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The Sinful Art of Revenge
Taking what is rightfully his
Endless tabloid coverage has left Reiko Kagawa with way too much information about art dealer Damion Fortier's legendary playboy exploits—everyone knows he's renowned for leaving a wake of broken hearts across Europe's most glamorous destinations!
Reiko knows she has two things Damion wants: the first, a priceless painting and Fortier heirloom. The second, her seriously off-limits body! And she has no intention of giving him access to either.
Damion isn't used to beautiful women scorning his advances, so it's definitely time to turn his lethal charm up one last notch to ensure he gets exactly what he wants….
Endless tabloid coverage has left Reiko Kagawa with way too much information about art dealer Damion Fortier's legendary playboy exploits—everyone knows he's renowned for leaving a wake of broken hearts across Europe's most glamorous destinations!
Reiko knows she has two things Damion wants: the first, a priceless painting and Fortier heirloom. The second, her seriously off-limits body! And she has no intention of giving him access to either.
Damion isn't used to beautiful women scorning his advances, so it's definitely time to turn his lethal charm up one last notch to ensure he gets exactly what he wants….
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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245 people want to read
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October 20, 2019
Most romance heroines come with a bit of baggage, which is what you would expect, but the heroine in The Sinful Art Of Revenge, Reiko Kagawa, deserves an award of some kind. Author Maya Blake gives her a painful history that would honestly take 10 books to explore, not a 190 page category romance. Five years ago, she was fleeced by Damion Fortier (who had given her a false name), engaged in a six week fling with him, only to betray her, because he was actually after a debt owed by her grandfather, which killed him. Or something. The book is a bit fuzzy with the details.
It's now five years later, and Damion has tracked her down for reasons that I've already forgotten, because it took me four days to read this. Anyway, he wants to use her art acquisition skills to obtain three paintings for his dying grandfather. For reasons I've already forgotten, she must stay right by his side while she does all of this. What I didn't forget was just how many dramas Reiko must overcome before she can reach her happy ending with Damion. She constantly refers to physical scars she must hide, along with shameful behaviour she undertook after Damion left her.
Reiko was in a train wreck that caused her severe injuries, as well as killing her father. She feels responsible, because she forced him to catch the train instead of driving, wanting him to get back with her mother, who he was about to divorce. She thinks that everybody would be repulsed by her scars, and hides them underneath her hair or clothes. Of course, she thinks Damion would also never want her if he saw the scars.
But, wait - there's more!
She thinks Damion would never want her because of her scandalous behaviour and the other men she's been with since they've been apart. Damion, bless his heart, isn't a slut-shamer. However, Reiko goes on to say that she only went on dates with the other men, never actually slept with them. So what the hell has she been beating herself up over? Why is she turning it into this evil thing that she's done that she needs to be revealed as melodramatically as possible? If she's been on dates with lots of men, she hasn't actually "been" with them, which she constantly refers to.
And this is what makes me so effing made about the Modern line. I totally understand the fantasy of a rich, arrogant millionaire moving heaven and earth to claim you, as I indulge in that every now and then myself (don't tell my partner!) But why is it only a virgin or Virtual Virgin who is entitled to this fairy-tale? As Samantha Fox sings, naughty girls need love too. This book shouldn't be building up to the possibility of breaking a trope and then backing away from it by saying, "Oh, I only dated them." It actually makes it more offensive. Yay, Reiko isn't really a slut! Vomit.
Anyway, there's more. "I can never have sex again!" (Cured by magic penis.)
But, wait - there's more. "I can never have children!" (I think we know how that turns out.)
Eventually, the constant flow of trauma and melodramatic revelations from Reiko made me feel as if she enjoyed making her life as melodramatic for herself as possible, choosing the most emotional time possible to hurl another drama grenade. Indeed, she's always running away instead of giving a calm, rational explanation as to why she's doing what she's doing (even while the black moment is heading to a resolution.) She really did my head in.
Damion, for the most part, wasn't too bad. He's careful of his emotions, as he saw what obsession with a loved one did to his father and grandfather. He doesn't think he's going to turn out like them, thank the skies, but he does not want that for himself or his loved one. That's all I ask from this trope for the hero: he doesn't use the Bad Parent as an excuse to run away, but merely works on being different to them. That's what makes for a good hero, in my opinion. But then he's going and asking his ex-girlfriend to a ball because they're still "friends", despite the fact that she had to be institutionalised because of her obsession with him, and then proceeds to ignore her for most of the night. Some friend.
Like I said, it took me four days to read this category romance because Reiko was so exasperating. Some questionable behaviour aside (what was with Reiko not being allowed to touch other people? That's stalker stuff), I liked Damion, if not really the sort of alpha the genre expects. But I couldn't help but feeling the relationship after the book ends would be a rollercoaster of Reiko dramatically running out on Damion over some insignificant thing, and him constantly chasing her down.
As for the revenge mentioned in the title? Your guess is as good as mine!
It's now five years later, and Damion has tracked her down for reasons that I've already forgotten, because it took me four days to read this. Anyway, he wants to use her art acquisition skills to obtain three paintings for his dying grandfather. For reasons I've already forgotten, she must stay right by his side while she does all of this. What I didn't forget was just how many dramas Reiko must overcome before she can reach her happy ending with Damion. She constantly refers to physical scars she must hide, along with shameful behaviour she undertook after Damion left her.
