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Notorious
Notoriety sucks…
Hayley Prescott has had it with being labeled The Widow of a murdered hero. But going home again might not have been her best move. Her self-appointed #1 Fan wants to be her confidant. And the guy who made her notorious in an entirely different way still lives in Gravers Bend—and is every bit as hot as he was back in the day.
So does being the guy in the wrong…
Years ago, Jon-Michael Olivet tried to apologize for making Hayley the hottest topic on their small town’s grapevine. She didn’t want to hear it. Well, he is not the boy he was then. He grew the hell up and now he just wants to move on. Hard to do when he can’t stay away from her.
And if it’s not one damn thing…
Before the two can deal with old issues, the paparazzi track Hayley down and her #1 Fan begins losing grasp on reality. Yet, Fate so often has plans. And Hayley and Jon-Michael’s best intentions may just go up in smoke.
Hayley Prescott has had it with being labeled The Widow of a murdered hero. But going home again might not have been her best move. Her self-appointed #1 Fan wants to be her confidant. And the guy who made her notorious in an entirely different way still lives in Gravers Bend—and is every bit as hot as he was back in the day.
So does being the guy in the wrong…
Years ago, Jon-Michael Olivet tried to apologize for making Hayley the hottest topic on their small town’s grapevine. She didn’t want to hear it. Well, he is not the boy he was then. He grew the hell up and now he just wants to move on. Hard to do when he can’t stay away from her.
And if it’s not one damn thing…
Before the two can deal with old issues, the paparazzi track Hayley down and her #1 Fan begins losing grasp on reality. Yet, Fate so often has plans. And Hayley and Jon-Michael’s best intentions may just go up in smoke.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
322 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2016
21 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Susan Andersen
105 books1,275 followersI grew up in a household with two brothers, a daddy, and my grandfather. Too many men, in other words. They diluted M'ma's influence by diverting my attention to things like the danger of answering nature's call in the dead of the night. I've got a hint for those of you raised in a less spit-and-scratch world: check before you sit, because chances are that seat is gonna be up. And they don't even have the grace to be embarrassed about it. According to my sweet baby boy, if you're the minority sex in the household, you oughtta be putting it up for them. Sigh.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 3, 2016
Notorious by Susan Andersen introduces us to Hayley Granger Prescott and Jon-Michael Olivet. Haley Prescott wonders if she will ever stop being the focus of people who want to know her story and will not leave her alone until they get it. She is a private person for a reason. Jon-Michael Olivet is the older brother of Kursten, Hayley’s best friend, and one of the causes of Hayley’s notoriety.
After the trial for the killer of her husband and shortly before he is to be executed, Hayley travels across the country from New Hampshire to the small town of Gravers Bend, in the Pacific Northwest. She needs to get away from the hordes of journalist wanting to know her feelings on the death penalty, since it was her testimony that sealed the deal on the killer. She returns home to heal and hopefully live in anonymity. Jon-Michael decides it is time to revisit their past and try to apologize for ruining her reputation back in high school.
These two still have a chemistry that sizzles and arcs between them. There is no denying the attraction they have for each other. The problem is, they both have secrets that could derail their relationship. Hayley has much more to lose when her secret is exposed. It brings the paparazzi to town, causing problems for Hayley as well as the town. The question is will Haley and Jon-Michael be able to overcome all of these obstacles in order to have their happy ever after.
The story line has two additional arcs that run parallel to and intersects Hayley’s story. First off, another high school friend, Patsy, wants to be Hayley’s best friend and goes over the edge while aspiring for that to happen. Secondly, Kursten has a love interest who turns out to be the journalist who ends up exposing Hayley’s conflicting feelings regarding the death penalty.
This was a very entertaining story with likeable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. After finishing it, I just wanted there to be more. I wanted to know what happened to Kursten and Ty as well as the future of Hayley and Jon-Michael. I just didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
After the trial for the killer of her husband and shortly before he is to be executed, Hayley travels across the country from New Hampshire to the small town of Gravers Bend, in the Pacific Northwest. She needs to get away from the hordes of journalist wanting to know her feelings on the death penalty, since it was her testimony that sealed the deal on the killer. She returns home to heal and hopefully live in anonymity. Jon-Michael decides it is time to revisit their past and try to apologize for ruining her reputation back in high school.
