| Title | : | Naked (The Blackstone Affair, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 208 |
| Publication | : | First published August 25, 2012 |
Naked (The Blackstone Affair, #1) Reviews
-
I’ve been ruined.
And it’s all thanks to E.L. James, Sylvia Day, and R.K. Lilley.
You ladies ruined me with your Christian Gray, James Cavendish, and Gideon Cross.
Because now when I come across Ethan something-or-other… I can’t even remember his last name after just finishing this book.
*AND IT’S IN THE FREAKING TITLE!*
___________________________________________
I’m pretty sure the author went by the standard “This should make your erotic book successful” checklist:
Sex against the wall: Check.
Obsessive, millionaire alpha male: Check.
Insecure female protagonist: Check.
The whole “You’re mine,” scene: Check.
Sexual tension in the elevator: Check.
Insta-lust: Check.
Female protagonist has a male gay best friend: Check.
Obsessive, millionaire alpha male has dark secrets: Check.
Make this reader want to bang their head on closest hard surface: Check.
__________________________________________
This book was alright, sure.
You wanna’ know what would have made it great?
Originality.
-
★★★★★! Naked, book 1 of 4. The Ethan Blackstone, larger-than-life, handsome, rich playboy and security expert extraordinaire sets out to protect his American girl in a suspenseful and deadly high-stakes political game!
“That picture changed everything. I was not the same after I saw it and I couldn’t go back to the man I’d been before seeing it either. Not after we met that night on the street. My whole world altered because of a photograph. A photograph of my beautiful American girl.”
The 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.
Their story is nothing short of spectacular! Follow them through ups and downs across the globe as Brynne’s past comes back to haunt her and Ethan sets out to protect and solve the mystery of who is out to hurt her. It’s 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
Naked (book 1) follows Ethan and Brynne during their initial meeting and the blossoming romance that follows. The story opens up with an email sent by Brynne’s dad to his long-time poker buddy Ethan asking him to help protect his daughter studying in London. Little facts are given initially, but will instead slowly unfold throughout series as Ethan sets out not only to guard Brynne but to win her heart and own her. He will stop at nothing.
“No,” I said slowly, trying to put the brakes on my escalating heart beat, “I did not give you my number last night.” Why was he calling?
“I may have borrowed your phone by accident while you were dozing… and called my cell with it…”
Brynne Bennett’s traumatic past is what brings them together and it will unfold throughout the series. Based on everything that has happened she could so easily have fallen into the “damsel in distress” category, but she doesn’t. I feel she does evoke nurturing emotions without being week. She is working very hard to come to terms with her past and though emotional and irrational at times, she is mostly very pragmatic about her issues.
She doesn’t realize that their first meeting was well orchestrated by Ethan. She is immediately smitten with him and once she’s had sex with Ethan she is hooked:
“Ethan dominated during sex. He wanted his tongue and his fingers and his c~ck in me all at once. Like that way he could claim me more completely. I don’t know why, it was just his way. And I loved it. His way was honest and totally direct. I knew what I would get with Ethan and it always ended with an orgasm that left me trembling.”
But even though Brynne falls easily for Ethan’s intense seduction she is the one putting the brakes on their relationship. Ethan has to work hard, probably harder than ever before at wooing her.
Five words to describe Brynne: Tenuous, determined, fragile, enchanting and compelling.
Ethan Blackstone is one of my all-time favorite heroes. He is the uber-sexy, beyond handsome and elusive man-whoring playboy. Having put all his focus into building his empire has afforded him wealth, fame and women at his feet.
But that was all before he saw the photo of his American girl. Now he has his sight on her. And just like in poker, winning is the only option. He is relentless:
“He didn’t ask. Ethan took.”
Six words to describe Ethan Blackstone: Unforgettable, dominant, enigmatic, smart, captivating and driven. Ethan, like Brynne, has a dark past that will unfold over the span of the series.
Naked is nothing short of a magnificent and all-consuming roller-coaster of romance, sex, secrets, suspense and intrigue only to come to a mind-blowing, chocking cliffhanger ending. But no worries, just open up book 2,
All In for the continuation of their story. Addictive and suspenseful plot! Spellbinding storytelling. Unforgettable Ethan! A must-read series!