Reiko was in a train wreck that caused her severe injuries, as well as killing her father. She feels responsible, because she forced him to catch the train instead of driving, wanting him to get back with her mother, who he was about to divorce. She thinks that everybody would be repulsed by her scars, and hides them underneath her hair or clothes. Of course, she thinks Damion would also never want her if he saw the scars.
But, wait - there's more!
She thinks Damion would never want her because of her scandalous behaviour and the other men she's been with since they've been apart. Damion, bless his heart, isn't a slut-shamer. However, Reiko goes on to say that she only went on dates with the other men, never actually slept with them. So what the hell has she been beating herself up over? Why is she turning it into this evil thing that she's done that she needs to be revealed as melodramatically as possible? If she's been on dates with lots of men, she hasn't actually "been" with them, which she constantly refers to.
And this is what makes me so effing made about the Modern line. I totally understand the fantasy of a rich, arrogant millionaire moving heaven and earth to claim you, as I indulge in that every now and then myself (don't tell my partner!) But why is it only a virgin or Virtual Virgin who is entitled to this fairy-tale? As Samantha Fox sings, naughty girls need love too. This book shouldn't be building up to the possibility of breaking a trope and then backing away from it by saying, "Oh, I only dated them." It actually makes it more offensive. Yay, Reiko isn't really a slut! Vomit.
Anyway, there's more. "I can never have sex again!" (Cured by magic penis.)
But, wait - there's more. "I can never have children!" (I think we know how that turns out.)
Eventually, the constant flow of trauma and melodramatic revelations from Reiko made me feel as if she enjoyed making her life as melodramatic for herself as possible, choosing the most emotional time possible to hurl another drama grenade. Indeed, she's always running away instead of giving a calm, rational explanation as to why she's doing what she's doing (even while the black moment is heading to a resolution.) She really did my head in.
Damion, for the most part, wasn't too bad. He's careful of his emotions, as he saw what obsession with a loved one did to his father and grandfather. He doesn't think he's going to turn out like them, thank the skies, but he does not want that for himself or his loved one. That's all I ask from this trope for the hero: he doesn't use the Bad Parent as an excuse to run away, but merely works on being different to them. That's what makes for a good hero, in my opinion. But then he's going and asking his ex-girlfriend to a ball because they're still "friends", despite the fact that she had to be institutionalised because of her obsession with him, and then proceeds to ignore her for most of the night. Some friend.
Like I said, it took me four days to read this category romance because Reiko was so exasperating. Some questionable behaviour aside (what was with Reiko not being allowed to touch other people? That's stalker stuff), I liked Damion, if not really the sort of alpha the genre expects. But I couldn't help but feeling the relationship after the book ends would be a rollercoaster of Reiko dramatically running out on Damion over some insignificant thing, and him constantly chasing her down.
As for the revenge mentioned in the title? Your guess is as good as mine!
March 14, 2013
Incredible book of the year alert! This read was absolutely stunning from each and every angle you look at it. It had action, drama, passion, romance, emotional heartache, new found respect, self discovery and so much more!
The read is about Reiko, to the outside world she seems to have it all, power, knowledge and wealth. But what lies beneath her silk gowns is a woman in torment and sorrow over a life changing decision she can never undo.
Her as perfect as can be life goes from "my way to the highway" in less than 60 seconds when her old lover tie-me-up-with-ancient-torture-devices-and-do-with-me-as-you-please Damion offers her a proposition, I should rather say a command to help him trace a lost painting as a last honour to his grandfather.
And right here ladies is where this author shows how incredibly good she is at what she does, and this is only her second book so that believe me says a lot, as some authors get it right the first time and then only again around book four or six.
The author takes the lives of two people bound to each other through love and exposes each one's vulnerability by pealing back layer by layer of insecurities, threats of possession, fears and happiness with such exquisite detail it brought me to tears, and left me hanging onto the edge of my seat in anticipation of what will happen next.
The main characters were both simply gorgeous and so exceptionally well written. I loved that Reiko was strong in fighting back against her inner demons, through her the author showed that it takes so much more than saying move on to overcome a inner darkness that can overwhelm your soul.
Damion was totally delicious and oh so very ruthless in getting his way, but I loved that the author showed he was truly connected and in tune to Reiko in knowing what she needs and not taking no for an answer to achieve his goal.
The backdrop settings were marvellous as France come face to face with Japan! I loved the absolute precision that author used to describe the characters surroundings, I truly felt as if I could touch the art being described ,I could see the colour and feel the texture and smell the paint! Brilliant work Maya!
The dialogue was laced with passion and emotion so strongly written by the author if was if I wanted to climb inside this read and help Damion and Reiko find their happiness and fight off anything and anyone even daring to tear them apart.
I highly recommend this read, if you love a truly good romance intertwined with emotional understanding as to what someone else is facing, action packed chases to the search for happiness, mind blowing passion and exquisite attention to detail this is the read for you, trust me you will not be disappointed .
5/5 star review
"Facing your fears whilst staring into the eyes of love"
The read is about Reiko, to the outside world she seems to have it all, power, knowledge and wealth. But what lies beneath her silk gowns is a woman in torment and sorrow over a life changing decision she can never undo.
Her as perfect as can be life goes from "my way to the highway" in less than 60 seconds when her old lover tie-me-up-with-ancient-torture-devices-and-do-with-me-as-you-please Damion offers her a proposition, I should rather say a command to help him trace a lost painting as a last honour to his grandfather.
