Because You Torment Me

Because You Are Mine #1.6

by Beth Kery

National bestselling author Beth Kery’s Because You Are Mine continues as rules are broken, and boundaries are crossed…

Because You Are Mine, Part VI
Because You Torment Me

Francesca takes the reins, blossoming under Ian’s tutelage and leading to a bold act of rebellion and sexual empowerment—one that sends Ian closer to the edge.

As far as Ian’s concerned, Francesca’s gone too far. It’s not just her flirtation with disaster, but her flagrant defiance and an agenda to torment him until he’s seeing red with need and desire. He will see the willful young woman submit, but when she does, Ian finds himself losing all of his carefully guarded control and leaping into the consuming flames with the woman he can’t live without.

Includes a bonus excerpt of Beth Kery’s Wicked Burn, now available.

More to come… Don’t miss Because You Are Mine, Part VII, available 9/11

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Adult

63 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2012

About the author

Beth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.

Reviews

[The BookChick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this part of the story at all.

*Still grumbling about another frickin 2 chapters and the publishers raping, pillaging, and burning my pocketbook at $1.99 a pop per part* .

Frankly, Francesca irritated me. She feigned defiance in one regard but completely kowtowed to Ian's demands even when he flat-out tells her that she was immature. I'm sorry but that just doesn't make for sexy times for me. No matter how strong his allure, I would have tossed his fancy hair clips back in his face, put my own clothes back on, and walked out on him and never looked back.

I could have punched them both in their throats in this one because neither of them was particularly likable.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★1/2! Because You Are Mine series, book 1-8 of 8. Another whirlwind romance with a dominant & controlling, rich & sexy alpha male hero!


“Because You Are Mine” (Ian’s & Francesca’s story) is an 8-part series, released in the fall of 2012. Combined they make a 368-page read. Please note that the Omnibus will be released in March 2013.
And there will be a sequel to this series, “When I'm With You” (Lucien’s & Elise’s story) to be released in 8 weekly installments starting March 3, 2013 (series complete by April 23, 2013).

Since I am a reader in need of a HEA, I made sure I waited to read this series until all installments had been released. I read it in one sitting, thus I will review as a set.

Hero: Ian Noble/British/30 years old/mogul-playboy/$$$$/dark hair/blue eyes/dom
Heroine: Francesca Arno/American/23 years old/student-artist/red-gold hair/brown eyes/innocent

Francesca is a young artist, who entered her painting in a competition held by the billionaire, Ian Noble. She wins the competition and is commissioned to create the centerpiece painting for the lobby of Ian’s new Chicago Skyscraper. The book opens up at the reception held in her honor. Ian and Francesca are introduced and she feels in instant attraction (recognizing he is out of her league) while he is intrigued, but reserved. He knows she is too innocent for the likes of him. Francesca is a bohemian; she is naïve, sweet and kind. She has a strained relationship with her parents, never quite measuring up. She lives with her three male roommates who are very protective of her. Ian, on the other hand, is the rich and extremely successful business mogul; he is enigmatic, worldly, handsome, sexy and oh so dominant and too “corrupted” for her. But there is much more to it, because Ian is full of secrets. For starters: The reception was not their first encounter. Four years prior Francesca had painted “The Cat That Walks By Himself”. As it turns out Ian had been the inspiration for that painting. She had been sad to have to sell it. And Ian had bought and tracked her down…

Ian tries to fight his attraction to Francesca, but it’s a losing battle and so their whirlwind romance begins, taking us across the ocean while Ian and Francesca get to know each other and have lot of scorching hot sex. But as Ian’s secrets are revealed, his mysterious past continues to cast shadows over their relationship. Their love is challenged and their future threatened.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ian’s & Francesca’s story. And I very much look forward to Lucien’s & Elise’s story in “When I'm With You”.

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[Kate F · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love the story but hate that it's being released 2 chapters at a time. I forget where it left off and have to interrupt what I'm currently reading to start back up. The price is absurd and the author is greedily taking advantage of her readers. I will finish the series but never read anything by this author again. She's obviously more concerned about $ then a loyal following.

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

You want to play the games of a woman, you want to flick matches at me to see if I burn? Well, you better be willing to take the consequences, Francesca

Uh Oh! Francesca's in trouble.

After their incredibly erotic lessons in the last novella, Ian has withdrawn from Francesca emotionally, treating her with an aloofness that she finds highly puzzling and hurtful.

