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Wild Winter
The Fifth Favor
The Fifth Favor By Shelby Reed Imagine a world where a woman's every pleasure, every wish and wildest fantasy is granted by the man of her dreams. Such is Avalon, an elite, private club in Washington, D.C., that caters solely to female desires. There, magazine reporter Billie Cort meets Adrian, the club's most infamous companion, with the intent to interview him for an article on high-dollar male escorts. Billie can't foresee, however, how quickly Adrian will strip her defenses and expose her true desires.and in the process, fulfill his own yearning for love.
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
26 people are currently reading
2977 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Reed
13 books147 followersAt the age of ten, Shelby Reed wrote her first romance with Prince Charming — literally! — as the hero, and it's been non-stop story spinning ever since.
Despite the idealistic place from which she embarked, she's partial to writing realistic, flawed, multi-faceted characters, lush emotion, and the ever-possible happy ending.
When not pecking away at the computer keyboard, Shelby enjoys creative projects such as portraiture and decorating, and lives a bucolic life with her own Prince Charming in North Florida.
Despite the idealistic place from which she embarked, she's partial to writing realistic, flawed, multi-faceted characters, lush emotion, and the ever-possible happy ending.
When not pecking away at the computer keyboard, Shelby enjoys creative projects such as portraiture and decorating, and lives a bucolic life with her own Prince Charming in North Florida.
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February 28, 2013
5+++ utterly sensual and delicious stars!*****Review completed February 28, 2013
Meet Adrian...
Yes, I’m going to admit it, I have a secret fetish for great escort books as well as stories that feature a younger hero and an older heroine. The Fifth Favor fits the bill perfectly. Prepare yourself to be gushed upon…
Wow, what a fabulous book! I loved and devoured it! Once in a while you luck out and find a special read that will stay with you for a long time. The Fifth Favor is such a book, and I will never forget Adrian. Ever. The man seduces with a look, a touch, with his voice and his hands and…his mouth. The sound of his voice has the same enticing effect of a physical caress. Needless to say that I absolutely love Adrian. He is sexual prowess personified. *Le sigh*
Face-to-Face with Fantasy
Billie Cort is a journalist and writes for the magazine Illicit. It's the first time that she has to write an article about a male prostitute, a high-end prostitute who is working for a very elegant as well as expensive private club, that is. Instead of feeling thrilled though, Billie is self-conscious and when she meets Adrian, the star of Avalon, things are getting 'worse'. The man is a perfect, exotic creature. With a body to die for, Adrian is utterly handsome and sexy as all get out. Talk about intensity.
The owner of Avalon, the cold-hearted and mean b@tch Azure, said to Billie:
"Good luck, Ms. Cort." (…) "Enjoy yourself. Adrian has a wonderful way of sliding beneath a woman's skin. I'd be prepared for anything if I were you."
Truer words have never been spoken…
Adrian's seductive gaze unsettles Billie, she feels uncomfortable, however, at the same time it turns her on and the more they talk the more she feels attracted to him.
Adrian, the masked enigma, is a complex and fascinating character. He switched from being a high-end prostitute to an incredibly vulnerable and private man in no time flat. It was astounding. Billie, however, would not be misled and began to unravel the intriguing man. As a matter of fact, Billie was the first woman who really touched him to his core. Billie caught him off-guard, and she put his world upside down. Their mutual attraction was fierce and intense, the sexual tension was so palpable and thick that you could cut it with a knife. Also, Billie provided the link to the “normal” life, a life he thought was lost to him. She put everything into perspective. He fell for her because she was honest, warm and real. Besides, Billie epitomized the type of woman he was not used to, a woman he could fall in love with, a woman also who was longing to have a healthy and loving relationship. But Adrian didn’t do relationships. This being said, Billie taught Adrian how to love but at the same time she terrified him immensely because he felt unworthy of her love.
What I found remarkable was the fact that Adrian didn't look for cheap excuses, he took all the blame.
"I'm the only one who went wrong, Rosie. It's not your fault, or Mama or Papa's.
Just mine. And then my refusal to see my life for what it had become--the road to hell."
Sometimes the foreplay with all its sexual tension and chemistry is so stunning that this whole process is even better than the sexual act itself. Don’t get me wrong. Their first “real” lovemaking was breathlessly beautiful, however, their make-out sessions, which I enjoyed tremendously, were incredibly lascivious and lush with emotion; they left me wanting more…and more. This story oozes sensuality and temptation as all get out, it’s simply mind-boggling. In fact, the author writes chemistry with an irresistible force, you can’t evade it and you can’t help but fall for Adrian and Billie. It was so sublime I thought I might combust and I was happy to tag along when they embarked upon a very enticing journey into sexual oblivion. Well, it goes without saying that The Fifth Favor provides one of the best build-up I’ve ever read, and I believe that every woman needs a man like Adrian in her life. No, scratch that. There is only one Adrian and I claim him. He is mine and I do not like to share.
Adrian's best
What didn’t work for me
The Fifth Favor would have been one of my all-time favorite books IF…
…the ending had been better. It felt too rushed and I was slightly disappointed.
The mirror scene was BEAUTIFUL.
A shout out to one specific GR friend of mine
Adrian took Billie to heaven in a hammock. *bats eyelashes innocently*
I highly recommend you to read this book—I’m sure you won’t regret it.
The Fifth Favor is a compellingly written escort story. This book will captivate many readers because it's an emotional read that features interesting characters and a very good plot. It's all there: a little bit of drama and intrigue, really good character, plot and romance development through emotion, steamy yet incredibly tasteful and beautiful erotic scenes. Do yourself a favor and read this book. This is erotic romance at its very best!
If you liked or loved Damaged Goods then you will enjoy The Fifth Favor too. Also, readers who didn't particularly like Escorted might enjoy The Fifth Favor all the more. There is nothing clinical about this story. It will turn you on but at the same time it will warm your heart as well. Looking back now I'm still completely and utterly thrilled when I think of Adrian. He will strip you bare and he will be your pleasure, I promise.
As a side note
I would like to say thank-you to the author for writing a hero with a loving and perfectly normal childhood. When was the last time I’ve read that? Truth be told, I can’t remember.
Steam 3.5 to 4
Chemistry 5
Sensuality 5
Eroticism 4.5
P.S. The Fifth Favor gets the Babalicious Stamp of Approval.
Meet Adrian...
“Sex with a stranger. You can’t rationalize it or justify it, but you can enjoy it. And I promise you will.”
“You tell yourself that, and maybe it buys you a modicum of propriety. But the truth is you don’t know me outside of what I want you to know. And still you’re here, and you desire me, and I desire you. Names don’t matter. Pleasure matters. This.”
Yes, I’m going to admit it, I have a secret fetish for great escort books as well as stories that feature a younger hero and an older heroine. The Fifth Favor fits the bill perfectly. Prepare yourself to be gushed upon…
Wow, what a fabulous book! I loved and devoured it! Once in a while you luck out and find a special read that will stay with you for a long time. The Fifth Favor is such a book, and I will never forget Adrian. Ever. The man seduces with a look, a touch, with his voice and his hands and…his mouth. The sound of his voice has the same enticing effect of a physical caress. Needless to say that I absolutely love Adrian. He is sexual prowess personified. *Le sigh*
"(…)As for me, I simply enjoy sex, enjoy giving pleasure, especially when the woman appears to have known so little in her life.” His black gaze dropped to her lips. “The sound of her cry at climax, the astonishment, the shatter of every pretense at that instant of ecstasy…it’s nearly as satisfying to me as the experience of orgasm itself.” He waited, attention unwavering on her face.
“Haven’t you ever had a man withhold his orgasm for your own pleasure, Billie? It’s a privilege to me. A test of strength and generosity and self-control. It offers its own kind of pleasure. The pleasure of giving.”
“It sounds supremely difficult,” she said huskily.
“A skilled lover is also a skilled listener, Ms. Cort.”
Despite the fact that I pride myself on sensing a woman’s need, the occasion does arise when I have to stop and simply…ask.”
Face-to-Face with Fantasy
Billie Cort is a journalist and writes for the magazine Illicit. It's the first time that she has to write an article about a male prostitute, a high-end prostitute who is working for a very elegant as well as expensive private club, that is. Instead of feeling thrilled though, Billie is self-conscious and when she meets Adrian, the star of Avalon, things are getting 'worse'. The man is a perfect, exotic creature. With a body to die for, Adrian is utterly handsome and sexy as all get out. Talk about intensity.
The owner of Avalon, the cold-hearted and mean b@tch Azure, said to Billie:
"Good luck, Ms. Cort." (…) "Enjoy yourself. Adrian has a wonderful way of sliding beneath a woman's skin. I'd be prepared for anything if I were you."
Truer words have never been spoken…
Adrian's seductive gaze unsettles Billie, she feels uncomfortable, however, at the same time it turns her on and the more they talk the more she feels attracted to him.
Adrian, the masked enigma, is a complex and fascinating character. He switched from being a high-end prostitute to an incredibly vulnerable and private man in no time flat. It was astounding. Billie, however, would not be misled and began to unravel the intriguing man. As a matter of fact, Billie was the first woman who really touched him to his core. Billie caught him off-guard, and she put his world upside down. Their mutual attraction was fierce and intense, the sexual tension was so palpable and thick that you could cut it with a knife. Also, Billie provided the link to the “normal” life, a life he thought was lost to him. She put everything into perspective. He fell for her because she was honest, warm and real. Besides, Billie epitomized the type of woman he was not used to, a woman he could fall in love with, a woman also who was longing to have a healthy and loving relationship. But Adrian didn’t do relationships. This being said, Billie taught Adrian how to love but at the same time she terrified him immensely because he felt unworthy of her love.
What I found remarkable was the fact that Adrian didn't look for cheap excuses, he took all the blame.
"I'm the only one who went wrong, Rosie. It's not your fault, or Mama or Papa's.
Just mine. And then my refusal to see my life for what it had become--the road to hell."
“It’s because you haven’t explored sexual boundaries of any sort, Billie,” he went on, “I’d venture to say you’re virginal in every aspect except the physical. Pleasure could become so familiar to you, so certain and reaffirming, if you felt safe and loved and sure about what you were doing. But you don’t feel safe when you’re giving yourself to a man, do you? It terrifies you.”
“I want to show you what I do.” He slid a hand along the back of the sofa and inched toward her. “I want you to know why women pay for me.” Billie recovered just in time to flatten a palm against his chest. "Adrian, no."
He paused. "I'm sorry--no?"
"Right. That's what I said." She swallowed and felt like a child bypassing a jar labeled Free Candy.
(…)
“Our track record is beginning to worry me.”
The dry comment brought a reluctant smile to her lips. “You don’t hear ‘no’ very often, do you?”
“I can’t remember the last time.”
Sometimes the foreplay with all its sexual tension and chemistry is so stunning that this whole process is even better than the sexual act itself. Don’t get me wrong. Their first “real” lovemaking was breathlessly beautiful, however, their make-out sessions, which I enjoyed tremendously, were incredibly lascivious and lush with emotion; they left me wanting more…and more. This story oozes sensuality and temptation as all get out, it’s simply mind-boggling. In fact, the author writes chemistry with an irresistible force, you can’t evade it and you can’t help but fall for Adrian and Billie. It was so sublime I thought I might combust and I was happy to tag along when they embarked upon a very enticing journey into sexual oblivion. Well, it goes without saying that The Fifth Favor provides one of the best build-up I’ve ever read, and I believe that every woman needs a man like Adrian in her life. No, scratch that. There is only one Adrian and I claim him. He is mine and I do not like to share.
“I won’t have sex with you.”
“It’s not required.” A somnolent mask dropped over his features as he caught the top button of her blouse between two fingers and unfastened it. “I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again. I’m offering you the ultimate research for your article, Billie. You can say you don’t want what I have to give, but I’ll know you’re lying.”
They kissed, long and ravenous and angry. Catching her hand, he folded it against his chest, where his own heart beat a quickened, steady rhythm. Instantly the kiss softened, became languid, a little contrite, laced with lingering desire.
“If you write about us, he said breathlessly, resting his forehead against hers, “you’ll owe me.”
“A favor for a favor?” She kissed him again, her lips clinging to his. No one had ever tasted as good as this man.
“I share the blame. This is what you truly wanted to hear from me, and I admit it. I’m nothing. I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It’s all been fucked away.”
“Shut up,” she whispered, leaning her head back against the hard brick rather than look at him. “Shut up, Adrian. You’re a liar.”
