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The Sensational Stanton Sisters #1
A Hint of Scandal
Notorious socialite in over her head? Olivia Stanton's name has been synonymous with scandal-every bad choice scrutinized in the headlines--but she's finally getting herself together. That is, until her twin sister disappears right before her wedding and Olivia's needed to stand in--as the bride!
Alexander King's ruthless determination for perfection is world renowned and he'll make Olivia pay for her latest stunt--by enforcing their marriage vows! He expects her to be the model wife in public. And in private? With her feisty attitude and his strong will, it won't be long before the tension between them reaches boiling point!
Alexander King's ruthless determination for perfection is world renowned and he'll make Olivia pay for her latest stunt--by enforcing their marriage vows! He expects her to be the model wife in public. And in private? With her feisty attitude and his strong will, it won't be long before the tension between them reaches boiling point!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
48 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Tara Pammi
508 books196 followersTara Pammi can't remember a moment when she wasn't lost in a book, especially a romance which, for a teenager, was much more exciting than mathematics textbook. Before long, she was hiding romance novels within bigger textbooks, smuggling them into the home through her unsuspecting younger cousin’s school bag, and cycling more than a few miles to her favorite library to borrow more.
Through numerous ‘true’ loves :-) and traveling thousands of miles from family and friends, her attachment to books and especially romance novels stayed constant.
One fine day, toiling away as a grad student in a basement lab, Tara started typing the beginning of a story instead of her thesis. But it wasn’t until years later, encouraged by her real life hero, Tara realized what she truly wanted to do was to write.
Tara lives in Texas with her real life hero and her two little girls. When she isn't writing or reading, Tara can be found failing in the kitchen, watching TV or making resolutions to exercise more, or even a little.
Through numerous ‘true’ loves :-) and traveling thousands of miles from family and friends, her attachment to books and especially romance novels stayed constant.
One fine day, toiling away as a grad student in a basement lab, Tara started typing the beginning of a story instead of her thesis. But it wasn’t until years later, encouraged by her real life hero, Tara realized what she truly wanted to do was to write.
Tara lives in Texas with her real life hero and her two little girls. When she isn't writing or reading, Tara can be found failing in the kitchen, watching TV or making resolutions to exercise more, or even a little.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 12, 2015
I think I will stay away from new Harlequin authors.
September 17, 2013
This is TP's debut book. She is a great storyteller, her writing is powerful and compelling. The story is cliched but well-written. The characters are flawed but well- developed.
But to be honest, I have mixed feelings about this book. I like the heroine Olivia but I dislike her past (as a rebellious teen she made lots of bad choices just to get the attention of her bully father, including having an affair with a married man) I like how she tries to rise above her past mistakes but I hate how the paparazzi - and by consequence everyone - still picture her. Even the hero Alex : he sees Olivia as the embodiment of everything he despised in a woman—selfish, impulsive and scandalous. And he treats her abominably, always throwing insults in her face and making arrogant assumptions.
Alex had a miserable childhood with two self-centered parents. Being the son of a famous Hollywood couple, his life has always been splashed all over the tabloids : his parents quarrels, his fight for his sister's custody. That's why he hates even a hint of scandal. He needs the perfect wife and he found her in Kim, Olivia's perfect twin. she is successful and sophisticated, with an unblemished reputation and respectability. In other terms, she is the perfect role model for his sister. But he ends up with the imperfect twin Olivia.
Alex has shut himself off emotionally but since he has met Olivia his control has been tested to its limits. From the very beginning, the attraction is strong and earthshaking. She makes him feel again , she borrows under his skin and turns every arrogant assumption of his into dust. As he gets to know her, he discovers that she is caring, loving and working hard to find her place in the world.
But to be honest, I have mixed feelings about this book. I like the heroine Olivia but I dislike her past (as a rebellious teen she made lots of bad choices just to get the attention of her bully father, including having an affair with a married man) I like how she tries to rise above her past mistakes but I hate how the paparazzi - and by consequence everyone - still picture her. Even the hero Alex : he sees Olivia as the embodiment of everything he despised in a woman—selfish, impulsive and scandalous. And he treats her abominably, always throwing insults in her face and making arrogant assumptions.
Alex had a miserable childhood with two self-centered parents. Being the son of a famous Hollywood couple, his life has always been splashed all over the tabloids : his parents quarrels, his fight for his sister's custody. That's why he hates even a hint of scandal. He needs the perfect wife and he found her in Kim, Olivia's perfect twin. she is successful and sophisticated, with an unblemished reputation and respectability. In other terms, she is the perfect role model for his sister. But he ends up with the imperfect twin Olivia.
