Rise of the Notorious by Katie Jennings – a Review

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Description:
When their empire fell, darkness descended upon the Vasser Hotel family and shrouded them in chaos. It was a darkness layered in violent sins and staggering deception, made only more potent by a haunting truth. Murder, it seemed, was a burden they couldn’t escape.

With a scandal plaguing the family’s reputation, the Vasser heirs must rise to the occasion and utilize a killer’s advice to turn bad publicity into good, and tradition into innovation.

If only it was that easy.

In an elaborate game of hidden motives and sinister agendas, more dirty truths from the past will resurface, truths that could bring about victory or bloodshed. But how will the Vasser siblings react when the real threat to their family not only has power and control on the mind, but assassination as well? What will they do when it becomes clear that someone out there wants them destroyed, no matter the price?

The Vassers may have fallen from grace, but now they will rise as notorious.

Review:

Rise of the Notorious by Katie Jennings is her second and final book in her Vassar Legacy series.  I enjoyed the first book, When Empires Fall, and found this book to be even better.

This book continues the Vassar family saga story; about their elite Hotel chain, and the family we became totally invested in.  When we last left off in When Empires Fall, the Vassar family was heading towards hard times with their hotel, after a major scandal.  Madison was chosen to be the heir apparent to run the hotel, bypassing others in the family, thereby creating much dissention.  Other then the youngest sister, Kennedy, the immediate family, Grant & Linc, and their loves Quinn and Lynette, stood by Madison to continue to work together, no matter what to save the hotel.

Madison was the heroine in this story.  In the first book, she was a pivotal character, but not as likable as she is in this book.  I really liked Madison’s growth, her ability to stand up to fire, as everything around her was falling apart; with scandals, jealousy, betrayals, threats to her and her family. She had many people against her, who were willing to do anything to make sure she would lose the hotel. Katie Jennings did a masterful job showing Madison rise up, as she faces each threat, as well as the false accusations against her. Rise up she did, surprising many, as she became a public figure, with the majority of the people identifying with her, as she became the respected and admired Vassar family leader. 

Her romance with Wyatt, played an important part in this book, as she knew she still loved him, and needed to learn to trust him again.   What I love about family sagas is that we get to spent time with the family through these hard times.  It was great to see them bond together to join forces to find who is behind the plot to destroy Madison, which includes a kidnapping, a murder attempt, as well as the false accusations to ruin Madison and the Vassar family.   

This story flows beautifully throughout, as there are many surprises and twists.  Who is behind the plot to destroy the family?  Who inside the Vassar domain is betraying the family?  Will Kennedy be saved?  Will Wyatt convince Madison that he truly loves her? Will the hotel survive? You will need to read this book to find out.

One thing you can be sure of is that her brothers will stand beside her, even if they originally were not too happy with Madison taking over the reins of the hotel.  I loved seeing Grant with Quinn again, and their love continues to blossom. I liked that Quinn found a way to win over Madison.  Linc and Lynette were also a great couple that would have to withstand her father’s continual attacks against the Vassars, to help his campaign for reelection.

I thought this was a wonderful series by Jennings, and felt she could have written more books concentrating on other family members.  But she does a great job in tying all the loose ends, and bringing together a satisfying climax.  If you enjoy family sagas, which takes you on an emotional ride every step of the way, then this series by Katie Jennings is perfect for you.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author