Adrian's best
What didn’t work for me
The Fifth Favor would have been one of my all-time favorite books IF…
…the ending had been better. It felt too rushed and I was slightly disappointed.
The mirror scene was BEAUTIFUL.
“What are you doing to me?” he groaned against her lips, his voice feverish and hoarse. “Whatever it is, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop touching me. Don’t ever stop loving me…”
“I can’t stop,” she replied, her words shaken as she clutched his hair and stared up into his eyes. “I don’t know how.”
A shout out to one specific GR friend of mine
Adrian took Billie to heaven in a hammock. *bats eyelashes innocently*
I highly recommend you to read this book—I’m sure you won’t regret it.
The Fifth Favor is a compellingly written escort story. This book will captivate many readers because it's an emotional read that features interesting characters and a very good plot. It's all there: a little bit of drama and intrigue, really good character, plot and romance development through emotion, steamy yet incredibly tasteful and beautiful erotic scenes. Do yourself a favor and read this book. This is erotic romance at its very best!
If you liked or loved Damaged Goods then you will enjoy The Fifth Favor too. Also, readers who didn't particularly like Escorted might enjoy The Fifth Favor all the more. There is nothing clinical about this story. It will turn you on but at the same time it will warm your heart as well. Looking back now I'm still completely and utterly thrilled when I think of Adrian. He will strip you bare and he will be your pleasure, I promise.
As a side note
I would like to say thank-you to the author for writing a hero with a loving and perfectly normal childhood. When was the last time I’ve read that? Truth be told, I can’t remember.
“What’s your pleasure?” he asked from across the room. She met his eyes and leaned to remove first one pump from her foot, then the other. “You.”
Steam 3.5 to 4
Chemistry 5
Sensuality 5
Eroticism 4.5
P.S. The Fifth Favor gets the Babalicious Stamp of Approval.
March 29, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
5 highly sensual and provocative stars!
I loved this book! Absolutely loved it!
It's very difficult to find a well written, character driven, and richly developed escort/client trope, but that's exactly what I found in the book The Fifth Favor.
I wish I had the time to properly shower this review with all my thoughts and feelings about this very sensual, tantalizing, and compelling story but I don't. What I can do is share my overall impressions. For an erotica, I found this book more provocative than explicit and very well developed. There was something magnetic about this book for me and I was completely pulled in and captivated from start to finish. I devoured every single sensual line and provocative description. The intense sexual tension and chemistry between the two main leads jumped off the pages and was palpable. It was such a decadent treat!
If you love the escort/client romances like me, I highly suggest you give this one a try.
Note: Thank you Baba for letting me know about this gem of a story. You know how much I love my escort romances.
**This book is only offered in paperback at this time. The ebook copy will be available November 5, 2013.
5 highly sensual and provocative stars!
I loved this book! Absolutely loved it!
It's very difficult to find a well written, character driven, and richly developed escort/client trope, but that's exactly what I found in the book The Fifth Favor.
I wish I had the time to properly shower this review with all my thoughts and feelings about this very sensual, tantalizing, and compelling story but I don't. What I can do is share my overall impressions. For an erotica, I found this book more provocative than explicit and very well developed. There was something magnetic about this book for me and I was completely pulled in and captivated from start to finish. I devoured every single sensual line and provocative description. The intense sexual tension and chemistry between the two main leads jumped off the pages and was palpable. It was such a decadent treat!
If you love the escort/client romances like me, I highly suggest you give this one a try.
Note: Thank you Baba for letting me know about this gem of a story. You know how much I love my escort romances.
**This book is only offered in paperback at this time. The ebook copy will be available November 5, 2013.
March 8, 2013
4.5 HOT STARS
I just LOVED this book, BIG TIME! Why am I not giving it a 5? Because I missed an epilogue! But anyway, this is in my favorite pile, I would recommend this to everyone!
Billie is a reporter and she is working on an article about gigolos. Adrian *SIGH* is a gigolo, he sells his body to rich women. They meet for an interview and boy, you can feel the sparks!
During that first encounter, he asks her for a dance and the chemistry between them is just soooooo much!.
For once I can touch
What my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
Would make my dreams come true
Adrian's life is not really easy but it's the life he's choosen. As Baba (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...) said on her review, is also great reading about normal people who have not been tortured in their childhood.
Something happens with one of his colleagues in Avalon (the place they work for) and Adrian's life changes. He is also confused because he hasn't been interested in a woman for 8 years but Billie is just what he needs. She is normal, sweet, beautiful, tangible...
"I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again"
So he decides to start a game with Billie, no feelings involved...
A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR
"Why did you invite me tonight, Adrian?"
"You remind me there's still a world out there"
"You kissed me like you meant it, and I liked it"
Adrian and Billie are playing a game very dangerous because they are falling in love with each other even if they never intended to.
"Lei sono bello, Il mio amore"
I don't really want to spoil the story for you but pls read it! I loooooved it and will read more from this author :)
Love scenes were GREAT, I love it when characters don't have sex straight away because sometimes the wait is worth it and this time it was more than worth it.
"This is my bed. You're the only woman I want here -" he guided her hand to his heart "-and here."
Thanks Baba for your rec :)
BR with my sweet Mandy
March 16, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance-Erotica
'She’d never met a male prostitute, or visited a private club catering to women’s sexual fantasies. And what surprised her most of all was that she liked the idea. Its lurid excitement. The thought that a woman could walk into this elegant space and choose her type of man for her type of pleasure.'
Billie Court is a reporter for Illicit a women's magazine in Washington, D.C. Her current assignment has her at Avalon. Avalon is an upscale private club that provides male escorts and is run by a woman who goes by the name Azzure.
'Its “companions” were rumored to be the most exquisite male specimens, representing every country, every culture, every female’s ideal.'
Avalon caters to societies wealthy women from all over the world for the right price of course...
“They range in age from twenty-one to fifty, with most in their forties. Accomplished businesswomen. Doctors, diplomats, attorneys, politicians. Rich, lonely housewives.”
Billie is scheduled to meet with Adrian, Avalon's top earning escort.
The Pleasure of Giving
'He had long lashes, a seductive gaze that could unbutton, unhook, unzip every garment on a woman’s body. His steady regard bathed her in heat.'
Adrian is the epitome of sexy, it didn't take rocket science for Billie to see why he was Avalon's top earner. Once in his room Billie starts the interview but it's hard to break through Adrian's shell. She wants the real man not the seducer he's chosen to be. Sorrowfully, she does not crack that shell. However he does crack hers.
“Your eyes are a dead giveaway. You’re starving, Billie. For love. For sex. For attention. Who denied you all these things?”
Eventually things heat up and get a little to HOT for Billie so she decides to conclude the interview.
'He wielded his words like weapons and sex toys. He was some kind of sorcerer. And dangerous to a woman like her, because he’d pinpointed vulnerabilities she didn’t even know she had.'
A favor for a favor
After a tragedy involving one of Avalon's finest male escorts, Billie's story hits a dead end. Azzure denies another interview to the magazine amidst a tragedy. Billie shelves her work, that is until she lucks up and finds herself inside Adrian's home. He agrees to finish the interview but only if she grants a favor for a favor.
He provides personal info that he once refused to share. The good, the bad and the ugly.
'..The business—prostitution—opens the doors to heaven…and hell. Drugs, money, iniquity. It’s all there if you want it. I never knew pleasure could be twisted in a million different ways until I found Avalon.”
Something happens between these two... Somehow they connect. After the interview, even though Billie can resist the temptation he lays out, it doesn't take long for things to heat up on a sexual level. She leaves his apartment without having sex with him. A few days later he calls in that favor...
Neither Billie or Adrian have any idea that this is just the beginning. These two will strip each other bare by the fifth favor.
My Thoughts
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!! I highly recommend this book! The writing is superb the author takes you on a journey of self discovery, love and acceptance.
"Adrian" was running from life outside of Avalon. And after meeting Billie he was running from the love she offered feeling he was unworthy.
'In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love.'
-He had no clue that only he deemed himself unworthy.. His self worth had diminished, making him feel less than or not good enough for love.
"What would happen if you were paid in love instead of cash? Would the world end? My God, Adrian. You’re running scared.”
-Billie put those feelings back in his face so that he could see that fear was the true root to his problem. He was good enough but fear held him back.. He was stuck in a life that made him feel he could not move forward. But that was a lie. He could move forward. He could love and be loved.
“What are you doing to me?” he groaned against her lips, his voice feverish and hoarse. “Whatever it is, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop touching me. Don’t ever stop loving me…” “I can’t stop,” she replied, her words shaken as she clutched his hair and stared up into his eyes. “I don’t know how.”
My Ratings
Characters- Seductive and Alluring
Writing Style- Seductive and Emotional
Plot/Storyline- Seductive, Strong and Entrancing
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I loved it! Highly recommend it!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance-Erotica
'She’d never met a male prostitute, or visited a private club catering to women’s sexual fantasies. And what surprised her most of all was that she liked the idea. Its lurid excitement. The thought that a woman could walk into this elegant space and choose her type of man for her type of pleasure.'
Billie Court is a reporter for Illicit a women's magazine in Washington, D.C. Her current assignment has her at Avalon. Avalon is an upscale private club that provides male escorts and is run by a woman who goes by the name Azzure.
'Its “companions” were rumored to be the most exquisite male specimens, representing every country, every culture, every female’s ideal.'
Avalon caters to societies wealthy women from all over the world for the right price of course...
“They range in age from twenty-one to fifty, with most in their forties. Accomplished businesswomen. Doctors, diplomats, attorneys, politicians. Rich, lonely housewives.”
Billie is scheduled to meet with Adrian, Avalon's top earning escort.
The Pleasure of Giving
'He had long lashes, a seductive gaze that could unbutton, unhook, unzip every garment on a woman’s body. His steady regard bathed her in heat.'
Adrian is the epitome of sexy, it didn't take rocket science for Billie to see why he was Avalon's top earner. Once in his room Billie starts the interview but it's hard to break through Adrian's shell. She wants the real man not the seducer he's chosen to be. Sorrowfully, she does not crack that shell. However he does crack hers.
“Your eyes are a dead giveaway. You’re starving, Billie. For love. For sex. For attention. Who denied you all these things?”
Eventually things heat up and get a little to HOT for Billie so she decides to conclude the interview.
'He wielded his words like weapons and sex toys. He was some kind of sorcerer. And dangerous to a woman like her, because he’d pinpointed vulnerabilities she didn’t even know she had.'
A favor for a favor
After a tragedy involving one of Avalon's finest male escorts, Billie's story hits a dead end. Azzure denies another interview to the magazine amidst a tragedy. Billie shelves her work, that is until she lucks up and finds herself inside Adrian's home. He agrees to finish the interview but only if she grants a favor for a favor.
He provides personal info that he once refused to share. The good, the bad and the ugly.
'..The business—prostitution—opens the doors to heaven…and hell. Drugs, money, iniquity. It’s all there if you want it. I never knew pleasure could be twisted in a million different ways until I found Avalon.”
Something happens between these two... Somehow they connect. After the interview, even though Billie can resist the temptation he lays out, it doesn't take long for things to heat up on a sexual level. She leaves his apartment without having sex with him. A few days later he calls in that favor...
Neither Billie or Adrian have any idea that this is just the beginning. These two will strip each other bare by the fifth favor.
My Thoughts
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!! I highly recommend this book! The writing is superb the author takes you on a journey of self discovery, love and acceptance.
"Adrian" was running from life outside of Avalon. And after meeting Billie he was running from the love she offered feeling he was unworthy.
'In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love.'
-He had no clue that only he deemed himself unworthy.. His self worth had diminished, making him feel less than or not good enough for love.
"What would happen if you were paid in love instead of cash? Would the world end? My God, Adrian. You’re running scared.”
-Billie put those feelings back in his face so that he could see that fear was the true root to his problem. He was good enough but fear held him back.. He was stuck in a life that made him feel he could not move forward. But that was a lie. He could move forward. He could love and be loved.
“What are you doing to me?” he groaned against her lips, his voice feverish and hoarse. “Whatever it is, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop touching me. Don’t ever stop loving me…” “I can’t stop,” she replied, her words shaken as she clutched his hair and stared up into his eyes. “I don’t know how.”