“I don’t want you to go yet. I like having you here with me. You soothe me, baby. He rested his head on top of mine. You are my ray of light in a fog of ignorance and frustration.”
***
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: N/A
*********************************************
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. -
So this is another Fifty Shades/Bared to You style first novel in a trilogy but it’s a really good one. The style is very engaging, the characters bounce vividly to life right from the get go and it’s set in London in the run up to the 2012 Olympics – what’s not to love?
I think, as you’re reading the novel, it pays to remember the prologue – it’s very short and easy to forget when you’re caught up in the story but it’s VERY IMPORTANT!!
Brynne is our heroine – an American grad student studying in London supplementing her income with some tasteful nude modelling (the cover art is the picture at the centre of the novel). Ethan Blackstone, British ex-special forces and now head honcho of an elite security firm, buys her portrait and decides that he has to know Brynne and they start to date. They both have scars and a traumatic past – neither is revealed in this instalment and there is a WICKED cliffhanger. Cliffhangers are all the rage these days – I suspect it’s some kind of evil revenge being plotted by nefarious authors for some unknown slight by the readers! All I can say is, if you leave your readers hanging like that, you had better be writing real fast!!
This is highly enjoyable and I read it really quickly. I was interested right from page one and never bored of it or skimmed at any point. Ethan – how I loved Ethan. I feel fairly safe saying that I think Raine Miller was using David Gandy as Ethan in her mind. It’s absolutely him, right down to the description of his nose!! Ethan’s a wonderful hero – he’s thoughtful, caring, protective and incredibly sexy and of course David Gandy style gorgeous too. Raine Miller does an amazing job of building the sexual chemistry in the lead up to Ethan and Brynne’s first sexual encounter – it’s sizzling hot and I was really desperate for them to get their freak on and when they do, it sure doesn’t disappoint!!
I read this at the perfect time too. The novel is set just before the Olympics in London 2012 and I read it just as we Brits are basking in our post-Olympic euphoric haze. I wonder what G4S would have had to say about Ethan’s comments about Olympic security – had a little giggle at that.
My only niggle is that this is set in London with a British hero but the book is very obviously written by an American. I think she needs a British beta reader – I VOLUNTEER!! I had a big smirk at the ‘taco’ scene when Brynne is laughing at Ethan’s pronunciation. She loves the way he says it – now we say Tacko, Americans say Tarrkoe!! I laugh every time I hear that too! Other than that, I have no complaints - this is a highly enjoyable romance and I am desperate for part 2 which, at the time of writing, doesn’t even have an expected publication date!
The lovely Ethan/David!
4 stars contemporary romance
Embarrassing confession time - after finishing this book late at night, I fell asleep and had a David Gandy sex dream. It's all good......
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What. Was. That?
I get that this is a novella but serious? Put some effort into it.
This was me about 15% in
But I figured it was only 100-some pages so I might as well see what was going to happen.
Well. It was basically all the naughty words you could think of mixed in with NO plot. Serious. I tried to find it.
And then the end. Serious?
I just don’t care enough to find out what might happen in the sequel.
-
What The Hell Was That?!?!?!
I don't know what it is about this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I felt like everything developed way too fast. I had no emotional connection with the characters. The author literally tells you what to feel instead of actually making you feel that way.
You know when you start reading a book and you actually feel like you're falling in love along with the characters!?!? …. Ummm yeah, I didn’t get any of those feelings at all with this book except extreme boredom. -
Yup. I’m an Ethan Blackstone fan now!
Fans of Fifty Shades and Crossfire should definitely check this series out!
Naked is a quick, sizzling read. It’s hot, passionate and erotic – but in a tasteful way. The writing style is engaging, the story progresses quickly and while there is a cliffhanger, the second book is currently available so you can go straight on to it once you’re done with this one :)
I was intrigued from the first paragraph and by the end of the prologue, I was hooked. I’ve included the prologue at the end of the review to see if it’ll sell you on it too cuz everything about it made me want to know more!
The story starts out when Ethan Blackstone, ex-Special Forces and now head of a high end British security firm, is given the task of protecting Brynne, an American student studying in London. And while at first he refuses the job, it all changed the moment he sees her picture.“That picture changed everything. I was not the same after I saw it and I couldn’t go back to the man I’d been before seeing it either. Not after we met that night on the street. My whole world altered because of a photograph. A photograph of my beautiful American girl.”
