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The Blackstone Affair #3
Eyes Wide Open
The third part in The Blackstone Affair series.
A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.
Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them? A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?
Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.
A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.
Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them? A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?
Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2013
About the author
Raine Miller
57 books9,519 followersRaine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A former teacher, she's now writing sexy romance stories full time. She has a handsome prince of a husband, two brilliant sons, and two bouncy Italian Greyhounds to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books. You can contact her at raine_miller@ymail.com or visit www.RaineMiller.com to sign up for updates and her newsletter with links to upcoming books. Join us on Facebook at the Raine Miller Romance Readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/raine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,921 reviews
May 15, 2013
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW NOW POSTED .
"Are you real?" He whispered, brushing up my face with the back of his fingers in a cherishing caress. "Because I'll want you forever."
Sexy, alluring and seductive!
Eyes Wide Open is an addictive tale of love, passion and mystery that will sweep you away.
This book starts off right where All In left off so we get to see an immediate continuation of Ethan and Brynne’s story as they work on strengthening and building their relationship in the midst of all the craziness brought on by the bad guy who is still at large.
We get to learn more about Ethan’s back story (which I’ve been wondering about since the first book) — specifically what happened to him in the war, where his scars came from and what was causing his nightmares. It was wonderful to finally see him open up to Brynne about it. There was never any doubt in my mind that he loved her with all of his heart and soul but finally being able to take the step to talk to her about his past was huge for him. Gotta love a tortured hero!
The first book was told from Brynne’s POV and the second was told from Ethan’s, but now in Eyes Wide Open, we see a mix of the two. The POVs alternate back and forth, not only from chapter to chapter but also often within each scene. So be warned to look out for it. If you know to expect it, it’s not confusing at all, just keep an eye out for the switches. Personally I thought it helped give a complete picture of what was happening right as it was happening instead of having to wait for the scene to be over before getting to see the other side of the story.
And I’ve said this before in my previous review but it’s worth mentioning again that Raine Miller just nails the Alpha male POV. Both POVs were well-written but every scene from Ethan’s side was just pure gold to me. She has a way of writing it where you feel 100% connected to his thoughts and makes you just completely accept the world through his eyes.
I love that in this book we got to see playful Ethan! It was just absolutely fucking adorable. Seriously, there were these moments with his little niece that just melted my heart into a puddle of goo, especially since up until this point, we’d seen either a more passionate or more serious side of him so this was such a wonderful side to his character to see!
Ethan is just that delicious blend of everything that makes your heart race. He’s both sweet and passionate, tenderly loving and fiercely protective.
“My kinky, foul-mouthed romantic gentleman lover.”
But then... the curve ball. That unexpected twist that changed everything for them. It brought out some of Brynne’s worst fears and allowed even more of Ethan’s protective side to shine though and ultimately served to bring them even closer together than ever before.
“Are you ready?”
I nodded and whispered, “Yes.”
“And nothing changes us.”
“Nothing changes that we love each other.”
Can I really just say how much I freaking LOVE couples made up of people with messed up pasts but who are working their hardest to create a loving, functional relationship? I’d go so far as to say that it’s my favorite kind of story and this one really delivered! Yes, they both had moments of irrational out bursts and such but who doesn’t? I loved watching them work through their issues and I never doubted that they’d get through everything because it was always clear that, at the end of the day, the most important thing to both of them was each other and the value they both placed on their relationship could be seen in all of their actions.
“He brought me out from the dark and into the light. Ethan had given me back my life.”
That being said, it isn’t all serious. There are some really sweet, light-hearted moments that break up the intensity and bring a smile to your face.
“Holy shit… I might just die from so much sex.”
She shrugged… “Yeah, but it’d be a fun way to go, wouldn’t it?”
The stakes are raised in Eyes Wide Open, there are many sides to the story, new developments, more suspense, heightened passion and a thrilling ride.
The story has a concluded ending that will leave you in a good place. But there will be one more book coming out later in the year so we haven’t seen the last of Ethan and Brynne!
Overall, I loved the book and would highly recommend the series!
4.5 stars
CASTING (see above also)
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May 16, 2013
4 Dirty talkin’ panty dropin’ Ethan lovin’ stars!!!
Me too, Brynne... me too! There is just something about Mr. Blackstone...
My kinky, foul-mouthed romantic gentleman lover.
Then there is his American girl, Brynne
Even after all that happened in ‘All In’, including the crazy ending, Ethan and Brynne are doing good. They are together and happy, spending some time at his sisters. I’m not going to give up too much of the plot, because there would be some major spoilers in there... Right now, Ethan is busy with work. The Olympic’s are coming up, but Brynne is still his number one priority, even more so now. Ethan wants more. He wants Brynne to move in, marry him. He wants to be able to protect her always. There is still a threat out there.
Ethan Blackstone is hotter than ever in this book. Did I mention before how much I loved him?!? He and Brynne need each other. Crave each other. It is hot, sexy, sensual.
Brynne and Ethan are far from perfect, but they work together. I love nothing more than when two flawed people with scared pasts can come together and create something truly beautiful. It was nice to get to see more of Ethan’s past, things that haunt him. We’ve been waiting a long time for that. I was so happy that he opened up to Brynne.
In Naked,we get Brynne’s pov, in All In, we get Ethan’s pov, this book had dual pov! I was so happy to get back in Ethan’s head! I know these aren’t the most original books and a lot of people have issue with that. I get it, I do. But there is something about Ethan Blackstone that makes me just not care about that! I love Ethan and Brynne together. This book, some of the typical things happened . Some sad things happened, some very happy things happened. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! The main thing that kept it from a 5 star rating was the end... the ending was perfect. As in, add an epilogue and there is no reason for another book. I’m not a fan of longer than 3 book series(unless there is a purpose for it). Will I read book 4? Of course I will! I just felt that then ending really wrapped things up. A wonderful addition to The Blackstone Affair series.
Ethan and his dirty mouth. It was crazy as hell, but that dirty talk did something to me.
Me too, Brynne... me too! There is just something about Mr. Blackstone...
My kinky, foul-mouthed romantic gentleman lover.
Then there is his American girl, Brynne
Even after all that happened in ‘All In’, including the crazy ending, Ethan and Brynne are doing good. They are together and happy, spending some time at his sisters. I’m not going to give up too much of the plot, because there would be some major spoilers in there... Right now, Ethan is busy with work. The Olympic’s are coming up, but Brynne is still his number one priority, even more so now. Ethan wants more. He wants Brynne to move in, marry him. He wants to be able to protect her always. There is still a threat out there.
“I know I'm a bit rough around the edges and I know I've trampled my way through your life, but I do love you with all of my heart. Never doubt that. You're my girl, and I want you and I need you with me forever.”
Ethan Blackstone is hotter than ever in this book. Did I mention before how much I loved him?!? He and Brynne need each other. Crave each other. It is hot, sexy, sensual.
Brynne and Ethan are far from perfect, but they work together. I love nothing more than when two flawed people with scared pasts can come together and create something truly beautiful. It was nice to get to see more of Ethan’s past, things that haunt him. We’ve been waiting a long time for that. I was so happy that he opened up to Brynne.
In Naked,we get Brynne’s pov, in All In, we get Ethan’s pov, this book had dual pov! I was so happy to get back in Ethan’s head! I know these aren’t the most original books and a lot of people have issue with that. I get it, I do. But there is something about Ethan Blackstone that makes me just not care about that! I love Ethan and Brynne together. This book, some of the typical things happened . Some sad things happened, some very happy things happened. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! The main thing that kept it from a 5 star rating was the end... the ending was perfect. As in, add an epilogue and there is no reason for another book. I’m not a fan of longer than 3 book series(unless there is a purpose for it). Will I read book 4? Of course I will! I just felt that then ending really wrapped things up. A wonderful addition to The Blackstone Affair series.
“My eyes have really only been opened since you came into my world. You gave me everything. You made me really want to see what was around me, for the first time in my adult life. You made me want you. You made me want... a life. You were my greatest give of all, Ethan James Blackstone."
She reached up to touch my face and held her palm there, her eyes showing me so much of what she felt.
I covered her palm on my cheek with my hand. "As you were for me, my beautiful American girl.”
May 8, 2013
5 AMAZING stars! Adored every second of reading this. This is one of my most highly anticipated of the year. I won't give a thing away, but it was PERFECT. Intense. Emotional. Simply beautiful. And Ethan is one of the best book boyfriends of all time!
June 16, 2013
4.5 All-I-see-it's-you Stars
I found you and my eyes were opened
Eyes on me, baby
[image error]
Ethan Blackstone & Brynne Bennett stronger and more vulnerable than ever, are continuing their life story. In love, passionate and beautiful they fight their inner demons and outside tragedies, enemies and friends, their own nightmares and shortcomings.
They are everything to each other. Breath, heart and soul, they belong together and no one will manage to tear them apart. But not for lack of trying. They will try, but they are doomed to fail, because love and Ethan are just too extraordinary to stop fighting. And this couple is just meant to be.
Ethan, is a dream come true. Perfectly imperfect, vulnerable, understanding, tormented, protective, simply and awesomely amazing, he is a joy to read. He makes my heart sing!
"I became real when I met you.”
Brynne a wounded soul, found the balm to ease her heart in Ethan's strong hands. Sensitive, kind and very very likeable, you root for her and despair along her, when life crashes her again and again. You hope and pray for love to endure and prevail. Forever....
Ethan was simply...the one for me.
Sexy and emotional, beautiful and exciting, this story is a must-read for all fans of the Blackstone Saga. My only misgivings? I liked this book very much and I do think it would be the perfect conclusion to this amazing story. The end was satisfying and I really don't know if more books will hurt the story and stretch the plot thin. But who I am kidding??? I am always up for more Ethan!
Additionally, I really don't like the cover. I think that is tiny bit creepy and well.... Creepy as HELL! I get that this is supposed to be Brynne but really she is looking something like...
Well... the book was great so, who cares! LOL!
Looking forward to more Ethan & Brynne!
Keep reading for my reaction to the news about the delay... and the excruciating waiting!
The switch from indie to traditional publishing means that the publisher retains control over release dates and pricing. Atria has set Spring 2013 for the release of Part 3.
Source: Raine Miller
UPDATE: 02/14/13
The third part in The Blackstone Affair series: A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.
Expected publication: May 14th 2013
GOOD NEWS!
But still... MAY?!!?!?!?!!
I found you and my eyes were opened
Eyes on me, baby
[image error]
Ethan Blackstone & Brynne Bennett stronger and more vulnerable than ever, are continuing their life story. In love, passionate and beautiful they fight their inner demons and outside tragedies, enemies and friends, their own nightmares and shortcomings.
They are everything to each other. Breath, heart and soul, they belong together and no one will manage to tear them apart. But not for lack of trying. They will try, but they are doomed to fail, because love and Ethan are just too extraordinary to stop fighting. And this couple is just meant to be.
Ethan, is a dream come true. Perfectly imperfect, vulnerable, understanding, tormented, protective, simply and awesomely amazing, he is a joy to read. He makes my heart sing!
"I became real when I met you.”
Brynne a wounded soul, found the balm to ease her heart in Ethan's strong hands. Sensitive, kind and very very likeable, you root for her and despair along her, when life crashes her again and again. You hope and pray for love to endure and prevail. Forever....
Ethan was simply...the one for me.
Sexy and emotional, beautiful and exciting, this story is a must-read for all fans of the Blackstone Saga. My only misgivings? I liked this book very much and I do think it would be the perfect conclusion to this amazing story. The end was satisfying and I really don't know if more books will hurt the story and stretch the plot thin. But who I am kidding??? I am always up for more Ethan!
Additionally, I really don't like the cover. I think that is tiny bit creepy and well.... Creepy as HELL! I get that this is supposed to be Brynne but really she is looking something like...
Well... the book was great so, who cares! LOL!
Looking forward to more Ethan & Brynne!
Keep reading for my reaction to the news about the delay... and the excruciating waiting!
The switch from indie to traditional publishing means that the publisher retains control over release dates and pricing. Atria has set Spring 2013 for the release of Part 3.
Source: Raine Miller
UPDATE: 02/14/13
The third part in The Blackstone Affair series: A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.
Expected publication: May 14th 2013
GOOD NEWS!
But still... MAY?!!?!?!?!!
May 8, 2013
So my review is probably gonna be a jumbled up mess bc I devoured this book last night...will I be rereading? Oh hell yes!! The Blackstone series is a personal favorite, and I always reread my favorites.
Basically one gif sums up my feelings for this book...
Okay maybe one other...
How amazingly awesome is it that I got a HUGE surprise in my inbox last night with an ARC of Eyes Wide Open? This was me...
Swoons...Oh Ethan, even though I didn't think it was possible, I fell even more in love with you in this book.
There are a lot of twists and turns for Ethan and Brynne in the novel
We pick up right where the second book left off. Of course, the beginning is chilling bc it is in the POV of the stalker. Srsly freaky!! Then we find Ethan and Brynne at his sister Hannah's house.
Can I just say how much I loved all the cutesy banter and chemistry between Brynne and Ethan? They both seemed to come even more alive in this book, especially after her pregnancy was revealed. Ethan was hilarious whenever he was put into a situation outside of his comfort zone--like in the doctor's office scenes, with his sister and brother and law, with his niece, Zara, even with his dad.
Ethan and his niece Zara
They're just so damn cute. So many endearing scenes with them, which show us he is going to be an amazing father. I love when he wakes up to find her watching him and freaks because he's naked(cuz ya know, he and Brynne have been quite the randy pair the night before). When he takes her for ice cream and the fact she is the one who spills the beans to so many people about Brynne's pregnancy. She's so very precocious, and Ethan is a darling with her--so much so that Brynne does a double take at the way he acts when they're at his sister, Hannah's, house. I loved Hannah and Freddy and their entire family. I love the allusion to Raine's other characters, Jeremy and Georginna and Darius and Marianna(OMG THE ANGEL STATUE OF JONATHAN!! WEEPS).
And then of course there's the smex...Ethan and his filthy mouth...