On their return to Chicago, Ian asks her to dress for dinner with an important business associate and he has a wardrobe full of dresses for her to choose from despite her insistence that he does not buy clothes for her. Angry at this and angry at his distance, Francesca vamps it up and flirts outrageously with the sleazy client which sends Ian's rage off the thermometer and Francesca will have to pay her dues in Ian's beautiful, chandelier lit dungeon.

I have to say that Ian made me uncomfortable in this one. He seemed much less the suave, controlling dominant business man he had been up to now as he treated her a bit like a well paid whore. He took her out for dinner in Paris in an exclusive restaurant, completely oblivious to how she felt in her scruffy clothes. He really didn't seem to care how uncomfortable that made her.

Back in Chicago, his emotional detachment is shattered once more as he watches her paint and the second half of this novella re-engaged my attention as Ian is back to the very passionate man I've been falling for. Francesca, despite her reservations and principals, cannot help herself as she finds herself developing ever deeper feelings for her enigmatic dom.

This one is very erotic, especially the second half, and, with only two novella's to go, I find it hard to believe that this story is almost over.

A quick shout out to the beautiful cover - Ian has a crystal chandelier hanging in his dungeon and this is what Francesca would be seeing every time he lays her on her back. Quite the image! Oh, and where can I get a pot of THAT cream??

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

He didn’t like the way he’d felt exposed there at the end….weakened by his need for her. Still, her mouth tempted him. He kissed her with focused restraint, aware of her probable soreness. Her sweet sigh against his mouth made him want to take her over to the bed and spend the night with his lips and nose buried in her silky, fragrant skin.

The fantasy of doing just that plagued him. Instead, he gave her a final kiss and released her, needing to prove to himself he still had the ability to walk away.

At the end of Because I Said So Ian is left raw and open and to prove that he can, he starts to withdrawal from Francesca. Francesca is left with feelings of confusion and hurt because she doesn’t know what she did wrong. Ian is not very forthcoming which causes a fight. At first I was on Francesca side with the fight. I was irritated Ian shut down after what was such a raw moment for them. It felt like we had gone a step back in their relationship, not the step forward I wanted. But then Ian came back with something that rang so true.

“I suppose you feel you can make me a better man,” he’d said, his full lips twisting as if he’d tasted something bitter. “Take a word of advice, Francesca, and save yourself the effort. I am what I am, and I’ve never lied to you about being anything more.”

Such a profound statement but it left me at a loss. How are we ever going to see these two meet in the middle? And for this to work they have to meet in the middle. Francesca cannot totally change herself for the pleasure of Ian. Ian must grow into something worth all this pain and effort. Such a short time left that I am starting to get a little anxious.

Before going back to Chicago Francesca witnesses a private moment between Ian and someone he calls a family friend. Francesca sees Ian display more unguarded emotion than she ever has. But once back in Chicago Ian and Francesca go their separate ways promising to have dinner together several nights later. The dinner ends up being with a competitor whose business Ian is trying to buy. As an act of rebellion Francesca plays up the sex and causes some real issues. Ian’s reaction is priceless and I fell a bit more in love/lust with him because of his response to the competitor and to Francesca. In true Ian form, the rebellion deserved a priceless punishment, a punishment that I admit I read three times just to wrap my head around it. Whew, it was hot and uh creative?!

So, I am starting to get twitchy. How will they resolve their issues? Will Ian EVER open up? Guess we will all have to stay tuned until next week! Final Grade- A

Favorite Quote:

How had she fallen in love with this man? How else could she explain her total and absolute trust in him, her willingness to surrender completely to him? What else could this euphoric feeling be as she watched him there in the mirror, abandoning himself completely to bliss?

Either she was falling in love or she was going mad. Either way, he’d been right before. She was completely at his mercy.

[Stacey Daley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series was okay so far. A bit like Fifty Shades, with Ian being a rich control freak who owns his own company and Francesca, the submissive student.

Francesca is annoyingly bitchy in this chapter. She wants to be herself and wear her Clubs shirt and refuses to wear the dress Ian had gotten made for her, and when they go to a fancy dinner she complains of nothing to wear. Well duhhh. Good God, woman. They're just clothes. Get over it. He doesn't want to change the whole you


Ian and Francesca's Spanking Scene:

[Settimia · Rating 1 out of 5]

this part of the series was mind boggling. i felt like i didnt even know who francessca was in this part. or why she was so mad, i actually had to re read the one before this because i felt like i missed something.. Anyway im not liking this whole 2 chapters a series things, its becoming exhausting, i also dont like that there are only 2 more left, and i feel like im only still in chapter 1. this should of been one book .so im not going to waste anymore money or time on this. it was good in the beginging but i know me personally im not a patient person and to wait a week for over a month to finish a book and spend what $16 on..not worth it

[Nöran · Rating 2 out of 5]

For those of you who think this is 'amazing' I'd advise you to read Fifty Shades Series. It would absolutely make you forget you wasted money and read this series.

