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In Vino Veritas #1
Blush
From the author of Surrender to Temptation comes a provocative story of overwhelming passion set free with one exquisite touch . . .
Madeline Stone is determined to heal from her tragic past, one difficult step at a time. . . and she doesn't need any distractions. Then she meets a mysterious and captivating stranger - and over a glass of outrageously expensive wine, her world turns upside down. Try as she might to banish the wealthy business mogul from her thoughts, Madeline can't fight Alex's staggering appeal or his enticing offer of intimate discovery.
Alex doesn't date - at least, not in the traditional sense. Still, he wants Madeline . . . and his sexual intensity provides her with a much-needed escape. They embark on a tumultuous erotic affair, one that takes them to the pinnacle of obsession and desire. But underneath each explosive encounter lie dangerous secrets waiting to consume them both . . .
Madeline Stone is determined to heal from her tragic past, one difficult step at a time. . . and she doesn't need any distractions. Then she meets a mysterious and captivating stranger - and over a glass of outrageously expensive wine, her world turns upside down. Try as she might to banish the wealthy business mogul from her thoughts, Madeline can't fight Alex's staggering appeal or his enticing offer of intimate discovery.
Alex doesn't date - at least, not in the traditional sense. Still, he wants Madeline . . . and his sexual intensity provides her with a much-needed escape. They embark on a tumultuous erotic affair, one that takes them to the pinnacle of obsession and desire. But underneath each explosive encounter lie dangerous secrets waiting to consume them both . . .
277 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2013
29 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 28, 2013
If I could describe the experience of Lauren Jameson's "Blush" in one word: it would be "shallow." Everything about this book was predictable down to a tee, and the characters were threadbare at best - pretty much the standard puppets for a so-called BDSM/erotic template that was supposed to be evocative of the book's title, but that moment never arrived for me in the whole consideration of this novel.
I'll wholeheartedly admit that even from reading J. Kenner's Stark Trilogy and Sylvia Day's "Bared to You" series, I found at least those characters had some measure of development that I could follow, but I'm not even sure, from the second read through, why I rated this as high as 1.5 stars. Maddy Stone is a woman running away from her former life and family because of the guilt she carries, right into Vegas and into the arms of a casino owner who has a double life.
If you can guess where this is going, you would be absolutely correct.
Alex is overprotective, domineering, and makes no qualms about micromanaging Maddy's life and purportedly "healing" her. Personally, I'm just tired of the formula that's copy/pasta in this scheme. Nothing about this scenario, point blank, felt real, and the characters themselves were little more than puppets toggling between lust and sex with no development between. Even when Maddy's tragic past comes to light, I felt nothing for it, there was very little to no emotional bargaining for it for it to matter on her own terms, not aside from Alex's influence or suggestions.
Not worth the time taken to read, unfortunately. Just another book that purports to be sexual and steamy, but ends up having little buzz or resonance.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher NAL Trade.
I'll wholeheartedly admit that even from reading J. Kenner's Stark Trilogy and Sylvia Day's "Bared to You" series, I found at least those characters had some measure of development that I could follow, but I'm not even sure, from the second read through, why I rated this as high as 1.5 stars. Maddy Stone is a woman running away from her former life and family because of the guilt she carries, right into Vegas and into the arms of a casino owner who has a double life.
If you can guess where this is going, you would be absolutely correct.
Alex is overprotective, domineering, and makes no qualms about micromanaging Maddy's life and purportedly "healing" her. Personally, I'm just tired of the formula that's copy/pasta in this scheme. Nothing about this scenario, point blank, felt real, and the characters themselves were little more than puppets toggling between lust and sex with no development between. Even when Maddy's tragic past comes to light, I felt nothing for it, there was very little to no emotional bargaining for it for it to matter on her own terms, not aside from Alex's influence or suggestions.
Not worth the time taken to read, unfortunately. Just another book that purports to be sexual and steamy, but ends up having little buzz or resonance.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher NAL Trade.
May 17, 2013
If you're looking for a good, spicy, quick read this is for you, even though it follows the now standard BDSM Novel formula: super rich guy sets his sights on inexperienced poor girl who happens to be the sexiest woman alive.
You know what I wish for? A D/s novel about
a woman who:
a) isn't pissy when a rich guy offers to do things for her
b) isn't hiding a private shame that is actually nothing to be ashamed of that ends up tearing her new relationship apart
and a man who:
a)is a Dominant but not a billionaire with a million staff members and a fully stocked playroom
b)"doesn't fall in love" or "doesn't date" or "doesn't do relationships" only to discover that now he does.
This book isn't the finest piece of literature ever written, the grammar and word choices are questionable (using the adverb "impossibly" five times within 1 and a half pages) but for a good, satisfying, sexy story, it serves its purpose and I enjoyed my time reading it.
You know what I wish for? A D/s novel about
a woman who:
a) isn't pissy when a rich guy offers to do things for her
b) isn't hiding a private shame that is actually nothing to be ashamed of that ends up tearing her new relationship apart
and a man who:
a)is a Dominant but not a billionaire with a million staff members and a fully stocked playroom
b)"doesn't fall in love" or "doesn't date" or "doesn't do relationships" only to discover that now he does.
This book isn't the finest piece of literature ever written, the grammar and word choices are questionable (using the adverb "impossibly" five times within 1 and a half pages) but for a good, satisfying, sexy story, it serves its purpose and I enjoyed my time reading it.
May 17, 2013
This will be a short review because I really don’t have much to say about it. I disliked this book because it comes off as a ripoff of a ripoff of 50 Shades Of Grey. Everybody and their mother has wrote a book just like this. The characters of Maddy and Alex both had such over dramatic, over done stories that I found myself not caring one way or the other what happened to them. In fact when Maddy FINALLY tells Alex why she was afraid of EVERYTHING, it made no sense whatsoever. I get her being upset over her past, but her reactions made no sense. None. Zero. Zilch. Sure, reactions can make no sense, we are after all human, but this, this was so outside of the realm of reality that her character just came off as a self imposed child, stuck in a routine and unable or unwilling to change. Alex has his own secret that he’s guarding with everything he has. Problem was it wasn’t really a secret and it wasn’t really a big deal. To anyone. Except himself.
Then of course there is the dungeon of sex toys, the BDSM club and the flawed millionaire playboy that are so over used in today’s explosion of BDSM books. I want a normal hero. One who can’t buy the heroine a Porsche if he so desires. A bartender, a salesman, even a lawyer…no more millionaires unless the author can guarantee to do it right. Less cliche. More real. If this book would have incorporated something (ANYTHING) new I could have overlooked the cliches. However, Blush gave me nothing I hadn’t read before. I found it boring and chock full of unimportant information that seemed to be added in a poor attempt by the author to move the story line along. Publishers take note. Stop beating that dead horse.
The only thing that moved this from a 1 star to a 2 stars was the fact that I finished it. I have no need to come back to this world for another go round.
I give Blush by Lauren Jameson 2 stars.
Then of course there is the dungeon of sex toys, the BDSM club and the flawed millionaire playboy that are so over used in today’s explosion of BDSM books. I want a normal hero. One who can’t buy the heroine a Porsche if he so desires. A bartender, a salesman, even a lawyer…no more millionaires unless the author can guarantee to do it right. Less cliche. More real. If this book would have incorporated something (ANYTHING) new I could have overlooked the cliches. However, Blush gave me nothing I hadn’t read before. I found it boring and chock full of unimportant information that seemed to be added in a poor attempt by the author to move the story line along. Publishers take note. Stop beating that dead horse.
The only thing that moved this from a 1 star to a 2 stars was the fact that I finished it. I have no need to come back to this world for another go round.
I give Blush by Lauren Jameson 2 stars.
May 15, 2013
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I feel like, at this point, I've read enough erotica that I have a pretty decent idea of what I like and what I don't like; what works and what doesn't work. I think that, overall, this book doesn't work and I have to say that although it was ok, I didn't particularly care for it.
First, the heroine, Maddy Stone. I tried so hard to like her. In some places, I actually DID like her. But after reading it and thinking about it, I have to say that it was really hard to connect with her. She has this secret trauma in her recent past that has her crippled with guilt. The author drops a clue here and there but we don't really find out the full story until almost the end of the book. I have absolutely no problem with that when its warranted. But Maddy's secret was (I hate to be this harsh) really stupid. It didn't seem like it was much of a secret and I can understand why she would feel guilty but I never understood why she was SO guilty over a year later. And then, why would her guilt make her unable to switch gas stations? Or require her to make up a list of things that will get her out of her comfort zone? Or why playing a hand of blackjack is so important OR why its so difficult for her to do!?!?!? I could go on and on with my questions since my confusion about what Maddy's problem was never really ended. On the other side, Maddy was a really kind person and didn't mind working hard for what she wanted. But I really can't think of anything else that I liked about her.
Then, there's our hero, Alex Frasier. As much as Alex was hot and sexy and rich, it seemed like the author went down a list of attributes that every BDSM novel is required to have. Billionaire? Check. Owns a huge business and looking to get another? Check. Ridiculous hobby? Check. Subtly dangerous henchman? Check. Never "usually" dates? Check. Inexplicably wants to immediately be exclusive with the heroine? Check. Has a big secret? Check. I mean, come on people!! Can we PLEASE let 50 Shades of Gray go?? PLEASE!? I've seen enough reincarnations of it that I'm about to choke on it! Oh Alex can't help but love Maddy's innocence. Huh? An experienced Dom that wants to take someone who has absolutely NO knowledge of the BDSM scene and train her? Sure, right. Like Maddy's "secret", Alex's secret wasn't a big deal and doesn't seem like it would be that much of a secret. I liked Alex marginally more than I liked Maddy. I do enjoy reading rich guys who want to lavish their women with gifts and fun, surprise trips and all that. Its not so much about the money for me though. Its more about the thoughtfulness, I guess. I liked that Alex seemed to innately know what Maddy needed/wanted even when Maddy didn't know what she needed/wanted. I don't know why I like things like that but it was pretty much my favorite part of the book.
