Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Scandalous

Rate this book
Sasha Miller comes to Cambridge with a dream and leaves on a mission. After falling for the lies and charms of her Director of Studies ′Theo Dexter′ she finds herself betrayed, humiliated and nursing a bundle of broken dreams. Heading to the US she is determined to rebuild her life.

Years later, Sasha emerges from Harvard Business School with one thing on her mind, the downfall of the now famous Professor Theo Dexter.

Meanwhile Theo′s long suffering wife Theresa also finds herself betrayed and cast aside for a younger and prettier model. Unable to cope she returns to Cambridge a broken woman and tries to rebuild her life away from the scheming Theo Dexter.

One night Sasha turns up at Theresa′s door, she wants revenge at any cost, will Theresa help her?

From the deepest betrayal comes a shocking alliance.

Two vengeful women, one very unlucky man ...

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

267 people are currently reading
1453 people want to read

About the author

Tilly Bagshawe

49 books914 followers
Matilda Emily N. Bagshawe was born on 12 June 1973 in England, UK. She attended local all-girls Catholic schools near her family home in Surrey. She was a single mother at 17, but she won a place at Cambridge University and took Persephone, her ten-month-old baby daughter with her. As a journalist, she went on to enjoy a successful career in London, and contributed regularly to The Sunday Times, Daily Mail and Evening Standard, before turning her hand to novels. Her first book, Adored as Tilly Bagshawe, was a smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 2005, and she hasn't looked back since.

Tilly is married Robin Nydes, a US businessman, and the couple have two sons together, Zac and Theo. The family divide their time between their homes in London and Los Angeles. Tilly is also the sister of the writer and politician Louise Bagshawe.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,090 (35%)
4 stars
1,053 (34%)
3 stars
676 (22%)
2 stars
172 (5%)
1 star
64 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
Profile Image for Bharath.
953 reviews638 followers
March 16, 2017
This is the first of Tilly Bagshawe’s books that I read. I liked the fact that it is fast moving and there is something to look forward to on almost every page.

The central characters of the story are Theo Dexter, Sasha Miller and Theo’s wife Theresa. Theo is a great looking professor with a magnetic personality. It is easy for students to fall for Theo’s charms – and Sasha soon becomes a victim as well. Sasha is a brilliant student, and discusses new physics theories with Theo, who steals her work and becomes famous. Sasha leaves the college in disgrace with no one to support her – but later builds her life. Theo is soon a media celebrity and is divorced from Theresa after yet another affair. A broken Theresa moves back to UK, and rebuilds her life as a professor of literature again.

While, Sasha & Theresa both manage to build fairly successful careers, their past with Theo continues to haunt them. In an unlikely twist towards the end they meet, and become friends, with the aim of seeking justice for what they went through with Theo.

The book is very readable – and the characters are well formed. The new relationships Sasha & Theresa build later however do not come across as very natural. Overall, a good light read.
Profile Image for Donna Brown.
Author 7 books108 followers
Read
June 12, 2020
I love Tilly Bagshawe's novels and Scandalous is no exception. What happens when Sasha - a shy but promising undergraduate - falls for her handsome, sophisticated, married and ultimately self-serving professor? Well, they don't ride off into the sunset, that's for sure. In typical Bagshawe style, however, the female characters rarely let the men in their lives keep the upper hand for too long. And, after all, Sasha is not the only wronged one in this scenario: there's also his kindhearted but downtrodden wife, Theresa.

Full of sass, twists and turns and the proof that revenge is a dish most definitely served cold, Scandalous is fabulously fun read. Tilly Bagshawe brings her characters to life so - love them or hate them - you can't wait to find out more about them. It's a superbly easy read, both because it's well structured and also because she uses straightforward, punchy language and dialogue. A must if you love chick-lit with an edge!
Profile Image for Tara Chevrestt.
Author 25 books314 followers
March 25, 2013
I was drawn to this book by the promise of a woman scorned and getting revenge on a man.


I am actually on the line between a two and three... The book is entertaining and I did manage to read the entire thing and I was dying to know what happened next, but it has left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak.

I can say with all honesty, I don't like it.

Quick recap: young girl Sasha is naive and susceptible to a handsome professor's charms. He whoos her and steals her great scientific breakthrough, using it to launch himself to stardom and Hollywood, where he proceeds to dump his wife and marry a Hollywood starlet. Meanwhile, Sasha gets into business and becomes ultra rich, falling for another total douche of a man.

Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
31 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2014
While this book developed three interesting plot lines, the ending was disappointingly predictable and unrealistic. The ending really cheapened the entire book.
Profile Image for KB Wayne.
134 reviews6 followers
November 25, 2013
Yes, just okay. From the opening I thought I wouldn't be able to go on the name-dropping was so embarrassing (I was embarrassed on the author's behalf it was so gratuitous PLUS I was embarrassed on my behalf because I recognized all those vapid status symbols, shallow me), but I persevered. Kinda wish I hadn't ... kinda glad I did.

I did like how intricate and detailed the story was, so many characters with so much going on, except they were all vacuous losers for whom I cared not a whit. The one about whom I did want to learn more, Lottie, we never did. Pity.

Now that I'm writing this I realize it's really closer to one star because the ending was so offensive. If the coupling of those characters had been the author's intent then she should have made it possible without being so revolting. Blech. Oh, I guess that second star was because at least Theresa's story ended happily -- ridiculous!, but happy.
Profile Image for Soraya Lane.
Author 125 books2,119 followers
October 17, 2016
Good holiday read. If you've enjoyed other Tilly Bagshawe books you'll enjoy this.
Profile Image for Matea.
7 reviews
August 26, 2014
I finnaly finished this book. I didn't expect anything amazing, just an average book which should help me to escape from everyday life, for a short time. Like in most chick lits, lifes of rich people are the main focus.
Usually, I read chick lit just because of humor. This book does not have humorous scenes, but something just made me to be stubborn and read the whole book.
The plot is a typical soap opera, with naive females and male bastards as main characters. I didn't like Sasha, she's just too naive for a smart girl (remember, she is the top student and a talented physicist). Theo seduces and betrays her, but she admits that he still attracts her, after all he did (I mean wtf?). Theresa is way better then Sasha, but she spends a lot of time drinking and complaining about her life. My favourite character is a inappreciable side character, Georgia. She's Sasha's friend and arhitecture teacher. I like her feministic attitude and her energy. She is the only girl in the book who doesn't let guys to play with her emotion.
In the end, 'Scandalous' wasn't so bad, but it wasn't a great book either. It estranged me from my everyday problems, and I wasn't bored.
So, my rating is three stars.

Profile Image for Jennifer Osterman.
110 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2013
I feel bad giving this book two stars when I read it with such gusto, but I felt that the story was a bit predictable and I thought that the ending was terrible terrible. I felt like the book was less about Sasha's (eventually revealed to be less than) intriguing plot for revenge and more about the sexploits of the villainous men. I also, at times, felt like I was reading a fashion catalog, as everyone was wearing name brand clothes, down to their undies. Other times, it felt like I was reading a travelogue of a trip to various cities. The excess of pop culture references has also already dated this book to the days when Facebook statuses said "So-and-so is...." On the update line and Simon Cowell was still on American Idol. Granted, not that long ago, but it may make the book less readable as time goes on.

I read it eagerly, waiting to see what kind of tangled web Sasha would weave, but in the end, it was straightforward, expected, and only tertiarially involved Theresa. I guess I expected more. Characters were well-developed, I suppose, but none were all that likeable. Too bad.
Profile Image for Goddess Of Blah.
514 reviews76 followers
February 13, 2015
description
description

It was extremely predictable. And very clichéd. Horrible vulgar writing style and a bit over the top. Wronged, vulnerable heroine who turns hard as nails due to a corrupt older man abusing her trust blah blah

The hero is a clichéd tall dark handsome successful man, while the antagonist is a rich blond unscrupulous older man. The heroine's rival is a beautiful but undeserving female and so on... Most of her books sort of read this way. The “baddies” are manifested in the extreme. i.e. vain, conceited, totally unscrupulous with no redeeming features that it becomes completely predictable, unrealistic and overly dramatic.
Profile Image for Natasha den Dekker.
1,233 reviews10 followers
September 7, 2012
I enjoyed this mainly because it does what it says on the cover. Revenge-Chick-lit. And I can definitely identify with the main character (Sasha Miller) more than I ought to I think. In comparision with Louise Bagshawe's books I like Tilly because they are a bit more modern and the characters are more nuanced i.e. no one is good or bad rather a more human combination of the two, which makes for more interesting reading. It's not got 5 stars because there are a few gaping plot holes:
1. Why did Dita have children - it seems at odds with her character
2. Everyone is a bit of a bad person - but really, do people cheat on other people with such ease?
3. Sasha's parents are almost too understanding...is it coz she's a genius physicist?!