Alex has shut himself off emotionally but since he has met Olivia his control has been tested to its limits. From the very beginning, the attraction is strong and earthshaking. She makes him feel again , she borrows under his skin and turns every arrogant assumption of his into dust. As he gets to know her, he discovers that she is caring, loving and working hard to find her place in the world.
October 12, 2014
So well written...can't believe this was a debut. The hero and heroine are both flawed but real, and their flaws are well tied to their pasts. They both grow and the author actually illustrates the development of their feelings for each other as well as understanding of, and admiration for, each other. So tired of insta love and magic pens overcoming all morality. Some reviewers thought hero and heroine were too intimate before the truth about her sister came out but I saw her morality cause heroine to fight her desire and appreciated that. So many HPs equate lack of desire with virtue...for me character and virtue is fighting desire, not holding off because you are unnatural and feel no desire until hero (whom you know you're in love with because you desire him even though he treats you like dog poop).
October 16, 2014
3.5 stars
How far would you go to protect your twin, the only person who loved you unconditionally and stood by you side through out the many scandals in your past? Well, the answer is to pretend to be your twin and get married in her name. Still, a great story with likable characters.
How far would you go to protect your twin, the only person who loved you unconditionally and stood by you side through out the many scandals in your past? Well, the answer is to pretend to be your twin and get married in her name. Still, a great story with likable characters.
September 2, 2013
LOVED THIS SOOOOOO MUCH!!! What an EXCELLENT HP debut, Tara Pammi!!! My only SLIGHT peeve, was that I didn't think Alex grovelled enough... but, OH the EMOTIONS and the SMEX *GRIN*... I CANNOT WAIT for Kim's story next!!!
April 16, 2016
4.5
I've been reading a lot of HQN Presents for the HQN Presents (Group) Bingo Challenge here on Goodreads and I started to get burned out on the same melodrama and everything else within those books. I decided to give this one a try and was pleasantly surprised!
I really liked it. It felt more real to me. I can't really explain it, but the characters felt more human, less standard stock characters. There's drama, but not overly melodramatic and not of the Big Misunderstanding or Secret Baby sort. I thought the delay with sex made sense given the situation and it was a bit hotter than some of the other HQN Presents I've read recently.
I'll be reading the second book when it comes out. And I'll be looking out for this new author. If this book is an indication of her brand of Presents writing, I see promise. It's a nice, refreshing change from the others (not that there's anything wrong with the staple authors, just that it's nice to see new blood and stories from time to time to keep things fresh).
I've been reading a lot of HQN Presents for the HQN Presents (Group) Bingo Challenge here on Goodreads and I started to get burned out on the same melodrama and everything else within those books. I decided to give this one a try and was pleasantly surprised!
I really liked it. It felt more real to me. I can't really explain it, but the characters felt more human, less standard stock characters. There's drama, but not overly melodramatic and not of the Big Misunderstanding or Secret Baby sort. I thought the delay with sex made sense given the situation and it was a bit hotter than some of the other HQN Presents I've read recently.
I'll be reading the second book when it comes out. And I'll be looking out for this new author. If this book is an indication of her brand of Presents writing, I see promise. It's a nice, refreshing change from the others (not that there's anything wrong with the staple authors, just that it's nice to see new blood and stories from time to time to keep things fresh).
October 7, 2013
Olivia Stanton stands in for her sister and 'marries' Alex King.
Not sure how someone wouldn't recognize some kind of differences before the wedding. Or why Olivia would have even attempted it. The interaction between them before they know Kim isn't coming back, degrades them both. For me, the integrity of both is in question.
Not a highly recommendable book.
Not sure how someone wouldn't recognize some kind of differences before the wedding. Or why Olivia would have even attempted it. The interaction between them before they know Kim isn't coming back, degrades them both. For me, the integrity of both is in question.
Not a highly recommendable book.
October 19, 2018
Very intense story from start to finish . To feel what Olivia and Alexander were thinking and feeling throughout the story was a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. I was confused about why
September 18, 2013
Have this because of Harlequin Presents subscription but won't finish.
Read a bit of the beginning and did not like the heroine instantly.
Impersonating her sister on her sisters wedding day and being snarky to the hero- hate.
I won't even finish the chapter.
Read a bit of the beginning and did not like the heroine instantly.
Impersonating her sister on her sisters wedding day and being snarky to the hero- hate.
I won't even finish the chapter.
September 9, 2013
I thought this was a really good story for the author's first book. Olivia got a bad reputation that was really over blown. She might've done some outrageous things but she wasn't the feather brained wild child everyone thought she was. And Alexander King who wanted everything so neat, ordered and perfect had a life that was anything but (ironic that Kim, Olivia's twin and fiancee was secretly married and he never knew yet she was the perfect choice and that there was a big scandal with his mom and sister). His arrogance and attitude towards Olivia rankled and because he was such an ass towards her at times, definitely should've done a lot more to earn forgiveness. I'm curious to read her follow up book to this series. Looks like picture perfect Kim will be getting embroiled in a lot of scandal of her own!
