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Scandalous Lies
Lovers and liars, divas and sinners, welcome to a world of scandal, where one woman will pay the ultimate price.
SUSPENSE: Georgia’s best friend, ballroom dancing sensation Mitzi, has vanished with boyfriend Foster while on holiday in California. Can Georgia get to the truth of their disappearance before it’s too late?
SECRETS: Reality TV star Nova could give the Kardashians a run for their money. But while she allows millions of viewers into her fabulous home, she’s unaware what her husband, celebrity mogul Jacob, is up to behind closed doors …
SEX: Tanya is filthy rich, married to a man who adores her but she is restless. And her sexual appetite is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.
SCANDAL: Victoria, once the trophy-wife, has lost her mojo. Determined to get her life and marriage back on track, she’s desperate to inject some excitement in her life – but at what cost?
From the glitz of Hollywood to the glamour of Milan and the exotic luxury of India, Scandalous Lies is a deliciously unputdownable read.
SUSPENSE: Georgia’s best friend, ballroom dancing sensation Mitzi, has vanished with boyfriend Foster while on holiday in California. Can Georgia get to the truth of their disappearance before it’s too late?
SECRETS: Reality TV star Nova could give the Kardashians a run for their money. But while she allows millions of viewers into her fabulous home, she’s unaware what her husband, celebrity mogul Jacob, is up to behind closed doors …
SEX: Tanya is filthy rich, married to a man who adores her but she is restless. And her sexual appetite is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.
SCANDAL: Victoria, once the trophy-wife, has lost her mojo. Determined to get her life and marriage back on track, she’s desperate to inject some excitement in her life – but at what cost?
From the glitz of Hollywood to the glamour of Milan and the exotic luxury of India, Scandalous Lies is a deliciously unputdownable read.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2015
102 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Nigel May
17 books47 followersNigel May has been described as "the UK's male Jackie Collins" and is an author, TV host and journalist. His three fiction novels have all been published by Bookouture.
His first glam fiction novel was TRINITY, an action-packed blockbuster (or bonkbuster) about the lives of the rich and famous. Glamour, beauty, fame and celebrity mix with murder, intrigue and danger to create an explosive novel which gained incredible reviews and fans across the globe. His follow-up was the glitz-meets-grit whodunit ADDICTED which was also a huge success and once again dived into the diamond-dipped world of the mega-rich but showed that all of the money and fame in the world do not always make for a happy ending. His third novel SCANDALOUS LIES is steeped in secrets, sin, sex and scandal and takes readers around the world as a mysterious celebrity disappearance is investigated. His books have been Amazon best sellers, read by celebrities and fellow authors alike, and have proved that a man can successfully write in a 'bonkbuster world' that has always been a strongly female domain.
Nigel was the only male writer amongst 44 authors featured in the chart-topping, beach-read anthology of short-stories SUNLOUNGER. He also contributed a short story to SUNLOUNGER 2.
On television he regularly presents on UK shopping channels where he has built up a substantial following. He has also featured on Channel 4, C5, ITV and broadcast live from America. He is also one of the UK's most popular craft personalities, having launched his own successful range, A-May-Zing.
As a writer he has written for many of the UK's most successful magazines and newspapers, specialising in showbiz and celebrity, as well as writing on subjects ranging from relationships through to exotic travel.
Follow him on Twitter @Nigel_May
www.nigelmay.net
www.bookouture.com
His first glam fiction novel was TRINITY, an action-packed blockbuster (or bonkbuster) about the lives of the rich and famous. Glamour, beauty, fame and celebrity mix with murder, intrigue and danger to create an explosive novel which gained incredible reviews and fans across the globe. His follow-up was the glitz-meets-grit whodunit ADDICTED which was also a huge success and once again dived into the diamond-dipped world of the mega-rich but showed that all of the money and fame in the world do not always make for a happy ending. His third novel SCANDALOUS LIES is steeped in secrets, sin, sex and scandal and takes readers around the world as a mysterious celebrity disappearance is investigated. His books have been Amazon best sellers, read by celebrities and fellow authors alike, and have proved that a man can successfully write in a 'bonkbuster world' that has always been a strongly female domain.
Nigel was the only male writer amongst 44 authors featured in the chart-topping, beach-read anthology of short-stories SUNLOUNGER. He also contributed a short story to SUNLOUNGER 2.
On television he regularly presents on UK shopping channels where he has built up a substantial following. He has also featured on Channel 4, C5, ITV and broadcast live from America. He is also one of the UK's most popular craft personalities, having launched his own successful range, A-May-Zing.
As a writer he has written for many of the UK's most successful magazines and newspapers, specialising in showbiz and celebrity, as well as writing on subjects ranging from relationships through to exotic travel.
Follow him on Twitter @Nigel_May
www.nigelmay.net
www.bookouture.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 17, 2015
To describe Scandalous Lies in one word: incredible. Insanely good. And off the scale hot. I already had high expectations after reading and loving Nigel May's Addicted, but Scandalous Lies is something else and is a book that everybody should be downloading to their Kindles this summer. Move over Rebecca Chance and Victoria Fox, Nigel May has stolen your crowns and is holding them ransom for the foreseeable. Once again I am kicking myself at never having read Nigel's books before. It's amazing what a publisher and some new covers can do for a book!
Scandalous Lies consumed me so much as a reader that I was did not want to put it down, in fact I was positively seething when I had to. I downloaded it to my Kindle for iPhone app, something that I only do for books that I need to read every spare minute I get. Like shopping in ASDA, glam it is not and I did have stop reading certain parts in public. Ahem. In all seriousness though there's a truly addictive quality to Nigel's novels, the kind I experienced the first time I picked up a Jackie Collins novel. Nigel packs so much into his stories that they are just so action-packed there's never a moment to pause for breath, it's a rollercoaster read from start to finish.