Together, Alex and Maddy were so-so. When you don't love the characters individually, its hard to love them together. I think that Alex and Maddy will be good for each other though. I thought that Maddy resisted Alex and what he's offering for way too long. It wasn't realistic and it really frustrated me.
Overall, I would only suggest this book to people who are maybe new to BDSM since there isn't much sex and what there is, is a little on the vanilla side. I think most people might find Maddy irritating at best and stupid or ungrateful at worst. There was really no conflict, since their "secrets" were extremely lame. The only thing that they had to overcome was Maddy's ignorance and steadfast refusal to look at herself in an honest way. I don't think I can recommend this book to anyone since to me, this is a poor example of a 50 Shades knockoff. There are plenty out there and this isn't the best.
I feel like, at this point, I've read enough erotica that I have a pretty decent idea of what I like and what I don't like; what works and what doesn't work. I think that, overall, this book doesn't work and I have to say that although it was ok, I didn't particularly care for it.
First, the heroine, Maddy Stone. I tried so hard to like her. In some places, I actually DID like her. But after reading it and thinking about it, I have to say that it was really hard to connect with her. She has this secret trauma in her recent past that has her crippled with guilt. The author drops a clue here and there but we don't really find out the full story until almost the end of the book. I have absolutely no problem with that when its warranted. But Maddy's secret was (I hate to be this harsh) really stupid. It didn't seem like it was much of a secret and I can understand why she would feel guilty but I never understood why she was SO guilty over a year later. And then, why would her guilt make her unable to switch gas stations? Or require her to make up a list of things that will get her out of her comfort zone? Or why playing a hand of blackjack is so important OR why its so difficult for her to do!?!?!? I could go on and on with my questions since my confusion about what Maddy's problem was never really ended. On the other side, Maddy was a really kind person and didn't mind working hard for what she wanted. But I really can't think of anything else that I liked about her.
Then, there's our hero, Alex Frasier. As much as Alex was hot and sexy and rich, it seemed like the author went down a list of attributes that every BDSM novel is required to have. Billionaire? Check. Owns a huge business and looking to get another? Check. Ridiculous hobby? Check. Subtly dangerous henchman? Check. Never "usually" dates? Check. Inexplicably wants to immediately be exclusive with the heroine? Check. Has a big secret? Check. I mean, come on people!! Can we PLEASE let 50 Shades of Gray go?? PLEASE!? I've seen enough reincarnations of it that I'm about to choke on it! Oh Alex can't help but love Maddy's innocence. Huh? An experienced Dom that wants to take someone who has absolutely NO knowledge of the BDSM scene and train her? Sure, right. Like Maddy's "secret", Alex's secret wasn't a big deal and doesn't seem like it would be that much of a secret. I liked Alex marginally more than I liked Maddy. I do enjoy reading rich guys who want to lavish their women with gifts and fun, surprise trips and all that. Its not so much about the money for me though. Its more about the thoughtfulness, I guess. I liked that Alex seemed to innately know what Maddy needed/wanted even when Maddy didn't know what she needed/wanted. I don't know why I like things like that but it was pretty much my favorite part of the book.
Together, Alex and Maddy were so-so. When you don't love the characters individually, its hard to love them together. I think that Alex and Maddy will be good for each other though. I thought that Maddy resisted Alex and what he's offering for way too long. It wasn't realistic and it really frustrated me.
Overall, I would only suggest this book to people who are maybe new to BDSM since there isn't much sex and what there is, is a little on the vanilla side. I think most people might find Maddy irritating at best and stupid or ungrateful at worst. There was really no conflict, since their "secrets" were extremely lame. The only thing that they had to overcome was Maddy's ignorance and steadfast refusal to look at herself in an honest way. I don't think I can recommend this book to anyone since to me, this is a poor example of a 50 Shades knockoff. There are plenty out there and this isn't the best.
May 23, 2013
www.shhmomsreading.com
Maddy Stone meets Mr. Tall, Dark, Handsome with blue eyes in a bar at a casino. Maddy has a past causing her to have panic attacks and has moved to a new city to find her inner strength and to find a way to be who she used to be. From her psychologist, she is learning to try new things outside of her comfort zone which brings her to the casino that night that she meets confident Alex Fraser.
Alex is immediately drawn to Maddy as he is a dom naturally drawn to a submissive. And Maddy is attracted to him as well. Alex at first denies them both as he feels that she is too good and innocent for him (he also has a past that we learn about later in the book). It was frustrating at times to see him deny them both of what was so apparent between them – a chance for real happiness.
So what is the secret of their pasts? Will Alex and Maddy be able to find love and happiness in each other? And more important, can Maddy find strength in herself?
You will have to read this book to find out!
I liked this book by a new author that I have never read before. This was a quick read with elements of BDSM. I must admit that at times I compared it to the Fifty Shades trilogy as some of the elements were the same - the talk about vanilla sex, the sex room and a signed contract. I would have liked to see more chemistry between the characters as I felt that something was missing. My favorite part was the end as I am a sucker for epilogues and a HEA. I would definitely read this author again to see how her writing technique grows over time.
Maddy Stone meets Mr. Tall, Dark, Handsome with blue eyes in a bar at a casino. Maddy has a past causing her to have panic attacks and has moved to a new city to find her inner strength and to find a way to be who she used to be. From her psychologist, she is learning to try new things outside of her comfort zone which brings her to the casino that night that she meets confident Alex Fraser.
Alex is immediately drawn to Maddy as he is a dom naturally drawn to a submissive. And Maddy is attracted to him as well. Alex at first denies them both as he feels that she is too good and innocent for him (he also has a past that we learn about later in the book). It was frustrating at times to see him deny them both of what was so apparent between them – a chance for real happiness.
So what is the secret of their pasts? Will Alex and Maddy be able to find love and happiness in each other? And more important, can Maddy find strength in herself?
You will have to read this book to find out!
I liked this book by a new author that I have never read before. This was a quick read with elements of BDSM. I must admit that at times I compared it to the Fifty Shades trilogy as some of the elements were the same - the talk about vanilla sex, the sex room and a signed contract. I would have liked to see more chemistry between the characters as I felt that something was missing. My favorite part was the end as I am a sucker for epilogues and a HEA. I would definitely read this author again to see how her writing technique grows over time.
May 7, 2013
A night of risks—a night when Maddy Stone finally decides to push herself and try something new—presents her with a hot, sultry encounter with a man who can read her better than she can even read herself. Alex Fraser picks up on her deeper notes right away, and he's not letting them go anytime soon. Whether it be with wine, with words, or with one delicate touch, he'll seduce her... that is, if he doesn't fall in love with her first.
I absolutely devoured this book! Jameson's writing is smooth, sleek, and sexy, and her witty dialogue and mesmerizing character interaction are right on par.
Alex, a Vegas business tycoon, is not a nice man. He's your typical rich, dominant, Acqua de Gio-wearing tall, dark, and deadly (yes, I just made that a noun); in other words, totally swoon-worthy—I need more of him now!!! He has a cool, controlled exterior—except in the presence of Maddy, with whom he doesn't feel coldness, nor mere attraction, but rather, a slow, wicked burn. The development of their relationship is exactly that: a slow, wicked burn that ignites at its hottest points and sizzles when it's cool.
Alex knows right away Maddy will not be able to handle his intensity, unless, that is, he pushes her all that far. However, she's much too innocent to do the things he wants to do with her, cravings aside. And his life is too much of a mess for a woman clearly dealing with her own issues. Yet, something inevitable draws him to her, and that's what's so heartbreaking—so devastatingly perfect—about the two of them together.
Maddy, after losing everything, wants to start afresh in the quaint town near Las Vegas. She's irrationally afraid of trying anything new and as it is, Alex—his world, his background, his body, and of course, his mindgames—is as new as it gets. As troubled as she is, she discovers she needs Alex because he knows what she needs even when she doesn't. Nights of unbridled passion, insecurity, and heat expose both of their vulnerabilities to each other, and to the most painful realization of all: heartache.
The couple dynamic here is interesting. It's not just a love-at-first-sight kind of romance story. Both characters are deeply flawed and deeply scarred, with more emotional baggage than each can handle, which means their relationship is weird, complicated, and utterly messy. Maddy's been rendered passive ever since her family tragedy, so her lingering guilt and humiliation dictate her into thinking she just might deserve the pain of Alex's singular tastes; Alex, on the other hand, wants to punish her, but only for pleasure—because that much, he knows, she deserves.
Alex may be her cure, but Maddy just might be his demise. The force of this kinky duo will have you panting and your insides searing. The climax is a bit disappointing—Alex's deep dark secret is, without giving too much away, not that deep and dark. And for a large portion of the book, I felt like Maddy was being rather a baby, but I reconciled with her behavior upon realizing how weak, how fragile, of a character she is. It's obvious within the first few pages of Blush that Alex will become the remedy for her frailty, and that's where the journey of their irrevocable love begins.
