I've really enjoyed the series and this book included but it is exceptional in that for the first time the hero really does behave as a true Dom. GageI've really enjoyed the series and this book included but it is exceptional in that for the first time the hero really does behave as a true Dom. Gage Hollister doesn't blur the lines inside and outside the bedroom because there is no line. He wants a submissive slave 24/7.
The setup Zoe manipulates a stay in New York with Gage while her brother Brice, Gage's best friend, is out of town. Gage hasn't seen her in three years and his memory is of a young teen. Who shows up at the airport is a very grown-up and sultry 20-year old who is out to finally get her man. He knows he's in trouble but thinks he can handle it.
The issues Zoe is pretty young to Gage's 31 years. Plus, his Dom behavior is on the extreme side and she's sexually inexperienced...period. He's made it clear of his desire for a slave sub and is known for his habit of "sharing". It's even more lethal that Zoe's the baby of the family and Gage's relationship with her brother, Brice, could be permanently broken.
What works about this story It's an erotic romp into the world of a true Dom with BDSM tendencies. There's no steam here, just pure volcanic heat. Gage doesn't lack for imagination and Zoe's education is pretty exciting to "audit." The sex was erotic and pretty amazing. Underlying it all is the growing tension of when, not if, Brice will discover that his best friend has compromised his sweet, kid sister. You knew it was going to be explosive and ugly and it didn't disappoint. Gage was also true to his nature throughout, not making excuses nor seeing a need to. His evolving relationship with Zoe from a brotherly to carnal love was skillfully done as it could have easily crossed over to "ick" but didn't.
My issues Zoe's age was right on the edge of being too young as she turned 20 a week after coming to New York. It wasn't so much that Gage was old (31 isn't that bad) but she led a completely sheltered life. Her nickname, Oops, was pretty ridiculous and annoyed me every time she was called it and it was used interchangeably throughout the story. It just reinforced how young she was emotionally and was a constant reminder.
The bottom line This is an erotic romance and never strays from being anything other than that and it delivers. The story is interesting and really does give you a view of a Dom/sub relationship and how emotional bonding can influence both roles. It wraps up a little too quickly, a little too neatly but what came before it certainly does compensate. And, it was nice to have the HEA. I was looking forward to learning more about the smokin' Gage and I'm still fanning, even if I was concerned at the outset about Zoe being his focus. He's completely worth it and got the story he deserved.
April Smith finds herself abandoned, broke and in a serious financial predicament on her wedding day after her wealthy ex-fiancé stuck her with the enApril Smith finds herself abandoned, broke and in a serious financial predicament on her wedding day after her wealthy ex-fiancé stuck her with the entire bill for the extravaganza. As luck would have it, her ex-boyfriend from college sees her sitting forlornly outside of her hotel suite, soon to be ousted by hotel security. Quinn Taylor considers April the one that got away and decides to rescue her. However, he’s not without trust issues as he believes she left him for a wealthier prospect. He and best friend and business partner Austin Wright are now equally as prosperous and take her in. But, Quinn has some strings attached that are pretty unconventional.
This was pure erotic fantasy with a lot of romance as background. It’s a wonderful set up for a second chance romance with Quinn and Austin as pure perfection. Austin sees his role as convincing Quinn that he still has strong feelings for April and does everything he can to get him to reconnect, all while falling for April himself. It’s a really good premise for a combined relationship and delivered on the steamy aspects of the story. Where it fell short for me was how the beginnings of the threesome felt rushed, not given the time to develop and brew. And, the resolution with the ex-fiancé should have been more protracted and some potentially powerful moments were missed.
I enjoyed the concept and the steamy sessions but needed more from April and Quinn to fully buy into Quinn/April/Austin. By the end of the story, I still hadn’t figured out April and her reasons for leaving Quinn in college rang thin. And, I wanted more of a showdown with that ex-fiancé, my bloodthirsty need for justice left wanting. The erotica, however, soared off the charts, more than delivering on its promise. 3.5 stars
(Thanks to the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.) ...more
If you like ménage romance with a really good story you'll love this one. Told from Haylee's point of view, there's a little bit of country and some wIf you like ménage romance with a really good story you'll love this one. Told from Haylee's point of view, there's a little bit of country and some wonderful lyrics mixed with two hot musicians to make this a completely enjoyable erotic experience.
Lucas and Ben are wonderful characters and I LOVED their relationship with Haylee before it transitioned into romance. All three were off balance when they moved forward into a sexual one but throughout, the friendship and their professional connection grounded them. The sex is HOT, erotic and romantic and the surprise turn made it even more exciting. And, Haylee has a really great sense of humor and self.
I loved everything about this story and it's now one of my favorite ménage romances.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more