He arranged to run into her at an event and offers to take her home. Drawn to him somehow, she agrees. But he wants more – he wants to see her again, and he isn’t going to take no for an answer.“I’m not your girl, Ethan.”
“You were during that kiss, Brynne.”
But they both have scars in their past — his show physically, hers show emotionally — that are touched on in this book and hopefully we’ll get to learn more about in the sequel.
I loved Ethan. He oozed an intense confidence and protectiveness and managed to be both commanding and territorial as well as sweet and understanding. His nature was to be controlling, but not overbearing. He wanted a relationship with Brynne and was very fair in the way he approached it, was not afraid to apologize when he messed up, and yet at the same time was always direct with her about what he wanted.“He might be reserved in public, but in private with me, he wore his heart on his sleeve. What you saw was what you got. He told me what he wanted from me with no apology for how blunt the words were.”
Brynne was wonderful and sweet but with a troubled past back home that she seemed to be escaping in London. The story is told mostly from her POV and while her past held her back from being fully comfortable with Ethan, it was in a completely understandable way and I just absolutely loved that he had no problem with it. He was willing to be with her no matter what she was going through.He tilted his head and spoke softly. “I want to be with you so badly right now. I want to take you home with me, and put you in my bed and have hours and hours with your body wrapped up in mine to do with as I wish. I want to have you there in the morning so when we wake up I can make you come, saying my name. I want to drive you to work and pick you up when it’s time to leave. I want to go to the shps with you and buy food we can cook for dinner. I want to watch some crap television and have you fall asleep against me on the couch so I can watch you and hear you breathing.”
Both of them just craved each other and wanted to make things work.“Right now I just wanted to be wanted. Ethan wanted me. And that was enough to make me agree. Baby steps. I would accept his conditions and he would accept my inability to share my past with him. We would go slow.”
But Ethan was keeping a secret… all I’ll say is, when you’re reading, remember the prologue!
Naked is only 192 pages long (I read it in less than two hours) and while I usually find that shorter stories usually makes it a bit harder to connect quite as deeply with the story, I really enjoyed this book, found it quite addictive, and will be going straight on to book #2 :)
Here's the prologue. It is posted with permission from the author:
CASTING (see above and below pics)... I've heard David Gandy was the inspiration for Ethan so here are some casting pics....
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Review posted at:
Swept Away By Romance
4 1/2 Quivering Stars!! I'm in love with Ethan Blackstone!! I can see the comparisons coming already, but I don't care, I LOVED this book!! I reiterate, you can't help that books are going to have similar underlying themes, but how the story plays out, the way characters are portrayed and the skill of the author's writing, is what differentiates them and sets them apart. This one shoots straight to the top!!
"That picture changed everything. I was not the same after I saw it and I couldn’t go back to the man I’d been before seeing it either. Not after we met that night on the street. My whole world altered because of a photograph. A photograph of my beautiful American girl."
I was in it from the beginning and I had a hard time letting go. The story is told from Brynne’s first person point-of-view, although the prologue is from Ethan’s.
Ethan is charming, amusing, gritty and mouth-wateringly sexy, sensual, and oh so HOT! Brynne is a smart, feisty, independent woman, and is quick to fall for Ethan, but resisting him is futile. What brings him to her is pure fascination, but what makes him want her, is overwhelming desire! Brynne is equally attracted to this magnetic, charismatic man and their passion for each other ignites quickly, had me squirming in my seat, and misting away!! Underneath it all are secrets that have yet to be revealed and that is what drives the story. Brynne is a woman who doesn not takes kindly to deception and Ethan might have just well met his Waterloo! Read the book and you will understand the meaning of that statement!
The writing was excellent, with dialogue a-plenty; some witty British humor and slang…loved that! The Brits just have a way with words. I detracted half a star due to the length, and the cliffhanger, which I’m not a fan of, but I can see how in this type of read it would be necessary. However, the author treats us to the first chapter of book two…told from Ethan’s point-of-view...which I think makes it more intriguing, and all kinds of deliciousness for the reader. I’m going to love being in Ethan’s head…no pun intended! Okay…well…maybe! Write faster Raine Miller!!
If any man could ever depict Ethan Blackstone, it’s this man…and he’s British too…PERFECT!! I know Gandy’s your man Wendy, but I couldn’t help myself!! Forgive me!