Pros
Alex is a fabu-fuckin'-lous alpha male // BDSM scenes hit the spot! // Relatable protagonist // Realistic chemistry // Pitch-perfect dialogue // Emotionally solid // Love that the next book in the series will have recurring characters
Cons
Not exactly a fresh plot (Bared to You reference right on the cover...) // Stilted ending // Deep, dark secrets are not actually that deep and dark; would have liked to see edgier
Love
Verdict
Sultry and alluring, Lauren Jameson's first full-length novel Blush is a sinful thrill of a read, and it'll definitely become your next guiltiest pleasure. The inescapability of one's identity is highlighted upon in Maddy's attempted flee from her past, and her acquaintance with the smokin' hot Alex Fraser will make her—and readers—understand that. As she discovers that although he may seem indestructible, in the end, Alex too, is only human, readers get a private glimpse of the composed dominant's perspective—the insides of an outwardly tranquil and authoritative character. A better-written and actually classy variation of the Fifty Shades of Grey madness, this first book in the In Vino Veritas series is heavy on secrets and heavy on sex; it expertly explores the necessary trust and determination in the sexuality of a BDSM relationship, on top of its erotic tendrils.
9 out of 10 hearts (5 stars): Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf.
Source: Won in a giveaway.
I absolutely devoured this book! Jameson's writing is smooth, sleek, and sexy, and her witty dialogue and mesmerizing character interaction are right on par.
Alex, a Vegas business tycoon, is not a nice man. He's your typical rich, dominant, Acqua de Gio-wearing tall, dark, and deadly (yes, I just made that a noun); in other words, totally swoon-worthy—I need more of him now!!! He has a cool, controlled exterior—except in the presence of Maddy, with whom he doesn't feel coldness, nor mere attraction, but rather, a slow, wicked burn. The development of their relationship is exactly that: a slow, wicked burn that ignites at its hottest points and sizzles when it's cool.
Alex knows right away Maddy will not be able to handle his intensity, unless, that is, he pushes her all that far. However, she's much too innocent to do the things he wants to do with her, cravings aside. And his life is too much of a mess for a woman clearly dealing with her own issues. Yet, something inevitable draws him to her, and that's what's so heartbreaking—so devastatingly perfect—about the two of them together.
Maddy, after losing everything, wants to start afresh in the quaint town near Las Vegas. She's irrationally afraid of trying anything new and as it is, Alex—his world, his background, his body, and of course, his mindgames—is as new as it gets. As troubled as she is, she discovers she needs Alex because he knows what she needs even when she doesn't. Nights of unbridled passion, insecurity, and heat expose both of their vulnerabilities to each other, and to the most painful realization of all: heartache.
The couple dynamic here is interesting. It's not just a love-at-first-sight kind of romance story. Both characters are deeply flawed and deeply scarred, with more emotional baggage than each can handle, which means their relationship is weird, complicated, and utterly messy. Maddy's been rendered passive ever since her family tragedy, so her lingering guilt and humiliation dictate her into thinking she just might deserve the pain of Alex's singular tastes; Alex, on the other hand, wants to punish her, but only for pleasure—because that much, he knows, she deserves.
Alex may be her cure, but Maddy just might be his demise. The force of this kinky duo will have you panting and your insides searing. The climax is a bit disappointing—Alex's deep dark secret is, without giving too much away, not that deep and dark. And for a large portion of the book, I felt like Maddy was being rather a baby, but I reconciled with her behavior upon realizing how weak, how fragile, of a character she is. It's obvious within the first few pages of Blush that Alex will become the remedy for her frailty, and that's where the journey of their irrevocable love begins.
Pros
Alex is a fabu-fuckin'-lous alpha male // BDSM scenes hit the spot! // Relatable protagonist // Realistic chemistry // Pitch-perfect dialogue // Emotionally solid // Love that the next book in the series will have recurring characters
Cons
Not exactly a fresh plot (Bared to You reference right on the cover...) // Stilted ending // Deep, dark secrets are not actually that deep and dark; would have liked to see edgier
Love
[Susannah] had insisted on helping Maddy decide what to wear on the date that Maddy didn't even yet have.
From the size of the pile of "no" clothing in Maddy's lap, she was pretty sure that she'd be attending the so-called date naked.
Verdict
Sultry and alluring, Lauren Jameson's first full-length novel Blush is a sinful thrill of a read, and it'll definitely become your next guiltiest pleasure. The inescapability of one's identity is highlighted upon in Maddy's attempted flee from her past, and her acquaintance with the smokin' hot Alex Fraser will make her—and readers—understand that. As she discovers that although he may seem indestructible, in the end, Alex too, is only human, readers get a private glimpse of the composed dominant's perspective—the insides of an outwardly tranquil and authoritative character. A better-written and actually classy variation of the Fifty Shades of Grey madness, this first book in the In Vino Veritas series is heavy on secrets and heavy on sex; it expertly explores the necessary trust and determination in the sexuality of a BDSM relationship, on top of its erotic tendrils.
9 out of 10 hearts (5 stars): Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf.
Source: Won in a giveaway.
April 26, 2013
Blush is the story of Madeline "Maddy" Stone and Alex Fraser. An indicator of the slow pace of this story is that the author took the first 20 pages for a first encounter at the casino. The author seemed to have difficulty finding a balance between telling the story and including details. The details were so minute that it was painful to read. This continued throughout the book with no connection among the details to make it worth the reader's time to pay attention. By the middle of the story I was skimming pages because they were filled with information that had no influence on the story.
Madeline was supposed to have left her hometown after an accident that left her with panic attacks and other stress related disorders. She takes a waitressing job and begins seeing a therapist that advises her to step outside of her comfort zone. She enters into a casino to play Blackjack. She catches Alex's attention and they enjoy a glass of expensive wine and some very stilted dialogue. There is no chemistry between the two and for some reason this emotionally scarred woman becomes attracted to him and wants to lick him. The author tells the reader that Alex can't seem to stay away from Maddy, but it's never anything included in the dialogue. The reader never feels that internal conflict that Alex endures where his more noble self pulls against his selfish desires to have her in his life.
Alex has a secret love of BDSM and believes that Maddy is too innocent to enjoy it. He was apparently disowned by his family because of his lifestyle choices. He sought help with a therapist and his trust was broken. This left him with a dour attitude towards therapists. These are all things the reader is told about Alex. It would have helped me to make a connection with this character if the author had Alex to relive those moments in his life. I never connected with or cared about Alex's character. I felt the same way about Maddy's character. There was nothing about this story that pulled you in and made you want to continue to reading. It missed the mark by a wide margin in terms of being able to make the characters leap off the page and drawing you into the story.
It wasn't a terrible book, but it wasn't a good book either. It was just okay and I muddled my way through. There were a few steamy scenes between Alex and Maddy. There was a sense of intrigue with another character that sparked my interest for a moment. The character came to Maddy's workplace, and I expected him to abduct her or some other horrible thing to gain Alex's attention. Unfortunately his attempt at revenge was to tell Maddy that Alex had a child out of wedlock. Who cares is the first thought in my mind? This wasn't a historical romance. There are many people that have children out of wedlock and how is that some type of revenge? At this point I knew all was lost in my hope that this story would redeem itself.
Madeline was supposed to have left her hometown after an accident that left her with panic attacks and other stress related disorders. She takes a waitressing job and begins seeing a therapist that advises her to step outside of her comfort zone. She enters into a casino to play Blackjack. She catches Alex's attention and they enjoy a glass of expensive wine and some very stilted dialogue. There is no chemistry between the two and for some reason this emotionally scarred woman becomes attracted to him and wants to lick him. The author tells the reader that Alex can't seem to stay away from Maddy, but it's never anything included in the dialogue. The reader never feels that internal conflict that Alex endures where his more noble self pulls against his selfish desires to have her in his life.
Alex has a secret love of BDSM and believes that Maddy is too innocent to enjoy it. He was apparently disowned by his family because of his lifestyle choices. He sought help with a therapist and his trust was broken. This left him with a dour attitude towards therapists. These are all things the reader is told about Alex. It would have helped me to make a connection with this character if the author had Alex to relive those moments in his life. I never connected with or cared about Alex's character. I felt the same way about Maddy's character. There was nothing about this story that pulled you in and made you want to continue to reading. It missed the mark by a wide margin in terms of being able to make the characters leap off the page and drawing you into the story.
It wasn't a terrible book, but it wasn't a good book either. It was just okay and I muddled my way through. There were a few steamy scenes between Alex and Maddy. There was a sense of intrigue with another character that sparked my interest for a moment. The character came to Maddy's workplace, and I expected him to abduct her or some other horrible thing to gain Alex's attention. Unfortunately his attempt at revenge was to tell Maddy that Alex had a child out of wedlock. Who cares is the first thought in my mind? This wasn't a historical romance. There are many people that have children out of wedlock and how is that some type of revenge? At this point I knew all was lost in my hope that this story would redeem itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2013
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration: 4 Story: 2.5
I had great hopes for this audiobook, and was excited to have the opportunity to review it. While I had heard mixed reviews about the story, I was curious to see what the audio version would bring.
The two main characters are Maddy and Alex. Maddy, unfortunately, appears to have lived in a cave for much of her life, and that naiveté that was far too important to her story was overwhelming and not believable. There were several instances where her lack of exposure to even the most general thoughts on a subject made me want to slap her. Repeatedly. It made for a great disconnect between her character being ‘deeply flawed’ since I didn’t feel that she had an emotional depth that would be required for the guardedness that she was meant to display. Sadly, the lack of connection to Maddy was a large reason, but not the only reason I didn’t enjoy the book.