And right here ladies is where this author shows how incredibly good she is at what she does, and this is only her second book so that believe me says a lot, as some authors get it right the first time and then only again around book four or six.
The author takes the lives of two people bound to each other through love and exposes each one's vulnerability by pealing back layer by layer of insecurities, threats of possession, fears and happiness with such exquisite detail it brought me to tears, and left me hanging onto the edge of my seat in anticipation of what will happen next.
The main characters were both simply gorgeous and so exceptionally well written. I loved that Reiko was strong in fighting back against her inner demons, through her the author showed that it takes so much more than saying move on to overcome a inner darkness that can overwhelm your soul.
Damion was totally delicious and oh so very ruthless in getting his way, but I loved that the author showed he was truly connected and in tune to Reiko in knowing what she needs and not taking no for an answer to achieve his goal.
The backdrop settings were marvellous as France come face to face with Japan! I loved the absolute precision that author used to describe the characters surroundings, I truly felt as if I could touch the art being described ,I could see the colour and feel the texture and smell the paint! Brilliant work Maya!
The dialogue was laced with passion and emotion so strongly written by the author if was if I wanted to climb inside this read and help Damion and Reiko find their happiness and fight off anything and anyone even daring to tear them apart.
I highly recommend this read, if you love a truly good romance intertwined with emotional understanding as to what someone else is facing, action packed chases to the search for happiness, mind blowing passion and exquisite attention to detail this is the read for you, trust me you will not be disappointed .
5/5 star review
"Facing your fears whilst staring into the eyes of love"
May 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this NA debut by Maya Blake. She has a beautiful voice and a gripping style that draws me right into the story.
If you like sexy alpha’s then Damion Fortier is your man. And if you like your heroines with steely determination as well as hidden vulnerability, Reiko Kagawa definitely fits the bill.
I can't wait to read Maya's next release. :-)
If you like sexy alpha’s then Damion Fortier is your man. And if you like your heroines with steely determination as well as hidden vulnerability, Reiko Kagawa definitely fits the bill.
I can't wait to read Maya's next release. :-)
March 22, 2013
The premise is quite intriguing. MB's writing style is captivating, building enough tension and sexual attraction to keep the reader hooked. the characters are well- rounded. Damion and Reiko share a past affair that ended badly- mostly because of Damion' s deceit. They both have a lot of emotional baggage to deal with on their own. Damion has seen first hand the impact of messy emotions so he shuts himself down emotionally. His relationship with the supposedly married OW didnt help him overcome his misgivings. Reiko had a terrible accident that took her father's life and left her emotionally and physically scarred. Reiko is a strong heroine, she gives as much as she gets. Damion can be possessive, obsessive even, but he can also be tender and caring.
Damion is the last person Reiko wants to deal with. But she is an excellent art broker and he ll stop at nothing to force her to look for some paintings for his dying grandfather. They get their second chance, but first they have to get past their misconceptions.
Damion is the last person Reiko wants to deal with. But she is an excellent art broker and he ll stop at nothing to force her to look for some paintings for his dying grandfather. They get their second chance, but first they have to get past their misconceptions.
March 2, 2013
Maya Blake has officially become a favorite author with this book. This is an emotional reunion romance. Five years ago Damion had romanced Reiko right before he revealed that he was there to bankrupt her grandfather. Five years after Damion needed Reiko's help and found that he was still obsessed with her. But Reiko is damaged both physically and emotionally from an accident that caused her father's life. And it would require patience and a lot of love on Damion's side to woo her. I loved both characters. Reiko was a really unusual heroine- being half Japanese as well as having a cool job procuring expensive art. Damion is the perfect guy- rich and very much in love with Reiko. I hope Ms. Blake writes more novels because I really enjoyed the first two she wrote.
June 19, 2020
Paula Brandon writes such a fabulous review that anything I say would be redundant. This was totally over the top, melodramatic tosh. I have liked many of Maya Blake’s books but this one was so exaggerated and unbelievable. I liked the hero.
April 23, 2013
I have run out of fingers and toes to count the ways how perfect The Sinful Art of Revenge is. I’m literally afraid that my humble words will not give this story the justice it deserves to describe how it’s more perfect than perfect to me.
I gave Maya Blakes’s debut novel The Price of Success 6 stars, I loved it that much. It was original (to me) and also had me captivated and my heart racing till the end (pun intended if you’ve read it and if you haven’t – please, please do) and I couldn’t wait until the second release. I’m so so SO pleased to Maya Blakes second story The Sinful Art of Revenge has indeed delivered to me everything I loved, if not more, about the first.
Damion hauls Reiko back into his life after a five year absence because she is the only person who can help recover a highly prized family possession. It’s clear from the very start they have a history. The first chapters are crafted in such a way that I was immediately captivated and completely consumed until the very last word.
I fell in love with Damion and Reiko. I loved their story. They are two completely different people but so perfect for each other that I’m almost jealous I’m not Reiko. I felt that Reiko was written so well she could be a real person. I liked that she wasn’t perfect in terms of her physical appearance and in terms of her reactions. I liked that she had more to overcome than Damion because the romantic-at-heart in me loves the idea of that perfect someone making everything better and loving me for me.
