I love Kat French Books, they are perfect for a summer read.

I loved Violet and the other characters in the story, especially Cal. This book has everything from drama to romance. It was a great rom com read which I really enjoyed. It had a good pace and is well written, I was hooked from the beginning and wanted to keep reading. It did end a little quick for me and I would have liked a little more of Violet and Cal, who knows maybe another book.

Overall this would be a perfect beach read.

Brilliant summer read. The characters are well written, the plot is engaging and the setting is perfect. If you want a fun read perfect for the season I recommend this!

Violet has a safe stable life, living with her parents, beside her Grandpa Henry, and dating reliable Simon. Violet feels stiffled. She doesn't realize how stiffling her life was until after her grandfather passed away and willed Violet a pier and a condo. Yes, an entire pier at a small town ocean town two hours away in Swallow Beach. On the day of her grandfather's will reading, Simon proposes. He states that he will wait for her after she tells him that she's going to live at Swallow Beach for the summer.
Violet feels a pull to her dead grandmother, Monica who died when Violet's mother Della was a small child. The more Violet spends in her grandparent's Lido condo the more Violent feels connected to the women she's never met. To top it all off, Violet looks almost exactly like Monica.
Her grandfather's condo is located in a building called the Lido. She immediately befriends Barty and his granddaughter Keris both of who live in the groundfloor. Cal, the blue-eyed leathermaker who takes her breath away. Violet tries to stay away from Cal and the pull of attraction he has on her. The friendly exchanges of number and neighborly dinner only instensifies her attraction to him.
Cal's mother, Lady Mayoress is doing everything in her power to gain control over the pier from Violet. Lady Mayoress, Gladys is looking out for the town and her only son. She wants to ensure that the pier re-opening is in the best interest of the town. At the moment, Gladys isn't so sure since Violet has decided to re-open the pier that sells various forms of sex toys. She believes that this will attract unsavory people.
Cal knows what's best for him. For years, he thought that was his first love Ursula. She left him to become an American model. The more time he spends with Violet, the more he's falling for her. He doesn't realize how much he loves her until it's almost too late when a fire breaks out on the pier with over a hundred people on it.

A Summer Scandal’s title couldn’t be more fitting for this fabulous summer read that’s going to to keep you glued to the pages. It did us! To say that we found it unputdownable sounds a tad blasé, doesn’t it? The best word to describe this standalone romance that had us on tenterhooks has to be GRIPPING! French’s story set in a quaint English seaside resort called Swallow Beach we related to with such an ease, it made us smile, swoon and for the joy of a hot summer read, we didn’t want it to end. But what we enjoyed more than anything was the author’s picturesque narrative of a beach town where nudge nudge, an activity or two take place and its Victorian pier which is in bad need of attention. This, and French’s protagonists and her secondary characters alike came alive in our mind’s eyes, keeping our interest flowing without let up.

Violet we fell hard for. She’s an arty, perky and quirky lass whose traits had us laughing out loud. But more important, her insatiable curiosity and energy to find out why secrets had been buried and bring Birdcage Pier back to life showed us that if you really want to do something irrespective of the obstacles, you can. Of course, by throwing in the local’s peculiarities and a drop-dead gorgeous neighbour for good measure, spiced up the read no end. We don’t want to let on too much because you really have to discover what made Violet decide to take on such a huge project for yourselves. But what we can say is it’s by no means all laughs and tomfoolery. The plot has a strong angsty tone, some tough scenarios making us hold our breaths in desperation to see what the next move would be, left us speechless.

“How could they hate a girl with blue hair and candy-stripe nails?”

Thought-provoking moments there are, too. Is Violet moving away from a loving home going to worry her parents, especially her mum who’s afraid her daughter will open up a box mysterious past goings-on? All is cannily entwined to present times and even though we had a teensy-weensy inkling of the outcome, never did we expect such a nail-biting finale. We honestly felt as if we were watching it on the big screen and just something to think about because this folks, would make one hell of a film!

“Your mum really didn’t tell you much at all about this place, did she?”
“Nothing. You were all a big secret as far as I was concerned.”

Observing Violet spread her wings and become her own woman was a delight. Decisions are made with the backing of a motley crew of new friends whose professions are so diverse, you’ll laugh your socks off! The part they all play is an important one that’s never lacking enthusiasm, solutions and encouragement. Some of their comebacks were cracking and we couldn’t help have a special place in our hearts for who would become Violet’s bosom buddy, Keris.

