The Art of a Scandal
Written By Regina Black
Publisher Grand Central Publishing
Release Date August 01, 2023


Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5


“ A “wildly steamy, utterly heartwarming” (Tia Williams) debut filled with romance, artistic ambitions, political scandal, and finding love where you least expect it. “

After reading the publishers blurb, I wanted to read this book and I was NOT disappointed. I had never heard of this author before and am not really a romance genre reader. My go to genre is Mystery/Thrillers but when you read well written books like this, it certaInly changes your perspective and opens up your parameters with other genres.

This is an absolutely beautiful love story that adds family drama, indiscretions and hot hot hot hormonal reactions. Atleast the last one, well, it did that for me.

Rachel Abbott and her husband Matt are enjoying time together at Matt’s 40th birthday. Until…Rachel receives a spicy and sexy text that includes a picture of his ahem “private parts” from her husband. But…it was actually meant for another woman. Rnachel wants out of the marriage but is not going to do so empty handed. Except for one BIG thing. Matt Abbott is a very wealthy politician who also has a very greedy and money hungry family. A divorce this nasty will be on the headlines of every news station around. Matt wants to work out a deal.

So Rachel gets one million dollars and the super expensive and beautiful home in the suburbs of Washington D.C. as long as she remains his “trophy wife” until after the elections are through. Everything was ok until Nathan Vasquez comes into the picture. Their attraction to each other is powerful. The steam from the two of them will emit from your kindle. I was hooked. Knowing that their relationship could destroy what she worked for,I still wanted the two of them to be together. Can Rachel have her cake and eat it too? Does she walk away with everything she ever wanted? Rachel wanted to be the Rachel she used to be and it seems that she may have found the manor her dreams. In her dreams she wanted him to never leave her, and in real life she wanted him to take her. Once both of those scenarios happened Rachel realized that there are great men who will take their time to please her and keep her happy.

This book is extremely well written from an author who certainly knows how to tell stories that will have you wishing that you were the protagonist and were ready to be ravished by Nathan’s everywhere. I was enamored, excited and so engrossed in this book that I could not put it down. The author did a great job building up the story as well as the characters which were very well developed and flawed. The banter between the characters was also very real and believable. It is a very captivating and at the same time scandalous which made it even better. This is a book that has everything needed to make sure the reader holds on and never lets go.

5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me a copy of this book to read in return for my unbiased and honest review.

This book gave sophisticated, grown woman sexy vibes. We get some toxic relationship drama, a political scandal, a deep dive into what being privileged can do for you, and some steamy forbidden romance. But with a cover like this I was expecting something more erotic ya know with a little more spice the nasty kind LOL. Either way I enjoyed the book for what it was really loved the cover a little more though.

We get alternating POVs from Nathan and Rachel where we see chemistry build between the two. I liked that they helped each other realize what they wanted and pushed each other to go after it. Sometimes it takes a different person on the outside looking in to show you all the things you’ve been missing.

I know I’m not the only one who kept getting The Perfect Find vibes while reading this. Maybe it was the age gap and Nathan’s artistic background that forged the similarities for me which wasn’t a bad thing. The character development was very strong, they felt realistic as well as their interactions, and were very diverse. I loved that Rachel was put through so much and never folded. Her original request for 1 million and the house was modest. Matt would’ve been breaking me off half of everything he got. That 15 million his dad offered looked real nice just to pretend we on good terms LOL.

The author did a decent job creating an atmosphere of desire, passion, and discovery but the ending didn’t do the book justice. I was expecting something a little more enticing I guess. But the pacing was fair and I think the character conflict helped it move along. Overall, the book was okay I wouldn’t say it was a page-turner but still worth a read. Special thanks to the author & @grandcentralpub for my gifted copy!!!

Rating: 3.5⭐️

So while I did my review on amazon a bit ago, I somehow forgot to place it here

Rachel get's a d pic from her husband, but he really didn't mean to send it to her. So the two of them come to an agreement. But in the midst, Rachel meets a younger man, Nathan and has hard time trying to stay away from him.

this is a book. It took me through all kinds of emotions, and I cheered for Rachel so hard. And I have a few choice words for Matt, but I don't want this to get flagged, so I'll keep it to myself. This story took me on such an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn't want to end. I loved and had a good time reading this book. I plan to keep this author in my rotation and am awaiting her next novel

I received a copy of the book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions

Smart and sexy are the two words that come to mind when thinking of The Art of Scandal.
This book reads like a hot new TV series and pulls you in from page 1. Rachel and Nathan are fire together. Nathan is the perfect partner for Rachel, the politician's wife dealing with her husband's affair while trying to navigate an election. There were so many twists in this story. And the chemistry and angst between Rachel and Nathan is some of the best I've read this year.
This book is just good old fashioned fun from start to finish and I can't wait to see what Regina Black brings us next.

4.75⭐
PG-13 on 🌶️? Like the tension was the hottest part of the spice, despite the cover.

This whole story was juicy delectable goodness from start to finish. Politician wife, he cheats, impending divorce, and she fell in love with a younger man... and then the drama gets amped up to the max as the web of people and lies comes together.

This book has all the angst, the desire, the anger, the heartbreak and the love I want in a book. Regina Black is destined to end up with the greats of the romance world if this is her debut. She created this beautifully complex story about race, class and privilege with such heart and I think this is definitely a must read romance for this year.

Also if Joe and Mia aren't getting their own story next, I will be very upset.

✨ Review ✨ The Art of Scandal by Regina Black

When Rachel Abbott receives a nude text from her husband meant for someone else on the night of his 40th birthday party, divorce seems inevitable. But, her husband Matt, the mayor, is in the middle of a congressional campaign, and so she negotiates a compromise -- she'll wait to divorce him for the promise of one million dollars after they do divorce.

That same night, Rachel meets Nathan Vasquez, a 26-year-old artist and laundromat owner, and a friendship grows between them, as Rachel explores her life and the things that have disappointed her.

Supported by a rich cast of family and friends, this book was enjoyable to read, steamy in some places, frustrating in others, but overall, it kept me engaged. I loved how it wove in themes of family and expectations, disappointment and aspiration, art and scandal. One review I read compared it to Shonda Rimes-style entertainment and that totally tracks!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: contemporary f/m romance
Reminds me of: Tia Williams Seven Days in June
Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023

Read this if you like:
⭕️ Age gap romances
⭕️ forbidden romances
⭕️ romances with older characters reshaping their lives
⭕️ art & food

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!

For thirteen years, Rachel Abbott was the definition of the perfect political wife, polished, cultured... and silent. But following the ultimate betrayal by her husband, Matt, she has cause to reexamine what has become of her life and the personal aspirations that weren't intertwined with her husband’s political ones.

Enter Nathan Vazquez, fan artist and perceived ne'er do well member of a rich and influential local family. In Rachel, Nathan sees a kindred spirit. Someone who sees him beyond the aimless "second son" he presents himself as to the sensitive artist that lies beneath. They make a passionate connection that seriously upends both their carefully curated lives.

Black deftly depicts a relationship that is at once, sensual and restorative for both Rachel and Nathan. They come to recognize each other on ever-deepening levels that challenge the status quo of both their lives. There are no easy answers here, only sensual self-discovery, mental liberation, and awakening agency for both characters.

THE ART OF SCANDAL is destined to be one of the BEST BOOKS of the summer!

I adored this fun, sexy, and layered novel! This book had so much more to it than the cover led me to believe. I can't wait to read more from Regina Black!

In The Art of Scandal, Rachel receives an x-rated text from her politician husband that isn't meant for her. As her entire world explodes around her she has the wherewithal to demand a hefty paycheck to keep up appearances during his congressional campaign. Then enters a much younger artist with a secret tie to their small town.

The Art of Scandal was a fun read. I look forward to reading whatever Regina Black does next.

This was a good story and I enjoyed the two leads. I thought the resolutation was a little too fast at the end but mostly enjoyed it

Thank you for the advance copy however it’s a DNF for me.

I have tried on multiple different occasions to read this book but cannot get into all the lying, cheating, love squares, etc going on. I hope it works out for Rachel in the end.

*only giving 1 star bc NetGalley makes you rate*

Wow, I can't believe this is a debut! Such a fast read with lots of secrets and scandal and sizzling chemistry. The alternating chapters between Nathan and Rachel really drew me in and the voices were totally different. I loved the secondary characters like Bobbi, Joe, and Alesha. Rachel was an easy MC to root for and I don't want to give spoilers but the ending was everything I'd hoped for when it came to her awful husband, Matt. I can't wait to see what Regina Black writes next!

The world needs more hard hitting romance, and The Art of Scandal was just that. I loved this political infused romance. When Rachel gets an actual dick pick from her husband on his birthday, and realizes that it's not for her, she begins to step up for herself and ask for a divorce. As she explores herself and who she has become, her path intermingles with Nate Vasquez and a steamy, meaningful affair ensues. This is a romance novel, but it is so much more. Exploration into self, societal standards, racism, generational wealth, grief and so much more is packed into this and I could not put it down. Audio is fantastic if you have an opportunity to consume it in that manner.

"The Art of Scandal" by Regina Black is a compelling read that skillfully weaves together art, romance, and intrigue. The characters are charmingly flawed, and the plot keeps you guessing until the end. While it didn't quite reach the level of a 5-star read for me, it's a solid 4-star book that provides an enjoyable escape into a world of art and secrets. If you're looking for a light and entertaining read, this is definitely worth picking up.

[4.25 stars]

This debut novel is more than just a romance...it's a bit genre defying (there's a heavy political drama element) and the romance is a tool in service of something greater (reclaiming yourself), which I loved. Rachel gets a text from her husband with a picture of his penis during his birthday party. She quickly realizes it wasn’t meant for her. Her husband is a prominent Mayor and has ambitions for higher office, so he strikes a deal with her to play the perfect political trophy wife until the election. Of course, things aren’t that simple. The story centers on Rachel’s story of finding herself and reclaiming her true identity more than the romance. The true romance here might be Rachel finding out how to love herself. It’s also about being in an interracial relationship, marriage, the role art can play in discovering yourself, and appearances vs. reality (through putting on a facade for political reasons). There's a hell of an opening scene that had me laughing and hooked me right away. Caveat - the cover completely misrepresents what this book is...there's a lot more depth than it would lead you to believe.

To the outside world it seems Rachel has everything looks, money, a great successful husband who’s in the middle of a re-election campaign. Right now she’s happy to be living as the trophy wife.
So When Rachel finds out her husband of thirteen years is having an affair she now has to decide what to do next since her husband is running for re-election.
Rachel and her husband end up striking a deal that until his re-election is over they decide to live as if nothing has changed.
But when Rachel meets Nathan she can’t hide her feelings for him what will she do?
“Love would be so much easier if it were perfect..." 
I enjoyed reading The Art of Scandal it has drama, money, power, passion and some spicy scenes. I am hoping the author has more in store for us soon.
I looked Regina Black up to read more from her and found The Art of Scandal is her first book so I am keeping my eye out for this author.

Wow.

I first heard about Regina’s book in the BBIL FB group. After I absolutely DEVOURED the first half, I went searching for all her other books to immediately purchase. I was shocked to find out this is her FIRST!!

Art of Scandal is one of those books that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. I fell in love with Rachel and Nathan over and over again. I hope there’s a sequel coming ASAP (Joe and Mia??). I’m already planning to purchase a physical copy once Art of Scandal is released in August.

This is a must read!!

WOW. Black comes out swinging in her debut novel. From the very first chapter to the last, THE ART OF SCANDAL is visceral, seductive, and so damn smart. The language is evocative, the characters are beautifully flawed, and the romance is=steamy. Black just became an auto-buy author for me!

I was SO excited to read this book! I'm a sucker for age gap and forbidden romance and this one did both of those topes wonderfully! The political aspects were interested and I really enjoyed this book! The ending was satisfying and even though I wasn't sure how I felt about cheating, I loved Rachel and Nate.

I adored the hell out of this book. It's sharp, witty, purposeful, immaculately formed. I can't believe it's a debut! I was genuinely so blown away by the character studies it offered, on top of the commentary on art and the making of art, the nature of a scandal, DC Liberal politics, race and community, respectability, etc. etc. It's just like, a dream. I need everyone to read it.