The feelings The Sinful Art of Revenge evoked in me is almost unequaled to other books. It was an intense, emotional, dramatic, intriguing, passionate, breathtaking and quite perfect read. To top all that off it was laced with delicious humor that made me giggle out loud.
The “greenie” in me loved Reiko telling Damion “Francois suggested foie gras, but I’ve convinced him to change his mind” but the inner-romantic-still-believes-in-happily-ever-me’s favorite line in the entire book was when Damion looked at Reiko and mouthed “You’re mine”. Getting to this point in the story I think it was the first time reading a book in this genre I have ever thought “I wish that was me”.
The Sinful Art of Revenge is a must-read if you’re a romantic at heart, a fan of reunion stories, if you’ve read the debut novel The Price of Success do-not-miss this, if you're a fan of this genre, if you're looking for a book to read... in case this doesnt cover you, I still recommend it for you :)
Just perfect!
I gave Maya Blakes’s debut novel The Price of Success 6 stars, I loved it that much. It was original (to me) and also had me captivated and my heart racing till the end (pun intended if you’ve read it and if you haven’t – please, please do) and I couldn’t wait until the second release. I’m so so SO pleased to Maya Blakes second story The Sinful Art of Revenge has indeed delivered to me everything I loved, if not more, about the first.
Damion hauls Reiko back into his life after a five year absence because she is the only person who can help recover a highly prized family possession. It’s clear from the very start they have a history. The first chapters are crafted in such a way that I was immediately captivated and completely consumed until the very last word.
I fell in love with Damion and Reiko. I loved their story. They are two completely different people but so perfect for each other that I’m almost jealous I’m not Reiko. I felt that Reiko was written so well she could be a real person. I liked that she wasn’t perfect in terms of her physical appearance and in terms of her reactions. I liked that she had more to overcome than Damion because the romantic-at-heart in me loves the idea of that perfect someone making everything better and loving me for me.
The feelings The Sinful Art of Revenge evoked in me is almost unequaled to other books. It was an intense, emotional, dramatic, intriguing, passionate, breathtaking and quite perfect read. To top all that off it was laced with delicious humor that made me giggle out loud.
The “greenie” in me loved Reiko telling Damion “Francois suggested foie gras, but I’ve convinced him to change his mind” but the inner-romantic-still-believes-in-happily-ever-me’s favorite line in the entire book was when Damion looked at Reiko and mouthed “You’re mine”. Getting to this point in the story I think it was the first time reading a book in this genre I have ever thought “I wish that was me”.
The Sinful Art of Revenge is a must-read if you’re a romantic at heart, a fan of reunion stories, if you’ve read the debut novel The Price of Success do-not-miss this, if you're a fan of this genre, if you're looking for a book to read... in case this doesnt cover you, I still recommend it for you :)
Just perfect!
April 23, 2013
I have run out of fingers and toes to count the ways how perfect The Sinful Art of Revenge is. I’m literally afraid that my humble words will not give this story the justice it deserves to describe how it’s more perfect than perfect to me.
I gave Maya Blakes’s debut novel The Price of Success 6 stars, I loved it that much. It was original (to me) and also had me captivated and my heart racing till the end (pun intended if you’ve read it and if you haven’t – please, please do) and I couldn’t wait until the second release. I’m so so SO pleased to Maya Blakes second story The Sinful Art of Revenge has indeed delivered to me everything I loved, if not more, about the first.
Damion hauls Reiko back into his life after a five year absence because she is the only person who can help recover a highly prized family possession. It’s clear from the very start they have a history. The first chapters are crafted in such a way that I was immediately captivated and completely consumed until the very last word.
I fell in love with Damion and Reiko. I loved their story. They are two completely different people but so perfect for each other that I’m almost jealous I’m not Reiko. I felt that Reiko was written so well she could be a real person. I liked that she wasn’t perfect in terms of her physical appearance and in terms of her reactions. I liked that she had more to overcome than Damion because the romantic-at-heart in me loves the idea of that perfect someone making everything better and loving me for me.
The feelings The Sinful Art of Revenge evoked in me is almost unequaled to other books. It was an intense, emotional, dramatic, intriguing, passionate, breathtaking and quite perfect read. To top all that off it was laced with delicious humor that made me giggle out loud.
The “greenie” in me loved Reiko telling Damion “Francois suggested foie gras, but I’ve convinced him to change his mind” but the inner-romantic-still-believes-in-happily-ever-me’s favorite line in the entire book was when Damion looked at Reiko and mouthed “You’re mine”. Getting to this point in the story I think it was the first time reading a book in this genre I have ever thought “I wish that was me”.
The Sinful Art of Revenge is a must-read if you’re a romantic at heart, a fan of reunion stories or if you’ve read the debut novel The Price of Success do-not-miss.
Just perfect!
I gave Maya Blakes’s debut novel The Price of Success 6 stars, I loved it that much. It was original (to me) and also had me captivated and my heart racing till the end (pun intended if you’ve read it and if you haven’t – please, please do) and I couldn’t wait until the second release. I’m so so SO pleased to Maya Blakes second story The Sinful Art of Revenge has indeed delivered to me everything I loved, if not more, about the first.
Damion hauls Reiko back into his life after a five year absence because she is the only person who can help recover a highly prized family possession. It’s clear from the very start they have a history. The first chapters are crafted in such a way that I was immediately captivated and completely consumed until the very last word.
