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Secrets & Scandal Duology #2
Scandal
Love’s true test sometimes is a scandal. Charles knows his affair with August is the most scandalous thing he’s ever done. It has the potential to ruin his relationship with the people who matter most to him. Worse, the expiration date he’s tacked on their affair has lost its meaning since he’s gone and fallen in love with his Sir.August believes there’s a future for him and Charles. He might not be able to see it now, but he’s not prepared to let Charles go. Not when Charles has brought back something to his life he thought he’d lost forever.When an anonymous person threatens to expose their affair, Charles is given an ultimatum. Will he do the right thing and walk away from a love he never thought he would ever experience again? Or will he choose August and damn the consequences?Scandal is the final book in the Secrets & Scandal duology. It contains a Sir badly in need of aftercare, scandalous secrets, and a precious baby girl who puts everything back into perspective. 106k words.
408 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2020
75 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Gianni Holmes
106 books1,281 followersGianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 26, 2021
This was so sweet I'm still melting!!! 😍😍❤ Since reading the Take Care of You series I was interested in this couple, Charles was not a favorite character of mine from those first books but he was interesting enough to make me want this story and boy, did we got it!! *swoons*
This was just really sweet and fun, as characters Charles grew in a way I didn't expect, he became endearing to me and also really fun, he also had a real warm heart that didn't make an appearance In the first series but in here? He overflowed with it! I still think he's a shity parent though 🤭🤭, what he did with Declan will never be right in my eyes and in here I didn't see him try to mend things, he was responsible yes, but he also was just really self centered of his problems, he never tried to take his son out or try to meet him more. Still the other parts of him I really enjoyed. 💜❤
And Auggie... Do I need words? He was so goooooood with everything, even when he was at his most vulnerable time, he was so mature, kind, sweet, understanding and juts GOALS!! He made me know about Dom drops and I loved how he grew because of that, learning to ask for help and accepting that not everything must be perfect.
Why 4 stars? The kink was minimal here wich I understood in the first book with their relationship being in a shaky place and August Dom's drop, but in the second I expected so much more, in Take Care of You I got soooo many details that my head was spinning by the end of things, but in here nada and even though I appreciate that some sex scenes happened offpage, there were some that needed to happen ON page.
So yeah, it had his issues but it's a really sweet and fun story, I also loved revisiting all this characters and to see Owen unwavering as a parent. Loved ot! 🥰❤
This was just really sweet and fun, as characters Charles grew in a way I didn't expect, he became endearing to me and also really fun, he also had a real warm heart that didn't make an appearance In the first series but in here? He overflowed with it! I still think he's a shity parent though 🤭🤭, what he did with Declan will never be right in my eyes and in here I didn't see him try to mend things, he was responsible yes, but he also was just really self centered of his problems, he never tried to take his son out or try to meet him more. Still the other parts of him I really enjoyed. 💜❤
And Auggie... Do I need words? He was so goooooood with everything, even when he was at his most vulnerable time, he was so mature, kind, sweet, understanding and juts GOALS!! He made me know about Dom drops and I loved how he grew because of that, learning to ask for help and accepting that not everything must be perfect.
Why 4 stars? The kink was minimal here wich I understood in the first book with their relationship being in a shaky place and August Dom's drop, but in the second I expected so much more, in Take Care of You I got soooo many details that my head was spinning by the end of things, but in here nada and even though I appreciate that some sex scenes happened offpage, there were some that needed to happen ON page.
So yeah, it had his issues but it's a really sweet and fun story, I also loved revisiting all this characters and to see Owen unwavering as a parent. Loved ot! 🥰❤
June 16, 2023
Even though I felt like this was way longer than it needed to be, it was still a great story, and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would after finishing book one. 4 stars for an emotionally satisfying ending that made my heart happy. 🥰
March 29, 2025
There's a lot going on in this one. There's still the secrecy about Charles's and Auggie's relationship. And the drama with Poppy. And the baby. And Auggie's search for a job. And.... never mind, it's ridiciously entertaining and I couldn't put it down. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 20, 2020
August is Charles’ dirty little secret, he agreed to that status but he hates it.