The blurb only touches on some of the characters that feature in Scandalous Lies and as much as I would love to sit here and discuss them all, we'd be here all day. In classic style we are introduced to a whole plethora of characters, some obviously connected and some not so. As the book progresses they all start to interact in the most brilliant of ways and towards the end of the book you know something bad is coming, you just don't know when, by who, and to who. The whole thing is brilliant and the story went in a way that I certainly didn't see coming. I had a whole other scenario playing out in my head! I loved following them around the glamorous locations Scandalous Lies take us to and whilst I envied their life, I was so glad I wasn't a part of it at times!
I will discuss some of my favourites though. Interestingly despite there being such a varied mixture of characters, there were only a select few that I actually liked. And some that I just loved to hate. My first favourites were probably weathergirl Georgia and her TV presenter boyfriend Charlie. One of those couples whose beauty makes you want to stare at them, and then stare at yourself and wonder why you aren't them. Just me? Georgia is on a mission throughout Scandalous Lies, a mission to find out what happened to her best friend Mitzi who went missing whilst on holiday in America with her boyfriend. In a world full of backstabbers, Georgia is a real normal, down to Earth character who I very quickly liked. And alongside Charlie this is a couple that you hope can survive all that Hollywood has to throw at them, like certain desperate housewives.
Reality TV star Nova is another memorable character for a couple of reasons. One of them being that she is the absolute epitome of what you expect someone like her to be like. She is so fabulously outrageous but also believable. A true fame whore if ever there was one she is only interested in what fame can bring her, and the 'friends' that she can gain from having such a successful career. She does love her son Charlie though, perhaps a little bit too much but at least she lavishes her attention on her one and only son as opposed to one of those famous mums who have tons of kids but favourite just a couple... Oddly I did favour some of the male characters over the females this time around. One in particular being gardener Aaron who achieved fame on a gardening version of TOWIE. Think of a more rugged and hairy Mark Wright. I loved witnessing how he got caught up in the whole fame game and with a rather trashy Russian oligarch's daughter whose husband was a bit of a drip with a revenge plan you doubted would ever come to fruition. And then there's characters you wish wouldn't fall victim to drugs and addictions and actually stand up for themselves, a la Victoria. I was almost screaming at her to stand up for herself and take her revenge, rather than the weak excuses she gave for her husband's infidelity with a home wrecking nanny.
As the title suggests pretty much every single character is lying and/or plotting some sort of revenge on the other characters and this leaves you wondering which characters will actually see out their plans and which characters will even still be alive by the end of the story. With such a huge amount of characters we don't know what fully connects them all in the beginning, this is revealed to us as we read and everything just falls into place wonderfully, allowing for some truly thrilling twists and turns to play out as we read. I actually failed to work out how things would ultimately end, especially in the case of what actually happened to Mitzi and her boyfriend. Amazing. I loved picturing all of these characters and trying to imagine who they could be in real life, or even just putting my own face to them going by the descriptions not only of their looks but also their personalities. There's a couple of shady characters in the background not least Jack Christie, a man who has recently been released from prison and is already plotting how he can 'earn' himself some serious money. Think Ross from Emmerdale.
It is clear on every single page the amount of fun that Nigel May must have had writing this book and creating these characters. It just shines through as you are reading. I also love that he is an author whose books exist within the same world, and so regular readers will recognise the character of Evie from Trinity. Scandalous Lies has everything you could ever want from a book and then some. It is wall to wall filth but with a truly engrossing and multi-layered story within. If Nigel May ever finds himself a little deflated with the bonkbuster genre then he is more than capable of turning his hand to crime fiction, because the mystery element here is brilliantly done. The sex in the book is so good it should come with a warning. And there's a scene with a food item I don't think I will ever look at in the same way again. Scandalous Lies is a book I didn't want to end because I was having that much fun reading it. It is full of exotic and glamorous locations making it the perfect book to escape into this summer. Your own holiday will look quite tame in comparison. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to convince Nigel to include me in his next book!
Scandalous Lies consumed me so much as a reader that I was did not want to put it down, in fact I was positively seething when I had to. I downloaded it to my Kindle for iPhone app, something that I only do for books that I need to read every spare minute I get. Like shopping in ASDA, glam it is not and I did have stop reading certain parts in public. Ahem. In all seriousness though there's a truly addictive quality to Nigel's novels, the kind I experienced the first time I picked up a Jackie Collins novel. Nigel packs so much into his stories that they are just so action-packed there's never a moment to pause for breath, it's a rollercoaster read from start to finish.
The blurb only touches on some of the characters that feature in Scandalous Lies and as much as I would love to sit here and discuss them all, we'd be here all day. In classic style we are introduced to a whole plethora of characters, some obviously connected and some not so. As the book progresses they all start to interact in the most brilliant of ways and towards the end of the book you know something bad is coming, you just don't know when, by who, and to who. The whole thing is brilliant and the story went in a way that I certainly didn't see coming. I had a whole other scenario playing out in my head! I loved following them around the glamorous locations Scandalous Lies take us to and whilst I envied their life, I was so glad I wasn't a part of it at times!
I will discuss some of my favourites though. Interestingly despite there being such a varied mixture of characters, there were only a select few that I actually liked. And some that I just loved to hate. My first favourites were probably weathergirl Georgia and her TV presenter boyfriend Charlie. One of those couples whose beauty makes you want to stare at them, and then stare at yourself and wonder why you aren't them. Just me? Georgia is on a mission throughout Scandalous Lies, a mission to find out what happened to her best friend Mitzi who went missing whilst on holiday in America with her boyfriend. In a world full of backstabbers, Georgia is a real normal, down to Earth character who I very quickly liked. And alongside Charlie this is a couple that you hope can survive all that Hollywood has to throw at them, like certain desperate housewives.