My Ratings
Characters- Seductive and Alluring
Writing Style- Seductive and Emotional
Plot/Storyline- Seductive, Strong and Entrancing
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I loved it! Highly recommend it!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
August 23, 2011
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Every time I read it, it hits me hard emotionally. Ms. Reed is a powerfully moving writer and I've loved everything she's ever written, but this book especially has a special place on my bookshelves and in my heart.
January 8, 2016
4.5 Slow Burn Stars!
Wow! Started this one last night and couldn't put it down. I loved it!
Holy shit batman this was hot! Whew!
Billie is a reporter for a magazine and she gets the green light from Avalon's club owner Azure to interview the prince of the club Adrian. Adrian has been at the high priced woman's club working for eight years. He is the best escort Avalon has and his menu is always full.
When Billie and Adrian meet the tension between them is thick. The build up was a very slow burn and I couldn't read fast enough. I was praying that when they finally did the deed I wasn't disappointed. I was NOT disappointed! It was so worth the wait!
How was it possible to go from sheer indignation to shivering arousal within the course of a few sentences? He wielded his words like weapons and sex toys. He was some kind of sorcerer. And dangerous to a woman like her, because he’d pinpointed vulnerabilities she didn’t even know she had.
I loved Billie. She was just as sexy as Adrian. She went after what she wanted and I knew Adrian was going to fall and fall hard.
“Afraid to live without women clambering to pay top dollar for you. All that money…it’s a measure of your value, right? It’s your self-esteem. What would happen if you were paid in love instead of cash? Would the world end? My God, Adrian. You’re running scared.”
Adrian was sex on a stick. He had me melting when he talked. I loved him! It all started with...
“A favor for a favor, Billie. What do you say?”
I loved how Adrian was in complete control with the woman at the club but when it came to Billie he had no control.
“I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again. I’m offering you the ultimate research for your article, Billie. You can say you don’t want what I have to give, but I’ll know you’re lying.”
I loved that Billie knew what he did for a living but saw something in Adrian nobody else did. When these two finally came together it was explosive.
There was some drama here in there and I was a bit sad at one point. I felt bad for Lucien. I hated Azure the money hungry bitch. I also kind of was angry with Billie toward the end when she had something to tell Adrian and didn't tell him at first. I also was very excited that we didn't get details of Adrian while he was working. I hate reading about the main characters with other men/woman:))
Now why not a complete five star? Where was the epilogue? Ugh! I needed/wanted more at the end! I've said this two times already this week at the end of a book! WooooHoooo!!! I can't help it! I hope the book funk I was stuck in last month has vanished! lol
This is my first book by Shelby Reed and I hope to find more of her books to enjoy. If you like to read about escorts and you love a slow burn this book is for you! I hope you give it a try and enjoy it:))
Wow! Started this one last night and couldn't put it down. I loved it!
Holy shit batman this was hot! Whew!
Billie is a reporter for a magazine and she gets the green light from Avalon's club owner Azure to interview the prince of the club Adrian. Adrian has been at the high priced woman's club working for eight years. He is the best escort Avalon has and his menu is always full.
When Billie and Adrian meet the tension between them is thick. The build up was a very slow burn and I couldn't read fast enough. I was praying that when they finally did the deed I wasn't disappointed. I was NOT disappointed! It was so worth the wait!
How was it possible to go from sheer indignation to shivering arousal within the course of a few sentences? He wielded his words like weapons and sex toys. He was some kind of sorcerer. And dangerous to a woman like her, because he’d pinpointed vulnerabilities she didn’t even know she had.
I loved Billie. She was just as sexy as Adrian. She went after what she wanted and I knew Adrian was going to fall and fall hard.
“Afraid to live without women clambering to pay top dollar for you. All that money…it’s a measure of your value, right? It’s your self-esteem. What would happen if you were paid in love instead of cash? Would the world end? My God, Adrian. You’re running scared.”
Adrian was sex on a stick. He had me melting when he talked. I loved him! It all started with...
“A favor for a favor, Billie. What do you say?”
I loved how Adrian was in complete control with the woman at the club but when it came to Billie he had no control.
“I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again. I’m offering you the ultimate research for your article, Billie. You can say you don’t want what I have to give, but I’ll know you’re lying.”
I loved that Billie knew what he did for a living but saw something in Adrian nobody else did. When these two finally came together it was explosive.
There was some drama here in there and I was a bit sad at one point. I felt bad for Lucien. I hated Azure the money hungry bitch. I also kind of was angry with Billie toward the end when she had something to tell Adrian and didn't tell him at first. I also was very excited that we didn't get details of Adrian while he was working. I hate reading about the main characters with other men/woman:))
Now why not a complete five star? Where was the epilogue? Ugh! I needed/wanted more at the end! I've said this two times already this week at the end of a book! WooooHoooo!!! I can't help it! I hope the book funk I was stuck in last month has vanished! lol
This is my first book by Shelby Reed and I hope to find more of her books to enjoy. If you like to read about escorts and you love a slow burn this book is for you! I hope you give it a try and enjoy it:))
June 16, 2013
5+++++++ STARS!
One word for this book-SENSUALITY!
This book will likely top my favorites list for years to come! I loved loved loved every single part of it. The writing was almost poetic...with such detailed, sultry scenes that seriously made my heart race! The book never slowed- it was just this gradual build with the climax (pun intended) very late in the book. But the build!!! What a great ride. The author has an uncanning ability to build a sultry scene that doesn't even involve the act of sex, making it scorching hot! I was hooked from their first encounter within the first 10% in. Their chemistry and temptation simply built from there until I was ready to explode!
The story of uber hot Italian high paid escort Adrian meets sweet, innocent journalist Billie for an article she's writing for her employer Illicit Magazine. Adrian is very closed off in relation to his personal life. He gives Billie what she needs for her escort interview but draws the line at his private life..... But Billie needs that bit of personal information to bring this enigma to life in her article.
Adrian is taken by Billie's accepting innocence. She's freely giving of love, it's just too bad Adrian has no love to give...he's f@cked that out years ago. But he can't seem to get past her draw. He wants her but knows he will only hurt her.... As he hurts everyone who tries to break through his tough shell.
Billie is drawn to Adrian like a moth to a flame. What women wouldn't be. He's a master at reading a woman's body cues and plays her like the finest instrument. He's the master of seduction. But she's not a client and refuses to be played. She wants the person, not the high paid gigolo. But will he give her that protected piece of himself or his perfected act he uses to protect himself from love?
"I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again. I'm offering you the ultimate research for your article, Billie. You can say you don't want what I have to give but I know you're lying." SWOON!
My heart breaks for this broken man. He's kept his life hidden from his family. He's in a lifestyle he can't readily escape. Who'd want a man-whore like him? Especially a woman as worthy of love and goodness as Billie....
""I'm nothing. I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It's all been fucked away."
If you're a fan of panty melting, slow build, angsty romance, this is the perfect book for you. My heart raced during most of my read. I cannot convey the exquisite writing and dialogue this author presents. It seriously makes many other romance novels appear elementary in dialect.
Go forth and read! You will not be disappointed in this book!
One word for this book-SENSUALITY!
This book will likely top my favorites list for years to come! I loved loved loved every single part of it. The writing was almost poetic...with such detailed, sultry scenes that seriously made my heart race! The book never slowed- it was just this gradual build with the climax (pun intended) very late in the book. But the build!!! What a great ride. The author has an uncanning ability to build a sultry scene that doesn't even involve the act of sex, making it scorching hot! I was hooked from their first encounter within the first 10% in. Their chemistry and temptation simply built from there until I was ready to explode!
The story of uber hot Italian high paid escort Adrian meets sweet, innocent journalist Billie for an article she's writing for her employer Illicit Magazine. Adrian is very closed off in relation to his personal life. He gives Billie what she needs for her escort interview but draws the line at his private life..... But Billie needs that bit of personal information to bring this enigma to life in her article.
Adrian is taken by Billie's accepting innocence. She's freely giving of love, it's just too bad Adrian has no love to give...he's f@cked that out years ago. But he can't seem to get past her draw. He wants her but knows he will only hurt her.... As he hurts everyone who tries to break through his tough shell.
Billie is drawn to Adrian like a moth to a flame. What women wouldn't be. He's a master at reading a woman's body cues and plays her like the finest instrument. He's the master of seduction. But she's not a client and refuses to be played. She wants the person, not the high paid gigolo. But will he give her that protected piece of himself or his perfected act he uses to protect himself from love?
"I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again. I'm offering you the ultimate research for your article, Billie. You can say you don't want what I have to give but I know you're lying." SWOON!
My heart breaks for this broken man. He's kept his life hidden from his family. He's in a lifestyle he can't readily escape. Who'd want a man-whore like him? Especially a woman as worthy of love and goodness as Billie....
""I'm nothing. I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It's all been fucked away."
If you're a fan of panty melting, slow build, angsty romance, this is the perfect book for you. My heart raced during most of my read. I cannot convey the exquisite writing and dialogue this author presents. It seriously makes many other romance novels appear elementary in dialect.
Go forth and read! You will not be disappointed in this book!
March 24, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Adrian - Beautiful - Sinfully Sexy - Exquisite - "Lei sono bello, Il mio amore"
One of the most Sensual Books I've Read!
“A favor for a favor”
Billie Cort is a reporter for a popular magazine and sets out to interview Adrian, the most polished and alluring male prostitute working at Avalon, a private woman’s club. She’s anxious to meet the man who receives $1000 per hour to fulfill the dreams and fantasies of clients from all over the world. She didn’t expect him to be so mesmerizing. This exquisite creature is a fine specimen of man and it wasn’t long before she understood his magnetic appeal.
“He had long lashes, a seductive gaze that could unbutton, unhook, unzip every garment on a woman’s body. His steady regard bathed her in heat.”
Unfortunately, her attempts to breach his armor failed. Her article needed the personal aspects to be appealing to her audience. She wanted more than Adrian’s world at Avalon where everything was an act and all emotion was scripted. She wanted a glimpse into the real man and a show of true emotion. It wasn’t long before she realized that everything she desired from him had nothing to do with the article. He’d touched something deep inside and opened a flood gate of emotion.
After living eight years surrounded by Avalon, Adrian knew he had nothing to offer a woman like Billie. But the need in him was too great to be denied.
“She would swallow him in impossibilities, enfold him in warmth and love and commitment. And realize, eventually, that she’d settled for a man whose only value lay in his ability to sexualize everything around him.”
While realizing the impossibility of a relationship, he cannot resist the pull. He also knew he’d hate himself later for the pain he’ll inflict. The choices he’d made at twenty haunt him and there’s nothing in him deserving of her love.
"In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love. But the sentiment was as far removed from his grasp as reality was from Avalon. He'd forfeited it in exchange for life in a gilded cage, and his relationship with Billie was a casualty of that choice, plain and simple."
Shelby Reed’s poetic writing is very appealing and within the first few pages I was enthralled. I wasn’t expecting to be so captivated. Its sultry seductive flavor is intense. It's a poignant journey, very provocative and passionate. If an epilogue had been included it would have been a full 5 star read for me. I highly recommend you give this a try.
Thank you Babs for the rec! It's one of my favorite reads this year.
Adrian - Beautiful - Sinfully Sexy - Exquisite - "Lei sono bello, Il mio amore"
One of the most Sensual Books I've Read!
“A favor for a favor”
Billie Cort is a reporter for a popular magazine and sets out to interview Adrian, the most polished and alluring male prostitute working at Avalon, a private woman’s club. She’s anxious to meet the man who receives $1000 per hour to fulfill the dreams and fantasies of clients from all over the world. She didn’t expect him to be so mesmerizing. This exquisite creature is a fine specimen of man and it wasn’t long before she understood his magnetic appeal.
“He had long lashes, a seductive gaze that could unbutton, unhook, unzip every garment on a woman’s body. His steady regard bathed her in heat.”
Unfortunately, her attempts to breach his armor failed. Her article needed the personal aspects to be appealing to her audience. She wanted more than Adrian’s world at Avalon where everything was an act and all emotion was scripted. She wanted a glimpse into the real man and a show of true emotion. It wasn’t long before she realized that everything she desired from him had nothing to do with the article. He’d touched something deep inside and opened a flood gate of emotion.
After living eight years surrounded by Avalon, Adrian knew he had nothing to offer a woman like Billie. But the need in him was too great to be denied.
“She would swallow him in impossibilities, enfold him in warmth and love and commitment. And realize, eventually, that she’d settled for a man whose only value lay in his ability to sexualize everything around him.”