It’s complicated, one thing is August’s stepfather is Charles's son.
Charles wants the baby, that’s his only goal. He’ll stay married to Poppy but he will get the baby. No place for a commitment here.
August thinks he can change Charles’s mind and maybe with time he can dominate him more.
As a Dom August had a bad experience, his confidence is low. Charles wants to be dominated by August.
Charles is impulsive and a darling, the better I get to know him the more I loved him. Ditto with August. Even though Charles had other plans he can’t let August go. He loves him too much.
How on earth can he keep this a secret, because when his son Declan finds out... ugh
I loved this second book. For me, it was more convincing and I felt connected to the story.
There are some hard parts but mostly it was friendly and loving and sexy.
Overall a well-written story, enough developed and quite entertaining with a wonderful end!
It’s complicated, one thing is August’s stepfather is Charles's son.
Charles wants the baby, that’s his only goal. He’ll stay married to Poppy but he will get the baby. No place for a commitment here.
August thinks he can change Charles’s mind and maybe with time he can dominate him more.
As a Dom August had a bad experience, his confidence is low. Charles wants to be dominated by August.
Charles is impulsive and a darling, the better I get to know him the more I loved him. Ditto with August. Even though Charles had other plans he can’t let August go. He loves him too much.
How on earth can he keep this a secret, because when his son Declan finds out... ugh
I loved this second book. For me, it was more convincing and I felt connected to the story.
There are some hard parts but mostly it was friendly and loving and sexy.
Overall a well-written story, enough developed and quite entertaining with a wonderful end!
October 20, 2020
This was a really enjoyable conclusion to the duet, even if we did get a wee bit of melodrama right at the end. These two just fit together, even apart they were still meant to be. I would have liked a bit more on-page BDSM between the two as it felt like we’d only just scratched the surface of where they could go but there is a lot happening in this book so it’s understandable that some things are glossed over.
October 18, 2020
This story was everything I expected and wanted - so $*xy and steamy, angsty and well paced, sweet and tender with a touch of intrigue. Charles and Auggie are so well suited and they finally realize that. Despite fears of discovery and scandal, two men explore what can be between them as partners and Dom and Sub. I enjoyed Charles's self discovery when he dipped his toes into the world of pain - how much he liked and craved it, how much at peace with himself he felt and how he understood Auggie's needs and was ready to be there for him.
Auggie finally dealt with his issues since that unfortunate scene with Ridge. I am glad that Charles was a part of the help Auggie needed. Not a solution, mind you, but a vital part that let Auggie see that he as a Dom needs care too and it's alright to have it. There were many emotional moments between them - so heartfelt and tender. But, OMG, did Ms Holmes crank up the heat or what! *fans herself* It was absolutely delicious!
The initial fallout was spectacular. It had it all - the feels, the struggle, the pain and so much longing as well as unexpected gift that put things into perspective and brought so much sadness. I think it was well done. In the end both men finally were in a happy place - reunited and blissfully happy being dads to adorable little Brooklyn. *sigh* It was so good! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Auggie finally dealt with his issues since that unfortunate scene with Ridge. I am glad that Charles was a part of the help Auggie needed. Not a solution, mind you, but a vital part that let Auggie see that he as a Dom needs care too and it's alright to have it. There were many emotional moments between them - so heartfelt and tender. But, OMG, did Ms Holmes crank up the heat or what! *fans herself* It was absolutely delicious!
The initial fallout was spectacular. It had it all - the feels, the struggle, the pain and so much longing as well as unexpected gift that put things into perspective and brought so much sadness. I think it was well done. In the end both men finally were in a happy place - reunited and blissfully happy being dads to adorable little Brooklyn. *sigh* It was so good! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
October 27, 2020
Maybe I wasn't in the right mood to read this one, but I definitely didn't like it as much as I liked the first. I felt like it was overly melodramatic and went on for way too long for what it was. It seemed very repetitive with the whole "we can't, we shouldn't" thing, and the conflict also read like a 1980s American telenovela (think Dynasty or Dallas). Maybe that's just due to the writing, which seems overly formal and out of touch with the current vernacular, but I just kept picturing Charles as a masculine Joan Collins and it was all just really weird for me. The first one was so good, so maybe that's also creating a sense of disappointment that this one wasn't on the same level.