Reality TV star Nova is another memorable character for a couple of reasons. One of them being that she is the absolute epitome of what you expect someone like her to be like. She is so fabulously outrageous but also believable. A true fame whore if ever there was one she is only interested in what fame can bring her, and the 'friends' that she can gain from having such a successful career. She does love her son Charlie though, perhaps a little bit too much but at least she lavishes her attention on her one and only son as opposed to one of those famous mums who have tons of kids but favourite just a couple... Oddly I did favour some of the male characters over the females this time around. One in particular being gardener Aaron who achieved fame on a gardening version of TOWIE. Think of a more rugged and hairy Mark Wright. I loved witnessing how he got caught up in the whole fame game and with a rather trashy Russian oligarch's daughter whose husband was a bit of a drip with a revenge plan you doubted would ever come to fruition. And then there's characters you wish wouldn't fall victim to drugs and addictions and actually stand up for themselves, a la Victoria. I was almost screaming at her to stand up for herself and take her revenge, rather than the weak excuses she gave for her husband's infidelity with a home wrecking nanny.
As the title suggests pretty much every single character is lying and/or plotting some sort of revenge on the other characters and this leaves you wondering which characters will actually see out their plans and which characters will even still be alive by the end of the story. With such a huge amount of characters we don't know what fully connects them all in the beginning, this is revealed to us as we read and everything just falls into place wonderfully, allowing for some truly thrilling twists and turns to play out as we read. I actually failed to work out how things would ultimately end, especially in the case of what actually happened to Mitzi and her boyfriend. Amazing. I loved picturing all of these characters and trying to imagine who they could be in real life, or even just putting my own face to them going by the descriptions not only of their looks but also their personalities. There's a couple of shady characters in the background not least Jack Christie, a man who has recently been released from prison and is already plotting how he can 'earn' himself some serious money. Think Ross from Emmerdale.
It is clear on every single page the amount of fun that Nigel May must have had writing this book and creating these characters. It just shines through as you are reading. I also love that he is an author whose books exist within the same world, and so regular readers will recognise the character of Evie from Trinity. Scandalous Lies has everything you could ever want from a book and then some. It is wall to wall filth but with a truly engrossing and multi-layered story within. If Nigel May ever finds himself a little deflated with the bonkbuster genre then he is more than capable of turning his hand to crime fiction, because the mystery element here is brilliantly done. The sex in the book is so good it should come with a warning. And there's a scene with a food item I don't think I will ever look at in the same way again. Scandalous Lies is a book I didn't want to end because I was having that much fun reading it. It is full of exotic and glamorous locations making it the perfect book to escape into this summer. Your own holiday will look quite tame in comparison. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to convince Nigel to include me in his next book!
October 14, 2015
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
'This whole industry is built on scandalous lies, so what's new?'
News is I've read a bonkbuster and I liked it, I liked it a lot! After years of avoiding books with explicit sex scenes I actually read a bonkbuster and I enjoyed every second of it. Obviously I don't have a problem with contemporary romance with lots of sex in it, however I've been reading the wrong books thinking all bonkbusters are crap. But Nigel May proved me wrong, he actually proved to me I can enjoy a hot, steamy sex scene as long as it's good written. And seriously, Mr May can write a bloody damn good sex scene (fair warning though, bit kinky at times)! I see the whole 'Grey' craze and the buzz around EL James's books and get sick at the thought of so many people thinking what she writes is steamy sex. If you don't believe me, you should try this book and see what I'm talking about. Mr May can teach EL James how to write a good sex scene! He bloody owns it!
But in 'Scandalous Lies' there's a good dose of mystery too. In fact, despite the amount of sex in this book, it's the mystery element that drives the plot. A famous couple from UK is missing, last time seen in Hell's Canyon. No one knows the reasons for their disappearance, however they do know Mitzi and Foster are not the suicidal type or type of people someone would hate that much to kill them. The investigations stop soon and seems police has no answers, but Mitzi's friends are still not giving up on her, looking for ways to find her, especially after it was announced that Foster's body was found. They don't believe Mitzi is capable of killing Foster, as she was so in love with the guy.
'Scandalous Lies' introduces us to so many characters and their stories, I admit sometimes I had trouble in keeping track and even wondered what do this characters have in common with Mitzi and her disappearance. However, by the end of the book everything falls into its place and makes perfect sense, giving us the closure we're after.
You know how things are with the celebrities, right? There's a certain cliche in these kind of books, but honestly I don't mind. I do find these books (no matter if they are fiction or memoirs) really fascinating. I'm transported to a world so different from my own, and connecting with this characters is really challenging. But that's what makes these celebrity books full of glamour so fun and special for me.
Sex, scandal, rivalry, filthy rich people, divas, mystery, drama, this book has it all. It's the perfect beach read you will not be able to put down. The only reason why I'm not giving it 5* is the fact that the end seemed bit rushed and with so many characters involved I was lost at times. But still, I was impressed with the mystery element and I couldn't predicted the ending at all.
This is the 3rd book by Mr May, his previous being 'Trinity' and 'Addicted' and seems that some of the characters in 'Scandalous Lies' can also be found in his previous books. I was thrilled to found out about this as I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about Evie, Victoria, Georgia, Nova, Charlie, etc.