While realizing the impossibility of a relationship, he cannot resist the pull. He also knew he’d hate himself later for the pain he’ll inflict. The choices he’d made at twenty haunt him and there’s nothing in him deserving of her love.
"In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love. But the sentiment was as far removed from his grasp as reality was from Avalon. He'd forfeited it in exchange for life in a gilded cage, and his relationship with Billie was a casualty of that choice, plain and simple."
Shelby Reed’s poetic writing is very appealing and within the first few pages I was enthralled. I wasn’t expecting to be so captivated. Its sultry seductive flavor is intense. It's a poignant journey, very provocative and passionate. If an epilogue had been included it would have been a full 5 star read for me. I highly recommend you give this a try.
Thank you Babs for the rec! It's one of my favorite reads this year.
March 8, 2013
This is a world where the rich and powerful anonymous females have their way in buying their way through their satisfaction.
Is a relationship between a male escort and a female reporter ever going to steady and strenghthen? Does Christopher, aka Adrian, deserve a life beyond the realms of the fake golden cage he has confided himself into? Can Billie trully give herself over to a man who could shutter her heart by solely pointing her towards the gates of pleasure?
Can he embrace the possibility of experiencing something real?
Can she accept the rejection that stems from his profession?
"Billie. I want my life back.”
“Then hang up and don’t call me again, because I’m not going to pay you for sex, Adrian. What I offer is a worthless currency in your world.”
The phone disconnected with a muted click. Billie lay there, dry-eyed, receiver clutched to her chest, and forced her illogical grief back to a place of common sense. But it wasn’t until much, much later that it really sank in…the score was finally even. Pleasure for pleasure. Truth for truth. Injury for injury. Equally given, equally received. No debt bound them. No emotion. No trust.
“Walking away from you with a broken heart is easier to handle than selling my soul to make love with you. I’m sorry, Adrian. I might be lonely, and naïve, and all the things you think about me. But I’m also true to myself, and I won’t denigrate my feelings for you. They’re much too precious in a world that offers so little love.”
“You can’t keep me here.”
“No, I can’t.”
“What do you want?”
He stepped impossibly closer, and the warm, familiar scent of his skin, mixed with the lingering smell of liquor, assailed her senses.
“You,” he said starkly. “And not seeing you for the past two weeks has only made you seem like an unreachable fantasy. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. I can’t remember what my life was like before you were in it.” His voice dropped, the words dredged up from some deep well of despondency within him. “I can’t remember what my life was like before I became a stranger to everyone and everything that used to feel right, and good, and valuable to me.”
May 2, 2017
**4.5 stars**
First off, let me just say that I am kicking myself in the ass for not having read this book sooner. Though in my defense, it just came out in ebook format in November, but that’s not the point.
Where do I begin my praises? Let’s start with the first thing you notice when you open up a book…..the writing. Ms. Shelby Reed definitely has the gift of golden keystrokes. The writing was simply phenomenal. To present such a taboo storyline, make you shove pretenses aside and simply allow the story to unfold without judgment was brilliant. By 5%, I wasn’t just sucked into the story, I was drowning in it.
The words wrapped around you like expensive cashmere, and painted a picture that you could see as clearly as if you were right there. When you stumble across an author like this, it really does highlight the fact that there are plenty of people out there that can certainly write a book, but fewer that can truly tell a story.
I was completely entranced by Billie and Adrian. These very strong, yet deeply vulnerable characters. Their attraction and connection evident from the first meeting, which only grew deeper with every interaction.
”Whatever he wanted, she would gladly give.”
The story progressed at such a natural pace, nothing felt forced, every moment exactly where it belonged. Through it all, you ached with them.......ached for them. Placing your faith in Billie as she tried to peel back all the broken layers of Adrian’s façade. To get down to the core of him, the man and not the whore.
”I’m nothing. I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It’s all been fucked away.”
”What does a woman want to hear from the man who loves her? Teach me, Billie. All I know are scripted lies.”
You may ask, why not 5 stars? Well I had two small disappointments that kept me from whole-heartedly giving this a full 5 stars.
1. No epilogue :( Now, I know this is not a problem for many, but I really would’ve liked to have seen a brief picture of a couple of years or even a couple of months down the road.
2. I was annoyed by one of Billie’s actions that put a damper on what should have been a really great moment. It’s not a HUGE spoiler, and I kept my explanation vague, but I’ll put in a spoiler for those that want to go in knowing nothing.
I was wishing for a 5 star read, so thank you Shelby Reed for fulfilling that wish.
March 18, 2013
3.5 - 4 ★'s
Billie Cort was sent to Avalon, a high priced club catering to women, to interview Adrian, a companion (aka escort), for her magazine. They were both drawn to each other but Billie turned Adrian down and as they say....let the games begin!
Sit back, relax and enjoy your popcorn....because for me, this book was all about the slow build and I both loved it and hated it! Some parts seemed to just drag but I also loved how it took a while for Billie and Adrian to fall for each other. Adrian came up with the idea of "a favor for a favor" and I especially loved that.
Billie is definitely the good girl but she's also smart enough to know when something good is standing in front of her. Once she warms to the idea of having feelings for Adrian, she has to decide if she can deal with his lifestyle.
Adrian is majorly yummy and everyone wants him. He hasn't been turned down ~ ever ~ until Billie. It was wonderful seeing the 'real' him but those parts were so few in the beginning that he came off a bit cold for me. Luckily, that changed towards the end.
But that doesn't mean there weren't plenty of romantic and sexy times and as much as I enjoyed the sexy times, Adrian won me over with his romantic gestures. The scenes in the park and on the hammock were my favorites!
And I just have to say that I loved Rudy. I was so happy he was included in the story...him and his banana were so cute and funny!
Of course, there's plenty of drama. There's a really horrible part with Adrian's best friend that causes huge problems for Adrian. It also doesn't help that his boss, Azure, is a major "B". (I can't believe she invited Billie to the social gathering!) And just when things seem to be headed in the right direction, Billie's life has to cause some drama as well. I think that part was a killer...ugh!
The ending was worth it. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I really liked the characters. It wasn't as good as Damaged Goods in my opinion but absolutely worth reading!
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Anything of value must be repaid, Billie. I insist. A favor for a favor."
♥ “I’m waiting for you to make it right between us again. Make it right, ***. Give me a reason to stay.”
♥ “That you’ll come back to me. Be with me. Fill the spot in my life that belongs to you.”
Billie Cort was sent to Avalon, a high priced club catering to women, to interview Adrian, a companion (aka escort), for her magazine. They were both drawn to each other but Billie turned Adrian down and as they say....let the games begin!
Sit back, relax and enjoy your popcorn....because for me, this book was all about the slow build and I both loved it and hated it! Some parts seemed to just drag but I also loved how it took a while for Billie and Adrian to fall for each other. Adrian came up with the idea of "a favor for a favor" and I especially loved that.
Billie is definitely the good girl but she's also smart enough to know when something good is standing in front of her. Once she warms to the idea of having feelings for Adrian, she has to decide if she can deal with his lifestyle.
Adrian is majorly yummy and everyone wants him. He hasn't been turned down ~ ever ~ until Billie. It was wonderful seeing the 'real' him but those parts were so few in the beginning that he came off a bit cold for me. Luckily, that changed towards the end.
But that doesn't mean there weren't plenty of romantic and sexy times and as much as I enjoyed the sexy times, Adrian won me over with his romantic gestures. The scenes in the park and on the hammock were my favorites!
And I just have to say that I loved Rudy. I was so happy he was included in the story...him and his banana were so cute and funny!
Of course, there's plenty of drama. There's a really horrible part with Adrian's best friend that causes huge problems for Adrian. It also doesn't help that his boss, Azure, is a major "B". (I can't believe she invited Billie to the social gathering!) And just when things seem to be headed in the right direction, Billie's life has to cause some drama as well. I think that part was a killer...ugh!
The ending was worth it. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I really liked the characters. It wasn't as good as Damaged Goods in my opinion but absolutely worth reading!
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Anything of value must be repaid, Billie. I insist. A favor for a favor."
♥ “I’m waiting for you to make it right between us again. Make it right, ***. Give me a reason to stay.”
♥ “That you’ll come back to me. Be with me. Fill the spot in my life that belongs to you.”
May 25, 2013
♥♥♥ 4 SENSUAL STARS ♥♥♥
"A favor for a favor."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Pleasure for pleasure. Truth for truth. Injury for injury. Equally given, equally received."
Billie Cort is a reporter for a magazine called Illicit. She is working on an article about expensive male prostitues, and in order to do that she must do some research. She is told to go to Avalon, a high-end private club where she is to interview the best of the best, Adrian. The attraction is immediate once she lays eyes on him, and it seems like Adrian is also feeling it too.
Adrian. *sigh* What can I say about Adrian? He was über swoony, sexy, and charming. I have never shivered so much in my life just from reading what Adrian said and did to Billie. He was one hell of a seducer and I found myself falling under his spell.
"She wasn't the kind of woman who could give away sex without giving away her heart, and he liked that in her, that vulnerability....Maybe, at the very bottom of it, he knew a whore - even a high-priced one - didn't deserve a woman like Billie. She was reality, gritty and truthful and tangible. He... he was a phantom born out of... imagination."
"Looking at Billie, touching her, tasting her, had filled him with a wanting fiercer than any he’d known. For the first time, he was faced with something he couldn’t truly have, because of what he’d become.”
He was intrigued by the innocence that he saw in Billie and at first all he wants is to give her a taste of what he can do. He is so closed off though, that he lets no one know the real him. Billie has the power to make him lower his defences and view his vulnerabilty. Soon, he starts to fall for her because she accepts and sees him as he is, the person, not the escort persona he plays. He starts seeing the things he could have had in his life, but might no longer be able to have. He feels like like he is no longer worthy of anything good, like love, especially from a woman so wonderful as Billie.
In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Your eyes are a dead giveaway. You’re starving, Billie. For love. For sex. For attention. Who denied you all these things?”
Billie wants to understand Adrian more. She wants to find out who he is. She is the first woman to ever say no to Adrian. She isn't a one night stand kind of woman but resisting Adrian proves hard for her. When everything he does drives her hormones into chaos. All she wants is for him to accept that he has feelings for her as well. And to also see the wonderful things she sees in him.
I really enjoyed every moment of this book. The teasing, the seduction, all of it had me not wanting to put this book down. Adrian was so sexy and yummy and normal, definitely not your typical severely broken male main character. Still, he was not perfect. Billie, may have been innocent in some ways but she sure knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to voice it and go after it.
“What are you doing to me?” he groaned against her lips, his voice feverish and hoarse. “Whatever it is, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop touching me. Don’t ever stop loving me…”
“I can’t stop,” she replied, her words shaken as she clutched his hair and stared up into his eyes. “I don’t know how.”
I loved seeing these characters help each other learn more of themselves. The whole book was full of a good dose of steam. The only thing I felt lacking in this book was the ending. There was a HEA but it was a bit rushed and it really left me wanting more, so I was disappointed. I would have liked there to have been an epilogue or something. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
March 16, 2013
This the the story of an unremarkable, average woman who meets a remarkably shiny new man toy. She wins him over with her innocence and changes a lonely sexual god into a perfect life partner. Sounds familiar...hmmm...
It was okay. Romantic at times. Cheesy at times. I was in turns bored and turned on. So a three star read for me, even though I am once again in the minority with my average rating.
"Teach me, Billie. All I know are scripted lies."
Usually, you think of an investigative reporter as tough as nails, willing to get down and dirty to get the scoop. Not so with Billie. She's somewhat naive, and that innocence is what lands her in hot water when she meets the subject of her next big story.
Adrian is a male escort, and not only is he prime male flesh, built to please with the easy ability to seduce, but he's the top choice of women from all over the world. These women come to the sex club Avalon and pay upwards of a thousand dollars an hour for Adrian's services. And at first, Adrian seems to revel in his job.
During Billie's first interview with Adrian, these two seem to bring out a new desperation in each other. Adrian is intrigued by this woman who puts up a tough front bus flinches at the slightest touch, blushes at a few naughty words...so he begins to play with her. And Billie is obviously attracted to the sex-on-a-man stick that she's stuck interviewing...who wouldn't be? When he makes is obvious that he'd like to show her just how good he is at his job, Billie makes it very clear that she's not willing to go that far for her job.
At least, not yet.