At any rate, I think fans of the series will at least like it, if not love it. I did a lot of skimming, but perhaps, as I said, it was a "me not you" issue. I did feel that for all the dragging on in the middle over the "scandalous secret" that was August and Charles' relationship that the ending was quite abrupt and just a little too pat. All in all it just wasn't really my thing though fans of over the top melodrama and soap opera-like plots will no doubt love it. 2.5 stars
At any rate, I think fans of the series will at least like it, if not love it. I did a lot of skimming, but perhaps, as I said, it was a "me not you" issue. I did feel that for all the dragging on in the middle over the "scandalous secret" that was August and Charles' relationship that the ending was quite abrupt and just a little too pat. All in all it just wasn't really my thing though fans of over the top melodrama and soap opera-like plots will no doubt love it. 2.5 stars
October 13, 2020
¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤Love's true test sometimes is a scandal.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
I. Absolutely. Loved. This book!!!
I thought Secret was good! This stunning conclusion to the Secret and Scandal duology was so, so good. Even when I was yelling at Charles, AGAIN, I understood his plight and got why he was doing certain things. August was perfect in this role. We watched his character become humble and realised that it was more than him in this affair.
Everyone in this book had a role to play and they played it well. Even Poppy left me with my jaw dropped. So much can be said for this story. And there is nothing like seeing a series get better even after so many visits. Gianni Holmes created a soap opera drama and this is one I would pay to see on the screen. Recommended.
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤Love's true test sometimes is a scandal.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
I. Absolutely. Loved. This book!!!
I thought Secret was good! This stunning conclusion to the Secret and Scandal duology was so, so good. Even when I was yelling at Charles, AGAIN, I understood his plight and got why he was doing certain things. August was perfect in this role. We watched his character become humble and realised that it was more than him in this affair.
Everyone in this book had a role to play and they played it well. Even Poppy left me with my jaw dropped. So much can be said for this story. And there is nothing like seeing a series get better even after so many visits. Gianni Holmes created a soap opera drama and this is one I would pay to see on the screen. Recommended.
June 13, 2023
I read this a few years ago and loved it and just finished the audiobook and love it even more! Great story line, wonderful characters, and John Solo did a fantastic job narrating. Highly recommend this duology!
May 26, 2023
This duology is criminally underrated. It checks my big boxes
Age Gap
Older Dom/Younger sub
Tabooish (related by marriage)
Can be read alone but is better after the Taking Care trilogy.
Age Gap
Older Dom/Younger sub
Tabooish (related by marriage)
Can be read alone but is better after the Taking Care trilogy.
February 22, 2021
”To New Chapters!”
This is the next chapter in the secretive, romantic tale between Owen’s son August & Declan’s Dad Charles. (Owen & Declan are from Taking Care of Series)I liked this second installment better than first because I felt the connection between the MCs more. There was more of a stronger storyline. Although, there also were unrealistic and a bit over the top parts, too. Like August’s interview scene and the last Poppy scene. Still, this story was somewhat light, somewhat dramatic but definitely entertaining.
Now, we need Oscar or Jackie & or Heath and Ridge story. Maybe!?!Rating: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the next chapter in the secretive, romantic tale between Owen’s son August & Declan’s Dad Charles. (Owen & Declan are from Taking Care of Series)I liked this second installment better than first because I felt the connection between the MCs more. There was more of a stronger storyline. Although, there also were unrealistic and a bit over the top parts, too. Like August’s interview scene and the last Poppy scene. Still, this story was somewhat light, somewhat dramatic but definitely entertaining.
Now, we need Oscar or Jackie & or Heath and Ridge story. Maybe!?!Rating: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 29, 2020
Wow, this is an intense read! It must be read after Secrets, book one in the Secrets and Scandal duology.
