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The Seen Trilogy #1
He Watches Me
She desires to be seen. He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Part One of The Seen Trilogy
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Part One of The Seen Trilogy
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2013
42 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Sax
169 books1,513 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cynthia Sax writes steamy cyborg and alien romances. Her stories have been featured in Star Magazine, on TV, and numerous romance top ten lists.
When she isn't writing, she's traveling the world with her Dear Wonderful Hubby, meeting new people, visiting new places.
When she isn't writing, she's traveling the world with her Dear Wonderful Hubby, meeting new people, visiting new places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 3, 2014
I actually didn't make it past the first chapter. I'm sooooo sick of the self-deprecating Heroine who always seems to end up catching the attention of some random billionaire. I mean seriously how many young billionaires actually exist in this day and age. What ever happened to the guy with the good ol' 9 to 5 who would love you in earnest regardless the size of his bank account.
I get that we always want to believe that the mousy chick gets the hot guy but it's all been done before. Come on why does the Heroine always have to be a (slutty) virgin. The whole "I haven't lost it because I have trust issues and not because I'm a prude" is becoming exasperating.
I mean he watched while she masterbated in his pool and then he gave her a key so she could comeback and do it again because not only does she swim in this strangers pool naked she also usually rubs one out while on his property and then has the audacity to be shocked upon learning he has security cameras and has been watching her the whole time. WTF. I don't get it and I've grown tired of all this truly unrealistic bullshit.
I get that we always want to believe that the mousy chick gets the hot guy but it's all been done before. Come on why does the Heroine always have to be a (slutty) virgin. The whole "I haven't lost it because I have trust issues and not because I'm a prude" is becoming exasperating.
I mean he watched while she masterbated in his pool and then he gave her a key so she could comeback and do it again because not only does she swim in this strangers pool naked she also usually rubs one out while on his property and then has the audacity to be shocked upon learning he has security cameras and has been watching her the whole time. WTF. I don't get it and I've grown tired of all this truly unrealistic bullshit.
November 29, 2025
Anna Sampson sneaks into the pool next door every night and skinny dips. She fantasizes about her neighbor watching her and cries out his name in pleasure.
Gabriel Blaine has been watching Anna via security cameras while he is on business in NY. Now that he's returned to LA, he watches her from a lounge poolside. Actively commanding Anna's actions, can either break the boundary of voyeurism to a physical connection they are both desiring?
This is an extremely voyeuristic erotica tale. passion igniting, highly descriptive, spectator-only sexual encounters, He Watches Me will delight the erotic readers. This novella-length story is a perfect balance of story and steam. Caution: You might need a dip in the pool to cool off.
I received this ARC copy of He Watches Me from HarperCollins - Avon in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication July 2, 2013.
Gabriel Blaine has been watching Anna via security cameras while he is on business in NY. Now that he's returned to LA, he watches her from a lounge poolside. Actively commanding Anna's actions, can either break the boundary of voyeurism to a physical connection they are both desiring?
This is an extremely voyeuristic erotica tale. passion igniting, highly descriptive, spectator-only sexual encounters, He Watches Me will delight the erotic readers. This novella-length story is a perfect balance of story and steam. Caution: You might need a dip in the pool to cool off.
I received this ARC copy of He Watches Me from HarperCollins - Avon in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication July 2, 2013.
July 23, 2013
FYI: this review is really for the whole trilogy, as they are the length of one novel all together. Plus they're only 99 cents apiece, so I bought them all at once after thinking the sample for #1 wasn't half-bad. Oh what a fool am I.
See, I did something I never, EVER do: I followed the link from a banner ad. I know, I know, it's like eating candy from strangers, but it sounded interesting. I like the rich, millionaire bad boy meets down-and-out good girl tropes, so sue me. I was looking for some comfort-food-on-a-page. Like Cheetohs. You know they're terrible for you, but every once in awhile, nothing else will do.
Well.
The Seen Trilogy is like those terrible off-brand Cheetohs you accidentally grab because you're in a hurry and didn't look too close. You know the kind, they're stale, Chester the Cheetah is replaced with Cheezer the Chameleon, and they taste funny -- probably because they were made in a country that doesn't eat cheese as a regular part of its diet.
At one point, the main character posits the existence of well-endowed, purple space aliens watching her swim in her birthday suit -- a rare moment of humor in the entire series. I get the feeling this trilogy was written by one of those space aliens. It would explain the excruciatingly simplistic plot, the cheesy dialogue, and the characters so over-exaggerated and cardboard-thin as to be caricatures instead. Really, such a poor understanding of human relationships, motives, and psyches can only be attributed to some non-human author. In which case, this isn't bad writing for someone who has never set foot on the planet Earth before!
The most shocking trait of all? This book was fairly well edited and generally free of major grammatical errors, probably because it was not self-published. Which makes me wonder what the publishers turned down in order to publish this instead. Really, I try not to be so negative because who knows who might be reading this, but I pulled my hair out over this one. Save your pennies, there isn't enough steam in the naughty bits to make up for the headache you'll get from beating yourself over the head with your eReader.
See, I did something I never, EVER do: I followed the link from a banner ad. I know, I know, it's like eating candy from strangers, but it sounded interesting. I like the rich, millionaire bad boy meets down-and-out good girl tropes, so sue me. I was looking for some comfort-food-on-a-page. Like Cheetohs. You know they're terrible for you, but every once in awhile, nothing else will do.