Unfortunately for me, I've had higher expectations as I was still hungover Fifty Shades and decided to read this series in hope of experiencing euphoria, but it didn't happen. Fifty Shades raised all the boundaries to contemporary eroticas, "raising the ordinary to extraordinary."

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, but these chapters were not my favorite. I like to see Ian unravel a little and I thought he kept his feelings that are growing for Francesca more at bay. I still am anticipating the next couple few weeks to see how this all develops!

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good ! On to the next one

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[RomanceBookVixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my weekly interview and giveaway with Beth Kery and more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Sexy Tales

Part 6 of Because You Are Mine, Because You Torment Me came out today, and I grabbed it right up*. When we last left Ian and Francesca, they were in Paris, and Ian was feeling more “exposed…weakened by his need for her”, and felt the need to release Fancesca from his arms to prove that he could still walk away.

As part 6 begins, Francesca still feels Ian’s distance and preoccupation that began after the “blow job lesson” the day before. It had felt like the relationship was finally progressing, then suddenly, they had taken a step back, leaving her hurt and confused as to what she had done to cause this. As they are getting ready to leave Paris, Francesca is left alone in the suite while Ian has a breakfast meeting. Bored with waiting, Francesca wanders down to the lobby to people watch and sees Ian in an intimate conversation with another woman, then sees him enter a jewelry store. But Francesca never lets on that she saw him.

When they return to Chicago, Ian continues his aloof behavior, but he and his driver Jacob (who is continuing her driving lessons) explained that Ian was in the middle of a very important acquisition, causing his distraction. Ian also presents her with the gift from the jewelry store, and expects her to wear it for their dinner date Thursday night.

When Thursday comes, Ian comes home to Francesca painting. Some good stuff happens ;-) and then he tells her they are going to a fancy dinner to woo the business client. Francesca knows she has nothing to wear, but is so perturbed at Ian for buying her a closet of dresses she decides “she’ll show him!” and proceeds to dress as provocatively as possible and flirt all night.

When they get home……boy is she in for it!

I felt a bit like I lost steam in this installment. I enjoyed it, but the constant stops and starts in reading is making this story much more difficult to enjoy. And I’m worried, only 2 installments left? How will this be resolved? Especially with this new mystery woman entering the picture so late in the game?

The most important question…..where can I get some of the magic emollient????

Rating for this installment 3.75, Heat 5 (though I hate to try and rate 1/8 of a book)

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Laurynne Gouws · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was extremely hesitant to pick up this series by Beth Kery because I wasn't a big fan at all of her previous book I read, Wicked Burn.

Needless-to-say I ventured into it with wary hesitation. I was at first relieved that each book was a sort of short story that continues into the next. This was good when I discovered this because I realized that if I didn't like it, I wouldn't feel like I had wasted to much of my time.

Well… I worked through the first one and before I realized it, it was finished and I was opening part 2 and then 3 and then before I even realized I was done with 8.

I really enjoyed this series. It was completely intoxicating and drew me in without me even realizing I was hooked. Until I got the the end of the first part, I was still cautious but as soon as it was finished, I was excited to get to the next part.

Francesca is an amazingly talented artist who wins the prestigious commission to create the centerpiece painting for the grand lobby of Noble’s new Chicago skyscraper. The moment they meet, Ian takes to Francesca. His interest in her is completely out of character for him and so begins the battle within him to either take her or let her free.

This book was in a very slight way similar to Fifty Shades of Grey, but not exactly the same. There were moments where I thought 'ah it's the same that happened in Fifty' and there were moments that I felt were unique to the Because You Are Mine Series. It was not stolen from the popular series, but rather as if it there was no choice but to lead down a similar path.

I also prefer writing to be simple. And by that I mean that the use of describing verbs don't over-shadow the scene. This book contained a number of that and it bugged me out a bit. Other than that it was a great series of short stories that flow into each other. I don't really get why they were split and not just done in one book, since each book is only about 80 pages of so, but anyway.

A great, erotic series exploring the Dom / Sub relationship that's become widely popular at the moment. I enjoyed it.

