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Fifth Avenue Trilogy #2
Scandalize Me
Ten years ago one devastating night changed everything for Austin, Hunter and Alex. Now they must each play their part in the revenge against the one man who ruined it all.Hunter Talbot Grant III, sports figure du jour, wealthy beyond measure and disreputable by choice, has cultivated a reputation that masks the shadows of his past. When the opportunity to ensure financial destruction for Jason Treffen arises, he can't refuse. But first he must shake off the woman sent to tame him!
Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire, never fails to transform a tarnished star. And Hunter's no different. Except there's a catch. Beneath their scorching mutual attraction, Zoe has a secret - she's also been on the wrong side of Jason Treffen, and she has as much of a taste for revenge as Hunter does!
Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire, never fails to transform a tarnished star. And Hunter's no different. Except there's a catch. Beneath their scorching mutual attraction, Zoe has a secret - she's also been on the wrong side of Jason Treffen, and she has as much of a taste for revenge as Hunter does!
265 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2014
44 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Crews
1,119 books598 followersCaitlin Crews discovered her first romance novel at the age of twelve, in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates, grand adventures, a heroine with rustling skirts and a mind of her own, and a seriously mouthwatering and masterful hero. The book (the title of which remains lost in the mists of time) made a serious impression. Caitlin was immediately smitten with romances and romance heroes, to the detriment of her middle school social life. And so began her life-long love affair with romance novels, many of which she insists on keeping near her at all times, thus creating a fire hazard of love wherever she lives.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★! Scandalize Me, book 2 of 3. Trilogy follows three friends in their quest to avenge the death of a friend!
“Are you familiar with the concept of hate fuck?” he asked.
Books in trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: Avenge Me
Book 2: Scandalize Me
Book 3: Expose Me
Books in The Fifth Avenue trilogy are written by a different authors. Series follows three friends, Austin (book 1), Hunter (book 2) and Alex (book 3) in their quest for vengeance. Each book has a HEA with the hero and heroine carrying out their part in the revenge against the villain who appears in all three books.
In Scandalize Me (book 2) we meet Hunter Talbot Grant III ten years after his girlfriend committed suicide. His life has since spun out of control. Going against his blueblood family’s wishes he embarked on a career as a NFL quarterback, only to get himself fired due to his scandalous and reckless behavior.
Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire approaches Hunter about helping to repair his image and reputation. Though their chemistry is palpable, Hunter is a hard sell on the PR project. And so a game of cat-and-mouse begins with their sexual attraction hidden under constant bantering.
“I’m an acquired taste,” he agreed.
“That most people spit out?”
When secrets from their past are revealed it becomes clear that they have a common goal and enemy. Follow them in their quest for revenge against Jason Treffen, the father of Austin Treffen (book 1).
Seven words to describe Hunter Talbot Grant III: Noble, easy-going, reckless, broken, dominant, complex and jaded.
Seven words to describe Zoe Brook: Independent, focused, relentless, broken, difficult, conflicted and strong.
Story moves along at a pleasant pace, leaving Hunter and Zoe in a happy place, but leaving the door open for Alex to continue on with the revenge. His story is up next in book 3, Expose Me .
Swoon-worthy hero! Interesting plot concept! Fun bantering! Overall an enjoyable read!
“Nothing like a complete overreaction to prove that you’re not quite as cold as you’d like me to think, Zoe.”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2014
The revenge against Jason Treffen continues in this the second book of the Fifth avenue trilogy written by three different authors published by Harlequin. The common link between them all is Sarah who killed herself ten years ago by jumping off a building.
Hunter, Austin Avenge Me, Alex Expose Me and Sarah had been friends at university and remained friends after they all graduated. Hunter and Sarah had been in a relationship for a couple of years when suddenly she informed him it was over. Believing that she was with someone else he ignored her pleas for help and the guilt for that has played heavily on his mind and he has done everything he can to punish himself and to lead a miserable life, including getting himself kicked out of the football league.
Zoe Brook is a PR expect who has decided to turn Hunter’s image around, Hunter resists as he doesn’t consider himself worth redeeming but is worn down with Zoe’s persistence. What Hunter doesn’t realise is what Zoe wants is revenge. Sarah had been Zoe’s friend and she knew exactly what Sarah had been going through all those years ago as she had gone through the exactly the same thing. Believing that Hunter must have known what had been happening to Sarah and abandoning her or even worse was in league with Jason Teffern, the man she hated most in the world and was planning on using Hunter to help get that revenge.
I haven’t disclosed the exact nature of why Zoe wants revenge but let’s say this was not the usual subject matter we find in our Presents range from Harlequin and will not be everyone’s cuppa but it was mine!
A very good read!
ARC courtesy of Harlequin via Netgalley
Hunter, Austin Avenge Me, Alex Expose Me and Sarah had been friends at university and remained friends after they all graduated. Hunter and Sarah had been in a relationship for a couple of years when suddenly she informed him it was over. Believing that she was with someone else he ignored her pleas for help and the guilt for that has played heavily on his mind and he has done everything he can to punish himself and to lead a miserable life, including getting himself kicked out of the football league.
Zoe Brook is a PR expect who has decided to turn Hunter’s image around, Hunter resists as he doesn’t consider himself worth redeeming but is worn down with Zoe’s persistence. What Hunter doesn’t realise is what Zoe wants is revenge. Sarah had been Zoe’s friend and she knew exactly what Sarah had been going through all those years ago as she had gone through the exactly the same thing. Believing that Hunter must have known what had been happening to Sarah and abandoning her or even worse was in league with Jason Teffern, the man she hated most in the world and was planning on using Hunter to help get that revenge.
I haven’t disclosed the exact nature of why Zoe wants revenge but let’s say this was not the usual subject matter we find in our Presents range from Harlequin and will not be everyone’s cuppa but it was mine!
A very good read!
ARC courtesy of Harlequin via Netgalley
April 19, 2014
Argh! I don’t know why, but this author isn’t a good match for me.
While others are saying this is the best Presents book they’ve ever read, I’m thinking that there was too much in the way of internal monologue and description and nothing in the way of dialogue or action.
You’d have the hero ask a question, and then the heroine would think about her feelings for five pages before she responded. I had to keep going back and forth to remind myself what the question was!
This isn’t the first time I’ve had this reaction to this (very well-liked) author.
I guess it’s just me.
While others are saying this is the best Presents book they’ve ever read, I’m thinking that there was too much in the way of internal monologue and description and nothing in the way of dialogue or action.
You’d have the hero ask a question, and then the heroine would think about her feelings for five pages before she responded. I had to keep going back and forth to remind myself what the question was!
This isn’t the first time I’ve had this reaction to this (very well-liked) author.
I guess it’s just me.
July 5, 2014
Disclaimer: I received this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*May contain spoilers*
This is the second book in Fifth Avenue Trilogy by Caitlin Crews.
Similar to the first book in the trilogy, Avenge Me by Maisey Yates
, it was a fairly quick and easy read.
Still getting over a tragic accident that occurred some 10 years ago, Hunter has fallen into a destructive path wherein his career and personal relationships are at stake. Completely self-inflicted, he has no need to want better himself but to simply continue this downward spiral.
Zoe has created her own PR business where she takes hot messes like Hunter under her wing to try to salvage their public image. This time working pro bono for her own personal benefits, she approaches Hunter, extending a business proposal which leaves both of them benefiting in more ways than one.
Both parties here are personal victims of Jason Treffen's secret endeavors - directly and indirectly - and attempt to work together to bring down this socialite.
I think Crews does an excellent job at enabling the character development of both Hunter and Zoe in this novel. The chemistry between these two is mega intense and one of the reasons I was glued to the book, wondering where this unlikely relationship was going.
My only "negative" here would be the predictability and effortlessness of the tycoon's downfall was. The positive to this, however, is the way it was brought about... if that makes sense? Which is why I still gave this book 4 stars. :)
Really enjoyed this book and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans out there. Happy reading!
*May contain spoilers*
This is the second book in Fifth Avenue Trilogy by Caitlin Crews.
Similar to the first book in the trilogy, Avenge Me by Maisey Yates
, it was a fairly quick and easy read.Still getting over a tragic accident that occurred some 10 years ago, Hunter has fallen into a destructive path wherein his career and personal relationships are at stake. Completely self-inflicted, he has no need to want better himself but to simply continue this downward spiral.
Zoe has created her own PR business where she takes hot messes like Hunter under her wing to try to salvage their public image. This time working pro bono for her own personal benefits, she approaches Hunter, extending a business proposal which leaves both of them benefiting in more ways than one.
Both parties here are personal victims of Jason Treffen's secret endeavors - directly and indirectly - and attempt to work together to bring down this socialite.
I think Crews does an excellent job at enabling the character development of both Hunter and Zoe in this novel. The chemistry between these two is mega intense and one of the reasons I was glued to the book, wondering where this unlikely relationship was going.
My only "negative" here would be the predictability and effortlessness of the tycoon's downfall was. The positive to this, however, is the way it was brought about... if that makes sense? Which is why I still gave this book 4 stars. :)
Really enjoyed this book and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans out there. Happy reading!
April 3, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆
Trijų dalių istorija, kuri sujungė tris draugus vienam tikslui - atkeršyti už draugės Saros savižudybę. Rekomenduoju skaityti nuo pirmos dalies ir visas kartu, nes tik taip bus išpildyta visa istorija ir sudėliotos visos detalės, išlaikant intrigą, atveriant daug skaudžių patirčių, išgyvenimų ir kodėl juos visus sujungė vienas įvykis. Reiktų paminėti, kad knygos nėra kaip erotiniai romanai, bet kiekviena dalis pakaitina kraują ir karštų scenų netrūksta. O kai yra keršto troškimas, visada atsiranda ir meilė, bet kaip mokėti mylėti, kai pats savęs nemyli, kai esi sukuošintas praeities įvykių... kaip pasitikėti kitu, kai iki tol visi tik skaudino ir nuvylė... Skaudi, įtraukianti ir romantiška istorija per visas tris dalis 🩵
Trijų dalių istorija, kuri sujungė tris draugus vienam tikslui - atkeršyti už draugės Saros savižudybę. Rekomenduoju skaityti nuo pirmos dalies ir visas kartu, nes tik taip bus išpildyta visa istorija ir sudėliotos visos detalės, išlaikant intrigą, atveriant daug skaudžių patirčių, išgyvenimų ir kodėl juos visus sujungė vienas įvykis. Reiktų paminėti, kad knygos nėra kaip erotiniai romanai, bet kiekviena dalis pakaitina kraują ir karštų scenų netrūksta. O kai yra keršto troškimas, visada atsiranda ir meilė, bet kaip mokėti mylėti, kai pats savęs nemyli, kai esi sukuošintas praeities įvykių... kaip pasitikėti kitu, kai iki tol visi tik skaudino ir nuvylė... Skaudi, įtraukianti ir romantiška istorija per visas tris dalis 🩵
July 29, 2014
Hunter Talbot Grant III is rich, beyond good looking and also sports figure du jour! But he's not your average rich boy wanting to ruffle the feathers of his disapproving family by pursuing a career in sports instead of the family business. Nope this guy has so many levels of deep, dark and dangerous it's downright scary!
Then years ago he lost someone very dear to him and it set him back on so many emotional levels that the man is beyond the repair by even the best of psychologists. So he hides out in the shadows and makes sure his lief is as miserable as possible , all in the name of punishment for not standing up for the one he loved.
But then the chance to take revenge against Jason Treffen, the man responsible for destroying the life of the woman he loved arises and it's game on. Only there is one tiny hiccup, and it comes in the form of the woman sent to tame him.
Zoe Brooks , PR agent extraordinaire never fails to transform the most tarnished of stars and pretty boy Hunter is no different, except this time around there's a catch. Zoe has a secret , she's also been on the receiving end of Jason 's wrong side and she wants revenge just as bad as Hunter does. But will their out of control attraction stand in the way of getting the job done?
I have always enjoyed the books by this author, particularly because her hero's always start out being very dark , sometimes so dark it truly would scare me if I had to encounter one of them in real life, but the magic lies in the author taking a very dark hero and slowly but surely letting the man evolve into the type that any woman would fall for.
In this read she did it once again, only this time the hero was far darker than any other I have read before. Hunter was so aggressive I could feel his anger pulsing through his veins. Very intense reading !
The character of Zoe was super cool yet very sad. She has such a terrible past it just makes you want to cry your eyes out for this poor woman. But she faces up to each and every single challenge and downfall of life and I totally loved it !
This is the second book in the Fifth Avenue Series and picks up very nicely with the first book Avenge me by Maisey Yates. Scandalize me takes us deeper into the mystery, and Caitlin Crews of course reveals more secrets but does it in such a manner it only makes you want to beg for more and there is simply no way you can resist wanting to read the final part of the series Expose Me by Kate Hewitt, which is another of my favorite authors so I know I will be in for a heck of a ride.
I will also add that the heat level in this book is super hot, but if you're not into the erotic side of romance this read is not for you. If you however like your hero's as dark in bed as they are in outside the bedroom, this is a sure fire winner of a read!
I highly recommend Scandalize me for anyone and everyone who loves a dark hero gone bad and then brought back out into the light by the woman sent to tame him, what could be more fun! The bonus is that Caitlin Crews wrote it and she knows her stuff !
5/5 star review
" Scandalizing is about to take on a whole new meaning"
Then years ago he lost someone very dear to him and it set him back on so many emotional levels that the man is beyond the repair by even the best of psychologists. So he hides out in the shadows and makes sure his lief is as miserable as possible , all in the name of punishment for not standing up for the one he loved.
