Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews

July 14th, 2014 Kimberly Review 64 Comments

14th Jul
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews
Scandalize Me
by Caitlin Crews
Series: Fifth Avenue Trilogy #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

TEN YEARS AGO ONE DEVASTATING NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR AUSTIN, HUNTER AND ALEX. NOW THEY MUST EACH PLAY THEIR PART IN THE REVENGE AGAINST THE ONE MAN WHO RUINED IT ALL. Hunter Talbot Grant III, sports figure du jour, wealthy beyond measure and disreputable by choice, has cultivated a reputation that masks the shadows of his past. When the opportunity to ensure financial destruction for Jason Treffen arises, he can't refuse. But first he must shake off the woman sent to tame him! Zoe Brook, PR agent extraordinaire, never fails to transform a tarnished star. And Hunter's no different. Except there's a catch. Beneath their scorching mutual attraction, Zoe has a secret, she's also been on the wrong side of Jason Treffen, and she has as much of a taste for revenge as Hunter does!

Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews is the second book in the Fifth Avenue Trilogy. Each book in the trilogy is written by a different author and features one of three friends. Austin, Hunter and Alex  are working together to seek revenge against the man who ruined their lives ten years before. In Avenge Me, Austin began phase one of taking down Jason Treffen, his own father. In Scandalize Me, Hunter Talbot Grant III plans to ensure his financial ruin. The tale was captivating as Hunter tangles with Zoe Brook; a PR Agent determined to destroy Jason as well.

Everything started with the death of Sarah ten years ago, and the fallout is far reaching. Sarah was Hunter’s girlfriend, and he cares the guilt of what if. When we meet Hunter, the man is a total mess. Hunter is a playboy who is pushing his own self-destruct button. He is smart, and talented with a never care attitude that is steeped in emotional guilt. Zoe is a former employer of Jason Treffen and managed to crawl out from beneath his evil clutches after Sarah’s death. She demands full control of herself, feels no emotions when interacting with the opposite sex and does not see a permanent relationship as ever being on the table. Her plan is to reimage Hunter and use him as a tool to destroy Jason. She sees him as the self-centered bastard the press has painted him and holds him, along with his friends accountable for Sarah’s death.

The plot unfolds much as Revenge Me did, and it was fun seeing Hunter and Zoe engage in power play. Hunter unnerves Zoe, and he is intrigued by her game. As they play out Zoe’s plan, they soon realize they are on the same team. The dance was hot from wicked banter to almost moments. I loved that he was aggressive, and she tried to be passive making the cat and mouse game a page turner. While I didn’t competely feel the romance there were pleasant moments and feels. It was neat seeing their walls come down, and I felt their scars.

While the concept of Fifth Avenue Trilogy intrigues me, and I am, eager to continue with Expose Me I didn’t completely get lost within the pages of Scandalize Me. Do not get me wrong, the storyline is a good one but I would have liked more action regarding the revenge. These novels are more lopsided in their focus on the romance, and I was not entirely sold. Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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64 Responses to “Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews”

  1. Carolyn (Book Chick City)

    I must say this series intrigues me too, especially because each book is written by a different author. Interesting concept. Shame it didn’t contain more action though.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, it focused more on the romance, but I have a feeling book three will bring it all together.

  2. Lauren

    Your review definitely has me curious to find out all the details of the revenge and how Sarah died – I guess I should pick up the first book too!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This a fun series, while I wanted more deets on the revenge in this one, overall I am enjoying them.

  3. Paij Slater

    Sadly the first one in this series was a DNF for me. I just didn’t really enjoy it :(. That always makes me so sad. I might have to pick it up again sometime

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was different especially the romantic aspect, and I think it may have scared some off. Thanks Paij

  4. laura thomas

    I like the idea of each book being written by a different author. I’ve read a couple of series’ written this way and enjoyed them. You mentioned wanting more about the revenge. While I enjoy romance in a story, I need it to not be the main theme. I need some mystery or suspense to go along with it. To drive the story and characters. Enjoyed your review and just might check this series out.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I liked my romance wrapped in something too Laura.

  5. Cyn

    I like the title! That’s too bad they didn’t focus a bit more on the revenge, but revenge stories are always awesome! But I’m glad to hear it’s still a pretty good read and the rest of the series is worth checking out/continuing with (:

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Cyn, it was a good read and I love the overall arc.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes..LOL It does bring out the inner bitch 🙂

  7. Lori

    I’ve read one series where each book was by a different author. I enjoyed them but it felt like reading stand alone books instead of a continuing series. I guess Hunter is more lover than fighter? haha I hope the next one has a bit more action for you!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Lori, the overall arc is there but wasn’t as prevalent in this novel. I am anxious to see how it wraps up.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, this is a fun trilogy Melissa and I am anxious to see how it plays out.