Read more reviews on my blog

[Seamaiden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the fact Ian reminds again and again to Franscesca that a woman wears the clothes and not the other way around. I kept reading the series because I wanted to find out what happens in the end and because it is well written with many descriptions.
And so they are back to Chicago. She is curious about the mysterious woman, she sees Ian looking lost.
She does take a decision not to let Ian invest her money. She wants to learn to do it on her own. Kudos to her. I actually clapped on that.
Jacob seems like a good person and I liked the part he was included. Then another sex scene that I actually liked because it ended up in a nice way with Ian saying thank you and that she is sweet.
Then here comes the revelation they have to go to business dinner. And Franscesca decides to take her little revenge on Ian. Well, at least that's the beginning of her little game-revenge. A bit foolish but still it's something. However, that is a game she doesn't know how to play and she messes up. I believe that Ian was right when he said she is a little girl playing the game of a woman.
Then that's the part I didn't like at all. She does deserve punishment for what she did but what Ian chose as punishment is completely unacceptable for me. And what makes things worst in my book is how Franscesca agrees on everything and finds pleasure in everything he does to her.
I believe that's wrong. I also believe that the idea that pain and embarrashment are so easily replaced by pleasure shouldn't be laid so easily all over the books. It's a sensitive matter that can lead to bad things.
Anyway, that's my opinion. It was at the part that I had to stop and think if I would continue the book. I did continue both the book and the series because I wanted to know what happened next but that scene really did something to me in a negative way.

[Blanca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow and OMG. This book is just so erotic that it should top the charts. The first novella Because you Tempt Me was very slow going. I now really do understand the need to set up the plot and introduce the characters. It takes time. So the first novella was not that great but I still gave it 4 stars because the first erotic scene was just so hot. The couple Francesca Arno and Ian Noble are fencing and he being the expert that he is playfully slips his blade under the strap to her tank top and quickly slices through it. Later, once he is very close to her he cannot control his urge to kiss her and then in passion pulls her tank top/bra to expose her breast quickly he covers her breast with his mouth and well you just have to read the first novella and the rest will be history. The whole book is even more descriptive of the BDSM sex scenes.

I joined Goodread this year in April and not until this book have I read and learned more about the devises that are used for sexual pleasure. The book is very descriptive and therefore it is easy to visualize the sexual tools and how they are used and the manner that they help each person achieve the goal of sexual satisfaction. I now have a wish list of items that I will be buying in the near future.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 STARS

This installment picks up where we left off on the fifth part: after some rather intense lessons.

Ian becomes distant in the aftermath of those powerful moments with Francesca; his fear of becoming vulnerable makes him behave coldly toward Cesca, and that bothers her, to say the least.

He leaned down and seized her mouth in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. Was it her imagination or did that kiss seem to tell her something Ian couldn’t say?

Following their return to Chicago, they go to a business dinner, and he has a wardrobe full of dresses for her to choose from, even though she had already specified that she didn't want any clothes from him. Angry at this at his distance, Francesca really dresses up and flirts with the business associate, who is also an ass.

But Ian's detachment soon breaks, and he goes back to being the sexy and passionate man we all knew. Phew!

What else could this euphoric feeling be as she watched him there in the mirror, abandoning himself completely to bliss? Either she was falling in love or she was going mad.

Off to the next!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because You Are Mine Part VI: Because You Torment Me" by Beth Kery is the 6th part of a novella that's been divided into 8 parts.
In part 6, Ian and Francesca get back from Paris. Francesca does her homeworks, takes classes, paints at Ian's penthouse and has driving lessons with Jacob. While Ian makes the last details for the deal going down the next few days.
On Thursay, Ian and Francesca have dinner with Xander LaGrange, the owner of a company, which Ian intends to buy.
Seeing Ian had bought clothes for Francesca even she said specifically not to and so ignoring her wishes and going right ahead with his own agenda, makes her so angry that she decides to torment/provoke Ian the whole dinner with wearing a sexy dress (which shows a lot of naked skin) and being flirty with Xander. All this sends Ian to the edge...he just sees red with need and desire. Francesca's gone too far and for that he will see her submit...completely.

I didn't think it could get any more exciting, but it did...it's another amazing hot installment, loved and enjoyed it.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. Really well written and the characters are 'growing on me' as the weeks go by. Eagerly awaiting the next issue (just wish they were longer than 2 chapters).

Just a couple of minor issues: I find it really difficult to understand a woman who wouldn't want new clothes (especially expensive designer outfits) given to her, if a super rich guy is taking me to an expensive restaurant and I have nothing to wear I'd be thrilled with a wardrobe full of clothes to choose from... this girl Francesca wants to wear jeans everywhere, surely she must own a couple of nice dresses!

