Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown

 

I'm a big fan of Sandra Brown after just discovering (and becoming addicted to!) her books this last year, so I'm thrilled to be part of the Blog Tour for Breath of Scandal hosted by Xpresso Book Tours! For a complete tour schedule click HERE.  As part of my tour stop I have my review as well as the awesome giveaway provided: 5 Winners will each win a paperback copy of Breath of Scandal & a signature Henri Bendel candle.

 

Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown

Publisher: Grand Central

Publication date: February 26th 2013

My rating:  4.5 stars 

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On a rainy Southern night, Jade Sperry endured a young woman’s worst nightmare at the hands of three local hell-raisers. Robbed of her youthful ideals and at the center of scandal and tragedy, Jade ran as far and as fast as she could. But she never forgot the sleepy “company town” where every man, woman, and child was dependent on one wealthy family. And she never forgot their spoiled son, who with his two friends changed her life forever. Someday, somehow, she’d return . . . exacting a just revenge, freeing herself from her enemies’ grasp, and, perhaps, fulfilling a lost promise of love.

My Thoughts:

Breath of Scandal was a sweeping tale of broken dreams, shattered hearts, and revenge! But it was also, a story of letting go, moving on and falling in love again. Very addictive stuff!

At the start, Jade Sperry’s story was heartbreaking! At age eighteen she had a bright future ahead: about to graduate high school and looking forward to attending college on a full scholarship with the love of her life by her side. Jade was on the cusp of living out all her dreams when something awful happens that changes her entire future.  The town offers no support, we have a case of “the good old boys club” covering and turning a blind eye, and even her mother and best friend are not in her corner.  Instead, Jade must pick up the pieces and move on, for now… Jade spends years preparing for revenge, yet at the same time she doesn’t allow bitterness to poison her life.

Concurrently, we have our hero, Dillon’s story unfolding, and his is a tragic tale as well. He had a rough beginning losing his parents at a young age, going into foster care, but eventually finding happiness. Dillon also had the very brightest future ahead until tragedy struck leaving him shattered.  Plagued by guilt, Dillon goes through the motions, barely living, but things change when Jade Sperry walks into his life. 

As I said, Jade’s story was heartbreaking. I was outraged for her!  I wanted to smack several people, including her crap-excuse for a mother, while simultaneously grabbing Jade up to give her a big hug! The first 25% of the story was shocking, painful and unbelievable, but somehow Jade rose above it all and settled in for long term plans.  Revenge is best served cold, as they say, and Jade made some delicious preparations!  

I admired Jade’s strength of spirit, and while she was focused on revenge it didn’t stop her from being a caring, good person.  Her mother may have been severely lacking in compassion or love, but Jade gains others that fill that void in her life, and love her like she deserved in the first place. I find I have issues with “revenge” stories because it’s hard to connect with someone whose main focus is so very negative.  This was not the case with Jade who had such a big heart in spite of everything she went through.

Dillon’s and Jade paths don’t cross until about the 50% mark but the timing was perfect. If they met earlier in life I’m not sure things could’ve worked out.  He ends up being a rock Jade can count on, even though at first she’s determined to handle problems created by the past on her own.  Having gone through so much as well, Jade provides comfort and understanding to help Dillon cope with his feelings of guilt and loss, as well.

Breath of Scandal took me on an emotional roller coaster, but I enjoyed the ride. I have to say if you pick this up, be patient.  Like I said the first 25% was painful, but the payoff was well worth it!  I wanted to high five Jade at more than a few points, and I’m thrilled with the way it all worked out. 

I’m relatively new to Sandra Brown’s stories, but every one that I’ve picked up so far has been riveting!  I stayed up until three a.m. to finish Breath of Scandal, because I could not put it down!  A total recommend.

AUTHOR BIO

Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE(2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008), PLAY DIRTY (2007), RICOCHET (2006), CHILL FACTOR (2005), WHITE HOT (2004), & HELLO, DARKNESS (2003).

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.

A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English. Before embarking on her writing career, she worked as a model at the Dallas Apparel Mart, and in television, including weathercasting for WFAA-TV in Dallas, and feature reporting on the nationally syndicated program “PM Magazine.”

In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.

Brown recently was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Connect with Sandra Brown:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

 

5 winners will each win a trade paperback of Breath of Scandal + a signature Henri Bendel candle (see photo below).  Giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

 

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