The Art of Scandal

By: Regina Black

Narrated by: Mela Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

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

"Love would be so much easier if it were perfect..."

On the night of her husband Matt’s fortieth birthday, Rachel Abbott receives a sexy, explicit text from her husband that she quickly realizes was meant for another woman. Divorce is inevitable, and Rachel is determined not to leave her thirteen-year marriage empty handed. Meanwhile, Matt, a rising star mayor with his eye on the White House, can’t afford a messy split in the middle of his reelection campaign. They strike a deal: Rachel gets one million dollars and their lavish house in the wealthy DC suburb of Oasis Springs, as long as she keeps playing the ideal Black trophy wife until the election.

Then Rachel meets Nathan Vasquez, a very handsome, very lost twenty-six-year-old artist, and their connection makes Rachel forget about being the perfect politician’s wife. As Rachel reawakens Nathan’s long-dormant artistic aspirations, their attraction becomes impossible to resist. But secrets are hard to keep in a town like Oasis Springs, and Nathan has a few of his own. With the risk of scandal looming and their hearts on the line, they’ll have to decide whether the possibility of losing everything is worth taking a chance on love.

The Art of Scandal is a sizzling, conversation-starting debut about rekindling passion, the transformative power of art, and finding love in unexpected places.

©2023 Regina Black (P)2023 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"The Art of Scandal is devastatingly beautiful and captivatingly romantic. Every so often, a book strikes the perfect chord of touching, poignant, sexy, and thrilling and this is that book. Black's storytelling draws you in and holds you close and her diverse cast of characters shine with three-dimensional emotion and sizzling chemistry. This one is not to be missed."—Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

"Smart, sexy, and absolutely sizzling with steamy scenes, this book makes the list as one of my all-time favorite romances. Art, scandal, and finding love where one least expects it—what’s not to adore?"—Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care

"Right out the gate, Regina Black charges in to bring drama and sensuality. Black's dazzling use of language creates a compelling novel of heartbreak, passion, and rediscovery. Justice for Rachel Abbott is as delicious as it is scandalous. Readers are going to cheer for her the whole way!"—Charish Reid, author of The Write Escape and Hearts on Hold

I didn't dislike a single thing

I loooved how beautifully the story was written. how easily that reader lifted those words from the pages and spoke them like they were her own. she understood the assignment

Creative

Not your typical love story, the author was creative in creating an interesting and different tale of love.

Captivating

The characters were rich, the storyline was enthralling and all in all the story was one I felt wasn’t simply a retelling. A must read!

Needed more spice

Very much PG 13 love story, spice would have helped the store tremendously. Narration was amazing especially with accents.

Loved it

Loved it. Great story telling great narration. There were so many times I wanted to shake Rebecca and remind her she held all the cards and to make Matt pay! Oh and Sophia was a piece of work too!! Anyway loved the ending great book can’t wait to see what this author does next.

Very good book, witty and romantic!!!

I loved the emotional details between relationships. I can relate to the feelings about being an artist, excellent description between the two main characters.

Flame Igniting

Makes you remember how intense falling in love is. How lust & thirst command your heart and body. Story displays how forbidden love can be surrounded by chaos and drama yet prevail.

Gives The Perfect Find Vibes

Couldn’t stop listening once I got started! I loved the narrator as well. Her voice complemented the character and stories perfectly.

Good writing

I liked the way the story flowed and taught you about art. The story was well read also. I enjoyed the overall experience!

Absolutely loved!!!

Ngl I was nervous at first that it was going to be a bummer but the writing pulled me in and said “keep going.” The prose is beautiful. The narrator is perfect. I love an older woman/younger man story. The stakes were high and both main characters are emotionally complex. I am READY for the next book!