You can sense how strongly Charles and August feel towards each other from the moment we pick up the story. They go together perfectly physically but when it comes to getting their lives to align, that's something very different. Charles still isn't out to the world apart from a friend or two, is awaiting the birth of his daughter whilst having a very contemptuous relationship with his wife with no love lost between them but he's desperate for his second chance at being a father. Whilst August is still struggling with finding work after moving back home and wanting to share what he has with Charles with the world. Their guards are dropped with each other more even as tension grows with the outside world as the secrecy gets harder to maintain. Charles' real fear is the reaction that they will get from his son Declan, who he has been doing well at repairing their relationship as Charles has been one of the not so great examples of a father since his first wife passed when Declan was young.
I am so glad that we got to know these characters! Especially so when it comes to Charles. When we meet him in the Taking Care series, he's very easy to dislike but in this duology we see a whole other side to the man, definitely in Scandal as feelings and their connection deepen into something neither was prepared for.
This book/duology is a must read! For fans of age gap, bdsm, redemption, secret relationships, this book has so much to offer readers and absolutely for those who have read the Taking Care series. A huge thank you to Gianni for writing this and getting August and Charles story to the readers.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
You can sense how strongly Charles and August feel towards each other from the moment we pick up the story. They go together perfectly physically but when it comes to getting their lives to align, that's something very different. Charles still isn't out to the world apart from a friend or two, is awaiting the birth of his daughter whilst having a very contemptuous relationship with his wife with no love lost between them but he's desperate for his second chance at being a father. Whilst August is still struggling with finding work after moving back home and wanting to share what he has with Charles with the world. Their guards are dropped with each other more even as tension grows with the outside world as the secrecy gets harder to maintain. Charles' real fear is the reaction that they will get from his son Declan, who he has been doing well at repairing their relationship as Charles has been one of the not so great examples of a father since his first wife passed when Declan was young.
I am so glad that we got to know these characters! Especially so when it comes to Charles. When we meet him in the Taking Care series, he's very easy to dislike but in this duology we see a whole other side to the man, definitely in Scandal as feelings and their connection deepen into something neither was prepared for.
This book/duology is a must read! For fans of age gap, bdsm, redemption, secret relationships, this book has so much to offer readers and absolutely for those who have read the Taking Care series. A huge thank you to Gianni for writing this and getting August and Charles story to the readers.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Read
November 23, 2024Charles is a 50 year old man afraid of his son and damn near everything else. He is scared of his own damn shadow, his wife, and his non-existent reputation. I kept thinking “will you fucking grow a pair already?” He is not a worthy lover. August deserved better than this weak sniveling middle aged coward who is in a constant state of feeling sorry for himself.
Also, john solo is my nemesis. He is the worst audible narrator. He has the most unsexy voice and he has this way of making characters seem so weak and pathetic. Ugh. Voice actors really make a difference.
This book was longer than it needed to be. Too many unnecessary shenanigans.
Also, john solo is my nemesis. He is the worst audible narrator. He has the most unsexy voice and he has this way of making characters seem so weak and pathetic. Ugh. Voice actors really make a difference.
This book was longer than it needed to be. Too many unnecessary shenanigans.
October 19, 2020
4.75 stars
I enjoyed the ending of this series but wish we could get some insight into Oscar and his boss, hint, hint!?!?!
Charles and August conquered the obstacles that were stopping them from being together, even if it was family.
Hope we can get Oscar's story or Jackie's next???
I enjoyed the ending of this series but wish we could get some insight into Oscar and his boss, hint, hint!?!?!
Charles and August conquered the obstacles that were stopping them from being together, even if it was family.
Hope we can get Oscar's story or Jackie's next???
April 4, 2021
I received an ARC and am happy to give a review. And I will be trying to not put in any spoilers to the books.
I have read Gianni's Taking Care Series and loved it and I have read Secrets. I am a huge fan of Dom stories, whether it be same sex couples or straight couples and when you get to see the man that is taking control is actually younger than the man offering submission, it's like a whole new side to It and helps you see that its not always the Dom who is older as many people write and expect.
