I wrote a negative review and it was taken away, let's just say, I disagree with the overwhelming positive reviews. I should have stopped on Chapter 3. I didn't like the main character, I never felt the nail biting, thrilling, can't put it down feeling any time during the read. The ending was not a surprise for me. I am not an obnoxious person, just a honest reviewer, with everything costing more, there should be at least one person saying, this might not be worth 12 to 15 bucks, ignore my review, it's okay, but at least I can sleep at night. Thank you #Netgalley. I am truly sorry that I didn't like it.
carolintallahassee

I felt like this book was a slog to get through. The author's writing style leans to a lot of descriptive thoughts of the characters, which for me tends to drone on and on often in repetition. It made for some dry reading. I didn't like any of the characters in this book, and although I felt sorry for Emma and the abuse she faced as a female MP, by the very end I really disliked her. She cared way too much about her reputation than anything else - her family, her daughter, her friends, her job, her constituents... everyone and everything took a backseat. It's difficult to like characters that are malicious in their revenge tactics and no one redeems themselves in this book.

I thought this book did a good job of showing how dishonest people in politics can be. I think this book definitely had a reputable element as to how people in politics and journalism and the law use each other. However, to be a successful woman in any of these fields does one really have to resort to these tactics? Maybe so. Corrupt politics in any part of the world.

Happy Early Pup Day! This was one of those great woman lead character books. But the story itself was a little tough and close to home for me.
Still a good read!

DNF at 20%. I really try to power through books I request but the subject matter was just too close to home for me to get through, even after going back a few times. That being said, it also felt like the differences in the way politics were handled were hard to follow and was also making this difficult to get through. I’m sure this will be a powerful story for some readers but was too much for me now.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma Webster was surprised when she was elected a MP so quickly and was torn as it would greatly impact her husband and her daughter. A few years later this book begins as she has been a MP for awhile and it has impacted as her husband and her have divorced and they are trying to coparent their teenage daughter. And not a spoil here, but the book begins as Emma has found a dead body at the bottom of her stairs and we immediately go back in time to find out how she got there.

There were so many things that I loved about this book. I loved that the author allowed more than just Emma to relay this story. From chapters from her daughter Flora, to her husband's new wife Caroline, to a journalist Mike and I loved seeing the story through various points of view; to see through Emma, but then to see Emma in her own story was so good.

I also loved the plot. I loved the juxtaposition of what Emma was going through on her job while her daughter Flora had similar issues at school - like mother like daughter. And while the story took place across the pond, I could easily relate how Emma, a public figure was dealing with social media and journalism invading her personal space while she tried to also do her job.

I was surprised to find out when I finished that this was my first Sarah Vaughan book, but will for sure not be my last. I hope to read her backlist very soon.

Another twisty topical novel from Vaughan! Emma has invested a lot in her reputation first as teacher and then as an MP. She's particularly committed to righting wrongs committed against women- including revenge porn. Her 14 year old daughter Flora, who mostly lives with her father Mike and step mother Caroline, is struggling at school with bullies but she doesn't share. And then she shares something she shouldn't, bringing her into unexpected conflict with and for her mother. Things only get worse when the journalist threatening to expose the whole thing is found dead. And then Emma is in the dock. Emma, Flora, Mike, and Caroline tell this story of life gone sideways. The plot might not be entirely unexpected in spots but I gotta admit- she kept me reading. I'm always a fan of learning something- in this case a bit about the British legal system. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.

This slow paced psychological thriller revolves around the fragility of reputation, and the dark side of politics. I especially enjoyed the complicated intersections of Emma’s political career/goals and her personal struggles. I wanted more from Flora and her storyline, and some parts of the trial dragged on a bit. But, overall, this my first read by Vaughan, and I will definitely read more by her. I thought the Netflix adaptation of The Anatomy of a Scandal was fantastic!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Reputation by Sarah Vaughan is a courtroom drama that will appeal to fans of the author's previous book, Anatomy of a Scandal, which was turned into a hit Netflix series! The story revolves around Emma, a politician and single mother. Emma is fighting for women's rights in the #MeToo era and faces plenty of misogynist backlash. When a man is found dead in her home, what will she do? Can she save her reputation, or will this scandal ruin her life?

Here is a gripping excerpt from Chapter 1:

"Pride goeth before a fall.
Of course, later I would regret this, bitterly, deeply, because that cover shot would be used repeatedly: the stock image that would accompany every Emma Webster story from that moment on. It would be the picture used when I was arrested, when I was charged, when the trial began. And this would rankle because, far from capturing the true me, it was a brittle, knowing version: red lips slightly parted in a way that couldn’t fail to seem distinctly sexual; gaze defiant; a clear, almost brazen challenge in what the article would describe as my “limpid, dark eyes.” A far cry from how I thought of myself, or who I’d ever been: an advanced history teacher at the local high school; Flora’s mum; or a junior politician who tried so very hard to serve her constituents while campaigning on feminist issues more generally."