But then the chance to take revenge against Jason Treffen, the man responsible for destroying the life of the woman he loved arises and it's game on. Only there is one tiny hiccup, and it comes in the form of the woman sent to tame him.
Zoe Brooks , PR agent extraordinaire never fails to transform the most tarnished of stars and pretty boy Hunter is no different, except this time around there's a catch. Zoe has a secret , she's also been on the receiving end of Jason 's wrong side and she wants revenge just as bad as Hunter does. But will their out of control attraction stand in the way of getting the job done?
I have always enjoyed the books by this author, particularly because her hero's always start out being very dark , sometimes so dark it truly would scare me if I had to encounter one of them in real life, but the magic lies in the author taking a very dark hero and slowly but surely letting the man evolve into the type that any woman would fall for.
In this read she did it once again, only this time the hero was far darker than any other I have read before. Hunter was so aggressive I could feel his anger pulsing through his veins. Very intense reading !
The character of Zoe was super cool yet very sad. She has such a terrible past it just makes you want to cry your eyes out for this poor woman. But she faces up to each and every single challenge and downfall of life and I totally loved it !
This is the second book in the Fifth Avenue Series and picks up very nicely with the first book Avenge me by Maisey Yates. Scandalize me takes us deeper into the mystery, and Caitlin Crews of course reveals more secrets but does it in such a manner it only makes you want to beg for more and there is simply no way you can resist wanting to read the final part of the series Expose Me by Kate Hewitt, which is another of my favorite authors so I know I will be in for a heck of a ride.
I will also add that the heat level in this book is super hot, but if you're not into the erotic side of romance this read is not for you. If you however like your hero's as dark in bed as they are in outside the bedroom, this is a sure fire winner of a read!
I highly recommend Scandalize me for anyone and everyone who loves a dark hero gone bad and then brought back out into the light by the woman sent to tame him, what could be more fun! The bonus is that Caitlin Crews wrote it and she knows her stuff !
5/5 star review
" Scandalizing is about to take on a whole new meaning"
December 17, 2014
3.75 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2014
TEN YEARS AGO ONE DEVASTATING NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR AUSTIN, HUNTER AND ALEX. NOW THEY MUST EACH PLAY THEIR PART IN THE REVENGE AGAINST THE ONE MAN WHO RUINED IT ALL.
Hunter Talbot Grant III, sports figure du jour, wealthy beyond measure and disreputable by choice, has cultivated a reputation that masks the shadows of his past. When the opportunity to ensure financial destruction for Jason Treffen arises, he can't refuse. But first he must shake off the woman sent to tame him!
Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire, never fails to transform a tarnished star. And Hunter's no different. Except there's a catch. Beneath their scorching mutual attraction, Zoe has a secret, she's also been on the wrong side of Jason Treffen, and she has as much of a taste for revenge as Hunter does!
REVIEW: SCANDALIZE ME is the second instalment in the adult contemporary, erotic 5th Avenue Trilogy with each subsequent storyline written by a different author. SCANDALIZE ME written by Caitlin Crews follows Hunter Talbot Grant III –a quarterback whose fall from grace has placed him in PR agent Zoe Brook’s sights.
Once again, the overall focus of the series is the take down of billionaire lawyer and philanthropist Jason Treffen-a man whose polished public image hides the destructive nature of his truer deviant tendencies. Ten years earlier following the horrific and public suicide of one of Jason’s office assistants, three men including Jason’s son, have lived with the overwhelming guilt that somehow they were to blame. When a letter is sent to Austin Treffen a few months earlier explaining the who and why of Sarah Michaels’s death, the three friends-Austin, Hunter and Alex-must relive every painful moment as they come to grips with what happened and why.
The premise of SCANDALIZE ME finds Zoe Brook offering the one time football hero her public relations service-but Zoe has a secret- a dark and demeaning secret- one that connects her to the death of Sarah Michaels and the man everyone wants to take down. When she offers Hunter a chance to redeem his public persona, Zoe will become lost in the dynamic personality and sexual aura that is Hunter Talbot Grant III.
The attraction between Zoe and Hunter is immediate and not without some complications. Hunter’s reputation as a man whore only increases Zoe’s need to fix the man whose destructive path began when Sarah Michaels took her own life. Zoe intends to manipulate Hunter to help her trap Jason Treffen but finds she is caught in the web of Hunter’s sexual seduction. Zoe’s past slowly eats away at her self image and self esteem, and falling into Hunter’s bed only cements the truth she believes about herself.
One major drawback for me in this particular instalment is the slow build up to what it is Zoe wants from Hunter. Not until two-thirds of the story had elapsed did Hunter discover what it is Zoe needed from him and why. In this, the reader is pulled into a long, drawn out angry seduction of Hunter Grant by Zoe Brook. Zoe continued to battle her own demons, struggling to find a way to convince Hunter that he was her weapon of choice in the battle to destroy Jason Treffen. Zoe comes across as cold, heartless and not easily moved but the mask that she wears hides a tormented and broken soul.
SCANDALIZE ME takes the reader one step closer to the destruction of Jason Treffen-a man who uses, abuses and destroys the most vulnerable of women and men. Caitlin Crews adds her spin on a tale of the ultimate revenge against a man who is psychopathic in his actions and cold in his intent.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2014
TEN YEARS AGO ONE DEVASTATING NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR AUSTIN, HUNTER AND ALEX. NOW THEY MUST EACH PLAY THEIR PART IN THE REVENGE AGAINST THE ONE MAN WHO RUINED IT ALL.
Hunter Talbot Grant III, sports figure du jour, wealthy beyond measure and disreputable by choice, has cultivated a reputation that masks the shadows of his past. When the opportunity to ensure financial destruction for Jason Treffen arises, he can't refuse. But first he must shake off the woman sent to tame him!
Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire, never fails to transform a tarnished star. And Hunter's no different. Except there's a catch. Beneath their scorching mutual attraction, Zoe has a secret, she's also been on the wrong side of Jason Treffen, and she has as much of a taste for revenge as Hunter does!
REVIEW: SCANDALIZE ME is the second instalment in the adult contemporary, erotic 5th Avenue Trilogy with each subsequent storyline written by a different author. SCANDALIZE ME written by Caitlin Crews follows Hunter Talbot Grant III –a quarterback whose fall from grace has placed him in PR agent Zoe Brook’s sights.
Once again, the overall focus of the series is the take down of billionaire lawyer and philanthropist Jason Treffen-a man whose polished public image hides the destructive nature of his truer deviant tendencies. Ten years earlier following the horrific and public suicide of one of Jason’s office assistants, three men including Jason’s son, have lived with the overwhelming guilt that somehow they were to blame. When a letter is sent to Austin Treffen a few months earlier explaining the who and why of Sarah Michaels’s death, the three friends-Austin, Hunter and Alex-must relive every painful moment as they come to grips with what happened and why.
The premise of SCANDALIZE ME finds Zoe Brook offering the one time football hero her public relations service-but Zoe has a secret- a dark and demeaning secret- one that connects her to the death of Sarah Michaels and the man everyone wants to take down. When she offers Hunter a chance to redeem his public persona, Zoe will become lost in the dynamic personality and sexual aura that is Hunter Talbot Grant III.
The attraction between Zoe and Hunter is immediate and not without some complications. Hunter’s reputation as a man whore only increases Zoe’s need to fix the man whose destructive path began when Sarah Michaels took her own life. Zoe intends to manipulate Hunter to help her trap Jason Treffen but finds she is caught in the web of Hunter’s sexual seduction. Zoe’s past slowly eats away at her self image and self esteem, and falling into Hunter’s bed only cements the truth she believes about herself.
One major drawback for me in this particular instalment is the slow build up to what it is Zoe wants from Hunter. Not until two-thirds of the story had elapsed did Hunter discover what it is Zoe needed from him and why. In this, the reader is pulled into a long, drawn out angry seduction of Hunter Grant by Zoe Brook. Zoe continued to battle her own demons, struggling to find a way to convince Hunter that he was her weapon of choice in the battle to destroy Jason Treffen. Zoe comes across as cold, heartless and not easily moved but the mask that she wears hides a tormented and broken soul.
SCANDALIZE ME takes the reader one step closer to the destruction of Jason Treffen-a man who uses, abuses and destroys the most vulnerable of women and men. Caitlin Crews adds her spin on a tale of the ultimate revenge against a man who is psychopathic in his actions and cold in his intent.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 14, 2014
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews is the second book in the Fifth Avenue Trilogy. Each book in the trilogy is written by a different author and features one of three friends. Austin, Hunter and Alex are working together to seek revenge against the man who ruined their lives ten years before. In Avenge Me, Austin began phase one of taking down Jason Treffen, his own father. In Scandalize Me, Hunter Talbot Grant III plans to ensure his financial ruin. The tale was captivating as Hunter tangles with Zoe Brook; a PR Agent determined to destroy Jason as well.
Everything started with the death of Sarah ten years ago, and the fallout is far reaching. Sarah was Hunter’s girlfriend, and he cares the guilt of what if. When we meet Hunter, the man is a total mess. Hunter is a playboy who is pushing his own self-destruct button. He is smart, and talented with a never care attitude that is steeped in emotional damage. Zoe is a former employer of Jason Treffen and managed to crawl out from beneath his evil clutches after Sarah’s death. She demands full control of herself, feels no emotions when interacting with the opposite sex and does not see a permanent relationship as ever being on the table. Her plan is to reimage Hunter and use him as a tool to destroy Jason. She sees him as the self-centered bastard the press has painted him and holds him, along with his friends accountable for Sarah’s death.
The plot unfolds much as Revenge Me did, and it was fun seeing Hunter and Zoe engage in power play. Hunter unnerves Zoe, and he is intrigued by her game. As they play out Zoe’s plan, they soon realize they are on the same team. The dance was hot from wicked banter to almost moments. I loved that he was aggressive, and she tried to be passive making the cat and mouse game a page turner. While I didn’t competely feel the romance there were pleasant moments and feels.
While the concept of Fifth Avenue Trilogy intrigues me, and I am, eager to continue with Expose Me I didn’t completely get lost within the pages of Scandalize Me. Do not get me wrong, the storyline is a good one but I would have liked more action regarding the revenge. These novels are more lopsided in their focus on the romance, and I was not entirely sold. Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Everything started with the death of Sarah ten years ago, and the fallout is far reaching. Sarah was Hunter’s girlfriend, and he cares the guilt of what if. When we meet Hunter, the man is a total mess. Hunter is a playboy who is pushing his own self-destruct button. He is smart, and talented with a never care attitude that is steeped in emotional damage. Zoe is a former employer of Jason Treffen and managed to crawl out from beneath his evil clutches after Sarah’s death. She demands full control of herself, feels no emotions when interacting with the opposite sex and does not see a permanent relationship as ever being on the table. Her plan is to reimage Hunter and use him as a tool to destroy Jason. She sees him as the self-centered bastard the press has painted him and holds him, along with his friends accountable for Sarah’s death.
The plot unfolds much as Revenge Me did, and it was fun seeing Hunter and Zoe engage in power play. Hunter unnerves Zoe, and he is intrigued by her game. As they play out Zoe’s plan, they soon realize they are on the same team. The dance was hot from wicked banter to almost moments. I loved that he was aggressive, and she tried to be passive making the cat and mouse game a page turner. While I didn’t competely feel the romance there were pleasant moments and feels.
While the concept of Fifth Avenue Trilogy intrigues me, and I am, eager to continue with Expose Me I didn’t completely get lost within the pages of Scandalize Me. Do not get me wrong, the storyline is a good one but I would have liked more action regarding the revenge. These novels are more lopsided in their focus on the romance, and I was not entirely sold. Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
June 28, 2014
Originally reviewed for Tea and Book.
In Scandalize Me, Caitlin Crews tells the story of Hunter Talbot Grant III, scion of society and NFL Bad Boy and Zoe Brook PR Agent extraordinaire with a secret and a need for revenge.
Zoe Brook has lived in a special sort of hell for ten years. While she has carved a place for herself as one of the best PR Agent around, she has also had to live under the thumb of Jason Treffen. At one time he literally held her life in his hands and forced her into a unique form of prostitution. Until her best friend killed herself and Zoe found a way to break free. Except did she? But it's time for revenge and she has a plan. A plan that involves Hunter Grant, the man who broke her friend's heart.
Hunter Grant misunderstood what was going on in his girlfriend's life. Thinking she was cheating on him they broke up, when she came to him for help he turned his back. The same night she tossed herself off the office building. For the next ten years he punished himself. Playing the insincere bad boy, the raging athlete, he even managed to get himself banned from the NFL.. His family has all but disowned him and his best friends suffer through minimal contact. BUT there is a plan for redemption. They are going to take Jason down. When sexy Zoe Brook all but forces him to let her manage his PR Hunter is confused. Attracted but confused..
Book Two is not quite as dark as Book One. Avenge Me faced the darkness that surrounds them all and the desires that lay hidden in the hero and heroin. Scandalize Me is more abut redemption and forgiveness and oh yeah.. Revenge!
Both of these characters have pieces missing inside them and have to put the puzzle back together. Of course since they both kept their own council, secrets abound. Consequently all the pieces of the puzzle weren't there. Makes it hard to put it all together. But eventually they muddle through.
Facing someone who destroyed your life is hard but Zoe is an amazing character and has an integrity of strength that pulls you into the story. Excellently done.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Scandalize Me, provided by netgalley.
