satindoll's review against another edition
5.0
Ahh, this was one poignant story and I found myself tearing up quite a few times by the end. This was a heroine I really truly liked as she was just such a great and pure human being. I wish she hadn’t been so insecure though but I loved that he made her feel so beautiful and brought her out of her shell.
She returned the favor and brought him out of his shell as well, and quite beautifully at that. I think I liked this story even more because even though it had some of the “poor average girl gets rescued by prince charming” elements, it was still very much realistic and dark.
Luckily, the dark moments were lightened by the clever writing and funny moments. Really enjoyed it!
ccgwalt's review against another edition
3.0
I like Sarah Morgan's writing, but I couldn't get "lost" in this story. I always felt like I was reading a book instead of feeling immersed. Katie is a likeable enough heroine, but I'm tired of women who think that having a figure means they're "fat." Nathaniel thinks about her "long, slim legs" so she can't exactly be pudgy. She feels she's unattractive because she's "padded," which in this case simply meant she had a bust line you could measure and she had some shape to her derriere.
Nathaniel is a tortured soul, and even though his back story is definitely sad, his actions seem over-the-top. Since this is an HP and there isn't a lot of time for subtle character development I accepted the drama.
Even with the caveats, Morgan does a good job with this story and I'll continue to seek out her backlist.
Nathaniel is a tortured soul, and even though his back story is definitely sad, his actions seem over-the-top. Since this is an HP and there isn't a lot of time for subtle character development I accepted the drama.
Even with the caveats, Morgan does a good job with this story and I'll continue to seek out her backlist.
skis_vole's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
dumblydore's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Morgan is an auto-buy for me. There's not one book I haven't at least read voraciously from beginning to end.
turophile's review against another edition
4.0
The second book by [a:Sarah Morgan|45898|Sarah Morgan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1312300592p2/45898.jpg] that I've read. I'll definitely be looking for more.
The book combines exoctic locales, beautiful clothing, and a gorgeous movie star with a heroine most of us can relate to.
The book begins as Nathaniel, a wealthy, sexy movie star, is about to make his stage debut in London as Richard III. As the curtain lifts, he sees something or someone that so deeply disturbs him that he stops performing and announces that the show has been cancelled. He escapes to the costume room where he finds Katie, the costume designer for the show and asks for her help in escaping. They end up at her small apartment but after the paparazzi discover them, Nathaniel insists that they hide out until the "Emerald" awards ceremony.
Katie quickly discovers that Nathaniel has many layers too him, layers that she prefers to his movie star persona. They both discover they've got smoldering chemistry. Katie is dumbfounded that a man desired by millions of women could desire her, but as she unpeels the layers she starts to let him in as well.
I loved the way that Katie reacted to Nathaniel's interest in her - with trepidation and disbelief. I liked even more that she did not want to sleep with him or even be with him when he was playing the glamorous movie star role. She really focused on getting to know him as a person. What a great heroine.
One small nit - the "Emerald" award plays a role in the movie - it's so clearly refers to the Oscars. Presumably the author was forced to change the name somewhere along the line from Oscar to Emerald, but I noticed at least one reference to the award as an Oscar slipt through. Since I'm guessing the lawyers made her do it, I won't complain too much.
The book combines exoctic locales, beautiful clothing, and a gorgeous movie star with a heroine most of us can relate to.
The book begins as Nathaniel, a wealthy, sexy movie star, is about to make his stage debut in London as Richard III. As the curtain lifts, he sees something or someone that so deeply disturbs him that he stops performing and announces that the show has been cancelled. He escapes to the costume room where he finds Katie, the costume designer for the show and asks for her help in escaping. They end up at her small apartment but after the paparazzi discover them, Nathaniel insists that they hide out until the "Emerald" awards ceremony.
Katie quickly discovers that Nathaniel has many layers too him, layers that she prefers to his movie star persona. They both discover they've got smoldering chemistry. Katie is dumbfounded that a man desired by millions of women could desire her, but as she unpeels the layers she starts to let him in as well.
I loved the way that Katie reacted to Nathaniel's interest in her - with trepidation and disbelief. I liked even more that she did not want to sleep with him or even be with him when he was playing the glamorous movie star role. She really focused on getting to know him as a person. What a great heroine.
