Beauty Mark: A Love, California Series Novel, Book 2

Love, California #2

by Jan Moran

In the glamorous world of high stakes beauty and fashion, Scarlett Sandoval is a top intellectual property attorney in such demand that her firm sends private jets to shuttle her between Los Angeles, New York, London, and Madrid. In the midst of a critical trademark deal between a top fashion designer and an international cosmetic company, Scarlett is shocked to learn that in order to achieve her coveted partnership, one devious partner expects more than she is willing to surrender. Soon she is marked for murder.

Her denial not only threatens to derail her hard-won career, but it also endangers her life and the lives of those close to her. Johnny, a handsome Beverly Hills restaurant owner she's known all her life, offers his protection, but one fateful evening, their platonic friendship ignites.

When Scarlett's world erupts and she discovers there is no way back to the life she once had, her other single friends help her through the turmoil. Can Scarlett mend her life, or has she made an irrevocable mistake in business, and in love? Find out in this romantic suspense saga.

Beauty Mark is the second book in the Love, California series of linked, standalone novels. Follow a group of smart, stylish friends as they navigate the turbulences of modern life and dating. Set in Southern California with international travel, this fun, heartfelt series features a group of best friends determined to live the lives of their dreams.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romance

Audible Audio

First published November 19, 2014

About the author

Hi there, and welcome! If you like fun beach reads or romantic sagas that whisk you off to places like sunny beaches or Italy, Paris, and Napa Valley, then come on in. I write clean and wholesome feel-good novels.

Never miss a sale or new release! Tap "Follow" on Goodreads. Join my Readers Club and get a free read to download now, The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: https://www.janmoran.com/newsletter

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Here's where you can find all my books: https://viewauthor.at/JanMoranBooks.

So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.

If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.

If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.

My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

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If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.

My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.

Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked for 30 years in the country's top law firms in L.A., I saw women attorneys and staff treated this way and far worse. It was especially prevalent in the 80's. I thoroughly enjoyed the satisfying outcome as presented in this story. ;)

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re creating new intellectual property now, trademarks, copyrights, service marks.”

California author Jan Moran is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, the University of Texas at Austin, the UCLA Writers Program, and is a member of The Author’s Guild, PEN, and the RWA. Her forte is historical women's fiction, contemporary women's fiction, and nonfiction books. Her books are sold around the world, having been translated into Italian, German, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, and other languages. Jan has been featured in numerous publications and on television and radio, including CNN, Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, Allure, InStyle, O Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Costco Connection, and has spoken before numerous groups, such as San Diego State University, Fashion Group International, The Fragrance Foundation, and The American Society of Perfumers. She is the founder and creator of Scentsa, a touch-screen software program for retailers and brands. The fragrance and skincare programs debuted at Sephora stores in the US, Canada, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Denmark. Scentsa was sold to Sephora.

Jan informs the reader that ‘The Love, California series – of which this is Book 2 - is a blend of women's contemporary fiction with strong female leads, close girlfriend friendships, and romantic relationships. The women in this series are stylish, creative, and smart, but like any of us, they sometimes make mistakes. I enjoy helping them overcome their challenges.’ Jan’s writing style is as stylish as her characters an themes – the book flows smoothly through the development of the plot that allows the reader to understand the modes of operation of big business versus small business (a timely topic for a novel!) and she allows us insights into her characters that make them credible – and loveable!

As in the successful FLAWLESS, again we are in Beverly Hills and her story unwinds – ‘In the glamorous world of high stakes beauty and fashion, Scarlett Sandoval is a top intellectual property attorney in such demand that her firm sends private jets to shuttle her between Los Angeles, New York, London, and Madrid. In the midst of a critical trademark deal between a top fashion designer and an international cosmetic company, Scarlett is shocked to learn that in order to achieve her coveted partnership, one devious partner expects more than she is willing to surrender. Soon she is marked for murder. Her denial not only threatens to derail her hard-won career, but it also endangers her life and the lives of those close to her. Johnny, a handsome Beverly Hills restaurant owner she's known all her life, offers his protection, but one fateful evening, their platonic friendship ignites. When Scarlett's world erupts and she discovers there is no way back to the life she once had, her other single friends help her through the turmoil. Can Scarlett mend her life, or has she made an irrevocable mistake in business, and in love?’

It is no wonder the Jan Moran is a best selling author. Her books are solid and allow insights and stances about strong women in a time when such topics are daily in the media.

[Kyle Wendy Skultety (gimmethatbook.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.

I received this book from author Jan Moran in exchange for this honest review.