In Scandalize Me, Caitlin Crews tells the story of Hunter Talbot Grant III, scion of society and NFL Bad Boy and Zoe Brook PR Agent extraordinaire with a secret and a need for revenge.
Zoe Brook has lived in a special sort of hell for ten years. While she has carved a place for herself as one of the best PR Agent around, she has also had to live under the thumb of Jason Treffen. At one time he literally held her life in his hands and forced her into a unique form of prostitution. Until her best friend killed herself and Zoe found a way to break free. Except did she? But it's time for revenge and she has a plan. A plan that involves Hunter Grant, the man who broke her friend's heart.
Hunter Grant misunderstood what was going on in his girlfriend's life. Thinking she was cheating on him they broke up, when she came to him for help he turned his back. The same night she tossed herself off the office building. For the next ten years he punished himself. Playing the insincere bad boy, the raging athlete, he even managed to get himself banned from the NFL.. His family has all but disowned him and his best friends suffer through minimal contact. BUT there is a plan for redemption. They are going to take Jason down. When sexy Zoe Brook all but forces him to let her manage his PR Hunter is confused. Attracted but confused..
Book Two is not quite as dark as Book One. Avenge Me faced the darkness that surrounds them all and the desires that lay hidden in the hero and heroin. Scandalize Me is more abut redemption and forgiveness and oh yeah.. Revenge!
Both of these characters have pieces missing inside them and have to put the puzzle back together. Of course since they both kept their own council, secrets abound. Consequently all the pieces of the puzzle weren't there. Makes it hard to put it all together. But eventually they muddle through.
Facing someone who destroyed your life is hard but Zoe is an amazing character and has an integrity of strength that pulls you into the story. Excellently done.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Scandalize Me, provided by netgalley.
April 25, 2014
Zoe only saw Hunter as a means to an end. She was going to use him to get her revenge and that was it. It didn't matter that he was a gorgeous hunk of an ex-pro football player…or that he could immediately heat her up with just a look. When Zoe first came looking for him, Hunter only saw a hot babe. He thought she was just one more woman looking to get a piece of his body. So, she wants to clean up his image? He doesn't really care about his image, but he'll give Zoe a chance to show him what she's up to. Can Zoe and Hunter's close proximity lead to anything but trouble?
I enjoyed Scandalize Me and the "revenge" scenario gives the characters an added edge to their relationship, which easily spices the story up. The story has depth with an emotional storyline and realistic characters. Through all their issues, Zoe and Hunter made their relationship work in a unique and heartwarming way. As they tried to keep their feelings remote and their needs strictly physical, they came to the realization that they didn't want to let each other go. That also added spice to the story. With all the issues involved, I was a little slow to pick up on the actual romantic aspect of the story, but felt it made the story closer to life and less like a romantic fantasy. I did enjoy this second book in the Fifth Avenue series and look forward to reading the next!
I enjoyed Scandalize Me and the "revenge" scenario gives the characters an added edge to their relationship, which easily spices the story up. The story has depth with an emotional storyline and realistic characters. Through all their issues, Zoe and Hunter made their relationship work in a unique and heartwarming way. As they tried to keep their feelings remote and their needs strictly physical, they came to the realization that they didn't want to let each other go. That also added spice to the story. With all the issues involved, I was a little slow to pick up on the actual romantic aspect of the story, but felt it made the story closer to life and less like a romantic fantasy. I did enjoy this second book in the Fifth Avenue series and look forward to reading the next!
January 28, 2015
This is now my favorite Harlequin Presents ever and one of the very best books I've read this year. I'll review it closer to its pub date.
It's also a perfect second book in what is a riveting series.
Well done, Ms. Crews. So very very well done.
It's also a perfect second book in what is a riveting series.
Well done, Ms. Crews. So very very well done.
Read
April 13, 2014I thought the premise of this book was intriguing and original, but the story moves at the pace of a snail.
June 25, 2018
Its not that I totally hated the book its just that I delve into HPlandia to read fairly light and fluffy stories with a HEA not dysfunctional H's who hate themselves and deliberately court drama and disaster and ex hooker h's out for revenge and not caring who they have to step on to get it. I just found this all rather depressing and sad and couldn't really believe in their HEA because too many people in the real world are judgy a-holes. Call me cynical but I just couldn't invest myself with either character this time. Am I going to read the final book in the trilogy? Yes but only because I already own it but not until after I've read something sickly sweet and indulged in copious amounts of wine and chocolate and had several showers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2014
In SCANDALIZE ME, you have a hot, alpha male, who is wealthy beyond measure and disreputable by choice ....
SCANDALIZE ME starts with Zoe Brook, the best PR agent in NYC, tracking down bad boy Hunter Talbot Grant, III in a strip club at ten o'clock in the morning on a weekday. Zoe sends the half-naked women at Hunter's table on their way and informs the scandalous rake that she intends on rehabilitating his image. Hunter informs the beautiful, smart-mouthed Zoe with the dark, smokey-grey eyes, that he's worked too hard to create his ruined image and declines her request.
Hunter is a handsome, wealthy, Ivy-Leaguer, who instead of following his pedigree to run the family corporation, chose to pursue professional football instead. As an NFL quarterback, with his bad behavior, he's managed to get himself ejected from the league, has numerous lawsuits against him. His relationship with his parents is estranged, and he's done his best to alienate his close friends. Hunter has just moved back to New York and prefers his state of numb existence until Zoe Brooks charges into his life.
Hunter knows Zoe Brook has an ulterior motive. He just can't figure out what it is, and she refuses to tell him. As chemistry between Hunter and Zoe ignites into a fever pitch, Hunter finds himself intrigued with the woman and half-heartedly agrees to Zoe's image make-over in order to spend more time with her.
When Zoe tracked down Hunter, she had only one thing in mind: Revenge. Hunter was supposed to be a pawn in achieving her goal for revenge against Jason Treffen, and nothing more. As she meets the tawdry Hunter for the first time, he's not exactly as she imagined. For starters, she's not prepared for the intense chemistry that sizzles between them. She doesn't understand how her body reacts to someone so despicable. On the surface, Hunter appears to be an angry, dumb jock, but Zoe quickly realizes there's more to Hunter than he leads people to believe.
Zoe has spent years waiting for the right opportunity to bring Jason Treffen down. While she was in her senior year at college, Zoe met Jason. He was a partner at a prestigious law firm and hired her as a legal assistant. She thought he was nice and caring. She thought he understood her. Desperate for love and affection, she soaked up Jason's attention, not realizing Jason exploited women like herself. Under the guise of being a legal assistant, he turned women into paid escorts and then blackmailed them into servitude. Zoe was one of his victims and it took years to finally escape his grasp.
Zoe is the type of person used to being in control. Getting Hunter to behave accordingly while maintaining a business relationship is more difficult than she thought. For years, she has believed herself to be frigid. Of all people, Hunter is the one that has her burning like a raging fire ....
Hunter has spent years blaming himself for his ex-girlfriend's death. He's also spent years on a path of self-destruction and loathing, but for the first time in a long time, Zoe Brook makes him feel again ....
There are a lot of good points to this story. I really liked the hero in this book. He turns out to be a really great guy and is actually very charming and likable. The hero and heroine had great chemistry together, but at times, especially near the beginning, it felt too contrived and way too strong, too fast. For both characters to be radiating sex out of their pores at the first business meeting seemed a little unbelievable. Also there were times when there would be dialog between characters and then a long narration would lapse before resuming the ongoing dialog. I found myself having to go backwards quite a few times to figure out what they were originally talking about as it seemed disjointed.
On the most part, I really like Zoe, the heroine. She's beautiful and intelligent. She managed to get herself out of a tough situation and has turned her life into a success. What I didn't like was how she self-sabotaged her relationship with Hunter. I don't really have that much tolerance for mind games, and Zoe seemed to pack quite a few, especially near the end. The saving grace was that most of the problems were short-lived and not drawn out for an extended period.
Overall, this was an enjoyable contemporary romance.
I received this ARC from publisher for an honest review.
SCANDALIZE ME starts with Zoe Brook, the best PR agent in NYC, tracking down bad boy Hunter Talbot Grant, III in a strip club at ten o'clock in the morning on a weekday. Zoe sends the half-naked women at Hunter's table on their way and informs the scandalous rake that she intends on rehabilitating his image. Hunter informs the beautiful, smart-mouthed Zoe with the dark, smokey-grey eyes, that he's worked too hard to create his ruined image and declines her request.
Hunter is a handsome, wealthy, Ivy-Leaguer, who instead of following his pedigree to run the family corporation, chose to pursue professional football instead. As an NFL quarterback, with his bad behavior, he's managed to get himself ejected from the league, has numerous lawsuits against him. His relationship with his parents is estranged, and he's done his best to alienate his close friends. Hunter has just moved back to New York and prefers his state of numb existence until Zoe Brooks charges into his life.
Hunter knows Zoe Brook has an ulterior motive. He just can't figure out what it is, and she refuses to tell him. As chemistry between Hunter and Zoe ignites into a fever pitch, Hunter finds himself intrigued with the woman and half-heartedly agrees to Zoe's image make-over in order to spend more time with her.
When Zoe tracked down Hunter, she had only one thing in mind: Revenge. Hunter was supposed to be a pawn in achieving her goal for revenge against Jason Treffen, and nothing more. As she meets the tawdry Hunter for the first time, he's not exactly as she imagined. For starters, she's not prepared for the intense chemistry that sizzles between them. She doesn't understand how her body reacts to someone so despicable. On the surface, Hunter appears to be an angry, dumb jock, but Zoe quickly realizes there's more to Hunter than he leads people to believe.
Zoe has spent years waiting for the right opportunity to bring Jason Treffen down. While she was in her senior year at college, Zoe met Jason. He was a partner at a prestigious law firm and hired her as a legal assistant. She thought he was nice and caring. She thought he understood her. Desperate for love and affection, she soaked up Jason's attention, not realizing Jason exploited women like herself. Under the guise of being a legal assistant, he turned women into paid escorts and then blackmailed them into servitude. Zoe was one of his victims and it took years to finally escape his grasp.
Zoe is the type of person used to being in control. Getting Hunter to behave accordingly while maintaining a business relationship is more difficult than she thought. For years, she has believed herself to be frigid. Of all people, Hunter is the one that has her burning like a raging fire ....
Hunter has spent years blaming himself for his ex-girlfriend's death. He's also spent years on a path of self-destruction and loathing, but for the first time in a long time, Zoe Brook makes him feel again ....
There are a lot of good points to this story. I really liked the hero in this book. He turns out to be a really great guy and is actually very charming and likable. The hero and heroine had great chemistry together, but at times, especially near the beginning, it felt too contrived and way too strong, too fast. For both characters to be radiating sex out of their pores at the first business meeting seemed a little unbelievable. Also there were times when there would be dialog between characters and then a long narration would lapse before resuming the ongoing dialog. I found myself having to go backwards quite a few times to figure out what they were originally talking about as it seemed disjointed.
On the most part, I really like Zoe, the heroine. She's beautiful and intelligent. She managed to get herself out of a tough situation and has turned her life into a success. What I didn't like was how she self-sabotaged her relationship with Hunter. I don't really have that much tolerance for mind games, and Zoe seemed to pack quite a few, especially near the end. The saving grace was that most of the problems were short-lived and not drawn out for an extended period.
Overall, this was an enjoyable contemporary romance.
I received this ARC from publisher for an honest review.
October 17, 2014
I've decided to do this review as a full series review because the individual books did not give me so much problems as the series as a whole.
My biggest problem with the trilogy (but not really a trilogy is it, because there are 4 books to the whole story) is that it was SO anti-climatic by the end, I was almost sorry I spent the better part of a week invested in it. These books have an underlining theme ... to avenge the death of their friend. And each individual book, the hero takes a part in this 'take-down'. But when you finish with book four, you don't get to LIVE any of what happens to the man responsible for their friend's death. You have to assume that he is 'destroyed' and I have a very hard time with that. Why you ask....because this man is a gazillionare with connections so powerful that even I had trouble believing he would really pay for Sarah's (friend in question) death! As a matter a fact, the next to last paragraph on the Expose Me (book #4) actually states "They were both talking about Treffen and what would happen next ...." (Treffen being the psycho gazillionare responsible for Sarah's death) and i'm all like .... WAIT WAIT WAIT, I don't get to know? Are you kidding me?!?!
The other problem I had with the series as a whole was that Sydney and Travis (from Take Me) were dropped from the stories as soon as their short story ended. Sydney was Sarah's best friend and Travis was the one that got 'the letter' first with the suspicions and accusations about Treffen. Yet not one single appearance by them in any of the 'trilogy'. That was odd to me.
Now on to what was good :)
Take Me (book .5): very good set up for the 'suspense' of the trilogy. it was short, yes, but because sydney and travis had been friends since childhood, there really was no need for relationship development. the story was perfect as it was.