”Those eyes of his were blue, very clear and deep, black hair, tall bloke, his lip turning up more on one side than the other of his goateed mouth”
-
2 Stars
Unfortunately, this one didn't work out. This book and the series have been on my radar ever since I heard a lot of good things about them. I was so excited last week because finally, I was able to dive into it. Okaaay so it started off well enough. The heroine Brynne Bennett was sure to be an interesting character-- an American who moved to London to study as a grad student and work at the same time as a part-time photographic model. This actually reminds me of the book that I liked,
On Dublin Street.
Our hero, the alluring Ethan James Blacktone was one of those typical rich, Alpha males that you couldn't resist. I loved how his character was portrayed here as he reminds me of so many heroes that captured my heart. However, I didn't like the way his physical traits were described. Yes, he's handsome and all kinds of hot, but I swear I didn't like his goatee. Hahaha! I don't intend to offend anyone who has a goatee, but when it concerns Ethan's character, I just pictured him to have clean facial features. That's how I like it.
Moving on, I didn't like how generic their love story was. I was looking for some factors that would make this book a lot different, something to set it apart from the usual tropes I've read about Alpha males falling in love with a vulnerable, beautiful woman. Yes, the sexual tension that both characters developed right at the start was thick and palpable, yet I felt like it simmered so quickly that I didn't really find myself be affected.
The romantic scenes were sure to be steamy, but they weren't as emotionally charged as I've expected. What I just liked about this book was the pacing which was fast and steady. There weren't unnecessary dramas too, which made me feel grateful at least. But if I'll be asked if this is the kind of romance book that would absolutely disarm me, sad to say, no. I am not closing my doors for this author and her future works, though. Her writing was good. Amazing even. And I really want to try her other books.“You are my ray of light in a fog of ignorance and frustration.”
-
4.5 SIZZLING ETHAN STARS
"Open your eyes" he told me. I lifted them to see Ethan's face a mere inch away, his blue eyes burning hot with lust."
"I'm not your girl, Ethan."
"You were during that kiss Brynne." Eyes flickering, he read me, and then he inhaled. I was a damp mess between my legs and I wondered if he could smell me. "You smell so good....and f*cking sexy."
This book...OMG! Wow...It was surprisingly fantastic. It was sexy, hot and just plain steamy but there was a plot. It wasn't just sex there was a story which usually in a short "novellaish" book is lacking, not in this one. The ending leaves you SCREAMING for more and shaking your kindle yelling NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Ethan Blackstone is an alpha male who is possessive and a bit controlling but absolutely delectable. He will make your lady bits tingle with out a doubt. He's an owner of a security business and an Ex Special Forces man who has been hired by Brynne's father to watch out for her. He's completely taken by Brynne when he meets her at an art exhibition that she has attended for a friend, who she has done some nude modeling for. Ethan lands up purchasing Brynne's nude art. He's instantly captivated and cannot stay away from her. There really are no words to describe just how deliciously possessive this man is...he absolutely made my hot book boy list.
Brynne is an American student who is living in London studying Art. She seems to have some issue that she's trying to evade back home in the States. I got the feeling that they were big because she seems traumatized. She is a wonderful, sweet character that I fell in love with.
The chemistry between Brynne and Ethan is off the charts hot. It's fun to read and I absolutely LOVED it! The book in general is just fantastic. Don't wait...GO. GO. GO. read it now.
This is Ethan...mmmmmmmm
[image error] -
Although short, “Naked” is a very exciting beginning of the story of Brynne and Ethan.
Brynne Bennett is an American postgraduate student in London who is also a part-time photographic model in order to cover her living expenses.
Ethan Blackstone is a successful London businessman who owns a security company aiming for the rich and famous people. He also covers important events. Since the story takes place during the 2012 London Olympics, Ethan is extremely busy looking after the event. So, when an old friend calls him and asks him to protect his daughter, Ethan almost denies until he sees a picture of her.
Ethan will pursue and seduce Brynne. But when his secret is out, Brynne will be devastated.
The book is highly erotic and I enjoyed very much the time period, the atmosphere and the London descriptions. -
Re read via audible. My prior comments still apply:
Ethan Blackstone absolutely ROCKS! I will read this series again and again.