I fell in love with Damion and Reiko. I loved their story. They are two completely different people but so perfect for each other that I’m almost jealous I’m not Reiko. I felt that Reiko was written so well she could be a real person. I liked that she wasn’t perfect in terms of her physical appearance and in terms of her reactions. I liked that she had more to overcome than Damion because the romantic-at-heart in me loves the idea of that perfect someone making everything better and loving me for me.
The feelings The Sinful Art of Revenge evoked in me is almost unequaled to other books. It was an intense, emotional, dramatic, intriguing, passionate, breathtaking and quite perfect read. To top all that off it was laced with delicious humor that made me giggle out loud.
The “greenie” in me loved Reiko telling Damion “Francois suggested foie gras, but I’ve convinced him to change his mind” but the inner-romantic-still-believes-in-happily-ever-me’s favorite line in the entire book was when Damion looked at Reiko and mouthed “You’re mine”. Getting to this point in the story I think it was the first time reading a book in this genre I have ever thought “I wish that was me”.
The Sinful Art of Revenge is a must-read if you’re a romantic at heart, a fan of reunion stories or if you’ve read the debut novel The Price of Success do-not-miss.
Just perfect!
March 17, 2013
Five years ago Reiko and Damion were together for six weeks. Damion had deceived Reiko about so many things before walking away from her. Now he needs her to recover some art that she brokered for his grandfather and the sparks are still flying between these two.
Started out great but then things bothered me about Damion. He seems to be of the mindset that just because he walked away from her she should have been so broken up and waiting for him instead of attempting to move on two weeks later! Did I say he walked away?! Damion takes up w/ OW and this is all messy and convoluted – perhaps just to add drama later? This OW didn’t make a lot of sense either. Damion didn’t seem very forgiving of his own female relatives and yet he forgives this OW and is even friends w/ her. That doesn’t make a lot of sense considering what this woman had done either.
Damion wants her blind trust him but he doesn’t reciprocate – he has investigators discover things first and then questions her.
Reiko made it out to be horrible what Damion had done to her and yet it seems less so later. Couldn’t understand how she could blame herself for so much and then not really blame Damion.
Damion came across as being very possessive later on, I’m guessing he wasn’t that way five years ago. Damion didn’t want to be obsessive but seemed he toed that line. He comes across as a fixer, but it seems to be only if it is in his best interest.
Reiko does stand up to him sometimes, but I still don’t think Damion ever really made that grand effort. The therapist thing was like him saying I still need to fix you, make you whole because you are broken and I can’t handle it. He pulls this same thing near the end as well. It’s like he can’t completely accept her for the way she is even at the end. He claims he loves her more than he wants children and yet he lined up fertility doctors!!! WHY? Just in case? I know we are supposed to believe that he is just trying to make her happy, but really she could have done that on her own instead of Damion taking it on. It just seemed like he was trying to have his cake and eat it too.
Okay and then Reiko made it sound more like Damion was some uberprize and she was the lucky winner!
Started out great but then things bothered me about Damion. He seems to be of the mindset that just because he walked away from her she should have been so broken up and waiting for him instead of attempting to move on two weeks later! Did I say he walked away?! Damion takes up w/ OW and this is all messy and convoluted – perhaps just to add drama later? This OW didn’t make a lot of sense either. Damion didn’t seem very forgiving of his own female relatives and yet he forgives this OW and is even friends w/ her. That doesn’t make a lot of sense considering what this woman had done either.
Damion wants her blind trust him but he doesn’t reciprocate – he has investigators discover things first and then questions her.
Reiko made it out to be horrible what Damion had done to her and yet it seems less so later. Couldn’t understand how she could blame herself for so much and then not really blame Damion.
Damion came across as being very possessive later on, I’m guessing he wasn’t that way five years ago. Damion didn’t want to be obsessive but seemed he toed that line. He comes across as a fixer, but it seems to be only if it is in his best interest.
Reiko does stand up to him sometimes, but I still don’t think Damion ever really made that grand effort. The therapist thing was like him saying I still need to fix you, make you whole because you are broken and I can’t handle it. He pulls this same thing near the end as well. It’s like he can’t completely accept her for the way she is even at the end. He claims he loves her more than he wants children and yet he lined up fertility doctors!!! WHY? Just in case? I know we are supposed to believe that he is just trying to make her happy, but really she could have done that on her own instead of Damion taking it on. It just seemed like he was trying to have his cake and eat it too.
Okay and then Reiko made it sound more like Damion was some uberprize and she was the lucky winner!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
Look, if you're going to have a Japanese protagonist (wait, I think she's "half-Japanese" but I don't think her mom's ethnicity is revealed. Maybe I missed it because I skimmed the crap out of this book), maybe don't put her in a Chinese dress on the cover, Harlequin?!? (At no point in the book does Reiko ever wear a cheongsam.)
Come on, this was published in 2013. Google image search for "traditional Japanese dress" definitely existed. Or you could just put her in western clothes because that's what she wears for most of the book. But that woudn't be "exotic" enough, would it?
I contemplated giving this 2 stars (instead of 1) because I liked that Presents appears to be trying to move toward stories of overcoming past trauma rather than assholes being assholes just for the sake of being assholes. It gives lot of drama (which, let's be honest, is the point of Presents - and rich people fantasy) without making you queasily wonder if people secretly lust after abusive assholes.