Yes, my body is most def ready any time and any place. And it's not just his ability to shag and shag often in various places and positions(the shower scene anyone? And erm, some added kinkiness!) His possessiveness while also being tender and loving just makes him all the more endearing. He always makes sure his lady comes first and is satisfied, although usually worn out. And their angry sex?!!! OMG!!!
I knew after reading the first chapter online what Ethan wanted of Brynne to keep her safe--for her to move him with him and get married. Although it's only been two months and she does love him, Brynne is very, very conflicted. But it's when their love is truly tested that Brynne can see it isn't an arrangement of convienience. Ethan has given her his whole heart, mind, soul, and body, and there's no going back. As he reminds her, he's all in. SWOONS!!!
This is when the future Baby Blackstone puts a small wrench in things. But I gotta say that Ethan melted my heart with his devotion to Brynne and his unyeilding desire to stand by her no matter what. Brynne broke my heart as she came to grips with the potential of being a mother, the ghosts of her past etc. She also broke my heart when she explains to Ethan why nude modeling is so important to her.
And then this was me when in the midst of happy wedding planning with Gaby and Benny, Brynne gets a call from her mother, the epic bitch and Ice Princess, that her father has died of a heart attack and was found in his pool
The moment I heard it I gasped out-loud. I wept for Brynne's grief, especially after the cuteness of her last Skype chat with her dad when she and Ethan told him the news of their blueberry/raspberry.olive(loved the way they used the baby progressoon site to describe Baby Blackstone and their banter during those scenes were so freaking cute!!). At the same time, I knew something was up and that Thomas's death wasn't going to be a natural death in the end. The plane ride home from Cali to London...wow, Ethan was so sweet and protective as he gave her a little more of himself and his experiences while feeding her. Sniffs...
And while I had it in my mind about Karl, the former boyfriend of Brynne's before her horrific attack, it was a heart palpitating scene when he shows up at her apartment and abducts her. Poor Ethan when he got the text pretending that Brynne was leaving him. WEEEPS
But here's what I love the most. Brynne isn't just a wilting flower/damsel in distress waiting for Mr. Mc Sexypants Blackstone to come and save her. No, our American girl is resourceful. She leaves him clues and finds ways to get Ethan to know her location since Karl the Crazy dropped her old cell phone with tracking into Simba's aquarium(I was kinda afraid he was going to do something bad to Simba too, lol, like some weird Fatal Attraction thing).
I was really kept up on my toes throughout the abduction scene, especially when Brynne and Ethan are almost reunited only to have Karl hold a knife to Brynne's throat, which for Ethan is a double edged sword bc it was the basis of his nightmares--how he was almost decapitated by his captors in Afghanistan. And while in the end the bad guy gets taken out, you're left with a sinking feeling with Senator Oakley and the ghosts of the past that Brynne and Ethan aren't totally out of danger and are going to sail into the sunset as a happily married couple with a baby on the way.
But then it was on a to a beautiful and gorgeous wedding held at Ethan's sister's house. Best new character award goes to the photographer Simon, who Ethan almost beats the shit out of when he storms into one of Brynne's nude modeling sessions). He is HILARIOUS!! And I hope to see him in the 4th book!!
I LOVED and ADORED how Ethan's dead mother means so much to him--she is his angel. I loved that his tattoo is representative of her and that when he was being tortured he felt that she protected him--and he prayed to her for Brynne. I also wept when Brynne realized that through her father hiring Ethan, he had made way for a future for his daughter--in the moment it seemed he was providing safety and protection, but in the end, that one act meant a lifetime of love, acceptance and happiness for both Brynne and Ethan.
So many intricate details are woven in like why Brynne does the modeling, why Ethan loves smoking the clove cigaretts(oh man that scene...), the reveal that through Simba they had actually met each other before at the pet shop at Christmas, and then the stark realization that if it hadn't been for Karl, they never would have met. And I love that Daddy Blackstone and Aunt Marie are getting jiggy together!!
Basically one gif sums up my feelings for this book...
Okay maybe one other...
How amazingly awesome is it that I got a HUGE surprise in my inbox last night with an ARC of Eyes Wide Open? This was me...
Swoons...Oh Ethan, even though I didn't think it was possible, I fell even more in love with you in this book.
There are a lot of twists and turns for Ethan and Brynne in the novel
We pick up right where the second book left off. Of course, the beginning is chilling bc it is in the POV of the stalker. Srsly freaky!! Then we find Ethan and Brynne at his sister Hannah's house.
Can I just say how much I loved all the cutesy banter and chemistry between Brynne and Ethan? They both seemed to come even more alive in this book, especially after her pregnancy was revealed. Ethan was hilarious whenever he was put into a situation outside of his comfort zone--like in the doctor's office scenes, with his sister and brother and law, with his niece, Zara, even with his dad.
Ethan and his niece Zara
They're just so damn cute. So many endearing scenes with them, which show us he is going to be an amazing father. I love when he wakes up to find her watching him and freaks because he's naked(cuz ya know, he and Brynne have been quite the randy pair the night before). When he takes her for ice cream and the fact she is the one who spills the beans to so many people about Brynne's pregnancy. She's so very precocious, and Ethan is a darling with her--so much so that Brynne does a double take at the way he acts when they're at his sister, Hannah's, house. I loved Hannah and Freddy and their entire family. I love the allusion to Raine's other characters, Jeremy and Georginna and Darius and Marianna(OMG THE ANGEL STATUE OF JONATHAN!! WEEPS).
And then of course there's the smex...Ethan and his filthy mouth...
Yes, my body is most def ready any time and any place. And it's not just his ability to shag and shag often in various places and positions(the shower scene anyone? And erm, some added kinkiness!) His possessiveness while also being tender and loving just makes him all the more endearing. He always makes sure his lady comes first and is satisfied, although usually worn out. And their angry sex?!!! OMG!!!
I knew after reading the first chapter online what Ethan wanted of Brynne to keep her safe--for her to move him with him and get married. Although it's only been two months and she does love him, Brynne is very, very conflicted. But it's when their love is truly tested that Brynne can see it isn't an arrangement of convienience. Ethan has given her his whole heart, mind, soul, and body, and there's no going back. As he reminds her, he's all in. SWOONS!!!
This is when the future Baby Blackstone puts a small wrench in things. But I gotta say that Ethan melted my heart with his devotion to Brynne and his unyeilding desire to stand by her no matter what. Brynne broke my heart as she came to grips with the potential of being a mother, the ghosts of her past etc. She also broke my heart when she explains to Ethan why nude modeling is so important to her.
And then this was me when in the midst of happy wedding planning with Gaby and Benny, Brynne gets a call from her mother, the epic bitch and Ice Princess, that her father has died of a heart attack and was found in his pool
The moment I heard it I gasped out-loud. I wept for Brynne's grief, especially after the cuteness of her last Skype chat with her dad when she and Ethan told him the news of their blueberry/raspberry.olive(loved the way they used the baby progressoon site to describe Baby Blackstone and their banter during those scenes were so freaking cute!!). At the same time, I knew something was up and that Thomas's death wasn't going to be a natural death in the end. The plane ride home from Cali to London...wow, Ethan was so sweet and protective as he gave her a little more of himself and his experiences while feeding her. Sniffs...
And while I had it in my mind about Karl, the former boyfriend of Brynne's before her horrific attack, it was a heart palpitating scene when he shows up at her apartment and abducts her. Poor Ethan when he got the text pretending that Brynne was leaving him. WEEEPS
But here's what I love the most. Brynne isn't just a wilting flower/damsel in distress waiting for Mr. Mc Sexypants Blackstone to come and save her. No, our American girl is resourceful. She leaves him clues and finds ways to get Ethan to know her location since Karl the Crazy dropped her old cell phone with tracking into Simba's aquarium(I was kinda afraid he was going to do something bad to Simba too, lol, like some weird Fatal Attraction thing).
I was really kept up on my toes throughout the abduction scene, especially when Brynne and Ethan are almost reunited only to have Karl hold a knife to Brynne's throat, which for Ethan is a double edged sword bc it was the basis of his nightmares--how he was almost decapitated by his captors in Afghanistan. And while in the end the bad guy gets taken out, you're left with a sinking feeling with Senator Oakley and the ghosts of the past that Brynne and Ethan aren't totally out of danger and are going to sail into the sunset as a happily married couple with a baby on the way.
But then it was on a to a beautiful and gorgeous wedding held at Ethan's sister's house. Best new character award goes to the photographer Simon, who Ethan almost beats the shit out of when he storms into one of Brynne's nude modeling sessions). He is HILARIOUS!! And I hope to see him in the 4th book!!
I LOVED and ADORED how Ethan's dead mother means so much to him--she is his angel. I loved that his tattoo is representative of her and that when he was being tortured he felt that she protected him--and he prayed to her for Brynne. I also wept when Brynne realized that through her father hiring Ethan, he had made way for a future for his daughter--in the moment it seemed he was providing safety and protection, but in the end, that one act meant a lifetime of love, acceptance and happiness for both Brynne and Ethan.
So many intricate details are woven in like why Brynne does the modeling, why Ethan loves smoking the clove cigaretts(oh man that scene...), the reveal that through Simba they had actually met each other before at the pet shop at Christmas, and then the stark realization that if it hadn't been for Karl, they never would have met. And I love that Daddy Blackstone and Aunt Marie are getting jiggy together!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2014
“Eyes on me, baby”
“You know I have to have your eyes when I take you!”
4.5 perfect-E stars
I fell hard for Ethan James Blackstone of Blackstone Security International, Ltd. in the first book of this series, and my love affair with this oh-so-handsome, blue-eyed alpha, English gentleman, dirty talking, dominate, possessive and commanding lover-is even stronger now.
I absolutely adore Ethan and I have to rate him as “The Best” adult male hero in my book collection.
Eyes Wide Open is just about ‘E’-perfection. Everything I love so much about E played out in this storyline. It picked up right where All In left off and Ethan and Brynne are getting a much-needed weekend away at Ethan’s sisters home. If I did not love Ethan already, the deal was sealed when his niece Zara hit the scene…OMG too freaking cute. “I know who you are. Uncle Ethan loves you and drinks Mexican beers now because of you.”
Zara wakes up Ethan after her Mom tells her not to and Ethan thinks “There is nothing quite like a silent child staring at you while you’re sleeping, or even worse, to wake up to.”
Brynne learns a little bit more about Ethan’s life from his sister Hannah, when she tells her about how he acted after their Mother died. And we learn a bit more about the cause of Ethan’s nightmares, but Ethan is still a fairly guarded and private man, yet one that is not at all afraid to express his feelings for the women he loves “My baby loves me, and I know how to give her what she needs…”
The alternating POV really allowed the reader to get into Ethan and Brynne’s head. I thought this was very well done, as I was able to be connected more than ever to these two characters. I felt everything they did.
Okay… so more about the story. Even though Ethan and Brynne have only been together a couple of months, Ethan is convinced that Brynne must marry him in order for him to keep her safe.
Well, with her insecurities, depression and other issues, she just is not yet willing to agree to this proposal. Brynne loves Ethan and she knows he loves her, but marriage?
So… there are some exciting events that pepper the rest of the story as lives are threatened and secrets are discovered and a family tragedy occurs. Ethan never fails in his commitment and love for Brynne. “But I love you, Brynne, and I have to be with you. Isn’t that enough?”
Hell yeah… It is for me even though Ethan gives Brynne more than enough in my opinion. And I am not just talking about the sexy loving which is some of THE BEST HOTTEST sex scenes I have ever read. I am talking about the total “All In” Ethan has for Brynne, through sickness, health, till death do us part.
I will get off my Ethan love fest rant and encourage all of The Blackstone Affair series lovers to read this book and for those of you that have not discovered the beauty of this series, go get Naked and enjoy!
“E’s a walking miracle, Brynne.” Yeah, he’s a miracle all right. My miracle”
Or... a bike riding miracle...
Or...an up against the wall miracle!
How much longer do I have to wait for more Ethan?
Oh... we get more Ethan in book four... Ahhhh *swoons*
*Thank you Atria Books via NetGalley for providing an ARC for review!
December 7, 2017
★★★★★! Eyes Wide Open, book 3 of 4. The suspenseful conclusion of Ethan Blackstone’s all-consuming romance saga with his American girl while trying to protect her & uncover secrets in a deadly high-stakes political game!
“Ethan possessed a skill set that combined hot, bad-boy sex god with mannerly, romantic gentleman; something so rare and captivating, I didn’t have a chance of resisting the pull.”
The spectacular Blackstone Affair series follows world-renowned security expert and owner of Blackstone International Ltd., Ethan Blackstone in his whirlwind romance with American born University of London student Brynne Bennett. When Brynne’s past comes back to haunt her, Ethan sets out to protect and solve the mystery of a treacherous and deadly high stake political game involving the Vice Presidency for the United States. No one is safe, and neither is the heart of sworn playboy Ethan. One look at Brynne and he is determined to have her at any cost.
SOMERSET HISTORICALS
Book 1: The Passion of Darius
Darius & Marianne (year 1837)
Book 2: The Undoing of a Libertine
Jeremy & Georgina (year 1837)
THE BLACKSTONE AFFAIR - Ethan & Brynne
Book 1: Naked
Book 2: All In
Book 3: Eyes Wide Open
Book 4: Rare and Precious Things
Book 5: The Blessings of Ethan Blackstone
Eyes Wide Open (book 3) picks up at the peaceful ending of book 2 and is seamlessly told, alternating between Ethan’s and Brynne’s POV. As they forge ahead on their journey of self-discovery and fulfillment in their very co-dependent and all-consuming relationship, dark and powerful forces from Brynne’s past are set on hurting her and everyone she cares about. No one is safe! This is the nail-biting, glued-to your seat chocking conclusion of their beautiful saga. Book 4, due out at the end of this year could be described as a stand-alone epilogue.
Under the constant threat to her life plus the onslaught seduction by Ethan Brynne Bennett has been forced to dig deep and learn her strengths. She is facing her fears, learning to compromise and letting go.