  11. Katherine

    That’s too bad that this one didn’t sell you quite as much as the previous one. This still looks like a fun series though. Plus the ones that we don’t absolutely love makes the one we do love really stand out.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, I am still all in and will be sharing my thoughts on the final book mid-August

  12. Heidi

    I would be disappointed in that there is more romance than revenge, still it sounds interesting.

  13. Lily

    I have to admit i’ve wanted to read this series since you first introduced it on your blog because of the fact that a different author writes each book! Its so different and not really done so i’m really curious! I’m thrilled to hear you ended up liking this one!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I will be reviewing the final book or an August post.

  14. Candace

    I don’t know that I’m very interested in reading this series, but I have to admit that the connection of the books, each by a different author, interests me. I’m curious to see how they pull it off!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am anxious to see how it develops too Candace. Thanks 🙂

  15. Jenea

    Wow, what an great looking guy on the cover. Too bad the revenge aspect was a little strong, cuz this sounds like a great one. Wonderful review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was a fun read, and I am hoping we get more revenge plot in the next book 🙂

  16. Siiri

    Oh god. Can you please stop reviewing all the books with hot guys on them? It’s annoying how much I want to touch my screen and just eye these men lol. Sorry the romance wasn’t exactly your cup of tea. I’m glad you enjoyed the story as a whole though. Great review, Kimberly!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hehe..yeah these covers are yum. I shall endeavor to find some ugly covers!

  17. kindlemom1

    I agree with Christy, the cover is not hard to look at at all! I am glad that you still liked this despite it’s flaws.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Ali and eye-candy is always an added bonus!

  18. Quinn

    I’m not sure if I would like this one. I’m not always really into revenge plots.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The revenge is well done, but secondary to the romance Quinn. It is well deserved and necessary to stop him from hurting others.

  19. Berls

    Is it bad that I looked at that cover, read the title, and said, “ok. It would be my pleasure!”? LOL

    The power play sounds fun, too bad you didn’t really feel the romance though. I’m glad you enjoyed it overall, but hopefully the next one is a bit better for you 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *blushes* I thought the exact same thing when I was offered them for review. The revenge aspect was an added bonus!

  20. Kris

    I love a good revenge plot, but it doesn’t sound like it’s balanced well with other aspects, most notably the romance. And even that doesn’t seem altogether there. I have to agree with other commenters though that the cover is certainly well done!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The romance is the main focus and the revenge secondary, but I did enjoy it 🙂

  21. Mary

    I like this new thing of having three different authors write books that are connected. It’s interesting, especially since you get three different styles, too. More revenge plot, though! Revenge is GOOD.

  23. Michelle

    Great review! I still think the concept of the series is interesting, plus the fact that the series is written by 3 different authors.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Completely agree Michelle and I am enjoying them

  24. Carmel

    I have a hard time with series that feature installments by different authors because I find that it makes the writing and main story arc inconsistent. I do enjoy a good revenge driven read, but from your review I gather that that aspect fell a bit short. Hunter Talbot Grant III (that’s quite the mouthful!) is pretty easy on the eyes though!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think they have done a good job, but the revenge is secondary to the romance and I would have liked that aspect flipped. Personal preference really. Thanks Carmel 🙂

  25. Nick

    Hmm… I would have liked to see more of the revenge plot too, in my opinion, because it sounds pretty intriguing. Hunter sounds like a bit of a mess at the beginning of the book. Good thing he finds Zoe eventually! 🙂
    I’m glad you liked this one despite wanting more from the plot line, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah these two really helped balance each other..both had issues.

  27. Silvia

    Although I haven’t read it, I know this trilogy and I agree, the concept is definitely intriguing. I’m glad you got to enjoy the book even though you would have preferred a bit of more focus on the revenge part. Great review, Kimberly!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Silvia and that is exactly what I had hoped for, but I did enjoy it 🙂

  29. Teddyree

    I love the concept, they’re already on my wishlist … maybe this one suffers a little from 2nd book syndrome??

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was good, it just focused on the romance more.

  30. Melliane

    You’re right the concept is really intriguing. I haven’t read of a series written by different authors. Once I tried a book written by 2 authors who were writing each a chapter without speaking together so it was fun to see but well it’s something else as well. I’m curious to see how is book 3 because at the end you really don’t know how it will be.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I will be reviewing it for August, so stay tuned 🙂

  32. Christy

    That is a good lookin’ man! 😉 Well, at least you liked it despite not completely being sold on that aspect. It sounds interesting.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I did, I just wanted more on the revenge. He is pretty hot. 🙂