In this series, like the Taking Care Series it's not about social standing, wealth, or career. It's all about the love, care, attention and trust that they have built between each other.
Auggie is natural in his role and is wonderful with Charles, as the older man is new to the whole dynamic but also to getting involved with another man and I found it so sweet and caring of Charles to try and help Auggie as from the Taking Care Series you see and hear nothing really accept the bad selfish part of Charles. This series has really opened him up so you can see the good sweet side of him.
Another layer for them both is that Auggie's dad is now married to Charles' son which makes them both even more wary of becoming more to each other. Though with their strong chemistry, they find themselves drawn to each other again and again despite how often Charles tries to deny it. Charles worries what will happen to the new relationship he is building with his son and what would happen with the new baby if he follows his heart in being with Auggie but Auggie offers him more than just a physical connection. He has a strong, steady presence that helps to give a man that is known for living a little on the wild side a place to go for comfort and support.
Charles has definitely grown as a character since we met him as Declan's father getting married for the 5th time. Now he wants to do and be better and throughout the book you see him make great changes becoming all most a new person.
I think this book was great, as the ending to there story and it will be nice to see bits of them in other books that maybe connected to there universe. I will say I don't think anyone was prepared for the little twist at the end, I didn't know how to think of it at first but I believe it was the best way for things to happen.
You don't have to of read the Taking Care Series to read Secrets and Scandal, but I think it will give you more information on why some people in the books act towards Charles how they do and also give you more of an insight to Auggie and you get to read all about Declan and Owen who I believe to be the perfect couple.
Great book.
I have read Gianni's Taking Care Series and loved it and I have read Secrets. I am a huge fan of Dom stories, whether it be same sex couples or straight couples and when you get to see the man that is taking control is actually younger than the man offering submission, it's like a whole new side to It and helps you see that its not always the Dom who is older as many people write and expect.
In this series, like the Taking Care Series it's not about social standing, wealth, or career. It's all about the love, care, attention and trust that they have built between each other.
Auggie is natural in his role and is wonderful with Charles, as the older man is new to the whole dynamic but also to getting involved with another man and I found it so sweet and caring of Charles to try and help Auggie as from the Taking Care Series you see and hear nothing really accept the bad selfish part of Charles. This series has really opened him up so you can see the good sweet side of him.
Another layer for them both is that Auggie's dad is now married to Charles' son which makes them both even more wary of becoming more to each other. Though with their strong chemistry, they find themselves drawn to each other again and again despite how often Charles tries to deny it. Charles worries what will happen to the new relationship he is building with his son and what would happen with the new baby if he follows his heart in being with Auggie but Auggie offers him more than just a physical connection. He has a strong, steady presence that helps to give a man that is known for living a little on the wild side a place to go for comfort and support.
Charles has definitely grown as a character since we met him as Declan's father getting married for the 5th time. Now he wants to do and be better and throughout the book you see him make great changes becoming all most a new person.
I think this book was great, as the ending to there story and it will be nice to see bits of them in other books that maybe connected to there universe. I will say I don't think anyone was prepared for the little twist at the end, I didn't know how to think of it at first but I believe it was the best way for things to happen.
You don't have to of read the Taking Care Series to read Secrets and Scandal, but I think it will give you more information on why some people in the books act towards Charles how they do and also give you more of an insight to Auggie and you get to read all about Declan and Owen who I believe to be the perfect couple.
Great book.
October 17, 2020
Damn, Gianni Holmes once again has blown me away with Scandal. The second book in the Secrets & Scandal Duology, it's a riveting wrap-up to this set of stories.
First, this is an extremely messy romance, with multiple connections and issues. It's complicated, it's ugly, and it's amazing!!! Seriously, I couldn't put it down as it's 100% mesmerizing.
Second, this is a BDSM romance, with the younger man being the Dom. And the passion is off the charts! If you like intense passion, you will love these men and quickly devour their story.
This is a multi-layered tale with a lot of angst and some twists included. But for these men, it's all about the connection. They might fight it, they might try to deny it, but the overwhelming connection is ever present throughout.