“Ethan’s particular brand of attention was intense and a lot to accept at first, but it worked for me. Ethan worked for me. He could show me how much he wanted me, and for the first time I had some hope that we could really make this relationship work.”
Five words to describe Brynne: Tenuous, determined, fragile, enchanting and compelling.
Ethan Blackstone has been relentless and possessive in his pursuit of Brynne from the moment they met. It is a pleasure watch him order and demand, bend and compromise, coo and coheres - ANYTHING to win and keep his American girl.
“We are continuing on like we have been. I don’t know where you think we’re headed, but I can assure you it’ll be somewhere where we are together.” He narrowed his eyes and glared a little. “All in, Brynne, or did you forget so soon?”
***
“I loved having her like this. Needing me to take care of her and knowing she was going to let me.”
And just like Brynne this has been a journey of self-exploration and growth, learning to compromise and letting go. Six words to describe Ethan: Unforgettable, dominant, enigmatic, smart, captivating and driven.
A perfect ending to the perfect read! Addictive and suspenseful plot!. Spellbinding storytelling! Unforgettable Ethan! A must-read series! Thanks again Ms. Miller!
“Ethan naked in the bed was a sight I never tired of. He was male beauty personified. His arms, his chest, the washboard abs and V-cut hips, all of him.”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
*********************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Hero: Ethan James Blackstone/32 years/Security expert-owner of Blackstone Intl Ltd-former Special Forces/$$$$/black hair/blue eyes/6’3”
Heroine: Brynne Bennett/24 years/Art Conservancy graduate student at the University of London-nude model/brown hair/hazel eyes
May 13, 2013
Do not read this review unless you have read the rest of the books in this series.
Spoiler free
Ethan is finally back!!!!
I am so glad when I received and ARC of this book. I needed Ethan like I needed air.
All of this from the man who had broken through the wall I'd built captured me.
So we take off right from the end of the last book. Ethan is taking Brynne to his sisters mansion to get away.
I am not going to go into all the details of what happened in the book since I don't want to giveaway anything, you would just have to read it to believe it.
I will say it goes on quite slow for a while. There was a lot of smokin hot sex scene's that will leave you all hot and bothered. Then there is quite a few of these...
But nothing happens in the book till a little over half way through. So I was getting kind of bored of reading about everyday life. The only thing I was not getting bored of is the smokin' hot sex.
When things finally started to pick up they picked up. I jumped up and was reading like a hawk. It wasn't what I expected cause there are still some things that never gotten explained to me.
But overall I love Ethan, I did feel Brynne was a little but whinny in this book then the last two. This is a overall a great series and loved this book.
I received an ARC provided by NetGalley for exchange for an honest review.
Spoiler free
Ethan is finally back!!!!
I am so glad when I received and ARC of this book. I needed Ethan like I needed air.
All of this from the man who had broken through the wall I'd built captured me.
So we take off right from the end of the last book. Ethan is taking Brynne to his sisters mansion to get away.
I am not going to go into all the details of what happened in the book since I don't want to giveaway anything, you would just have to read it to believe it.
I will say it goes on quite slow for a while. There was a lot of smokin hot sex scene's that will leave you all hot and bothered. Then there is quite a few of these...
But nothing happens in the book till a little over half way through. So I was getting kind of bored of reading about everyday life. The only thing I was not getting bored of is the smokin' hot sex.
When things finally started to pick up they picked up. I jumped up and was reading like a hawk. It wasn't what I expected cause there are still some things that never gotten explained to me.
But overall I love Ethan, I did feel Brynne was a little but whinny in this book then the last two. This is a overall a great series and loved this book.
I received an ARC provided by NetGalley for exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2014
I loved the Blackstone Affair Series. I loved every moment we were able to spend with the delicious Ethan and the beautiful Brynne. I thought about reading book 1 & 2 again to refresh my memory, but after a few pages I found that I remembered everything clear as day. EWO starts just after All In ends, they are leaving the gala and heading to his sister's home. The threat to Brynne is still there and Ethan is trying to protect her and ensure the security for the games is still in place.
We get to see a really soft side of Ethan as the POV changes. He is still reeling from the events at the gala that could have taken her from him. Although he still drives it home in the bedroom, he was so sugary sweet I was not sure if I was suffering from hot flashes from his filthy mouth or going into a diabetic coma over how thoughtful he was. And boy does he have some things come up that show just how flipping perfect he is.
Brynne has finally found peace, she loves him. She needs him and she knows that is something she never expected to feel or even admit to. He gives her what she needs to move on just as she calms him when his past comes back to haunt him. His past...well we get a lot more back story to Ethan than before. We get some insight into what happened to him while held prisoner and just how much he was changed by Brynne with how his family reacts to the changes.
One thing never changes, a woman like Brynne needs the strong hold of a man like Ethan. He keeps her grounded and that she no longer needs to run. That even in anger they are connected, that their connection goes so much further than they knew of (bonus at the end of the book was cute). A message from her father led Ethan to her, and although some horrible events take place between the pages of this story that message ended up being one of the greatest gifts a father could give to his daughter. That gift saved the lives of two people.
I was hoping that we would have seen a little teaser that Ivan and Gaby would get a little story to see if they end up getting together. I will now be going through Ethan Blackstone withdrawals, but will have the perfect excuse for searching for images of David Gandy as I recover.
And now for some David Gandy.
*sigh* Oh, Ethan how I have missed you.
September 6, 2015
This book starts out with a very creepy prologue from the stalker's POV and it reaffirmed who I thought it was. Luckily, we quickly get back to Ethan and Brynne and Ethan doing what he does best.
I really enjoyed Ethan and Brynne's time at Ethan's sister, Hannah's, house. Their family is wonderful especially Zara! OMGosh...she made the book! And I really loved her and Ethan's relationship.
Things drastically change between Ethan and Brynne...not only their relationship but the stalker has stepped things up as well. I was really sad about one event that happened and really wished it hadn't but oh well.
The stalker situation does come to a head...some things are a bit unbelievable though but at least ~hopefully~ it's over so we can get to the good stuff.
So the good stuff...is good! I especially loved their presents to each other. And hopefully, the next book, Rare and Precious Things will have even more good stuff!
♦ And don't miss out on the short about the "almost meet"!
Favorite quote:
♥ “I don’t care if you want slobbery dog germs on your ice cream. Do what you want.”
I really enjoyed Ethan and Brynne's time at Ethan's sister, Hannah's, house. Their family is wonderful especially Zara! OMGosh...she made the book! And I really loved her and Ethan's relationship.
Things drastically change between Ethan and Brynne...not only their relationship but the stalker has stepped things up as well. I was really sad about one event that happened and really wished it hadn't but oh well.
The stalker situation does come to a head...some things are a bit unbelievable though but at least ~hopefully~ it's over so we can get to the good stuff.
So the good stuff...is good! I especially loved their presents to each other. And hopefully, the next book, Rare and Precious Things will have even more good stuff!
♦ And don't miss out on the short about the "almost meet"!
Favorite quote:
♥ “I don’t care if you want slobbery dog germs on your ice cream. Do what you want.”
May 23, 2013
^*^5 Happily Ever After stars^*^
"The f*cking had always been HOT and WICKEDLY good for us."
"My kinky, foul-mouthed, romantic gentlemen lover."
This is the third installment of Ethan and Brynne's love story and what a story it was...and it's all because of....ETHAN BLACKSTONE. He is PERFECT, AWESOME, HOT, AMAZING, GORGEOUS, RICH, BOSSY, PROTECTIVE, SWEET, TALKS DIRTY, did I mention that he's HOT??? I was on the edge of my seat this entire book...crying, laughing, screaming, smiling, and lastly, HAPPY TEARS. If you haven't read this series...I definitely recommend it...if anything else, you will LOVE Ethan ♥
I WANT my cock in you ALL night long."
"Yep, the SCENERY and my MAN were both mighty FINE."
"You're everything I WANT and NEED."
"The thing is I need something MORE permanent with us. I NEED you with me all the time so I can PROTECT you and we can be TOGETHER everyday....and night."
"Eyes on my baby," You know I have to have your eyes when I take you!"
Ethan has always been single-minded, bossy, stubborn...
Ethan and his FILTHY mouth. It was CRAZY as hell, but that DIRTY talk did something to me.
Brynne was my GREATEST gift. She was the first person to REALLY see inside me. Only her eyes seemed even CAPABLE of doing it. ONLY my Brynne's eyes
The small things in life are sometimes the most precious gifts were given, and when you recognize them when they arrive, then you are truly blessed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
And me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
**BR with the pink ladies :)
"The f*cking had always been HOT and WICKEDLY good for us."
"My kinky, foul-mouthed, romantic gentlemen lover."
This is the third installment of Ethan and Brynne's love story and what a story it was...and it's all because of....ETHAN BLACKSTONE. He is PERFECT, AWESOME, HOT, AMAZING, GORGEOUS, RICH, BOSSY, PROTECTIVE, SWEET, TALKS DIRTY, did I mention that he's HOT??? I was on the edge of my seat this entire book...crying, laughing, screaming, smiling, and lastly, HAPPY TEARS. If you haven't read this series...I definitely recommend it...if anything else, you will LOVE Ethan ♥
I WANT my cock in you ALL night long."
"Yep, the SCENERY and my MAN were both mighty FINE."
"You're everything I WANT and NEED."
"The thing is I need something MORE permanent with us. I NEED you with me all the time so I can PROTECT you and we can be TOGETHER everyday....and night."
"Eyes on my baby," You know I have to have your eyes when I take you!"
Ethan has always been single-minded, bossy, stubborn...
Ethan and his FILTHY mouth. It was CRAZY as hell, but that DIRTY talk did something to me.
Brynne was my GREATEST gift. She was the first person to REALLY see inside me. Only her eyes seemed even CAPABLE of doing it. ONLY my Brynne's eyes
The small things in life are sometimes the most precious gifts were given, and when you recognize them when they arrive, then you are truly blessed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
And me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
**BR with the pink ladies :)
August 11, 2016
2 Fell Flat Stars! I'm throwing in the towel...I'm done with this series!
This should have been a 2 book series...tops! As far as I'm concerned Ethan and Brynne's story's been told and the author's repeating the same old, same old. Instead of writing full length books with no plot, the author could have brought readers back into Ethan and Brynne's lives with some nice little short stories.
The mystery surrounding Brynne's stalker, all that build-up through 3 books, and in my opinion it was an epic fail. Not exciting at all, and really didn't make any sense to me once the reason behind the stalking was revealed.
Sex, sex, and more sex...pretty much consumed this read. Then the back and forth with Brynne...enough already!
Of course Ethan is the draw for me in this series and he did give me a few laughs here, so at least that was a plus.
I'm guessing the next book is going to be......very exciting *says Karla sarcastically*!
A lot of readers love this series, and I also loved Naked, enjoyed All In, but in my opinion, Eyes Wide Open took a big nose dive and I won't be moving on.
November 20, 2014
I'M HALFWAY THROUGH . . .
. . . and I'm finding it really boring. Maybe it's just not to my tastes, but so far it's sweet, sappy and overly dramatic. Nothing has really happened besides Brynne (SPOILER!!!!) getting pregnant. Which isn't such a surprise considering it happens in every book like this. 'Cause, you know, it'd be too hard for authors to come up with a new type of plot.
Give me something unique, scandalous, surprising or dark, otherwise I'm not interested.
I don't care about cutsie little kids, descriptions of old houses, making bread or going out for ice cream. Sorry, not very erotic erotica.
And the first sex scene was hot, but then I just started skimming them because Ethan's POV just ruined his character for me. He's kind of a dork and a regular guy. He really needs to stop using his thumb to point at himself and everything around him. Dork! And to be honest, half the sappiness is coming from him. Yeah, he loves her, I get it. What else? May I recommend a scene where he snaps some villains neck? That'd get his balls back.
OKAY, DONE . . .
. . . and I would've given this book 3 stars but I'm too annoyed with all the boring and constantly cheesy parts. The whodunnit? Too obvious and it would've been a better book if the other possible suspect had been the culprit.
The book did have a few good moments, but it was mostly a drug out rehashing of Ethan and Brynne thinking about how they just love each other sooooo much.
Don't care.
. . . and I'm finding it really boring. Maybe it's just not to my tastes, but so far it's sweet, sappy and overly dramatic. Nothing has really happened besides Brynne (SPOILER!!!!) getting pregnant. Which isn't such a surprise considering it happens in every book like this. 'Cause, you know, it'd be too hard for authors to come up with a new type of plot.
Give me something unique, scandalous, surprising or dark, otherwise I'm not interested.
I don't care about cutsie little kids, descriptions of old houses, making bread or going out for ice cream. Sorry, not very erotic erotica.
And the first sex scene was hot, but then I just started skimming them because Ethan's POV just ruined his character for me. He's kind of a dork and a regular guy. He really needs to stop using his thumb to point at himself and everything around him. Dork! And to be honest, half the sappiness is coming from him. Yeah, he loves her, I get it. What else? May I recommend a scene where he snaps some villains neck? That'd get his balls back.
OKAY, DONE . . .
. . . and I would've given this book 3 stars but I'm too annoyed with all the boring and constantly cheesy parts. The whodunnit? Too obvious and it would've been a better book if the other possible suspect had been the culprit.
The book did have a few good moments, but it was mostly a drug out rehashing of Ethan and Brynne thinking about how they just love each other sooooo much.
Don't care.
May 19, 2013
Oh Ethan....
“My kinky, foul-mouthed romantic gentleman lover.” -Brynne
This is the third in the series and the "end" of the series. There will be a fourth stand alone book. I had a hard time remembering the details from the first two book but I quickly caught up without a re-read. Before I go too far, I have to get my Ethan fan-girling out of the way...
Ok, I'm better now. Eyes wide open begins where book 2 left off. Ethan and Brynne are in a relationship and both of them are All In. We still don't know who the mysterious bad guy is.
