Reviews with content warning for Cancer - The Art of Scandal

Fans of Kennedy Ryan will love this book- it packs drama, depth, and emotion in a similar style as she does. This books is like if Scandal had a crossover episode involving the art world. I enjoyed this book and am kicking myself for not having read it sooner. While the romance isn’t completely central to the plot you get to see how Rachel and Nathan’s relationship unfolds. You definitely find yourself rooting for them from the jump despite the circumstances standing in their way. Regina’s debut novel is excellent and I’m intrigued to see what she writes next. I for sure would recommend this book if you are looking for a romance that delivers complexity and drama.

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bbygirl21's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was a good read. It was kinda slow for my tastes for the first half of the book and then picked up in the second half. I'm also realizing to don't much care for long chapters in books (which this book has)but that's just my preference. I still thought it was a great book with a great storyline. I'd definitely recommend it.

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bandherbooks's review

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4.0

scandal is right. Regina Black kept me on the edge of my seat while narrator Mela Lee slayed all of the characters' voices. i had started in in print eons ago, but finished off after using an audible credit with the narration and what a great choice. one of my favorite audiobooks of 2023!

this skimmed the line between domestic fiction and romance, but landed firmly in romance with the HEA//HFN between Rachel and Nathan. Whew was I worried though, especially after that shocking moment during the art fundraiser. The way back from there, masterful!

for those leery of the age-gap of it all, I really appreciated Nathan was mid-20s and had his own business and support system. The juxtaposition of Nathan appearing to be blue collar (based on his choices, not his lack of family or financial support if you chose differently) versus Rachel's apparent "high society" veneer when she in fact was unhoused, financially insecure, and with a child she had at 16 was so deftly woven! I also very much appreciated that Nathan's mother, and Rachel's peer, isn't demonized. She's a society bitch but she's not one-dimensional.

All in all, this was such a great debut and I hope for far more from the author, AND it would translate so well to screen.

One thing I will directly point out, because it is sort of my own personal issue, is that i was not suspecting Nathan's father to CW (view spoiler). I didn't look up content notes, but i also didn't really see this mentioned elsewhere, so just FYI

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC; i also purchased the audio with my own money

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peachani's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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fangirljeanne's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Audio Arc from LibroFM

TW: Cheating, Racism, classism, sexism, panic attack/disorders, cancer

We have so many coming of age stories, perpetuating the misconception that we cease to develop as a person once we reach an arbitrary age. Adulthood isn’t so much a destination as an era in our lives. One of many we will change us in social and psychological as well as physical ways. This is a truth anyone over the age of 25 can confirm.

Which makes the fact that so many of us are pressured either socially or economically to make huge decisions about our lives and relationships at such a young age, often only just as we are becoming “adults.” It’s natural that living in those lives, relationships, and careers for decades would wreak change upon our younger selves in many unforeseen ways.

People in their 30’s and 40’s rarely resemble who they were when they was 18 or 20.

Despite their age difference Rachel and Nathan find themselves similarly dissatisfied and lost in the lives shaped by choices they made when they were young. Meeting each other has caused them both to question who they are and could be if they take chances now they weren’t able or were too afraid to take when they were younger.

A couple’s chemistry is always what makes or breaks a romance for me. These two are amazing together. Not just sexy, but they genuinely connect. Their vulnerability with each other is a big key to what makes their romance believable.

While this book is a Romance that spend lot of time on the relationship, it spends as much of not more time on Rachel’s journey toward self discovery and growth. She’s a wonderful example of the wider range of feminine experiences we miss out on when so many Romances focus only on women in their teens and 20s. Women do not stop deserving love and sex after they turn 25. People can fall in love more than once in their life, especially as they grow older, change, and want different things in life.

The book also explores the subtle racial politics that happen within interracial relationships, especially when one of the partners is a rich white man. This story pulls all the nastiest forms of micro aggressions women of color (especially Black women) deal with on a daily basis even within their own homes and family.

While Nathan is Latino he has to come to terms with his own privilege and prejudices in order to grow into a man worthy of Rachel’s trust and love. But most importantly Rachel has to learn and grow into some one brave enough to be safe for and love herself.

This isn’t always an easy read (check the TW), but it was so worthy it. Love this this always is.

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hazelgirl21's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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womanwill's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

4.5 stars rounded up

This sultry, slow burn romance also leans into vulnerability, grief, and survival. I adored Nathan and Rachel and their complex path to each other. Regina Black did not shy away from the drama and scandals, and their love story is backlit by DC politics and intense powerplays of the rich and famous.

Read this if you're in need of:
- biracial couple- Black woman & Latinx man
- age gap
- disability rep- he has dyslexia, she has panic attacks
- political scandals & drama
- seductive slow burn
- art history & art

I flew through this one and can't wait to see what this debut author delivers next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

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