Avenge Me (book 1): Austin (Treffen's son and good friend of Sarah's) is our hero and Katy (Sarah's sister) is our heroine. Neither knows about the who the other is and when they meet, the chemistry is explosive. Austin has been estranged from his father for the last 10 years (since Sarah's death) not because he knew of his father's involvement, but more because he had suspicions and it made him sick. Katy (after a long struggle to get her life in order), has been trying to get dirt on Treffen for a while. After the two meet and put their suspicions together, Austin decides his role in the take down of his father will be to help his mother divorce his father and take him for all he's got. That is the gist of book one. But there is a whole lot of story in between that I am obviously not sharing because them why buy the book, right?! :)
Scandalize Me (book 2): Hunter (Sarah's ex boyfriend and good friend) is our hero and Zoe (another of Treffen's victims) is our heroine. Zoe is a PR agent and Hunter is a washed out ex-football player and gazillionare himself. Zoe seeks out Hunter as a client because she knows of his past relationship with Sarah and wants to use him to take down Treffen. Little do they BOTH know that they have that common goal even before they meet. And so as they build their very explosive relationship (scorching hot) they plot together...Aaaaand that's enough detail from me lol If you want more, read the book....it's worth it!
Expose Me (book 3): Alex (Sarah's good friend and head of a global media empire) is our hero and Chelsea (famous talk-show host) is our heroine. Chelsea host a very popular daytime TV talk-show and has Treffen on her schedule to be interviewed live on her show. When Alex's finds out, he seeks her out in order to convince her to use her interview as the last nail in Treffen's coffin and out him on live television. These two have even more explosive chemistry than any other couple in this series! Good Lord, I was glued to every page! Chelsea's back story was SO heart-wrenching and poor Alex's reactions were just so typical for a man, you just can't help but feel sorry for him! This was by far my favorite book of the trilogy, with Scandalize Me coming a very close second!
Even tho I had a HUGE problem with how the take-down of Jason Treffen ended, all these books rate very high in their individual romantic stories!
My biggest problem with the trilogy (but not really a trilogy is it, because there are 4 books to the whole story) is that it was SO anti-climatic by the end, I was almost sorry I spent the better part of a week invested in it. These books have an underlining theme ... to avenge the death of their friend. And each individual book, the hero takes a part in this 'take-down'. But when you finish with book four, you don't get to LIVE any of what happens to the man responsible for their friend's death. You have to assume that he is 'destroyed' and I have a very hard time with that. Why you ask....because this man is a gazillionare with connections so powerful that even I had trouble believing he would really pay for Sarah's (friend in question) death! As a matter a fact, the next to last paragraph on the Expose Me (book #4) actually states "They were both talking about Treffen and what would happen next ...." (Treffen being the psycho gazillionare responsible for Sarah's death) and i'm all like .... WAIT WAIT WAIT, I don't get to know? Are you kidding me?!?!
The other problem I had with the series as a whole was that Sydney and Travis (from Take Me) were dropped from the stories as soon as their short story ended. Sydney was Sarah's best friend and Travis was the one that got 'the letter' first with the suspicions and accusations about Treffen. Yet not one single appearance by them in any of the 'trilogy'. That was odd to me.
Now on to what was good :)
Take Me (book .5): very good set up for the 'suspense' of the trilogy. it was short, yes, but because sydney and travis had been friends since childhood, there really was no need for relationship development. the story was perfect as it was.
Avenge Me (book 1): Austin (Treffen's son and good friend of Sarah's) is our hero and Katy (Sarah's sister) is our heroine. Neither knows about the who the other is and when they meet, the chemistry is explosive. Austin has been estranged from his father for the last 10 years (since Sarah's death) not because he knew of his father's involvement, but more because he had suspicions and it made him sick. Katy (after a long struggle to get her life in order), has been trying to get dirt on Treffen for a while. After the two meet and put their suspicions together, Austin decides his role in the take down of his father will be to help his mother divorce his father and take him for all he's got. That is the gist of book one. But there is a whole lot of story in between that I am obviously not sharing because them why buy the book, right?! :)
Scandalize Me (book 2): Hunter (Sarah's ex boyfriend and good friend) is our hero and Zoe (another of Treffen's victims) is our heroine. Zoe is a PR agent and Hunter is a washed out ex-football player and gazillionare himself. Zoe seeks out Hunter as a client because she knows of his past relationship with Sarah and wants to use him to take down Treffen. Little do they BOTH know that they have that common goal even before they meet. And so as they build their very explosive relationship (scorching hot) they plot together...Aaaaand that's enough detail from me lol If you want more, read the book....it's worth it!
Expose Me (book 3): Alex (Sarah's good friend and head of a global media empire) is our hero and Chelsea (famous talk-show host) is our heroine. Chelsea host a very popular daytime TV talk-show and has Treffen on her schedule to be interviewed live on her show. When Alex's finds out, he seeks her out in order to convince her to use her interview as the last nail in Treffen's coffin and out him on live television. These two have even more explosive chemistry than any other couple in this series! Good Lord, I was glued to every page! Chelsea's back story was SO heart-wrenching and poor Alex's reactions were just so typical for a man, you just can't help but feel sorry for him! This was by far my favorite book of the trilogy, with Scandalize Me coming a very close second!
Even tho I had a HUGE problem with how the take-down of Jason Treffen ended, all these books rate very high in their individual romantic stories!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2015
Originally Reviewed on The Bewitching bibliophile
Ha I laughed so hard when I started reading this, Zoe was totally a kick ass woman and she was so not expecting Hunter to be who he was. I loved her plans and I couldn't wait for them to learn more about each other. While reading page 42, the second paragraph was like a kick in the gut, God to be trapped with no way to get out and no one to tell. On page 110 iDied, I can't with Hunter, why would you go so hard with him??And then on page 122 Yes Get it Zoe!!
Hunter is doing even worse than Austin is, because he loved Sarah and he never knew she was in trouble. On that last night, he hurt her when she needed him and he can't forgive himself because he had made assumptions about her and he thought he was the injured party. For that Hunter has been punishing himself for ten years, and he's been doing it publicly.
It's sad to see how Sarah's choice is rippling across the lives of her friends and loved ones she left behind. How it almost broke her sister, how it hurt her friends and all because she needed to get away from one bastard. One man's evil hurts so many people and he doesn't even care.
This book took you and made you care. The story flew by and I was rooting for Hunter to stop hiding from his past and the pain. For Zoe to kick her demons in the nuts with her killer heels and for her vengeance to truly come through. This book carried on the story well, picking up where Avenge Me left off, peeling back the layers of the characters and exposing all their flaws, fears and desperate need for redemption.
Zoe's story made me hurt and made me angry; because the sad part about these stories?? Is knowing that this is all too real, that this can take place anywhere in the world and women are always trapped beyond their control. Women who saw the golden ticket, the perfect opportunity to get their dreams to only discover the nightmare hidden within when they were too far gone. Zoe's struggle felt real and never made it too far out of the realm of possibility. At times it felt all too real.
The pairing was exceptional, I was engaged from the beginning, The sexy times ... holy smokes, it was off the charts; the characters had great chemistry in spades and I loved that it took time for their relationship to build up. The inital time between their meet and their getting together took place over months and it wasn't insta love or like. They both worked each other's last nerves when they met and then it took time for trust to bloom before they were able to get together without all the baggage in the way. Hunter as a character was well done as well, he was a man on a mission to punish himself for failing the woman he loved; even though he like everyone else didn't really see the signs, and Sarah herself never told anyone she needed help. When given the chance to enact revenge Hunter is slow to the task but eventually comes around when he realizes this isn't about him anymore, and I loved him for that.
I chose bot to read the book's synopsis so I was unaware I was going to be reading Hunter's story, I just went in knowing as book 2 it was going to be carrying on the story. And I wasn't disappointed. Can I just say I want more from Zahir?? Can he get his own story?? Characters were well developed, I totally need more on Zahir though so ladies, get on that!
I can't wait until the 29th of July so I can get the third book because it's going to be epic! They have already gotten two pieces now they need to trap him and it's game over bitch!! I highly recommend the series. .
This was a great follow up to avenge me , this one really explored the main losses not from a outsider's point of view but from those most affected by the actions of Sarah and the villain. And it's done wonderfully. This is a story of revenge and redemption and I loved how it was resolved. How it came together in the end and gave us a satisfactory ending but left us open for the third.
★★★★★
Happy Reading
Ha I laughed so hard when I started reading this, Zoe was totally a kick ass woman and she was so not expecting Hunter to be who he was. I loved her plans and I couldn't wait for them to learn more about each other. While reading page 42, the second paragraph was like a kick in the gut, God to be trapped with no way to get out and no one to tell. On page 110 iDied, I can't with Hunter, why would you go so hard with him??And then on page 122 Yes Get it Zoe!!
Hunter is doing even worse than Austin is, because he loved Sarah and he never knew she was in trouble. On that last night, he hurt her when she needed him and he can't forgive himself because he had made assumptions about her and he thought he was the injured party. For that Hunter has been punishing himself for ten years, and he's been doing it publicly.
It's sad to see how Sarah's choice is rippling across the lives of her friends and loved ones she left behind. How it almost broke her sister, how it hurt her friends and all because she needed to get away from one bastard. One man's evil hurts so many people and he doesn't even care.
This book took you and made you care. The story flew by and I was rooting for Hunter to stop hiding from his past and the pain. For Zoe to kick her demons in the nuts with her killer heels and for her vengeance to truly come through. This book carried on the story well, picking up where Avenge Me left off, peeling back the layers of the characters and exposing all their flaws, fears and desperate need for redemption.
Zoe's story made me hurt and made me angry; because the sad part about these stories?? Is knowing that this is all too real, that this can take place anywhere in the world and women are always trapped beyond their control. Women who saw the golden ticket, the perfect opportunity to get their dreams to only discover the nightmare hidden within when they were too far gone. Zoe's struggle felt real and never made it too far out of the realm of possibility. At times it felt all too real.
The pairing was exceptional, I was engaged from the beginning, The sexy times ... holy smokes, it was off the charts; the characters had great chemistry in spades and I loved that it took time for their relationship to build up. The inital time between their meet and their getting together took place over months and it wasn't insta love or like. They both worked each other's last nerves when they met and then it took time for trust to bloom before they were able to get together without all the baggage in the way. Hunter as a character was well done as well, he was a man on a mission to punish himself for failing the woman he loved; even though he like everyone else didn't really see the signs, and Sarah herself never told anyone she needed help. When given the chance to enact revenge Hunter is slow to the task but eventually comes around when he realizes this isn't about him anymore, and I loved him for that.
I chose bot to read the book's synopsis so I was unaware I was going to be reading Hunter's story, I just went in knowing as book 2 it was going to be carrying on the story. And I wasn't disappointed. Can I just say I want more from Zahir?? Can he get his own story?? Characters were well developed, I totally need more on Zahir though so ladies, get on that!
I can't wait until the 29th of July so I can get the third book because it's going to be epic! They have already gotten two pieces now they need to trap him and it's game over bitch!! I highly recommend the series. .
This was a great follow up to avenge me , this one really explored the main losses not from a outsider's point of view but from those most affected by the actions of Sarah and the villain. And it's done wonderfully. This is a story of revenge and redemption and I loved how it was resolved. How it came together in the end and gave us a satisfactory ending but left us open for the third.
★★★★★
Happy Reading
April 13, 2014
Title: Scandalize Me
Series: Fifth Avenue Trilogy #2
Author: Caitlin Crews
Genre: Harlequin Presents
ISBN: 9780373430383
This is the second book of the Fifth Avenue Trilogy on getting revenge on Jason Treffen. The common link between Hunter, Austin, and Alex is Sarah who jumped to her death 10 years ago due to Jason. All three men feel guilty for wearing blinders and not helping Sarah, none could ever realize the true depth of pain she was in because of Jason. As we found out in book one Austin is Jason son who turn his back on his father but could not stop wanting revenge. These three men team up along with a few women to bring Jason down and face justice.
In Scandalize Me we find Hunter who was Sarah’s on again off again boyfriend 10 years ago. On the night she killed herself she pleaded with Hunter for his help he thought she was pulling his chain when he believed she broke up with him to be with another man Jason Treffen. He asked another woman to marry him at a Christmas party that Jason was having in front of Sarah. A few minutes later she jumps to her death. He is guilt ridden and does everything he can to ruin his life. He has walked away from his friends and single handily lost his football career, he is at rock bottom and that is just where he wants to stay.
Zoe Brook is a PR expect who has decided to turn Hunter’s imagine around, for her own cause she also wants revenge against Jason for what he not only made her do when he promised her a better life as is asst. but for what he made her become. Hunter doesn’t want any help he doesn’t think he deserves a better life. Zoe will not give up, Hunter goes along with her, and he sees something in her that he sees in his self the pain and sorrow. He is more than surprised to find Sarah and Zoe were best friends and even more to find she was going to use him to get her revenge again Jason not only for herself and Sarah but for all the women Jason is still hurting. They team up with Austin and Alex to help bring Jason down, along with fighting their feeling for each other.
This book has a lot of emotions in it not all good it tells a story of abuse and finding your way out to a new life. To give your old life a face lift and learning how to life again while getting over your past and getting revenge on one of the worse men who thinks he is above the law for he is the law. This is about all I can say without giving the book away. It was a wonderful read full of hurt, pain, lose and love.
I have enjoyed reading the Trilogy watching Jason being taken down one peg at a time has been interesting. I can’t wait to read the last book to see his house of cards fall down around him. All the cards are stake against him it will be interesting to see if Jason has the power to crawl out and get away or if he will take the fall and loose it all. He has already lost his family (life and daughter and is not working on losing his business what else is in store for Jason should be very interesting.