I seemed to enjoy this story a bit less than a lot of people. I didn't feel like I connected with either Adrian or Billie like I should have. I felt sympathy when Adrian's life is revealed in bits and pieces. But I also felt like he made his own bed, to a certain extent. No one was forcing him to stay in his line of work. He seemed to have just fallen in to a rut. Things start going very badly for him in personal ways, and Billie just happens to be let in on the man behind the mask, per se. She gets to see the real Adrian...heck, she gets to learn his real name! And she eventually caves in to his expert sexual ministrations. Yum, yum!
One thing that bothers me in romance novels is when a woman chases after a man...it screams of teenage desperation. Convincing a man is a whole different ballgame, but Billie doesn't do much convincing...she just tells Adrian what he really feels for her. Of course, he concurs.
Uuuh...really?
So for me, this relationship didn't flow naturally, and at times felt forced. I never got that comfortable feeling that I like with my romances. And there is a suspense sub plot to the romance that wasn't really necessary. It could have been okay had it been handled differently and not taken up so much page time.
However, I can still see the appeal for many readers. It's a story of a beautiful man who needs the right woman to save him from himself.
"For a man whose life encompassed the raw, emotionless aspect of base human urges, he was unequivocally inclined toward gentleness. The tenderness of him, the dichotomy he was proving himself to be drove all rational thought from her mind, snagged her breath in her throat and filled her with longing. Deeper than sexual. Soul deep..."
I'd say, read this if you like escort books, if you like a little drama on the side, if you need a book with some hot loving. It was somewhat forgettable for me, but an easy way to pass the time.
It was okay. Romantic at times. Cheesy at times. I was in turns bored and turned on. So a three star read for me, even though I am once again in the minority with my average rating.
"Teach me, Billie. All I know are scripted lies."
Usually, you think of an investigative reporter as tough as nails, willing to get down and dirty to get the scoop. Not so with Billie. She's somewhat naive, and that innocence is what lands her in hot water when she meets the subject of her next big story.
Adrian is a male escort, and not only is he prime male flesh, built to please with the easy ability to seduce, but he's the top choice of women from all over the world. These women come to the sex club Avalon and pay upwards of a thousand dollars an hour for Adrian's services. And at first, Adrian seems to revel in his job.
During Billie's first interview with Adrian, these two seem to bring out a new desperation in each other. Adrian is intrigued by this woman who puts up a tough front bus flinches at the slightest touch, blushes at a few naughty words...so he begins to play with her. And Billie is obviously attracted to the sex-on-a-man stick that she's stuck interviewing...who wouldn't be? When he makes is obvious that he'd like to show her just how good he is at his job, Billie makes it very clear that she's not willing to go that far for her job.
At least, not yet.
I seemed to enjoy this story a bit less than a lot of people. I didn't feel like I connected with either Adrian or Billie like I should have. I felt sympathy when Adrian's life is revealed in bits and pieces. But I also felt like he made his own bed, to a certain extent. No one was forcing him to stay in his line of work. He seemed to have just fallen in to a rut. Things start going very badly for him in personal ways, and Billie just happens to be let in on the man behind the mask, per se. She gets to see the real Adrian...heck, she gets to learn his real name! And she eventually caves in to his expert sexual ministrations. Yum, yum!
One thing that bothers me in romance novels is when a woman chases after a man...it screams of teenage desperation. Convincing a man is a whole different ballgame, but Billie doesn't do much convincing...she just tells Adrian what he really feels for her. Of course, he concurs.
Uuuh...really?
So for me, this relationship didn't flow naturally, and at times felt forced. I never got that comfortable feeling that I like with my romances. And there is a suspense sub plot to the romance that wasn't really necessary. It could have been okay had it been handled differently and not taken up so much page time.
However, I can still see the appeal for many readers. It's a story of a beautiful man who needs the right woman to save him from himself.
"For a man whose life encompassed the raw, emotionless aspect of base human urges, he was unequivocally inclined toward gentleness. The tenderness of him, the dichotomy he was proving himself to be drove all rational thought from her mind, snagged her breath in her throat and filled her with longing. Deeper than sexual. Soul deep..."
I'd say, read this if you like escort books, if you like a little drama on the side, if you need a book with some hot loving. It was somewhat forgettable for me, but an easy way to pass the time.
August 7, 2012
Never judge a book by its cover. No, SERIOUSLY, this is not a metaphor - never judge a book by its tacky cover!
Just when I thought I wasn't in the mood for a book like this, I ended up devouring it. The idea of a story about a male gigolo, apart from forever reminding me of Rob Schneider in the movie Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and making me giggle like an idiot, just never appealed to me in the slightest. So, I started reading this book expecting not to be impressed. Boy, was I wrong! The story flows so naturally and so beautifully and before I realized it I was trapped in it, completely invested in the characters and their fates.
But this is not your Disney-variety love story. The hero - Adrian - is a male gigolo, a man paid for sex, a man very good at what he does and highly in demand by his exclusive clients, and the heroine - Billie - is a reporter hired to interview him and write an article on his unique lifestyle. Billie has never met anyone like Adrian before. While she knows that everything he tells her about himself and the way he acts with her is all part of his gigolo persona, he manages to get under her skin and before you know it he is all she can think about. However, it is Adrian's reaction to Billie that is most exciting. She clearly does not belong in his world but she never judges him and offers him only kindness and honesty. By doing this, she slowly divests him of all his defenses, one by one, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. She makes him question his life choices and for the first time in his life Adrian is not in control of himself. He starts questioning everything in his life.
Adrian did nothing for me while he was in 'gigolo mode' but every time Christopher appeared, even just as a twinkle in Adrian's eyes or an unguarded reaction to something that Billie said or did, my heart missed a beat. His defenselessness was intoxicating and made those scenes where he fought his feelings for Billie by maintaining his gigolo façade all the more appealing. The chemistry between Adrian/Christopher and Billie was so potent and palpable that it permeated every scene they were in together. I have rarely come across such a well-written and intense love scene as the one when they finally consummate their relationship in the biblical sense - all NINE pages of it! Words escape me, for once. It wasn't just the perfect climax to their ever-growing attraction, it was also the perfect expression of the intensity of their feelings for each other. It literally brought tears to my eyes.
The battle in Adrian is trifold - he fights his feelings for Billie which make him lose control and remind him of someone he used to be a long time ago; he fights Billie and her feelings for him, believing that he is undeserving of her love; and he fights against himself and what is left of Christopher in him.
Billie falls for Adrian much more easily that he does for her. She is unafraid of those feelings because she sees the man behind the gigolo act and she is willing to risk her own heartbreak while fighting for him. But she is not prepared to compromise her own integrity and what she believes real love should be like.
This book truly blew away all my expectations. There was nothing tacky or too predictable in this story. We knew Adrian and Billie would end up together, that was a given, but I never expected to encounter such depth in the development of these characters, Adrian in particular. Maybe the ending was a bit rushed, maybe I would have preferred a lengthier anti-climax, maybe I would have liked to find out a bit more about Billie and her story, but I guess this book was all about Adrian's journey of self-awareness, regret, forgiveness and self-acceptance. Their love story was the trigger and Adrian would have probably never made those choices without Billie's love and support, but it did not take away from the enormousness of the journey itself.
Ms Reed is a masterful wordsmith. Her descriptions are skillfully intertwined between dialogues and they are superb - "Seconds ticked by. Dread tightened her chest, closed her throat, ached in the marrow of her bones like a pervading cancer." Her words can manipulate every single emotion that she wishes you to feel, leaving you raw and breathless.
Seriously, never EVER judge a book by its cover!
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
Just when I thought I wasn't in the mood for a book like this, I ended up devouring it. The idea of a story about a male gigolo, apart from forever reminding me of Rob Schneider in the movie Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and making me giggle like an idiot, just never appealed to me in the slightest. So, I started reading this book expecting not to be impressed. Boy, was I wrong! The story flows so naturally and so beautifully and before I realized it I was trapped in it, completely invested in the characters and their fates.
But this is not your Disney-variety love story. The hero - Adrian - is a male gigolo, a man paid for sex, a man very good at what he does and highly in demand by his exclusive clients, and the heroine - Billie - is a reporter hired to interview him and write an article on his unique lifestyle. Billie has never met anyone like Adrian before. While she knows that everything he tells her about himself and the way he acts with her is all part of his gigolo persona, he manages to get under her skin and before you know it he is all she can think about. However, it is Adrian's reaction to Billie that is most exciting. She clearly does not belong in his world but she never judges him and offers him only kindness and honesty. By doing this, she slowly divests him of all his defenses, one by one, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. She makes him question his life choices and for the first time in his life Adrian is not in control of himself. He starts questioning everything in his life.
Adrian did nothing for me while he was in 'gigolo mode' but every time Christopher appeared, even just as a twinkle in Adrian's eyes or an unguarded reaction to something that Billie said or did, my heart missed a beat. His defenselessness was intoxicating and made those scenes where he fought his feelings for Billie by maintaining his gigolo façade all the more appealing. The chemistry between Adrian/Christopher and Billie was so potent and palpable that it permeated every scene they were in together. I have rarely come across such a well-written and intense love scene as the one when they finally consummate their relationship in the biblical sense - all NINE pages of it! Words escape me, for once. It wasn't just the perfect climax to their ever-growing attraction, it was also the perfect expression of the intensity of their feelings for each other. It literally brought tears to my eyes.
The battle in Adrian is trifold - he fights his feelings for Billie which make him lose control and remind him of someone he used to be a long time ago; he fights Billie and her feelings for him, believing that he is undeserving of her love; and he fights against himself and what is left of Christopher in him.
"In another time, another place, he could have loved this woman. He could have deserved her love. But the sentiment was as far removed from his grasp as reality was from Avalon. He'd forfeited it in exchange for life in a gilded cage, and his relationship with Billie was a casualty of that choice, plain and simple."
Billie falls for Adrian much more easily that he does for her. She is unafraid of those feelings because she sees the man behind the gigolo act and she is willing to risk her own heartbreak while fighting for him. But she is not prepared to compromise her own integrity and what she believes real love should be like.
"Walking away from you with a broken heart is easier to handle than selling my soul to make love with you. I'm sorry, Adrian. I might be lonely, and naïve, and all the things you think about me. But I'm also true to myself, and I won't denigrate my feelings for you. They're much too precious in a world that offers so little love."
This book truly blew away all my expectations. There was nothing tacky or too predictable in this story. We knew Adrian and Billie would end up together, that was a given, but I never expected to encounter such depth in the development of these characters, Adrian in particular. Maybe the ending was a bit rushed, maybe I would have preferred a lengthier anti-climax, maybe I would have liked to find out a bit more about Billie and her story, but I guess this book was all about Adrian's journey of self-awareness, regret, forgiveness and self-acceptance. Their love story was the trigger and Adrian would have probably never made those choices without Billie's love and support, but it did not take away from the enormousness of the journey itself.
Ms Reed is a masterful wordsmith. Her descriptions are skillfully intertwined between dialogues and they are superb - "Seconds ticked by. Dread tightened her chest, closed her throat, ached in the marrow of her bones like a pervading cancer." Her words can manipulate every single emotion that she wishes you to feel, leaving you raw and breathless.
Seriously, never EVER judge a book by its cover!
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
March 12, 2013
4 Steaming stars!!
This book was the epitome of sex!! Ha! Definitely Soraya's recommendation :)
Billie is a reporter for Illicit a magazine. She goes to interview makes at Avalon- a place where woman can pay for sex.
Billie sees him..
The man she is going to interview... Adrian..
"She already knew the article belonged to Adrian. She’d seen his face, heard his quiet voice, looked into his seductive eyes. The unexpected yearning he’d instantly stirred in her deepest femininity would pack her article with the punch that promised to make her one of the most successful writers in Illicit’s history"
Adrian never let's anyone in his personal life..
He tries to charm her...
Telling her what happens at Avalon when his with a woman...
The special bath tub..
How he can make a woman feel..
"His mouth brushed her ear. “Why don’t you take off your clothes and find out?”"
He tries this on Billie but she resists and leaves.
They schedule another meeting outside Avalon, Adrian makes Billie uncomfortable.
She interviews him...
Asks him some sexual questions... And personal ones...
"The sound of her cry at climax, the astonishment, the shatter of every pretense at that instant of ecstasy…it’s nearly as satisfying to me as the experience of orgasm itself.”
Lets just say Adrian is HOTTTTTT!!!
He can tempt any girl into doing anything!
Yet Billie says what he says isn't enough...she wants his secrets...