Alex is a bit more worldly, although his ‘deep dark secret’ was more of a shadow under the tree, and not all that dramatic to anyone BUT Maddy, and his almost overbearing nature doesn’t feel like a dominant but a reaction to deep insecurities. While he was less annoying and I had more moments of connection to him, the whole dynamic between the two was both messy and felt less like a relationship of love than it should have.
Lauren Jameson has a polished style of writing, she turns a phrase well: but she had several instances of overly long descriptive scenes that didn’t serve a purpose for the story. Those passages were beautifully written with imaginative descriptions, but there was far too much tell and not enough show that broke the flow of the story. Additionally, there were really no unique twists to the story, it felt far too similar to others of the genre, and didn’t have enough punch to stand alone with a great memorable scene for me. Fans of the more famous titles in this genre will find the book to their taste: this is written with a particular turn of phrase and smoothness that isn’t always available to readers of erotic romances.
The narration provided by Sandra Lea was immaculate: her delivery is spectacular and she does not over-work her voice to craft character voices and inflections that fit the characters. Unfortunately, for me, her voice sounded far too young and innocent for the storyline: while there are several titles and genres that would suit her tone and voice, this was not the best fit.
All in all, this was a book that was passably crafted with an audio recording that was polished and well delivered, but the voice choice was a miss. For me, it was a bit of a disappointment to find so many elements that didn’t work: I had hoped for more.
I received anMP3 recording from Penguin Audio via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration: 4 Story: 2.5
I had great hopes for this audiobook, and was excited to have the opportunity to review it. While I had heard mixed reviews about the story, I was curious to see what the audio version would bring.
The two main characters are Maddy and Alex. Maddy, unfortunately, appears to have lived in a cave for much of her life, and that naiveté that was far too important to her story was overwhelming and not believable. There were several instances where her lack of exposure to even the most general thoughts on a subject made me want to slap her. Repeatedly. It made for a great disconnect between her character being ‘deeply flawed’ since I didn’t feel that she had an emotional depth that would be required for the guardedness that she was meant to display. Sadly, the lack of connection to Maddy was a large reason, but not the only reason I didn’t enjoy the book.
Alex is a bit more worldly, although his ‘deep dark secret’ was more of a shadow under the tree, and not all that dramatic to anyone BUT Maddy, and his almost overbearing nature doesn’t feel like a dominant but a reaction to deep insecurities. While he was less annoying and I had more moments of connection to him, the whole dynamic between the two was both messy and felt less like a relationship of love than it should have.
Lauren Jameson has a polished style of writing, she turns a phrase well: but she had several instances of overly long descriptive scenes that didn’t serve a purpose for the story. Those passages were beautifully written with imaginative descriptions, but there was far too much tell and not enough show that broke the flow of the story. Additionally, there were really no unique twists to the story, it felt far too similar to others of the genre, and didn’t have enough punch to stand alone with a great memorable scene for me. Fans of the more famous titles in this genre will find the book to their taste: this is written with a particular turn of phrase and smoothness that isn’t always available to readers of erotic romances.
The narration provided by Sandra Lea was immaculate: her delivery is spectacular and she does not over-work her voice to craft character voices and inflections that fit the characters. Unfortunately, for me, her voice sounded far too young and innocent for the storyline: while there are several titles and genres that would suit her tone and voice, this was not the best fit.
All in all, this was a book that was passably crafted with an audio recording that was polished and well delivered, but the voice choice was a miss. For me, it was a bit of a disappointment to find so many elements that didn’t work: I had hoped for more.
I received anMP3 recording from Penguin Audio via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 9, 2013
2.75★★★Blush by Lauren Jameson
I received an ARC of Blush from a GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway.
I'm not even sure where to begin with this one. I have been thinking about his review for awhile now, and I'm not still not any closer.
Let's start with genre. It is listed as Erotic. A couple minute sex scenes, should not put it, in that genre. I have read steamier scenes in PNR, UF, and Romance. Very deceiving.
This is a watered down version of 50 Shades, and even less believable. At one point, the book almost flew across the room, I was so annoyed.
Hot Millionaire ✔
Holey jeans, hanging below hip bones ✔
Penthouse ✔
Bodyguard/Go to guy ✔
Ridiculously expensive gifts ✔
Texting ✔
Contracts ✔
Emotionally broken girl with way too much baggage ✔
Dom to Boss- Pissing contest, headbutting, aggression ✔
Now, about half way though the book started to get better, and branch off in a new direction. This was nice, but I can't believe, this total basketcase, who hated sex, and could not even switch which gas station she went to, just lets herself get pulled in the BDSM lifestyle.
Maddy does have spunk though, which I liked. She was always pushing back. Which would never be allowed by a Dom. But Dom Alex, lets her get away with it.
Now while we do get a couple of hot sex scenes, it's not til like the last 40 pages. So a little too little, a little too late. And then the book is just abruptly ended, cutting out a scene the was talked about many times throughout the book. UGH!
I did like the cover of the book, that is what actual drew me to it.
I doubt, I would read this again. However, the blurp from book 2, looks pretty interesting, and is about a character, I liked in this one. So. I will probably give the next one a chance, since series normally get better.
As to recommending this book, it's iffy. If you are looking for Vanilla-ish BDSM, sure. But anything more than that, probably not. We'll see after book 2.
I received an ARC of Blush from a GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway.
I'm not even sure where to begin with this one. I have been thinking about his review for awhile now, and I'm not still not any closer.
Let's start with genre. It is listed as Erotic. A couple minute sex scenes, should not put it, in that genre. I have read steamier scenes in PNR, UF, and Romance. Very deceiving.
This is a watered down version of 50 Shades, and even less believable. At one point, the book almost flew across the room, I was so annoyed.
Hot Millionaire ✔
Holey jeans, hanging below hip bones ✔
Penthouse ✔
Bodyguard/Go to guy ✔
Ridiculously expensive gifts ✔
Texting ✔
Contracts ✔
Emotionally broken girl with way too much baggage ✔
Dom to Boss- Pissing contest, headbutting, aggression ✔
Now, about half way though the book started to get better, and branch off in a new direction. This was nice, but I can't believe, this total basketcase, who hated sex, and could not even switch which gas station she went to, just lets herself get pulled in the BDSM lifestyle.
Maddy does have spunk though, which I liked. She was always pushing back. Which would never be allowed by a Dom. But Dom Alex, lets her get away with it.
Now while we do get a couple of hot sex scenes, it's not til like the last 40 pages. So a little too little, a little too late. And then the book is just abruptly ended, cutting out a scene the was talked about many times throughout the book. UGH!
I did like the cover of the book, that is what actual drew me to it.
I doubt, I would read this again. However, the blurp from book 2, looks pretty interesting, and is about a character, I liked in this one. So. I will probably give the next one a chance, since series normally get better.
As to recommending this book, it's iffy. If you are looking for Vanilla-ish BDSM, sure. But anything more than that, probably not. We'll see after book 2.
March 23, 2023
One thing this book wouldn't let me do? Put it down.
This was a non-stop rollercoaster of big personalities and decent smutty content. That being said, I think the writing gets very confusing at times. There were points during scenes where the writing confused me on what I should be envisioning in my head, i.e., how did we just go from this position to this one. The whole book is basically smut with little pieces of an actual relationship, so the ending was somewhat lack luster and confusing because they really went 0 to 100. I'm kind of tired of the Dom always being rich millionaire trope, but nonetheless, the smut was pretty good, though some wording could have been changed to better describe what was happening to what parts of whose body at some points. Overall an ok read.
This was a non-stop rollercoaster of big personalities and decent smutty content. That being said, I think the writing gets very confusing at times. There were points during scenes where the writing confused me on what I should be envisioning in my head, i.e., how did we just go from this position to this one. The whole book is basically smut with little pieces of an actual relationship, so the ending was somewhat lack luster and confusing because they really went 0 to 100. I'm kind of tired of the Dom always being rich millionaire trope, but nonetheless, the smut was pretty good, though some wording could have been changed to better describe what was happening to what parts of whose body at some points. Overall an ok read.
May 17, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: C+
Madeline has been going through the motions ever since she and her sister were in a car accident. Madeline was driving and walked away from the crash, her sister did not. She’s living with guilt and horrible anxiety now, she moved away from her home and sister’s fiancé, her job, basically everything she once knew and is now living in Paradise, Nevada. She’s working as a waitress and at the suggestion of her therapist as part of her recovery, she’s making a list of things that she wants to do that she’s too anxious/nervous/petrified of doing now. Her life reminded me of a bubble, she has a hard time handling new situations and places that she hasn’t fully prepared herself for, so this list is a way for her to slowly break out of her shell. Currently at the top of the list is to go into a casino and play a hand of blackjack. Never could she have expected to meet Alex when she unknowingly walks into his casino. Alex is instantly intrigued by Madeline and wants to get to know her much better.
Alex is a Dom and senses that Madeline might be the submissive he needs and wants in his life. Madeline is pretty inexperienced all the way around and Alex’s lifestyle isn’t something that she’s ever considered much less thought about. But for her, the appeal lies in the safety she feels when she gives control to Alex. For some reason, having him in control and her not having to make all the decisions brings her a level of comfort she hasn’t had since the accident. Their relationship doesn’t start right out in the bedroom, thankfully. Alex keeps showing up, talking to her, getting her to be comfortable around him. It’s hard for her at first, but she eventually takes a chance on Alex and takes a chance on moving forward with her life.
This book was a hard one for me for the simple reason that when I finished it, I can’t say that I loved the story, but I also can’t say that I disliked it. There are parts that I liked, I liked when both Alex and Madeline finally opened up about their pasts and trusted each other enough to be vulnerable in that way. And this was something that was very hard for Madeline and it in fact causes the main relationship angst between the two. While there is a BDSM theme running through the story, for as important as the lifestyle is for Alex, it never felt overly so. I almost expected there to be more with that storyline. He does take her to his club that he co-founded with two other men as a place where they could be themselves and act in a safe, accepting environment, something Alex didn’t always have. There are a few scenes at the club, and he is dominant in the bedroom, but other than that and a few scenes where he wants her to wear specific clothes, or call him sir, it never felt as big of a deal as maybe it should have. But that’s ultimately the problem I had with the story – all the storylines just feel like they skimmed the surface and never went as deep as they could have or as I wanted them to. There’s a side story with Madeline and her sister’s fiancé that just gets touched on but I’d have loved to know more about this man. A co-worker of Madeline’s shows interest in her and it was brought up but never explored more. It was little threads like that that were introduced, but I felt like more could have been expanded on them in some way to add a little more depth to the story.
Ultimately, I liked the story – I can’t say that I was completely caught up in the romance but I did like seeing these two people find comfort with each other. It’s a good story, I just felt like it needed something more.
Blog rating: C+
Madeline has been going through the motions ever since she and her sister were in a car accident. Madeline was driving and walked away from the crash, her sister did not. She’s living with guilt and horrible anxiety now, she moved away from her home and sister’s fiancé, her job, basically everything she once knew and is now living in Paradise, Nevada. She’s working as a waitress and at the suggestion of her therapist as part of her recovery, she’s making a list of things that she wants to do that she’s too anxious/nervous/petrified of doing now. Her life reminded me of a bubble, she has a hard time handling new situations and places that she hasn’t fully prepared herself for, so this list is a way for her to slowly break out of her shell. Currently at the top of the list is to go into a casino and play a hand of blackjack. Never could she have expected to meet Alex when she unknowingly walks into his casino. Alex is instantly intrigued by Madeline and wants to get to know her much better.
Alex is a Dom and senses that Madeline might be the submissive he needs and wants in his life. Madeline is pretty inexperienced all the way around and Alex’s lifestyle isn’t something that she’s ever considered much less thought about. But for her, the appeal lies in the safety she feels when she gives control to Alex. For some reason, having him in control and her not having to make all the decisions brings her a level of comfort she hasn’t had since the accident. Their relationship doesn’t start right out in the bedroom, thankfully. Alex keeps showing up, talking to her, getting her to be comfortable around him. It’s hard for her at first, but she eventually takes a chance on Alex and takes a chance on moving forward with her life.
This book was a hard one for me for the simple reason that when I finished it, I can’t say that I loved the story, but I also can’t say that I disliked it. There are parts that I liked, I liked when both Alex and Madeline finally opened up about their pasts and trusted each other enough to be vulnerable in that way. And this was something that was very hard for Madeline and it in fact causes the main relationship angst between the two. While there is a BDSM theme running through the story, for as important as the lifestyle is for Alex, it never felt overly so. I almost expected there to be more with that storyline. He does take her to his club that he co-founded with two other men as a place where they could be themselves and act in a safe, accepting environment, something Alex didn’t always have. There are a few scenes at the club, and he is dominant in the bedroom, but other than that and a few scenes where he wants her to wear specific clothes, or call him sir, it never felt as big of a deal as maybe it should have. But that’s ultimately the problem I had with the story – all the storylines just feel like they skimmed the surface and never went as deep as they could have or as I wanted them to. There’s a side story with Madeline and her sister’s fiancé that just gets touched on but I’d have loved to know more about this man. A co-worker of Madeline’s shows interest in her and it was brought up but never explored more. It was little threads like that that were introduced, but I felt like more could have been expanded on them in some way to add a little more depth to the story.
Ultimately, I liked the story – I can’t say that I was completely caught up in the romance but I did like seeing these two people find comfort with each other. It’s a good story, I just felt like it needed something more.
May 5, 2013
I’ll be straight with you: BLUSH was just a mediocre read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it either and thus, this is probably the hardest review to write.
While I liked the premise of the book, I don’t think I could really grasp the chemistry between Madeline and Alex from the very beginning. I always felt one step behind the author. Things just didn’t fall into place or click for me.
I think the main reason was because there didn’t seem to be a driving force to pull the story forward. It seemed to float around here and there and I kind of got lost in it. Their initial meeting seemed to move too quickly and for someone who is trying to get over her tragic past like Madeline is, things seemed to move a little too quickly to be believable.
However, I did enjoy the author’s writing style. Jameson’s writing is free-flowing, which makes for an easy read however, midway through the book the story felt convoluted with excess information that didn’t seem essential to the overall story.
As a result, my feelings on the book just seemed to be up in the air. At this point, I’m not sure I will be checking out this author’s work again, unless the premise sounds interesting to me or there are great reviews.
*ARC provided by publisher
January 5, 2014
other than a few interesting scenes this story was nothing to stand out of the hoard of other billionaire dominants who find and become obsessed with the little mouse like woman who is submissive but spunky and who is pretty but not "traditionally beautiful". Also seriously what is with the whole biting her lip until she tastes blood? WTF?!?!
I didn't love the characters, and the conflict was ridiculous. The "secrets" they each kept from one another were also ridiculous. This story was good to pass time, but I wouldn't go find a book 2 if there is ever one, nor would i hunt down more work from this author, nor would I recommend it to anyone unless they wanted bdsm lite with 2 dimensional characters.
story 1.5 - I'm sure the author told the best story she could but she told the story instead of having the characters show it to me. she also waxed poetic about ridiculous things. It reads like Twilight/50 Shades fan fiction at times.
I didn't love the characters, and the conflict was ridiculous. The "secrets" they each kept from one another were also ridiculous. This story was good to pass time, but I wouldn't go find a book 2 if there is ever one, nor would i hunt down more work from this author, nor would I recommend it to anyone unless they wanted bdsm lite with 2 dimensional characters.
story 1.5 - I'm sure the author told the best story she could but she told the story instead of having the characters show it to me. she also waxed poetic about ridiculous things. It reads like Twilight/50 Shades fan fiction at times.
July 3, 2016
Although this book was cliché at times, it was still a sexy read. I roller my eyes a few times at Maddy, but they can't all be Ana Steele!
Read
October 20, 2019I picked up this e-book some time ago based on the synopsis and finally decided to read it. In the first chapter, the female lead, Maddy, not only by allowed herself to be picked up by a stranger, but also had decided that, in order to try something new, following her therapist's instruction, she would gamble with real money--using $100 chips that she kept telling herself she couldn't afford (and then, after losing the first chip, betting $500)--which really angered me (because not only was she acting stupidly, but if her therapist thought gambling was a healthy way to treat a phobia, his license should have been revoked). Then, reading a bit further, I discovered this book was about a BDSM relationship, which is of absolutely no interest to me. Finally, in the second chapter, the male lead stalks Maddy to her workplace, having identified her as a "natural submissive" and she being written as just "wet" (to use the British terminology). At that point, I just couldn't stand it any longer and stopped reading.
May 27, 2020
So I read a lot of these review that are all “it’s just another 50 shades,” except I’m wondering if these people actually continued and finished the book? Definitely starts off like FSOG but becomes it’s own story after that. I actually ended up enjoying it a lot. I don’t know a lot about the BDSM lifestyle but I feel like this book is a much more positive and healthier representation of it. Jameson even states that BDSM is not about pain and hurting or control over a women because she can’t think for herself, dominating her whole life, it’s about pleasure and includes safety and above all trust. Now again I can’t speak whether this is accurate rep or not but it sure seems more acceptable than the abusive style E.L. James portrays. I know a lot of people complained about the way E.L. James represents BDSM and how it was inaccurate and harmful and I feel those people would very much appreciate the way Jameson approaches and presents it instead. Alex doesn’t abuse Maddy but seeks only to pleasure her and is really careful and sweet about it in my opinion. Maddy is by no means a push over and completely in control of herself and isn’t pushed into anything. Do I like that Maddy is “fixed” by Alex? No. But it’s a small negative. Pretty good book besides that. Now I haven’t read a lot of books with this subject matter either so I can’t comment on if it’s like “all the other books” but compared to 50 Shades, which I have read and hated, I think Blush is far superior.
Prompt: a book by an author named James/Jim or a variant
Prompt: a book by an author named James/Jim or a variant
December 13, 2017
started so well.. seriously.. hoped it would end even better. but when it started where she had to escort him to the club for some bdsm activities.. things got so bored and norm. I'm sure there are more ways to describe woman being a submissive rather than addressing her as one & calling them by cheap names and mistreat by man.. getting his girl to be wandering in a alien club without correct guidance is even out of the picture. I guess... it's a standard.. to tie. to torture..to ill treat.. is part of the popularity of bdsm Stuffs.
May 28, 2025
I'd been looking for another top BDSM club, with newbies, series for a while now! Since I'd finished all the Shadowland and Darkhaven novels.
This one fits, it's not so much about the club though, it's more about the submissive in this one! But that's okay because it is an exception dom-sub story about the need for trust.
This one fits, it's not so much about the club though, it's more about the submissive in this one! But that's okay because it is an exception dom-sub story about the need for trust.