These are three books from three different authors all about bring down one man. It has been wonderful to see the different takes of each author seeing their writing style and making it all come together to work on the wonderful story. I think the best is yet to come in the last book Expose Me when Alex gets his turn to run Jason to the ground. If you haven’t read Avenge Me by Maisey Yates you might want to pick it up and give it a read. Maisey also has the Fifth Avenue prequel Take Me (Fifth Avenue) Where it all began… due to be released on June 2nd for free on Amazon as a pre-order I am sure you won’t want to miss it go and pre-order. I do not know how long it will be for free it is at the time of this posting. Each story is a stand lone read but to get the full view and background you will want to read all three books.
Series: Fifth Avenue Trilogy #2
Author: Caitlin Crews
Genre: Harlequin Presents
ISBN: 9780373430383
This is the second book of the Fifth Avenue Trilogy on getting revenge on Jason Treffen. The common link between Hunter, Austin, and Alex is Sarah who jumped to her death 10 years ago due to Jason. All three men feel guilty for wearing blinders and not helping Sarah, none could ever realize the true depth of pain she was in because of Jason. As we found out in book one Austin is Jason son who turn his back on his father but could not stop wanting revenge. These three men team up along with a few women to bring Jason down and face justice.
In Scandalize Me we find Hunter who was Sarah’s on again off again boyfriend 10 years ago. On the night she killed herself she pleaded with Hunter for his help he thought she was pulling his chain when he believed she broke up with him to be with another man Jason Treffen. He asked another woman to marry him at a Christmas party that Jason was having in front of Sarah. A few minutes later she jumps to her death. He is guilt ridden and does everything he can to ruin his life. He has walked away from his friends and single handily lost his football career, he is at rock bottom and that is just where he wants to stay.
Zoe Brook is a PR expect who has decided to turn Hunter’s imagine around, for her own cause she also wants revenge against Jason for what he not only made her do when he promised her a better life as is asst. but for what he made her become. Hunter doesn’t want any help he doesn’t think he deserves a better life. Zoe will not give up, Hunter goes along with her, and he sees something in her that he sees in his self the pain and sorrow. He is more than surprised to find Sarah and Zoe were best friends and even more to find she was going to use him to get her revenge again Jason not only for herself and Sarah but for all the women Jason is still hurting. They team up with Austin and Alex to help bring Jason down, along with fighting their feeling for each other.
This book has a lot of emotions in it not all good it tells a story of abuse and finding your way out to a new life. To give your old life a face lift and learning how to life again while getting over your past and getting revenge on one of the worse men who thinks he is above the law for he is the law. This is about all I can say without giving the book away. It was a wonderful read full of hurt, pain, lose and love.
I have enjoyed reading the Trilogy watching Jason being taken down one peg at a time has been interesting. I can’t wait to read the last book to see his house of cards fall down around him. All the cards are stake against him it will be interesting to see if Jason has the power to crawl out and get away or if he will take the fall and loose it all. He has already lost his family (life and daughter and is not working on losing his business what else is in store for Jason should be very interesting.
These are three books from three different authors all about bring down one man. It has been wonderful to see the different takes of each author seeing their writing style and making it all come together to work on the wonderful story. I think the best is yet to come in the last book Expose Me when Alex gets his turn to run Jason to the ground. If you haven’t read Avenge Me by Maisey Yates you might want to pick it up and give it a read. Maisey also has the Fifth Avenue prequel Take Me (Fifth Avenue) Where it all began… due to be released on June 2nd for free on Amazon as a pre-order I am sure you won’t want to miss it go and pre-order. I do not know how long it will be for free it is at the time of this posting. Each story is a stand lone read but to get the full view and background you will want to read all three books.
June 20, 2014
My Thoughts:
The sequel in the 5th Avenue Trilogy, Scandalize me, by Caitlin Crews, was Hunter and Zoe's story. Hunter was only ever in love with one girl, Sarah. They were together many years, and when she broke up with him, he was devastated. He thought that she was having an affair with Jason Treffen, and that was why she left him. What he didn't know was that Sarah never stopped loving him, and didn't want to see him destroyed by Jason. Sarah tells Hunter that she needs to talk to him, but he is so angry that he turns her down, and says hateful words to her, that he will never be able to take back. He even goes so far as to propose to a rebound girlfriend in front of her, because he is so angry. Then Sarah commits suicide, and Hunter is devastated. He is racked with guilt, and knows that he will never love another woman.
Ten years later, Hunter, has been kicked out of the football league, due to his bad behavior. He was a star quarterback, but because of self-loathing, and guilt, he has destroyed his own image. His parents, who are from high society, were devastated when he began playing football, something that they thought was beneath his breeding. However, now that he's brought scandal to his name, they have disowned him.
Zoe was Sarah's friend, and one of the women Jason Treffan victimized. She is now a successful and powerful PR agent, who is ready to take her revenge. She is a woman with a plan, and Hunter is at the center of it. Zoe approaches Hunter, and refuses to back down, until he agrees to let her clean up his image. She is a woman that doesn't take "no" for an answer, and eventually Hunter gives in. Zoe fascinates Hunter, and he is very attracted to her. She is the first woman, that has interested him in ten years since Sarah's death. Zoe only feels numb around members of the opposite sex. A fact that she attributes to what Jason Treffen did to her. However, Hunter, is the first man to make her feel. As Zoe plots her revenge, she never plans on falling for Hunter. Things are about to get a whole lot complicated.
I loved Scandalize Me! The romance between Hunter and Zoe was slow building, and the sexual tension between these two was off of the charts. These two used verbal sparring as a form of foreplay, and it was fun and entertaining to watch. I loved how this story wasn't just sex. It was really well-developed, and the main characters were solid. From the beginning of the story, we don't know how Zoe plans to use Hunter for her revenge. This kept me turning pages quickly! I wanted to know what her plan was, and if it would work. It wasn't unveiled til I was near the end of the story. Once Hunter and Zoe began their sexual relationship, I could not tear my eyes away. Not only were the physical aspects sensual and passionate, but what I loved the most were the emotional aspects to their lovemaking. It really was an intense emotional experience for Zoe. Hunter demanded that she dropped her tough act, and be herself. This forced her walls to start crumbling, and was a powerful part of the story.
My Rating:
I give Scandalize Me, by Caitlin Crews, 4 Passionate, Healing, Long Term Revenge Plot, Exquisite Heat Filled Stars! I loved the central message in this story! "Surviving isn't the same thing as living." Hunter and Zoe had been just "surviving" so long that they were not enjoying their lives. Once they met, they broke down each other's walls, and healed one another. Scandalize Me was a great sequel to the 5th Avenue Trilogy, and I am looking forward to the final story in this series!
~To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
The sequel in the 5th Avenue Trilogy, Scandalize me, by Caitlin Crews, was Hunter and Zoe's story. Hunter was only ever in love with one girl, Sarah. They were together many years, and when she broke up with him, he was devastated. He thought that she was having an affair with Jason Treffen, and that was why she left him. What he didn't know was that Sarah never stopped loving him, and didn't want to see him destroyed by Jason. Sarah tells Hunter that she needs to talk to him, but he is so angry that he turns her down, and says hateful words to her, that he will never be able to take back. He even goes so far as to propose to a rebound girlfriend in front of her, because he is so angry. Then Sarah commits suicide, and Hunter is devastated. He is racked with guilt, and knows that he will never love another woman.
Ten years later, Hunter, has been kicked out of the football league, due to his bad behavior. He was a star quarterback, but because of self-loathing, and guilt, he has destroyed his own image. His parents, who are from high society, were devastated when he began playing football, something that they thought was beneath his breeding. However, now that he's brought scandal to his name, they have disowned him.
Zoe was Sarah's friend, and one of the women Jason Treffan victimized. She is now a successful and powerful PR agent, who is ready to take her revenge. She is a woman with a plan, and Hunter is at the center of it. Zoe approaches Hunter, and refuses to back down, until he agrees to let her clean up his image. She is a woman that doesn't take "no" for an answer, and eventually Hunter gives in. Zoe fascinates Hunter, and he is very attracted to her. She is the first woman, that has interested him in ten years since Sarah's death. Zoe only feels numb around members of the opposite sex. A fact that she attributes to what Jason Treffen did to her. However, Hunter, is the first man to make her feel. As Zoe plots her revenge, she never plans on falling for Hunter. Things are about to get a whole lot complicated.
I loved Scandalize Me! The romance between Hunter and Zoe was slow building, and the sexual tension between these two was off of the charts. These two used verbal sparring as a form of foreplay, and it was fun and entertaining to watch. I loved how this story wasn't just sex. It was really well-developed, and the main characters were solid. From the beginning of the story, we don't know how Zoe plans to use Hunter for her revenge. This kept me turning pages quickly! I wanted to know what her plan was, and if it would work. It wasn't unveiled til I was near the end of the story. Once Hunter and Zoe began their sexual relationship, I could not tear my eyes away. Not only were the physical aspects sensual and passionate, but what I loved the most were the emotional aspects to their lovemaking. It really was an intense emotional experience for Zoe. Hunter demanded that she dropped her tough act, and be herself. This forced her walls to start crumbling, and was a powerful part of the story.
My Rating:
I give Scandalize Me, by Caitlin Crews, 4 Passionate, Healing, Long Term Revenge Plot, Exquisite Heat Filled Stars! I loved the central message in this story! "Surviving isn't the same thing as living." Hunter and Zoe had been just "surviving" so long that they were not enjoying their lives. Once they met, they broke down each other's walls, and healed one another. Scandalize Me was a great sequel to the 5th Avenue Trilogy, and I am looking forward to the final story in this series!
~To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
July 4, 2014
I liked this one more than the first book in the series. Full review to come.
Full Review (originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks):
Like I said in my review of Avenge Me (the first book), I really like the concept of the Fifth Avenue series: three friends come together to bring about the downfall of Jason Treffen, a wealthy, successful New York City lawyer and well-known women's advocate. But beneath his glittering public image lies a manipulative man who runs a prostitution ring by blackmailing young women under his employ and was responsible for the suicide of their friend Sarah Michaels. Each book will be written by a different author, which kind of adds a unique spin on the series, and I'm curious to see how the continuity of the books will work out.
Scandalize Me is about Hunter Talbot Grant III, who we learned in Avenge Me that was Sarah's college boyfriend until she broke up with him when she got too in deep with Jason Treffen. Hunter was angry with Sarah and he ignored her in her time of need. Ten years later, Hunter hasn't forgiven himself for his part in Sarah's death and punishes himself by cultivating a bad boy reputation that pushes everyone away.
Enter Zoe Brook, PR extraordinaire. She sought out Hunter with an offer to transform his damaged public image, and at the same time, use him in her own revenge against Jason Treffen. But as Zoe got to know Hunter more, she realized that there was more to him than the dumb jock image he shows the world. When Hunter finds out about Zoe's plans, he knew he had to convince her that they needed to work together.
I enjoyed Scandalize Me and I had less issues with it than Avenge Me. One of my issues with Avenge was the characters' motivation for revenge that did not come across as well as it should have had, and I couldn't quite connect with the characters. But in Scandalize, I did not have that problem. I liked Zoe and Hunter's characters from the start. I was able to empathize with them because I knew where they were coming from and why they made the choices they made.
Like in Avenge, the focus of the plot was heavily in the romance and how Zoe and Hunter's revolved. Sure, I would have liked more of the revenge part--you know, them executing on elaborate plans unbeknownst to Jason until he's squarely trapped and another piece of his empire falls away. Actually, that one confrontation scene with Jason, Zoe and Hunter felt rushed and anti-climatic. I wanted more drama from that scene, for Zoe and Hunter to do more and maybe a bit of blood, pain and fear on Jason's part. Hopefully, we'll see that and more in the final book.
The thing was, I didn't quite mind that most of the novel was about Zoe and Hunter's growth rather than the revenge. Both had a lot of issues to work through, especially Zoe who went through hell under Jason's thumb. I admired her character, that she was able to rise from that and build a successful PR firm. I really got into their romance and rooted for them to find their HEA both individually and together. I liked what Hunter did for Zoe towards the end of the novel, that he didn't push and let her come on her own.
I'm really looking forward to reading the last book of the series, Expose Me. All I gotta say is that we better see Jason Treffen get his comeuppance. It is long overdue.
Full Review (originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks):
Like I said in my review of Avenge Me (the first book), I really like the concept of the Fifth Avenue series: three friends come together to bring about the downfall of Jason Treffen, a wealthy, successful New York City lawyer and well-known women's advocate. But beneath his glittering public image lies a manipulative man who runs a prostitution ring by blackmailing young women under his employ and was responsible for the suicide of their friend Sarah Michaels. Each book will be written by a different author, which kind of adds a unique spin on the series, and I'm curious to see how the continuity of the books will work out.
Scandalize Me is about Hunter Talbot Grant III, who we learned in Avenge Me that was Sarah's college boyfriend until she broke up with him when she got too in deep with Jason Treffen. Hunter was angry with Sarah and he ignored her in her time of need. Ten years later, Hunter hasn't forgiven himself for his part in Sarah's death and punishes himself by cultivating a bad boy reputation that pushes everyone away.
Enter Zoe Brook, PR extraordinaire. She sought out Hunter with an offer to transform his damaged public image, and at the same time, use him in her own revenge against Jason Treffen. But as Zoe got to know Hunter more, she realized that there was more to him than the dumb jock image he shows the world. When Hunter finds out about Zoe's plans, he knew he had to convince her that they needed to work together.
I enjoyed Scandalize Me and I had less issues with it than Avenge Me. One of my issues with Avenge was the characters' motivation for revenge that did not come across as well as it should have had, and I couldn't quite connect with the characters. But in Scandalize, I did not have that problem. I liked Zoe and Hunter's characters from the start. I was able to empathize with them because I knew where they were coming from and why they made the choices they made.