For my safety gang friends interested.
I really love this series so I cannot recommend it enough! -
*****4.5 I Heart Ethan Blackstone STARS*****
I've had this series on my TBR for quite some time.
All I can say is I feel like kicking myself for waiting so long to read this book!!
Any story that has David Gandy as the muse for the leading male character, is a book I'm more than likely going to LOVE!!!!
I pretty much had to wipe the drool from my mouth the entire time I read this book, as I had very vivid pictures of Gandy in my mind!! YUMMY!!!
Brynne Bennett is a young American woman, living in London, as she is a graduate student at the University of London. She has a side job as a nude model for tasteful and artsy photographs.
She has suffered through some sort of tragedy that we, at this point, can only guess at, since it's not revealed in this book.
Ethan Blackstone is an ex Special Forces soldier, who is also a famous poker player and owner of Blackstone Security International, LTD.
He is an old acquaintance of Brynne's father, who calls to ask Ethan to protect his daughter.
At first, he's not interested in helping Mr Bennett out, until he sees a photograph of Brynne, and it is love at first sight.
Ethan is so gorgeous and charming, that when Brynne does meet him, she finds it very hard to resist his advances.
She does try but these two get down to the sexy times rather quickly, and let me just say, I for one, WAS NOT complaining!!
Holy hell, this man dominates in the bedroom, shower, on the office desk, etc.
I did think they kind of fell in love too quickly, but then again, I swear if I met up with David Gandy or his doppelganger, and he pursued me like Ethan had, I MOST DEFINITELY would have fallen head over heels in love the very first night together! I'd already have picked out our children's names!!!
This story swept me away and kept my attention the entire time.
I'm completely head over heels for Mr Ethan Blackstone!!
"Naked" ends on a cliffy, but luckily since I waited so long to read this series, I don't have to wait to dive into the next book!!!! -
Meet Ethan Blackstone...
Do I have your attention yet?
He tilted his head and spoke softly. “I want to be with you so badly right now. I want to take you home with me, and put you in my bed and have hours and hours with your body wrapped up in mine to do with as I wish. I want to have you there in the morning so when we wake up I can make you come, saying my name. I want to drive you to work and pick you up when it’s time to leave. I want to go to the shops with you and buy food we can cook for dinner. I want to watch some crap TV show and have you fall asleep against me on the couch so I can watch you and hear you breathing.”
How about now?
Despite Naked being a short read, it was one that was thoroughly enjoyable. It had me captivated from the start and kept me intrigued with an interesting plot, extremely likeable characters and its many unanswered questions.
Then we had Ethan. Ah, Ethan, you did make this a pleasurable read. This man knew all thedirtyright things to say to leave me boneless and breathless. The scenes between Ethan and Brynne were "shove your head in the freezer and plant your ass in an ice bucket" hot, their chemistry electric.
The ending leaves you wanting more and desperate to move onto the next installment. In saying that, I'm keeping this review short and sweet... I have another date with Mr Blackstone ;) -
So I desperately wanted to like this book after all the amazing reviews and even a 4.11 on Good Reads. It was compared to 50 shades and Bared to you but I am beginning to think I am not reading the same book that all the reviewers read...AT ALL! I think people see the word safe word and that is all it takes to have a 50 shades and Bared to you competitor (Mind you Bared to you is my fav over 50 shades). The main character is of course broken from what we still don't know but it is leaning toward some sort of sexual assult, yet she is pretty easy when it comes to tall, dark and handsome brits in range rovers, she is a model of course that doesn’t think she is beautiful… annoying. There was promise of a long suspenseful seduction...not even I think maybe it waited until chapter 2. Ethan is well kind of desperate in all this and while there was some desperation in the other stories it was under the surface only in their internal monologues until at least the end of book 2 they never let it all hang out there in an awkward way like Raine Miller did with Ethan.
Just really lacking in suspense and storyline and meat of the characters I can't possibly imagine what she will write about in the next several books.
