One Night Scandal

The McNeill Magnates #9

by Joanne Rock

USA Today-Bestselling Was it one night to remember with the perfect cowboy--or one step toward the perfect revenge?

Actress Hannah Ryder in on location at a sprawling Wyoming ranch filming a movie. But nothing in the plot included a hot fling with a drop-dead-sexy cowboy. It's an even bigger twist when her cowboy turns out to be Brock McNeill--a potential enemy with ties to the man Hannah wants to destroy.

Then, when an accident claims Brock's memory, Hannah is caught in an intricate web of scandal, falling dangerously for the one man she shouldn't trust . . .

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2018

About the author

Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

Reviews

[Wendy Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE NIGHT SCANDAL is book 9 in the continuing McNeil Magnates series. While there is a story-ARC that is continued in each book this one especially can be read as a stand alone, just be warned that once you meet this family you'll want to read all of the books in the series.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Ryder is an actress who is looking for any evidence that her current director, Antonio Ventura, is sexually harassing anyone on set after her sister, Hope, was victimized by him.
Brock McNeill is a cowboy whose family owns Creek Spill Ranch where the movie is being filmed. He is going through his own issues with his family right now as they are being blackmailed due to some unknown secrets of his step-mom.
When Hannah and Brock meet sparks fly but Hannah is holding back secrets from Brock and what will happen when he finds out the truth? When an accident happens on set and Brock is injured will he remember Hannah and that someone is out to hurt his family?
This was a good read and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book I have read by the author and I didn’t feel lost with the story but I could tell that certain characters have already had their story told.
I liked Hannah and how determined she was to take down Antonio Ventura but I hated how she was so reluctant to trust others, especially Brock. She was very standoffish once she learned what Brock’s last name was and I hated that she almost judged him before getting to know him.
Brock was such a great character and you could tell how much he cared about his family. I thought he was very genuine with Hannah and he was concerned for sure when she took a step back from him once she learned who he was.
It was obvious how much chemistry the two had but both had certain goals in mind and it was seeing how they were going to be able to handle everything! The accident definitely threw a twist into the story and I was super curious when and if everything was going to come back to him.
I really liked the character of Scarlett McNeill and how she did her own investigation into what was happening with her mom.
I loved when everything was revealed and how Brock’s step mom was able to figure out that something serious had happened with Hannah.
The end was great and I look forward to more in this series. - By Rebecca

[Sascha · Rating 4 out of 5]

review upcoming

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Night Scandal by Joanne Rock is the finale to the McNeill Magnates series, about the lives and loves of a wealthy family dynasty. Each story in the series has a standalone romance, and this one also wraps up some loose ends and mysteries from some of the previous books.

Brock McNeill can’t take his eyes off of Hanna Ryder, the lovely actress filming in the Western movie set on the McNeill ranch lands. One night of passion with her before she knows who he is changes everything and then some, especially when her reaction to finding out his last name means there’s more to her presence here than just a film.

But before Brock can confront Hannah he is in an accident that causes temporary amnesia! Hannah is by his side at the hospital but she doesn’t tell him that they slept together so that they will have a chance to become friends. Hannah is on a mission of revenge after her sister was assaulted by the man now directing the film (and her reason for joining the crew). There’s a link between him and the McNeills, one tied to the mystery of Brock’s stepmother’s real identity. With all the drama, secrets and revelations, will it bring Brock and Hannah together for a second chance or tear them apart for good?

For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-one...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

EDIT 1/17/2021: decided to just throw 2 stars at this book. i don't think B R O C K said "howdy" a single time, and i ask of you, what is the POINT of a cowboy romance if we barely get any cowboy-ing

HI I have no idea how the hell to rate this!!!! But it was certainly an Experience and staggeringly heterosexual

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the McNeill saga. Enjoyed the characters and the story. Even though this is #9 in the series, the author does a great job of including the reader so they do not feel lost.

Enjoy!

[Vonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably better if I'd have read these in order, but alas, I thought I was safe which I wasn't by any means. We have Brock & Hannah, the two MCs who become a couple. A film is being shot on or near the McNeill family ranch and Brock is the handler of the horses on set. Hannah is the film's star.

Hannah has a bit of some background with the director of this film - she has a younger sister who was either sexually assaulted or harassed by this director and Hannah has procured a part in this film to get the dirt on this bastard director. Well, that's her end and she doesn't tell anybody what she really doing here. Brock's family saga has apparently spanned this entire book series by Rock, and she's one of those Authors that assumes you've read all other 8. So there is a multitude of additional characters here whom I had no familiarity with. Anyway, I won't get into the family drama because I'm not sure what exactly it is.