Like in Avenge, the focus of the plot was heavily in the romance and how Zoe and Hunter's revolved. Sure, I would have liked more of the revenge part--you know, them executing on elaborate plans unbeknownst to Jason until he's squarely trapped and another piece of his empire falls away. Actually, that one confrontation scene with Jason, Zoe and Hunter felt rushed and anti-climatic. I wanted more drama from that scene, for Zoe and Hunter to do more and maybe a bit of blood, pain and fear on Jason's part. Hopefully, we'll see that and more in the final book.
The thing was, I didn't quite mind that most of the novel was about Zoe and Hunter's growth rather than the revenge. Both had a lot of issues to work through, especially Zoe who went through hell under Jason's thumb. I admired her character, that she was able to rise from that and build a successful PR firm. I really got into their romance and rooted for them to find their HEA both individually and together. I liked what Hunter did for Zoe towards the end of the novel, that he didn't push and let her come on her own.
I'm really looking forward to reading the last book of the series, Expose Me. All I gotta say is that we better see Jason Treffen get his comeuppance. It is long overdue.
September 8, 2016
The second book in this unique trilogy story is penned by Caitlin Crews and focuses on Zoe, a PR professional and her work with Hunter. Again the characters are all connected with a common thread: Sarah, the young woman who jumped to her death ten years ago, and Zoe is convinced that Hunter was part of the reason.
For his part, Hunter has been racked with guilt over that fateful night, an on-again-off-again relationship with Sarah where in a fit of pique he ignored her calls for help, It was easy to understand Hunter’s ignoring of the drama: each one of the women that we have met to this point have been loaded with it - and a young college guy, popular and sexy and on the football team wouldn’t have difficulty finding the ‘next’ available option. But, he has taken a beating with the guilt, and turned that into a self-destructive streak a mile wide.
Zoe was Sarah’s ‘best friend’ - but she and Hunter had NEVER met, even though she knew of him. Here starts my problem with this story - even the ‘casual’ guy friends I had in university were aware of my friends - they could recognize them even if they weren’t introduced. That’s fairly minor though - my real issue is pacing: nearly every moment is threaded through with interior dialog and self-reflection, it is meant to draw you in but serves to halt any progress in the story in any significant way. I LOVE the concept - the slow unfolding of the story and the trauma that pushed Sarah over the edge, but the constant hesitation in place of action or dialogue between the characters, and their repeated need to second, third and even fourth guess every utterance and decision is annoying. No really new or surprising information is revealed in these repeated moments, and while there may be a sense of the character, the perspective is one of cement shoes: too busy thinking every issue to death that decisions will be made FOR them and the time to act is long past.
For her part, Zoe does begin to see the guilt that Hunter carries, and his remorse begins to tug at her heart, Of course, they are brought together to bring down the man at the center of it all: Jason, father of Austin and a law unto himself. What develops is an attraction and tension between them that holds potential: Zoe and Hunter have a connection that may actually be stronger than their partnership for revenge. It takes a while for their connection to develop, and with the pacing of the story it does feel even longer, but the potential is there, and once you are invested in this story, you do want to read on.
I hoped for more action, but this is a story loaded with interior dialogue, insecurities and hidden agendas. A few more pieces are added to the pile, but the success of these missions is still up in the air: patience with the telling of this story will, hopefully, be rewarded.
I received an ARC copy of the title from the publisher via Media Muscle/Book Trib. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
For his part, Hunter has been racked with guilt over that fateful night, an on-again-off-again relationship with Sarah where in a fit of pique he ignored her calls for help, It was easy to understand Hunter’s ignoring of the drama: each one of the women that we have met to this point have been loaded with it - and a young college guy, popular and sexy and on the football team wouldn’t have difficulty finding the ‘next’ available option. But, he has taken a beating with the guilt, and turned that into a self-destructive streak a mile wide.
Zoe was Sarah’s ‘best friend’ - but she and Hunter had NEVER met, even though she knew of him. Here starts my problem with this story - even the ‘casual’ guy friends I had in university were aware of my friends - they could recognize them even if they weren’t introduced. That’s fairly minor though - my real issue is pacing: nearly every moment is threaded through with interior dialog and self-reflection, it is meant to draw you in but serves to halt any progress in the story in any significant way. I LOVE the concept - the slow unfolding of the story and the trauma that pushed Sarah over the edge, but the constant hesitation in place of action or dialogue between the characters, and their repeated need to second, third and even fourth guess every utterance and decision is annoying. No really new or surprising information is revealed in these repeated moments, and while there may be a sense of the character, the perspective is one of cement shoes: too busy thinking every issue to death that decisions will be made FOR them and the time to act is long past.
For her part, Zoe does begin to see the guilt that Hunter carries, and his remorse begins to tug at her heart, Of course, they are brought together to bring down the man at the center of it all: Jason, father of Austin and a law unto himself. What develops is an attraction and tension between them that holds potential: Zoe and Hunter have a connection that may actually be stronger than their partnership for revenge. It takes a while for their connection to develop, and with the pacing of the story it does feel even longer, but the potential is there, and once you are invested in this story, you do want to read on.
I hoped for more action, but this is a story loaded with interior dialogue, insecurities and hidden agendas. A few more pieces are added to the pile, but the success of these missions is still up in the air: patience with the telling of this story will, hopefully, be rewarded.
I received an ARC copy of the title from the publisher via Media Muscle/Book Trib. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
June 27, 2014
Scandalize Me, Caitlin Crews
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
Interesting trilogy where each book is based around one person from the group of three friends who've grown up in the past ten years, and now circumstances are forcing them to look back on one devastating night where death roamed, and they ignored it. Now they want and need to make amends, and be certain that no-one else will get caught in that same trap.
I read Austin's story and enjoyed it but with reservations. Now having read Hunters episode I understand much more, and I’m thinking this is going to be one of those trilogies where reading it a second time when I know the whole story, and understand more of the subtle clues and events described, that I’ll get far more from it. Certainly Austin's book helped me understand much of this one.
Characters, well Hunter – we can see just how his guilt at so much has lead him down this trail of devastation of a brilliant career, but can he redeem it with Zoe's help? That's a tough task for her, not least because she needs to persuade him that he wants his career revived. He's just killing time the way he is, turning a head in the sand approach to his guilt, and yet until he faces it I feel he can't move on. He's a good example of the Edmund Burke quote “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” - he did nothing, and the guilt has haunted him and shaped his life ever since. Zoe needs him though – he's essential to her plans to bring down Jason Treffen. She was another young girl who he lured into his wicked practices, she escaped, but even now his reach covers her and she's out to stop it, and prevent any more girls getting sucked into his evil games.
Its an interesting read, I enjoyed it more for understanding the back story after reading part one. I loved Zoe, she's worked hard, been putting pieces into place for many years. It would be easy to just accept Treffen's control and just work within it – but she won't, and she wants to do the right thing and bring him down and end the debauchery. The heat between Zoe and Hunter was searing from the first, but neither wanted to give in. Hunter because he sticks to one off sex, is just apathetic and doesn't do relationships any more...and Zoe, well, he's everything she hates about what she sees as the wealthy, entitled, moneyed group. She's worked up from nothing and fiercely independent, and not willing to loose control as she knows she will if she gives in to her desires. Still, despite their best efforts the passions and intensity is too deep to be ignored. I haven't price or length info but from reading it I'd guess its around 250 or so pages, certainly long enough to get into the characters fully, explore the story and provide an interesting read.
Stars: four, and I think if I went back to Avenge Me now having read this I'd get more from it. Its definitely one I want to re read once I’ve all three parts.
ARC received via Netgalley .
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
Interesting trilogy where each book is based around one person from the group of three friends who've grown up in the past ten years, and now circumstances are forcing them to look back on one devastating night where death roamed, and they ignored it. Now they want and need to make amends, and be certain that no-one else will get caught in that same trap.
I read Austin's story and enjoyed it but with reservations. Now having read Hunters episode I understand much more, and I’m thinking this is going to be one of those trilogies where reading it a second time when I know the whole story, and understand more of the subtle clues and events described, that I’ll get far more from it. Certainly Austin's book helped me understand much of this one.
Characters, well Hunter – we can see just how his guilt at so much has lead him down this trail of devastation of a brilliant career, but can he redeem it with Zoe's help? That's a tough task for her, not least because she needs to persuade him that he wants his career revived. He's just killing time the way he is, turning a head in the sand approach to his guilt, and yet until he faces it I feel he can't move on. He's a good example of the Edmund Burke quote “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” - he did nothing, and the guilt has haunted him and shaped his life ever since. Zoe needs him though – he's essential to her plans to bring down Jason Treffen. She was another young girl who he lured into his wicked practices, she escaped, but even now his reach covers her and she's out to stop it, and prevent any more girls getting sucked into his evil games.
Its an interesting read, I enjoyed it more for understanding the back story after reading part one. I loved Zoe, she's worked hard, been putting pieces into place for many years. It would be easy to just accept Treffen's control and just work within it – but she won't, and she wants to do the right thing and bring him down and end the debauchery. The heat between Zoe and Hunter was searing from the first, but neither wanted to give in. Hunter because he sticks to one off sex, is just apathetic and doesn't do relationships any more...and Zoe, well, he's everything she hates about what she sees as the wealthy, entitled, moneyed group. She's worked up from nothing and fiercely independent, and not willing to loose control as she knows she will if she gives in to her desires. Still, despite their best efforts the passions and intensity is too deep to be ignored. I haven't price or length info but from reading it I'd guess its around 250 or so pages, certainly long enough to get into the characters fully, explore the story and provide an interesting read.
Stars: four, and I think if I went back to Avenge Me now having read this I'd get more from it. Its definitely one I want to re read once I’ve all three parts.
ARC received via Netgalley .
June 29, 2014
This is a review of all 3 books in the series - I don't think there are spoilers but be forewarned...
PJV Quickie: The Fifth Avenue Trilogy is an interesting concept in storytelling: 3 books, 3 authors, 1 story arc spanning the length of the 3 books. I liked how each book had a different "feel" to it, not just a different couple as main characters.
Review: This trilogy is the story of 3 friends, Austin, Hunter, and Alex, who want to avenge the death of their good friend, Sarah, who committed suicide 10 years ago. Each book is told from the POV of one of the men, and they are told in a (mostly) continuous timeline, with each main character accomplishing one part of the plot to bring down the man responsible for Sarah's suicide.
I had a hard time getting into the first book, Avenge Me, mostly because I didn't feel like the main characters, Austin and Katy, had any chemistry. I don't know if this is because Ms. Yates had the burden of setting up the back-story, or if I just truly didn't like the characters. I felt like some of Austin's actions were almost the same as his father's actions, arranging things so that she had no choice but to move in with him; it didn't sit well with me and I don't think the end justified the means. I will say that Ms. Yates set up Austin's father, Jason, as a truly skeevy, detestable villain.
The second book, Scandalize Me, I think is my favorite of the three books. Hunter is an ex-football star who used to date Sarah and feels responsible for not seeing what was happening to her before she killed herself. Zoe was one of Jason's victims, but she was able to buy her freedom, such as it is. She's planning revenge and Hunter is part of her plan. I really liked Zoe and Hunter; they were both so broken from the events in their past and their growth together was sad at times but also hopeful. By the time I got to the end I was waiting almost gleefully for Jason Treffen's comeuppance.
Expose Me, the last book in the trilogy, provided a solid ending to the story. I liked Alex and Chelsea: their romance was not pretty - it was fearful and hesitant but ultimately, strong enough to overcome all the obstacles they each had put in place to avoid being hurt. I knew how things were going to play out with Chelsea and Jason Treffen, but it was so satisfying to read it happen. My only complaint is that there wasn't an epilogue to tell us what happened long-term.
Ultimately, even though it got off to a slow start for me, I thought the Fifth Avenue Trilogy was an engaging read and I'm hoping Harlequin will do another series using this 3-book/3-author set up.
Recommendations: Each couple in this series is so different, I think the series will appear to many readers. They do all have this in common though: if you like your heroes alpha, your heroines tough, and a romance-focused story, I'd recommend picking these up.
PJV Quickie: The Fifth Avenue Trilogy is an interesting concept in storytelling: 3 books, 3 authors, 1 story arc spanning the length of the 3 books. I liked how each book had a different "feel" to it, not just a different couple as main characters.
Review: This trilogy is the story of 3 friends, Austin, Hunter, and Alex, who want to avenge the death of their good friend, Sarah, who committed suicide 10 years ago. Each book is told from the POV of one of the men, and they are told in a (mostly) continuous timeline, with each main character accomplishing one part of the plot to bring down the man responsible for Sarah's suicide.
I had a hard time getting into the first book, Avenge Me, mostly because I didn't feel like the main characters, Austin and Katy, had any chemistry. I don't know if this is because Ms. Yates had the burden of setting up the back-story, or if I just truly didn't like the characters. I felt like some of Austin's actions were almost the same as his father's actions, arranging things so that she had no choice but to move in with him; it didn't sit well with me and I don't think the end justified the means. I will say that Ms. Yates set up Austin's father, Jason, as a truly skeevy, detestable villain.
The second book, Scandalize Me, I think is my favorite of the three books. Hunter is an ex-football star who used to date Sarah and feels responsible for not seeing what was happening to her before she killed herself. Zoe was one of Jason's victims, but she was able to buy her freedom, such as it is. She's planning revenge and Hunter is part of her plan. I really liked Zoe and Hunter; they were both so broken from the events in their past and their growth together was sad at times but also hopeful. By the time I got to the end I was waiting almost gleefully for Jason Treffen's comeuppance.