Yes, one of the characters is married and is having a child, but is involved with someone else. Do not let this scare you away. The marriage is seriously not a real marriage. It's written in a way that it is not "cheating."
And I absolutely love the forbidden aspects of this story, with the secreted nature being completely warranted, on multiple levels.
The writing is stellar. Gianni Holmes excels in creating intriguing characters and taking them through a complex journey. The world building, with connections to the Taking Care series, is amazingly well done. More than anything though, I am just so damn impressed with the way Gianni connects everything and makes things not only so damn messy, but also extremely emotional and satisfying. The way she manages to balance everything continues to be impressive.
Scandal is one hell of a fun read. Definitely read this Gianni Holmes book (and series) is you enjoy complicated BDSM stories. In these books, it's all about the need for BDSM and the desire to give into one's needs and wants. And I freaking love it. Gianni Holmes is one hell of a can't miss author!
First, this is an extremely messy romance, with multiple connections and issues. It's complicated, it's ugly, and it's amazing!!! Seriously, I couldn't put it down as it's 100% mesmerizing.
Second, this is a BDSM romance, with the younger man being the Dom. And the passion is off the charts! If you like intense passion, you will love these men and quickly devour their story.
This is a multi-layered tale with a lot of angst and some twists included. But for these men, it's all about the connection. They might fight it, they might try to deny it, but the overwhelming connection is ever present throughout.
Yes, one of the characters is married and is having a child, but is involved with someone else. Do not let this scare you away. The marriage is seriously not a real marriage. It's written in a way that it is not "cheating."
And I absolutely love the forbidden aspects of this story, with the secreted nature being completely warranted, on multiple levels.
The writing is stellar. Gianni Holmes excels in creating intriguing characters and taking them through a complex journey. The world building, with connections to the Taking Care series, is amazingly well done. More than anything though, I am just so damn impressed with the way Gianni connects everything and makes things not only so damn messy, but also extremely emotional and satisfying. The way she manages to balance everything continues to be impressive.
Scandal is one hell of a fun read. Definitely read this Gianni Holmes book (and series) is you enjoy complicated BDSM stories. In these books, it's all about the need for BDSM and the desire to give into one's needs and wants. And I freaking love it. Gianni Holmes is one hell of a can't miss author!
October 20, 2020
Scandal by Gianni Holmes
“It isn’t the original scandal that gets people in the most trouble - it’s the attempted cover-up.” -Tom Petri
Charles and Auggie have returned for the final installment in their duology, Their relationship continues to escalate in both heat and drama. Charles finds that he cannot resist August no matter how much distant or rules he puts into place. Plus, everyone knows that rules are meant to be broken, especially in Charles Moore’s case. August is trying to show Charles that he is more than just a secret affair. He can be Charles’ happiness. But between job blackmail, press leakes, dom drops, and family blow-outs, and a baby on the way, will this secret fizzle out before it has a chance to become a Scandal? Secrets keep spilling because frankly, this affair is too hot to hide, but now the press are involved.
“Love and Scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.” -Henry Fielding
Holmes gives Charles and Auggie the devastatingly beautiful ending that the pair deserves. While still leaving us begging for more of the Taking Care series. This book holds all of the drama and love you come to expect from another amazing Gianni Holmes novel.
“It isn’t the original scandal that gets people in the most trouble - it’s the attempted cover-up.” -Tom Petri
Charles and Auggie have returned for the final installment in their duology, Their relationship continues to escalate in both heat and drama. Charles finds that he cannot resist August no matter how much distant or rules he puts into place. Plus, everyone knows that rules are meant to be broken, especially in Charles Moore’s case. August is trying to show Charles that he is more than just a secret affair. He can be Charles’ happiness. But between job blackmail, press leakes, dom drops, and family blow-outs, and a baby on the way, will this secret fizzle out before it has a chance to become a Scandal? Secrets keep spilling because frankly, this affair is too hot to hide, but now the press are involved.
“Love and Scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.” -Henry Fielding
Holmes gives Charles and Auggie the devastatingly beautiful ending that the pair deserves. While still leaving us begging for more of the Taking Care series. This book holds all of the drama and love you come to expect from another amazing Gianni Holmes novel.