“You heard then.” “You’ve ruffled a few feathers all right.”
“I don’t know how.”

Barty we loved to smitterns. He’s a grandpa we’d love to have as ours and Keris knows she’s lucky to be related to him. A real character and and a half with his stories to tell, he’s also another tenant in the Lido apartment block where Violet resides for the time being. She feels at home in this tight-knit community; however, she does have her doubts that this is the place to settle down for reasons to be revealed. Reasons which are quite shocking and oh boy, did we love the way French had gone all out with a twist we didn’t see coming!

“We are a sordid bunch in the Lido, what with you and your floggers and Keris and her saucy knickers.”

Calvin Dearheart. Honestly, how on earth French came up with a name like his is beyond us! And he is a sweetheart. And he's mouth-wateringly good-looking with a great sense of humour to boot, so a hold of your knickers ladies, you're in for a ride on Cal’s tide! Nonetheless, he has his problems which will really upset the applecart and get ready for the unexpected...we were floored!

“Right, so now you know who you are, that makes us friends. Now take the flowers, let me help you with your stuff, and then let’s gloriously drunk and tell each other our darkest secrets.”

We can’t recommend A Summer Scandal more. The pace is fast, the banter between all involved is incredibly witty, and just enough drama and heart-warming scenarios make this book an epic one. Truly unputdownable lol, it's our kind of stuff! We award five stars without a blink of an eye! Bravo French for brightening up our summer!

When Violet inherits a pier and a flat after the death of her grandfather she is unsure what to do with it, not wanting to accept the proposal from her boyfriend she decides to move into the flat and renovate the pier....... but what will the locals think of her "adult themed" workshops.......... and then there is Calvin.... will he make her heart flutter!

Another lovely book by this author....... lots of lighthearted fun and great characters... perfect beach read

This was an absolute delightful read with great characters, warm ocean, and a Victorian pier which has its own secrets.

Violet comes to Swallow Beach, to know more about her grandmother and her inheritance. She meets Calvin, and there is instant attraction. Her need to make bring the Arcade at the end of the pier alive, turns it into an adult themed artisan shops.

My second book by author Kat French, and A Summer Scandal became my Saturday night date. The story had love, lust, humor everything I needed in my date. There was a bit of mystery to keep the interest burning bright. A diary helped to bring the past into the present, a medium who summoned the dead grandmother's spirit, an abusive husband, an errant wife all popped into my evening. My date sure knew how to keep me entertained. The entire book date night was like a warm hug to keep the heart filled with hope.

P. S. I know quite a bit about whips, floggers, cages, corsets, thanks to this book and Kat French.

Sassy, sparkling and oh so sexy, if you are looking for the ultimate in feel-good contemporary women’s fiction to take with you to the beach, then look no further than the latest scintillating read by Kat French: A Summer Scandal!

Swallow Beach is going to be a fresh start for Violet. Having inherited a small Victorian pier with an empty arcade perched on the end of it, Violet falls head over heels in love with it from the very first moment she claps eyes on it. Violet is determined to restore it to its former glory and to ensure that her inheritance will end up taking everybody’s breath away and plans to rejuvenate and bring it into the twenty-first century without the pier losing any of its charm and allure. There is only one small problem: inspiration is very thin on the ground and Violet wonders whether she will ever have a decent and manageable idea of how to make the pier as beautiful in real life as it is in her head. But just when she is about to give up, inspiration strikes – thanks to a drop dead gorgeous hunk who turns Violet’s life upside down: Calvin…

Handsome Calvin hits on the perfect idea for the arcade: turning it into an adult-themed arcade full of artisan shops selling all manner of beautiful things. Violet is enchanted with this idea and with Calvin, who looks like he has just stepped out of one of her fantasies! As Violet and Calvin find themselves spending more and more time together, an attraction begins to sizzle between the two of them. But when the arcade attracts the ire and wrath of some residents, Violet realises that she has got other things to worry about other than an inability to keep her hands off Calvin!

Business might be booming at the arcade, but dissent is growing amongst the people of Swallow Beach and life begins to get tricky for Violet. She has finally found a place she can call home, but is she going to stay at Swallow Beach and fight for her right to be happy? Or will she turn her back on this unexpected chance of happiness because of the raging storm that threatens to ruin her summer and destroy everything that has come to mean the world to her?