But it was nice fun read, in the evening and I would recommend it. :)
Profile Image for Susie.
343 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2016
What a guilty pleasure this book was! Academia, high finance, seduction, reputation destruction, revenge. The most beautiful people in the most beautiful clothes, living in the most beautiful homes, driving the most beautiful cars, making the most beautiful livings! It was just so extreme, and I have to say that the story kept me coming back for more. The final payoff was a little bit lightweight for my liking. I would have preferred a bigger bomb to go off, but it was okay. I don't know that I would read another one of her books, but this was a fun listen in the car.
Profile Image for Merima Smajic.
134 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2014
I don't usually read chick lit but I wanted to read something lighthearted and not have to engage much. Well I got what I wanted.
I must admit I did like most of the characters a d the plot was entertaining to say the least.
The ending I have no love for. Not realistic ( I KNOW it's not supposed to be but the author does know that women reading her books have lives and brains, right?)




Profile Image for Chloe.
2 reviews
June 19, 2023
I liked yet also disliked this book. It was a good light read and was able to keep me entertained for a few days however it all seemed very predictable, particularly the ending. The story was quite fast paced and covered a lot of time without too much detail and where there was detail, it was all told rather than shown to the reader.

I liked the overall idea of the story and plot line but at the same time, reading it sort of felt similar to reading an episode story - a bit junior.

Another point to mention is that everyone is addicted to sex in this book. I think you can only go a couple pages before someones having it again and sometimes it didn't add to the story at all. I get we need to understand what the characters are like but surely there are other ways??

The main characters aren't particularly likable either. Sasha's whole motivation in life is to get revenge on her professor but in doing so has to sleep with him? Not needed at all. There are plenty more ways to ruin someone than to get under them. I thought she was meant to be smart.

Again the ending is all very predictable and felt kind of rushed. The enemies to lovers trope doesn't work if you don't build up to it and it felt like a rushed side story that takes away from the main point of the book.

That all being said, if there was a sequel I would have probably read it just to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Antonia Neeven.
43 reviews
November 30, 2022
I adored this book and the universe of rich, extremely beautiful people.
This book had me from the start (excluding the prologue)
I love the drama, the intrigue, and the different characters. Theo was spot on. Bagshawe isn't afraid of describing this kind of man's feelings. And due to my work and experiences, I can say that this is exactly how some men think. About teenagers, boring wives, teenage naivety.
Sasha was great and I rooted for her but I feel like a flaw or two who would not hurt . Only Theresa got a taste of flaws, and everyone else got to be 10/10s.
Theresa made me so annoyed but she was a nice opposite to Sasha.

If I would have to be nitpicky, I have to point out that the description of Sasha is extremely unlikely to occur in nature. Which was difficult when I was looking for someone to imagine her as.
Natural black hair with light green eyes, pale skin and freckles. That's not a very natural combination.

I also felt that the story got carried away, and the plot was lost and then kind of rushed at the end. And without giving any spoilers there was absolutely nothing creative about the end. Although it was satisfying enough.
However, the story and universe in itself was amazing so the ending didn't ruin the book for me.

Now im looking forward to reading more of Bagshawe
Profile Image for Akcherrybomb .
229 reviews18 followers
January 31, 2019
It was the cover that drew me to picking up this book. It did seem Sasha was naive to her professor but I ran with it and can see how it can happen. However she does regain control, power and become a successful business woman. Instead of letting sleeping dogs lie – she vows to get revenge on her first love like a woman scorned, who also stole her incredible money making idea which launched him to a celebrity status. She seems steely on the outside but clearly what happened has ruled her later life. I did like the how the various plots were linked and how It followed the central characters over quite a few years.

Definitely lives up to the books name – full of Scandal!

I liked how the scenes were set as got a real feel for the university setting and the bright lights of Hollywood.

The ending was a letdown. It felt like it was wrapped up quickly! I had an idea about Sasha and Jackson as I know opposites can attract – fine line between love and hate. Just felt rushed – straight to proposal already? Also Theresa with her student…just didn’t feel believable.