We find ourselves back in Beverly Hills with a story about Scarlett Sandoval, intellectual property lawyer and friend of Verena Valent, who we met in the first book, FLAWLESS. Scarlett is preparing herself for the finalization of a huge deal between Fleur of London (who reminded me of Lady Gaga) and High Gloss cosmetics. She is expecting to be made partner in a few weeks and has devoted her entire life to the firm. First one thing goes bad, then another, and those who she thought were on her side are against her. Her only comfort is with her long term friend Johnny, who works at the Beverly Hills Hotel with Lance, Verena’s boyfriend. Scarlett is having trouble keeping platonic thoughts in her head, and things at her job are going from bad to worse. She has to make some serious decisions–but will they be the right ones?

Once again I was thrust into the world of the rich and famous. Luxury abounds on every page, from Gulfstream 550s to Louboutins. Moran’s vivid descriptions make me feel as if I’m enjoying each amenity, alongside Scarlett. The Spanish beauty is a smart and confident woman, full of class and sass, with no time in her life for romance, much to the despair of her mother. As things with her High Gloss (great name!) deal go bad, she realizes that there is more to life than work.

Scarlett seemed to be a stronger character than Verena Valent, and I enjoyed this story better. She is very independent and hot tempered (as evidenced in the scene on the plane in the beginning of the story) and thrives in a world dominated by men. The ending was more satisfactory to me than in FLAWLESS as well. I feel that Moran’s writing is showing more strength and depth, as she introduces us to the women in the Hostile Beauty world. The plot is something that is entirely believable, and there was drama and tension along the way, with enough plot twists that kept me reading and wondering how it would all end. Johnny and Scarlett are a very well matched couple, and Moran shows us that hard work may be rewarded, in the sub plot of Johnny and Lance trying to open their own restaurant.

BEAUTY MARK is a patent- leather- shiny winner of a story, and I found myself pulling for Scarlett the deeper I got into the book. There are many great scenes, such as Scarlett exacting a small bit of revenge on her boss using a pen, and I can tell that Moran had a lot of fun writing this book. I’m eagerly awaiting #3 in this series, for sure.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reviewing, I don't like to tell the story because we want you to read it. I was honored to receive an advanced copy to read and review. I was not compensated nor was there any bartering of services.

In this, the second of the Hostile Beauty series, Beauty Mark, we experience the personal and professional trials of Escarlata "Scarlett" Sandoval, an intellectual property attorney at Marsh and Gold law firm in L.A. She is acosted by her immediate superior while on an overseas busienss trip. Afterwhich he toys with her, knowing she is up for her partner interview in a week, and won't do anything to ruin that. Followed by a spokesperson blatently ruining the meet with their new client, with no plausable explaination. Then there are a series of dangerous and deadly attempts on her life, again unexplained. Until she sees a newscast in a bar.

Personally, she has grown up with Johnny Silva, the handsome and ever so charming, bow-tiie wearing matre'd of Hollywood's Polo Club. He is at one with the movers and shakers of the community. He has grown up, and been in love, with Scarlett since childhood. Now, when she needs him most, he is there and the fright of her life has unleashed her true passion for him. I loved the way the author brought this into what was happening. It was a flawless transition for one emotion to another. Scarlett is also supported by the stars of book one "Flawless" Verena and Lance, Fianna Fitzgerald and Dahlia Dubois.

I am thoroughly enjonying this series. I am on my second read. The way Ms. Moran has written this, it is easy to read. You are not overwhelmed with characters-she makes up for it in drama. I don't have to go back to check something written to see if it is explained previously. This is a series you will read every year, and enjoy it every time. I look forward to Book Three.

[Henry Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel combines elements of thriller, romance, office politics in the extreme, a brief tour of the life of the rich and privileged, and a bit of travelogue. Its protagonist, Scarlet Sandoval, is a bright, ambitious young lawyer who comes from a humble background, remains connected to her family and roots, and wants a better life for herself. She faces challenges at work such as a boorish, manipulative boss name Lucan and ambitious, cuthroat co-workers. She is attracted to sexy, brilliant gourmet cook and long-time friend, Johnny Silva, but he is a ladies’ man so she has rivals.

Moran creates rich atmosphere and settings with exotic locations, architecture, apparel, styles, makeup, skincare products, foods, international travel to exotic locations, and the like.

The plot, in a nutshell: After Scarlet’s boss nearly rapes her, a co-worker betrays her, an important account is lost, a stock value plummets, she is denied an expected promotion, an attempt is made on her life, and she is fired. At this low point, she reconsiders her options, hooks up with Johnny, and decides to pick herself up. An SEC agent contacts her, seeking information. Guess what happens next.

The novel is well written and edited with the polish of an accomplished, professional author. The settings and other details are knowledgably described by someone who knows the territory. The characters are well drawn and speak naturally. I always like stories about how a protagonist from a humble background overcomes obstacles to achieve success. Moran deserves a prize for coming up with exotic character names; for example, Fleur Georgopoulos Lavender Escalarta, Wilhelmina Jones, Penelope Plessen, Olga Kaminsky, Finnegan Smith, Maude Magillicutty, Verena Valent.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Just begin and believe,”Verena said, placing her hand over Scarlett’s. “My grandmother calls it kismet."