“My position was simple, really. I didn't care about her past. It changed nothing in my feelings for her. She was the one-the one person I needed to be with. Now it was just a matter of convincing her of this fact. And I will... because I love her.”- Ethan
Ethan and Brynne have a lot of obstacles to overcome in this installment. He is still suffering from nightmares. We learn more about Ethan and why he continues to be plagued by horrific dreams.
Brynn continues to work as in art restoration as well as modeling. Ethan begins to have serious problems with her posing nude. Brynne is not interested in giving up her livelihood. Brynn begins to understand why she feels compelled to pose for these pictures.
“Are you real?" He whispered, brushing up my face with the back of his fingers in a cherishing caress. "Because I'll want you forever.” -Ethan
Ethan and Brynne get closer and we get to see this from both points of view. We get to understand more of what Brynne is going through and feel the depth of both her and Ethan's feelings for one another. I absolutely adore Ethan in all of his possessive alpha male manliness. I also adored Brynn who was a just a real person dealing with her horrible past.
This was my favorite by far in the series. I think the dual POV helped and the wrap up of many of the past issues. There were still a few strings left hanging but not so many that I would call it a cliffhanger. Overall, five glorious stars!
***A copy of this book was provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review***
“My kinky, foul-mouthed romantic gentleman lover.” -Brynne
This is the third in the series and the "end" of the series. There will be a fourth stand alone book. I had a hard time remembering the details from the first two book but I quickly caught up without a re-read. Before I go too far, I have to get my Ethan fan-girling out of the way...
Ok, I'm better now. Eyes wide open begins where book 2 left off. Ethan and Brynne are in a relationship and both of them are All In. We still don't know who the mysterious bad guy is.
“My position was simple, really. I didn't care about her past. It changed nothing in my feelings for her. She was the one-the one person I needed to be with. Now it was just a matter of convincing her of this fact. And I will... because I love her.”- Ethan
Ethan and Brynne have a lot of obstacles to overcome in this installment. He is still suffering from nightmares. We learn more about Ethan and why he continues to be plagued by horrific dreams.
Brynn continues to work as in art restoration as well as modeling. Ethan begins to have serious problems with her posing nude. Brynne is not interested in giving up her livelihood. Brynn begins to understand why she feels compelled to pose for these pictures.
“Are you real?" He whispered, brushing up my face with the back of his fingers in a cherishing caress. "Because I'll want you forever.” -Ethan
Ethan and Brynne get closer and we get to see this from both points of view. We get to understand more of what Brynne is going through and feel the depth of both her and Ethan's feelings for one another. I absolutely adore Ethan in all of his possessive alpha male manliness. I also adored Brynn who was a just a real person dealing with her horrible past.
This was my favorite by far in the series. I think the dual POV helped and the wrap up of many of the past issues. There were still a few strings left hanging but not so many that I would call it a cliffhanger. Overall, five glorious stars!
***A copy of this book was provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review***
July 14, 2014
***** 4.5 STARS *****
This one blew me away!
I could hardly put it down.
My favorite in the series so far!!!
Sexy and swoon worthy Ethan is back ladies!!
The sex is out of this world hot and starts from page one and keeps going throughout!!!
There are times when too much sex can kill a story but not in this case.
I enjoyed every sexy time scene to be had in this book!!
Ethan is insatiable and lucky Brynne gets to reap the benefits!!!
Ethan and Brynne's whirlwind romance is getting serious fast.
But for these two it is just as it should be.
Their love for each other just swept me away and I felt like I was floating on cloud nine for most of the book.
FINALLY, Brynne is admitting just how much she loves and needs Ethan in her life!!!
I no longer felt like the relationship was one sided and I started to really like Brynne.
She proved to be a very loving and smart chick in this book!!
"They are looking at you, but my eyes have really only been opened since you came into my world. You gave me everything. You made me really want to see what was around me, for the first time in my adult life. You made me want you . You made me want...a life. You were my greatest gift of all, Ethan James Blackstone."
This was the book where the relationship between Ethan and Brynne becomes what I love most in romances. Their love for each other was truly unconditional. It's as if they needed each other to be able to breathe.
I loved how fiercely Ethan protected Brynne and that in the end, when she was in danger, she had the wits about her to help him find her.
She fought just as hard to stay alive for him.
Her first thought was of how devastated he'd be without her.
That is the kind of love story that grabs my heart and never lets go!
What makes this series so perfect is that my gorgeous David Gandy is Ethan!
I had some pretty lovely visuals in my head throughout this series!
I'll end this review with a lovely Gandy GIF!!!
This one blew me away!
I could hardly put it down.
My favorite in the series so far!!!
Sexy and swoon worthy Ethan is back ladies!!
The sex is out of this world hot and starts from page one and keeps going throughout!!!
There are times when too much sex can kill a story but not in this case.
I enjoyed every sexy time scene to be had in this book!!
Ethan is insatiable and lucky Brynne gets to reap the benefits!!!
Ethan and Brynne's whirlwind romance is getting serious fast.
But for these two it is just as it should be.
Their love for each other just swept me away and I felt like I was floating on cloud nine for most of the book.
FINALLY, Brynne is admitting just how much she loves and needs Ethan in her life!!!
I no longer felt like the relationship was one sided and I started to really like Brynne.
She proved to be a very loving and smart chick in this book!!
"They are looking at you, but my eyes have really only been opened since you came into my world. You gave me everything. You made me really want to see what was around me, for the first time in my adult life. You made me want you . You made me want...a life. You were my greatest gift of all, Ethan James Blackstone."
This was the book where the relationship between Ethan and Brynne becomes what I love most in romances. Their love for each other was truly unconditional. It's as if they needed each other to be able to breathe.
I loved how fiercely Ethan protected Brynne and that in the end, when she was in danger, she had the wits about her to help him find her.
She fought just as hard to stay alive for him.
Her first thought was of how devastated he'd be without her.
That is the kind of love story that grabs my heart and never lets go!
What makes this series so perfect is that my gorgeous David Gandy is Ethan!
I had some pretty lovely visuals in my head throughout this series!
I'll end this review with a lovely Gandy GIF!!!
May 16, 2013
“Did I ever tell you how much I enjoy your gentlemanly manners? Such a contrast with that filthy mouth you’ve got, but man, it really works for me.”
MyDavid Ethan and Me Brynne
Maybe I could be his beautiful argentinian girl? LOLZ :P
Ok, so back to reality....
The book was good, we gets loads of Ethan´s kinky POV and great love scnes. My favorite part was the marriage proposal, it was super sweet!
Even though the book didn´t exceed my expectations, it was a solid 4 stars.
This is a lovely series, it´s kinda instalove-ish but it works for the story.
Looking forward tomore Ethan book 4 :)
My
Maybe I could be his beautiful argentinian girl? LOLZ :P
Ok, so back to reality....
The book was good, we gets loads of Ethan´s kinky POV and great love scnes. My favorite part was the marriage proposal, it was super sweet!
Even though the book didn´t exceed my expectations, it was a solid 4 stars.
This is a lovely series, it´s kinda instalove-ish but it works for the story.
Looking forward to
December 4, 2013
Is that book worth reading?
A short answer would be “NO”.
The long one “FUCK, NO”.
sentence – KILL IT WITH FIRE.
Now, I’m not going to hide spoilers in that review because:
a)Plot is predictable
b)What plot?
c)A person with two lone brain cells would’ve figured a big secret before the end of the second book.
d)It’s a clear rip off 50 shades of “coulour that is not to be publicly mentioned”
WARNING – LANGUAGE
One of my biggest gripes - NOTHING HAPPENS. To describe emotions of characters and how they deal with situations is good. But you can't, you just can't, devote 90% of a book to it. I mean really? Pregnancy & marriage. That’s it. The entireplot a is dramatic emotional rollercoaster. The supposed imminent threat to her mostly forgotten. Events related to “danger” are barely mentioned in passing. Fuck me. And when you think that finally, after 180 pages there'll be a change... For fucks sake, takes like 10 pages total. And that was the most thrilling and unexpected thing in the book! I flipped at that point. It was a chance for that piece of nonsense to bounce back. Didn’t happen.
That 'security agency' - that is bullshit. The way it's portrayed. Half assed effort. I cringed every time it was mentioned.
And the main characters. I just don't like them. But more on that once I get to quote that monstrosity.
1.
Ridicules marriage proposal - after 2 months! I don’t consider it spoiler, as it’s said on the first page. And she has doubts (how dare she!) And the situation is dealt with extensively on next… 200 pages? Or something like that. Same. Fucking. Conversations. And inner monologues. Over and over again.
And what is Ethan’s reasoning?
“I know, baby. It is far too soon, but the world doesn’t have to know that. To them it looks like you’re about to be the wife of the former-SF, high-profile CEO of Blackstone Inc. To whoever is out there with an agenda, they get a message loud and clear. That they need to keep the hell away from you; that they won’t be able to touch you in any way, shape or form, and that they won’t get close enough to even blink at you, let alone deliver threats like that fucked-up shit from last night. ” He kissed me softly, looking very proud of himself. “It’s a brilliant plan.”
Now, I don’t get how that exactly works. The whole reasoning was so flawed it left me banging my poor head against the wall.
I went to find clothes and realized I thought about sex way too much now. A diversion was definitely a good idea. For now. When I got her alone again, well, then all bets were off that I could keep my hands off her. Highly doubtful. It was just another testament of how well we worked together and why I was going in all the way with my American girl. I’d never needed anyone like I needed her. --> oh, what a wonderful reason to get married. True love in it's fullest. Good sex and nothing else. Because they had nothing else going for them. That’s the truth.
Pestering about a wedding:
“I won’t change my mind, Brynne.” He narrowed his eyes and I could see some hurt there. “You’re everything I want and need. I’m sure of that. I just want to make it official to the world so I can protect you in the best way I know how to. People have married for much less.”
a) what kind of reasoning is that? How would that improve her “protection”?
b) you can't know if you'll change your mind. Nobody gets married planning a divorce. I just HATE all those promises. Fuck you.
What Ethan was suggesting did make me feel pressured, but he also made me feel loved. He was a good man willing to make a commitment to me, and only asking for the same in return. Why was I having so much trouble with it? Oh, I don’t know. He seemed like a crazy possessive asshole. The kind that will try to own you completely and will stab you with a knife when you try to leave. That fragment of her inner monologue is so damaged I don’t even know what to say, really.
2.
Solving every problem with sex. Now, it annoyed me before. I mentioned it in reviews of previous parts.
Not liking the conversation?
Angry?
Scared?
Had a nightmare?
Agitated?
Nervous?
Jealous?
Have sex!
"And I was sorry, but I’d been like this with her before. Waking in the night and needing sex to bring myself down from the hyper anxiety of wherever I’d been in my dreams tonight."
“What’s that, strange-man-who-resembles-my-boyfriend-but-can’t-possibly-be-him?” She teased me in a way that made me want to throw her over my shoulder and head back upstairs to our bedroom. --> everything she does leads to sexual thoughts in Ethan's head. EVERYTHING. Plus three was a lame joke.
I glared at him. “Don’t even think about it, Blackstone.” I nodded toward his crotch. “It so won’t help your cause or getting you more of what you like.”
He bit off the end of a piece of bacon and ignored my threat, sweeping over me with sexy, slow eyes. “I like the jealous you very much. It turns me on,” he said in a low tone. What doesn’t?
3.
Lame jokes. Worst kind of humor. Especially after reading Kate Daniels series… Pathetic. Few examples:
- Dr. Banana Probe (yeah, I know, what a brilliant witty nick name Ethan thought of)
- Calling a fetus 'our little blubbery'. I've had it with terms of endearment describing incomplete, underdeveloped human beings. No more. Stop it. I’m not a mother, so all the “baby stuff” always makes me want to vomit in my mouth.
- all jokes about prospective children, now that I think about it, were horrible.
"Your brother can be as blunt as a wooden plank.”
She laughed at my assessment. “I know that too. ‘Subtlety’ is not in his lexicon.” (bad-um-tss)
“Morning, baby. I seem to have a little monkey on my back.” It felt good to be playful for a change. (*his niece is on his back)
“Oh, I’m sorry but we’ve not met before. I wonder if you might’ve seen my boyfriend around?” she asked. --> god, so funny. Finish me off with a brick. Please.
4.
Cheesy dialog. I mean shit that will stain your brain and have you want to scream at night in discomfort. It stays with you.
He put his hand over my left breast and held it there. “I can feel your heart. It’s my heart too.” NO it’s not, you’d be dead! Idiot.
I nodded. “It is your heart, and I am very real, Ethan. I’ve wanted everything we’ve ever done together, and you own my heart now.”
“Now it’s my turn to ask you if you’re real.”
His eyes roamed over me as he nodded again. “I think I became real when I met you.”
“I love you with all of my heart, and all of my mind, and with all of my body. It all belongs to you now.” --> bad idea. You belong to yourself. Only. That kind of dependence is not romantic. It’s sick and will likely lead to a dysfunctional relationship and bad breakup.
Brynne was my greatest gift. She was the first person to really see inside me. Only her eyes seemed even capable of doing it. Only my Brynne’s eyes.
It always amazed me at how easy it was to carry her. I knew why. It was because she carried my heart with her wherever she went. My heart was in her hands, and carrying her was some form of self-preservation, maybe. Holding her, holding me up. --> (Me – screams like a banshee and runs off into the woods while scratching her eyes out, just to never be able to read another line of this verbal diarrhea ever again.)
5.
Descriptions. Yes, nothing is done properly in that book.
He kissed me for a while in his gentle and precious way, as was typical. --> descriptions fluctuate between crude and simplistic to weird, sometimes downright Victorian structures. Such inconsistency takes me right out of the story.
6.
And now a 50 rip off! Brace yourselfs my elves!
- “My poor Ethan...” Sounds familiar???
- Eye rolling. ( Btw. Who does that. Repeatedly. In real life. ?)
- Dirty mouth
- A millionaire (again, how exactly did he make that money? Security agencies don’t work like that. They are either a) small and focused, trustworthy b) mercenaries c) can be big, but take care of routine stuff like guarding parking lots and installing home alarms. What Mr. Blackstone has exactly is beyond me, because it only gets mentioned in the passing. No details.)