Overall though I did enjoy this book, it was a light read and if I ignore the end – then I will say 4/5.
Profile Image for Emily.
169 reviews
December 1, 2025
Realna ocena je trojka,ali zbog tkz."vajba"osamdesetih koje su me vratile u proslost-ocena vise.🥰
Ova knjiga me podsetila na neki miks Dzeki Kolins (Laki) i Sidni Seldona (Ako docekam sutra).
I bas mi je probudila divne neke uspomene.😊
Sto se tice same radnje unutar knjige,imamo tu Sashu,mladu devojku,koja godinama zivi iskljucivo za osvetu svom profesoru-bivsem ljubavniku Theu-zbog kradje njenog rada (fizicari su oboje).
Theo na osnovu njene teorije,postaje svetski priznati naucnik,a vremenom i omiljeno TV lice.
Prica se provlaci dugi niz godina,PROCI CE I CITAVA DECENIJA,prije nego Theu dodje maca na vratanca.🐱
Kraj mi je malo sapunjarski.ali boze moj,ne moze sve idealno biti.😏😁😉😘
Profile Image for Candice D'Mosse.
6 reviews
April 22, 2018
Scandalous is exactly as you would expect. Men seducing you women, ruining their lives, then the race is on for them to find a way to get back at the men. This book was published in 2010. In light of the recent MeToo movement I hope books like these will be in the past. Although I know women love a scandal and juicy gossip, I am so over the plot of men expecting young women to sleep with them in order for them to get ahead in their careers. I like the idea of women getting justice, but I’d like to see more novels written in a way that we no longer have to put women in these positions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gurpreet Kaur.
208 reviews17 followers
December 31, 2019
It was my first Tilly Bagshawe book, Scandalous. It was a fast read.

I enjoyed the story. A good, page turner and interesting story.

I really liked the main protagonist Sasha Miller, her character develops throughout the book. She was strong, mindful and a well made character. In the end she clears her name and that made a so happy.

Theresa, was a victim of blindly trusting her husband and she put herself down at so many points. I liked when she started her career again but then too she was not a strong willed person.
Profile Image for Shir Amitai.
36 reviews
October 18, 2022
This is my first Tilly Bagshawe book and seemingly my last.
It isn't badly written in any way but...

After about 260 pages I really couldn't bother to continue. All the characters were pretty unlikable to me and they didn't have much redeeming qualities to them. There was too much going on and too many characters.
I also wasn't into the Sexualization of everyone and everything in it.

The ending was pretty much a let down as well in my opinion.
Profile Image for Becky.
124 reviews16 followers
November 25, 2024
4.5* rounded up

This was written very well, it was so easy to read and flowed so well.

This is not my usual genre and type of book but I really enjoyed it and will read more like this, I was already invested at the very beginning and was really routing for the main character. I needed to get to the end as quickly as possible as I needed to know what was going to happen.

I also like the way this was mixed between england and america and two very different areas of both

Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Sandy Samuel.
354 reviews
March 31, 2018
Least favorite

This is my least favorite TB book. So much so, I skipped to the end about halfway through. I'm not a physics fan, so that part was kind of boring.

And Theo is such a sleaze! It says a lot about TV's writing that I could imagine this character and I just wanted to reach into the book and belt him!
Profile Image for Nicole.
276 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2018
Twisted enjoyment

I do recommend this book. I found it full of intrigue and laughter at times. I found myself talking out loud to tell the character not to do one thing or grasping when they did another. I like the easy flow of the author as they included this story line. I'd recommend it!
Profile Image for Jayal.
132 reviews
May 14, 2020
Not really my cup of tea, but when times are hard, you make do with what you get..
It's readable, definitely. But in my mind, didn't really live up to it's promise of a spectacular revenge plot.
But then, I guess I shouldn't expect Jeffrey Archer type plots with every book.
An okay read, specially if you like a lot of softcore sex in your reading 🙄
1,128 reviews
June 24, 2021
I Listened to this one. A cute revenge based English story line. Interesting characters, dialog, and plot.
I really wanted the main female character to get her revenge. A well thought out meandering story, nice to hear the story lines intertwine and a satisfying ending. I laughed at the characters antics and enjoyed how their lives were intertwined, just like real life.
Profile Image for J.
4,100 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2018
Wow - I loved the twists and turns this book gave. Shows how deep an impact our actions can make on the rest of our lives as well as how they effect others. Loved how the ending brought it all together!
2 reviews
February 17, 2019
Good old fashioned chick lit!

One of those books that you want to get to the end and have a happy ending - this book did! One of her old ones that I hadn’t read and needed a bit of escapism - very good!
Profile Image for Caroline.
31 reviews
May 26, 2019
Nice read, but I found the women in this book to be very stereotypical. Falling always for the alpha male, even though it is clearly a jerk. Also, I expected more from the revenge and the bond between the women. Ending felt a bit rushed.
Profile Image for Ericzon Santos.
103 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2022
This is a revenge story. I am assuming the question you have in your head is if the revenge is satisfying.

Not really. The set-up was good. The Jackson stuff almost made me stop reading. It is entertaining.
Profile Image for Hermien.
4 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2017
Did not enjoy this one. I read first bit and skipped to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.