Warm-hearted, hilarious and absolutely wonderful from beginning to end, A Summer Scandal is a book that once you start reading, you simply will not be able to put down. Addictive, mesmerizing and compulsively readable, A Summer Scandal is a sexy, funny and captivating read that is absolutely impossible to resist. Packed with rib-tickling humour, sparkling repartee and fantastic characters, A Summer Scandal is sure to keep you glued to the pages and on the edge of your seat as you will be desperate to find out what happens next.

A Summer Scandal is my first Kat French, but it certainly won’t be my last. Fun, flirty and fabulous, A Summer Scandal is far too good to miss!

The perfect summer read! I can always count on this author for light and breezy books to read each summer!

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

After her grandfather Henry dies, Violet inherits a small Victorian pier in Swallow Beach. Henry has lived there, but he left the place, after his wife Monica died. Violet’s mum Della doesn’t want to speak of the place and when Violet decides to go there for the summer, she is not happy.

Violet is with Simon, but when he proposes she just can’t say yes. She doesn’t feel that he is the one and she is very clear about that to him. He doesn’t seem to understand though…

Violet goes to Swallow Beach and the adventure begins. She lives in her grandmother’s flat and it’s like no time has passed. The apartment still has all the old interior and it’s filled with some surprises. Violet meets her neighbour Cal, who is very handsome, but also a little mysterious. They get on well from the start, I would say, they had instant chemistry. He sparks her creativity and they start making exciting plans for the pier. She also meets Barty, someone, who actually knew her grandmother. Keris is a fun young girl, who turns out to be a great friend. However, there are also people, who don’t like Violet’s appearance. Her plans for the pier are also not to their taste.

Cal’s and Violet’s relationship is an up and down, with sparks flying constantly ad there is definitely a deep connection between them. Things get interesting when Simon turns up and Cal has a secret as well. The way he handles things, when that certain person turns up, was confusing to me, but it fit the storyline.
I really adored the scenes between him ad Violet, so sweet, but also passionate and sexy.

Violet also finds Monica’s diary and she discovered a lot about her grandmother, also that she is very similar the her.

For Violet this book is definitely a journey of learning what she really wants in life. There are rocks on the way, but that’s part of it. I loved following her through these important stages of life.

The plot has a fab flow, the characters are fantastic and the setting is gorgeous as well. Kat French really bring the pier to life and makes a story lively and fresh.
I was hooked from the start and the storyline was full of drama, passion and love. It’s funny, sexy and the perfect read for summer!

A perfect book for a summer holiday or , as I did, reading in a sunny garden. A lighthearted, easy read. which I really enjoyed.

This is a story of new beginnings, memories, friendship, romance and hidden secrets. A picturesque coastal location, a pier, crafts and a little naughtiness by the sea with 'adult' themed businesses. There are highs and lows, some nailbiting moments, some emotional moments, along with laugh out loud moments.

Highly recommended - a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

5☆ The Perfect Enchanting Feel Good Summer Read!

First of I want to say how much I adore this gorgeous cover. It really put me in the mood for summer.

 A Summer Scandal is a gorgeous feel good read with romance, Humour, drama, mystery, relationships and a gorgeous location.

Violet has just lost her Grandpa and discovered he has left her a gorgeous quirky apartment and a derelict pier.
The pier has history, that starts off as a romantic story which ends in tragedy.

Violet splits up with long term boyfriend and leaves to discover her families past and to save the pier. Much to her mother's dismay.

Violet meets her sexy neighbour Cal and sparks fly. They instantly connect, but is Violet ready to walk into another relationship.

The characters are quirky and fun, the location is simply gorgeous.
I was swept away with the endearing and enchanting storyline the writing style is lovely, full of warmth, romance and humour.
The perfect feel good Summer Read.

Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is a delightful, fun, feel-good romance packed with humour, love, mystery and surprises. It has a lovely seaside setting and fantastic characters, too. It is one of those rare books that had me chuckling out loud - especially at the council meeting scene! Actually, I was giggling away so much that I had to read that scene out to my bemused husband - and he laughed at it, too!

Violet is amazed to discover that she has inherited an apartment and the pier in the coastal resort of Swallow Beach. She’s heard of the town all her life but has never visited. Now it seems that her Grandfather was keeping secrets . . . Violet can’t resist going to visit and she falls in love with the setting and soon makes friends and new plans for herself and the pier. However, there’s one person striving to compulsory purchase the pier to thwart her plans and unexpected danger as well as romance in store!