But I can't overlook all the sexist bullshit in this book. I mean, at least the hero admits he's really possessive but will try to change (good luck) but there's a lot of slut shaming because heroine *hooked up with a new guy three weeks after they broke up.* Um, breaking up means you can hook up with new people, dude. (For some reason she feels very guilty about this - why?? The author could have gone for some realism by talking contemporary roles for women in Japan - yes, it's a somewhat old-fashioned culture in some ways. But that would be too complex, apparently.)
(There's less racist bullshit than you might fear but an awful lot of ninja references. Pretty sure most Japanese people might not refer to themselves that way.)
Come on, this was published in 2013. Google image search for "traditional Japanese dress" definitely existed. Or you could just put her in western clothes because that's what she wears for most of the book. But that woudn't be "exotic" enough, would it?
I contemplated giving this 2 stars (instead of 1) because I liked that Presents appears to be trying to move toward stories of overcoming past trauma rather than assholes being assholes just for the sake of being assholes. It gives lot of drama (which, let's be honest, is the point of Presents - and rich people fantasy) without making you queasily wonder if people secretly lust after abusive assholes.
But I can't overlook all the sexist bullshit in this book. I mean, at least the hero admits he's really possessive but will try to change (good luck) but there's a lot of slut shaming because heroine *hooked up with a new guy three weeks after they broke up.* Um, breaking up means you can hook up with new people, dude. (For some reason she feels very guilty about this - why?? The author could have gone for some realism by talking contemporary roles for women in Japan - yes, it's a somewhat old-fashioned culture in some ways. But that would be too complex, apparently.)
(There's less racist bullshit than you might fear but an awful lot of ninja references. Pretty sure most Japanese people might not refer to themselves that way.)
April 12, 2013
Excellent!! I loved this author's style of writing and will definitely be looking forward to more books from her.
She was able to touch on many subjects and actually follow through with them. Usually I'm left disappointed that a subject the author brings into the storyline, has no follow through.
She was able to touch on many subjects and actually follow through with them. Usually I'm left disappointed that a subject the author brings into the storyline, has no follow through.
July 24, 2013
I really loved Reiko. Not only was she a really complex character, she was a fighter. Maya knows how to turn pages too. It feels like a bigger book even though it's a short, fast read.
May 13, 2021
Major Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk
ONCE AGAIN MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD, THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING.
I didn’t realize that this was actually a second chance romance between Reiko and Damion. It was a complex setup that made for great tension and angst between them. In the past, Damion lied who he was to Reiko when they first met. He was meant to take everything from her grandfather when they met but he never told her that and set about perusing an intimate relationship with her. Once Reiko found out he who he was, just things really blew up after that and resulted in many hurt feelings in both past and present. Trust was broken hence all the tension between them as they fought against each other during this reunion where Damion wanted to hire Reiko to recover some paintings for his grandfather. There were a lot of emotions going on that upped the stakes between the two of them.
What I really found interesting that it had a suspense/thriller edge to it with the missing paintings. I loved them going from different locations as they tried to find these paintings. I wish that was played out throughout throughout story arc, instead of the painting found as quickly as they were. It just dampened the excitement and momentum of the story a little bit by having it end very quickly.
There was a lot of angst and tension between them, but it was more sexual than emotional. I wanted there to be more emotional longing throughout the story, instead of the focus being the physical attraction between them. It was clear that they had feelings for each other in the past. I wish that was played up a bit more as they longed to be together and have that intimacy that went beyond the bedroom. The physical stuff was centered for longer than I would have liked.
I did think he did push a little bit to hard at first with the physical stuff even though she told him she couldn’t. I thought he could have backed off a little bit more in the beginning. It sort of reinforced the whole sexual vibe that seemed to be the crux of them at least in the beginning.
However, once the romance came to play. It came play. It was beautiful and sweet and tender. It really showed how much Damion cared about through all the stuff he did for her to help her both physically and emotionally. He did some very romantic things for her. He wanted to understand her. The trauma that she went through three years ago that left physical and emotional scars as well as what Damion did to her five years previously. He really took his time with her especially with the physical stuff once he came to realize that sexual intimacy was hard for her. He did beautiful job of being there with her in those moments as they went step by step in the intimacy scale of their relationship. It showed that she was on his mind first and foremost, thinking her needs instead of his own. So, he did make up for that fact that I thought it was a bit pushy on the physical side of things early on.
I did like the story arc with Reiko. She had a lot going on between all her different traumas, which effected on she reacted to Damion aka rejecting him. I understand why she did what she did and reacted the way she did, however sometimes it came off a little rough. It kind of was off putting at points. Some of her protective instincts were just a little much for me. It was very hard to connect to her because of that. I did like her, but I wasn’t a hundred percent on board with her all the time either.
I did really like the idea in the story of building of trust between them. I liked how Damion wanted to have that trust between them before they did get fully intimate with one another. Even during their full intimate encounter, he was very adamant that there had to be trust between them in order for everything to work and be okay between them in those moment. I loved how he wanted her trust more than anything even pleasure, which I thought was great. I loved when they had that eye contact that promoted great intimacy and trust between them. It showed that their connection was very much emotional as it was physical. I loved that so much. It was a beautiful moment between them because the trust was there.