Expose Me, the last book in the trilogy, provided a solid ending to the story. I liked Alex and Chelsea: their romance was not pretty - it was fearful and hesitant but ultimately, strong enough to overcome all the obstacles they each had put in place to avoid being hurt. I knew how things were going to play out with Chelsea and Jason Treffen, but it was so satisfying to read it happen. My only complaint is that there wasn't an epilogue to tell us what happened long-term.
Ultimately, even though it got off to a slow start for me, I thought the Fifth Avenue Trilogy was an engaging read and I'm hoping Harlequin will do another series using this 3-book/3-author set up.
Recommendations: Each couple in this series is so different, I think the series will appear to many readers. They do all have this in common though: if you like your heroes alpha, your heroines tough, and a romance-focused story, I'd recommend picking these up.
April 19, 2015
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
I think part of the reason why this series intrigued me is that it is a series by three different authors. I really like the idea of three different authors, three different voices and writing styles, existing in the same world, and creating work that fits together in order to propel a plot line forward. I really did enjoy the first book in this series, so I was looking forward to reading this book.
I have to say that I did enjoy Crews' addition to the series. I liked both the main characters, Zoe and Hunter, they were both unique in their own ways, and in a lot of ways they kind of clash against each other because of their strong personalities, but it really works for them, they sizzle on the page.
So Zoe has a past involved in the incident that ties this whole trilogy together, she knew Sarah, she was like her. So she is out for revenge against Jason Treffen just like everyone else in this trilogy is. Zoe is working alone though, and she needs Hunter in order for her plan to work. Zoe is a PR specialist and one of the best in New York, Hunter is a despised ex-athlete who worked his butt off to make sure everyone hates him (hey self-punishment can be a powerful thing). The thing is Hunter doesn't want to be rehabbed, he likes his image the way it is, it was well crafted by him, but Zoe intrigues him in a way that makes him feel alive again.
Zoe and Hunter are both very big personalities, and they both seem to really enjoy playing power struggle games with each other, it's really hard to tell who is winning the game at times. I liked that Zoe has taken her past and made herself into a force to be reckoned with, I like that she's smart and strong, and is willing to do what it takes to get justice for her friend. Hunter, well he is definitely an alpha guy, but he's also intentionally sitting at the bottom of the barrel. Yes he is charming, yes he is hot, yes somewhere hidden in his deep dark chest of secrets is a good buy; but almost no one gets to see that but Zoe, which makes it all the more interesting on the page.
My one complaint with the book is the passage of time. I felt like the book did not take place over a long enough period of time, or rather it didn't feel like there was a lot of time. For example a chapter would start weeks later after the previous chapter ended, but yet it felt like only a day had passed. Or there is the really long love scene which felt like it took up a ton of chapters and dragged on for days, which in reality was probably a very short period of time.
Other than that, I think this book is a really good follow up in the Fifth Avenue series, and I enjoyed reading it. It did a really good job setting up for the finale in the trilogy, which I am also looking forward to reading. I would easily recommend this book if you like alpha guys and characters who are out to get justice for a wrongdoing.
I think part of the reason why this series intrigued me is that it is a series by three different authors. I really like the idea of three different authors, three different voices and writing styles, existing in the same world, and creating work that fits together in order to propel a plot line forward. I really did enjoy the first book in this series, so I was looking forward to reading this book.
I have to say that I did enjoy Crews' addition to the series. I liked both the main characters, Zoe and Hunter, they were both unique in their own ways, and in a lot of ways they kind of clash against each other because of their strong personalities, but it really works for them, they sizzle on the page.
So Zoe has a past involved in the incident that ties this whole trilogy together, she knew Sarah, she was like her. So she is out for revenge against Jason Treffen just like everyone else in this trilogy is. Zoe is working alone though, and she needs Hunter in order for her plan to work. Zoe is a PR specialist and one of the best in New York, Hunter is a despised ex-athlete who worked his butt off to make sure everyone hates him (hey self-punishment can be a powerful thing). The thing is Hunter doesn't want to be rehabbed, he likes his image the way it is, it was well crafted by him, but Zoe intrigues him in a way that makes him feel alive again.
Zoe and Hunter are both very big personalities, and they both seem to really enjoy playing power struggle games with each other, it's really hard to tell who is winning the game at times. I liked that Zoe has taken her past and made herself into a force to be reckoned with, I like that she's smart and strong, and is willing to do what it takes to get justice for her friend. Hunter, well he is definitely an alpha guy, but he's also intentionally sitting at the bottom of the barrel. Yes he is charming, yes he is hot, yes somewhere hidden in his deep dark chest of secrets is a good buy; but almost no one gets to see that but Zoe, which makes it all the more interesting on the page.
My one complaint with the book is the passage of time. I felt like the book did not take place over a long enough period of time, or rather it didn't feel like there was a lot of time. For example a chapter would start weeks later after the previous chapter ended, but yet it felt like only a day had passed. Or there is the really long love scene which felt like it took up a ton of chapters and dragged on for days, which in reality was probably a very short period of time.
Other than that, I think this book is a really good follow up in the Fifth Avenue series, and I enjoyed reading it. It did a really good job setting up for the finale in the trilogy, which I am also looking forward to reading. I would easily recommend this book if you like alpha guys and characters who are out to get justice for a wrongdoing.
June 25, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance
SCANDALIZE ME is the second full-length book in the Fifth Avenue series, where each story takes place in a continuing timeline of how those who lost their friend Sarah Michaels to suicide ten years earlier are now working together to avenge her death by bringing down the man who caused it. You could try to read this book as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Hunter had once loved Sarah, once intended to marry her, but they had split up just before she’d jumped off the roof of a NYC skyscraper on Christmas Eve. Now it’s ten years later, and Hunter is doing his best imitation of a man punishing himself for a death he couldn’t prevent. Zoe was a victim of the same man who had pushed Sarah to suicide, but she has managed to survive by focusing on her plan for revenge. Hunter will be the perfect tool for her retribution, but what will they do when their shared need to settle the score conflicts with their growing need for each other?
I was quite impressed by AVENGE ME, the first book in this series by Maisey Yates, and am happy to say that Caitlin Crews has continued that perfect mix of romance and suspense in SCANDALIZE ME. As terrible as it was to find out what had happened to Sarah, it was even more so when Zoe became the face of all the victims still alive and suffering from what had been done to them by a man still beloved by the public. But Hunter has been a victim in his own way as well, and it’s only when Zoe makes him an accessory to her devious plans that he, too, can begin to find some peace from his past and take positive steps toward a happier future for them both, if only she’ll have him.
The ability of these two characters to find love in the middle of all the sadness and horror is remarkable, and the way Caitlin Crews balances romance with tragedy is pitch perfect. SCANDALIZE ME shows how choosing to live in the face of such monstrosity is still better than the alternative, and how that decision can lead you to a love more powerful than evil. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time, and sets up what should be a fantastic conclusion of the overall story in EXPOSE ME, the final book in the Fifth Avenue series.
Favorite Quote:
“Be my equal, the woman who knows that if she’s damaged, then Jesus Christ, so am I. Be worth feeling all of this crap, Zoe.” He could taste the ferocity on his own lips, copper like blood. “I want you, not whatever this is, that you can hide behind when it gets tough. You’re not a martyr and I’m not a hero. Let’s be who we are.”
SCANDALIZE ME is the second full-length book in the Fifth Avenue series, where each story takes place in a continuing timeline of how those who lost their friend Sarah Michaels to suicide ten years earlier are now working together to avenge her death by bringing down the man who caused it. You could try to read this book as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Hunter had once loved Sarah, once intended to marry her, but they had split up just before she’d jumped off the roof of a NYC skyscraper on Christmas Eve. Now it’s ten years later, and Hunter is doing his best imitation of a man punishing himself for a death he couldn’t prevent. Zoe was a victim of the same man who had pushed Sarah to suicide, but she has managed to survive by focusing on her plan for revenge. Hunter will be the perfect tool for her retribution, but what will they do when their shared need to settle the score conflicts with their growing need for each other?
I was quite impressed by AVENGE ME, the first book in this series by Maisey Yates, and am happy to say that Caitlin Crews has continued that perfect mix of romance and suspense in SCANDALIZE ME. As terrible as it was to find out what had happened to Sarah, it was even more so when Zoe became the face of all the victims still alive and suffering from what had been done to them by a man still beloved by the public. But Hunter has been a victim in his own way as well, and it’s only when Zoe makes him an accessory to her devious plans that he, too, can begin to find some peace from his past and take positive steps toward a happier future for them both, if only she’ll have him.
The ability of these two characters to find love in the middle of all the sadness and horror is remarkable, and the way Caitlin Crews balances romance with tragedy is pitch perfect. SCANDALIZE ME shows how choosing to live in the face of such monstrosity is still better than the alternative, and how that decision can lead you to a love more powerful than evil. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time, and sets up what should be a fantastic conclusion of the overall story in EXPOSE ME, the final book in the Fifth Avenue series.
Favorite Quote:
“Be my equal, the woman who knows that if she’s damaged, then Jesus Christ, so am I. Be worth feeling all of this crap, Zoe.” He could taste the ferocity on his own lips, copper like blood. “I want you, not whatever this is, that you can hide behind when it gets tough. You’re not a martyr and I’m not a hero. Let’s be who we are.”
May 17, 2014
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for providing me with a copy
Scandalize Me is released on the 24th June 2014
This is book number 2 in the Fifth Avenue series, a trilogy of books following the lives of three men, their pasts and their loves.
Book number 1, Avenge Me from Maisey Yates kick started the story in awesome style, can book number 2 live up to it?
It does! Following Austin and Katy's tale in Avenge Me we heard a little about Hunter Grant, he was the rich jock boyfriend of Sarah Michael's who if you are familiar with Avenge Me killed herself after becoming entangled with Jason Treffen, Austin's father, women's advocate, lawyer and general all round nasty lying piece of work.
The woman at the centre of Scandalize Me is Zoe Brook, a hugely successful PR guru who has Hunter in her sights, she plans to use him to enact revenge on Jason but she has a massive task on her hands, Hunter is from an extremely wealthy family but rather than follow what his parents wanted for him he became a sportsman and he has been plagued by his terrible reputation at both work and play.
Zoe gradually gets Hunter to become more involved in worthwhile things including teaching sport at a rundown school which is also coincidentally the same school that Sarah Michael's went to, and as Zoe increases his popularity she find herself getting more and more attracted to him, she is also hiding a secret from him, the reason why she wants to bring down Jason Treffen.
Scandalize Me is a fabulous juicy read, Hunter is a complete arrogant self centred pain in the ass at the start of the book and it made me wonder why Zoe bothered with him, he seemed a total lost cause but as the book progresses he makes a transformation and actually starts giving a shit about what he is doing and he also is trying his damnedest to get Zoe in his bed.
The sparks that fly between these two are totally amazing, from the moment they first meet they just bounce off each other, Zoe is not shy and retiring by any means.
Not one for spoilers, this book has a satisfactory conclusion and Jason Treffen's coffin is getting more and more nails in it.
This series is one to add to your reading list ladies and I look forward to read Alex's story in Expose Me.
Scandalize Me is awarded 5 out of 5
Scandalize Me is released on the 24th June 2014
This is book number 2 in the Fifth Avenue series, a trilogy of books following the lives of three men, their pasts and their loves.
Book number 1, Avenge Me from Maisey Yates kick started the story in awesome style, can book number 2 live up to it?
It does! Following Austin and Katy's tale in Avenge Me we heard a little about Hunter Grant, he was the rich jock boyfriend of Sarah Michael's who if you are familiar with Avenge Me killed herself after becoming entangled with Jason Treffen, Austin's father, women's advocate, lawyer and general all round nasty lying piece of work.
The woman at the centre of Scandalize Me is Zoe Brook, a hugely successful PR guru who has Hunter in her sights, she plans to use him to enact revenge on Jason but she has a massive task on her hands, Hunter is from an extremely wealthy family but rather than follow what his parents wanted for him he became a sportsman and he has been plagued by his terrible reputation at both work and play.
Zoe gradually gets Hunter to become more involved in worthwhile things including teaching sport at a rundown school which is also coincidentally the same school that Sarah Michael's went to, and as Zoe increases his popularity she find herself getting more and more attracted to him, she is also hiding a secret from him, the reason why she wants to bring down Jason Treffen.
Scandalize Me is a fabulous juicy read, Hunter is a complete arrogant self centred pain in the ass at the start of the book and it made me wonder why Zoe bothered with him, he seemed a total lost cause but as the book progresses he makes a transformation and actually starts giving a shit about what he is doing and he also is trying his damnedest to get Zoe in his bed.
The sparks that fly between these two are totally amazing, from the moment they first meet they just bounce off each other, Zoe is not shy and retiring by any means.
Not one for spoilers, this book has a satisfactory conclusion and Jason Treffen's coffin is getting more and more nails in it.
This series is one to add to your reading list ladies and I look forward to read Alex's story in Expose Me.
Scandalize Me is awarded 5 out of 5
August 7, 2014
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (Harlequin Presents, 2014; 272 pgs)
Opening Sentence: Zoe Brook strode into the exclusive strip club, hidden away beneath a discreet sign on a side street in an otherwise upscale Manhattan neighborhood, like an avenging angel on the warpath at last.
Zoe Brook is one of the top public relations agents out there, and she's set her sights on the wealthy former NFL player Hunter Grant III. She intends to use him in order to exact her revenge on the well known and admired Jason Treffen, a prominent attorney and philanthropist known for his fight for women's rights. Or so he would like people to think. Zoe, who once had worked for Jason Treffen, knows all too well he has dark secrets, and she is determined to out him as the dirty scumbag he is.
Hunter hasn't a clue why Zoe is determined to rehabilitate his tarnished image, an image he worked hard to achieve after the death of his ex-girlfriend Sarah Michaels all those years ago. He blames himself for her suicide and is mired in guilt. His resistance soon gives way to curiosity--and lust for this beautiful and powerful woman. When he does find out what Zoe is up to, his former reluctance to get involved with his best friends', Austin and Alex, own revenge plan against the elder Treffen, falls by the wayside. He's all in and Jason Treffen had better watch out.
I confess I did not like Hunter much at first and Zoe came on so strong, I was not sure I would like her either. I grew to like them though. Hunter is much more than what he first appears and once I got to know Zoe better, I had a lot of respect for her. She came by her strength the hard way, and it was impossible not to admire her for it. Like with the previous book featuring Austin and Katy, both Hunter and Zoe come with a lot of baggage. The two are clearly starved for love and acceptance, both of which they find in each others' arms.
There were two scenes that stick out in my mind after finishing Scandalize Me. The scene in the rain when Hunter asks Zoe why she's mad at him and a scene towards the end involving Hunter and a teenage football player. Both were extremely touching scenes and summed the characters up well.
Source: Book provided by publisher for review.
Opening Sentence: Zoe Brook strode into the exclusive strip club, hidden away beneath a discreet sign on a side street in an otherwise upscale Manhattan neighborhood, like an avenging angel on the warpath at last.
Zoe Brook is one of the top public relations agents out there, and she's set her sights on the wealthy former NFL player Hunter Grant III. She intends to use him in order to exact her revenge on the well known and admired Jason Treffen, a prominent attorney and philanthropist known for his fight for women's rights. Or so he would like people to think. Zoe, who once had worked for Jason Treffen, knows all too well he has dark secrets, and she is determined to out him as the dirty scumbag he is.
Hunter hasn't a clue why Zoe is determined to rehabilitate his tarnished image, an image he worked hard to achieve after the death of his ex-girlfriend Sarah Michaels all those years ago. He blames himself for her suicide and is mired in guilt. His resistance soon gives way to curiosity--and lust for this beautiful and powerful woman. When he does find out what Zoe is up to, his former reluctance to get involved with his best friends', Austin and Alex, own revenge plan against the elder Treffen, falls by the wayside. He's all in and Jason Treffen had better watch out.
I confess I did not like Hunter much at first and Zoe came on so strong, I was not sure I would like her either. I grew to like them though. Hunter is much more than what he first appears and once I got to know Zoe better, I had a lot of respect for her. She came by her strength the hard way, and it was impossible not to admire her for it. Like with the previous book featuring Austin and Katy, both Hunter and Zoe come with a lot of baggage. The two are clearly starved for love and acceptance, both of which they find in each others' arms.
There were two scenes that stick out in my mind after finishing Scandalize Me. The scene in the rain when Hunter asks Zoe why she's mad at him and a scene towards the end involving Hunter and a teenage football player. Both were extremely touching scenes and summed the characters up well.
Source: Book provided by publisher for review.
June 21, 2015
This is a well and insightfully written tale. I was quite captivated with the story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Crews paints a picture of hope and despair that keeps you captivated throughout. Her writing style and voice serve to highlight not only the overall story, but the personality of the main character.
I must admit, I’m normally not a fan of multi-author series, but this one is absolutely perfect. The storylines & the authors’ writing styles writing styles work amazingly well together. There is a distinct difference in the tones & voice of the novels that match perfectly with the characters at hand. The tone of this story actually sets your perception of the main characters and their relationship to one another. The undercurrent runs through the entire novel, giving you a sense of foreboding & excitement. But Crews doesn’t stop at that with her character development. She adds a sense of approachability and realism to those individuals who are simply individuals in the media for most of us. The supporting cast also helps to round out his novel. They are not only individuals in their own right, but also as the lifelong friends that the main characters depend on for support. Together they serve as the perfect cast for this intriguing tale.
My biggest issue is not with this novel, but with the series as a whole. And it’s more of a question than an issue, at that. What chance of fate manages to get every man that Jason Treffen has wronged set up with one of the women he wronged? It’s an irony that you don’t see in the individual instalments, but only when you look at the series as a whole. At the same time, it’s also one of the elements that makes the series so memorable.
Overall, this was a great addition to the Fifth Avenue trilogy. I’d recommend it to anyone and can’t wait to read more.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit, I’m normally not a fan of multi-author series, but this one is absolutely perfect. The storylines & the authors’ writing styles writing styles work amazingly well together. There is a distinct difference in the tones & voice of the novels that match perfectly with the characters at hand. The tone of this story actually sets your perception of the main characters and their relationship to one another. The undercurrent runs through the entire novel, giving you a sense of foreboding & excitement. But Crews doesn’t stop at that with her character development. She adds a sense of approachability and realism to those individuals who are simply individuals in the media for most of us. The supporting cast also helps to round out his novel. They are not only individuals in their own right, but also as the lifelong friends that the main characters depend on for support. Together they serve as the perfect cast for this intriguing tale.
My biggest issue is not with this novel, but with the series as a whole. And it’s more of a question than an issue, at that. What chance of fate manages to get every man that Jason Treffen has wronged set up with one of the women he wronged? It’s an irony that you don’t see in the individual instalments, but only when you look at the series as a whole. At the same time, it’s also one of the elements that makes the series so memorable.
Overall, this was a great addition to the Fifth Avenue trilogy. I’d recommend it to anyone and can’t wait to read more.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2014
This trilogy is getting better! I liked Avenge Me the first novel, but now, I'm sold to Hunter's capable hands! I thought I would prefer Austin's dominant behaviour, but the mix of Hunter wild side and the controlling Zoe, it was a pure blast! At least for me!
I love to read about strong, accomplished, determined woman and Zoe Brook is the perfect representation of that kind of women! Hunter is the kind of man who has everyone and everything easily, but got one of the worst star of sport fields’ reputation. Well, his tarnished reputation reaches every field of his life now and Zoe come to his rescue with a plan of her own.
A surprising alliance will bloom from Hunter and Zoe to get Jason Treffen down and Zoe have her own experience and reason as weaponry. Together, they are unstoppable, but they own personalities, fears and maybe love seem to separates them.
A trilogy written by three different authors seems to be a bit crazy and difficult to conceive, but actually Scandalize Me is the perfect sequel to Avenge Me. I didn't even think about the fact that it was Caitlin Crews and not Maisey Yates who continued this trilogy! It was perfect!
I like the fact that the second volume molds well to the first book and the basic story. The main plot remains the same and evolves with the second novel. The characters are consistent and it could have rubbed differently in Scandalize Me with a new/different author. Caitlin Crews has given a chance to Hunter to restore his fault and past mistakes toward Sarah Michael and find love in this big mess!
Caitlin Crews is now on my list of new favorite authors! I'm looking forward to read something else from her!
Just like the first book of this trilogy, I recommend this title to everyone who read and loved Avenge Me (since these books aren't stand-alone)!
I love to read about strong, accomplished, determined woman and Zoe Brook is the perfect representation of that kind of women! Hunter is the kind of man who has everyone and everything easily, but got one of the worst star of sport fields’ reputation. Well, his tarnished reputation reaches every field of his life now and Zoe come to his rescue with a plan of her own.
A surprising alliance will bloom from Hunter and Zoe to get Jason Treffen down and Zoe have her own experience and reason as weaponry. Together, they are unstoppable, but they own personalities, fears and maybe love seem to separates them.
A trilogy written by three different authors seems to be a bit crazy and difficult to conceive, but actually Scandalize Me is the perfect sequel to Avenge Me. I didn't even think about the fact that it was Caitlin Crews and not Maisey Yates who continued this trilogy! It was perfect!
I like the fact that the second volume molds well to the first book and the basic story. The main plot remains the same and evolves with the second novel. The characters are consistent and it could have rubbed differently in Scandalize Me with a new/different author. Caitlin Crews has given a chance to Hunter to restore his fault and past mistakes toward Sarah Michael and find love in this big mess!
Caitlin Crews is now on my list of new favorite authors! I'm looking forward to read something else from her!
Just like the first book of this trilogy, I recommend this title to everyone who read and loved Avenge Me (since these books aren't stand-alone)!
June 25, 2014
This is the second book in the 5th Avenue Trilogy. This Hunter and Zoe's story and their part in taking down Jason Treffen.
Hunter was in love with Sarah, they were together for years before she left him. She broke his heart and left him devastated. Unbeknownst to him, she only left him because she didn't want him involved in all the nastiness that Jason had made her life. Hunter was so angry with her because he thought she left him for Jason. On the night she committed suicide, he ignored her pleas for them to talk. He has been overwhelmed with grief and guilt for the past ten years. He's been kicked out of the football league and disowned by his family, because of his bad behavior and all around bad attitude.
Zoe was a friend of Sarah's and also one Jason's victims. She finally got away from Jason and is now a successful PR agent. She seeks out Hunter to help him revive his reputation and also as a part in revenge against Jason. For the last ten years she has only felt numb around men but being around Hunter makes her feel things she thought was dead. She expects him to be the dumb jock the tabloids make him out to be, but he really isn't. She also doesn't expect to fall for him. Things are going to definitely get interesting.
I liked this book better than the first one. I loved the slow build up of their relationship and the sexual tension between the two of them had sparks flying off the pages. The characters were well developed and so was the story line. We got to see more of the way Jason is going yo be taken down. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book to see how things turn out.
I was given this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hunter was in love with Sarah, they were together for years before she left him. She broke his heart and left him devastated. Unbeknownst to him, she only left him because she didn't want him involved in all the nastiness that Jason had made her life. Hunter was so angry with her because he thought she left him for Jason. On the night she committed suicide, he ignored her pleas for them to talk. He has been overwhelmed with grief and guilt for the past ten years. He's been kicked out of the football league and disowned by his family, because of his bad behavior and all around bad attitude.
Zoe was a friend of Sarah's and also one Jason's victims. She finally got away from Jason and is now a successful PR agent. She seeks out Hunter to help him revive his reputation and also as a part in revenge against Jason. For the last ten years she has only felt numb around men but being around Hunter makes her feel things she thought was dead. She expects him to be the dumb jock the tabloids make him out to be, but he really isn't. She also doesn't expect to fall for him. Things are going to definitely get interesting.
I liked this book better than the first one. I loved the slow build up of their relationship and the sexual tension between the two of them had sparks flying off the pages. The characters were well developed and so was the story line. We got to see more of the way Jason is going yo be taken down. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book to see how things turn out.
I was given this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
Wow. This isn't your usual Harlequin book. It far surpasses any I've read so far in theme.
This book was vividly harsh in the theme and I found myself aching with the main character. I found tears in my eyes and angry in behalf of her for everything she went through.
Hunter Grant is a man whose been through an immeasurable loss. The first person he ever loved, kills herself. He blames himself when he should blame Jason Treffen the man who was the root of it all.
Along comes Zoe, unbeknownst to Hunter she's been though the exact same thing and has come out alive, damaged, but alive. She offers to change his image from heartless to selfless. He knows she has ulterior motives, but he can't seem to care. He falls for her hard and fast, she falls just the same, but the false walls that help hold her up are to high for him to penetrate.
Eventually he gets through and after an incredible night her walls go back up. She reveals her true reason for helping him and that's to get revenge on Jason Treffen. She was one of the many he seduced with high hopes of getting a foot in the door of a well known law firm and ultimately using them as whores an escorts. She was one of the many that ended up being used as a prostitute and when she refused rapped. Her self imaged is shattered and held together by glue.
He helps her to get revenge and reveals his true feelings, but she just can't get past what happens to her. She doesn't want to soil him with her filth and black soul. He can't seem to get it though her head that who she's become is part of why he loves her.
Can two people who've walked though hell and back be together and be happy. Can they get past the whispers and looks that they know will come.......
This book was vividly harsh in the theme and I found myself aching with the main character. I found tears in my eyes and angry in behalf of her for everything she went through.
Hunter Grant is a man whose been through an immeasurable loss. The first person he ever loved, kills herself. He blames himself when he should blame Jason Treffen the man who was the root of it all.
Along comes Zoe, unbeknownst to Hunter she's been though the exact same thing and has come out alive, damaged, but alive. She offers to change his image from heartless to selfless. He knows she has ulterior motives, but he can't seem to care. He falls for her hard and fast, she falls just the same, but the false walls that help hold her up are to high for him to penetrate.
Eventually he gets through and after an incredible night her walls go back up. She reveals her true reason for helping him and that's to get revenge on Jason Treffen. She was one of the many he seduced with high hopes of getting a foot in the door of a well known law firm and ultimately using them as whores an escorts. She was one of the many that ended up being used as a prostitute and when she refused rapped. Her self imaged is shattered and held together by glue.
He helps her to get revenge and reveals his true feelings, but she just can't get past what happens to her. She doesn't want to soil him with her filth and black soul. He can't seem to get it though her head that who she's become is part of why he loves her.
Can two people who've walked though hell and back be together and be happy. Can they get past the whispers and looks that they know will come.......
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