⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it! Honestly couldn’t be better! The novel was so flowing. It wasn’t even like a historical fiction novel it was as if fictional characters and storyline. I didn’t feel like I was reading history. It was extremely entertaining. Not only we saw these two women and the start of their careers, personal lives. We also saw the environment and their attitudes towards women sexuality, pills, feminism. Even though we still have some negative opinions, there are thousands of women authors we can get inspired from. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for giving me ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This novel combines all the things I love, books, strong women and history. I knew very little about the lives of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann and now I want to know more!

Gill has a fabulous skill of creating a book that reads like fiction but is about real women. It’s fascinating to hear about how much adversity the women in this novel had to face to be taken seriously in the publishing industry (can you imagine having to go down a fireman’s pole for an interview now?!) and how these women fought for their place at the table and how their novels inspired generations of women to take what they wanted. I can’t wait to read Gill’s back catalogue.

Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins. Both names that played a big part in my young adult years. How lovely to be able to see them brought to life by the expert at historical fiction writing Gill Paul. As always Gill takes reality and bends it into a brilliant story allowing the reader to become part of the action. Her characterisation is so good I can't tell which characters were/are real and which she made up. Another brilliant book I can't recommend highly enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Brilliant! I read Scandalous Women in two days! I’ve enjoy and all of Gill Paul’s books and this was no exception. Perfectly entwining the stories of the two Jackie’s and Nancy. The fact and fiction blended so beautifully I was engrossed from page one.
A high recommendation from me!

Scandalous Women follows 3 different women in 1966. Nancy White is a college graduate and gets her dream job at a publishing house. She isn’t prepared for the sexism she encounters in her job. Nancy ends up meeting Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann. Both Jackie’s are determined to succeed with their novels but are not prepared for the pushback they get for writing about sex.

I’m giving this 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I have previously not finished a book from this author before but I wanted to give them a second try. I did not realise this book would have pov’s from Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susaan. It’s very strange to me to write about real people in the way this author does. I didn’t realise this book was going to detail their lives like this and I wouldn’t have requested the arc if I’d known this. It was just weird. In terms of the plot it felt very basic white feminism and it didn’t do much for me. The writing was very basic and not sophisticated at all. I’m trying to be generous here but I’d only recommend this book for fans of this author’s previous work.

Very excited for this book which is a nod to the days of Jackie Collin’s and the power women era. I’m behind excited to share my full thoughts and review very soon. I apologize I’m dealing with some serious health issues at the moment but look forward to sharing much more soon.

Title: Scandalous Women by Gill Paul

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: August 13th 2024

Scandalous Women transports us to the vibrant world of 1960s publishing, where we follow the groundbreaking journeys of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann—two iconic authors known for their steamy, controversial novels!

The narrative is woven together by Nancy White, a young editorial assistant navigating the rampant sexism of the industry. As Susann’s Valley of the Dolls hits bookstores and Collins launches her career with The World Is Full of Married Men, we witness their public triumphs and private struggles. Will these dynamic women clash as they strive for literary success? And can Nancy achieve her dream of becoming an editor despite the obstacles she faces?

What I Loved:

* Rich Historical Context: Gill Paul masterfully captures the 1960s publishing scene, providing a vivid backdrop for the story. The societal norms and challenges faced by women in this era are portrayed with authenticity and depth.

* Dynamic Characters: The portrayal of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann is both captivating and enlightening. Their resilience, ambition, and the personal battles they face make them compelling and relatable characters.

* Inspirational Journey: The novel beautifully showcases the determination and courage of women who dared to write about sex and challenge societal norms. Their stories are inspiring and highlight the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

* Engaging Narrative: Gill Paul’s talent for blending fact with fiction shines through. The storytelling is engrossing, making it hard to put the book down. The interactions between the characters, especially the dynamic between the two Jackies, are intriguing and well-developed.

* Empowering Themes: The novel addresses themes of sexism, ambition, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated industry. It’s a powerful reminder of the progress made and the challenges still faced by women today.

* Historical Insights: For fans of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann, the book offers fascinating insights into their lives and careers. It sheds new light on their personal and professional struggles, making their achievements even more impressive.

Scandalous Women by Gill Paul is a captivating and empowering read that blends historical facts with engaging fiction. Which I never knew could be done in such a way! It offers a poignant look at the lives of two iconic authors and the young editorial assistant who connects them. With its rich historical context, dynamic characters, and inspirational themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of literary history and strong female protagonists.

This story taught me so much regarding the two authors, who one I absolutely adore after reading the Valley of the dolls, years ago! However Gill Paul shedded some new much needed light to bring to the surface what was endured and how strong these authors were to get where they are today. This was definitely a story I truly needed without even knowing it!

Highly recommended for anyone looking to be transported to the vibrant world of 1960s publishing and the trailblazing women who dared to defy conventions.

Thank you to The Publisher Avon Books UK | Avon ,The Author Gill Paul & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.