Overall, Reputation is an unputdownable thriller that will appeal to fans of legal scandals and courtroom dramas. One highlight of this book is how many twists and turns there were, including some that I was not expecting. Another highlight of this book is how interesting it is. The action really picks up halfway through, and then I could not stop reading. I found every single detail to be interesting. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in July!

MP Emma Webster is accused of murder after a journalist is found dead at the bottom of her stairs, a man who was once her lover. Can her reputation and career survive this, even if she is found innocent? The pacing of this story is terrific as the truth is slowly uncovered. Even after a verdict is reached though, there are still some surprising twists to be revealed.

There is an interesting look at how damaging social media can be in our lives--through trolls, revenge porn, etc., especially used when a woman achieves a position of power. There are many whose main goal is to threaten and terrorize her, bring her down. Sad but true.

I was provided with a free arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to Net Galley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book!
The story follows Emma, a single mother in London who is also a hard-working MP. She is passionate about her politics, but because of that she also receives a lot of threats, mostly on social media. It’s hard for her to just ignore those threats, so being vigilant is important to her. One night, something goes very wrong and it upends not only her whole life, but her daughter’s life, and threatens to ruin her hard-earned good reputation.

This book was fast-paced, twisty, and had me guessing up until the very end. I truly had no idea about the big twist until it happened! I loved getting to read from different character’s POVs and I really hope this is made into a TV series like Vaughn’s last book.

I do think this may have been a bit long, and could have done with some additional editing, but overall it didn’t decrease my enjoyment of the book. Pick this one up when it comes out in July 5th, it’s a good one!

This is a very strong 3.5 star book. The beginning started out a little slow for me, it seemed to drag on and take too long to get to the point of the book. However, Part 2 and beyond was much better. I enjoyed more of the scenes in the second part of the book (I don’t want to give anything away), and I had zero idea that the ending was going to be what it was! What a twist! I particularly liked the little snippets of blog writing, or comments, the newspaper articles – it broke up the chapters nicely.

A woman means business when she’s wearing red lipstick. Never cross a politician who is a mother, if so, be prepared for claws in action. Reputation matters, and like the London Bridge, it can all come falling. Are you ready for a Brief Synopsis…

Emma Webster is a woman hell-bent on a mission to raise feminist awareness as a locally elected politician. She tries to steady her middle finger to the trolls, the misogynistic men, and the women who would tear her to shreds. To have sacrificed so much to get to this part in her career, she clings to what’s left of her relationship with her fourteen-year-old daughter Flora. But, when a man is found dead in Emma’s home, who wielded an ungodly truth that could tarnish her precious reputation, she fights to protect what she has rightfully earned. Politicians know no bounds when it comes to dirtying their hands. Emma firstly is a mother, and secondly a politician but when those lines blur, what wouldn’t she do to protect the reputation she is desperate to hold on to.

Sarah Vaughan did not disappoint with this. I have watched Anatomy of Scandal and I truly did love the ending, never expected the turn of events. Reputation is a political fiction and thriller scandal, that is pieced together nicely. The ending is wrapped up in a nice gift with a bow. Surprised how everything came to head towards the end. I did have my suspicions. This book delivers on the pressures women face in the public eye, paired with being a mother wanting to set an example for her young daughter, all while trying to stay fierce on the battlefield with political trolls. Reputation is a trifecta for themes and is as bold as red lipstick. Everyone’s got dirty laundry, it’s all how you hide it. Reputation had a key message for takeaway “Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum”. This book was an enjoyable read and will have you biting your thumb at anyone who says otherwise.

I realized yesterday morning that I had read six romances in a row - eight if you look back a bit further and don’t include two YA romance-adjacent books. As someone who likes to diversify my reading, I immediately went to my NetGalley TBR and looked for the next mystery/thriller on my list! Enter the psychological thriller Reputation by Sarah Vaughan that I read yesterday in the pool and today on my flight to Hilton Head, where I realized the stand on my Kindle case could hold it at eye level for easier travel reading!
Reputation is a slow but steady thriller focusing on forty-four year-old female British politician Emma Webster, who has a fourteen year-old daughter, Flora. Most chapters are from Emma’s point of view, but some are from Flora’s, some are from Caroline’s (Emma’s former colleague who is now Flora’s stepmom), and a few from tabloid reporter Mike and his colleague Rachel. The story focuses on what women may do in order to remain likable and preserve their reputations. If you’re the type of person who loves looking for the title of the book while reading, you’ll see it multiple times per page by the end!! I was wrapped up in this one and was surprised by some of the final chapters. I think anyone who’s interested in women’s issues will find something to grapple with in this one, but beware it is not fast-paced like you may expect from other thrillers!
Reputation comes out Tuesday 7/5 from Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books - many thanks to them and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! The author also wrote Anatomy of a Scandal which has been turned into a Netflix show - both the book and the show are highly regarded and I’ll be checking them out soon.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I picked up Reputation on the strength of its premise. I haven’t read Anatomy of a Scandal, or watched the show yet, but I do plan to do both as soon as I am able, as despite my issues with this book, Sarah Vaughan is a very good writer.
This book is very aptly titled, and I enjoyed the exploration of the tenuous nature of one’s reputation when you’re a politician (even if I find myself struggling to feel much sympathy for many of them in real life at the moment). I found the issues Emma faced as a female politician recognizable from the real life online atmosphere, where her attempts at advancing policy that favors women is met with trolling and harsh backlash, even in the so-called “modern” world. It does, however, strike a balance between that and exploring the hypocrisy on her part.
While we do get other perspectives, they exist primarily to round out and flesh out Emma’s, and I didn’t get the sense of many of them as characters in their own right, although there are some exceptions. I felt kinship with Emma’s daughter Flora, given she’s going through bullying, and the way that serves as a mirror of the concept of “reputation” within a school context felt relatable to me, as well as helping to complement Emma’s narrative. There’s other perspectives, like a journalist covering the major trial at the heart of the book, and that of a fellow MP on trial for rape, but they did more to serve the plot than exist as characters in their own right.
The story is also pretty slow-paced. It’s not unexpected for a psychological thriller, and the character work for Emma and Flora was enough to keep me invested until things picked up. The story makes you work for it, but it is worth it.
Given the author’s pre-established reputation (hehe), I imagine this will work well for those who enjoyed one or both. But if you’re new to Sarah Vaughan’s work like I am, you might enjoy it if you enjoy slow-burning psychological thrillers.

Similar to Anatomy of a Scandal, Vaughan explores many themes throughout Reputation, particularly the treatment of female politicians and the impact of social media. I enjoyed the different POVs from Emma, Flora and Caroline who all had unique voices. This kept me guessing until the end and if you enjoy courtroom drama than this one is for you!

Emma has a busy life as an MP but it’s taken a toll on family, especially 14 year old Flora. Both will make unfortunate decisions that have lasting repercussions. I acted when I read Flora’s experience because it happens all the time. Emma’s story is played out over most of the book and it’s necessary to keep,digging to get the full story.
Ultimately, a person’s reputation does matter, but the caliber of character is also still important.
Be ready for an intense ride of emotions when you read Reputation.

I loved the premise. And I loved the social commentary attempted in this book. I enjoyed the first 1/2 or so. Then it got very repetitious. The plot became boring and predicatable. If I could rate the first half and the second half separately, I would. I think I need to face that I just don’t care for this author’s writing style.

Dense and thickly peppered with repeating themes, this was an interesting read. The British tabloid press is probably the worst there is, and it is on full display here. We have a female MP with secrets, her daughter with secrets and they're all coming out!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC!

Reputation by Sarah Vaughan is a highly recommended thriller and courtroom drama.

Emma Webster is an MP in parliament as a member of the Labor party. She spends part of her time in the house she shares in London with other members of parliament but as a divorced mother lives in her home in Portsmouth with her 14-year-old daughter, Flora. Part of her public life involves trolls, who are ever present but come out especially vicious after she does a photo shoot. Now Flora is learning that same lesson as she is experiencing bulling instigated by her former best friend, only Flora snaps and retaliates, which is a poor decision with consequences.

Emma knows that a woman's reputation can be easily destroyed and has been supporting new law to protect women and girls from the effects of online abuse. Flora's situation is a perfect example of this and highlights how a reactionary response is never a good choice and social media seems to make everything worse. Oh, and by the way, there is also the body of a dead man found at their home and Emma is arrested for the crime.

This is a well written thriller and courtroom drama, but is does move at a slow deliberate pace, especially at the beginning. Emma narrates most chapters but a few are from other character's point-of-view. Once the trial starts and courtroom scenes make up most of the narrative the plot becomes more tense and compelling. Clearly Reputation should especially appeal to those who appreciate courtroom dramas. The real impetus for reading this thoughtful novel is for the topic of a reputation being damaged and how the public spotlight can bring with it a great deal of pressure.

Emma is an empathetic character but not presented in an especially personable manner. She is presented as a strong woman Clearly, the actual social issues, gender inequality, bullying, cyber and in person, and the media controlling the narrative, are the true focus of the novel rather than the individual characters. The message is the true main character here.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Atria/Emily Bestler Books.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Edelweiss, Google Books, and Amazon.

4 Intense Stars
Taking a look at a powerful woman in politics and all of the sacrifices she has made over the years is the start of a huge drama that covers many of the issues of today.

Accused of murder, this woman and her daughter experience all of the media bullying and invasion common today. There are secrets abound, intense courtroom drama, and a satisfying end.