I do know what happens to him in the book. Hannah has a scene where she's doing the reaction shot of a stunt [being the main actress in the film] so she has to continue to fall in the pile of dry hay and one of the horses Brock is wrangling is supposed to be in the shot with her, but it nearly tramples her or steals her spotlight, the director constantly re-doing the shot, again and again. So when we open the book, Hannah is exhausted and it's really time to stop filming; Brock can even see Hannah is about ready to collapse. When the horse gets in her shot and almost knocks her on her head, this is when Brock & Hannah meet. From here, they spark interest in one another and when Brock takes her back to her cabin/trailer, they, of course, give in to their instant attraction and lust. After their night in bed together, like immediately after, Hannah gets weird when she learns Brock's full name because she knows exactly who he is and who his family is, yada, yada.

The next day during filming, Brock wanders over to Hannah to ask why she acted so weird with him and now?...he mentions a little of the info of what is going on with his family, but while on set, a light fixture above his head comes loose and hits him directly on the head, knocking him completely unconscious. Brock had a career in the past with bull riding so he is familiar with concussions. Once he gains consciousness, he has partial amnesia...so truthfully he doesn't remember anything to do with how he knows Hannah or they sex they had or how weird she was when she learned his real name. While they each had a storyline to deal with it was mostly just about them getting together so no true resolution to either dilemma.

This was too confusing too enjoy, and when weeding out the continuous story from all 9 books, there really wasn't much to Brock & Hannah's relationship or HEA.

[Harlie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my lord. This book. This series. I’m so sad that has ended but what an ending. Ms. Rock never disappoints me but she blew me away with this one. Let me count the tropes. Amnesia, family secrets, billionaire, one-night stand, and revenge. And that’s just to name a few. But here’s the thing about those tropes, with Brock and Hannah they make perfect sense. The beginning of the book is fantastic. Their meeting, sexy time and then the whole amnesia thing with Brock is classic and priceless. Why? Because typically its the heroine with the memory loss, NOT the hero. And the whole time, Hannah knows the truth.
But I digress. What makes this story so special is the overall plot arc with Brock’s stepmother, Scarlett, and her boyfriend and finding out who is pregnant. Let me just say that the Desire editors are geniuses when it comes to this when they semi-rebranded the line. I loved that why the romance in each book stands on its own, the mystery element is not solved until the end. Plus, we get an extra romance in the book with Scarlett and her’s is a second chance romance at that. Woo Hoo! I completely fell in love with Brock a couple of books ago and his romance with Hannah is believable and swoon-worthy.
Hannah is one determined heroine. I won’t go into great detail about the revenge aspect but it ties directly into the whole mystery of Brock’s stepmother. I read this book about a month ago and I’m still in awe in how Ms. Rock pulled it all together and made it so very relevant to today’s climate and how people react to it. The scene with the Scarlett and her other grandfather made me cry but in a good way. I’m glad that Scarlet was the one that finally put two and two together and just went for it. But then again, she was my favorite secondary character in the whole series.
I can not recommend this series highly enough. With 9 books, I got my fix on brothers, half-brothers, exotic places, billionaires, family secrets, strong women and even more tropes that I can count on both of my hands. Plus, Ms. Rock just knows how to pull in a reader and doesn’t let go. And no, you don’t need to read all of the books in order but I would. I have my favorites within the series but this one…is just the cherry on top. Again, I’m sad that my time with the McNeills is done but I can’t wait to see what Ms. Rock has in store for me to read next.

[Kathy Rouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful wrap up to this story revolving around the McNeill family and the blackmailer who has promised to release a scandal that would rock the wealthy family. Not only that, it finally lets us in on what is going on with the director of the movie that is being filmed on their ranch. What is his involvement with the McNeill family? Does he have anything to do with Paige McNeill? Could he be the blackmailer? But it is also the story of the last McNeill brother, Brock and an actress with a secret; one that she has to hold close to her in order to help her sister, Hope. Hannah Ryder is trying to get information on the notorious director and if he has ever done anything to any other woman like he did to her sister. But she has to be cautious because she doesn't know if the McNeill's are friends with him or not.

Her first meeting with the handsome cowboy happens when Brock tells the director that his horses have had enough and he was taking them. Noticing the actress lying on the ground covered in hay, he offers his hand and asks if she needs help getting up. His thoughts are on her when he leaves with his horses, minus the actress, but when he sees her walking with her phone for light, back to her cabin, he offers her a ride on his horse. From that point on they heat ignites between them.

The intrigue continues, as Scarlett visits her grandfather, the director's adopted father, and gets some interesting answers, although not enough to solve the mystery. But she's a little too late, as the scandal breaks. Now things are beginning to get interesting and you will find yourself wanting to race through to see who is behind it all and why.

I loved the story, the characters, the intrigue and the romance. I would have liked to have read how everything came to light as it actually happened rather than the way we had to read it, but alas, I'm not the author. I just think it would have made the book that much better.