November 21, 2020
I LOVED this book!! I was impatiently err patiently waiting for the final book in this duet. (Which is a spin-off from the Taking Care Series -a must read if you haven't yet.) Back to Auggie & Charles, don't let the fact that Charles is married to Poppy, and having a scandalous affair with Auggie stop you from reading it. That being said, whew these two had some steamy scenes.. and some romantic ones too. As their story unraveled and their love grew it had me binge reading to see what happened next. I couldn't put this book down!! It was definitely worth the book hangover and I recommend reading it..
My favorite quote from this book:
"The stars would remember our love, even long after we were gone. A thousand years from now, the wind would still echo with the sound of our laughter."
Beautiful, right?!
My favorite quote from this book:
"The stars would remember our love, even long after we were gone. A thousand years from now, the wind would still echo with the sound of our laughter."
Beautiful, right?!
October 24, 2020
This is the second book in the duology Secrets and Scandal (You’ll need to read Secrets before reading Scandal) and it was amazing. Really really amazing. August and Charles were side characters in the Taking care series and I disliked Charles from the first time we met him on page. But reading this duology made me love him so very much. He’s now my favorite character in this universe. I just love a good redemption story and Charles changed and grew so much as a person, it just warmed my heart. His connection and chemistry with August was simply perfect. I honestly have only great things to say about this book. I loved the pacing and the writing, I loved the characters and the plot and I thought that the ending was very satisfying. I was so immersed in the story, it was awesome, I love it when I just can get lost in a book.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
October 18, 2020
What a bittersweet journey this book was. Charles and Auggie took me on such a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs until I was completely tangled up in their complicated affair. At times, I honestly couldn't see a way for their love to last as they dealt with the threat of exposure, criticism from family, and Poppy's scheming. After so much back and forth as Auggie and Charles fought to make what they had last forever, I couldn't help but feel relieved when things finally started looking up. This book is lengthy, sometimes painfully slow-moving, but it was all worth it to see Charles and Auggie carve out a slice of life for themselves.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 17, 2020
Scandal is the second book in the Secrets & Scandal duology by Gianni Holmes. This duet is about supporting characters from the Taking Care trilogy and is much more fun when you have read that trilogy first.
This duology is about August and Charles. This book has a may/december trope, which is one of my favorites. I really liked their story.
This duology is about August and Charles. This book has a may/december trope, which is one of my favorites. I really liked their story.
August 16, 2024
DNF 33%
Welp. I tried. I really did. I read taking care series (and it was ok, nothing special, but an ok read) and I wanted to see this story trough. But I can’t. It’s all very dramatic and soap opery, but. I was so bored 🙈
Welp. I tried. I really did. I read taking care series (and it was ok, nothing special, but an ok read) and I wanted to see this story trough. But I can’t. It’s all very dramatic and soap opery, but. I was so bored 🙈
December 1, 2022
Charles knows his affiar with August is scandalous and has the potential to ruin his relationship with the people who matter most to him, but he can't stop it as he's fallen in love with his Sir. August believes that there is a future for him and Charles and so he is not prepared to let Charles go especially when he has brought back into his life something that he thought he had lost forever. When an anonymous person threatens to expose their affair Charles i given an ultimatum - will he do the right thing and walk away from a love he would never ever experience again or will he choose August and damn the consequences? This is the final book in the Secrets & Scandal duology. It contains a Sir badly in need of aftercare, scandalous secrets, and a precious baby girl who puts everything back into perspective.
I loved this story of the love that they couldn't walk away from no matter the pressure and reasons for no longer being together anymore. I loved their passion and their possessiveness for each other that was a huge clue if anyone were observant enough to work it out. Some of the confrontations were very emotional for those involved and the dramatic conclusion was a surprise (but was just perfect in so many ways). Easy to read, feel and understand, this was definitely a love story which had family around it too. There was mature content in this story of an MM relationship with BDSM behaviours of a D/s nature.
** Please note this series features supporting characters from the Taking Caring trilogy and is best read after that series.