I loved escaping into this brilliant romantic comedy that definitely put a smile on my face! There’s plenty of funny scenarios but there’s also added angst and turmoil to add a healthy dose of suspense to the mix. As Violet learns more about her family’s past and her Grandmother, there are surprises, love and, of course, scandal! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this brilliant story - and other books by this talented author.

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

A Summer Scandal by Kat French
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 3/5 stars


Until her grandfather died and left her an apartment and pier(!), Violet knew virtually nothing about the small coastal town of Swallow Beach. Her only real knowledge of the place comes from brief comments from her mother and grandfather; as far as Violet knows, Swallow Beach is just a place her family once lived, long before her own birth.

In her almost thirty years, Violet has never even thought of visiting Swallow Beach let alone moving there, but when her grandfather bequeaths her a small apartment and pier(!) suddenly Swallow Beach sounds like exactly the place Violet needs to be. With more than a bit of trepidation and a healthy does of excitement, Violet packs her van, her business, and what few personal items she can’t live without and drives off towards an uncertain future in a small coastal town.

Swallow Beach is not at all what Violet expected! Her apartment is one of six in a wonderful building filled with an even more wonderful mix of people. Barty is the elder statesman, his granddaughter the feistiest of friends, and Cal is the stunningly handsome artisan across the hall. Violet’s apartment is crazy mix of all the things she loves the most, bright color, strange decorations, and an eclectic mix of style. Violet quickly understands her connection to the apartment and Swallow Beach isn’t through her beloved grandfather, but her free-spirited grandmother she never had the pleasure of meeting.

In addition to getting settled, Violet also has the added pressure of deciding what needs to be done with the pier. The site is amazing, structurally sound, and just waiting for something or someone to fill the space. As so often happens in the most unexpected of places, inspiration strikes and within days, Violet has a plan for the pier that involves herself, her business, and the work of several new friends. Though not everyone in town is thrilled with Violet’s plan, she is determined to see her vision through. Through it all, Violet strengthens her ties to Swallow Beach, discovers stunning secrets from her family’s past, and figures out a future wholly different from what she could have ever envisioned.

The Bottom Line: Thanks to a power outage, I was able to power through this read in a single sitting and while I enjoyed it while in the moment, after I let the read sit overnight, I found I just liked this read and didn’t love it. I think what tipped the scales for me was the ending which seemed so much more dramatic, and therefore out of step, with the rest of the read. As far as the characters go, I generally liked everyone and the part they had to play. The friendships Violet makes, though fast, are genuine and bring so much to her life that she didn’t even realize she was missing. To be sure, there are more than a few obstacles, but overall, the characters kept this book at three solid stars. While the plot waned a bit in the end for me, I generally appreciated the overall writing style to the point, I’m not done with Kat French and feel like I should give her other books the old college try!

Violet has always been different from her parents – a bit artsy, bold and prone to vintage choices, dyed hair in rainbow colors and a dream of making costumes for the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Her little business has quite a following, and she’s working in her parent’s back garden shed, juggling her career and a fiancé, dealing with the loss of her beloved Grandfather who lived next door. But then, in a move that sends her mother into a tizzy, Violet is presented with deeds and keys to a Victorian Pier and a flat in Swallow Beach, bequests from her Grandfather, a place she never heard of before. Then the surprises keep coming: far from wanting or seeing a life with her fiancé Simon, she breaks her engagement, packs her work materials and clothes and heads to Swallow Beach for the summer – both to make decisions about her life and to discover more about her grandmother, a woman she never knew, was told nothing of, and could pass for her twin.

Sure, the town is a mixed bag of welcoming and curious: from the Lady Mayor who wants the pier to be returned to the town, to a downstairs neighbor, an elderly man with a social calendar that is packed full, an apartment that hadn’t been changed since the 60’s and an overwhelming sense that her grandmother has a story to share. Soon Violet meets her neighbor Cal, and an instant attraction lights the air between them – but her work commitments and her desire to ‘do something’ with the pier and the glass birdhouse at it’s center become a source of conflict and opportunity, as Violet decides to open and rent the spaces to ‘adult themed’ businesses. Soon there is her Costume shop with corsets and showgirl items, Cal with his custom leatherwork items like floggers, harnesses, etc., Cal’s friend Beau who makes metalwork items, cages and the like. Add in her downstairs neighbor’s silky knicker shop, a couple of sex therapists who are just as strange as one might expect and a woman who does boudoir photography – and the pier is ready to open and start up.