I could list more, but would like to keep my sanity.
7.
BAD WRITING> that's what it is! Just that simple. Sums it up.
Repetitive phrases I was well aware of how Brynne’s touch soothed me like nothing else had before. She was the only lifeline that I wanted to grab on to when I found myself in that state. --> stop repeating it, we know already. Like ‘My poor Ethan’. So. Many. Times. I’m a lucky, lucky man for sure. But then that’s not news and it hasn’t been for a while now. (Oh, the sweet irony. Glad author recognizes that it's been stated multiple times and is ready to move on. Yeah, right. No such luck.)
Consistency? What is that?
Her whole face changed into something indescribable, a mixture of beauty and happiness. (Really? I mean really? What's with that writing? So is it indescribable or easily describable? I’m confused.)
“I’m happy for you, E. Hell, I’m thrilled to see you like this. Happy . . . you’re happy with her.” --> again, mad writing skills. An impressive vocabulary! What a variety! In case you wonder the word ‘happy’ has been also used AGAIN right after that line. I’m not a native English speaker, but even I know at least a few acceptable synonyms.
And what is with It’s just one example. Then they continue to run. After eating! And do some other things. And get home. I marked that as a spoiler, because so few things happen, that even taking a stroll seems like a major event.
“I haven’t baked bread in a long time. That was fun this morning.”
“It was for me too,” Hannah said. “Would you like some? I was just getting ready to do an early tea for Freddy and the kids. Fresh bread and homemade strawberry jam.”
“It sounds divine, but a shower is calling my name after that long run and walk back here.”
a) nice to finally recognize she's sweaty
b) Who talks like that?! That dialog was so stiff I could get crucified on it and it would hold. Maybe that was the plan…
Things that don't make sense (are stated, but aren't based in facts) I love that one. Like saying ‘you’re so strong baby’ but nothing ever happened to support that statement. Got to love those crude attempts to forcefully make of story and characters something that they’re clearly NOT.
“Watch it, Blackstone,” she warned.
“Or what?” I challenged. Pointless phrases . Yes, I would like to know ‘what’. Because no matter how badly he fucks up, she will let him stick it in, and since that’s all he wants… Than what is her threat, exactly?
this was my truth. --> tendency to end long inner monologues with something profound like that. Makes me die inside a little bit each time. My poor black little heart. I’ll have to go and still some candy from kids to recuperate. Or push the doors labeled “pull” or something radical like that.
Finally! a quarter into a book the "big secret" is out! Gasp! Like no shit. I didn’t see that one coming. What a plot twist. A pregnancy? Vomiting, fatigue, mood swings, tender breasts… All of that didn’t give me a clue.
we’re pregnant --> I just fucking LOATH that phrase. No. WE are not pregnant. ONE person is pregnant and it's a woman. Period. End of report. Next case. Next fucking case.
This was surreal. It really was.--> definition of world surreal (very strange; more like a dream than reality, with ideas and images mixed together in a strange way) Adam Hills had a nice piece about usage of that word (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhXGxN...) . Buying a pregnancy test is NOT surreal, unless a man, that has never even heard of sex, is pregnant with a toaster and a well educated jedi porcupine sells the test (made out of chocolate and unicorns gold bladder forged in Mordor) in the sewers while 4 teenage mutant ninja turtles oversee the deal. THAT is surreal. Sex resulting in pregnancy – not so much.
I loved when Ethan smiled, period. Because it changed his whole face to where he really looked ... happy .--> well isn't that fucking perceptive. Groundbreaking powers of observation. We're in awe.
“I wish I could make love to you right now. Now. Before we know what it says . . . because it will change nothing that I feel in here . . . for you.” He picked up my right hand and laid it flat over his heart. --> Well, wouldn't that be jolly, if she wasn't pregnant but got knocked up right THEN, because she's been vomiting and hasn't taken her pill. But no, LOGIC MUSTN'T DISTURB THE ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE OF THE MOMENT.
"but I knew without a doubt that she would be very, very good at motherhood. There wasn’t a sliver of hesitation in my mind that it wouldn’t be the case. She’d be a perfect mum." --> yeah, what gave you that impression? Tell us about it.
Good point. Already impressed with her intelligent and thoughtful questions as she went through everything with the doctor --> more like ROUTINE and PREDICTABLE questions... The key one, she didn't ask. Doctor mentioned it. And she was SO shocked.
“I need Ethan. I need him for everything. I need him in order to be happy, and to be the father of this baby we made, and to love me and care for me . . .” My voice trailed off to a whimper that sounded so pathetic I loathed myself in that moment. --> Yes, that is not a healthy attitude. Not something to aspire to. You should feel bad.
I finally had someone who cared for me because of me, not how I looked or how much brass I happened to have. --> Not really, if I recall previous books. There is only SEX. NOTHING MORE!
Oh, and stop with CUMMING ON COMMAND! Just stop! That is not even funny anymore.
8.
Fucking idiocy pregnancy! Again! In every. Damn. Book. I. read. Can’t people just get it right? Like ask about birth control pills, how they work and what could make them fail? You’d think a girl that was terrified of getting knocked up would think about it.
9.
POV of male protagonist doesn't help. Makes him look like a worthless, sex crazed asshole.
Time to face my girl and see what trouble I was in this morning from all of my bad behavior last night. I wasn’t really worried, though. My baby loves me, and I know how to give her what she needs . . . I smirked to myself at my smug thoughts. What a conceited bastard. Yes, you make her orgasm, so other problems have no significance.
That is what made me vehemently HATE that book. I’m not a little bit ticked, I’m OUTRAGED.
Damn, but she’s beautiful when she’s riled. --> I have an issue with that. It's condescending and disrespectful. Degrading even.
I knew that terminating the pregnancy was out of the question. Out of the fucking realm of possibility. No way would I allow my child to be killed or have it hushed away. I just hoped that Brynne felt the same way I did. What if she doesn’t? Well, nice of you, E, to consider she is a person and has some say in things.
If I’ve gotten my girl pregnant, if we’ve made a baby together and it’s growing inside her right now, then I’ll never lose her, she’ll never leave me, nothing can ever take her away. I didn’t see how anything or anyone could dispute my logic. Yet again, it made perfect sense to me. cause you're mental. Getting girl knocked up doesn’t give you the ownership.
How he handled her modeling job. Or rather demanded she gave it up because he didn’t like it. Figures.
“Good. I hope they don’t call you.” She still stayed silent but her eyes flashed. “I’m serious, Brynne. You’re not posing naked anymore.” There, I said it.
“It’s my decision, Ethan. You have no right to tell me I can’t do it.”
“Oh, really?” I grabbed her left hand and held it up. “What’s this ring mean, then? You’re going to be my wife, the mother of my child—a person whom I don’t want posing in the fucking nude anymore!” I glared right back. “I definitely have a say.” An enormous NO. I lost it. Any scrapings of sympathy just died.
They argue. He doesn’t like her point of view: My temper was getting the better of me again as I struggled with how to bring us back together on the issue. One idea came to mind of how I might accomplish it, though. I could tear off that yellow silk robe she had on and fuck her into next week, and then we could have this conversation, or argument, or whatever the hell this shit was right here. That might work. I was just getting started on taking her. This session would conclude in one way, and only one way— with my cock buried inside her sweet cunt in an orgasmic frenzy. There were no apologies for what I did next, either. I took her. I took what was mine and had my way with Brynne. THAT is a solution? NO! FUCK NO!
She stuck with me the whole distance in body for sure. The spirit part would have to be considered later. Shag first, talk later had worked for us before, and I felt confident it would now. --> After that I lost all the remaining shreds of respect for characters. That sealed one * rating.
Cause the girl annoys me too: Yeah, my man was not happy at all. He sounded a little wounded too, and I felt guilty yet again for being so unappreciative. -->you mean heaving your own opinion? Wanting something else than your man? How dare you!
11.
The red-haired waitress eyeballed him thoroughly as she seated us by a window, something I had grown used to when out with Ethan. Females didn’t hide their appreciation very well I was always left wondering how the person would act or what they would say to him if I wasn’t there.
The waitress came back over eventually and made the ordering of our breakfasts pretty sickening as she flirted with Ethan throughout the whole torturous process.
--> my problem with many books lately. Women don't act like that in general. They just don't, no matter how handsome a guy. It pisses me of that in fiction the world is so often divided clearly into horny bitches (majority) and a few saintly virgins that acquired "people" status. Because others are treated more like horny pieces of meat to use and despise.
12.
Is that even spoiler? I mean they have sex all the time. Everything ends in sex.
13.
I don't have kids, so I don't understand what's the big idea. OMG, an ultrasound! How exciting. Well, I'd rather watch cardboard exist. You fuckers wouldn’t know a difference between your ‘blueberry’ and a malicious tumor.
14.
Unrealistic anal sex. In a book like that? No shit. Well precisely – no shit (pun intended). I have nothing against anal sex, I’m not a prude, but please, do mention the elephant in the room. There is a lot to anal sex and it gets omitted. Not a good source of knowledge, don’t look for guidance here. It was almost as bad as penis size in Mary Janice Davidson series. “Thick as a drinking glass and as long as a forearm” if I recall. And then she even gave that horse (I mean it HAD to be a horse + LSD pills… No other explanation) a blow job. A successful one! Well, you never cease to learn.
A short answer would be “NO”.
The long one “FUCK, NO”.
sentence – KILL IT WITH FIRE.
Now, I’m not going to hide spoilers in that review because:
a)Plot is predictable
b)What plot?
c)A person with two lone brain cells would’ve figured a big secret before the end of the second book.
d)It’s a clear rip off 50 shades of “coulour that is not to be publicly mentioned”
WARNING – LANGUAGE
One of my biggest gripes - NOTHING HAPPENS. To describe emotions of characters and how they deal with situations is good. But you can't, you just can't, devote 90% of a book to it. I mean really? Pregnancy & marriage. That’s it. The entire
That 'security agency' - that is bullshit. The way it's portrayed. Half assed effort. I cringed every time it was mentioned.
And the main characters. I just don't like them. But more on that once I get to quote that monstrosity.
1.
Ridicules marriage proposal - after 2 months! I don’t consider it spoiler, as it’s said on the first page. And she has doubts (how dare she!) And the situation is dealt with extensively on next… 200 pages? Or something like that. Same. Fucking. Conversations. And inner monologues. Over and over again.
And what is Ethan’s reasoning?
“I know, baby. It is far too soon, but the world doesn’t have to know that. To them it looks like you’re about to be the wife of the former-SF, high-profile CEO of Blackstone Inc. To whoever is out there with an agenda, they get a message loud and clear. That they need to keep the hell away from you; that they won’t be able to touch you in any way, shape or form, and that they won’t get close enough to even blink at you, let alone deliver threats like that fucked-up shit from last night. ” He kissed me softly, looking very proud of himself. “It’s a brilliant plan.”
Now, I don’t get how that exactly works. The whole reasoning was so flawed it left me banging my poor head against the wall.
I went to find clothes and realized I thought about sex way too much now. A diversion was definitely a good idea. For now. When I got her alone again, well, then all bets were off that I could keep my hands off her. Highly doubtful. It was just another testament of how well we worked together and why I was going in all the way with my American girl. I’d never needed anyone like I needed her. --> oh, what a wonderful reason to get married. True love in it's fullest. Good sex and nothing else. Because they had nothing else going for them. That’s the truth.
Pestering about a wedding:
“I won’t change my mind, Brynne.” He narrowed his eyes and I could see some hurt there. “You’re everything I want and need. I’m sure of that. I just want to make it official to the world so I can protect you in the best way I know how to. People have married for much less.”
a) what kind of reasoning is that? How would that improve her “protection”?
b) you can't know if you'll change your mind. Nobody gets married planning a divorce. I just HATE all those promises. Fuck you.
What Ethan was suggesting did make me feel pressured, but he also made me feel loved. He was a good man willing to make a commitment to me, and only asking for the same in return. Why was I having so much trouble with it? Oh, I don’t know. He seemed like a crazy possessive asshole. The kind that will try to own you completely and will stab you with a knife when you try to leave. That fragment of her inner monologue is so damaged I don’t even know what to say, really.
2.
Solving every problem with sex. Now, it annoyed me before. I mentioned it in reviews of previous parts.
Not liking the conversation?
Angry?
Scared?
Had a nightmare?
Agitated?
Nervous?
Jealous?
Have sex!
"And I was sorry, but I’d been like this with her before. Waking in the night and needing sex to bring myself down from the hyper anxiety of wherever I’d been in my dreams tonight."
“What’s that, strange-man-who-resembles-my-boyfriend-but-can’t-possibly-be-him?” She teased me in a way that made me want to throw her over my shoulder and head back upstairs to our bedroom. --> everything she does leads to sexual thoughts in Ethan's head. EVERYTHING. Plus three was a lame joke.
I glared at him. “Don’t even think about it, Blackstone.” I nodded toward his crotch. “It so won’t help your cause or getting you more of what you like.”
He bit off the end of a piece of bacon and ignored my threat, sweeping over me with sexy, slow eyes. “I like the jealous you very much. It turns me on,” he said in a low tone. What doesn’t?
3.
Lame jokes. Worst kind of humor. Especially after reading Kate Daniels series… Pathetic. Few examples:
- Dr. Banana Probe (yeah, I know, what a brilliant witty nick name Ethan thought of)
- Calling a fetus 'our little blubbery'. I've had it with terms of endearment describing incomplete, underdeveloped human beings. No more. Stop it. I’m not a mother, so all the “baby stuff” always makes me want to vomit in my mouth.
- all jokes about prospective children, now that I think about it, were horrible.
"Your brother can be as blunt as a wooden plank.”
She laughed at my assessment. “I know that too. ‘Subtlety’ is not in his lexicon.” (bad-um-tss)
“Morning, baby. I seem to have a little monkey on my back.” It felt good to be playful for a change. (*his niece is on his back)
“Oh, I’m sorry but we’ve not met before. I wonder if you might’ve seen my boyfriend around?” she asked. --> god, so funny. Finish me off with a brick. Please.