"But with the material I have, I can only describe a robotic, two-dimensional figure.” Her words quickened, pushed forth by some nameless urgency. “You need to tell me something personal about yourself. Something about your past, or…or what’s in your heart. What do you love? What do you hate? Are you an insomniac? Do you like ice cream? Ever had your heart broken? Republican or Democrat? Boxers or briefs?"
They plan another interview but it gets cancelled because Adrian's friend kills himself. Adrian is broken.
Billie sees Adrian at the grocery store and follows him home ...
His angry... He lets her in.
Slowly he starts opening about himself and quickly the topic of sex reins in. It's all Adrian knows...
He makes Billie feel things she hasn't felt before...
"I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again."
Adrian is afraid of falling in love.. He feels his kind doesn't fall in love..
"You’re one man I’ll never feel sorry for, not even now, when you’ve made an utter mess of your life and you’re drowning in the consequences. I can hate you, rail at you, be confounded and angered by you, and I am. All of the above. But I don’t pity you"
And yet with more time he spends with Billie he falls in... There is noo sex till the end of the book but its still smoking hot... They have seamy phone sex, oral sex and passionate kisses!
Love can make you, love can break you....love can make u see life in a different way, love can make u question life.. What you want in life,... I just felt there was too much time Billie was trying to get Adrian to take her to bed. Haha! Or too admit he feels for her.
"I’m waiting for you to make it right between us again. Make it right, Christopher. Give me a reason to stay."
"Until I met you, I didn’t know what I wanted.”
This book was the epitome of sex!! Ha! Definitely Soraya's recommendation :)
Billie is a reporter for Illicit a magazine. She goes to interview makes at Avalon- a place where woman can pay for sex.
Billie sees him..
The man she is going to interview... Adrian..
"She already knew the article belonged to Adrian. She’d seen his face, heard his quiet voice, looked into his seductive eyes. The unexpected yearning he’d instantly stirred in her deepest femininity would pack her article with the punch that promised to make her one of the most successful writers in Illicit’s history"
Adrian never let's anyone in his personal life..
He tries to charm her...
Telling her what happens at Avalon when his with a woman...
The special bath tub..
How he can make a woman feel..
"His mouth brushed her ear. “Why don’t you take off your clothes and find out?”"
He tries this on Billie but she resists and leaves.
They schedule another meeting outside Avalon, Adrian makes Billie uncomfortable.
She interviews him...
Asks him some sexual questions... And personal ones...
"The sound of her cry at climax, the astonishment, the shatter of every pretense at that instant of ecstasy…it’s nearly as satisfying to me as the experience of orgasm itself.”
Lets just say Adrian is HOTTTTTT!!!
He can tempt any girl into doing anything!
Yet Billie says what he says isn't enough...she wants his secrets...
"But with the material I have, I can only describe a robotic, two-dimensional figure.” Her words quickened, pushed forth by some nameless urgency. “You need to tell me something personal about yourself. Something about your past, or…or what’s in your heart. What do you love? What do you hate? Are you an insomniac? Do you like ice cream? Ever had your heart broken? Republican or Democrat? Boxers or briefs?"
They plan another interview but it gets cancelled because Adrian's friend kills himself. Adrian is broken.
Billie sees Adrian at the grocery store and follows him home ...
His angry... He lets her in.
Slowly he starts opening about himself and quickly the topic of sex reins in. It's all Adrian knows...
He makes Billie feel things she hasn't felt before...
"I can touch you right here on this sofa, in a million different ways. Taste you. Take you to heaven and back again."
Adrian is afraid of falling in love.. He feels his kind doesn't fall in love..
"You’re one man I’ll never feel sorry for, not even now, when you’ve made an utter mess of your life and you’re drowning in the consequences. I can hate you, rail at you, be confounded and angered by you, and I am. All of the above. But I don’t pity you"
And yet with more time he spends with Billie he falls in... There is noo sex till the end of the book but its still smoking hot... They have seamy phone sex, oral sex and passionate kisses!
Love can make you, love can break you....love can make u see life in a different way, love can make u question life.. What you want in life,... I just felt there was too much time Billie was trying to get Adrian to take her to bed. Haha! Or too admit he feels for her.
"I’m waiting for you to make it right between us again. Make it right, Christopher. Give me a reason to stay."
"Until I met you, I didn’t know what I wanted.”
March 4, 2013
WOW!!! What a treat this book turned out to be, I was glued to the pages!! Adrian and Billie's story fascinated me.
"Pleasure for pleasure. Truth for truth. Injury for injury. Equally given, equally received."
Adrian....he was so mysterious, guarded, fascinating, sexy, aloof and down right YUMMY!
He was a high priced escort....YES.....basically a male prostitute but a mighty fine one. I'd have to throw some money his way;) He had been in this profession so long that he was basically an actor. He seduced women, said what they wanted to hear, did what it would take to pleasure them and collect his money. He did this night after night for 8 years at the lovely establishment of Avalon.
"...the quintessential prince of Avalon. Her finest hour. No one could supplant the dark, sultry swathe he carved through Avalon's halls."
Billie is a reporter for a women's magazine called Illicit. She is innocent, but worldly, kind, honest and could possibly be Mr. Adrian's ultimate downfall.
She interviews him for an article she's writing and the build up begins!!
However the one thing she wants from him is for him to be his TRUE self not the actor that he portrays everyday. Can she break him down and get this or will he simply tear her heart out?
Well basically that's true for Adrian and Billie. However once it was all over it was so beautiful!! The build up was amazing, you just wanted them to tear each others clothes off and get down to it!! However at the same time you didn't want that because that's how everyone treated him, it was the first book I understood the reasoning for waiting and the anticipation had my mouth watering!!
That's all I'm going to give you, bottom line READ the book! It was fantastic, hot and mysterious. I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 15, 2013
♥♥ CAPTIVATING AND SEDUCTIVE LOVE STORY ♥♥
This was easily one of the sexiest stories I have ever read.. and I'm not talking smutty sexy ( which I do love me some smut).. but this story was just--- beautiful. The way that Shelby Reed weaves her story around you with her words is simply amazing.. like a caress, chill bumps, shivers.. I'm in awe of this woman and her talent. I'd like to thank by GR friend Alexis for turning me on to this author. I can't beleive Ms. Reed has flown under my radar for so long. I loved this book so much that I immediatly looked up all her other books and moved them to my TBR list and I've already started one of them. She's a gem...
The Fifth Favor is about Adrian and Billie.. Adrian is male escort. He's highly sought after and considered the very best at the Club Avalon. Women pay him a thousand dollars an hour and he's worth every cent. He has so many ways to bring a woman to ecstasy and women travel across the world and book him months in advance just for a taste. He's Sexy, gorgeous, and magnificent in the bedroom and out...but he's alone. His best friend, also and escort, is taking on the wrong clients, using drugs, and slowly killing himself. Adrians family is completley in the dark about what he does. He spends most of his time at the club pleasing women but taking little pleasure for himself. He's incapable of love...
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UNTIL BILLIE...
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Billie is a writer for Illicit Magazine and she wants to do a piece on Adrian. She's sweet and good and everything that Adrian can't have. She's honest and strong. She see's behind that shell that Adrian has built around his heart and she wants to crawl inside. She wants to know him, feel him, wrap herself in him. She's drawn to him in ways she can't explain. But Adrian is drawn to her too..She wants to pull him out of his world at Club Avalon and give him everything that is her.
What follows, is a tempestuous relationship....Can Adrian give up all that he is for love.. can Billie's love be enough for Adrian, enough to save him? Will he let her?
I loved this book.... it was heartbreaking, angsty, and maddening. It was also beautiful, passionate, and breathtaking. This is one of the best stories I've read. Not just the storyline, but the way the author was able to make me feel what her characters were feeling..the words flowed so smoothly and I was enraptured from page one until the end.
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This was easily one of the sexiest stories I have ever read.. and I'm not talking smutty sexy ( which I do love me some smut).. but this story was just--- beautiful. The way that Shelby Reed weaves her story around you with her words is simply amazing.. like a caress, chill bumps, shivers.. I'm in awe of this woman and her talent. I'd like to thank by GR friend Alexis for turning me on to this author. I can't beleive Ms. Reed has flown under my radar for so long. I loved this book so much that I immediatly looked up all her other books and moved them to my TBR list and I've already started one of them. She's a gem...
The Fifth Favor is about Adrian and Billie.. Adrian is male escort. He's highly sought after and considered the very best at the Club Avalon. Women pay him a thousand dollars an hour and he's worth every cent. He has so many ways to bring a woman to ecstasy and women travel across the world and book him months in advance just for a taste. He's Sexy, gorgeous, and magnificent in the bedroom and out...but he's alone. His best friend, also and escort, is taking on the wrong clients, using drugs, and slowly killing himself. Adrians family is completley in the dark about what he does. He spends most of his time at the club pleasing women but taking little pleasure for himself. He's incapable of love...
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UNTIL BILLIE...
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Billie is a writer for Illicit Magazine and she wants to do a piece on Adrian. She's sweet and good and everything that Adrian can't have. She's honest and strong. She see's behind that shell that Adrian has built around his heart and she wants to crawl inside. She wants to know him, feel him, wrap herself in him. She's drawn to him in ways she can't explain. But Adrian is drawn to her too..She wants to pull him out of his world at Club Avalon and give him everything that is her.
What follows, is a tempestuous relationship....Can Adrian give up all that he is for love.. can Billie's love be enough for Adrian, enough to save him? Will he let her?
I loved this book.... it was heartbreaking, angsty, and maddening. It was also beautiful, passionate, and breathtaking. This is one of the best stories I've read. Not just the storyline, but the way the author was able to make me feel what her characters were feeling..the words flowed so smoothly and I was enraptured from page one until the end.
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June 1, 2012
The story of a high-class male prostitute who falls in love with the reporter hired to write an article on him.
Adrian is every woman's fantasy come true - he's gorgeous, well-mannered, fabulously talented in bed, and for price of one thousand dollars per hour, he can fulfill their every secret desire, wish and pleasure. He works at Avalon, a high class club catering to women's pleasure. Billie is a reporter hired to write an article about Avalon and the life of its companions. As Avalon's most desired escort, Adrian is selected to be interviewed. From the first moment they meet, they feel drawn to each other. But despite their feelings, the nature of what Adrian does inevitably is a huge barrier between them. And throughout the story we see their journey as they follow their hearts to find what they want most from life and each other.
During the interview, Adrian tries a little to get Billie to give in to their clear mutual attraction. But he holds back knowing she isn't quite ready.
"Ask me what happen next, Billie..."
"What happens next?"
"Nothing." His whisper brushed her forehead, his embrace gentle, non-threatening. "You're too frightened. But I know what you want, how much you want it. I can take one look at you and know what you need."
And that really is the core of the fantasy - a man who not only can do whatever a woman wants, but much more importantly who knows and can anticipate what she wants.
I liked that both Adrian and Billie were pretty smart about everything. Neither of them really made any stupid decisions that made me want to throttle them.
I liked how throughout the book, we discover who Adrian really is. On the outside, he's this god-like fantasy man, but its not the real him. Throughout the story, Billie peels away the layers of his facade until she finds his true self.
"The fantasy was human after all...a prostitute. A gigolo. A beloved brother and son and uncle... with too many secrets and too much sexual prowess. A man she was falling in love with."
But at his core, Adrian feels utterly unworthy of Billie.
"She wasn't the kind of woman who could give away sex without giving away her heart, and he liked that in her, that vulnerability....Maybe, at the very bottom of it, he knew a whore - even a high-priced one - didn't deserve a woman like Billie. She was reality, gritty and truthful and tangible. He... he was a phantom born out of... imagination."
"I'm nothing. I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It's all been fucked away."
I loved that Billie never judged him for his choice of work. She accepted him for who he was, flaws and all and just fell in love with him allowing him the freedom to come to his own choices about what he wanted most.
"I love you, Billie. Give me the chance to make you happy. To show you who I really am - the man who can't live without you. The man who deserves your heart."
Overall the story was really good and I'm glad I read it, I never felt bored, but it didn't elicit any strong emotion from me. I didn't laugh or cry. But I did really like it :)
4-4.5 stars
If you liked Damaged Goods, Finding Home and Fallen from Grace, you will probably like this book too.