Speaking of characters, I loved Georgia and how she doesn't give up on finding her friend. I think I would be slightly more convinced in their genuine friendship if Mr May included more scenes from Georgia and Mitzi's history. But I was still rather pleased with both of these characters, though they are so diverse. I was surprised to find that I liked even Victoria, who's the weakest of them all, and even develops a drug addiction. As I woman, I could feel her pain and fear over losing her family, though I couldn't approve of the way she handles things. But there was a certain balance between the characters, some were striving for perfection and some are too flawed, but I guess everything is possible in the world of stars.
Overall this is a fantastic, easy, light read perfect for relaxing on this heat. Make sure you have the air con on max, because if the heat outside doesn't make you melt, Mr May's writing sure will. I'll definitely be checking out Mr May's other books and will certainly be on a watch out for his next.
July 22, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher and Nigel May for an ARC of 'Scandalous Lies' in return for an honest review.
It has always been said that we should never judge a book by its cover. However on this occasion, I am very glad that I did. The first time I laid eyes upon the spectacularly glossy and glamorous cover of 'Scandalous Lies' I was determined to find out more about it. Upon checking it out, I was attracted to this book by three things - four, including the synopsis.
First of all, the shiny and attractive cover caught my eye. Secondly, the publicity that accompanies this book states that Nigel May has been described as the UK's male Jackie Collins (and I am a huge Jackie Collins fan!). The third thing that caught my attention was the fact that here is a book pertaining to be a 'bonkbuster' and which has been written by a man. My interest was seriously piqued.
'Scandalous Lies' is a book full of Hollywood Glamour, which is steeped in secrets, lies, scandals and betrayals, culminating in acts of deadly violence. Set in exotic locations with a cast of rich and beautiful characters, packed full of unexpected twists and turns, this book, in my opinion, is so much more than just your average bonkbuster.
I loved this book. From the first chapter through to the very last explosive page, I loved this book. The ending was spectacular and I didn't see it coming! Nigel May has clearly put a lot of love and effort into creating such colourful characters and storylines that weave together so seamlessly. His style of writing is fun and injected with a lot humour. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments throughout.
The characters were something of a mixed bag but most of them were very likeable. I empathised with Victoria and cheered along with her ultimate victory, I felt surprisingly sympathetic towards Devon and his matters of the heart and I laughed along with the outrageous Nova.
I've spent the last 24 hours engrossed in this amazing book and I've got both 'Trinity' and 'Addicted' downloaded and ready to go. This is a highly recommended read if you want something different, something fun, or if you just enjoy a good mystery and suspense (with a saucy edge of course!).
Consider me a fan, I'm hooked.
It has always been said that we should never judge a book by its cover. However on this occasion, I am very glad that I did. The first time I laid eyes upon the spectacularly glossy and glamorous cover of 'Scandalous Lies' I was determined to find out more about it. Upon checking it out, I was attracted to this book by three things - four, including the synopsis.
First of all, the shiny and attractive cover caught my eye. Secondly, the publicity that accompanies this book states that Nigel May has been described as the UK's male Jackie Collins (and I am a huge Jackie Collins fan!). The third thing that caught my attention was the fact that here is a book pertaining to be a 'bonkbuster' and which has been written by a man. My interest was seriously piqued.
'Scandalous Lies' is a book full of Hollywood Glamour, which is steeped in secrets, lies, scandals and betrayals, culminating in acts of deadly violence. Set in exotic locations with a cast of rich and beautiful characters, packed full of unexpected twists and turns, this book, in my opinion, is so much more than just your average bonkbuster.
I loved this book. From the first chapter through to the very last explosive page, I loved this book. The ending was spectacular and I didn't see it coming! Nigel May has clearly put a lot of love and effort into creating such colourful characters and storylines that weave together so seamlessly. His style of writing is fun and injected with a lot humour. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments throughout.
The characters were something of a mixed bag but most of them were very likeable. I empathised with Victoria and cheered along with her ultimate victory, I felt surprisingly sympathetic towards Devon and his matters of the heart and I laughed along with the outrageous Nova.
I've spent the last 24 hours engrossed in this amazing book and I've got both 'Trinity' and 'Addicted' downloaded and ready to go. This is a highly recommended read if you want something different, something fun, or if you just enjoy a good mystery and suspense (with a saucy edge of course!).
Consider me a fan, I'm hooked.
July 25, 2015
This is the first book I have read by this author, I have to say the covers for his books are all fabulous. They really are striking so much so you can't help but be drawn to them.
I have actually been hearing quite a bit about the author and have noticed he has been likened to authors such as Jilly Cooper but mainly the wonderful Jackie Collins. After reading Scandalous Lies you can see why.
If you love books by these other authors you are going to love this book. It has sex, glamour by the bucket loads, wealth, murder, mystery and suspense.
So I hear you asking yourself if it is that great why is she only giving it three stars? Twenty years ago I was a big fan of Jilly and Jackie's books and I think if I had read this book then I would easily have given it the full five stars. Unfortunately my tastes in books have changed since then. Mainly reading crime, thrillers, non fiction and the odd chick lit thrown in, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have done back then.
It certainly is a great book to lose yourself to when your on that sun lounger baking in the sun and I know it will be a big hit with lovers of this particular genre. Sadly for me I just did not find it as appealing as I once would have done.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have actually been hearing quite a bit about the author and have noticed he has been likened to authors such as Jilly Cooper but mainly the wonderful Jackie Collins. After reading Scandalous Lies you can see why.
If you love books by these other authors you are going to love this book. It has sex, glamour by the bucket loads, wealth, murder, mystery and suspense.