I will finish this out because I paid for it but I am 71% in and really disappointed and don't think my opinion will change over the next 29%. -
Spoiler Free Review
3.5 to 4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance/Erotica
Serie: Part #1 in the Blackstone
'I stood there after the door closed, my body still humming from the orgasm, my ripped underwear up around my waist, the warm trickle of semen starting to flow down my thigh and listened. The rap of footsteps following his retreat was not to my liking. Not one bit.' -Brynne in
Naked
Brynne is a twenty four year old American art student and has been living in London the past four years. She attends the University of London and works part time as a model and at the Rothvale Gallery in art conservation. As you read Naked you start to get the feeling that Brynne is running/hiding from someone or something that happened in her past. And that she was traumatized and/or assaulted at one point. However the reader does not find out what that may be in Part 1 of this series.
Brynne's Repose
Ethan takes one look at her photo and knows he has to have her...
Brynne has just left her friend Benny's art show when she is approached by the tall handsome man who just purchased her photo. Or should i say the photo she posed for. Nude. He offers her a ride home and although she is reluctant he assures her that he is not a serial killer. In fact he is the opposite. Ethan owns and runs Blackstone Security. She finds this worthy and accepts the ride. She knows off the bat that the security business does him good; from his Ferragamo shoes and crisp suit to the Range Rover waiting at the sidewalk. Business must be good!
How did you get this number?
The next day Brynne is shocked to get a phone call from Ethan. Especially since she never gave him her number. Yes our alpha male Ethan has stalker tendencies. He asks her out for a date and she says yes. On the date Ethan makes it very clear what he wants. Her.
These two come together fast and hard. They quickly develop a relationship and just when everything is going good.
BOOM
The bomb drops leaving Brynne devastated.
She leaves Ethan and all she has left is an affair to remember.
Thoughts
This was a quick read it only had 115pgs. Ethan is a true alpha male and if you like that as much as I do than this is a book for you. I think the writer did a good job with story it was not over thought with various descriptions. It was more to the point just like its characters. The flow was good and fast paced and overall I liked it!
My Ratings
Character- Likable
Writing Style- Witty, Sexy and Clever
Plot/Storyline- Good
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I liked it!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads -
I was going to wait until book two was out due to the heartbreaking cliffhanger, but after doing a little research reading other reviews and entering in the author´s webpage I was really intrigued.
And of course, after finding out that David Gandy was the inspiration for Ethan I couldn´t help myself and picked the book right away.
Ethan....*sigh*
I was hooked after the first chapter, and the story totally captivated me. They meet and click right away, but a little too fast for my taste, I would have liked a bit more of dating before they got down to business.
By the end of the book a lot of questions pop up like Ethan´s and Brynne´s troubled past, I hope they´ll be addressed in the next book.
You can read an snippet of
All In by clicking
here. I loved the fact the book 2 is from Ethan´s POV.
CAN´T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!! :))
Pick this one up it´s fast paced, super steamy and has an Alpha male to die for!! -
Naked - 4 ★'s (spell ckd)
It all started with a picture. Ethan Blackstone was asked as a favor to watch over Brynne by her Dad. Ethan wasn't going to do it but then he saw her picture and he just couldn't resist.
I just have to say upfront that I loved Ethan's vulnerability. Granted he's too dominant and too forward but I love all his reactions to all things Brynne. It was so refreshing!
Both Brynne and Ethan have had tragic events happen in their pasts and as with any new relationship, they will slowly get to those. However, with the intense nature of their connection, the physical side of their relationship has pushed things full steam ahead.
Of course, that leads us to the big drama and OMG what crazy timing it had!
The next book, All In, is from Ethan's POV and I can only imagine what's going on in his head!
Favorite quote:
♥ “Water-fucking-loo, Ethan." -
Quick review:
Cover: Love it
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Smoking
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: A book that’s hard to put down
Characters: Well done
Plot: One heart, one compelling man and danger. A sexy mix.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Of course
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Loved this book. Two complaints, it was short and straddled a line of insta love. Yet, I found it compelling and well worth the price paid. The author knew how to make a full story in a short period. I didn’t feel cheated other than it ended, lol.
P.S.> wateroo, wateroo, I'm calling foul. Need next book asap!
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2... -
there were a lot of grammatical errors and the sentence formations were weird at times but i enjoyed the story.
i was in the mood for something like fifty shades of grey and while this one didn't hit that mark, i enjoyed it. Ethan did not have any commitment issues unlike christian, and he said 'i love you' first and i actually liked that.
i was looking for a possessive, obsessive and controlling man, and tbh Ethan wasn't high on any of those things and was actually really sweet and not an asshole which is not a bad thingbut tell that to little ole' me
also, im really thankful for the no ex drama bc that really annoys me
overall, pretty enjoyable, im excited for the next one!
