Jasmine Cox, has met her achilles heel in her lover, Roman "the chocolate bod" and his naughty antics. They say 'what's done in the dark will come to the light' via Jasmine, right? Well, I actually liked the way Roman's character is written and the actress, Patricia R. Floyd, who provided their voices was a perfect match. LOL... especially that male stripper's part, which tickled me. I mean, Roman read Jasmine and played her throughout this novel. Drop the mike Mr. Roman cause you're danger...IJS!!

I recommend this book (audio version/new fav) and gave it 5*****.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I have always liked the author and the characters she creates, I did not enjoy this book as much as the others. The premise is intriguing but about 20% into the book I wanted to stop reading. Unfortunately for me it was our book club selection so I had to read on. If you have read the other books that include Jasmine Cox Larsen then you will appreciate knowing more about her childhood and how she came to be as scandalous as she continues to be throughout the series. This is the story of her first love and marriage and her addiction to sex and luxury. However, the story is rushed and choppy. Still you hear in the narrative the usual wry humor of this author as Jasmine talks to herself in her head. Jasmine is being stalked by a one night stand who she met and had sex with the day before and the day after her wedding. The story follows her antics to shake this character all the way to its tragic end. Of course, Jasmine is as devious as usual but there are times when though her behavior is disgusting and "scandalous" you feel for her. You certainly do for her husband.

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible.

The narrator did a good job. The story had decent character and plot development. However, I was a bit thrown by the turn of events. The synopsis seemed to imply that there was an affair not a stalker situation. The story lulled in a lot of places and was a bit wordy, but it was a decent listen.

Jasmine is materialistic, shallow, cocky and selfish and the author does a good job of portraying it. I'm interested to see what will happen with the her actions and involvement with the "dancer."

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, I just prefer knowing all about the characters in a book before I learn of the dirt that contribute to there present standards of living. I've read all about Jasmine's dirt, and as sad as it may seem I'd conformed my own opinion of her. Good writing, but to me it wasn't worth going back far.

[Tawanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Victoria is one of my favorite authors. She is responsible for my love of Christian fiction books. However, I'm very disappointed with this book. The only positive aspect of this book is learning details on Jazmine's past.

[Shone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now we know the start of the story of the life of Jasmine . She has been a hot mess since she was born In the dictionary next to certain words I am sure there is a picture of Jasmine.

This was a re -read for an online book discussion.

[His Wife7474 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! Jasmine is a hot mess lol. Most everything she go she had coming. Notice I said "most". There is a moment in the book that is gut-wrenching; and, even though Jasmine's earlier actions led her to that moment (being in that place, at that time, with that person), she did not deserve what happened. But... it was true to life.

FYI- I was able to confirm with the author on Twitter the order of books in the Jasmine series-
Scandalous
Temptation
A Sin & Shame
Too Little, Too Late
Lady Jasmine
Sins of the Mother
Sinners & Saints
Friends & Foes
Fortune & Fame
Blessing & a Curse
Temptation: The Aftermath

Because I enjoyed the first book so much I WILL be reading the rest! In Sinners & Saints, Friends & Foes, Fortune & Fame, and Blessing & A Curse, Jasmine crosses paths with Rachel, a character from ReShonda Tate Billingsley's trilogy (Let the Church Say Amen/ Everybody Say Amen/ Say Amen, Again). Both these ladies are a mess and I can't wait to see what happen when they meet.

[K Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine is off the chain! I actually started reading about Jasmine backwards, however was glad to eventually read the first book. I had to know how and why Jasmine is the way that she is. Jasmine is Scandalous (hence, the book's name, lol) and did not appreciate her husband enough. I wonder whether Kenny found out how conniving and sex crazed she is? Victoria Christopher Murray is an amazing writer who knows how to build characters and tell a story. Additionally, I purchased all of the books about Jasmine and Rachel to find out more about their shenanigans.

[Elly Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Spicy! I thought as I started this audiobook, with a chuckle. I'd borrowed it without reading the intro, and found it looked like a romance, but not the run-of-the-mill romances I don't bother with. So I let it play. Definitely a steamy romance. Okay, it played. But, would that be all?
Nope. It wasn't long before I started to get a bad feeling . . .
Really enjoyed this story.
Good one!

