Jackie Gardner knows all about dirty little secrets. The illegitimate daughter of one of the most influential senators in Washington, D.C., she grew up surrounded by the scandals and shadows of politics. Now that she’s landed an internship with a powerful political consulting firm, she’s determined to launch her career and take this city by storm.

William Andrew Clayton was born for politics. He knows the drill: work hard, play discreetly, and at all costs, avoid scandal. At twenty-six, his campaign for the Virginia State Senate is the first step to cementing his future. It’s time for him to settle down, to find the perfect political spouse. He needs a Jackie Kennedy, not a Marilyn…

When Jackie meets Will in the bar of the Hay-Adams Hotel, sparks fly. But the last thing Will needs is to be caught in a compromising position, and an affair with a political candidate could cost Jackie her career. When what began as one steamy night, becomes a passion neither one of them can walk way from, they must decide if what they have is really love, or just another dirty little secret…

Chanel Cleeton has done it again, once again weaving a beautiful and exciting world full of passion, intrigue, and emotion. Flirting With Scandal was an incredible story of politics, following your heart, and learning who you are in the midst of the overwhelming chaos around you. This book was filled with well written characters, believable scenarios, and intriguing plot lines. I was so sad when this story ended and I cannot wait for more of this series.Our two main characters are quite different in personality and life experience, but they have one thing in common- they play the game to win. Jackie was such an incredibly wonderful character. She is a woman who has lived a life of secrecy, always observing and working behind the scenes. She is brilliant, beautiful, and a force to be reckoned with. Her tenacity and love of the political game is not a character trait I have really seen in many stories. It was refreshing to see a woman who is strong and determined within the political realm as opposed to the normal scandal type stories of the “other” woman or the seductress. Jackie was full of life and smarts, something that was prevalent throughout the story. I loved how she continually surprised everyone with her dedication and political knowledge.

Will was the perfect counterpart to Jackie. He was mature and smooth. His political aspirations were to help people, not have all the power. His pure intentions to help others is a deep connect for our two main characters. Will is not your normal politician. He is ruled by his heart and not his desire for prestige. I loved how both Will and Jackie were strong pillars in the political world. They both wanted to be above the petty games of politics (though they understand the game) and make a difference.  Will knows what he wants and will do what he needs to get it. His passion and longing for Jackie is beautiful. He finds in her a partner, someone who makes him better and causes him to fight harder for what he wants and what he believes in.

The major themes within the story were some that I was hesitant about when I first heard what the story entailed. I am not big into politics and sometimes the drama and lies surrounding the stories are too much for me. But I trust Chanel and her brilliant writing so I jumped in with both feet. What I found was a story that made me want to be part of a political campaign and see how things work behind the scenes. Chanel takes what could be a good concept and makes it great. There is scandal and secrecy within this story but it is perfectly interwoven with the storyline. There is so much happening but you never feel overwhelmed by the details and drama. Each secondary character is necessary to the story and has a role to fulfill that betters the reading experience. It is a love story between two unlikely characters but Chanel’s writing shows you their deep connection, which in turns makes them perfect for one another. It is a love story yet it is so much more. It is about a strong woman trying to find her place in the political world while keeping her secrets and about a man who is determined to be who he is- true to himself despite the sway of the politics around him.

If you love Chanel’s writing, then prepare yourself to be astounded (even though you expected nothing less) and in love with Flirting With Scandal. This book is refreshing and this story will take you deep into a world where grey is the norm and love comes at a cost. I am so excited to see what else happens in the Capital Confessions series and hoping to see some more of the other secondary characters from this book!

 

Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure.

Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her husband.

Chanel writes contemporary romances. She is published by Harlequin HQN, Penguin/InterMix, and Penguin/Berkley and is the author of the International School, Capital Confessions, and Wild Aces series.