I did like this overall, but I didn’t love it. There were some iffy things about this book that made me have some complicated feelings about it. The pacing was a little off and not as seemingly as I would have liked. It felt like this story had three chunks to it with the first being their reunion, the second being the art recovery/physical attraction, and then lastly the trust and physical intimacy that built between them. It was very distinctive, which made it feel a little bit choppy, instead it flowing like it should. I did think that the angst more centered on the physical side of their relationship, instead of the emotional side. I wanted more of that emotional longing than the physical longing especially with the setup of betrayal they thought they both committed in the past towards each other. I wanted more of that gut wrenching feeling and feel more of that heartbreak that they both experienced after their breakup. However once the emotional intimacy and tenderness came into then it was so good. It was beautiful. It was emotional. It was tender. It was what I wanted from this second chance romance. I loved the length he went to show how much he cared about her. He was willing to work with her in any possible in order to have that intimacy and connection between the two of them. At that point that was when I felt the yearning for that closeness. I loved that so much. Damion wasn’t perfect, but he made up for it in the end. With Reiko, she was a hit and miss for me. There were times that I really felt for her after all the pain that she went through between her father, her grandfather and Damion. I understood why she acted the way that she did, however how she reacted wasn’t always likable. Some of the things she did and said did turn me off a bit. At times it was hard to connect with her, I wasn’t a hundred percent on board with her. There was missing piece for me there. Bottom line was even though I did like this, it wasn’t my favorite Harlequin Presents of all time.
ONCE AGAIN MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD, THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING.
I didn’t realize that this was actually a second chance romance between Reiko and Damion. It was a complex setup that made for great tension and angst between them. In the past, Damion lied who he was to Reiko when they first met. He was meant to take everything from her grandfather when they met but he never told her that and set about perusing an intimate relationship with her. Once Reiko found out he who he was, just things really blew up after that and resulted in many hurt feelings in both past and present. Trust was broken hence all the tension between them as they fought against each other during this reunion where Damion wanted to hire Reiko to recover some paintings for his grandfather. There were a lot of emotions going on that upped the stakes between the two of them.
What I really found interesting that it had a suspense/thriller edge to it with the missing paintings. I loved them going from different locations as they tried to find these paintings. I wish that was played out throughout throughout story arc, instead of the painting found as quickly as they were. It just dampened the excitement and momentum of the story a little bit by having it end very quickly.
There was a lot of angst and tension between them, but it was more sexual than emotional. I wanted there to be more emotional longing throughout the story, instead of the focus being the physical attraction between them. It was clear that they had feelings for each other in the past. I wish that was played up a bit more as they longed to be together and have that intimacy that went beyond the bedroom. The physical stuff was centered for longer than I would have liked.
I did think he did push a little bit to hard at first with the physical stuff even though she told him she couldn’t. I thought he could have backed off a little bit more in the beginning. It sort of reinforced the whole sexual vibe that seemed to be the crux of them at least in the beginning.
However, once the romance came to play. It came play. It was beautiful and sweet and tender. It really showed how much Damion cared about through all the stuff he did for her to help her both physically and emotionally. He did some very romantic things for her. He wanted to understand her. The trauma that she went through three years ago that left physical and emotional scars as well as what Damion did to her five years previously. He really took his time with her especially with the physical stuff once he came to realize that sexual intimacy was hard for her. He did beautiful job of being there with her in those moments as they went step by step in the intimacy scale of their relationship. It showed that she was on his mind first and foremost, thinking her needs instead of his own. So, he did make up for that fact that I thought it was a bit pushy on the physical side of things early on.
I did like the story arc with Reiko. She had a lot going on between all her different traumas, which effected on she reacted to Damion aka rejecting him. I understand why she did what she did and reacted the way she did, however sometimes it came off a little rough. It kind of was off putting at points. Some of her protective instincts were just a little much for me. It was very hard to connect to her because of that. I did like her, but I wasn’t a hundred percent on board with her all the time either.
I did really like the idea in the story of building of trust between them. I liked how Damion wanted to have that trust between them before they did get fully intimate with one another. Even during their full intimate encounter, he was very adamant that there had to be trust between them in order for everything to work and be okay between them in those moment. I loved how he wanted her trust more than anything even pleasure, which I thought was great. I loved when they had that eye contact that promoted great intimacy and trust between them. It showed that their connection was very much emotional as it was physical. I loved that so much. It was a beautiful moment between them because the trust was there.
I did like this overall, but I didn’t love it. There were some iffy things about this book that made me have some complicated feelings about it. The pacing was a little off and not as seemingly as I would have liked. It felt like this story had three chunks to it with the first being their reunion, the second being the art recovery/physical attraction, and then lastly the trust and physical intimacy that built between them. It was very distinctive, which made it feel a little bit choppy, instead it flowing like it should. I did think that the angst more centered on the physical side of their relationship, instead of the emotional side. I wanted more of that emotional longing than the physical longing especially with the setup of betrayal they thought they both committed in the past towards each other. I wanted more of that gut wrenching feeling and feel more of that heartbreak that they both experienced after their breakup. However once the emotional intimacy and tenderness came into then it was so good. It was beautiful. It was emotional. It was tender. It was what I wanted from this second chance romance. I loved the length he went to show how much he cared about her. He was willing to work with her in any possible in order to have that intimacy and connection between the two of them. At that point that was when I felt the yearning for that closeness. I loved that so much. Damion wasn’t perfect, but he made up for it in the end. With Reiko, she was a hit and miss for me. There were times that I really felt for her after all the pain that she went through between her father, her grandfather and Damion. I understood why she acted the way that she did, however how she reacted wasn’t always likable. Some of the things she did and said did turn me off a bit. At times it was hard to connect with her, I wasn’t a hundred percent on board with her. There was missing piece for me there. Bottom line was even though I did like this, it wasn’t my favorite Harlequin Presents of all time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2020
I began as simply enjoying this book by an author I hadn't read before. By the end I was gripped, and I loved the damaged super-alpha and his damaged heroine - both successful intelligent people who have a lot to get through to find one another.