Are Johnny and Scarlett kismet? Can a hard driven lawyer and a restaurant manager find happiness? What does it mean to be sucessful? Can you find love with your best friend?

All viable questions as the story unfolds. they've know each other their whole lives. What might happen if the friendship leads to love? Scarlett, passed over for a partnership in her prestigious lawfirm, sues them for breach of who knows how many things. But that is just the front story.

I really love Moran's writing style. I have read everything she has written. She writes about what she knows: beauty in all forms, legal situations, marketing and lovely characters that drift in and out of the linked at some level storylines. You are literally transported to Spain here. What a wonderful gift!

Run, do NOT walk to read Jan Moran

[Sherrie Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare you to read this book and not fall in love with Johnny. This book is very intriguing. The scenery in this book is amazing. It made me want to return to LA. Scarlett has a very exciting career as an attorney and has an awesome network of friends in the beauty industry. Johnny and his friend Lance are starting up a restaurant and you get a behind the scenes glimpse into their opening up their dream restaurant. Of course, as in life, nothing is easy and there are several characters in here to hate: Carla, Lucan, etc. It is nice to see how it all shakes out. A great read!

[Jayne Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story. This is the 2nd book I have read by this author. A page turning book with great characters..

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Scarlett and Johnny! Great story line--and it was nice that it didn't follow the same romantic formula as the first book! Hurry up March! I'm ready for the next one! :)

[Deb F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Really, Really Good!

I thought Flawless was really good book but I liked the mystery and who done it in Beauty Mark. In the last book, Flawless we met a group of beautiful talented hard working friends, . In Beauty Mark, we have all the same friends but this book in the series is really about Scarlett, who was.born in Spain and worked her way through school and law school on scholarships. Unlike a few of her friends, Scarlett was not born into wealth. She had worked hard to get her law degree and was hired by one of the most prestigious law firm in her field. She had been there ten years , she was the first into the office and last to leave at night. She had served her time and in talking with a partner was assured that she was up for partnership which would be announced within the week. Then things started getting strange with a number of weird things happening at Scarlett's firm.... She ran into her best friend from growing up, Johnny who also had come a long way from their humble beginnings. He had always cared deeply for Scarlett.
This is where the book gets really good..with the strange happenings to Scarlett, they get scary quickly when her life is threatened. She turns to her best friends but can they keep her safe?? First she is attacked close to her work and then is shot at while in Spain. Scared out of her wits she & Johnny need and want get away. Your going to have to read this book to get the answers to who is resorting to murder and why. Will Scarlett and Johnny be more than dear friends and what has Scarlett uncovered about her law firm??
You have to read Beauty Mark to get your answers! An excellent read!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of the Love, California series. I realized there were two I had not yet read. I enjoyed this book as much as I did the others.

Scarlett Sandoval is a top intellectual property attorney. She has made her work her life, missing out on family, friends, and men. She is driven to make partner in her firm. But when her boss makes a pass at her that she rejects, her career comes crashing down. Next thing she knows, someone is trying to kill her. Fortunately, her childhood friend Johnny Silva comes to her rescue. Scarlett begins to piece together events which lead to a dramatic conclusion.

While Scarlett is attracted to Johnny, she is afraid of spoiling the friendship they have. I loved the tantalizing dance between them – will they or won’t they? Of course, they will but Moran did not rush it and instead teased us with a slow igniting romance that develops between Scarlett and Johnny.

I love how Jan Moran interweaves the lives of the other women in the series into each book while one of the friends is the primary focus for each book.

I read an older version of the book so hopefully a confusing mistake has been corrected in the newer printings. Chapters 8 & 9 are flipped in my copy. I was able to pretty quickly realize what happened.

I always enjoy Jan Moran’s books. They are a bit of escapism for me. While immersed in these Love, California books, I get a taste of the “jet set.” I know her books will provide a great (and clean romance) with a “happily ever after” ending.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A legal suspenseful romance, Scarlett discovers that sexism is alive and well in the corporate world. When she forcibly declines her boss' advances, it opens a Pandora’s box and ultimately a mystery to be solved. Fortunately, childhood friend Johnny joins her on a trip to Spain and comes to her rescue when an attempt is made on her life. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of Scarlett and Johnny's trip through Spain and it took me back to my own travels in the region. So many good memories were stirred. However, the idyll comes to an end and Scarlett has to face the music and the fallout from the events set in motion by her boss. Fortunately Scarlett has a keen lawyer’s mind and when she starts to link events together, they make for a disturbing picture. Beauty Mark is well written although a bit long winded in parts. While there is passion there are no long drawn out bedroom scenes, but instead the book focuses on the romance that ignites between childhood friends Scarlett and Johnny. This book is part of a series, however it is a stand-alone with a satisfactory conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[linda murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware of Scarlet

Jan Moran did it again! I love the strong, gutsy women Jan writes about and Scarlet is another! An attorney at a large law firm, trying to make partner, she encounters trouble she never imagined, an old friend in a new light, and her close female friends always there to help! Scarlet finds herself dodging bullets from her own law firm! Romance, intrigue and friendship abound!