These two still have a chemistry that sizzles and arcs between them. There is no denying the attraction they have for each other. The problem is, they both have secrets that could derail their relationship. Hayley has much more to lose when her secret is exposed. It brings the paparazzi to town, causing problems for Hayley as well as the town. The question is will Haley and Jon-Michael be able to overcome all of these obstacles in order to have their happy ever after.
The story line has two additional arcs that run parallel to and intersects Hayley’s story. First off, another high school friend, Patsy, wants to be Hayley’s best friend and goes over the edge while aspiring for that to happen. Secondly, Kursten has a love interest who turns out to be the journalist who ends up exposing Hayley’s conflicting feelings regarding the death penalty.
This was a very entertaining story with likeable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. After finishing it, I just wanted there to be more. I wanted to know what happened to Kursten and Ty as well as the future of Hayley and Jon-Michael. I just didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
May 26, 2016
Susan Andersen is one of my go to authors. I preorder anything she writes. I reread her books often. Notorious is new and just a bit different with twists you don't see coming and humorous banter making you just laugh out loud. The love, the steam and the HEA are all present but it's all there.....right on time. You can't go wrong with Susan Andersen. Hayley and Jon-Michael will make you laugh and cry, just a little. The scenery describing the Pacific Northwest is on point. A good second chance love story/suspense/political gem all rolled into one solid story.
February 16, 2021
Well Written, Entertaining, Held My Interest
Notorious was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable book.The protagonists were well drawn and sympathetic characters. There was a primary romance with the main heroine and hero, as well as a secondary one between the main heroine's best friend and reporter who started off as a villain but changed when he fell in love with the best friend.
Some tension was added through the actions of the media who harassed the main heroine. In addition, tension ratcheted up greatly as the reader followed the gradual decent of one character into murderous madness.
The dialogue flowed smoothly and reflected the appropriate emotional state of the characters. The various settings were described well enough that the reader could visualise them easily.
There were a few short but mild explicit scenes of love making, as well as conversations and inner thoughts about sex. Some readers will disagree, but I would rate the book as PG 13.
I highly recommend this book. It's light, escapist reading, but is extremely well done. Thus far, all of the several books written by Susan Andersen that I have read have been well written and entertaining. This particular book held my interest and I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Notorious was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable book.The protagonists were well drawn and sympathetic characters. There was a primary romance with the main heroine and hero, as well as a secondary one between the main heroine's best friend and reporter who started off as a villain but changed when he fell in love with the best friend.
Some tension was added through the actions of the media who harassed the main heroine. In addition, tension ratcheted up greatly as the reader followed the gradual decent of one character into murderous madness.
The dialogue flowed smoothly and reflected the appropriate emotional state of the characters. The various settings were described well enough that the reader could visualise them easily.
There were a few short but mild explicit scenes of love making, as well as conversations and inner thoughts about sex. Some readers will disagree, but I would rate the book as PG 13.
I highly recommend this book. It's light, escapist reading, but is extremely well done. Thus far, all of the several books written by Susan Andersen that I have read have been well written and entertaining. This particular book held my interest and I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
June 19, 2025
Hayley has been through a tumultuous 3+ years and hounded by reporters. Her husband stopped a robbery and then was murdered by the robber when he got out of prison. Hayley put the robber at the scene of the murder and now he is facing the death penalty. Her thoughts on capital punishment would be a hot story. Instead Hayley reluctantly heads home to get out of the public eye. Her best friend is the draw, but her friend’s brother was the source of her humiliation in high school and someone she would rather avoid. This was a pretty angsty romance as everyone adjusts to the issues, past and present. A local who is disturbed presents another conflict. This was a bit unrealistic. There were also quite a few errors in grammar, missing words and, in one place, alternate spelling of a character’s name. Good editing was definitely needed.
August 5, 2025
I'm having a hard time under why this is so well reviewed. It's a mess. First, Patsy presents as autistic before she's psychopathic. That's bad. Both romance relationships have significant problems where no one is honest with each other. The whole issue of capital punishment floats along in the background without being well discussed. The press is abusive, parents are abusive. The two main characters, Hayley and Kurstin, say explicitly that they'll keep taking abusive partners back. Maybe it's too old school for me or maybe it's just a bad book. But I'm done with the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2017
Worth every star
The easiest way to describe Ms. Andersen's books would be to say they have substance. I looked back at each of her mystery/suspense books and I gave each one 4 stars. You are not only given a scary roller coaster ride but she lends a look at the unseemly, untidy and ugly side of life. Always a psychological thrill.
The easiest way to describe Ms. Andersen's books would be to say they have substance. I looked back at each of her mystery/suspense books and I gave each one 4 stars. You are not only given a scary roller coaster ride but she lends a look at the unseemly, untidy and ugly side of life. Always a psychological thrill.
May 17, 2017
Enjoyed the twists and turns.
Fun romance with some added suspense. Loved the Hayley and Jon-Michael relationship with its past and present aspects. This author is one that I always look watch for new titles.
Fun romance with some added suspense. Loved the Hayley and Jon-Michael relationship with its past and present aspects. This author is one that I always look watch for new titles.
October 7, 2017
Not her best by any means
Susan Andersen can do so much better. This was just a vehicle for sex with a very mediocre mystery thrown in to provide a little interest. Very little. It was totally a waste of the time I spent reading this book.
Susan Andersen can do so much better. This was just a vehicle for sex with a very mediocre mystery thrown in to provide a little interest. Very little. It was totally a waste of the time I spent reading this book.
February 8, 2024
A good read:)
September 14, 2016
I really loved this book!! It definitely goes on my "keeper" shelf! All in all, I felt happy when I finished this book.
I enjoyed the way the romance developed. Yes, what Jon-Michael did in high school was unforgivable, but he turned his life around. When Hayley comes back to town, he's right there to help protect her from the nosey reporters.
As Hayley struggles with issues of the "Public's right to know versus a Person's right to privacy", I found myself stopping to think about these issues and how they affect society.
Thank you, Susan, for writing such wonderful and intriguing story. Please, keep writing such great stories.
I enjoyed the way the romance developed. Yes, what Jon-Michael did in high school was unforgivable, but he turned his life around. When Hayley comes back to town, he's right there to help protect her from the nosey reporters.
As Hayley struggles with issues of the "Public's right to know versus a Person's right to privacy", I found myself stopping to think about these issues and how they affect society.
Thank you, Susan, for writing such wonderful and intriguing story. Please, keep writing such great stories.
June 7, 2016
Susan Andersen is one of my go-to authors, an dI ordered this book via Amazon - which by the way I found bizarre that it wasn't available on Kobo or at Chapters. Along those notes, I did find the physical book felt cheap, and actually saw a fair few errors in the copy/formatting. Aside from that...
Overall it was an enjoyable read. I liked the main characters for the most part, the plot was alright. I did however find it pretty ... predictable. Which is not usual for SA. I was able to figure out a lot of what what happening before it occurred.
Either way I still enjoyed the book. :)
Overall it was an enjoyable read. I liked the main characters for the most part, the plot was alright. I did however find it pretty ... predictable. Which is not usual for SA. I was able to figure out a lot of what what happening before it occurred.
Either way I still enjoyed the book. :)
October 25, 2016
Hayley was a strong character. She has had a difficult life. She drives into town with no money but considers herself "debt-free". She starts building a life in this small town with her best friend and her best friend's brother.
It's a story of great friendship, great forgiveness, great love, and also very suspenseful!!!
It's a story of great friendship, great forgiveness, great love, and also very suspenseful!!!
July 11, 2016
she returns home, pursued by journalists
June 9, 2016
WOW! WOW! WOW!
When I say this book has everything, I do mean EVERYTHING! Love (of course), betrayal, murder, spies, lies, gossip, and more, much, much more.
When I say this book has everything, I do mean EVERYTHING! Love (of course), betrayal, murder, spies, lies, gossip, and more, much, much more.
August 7, 2016
Action Packed
The characters were very well written and the suspense was intense at the end. I read this in one day .
The characters were very well written and the suspense was intense at the end. I read this in one day .
June 2, 2016
A second-chance romance that also has an element of suspense and danger. Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews