“Boss” women in the city ✅
Overcoming adversity ✅
New York Times best selling author✅
Unpredictable ✅
Scandalous✅

Scandalous Women is all about three women, Jackie, Jacqueline( the Jackie’s) and Nancy finding their own throughout the 60s and 70s. Follow these women as they find themselves, navigate hard times, and figure out how to be a “Boss” when it was hard for women to be one.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!

Scandalous Women by Gill Paul ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why I Chose It: I love stories about ‘controversial’ women.

I’m not sure when I got swept up in this story, but I absolutely found myself in the end really invested in each of our POVs lives. At first, I found myself thinking there were a lot of surface level descriptions and nothing that really felt three-dimensional. I’m not sure when that changed, but by the end, all the little things added up and created full characters for me.

The three different POVs worked well. Admittedly, in the beginning I did struggle a bit with Jacqueline and Jackie because of the names. However, as I became more pulled in, it was no longer a problem. The pace was nice, and while it was more of a character-driven novel, the plot worked and ended very nicely.

Sometimes with historical fiction, it’s hard to tell what was real or fictionalized. The author added a note at the end that explained her creative liberties, which I found very helpful.

Fans of stories about females navigating male-dominated worlds, female friendships, and women behaving outside of societal norms will enjoy this one!

Thanks to William Morrow for the advanced copy of Scandalous Women by Gill Paul. This is a historical novel based on two international bestsellers Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins and their rise to fame around their scandalous novels in the 1960s.

I always enjoy Gill Paul's novels about groundbreaking women that we don't hear enough about but I struggle sometimes that they are fictional but based on some parts of the person's life. So I wish they stuck to more of the reality of their lives. That's my only disclaimer because I truly enjoyed this book but as I read I'm like what's true and what's fictional, and it took me away a little. I hated the author's note that so many characters were fictional and that the two Jackies didn't have this beautiful friendship.

If I read this as a novel and didn't know that both Jackies were real this was such a great story! I loved Nancy the editorial assistant and how much the women all fought for their books and how strong they were. Especially for books with sex in them in the 1960s. Gill Paul is such a great storyteller that I will always read her books!

This is a unique novel about Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann, two dynamic, groundbreaking writers renowned for their scandalous and controversial novels, and the beleaguered young editorial assistant who introduces them.

To say I love this book is an understatement. This book hit me at just the right time and just the right place. But the nostalgia this brought back to me is amazing. I remember reading Jackie Collins when I was a young girl in high school. (GASP!) And there was so much in this book that I did not know.

Same with Jacqueline Susann. I was late to the game reading her. And I certainly did not know much about her life. And I did feel that this book had more about her than it did Jackie.

These two ladies changed the way women were viewed in publishing…no doubt! Not without trauma..but they each handled it in their own way.

Then there is Nancy. Nancy is just a young girl trying to break into the publishing field as an editor. Oh the stuff she goes through!

Need an all around good tale that will open your eyes…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Wow! This book took me back in time. My Mom had Jackie’s and Jacqueline’s books in her room. I used to sneak-read them when she went out at night - they were shocking and fabulous. After reading Scandalous Women - I can really appreciate these books even more than I was able to at the time. These women had the kind of bad-assery that paved the way for many of the female authors we enjoy today. I am so glad NetGalley gave me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I gobbled this book up over a weekend. It was fantastic.

Seeing the words "Mad Men meets the world of publishing" to describe SCANDALOUS WOMEN was all it took for me to request it right away! It definitely did not disappoint. Set primarily in Manhattan and London in the 60s and 70s, the story alternates between three equally gripping POVs—those of Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins during their rise to fame as authors, as well as the fictional Nancy, a newcomer to NYC looking to break into the publishing industry, who later develops life-changing relationships with both Jackies along the way. Gill Paul does a fantastic job of fleshing out these characters and getting readers invested in their story. She doesn't shy away from depicting how misogynistic the publishing world was at the time, how both Jackies were taken less seriously for wanting to write books that catered to women, and how both they and Nancy faced harassment while they were working to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Paul also shines in developing the characters' personal lives, showing the triumphs and struggles they faced outside of work, as well as their various romances, brushes with drama, and everything in between. I loved seeing the women support each other throughout it all, and was surprised to read that Susann and Collins had actually never been close friends in real life! It was so interesting to read the historical context for the story and how the author blended facts with fiction in such an imaginative way.

Overall, I would highly recommend SCANDALOUS WOMEN, particularly for anyone who loves books about books, period pieces set in the 60s, and stories about strong, successful women! Out of the Jackies' books, I've only read (and loved) VALLEY OF THE DOLLS so far, but I'm especially looking forward to diving into their backlists now. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.

Thrilled as I am to be spoiled for choice when it comes to books to read, it’s a sad reality of the wide range of novels avalilable today that I know who Jaqueline Susann and Jackie Collins are, but have never had a chance to read their work. But now, with the release of Gill Paul’s Scandalous Women, more than ever I feel the need - and the urge - to finally take the plunge.

he novel takes the stories of these two women, and their very real rise to fame amidst the misogyny and literary snobbery of the 1960s, and weaves them together, entwining them also with the story of Nancy, a young woman with editorial ambitions facing the same societal hurdles as the two writers.

The novel charts their three stories, weaving them together and infusing them with the kinds of drama found in Susann and Collins books. Like those books as well, it also takes an unflinching view of what life and society was like at the time for women who stepped outside the norm of good behaviour or acceptable ambition. Scandalous Women is perfect for those who remember the scandalous history, those who are familiar with the authors and their work, and those who are learning about the depths of these women for the first time. It is hilarious, heartbreaking, and romantic all in one, and yes, as the title suggests it’s also just a little scandalous.

Scandalous Women is out August 13. Special thank you to William Morrow for the advance copy for review purposes.

I almost didn't read this book because I've never read a Jackie Collins or Jacqueline Susann novel. This book was really good and did a great job showing how terrible the book publishing world was for women in the 1960's and 1970's and how much these women changed that. It was a bit disappointing at the end to find out that this was more fictionalized than most historical fiction books but I'm still glad that I read it

I can always count on Gill Paul to deliver a top notchbook!
She does it again with a novel pairing Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins as trailblazing authors of “raunch” during the 1960s.
I’m familiar with both authors but haven’t read any of their books. I did a fair amount of looking up their backstories as I read the book.
I thought, as usual, Paul captured their voices very well. Susann seemed very giving and sympathetic and Collins was nothing like how the media usually portrayed her.
Both women shared a similar demise, sadly.
It’s a great slice of fiction about 2 women who carved their pens on changing women’s fiction into the monolithic genre it has become today!

I was highly anticipating this book and it did not disappoint! I’m so glad the stories of these talented women are being told. Can’t wait to recommend this one in the store.

Such an interesting work of fiction about 2 real-life authors who blazed a trail in their writing. Neither set the goal of literary greatness but both achieved record setting blockbuster sales. Their subject - sex - had never been written about it like they did. While much of the story was fiction, the description of the male-dominated publishing industry was not. Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable book that left me wanting to read books authored by the 2 Jackies.

Growing up, Valley of the Dolls was my favorite book so I jumped at the chance to read this historical fiction based on Jaqueline Susanns life, as well as Jackie Collins.

I loved everything about it. The way Gill Paul blended fiction with real life facts and events was done in such a beautiful way.

Scandalous Women follows three POVs: Jaquelinne Susann, Jackie Collins and fictional Nancy, a newcomer to the city looking to become an editor who forms relationships with both Jackie’s. It dives into the misogyny the Jackie’s dealt with releasing books that were scandalous for women to write at the time.

I never wanted the book to end. It made me laugh, cry, get angry and definitely made me want to go back and read their books. Loved it so so much.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I have read a number of Gill Paul books and enjoyed them immensely.
I remember reading Jackie Collins as a teenager and loving the raunchy scenes and fun storylines so was very much looking forward to reading this book to find out more. There was definitely interesting back story to both novelists and I liked the introduction of Nancy, the editor who tied them together.
Unfortunately I found the writing style painful to read, the three women’s voices were not distinct and all the dialogue felt very forced. The personalities of the women seemed identical, the story didn’t flow well and I really felt like I was reading an early draft that needed a lot of editing.
This won’t put me off reading other books by Gill Paul.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

The second I saw this, I knew I wanted to read it - growing up Jackie Collins were my Gen X, way-too-young-to-actually-read-them intro to spicy novels and I read them for years - this was basically the most sex education I received. Jacqueline Susann, of course, brought us Valley of the Dolls, which was also a very enjoyable and precautionary book that I enjoyed in my late teens

William Morrow was kind enough to send me an advance copy and I started reading the second I downloaded it.

Told in three voices - Jackie Collins, Jacqueline Susann, and Nancy - publisher’s assistant. I was equally interested in all three voices and their stories, and read this one voraciously. My one complaint about this would be that Nancy’s cousin seemed less a full character than a tool to advance the main story and word count.

This was my second novel by the author and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Recommended.



Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for the DRC

Jacqueline Susann breaks into the male-dominated publishing world with her book Valley of the Dolls, and introduces the world to the new romance genre. A year later Jackie Collins publishes her first romance novel in England. Theses two must fight there way into the publishing world and it will never be the same.

Scandalous Women takes you behind the scenes of the publishing world for women in the 1960s. What would be called sexual assault and sexual harassment today, was openly allowed and tolerated then. It was a male dominated world in that time, but three women were ready to take it on and turn it on it's ears. I was shocked to read what was allowed by male coworkers, but not surprised. As I read the story, I felt that women weren't really wanted and especially not if they were going to change how women were seen.

Both Jacqueline and Jackie were groundbreakers of their time. No one had written books so honestly from the women's perspective. And definitely not in a sexual way. These two women broke barriers and gave women a voice they never knew they could have. Whether you agreed with their subject matter, or not, they were speaking up for women when no one else dared to. I loved it.

Adding Nancy to the mix was a perfect addition. She arrives in New York City with the dream of being a publisher. Knowing she'd have to work her way to that role wasn't a problem. The problem was the male dominated field that wouldn't allow her to. Never mind that she knew her stuff. Never mind that she was able to find authors the people wanted to read. Never mind that she had all the qualifications her male counterparts had. They were allowed to cop all the feels they wanted while they trashed authors. She had to grin and bear it. Until she decides she no longer wants to. In time, Nancy's dream changes. Not only changes, but takes shape- and then takes off.

I loved watching the friendship between Jackie and Jacqueline form. I was expecting a rivalry, but what I got was an endearing friendship that grew stronger as the time passed. They supported each other and understood each other like no one else could, because they knew what the other was going through. The way Jackie helped Jacqueline when she needed it was gripping to read. These two strangers became kindred spirits who where the shoulders the other needed to lean on. I was just saddened it couldn't last longer. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few tears fall as I finished the book.

I will say the first half of the book is better than the second half. If you're looking for a fast paced story, you won't find it here. It took almost halfway through the book for the two ladies to just briefly meet. It's a little over half way into the story before Jackie's book comes out. You're expecting a rivalry, but you get an amazing friendship form instead. It's not until more than halfway in that you start to see the tow authors interact. But, once you do, you enjoy what you're in for.

What a fun and freaking fresh premise!!! I loved the idea behind this and the execution was absolutely flawless.

This was such a fun twist on the editorial world, and I loved the JC basis of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Scandalous Women by Gil Paul, especially as a fan of Jackie Collins. The book delves into the lives of trailblazers Jackie Collins, Jacqueline Susann, and editor Nancy White as they navigate personal and professional challenges in the changing literary world of the 1960s.

Gil Paul's impeccable writing skillfully captures the essence of this era, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the dynamic literary landscape.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and William Morrow for allowing me to read and review this eARC.

The fictitious story of the friendship between authors Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins, Scandalous Women explores the misogynistic culture of publishing in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

The story is told from three POVs: Jacqueline Susann (author of Valley of the Dolls, among others), Jackie Collins (author of multiple best sellers) and their fabricated friend/publisher, Nancy.

Nancy moved to NYC in her early twenties in hopes of becoming an editor but quickly finds herself in a man’s world where she is not taken seriously, not promoted and sexually harassed on a regular basis. Finding an entry level job at a publishing company, Nancy discovers Jacqueline’s manuscript for Valley of the Dolls and is taken under Jacqueline’s wing as Nancy helps her edit it into the final book. Soon after, Nancy finds Jackie’s book, The World is Full of Married Men, and reaches out to her in hopes of helping her get a US deal.

Jacqueline and Jackie made headlines for their racy, sexy books where women come out on top and I enjoyed reading the author’s take on what life was like for them back then. These were strong women who weren’t afraid to go against the grain and fight for their right to write books they knew women wanted to read despite the constant negativity they received.

I enjoyed growing with Nancy as she became more experienced in the editing and publishing field and found the friendship between the three women heart-warming and positive.

Scandalous Women is an easy read with simple writing. Though the author admits there is no proof that the two Jackies were friends in real life, it’s entertaining believing it could have been as it was written in this book.

I received the ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the early release for an honest review.

Scandalous women follows 3 women in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s in the publishing world. Jacquline and jackie who are both authors and Nancy who is aspiring to be an editor in a male dominated field.

Giving a 2.5 rounding up to 3 stars. Unfortunately this book failed to keep me entertained until the very end, although there were some very interesting and hot points throughout the book it didn’t keep me engaged enough to wanting to keep reading. This would have been a DNF for me, but personally I always will finish a book