3.25 stars -
Oh bloody hell! Cliffie! Ugh...thank goodness the next book is already out.
I have no idea why I waited so long to read this. Ethan is A-Fucking-Mazing! On to book 2.... -
I gave this a quick re-read as I was going to start the next in the series.... bit of a waste of time. Very short book - did not really do it for me. Not sure now if I will read the next one.
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*^*4 Hot/Juicy ETHAN*^*stars
"I want the real thing. I want you underneath me."
YOU. ARE. MINE.
The story starts out with Brynne, part-time model/art student meeting Ethan Blackstone after he buys her nude portrait. His dominant nature captivates Brynne despite the demons she carries inside her. She's broken and doesn't think Ethan will want her after he finds out the truth. Will this relationship survive??? This book has it all.... SECRETS, LOVE, PASSION, HEARTACHE, TRUST...stay tuned as this continues on in book 2 "ALL IN"
MY ETHAN:
"You're too damn beautiful for your own good, Ethan Blackstone"
My BRYNNE:
"You're so fucking sexy Brynne. I'm dying for you."
"He's far too beautiful to have to resort to his hand for an orgasm."
"Those blue eyes were nearer to me than they were a moment ago, though, and I could smell his cologne. Something so gawd awfully delicious that it was sinful to smell that good and be human."
"I love when you do that,"
"Do what?"
"When you kiss my hand."
The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out
I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you
The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose, they're still looking for life
I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is the healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin')
I'm barely holdin' on to you
I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm hangin' on to the words you say
You said that I will, will be ok
The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone
I may have lost my way now, having forgot my way home
I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name, I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin')
I'm barely holdin' on to you
I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm barely holdin' on to you
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This was my face at the end of this book......destroyed!!! Yes, this has a huge cliffhanger and be sure to have Book 2 ready :)
***BR with Jxxx and Deanna***
I love Bradley Cooper aka ETHAN BLACKSTONE, so i threw in an extra picture to ogle :) -
All right, all right. I caved. I keep skipping over the "rich man, poor little innocent girl" books because they all started running together after awhile. But it's been a couple of months since I've picked one up, and the cover of this one kept STARING at me. Admit it...it's eye catching.
And the book is all in good erotic, American girl fantasy. We American ladies love a sexy British accent...refined and elegant and chivalrous...(it really just makes us want to drop our panties). This book delivers that fantasy in spades!
Ethan is British, rich, and alpha...He reluctantly accepts a job for his security firm of guarding an unknown American woman. Reluctant, that is, until he sees her picture. If you're a fan of insta-love/insta-lust, THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU!!! So don't read it and rant, just fair warning. Ethan is instantly captivated by the model in the tasteful nude photo. And what do you know...the artist is having a show and sell of his work.
Brynne is an American living in London on a scholarship to go to school. This girl has something tragic in her past that still isn't revealed by the end of this book. She models on the side for extra money, and meets the drop dead gorgeous Ethan at her photographer's gallery showing. (The man just bought a naked picture of her!!!)
Ethan worms her way into his life with sneaky but sexy things in a stalkerish kind of way. That's okay. I like fictional stalkers. One thing leads to another, and our truly smitten Ethan does his damndest to convince Brynne that she's all he ever wanted.
My favorite line in the book...Ethan keeps staring at Brynne, and she sort of snaps at him, asking why he keeps looking at her. Ahem, so Ethan replies:
"“Brynne, I'm looking because I can't keep my eyes off you. I want to be in you. I want to fuck you so badly I can hardly drive the damn car right now. I want to come inside you and then do it again. I want your sweet cunt wrapped around my cock while you scream my name because I made you come. I want to keep you with me all fucking night long so I can take you over and over again and you don't remember anything else but me.”
Well...okay!!
I'll leave it at that. Suffice it to say, I'm not above admitting to my guilty pleasure of reading these types of books. It satisfies on so many levels. But it does end on a major, major cliffhanger...reminiscent of a well known billionaire playboy trilogy, book 1......hmmmm......