One small nit - the "Emerald" award plays a role in the movie - it's so clearly refers to the Oscars. Presumably the author was forced to change the name somewhere along the line from Oscar to Emerald, but I noticed at least one reference to the award as an Oscar slipt through. Since I'm guessing the lawyers made her do it, I won't complain too much.
mukhy0's review against another edition
1.0
So... I didn't realize that I was supposed to have low expectations since this was an HP novel. I'm not sure how people are giving this high ratings when the situation is just so ridiculous and inexplicable.
For people who have read my other reviews, you'll know that I really hate magical, love-at-first-sight type of stories. I was rolling my eyes when Katie saves Nathaniel from thirsty paparazzi who are hounding him because his premier at the theater ends up in a disaster. I don't know why he's tortured. I'm 28% through the book and all I can tell is that Nathaniel is anguished and needs to talk to some other ladies immediately. But in the meantime, while he is absolutely stricken by the appearance of some mysterious man at his performance, he can't help but notice Katie's long legs and how he is so inexplicably attracted to her. Even when they are hiding in her apartment and he has just bombed his performance, all he can think about is how he wants to kiss her. He's an idiot who is controlled by his hormones, I suppose.
Katie on the other hand, comes off as an airhead around Nathaniel. She turns into a blabber mouth when she's nervous and doesn't shut up because she's so star struck by him. I cannot fathom why he is attracted to Katie because she doesn't really make a great impression. They just fall for each other for some magical reason and there is no chemistry between the two. I don't get it! Am I supposed to suspend my disbelief as I read this because it's a Harlequin book? Neither of the characters are very interesting and sometimes I wish Katie would just shut up because I'm already a quarter way through the book and it's full of her blabbering about really random things. Couldn't finish this book.
For people who have read my other reviews, you'll know that I really hate magical, love-at-first-sight type of stories. I was rolling my eyes when Katie saves Nathaniel from thirsty paparazzi who are hounding him because his premier at the theater ends up in a disaster. I don't know why he's tortured. I'm 28% through the book and all I can tell is that Nathaniel is anguished and needs to talk to some other ladies immediately. But in the meantime, while he is absolutely stricken by the appearance of some mysterious man at his performance, he can't help but notice Katie's long legs and how he is so inexplicably attracted to her. Even when they are hiding in her apartment and he has just bombed his performance, all he can think about is how he wants to kiss her. He's an idiot who is controlled by his hormones, I suppose.
Katie on the other hand, comes off as an airhead around Nathaniel. She turns into a blabber mouth when she's nervous and doesn't shut up because she's so star struck by him. I cannot fathom why he is attracted to Katie because she doesn't really make a great impression. They just fall for each other for some magical reason and there is no chemistry between the two. I don't get it! Am I supposed to suspend my disbelief as I read this because it's a Harlequin book? Neither of the characters are very interesting and sometimes I wish Katie would just shut up because I'm already a quarter way through the book and it's full of her blabbering about really random things. Couldn't finish this book.
aefedele's review against another edition
3.0
This review was posted at Tsuki’s Book Blog on September 14, 2013.
I love connected series in HPs. Currently I've been following the Corretti Series which is still running. This was book one of a similar series with each book being written by a different author.
Nathaniel, an actor who wishes to be recognized for his talent rather than his looks, is performing in a Shakespeare play. When he is confronted by someone from his past he flees the playhouse with the costume designer in tow. As they go to hide away from prying eyes they enter a relationship. Katie wants love and to support Nathaniel in his endeavors but Nathaniel keeps pushing her away. Once he's lost her, he has to decide if he's willing to fight for her.
I really liked the set-up with the costume designer and the actor. I am rarely surprised by an occupation of one of the characters but I loved the costume designer job. It was really interesting to read about her designs and her unique perspective on the characters in plays and movies. I actually wanted to spend a little more time with Katie and her job than I did with Nathaniel.
Frankly the Wolfe angle was sort of unnecessary. Nathaniel mentioned a slew of brothers and sisters, seemingly to set up the series. Unfortunately they added nothing to the story and didn't make me want to continue the series. There is supposed to be some idea of ominous dealings with the Wolfe Manor and what happened to the siblings. Unfortunately it all falls a bit flat. I didn't find Nathaniel particularly interesting so I don't plan on continuing the series at this time.
I think this one is worthwhile if you are looking for a different job for one of the characters or you enjoy sibling series. The whole series is written by a variety of stellar HP authors so I'm sure some of them are spectacular.
3 Stars
Published by Harlequin-Presents
June 21, 2011
192 Pages
Provided by--the Library
I love connected series in HPs. Currently I've been following the Corretti Series which is still running. This was book one of a similar series with each book being written by a different author.
Nathaniel, an actor who wishes to be recognized for his talent rather than his looks, is performing in a Shakespeare play. When he is confronted by someone from his past he flees the playhouse with the costume designer in tow. As they go to hide away from prying eyes they enter a relationship. Katie wants love and to support Nathaniel in his endeavors but Nathaniel keeps pushing her away. Once he's lost her, he has to decide if he's willing to fight for her.
I really liked the set-up with the costume designer and the actor. I am rarely surprised by an occupation of one of the characters but I loved the costume designer job. It was really interesting to read about her designs and her unique perspective on the characters in plays and movies. I actually wanted to spend a little more time with Katie and her job than I did with Nathaniel.
Frankly the Wolfe angle was sort of unnecessary. Nathaniel mentioned a slew of brothers and sisters, seemingly to set up the series. Unfortunately they added nothing to the story and didn't make me want to continue the series. There is supposed to be some idea of ominous dealings with the Wolfe Manor and what happened to the siblings. Unfortunately it all falls a bit flat. I didn't find Nathaniel particularly interesting so I don't plan on continuing the series at this time.
I think this one is worthwhile if you are looking for a different job for one of the characters or you enjoy sibling series. The whole series is written by a variety of stellar HP authors so I'm sure some of them are spectacular.
3 Stars
Published by Harlequin-Presents
June 21, 2011
192 Pages
Provided by--the Library
rozymbanks's review
4.0
A Night of Scandal is very different in character from the Harlequin Presents titles I've read recently. So much for category romances being formulaic! This book was emotional and a little angsty (at least it had as much angst as you could fit in a category length book). To me it was almost like a glammed-up Harlequin Superromance. I was a little annoyed by the heroine, Katie, and her tendency to babble when she was nervous. At the end of the story, I was not convinced that Nathaniel was healed from his childhood trauma, but I found the hero and heroine's love for each other believable, which is what really matters in a romance.
rosehillmb's review
4.0
My first Presents ever! I think if more of them were like this (at least plotline wise) I might be more apt to pick them up. I can't really get into the Greek/Sheik/Heir/Virgin/Secretary/Mistress angles. A Night of Scandal had a plot that felt a little more grounded in reality...at least for a Presents title ;)
The writing was enjoyable and didn't feel rushed or "show not tell" which can be hard with such a limited number of words. I'd be interested in trying other Sarah Morgan titles and would like to see what she can do in a longer format.
My only real complaint was a small, nit-picky thing. There was a lot of using the hero's whole name...Nathaniel Wolfe this, Nathaniel Wolfe that, Nathaniel Wolfe went here and there and everywhere! Ditto for one of the movies he starred in, Alpha Man. At a certain point it's like...I KNOW HIS NAME AND YOU'VE MENTIONED THE MOVIE 87 THOUSAND TIMES THANKS. Overall all that was a personal thing I noticed and it didn't really affect the storyline itself.
The writing was enjoyable and didn't feel rushed or "show not tell" which can be hard with such a limited number of words. I'd be interested in trying other Sarah Morgan titles and would like to see what she can do in a longer format.
My only real complaint was a small, nit-picky thing. There was a lot of using the hero's whole name...Nathaniel Wolfe this, Nathaniel Wolfe that, Nathaniel Wolfe went here and there and everywhere! Ditto for one of the movies he starred in, Alpha Man. At a certain point it's like...I KNOW HIS NAME AND YOU'VE MENTIONED THE MOVIE 87 THOUSAND TIMES THANKS. Overall all that was a personal thing I noticed and it didn't really affect the storyline itself.