Throughout the story there are light moments and a deceptively deep undercurrent of her grandmother’s story and Violet’s coming to learn who she was, what secrets she held, and above all, what she wants to do with all of this new information and just what her next step will be. With ominous portents, a sense that not everyone is sharing ALL they know, and a threat to one of her tenants returning to cause havoc, the story truly is one of unearthed secrets that help to reveal new pathways that were hidden, or unexplored before. A bit quick on the uptake for the relationship between Violet and Cal, the story held a welcoming vibe with plenty of vintage flair: descriptions, emotions and plenty of heart keep you reading on, engaged and wondering what’s next.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9RM/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This is a great Summer Read. Violet's Grandfather just died and she finds out he left her a Pier and an apartment. Violet decides to learn more about the grandmother she never knew and see what the apartment is all about. I love how everyone she meets has all this different jobs, not what you would call normal but I would say interesting and fun. Violet is thrown into saving the Pier as hers and not letting the town take it over. She also learns a lot about her Grandmother and herself. This was a very enjoyable read.


*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1TE4J38VQYRNB/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

What a fantastic book! I haven’t read any Kat French books, but I have not one, but two copies of ‘One Hot Summer’ in my ‘to read’ bookcase (I will get more organised one day...).

This kept me absolutely gripped right from the start. After the loss of her grandfather Violet is shocked to inherit a seaside apartment AND a pier. She immediately dumps her boring boyfriend, and moves to Swallow Beach - and who can blame her.

We’re introduced to all Violets lovely quirky neighbours, and the story follows Violets attempts to reopen the beautiful pier. Its not straightforward though and there are lots of unexpected twists and turns.

I lost two days to this book, and I don’t regret a second. It was beautifully written, and my first Kat French book certainly won’t be my last.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Violet is surprised to hear that she has been left a flat and a pier in a seaside town. She decides to spend the summer there whilst she decides what she wants to do with her life.
The flat sounds like a wonderful find with a beautiful view- and although the trek up the stairs doesn't sound much fun- the spectacular views over the sea made me want to curl up on the ancient sofa and finish reading the book!

Her plans for the pier are surprising - but lead to lots of interesting characters coming together. Cal is a lovely character and would be the perfect neighbour!

There are lots of tensions in the town and some opposition to the plans- but more seem to be in favour. I got totally involved in the story and meeting all the new friends and the plans in store. I was sad to leave and would love to return to Swallow beach.

Join the vibrant quirky Violet on her quest of self-discovery as she leaves her stable but unfulfilling lifestyle to take on a running an inherited pier. The charming Swallow Beach soon casts her under its spell. Join her in this novel packed with laughter, lust, and love. Though of course, it's not all plain sailing and there are moments of frustration, tears, and heartbreak. French writes her best book yet with this truly engaging story with real heart and the full spectrum of emotions. A perfect summer read, pick it up you won't regret it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

Violet receives a letter from her grandfather Henry who has recently passed away. In it he tells her that he has left her a flat in a small seaside town, and also a victorian pier. Violet is very shocked and her mother is devastated because Violets grandmother Monica died there and they havent been back since.

Violet decides she is going to go and live in the flat and see what she can do with the pier. She meets a lot of very interesting people with very interesting jobs and starts to create a life for herself. Along the way she learns more about her grandparents and their life there. She also finds a journal written by her grandmother that gives her a very unique insight into her life before her death.

She also develops a friendship with her neighbour Calvin who whilst gorgeous has a troubled past and doesnt trust easily, and both Violet and Calvin have to learn to trust, take risks, and fall withour fear.

This was a lovely book, it was nice to read a lead female character that was just that little bit different. I have put this author on my follow list, have bought 3 of her back catalogue, and will be reading future books from her.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Avon Books UK for my unbiased opinion of the book. Violet realizes when her Grandfather passes she is an apartment and a pier richer in Swallow Beach. While her romantic life in her hometown is going downhill fast. She makes a quick getaway to the beach to see what this inheritance is all about and a place this summer to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She immediately falls in love with the apartment and the pier while learning about a grandmother she is the spitting imagine and like her in too many ways to count. But when push comes to shove with her future and love life does she has what it takes to move forward and not stay stuck in the past?? You need to read this great beach read with one hand and in the other nice large cocktail, both a great way to read away the summer! I loved this book from beginning to end and read through it a less than a day, too hard to put down!