Well.
The Seen Trilogy is like those terrible off-brand Cheetohs you accidentally grab because you're in a hurry and didn't look too close. You know the kind, they're stale, Chester the Cheetah is replaced with Cheezer the Chameleon, and they taste funny -- probably because they were made in a country that doesn't eat cheese as a regular part of its diet.
At one point, the main character posits the existence of well-endowed, purple space aliens watching her swim in her birthday suit -- a rare moment of humor in the entire series. I get the feeling this trilogy was written by one of those space aliens. It would explain the excruciatingly simplistic plot, the cheesy dialogue, and the characters so over-exaggerated and cardboard-thin as to be caricatures instead. Really, such a poor understanding of human relationships, motives, and psyches can only be attributed to some non-human author. In which case, this isn't bad writing for someone who has never set foot on the planet Earth before!
The most shocking trait of all? This book was fairly well edited and generally free of major grammatical errors, probably because it was not self-published. Which makes me wonder what the publishers turned down in order to publish this instead. Really, I try not to be so negative because who knows who might be reading this, but I pulled my hair out over this one. Save your pennies, there isn't enough steam in the naughty bits to make up for the headache you'll get from beating yourself over the head with your eReader.
October 15, 2015
I've read this series a few months ago and just remembered it. The heroine loves being watch. There were scenes where the H/h were being watched while having sex. Even at the last book where the heroine was already pregnant. And I hate that! Thanks to Deserie for helping me remember.
November 18, 2017
Different.
July 22, 2013
Whoazaaaaa. This little book steams it up.
Meet Anna aka Nymph. She's an exhibitionist. In a big way. In a big private way. She's house sitting for some fancy schmancy rich people but is boiling in her own skin. She can't afford to run the airconditioning, and isn't allowed to watch telly or use the pool. So what does she do? Sneaks next door to skinny dip. Unbeknownst to her, her fantasy is actually a reality. Mr Blaine is always watching. Lusting.
I thrust hard, slam the heel of my hand against my clit, throw back my head and scream...
"That was wonderful." The words echo in the silence.
"I agree," a deep voice drawls.
I shriek and flay my arms and legs, thrashing. Water splashes over my face and I choke and splutter.
"That wonderful, natural and real."
I spit out pool water and turn my head toward that sexy voice. "You were watching me."
Anna is an innocent, shy, broken, abandoned, poor, insecure virgin woman who hides herself and her sexuality away, only allowing it to be free in the courtyard of Mr Blaine's home. He brings parts of her out that she hadn't realized she felt or needed.
"Beautiful," he murmurs, his voice succulently deep, and, in this moment, I feel beautiful. I feel seen, accepted, desired.
This isn't just some good lady porn, it actually has a bit of a plot that is unfolding as we go along. Will she keep her job for the dodgy Feeding the Hungry? Will her convicted neighbor be the one to show her the worldly pleasures? What is it that makes Michael so creepy? Will her secrets remain secret? I'm going straight on to book 2 - He Touches Me to find out plus get my next dose of raunchy, sexy, steamy!
"Come for me." He gives his permission, and a wave of passion sweeps over me.
The tides pull me under and I scream, terrified and euphoric. I can't breathe. The weight on my chest is too heavy, the pleasure too great, too acute. I gulp air, thrashing my arms, my legs pinned in place. "Blaine." I reach for him.
I want to mention the hero & heroine. Blaine's not conventionally good looking. Such a nice break from the hottie that is so hot you need sunnies to glance his way. He's also a man of his word. He never once pressures, does or says something douchey and needs to make up for it. He's patient even though the sizzle is through the roof. Anna is plain in appearance. Her breasts small. She isn't perfectly shaved, waxed or plucked. She is normal. Insecure and gets frizzy hair like the rest of us. These are things that made this series memorable. Characters that are imperfect in their appearance but aren't angsty, jelly, or so possessive that they come across teenage. Just 2 consenting voyeuristic adults that begin unconventional and get to know each other later.
If you like erotica, voyeurism, and short novella style reads I would recommend this sexy steamy series that is guaranteed to have you rushing off for a cold shower or to seek some pleasure of your own.
Yep bring on more bossy Blaine!!!
June 15, 2013
For this review and more visit my blog
Realistically I know that He Watches me is not a book I should like, it is not my style at all and I found that parts of it went a little too far and some of it made me go eww. Yet, for some unknown reason I found myself engaged in it and I actually quite enjoyed it.
Unlike a lot of other erotic romances the style of this really impressed me. I think Cynthia Sax is a good writer and is able to create a great atmosphere, this felt like an indie movie the characters were quirky and damaged the world was unrealistic and bizarre but it worked. This book is extremely explicit and feels terribly naughty yet the characters barely touch each other, they don’t have sex they don’t pleasure each other yet this still managed to be one of the most erotic pieces of writing I have read.
This is a book about voyeurism and I think that is why it seemed so deeply intense and explicate. It was also a great device for building the sexual tension between the characters, I wanted them to be together but they stayed just inches away, it was a tease and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
The characters themselves are both quite lost. Neither Anna nor Gabriel are socially accepted, they are quirky and quiet and don’t quite fit in with the rest of the crowd. They are not only learning about their sexual ticks with each other but also how to be around and respond to others, it is quite awkward but again with the author’s style it works.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2013
Tonight I read Cynthia Sax's He Watches Me, part one in the Seen Trilogy. It's a novella about a girl who is house-sitting for a rich family and sneaks over to use their neighbors pool. When the handsome billionaire who lives there catches her, they begin a teasing game of seduction that leaves you wanting more! Ms. Sax's descriptive imagery is so crisp and clear, I can feel the water, see the flattened grass, and smell the cigar smoke. A brilliant first installment that left me anticipating the releases of He Touches Me and He Claims Me. And it's not just the physical relationship (or lack there of just yet) between these two souls, but the emotions. Although it's told from only the heroine's perspective, you can clearly see Blaine's own frustration simmering to an abrupt boil when he thinks...oh wait, I can't spoil the story...:-)Both of these characters bear scars that will probably be touched on more as the series develops, but I just need to say, Brava, Ms. Sax...Brava...
Codi Gary
Things Good Girls Don't Do
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Codi Gary
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June 18, 2013
Very explicit - first in a trilogy novella. Billionaire hero. Heroine is very plain (I liked that). We don't really get to know the hero at all - hope we learn more about him in bk 2. Kinda cracky - didn't want to put it down. VERY erotic. (have to admit a little strange in beginning when heroine fantasizes about purple aliens watching her pleasure herself).
April 30, 2014
Hot Hot Hot!!! Couldn't tear my eyes away from the pages! Such an intriguing story of an unlikely pairing and the sexual fireworks that result. Quickly read the second in thias series...He Touches Me. Dying to see where they go next!!!!
June 23, 2013
Cynthia Sax’s He Watches Me is the first novella in The Seen trilogy and centers around voyeurism, but not in a creepy way since consent is given.
Anna Sampson is new to Los Angeles and takes a job as a charity fundraiser. She currently house-sits for a wealthy couple in Beverly Hills and uses the free room and board to save her money. Knowing utilities can be expensive she doesn’t run the air conditioner and to complicate matters, the Leigh’s have given her a list of rooms she’s allowed to use. The use of the pool isn’t on the list and one night decides to be reckless and use a neighbor’s pool to cool off. What she doesn’t realize is that neighbor has been watching her from his security cameras. After all, he has to protect his property. When they finally come to face, Anna should be ashamed of trespassing and fantasizing about him out loud, but instead they come to a mutual agreement.
Character development is strong for a novella and we find out Anna and Gabriel have a lot more in common than first meets the eye; both are outcasts. Anna’s father spent time in prison for theft and she’s aware that people judge you for your parent’s actions. She has a personal motto of never touching anything that doesn’t belong to her. Gabriel also spent some time in prison and I won’t say why because it will spoil things, but it’s not for anything questionable. At one point Anna asks for his assistance regarding her father’s record and he helps her.
What I really liked about Anna is that she’s not your typical shy virgin. She’s aware of sex and isn’t afraid to acknowledge her sexual needs. While most would run away at the thought of a complete stranger watching them masturbate Anna likes that Gabriel can’t keep his eyes off her. Here’s a man who can have anyone he wants and yet he wants to spend time with her. She begins to imagine that others desire her too and notice her.
Most stories with a billionaire protagonist have him rushing to the heroine’s defense, Gabriel respects Anna’s boundaries. Anna’s job requires her to make a certain number of in-house meetings in order to stay employed and she understands that landing Gabriel’s patronage won’t keep her employed no matter how much money he donates. Instead, Gabriel buys her time so she can land on her own two feet and I did a little dance. I loved that Gabriel respected her independence.
If you’re looking for a voyeuristic erotic novella then Cynthia Sax’s He Watches Me is for you. Just be aware, you might require a cold shower after reading this.
This review is posted at Literary, etc.
Anna Sampson is new to Los Angeles and takes a job as a charity fundraiser. She currently house-sits for a wealthy couple in Beverly Hills and uses the free room and board to save her money. Knowing utilities can be expensive she doesn’t run the air conditioner and to complicate matters, the Leigh’s have given her a list of rooms she’s allowed to use. The use of the pool isn’t on the list and one night decides to be reckless and use a neighbor’s pool to cool off. What she doesn’t realize is that neighbor has been watching her from his security cameras. After all, he has to protect his property. When they finally come to face, Anna should be ashamed of trespassing and fantasizing about him out loud, but instead they come to a mutual agreement.
Character development is strong for a novella and we find out Anna and Gabriel have a lot more in common than first meets the eye; both are outcasts. Anna’s father spent time in prison for theft and she’s aware that people judge you for your parent’s actions. She has a personal motto of never touching anything that doesn’t belong to her. Gabriel also spent some time in prison and I won’t say why because it will spoil things, but it’s not for anything questionable. At one point Anna asks for his assistance regarding her father’s record and he helps her.
What I really liked about Anna is that she’s not your typical shy virgin. She’s aware of sex and isn’t afraid to acknowledge her sexual needs. While most would run away at the thought of a complete stranger watching them masturbate Anna likes that Gabriel can’t keep his eyes off her. Here’s a man who can have anyone he wants and yet he wants to spend time with her. She begins to imagine that others desire her too and notice her.
Most stories with a billionaire protagonist have him rushing to the heroine’s defense, Gabriel respects Anna’s boundaries. Anna’s job requires her to make a certain number of in-house meetings in order to stay employed and she understands that landing Gabriel’s patronage won’t keep her employed no matter how much money he donates. Instead, Gabriel buys her time so she can land on her own two feet and I did a little dance. I loved that Gabriel respected her independence.
If you’re looking for a voyeuristic erotic novella then Cynthia Sax’s He Watches Me is for you. Just be aware, you might require a cold shower after reading this.
This review is posted at Literary, etc.
June 26, 2013
Anna has not had an easy life, her father died while in prison and her mother abandoned her. Now house-sitting for a wealthy doctor and his wife. There are a lot of rules for her but the biggie is no swimming in their pool so Anna sneaks into their next door neighbors. The neighbor in question is Blaine a reclusive billionaire bachelor.
Blaine has been watching Anna for months unknown to her. When he makes his presence known she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
I have long admitted that I am a Cynthia Sax fan. I have to say though that HE WATCHES ME, is the best thing she has ever written. I got sucked in from the very beginning. I was a willing captive though. The scenes between Anna and Blaine are erotic to say the least. I simply could not wait to read the next book HE TOUCHES ME.
I have admittedly not read the very popular erotic novel many have read because I have often said I know people who write it better. Cynthia Sax is that author. GO GET IT!!
July 5, 2013
I am a recent finder of Cynthia Sax but I am now a dedicated follower (read stalker). I absolutely loved He Watches Me!
Anna Sampson is housesitting for a wealthy doctor and his socialite wife. Anna isnt allowed to touch anything so she sneaks in the Billionairres pool that lives next door. What she doesnt know is Gabriel Blaine has been watching her through his video cameras. Gabriel is sitting on the deck one night when she shows up and instant chemistry without a single touch!! This story is hot!
I cant wait for the next installment!
Anna Sampson is housesitting for a wealthy doctor and his socialite wife. Anna isnt allowed to touch anything so she sneaks in the Billionairres pool that lives next door. What she doesnt know is Gabriel Blaine has been watching her through his video cameras. Gabriel is sitting on the deck one night when she shows up and instant chemistry without a single touch!! This story is hot!
I cant wait for the next installment!
May 15, 2015
that's it? hate when short books are split up like that.
August 8, 2013
I envision a giant purple alien watching me masturbate, his humanoid body naked, his cock overly large and extremely hard.
After reading that line, I was a little taken aback, but I said F it! I'll follow you down the rabbit hole. . .I'll see just how far this author will take me.
"Yes, Blaine," I cry out, the waves surround me growing rough, my body tossed on a sea of sweet turbulence. "Yes."
I thrust hard, slam the heel of my hand against my clit, throw back my head and scream. the darkness bursts with color and light. The stars spin around my head. My p.... clenches down on emptiness.
I don't know about you, but I needed a smoke after that.
So this was a novella that is drenched in a heroine's sensual moments as a rich guy watches her.
Now the premise seems intriguing but it really isn't as amazing as it sounds when reading the book.
I feel like there was some great opportunity for amazing exploration within a story, but instead the watered down version was handed to me.
This isn't to say that the novella isn't good. It just wasn't Fangirl-Mania-Keep-me-up-all-night Awesomeness.
This is a good, quick hot read for those who want a good quick hot read. That being said, I'm not sure I'll be checking out the next book in the series.
After reading that line, I was a little taken aback, but I said F it! I'll follow you down the rabbit hole. . .I'll see just how far this author will take me.
"Yes, Blaine," I cry out, the waves surround me growing rough, my body tossed on a sea of sweet turbulence. "Yes."
I thrust hard, slam the heel of my hand against my clit, throw back my head and scream. the darkness bursts with color and light. The stars spin around my head. My p.... clenches down on emptiness.
I don't know about you, but I needed a smoke after that.
So this was a novella that is drenched in a heroine's sensual moments as a rich guy watches her.
Now the premise seems intriguing but it really isn't as amazing as it sounds when reading the book.
I feel like there was some great opportunity for amazing exploration within a story, but instead the watered down version was handed to me.
This isn't to say that the novella isn't good. It just wasn't Fangirl-Mania-Keep-me-up-all-night Awesomeness.
This is a good, quick hot read for those who want a good quick hot read. That being said, I'm not sure I'll be checking out the next book in the series.
May 17, 2017
*3.5*
I don’t even know how to describe this book.
At first I didn’t really like Anna because she seemed immature and annoying, but as the book continued I began to like her a little more, but I still don’t like that she can’t think for herself, (because when someone wants her to do something she does it even if she doesn’t want to).
I don’t know if I like Blaine or not because I feel like there’s something about him, but I don’t know what.
But let’s see how I feel about them in part 2.
I don’t even know how to describe this book.
At first I didn’t really like Anna because she seemed immature and annoying, but as the book continued I began to like her a little more, but I still don’t like that she can’t think for herself, (because when someone wants her to do something she does it even if she doesn’t want to).
I don’t know if I like Blaine or not because I feel like there’s something about him, but I don’t know what.
But let’s see how I feel about them in part 2.
July 30, 2020
It was interesting at first but overall pretty meh. I think the end was a cliffy so that you would read the next book but by the end of it even after the cliffy i decided it wasn't even worth it. I think they had sex once? And after the one time it was so underwhelming or mehh i just kinda said nahh to reading anymore. However it's been awhile since i read this so don't let my foggy memory dampen your reading! To each his own, you know? <3
August 11, 2020
Technically eight months it took me to read this. Technically. But literally, I re-read everything I read eight months ago anyway so...
This one is simpler than the other two. The smut is better than the plot. But the smut is the plot. Right... I mean Anna's life. The smut/plot is more interesting than Anna's life. But the whole father thing was somewhat interesting.
This one is simpler than the other two. The smut is better than the plot. But the smut is the plot. Right... I mean Anna's life. The smut/plot is more interesting than Anna's life. But the whole father thing was somewhat interesting.
June 27, 2017
I loved the book
May 5, 2018
This is quite a strange read, but I'm so curious to see how it ends that I've already bought the second book.
June 7, 2018
Unusual Romance
Love these characters can't wait to dive into part 2 so that's all I'm saying for now except you've got to give this a go !!!!! x
Love these characters can't wait to dive into part 2 so that's all I'm saying for now except you've got to give this a go !!!!! x
April 27, 2020
You can find my review on the full series here
https://ignorantsouthafrican.wordpres...
https://ignorantsouthafrican.wordpres...
July 18, 2020
Cynthia Sax writes sexy, but always with a keen eye for observation and a quirk or two for humour.
The problem with this book, you'll want to read the rest of the trilogy.
The problem with this book, you'll want to read the rest of the trilogy.
July 12, 2023
This was not great but I enjoyed myself lol
June 7, 2024
First book of this series was pretty interesting.
July 18, 2013
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
Reviewed for Sara at www.HarlequinJunkie.com
I'm going to have to say that this is something of a weird one. It wasn't bad but it was a little strange. I mean, from reading the blurb you know that Gabriel digs watching Anna via his security cameras. He's watching her as she swims in his pool. And he's watching her as she masturbates all over his pool and patio area. Why? I'm still not sure.
Anna is not your normal heroine. The first thing I noticed about her was that she was flat broke. I mean, in one scene, she had a peanut butter sandwich from the free packet of peanut butter that came in the mail that day to the house she was house-sitting. It was hard for me read about that because, well, because it sucks! Not having money for lunch food? Not having money for anything extra? I just really didn't like that aspect of her character. It felt extremely real and not in a good way. I guess it's no fun to read about someone who is having a hard time making ends meet since so many of us live like this already. I found it to be distracting and I realized that I was worrying about her when I should have been getting hot and bothered about her time with Gabriel. Moving on, Anna works as a cold caller at some kind of a call center for a charity but its a really drab and unhappy place where she sits in the pit. It seems overly competitive between those people making calls to drum up donations and the whole thing felt really scam-ish to me. Anna has some kind of weird crush on one of the more successful callers who has his own office. She thinks of him like, "Oh he looked at me" or "Is he talking to ME?" Like she is so beneath him and its almost like she worships him. She talks about being invisible and how she feels better being invisible and it was just all too much. I don't know. To me, Anna seemed REALLY weird and that was before she started showing that she was an exhibitionist.
Not long after we got to know about Anna and her situation, we meet Gabriel. I really ended up feeling like Gabriel and Anna were a perfect match because he's such a mystery and he's a little on the strange side as well! It seems as if Anna has been skinny dipping in his pool since his house is next to the one she's house sitting in (apparently she's not allowed to use the pool at the house she's staying at?). Not just skinny dipping but also masturbating... for some unknown reason. Gabriel is watching her through the security cameras that he has installed at his house. So he sees her skinny dipping and masturbating and he really digs it. As it turns out, he's something of a voyeur! Yay for Anna! He ends up starting to watch her from the shadows instead of through the cameras and she's fine with that. I really liked that I didn't find out a lot about Gabriel. I think we get a little bit of his history, like way back history but not much more than that. He's some kind of computer hacker turned IT guru billionaire and some of that back history is not so innocent. But he seems drawn to Anna, as she is to him and I really think that he could end up being really good for her. I like that Gabriel is clearly a dominant kind of guy and that he immediately takes to Anna. He really seems to care about her and, to be completely honest, I don't care if it seems fast or without reason. I just love that he's just as into her as she is into him.
There is a lot of sensuality in this story but not really any sex. As much as reading about a woman masturbating doesn't really do it for me, I found that this book was pretty hot. And trust me, Anna masturbates kind of like its going out of style! But even without the sex, I loved all of the scenes between Anna and Gabriel. When Gabriel goes out of town for a business trip, I was missing him just as much as Anna was! LOL! Gabriel definitely brings out the good side of Anna, the confident side of Anna and that's always fun to see.
I did enjoy this story but there were a couple of issues that I had with it that prevented me from rating it any higher. First, I just found Anna to be a little too far on the weird side. I can handle weird or unusual but she was doing things that really made very little sense to me. Second, Anna's money situation was too distracting for me. Now, I know that this is probably only an issue for me but it really sidetracked me and I really WAS worrying for her and wondering how she would be able to get her next meal. Third, this is called Part 1 of a Trilogy but I think that's a bit of a misnomer. I think this is more like Part 1 of a serial that will end up being a whole book. Sure, that's a bit nitpicky of me but you should know by now that I don't love novellas.
Having said all of that, I think this is a very intriguing series and I will for sure be checking out the rest and will report back once I'm done with them!
Reviewed for Sara at www.HarlequinJunkie.com
I'm going to have to say that this is something of a weird one. It wasn't bad but it was a little strange. I mean, from reading the blurb you know that Gabriel digs watching Anna via his security cameras. He's watching her as she swims in his pool. And he's watching her as she masturbates all over his pool and patio area. Why? I'm still not sure.
Anna is not your normal heroine. The first thing I noticed about her was that she was flat broke. I mean, in one scene, she had a peanut butter sandwich from the free packet of peanut butter that came in the mail that day to the house she was house-sitting. It was hard for me read about that because, well, because it sucks! Not having money for lunch food? Not having money for anything extra? I just really didn't like that aspect of her character. It felt extremely real and not in a good way. I guess it's no fun to read about someone who is having a hard time making ends meet since so many of us live like this already. I found it to be distracting and I realized that I was worrying about her when I should have been getting hot and bothered about her time with Gabriel. Moving on, Anna works as a cold caller at some kind of a call center for a charity but its a really drab and unhappy place where she sits in the pit. It seems overly competitive between those people making calls to drum up donations and the whole thing felt really scam-ish to me. Anna has some kind of weird crush on one of the more successful callers who has his own office. She thinks of him like, "Oh he looked at me" or "Is he talking to ME?" Like she is so beneath him and its almost like she worships him. She talks about being invisible and how she feels better being invisible and it was just all too much. I don't know. To me, Anna seemed REALLY weird and that was before she started showing that she was an exhibitionist.
Not long after we got to know about Anna and her situation, we meet Gabriel. I really ended up feeling like Gabriel and Anna were a perfect match because he's such a mystery and he's a little on the strange side as well! It seems as if Anna has been skinny dipping in his pool since his house is next to the one she's house sitting in (apparently she's not allowed to use the pool at the house she's staying at?). Not just skinny dipping but also masturbating... for some unknown reason. Gabriel is watching her through the security cameras that he has installed at his house. So he sees her skinny dipping and masturbating and he really digs it. As it turns out, he's something of a voyeur! Yay for Anna! He ends up starting to watch her from the shadows instead of through the cameras and she's fine with that. I really liked that I didn't find out a lot about Gabriel. I think we get a little bit of his history, like way back history but not much more than that. He's some kind of computer hacker turned IT guru billionaire and some of that back history is not so innocent. But he seems drawn to Anna, as she is to him and I really think that he could end up being really good for her. I like that Gabriel is clearly a dominant kind of guy and that he immediately takes to Anna. He really seems to care about her and, to be completely honest, I don't care if it seems fast or without reason. I just love that he's just as into her as she is into him.
There is a lot of sensuality in this story but not really any sex. As much as reading about a woman masturbating doesn't really do it for me, I found that this book was pretty hot. And trust me, Anna masturbates kind of like its going out of style! But even without the sex, I loved all of the scenes between Anna and Gabriel. When Gabriel goes out of town for a business trip, I was missing him just as much as Anna was! LOL! Gabriel definitely brings out the good side of Anna, the confident side of Anna and that's always fun to see.
I did enjoy this story but there were a couple of issues that I had with it that prevented me from rating it any higher. First, I just found Anna to be a little too far on the weird side. I can handle weird or unusual but she was doing things that really made very little sense to me. Second, Anna's money situation was too distracting for me. Now, I know that this is probably only an issue for me but it really sidetracked me and I really WAS worrying for her and wondering how she would be able to get her next meal. Third, this is called Part 1 of a Trilogy but I think that's a bit of a misnomer. I think this is more like Part 1 of a serial that will end up being a whole book. Sure, that's a bit nitpicky of me but you should know by now that I don't love novellas.
Having said all of that, I think this is a very intriguing series and I will for sure be checking out the rest and will report back once I'm done with them!
March 28, 2016
3.5 stars
Oh you know I love a bit of kink. I love it even more when two kinky characters find each other and their kinks just fit. Exhibitionist meet voyeur...what a perfect match. She loves being watched and he loves watching. And damn, so did I. He Watches Me pulled me and my kink loving self right in.
The whole voyeur aspect of the trilogy was kind of naughty and exciting. A lot of the story takes place in and around his pool, where he first spotted her skinny dipping, and you're always left wondering who else might be watching their time together and I loved that. Yes, it turns out I have another kink. *hangs head* ::snort::
So Anna and Blaine. He's a billionaire control freak and she's an "innocent" virgin that keeps herself hidden and unseen in a crowd. But ah it works. Really. She's very curious and adventurous about her sexuality but just hasn't had enough trust to actually seal the deal with anyone. But something about Blaine speaks to her. I liked the connection between them and their blunt honesty with each other. And of course, I always love a hero with a bit of Dom tendencies in him.
Each installment brings them a little closer-- watching, touching then finally claiming. The steamy bits were interesting since for an entire installment only watching was allowed, there's a LOT of self loving on Anna's part going on--and it's pretty steamy, huh! Sometimes wording made things a little awkward but I still enjoyed all the naughty bits. I know it may be a weird thing to like--but really now...we're talking exhibitionists and voyeurs so I'm good with my little weirdness on this one-- but Sax added in things now and again like how when Anna's finally sucking him off she took a bit too much and her eyes ended up watering. Weird to like, maybe, but that bit of reality totally worked for me.
While it's not always smooth sailing-- insecurities and fears do rear their ugly heads--you can still see them changing with each installment and I enjoyed seeing who they became. Learning to take control or let it go, opening up to someone who could hurt them, making friends for the first time, etc.
Overall I enjoyed my first time reading Sax. I loved the actual storyline. And I enjoyed Sax's voice and getting to know the characters. Neither of them have had it easy, they've got some odd kinks going on but they're good people and you want to root for em. Or, at least, I did. Personally, I'd suggest not reading the trilogy right in a row if rehashing bothers you like it does me. There was quite a bit in the second and third installments which left me on the frustrated side since it was info I had just read. I think, really, I'm just not a serial novel reader. But for a quick, spicy read with a nice kinky kick it definitely fills the craving.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
Oh you know I love a bit of kink. I love it even more when two kinky characters find each other and their kinks just fit. Exhibitionist meet voyeur...what a perfect match. She loves being watched and he loves watching. And damn, so did I. He Watches Me pulled me and my kink loving self right in.
The whole voyeur aspect of the trilogy was kind of naughty and exciting. A lot of the story takes place in and around his pool, where he first spotted her skinny dipping, and you're always left wondering who else might be watching their time together and I loved that. Yes, it turns out I have another kink. *hangs head* ::snort::
So Anna and Blaine. He's a billionaire control freak and she's an "innocent" virgin that keeps herself hidden and unseen in a crowd. But ah it works. Really. She's very curious and adventurous about her sexuality but just hasn't had enough trust to actually seal the deal with anyone. But something about Blaine speaks to her. I liked the connection between them and their blunt honesty with each other. And of course, I always love a hero with a bit of Dom tendencies in him.
Each installment brings them a little closer-- watching, touching then finally claiming. The steamy bits were interesting since for an entire installment only watching was allowed, there's a LOT of self loving on Anna's part going on--and it's pretty steamy, huh! Sometimes wording made things a little awkward but I still enjoyed all the naughty bits. I know it may be a weird thing to like--but really now...we're talking exhibitionists and voyeurs so I'm good with my little weirdness on this one-- but Sax added in things now and again like how when Anna's finally sucking him off she took a bit too much and her eyes ended up watering. Weird to like, maybe, but that bit of reality totally worked for me.
While it's not always smooth sailing-- insecurities and fears do rear their ugly heads--you can still see them changing with each installment and I enjoyed seeing who they became. Learning to take control or let it go, opening up to someone who could hurt them, making friends for the first time, etc.
Overall I enjoyed my first time reading Sax. I loved the actual storyline. And I enjoyed Sax's voice and getting to know the characters. Neither of them have had it easy, they've got some odd kinks going on but they're good people and you want to root for em. Or, at least, I did. Personally, I'd suggest not reading the trilogy right in a row if rehashing bothers you like it does me. There was quite a bit in the second and third installments which left me on the frustrated side since it was info I had just read. I think, really, I'm just not a serial novel reader. But for a quick, spicy read with a nice kinky kick it definitely fills the craving.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
February 4, 2014
Title: He Watches Me
Author: Cynthia Sax
Publisher/Year: HarperCollins 8/6/13
Length: 12 Pages
Series: The Seen Trilogy #1
Overview
She desires to be seen.
He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
My Thoughts
We get a rather stereo-typical story here, yet it's taking longer to get to the expected places than usual - so that's going against the grain. We first meet Anna who's house sitting in a mansion - and we don't know the circumstances for which she's come to this particular house. (i.e. how does she know the owners). Anyhow, Anna is your expected naive, young, virginal female lead - who is just trying to make ends meet and figure out how to fly under the radar due to some shadiness in her family's past.
Her life changes of course one evening when she sneaks next door to her neighbors pool to take a dip. This isn't the first time that she's done it, yet it's the first night that she realizes she's been caught - by the billionaire owner Gabriel Blaine. What we quickly learn is that he's a voyeur, and well, that's exactly what Anna needs given her lack of experience in all things sexual.
This story takes us on the very initial stages of their 'relationship' - so that we can begin to see a level of trust built between them. since this is a rather short first installment, we don't really get into much with them, we know that there's passion and chemistry between them, but Blaine won't act upon it just yet. We also know that he's got a bit of a past of his own, but that's nothing that's really an issue - we don't think.
There are of course the supporting cast of characters that i'm sure will play a role - the handsome boss/co-worker that Anna has that she's been lusting after, but is out of her league, the goth chick that also works with her, and well everyone else that knows stuff about Blaine or thinks that they do and I can assume will try to come between Anna and him.
So, where this story will go, i can only assume that he'll teach her the ways of all things naughty and hot. are we there yet, nope - but that's not such a bad thing. I'll have to keep reading into the trilogy to see if we get what i'm expecting.
Author: Cynthia Sax
Publisher/Year: HarperCollins 8/6/13
Length: 12 Pages
Series: The Seen Trilogy #1
Overview
She desires to be seen.
He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
My Thoughts
We get a rather stereo-typical story here, yet it's taking longer to get to the expected places than usual - so that's going against the grain. We first meet Anna who's house sitting in a mansion - and we don't know the circumstances for which she's come to this particular house. (i.e. how does she know the owners). Anyhow, Anna is your expected naive, young, virginal female lead - who is just trying to make ends meet and figure out how to fly under the radar due to some shadiness in her family's past.
Her life changes of course one evening when she sneaks next door to her neighbors pool to take a dip. This isn't the first time that she's done it, yet it's the first night that she realizes she's been caught - by the billionaire owner Gabriel Blaine. What we quickly learn is that he's a voyeur, and well, that's exactly what Anna needs given her lack of experience in all things sexual.
This story takes us on the very initial stages of their 'relationship' - so that we can begin to see a level of trust built between them. since this is a rather short first installment, we don't really get into much with them, we know that there's passion and chemistry between them, but Blaine won't act upon it just yet. We also know that he's got a bit of a past of his own, but that's nothing that's really an issue - we don't think.
There are of course the supporting cast of characters that i'm sure will play a role - the handsome boss/co-worker that Anna has that she's been lusting after, but is out of her league, the goth chick that also works with her, and well everyone else that knows stuff about Blaine or thinks that they do and I can assume will try to come between Anna and him.
So, where this story will go, i can only assume that he'll teach her the ways of all things naughty and hot. are we there yet, nope - but that's not such a bad thing. I'll have to keep reading into the trilogy to see if we get what i'm expecting.
June 18, 2013
*2.5 Stars*
When I read the blurb for He Watches Me by Cynthia Sax, I was immediately intrigued. Also, I could never resist the allure of a billionaire hero so I just had to get my hands on this one.
This story is pretty short, averaging about 100 pages total. In this short amount of time, we get to meet the two main characters Anna Sampson and Gabriel Blaine and watch the first part of their story unfold. This story is about voyeurism & exhibitionism. Anna is the exhibitionist and Blaine is her voyeur. He likes to watch while she likes to be watched so as you can see they're perfectly well matched due to Blaine's voyeurism tendencies & Anna's exhibitionist tendencies. This story is explicit and naughty all at the same time even though there is no touching involved!
Not a lot happened in this first part as it feels more like an intro to the story. While I wanted to enjoy He Watches Me, there were several things that kept me from fully enjoying it. I felt a disconnect with the characters; they fell flat to me and I believed they could have been better developed. Moreover, I think while some scenes were meant to be sexy and/or erotic, it just came off...
Well, to me at least.
Chemistry and sexual tension between the characters were missing and scenes where Blaine and Anna were together felt a bit forced. With that said, I wasn't fully invested in the characters or the storyline. Therefore, I doubt that I will be continuing on with this serial. However, these are only my personal thoughts & feelings. I'd still recommend readers to pick this up and try it for themselves to see if it's for them. Simply put, He Watches Me just wasn't for me.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss for an honest review.
When I read the blurb for He Watches Me by Cynthia Sax, I was immediately intrigued. Also, I could never resist the allure of a billionaire hero so I just had to get my hands on this one.
This story is pretty short, averaging about 100 pages total. In this short amount of time, we get to meet the two main characters Anna Sampson and Gabriel Blaine and watch the first part of their story unfold. This story is about voyeurism & exhibitionism. Anna is the exhibitionist and Blaine is her voyeur. He likes to watch while she likes to be watched so as you can see they're perfectly well matched due to Blaine's voyeurism tendencies & Anna's exhibitionist tendencies. This story is explicit and naughty all at the same time even though there is no touching involved!
Not a lot happened in this first part as it feels more like an intro to the story. While I wanted to enjoy He Watches Me, there were several things that kept me from fully enjoying it. I felt a disconnect with the characters; they fell flat to me and I believed they could have been better developed. Moreover, I think while some scenes were meant to be sexy and/or erotic, it just came off...
Well, to me at least.
Chemistry and sexual tension between the characters were missing and scenes where Blaine and Anna were together felt a bit forced. With that said, I wasn't fully invested in the characters or the storyline. Therefore, I doubt that I will be continuing on with this serial. However, these are only my personal thoughts & feelings. I'd still recommend readers to pick this up and try it for themselves to see if it's for them. Simply put, He Watches Me just wasn't for me.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss for an honest review.
May 19, 2014
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor’s yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust. She discovers this isn’t pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her. Anna knows she shouldn’t allow him and she certainly shouldn’t want more, but she craves Blaine’s attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
GREAT book. This is part 1 of the Seen Trilogy and to tell you the truth I cannot wait for part two!
This author is new to me but I simply love the way she writes, her style, The plot and the complexity of her characters. I like the fact that this is not a book based on the beautiful people of LA, but based on a women who compares herself to a little brown moth!
Anna (the moth girl), has run away for her past and the embarrassment of her jailed father to house sit for a wealthy plastic surgeon and his wife, while they swan around Europe Secretly Anna goes for midnight swims in the Billionaire neighbors pool. what she doesn’t know is Gabriel Blaine (the Billionaire) is watching Anna on his security camera and he is enchanted by her. One night Anna meets Gabriel as she slips into his pool and then starts a special relationship between the two of them.
This book earns a 10 out of 10 from me and I cannot wait for Ms. Sax to "expose" me to the next installment!
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor’s yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust. She discovers this isn’t pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her. Anna knows she shouldn’t allow him and she certainly shouldn’t want more, but she craves Blaine’s attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
GREAT book. This is part 1 of the Seen Trilogy and to tell you the truth I cannot wait for part two!
This author is new to me but I simply love the way she writes, her style, The plot and the complexity of her characters. I like the fact that this is not a book based on the beautiful people of LA, but based on a women who compares herself to a little brown moth!
Anna (the moth girl), has run away for her past and the embarrassment of her jailed father to house sit for a wealthy plastic surgeon and his wife, while they swan around Europe Secretly Anna goes for midnight swims in the Billionaire neighbors pool. what she doesn’t know is Gabriel Blaine (the Billionaire) is watching Anna on his security camera and he is enchanted by her. One night Anna meets Gabriel as she slips into his pool and then starts a special relationship between the two of them.
This book earns a 10 out of 10 from me and I cannot wait for Ms. Sax to "expose" me to the next installment!
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