4.
Cheesy dialog. I mean shit that will stain your brain and have you want to scream at night in discomfort. It stays with you.
He put his hand over my left breast and held it there. “I can feel your heart. It’s my heart too.” NO it’s not, you’d be dead! Idiot.
I nodded. “It is your heart, and I am very real, Ethan. I’ve wanted everything we’ve ever done together, and you own my heart now.”
“Now it’s my turn to ask you if you’re real.”
His eyes roamed over me as he nodded again. “I think I became real when I met you.”
“I love you with all of my heart, and all of my mind, and with all of my body. It all belongs to you now.” --> bad idea. You belong to yourself. Only. That kind of dependence is not romantic. It’s sick and will likely lead to a dysfunctional relationship and bad breakup.
Brynne was my greatest gift. She was the first person to really see inside me. Only her eyes seemed even capable of doing it. Only my Brynne’s eyes.
It always amazed me at how easy it was to carry her. I knew why. It was because she carried my heart with her wherever she went. My heart was in her hands, and carrying her was some form of self-preservation, maybe. Holding her, holding me up. --> (Me – screams like a banshee and runs off into the woods while scratching her eyes out, just to never be able to read another line of this verbal diarrhea ever again.)
5.
Descriptions. Yes, nothing is done properly in that book.
He kissed me for a while in his gentle and precious way, as was typical. --> descriptions fluctuate between crude and simplistic to weird, sometimes downright Victorian structures. Such inconsistency takes me right out of the story.
6.
And now a 50 rip off! Brace yourselfs my elves!
- “My poor Ethan...” Sounds familiar???
- Eye rolling. ( Btw. Who does that. Repeatedly. In real life. ?)
- Dirty mouth
- A millionaire (again, how exactly did he make that money? Security agencies don’t work like that. They are either a) small and focused, trustworthy b) mercenaries c) can be big, but take care of routine stuff like guarding parking lots and installing home alarms. What Mr. Blackstone has exactly is beyond me, because it only gets mentioned in the passing. No details.)
I could list more, but would like to keep my sanity.
7.
BAD WRITING> that's what it is! Just that simple. Sums it up.
Repetitive phrases I was well aware of how Brynne’s touch soothed me like nothing else had before. She was the only lifeline that I wanted to grab on to when I found myself in that state. --> stop repeating it, we know already. Like ‘My poor Ethan’. So. Many. Times. I’m a lucky, lucky man for sure. But then that’s not news and it hasn’t been for a while now. (Oh, the sweet irony. Glad author recognizes that it's been stated multiple times and is ready to move on. Yeah, right. No such luck.)
Consistency? What is that?
Her whole face changed into something indescribable, a mixture of beauty and happiness. (Really? I mean really? What's with that writing? So is it indescribable or easily describable? I’m confused.)
“I’m happy for you, E. Hell, I’m thrilled to see you like this. Happy . . . you’re happy with her.” --> again, mad writing skills. An impressive vocabulary! What a variety! In case you wonder the word ‘happy’ has been also used AGAIN right after that line. I’m not a native English speaker, but even I know at least a few acceptable synonyms.
And what is with It’s just one example. Then they continue to run. After eating! And do some other things. And get home. I marked that as a spoiler, because so few things happen, that even taking a stroll seems like a major event.
“I haven’t baked bread in a long time. That was fun this morning.”
“It was for me too,” Hannah said. “Would you like some? I was just getting ready to do an early tea for Freddy and the kids. Fresh bread and homemade strawberry jam.”
“It sounds divine, but a shower is calling my name after that long run and walk back here.”
a) nice to finally recognize she's sweaty
b) Who talks like that?! That dialog was so stiff I could get crucified on it and it would hold. Maybe that was the plan…
Things that don't make sense (are stated, but aren't based in facts) I love that one. Like saying ‘you’re so strong baby’ but nothing ever happened to support that statement. Got to love those crude attempts to forcefully make of story and characters something that they’re clearly NOT.
“Watch it, Blackstone,” she warned.
“Or what?” I challenged. Pointless phrases . Yes, I would like to know ‘what’. Because no matter how badly he fucks up, she will let him stick it in, and since that’s all he wants… Than what is her threat, exactly?
this was my truth. --> tendency to end long inner monologues with something profound like that. Makes me die inside a little bit each time. My poor black little heart. I’ll have to go and still some candy from kids to recuperate. Or push the doors labeled “pull” or something radical like that.
Finally! a quarter into a book the "big secret" is out! Gasp! Like no shit. I didn’t see that one coming. What a plot twist. A pregnancy? Vomiting, fatigue, mood swings, tender breasts… All of that didn’t give me a clue.
we’re pregnant --> I just fucking LOATH that phrase. No. WE are not pregnant. ONE person is pregnant and it's a woman. Period. End of report. Next case. Next fucking case.
This was surreal. It really was.--> definition of world surreal (very strange; more like a dream than reality, with ideas and images mixed together in a strange way) Adam Hills had a nice piece about usage of that word (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhXGxN...) . Buying a pregnancy test is NOT surreal, unless a man, that has never even heard of sex, is pregnant with a toaster and a well educated jedi porcupine sells the test (made out of chocolate and unicorns gold bladder forged in Mordor) in the sewers while 4 teenage mutant ninja turtles oversee the deal. THAT is surreal. Sex resulting in pregnancy – not so much.
I loved when Ethan smiled, period. Because it changed his whole face to where he really looked ... happy .--> well isn't that fucking perceptive. Groundbreaking powers of observation. We're in awe.
“I wish I could make love to you right now. Now. Before we know what it says . . . because it will change nothing that I feel in here . . . for you.” He picked up my right hand and laid it flat over his heart. --> Well, wouldn't that be jolly, if she wasn't pregnant but got knocked up right THEN, because she's been vomiting and hasn't taken her pill. But no, LOGIC MUSTN'T DISTURB THE ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE OF THE MOMENT.
"but I knew without a doubt that she would be very, very good at motherhood. There wasn’t a sliver of hesitation in my mind that it wouldn’t be the case. She’d be a perfect mum." --> yeah, what gave you that impression? Tell us about it.
Good point. Already impressed with her intelligent and thoughtful questions as she went through everything with the doctor --> more like ROUTINE and PREDICTABLE questions... The key one, she didn't ask. Doctor mentioned it. And she was SO shocked.
“I need Ethan. I need him for everything. I need him in order to be happy, and to be the father of this baby we made, and to love me and care for me . . .” My voice trailed off to a whimper that sounded so pathetic I loathed myself in that moment. --> Yes, that is not a healthy attitude. Not something to aspire to. You should feel bad.
I finally had someone who cared for me because of me, not how I looked or how much brass I happened to have. --> Not really, if I recall previous books. There is only SEX. NOTHING MORE!
Oh, and stop with CUMMING ON COMMAND! Just stop! That is not even funny anymore.
8.
Fucking idiocy pregnancy! Again! In every. Damn. Book. I. read. Can’t people just get it right? Like ask about birth control pills, how they work and what could make them fail? You’d think a girl that was terrified of getting knocked up would think about it.
9.
POV of male protagonist doesn't help. Makes him look like a worthless, sex crazed asshole.
Time to face my girl and see what trouble I was in this morning from all of my bad behavior last night. I wasn’t really worried, though. My baby loves me, and I know how to give her what she needs . . . I smirked to myself at my smug thoughts. What a conceited bastard. Yes, you make her orgasm, so other problems have no significance.
That is what made me vehemently HATE that book. I’m not a little bit ticked, I’m OUTRAGED.
Damn, but she’s beautiful when she’s riled. --> I have an issue with that. It's condescending and disrespectful. Degrading even.
I knew that terminating the pregnancy was out of the question. Out of the fucking realm of possibility. No way would I allow my child to be killed or have it hushed away. I just hoped that Brynne felt the same way I did. What if she doesn’t? Well, nice of you, E, to consider she is a person and has some say in things.
If I’ve gotten my girl pregnant, if we’ve made a baby together and it’s growing inside her right now, then I’ll never lose her, she’ll never leave me, nothing can ever take her away. I didn’t see how anything or anyone could dispute my logic. Yet again, it made perfect sense to me. cause you're mental. Getting girl knocked up doesn’t give you the ownership.
How he handled her modeling job. Or rather demanded she gave it up because he didn’t like it. Figures.
“Good. I hope they don’t call you.” She still stayed silent but her eyes flashed. “I’m serious, Brynne. You’re not posing naked anymore.” There, I said it.
“It’s my decision, Ethan. You have no right to tell me I can’t do it.”
“Oh, really?” I grabbed her left hand and held it up. “What’s this ring mean, then? You’re going to be my wife, the mother of my child—a person whom I don’t want posing in the fucking nude anymore!” I glared right back. “I definitely have a say.” An enormous NO. I lost it. Any scrapings of sympathy just died.
They argue. He doesn’t like her point of view: My temper was getting the better of me again as I struggled with how to bring us back together on the issue. One idea came to mind of how I might accomplish it, though. I could tear off that yellow silk robe she had on and fuck her into next week, and then we could have this conversation, or argument, or whatever the hell this shit was right here. That might work. I was just getting started on taking her. This session would conclude in one way, and only one way— with my cock buried inside her sweet cunt in an orgasmic frenzy. There were no apologies for what I did next, either. I took her. I took what was mine and had my way with Brynne. THAT is a solution? NO! FUCK NO!
She stuck with me the whole distance in body for sure. The spirit part would have to be considered later. Shag first, talk later had worked for us before, and I felt confident it would now. --> After that I lost all the remaining shreds of respect for characters. That sealed one * rating.
Cause the girl annoys me too: Yeah, my man was not happy at all. He sounded a little wounded too, and I felt guilty yet again for being so unappreciative. -->you mean heaving your own opinion? Wanting something else than your man? How dare you!
11.
The red-haired waitress eyeballed him thoroughly as she seated us by a window, something I had grown used to when out with Ethan. Females didn’t hide their appreciation very well I was always left wondering how the person would act or what they would say to him if I wasn’t there.
The waitress came back over eventually and made the ordering of our breakfasts pretty sickening as she flirted with Ethan throughout the whole torturous process.
--> my problem with many books lately. Women don't act like that in general. They just don't, no matter how handsome a guy. It pisses me of that in fiction the world is so often divided clearly into horny bitches (majority) and a few saintly virgins that acquired "people" status. Because others are treated more like horny pieces of meat to use and despise.
12.
Is that even spoiler? I mean they have sex all the time. Everything ends in sex.
13.
I don't have kids, so I don't understand what's the big idea. OMG, an ultrasound! How exciting. Well, I'd rather watch cardboard exist. You fuckers wouldn’t know a difference between your ‘blueberry’ and a malicious tumor.
14.
Unrealistic anal sex. In a book like that? No shit. Well precisely – no shit (pun intended). I have nothing against anal sex, I’m not a prude, but please, do mention the elephant in the room. There is a lot to anal sex and it gets omitted. Not a good source of knowledge, don’t look for guidance here. It was almost as bad as penis size in Mary Janice Davidson series. “Thick as a drinking glass and as long as a forearm” if I recall. And then she even gave that horse (I mean it HAD to be a horse + LSD pills… No other explanation) a blow job. A successful one! Well, you never cease to learn.
May 18, 2013
ETHAN BLACKSTONE
And
And mmmm
Ok Ok sorry I have a soft spot for Mr Gandy, I couldn't resist!!
We start straight after All in where Ethan takes that nasty text message on Brynne's phone from the unknown stalker...
Ethan takes Brynne straight to his sister's mansion to relax for the weekend to get away from the madness for a few days.... I honestly don't really know how to review this one without putting in a few spoilers so I'm going to do my best!!
Ethan is still his Dominant, sexy, sensual self wanting to take care of Brynne, wanting to keep her safe, taking care of her!! They both still have lots of Demons to address, there's still a lot of unknown answers to solve Ethan still is keeping a lot of hidden secrets and has nightmares of the time he had in afganistan being a hostage does that to you!!!, his way of dealing with the suffering is to be intimate with Brynne, Brynne still continues to have nightmares and also needs Ethan to take her, to possess her, to heal her!!!
Naked was in Brynnes POV, All in was in Ethans POV and Eyes wide open is in alternate POV's, I really enjoyed Both POV's I felt I connected to both these characters, how they felt, what they were going through!!
What I loved:
I loved Ethan's Alpha, his Dominant, to want Brynne and only her, for no-one else to see or want to touch her, His Alpha comes out when she does her modelling he does not like her showing herself to the world to him she's his mine
I loved Ethan's niece, her cuteness and her innocence, dropping Ethan in it unintentionally several times... loved her!! His tenderness to his family showed us how Ethan would be a wonderful father! I loved his Family, his relationship with his sister and father and also the insight we got into his relationship he had with his mum...
I felt that we see more of a loving Ethan in this story, compassionate, caring, he still is possessive and and foul mouthed especially in there love making but we see more of a long-term relationship happening here.
"Are you real>" He whispered, brushing up my face with the back of his fingers in a cherishing caress. "Because I'll want you forever."
"Are you ready?" I nodded and whispered, "yes." "And nothing changes us." "Nothing changes that we love each other."
Brynne
I really liked Brynne in this one, I felt that she was responsible, and was trying to make the best decisions she could in her situation , the way she reacted to things, at the beginning things get a bit scary for her, without giving anything away she makes the right choice in the end!
I'm giving Eyes Wide Open 4 Star's due to there being still a lot of unanswered questions to Ethan's past I still feel he's not giving his full self to Brynne and I felt like the ending could was cut short, so I really hope book four will give us there HEA!!
What I want for there future is:
A happy ending!!!
March 15, 2015
♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 3.5 beautiful E&B stars...♣ ♣ ♣ ♣
I headed for the door to leave,adjusting my hat and rewrapping my scarf around my neck,and halfway up my face,when someone entered the shop.
I stepped aside to let him in but my eyes were focused on what lay beyond the open door.
"It's snowing ?" i muttered in amazement .