Here's how I see Billie and Adrian:
Adrian is every woman's fantasy come true - he's gorgeous, well-mannered, fabulously talented in bed, and for price of one thousand dollars per hour, he can fulfill their every secret desire, wish and pleasure. He works at Avalon, a high class club catering to women's pleasure. Billie is a reporter hired to write an article about Avalon and the life of its companions. As Avalon's most desired escort, Adrian is selected to be interviewed. From the first moment they meet, they feel drawn to each other. But despite their feelings, the nature of what Adrian does inevitably is a huge barrier between them. And throughout the story we see their journey as they follow their hearts to find what they want most from life and each other.
During the interview, Adrian tries a little to get Billie to give in to their clear mutual attraction. But he holds back knowing she isn't quite ready.
"Ask me what happen next, Billie..."
"What happens next?"
"Nothing." His whisper brushed her forehead, his embrace gentle, non-threatening. "You're too frightened. But I know what you want, how much you want it. I can take one look at you and know what you need."
And that really is the core of the fantasy - a man who not only can do whatever a woman wants, but much more importantly who knows and can anticipate what she wants.
I liked that both Adrian and Billie were pretty smart about everything. Neither of them really made any stupid decisions that made me want to throttle them.
I liked how throughout the book, we discover who Adrian really is. On the outside, he's this god-like fantasy man, but its not the real him. Throughout the story, Billie peels away the layers of his facade until she finds his true self.
"The fantasy was human after all...a prostitute. A gigolo. A beloved brother and son and uncle... with too many secrets and too much sexual prowess. A man she was falling in love with."
But at his core, Adrian feels utterly unworthy of Billie.
"She wasn't the kind of woman who could give away sex without giving away her heart, and he liked that in her, that vulnerability....Maybe, at the very bottom of it, he knew a whore - even a high-priced one - didn't deserve a woman like Billie. She was reality, gritty and truthful and tangible. He... he was a phantom born out of... imagination."
"I'm nothing. I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It's all been fucked away."
I loved that Billie never judged him for his choice of work. She accepted him for who he was, flaws and all and just fell in love with him allowing him the freedom to come to his own choices about what he wanted most.
"I love you, Billie. Give me the chance to make you happy. To show you who I really am - the man who can't live without you. The man who deserves your heart."
Overall the story was really good and I'm glad I read it, I never felt bored, but it didn't elicit any strong emotion from me. I didn't laugh or cry. But I did really like it :)
4-4.5 stars
If you liked Damaged Goods, Finding Home and Fallen from Grace, you will probably like this book too.
Here's how I see Billie and Adrian:
March 17, 2013
Meet Adrian; a gorgeous, highly in demand, male gigolo, and Billie, a female newspaper reporter looking to write an article on the day to day life of a male prostitute. But what happens when the man paid to pleasure woman for a living, a man who thinks he is not good enough to be loved for more than just his ability to bring woman to orgasm, falls for the woman paid to write a story all about the world of the paid prostitute, a woman who is not prepared to compromise her own integrity to become merely one of his 'clients'.
“Walking away from you with a broken heart is easier to handle than selling my soul to make love with you. I’m sorry, Adrian. I might be lonely, and naïve, and all the things you think about me. But I’m also true to myself, and I won’t denigrate my feelings for you. They’re much too precious in a world that offers so little love.”
Mix this surprisingly emotional story line with a whole lot of fore play, and when I say 'whole lot' what I mean is that this has to be the longest, most drawn out fore play I have ever read. First there was the slow build up, the teasing, the sexual tension that could be cut with a hack saw never mind a knife, the will they/ wont they approach to the story, and yet not once did I think, "come on just hump each other already", something I find myself usually thinking with these drawn out erotic stories.
I've never read anything by this author before and I have to say looking at the cover I was expecting a bit of a cheesy erotic romance, but never has the saying "never judge a book by its cover" been more apt. I was instantly impressed by how well written and intense a love story this was even when most of the book was about the slow build up as opposed to the full penetrating sex scenes. The writing style grabbed my attention very quickly and held my attention throughout. Oh and let me not forget THE best dry humping scene I have ever had the pleasure to read.
"For the first time in Billie's life, she thought she might orgasm simply from the press of a man's body against her own."
Ok so for the full 5 stars I wanted to know more about Billie and her back story but really this book was all about Adrian, and one woman's fight to prove to him that he was worth a hell of a lot more than his skills in the bedroom.
“In her own fumbling way, she’d reminded him he was just a man, fallible, needful, a member of the supremely imperfect human race…and shamefully undeserving of what she had to offer. Looking at Billie, touching her, tasting her, had filled him with a wanting fiercer than any he’d known. For the first time, he was faced with something he couldn’t truly have, because of what he’d become.”
(Thanks to Rosalinda for the recommendation .........te quiero incluso cuando eres un pervertido xx)
June 3, 2012
Loved this book. Thanks to Sylvia Day for recommending this book and for writing Bared to You another favorite book!
March 18, 2013
Wow! This book was at times extremely intense for me. I have to say that I am not use to waiting until almost the end for the couple to "get it on"; but was pleasantly surprised when they finally took the plunge. I guess the saying, "All good things come to those who wait," really is true!
The story begins with a reporter named, Billie who shows up at The Avalon; a private club where a woman's every desire can be met, she is directed to one of the top male companions for an interview. When Adrian and Billie meet, there is instant attracton between both of them. You would think that they would just jump into a torrid love affair and fall in love, and that would be the end of the story. So much happens with these two before either one of them allows themselves to let go and feel their true emotions for one another. This story is about the "dance" that these two play, and at times it is sexy, heartwarming, frustrating, and tormenting. It broke my heart to watch these two deny themselves their hearts desires all because they didn't feel good enough for the other. At one point Adrian even states:
"I'm nothing, I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It's all been f**ked away."
Well, talk about make my heart bleed when I read that. To think that he devalued himself so much, that he felt so undeserving of love was so sad. All of the women who pay to have this gorgeous specimen of a man, have no idea that at his core he feels like a piece of garbage who has no right to a decent life. For me, I had so much empathy for Adrian, yes, he chose this life for himself but at eighteen that kind of life seems like the ultimate dream.
Then we have Billie, who Adrian was drawn to for the simple reason that she had an innocence about her that Adrian was not use to seeing anymore. He saw a woman who was starved for love, sex, and attention, and was to afraid to reach out and grab it for herself. So, these two somewhat broken souls find one another, and ride the bumpy train towards a possible happiness that they don't realize at the time they want. What a journey this ride is! There are many detours along the way, and a few people that add to the conficts that arise. Will love finally conquer all? Or will the fear that Adrian and Billie feel get in the way of their HEA?
I truly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to checking out other works by Shelby Reed. I love a story that takes you on a journey, and the destination takes awhile to get there.
The story begins with a reporter named, Billie who shows up at The Avalon; a private club where a woman's every desire can be met, she is directed to one of the top male companions for an interview. When Adrian and Billie meet, there is instant attracton between both of them. You would think that they would just jump into a torrid love affair and fall in love, and that would be the end of the story. So much happens with these two before either one of them allows themselves to let go and feel their true emotions for one another. This story is about the "dance" that these two play, and at times it is sexy, heartwarming, frustrating, and tormenting. It broke my heart to watch these two deny themselves their hearts desires all because they didn't feel good enough for the other. At one point Adrian even states:
"I'm nothing, I have nothing of value to give you. No heart, not an ounce of love in me. It's all been f**ked away."
Well, talk about make my heart bleed when I read that. To think that he devalued himself so much, that he felt so undeserving of love was so sad. All of the women who pay to have this gorgeous specimen of a man, have no idea that at his core he feels like a piece of garbage who has no right to a decent life. For me, I had so much empathy for Adrian, yes, he chose this life for himself but at eighteen that kind of life seems like the ultimate dream.
Then we have Billie, who Adrian was drawn to for the simple reason that she had an innocence about her that Adrian was not use to seeing anymore. He saw a woman who was starved for love, sex, and attention, and was to afraid to reach out and grab it for herself. So, these two somewhat broken souls find one another, and ride the bumpy train towards a possible happiness that they don't realize at the time they want. What a journey this ride is! There are many detours along the way, and a few people that add to the conficts that arise. Will love finally conquer all? Or will the fear that Adrian and Billie feel get in the way of their HEA?
I truly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to checking out other works by Shelby Reed. I love a story that takes you on a journey, and the destination takes awhile to get there.
October 22, 2013
This book is written in such a provocative way, that it charms your panties right off you. ;)
The story is exquisite.. The plot, beautiful and the way this book is written is poised, polished and oh so very sophisticated.
He had long lashes, a seductive gaze that could unbutton, unhook, unzip every garment on a woman’s body.
Adrian works at Avalon, An elite world, where woman pay $1000 for an hour of pleasure.
He meets Billie, A beautiful reporter.
Then their story beings~
Mind you.. this book has like barely any sex scenes but a lot more happens. ;)
The book is very compelling, it ozzes chemistry and charm. You will surely need to take at least 2 cold water showers during it to calm your nerves.
Adrain is like this sex personified male specimen. He woo your mind body and soul.
He wielded his words like weapons and sex toys. He was some kind of sorcerer.
My only tiff with this book is, I wish the ending was longer.. or maybe it just lacks an Epilogue.
“Damn you,” she whispered. “Damn you,~~~. Do you always get what you want?”
“Until I met you, I didn’t know what I wanted.”
This book was really nice.. A MUST READ.
I LOVED THE WAY THE AUTHOR HAD WRITTEN THE BOOK. Very rarely do you see such a polished delivery of a story. I am not easily pleased with the way books are written but this book, it wooed me.
The story is exquisite.. The plot, beautiful and the way this book is written is poised, polished and oh so very sophisticated.
He had long lashes, a seductive gaze that could unbutton, unhook, unzip every garment on a woman’s body.
Adrian works at Avalon, An elite world, where woman pay $1000 for an hour of pleasure.
He meets Billie, A beautiful reporter.
Then their story beings~
Mind you.. this book has like barely any sex scenes but a lot more happens. ;)
The book is very compelling, it ozzes chemistry and charm. You will surely need to take at least 2 cold water showers during it to calm your nerves.
Adrain is like this sex personified male specimen. He woo your mind body and soul.
He wielded his words like weapons and sex toys. He was some kind of sorcerer.
My only tiff with this book is, I wish the ending was longer.. or maybe it just lacks an Epilogue.
“Damn you,” she whispered. “Damn you,~~~. Do you always get what you want?”
“Until I met you, I didn’t know what I wanted.”
This book was really nice.. A MUST READ.
I LOVED THE WAY THE AUTHOR HAD WRITTEN THE BOOK. Very rarely do you see such a polished delivery of a story. I am not easily pleased with the way books are written but this book, it wooed me.
June 15, 2012
Firstly I want to thank the amazing Sylvia Day(author of Bared to You)for recommending this book, not sure I would have picked it up otherwise due to the cheesy cover, yes shame on me!!
This story is very emotional and extremely well written. I don't think my facial expressions changed much..I think they stayed sad and tense the whole way through. I didn't cry but I felt emotionally exhausted by the time I finished this book!!
The Fifth Favor follows the emotional journey of Adrian and Billie.
Adrian...WOW what an enigma albeit a HOT one!!! He is classy, gorgeous, amazingly talented in bed and fulfills every woman's secret, or unbeknownst to them, sexual desires.
Adrian works for Avalon, a high class club and let's be blunt and not beat around the bush, he is a male prostitute. Billie works for a magazine and has been hired to interview Adrian (who is the most requested male companion) and write an article about Avalon. As soon as Billie meets Adrian she falls hook, line and sinker and it seems so does Adrian. However, how can feelings like this be validated with the nature of Adrian's lifestyle? Their journey in discovering what is important, how to feel and receive self-less and deserved love and follow their hearts is intense, passionate and very sad!
Adrian (sigh) feels that he does not deserve Billie's love, he is such a tortured soul, broken by years of aiming to please others thereby neglecting and loosing himself along the way. His battle to go and fight for what he ultimately needs and deserves is heartbreaking. However, Billie never judges him for his choice of life, which I loved, she was head strong, knew how she felt, did not mince her words and stood for what she believed in no matter how much it hurt and broke her heart. She accepted him for who he was and strove to make him realize and accept that it is ok to FEEL and say enough is enough this is my life I choose LOVE!!! Billie showed great strength and character in the battle to find and unveil the REAL Adrian. Adrian the man NOT Adrian the male high class prostitute!!
This story is very emotional and extremely well written. I don't think my facial expressions changed much..I think they stayed sad and tense the whole way through. I didn't cry but I felt emotionally exhausted by the time I finished this book!!