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jasmine is a sex addict that needs serious help. She’s also a very materialistic and selfish woman but no woman deserves to be stalked and assaulted no matter what.

This book was so hard to finish. The story was empty and hollow. It does not match the other books in the Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series. Expect a few changes in the characters as far as their background as well.

[Bridget · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this book at all. I did try. As I click I'm finished, it just means that I'm finished trying to read it. I usually like work by this author, but I couldn't bring myself to continue with this read.

[Stephanie R Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good. I enjoyed learning more about Jasmine's earlier years. I didn't enjoy the narrator, too monotone, and no differentiating the characters. At times, I couldn't tell who was speaking. It was hard to follow.

[Kat Ferguson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering I'm a part of the culture of people being portrayed I have to say this is TRASH. I've never experienced this on any level in life nor via a friend. The depravity one has to have in their heart and mind to move through life this way must be stunning.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine was true trash when she was younger!

[Brandi Ahonsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've read other books that featured Jasmine's character so it was nice to learn of her beginnings.

[Jeniah Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable start to finish.

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading the Jasmine series. She's quite the little liar and manipulator.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!!

I felt the book had a really good plot... I just never felt that the story would proceed as it did... Quite a roller-coaster ride!!

[SweetDeeReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very engaging and I kept wondering, what next?

[Delwyn Campbell Sr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of my wife’s books. I think that a woman would find it relatable.

[Library Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I expected, although it was pretty predictable. I knew that Jasmine or someone in her circle was going to end up killing that dude.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name is perfect, Scandalous. Jasmine Cox Larson was just that. It's good to know her history as I read more about her later, esp. when she becomes the wife of a pastor. Thanks Victoria Christopher Murray. I love her books because there is a lesson to be learned.

[Tamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jasmine's ready for her Prince Charming to make an honest woman out of her. But on the eve of her wedding when she meets this deliciously delectable species, will her love for her fiance conquer her lust for another? Jasmine has alot of dirty little secrets that she wants to leave in the past, but will the past ruin her plans for the future?

This was insight to Jasmine before she stole a storyline and should give the readers a better understanding to her actions. It was a miss for me. I think I could have worked with what we already knew about her. There was no real revelations, just more dirt throwed on her already flawed character.

[Kimyatta Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Jasmine was a mess when I first met her in Temptation...and I still think she is a mess after reading every story about her including this one. Yes. I see how she got to be the way she is, but sister girl has problems! I must admit though, my favorite character was Roman...(well..most of the time...)...I especially loved seeing him. He was a gorgeous specimen! I enjoyed the book for the most part. It was short (which is usually my biggest complaint). I wanted Jasmine to have more of a soul though! But I guess you can't change who you are. And Jasmine is certainly who she is!

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Ex-stripper Jasmine Cox's life was on the road to change. She was engaged & soon to be married to her college sweetheart, Kenny. After meeting a male stripper named Roman at her bachelorette party, Jasmine makes mistakes that she soon regretted. I was even scared for her. After being harassed & violated by Roman, Jasmine decides to seek a friends assistance to help her with her problem. This was a suspenseful novel that kept me guessing what other injustices Roman would committ & if Jasmine's secret would be revealed to her husband.

[Billy-jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author style of writing has changed with this book. Usually I feel when reading her book there is more religious speaking but, that not the case in the book until the end of the book. With that being said this book leaves you thinking if you cheat on your love one there is consequences. As for the main character she was lucky to have someone to help get rid of her problem. In life we really don't have someone to get rid of our problem/mistake.

With that being said I really like this book.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read and I was glad to see how Jasmine was in her past. She was caught up in the wrong things. She let sex and money get her in over her head. There are lessons to be taught everyday. Always get to know people first. I'm glad her marriage was never ruined eventhough she made a huge mistake. Prayer is always the answer. I will definitely read more of Victoria Christopher Murray's novels...... January 26th, 2014.....

[Hyacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So now I know where Jasmine's story began. She was a piece of work from the beginning. I enjoyed the story, got a few chuckles and was even sorry for her a time or two because she just wouldn't learn. This book was probably more risque than most of Murray's other books but for me it was a good quick read.