October 23, 2014
3 out of 5 stars is what I gave this book. It had a nice story but I felt like their was something missing in this story. I really didn't feel that interested in the characters that but I really like the plot and how it all played out. I mean I would never even think about stepping in for my twin sister at her wedding. Not that I even have a twin, but just staying. I'll read the other sisters story and rate that one too.
September 15, 2013
Absolutely fantastic! 5 Well deserved stars!
Great dialogue, great characters and wonderful setting!
Cliched plot but it was so well written that I din't mind at all!
And I loved the heroine! She's feisty, self-dependent and so strong!
This is so totally my kinda book!
Great dialogue, great characters and wonderful setting!
Cliched plot but it was so well written that I din't mind at all!
And I loved the heroine! She's feisty, self-dependent and so strong!
This is so totally my kinda book!
July 15, 2018
Olivia stands in as the bride for her sister Kim.
April 12, 2015
Note: I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads; however, this has not biased my review of this book.
I've never read any novels from Harlequin before now. However, this little book - written by a lady with a passion for the Mills & Boon collection - has certainly perked my curiosity about this romance company.
A Hint of Scandal is steamy, light-hearted, wonderful little popcorn novel. The characters are amusing and the plot is a fun romp through decadent society, conflicting characters and a lot of sexual heat. The lead female is intelligent and not well understood, but thankfully is independent and strong in her own right. The male, while slightly obnoxious at times, was one that grew on me - to the point where I was keenly vouching for him as the novel progressed.
I should mention that (while is an enjoyable read) it is not high class literature. There are a fair few clichés thrown in and the story is character driven, not plot driven – the plot is mainly there for humour and direction for the romance. If you prefer an intricate storyline filled with twists and turns, this may not be your first choice. Beyond that, A Hint of Scandal was fairly well written for a light-read - there were a few odd word choices here and there, however, the writing was more sophisticated than some in this genre: it managed to remain erotic without becoming trashy and emotional without spelling-out every character’s feelings.
While not flawless (though really, what is?), this is a scrumptious debut from a young romance author - I'm excited to see where the future of writing takes her!
I've never read any novels from Harlequin before now. However, this little book - written by a lady with a passion for the Mills & Boon collection - has certainly perked my curiosity about this romance company.
A Hint of Scandal is steamy, light-hearted, wonderful little popcorn novel. The characters are amusing and the plot is a fun romp through decadent society, conflicting characters and a lot of sexual heat. The lead female is intelligent and not well understood, but thankfully is independent and strong in her own right. The male, while slightly obnoxious at times, was one that grew on me - to the point where I was keenly vouching for him as the novel progressed.
I should mention that (while is an enjoyable read) it is not high class literature. There are a fair few clichés thrown in and the story is character driven, not plot driven – the plot is mainly there for humour and direction for the romance. If you prefer an intricate storyline filled with twists and turns, this may not be your first choice. Beyond that, A Hint of Scandal was fairly well written for a light-read - there were a few odd word choices here and there, however, the writing was more sophisticated than some in this genre: it managed to remain erotic without becoming trashy and emotional without spelling-out every character’s feelings.
While not flawless (though really, what is?), this is a scrumptious debut from a young romance author - I'm excited to see where the future of writing takes her!
October 14, 2013
A Hint of Scandal is the debut novel of Tara Pammi for Harlequin presents and is the first book in the duet The Sensational Stanton Sisters Series.
Scandal follows Olivia Santon everywhere she goes and she has made many scandal inducing bad choices in her life but she is finally getting herself back together when her sister, Kimberly Stanton does a runner at her own wedding and she has to save the day by taking her sister’s place at the wedding as the bride. Nobody knows about the bride exchange apart from the two sisters and Olivia manages to fool everyone till the wedding gets over. But soon her actions give her away and the groom realizes he has just married the wrong Stanton sister. Read More
Scandal follows Olivia Santon everywhere she goes and she has made many scandal inducing bad choices in her life but she is finally getting herself back together when her sister, Kimberly Stanton does a runner at her own wedding and she has to save the day by taking her sister’s place at the wedding as the bride. Nobody knows about the bride exchange apart from the two sisters and Olivia manages to fool everyone till the wedding gets over. But soon her actions give her away and the groom realizes he has just married the wrong Stanton sister. Read More
June 4, 2021
Notorious socialite in over her head? Olivia Stanton's name has been synonymous with scandal-every bad choice scrutinized in the headlines--but she's finally getting herself together. That is, until her twin sister disappears right before her wedding and Olivia's needed to stand in--as the bride!