I loved this story of the love that they couldn't walk away from no matter the pressure and reasons for no longer being together anymore. I loved their passion and their possessiveness for each other that was a huge clue if anyone were observant enough to work it out. Some of the confrontations were very emotional for those involved and the dramatic conclusion was a surprise (but was just perfect in so many ways). Easy to read, feel and understand, this was definitely a love story which had family around it too. There was mature content in this story of an MM relationship with BDSM behaviours of a D/s nature.
** Please note this series features supporting characters from the Taking Caring trilogy and is best read after that series.
October 30, 2020
This book was the perfect way for the duology to end. I really loved August and Charles's relationship. It was a joy to watch them find their way to their HEA. I really loved all of the scenes between the two. The banter between the two is infectious and made me smile while the love they shared made me weepy. I really think that the two of them had their ups and downs so that it could strengthen their relationship so that nothing could tear them apart. I want to loathe Poppy but I still can't, there are reasons that you'll just have to read to find out. I really did enjoy the addition of Jackie and Winston to the main cast of characters and hope to see the two of them in subsequent books in this universe. This book is just so full of the feels and really is the perfect way for August and Charles's story to come to a close. I would definitely recommend this book, duology, and universe.
January 12, 2024
This book was one of those stories that you hate to see end because you become so invested in the characters.
After meeting Charles and August in the Taking Care Trilogy, I was excited to dive into this duology and learn more about their journey. To be honest, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The first book in the duology was just fine, so I didn't have high expectations. However, the chemistry between the main characters in this installment is outstanding, and I adored watching their relationship unfold. Towards the end, things did get a tad overdramatic, but it didn't really bother me.
After meeting Charles and August in the Taking Care Trilogy, I was excited to dive into this duology and learn more about their journey. To be honest, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The first book in the duology was just fine, so I didn't have high expectations. However, the chemistry between the main characters in this installment is outstanding, and I adored watching their relationship unfold. Towards the end, things did get a tad overdramatic, but it didn't really bother me.
February 5, 2021
Oh, I loved this book soooooo much! I was excited to see how Charles and Auggie's power exchange ended up, their dynamic is beautifully unique, almost switchy. I was wondering the whole time how everything was going to work out in the end like I knew it had too. There were so many twists and turns, the drama is turned up to 10 and I was unable to put it down. We see a few new side characters and I will no doubt read their stories if they end up getting written because I am enamored with this universe.
February 10, 2022
Scandals comes in where Secrets left off and brought their story to an awaited conclusion. I liked how Scandals often told their reactions from both sides. These books were filled with steamy scenes, with light BDSM but always showing love and care. Both had emotional issues that affected them being together. Though Charles was less sympathetic overall, you never doubted his love for August. I loved this couple and loved these books. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
November 16, 2020
Nice read
This second book in the series was interesting, in way of the plot and characters portrayed. The MCs are well developed and their sense of family is beautiful and front and center in Gianni’s books. I love MM romance novels with that concept. I recommend this series to readers. ❤️
This second book in the series was interesting, in way of the plot and characters portrayed. The MCs are well developed and their sense of family is beautiful and front and center in Gianni’s books. I love MM romance novels with that concept. I recommend this series to readers. ❤️
February 25, 2021
Absolutely brilliant
I will never get enough of these men or this family. While I love Owen and Declan, I love Auggie and Charles even more. Their relationship was amazing as was the BDSM aspect. This is one of those series’ I wished didn’t have to end, because I am so invested. Will we be getting Oscar’s book next?
I will never get enough of these men or this family. While I love Owen and Declan, I love Auggie and Charles even more. Their relationship was amazing as was the BDSM aspect. This is one of those series’ I wished didn’t have to end, because I am so invested. Will we be getting Oscar’s book next?
October 21, 2021
2 books in this series and they should be read together, at the same time. They are also a spin-off and definitely best read after the "Taking Care" series of 3 books who feature the brother/father/son that are also prominent in this story. I loved that series and highly recommend it too. All of these books made for a fun, epic read. Loved them all.
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