Above Scandal

Above Scandal

Instant family: just add daughter.

She left to live on her terms. He’s fighting free of his father’s legacy. When tragedy draws them back together, can they claim a second chance?

CLARENCE BAY, CANADA. Cathy Rossetti longs to heal old rifts. Eleven years after running away from her strict home because of an unplanned pregnancy, the successful lawyer returns to care for her terminally ill mother. But though her pulse spikes when she runs into her high school sweetheart, their complicated past has her hesitating to introduce the handsome mayoral candidate to the daughter he doesn’t know about.

Ryan Chisholm hates hidden agendas. So when the beautiful woman he never fell out of love with temporarily moves in across the street, the down-to-earth hardware store owner is determined to break up with his current girlfriend. But when a series of dreadful misunderstandings leads to an unwanted engagement, he knows it will be a rocky road to the happily ever after he craves.

Smarting from her mother’s harsh rejection, Cathy decides revealing the whole truth would wreck Ryan’s mayoral campaign. And when an angry community member spills the beans instead, he struggles with resentment over a decade of unnecessary loneliness.

Have their dreams been dashed forever, or can a third proposal be the charm?

Above Scandal is the heartwarming first book in the Clarence Bay Romance series. If you like witty dialogue, shocking twists, and multi-generational storylines, then you’ll adore Joan Leacott’s gossipy delight.

Released June 25, 2013
ISBN ebook: 978-0-9920028-1-7
ISBN print book: 978-0-9920028-0-0
ISBN large print hardback: 978-0-9920028-2-4

In the Media

USA TODAY Happy Ever After New Releases for July 2, 2013

My second time on the USA TODAY HAPPY EVER AFTER blog where I reveal my three favourite no-excuses-needed desserts! YUM!

Reviews

Marie at HEAs Are Us “Above Scandal was an absolute de-light to read! It was fast paced, exciting, funny, and for anyone who’s from a small town, it hits home perfectly. This sweet romance had me from page one and I breezed through it quickly, eager to know what happens next. The thrill of long kept secrets is enticing, and with new revelations being made around every corner, the plot takes you on a wonderful ride through several twists and turns. It’s just so brilliantly written! The characters in the book are very well developed – most especially Cathy, the heroine of the story. She is fighting old emotions as she reluctantly comes back to her home town, and her growth in this book is astounding. I also love the relationship she has with her daughter, Hayley. For anyone who has a daughter, you’ll appreciate their banter! And then there are the men. Oh, the swoon-worthy men. Especially Ryan. The fact that he’s held a flame for Cathy for so long is so unbelievably romantic, it’ll have your heart fluttering. And there are several touching moments throughout the book which enriches the story immensely. This first in a new series is very promising, and after reading Above Scandal, I can honestly say I’m excited for the next addition!”

Janga said: The Canadian setting makes it a standout, and Cathy and Ryan and their tangled relationships give readers an interesting story. I like novels rich in context, and Leacott generously provides that. In addition to the complex familial relationships are a host of minor characters who lend credibility to the central characters and their place in Clarence Bay. The secret baby plot is one often used in romance, but Leacott gives it a twist that will catch some readers by surprise. >>> read the full review at Just Janga

Jessie at The Book Cove said “I absolutely loved Above Scandal! For those of you that are wondering what small town life is like – just read this book (hah!). Seriously though. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can appreciate the skill that it takes to keep a secret…well…secret. And even if it’s the tiniest secret in the world, the gossip troupes have a way of figuring it out and turning it into the biggest talk of the town! So you can only imagine what happens when something big really does hit a small town.

Big as in a girl who suddenly moves away as a teenager, finds her way back about a decade later. And not only is she living a lifestyle that’s a 180 of the town, but she has a daughter and no husband. Throw into the mix that she is of a strong Italian family, moving back to a town with ideals of the 1800’s and you’ve got yourself enough town whispering – and upfront backhanded remarks – to last a lifetime.

What I loved: All of the characters were wonderfully developed. Cathy (aka Caterina – one of my favorite names) is a strong female lead who’s always made the best of her situation – which I love! She doesn’t let the snide remarks of her family and the community deter her love for her life or choices, and she always stands up for what she believes in. She also has a daughter who is written to a T as to how a girl her age should act. There are many times that I find the children in books to be almost more unbelievable than the parents, simply because their dialog and actions are outside of their age group (e.g., either acting too young or too old for their age).

And then there’s Ryan…if every man (or woman for that matter) had his ideals and beliefs – this world would be a much better place. I fell in love with Ryan from the get-go; his charming personality and gorgeous looks that could put a Prince to shame. What I enjoyed most about Ryan’s character is his reaction to events taking place. Without giving too much away, I expected much more cliché reactions from him than what I got. So his character was a great needed change from those that I have been reading a lot about lately. Ryan is a man – in every sense of the word – and he isn’t afraid to be a man.

I also loved all of the supporting characters because they did the job that they are supposed to do – support. As you’re reading, you’re not finding out about a bunch of unnecessary information about these characters. You’re simply finding enough background information on them to explain their actions and thought process – all of which helps explain why Cathy and Ryan are the way that they are.

What I disliked: Honestly, there wasn’t much – other than the witch of a “human being” that was known as Momma. I’m pretty sure she lacked a soul. But that is obviously no flaw of the book. It’s what made it so great! I was worried a little about the pacing towards the end of the book. But once I finished, I decided that it was right on. Ratings:

Romance: great character connection and tension. A couple of steamy scenes.

Character development: *****

Plot progression: *****”

KAME Book Reviews said, “Whoever chose the title of this book (that would be me~JL), they chose well. This book had a great plot, and a few scandalous subplots; all trying to poke holes at Ryan’s campaign platform of transparency. When the story was done there were so many little tidbits of story left over from secondary characters I can not wait to see where they all pick up in the next book.” >>> read the full review at TBQ’s Book Palace.

Gina Grant said, “How can a complex story be such a fun and easy read? I whipped through this book because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I love a book with unexpected plot twists and turns. But the best thing about this book is the characters.When Cathy is pulled in several different directions and must make powerful and difficult choices, you, the reader, ache right along with her. It’s a satisfying emotional journey. Joan infuses her work with a joy of life that will make you sigh and smile. I can’t wait for her next Clarence Bay book.”

Kristin Anders at The Romantic Editor said, “Category-length romance with alpha heroes is so hot right now and everyone’s writing it. Then here you come with your adult, family-oriented romance and prove that single title romance is alive and well. It’s such a beautiful story. I love it because I’m a mom and I was once a girl who left her small hometown. This book will relate to every romance reader with a family. Especially those with older children. Smart.”

© Joan Leacott, 2013