Alexander King's ruthless determination for perfection is world renowned and he'll make Olivia pay for her latest stunt--by enforcing their marriage vows! He expects her to be the model wife in public. And in private? With her feisty attitude and his strong will, it won't be long before the tension between them reaches boiling point!
Alexander King's ruthless determination for perfection is world renowned and he'll make Olivia pay for her latest stunt--by enforcing their marriage vows! He expects her to be the model wife in public. And in private? With her feisty attitude and his strong will, it won't be long before the tension between them reaches boiling point!
June 8, 2014
I enjoyed this book. At first I was not sure I would. I could not fathom why Olivia would stand in for her sister and was a bit turned off by that, then insight was given as to why she would do that . After that I really got into the book. All in all it was a good read. The story shows that no one is perfect no matter how hard they try to be. Mistakes can be made and overcome / forgiven and second chances do exist.
December 30, 2014
I give this 3.5 stars....
Oh my gosh talk about falling and getting back on your feet again! This heroine was very inspirational. She let her failures become her fuel, became a stronger person because of it, stuck up for herself and what she really deserved....AND FOR THAT SHE DESERVES HER HAPPILY EVER AFTER! WHEW OH MY GOSH TALK ABOUT TUGGING ON MY HEARTSTRINGS. Man she received so many insults and wrong doings and I loved her for that.
Oh my gosh talk about falling and getting back on your feet again! This heroine was very inspirational. She let her failures become her fuel, became a stronger person because of it, stuck up for herself and what she really deserved....AND FOR THAT SHE DESERVES HER HAPPILY EVER AFTER! WHEW OH MY GOSH TALK ABOUT TUGGING ON MY HEARTSTRINGS. Man she received so many insults and wrong doings and I loved her for that.
December 19, 2013
I loved this book! What a wonderful debut for Tara. I was hooked from the opening scene with the wedding switch and couldn't put it down from then on. Pammi's writing style is flowy and beautiful and wonderfully descriptive. Her hero, Alexander, is to die for. And Olivia is a heroine I could root for and love. On to Kim's story :)
Read
December 29, 2014"Pammi's debut is an emotional roller-coaster ride and volatile page-turner. Her characters shine in their angst-filled roles while her smooth flowing narrative paints beautiful landscapes and amazing, earthy, sensual and sheet-burning love scenes." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: The Sensational Stanton Sisters
Miniseries: The Sensational Stanton Sisters
January 30, 2014
This was a great debut. I really like Tara Pammi's style of writing, it reminds me a little of another new M&B author who I've stared to look out for too. My only small issue was that it took me a while to warm to the characters and I can't stay I ever fell completely head over heels for Alex but I will definitely pick up Kim's story next.
December 11, 2013
Tara Pammi makes a stunning debut with A Hint of Scandal. A sexy heroine, an alpha hero, and loads of steamy scenes -- what's not to love! But the highlight of this M&B is its unusual and flawed heroine, Olivia Stanton. Look forward to reading more from Tara.
September 30, 2013
I'm thinking 4.5 stars. I thought the whole thing with one twin asking her sister to step in on the morning of the wedding a bit far fetched but once the story got going between the h/h, I really enjoyed it.
October 20, 2013
I haven't read a "Bills and Moon" for a while but wanted a quick easy read. Really enjoyed it, a lot better than many. Then I saw it was her debut story so had to write a quick note to say congratulations on a great story, I will be getting the next in the duet.
August 6, 2016
i was one of the lucky ones who got the book through goodreads giveaway!
i like the story, it's not slow, i just think the beginning could be better, i mean one sister asks another to marry her man? And the way the sisters are described it's a bit of a cliché of the opposites.
i like the story, it's not slow, i just think the beginning could be better, i mean one sister asks another to marry her man? And the way the sisters are described it's a bit of a cliché of the opposites.
December 29, 2013
I had the privilege of reading some of Tara's prepublished work. I knew then she had something special, but this debut totally exceeded my expectations. It's fresh and different and incredibly sexy! A brilliant beginning to her career.
October 9, 2015
Un échange de places entre jumelles le jour du mariage de l'une d'entre elles, pourquoi pas? Mais les personnages sont trop stéréotypés (la bonne/mauvaise jumelle) et le héros n'assume pas de tomber amoureux de la supposée sulfureuse jumelle, ce qui, à terme, devient agaçant.
October 31, 2013
Didn't like this book at all. So happy I got it from my library instead. Heroine had a past I didn't like
November 19, 2013
New author, trying to 'feel' the rhythm of her writing, finding her writing style so-so and sometimes choppy. Will read the companion book, her twin's story, but not sure if I'll buy future releases.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews