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Close Up and Personal
Actress and director. The stage is set for passion...
Drama-school graduate Isabella Green wants to be a script-writer. But when she meets famous director James Berkeley, she’s tempted into the glamorous world of acting.
Behind the camera, the mysterious Berkeley commands discipline at all times. But Isabella soon discovers this man's dominant tendencies also extend into the dressing room.
Suddenly Isabella is discovering a side of herself she never knew existed. But she is also learning more about the alluring James Berkeley. Is his desperate past something she can help heal? Or will the flames of passion consume them both when the cameras start rolling?
Lights, camera, action...
Drama-school graduate Isabella Green wants to be a script-writer. But when she meets famous director James Berkeley, she’s tempted into the glamorous world of acting.
Behind the camera, the mysterious Berkeley commands discipline at all times. But Isabella soon discovers this man's dominant tendencies also extend into the dressing room.
Suddenly Isabella is discovering a side of herself she never knew existed. But she is also learning more about the alluring James Berkeley. Is his desperate past something she can help heal? Or will the flames of passion consume them both when the cameras start rolling?
Lights, camera, action...
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2013
215 people are currently reading
4187 people want to read
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Want to read
January 31, 2018
FREE on Amazon US today (4/20/2015)
This sounds right up my alley Series is complete.
BLURB:
Actress and director. The stage is set for passion...
Drama-school graduate Isabella Green wants to be a script-writer. But when she meets famous director James Berkeley, she’s tempted into the glamorous world of acting.
Behind the camera, the mysterious Berkeley commands discipline at all times. But Isabella soon discovers this man's dominant tendencies also extend into the dressing room.
Suddenly Isabella is discovering a side of herself she never knew existed. But she is also learning more about the alluring James Berkeley. Is his desperate past something she can help heal? Or will the flames of passion consume them both when the cameras start rolling?
Lights, camera, action...
http://www.amazon.com/Close-Up-Person...
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Want to read
February 16, 2013I may have to back-burner this one.
I really wish authors would indicate in the book description that the book is part of a series and will not have the traditional beginning, middle and end. I enjoy traditional series where each book can (for the most part) be a stand alone. I want a warning if a book is going to end abruptly with no HEA or HFN.
This new trend towards having multiple books to tell one story does not find favor with me. It was only through reading reviews that I found out that this book falls into that category.
I really wish authors would indicate in the book description that the book is part of a series and will not have the traditional beginning, middle and end. I enjoy traditional series where each book can (for the most part) be a stand alone. I want a warning if a book is going to end abruptly with no HEA or HFN.
This new trend towards having multiple books to tell one story does not find favor with me. It was only through reading reviews that I found out that this book falls into that category.
October 31, 2013
4 I'll Audition For That Stars!
Whew! That was quite an exciting journey! This is one of those books that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to rate it. I didn't want to give it 5 stars, for this is only one part of a 4 part journey,so I decided to give it 4 instead. When I started this story, I didn't think I was going to be pulled in the way I was. I found myself having a hard time putting it down, and I loved the mysterious Mr. James Berkeley.
Isabella Green & James Berkeley...
The story starts with Isabella Green, a beautiful, talented, and recent drama school graduate looking to get her feet wet by acting. She believes acting is the best way to become more knowledgeable in the screenwriting world, and decides to audition for the play Romeo and Juliet. Showing up late to the audition screening for the play she realizes that the famous Oscar-Winning director James Berkeley is stepping in for the casting director and will be holding the audition himself instead...
Mr. James. Berkeley. Sigh, I loved James. James is the world famous Oscar winning director who is known for being a hard ass, but very successful. His movies are always winning awards along with the actors who star in them. Bad thing about Mr. Berkeley is that he is also known for being a control freak who wants to be in control at all times. So much so, that it's even rumored he decides who his actors and actresses are allowed to date. As soon as he meets the 'late to audition' Isabella he's immediately in lust with her, but he also sees something in Issy that goes beyond lust, something that is perfect for one of his upcoming movies. He knows, however, that if he casts Isabella they can never be together for he does not date his actresses...but Issy brings something out in him that's he's never experienced before, and he's finding her harder and harder to resist.
I am a complete fan girl for anything alpha! Mr. James Berkeley is exactly that. He's fierce, protective, jealous, and everything we want in our alpha males! He also has a mysterious past that I'm really excited to read more about. Let's just say, he was HOT!
James and Isabella had amazing chemistry! From the moment they met, I felt it, and I was enthralled with them the entire story. They were great together. Not only that, but I also equally enjoyed both characters. While my heart is with James, I still found Isabella to be an intriguing character. She's innocent, but not a virgin, and she has that fiery Spanish temper that makes things interesting.
James and Isabella's relationship progresses rather quickly. They are immediately attracted to one another and it doesn't take long for them to start seeing each other. James knows that there is something about Isabelle that he can't resist. He can't stop thinking about her, and she brings out a softness in him that he's never felt before.
As quickly as things happen for them, things aren't all perfect. We get glimpses of things from James' past that will hopefully be discussed in the next part of this series. We have revelations that are revealed, a dilemma with James' celebrity "marriage", tragic pasts, and we get a glimpse of Dominant James.
Close Up and Personal was a great debut novel by J.S. Taylor that incorporated steam, mystery, passion, and romance. You will fall in love with James Berkeley as well as the innocent yet fiery Isabella. My only complaint is that I felt that not too much happened. I felt like this was a novella instead of a full length novel, but maybe that's because this is a 4 part series and we are going to find out more as the story goes on.. I am really interested to see where their relationship will go. How things with Maddy will resolve, how that will be perceived by the press, what will happen with their sexual relationship in regards to Dom/sub, and what past ghosts haunt James and how Issy will hopefully break through to uncover them! Really looking forward to Part 2!
Whew! That was quite an exciting journey! This is one of those books that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to rate it. I didn't want to give it 5 stars, for this is only one part of a 4 part journey,so I decided to give it 4 instead. When I started this story, I didn't think I was going to be pulled in the way I was. I found myself having a hard time putting it down, and I loved the mysterious Mr. James Berkeley.
Isabella Green & James Berkeley...
The story starts with Isabella Green, a beautiful, talented, and recent drama school graduate looking to get her feet wet by acting. She believes acting is the best way to become more knowledgeable in the screenwriting world, and decides to audition for the play Romeo and Juliet. Showing up late to the audition screening for the play she realizes that the famous Oscar-Winning director James Berkeley is stepping in for the casting director and will be holding the audition himself instead...
Mr. James. Berkeley. Sigh, I loved James. James is the world famous Oscar winning director who is known for being a hard ass, but very successful. His movies are always winning awards along with the actors who star in them. Bad thing about Mr. Berkeley is that he is also known for being a control freak who wants to be in control at all times. So much so, that it's even rumored he decides who his actors and actresses are allowed to date. As soon as he meets the 'late to audition' Isabella he's immediately in lust with her, but he also sees something in Issy that goes beyond lust, something that is perfect for one of his upcoming movies. He knows, however, that if he casts Isabella they can never be together for he does not date his actresses...but Issy brings something out in him that's he's never experienced before, and he's finding her harder and harder to resist.
"Beauty and the Beast tells of the redemptive power of love. Of how a broken person can be brought back to life by innocence and purity.” ~James
I am a complete fan girl for anything alpha! Mr. James Berkeley is exactly that. He's fierce, protective, jealous, and everything we want in our alpha males! He also has a mysterious past that I'm really excited to read more about. Let's just say, he was HOT!
James and Isabella had amazing chemistry! From the moment they met, I felt it, and I was enthralled with them the entire story. They were great together. Not only that, but I also equally enjoyed both characters. While my heart is with James, I still found Isabella to be an intriguing character. She's innocent, but not a virgin, and she has that fiery Spanish temper that makes things interesting.
James and Isabella's relationship progresses rather quickly. They are immediately attracted to one another and it doesn't take long for them to start seeing each other. James knows that there is something about Isabelle that he can't resist. He can't stop thinking about her, and she brings out a softness in him that he's never felt before.
"But whatever happens, I will never let any harm come to you, do you understand that?” He’s staring fiercely into my eyes, and the intensity in them is frightening. “Nothing or no one will ever hurt you, Isabella, so long as it is in my power to prevent it.”
As quickly as things happen for them, things aren't all perfect. We get glimpses of things from James' past that will hopefully be discussed in the next part of this series. We have revelations that are revealed, a dilemma with James' celebrity "marriage", tragic pasts, and we get a glimpse of Dominant James.
“Something in you, Isabella, makes me gentle. Gentler than I have ever been. But I think it is too late to change the man I am. I don’t deny that I want you. But it must be on my terms.”
Close Up and Personal was a great debut novel by J.S. Taylor that incorporated steam, mystery, passion, and romance. You will fall in love with James Berkeley as well as the innocent yet fiery Isabella. My only complaint is that I felt that not too much happened. I felt like this was a novella instead of a full length novel, but maybe that's because this is a 4 part series and we are going to find out more as the story goes on.. I am really interested to see where their relationship will go. How things with Maddy will resolve, how that will be perceived by the press, what will happen with their sexual relationship in regards to Dom/sub, and what past ghosts haunt James and how Issy will hopefully break through to uncover them! Really looking forward to Part 2!
“I have never felt the way about anyone that I feel about you,” he says softly. “And if you decide you can’t have a relationship with me, then I understand. I will still cast you and do my best to bring out the best in you. Although,” he adds, his green eyes darkening, “it will take all my physical control to see you through that camera and not take you on the studio floor once we finish filming.”
March 8, 2013
OH MAN WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE?????
I WANT IT NOW!!
I really did enjoy this!
Isabella Green...
I wanna get to the good stuff!!!! I want more!!! MORE OF THE BATH SCENE WOULD BE NICE
4 stars!!
But I gotta good feeling about the next, Oh it gonna be good!
I WANT IT NOW!!
I really did enjoy this!
Isabella Green...
I wanna get to the good stuff!!!! I want more!!! MORE OF THE BATH SCENE WOULD BE NICE
4 stars!!
But I gotta good feeling about the next, Oh it gonna be good!
December 13, 2013
NDF at 36%. I don't have the time or patience to continue a book I know I can't connect with anymore. The personality of the female character drove me up the wall from page one; beautiful girl, but extremely insecure, doesn't drink, and is not even sure if she's a virgin or not :O!
The connection between the characters was too fast and lacked dimension in my opinion. Not my type of book. :(
The connection between the characters was too fast and lacked dimension in my opinion. Not my type of book. :(
April 10, 2013
I was a little disappointed, but not enough to deter me from reading the next one. The sex scenes are hot and steamy; other than that, there wasn't much I enjoyed. I wanted the author to get on with the story. Meaning, I wanted the film to start rolling.
I often complain that authors speed things up too much when it comes to establishing that emotional connection between characters. This goes for the connection between Isabella and James, as well. Paradoxically, the story is too slow. The plot needed to be sped up; the characters slowed down. Everything was out of sync. I didn't have time to truly appreciate the story I was reading.
I wasn't too crazy about the character development either. I loved the first interaction between Isabella and James. I wish the author had kept those personalities rather than going on to paint Isabella as strictly submissive and James always dominant. Their personalities are both the same in and out of the bedroom. From my view, this made for a less dynamic read.
I'm really hoping this series gets better, because I love Hollywood story arcs.
I often complain that authors speed things up too much when it comes to establishing that emotional connection between characters. This goes for the connection between Isabella and James, as well. Paradoxically, the story is too slow. The plot needed to be sped up; the characters slowed down. Everything was out of sync. I didn't have time to truly appreciate the story I was reading.
I wasn't too crazy about the character development either. I loved the first interaction between Isabella and James. I wish the author had kept those personalities rather than going on to paint Isabella as strictly submissive and James always dominant. Their personalities are both the same in and out of the bedroom. From my view, this made for a less dynamic read.
I'm really hoping this series gets better, because I love Hollywood story arcs.
July 6, 2025
Finished Reading October 6, 2015
3 Stars
I enjoyed the characters & the eroticism of this book, but there where a few problems that interfered with the flow of the story.
I am intrigued enough to go for book 2 in the series.
Purchased from Amazon April 17, 2015
3 Stars
I enjoyed the characters & the eroticism of this book, but there where a few problems that interfered with the flow of the story.
I am intrigued enough to go for book 2 in the series.
Purchased from Amazon April 17, 2015
February 15, 2013
So I picked this up on my kindle as a steamy read based on its similarity to some other fun books. Some reviewers on goodreads recommended it. Overall, I liked it. I might get the second one if the wait isn't too long.
I really hate cliffhanger endings that leave you feeling like its halfway through the book. In my view, the story should have a beginning middle and end. If its part of a series, the next book should also be self contained but flow from one book to the next. This book just abruptly ends. I would have like to see this one have a natural ending, then maybe a teaser bonus chapter from the next book with the cliffhanger.
While this was fun to read, you have to put aside your realism- there are aspects of the story where I just thought "yeah right". It almost always worked out just right for the plot. The male lead shows no vulnerability, no caution. One minute they meet, the next minute he is so utterly in love he blows off a premiere, blows off work, and can't imagine life without her. I would have liked to see a bit more development of their relationship before he started professing his undying need for her. But hey- this is a steamy erotic romance, not a documentary, so its easy to put it aside.
Overall: I had trouble putting it down and I'll be excited to see the next one.
I really hate cliffhanger endings that leave you feeling like its halfway through the book. In my view, the story should have a beginning middle and end. If its part of a series, the next book should also be self contained but flow from one book to the next. This book just abruptly ends. I would have like to see this one have a natural ending, then maybe a teaser bonus chapter from the next book with the cliffhanger.
While this was fun to read, you have to put aside your realism- there are aspects of the story where I just thought "yeah right". It almost always worked out just right for the plot. The male lead shows no vulnerability, no caution. One minute they meet, the next minute he is so utterly in love he blows off a premiere, blows off work, and can't imagine life without her. I would have liked to see a bit more development of their relationship before he started professing his undying need for her. But hey- this is a steamy erotic romance, not a documentary, so its easy to put it aside.
Overall: I had trouble putting it down and I'll be excited to see the next one.
March 25, 2013
A drama graduate who asprires to be a screen writer meets a famous, gorgeous movie director! It's fanciful escapism, the things dreams are made of for the leading lady and I loved it! Add to the mix hot and steamy scenes between Isabella Green and James Berkeley (great leading names!) What more could a lover of hot romance/erotica books want? There is a cliffhanger but that means there will be another lovely book....hooray! If you enjoyed Fifty Shades and the Crossfire series I'm sure you will love this...x
August 14, 2015
I know I've been really lazy with my reviews lately.. I've been breezing through so many books without leaving a single review. I'm currently on vacation, and I get so lazy with reviews when it comes to books.
This book makes me think of FSOG so much.. It excites me because it's like reading the book that converted you to your favorite book genre but it has more character depth, more of a storyline, and it's better written. My deepest apologies to E.L James but reading FSOG for the first time was mind blowing for sure..
but then after reading amazingly written books by different authors, and you go back to FSOG...
So this book is definitely a blast from the past for me, because it's like reading Mr. Grey's story all over again. I love that.
Isabella Green has majored in script writing and plans to be a scriptwriter but that's the end of her goals. When her roommate Lorna lands her an audition for the play "Romeo & Juliet", Isabella doesn't believe her talents lie with being an actress but when she shows up at the audition face to face with the famous director, James Berkley, he is convinced that she has a talent and refuses to let it lie. James is convinced to get Isabella up on the big screen, and maybe even in his bed?? Yet he states, "I do not become involved with my actresses". So why do the heated looks he sends her, give her a different impression?
I've had this book on my TBR list FOREVER and I've never been able to bring myself to read it mostly because of the plot. It just didn't sound interesting, a young actress and a famous director? It just screamed B O R I N G CLICHÉ but I've been craving a down to earth series lately, just something that isn't too dramatic or too dark. Just something that I can read on and off for a few days, basically I'm just trying to avoid books that'll evoke deep emotions inside of me. I'm so excited to read the rest of this series, I feel like I'm reliving the Mr. Grey fanatics all over again!
"4 SEXUAL GRATIFICATION STARS"
This book makes me think of FSOG so much.. It excites me because it's like reading the book that converted you to your favorite book genre but it has more character depth, more of a storyline, and it's better written. My deepest apologies to E.L James but reading FSOG for the first time was mind blowing for sure..
but then after reading amazingly written books by different authors, and you go back to FSOG...
So this book is definitely a blast from the past for me, because it's like reading Mr. Grey's story all over again. I love that.
Isabella Green has majored in script writing and plans to be a scriptwriter but that's the end of her goals. When her roommate Lorna lands her an audition for the play "Romeo & Juliet", Isabella doesn't believe her talents lie with being an actress but when she shows up at the audition face to face with the famous director, James Berkley, he is convinced that she has a talent and refuses to let it lie. James is convinced to get Isabella up on the big screen, and maybe even in his bed?? Yet he states, "I do not become involved with my actresses". So why do the heated looks he sends her, give her a different impression?
I've had this book on my TBR list FOREVER and I've never been able to bring myself to read it mostly because of the plot. It just didn't sound interesting, a young actress and a famous director? It just screamed B O R I N G CLICHÉ but I've been craving a down to earth series lately, just something that isn't too dramatic or too dark. Just something that I can read on and off for a few days, basically I'm just trying to avoid books that'll evoke deep emotions inside of me. I'm so excited to read the rest of this series, I feel like I'm reliving the Mr. Grey fanatics all over again!
"4 SEXUAL GRATIFICATION STARS"
September 5, 2015
Close Up and Personal pleasantly surprised me!
Set in London, an alpha bazillionaire with baggage and has a disturbing past, James Berkeley becomes quite smitten with Issy. Isabella Green is an almost virgin, a bit sassy at times, smart, and beautiful. OK so what is different about this book? This story has substance and sex. There is a unique back story which I love, several strong supporting characters, and steamy sex. Its more of the same but then its not. I can not wait to see where each part of the story goes. The only negative, the story seems to have ended in the middle of the first book. It is a quick short read and another part is coming out the beginning of March. There isn't a big cliffy , it just stops. Not sure why authors do this, I would rather have one long story , two tops.
I couldn't quite gel with James at the beginning, some of his sentences and or comments threw me for a loop but its part of the story line and he starts to relax as the story moved forward. Issy truly caught him off guard and the reader can feel this happening. I like Issy a lot but her insecurity, which I get because who can hang around a bunch of models and not feel insecure, starts to become annoying. This is part of her character for now but there are hints that Issy will not be insecure for much longer (especially if James has it his way) which is a good thing. Absolutely love her inner dialogue. James is an alpha male but he is different than James Cavendish, Jesse Ward,or Gideon Cross. He is mysterious but trust worthy. He knows why he requires "discipline" and is OK with it though open to change. He also acknowledges his demons early on.
I am already sucked in by James and Issy and can not wait for the next installment.
A couple of quotes look familiar but I want to see if anyone else picks up on them.
Overall a strong debut and 4**** rating. Should you read this book? Yes you won't regret it however I am not sure how many parts the writer will break the story into or how long we will wait for each part.
Close Up and Personal will be spotlighted in the Fifty Shades Support Group for March with a Q&A with the author.
Set in London, an alpha bazillionaire with baggage and has a disturbing past, James Berkeley becomes quite smitten with Issy. Isabella Green is an almost virgin, a bit sassy at times, smart, and beautiful. OK so what is different about this book? This story has substance and sex. There is a unique back story which I love, several strong supporting characters, and steamy sex. Its more of the same but then its not. I can not wait to see where each part of the story goes. The only negative, the story seems to have ended in the middle of the first book. It is a quick short read and another part is coming out the beginning of March. There isn't a big cliffy , it just stops. Not sure why authors do this, I would rather have one long story , two tops.
I couldn't quite gel with James at the beginning, some of his sentences and or comments threw me for a loop but its part of the story line and he starts to relax as the story moved forward. Issy truly caught him off guard and the reader can feel this happening. I like Issy a lot but her insecurity, which I get because who can hang around a bunch of models and not feel insecure, starts to become annoying. This is part of her character for now but there are hints that Issy will not be insecure for much longer (especially if James has it his way) which is a good thing. Absolutely love her inner dialogue. James is an alpha male but he is different than James Cavendish, Jesse Ward,or Gideon Cross. He is mysterious but trust worthy. He knows why he requires "discipline" and is OK with it though open to change. He also acknowledges his demons early on.
I am already sucked in by James and Issy and can not wait for the next installment.
A couple of quotes look familiar but I want to see if anyone else picks up on them.
Overall a strong debut and 4**** rating. Should you read this book? Yes you won't regret it however I am not sure how many parts the writer will break the story into or how long we will wait for each part.
Close Up and Personal will be spotlighted in the Fifty Shades Support Group for March with a Q&A with the author.
June 17, 2013
When I read a book about a dominant male I want to feel that dominance. I want to feel him ruling, prevailing but James Berkeley did not come across as an alpha male - nope he just did not do it for me.
The plot, was predictable and weak, the characters emotionless and so was the sex - it was not hot, it was just another clichéd story and as a reader of 50 shades of Grey I didn’t love this story.
We have read it before, struggling drama school graduate Isabella Green wants to be a script writer until she meets famous director James Berkeley. Tempted into the glamorous world of action she becomes his pawn.
I have to ask what dominant talks like this “you must grant me permission to take you out tomorrow night, so that I might persuade you to my way of thinking! Seriously? This guy claims to be a dominant male? What age is he? We get the usual scrip “I want to discipline you - if you don’t obey me I will punish you”
I just did not get the relationship between James and Isabella. It did not work for me and I didn’t think they clicked as a couple - maybe they will in book 2?
Not a hot read, not a good alpha, stereotypical. Apart from the fact I didn’t like this novel the deciding factor not to complete this trilogy was yet again we have another author who has decided to spin a trilogy into four books. I wont be looking for more.
!
The plot, was predictable and weak, the characters emotionless and so was the sex - it was not hot, it was just another clichéd story and as a reader of 50 shades of Grey I didn’t love this story.
We have read it before, struggling drama school graduate Isabella Green wants to be a script writer until she meets famous director James Berkeley. Tempted into the glamorous world of action she becomes his pawn.
I have to ask what dominant talks like this “you must grant me permission to take you out tomorrow night, so that I might persuade you to my way of thinking! Seriously? This guy claims to be a dominant male? What age is he? We get the usual scrip “I want to discipline you - if you don’t obey me I will punish you”
I just did not get the relationship between James and Isabella. It did not work for me and I didn’t think they clicked as a couple - maybe they will in book 2?
Not a hot read, not a good alpha, stereotypical. Apart from the fact I didn’t like this novel the deciding factor not to complete this trilogy was yet again we have another author who has decided to spin a trilogy into four books. I wont be looking for more.
!
February 27, 2013
3.5 Stars!
This one was just okay for me. It's another attempt at duplicating the Fifty Shades and Crossfire trilogy. For whatever reason, I was never really able to develop much of a connection with either main character or the story itself.
The storyline was a bit different I guess--actress and director.
It did have somewhat of a cliffhanger ending. I'm on the fence as to whether I will continue with the series.
This one was just okay for me. It's another attempt at duplicating the Fifty Shades and Crossfire trilogy. For whatever reason, I was never really able to develop much of a connection with either main character or the story itself.
The storyline was a bit different I guess--actress and director.
It did have somewhat of a cliffhanger ending. I'm on the fence as to whether I will continue with the series.
July 19, 2014
Okay so this type of story is my guilty pleasure. I can find it hard to get into a book that goes too far into a Dom/Sub theme without a real connection to the male lead. If I am not attached to the male dom character I find it difficult to accept the controlling nature. James Berkeley is a bit of a secret, but you get enough of him to make you want to know more about him. Although his character is expected to be a complete controlling one, he comes across as very sweet and a bit broken. So we have a man that likes to give you a good spanking and has some repressed childhood issues and possibly a past that has destroyed his heart. That sort of sold me instantly.
So let's meet Isabella Green, she is a drama student who has more of an interest in script writing than acting. But after auditioning to play a part in Romeo & Juliet she is suddenly pulled in by James, who surprises her as being present during the audition. Now she is faced with a desire to be with him and star in a movie he is directing. But doing both will require complete submission to him. She is unsure of herself and her ability. So we have our typical, young and low self esteem riddled lead - but hey, at least she is not a virgin.
James Berkeley is a director who has a reputation for being controlling, but very successful. His movies win awards along with the actors who star in them. But he sees something in Issy that goes beyond her potential to play Lady Capulet in a play. He sees a woman he can't stay away from and the next star of his film. But he is torn between a professional and personal relationship with her. But this proves too difficult and he begins his seduction.
I would not call the end of this a cliffhanger. For me a cliffhanger occurs in the midst of some type of suspenseful moment, this just ends. It was a short read but I was completely caught up with it. I am really interested to see where their relationship will go. How things with Maddy will end, how that will be perceived by the press, what past ghost haunt James and how Issy will break through to uncover them.
There was not a feeling of dread in this first part of the story. I have a feeling that as we try to get a glimpse of the real James that there will be moments of uncertainty and some tension that will really work over your nerves. I just wish there was an idea of when this story will continue. But I really enjoyed this, it was a very soft introduction into what appears to be leading into a far more intense story.
So let's meet Isabella Green, she is a drama student who has more of an interest in script writing than acting. But after auditioning to play a part in Romeo & Juliet she is suddenly pulled in by James, who surprises her as being present during the audition. Now she is faced with a desire to be with him and star in a movie he is directing. But doing both will require complete submission to him. She is unsure of herself and her ability. So we have our typical, young and low self esteem riddled lead - but hey, at least she is not a virgin.
James Berkeley is a director who has a reputation for being controlling, but very successful. His movies win awards along with the actors who star in them. But he sees something in Issy that goes beyond her potential to play Lady Capulet in a play. He sees a woman he can't stay away from and the next star of his film. But he is torn between a professional and personal relationship with her. But this proves too difficult and he begins his seduction.
I would not call the end of this a cliffhanger. For me a cliffhanger occurs in the midst of some type of suspenseful moment, this just ends. It was a short read but I was completely caught up with it. I am really interested to see where their relationship will go. How things with Maddy will end, how that will be perceived by the press, what past ghost haunt James and how Issy will break through to uncover them.
There was not a feeling of dread in this first part of the story. I have a feeling that as we try to get a glimpse of the real James that there will be moments of uncertainty and some tension that will really work over your nerves. I just wish there was an idea of when this story will continue. But I really enjoyed this, it was a very soft introduction into what appears to be leading into a far more intense story.
March 30, 2013
Isabella is an aspiring young actress who's not sure she's cut for this job since she's always been shy and chose to study creative writing in drama school instead of acting. Then she meets famous, young, rich director James Berkeley and is thrown in a different world. He wants us both as his leading lady and in his bed and is ready to go to any lengths to get what he wants. It is an intriguing premise, but Issy seemed a little immature to me, always uncertain of herself and not in a cute way. I fell for James in the beginning, but I wish there was more complexity to his feelings towards Issy. Instead it just seemed he just fell in love without any explanation or conflict and that made him a little two-dimensional. Also, I wish more time had passed in the book - than all the same situations and feelings would have seemed more real and stronger.
May 1, 2013
3.5 STARS
I am torn. I wanted to love it because from time to time, I do enjoy the innocent girl meets rich dominant alpha male. But I just couldn't. It took a while for me to get into it because the story didn't pick up or should I say stared till 40%. Once the story picked up, it ended in a split second with a mild cliffhanger (this is when i say certain cliffhangers can hurt a book.) I feel that certain scenes were rushed and not explain in great detail. However, the hero and heroin have a really good chemistry and the sex scenes were GREAT. Which is what kept me going LOL. I know, I am a perve LOL. I am hoping part 2 is good. I am looking forward to know what's James Berkeley dark secret and how far he can go being a Dom to Isabella Green. Overall, this was a light read.
I am torn. I wanted to love it because from time to time, I do enjoy the innocent girl meets rich dominant alpha male. But I just couldn't. It took a while for me to get into it because the story didn't pick up or should I say stared till 40%. Once the story picked up, it ended in a split second with a mild cliffhanger (this is when i say certain cliffhangers can hurt a book.) I feel that certain scenes were rushed and not explain in great detail. However, the hero and heroin have a really good chemistry and the sex scenes were GREAT. Which is what kept me going LOL. I know, I am a perve LOL. I am hoping part 2 is good. I am looking forward to know what's James Berkeley dark secret and how far he can go being a Dom to Isabella Green. Overall, this was a light read.
January 24, 2016
I was supposed to read this for last month, but never got around to it. It was basically a director and actress version of Fifty Shades of Grey. However, there were a lot of steamy scenes and little to no BDSM. I thought it was a good start to the series.
Isabella Green is a talented woman with a script writing major, who loves to act. James Berkeley is a sexy man who is the most famous director/producer in Britain. He had a very bad past and he wants to protect Issy from the paparazzi.
The ending was a bit cliffhanger-ish. There was not that much given as the ending. I need to read the second book to know what happened at the end. This seems like an interesting series can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Isabella Green is a talented woman with a script writing major, who loves to act. James Berkeley is a sexy man who is the most famous director/producer in Britain. He had a very bad past and he wants to protect Issy from the paparazzi.
The ending was a bit cliffhanger-ish. There was not that much given as the ending. I need to read the second book to know what happened at the end. This seems like an interesting series can't wait to see where it goes from here.
June 19, 2014
A quick, light and somewhat silly read involving a famous film director and an fresh-faced starlet/ingenue. It's no surprise the author was inspired by the "50 Shades" series/phenomenon. It's structured very similarly, brooding alpha with a dark past, ingenue with a sassy roommate, etc...
It plays at dark and brooding, but doesn't quite go there and has all the hallmarks of the "I fell in love after knowing him for 3 days!" romance novel. If you like the stock characters and formulaic erotica, it's not badly done. I'll likely read the whole series to see how it pans out.
It plays at dark and brooding, but doesn't quite go there and has all the hallmarks of the "I fell in love after knowing him for 3 days!" romance novel. If you like the stock characters and formulaic erotica, it's not badly done. I'll likely read the whole series to see how it pans out.
July 21, 2013
The book is great luv a Dominant man an James Berkeley so is an is he hot there is no messin the around with the story gets goin straight away an I m left on a cliff hanger I need the Berkeley method now ❤❤❤
April 20, 2015
Im enjoying getting to know the characters so far and even though the ending wasn't too much of a cliffhanger, im intrigued to see what happens
freebie-to-read
July 11, 2017
March 22, 2013
Close Up and Personal was a brilliantly written book that I could not get enough of. In the first book in this series we are first introduced to the main character Isabella Green and her best friend and roommate Lorna. Lorna has setup an audition for Isabella in a new play at a theater in London and as much as Isabella appreciates the offer she has always wanted to be a script writer and not an actress with reluctance she ends up going to the audition. Instead of meeting the casting director Isabella comes face to face with the financier for the London Theater and famed Hollywood director James Berkeley. Right away I was intrigued by the mysterious James Berkeley who shows off his talent as an actor and director by acting out a scene with Isabella. After the audition she feels she didn't get the part and goes home with the knowledge that it will be six months before they choose the cast for the play. Little does she know later that night when she goes out to celebrate with her best friend that she will run back into James who happens to be in the same club. He tells Isabella that he wants her for a staring role in a new film he is working one and she agrees to do a screen test for him. It becomes clear over the few days that James and Isabella have been getting to know one another that the attraction they share is undeniable.
They have a chemistry not just on the stage but off the stage as well and it grows over the time they see one another but their relationship also has some obstacles that they must overcome. The first is that James is in a staged marriage so it public he cannot be seen with Isabella or it will ruin the image of his relationship with Madison his wife the second and more pressing issue is James' need for TOTAL obedience in his relationship with Isabella he doesn't want partial submission he wants complete submission and it becomes clear that his methods that he uses while directing are very much similar to the way he is in his personal relationships it's pretty much his way or the highway which is something that Isabella at the beginning is not sure she can handle but as time goes on it becomes clear that she is in far too deep to back out and finds herself falling in love with the mysterious man that is James but James has been quoted in an interview as saying he hasn't give a red rose in a single person since his mom passed away which is a symbol of love having given Isabella yellow and orange roses but can he love Isabella in return? He says she's different but in her mind she feels that they don't view their relationship the same way especially since he's never truly defined exactly what they relationship is she feels it's only lust in his eyes. But James also has secrets he doesn't discuss he doesn't talk about his past EVER not even with his wife Madison. There is also the issue of his cousin Ben who is dating Lorna. He tells Isabella that James is a dangerous and unstable man that has had a history of drug abuse which is not only confirmed by James but his previous and only real girlfriend died a few years back of a drug overdose. Every time his past comes up he completely shuts down and the mystery of his secrets kept me reading till the very end well into the late night this book is a real page turner. Then of course there is the mystery of the cliffhanger at the end of the book where is he going? For what? Lucky I don't have to wait long to find out more about his secrets since the second book is already out. The end of the first book leaves us less than a week before they are set to start shooting the film in London and setup the perfect stage for the beginning of the second book in this series.
This book was right up my alley seeing as I am a HUGE fan of Sylvia Day and I love alpha males they are the best men to read about in my opinion and the sex scenes in this book were AMAZING. I think that scene in the bathroom is by far one of the best scenes I have ever read and I have read a lot of Erotica books and though I had seen it all but JS Taylor gave a new and fresh approach to Erotica. I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book and see where the adventure will take both James and Isabella as well as find out more about what Ben knows about James' past and also exactly what kind of relationship Lorna has with Ben since they seemed to be getting into a serious kind of relationship. Well written and definitely a must read!!!
They have a chemistry not just on the stage but off the stage as well and it grows over the time they see one another but their relationship also has some obstacles that they must overcome. The first is that James is in a staged marriage so it public he cannot be seen with Isabella or it will ruin the image of his relationship with Madison his wife the second and more pressing issue is James' need for TOTAL obedience in his relationship with Isabella he doesn't want partial submission he wants complete submission and it becomes clear that his methods that he uses while directing are very much similar to the way he is in his personal relationships it's pretty much his way or the highway which is something that Isabella at the beginning is not sure she can handle but as time goes on it becomes clear that she is in far too deep to back out and finds herself falling in love with the mysterious man that is James but James has been quoted in an interview as saying he hasn't give a red rose in a single person since his mom passed away which is a symbol of love having given Isabella yellow and orange roses but can he love Isabella in return? He says she's different but in her mind she feels that they don't view their relationship the same way especially since he's never truly defined exactly what they relationship is she feels it's only lust in his eyes. But James also has secrets he doesn't discuss he doesn't talk about his past EVER not even with his wife Madison. There is also the issue of his cousin Ben who is dating Lorna. He tells Isabella that James is a dangerous and unstable man that has had a history of drug abuse which is not only confirmed by James but his previous and only real girlfriend died a few years back of a drug overdose. Every time his past comes up he completely shuts down and the mystery of his secrets kept me reading till the very end well into the late night this book is a real page turner. Then of course there is the mystery of the cliffhanger at the end of the book where is he going? For what? Lucky I don't have to wait long to find out more about his secrets since the second book is already out. The end of the first book leaves us less than a week before they are set to start shooting the film in London and setup the perfect stage for the beginning of the second book in this series.
This book was right up my alley seeing as I am a HUGE fan of Sylvia Day and I love alpha males they are the best men to read about in my opinion and the sex scenes in this book were AMAZING. I think that scene in the bathroom is by far one of the best scenes I have ever read and I have read a lot of Erotica books and though I had seen it all but JS Taylor gave a new and fresh approach to Erotica. I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book and see where the adventure will take both James and Isabella as well as find out more about what Ben knows about James' past and also exactly what kind of relationship Lorna has with Ben since they seemed to be getting into a serious kind of relationship. Well written and definitely a must read!!!
March 29, 2013
This book is 4 and 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed this. easy to read, good story. I couldn't keep myself comparing with others books. But it wasnt a bad thing, it wasn't annoying. I think the comparaison came up with the fact that it was all writen in the description of this book.
A lot of similarities with the first Grey as for the newly graduate, not a lot of experiences (funny side she didnt know it for sure), a control freak and dom, mysterious side of this James.
I like this book a bit better than Grey, I felt it was less annoying, Isabella was less annoying to me. I like the character. The author gave a professional and passion in her. Actually the passion in this book about their living.
The story developped quite fast. She had fallen in love with him within days. Sometimes it made me doubtful in books why nearly all of them are falling in love instantly. But it come with lust love, fast love, deep feelings.
Now I'm going to read the following book. seeking more information about James, young sexy director and very very mysterious. And how Issy is with her new relationship. Dwell well or not. Plus the mega focus with the Paps.
A lot of similarities with the first Grey as for the newly graduate, not a lot of experiences (funny side she didnt know it for sure), a control freak and dom, mysterious side of this James.
I like this book a bit better than Grey, I felt it was less annoying, Isabella was less annoying to me. I like the character. The author gave a professional and passion in her. Actually the passion in this book about their living.
The story developped quite fast. She had fallen in love with him within days. Sometimes it made me doubtful in books why nearly all of them are falling in love instantly. But it come with lust love, fast love, deep feelings.
Now I'm going to read the following book. seeking more information about James, young sexy director and very very mysterious. And how Issy is with her new relationship. Dwell well or not. Plus the mega focus with the Paps.
February 6, 2013
Sweet & Saucy!
Meet Isabella Green: a beautiful, talented and recent drama school graduate. Isabella is looking to get her feet wet with acting in order to become a better screenwriter.
Meet James Berkely: a handsome and famous director who stepped in as a last minute casting director for Isabella's audition.
