The conclusion to O’Keefe’s dark and spellbinding erotic journey in Everything I Left Unsaid jumps off the cliff into a raging sea of passion and dangThe conclusion to O’Keefe’s dark and spellbinding erotic journey in Everything I Left Unsaid jumps off the cliff into a raging sea of passion and danger as she continues to push our couple through the darkness that consumes them. Our lovers are forced to confront the past they are both trying to run from, with violent consequences. Suspense and intrigue play a larger role, with the romance flowing right along, but not holding the erotic edge it had in book one. The voices of long-held secrets crescendo as Dylan and Annie fight to hold onto the love they have built. Though the main conflict is resolved in a satisfactory manner, O’Keefe leaves readers with some questions concerning the outcome of various subplots and characters, making them wonder if she will be revisiting this world.
Lilah Pace’s conclusion to her stunning debut, Asking For It, is a continuation into the complex and convoluted erotic romance that dissects deep o4.5
Lilah Pace’s conclusion to her stunning debut, Asking For It, is a continuation into the complex and convoluted erotic romance that dissects deep obsession, dark desires, and two people whose connection is fraught with pain and passion. A tense suspense filled mystery only heightens the sexuality of the characters and the storyline. ...more
Off Base is a sexy erotic dualogy by Tessa Bailey and Sophia Jordon. Bailey's story is extremely sexy and erotic with a viable heartfelt romance. JordOff Base is a sexy erotic dualogy by Tessa Bailey and Sophia Jordon. Bailey's story is extremely sexy and erotic with a viable heartfelt romance. Jordon picks up the story with the hero's sister and while I also enjoyed, I did feel it was rushed and didn't flesh out as well as the first story. ...more
TORI: ‘Til Death is a two volume duology. I do not recommend reading VOL 2 without reading VOL 1 first. VOL 1 introduces our protagonists and sets up the storyline. A marriage of convenience trope that goes horribly wrong when the object of the convenience finds out and she learns why the love of her life married her. Katia fell for Marcus Tandem hook, line, and sinker. Believing her prince had come, she is shattered when she learns he married her to merely secure his ownership of the family business. When she learns the whole story behind his deplorable actions and questions him on it, he purposely causes her to leave, hoping to make her hate him while in fact he does it all out of love. Katia leaves a shattered broken woman. Marcus thought he could have it all and keep his emotions out of the mix, but he falls for Katia and when she leaves, it devastates him.
VOL 2 brings back our unlucky lovers and sets them down a harsh path of lies, pain, and revenge as Katia tries to survive on practically nothing while taking care of her sick mother. When her mother’s care becomes too much for her to handle alone, she comes back to town and is forced to interact with Marcus, reopening all her wounds. Marcus realises instantly what he lost and tries so hard to get Katia to hear him out on multiple occasions. When one of his attempts to talk to her results in her missing the chance to say goodbye to the only other person she loves, Katia hits rock bottom and like a phoenix, emerges from the ashes engulfed in the flames of revenge.
When it comes to the cray-cray, I and Sheena are soul mates. The more outrageous a couple and the situation, the more I can guarantee one of us, if not both, have read their book. Bella Jewel fills my need with her various dark erotic romances that gives readers intensely possessive alpha heroes, strong and eccentric heroines, and some serious eye rolling storylines. Bella creates the ultimate abet gorgeous douchebag hero in Til Death. Marcus is an arse. You can’t even say at least he’s honest about his intentions because he’s not. He lies, schemes, and manipulates. He wined and dined Katia with the sole intention of getting her to fall in love with him and using her to achieve his goals. The problem? He never thought he would fall victim to his own trap. I think ever, Sheena? After Vol 1 was Marcus a hero or zero for you?
SHEENA: *sings* Hey soul sister, ain’t that Mr. Mister… (In my Train voice). You have it spot on, Tori! After VOL 1, I was livid, seething. I thought Marcus was vile and beyond redemption. I didn’t champion a HEA and I wanted everyone to know! I have never walked away from a novel literally clamoring for the hero to lose his lady love and any remote chance of happiness. I wanted him burned at the stake of my choosing. I wanted him to go down in Chinatown, in short- I didn’t find him fit to pick Katia’s toenails. I sympathised with Katia and wanted her to be truly happy- sans Marcus!
But then something shifted in VOL 2. Katia transformed. And committed one of my most fiercely protected, cardinal romance novel sins. Thou shalt not lie to the hero about the existence or possibility of a child he has fathered. Marcus was an emotional tyrant and put her through the emotional wringer. He was cold and he hurt her feelings. He sent her packing with a sneer on his lips and lies in his eyes. But honey, you hide this man’s baby and I am #TeamMarcus by the next bat of my lashes! Making the decision to -don’t say villainize- devolve Katia’s characterization from heroine-with-the-broken-heart-of-gold to that of the queen bitch of retribution is what made this story feel believable. In this action, I believe Bella Jewel to have the foresight and gift that many romance authors do not possess. It would have been sooo easy to have Katia give Marcus the run around for a few chapters and then after a few encounters, and some groveling, Marcus waves his cock under Katia’s nose like smelling salts and BAM! They are back together and loving harder than ever for eternity. To be honest I was expecting this lazy resolution and ready to go on the rant to end all rants, but Jewell did the work and made this journey legit.
I also appreciated the pace of the story, each scene fueled by each lover’s angst. It was as if I were on a roller coaster, each new action ratcheting up Katia’s venomous desire to the next level. At one point she was seriously out of control and the plot felt wild and dangerous! I was ready to enter Marcus into witness protection- in my boudoir- of course. (So umm yes…with the moratorium on my distaste for his prior dastardly deeds, I began to sort of get the hots for the big jerk *bites lip). Tori, how did you feel about Katia 2.0?
TORI: It’s like we have a Vulcan mind meld going on. I’m not quite as hate fueled by the secret baby trope as you are but like you, it made my respect for her diminish. And I needed that. I needed Jewel to show me the nasty, ugly dark parts buried in Katia. I need to see she was not the perfect angel that VOL 1 lead us to believe. She embraced her fall into the abyss like an avenging Valkyrie and not only rode that crazy train but was the conductor.
The direction Jewel took made me fist pump. Sorry, but I love a hero or heroine who takes it to the ultimate extreme and then a step further when their heart is broken. I do love me some revenge. Jewel did a fantastic job of cataloging Katia’s descent into madness with her family bemoaning her actions in the background like a Greek chorus. The FEELZ. OMG. My heart went out to her even as I slowly backed away just in case she decided to flip on me. I have to say while my feelings changed towards Marcus as we are given deeper insight to his thoughts and feelings, I didn’t feel a bit sorry for him when he found out just how much of the Kool-aid Katia drank. He made his bed, now he has to lie in it. *z snap*
The pace is steady and the use of alternative viewpoints helps to keep the reader in both their minds. The conflicts build slowly, heightening the sense of danger and angst. I adored Katia’s family. Her brothers and best friend were hilarious and offered a reprieve from the darkness of the storyline.I liked that her father doesn’t try to excuse away what happened in the past.
Now let’s talk about what everyone wants to hear about…the sex. Oh boy, you’d better grab something and hold on tight because the ride gets bumpy. No matter how incompatible Katia and Marcus are as a couple, they have no issues in the bedroom. Or the shower, a back alley, up against various walls. Lots of angry sex.
My back is slammed against the wall and Marcus doesn’t move his lips from mine. He kisses me until I’m gasping for air. His hands are in my locks, tugging, and his body is crushed against mine, his erection pressing into my belly. Then his hands are wrenching free of my hair and going down to the hem of my dress.
We’re in a frenzy; emotion is gone. There is nothing but raw lust, a lust that is dangerous for the both of us. My head swims from alcohol and emotion. I can’t think straight, not when his lips are on mine, not when his hands are everywhere. He jerks my dress up and finds my panties, tearing them off as if they are no more than a flimsy piece of material.
Then he’s jerking his pants down, freeing his cock. What’s happening? What am I doing? My thoughts are taken from me when he thrusts upwards, filling me in one fluid stroke. My head falls back and I scream. Thrilling, sensational agony rips through my body and I arch, trying to ease it, trying to get more—I don’t know which. Marcus places a hand on the wall beside my head and the other firmly under my ass, and he fucks me.
He fucks me like this is our last day on earth and I’m the only reason he’s fought.
He fucks me like I matter.
He fucks me like I’m his lifeline and he can’t survive without me.
I come shamelessly hard and fast, gripping his suit, running my fingernails desperately over the fabric. He growls low and deep, and fucks me so hard I feel the brick wall tearing into my skin. Then he’s coming too, hard and fast, rasping my name.
I close my eyes, shame filling me.
What have I done?
Ummm…Is it hot in here or what?
So…what were we talking about again? Oh yes, the S.E.X. It’s nasty, dirty, raw, and angry. What say you, Sheena? Was the sex up to par for you?
SHEENA: The sex was up to par. I had high expectations as Jewell is no slouch in the book booty department and I am more than pleased with the love scenes. Nothing felt too gratuitous (not that I’m likely to complain, heh) and the only thing that left me wanting was a scene with Katia’s brother, Ford…I like Ford. Me wants more and I liked what little we saw of his..dalliance. Marcus is a beast in the sack and he hits allll the right notes with me. He is dominant and passionate and well…damn near feral which makes the times where he makes love to Katia- that much more stimulating. Let’s just say I have bookmarked a scene or two….or three…especially that one time against the wall *wiggles eyebrows.* Tori, you mention their oil/water compatibility as a couple. In VOL 1 we saw Katia admit to herself that they really only connected between the sheets. Sex was one area where they had a common ground and mutual pull toward one another. Seeing them transcend that level of intimacy was rewarding. Marcus grew to love and respect and care for Katia and when her fury abated, she was left with a man who had literally been reborn-for her. Lucky chick has her man in and out of the bedroom now!
Till Death VOL 2 was a dramatic, smart and sexy conclusion to the story of Katia and Marcus. I do admit I am left with a few questions regarding just how socio-economically…changed Marcus became in the end, but nothing significant enough to sway my appreciation for this novel.
I give it a solid A-.
What say you Tori?
TORI: The highs and lows they experience in here only serves to strengthen the bonds that developed between them in VOL 1. Sometimes you have to break it in order to fix it and make it stronger. Marcus learns to love and put someone else’s needs before his while Katia learns to place a higher value on herself and not settle for less than what she deserves.
I too was a little confused about exactly what Marcus did to ‘reinvent’ himself. Did he keep nothing? What did he do at his new job? Also why he felt he had to keep Katia in the dark about it. In her mind, he had left her again. *sob* I also wish we could have divulged a little more in Marcus’s feelings for Katia beyond him saying-’I broke her. I want her back.’ Yeah, yeah, yeah. I wanted to know WHY he wanted her back. I wanted him to say the words.
Regardless, Til Death Vol 2 was a wild out of control roller coaster ride that hit all my high and low points. Jewel promised us a dramatic pain filled love story and more than delivered.
I give this a solid B+.
Sheena’s Favorite Quote: “Sorry, you fucked my boss, I fucked your brother. It’s only fair right?”
Tori’s Favorite Quotes: “How the hell have I been living in darkness while you’ve been dancing in light?”
Marriage of convenience goes horribly wrong when the anti hero, who is an alpha jerk-abet a sexy one, falls in love with his “convenience.” I waited FMarriage of convenience goes horribly wrong when the anti hero, who is an alpha jerk-abet a sexy one, falls in love with his “convenience.” I waited FOR EVAH for this book to release and I liked it BUT I didn’t realize it was a duology and that the first book was all set up for the conflict that will appear in book two. Regardless, I will be buying book two because I must know what happens....more
Favorite Quote: “…in this perfect moment, there is always fear.”
Emma Searfoss, a 22 year old engineer designer, has moved clear across the country to get away from her stepfather. Emotionally and physically abused by him since childhood, her victimization was made worse by her mother and two brothers allowing it to happen and not intervening. Blunt and in need of some anger management classes, Emma moves into a new apartment only to wake up the next day and find a strange man has made himself at home there.
David Calgaro is a 26 year old carpenter who, like Emma, grew up in abusive home. Contracted to replace the kitchen in her new apartment, his lack of boundaries infuriates then intrigues Emma. This outgoing and charming young man grounds her and soon their friendship blossoms into something more.
Emma feels safe with David, a first for her, and she falls hard for this mysterious man. But David has secrets. Dark secrets that involve his previous girlfriends. Emma knows David is hiding something from her but her attraction to him is strong and when he asks for the impossible…she must decide how far she is willing go for love.
How far would you go to prove your love to someone?
Would you lie for them?
Would you steal for them?
Would you kill for them?
Would you die for them?
Claire Wallis asks these questions and more in her debut NA novel, Push. A psychological romantic thriller that addresses the long term emotional and mental damage caused by childhood abuse and the lengths some will go to find peace and happiness. I use the term romance with hesitation because I don’t consider this a romance per say. It’s more of a love story steeped in tragedy and deception. Wallis uses an interesting set up in that the story opens at the end, essentially telling us what has happened. She then takes us back to the beginning to when Emma and David first met and begins to explain to us, in Emma’s voice, how she and David arrived at their point of no return.
Steady pacing peels back the layers of Emma and David, introducing us to two seemingly normal individuals whose similar backgrounds guide and attract them to one another. Humorous scenes, dry witty dialogue, and some very sexy sensual love scenes keeps the reader engaged as Wallis builds what looks to be a typical NA romance. As the book progresses, the tone changes. It’s a gradual feeling that you don’t realize is there until you feel the hair on the back of your neck raise. The very things that engaged you in the beginning take on a more sinister air. They mock you. Wallis digs deep into our protagonists’, giving us hints at the darkness that exists in both of them. Scenes from David and Emma’s childhoods only serve to further explain their idiosyncrasies while POVs from David’s ex girlfriends opens our eyes to something more insidious.
“I’m falling.”
I have to say this book leaves you reeling once you reach the end. Emotions are jumbled as you try to figure out what you missed and when it all began to change. Did it actually change or was it this way all along but you just refused to see it? It makes you question your own judgement. Wallis does a fabulous job of twisting the plotlines; building upon a seemingly strong foundation, only to show at the end just how easily you can lie to others…and yourself.
“I know that we are going to be alright. I know because each of us consists of half lunacy and half absurdity-and neither of us is fit to be with anyone else.”
David and Emma are energetic protagonists. Wallis paints a vivid three dimensional picture of them; highlighting their flaws as well as their attributes in a manner that only makes them more appealing. Both come off strong, intelligent, and loyal. There is an interesting contrast shown here between Emma and David. Both are damaged but Emma seems to be better adjusted than David. She is able to express herself while David manipulates the truth and only comes clean when forced into a corner. Their relationship progresses fast; you can see an almost manic quality in the time they spend together. It’s as if they are clinging by the tips of their fingers, struggling to hold on. Their time together changes them. You begin to see them giving up some unhealthy habits and becoming more honest with each other.
“I admit that I am almost relieved to hear that his family is nearly as messed up as mine. I feel as if he’s less likely to judge me because of it, and that makes me happy”
Wallis doesn’t shy away from the sexual aspect as she allows Emma and David to enjoy a full and often consummated affair. Their chemistry is a palpable force felt throughout the book that only gains strength the longer they are together. I liked seeing that Emma isn’t slut shamed or forced to view her sexuality as a bad thing because of her past. This is usually a side effect in NAs when either protagonists has an abusive childhood. She initiates her and David’s first sexual encounter and it is enjoyed by both with no negative consequences.
“The phoenix is stretched out over my lap, rising and falling as he breathes.”
Though you think you know the ending…you don’t. Everything has changed and Wallis gives us just enough so we aren’t sure of anything anymore and leaves us in limbo; waiting for the next book. Though I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I do wish we could have gotten more of David’s POV in the present. As it was, I could only take most of what he said and did at face value since it was told to us by Emma. I am hoping that book two, title and release date to be announced, will be told in David’s voice and I can gain a better understanding of where his head was during all of this.
Push was a surprisingly fresh and unique treat to read. I recommend to all new adult aficionados who is looking for something new in this oft repetitive genre. I for one will be keeping a close eye on Claire Wallis in the future.
Speak Low picks up where Speak Easy left off. Tiny saves her father but they aren't off the hook yet. The DiFiore's still want their cut which means lSpeak Low picks up where Speak Easy left off. Tiny saves her father but they aren't off the hook yet. The DiFiore's still want their cut which means less money for Tiny's family. Tiny is still lusting after Enzo DiFlore and soon he makes her an offer that gives her everything she thought she wanted. But when old pal Joey starts coming back around, Tiny discovers that what she wants is standing right before her eyes.
As enjoyable as book one, Speak Low continues on with the action and thrills though the romance occupies a much larger portion of the storyline. ...more