The Fifth Favor follows the emotional journey of Adrian and Billie.
Adrian...WOW what an enigma albeit a HOT one!!! He is classy, gorgeous, amazingly talented in bed and fulfills every woman's secret, or unbeknownst to them, sexual desires.
Adrian works for Avalon, a high class club and let's be blunt and not beat around the bush, he is a male prostitute. Billie works for a magazine and has been hired to interview Adrian (who is the most requested male companion) and write an article about Avalon. As soon as Billie meets Adrian she falls hook, line and sinker and it seems so does Adrian. However, how can feelings like this be validated with the nature of Adrian's lifestyle? Their journey in discovering what is important, how to feel and receive self-less and deserved love and follow their hearts is intense, passionate and very sad!
Adrian (sigh) feels that he does not deserve Billie's love, he is such a tortured soul, broken by years of aiming to please others thereby neglecting and loosing himself along the way. His battle to go and fight for what he ultimately needs and deserves is heartbreaking. However, Billie never judges him for his choice of life, which I loved, she was head strong, knew how she felt, did not mince her words and stood for what she believed in no matter how much it hurt and broke her heart. She accepted him for who he was and strove to make him realize and accept that it is ok to FEEL and say enough is enough this is my life I choose LOVE!!! Billie showed great strength and character in the battle to find and unveil the REAL Adrian. Adrian the man NOT Adrian the male high class prostitute!!
March 18, 2013
This book has been in my kindle for way over a yr. I bought it on an impulse, and then forgot all about it. I'm not sure what made me put off reading it...the cheesy cover? the book blurb? Maybe I just didn't think I'd enjoy a book with the hero being a high-priced gigolo.
I finally decided to give this a shot; and am now kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
This book was not at all what I thought it would be. Shelby Reed is an amazingly talented writer. She is able to take a subject and a hero that you would not think you could like or relate to, and endear him to the reader so completely...I was left flabbergasted.
I loved that this was't just another sex-filled book with a small plot on the side. The plot is what made this as engrossing a read as it was.
I love Adrian and Billie...and them together...holy mother of sexual tension!
5 brilliant stars!
I finally decided to give this a shot; and am now kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
This book was not at all what I thought it would be. Shelby Reed is an amazingly talented writer. She is able to take a subject and a hero that you would not think you could like or relate to, and endear him to the reader so completely...I was left flabbergasted.
I loved that this was't just another sex-filled book with a small plot on the side. The plot is what made this as engrossing a read as it was.
I love Adrian and Billie...and them together...holy mother of sexual tension!
5 brilliant stars!
October 22, 2013
Well, of course, I had to read this book where the hero is a gigolo. I’m completely intrigued and drawn to heroes that are paid escorts. But, lo and behold, I got so much more with this story. It’s passionate and provocative and loaded with emotion. Adrian is like chocolate. I could never get enough of him. He’s the type of hero that will melt your heart into mush he’s so beautifully broken.
Adrian Antolis is a male prostitute whose been working at Avalon, a high-class male escort service, for eight years. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, well-mannered, fascinating, and a master seducer; he’s the quintessential Prince of Avalon. He’s mastered every devilish grin, every sensual touch, and every sultry word to the point that women simply cannot resist him. He is every woman’s fantasy and these women pay high dollar to have him fulfill their every desire and pleasure. Their wish is his command. He’s been in this profession for so long, he lost his true self a long time ago. He barely knows who he outside of being a gigolo. He’s a man who doesn’t think he’s good enough to be loved, for more than just giving women pleasure, until he meets Billie Cort.
Being that Adrian is Avalon’s most desired male escort, he’s been selected to do an interview with the magazine Illicit, where Billie is the reporter conducting the interview. The moment Billie meets Adrian is when she realizes she completely underestimated him; thinking he would be demeaning. She understood completely why this man is the most requested escort at Avalon. Every little thing he does is seductive and fascinating and charming. She’s drawn to him like a moth to a burning flame.
While conducting the interview, Billie is faced with many of Adrian’s privacy walls when it comes to his personal life. Adrian attempts to avoid the personal topics by seducing Billie. To Billie’s surprise, she wants this man that has awakened her passionate side. She’s never encountered someone who could challenge her sexually and make her feel so deeply attracted to them so quickly. Needless to say, the interview was not completed. But Adrian offers Billie another chance for her to finish the interview.
They both become a little more immersed in each other as they get to know one another. With the strong connection between them, Adrian slowly reveals more of himself that he’s hidden and denied for so long. Adrian is a complex man who has everything and nothing at all. But a horrible loss causes him to analyze the lies and secrets he’s built his life on. And meeting Billie further changes everything for him. She’s the one woman who could strip his defenses bare. It was obvious he craved normalcy and genuine love and passion, which Billie could give him. Billie helps him put things into perspective for him and accepted him – flaws and all. Billie taught Adrian how to love, which scared him at the same time.
Billie knew falling for Adrian could be the best and worst mistake in her life. She wanted him to be honest with her; show her his true self. If he couldn’t do that, then they could never be anything more than just the prostitute and the journalist. I loved Billie’s strength and tenacity when it came to Adrian. She never pushed him, yet she never gave up either. But can Adrian give up his lifestyle for love? Is Billie’s love enough to save him?
Oh, yeah. This story is loaded with heat and the passion is tangible. While the sexy times come much later in the book, there are a lot of provocative foreplay scenes between Adrian and Billie that oozes sensuality. I love how Billie changed the roles on Adrian. She made him beg and plead for an orgasm when he usually has more self-control. If there is any man that can make me melt when he begs, it would be Adrian. And reading when Adrian makes love for the first time… simply took my breath away.
“It came to him then, permeated his disjointed thoughts. Billie was teaching him—him—how to make love. With a jolt of surprise at the crashing irony, Adrian realized he hadn’t known how until now. He, the consummate lover, so renowned for his sexual skill, so proficient and controlled and practiced, had only played at making love, where Billie…God. Clearly, it was all she knew. Pretense just wasn’t in her.
Fifth Favor is about love, heartbreak, acceptance, and, ultimately, choices. While this is Adrian and Billie’s story, it’s mostly about Adrian freeing himself from a life that makes him feel unfulfilled. Shelby Reed has created a character driven story where every word felt elegant and lovely. This story flows so smoothly that it was easy to get caught up in this forbidden love affair. Though I do wish an epilogue had been included, I still found the ending satisfying. Do yourself a favor and read this arousing, captivating story that is beautifully written.
Rating: B+
Heat: Hot
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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March 17, 2015
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
For me, what makes a great romance is chemistry and great dialogue between our main characters, and this book absolutely delivers on both. The fact that it is 4am and I have just put this book down, and that I can’t go to sleep without gushing about it for a bit proves how much I love this book.
Billie was a fantastic character! Not only was she fully accepting of Adrian, but she was completely honest with him and, once she realised that he was what she wanted, she was totally confident and not afraid to put her feelings out there. Case in point – this was her interaction with the mega Bitch character:
“If you’re as intelligent as I think, you’ll back away and give him time to examine his true desires. He’s so busy fulfilling everyone else’s; he has no idea what he wants.”
“I’ve been under the impression that he wanted me,” Billie said coldly, “or I wouldn’t be here.”
Go girl!
Adrian was oh-so-swoony. Gorgeous, smart, romantic, and apparently pretty good between the sheets. Yes, he’s a prostitute, but if Billie can overlook that then I certainly can! Pretty early on in the book he faces some tragedy which understandably shakes him up, and then he meets Billie and isn’t really sure how to handle his feelings towards her. You could tell that he really wanted to just let his emotions go and be in love with her, but he held back out of his own insecurities, and to make sure that she wouldn’t get hurt.
That’s all really sweet and sensitive, but I loved that Billie gave him a huge metaphorical slap across the face when he tried to push her away.
But of course it all comes good in the end, and we get a sensationally happy ending.
“I love you, Billie. Give me the chance to make you happy. To show you who I really am – the man who can’t live without you. The man who deserves your heart.” See! Swoony!!!
A great read. I’d recommend it to anybody who loves a steamy against-the-odds sort of romance.
For me, what makes a great romance is chemistry and great dialogue between our main characters, and this book absolutely delivers on both. The fact that it is 4am and I have just put this book down, and that I can’t go to sleep without gushing about it for a bit proves how much I love this book.
Billie was a fantastic character! Not only was she fully accepting of Adrian, but she was completely honest with him and, once she realised that he was what she wanted, she was totally confident and not afraid to put her feelings out there. Case in point – this was her interaction with the mega Bitch character:
“If you’re as intelligent as I think, you’ll back away and give him time to examine his true desires. He’s so busy fulfilling everyone else’s; he has no idea what he wants.”
“I’ve been under the impression that he wanted me,” Billie said coldly, “or I wouldn’t be here.”
Go girl!
Adrian was oh-so-swoony. Gorgeous, smart, romantic, and apparently pretty good between the sheets. Yes, he’s a prostitute, but if Billie can overlook that then I certainly can! Pretty early on in the book he faces some tragedy which understandably shakes him up, and then he meets Billie and isn’t really sure how to handle his feelings towards her. You could tell that he really wanted to just let his emotions go and be in love with her, but he held back out of his own insecurities, and to make sure that she wouldn’t get hurt.
That’s all really sweet and sensitive, but I loved that Billie gave him a huge metaphorical slap across the face when he tried to push her away.
But of course it all comes good in the end, and we get a sensationally happy ending.
“I love you, Billie. Give me the chance to make you happy. To show you who I really am – the man who can’t live without you. The man who deserves your heart.” See! Swoony!!!
A great read. I’d recommend it to anybody who loves a steamy against-the-odds sort of romance.
September 1, 2011
A male prostitute!
Oh, I love those!
Erm...I mean...
The book was a bit dark and pretentious. I had a little problem with him having clients while with Billy. But all in all a very emotional read.
Oh, I love those!
Erm...I mean...
The book was a bit dark and pretentious. I had a little problem with him having clients while with Billy. But all in all a very emotional read.
March 9, 2013
The Fifth Favor is the story of Billie and Adrian. Billie, is a 33 year old reporter who is writing a story about male gigolos for Illicit magazine. For her story she is going to interview a highly sought out male escort by the name of Adrian. They are immediately attracted to each other, but the circumstances surrounding them prevents them from pursuing a relationship.
Billie, has recently gone through a difficult break up and is afraid of opening herself to what she feels will only end in heartbreak. As a MC, I found Billie to be a breath of fresh air. I found her to be fragile yet strong. She was never afraid to call Adrian out on his actions.
Adrian, is a 28 year old man who has been an escort since the tender age of twenty. He finds himself at a cross roads, and feels trapped and unwilling to leave his job. I don't think he fully realized how dissatisfied he felt until he met Billie and the suicide of his friend. During the book,he is leading a double life- as he has never come clean to his family about what he does. I found Adrian's character to be complex and enjoyed reading how much depth Ms Reed put into him.
It is often hard to find an erotic tale that has depth but this story certainly fit the bill. I found myself rooting for this couple from the get go. 4.5 beautiful, sensual stars.
March 8, 2013
Loved! Loved, loved, loved this book. The Fifth Favor is as heartwarming as it is blood boiling. I adored Adrian, he was so smooth, charismatic, gorgeous, and knew what he was doing when it came to a woman. I liked Billie's soft heart and her strength. I was impressed with Billie for her ability to be with Adrian without feeling self-conscious and jealous. I also admired her for looking past what Adrian chose to do with his life and saw the person he truly was underneath the false, perfect persona that he portrayed. "For a man whose life encompassed the raw, emotionless aspect of base human urges, he was unequivocally inclined toward gentleness." I also liked how there wasn't anything traumatic that happened to cause him to become a male escort, just a decision he made. This book had some hot moments that left me tingly. It had the drama that I crave. The Fifth Favor also had sweet spots that made me melt. ""You're everything to me," he murmured, nuzzling his nose against the sensitive skin behind her ear. "Making love to you won't be enough, Billie. I want more. I want everything."" ""This is my bed," he said, his voice low and strangely hollow. "You're the only woman I want here-" he guided her hand to his heart "-and here."" I felt a lot of emotions while reading The Fifth Favor and that is what makes a great book for me, something that makes me feel intensely. I would definitely recommend this one! Thanks Rosalinda for the recommendation!
March 10, 2013
DNF at 38%. The characters just don't do it for me. The story moving too slow and Billie was too annoying for me. Sorry, Baba.. :(
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