I finished this one in the wee hours and loved it. A lovely end, not at all glib but simply happy.
I'm on a roll - this is my second five star book in a week!
I finished this one in the wee hours and loved it. A lovely end, not at all glib but simply happy.
I'm on a roll - this is my second five star book in a week!
May 26, 2013
If not for the epilogue, I might have given this four stars. Selling points for those that are interested in atypical romances: the heroine is in recovery from a traumatic accident and also is half-Japanese, is about the underground art world, and it takes place in a variety of cities across the globe.
August 7, 2015
Infidelity and infertility - issues I don't like in real life... especially in my book fantasy. This book tackled both issues and the others I dont want to talk more.
Almost 2 stars... but saved by the epilogue.
Almost 2 stars... but saved by the epilogue.
March 15, 2013
Bought this on the back of a couple of great reviews and while it wasn't quite what I expected I did enjoy it.
May 15, 2013
A great debut that was hard to put down!
April 6, 2019
I liked this book due to how much the heroine fights her attraction towards the male lead. I like more female leads to do this often. I also liked how it was more story base. The mystery heroine keeps from male lead was what made me keep turning the pages. I wanted to know what was happening to her internally. In the end, I wanted her to not see the guy for a longer period, but it fell into place.
November 30, 2017
I really didn’t like this book very much but I did finish reading it without throwing my kindle across the room. I didn’t like Raiko or Damion,they had no chemistry. The story was a little boring and I really can’t recommend it.
May 10, 2019
Protagonistas: Reiko & Damion
Profesiones: Marchante de Arte & Tasadora de Arte
Pais: Francia & Japon
Profesiones: Marchante de Arte & Tasadora de Arte
Pais: Francia & Japon
November 25, 2019
A lot of meh. It lacked gripping power and with such a past it really needed something different
September 14, 2020
Nikakva poseban dojam, lijepaa standardna prica sa sretni zavrsetkom
own-but-wont-read-or-wallbanger
September 4, 2018Worst book ever. She is nympho. Taking what is rightfully his
Endless tabloid coverage has left Reiko Kagawa with way too much information about art dealer Damion Fortier's legendary playboy exploits—everyone knows he's renowned for leaving a wake of broken hearts across Europe's most glamorous destinations!
Reiko knows she has two things Damion wants: the first, a priceless painting and Fortier heirloom. The second, her seriously off-limits body! And she has no intention of giving him access to either.
Damion isn't used to beautiful women scorning his advances, so it's definitely time to turn his lethal charm up one last notch to ensure he gets exactly what he wants…
Endless tabloid coverage has left Reiko Kagawa with way too much information about art dealer Damion Fortier's legendary playboy exploits—everyone knows he's renowned for leaving a wake of broken hearts across Europe's most glamorous destinations!
Reiko knows she has two things Damion wants: the first, a priceless painting and Fortier heirloom. The second, her seriously off-limits body! And she has no intention of giving him access to either.
Damion isn't used to beautiful women scorning his advances, so it's definitely time to turn his lethal charm up one last notch to ensure he gets exactly what he wants…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2015
It wasn't interesting at all. I don't know why so many people rated this book with 4-5 stars.
Reiko was avoiding the truth through the whole book (sex part) and Damion was saying stupid things all the time.
The epilogue was even the worst.
Reiko was avoiding the truth through the whole book (sex part) and Damion was saying stupid things all the time.
The epilogue was even the worst.
Read
December 29, 2014Category: Passion
March 28, 2015
Dobra za provesti slobodno vrijeme, ali nije među najboljima koje sam pročitala.
April 5, 2015
The story was OK, but there was too much angst and fighting for my taste.
October 15, 2015
excellent read... looking forward to read others by the author.
Read
June 17, 2018Taking what is rightfully his
Endless tabloid coverage has left Reiko Kagawa with way too much information about art dealer Damion Fortier's legendary playboy exploits—everyone knows he's renowned for leaving a wake of broken hearts across Europe's most glamorous destinations!
Reiko knows she has two things Damion wants: the first, a priceless painting and Fortier heirloom. The second, her seriously off-limits body! And she has no intention of giving him access to either.
Damion isn't used to beautiful women scorning his advances, so it's definitely time to turn his lethal charm up one last notch to ensure he gets exactly what he wants….
Endless tabloid coverage has left Reiko Kagawa with way too much information about art dealer Damion Fortier's legendary playboy exploits—everyone knows he's renowned for leaving a wake of broken hearts across Europe's most glamorous destinations!
Reiko knows she has two things Damion wants: the first, a priceless painting and Fortier heirloom. The second, her seriously off-limits body! And she has no intention of giving him access to either.
Damion isn't used to beautiful women scorning his advances, so it's definitely time to turn his lethal charm up one last notch to ensure he gets exactly what he wants….
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews