Scandalous (Arabesque) [Paperback]

This is the first book that I have read by Donna Hill and after reading it I will definitely read more by her. This story was one of intrigue and while some areas were predictable others were not and were down right Scandalous.

Vaughn and Justin's love affair was one of true love with trust and distrust knocking at the same time. I could feel Vaughn's pain, anguish and confusion, but I could also feel her need for love from Justin. Justin was her knight in shining armor and he truly loved Vaughn. He helped release her pain of the past and taught her how to love again. Reading about Elliot, Vaughn's father, helped this reader understand Vaughn. Vaughn lived her father's dream at the expense of her own. Poppa Elliot was as ruthless as they come and I was totally surprised by his actions. Her mother Sheila, was a typical politician's wife who assisted in keeping secrets at the expense of her daughter's love and devotion.

Donna Hill writes very descriptively and you can see and feel the emotions with every turn of the page. The storyline was great with enough drama to keep your interest until the end. Now I'm ready to begin A Scandalous Affair. I loved this book and it will go down as one of my favorite reads.

When my co-worker gave me "Scandalous" for my birthday, I was not too impressed, especially not with the title. I had never heard of Donna Hill or her books, even though I am a librarian (scientific research). It took some time before i finally decided to start reading it (at the time I didn't have anything else special to do). How little did I know that "girlfriend" would make me want to skip work in order to finish reading this wonderful, intriguing, plot of surprising twists and conflicts. Being an African-American female, I was able to identify with certain situations and jargon. Really, I stayed up all night to find out the end. It was really a suspense thriller umtil the very last line. Surely, any reader "worth her salt," speculated about the big secret and the lost daughter, but Hill kept them right there on the edge of the cliff until she was ready to jerk you back. when you read this book,you'll fall in love with Vaughn Hamilton the Virginia state assemblywoman who is vying for a congressional seat; and Justin Montgomery, her lover and opponent. Well, the backdrop the whole scenario was a big family secret only Vaughn's father and mother knew. The father, a judge, who will stoop to any level to protect this secret from Vaughn (in her best interest, of course). Because of a bitter split between Vaughn and a former lover, she was very guarded and tried to play it cool with Justin. Finally he broke the ice and you won't believe the twists and turns of their relationship. It was so graphic and real, you felt like you were right in the "wings" in a blissful state. Not one minute was boring. The ending was spine-tinkling and did't have anything to do with a congresional seat. The only drawback was, I wanted more. Read it! You owe it to yourself. It's worth the wait. "Sister girl really put her foot into it". I do plan to read another Donna Hill book

Vaughn Hamilton was a political wonder. She grew up in the political arena because her father was a judge. All her father ever wanted was for her to make it in the big leagues in politics. Vaughn decided to run for congresswoman. She was running against a despicable man who would do anything to win.

Her parents held a fundraiser in her honor and this is where she meets Justin Montgomery. Justin is instantly taken with Vaughn when he is introduced to her by her father Judge Hamilton.

Vaughn and Justin literally go through the fire. Justin wants to keep no secrets between them, but Vaughn is determined not to let Justin get to close to her.

This was a wonderful story that I have already twice. I re-read it this time to be refreshed for the Sequel Scandalous Affair which I will read next. You can't go wrong with a book written by Donna Hill.

If you like this one make sure you get A Private Affair and Pieces of Dreams.