I enjoyed these books and I know you will too. I highly recommend this book.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book I have read by the author and I didn’t feel lost with the story but I could tell that certain characters have already had their story told.

I liked Hannah and how determined she was to take down Antonio Ventura but I hated how she was so reluctant to trust others, especially Brock. She was very standoffish once she learned what Brock’s last name was and I hated that she almost judged him before getting to know him.

Brock was such a great character and you could tell how much he cared about his family. I thought he was very genuine with Hannah and he was concerned for sure when she took a step back from him once she learned who he was.

It was obvious how much chemistry the two had but both had certain goals in mind and it was seeing how they were going to be able to handle everything! The accident definitely threw a twist into the story and I was super curious when and if everything was going to come back to him.
I really liked the character of Scarlett McNeill and how she did her own investigation into what was happening with her mom.

I loved when everything was revealed and how Brock’s step mom was able to figure out that something serious had happened with Hannah.

The end was great and I look forward to more in this series.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets exposed! With the final book in The McNeill Magnates saga, we get to find out what the big secret has been and tie up some loose ends of the series as well as get a glimpse into what’s been going on with some of our favorite characters from previous books. The amnesia twist in this story didn’t really do it for me, it felt a little forced and convenient rather than an integral part of the plot, however, the groundwork for the story was filled with intrigue. Overall this has been a great series with many arms of the family coming together to bring us a rich story line. Really enjoyed the McNeills!

Actress Hannah Ryder took this job on the set of Winning the West in order to spy and get revenge on the man who hurt one of her own. She can’t let herself be sidetracked by her hatred … but when a sexy cowboy walks into her scene, well, she can only withstand so much distraction before she buckles!

Hannah isn’t the only one keeping secrets when she meets and shares a night of passion with the sexy cowboy she only knows as Brock, but when she finds out her guy is none other than Brock McNeill, she isn’t sure how to proceed because he just might be protecting the man she’s out to bring down. A convenient case of amnesia just might be her saving grace!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has secrets, passion, love, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
The Magnate's Mail-Order Bride (The McNeill Magnates #1)
The Magnate's Marriage Merger
His Accidental Heir
Little Secrets: His Pregnant Secretary
Claiming His Secret Heir
For the Sake of His Heir (The McNeill Magnates #6)
The Forbidden Brother (The McNeill Magnates #7)
Wild Wyoming Nights (The McNeill Magnates #8)

This is Hannah and Brock’s story. Hannah wants to destroy someone. Brock has ties to that person. When an accident claims his memory, she is drawn to him more. But secrets could be the end of anything they might have. A fling was not in the cards, but they can’t stay away from each other. How is she going to destroy someone when she is falling for him? Can she figure out what she is going to do before he gets his memory back? Or is she about to be exposed and left behind? When secrets come to light will either of them want what the other has to offer or are they over?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One Night Scandal” is the ninth and final book of The McNeill Magnates miniseries by Joanne Rock and features horse breeder, Brock McNeill, and actress, Hannah Ryder.

Hannah comes to Wyoming to star in a movie being filmed on McNeill land and to avenge her sister, Hope. Brock is mesmerized the first time he sets eyes on Hannah. They give in to their off-the-charts chemistry that very first night.
When Brock is injured and suffers amnesia, Hannah decides it’s best to focus on the reason she’s in Wyoming and not on Brock. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Hannah regrets not telling Brock the truth.
Having to deal with amnesia and his attraction to Hannah, Brock is also dealing with a blackmailer threatening his family.

While the plot of “One Night Scandal” is ripped from recent headlines and is written with authenticity, this story also has the passion and sexiness we come to expect from a Harlequin Desire.

This reader is sad to say goodbye to the McNeill family, but excited to read what Ms. Rock comes up with next.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was yet another great book in the McNeill Magnates series..I have loved all the books. I am sad to see they are ending. In this book we find who is blackmailing the family. Plus we get to see Brock's and Hannah's story..it all starts with a hot night between the two but when they are talking the next day a set light falls on Brock's head giving him amnesia...He doesn't remember a lot and is feeling loss...But he knows he is attracted to Hannah. She does not tell them about their one night...As they continue to see each other things are falling apart but yet coming together with the blackmailing and what led Page to do what she did...It wraps up in a pretty bow with a wedding and love everywhere!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happen to have read a couple lately by this author with this one being one I really enjoyed. The story line for some reason really caught my attention with as soon as I turned the first page I was following Brock and Hannah. When he goes to the set your curiosity is already in gear but impressions will not be all that it appears. When misfortune strikes you will be so drawn into their world you might find holding your breath a time or two will occur.
Intrigue and drama are not shy in this making for a page turner that is swimming with romance too. It also tempts you to catch up if you were like me and not having read all of the ones proceeding this. If this is the example of the heat that rolls off the pages it is to be considered to squeeze them in.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a great story line. I can’t even think about having to do go through some of the things some of these characters had to contend with. Unfortunately, people have to everyday. I love families that love each other and take care of each other and you definitely have that in this book. Don’t know that I would want to be an actress, but it sure would be fun to get to stay on a ranch. The McNeill’s ranch sounds awesome! We also learn a good lesson in this book that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions until you know all the facts. Something we also deal with in our real lives. I hope you’ll check this book out. I was lucky enough to win this from Goodreads, but my opinion is my own.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story ties up loose ends from previous books in the series . We finally get to know who has been blackmailing the McNeill’s and why. As well as the real identity of Paige McNeill, the once nanny who later became step-mother to the McNeill brothers and mom to three strong women.
Add to this Brock McNeill’s attraction to the leading actress of the movie being filmed in McNeill property, Hannah Ryder, her secrets and his amnesia, and you have a book filled with intrigue, family , and romance.
All in all , another entertaining story by this talented author.
I voluntarily read this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night to remember with the perfect cowboy…Or one step toward the perfect revenge? Nothing in Hannah Ryder’s (actress) plot included a hot fling with a drop-dead-sexy cowboy. Especially when her cowboy turns out to be Brock McNeill—a potential enemy with ties to the Antonio Ventura, a man Hannah wants to destroy for what he did to her sister Hope. When an accident claims Brock’s memory, Hannah is caught in an intricate web of scandal, falling dangerously for the one man she shouldn’t trust…Scarlett and Logan (both actors) hook up, Paige and Donovan remarry, since the original wedding didn’t use her correct name and Nevada doesn’t recognize common law marraiges.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Night Scandal By Joanne Rock.
Hannah and Brock are the love story, the blackmail is the other storyline.
Hannah is a actress and Brock is a horse trainer. There is so much going on in this book that makes it a great read.I like the fact that the family came together to support each other. Hannah and Brock fell in love fast but was fighting it because of the blackmail storyline and the fact they live in different states. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a good book.

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

While nice to finally get the answers about the mystery of Paige, the story seemed too contrived in some parts. Poor Brock gets knocked out and has amnesia, but his family is too worried about Paige to come to the hospital. Uh, ok. Then, the whole discussion about how Paige’s kids have a long legal battle ahead of them if they are illegitimate. Why? I think a proper will would fix that.

Not sure what Brock’s amnesia added to the story given how unconcerned everyone seemed about it. Overall, the story is ok.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanne Rock’s One Night Scandal brings the McNeill Magnate series to a close. I have loved this series from the beginning. Rock always weaves serious elements into her stories and it makes them all the richer for it. Family drama abounds in this final book in the series and everything comes to a satisfying resolution. I wish there were more McNeill’s waiting in the wings.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Hannah and Brock are well written and likable characters. But this book couldn’t be part of this series without the drama and the struggle to get their HEA. What starts out as a one night stand turns into a hot mess with mistrust and mistakes made on both parts. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!

[Jess Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Night Scandal by Joanne Rock is the ninth book in the McNeil Magnates series. I must say this one was a great finish to the series. I adored the entire series. Rock shows us that love can conquer all through Hannah and Brock. They pretty much have love at first sight. The chemistry between the two pulls them together from the very first page. An excellent read.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock and Hannah find themselves leary of each other with her trying to help her sister and he trying to find who wants to hurt his family but the chemistry between them is explosive. Loved reading how the work thru all of the obstacles to find the greatest love.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent addition to this series. With great writing, an engaging plot and likable characters, this book is a very good read. Along with the romance you get some mystery, that only adds to your reading pleasure. This is my totally honest, voluntary review.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!

An incredible conclusion to the MacNeil family. Brock is fascinating and completely sexy. Hannah is strong, beautiful, loyal and the perfect woman for Brock.The blackmailer came as a complete surprise but the ending is the stuff dreams are made of.

[Mrs. Garen L. Herd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This one was intense, emotional, sexy and romantic. So much going on....the mystery of the blackmailer, Brock trying to woo Hannah, Hannah covertly trying to find something against Ventura and fighting her attraction for Brock. Highly recommend

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Desire book and the cover gets you right away as it is so intimate. Then when you get into the plot this one is a page turner as Joanne gets the reader right into her books. They are all so good just like this one. Joanne hit this one out of the park!

[Alexandra Wehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story!

I have read all three of the books starting with Cody McNeil, and then Carson McNeil, and now the last one with Brock McNeil! They all were so great and all connected with all the characters in all three books! Great story line all the way through to the end!

[Sherry Bohrmueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book to finish up the McNeills blackmailing story. Great characters and A very good story line. Definitely recommend this book and the series.