So I hear you asking yourself if it is that great why is she only giving it three stars? Twenty years ago I was a big fan of Jilly and Jackie's books and I think if I had read this book then I would easily have given it the full five stars. Unfortunately my tastes in books have changed since then. Mainly reading crime, thrillers, non fiction and the odd chick lit thrown in, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have done back then.
It certainly is a great book to lose yourself to when your on that sun lounger baking in the sun and I know it will be a big hit with lovers of this particular genre. Sadly for me I just did not find it as appealing as I once would have done.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
Scandalous Lies is all Hollywood style glamour, suspense, secrets, sex & scandal. Nigel May packs a lot into this story and if you fancy a raunchy adult, fun, light summer read then this is for you. You can just sense the excitement the author had writing this and playing with the rich, sexy and beautiful characters he has brought to life. Enjoyable, easy and fun read that’s not too challenging and perfect for a bit of relaxation while putting a smile of your face.
The popular dancing TV star Mitzi and her boyfriend Foster have disappeared while on holiday in California. Mitzi’s best friend weather girl Georgia is distraught and she becomes desperate when the police and media begin to lose interest. Georgia decides to investigate for herself; unable to relax knowing her best friend is still missing and this becomes the main theme running through our story.
The author jets us off to wonderful locations of India, Los Angeles, London, Milan and Gran Canaria. The women are glitzy, glamorous and beautiful while enjoying plenty of sex and fun with the boys. There are bad boys like Jack who’s just out of prison while Aaron the gardener is kept busy by Tanya the amorous Russian wife of a shady self-made millionaire. Georgia and her perfect boyfriend Charlie are stars of the book while Charlie’s mother the larger than life trashy TV star Nova is pretty unforgettable. Plenty of designer and current celebrity names are branded about with lots of champagne being supped. All the characters stories become entwined while Georgia continues her search for the truth about her lost friend Mitzi. Will she ever discover what really happened to her…
The odd scene was probably a bit too much for me personally! That said it’s written with such enthusiasm and joy by Nigel May that I couldn’t help but find it overall an enjoyable read. The ending had a nice twist and I didn’t see it coming which was cool. Brilliantly written for the genre I’m sure Scandalous Lies will be a big success and will help increase the authors popularity further. Recommended if this is a bit of what you fancy in a book… (Received ARC)
September 19, 2015
There are many people who would love to be part of a glamorous, celebrity world but, from Nigel May, comes Scandalous Lies, a new novel that shows how everything is not always as it seems.
Nigel, a former celebrity editor for a top women’s magazine, has yet again formed a large cast of his own, fictional celebrities, travelling across glamorous settings from Hollywood to India to Milan. The novel does, in itself, feel like reading celebrity gossip full of scandal, speculation and sensationalised stories as well as the occasional tabloid headline and British cliche.
In Scandalous Lies, Georgia’s best friend, ballroom dancing sensation Mitzi, has vanished with her boyfriend and she must discover the truth of their disappearance before it’s too late. And, there are a whole host of stories woven in between to bring the world of glamour to life.
There’s a lot packed into its reasonable number of pages from affairs to kidnap to betrayal and there are many explicitly erotic moments. Put it this way, I’ll never look at Polish sausage the same way again! Each chapter feels like an episode of a soap with dramatic events affecting the lives of all the key characters. It’s fast-paced and I had to work hard to keep up with all the storylines but there’s never a dull moment in this novel. I can tell Nigel May has an entertaining imagination. He must have had a lot of fun creating some characters and their stories!
However, despite all the designer collateral, light-heartedness and superficiality of some of the characters, there are more serious moments where the danger and downsides of fame are explored.
Read the full Literary Lightbox book review here: www.literarylightbox.com/scandalous-l...
Nigel, a former celebrity editor for a top women’s magazine, has yet again formed a large cast of his own, fictional celebrities, travelling across glamorous settings from Hollywood to India to Milan. The novel does, in itself, feel like reading celebrity gossip full of scandal, speculation and sensationalised stories as well as the occasional tabloid headline and British cliche.
In Scandalous Lies, Georgia’s best friend, ballroom dancing sensation Mitzi, has vanished with her boyfriend and she must discover the truth of their disappearance before it’s too late. And, there are a whole host of stories woven in between to bring the world of glamour to life.
There’s a lot packed into its reasonable number of pages from affairs to kidnap to betrayal and there are many explicitly erotic moments. Put it this way, I’ll never look at Polish sausage the same way again! Each chapter feels like an episode of a soap with dramatic events affecting the lives of all the key characters. It’s fast-paced and I had to work hard to keep up with all the storylines but there’s never a dull moment in this novel. I can tell Nigel May has an entertaining imagination. He must have had a lot of fun creating some characters and their stories!
However, despite all the designer collateral, light-heartedness and superficiality of some of the characters, there are more serious moments where the danger and downsides of fame are explored.
Read the full Literary Lightbox book review here: www.literarylightbox.com/scandalous-l...
December 31, 2015
For fans of authors such as Jackie Collins this is a book you must read. I haven't read JC for several years, but I instantly recognised the formula as familiar.
This is the first book by this author I have read, and if I'm totally honest I haven't been reading a lot of books with erotica in them recently. I went through a spell of being a bit bored of the 'samey' sex scenes and scenarios. Whether this book has changed my view on erotic stories I'm not too sure right now. But suffice to say I wasn't bored reading this one, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The mystery part of the story really appealed to me, and was what attracted me to the story in the first place. Even I didn't guess the extent of what was going to happen, and who was behind everything that was happening.
All in all a really good read, it kept me interested all the way through. It won't be the last book by this author I read I suspect.
This is the first book by this author I have read, and if I'm totally honest I haven't been reading a lot of books with erotica in them recently. I went through a spell of being a bit bored of the 'samey' sex scenes and scenarios. Whether this book has changed my view on erotic stories I'm not too sure right now. But suffice to say I wasn't bored reading this one, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The mystery part of the story really appealed to me, and was what attracted me to the story in the first place. Even I didn't guess the extent of what was going to happen, and who was behind everything that was happening.
All in all a really good read, it kept me interested all the way through. It won't be the last book by this author I read I suspect.
July 4, 2015
For me it was ok. There is a lot of British phrases and words that I just didn't get. For example cosy is cozy I'm. going to admit I had to look that up because it didn't look right. Anyway the story of the show that sounds like American television's Dancing with the stars was good. Throw in a few agents who are selfish, looking for publicity and money hungry and that's this book. Overall characters were good
July 8, 2016
This book is jam packed with everything that makes for a finger-licking-deliciously-addictive soap opera. Sex, lies, murder, scandals, twists and turns, all sorts of connections, corruption and power. Definitely a good read, thank you Mister May!!
July 26, 2015
Wowzers!! Scandalous Lies had more twist and turns than a rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach!
Ive not read any of Nigel May books previously, but I have read other 'BonkBusters' since the 50 Shades hype, and can honestly say this, was by far, the most gripping...
I was hooked right from the prologue in which tells a brief story of the life of Mitzi Bidgood. A former Zumba teacher that got her break as a backing dancer for a popular Saturday night TV dance show, who successfully made her way to become one of the lead female dancers, and her surfing, garden maintenance turned turned reality star boyfriend Forster Hampton - both equally successful in their own rights, both blissfully in love and on holiday, unaware of their fate. After discovering something horrific, they run for their lives only this doesn't quite work out as planned and both are reported missing.
Now, Scandalous Lies, has a lot of characters in, and I'm going to try and do my upmost to not give out too many spoilers, but what I adored about the book is how the characters are linked... Some obvious links, some not so... Which, along with the twist and turns of the plot, made this one heck of a page turner....
Georgia is a weather girl for breakfast TV, dating the dashing Charlie Cooper. Her best friend is missing Mitzi and she is distraught with worry, taking time off work she set off to Hollywood in search of clues on the disappearance.
Nova, has her own reality TV show and is quite literally the biggest, in more ways than one, Showbiz queen. She also just so happens to be the mother of Charlie boy! Dispite her diva ways, one thing is clear, Nova would move heaven and earth for her son, she's very protective of both him and his girlfriend, and although she didn't know Mitzi, she has known grief and a sense of loss which brings her closer to Georgia.
See where the links are going?
Tanya is, as the blurb states... Rich beyond rich! Married to Devon Bellamy, Georgia's father, she has an incredibly high, and explicit, sex drive. Particularly when it comes to their gardener Aaron Rose - another surfing gardener who was set to be the next parter of Mitzi on the dance show.
And then there's Victoria, who was happily married to Scott Palmer -Robers, but since birth of their twins six years ago, Victoria's life is spiralling out of control. She's lost all confidence in her self and is taking anti depressants in secret. The final blow comes when she discovers her hubby has been having a fling with the kids nanny, Chloe.
Victoria confides in her friend Evie - a successful film actress, the pair of them where part of Mitzi's Zumba gamg along with Georgia.
There are other characters too... Ones that took me a while longer to work out the clues and links with, but generally the theme of the book is based around their ties to each other and of course to Mitzi, and all the characters come together at a very eventful charity event.
At this point, I thought I had the story nailed.... How wrong was I?
There were, as I've said, twist and turns but I was NOT expecting that one!!!
I can't praise Nigel May enough for how brilliantly this was written.
Yes there was the occasional smuty scene but above that there was lies, deceit, family secrets, heart break, scandals, passion, addiction, sparkle, glamour and fizz.... Not forgetting one serious plot game changer!
Despite having so much crammed in to one book, it flowed perfectly without losing the reader or getting confusing.
I don't usually give out ratings or stars on my blog, but if I were too, without a shadow of a doubt this would easily get 5/5!
July 22, 2015
I don't think Nigel May can do anything wrong in this genre. Scandalous is a brilliant read its full of scandal, sex and gorgeous locations which would have me jealous if not for the kind of scandalous characters there is in this book.
There is alot if characters in this book and at the start I thought what was going on but slowly but surely Nigel starts to link all the characters together the character I kind took to more was Victoria at times I want to give her a good slap and tell her to toughen up and others I want to give her a big hug, the character that really surprised me was Chloe she seemed to have a heart at the end of the book.
I always wanted to be glamorous and rich but this kind of books shows that these qualities do often come with a price tag.
I have to say I will never look at a type of sausage again without getting the giggles this book is perfect to read anywhere definitely spices up your life without leaving the house.
Bookouture has signed brilliant writer in Nigel and I can't wait to see where he takes the reader next.
There is alot if characters in this book and at the start I thought what was going on but slowly but surely Nigel starts to link all the characters together the character I kind took to more was Victoria at times I want to give her a good slap and tell her to toughen up and others I want to give her a big hug, the character that really surprised me was Chloe she seemed to have a heart at the end of the book.
I always wanted to be glamorous and rich but this kind of books shows that these qualities do often come with a price tag.
I have to say I will never look at a type of sausage again without getting the giggles this book is perfect to read anywhere definitely spices up your life without leaving the house.
Bookouture has signed brilliant writer in Nigel and I can't wait to see where he takes the reader next.
August 10, 2015
I recently read Addicted by Nigel May and loved it so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this new book and what a thrilling read it was. His character development is filled with excitement and suspense, leaving you desperate for more at the end of each chapter.