When these two characters come together sparks fly! Isabella is a sweet and inexperienced woman who prefers hanging behind the scenes instead of in the spotlight. But James sees something far more special in her eyes. He believes she's a talented actress with a strong passion for her character portrayals. He also finds her incredibly attractive. James can be rather domineering but it doesn't stop Isabella from wanting to know more about a man who flip-flops between hot and cold. Isabella realizes James will push her comfort limits both professionally and sexually the more she gets to know him.
If you're a Fifty Shades of Grey fan then look no further to satisfy your dominant and submissive fantasies! Close Up and Personal will definitely have you close up and personal!
Meet Isabella Green: a beautiful, talented and recent drama school graduate. Isabella is looking to get her feet wet with acting in order to become a better screenwriter.
Meet James Berkely: a handsome and famous director who stepped in as a last minute casting director for Isabella's audition.
When these two characters come together sparks fly! Isabella is a sweet and inexperienced woman who prefers hanging behind the scenes instead of in the spotlight. But James sees something far more special in her eyes. He believes she's a talented actress with a strong passion for her character portrayals. He also finds her incredibly attractive. James can be rather domineering but it doesn't stop Isabella from wanting to know more about a man who flip-flops between hot and cold. Isabella realizes James will push her comfort limits both professionally and sexually the more she gets to know him.
If you're a Fifty Shades of Grey fan then look no further to satisfy your dominant and submissive fantasies! Close Up and Personal will definitely have you close up and personal!
March 23, 2013
I had this as a rec from my girl, Amy. She knows how to pick books!! ;)
I absolutely loved it! It was so refreshing to pick up a book that has an Alpha-Dom character where the storyline is original and doesn't rip FSOG!!
I think the storyline is good and the characters are fab. The sex is hot, demanding and full of intensity... What more could you ask for?
The one thing I did really like above all was the fact that there could have been an opportunity for a massive cliffy in this. Don't get me wrong though there is still a cliffy, however the author was good enough to round it off nicely in a way that won't have you launching your Kindle out of the window!!
I've heard that book two has just been released so I shall be picking it straight up to continue with James and Issy.
If you are after a hot read with a good alpha male and leading female that isn't an emotional bag of mush then pick this up!!
I absolutely loved it! It was so refreshing to pick up a book that has an Alpha-Dom character where the storyline is original and doesn't rip FSOG!!
I think the storyline is good and the characters are fab. The sex is hot, demanding and full of intensity... What more could you ask for?
The one thing I did really like above all was the fact that there could have been an opportunity for a massive cliffy in this. Don't get me wrong though there is still a cliffy, however the author was good enough to round it off nicely in a way that won't have you launching your Kindle out of the window!!
I've heard that book two has just been released so I shall be picking it straight up to continue with James and Issy.
If you are after a hot read with a good alpha male and leading female that isn't an emotional bag of mush then pick this up!!
June 24, 2013
Close Up and Personal was a free book, so of course I got it only to realize two more books were in the series that were not free and do not meet my normal standard for paying good money for books that are under 250 pages. What can I say, book 1 hooked me, so now I own book 2 and it will soon be joined by book 3.
James is AMAZING and Isabelle is a little naive! The author brings you right in the book with them. Case in point; I was drinking my coffee, reading and husband stops me and says, "what the hell are your reading and what are you doing with that coffee cup?"
If you liked 50 Shades, the Crossfire, etc. you will like this series, but be prepared to purchase all three books. It is a fast read...
James is AMAZING and Isabelle is a little naive! The author brings you right in the book with them. Case in point; I was drinking my coffee, reading and husband stops me and says, "what the hell are your reading and what are you doing with that coffee cup?"
If you liked 50 Shades, the Crossfire, etc. you will like this series, but be prepared to purchase all three books. It is a fast read...
January 19, 2015
What a ride. This book jumped as soon as I read the first page. I just love when that happens!!!
This is series so the first book is a taste of what is to come. This was a fast paced , sexy story. I can't wait to read more.
The characters in the story are interesting and although it appears that James has many secrets I get the feeling that Issy will find them out eventually. Issy character is well young and impressionable. She is totally gone overboard for him.
This is not the kind of book that is deep. But boy it is fun!!!!
This is series so the first book is a taste of what is to come. This was a fast paced , sexy story. I can't wait to read more.
The characters in the story are interesting and although it appears that James has many secrets I get the feeling that Issy will find them out eventually. Issy character is well young and impressionable. She is totally gone overboard for him.
This is not the kind of book that is deep. But boy it is fun!!!!
February 24, 2013
Hmmm....this was just an okay read for me, which was disappointing. It was a quick read, but there wasn't much character development and the story just felt rushed. there was such potential for this story to develop more. I had to go back a few times and make sure I didn't miss something. I just didn't feel I got a chance to really know the characters before it ended abruptly. I'll probably read the second book just to find out what happens in the story.
February 11, 2013
This is a great love story that has the same premise as Fifty Shades or Bared to You but so far has focused on the connections that are growing between the two rather than the sex.
Very little editing issues in the book (Kindle Format) more so along the lines of blank pages but I do not feel that is the authors fault.
The flow of the book is perfect, just wish there was more information out on when the next one is set to be released.
Very little editing issues in the book (Kindle Format) more so along the lines of blank pages but I do not feel that is the authors fault.
The flow of the book is perfect, just wish there was more information out on when the next one is set to be released.
February 13, 2013
James Berkeley hmmmmm jury out on that one at the moment but I cannot wait to read the next book.. As the relationship has only just started it was difficult to really connect with the characters but the foundations have been built for a great 2nd book and I can't wait to see where this is going.
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