Copy received in exchange for an honest review from Atria Books via Net Galley. -
devoured
past participle, past tense of de·vour (Verb)
Verb:
1. Eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly.
2.(of fire, disease, or other forces) Consume (someone or something) destructively.
That is EXACTLY what I did with this Novella.
I was hooked from the prologue! which by the way is VERY IMPORTANT, so don't forget it.
This was just the right amount of well EVERYTHING
high steam factor ! <--Sex scenes off the charts!!
Chemistry.. Check
“Brynne, I'm looking because I can't keep my eyes off you. I want to be in you. I want to fuck you so badly I can hardly drive the damn care right now. I want to come inside you and then do it again. I want your sweet cunt wrapped around my cock while you scream my name because I made you come. I want to keep you with me all fucking night long so I can take you over and over again and you don't remember anything else but me.”
Character depth.. check
Fast paced, but not so fast you get lost or don't believe it. Check
It was just an Intense awesome read and I cannot wait for the next after the way the book ended.
Trust me just read it...
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Brynne Bennett an American Grad student studying in London, does some stylish nude modelling to supplement her income. These tasteful works of art is purchased by the stylish ex British Special Forces and now security head honcho of his own security firm, Ethan Blackstone. Ethan has to know her and makes his mind up that they definitely need to get together.
Ethan - how I loved Ethan! As I was told by my friend Karla, supposedly Raine Miller has used David Gandy to model him on. Well let me tell you, he is just perfect for this. Her description is "spot on" right down to his nose. Ethan is adorable, protective, thoughtful caring and very, very sexy! *sigh*
Ethan
This is a quick engaging read with characters that come to life. Raine Miller does a great job in creating the sexual chemistry between Ethan and Brynne that just sizzles. Loved it! -
This book is interesting. The plot got me intrigue and curious. The lust between Ethan and Brynne is just hot. I am impress how the author packs everything in such short story.
There are so much more between these two in the next book. Naked got me hook. I can feel the promise of their next story in the next book. Oh I wish I can get my hand on the next book! Ethan is so hot and demanding. So sexy.
Overall this is delicious sexy book.
4 stars -
Wowsa!!! What an awesome book!! I loved it!!! Ethan Blackstone can "Rock My World" any day!!LOL He is panty melting HOT STUFF! Whew! The sex in this book is off the charts, sizzling hot! ( I think I made myself clear!) I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I read it in one sitting! I just couldn't put it down, and I am glad to report that Book #2 is out now so I can continue right away with it!! Thank God for that!
This story begins with Ethan being hired to watch a young lady named Brynne. Her father is worried for her well being so he hires Ethan to watch over her. When Ethan sees a picture that Brynne modelled for; he immediately falls in love. (or should I say, Lust!) The two meet at the art showing of her picture when he offers her a ride home. The sparks fly between the two of them and the rest shall we say is history!! Of course there are secrets that are not told to one another, but they are so caught up in each other and their sexual attraction takes over.
Ethan is "Alpha Male" to the extreme, and I for one LOVE IT!! He is possessive, protective, and wants to please Brynne in every way possible. (Whats not to love about that!)The only thing that bothers me a little bit about him is he seems to try to please her a little to hard. He comes across as insecure if he thinks Brynne is upset with him. It seems out of place with his character at times, so I found myself not liking that part of him. ( I guess we can't all be perfect!)
Brynne has issues, and I am hoping in Book Two we find out what they are. On one hand she is daring and confident enough to pose nude, and on the other hand she comes across as extremely vulnerable. Again, there seems to be a bit of contradiction in the character that is portrayed. Of course, there is something in her past that has happened to make her vulnerable and afraid, so I am thinking she has many layers that need pealing off so we can see the real her. I do look forward to that because she is a likeable character and someone that I would like to see have a happy ending.
Brynne and Ethan fall in love extremely fast but there are still a ton of issues they are gonna have to figure out before they have a smooth ride. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series; which I hear is in Ethan's point of view.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a possessive Alpha Male and extremely hot, hot sex!! I am not kidding when I say that this is a steamy book but also has a great story in between. I am super glad that I picked up this book to read and it is one that I would be content to reread again and again. -
So I thought David Gandy was just my Gabriel Emerson, but it turns out he is also my Ethan Blackstone! :) Devoured this book in one day! It was excellent & super steamy! Starting right now on All In! :)