"Yeah......it is ",he said.
Raine Miller's ,'Eyes wide open' happens to be the third thrilling installment in the much loved 'Blackstone series..'. After all the secrets and the lies in 'ALL IN',Ethan and Bryanne are finally back together...... but someone seems to be trying their best to tear them apart.
But then again these two seem determined not to let him...
My heart was in her hands,and carrying her was a form of self-preservation,maybe.Holding her,holding me up.
I said it again."I'll always find you,Brynne."
My thoughts :
I've got to say,i enjoyed it ! Ethan and Bryanne make a wonderful couple,and seriously nothing makes me more happier than finally seeing them happy together.
Even though the plot resembled 50 shades..darker and freed .... I'm glad the book held on to its originality and unique dialogues by the end.
I loved Bryanne and Ethan.Especially Bryanne..cz seriously i think she might be one of the very few heroines that mannaged NOT to bug me by the series end. I loved how contradictory she was...Strong but vulnerable....sassy but submissive...stubborn but not stupid...LOL honestly i think she defiantly shd give our Aanastasia Steele a lovely lesson or two..
And as for ourDirty-talking Ethan....lets just say..to me 'He's freakin Sex,and everything in between *snikers*...And yes, i DEFIANTLY don't mind if HE want to teach ME a lesson or two anyway ;D
"And what did I tell you to say to me that night ,baby ?. It was the first time you told me."
"That i'm yours",she breathed.
"Yes.You.Are" I started adding a little circular twist to my strokes and felt her inner muscles grip tighter."And now you're going to come all over me.One.More.Time ."
So then why the 3 star ? why Not a 5 ?
Well that because i seriously felt like this book had lost in the excitement factor, when i seriously expected it to have one after that kind of thriller Prologue. Frankly, im was kinna pissed off, that i had unmasked the stalker even before this book actually hit 50% .
I mean its kinna obvious who it was if you actually just thought about it.And also to add to the fact,that absolutely nothing happened thriller-related until its last 90%....which is kinna lame you know ?
I mean why even add the 'stalker factor' if your not going to do anything with it ? why not just stick to their relation dramas completely instead ?
Oh YEAH because that wouldn't make much of a PLOT now would it ?
Hence, the ratings..
Recommendation: Neither the less this book was a fabulous series read, i i really would have preferred Not having a book 4 ..but still if its going to an an extentions of the epilouge, i just mite ! :)
P.S: WHATS WITH THE COVER ?! seriously confused...and ive got to say i hated it :/ The bryanne in the pic is DEFINATLEY NOT how i imagined her to be... *sign*
I headed for the door to leave,adjusting my hat and rewrapping my scarf around my neck,and halfway up my face,when someone entered the shop.
I stepped aside to let him in but my eyes were focused on what lay beyond the open door.
"It's snowing ?" i muttered in amazement .
"Yeah......it is ",he said.
Raine Miller's ,'Eyes wide open' happens to be the third thrilling installment in the much loved 'Blackstone series..'. After all the secrets and the lies in 'ALL IN',Ethan and Bryanne are finally back together...... but someone seems to be trying their best to tear them apart.
But then again these two seem determined not to let him...
My heart was in her hands,and carrying her was a form of self-preservation,maybe.Holding her,holding me up.
I said it again."I'll always find you,Brynne."
My thoughts :
I've got to say,i enjoyed it ! Ethan and Bryanne make a wonderful couple,and seriously nothing makes me more happier than finally seeing them happy together.
Even though the plot resembled 50 shades..darker and freed .... I'm glad the book held on to its originality and unique dialogues by the end.
I loved Bryanne and Ethan.Especially Bryanne..cz seriously i think she might be one of the very few heroines that mannaged NOT to bug me by the series end. I loved how contradictory she was...Strong but vulnerable....sassy but submissive...stubborn but not stupid...LOL honestly i think she defiantly shd give our Aanastasia Steele a lovely lesson or two..
And as for ourDirty-talking Ethan....lets just say..to me 'He's freakin Sex,and everything in between *snikers*...And yes, i DEFIANTLY don't mind if HE want to teach ME a lesson or two anyway ;D
"And what did I tell you to say to me that night ,baby ?. It was the first time you told me."
"That i'm yours",she breathed.
"Yes.You.Are" I started adding a little circular twist to my strokes and felt her inner muscles grip tighter."And now you're going to come all over me.One.More.Time ."
So then why the 3 star ? why Not a 5 ?
Well that because i seriously felt like this book had lost in the excitement factor, when i seriously expected it to have one after that kind of thriller Prologue. Frankly, im was kinna pissed off, that i had unmasked the stalker even before this book actually hit 50% .
I mean its kinna obvious who it was if you actually just thought about it.And also to add to the fact,that absolutely nothing happened thriller-related until its last 90%....which is kinna lame you know ?
I mean why even add the 'stalker factor' if your not going to do anything with it ? why not just stick to their relation dramas completely instead ?
Oh YEAH because that wouldn't make much of a PLOT now would it ?
Hence, the ratings..
Recommendation: Neither the less this book was a fabulous series read, i i really would have preferred Not having a book 4 ..but still if its going to an an extentions of the epilouge, i just mite ! :)
P.S: WHATS WITH THE COVER ?! seriously confused...and ive got to say i hated it :/ The bryanne in the pic is DEFINATLEY NOT how i imagined her to be... *sign*
July 6, 2017
Did I mention Ethan is perfect? I have to say though, Brynne annoyed me a bit more in this one. I was glad she improved and I was able to see some growth in her. I have absolutely loved this series and I can see it will definitely be a reread.
May 18, 2013
I am very sad, as I have now completed this steamy series and won't get to see Ethan again..*sigh*..I will miss him..Raine Miller did it again though, and wrote another hot,steamy,and successful read. In this installment is was a pleasant surprise to see the paternal side of Ethan Blackstone. His interaction with his little niece was very heartwarming! Of course kids say the darndest things and that little girl had me in stitches a few times!! She spilled the beans on a secret that should have been told by Ethan to his dad; but she is only little so he just had to forgive her! Once again we get to see Ethan and Brynne develop their bond even stronger. The love between these two is unbreakable and they are committed to each other 100%.
"It always amazed me at how easy it was to carry her. I knew why. It was because she carried my heart with her wherever she went. My heart was in her hands, and carrying her was some form of self-preservation,maybe. Holding her, holding me up."--Ethan Blackstone--
The unwavering loyalty that Brynne and Ethan have together is so nice and it had me rooting for them throughout the whole story. Of course, it isn't all smooth sailing and Brynne's stalker is still somewhere on the loose. Ethan is determined to protect his woman and make sure she doesn't get hurt. The other hurdle is that Ethan is still having his nightmares, and Brynne is becoming super frustrated, that he hasn't open himself up to her about them and what happened to him when he was captured. At one point he even pushes her away instead of talking with her about what is going on inside his head.
Sex between this couple is explosive. This is some of the best sex scenes I have read! Ethan can be wild, and I love every minute of what he gives to his woman!
"My beast appeared at the scent of her arousal. Made me want to do very kinky things to her."
Brynne's description of her man is one that I loved:
"My kinky, foul-mouthed, romantic gentleman lover." This sums up Ethan very well!
There was for sure more romance in this book than the others, and Ethan sure can dish out the romance very well. He sure is sensitive,caring, and extremely protective of his Brynne.
I adored this series and am sad that it is finished.I would love to see an update down the road, on how their future goes. I hope this will not be the last we see of Raine Miller and her highly sexy, entertaining series!
"It always amazed me at how easy it was to carry her. I knew why. It was because she carried my heart with her wherever she went. My heart was in her hands, and carrying her was some form of self-preservation,maybe. Holding her, holding me up."--Ethan Blackstone--
The unwavering loyalty that Brynne and Ethan have together is so nice and it had me rooting for them throughout the whole story. Of course, it isn't all smooth sailing and Brynne's stalker is still somewhere on the loose. Ethan is determined to protect his woman and make sure she doesn't get hurt. The other hurdle is that Ethan is still having his nightmares, and Brynne is becoming super frustrated, that he hasn't open himself up to her about them and what happened to him when he was captured. At one point he even pushes her away instead of talking with her about what is going on inside his head.
Sex between this couple is explosive. This is some of the best sex scenes I have read! Ethan can be wild, and I love every minute of what he gives to his woman!
"My beast appeared at the scent of her arousal. Made me want to do very kinky things to her."
Brynne's description of her man is one that I loved:
"My kinky, foul-mouthed, romantic gentleman lover." This sums up Ethan very well!
There was for sure more romance in this book than the others, and Ethan sure can dish out the romance very well. He sure is sensitive,caring, and extremely protective of his Brynne.
I adored this series and am sad that it is finished.I would love to see an update down the road, on how their future goes. I hope this will not be the last we see of Raine Miller and her highly sexy, entertaining series!
May 24, 2013
Four and a half Ethan Loving Stars
"Ethan possessed a skill set that combined hot, bad-boy sex god with mannerly, romantic gentlemen; something so rare and captivating."
"My kinky, foul-mouthed, romantic gentleman lover."
"You love the things I do to you with this filthy mouth." "Mmmmmm, I so do."
♥"Forget about everything else and look at me, Brynne." ♥
"I kept getting better inside my head because of Ethan......"
"Ethan's dark place was still as mysterious to me as it had ever been."
♥They soothed each other, took care of one anothers dark places ♥
By Louise Docker from sydney, Australia (My heart in your hands) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The erotic descriptions of their intimate actions were so powerful, passionate and intense. It was off the scale sexy!!! It took my breath away!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
"He took my mouth as the orgasm ripped into me, filling another part of me.......binding us together more deeply."
"Yeah the f*cking had always been hot and wickedly good for us."
"I'm goin to give you my c*ck-very...very...slowly. So slow and so far up in you you'll feel every molecule of me......inside you."
SMOKING HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This man has it all, and so, it seems does Brynne!! Lucky Lady!!
For me personally, the second book was my favourite but Ethan ♥ Blackstone is a sexy sweat heart all the way through the series. The writer let me down very slightly with some of the Britishness (sorry) but it was unimportant to my love of Ethan!! This book finishes the story beautifully; I am a happy and content little lady!!
"...what a ride the last few months had been. Very bumpy and full of unexpected twists and turns, but in the end,
"For you, Ethan. For your eyes only," ♥ ♥
♥ BR with the lovely pink ladies B & D ♥
"Ethan possessed a skill set that combined hot, bad-boy sex god with mannerly, romantic gentlemen; something so rare and captivating."
"My kinky, foul-mouthed, romantic gentleman lover."
"You love the things I do to you with this filthy mouth." "Mmmmmm, I so do."
“Eyes on me baby”
♥"Forget about everything else and look at me, Brynne." ♥
"I kept getting better inside my head because of Ethan......"
"Ethan's dark place was still as mysterious to me as it had ever been."
♥They soothed each other, took care of one anothers dark places ♥
By Louise Docker from sydney, Australia (My heart in your hands) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
"Brynne was my heaven. I'd seek out my heaven endlessly."
"Ethan made me feel precious when he kissed me. No other man had ever made me feel so loved."
The erotic descriptions of their intimate actions were so powerful, passionate and intense. It was off the scale sexy!!! It took my breath away!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
"He took my mouth as the orgasm ripped into me, filling another part of me.......binding us together more deeply."
"Yeah the f*cking had always been hot and wickedly good for us."
"I'm goin to give you my c*ck-very...very...slowly. So slow and so far up in you you'll feel every molecule of me......inside you."
SMOKING HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This man has it all, and so, it seems does Brynne!! Lucky Lady!!
For me personally, the second book was my favourite but Ethan ♥ Blackstone is a sexy sweat heart all the way through the series. The writer let me down very slightly with some of the Britishness (sorry) but it was unimportant to my love of Ethan!! This book finishes the story beautifully; I am a happy and content little lady!!
"...what a ride the last few months had been. Very bumpy and full of unexpected twists and turns, but in the end,
"For you, Ethan. For your eyes only," ♥ ♥
♥ BR with the lovely pink ladies B & D ♥
November 21, 2016
This is my favorite in the series to date. Brynne and Ethan finally reach that place where they trust each other and their relationship reflects that deeper love and affection. Both are more mature in how they handle each other and the challenges they continue to face.
The story begins with the stalker's point of view, which I found creepy and an interesting approach. It stayed in the background of the story, adding a much loved level of tension. This issue gets resolved and I wasn't surprised when I learned the identity of the creep.
I really enjoyed every element of this story and the maturation of Ethan and Brynne. It was quite the journey getting here and I'll definitely read the last book in the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
The story begins with the stalker's point of view, which I found creepy and an interesting approach. It stayed in the background of the story, adding a much loved level of tension. This issue gets resolved and I wasn't surprised when I learned the identity of the creep.
I really enjoyed every element of this story and the maturation of Ethan and Brynne. It was quite the journey getting here and I'll definitely read the last book in the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
May 24, 2013
5 Delightful Decadent ♥♥♥♥♥
I LOVED this series and was so happy with the ending. This book had me sighing, laughing, crying, screaming, smiling, fanning myself and rooting for their HEA. It's your fabulously passionate, intense, angsty, love story and it delivered on all levels for me. I highly recommend this series with all my ♥
You might have noticed but I really fancied Ethan and my muse, The ever so incredibly hot and sexy David Gandy.
BR with the my Lovelies♥♥
I thought this was adorable and had to include it but only if you have read the story
I LOVED this series and was so happy with the ending. This book had me sighing, laughing, crying, screaming, smiling, fanning myself and rooting for their HEA. It's your fabulously passionate, intense, angsty, love story and it delivered on all levels for me. I highly recommend this series with all my ♥
You might have noticed but I really fancied Ethan and my muse, The ever so incredibly hot and sexy David Gandy.
BR with the my Lovelies♥♥
I thought this was adorable and had to include it but only if you have read the story
August 13, 2016
Love this series!
Safety Gang please read spoilers on my review of the first book in the series, Naked.
Safety Gang please read spoilers on my review of the first book in the series, Naked.
May 16, 2013
Jenny: In Eyes Wide Open we witness Brynne and Ethan going through big changes in their lives and once again this passionate pair deal with past demons, current issues and life changing experiences in their own way. You feel the intensity of their relationship and the heat…..woe! The sex is HOT and for these two sex is what binds them, it’s how they communicate their inner most feelings, so for those who love a bit of nookie in their books…you won’t be disappointed!
“Eyes on me, baby.” He commanded on a harsh breath. “You know I have to have your eyes when I take you”
Now, I may go against the grain in saying this and I’m not sure if you’ll agree Gitte, but for me The Blackstone Affair series has never been about Ethan. I know….shock, horror…since when does a dirty talking, hot alpha man not drawn me to a book? Well, of course Ethan is at the crux of it all, but for me, these books have always been about Brynne and her journey and the larger than life Ethan never overshadowed that for me, none more so than in Eyes Wide Open. Brynne is the character that has me picking up this series every time, though of course we do love Mr Ethan Blackstone!
In Brynne, the author created a heroine whom I love and admire greatly. I admire how she has stayed so compassionate to others despite the ugliness that she has seen and experienced in her life and I love her sensitivity and inner beauty. I revel in how this woman stands up to the blustering Ethan Blackstone and how she is so delicate yet never weak. Yes, at times, alpha, possessive Ethan may think he has all the winning deuces, but let me tell you, this woman is no pushover and it’s easy to see how Ethan fell in love with this feisty, yet soulful woman.
“My girl faced her fears head on. I should take her example and do the same”
Oh and Ethan’s niece!……Gitte, how much did you love that child? She completely stole my heart! You really did get to see another side to Ethan when these two interacted didn’t you?
Gitte: So, the rollercoaster ride continues for sure Jenny. We saw so much more of Brynne and Ethan’s characters, different sides and under different circumstances. The scenes with Ethan and his niece stole my heart, absolutely. They highlighted just what an amazing man Ethan really is. He is not only dangerous and fierce, he is funny and sweet and amazingly passionate.
I understand completely what you’re saying Jenny in regards to Brynne and I have to agree. I think Brynne is one of the better written heroines out there. She is so delicate and compassionate by nature yet underneath that exterior lays a strength and sense of survival that is so fierce. After everything life has thrown at her or even continues to be, she is never fragile or weak at heart, if she stumbles she picks herself up again without fanfare.
The balance of her sweet adorable qualities combined with her independent streak is commendable and so well written. Don’t get me wrong, she does have her issues, in the sense that she can’t quite comprehend the extent of Ethan’s love for her and she needs to realise that it’s okay to reach out and place her trust in Ethan.
Ethan broke down Brynne’s barriers sure, however Brynne broke down many of Ethan’s in return and it takes a strong woman to do just that.
“It pained me to see him hurting; even more so that I couldn’t do anything about it because he refused to share it with me….”
Brynne definitely does not go gently into that good night; rather she faces it head on.
Jenny: In this installment we do get a lot answers about Ethan’s past but there is still so much to know – so much to delve into and I have to say I really was secretly hoping for more on that front in this book. Ethan is a closed book about his feelings and plays everything close to his chest, yet the one thing he is very demonstrative about, the one thing he leaves us in no doubt about and that is the fact hat he has found the love of his life in Brynne and you feel…..no, you KNOW that this man would lay down his life for her – without question. So deep is his love for her.
But make no mistake, for all this man’s strength and belligerence; I felt Brynne was the stronger of the two. She has the will to heal not only herself but, Ethan as well. She also has a past to deal with and has suffered yet she is there for Ethan, who has himself suffered unimaginable horrors, but you know it will be Brynne who will bring him out of himself.
But Brynne herself has to learn to trust.
"It’s called trust, Brynne and it is by far the hardest gift to give away”
Brynne didn’t realise how lost she was and how life had become about merely about existing before Ethan came along. He broke down (well, more like he used a battering ram) her defences and the emotional barriers she had so carefully constructed and made her feel alive again. Watching these two broken souls heal and save each other is what will have you turning the pages.
“I feel the same way about him in a lot of ways. Ethan really saved me from myself.”
Whilst I did find it a little predictable at times, this in no way impacted on my enjoyment of the story and the ride it was to take me on. EWO delivers and Blackstone fans will devour and love this one! I know we can’t wait for more! What about you Gitte, did you enjoy this one?
Gitte: Ethan is a force to be reckoned with and he wants Brynne to let go of her insecurities and understand that she is everything to him. Ethan loves her with such passion and no doubt Jenny, he would die to save her.
“My position was simple, really. I didn’t care about her past. It changed nothing in my feelings for her. She was the one – the one person I needed. Now it was just a matter of convincing her of this fact.”
Ethan may have saved Brynne but he needs saving in return. Did he let her in, did he acknowledge that he needed saving….well a strong alpha male like him; this path is not going to be easy.
We learn more as we are taken on an emotional ride, but we are left with many questions also. At times I would have liked more on Ethan’s background in regards to details and depth as I didn’t feel we were completely let in, neither was Brynne. There was an abundance of hot intense moments which in the first half threw the balance a bit.
Saying this, I have really enjoyed this series and I know this third instalment will be a huge hit with all Blackstone Affair readers. A beautiful ending….
“I was immersed in the complete and total sensual haze of Brynne and my love for her…”
ARC provided by Atria via Netgalley for an honest review
“Eyes on me, baby.” He commanded on a harsh breath. “You know I have to have your eyes when I take you”
Now, I may go against the grain in saying this and I’m not sure if you’ll agree Gitte, but for me The Blackstone Affair series has never been about Ethan. I know….shock, horror…since when does a dirty talking, hot alpha man not drawn me to a book? Well, of course Ethan is at the crux of it all, but for me, these books have always been about Brynne and her journey and the larger than life Ethan never overshadowed that for me, none more so than in Eyes Wide Open. Brynne is the character that has me picking up this series every time, though of course we do love Mr Ethan Blackstone!
In Brynne, the author created a heroine whom I love and admire greatly. I admire how she has stayed so compassionate to others despite the ugliness that she has seen and experienced in her life and I love her sensitivity and inner beauty. I revel in how this woman stands up to the blustering Ethan Blackstone and how she is so delicate yet never weak. Yes, at times, alpha, possessive Ethan may think he has all the winning deuces, but let me tell you, this woman is no pushover and it’s easy to see how Ethan fell in love with this feisty, yet soulful woman.
“My girl faced her fears head on. I should take her example and do the same”
Oh and Ethan’s niece!……Gitte, how much did you love that child? She completely stole my heart! You really did get to see another side to Ethan when these two interacted didn’t you?
Gitte: So, the rollercoaster ride continues for sure Jenny. We saw so much more of Brynne and Ethan’s characters, different sides and under different circumstances. The scenes with Ethan and his niece stole my heart, absolutely. They highlighted just what an amazing man Ethan really is. He is not only dangerous and fierce, he is funny and sweet and amazingly passionate.
I understand completely what you’re saying Jenny in regards to Brynne and I have to agree. I think Brynne is one of the better written heroines out there. She is so delicate and compassionate by nature yet underneath that exterior lays a strength and sense of survival that is so fierce. After everything life has thrown at her or even continues to be, she is never fragile or weak at heart, if she stumbles she picks herself up again without fanfare.
The balance of her sweet adorable qualities combined with her independent streak is commendable and so well written. Don’t get me wrong, she does have her issues, in the sense that she can’t quite comprehend the extent of Ethan’s love for her and she needs to realise that it’s okay to reach out and place her trust in Ethan.
Ethan broke down Brynne’s barriers sure, however Brynne broke down many of Ethan’s in return and it takes a strong woman to do just that.
“It pained me to see him hurting; even more so that I couldn’t do anything about it because he refused to share it with me….”
Brynne definitely does not go gently into that good night; rather she faces it head on.
Jenny: In this installment we do get a lot answers about Ethan’s past but there is still so much to know – so much to delve into and I have to say I really was secretly hoping for more on that front in this book. Ethan is a closed book about his feelings and plays everything close to his chest, yet the one thing he is very demonstrative about, the one thing he leaves us in no doubt about and that is the fact hat he has found the love of his life in Brynne and you feel…..no, you KNOW that this man would lay down his life for her – without question. So deep is his love for her.
But make no mistake, for all this man’s strength and belligerence; I felt Brynne was the stronger of the two. She has the will to heal not only herself but, Ethan as well. She also has a past to deal with and has suffered yet she is there for Ethan, who has himself suffered unimaginable horrors, but you know it will be Brynne who will bring him out of himself.
But Brynne herself has to learn to trust.
"It’s called trust, Brynne and it is by far the hardest gift to give away”
Brynne didn’t realise how lost she was and how life had become about merely about existing before Ethan came along. He broke down (well, more like he used a battering ram) her defences and the emotional barriers she had so carefully constructed and made her feel alive again. Watching these two broken souls heal and save each other is what will have you turning the pages.
“I feel the same way about him in a lot of ways. Ethan really saved me from myself.”
Whilst I did find it a little predictable at times, this in no way impacted on my enjoyment of the story and the ride it was to take me on. EWO delivers and Blackstone fans will devour and love this one! I know we can’t wait for more! What about you Gitte, did you enjoy this one?
Gitte: Ethan is a force to be reckoned with and he wants Brynne to let go of her insecurities and understand that she is everything to him. Ethan loves her with such passion and no doubt Jenny, he would die to save her.
“My position was simple, really. I didn’t care about her past. It changed nothing in my feelings for her. She was the one – the one person I needed. Now it was just a matter of convincing her of this fact.”
Ethan may have saved Brynne but he needs saving in return. Did he let her in, did he acknowledge that he needed saving….well a strong alpha male like him; this path is not going to be easy.
We learn more as we are taken on an emotional ride, but we are left with many questions also. At times I would have liked more on Ethan’s background in regards to details and depth as I didn’t feel we were completely let in, neither was Brynne. There was an abundance of hot intense moments which in the first half threw the balance a bit.
Saying this, I have really enjoyed this series and I know this third instalment will be a huge hit with all Blackstone Affair readers. A beautiful ending….
“I was immersed in the complete and total sensual haze of Brynne and my love for her…”
ARC provided by Atria via Netgalley for an honest review
May 23, 2013
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I really wish I had read the first two books again before reading Eyes Wide Open. I felt very confused since I read the other two books in September of 2012. I recommend rereading the first two books in the series if it has been awhile since you read them.
I am a huge Ethan Blackstone fan. I love a strong, controlling, Alpha male who wants to protect the woman he loves, plus as I read I can only picture the great David Gandy as Ethan. I couldn’t wait to read Eyes Wide Open.
I tried hard guys; I really did try to enjoy the book. I just couldn’t get into it. It was constant sex, the storyline was so-so… I found myself bored pretty much from the get go. I started skipping pages just to see how the book ends. I just couldn’t get into the story, maybe it was because I should have reread the first two, I don’t know but I just couldn’t get into the story.
If it was any other book I would have put it down but I just had to read it since I invested time into the first two books. I wish I could give it a higher review but I can’t. I predicted everything that was going to happen, I wish there wasn’t as much sex… it just because to farfetched after the millionth time of having hot crazy sex.
I give Eyes Wide Open 2 Stars.
ARC was given to me by the Publisher VIA NetGalley for an honest review.
I really wish I had read the first two books again before reading Eyes Wide Open. I felt very confused since I read the other two books in September of 2012. I recommend rereading the first two books in the series if it has been awhile since you read them.
I am a huge Ethan Blackstone fan. I love a strong, controlling, Alpha male who wants to protect the woman he loves, plus as I read I can only picture the great David Gandy as Ethan. I couldn’t wait to read Eyes Wide Open.
I tried hard guys; I really did try to enjoy the book. I just couldn’t get into it. It was constant sex, the storyline was so-so… I found myself bored pretty much from the get go. I started skipping pages just to see how the book ends. I just couldn’t get into the story, maybe it was because I should have reread the first two, I don’t know but I just couldn’t get into the story.
If it was any other book I would have put it down but I just had to read it since I invested time into the first two books. I wish I could give it a higher review but I can’t. I predicted everything that was going to happen, I wish there wasn’t as much sex… it just because to farfetched after the millionth time of having hot crazy sex.
I give Eyes Wide Open 2 Stars.
ARC was given to me by the Publisher VIA NetGalley for an honest review.
October 8, 2015
4.25 stars!
The last book of this trilogy (somewhat predictable) but I loved it anyway, my favorite part is Ethan's filthy mouth! And the funny sexy banter between the two of them! Of course plenty of Hot Sex too! ;)
Touched on the subject of PTSD
Which is a sad fact of our time, it was good to see their relationship thrive and help to heal them, and that they could both see flaws as strengths in each other and always encouragement to move forward with building a life with each other! I was hoping for a bit more explanation in the last chapter felt a
bit short for me but it did
Result in HEA... ;)
The last book of this trilogy (somewhat predictable) but I loved it anyway, my favorite part is Ethan's filthy mouth! And the funny sexy banter between the two of them! Of course plenty of Hot Sex too! ;)
Touched on the subject of PTSD
Which is a sad fact of our time, it was good to see their relationship thrive and help to heal them, and that they could both see flaws as strengths in each other and always encouragement to move forward with building a life with each other! I was hoping for a bit more explanation in the last chapter felt a
bit short for me but it did
Result in HEA... ;)
November 1, 2017
4.5/5 💖
Esta serie empezó muy normalita, pero reconozco que con cada libro ha ido mejorando y enredandome mas con su trama.
Tiene momentos muy "Hot", pero le ganan los tiernos y emotivos entre tanto misterio.
(continuare con el cuarto libro... )
Esta serie empezó muy normalita, pero reconozco que con cada libro ha ido mejorando y enredandome mas con su trama.
Tiene momentos muy "Hot", pero le ganan los tiernos y emotivos entre tanto misterio.
(continuare con el cuarto libro... )
September 17, 2022
Re-read (8/15/2022) - Still a 5 stars read for me and still in love with Ethan. 💞
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