Scandalous Lies has everything, its full of sexy scandal, glitzy glamour, secrets, lies and some fabulous locations, I flew through it and read in a matter of days.
If you want great entertainment and everything a good bonkbuster should have then this is a must read. It's pure escapism and a great summer beach read, I loved it!
Nigel May shows all the qualities to become the new King of the bonkbusters and I can't wait to read more.
Scandalous Lies has everything, its full of sexy scandal, glitzy glamour, secrets, lies and some fabulous locations, I flew through it and read in a matter of days.
If you want great entertainment and everything a good bonkbuster should have then this is a must read. It's pure escapism and a great summer beach read, I loved it!
Nigel May shows all the qualities to become the new King of the bonkbusters and I can't wait to read more.
August 21, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and Nigel May for giving me the opportunity to read "Scandalous Lies" in exchange for an honest and open review.
What a great book. It's got everything I want in a story, sex, scandal and suspense.
At times I did get a little confused, as there s a long list of characters. However, I soon sorted them out as they were all so different. They had their faults, but it made them all the more believable.. I loved the women as they were so OTT. I'd love to be like them.
Some of the characters we'd met before in "Trinity" and "Addicted". It was interesting finding out more about them. I hope we find out more in book 4.
"Scandalous Lies" is perfect summer (in fact any time) reading and once you've started you won't want to stop.
What a great book. It's got everything I want in a story, sex, scandal and suspense.
At times I did get a little confused, as there s a long list of characters. However, I soon sorted them out as they were all so different. They had their faults, but it made them all the more believable.. I loved the women as they were so OTT. I'd love to be like them.
Some of the characters we'd met before in "Trinity" and "Addicted". It was interesting finding out more about them. I hope we find out more in book 4.
"Scandalous Lies" is perfect summer (in fact any time) reading and once you've started you won't want to stop.
July 17, 2015
I'm not really into bonk busters and the first few pages of Scandalous Lies didn't exactly fill me with hope for the book. But I am the first to admit when I'm wrong. This turned out to be a well written story, full of suspense, interesting characters and, of course, sex!!
What I liked was the theme of Mitzi and Foster's disappearance which keep going throughout the book. I was also intrigued with the way the characters linked as the story progressed.
I didn't see the twists coming and was hooked right to the end. What I really liked was the vulnerability of all the characters.
Will definitely read Nigel's other books.!
What I liked was the theme of Mitzi and Foster's disappearance which keep going throughout the book. I was also intrigued with the way the characters linked as the story progressed.
I didn't see the twists coming and was hooked right to the end. What I really liked was the vulnerability of all the characters.
Will definitely read Nigel's other books.!
July 20, 2015
A racy book set in various luxurious settings. Scandals and secrets abound and keep you reading until the end. The cover really invites you in and the story keeps you turning the pages. Another ideal book for the summer holidays around the pool or on the beach.
Imagine life in Hollywood, India and Milan with a very varied and wonderful cast of glamorous characters taking you on a rollercoaster of adventures.
What lies are going to be revealed and what are various characters hiding? Read on and find out!
With many thanks to Net Galley and Bookoutre for the chance to read this one.
Imagine life in Hollywood, India and Milan with a very varied and wonderful cast of glamorous characters taking you on a rollercoaster of adventures.
What lies are going to be revealed and what are various characters hiding? Read on and find out!
With many thanks to Net Galley and Bookoutre for the chance to read this one.
August 3, 2022
After a British reality show dancing star and her boyfriend go mysteriously missing in Southern California, the lives of those connected to them are changed in multiple ways. Best friend Georgia continues searching for her friend with the support of her boyfriend and his famous mother; hopeful reality contestant Aaron examines his life options and chances of getting famous; former trophy-wife Victoria disappears into the shadow of her former life. With an interconnected cast of close to ten individuals, Scandalous lies is a closeup look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and those who wish to be either rich and/or famous.
With such a large cast of characters I was worried I would lose track of storylines or character development, but I found it wasn’t hard to keep up. No one is particularly likable, but a few characters redeemed themselves towards the end of the book. As the title suggests, this novel is full of scandal and lies, with depictions of sex, drugs, a little violence, and glamorous international travel.
Thank you to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
With such a large cast of characters I was worried I would lose track of storylines or character development, but I found it wasn’t hard to keep up. No one is particularly likable, but a few characters redeemed themselves towards the end of the book. As the title suggests, this novel is full of scandal and lies, with depictions of sex, drugs, a little violence, and glamorous international travel.
Thank you to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
September 2, 2018
After reading so many great reviews I was a bit disappointed with this book.
At first I thought the many characters and stories in parallel would be a problem for me, but it wasn't, I got used to that and could easily follow each story. It was interesting to see how they connect.
From the cover and synopsis I thought this would be a light easy read, mixing mystery/crime and romance, but some of the stories in this boook are quite heavy and depressing. The biggest difficulty for me while reading this book was to like or care about the characters. I was curious to know what would happen to some of them, but most of the time I felt like they were so annoying and I just couldn't like them, not even the ones you are supposed to like.
I see that many people can enjoy this book a lot, I do not consider it bad but I think it was just not my style.
At first I thought the many characters and stories in parallel would be a problem for me, but it wasn't, I got used to that and could easily follow each story. It was interesting to see how they connect.
From the cover and synopsis I thought this would be a light easy read, mixing mystery/crime and romance, but some of the stories in this boook are quite heavy and depressing. The biggest difficulty for me while reading this book was to like or care about the characters. I was curious to know what would happen to some of them, but most of the time I felt like they were so annoying and I just couldn't like them, not even the ones you are supposed to like.
I see that many people can enjoy this book a lot, I do not consider it bad but I think it was just not my style.
October 17, 2023
The prologue in Scandalous Lies by Nigel May pulled me in immediately! Nigel writes in a way that makes it so you can't help but visualize what is going on, with just the right amount of detail. Reading it reminded me of John Marrs' writing: every character has their own storyline that intertwines with others in ways a reader doesn't expect. I also swore I knew what was going to happen but was wildly wrong, which I love.
I deducted a star because Scandalous Lies started to drag, even though there are so many characters (over 15 that we regularly hear from), and I found myself caring less and less. Also, we get a long-winded data dump at the end instead of a few crumbs sprinkled throughout, which I hate.
Ava Blair has a great tone, but I found myself wanting more variety/range from her.
I deducted a star because Scandalous Lies started to drag, even though there are so many characters (over 15 that we regularly hear from), and I found myself caring less and less. Also, we get a long-winded data dump at the end instead of a few crumbs sprinkled throughout, which I hate.
Ava Blair has a great tone, but I found myself wanting more variety/range from her.
July 25, 2022
Well, well, well - this story proved to be way more interesting than I had expected.
Told from multiple points of views, this story circles around the disappearance of a young and famous couple. And as the story unfolds it becomes clear that all of the characters have something to hide...
The story reads as a classic whodunnit, but with a steamy and sexy twist. But let's face it... Sex and secrets is a perfect fit for the Hollywoodish celebrity lifestyle...
For me, this book worked brilliantly.
The audiobook was great. Kudos to the narrator!
(Note: The story may be too explicit for some)
Told from multiple points of views, this story circles around the disappearance of a young and famous couple. And as the story unfolds it becomes clear that all of the characters have something to hide...
The story reads as a classic whodunnit, but with a steamy and sexy twist. But let's face it... Sex and secrets is a perfect fit for the Hollywoodish celebrity lifestyle...
For me, this book worked brilliantly.
The audiobook was great. Kudos to the narrator!
(Note: The story may be too explicit for some)
February 24, 2023
There was a lot going on in this book. So many secrets and ploys and ruthless people.
The plot is great. It starts of slow and picks up pace the further along you get. The last 10 chapters I simple could not stop reading and the ending is somewhat happy.
The characters are all complex and live their own lives. I love how everybody and everything entwines in the story and things truly start to make sense. The confusing things become clear and I was truly surprised about the ending and the reason for everything.
All in all, a great book that truly picks up at the end
The plot is great. It starts of slow and picks up pace the further along you get. The last 10 chapters I simple could not stop reading and the ending is somewhat happy.
The characters are all complex and live their own lives. I love how everybody and everything entwines in the story and things truly start to make sense. The confusing things become clear and I was truly surprised about the ending and the reason for everything.
All in all, a great book that truly picks up at the end
July 19, 2022
Wow. I’m not even sure what I’d call this book? Romance? Thriller? Drama? Suspense? All of the above.
The are celebrities, drugs, thieves, money, cheating, sex, oh and a couple dead bodies.
This delicately crafted book is full of excitement, and if kept me guessing right up until the very end. People turn out to be significantly different than what we anticipated with many secrets and lies being revealed.
The are celebrities, drugs, thieves, money, cheating, sex, oh and a couple dead bodies.
This delicately crafted book is full of excitement, and if kept me guessing right up until the very end. People turn out to be significantly different than what we anticipated with many secrets and lies being revealed.
August 11, 2022
I got lost with the plot for this book. There was so many things happening I just lost track of who was who and the relationships with the the characters. Perhaps it may have been easier with a book rather than the audio version so I could have kept flipping backwards.
Cert not as good as his other book ‘Trinity’. So although this wasn’t for me I’d certainly like to see more from this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to hear an arc
Cert not as good as his other book ‘Trinity’. So although this wasn’t for me I’d certainly like to see more from this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to hear an arc
August 16, 2022
These were some crazy folks taking us on a wild, mysterious ride. The debauchery is present but seems to fit and is part of the story if not it’s own character. All happening while we are still wondering about the mystery from the start! Typical for Mays, the story is layered & complex. Another excellent book by Mays.
June 30, 2018
Good reading .
Thought I would try something completely different to the books I have read . It was entertaining and made me laugh . I give this book 4 stars because it was worth it .
Thought I would try something completely different to the books I have read . It was entertaining and made me laugh . I give this book 4 stars because it was worth it .
October 27, 2018
Page Turning Bonkbuster
5 stars to Nigel May for another fantastic page turning bonkbuster of epic proportions. I literally read it in a day, unable to put it down for more than the time it took to boil the kettle or use the bathroom. Can't wait to read his next book.
5 stars to Nigel May for another fantastic page turning bonkbuster of epic proportions. I literally read it in a day, unable to put it down for more than the time it took to boil the kettle or use the bathroom. Can't wait to read his next book.
November 15, 2021
Good story.
Lots of different intermingling stories going on between the characters.
The ending surprised me I have to say, I thought it was one of the other characters who did the deed. Nice to have been wrong actually.
Lots of different intermingling stories going on between the characters.
The ending surprised me I have to say, I thought it was one of the other characters who did the deed. Nice to have been wrong actually.
Read
July 18, 2017Gripping
loved it and couldn't put it down. A great summer read. Can't wait for the next Nigel May block buster.
loved it and couldn't put it down. A great summer read. Can't wait for the next Nigel May block buster.
July 22, 2017
Didn't enjoy this as much as other books by this author
July 9, 2020
A generous three stars. For me it read like an overflowing plate of scrambled eggs. When I finished it I just shook my head. Not what I was hoping for.
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February 23, 2022Very exciting and erotic story, brilliantly written!!
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