May 28, 2013
Madeline Stone is still grieving after a tragedy. She’s moved to a new town, started a new job as a waitress and now she attempts to try new things one small step at a time. One of these steps is going to a casino and playing a game of blackjack. While she’s getting up the courage to step out onto the gaming floor, she meets a mysterious man who buys her a glass of extremely expensive wine. It’s clear that he’s way out of her league, despite the attraction that she feels for him.
Alex doesn’t date women – at least not in the conventional sense. What he wants is a little more complicated than that and despite Madeline’s obvious inexperience, he thinks that she’s a natural for it. As much as he knows that he should just walk away, he can’t and he finds himself returning to her again and again, finally laying out cold what exactly it is that he wants. Although shocked, Madeline ponders it over, finally deciding that even though it daunts her, it also excites her. And so she agrees, plunging them both into an affair and herself into a steep learning curve. But before they can be truly happy in their new life together, each of them have secrets that they are hanging onto and until Madeline trusts him with hers, he will not do the same and the lack of trust could end it all.
It is very possible for there to be too much of a good thing. It’s also very possible for there to be too much of any thing. Madeline Stone is a traumatised woman probably somewhere in her twenties who is seeking a new life after a tragedy that she blames herself for. She’s moved to Las Vegas and works as a waitress in a greasy spoon diner and sees a shrink to help her deal with her grief and guilt. As a part of an exercise she does with her shrink, Madeline writes down new things for her to try and attempts to add them to her routine. Even the thought of going to a different gas station frightens her, so it’s small steps. She goes to a glamorous casino to play a round of blackjack, something she’s always wanted to do. While she’s waiting for the courage, she has a drink (soft drink) in the bar and is approached by a handsome, powerful man who she is immediately attracted to. And it’s clear he’s very interested in her too.
Alex Fraser doesn’t know what it is about her that attracts him to her so powerfully but every time she blushes at one of his words or looks, he wants her more. But Maddy is clearly an innocent, unwise to the ways of his world. Alex doesn’t have interest in conventional relationships or vanilla sex – he’s a sexual dominant and what he’s looking for is a submissive. He believes that Maddy is a natural sexual submissive and part of him wants to make her his. The other part acknowledges that this will most likely end in disaster and he should keep far, far away.
I know this book is called Blush and obviously I have to expect there to be some sort of connection but the amount of times in which Alex mentions how her blushing is a turn on/drives him wild/he finds it sexy/etc is so large a number that it’s actually distracting. As a pale skinned person, blushing isn’t attractive in any way. It basically turns you into a tomato (which is what I would picture every time Maddy blushed. And as I mentioned – she blushed a lot).
I really try to avoid comparisons when I read novels but this one is so similar to one I’ve read previously that it cannot be ignored: innocent female, rich billionaire male who happens to be a dominant. Sexual dungeon in his house. A BDSM contract. Control that extends outside the bedroom. A “natural” submissive who’s never even heard of submission, but is then alternatively frightened and aroused by it. The thing that gets me about this story is that there’s nothing original about it. There’s no new spin, no fresh life breathed into the very tired erotic romance billionaire/lamb pairing. Maddy is insipid and uninteresting, so remote that it feels almost impossible to get to know her as a reader. She seems to like things merely because Alex tells her that she should. Things scare her until they turn Alex on, then all of a sudden they become things she wants to do. I also never get the humiliation that permeates BDSM stories. I don’t see the attractiveness in humiliating someone just for the sake of it, or for someone to accept that humiliation, particularly when it’s public. A submissive doesn’t have to be bossed around in public and treated as a source of amusement. It’s one thing to want to be dominated but why does all of that seem to come with a side serve of the dom being an asshole? Alex lacks anything remotely resembling charisma and is basically a CEO who blunders around with a few whips and some rope. I would’ve liked to know how he deduced that Maddy was a sexual submissive and explored why she might in fact be that. Instead it seemed tied up in her guilt over her accident and I’m not entirely sure that’s a healthy embracing of the lifestyle.
Also the secrets they each kept from each other were very anticlimactic. They were both obvious (possibly deliberately) from the beginning but it was also obvious how much of a non-event each would be with the other so all the attempt at building the tension before the reveal just fizzled out. The same could be said about the sex scenes.
Alex doesn’t date women – at least not in the conventional sense. What he wants is a little more complicated than that and despite Madeline’s obvious inexperience, he thinks that she’s a natural for it. As much as he knows that he should just walk away, he can’t and he finds himself returning to her again and again, finally laying out cold what exactly it is that he wants. Although shocked, Madeline ponders it over, finally deciding that even though it daunts her, it also excites her. And so she agrees, plunging them both into an affair and herself into a steep learning curve. But before they can be truly happy in their new life together, each of them have secrets that they are hanging onto and until Madeline trusts him with hers, he will not do the same and the lack of trust could end it all.
It is very possible for there to be too much of a good thing. It’s also very possible for there to be too much of any thing. Madeline Stone is a traumatised woman probably somewhere in her twenties who is seeking a new life after a tragedy that she blames herself for. She’s moved to Las Vegas and works as a waitress in a greasy spoon diner and sees a shrink to help her deal with her grief and guilt. As a part of an exercise she does with her shrink, Madeline writes down new things for her to try and attempts to add them to her routine. Even the thought of going to a different gas station frightens her, so it’s small steps. She goes to a glamorous casino to play a round of blackjack, something she’s always wanted to do. While she’s waiting for the courage, she has a drink (soft drink) in the bar and is approached by a handsome, powerful man who she is immediately attracted to. And it’s clear he’s very interested in her too.
Alex Fraser doesn’t know what it is about her that attracts him to her so powerfully but every time she blushes at one of his words or looks, he wants her more. But Maddy is clearly an innocent, unwise to the ways of his world. Alex doesn’t have interest in conventional relationships or vanilla sex – he’s a sexual dominant and what he’s looking for is a submissive. He believes that Maddy is a natural sexual submissive and part of him wants to make her his. The other part acknowledges that this will most likely end in disaster and he should keep far, far away.
I know this book is called Blush and obviously I have to expect there to be some sort of connection but the amount of times in which Alex mentions how her blushing is a turn on/drives him wild/he finds it sexy/etc is so large a number that it’s actually distracting. As a pale skinned person, blushing isn’t attractive in any way. It basically turns you into a tomato (which is what I would picture every time Maddy blushed. And as I mentioned – she blushed a lot).
I really try to avoid comparisons when I read novels but this one is so similar to one I’ve read previously that it cannot be ignored: innocent female, rich billionaire male who happens to be a dominant. Sexual dungeon in his house. A BDSM contract. Control that extends outside the bedroom. A “natural” submissive who’s never even heard of submission, but is then alternatively frightened and aroused by it. The thing that gets me about this story is that there’s nothing original about it. There’s no new spin, no fresh life breathed into the very tired erotic romance billionaire/lamb pairing. Maddy is insipid and uninteresting, so remote that it feels almost impossible to get to know her as a reader. She seems to like things merely because Alex tells her that she should. Things scare her until they turn Alex on, then all of a sudden they become things she wants to do. I also never get the humiliation that permeates BDSM stories. I don’t see the attractiveness in humiliating someone just for the sake of it, or for someone to accept that humiliation, particularly when it’s public. A submissive doesn’t have to be bossed around in public and treated as a source of amusement. It’s one thing to want to be dominated but why does all of that seem to come with a side serve of the dom being an asshole? Alex lacks anything remotely resembling charisma and is basically a CEO who blunders around with a few whips and some rope. I would’ve liked to know how he deduced that Maddy was a sexual submissive and explored why she might in fact be that. Instead it seemed tied up in her guilt over her accident and I’m not entirely sure that’s a healthy embracing of the lifestyle.
Also the secrets they each kept from each other were very anticlimactic. They were both obvious (possibly deliberately) from the beginning but it was also obvious how much of a non-event each would be with the other so all the attempt at building the tension before the reveal just fizzled out. The same could be said about the sex scenes.
October 9, 2023
I struggled with the pace of the story but I really liked the characters and wanted to know more about them, and what made them the way they were. I had to give up and skim to find that out, because my mind kept wandering away from the story
June 24, 2017
I really struggled to get through this one. Flat characters I felt no connection with, trite plot, choppy pacing...it was just not good.
July 10, 2018
I find it very predicate. I think the writing is good.
April 20, 2021
4.5/5
It was kinda shallow storyline wise but I think the bdsm was very good and made up for it.
It was kinda shallow storyline wise but I think the bdsm was very good and made up for it.
October 13, 2021
I really loved this book.!!!!! Was a great read.⭐⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐⭐
June 11, 2022
I really liked the idea to find control in surrender! Very well illustrated indeed!
June 23, 2013
ARC provided by NetGalley
3.5 Stars
Madeline Stone is trying to find a little courage to hit the blackjack tables and check off the item off her bucket list. Her life has been turned upside down since the night she and her sister were in an auto accident--fatally killing her sister and leaving Madeline overwhelmed with guilt and grief. She leaves her hometown, moving to Paradise, Nevada, and is currently under the care of a psychiatrist to help with her often debilitating anxiety. Her bucket list was contrived to help her step outside her protective bubble and learn to live again.
Alex Fraser is the sexy owner of a Las Vegas casino and spots Madeline at the bar. He is intrigued by her telling blush and her innocent nature. But being a Dom, she should be off limits to him. He didn't do relationships. However, he cannot seem to stop himself and he sits down beside her to offer her a drink.
Their conversation at this point is awkward--and I almost want to stop reading at this point. I don't feel a connection to these characters at all. Their dialogue was dry and lacked a spark to whet my appetite.
But I trudged along and continued reading...
Madeline leaves the casino after winning a hand at blackjack, thinking that Alex has set it up for her to win against the house. It sparks her anger and she almost decides to confront him. But decides against it, thinking she will never see the sexy billionaire again.
For me, Madeline's overwhelming interest in this stranger seemed to happen too fast. But I can understand seeing a man and thinking--"Oh, my!" And thus begins a running visual of some very vivid fantasies in your head. But for Madeline, who has been such a recluse and has anxiety, I felt their first meeting was a little out of character for someone like her.
As the story line continued, I did fall for Maddie and Alex and their connection became more believable. Both are hiding secrets, afraid to open up to each other. With Madeline, she refuses to tell Alex about how the death of her sister has affected her life. And with Alex, he refuses to tell her that he has a young daughter.
But for their relationship to work, trust has to be established. And secrets could destroy their fragile foundation.
The BDSM lifestyle is one that Madeline knows little about, but the freedom she gets when Alex takes control becomes addictive. Her anxiety lessens the closer she becomes to this man and wants to mean more than just a sexual partner. But can Alex commit to her in a serious relationship when he has never done so in the past?
Alex is fighting a losing game. No matter how he tries to stay away from Madeline, he always seems to come back to her. He sees something in her that compels him to want more. But his past has a way of rearing its ugly head and the secrets that Madeline is hiding from him has him walking away. For Alex, trust means everything. And Madeline has made it quite clear she cannot share her secret.
Overall, Blush in an entertaining read with just a few small parts that felt a little forced and overdone. But I loved how Madeline learned to find herself and embrace her sexuality with Alex. For those readers who enjoy a walk on the kinky side, Blush should fulfill their every fantasy.
3.5 Stars
Madeline Stone is trying to find a little courage to hit the blackjack tables and check off the item off her bucket list. Her life has been turned upside down since the night she and her sister were in an auto accident--fatally killing her sister and leaving Madeline overwhelmed with guilt and grief. She leaves her hometown, moving to Paradise, Nevada, and is currently under the care of a psychiatrist to help with her often debilitating anxiety. Her bucket list was contrived to help her step outside her protective bubble and learn to live again.
Alex Fraser is the sexy owner of a Las Vegas casino and spots Madeline at the bar. He is intrigued by her telling blush and her innocent nature. But being a Dom, she should be off limits to him. He didn't do relationships. However, he cannot seem to stop himself and he sits down beside her to offer her a drink.
Their conversation at this point is awkward--and I almost want to stop reading at this point. I don't feel a connection to these characters at all. Their dialogue was dry and lacked a spark to whet my appetite.
But I trudged along and continued reading...
Madeline leaves the casino after winning a hand at blackjack, thinking that Alex has set it up for her to win against the house. It sparks her anger and she almost decides to confront him. But decides against it, thinking she will never see the sexy billionaire again.
For me, Madeline's overwhelming interest in this stranger seemed to happen too fast. But I can understand seeing a man and thinking--"Oh, my!" And thus begins a running visual of some very vivid fantasies in your head. But for Madeline, who has been such a recluse and has anxiety, I felt their first meeting was a little out of character for someone like her.
As the story line continued, I did fall for Maddie and Alex and their connection became more believable. Both are hiding secrets, afraid to open up to each other. With Madeline, she refuses to tell Alex about how the death of her sister has affected her life. And with Alex, he refuses to tell her that he has a young daughter.
But for their relationship to work, trust has to be established. And secrets could destroy their fragile foundation.
The BDSM lifestyle is one that Madeline knows little about, but the freedom she gets when Alex takes control becomes addictive. Her anxiety lessens the closer she becomes to this man and wants to mean more than just a sexual partner. But can Alex commit to her in a serious relationship when he has never done so in the past?
Alex is fighting a losing game. No matter how he tries to stay away from Madeline, he always seems to come back to her. He sees something in her that compels him to want more. But his past has a way of rearing its ugly head and the secrets that Madeline is hiding from him has him walking away. For Alex, trust means everything. And Madeline has made it quite clear she cannot share her secret.
Overall, Blush in an entertaining read with just a few small parts that felt a little forced and overdone. But I loved how Madeline learned to find herself and embrace her sexuality with Alex. For those readers who enjoy a walk on the kinky side, Blush should fulfill their every fantasy.
May 15, 2013
4.5 stars on the site: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2013...
Hotter than Fifty Shades and it's only one book. Yes, it's a series but the upcoming additions to the Il Vino Veritas series will center on the different owners of this off the Las Vegas Strip, BDSM club.
The first in the series centers on Alex Frasier, the exorbitantly wealthy owner of the El Diablo Casino and many other successful business ventures. One of those businesses is Il Vino Veritas, an ultra exclusive BDSM Club. Alex is a Dominant and has been a part of the BDSM lifestyle for much of his life. But like most well to do businessmen, Alex has secrets that go beyond his choice in sexual partners and what he likes to do in and out of his dungeon.
Madeline Stone also known as Maddy, is a waitress living on the outskirts of Vegas. She chose Paradise, NV to start her life over after the tragedy that befell her sister, Erin. Now, Maddy faces her demons everyday in the form of seeing a therapist who has encouraged her to create a bucket list of things that scare her but that she wants to try in her lifetime. One of those things is playing Blackjack in a Las Vegas Casino. So, Maddy takes a trip to El Diablo and orders herself a drink to work up the courage to approach the Blackjack tables. That's when she attracts the attention of the elusively handsome Alex Frasier.
Alex is instantly drawn to Maddy and her innocence. He wants her as his Sub but there's more to his attraction to her and it scares him that he's become so unhinged by just one meeting. But Maddy doesn't trust easily and won't reveal the most personal piece of her soul to Alex and it's the one thing he needs most to win her complete and utter submission and affection.
The romance and the fire between Alex and Maddy is scorching. The sex scenes are both intensely emotional and insanely erotic. Alex takes Maddy to places sexually that she would never have dreamed to put on her bucket list. Maddy finds herself drawn to the idea of Alex's BDSM world. Things that she ordinarily would have been scared to death of she finds make her extremely aroused and make her mouth water for Alex even more than just the site of his devastatingly handsome good looks.
You will need to read this book with a glass of water and may need a cold shower after reading each of the "scenes" that Maddy and Alex take part in together. The other two club owners, Elijah and Declan will be featured in upcoming releases and I am so looking forward to reading their stories as well. Elijah comes out to play for a little bit in Blush and will make you want him just as much as you want Alex. I can't wait for Breathe, Elijah's story, which is currently set to release later this year.
Hotter than Fifty Shades and it's only one book. Yes, it's a series but the upcoming additions to the Il Vino Veritas series will center on the different owners of this off the Las Vegas Strip, BDSM club.
The first in the series centers on Alex Frasier, the exorbitantly wealthy owner of the El Diablo Casino and many other successful business ventures. One of those businesses is Il Vino Veritas, an ultra exclusive BDSM Club. Alex is a Dominant and has been a part of the BDSM lifestyle for much of his life. But like most well to do businessmen, Alex has secrets that go beyond his choice in sexual partners and what he likes to do in and out of his dungeon.
Madeline Stone also known as Maddy, is a waitress living on the outskirts of Vegas. She chose Paradise, NV to start her life over after the tragedy that befell her sister, Erin. Now, Maddy faces her demons everyday in the form of seeing a therapist who has encouraged her to create a bucket list of things that scare her but that she wants to try in her lifetime. One of those things is playing Blackjack in a Las Vegas Casino. So, Maddy takes a trip to El Diablo and orders herself a drink to work up the courage to approach the Blackjack tables. That's when she attracts the attention of the elusively handsome Alex Frasier.
Alex is instantly drawn to Maddy and her innocence. He wants her as his Sub but there's more to his attraction to her and it scares him that he's become so unhinged by just one meeting. But Maddy doesn't trust easily and won't reveal the most personal piece of her soul to Alex and it's the one thing he needs most to win her complete and utter submission and affection.
The romance and the fire between Alex and Maddy is scorching. The sex scenes are both intensely emotional and insanely erotic. Alex takes Maddy to places sexually that she would never have dreamed to put on her bucket list. Maddy finds herself drawn to the idea of Alex's BDSM world. Things that she ordinarily would have been scared to death of she finds make her extremely aroused and make her mouth water for Alex even more than just the site of his devastatingly handsome good looks.
You will need to read this book with a glass of water and may need a cold shower after reading each of the "scenes" that Maddy and Alex take part in together. The other two club owners, Elijah and Declan will be featured in upcoming releases and I am so looking forward to reading their stories as well. Elijah comes out to play for a little bit in Blush and will make you want him just as much as you want Alex. I can't wait for Breathe, Elijah's story, which is currently set to release later this year.
August 27, 2014
This was my first attempt with a book from the author Lauren Jameson and even if it was an audiobook, I totally felt in love with her creativity and style.
When I saw the cover I knew I needed to read/listen this story. I was drawn by the mystery surrounding the beautiful picture of Madeline Stone and I wasn’t disappointed by the storyline at all!
I really enjoy the kind of Prince Charming who comes to the rescue from Alex’s side, the eccentric and sexy millionaire with a kinky attitude and behaviour who came and save the beautiful and tormented little waitress. This is totally my kind of read and I enjoyed the fact that Alex was the owner of a Casino but also other kind of club!!!
Maddie didn’t had it easy the last past years. She holds into her heart a big secret that it eats her quietly. Even if she tries to go through with it, everything seems to go so slowly and when she meets Alex, everything turns upside down, to her benefits, of course!
Alex can have everyone he wants and everything that please him, but one glance at the beauty at the bar of his Casino and he’s down for her. I liked that Alex was the kind of man who takes thing in charge even if the other parts doesn’t seems happy about it. He knows what good for Maddie and he might be what she needs the most.
The only one thing I didn’t like in this story was that Madeline was so afraid of what she feels and so convinced that no one could really want and love her that at the end of this book, she got on my nerves. This kind of girl is quite annoying but also really present in any kind of romance story lately (or maybe always has), but Madeline should stand up a bit more for herself, from my point of view!
Audiobook:
I really enjoyed the narration by Sandra Lea. Even if there was not a lot of dialogues and characters, I liked her voice, which was quite shooting when it comes to take Madeline Stone’s voice. I thought it fit her quite well. Sandra Lea has a great range of voices and accents that can fit women but also men characters.
There’s one thing I didn’t really found quite right was the fact that this book doesn’t have a lot of dialogue. The interactions between the main characters weren’t enough for me.
The fact that the exchanges and dialogues aren’t quite few makes the narrator (which wasn’t her fault) read the book all the way. When listening however, this missing aspect is multiplied and we really feel that the characters rarely exchange between them. The author, Lauren Jameson, choose to rather describe emotional and interior dialogues, which for me is not an advantage from my point of view for an audiobook.
When I saw the cover I knew I needed to read/listen this story. I was drawn by the mystery surrounding the beautiful picture of Madeline Stone and I wasn’t disappointed by the storyline at all!
I really enjoy the kind of Prince Charming who comes to the rescue from Alex’s side, the eccentric and sexy millionaire with a kinky attitude and behaviour who came and save the beautiful and tormented little waitress. This is totally my kind of read and I enjoyed the fact that Alex was the owner of a Casino but also other kind of club!!!
Maddie didn’t had it easy the last past years. She holds into her heart a big secret that it eats her quietly. Even if she tries to go through with it, everything seems to go so slowly and when she meets Alex, everything turns upside down, to her benefits, of course!
Alex can have everyone he wants and everything that please him, but one glance at the beauty at the bar of his Casino and he’s down for her. I liked that Alex was the kind of man who takes thing in charge even if the other parts doesn’t seems happy about it. He knows what good for Maddie and he might be what she needs the most.
The only one thing I didn’t like in this story was that Madeline was so afraid of what she feels and so convinced that no one could really want and love her that at the end of this book, she got on my nerves. This kind of girl is quite annoying but also really present in any kind of romance story lately (or maybe always has), but Madeline should stand up a bit more for herself, from my point of view!
Audiobook:
I really enjoyed the narration by Sandra Lea. Even if there was not a lot of dialogues and characters, I liked her voice, which was quite shooting when it comes to take Madeline Stone’s voice. I thought it fit her quite well. Sandra Lea has a great range of voices and accents that can fit women but also men characters.
There’s one thing I didn’t really found quite right was the fact that this book doesn’t have a lot of dialogue. The interactions between the main characters weren’t enough for me.
The fact that the exchanges and dialogues aren’t quite few makes the narrator (which wasn’t her fault) read the book all the way. When listening however, this missing aspect is multiplied and we really feel that the characters rarely exchange between them. The author, Lauren Jameson, choose to rather describe emotional and interior dialogues, which for me is not an advantage from my point of view for an audiobook.
November 9, 2015
This and more reviews at The Book Bar.co
Rating: House/Well
We received this book a couple years ago, in exchange for an honest review. Blush has a beautiful cover and is extremely well edited. It's a short read, coming in under 300 pages, and I read it over the weekend. The introduction grabbed me and the sexual intensity between the characters was off the charts. Unfortunately, I needed more of a story. Blush has a great character introduction and background but then it shuffles the story to the back of the line and makes the sex scenes front and center. They are initially great scenes, so I can't complain there, but then they get more into Alex's BDSM desires and they contradict a lot of what the characters tell each other. They're monogamous, but they welcome others into the 'punishment'. She won't do public scenes, but she does it on her first visit to the club. I have read other BDSM books, dark ones such as The Dark Duet, but the punishment scene in Blush made me a little uncomfortable.
I wanted a bigger surprise with Maddy's story. Both Alex and Maddy have secrets that they don't share with the reader until about 50% of the way in. Maddy made me think there was something more horrible coming, but it was just what she revealed to the reader already. Maddy was also offended that Alex didn't tell her his secret right way, but if I was in his shoes, I wouldn't have either. Alex had a lot more to protect than Maddy did.
One last thing... and this is really only my own issue. I kept reading Maddy as Mayday. I have only seen Maddie with an "ie" so my crazy brain kept seeing Mayday, which made me think of Mayday Malone, which made me think of Sam Malone, which made me think of Baseball and I was lost.
Rating: House/Well
We received this book a couple years ago, in exchange for an honest review. Blush has a beautiful cover and is extremely well edited. It's a short read, coming in under 300 pages, and I read it over the weekend. The introduction grabbed me and the sexual intensity between the characters was off the charts. Unfortunately, I needed more of a story. Blush has a great character introduction and background but then it shuffles the story to the back of the line and makes the sex scenes front and center. They are initially great scenes, so I can't complain there, but then they get more into Alex's BDSM desires and they contradict a lot of what the characters tell each other. They're monogamous, but they welcome others into the 'punishment'. She won't do public scenes, but she does it on her first visit to the club. I have read other BDSM books, dark ones such as The Dark Duet, but the punishment scene in Blush made me a little uncomfortable.
I wanted a bigger surprise with Maddy's story. Both Alex and Maddy have secrets that they don't share with the reader until about 50% of the way in. Maddy made me think there was something more horrible coming, but it was just what she revealed to the reader already. Maddy was also offended that Alex didn't tell her his secret right way, but if I was in his shoes, I wouldn't have either. Alex had a lot more to protect than Maddy did.
One last thing... and this is really only my own issue. I kept reading Maddy as Mayday. I have only seen Maddie with an "ie" so my crazy brain kept seeing Mayday, which made me think of Mayday Malone, which made me think of Sam Malone, which made me think of Baseball and I was lost.
August 1, 2013
Blush by Lauren Jameson
Grade: C-
“Who the hell carries nipple clamps in their jeans?”
Alex Fraser is a man who knows what he wants and will do anything to get it and what he wants is Madeline Stone. Alex is a Dominant and he thinks Maddy is a natural Submissive who can fulfill both of their sexual needs. Since being burned in the past Alex has all of his subs sign a contract and he will do whatever it takes to get Maddy to sign his and into his bed under his control.
Maddy Stone has secrets, deep, dark secrets that have caused her to abandon her old life, family and friends. When Maddy meets casino owner Alex Fraser she is overwhelmed by him and the sexual chemistry between them. As Maddy gives up control to Alex she finds herself facing her past for the first time in years. As Maddy faces her demons she must learn to trust Alex and share her haunted past with him and hope that he doesn’t walk away.
I had a very hard time with Blush. I felt that from the very couple of chapters I knew what was going to happen and unfortunately I was right. I didn’t feel that Alex or Maddy should be as “broken” as they come to be. Maddy a lot more than Alex, whose problems aren’t bad especially since he’s a billionaire. I couldn’t connect with either of these two characters and even found myself distracted during some of the sex scenes.
Maddy was my biggest problem and I disliked her from the start. Like I said she has some issues and something horrible happened in her past but instead of living she lets her past consume her. I felt like she let Alex get away with way too much and that besides sex these two really didn’t know one another or try to know one another. I was also very confused as why Maddy’s boss was such big part of the beginning and then disappeared. Also just because the book is called Blush doesn’t mean you have to use the word a hundred times in a less than three hundred page book.
I am over billionaire doms, poor subs and contracts. Why does everyone have to sign a contract now giving over control???? Sadly I felt like I had read this book already and it just lacked some spark to make me care about the characters.
Grade: C-
“Who the hell carries nipple clamps in their jeans?”
Alex Fraser is a man who knows what he wants and will do anything to get it and what he wants is Madeline Stone. Alex is a Dominant and he thinks Maddy is a natural Submissive who can fulfill both of their sexual needs. Since being burned in the past Alex has all of his subs sign a contract and he will do whatever it takes to get Maddy to sign his and into his bed under his control.
Maddy Stone has secrets, deep, dark secrets that have caused her to abandon her old life, family and friends. When Maddy meets casino owner Alex Fraser she is overwhelmed by him and the sexual chemistry between them. As Maddy gives up control to Alex she finds herself facing her past for the first time in years. As Maddy faces her demons she must learn to trust Alex and share her haunted past with him and hope that he doesn’t walk away.
I had a very hard time with Blush. I felt that from the very couple of chapters I knew what was going to happen and unfortunately I was right. I didn’t feel that Alex or Maddy should be as “broken” as they come to be. Maddy a lot more than Alex, whose problems aren’t bad especially since he’s a billionaire. I couldn’t connect with either of these two characters and even found myself distracted during some of the sex scenes.
Maddy was my biggest problem and I disliked her from the start. Like I said she has some issues and something horrible happened in her past but instead of living she lets her past consume her. I felt like she let Alex get away with way too much and that besides sex these two really didn’t know one another or try to know one another. I was also very confused as why Maddy’s boss was such big part of the beginning and then disappeared. Also just because the book is called Blush doesn’t mean you have to use the word a hundred times in a less than three hundred page book.
I am over billionaire doms, poor subs and contracts. Why does everyone have to sign a contract now giving over control???? Sadly I felt like I had read this book already and it just lacked some spark to make me care about the characters.
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