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett has been so busy working to become partner at the corporate law firm that she hasn't enjoyed much free time. After two life threatening attacks, Scarlett starts to see Johnny in a new light. Their romance is sweet and the love scenes fade out, which I prefer. There is suspense, an interesting story, a 'Me Too' moment, and a good book. I

[N Gasparelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good but the smart main character doesn’t figure out some things early on that she should. This was true to a lesser extent in the 1st book of the series but I overlooked it. In this book it was hard to overlook. I’ll continue reading the series but hope that’s not hard to overlook in the next one.

[suze joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny and Scarlet have known each since they were kids playing in the Barrio. They were friends. Johnny liked to play and Scarlett thrived on work. When work endangers Scarlets life will Johnny stop playing and show she is more to him. Loving this series

[Patricia Grogan Bugher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama, quick easy read

Beauty Mark by Jan Moran is a very good book, filled with drama. It is also a quick, easy read and very enjoyable. It is book number two in the Love, California series.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way, way better than book 1. This story was well developed without going overboard on legal jargon. The characters were perfect together. There was enough suspense to keep me reading right on to the end.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett and Johnnie

I really enjoyed this book about a woman who is a lawyer, going for partner, when did things start happening.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series. Loving it 💜

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Debbi Lannon-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

#2 - Just as good as the first

Wonderful series, this one had some serious intrigue but lots of romance and great examples of women supporting women in business .

[Jill Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

love all her books !!

This is a like a rom com only better --more intelligent, with some suspense & fun locations with the rich !!

[Lisa Hollier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty Mark: A Love, California Series Novel, Book 2 is by Jan Moran. This book is as good or better than the first in the series. It deals with a work alcoholic lawyer suddenly finds herself at loose ends? What happens when she sees a dear friend as much more than that but doesn’t know how he feels? Jan Moran hits those questions and many more in her book. It is realistic and fun to read.
Scarlett Sandoval is on track to make partner in her law firm, Marsh & Gold. She had been working in the New York office for years but had moved to Los Angeles to be closer to her Mother. She worked well with David Baylor who was on the same track as she was; but even he said he wasn’t ready for that yet. Now they are supposed to be on their way to Los Angeles from London with a new client who is late. She sends David on to the airport to meet with their boss while she waits for Fleur. Fleur was gorgeous but she often called the press herself to keep herself in the headlines. What Fleur wanted, Fleur got. This time, she didn’t count on Scarlett being there. Instead of a photo op, Scarlet got her into the limo and off to the plane where Fleur spent the majority of the flight with Lucan, Scarlett’s boss. When Fleur and David were asleep, Lucan made a pass at Scarlett and who knows what would have happened if the flight attendant hadn’t deliberately dropped a glass breaking it all over the floor. Scarlett was floored and had no idea what to do about Lucan.
After this, strange and dangerous things begin to happen around Scarlett. Who is doing this and why? Why did the job Fleur came over for get dropped?
Meanwhile, Johnny, her best and oldest friend, who worked at the Bar at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Lance, the head chef at the restaurant there, decided to start their own restaurant if they could find backing. In spite of the work involved in getting a new business started, Johnny still found time to be there for Scarlett when things went haywire for her. Why did he still care?
What is going on at the law office? How did Scarlett get involved?

[Emiliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan Moran has crafted a really good story. It keeps you turning pages. The wonderful landscapes in Spain are very well described. Scarlett and Johnny has been loving each other for a long time and growing up they need to find out the best way to be together. There are some twists and turns too, but Scarlett always finds the way to make it thanks to her friends and Johnny. It’s a really sweet and tender story, full of emotions which makes you want to read all night. Great book, I recommend it to all the romantic suspense lovers!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kismet. The author has pointed this out in both books, so far, and it has made me a believer. The characters flow so well together, and the sweet romance goes a long way to soothe you in the tough spots. I found myself cheering the main character, Scarlett, and feeling her heartbreak. The friendships between all the women are true to life. The men, and minor players in each story are just as poignant.

[Miss Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett has a blue and a green eye in book 1, & a blue & a brown eye in this book.
Why?

[Judith Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I love all of Jan Moran’s books. I am reading the series. All have been good.