Also I find it hard to believe Ian went to University of Chicago (no offence intended to those who have attended), but wouldn't he have gone to Harvard or Cambridge, somewhere a little more exclusive?

Plus I'm going to have to google the 'swing' - I'm a bit naive when it comes to kinky apparatus'... an found it a bit confusing as to what went where. LOL

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I had these listed as on my kindle, but truth is, they were on my friend’s kindle, and one day at work mine died, and she was kind enough to allow me to hijack hers.
Well, I found this little read, which made me think I could finish it within a few hours. First, let me say it was a struggle to finish at all- the story is short, yes, but so much so, that you can’t really get to know the characters, and I just didn’t think it was relatable.
Not to mention that its like $1.99 … for what, I ask you?!

I say skip this, and just re-read 50 shades, because let’s face it, that’s all anyone can be looking for in a story like this, is a cheap imitation.

[Shelly LeCompt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It keeps getting better. I enjoy that Fransesca is independent enough that Ian's control sometimes pushes her into defiance; otherwise, she would just be too boring of a character. As we all know, submissive does not mean weak. Many strong & independent women happen to also be subs. Fransesca's action in this part really proved she isnt weak but actually quite a firecracker! And wow, did Ian's dark, jealous & dominate side ever rear its big o' head. Which was actually quite sexy! This part of the story really brought a nice element of playful, rebellious, humorous & yet still very hot component to the book; and boy, do I appreciate Ms Kery for that addition! Cant wait for midnight tomorrow!

[Veronica · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

In Chicago, Ian asks Jacob (his driver) to help Francesca learn driving and help her get her license. Despite the flaws in this book and the characters, I kind of liked the fact that Ian was helping her become independent.

When they meet later in the week, Ian invites her to come along with him to a business meeting. Hoping that with her around, he'd be able to control his temper.

In the previous book, she had refused a new wardrobe. But Ian is controlling and had made up his mind. He had the clothes transfered to his home and he decides that she should wear them for the dinner. Despite her anger, she does as asked.

The dinner goes downhill and leading to punishment.

[Mariana Bezerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review on my blog! --> Book Travels

This was a fun couple of chapters because we could see Francesca being normal and tormenting Ian, win-win right. It’s so easy to make him mad, that it’s a wonder how people manage to work with him daily.

Francesca didn’t meant to, but it was fun to watch Ian lose control and of course spank her for it afterwards. These two chapter were erotica to the extreme and made me happy to see Ian in his domains.

[Gaby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh God... this has just become ridiculous. I definitely don't find the appeal on Ian but, in the last chapter, I finally became highly annoyed with Francesca. She's so immature. But at the end it is his own fault. What is a mid-thirties, world succesful man with control issues doing with an immature twenty-three year old with obvious daddy and self-steem issues? Gah! Don't feel like reading anymore.

[Michelle ♥♥♥♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I'd be some upset of I didn't have the next to read right away!

It's been apparent to me they love one another! They just have to realize it. He's satisfied in every way by her, even while he punishes her. Clearly he has met his match/mate for life. I hope it turns out that way anyways.

As u can tell, I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. Great, great story! Especially love how he keeps protecting her. What when she went to get the tattoo and just now with jerky, Xander! So great!

[SaturNalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian pushes Francesca to rebellion. I'm glad she did something besides fight with him, Ian needed something more dramatic to get through to him. More toys involved in their love play this time and I wasn't too interested. Still I can't wait for the next installment. Ian is moving toward admitting he feels more for Francesca.

[Belkis · Rating 3 out of 5]

O. M. G. can these get any hotter?? And this part was really good in layering more of Ian's character, exposing him more to us. Not as much as I'd wish but getting there. Hopefully the next book will continue to give us more insight into both Ian's and Francesca's characters. Really enjoying these reads.

[Kayla Pipkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is the book as a whole, not each individual book.

One of the hottest erotic books I have read to date! I had to keep turning the pages. Ending was a little disappointing, but everything leading up to it was amazing. I love all the hot scenes between the characters. Excited to see what else this author has to offer. Look forwarding to reading more of your work!

[Meagen Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the chapters these weren't my favorite I thought that since the last 2 left off with him walking away just to show he still has control she would have written a bit more about Ian showing more of his feelings and unraveling but that was still good can't wait till next week!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILERRRSSSSS---------------

Butt sex punishment. I didn't like this part that much...

He fucks her in the ass and she's all

"Have I fallen in love with this man?"

Wait... who thinks that after they are being punished? No.