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MacKay International #1
Uncovering Lily
A Kidnapped College Student While studying abroad, I was drugged, kidnapped, and imprisoned . . . in a Hong Kong brothel. After several failed attempts to escape, I know my time is running out. My innocence is about to be sold to the highest bidder. A Billionaire CEO My plan was to meet an investor at the upscale brothel, and immediately return to Boston. That was until I uncovered Lily. I recognized her instantly, but she had no memory of me. Now I only have one night to claim her and rescue her from her captors. Will one night be enough for him to win her trust, to rescue her?
170 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2018
1212 people are currently reading
3182 people want to read
About the author
Rene Webb
23 books688 followersRene Webb, a former Catholic schoolgirl and child of the ‘80’s, is a recovering soap opera addict who grew up watching General Hospital. She became weary with the relentless drama and sought out stories with happy endings that lasted. Now, Rene is an erotic romance author, where there is always a happily-ever-after!
Authors such as Jane Austen, Kristen Ashley, Cherise Sinclair, Sierra Cartwright, Donna Fletcher, and Laura Kaye have inspired her. They all create strong female characters, swoon-worthy men, and stories that leave their readers with the hope that you, too, will find your own H.E.A.!
Rene’s novels include UNCOVERING LILY a sexy romance with a dash of suspense, FINDING SUNSHINE a sweet and sexy contemporary romance, and A WHITE HOT CHRISTMAS a steamy holiday romance.
A graduate of The George Washington University in Washington DC, ’05, with a BA in History. Rene went on to get her Masters in Film Studies, ’09, from Chapman University, Orange, CA.
When Rene’s characters aren’t talking to her, she enjoys reading, seeing movies, going to museums, playing tabletop games and spending time with her friends and family.
Rene lives in Northern Virginia.
Authors such as Jane Austen, Kristen Ashley, Cherise Sinclair, Sierra Cartwright, Donna Fletcher, and Laura Kaye have inspired her. They all create strong female characters, swoon-worthy men, and stories that leave their readers with the hope that you, too, will find your own H.E.A.!
Rene’s novels include UNCOVERING LILY a sexy romance with a dash of suspense, FINDING SUNSHINE a sweet and sexy contemporary romance, and A WHITE HOT CHRISTMAS a steamy holiday romance.
A graduate of The George Washington University in Washington DC, ’05, with a BA in History. Rene went on to get her Masters in Film Studies, ’09, from Chapman University, Orange, CA.
When Rene’s characters aren’t talking to her, she enjoys reading, seeing movies, going to museums, playing tabletop games and spending time with her friends and family.
Rene lives in Northern Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
July 23, 2018
This book wasn't bad per se, I have certainly read worse. That said, the entire plot and execution were just bizarre to me. Like the hero knows who Lily is, that she has been kidnapped and is being held against her will and instead of telling her who he is and that he is planning on getting her out safely, or I don't know, trying to work together to come up with a plan. He decides that fingering her and having sex with her is a good way of earning her trust?? The hero was also flying off the handle over stupid shit like the heroine lying and saying she liked a milkshake that was horrid because there was no place for lies in their relationship. First, what relationship? She thinks he is a douche that bought her for the night. Second, he is keeping the fact he knows her and knows she is being held against her will a secret. A lie of omission is still a LIE.
Also, how many baths/showers does one couple need? They shower, then they take a bath, then they shower again, then they take another bath. All in the span of a couple of hours? Then they shower yet AGAIN in the morning! *lol* <--- maybe less sex and showering and more planning their escape would have gotten them out of there easier!
So yea, it was OK. I think it could have been better had the story been more fleshed out and maybe taken place over a more extended period. The characters needed more development. The plot required more development. That said, the sex scenes were fairly hot and plentiful. And even though I thought Finn was a little on the bipolar side, I did like his over the top alpha side. This ends on a cliffy, and I am not sure if I will bother with the next book or not. Part of me wants to see how this all ends...so I guess we will see.
January 6, 2024
Warning: This review contains discussion of explicit adult content.
TW// mentions of drugging, human sex trafficking, kidnapping, incest, violence, mentions of death (uncle, father), sexual assault, fatphobia
This book literally takes sex trafficking and tries to make it look sexy. It’s disgusting. I had thought that maybe Finn would rescue Lily before getting sexual with her, but he decides to get extremely sexual with her before he even reveals his plan to save her. Then she falls hopelessly in love with him (again before she even knows he’s going to save her). It’s horrific and I’m surprised that anyone would find this a topic worth writing about. Truthfully I downloaded this book on BookFunnel a while ago and that’s the only reason I read this. If I had known what this book would be about before I picked it up, I would’ve never touched the book with a six foot pole.
The way that viriginity is dealt with in this novel is terrible for two reasons. First of all, Finn is aggresively interested in knowing about Lily’s sexual history. Then he wants to verify that she’s a virgin, so he reaches in to see if she’s in tact. It’s super uncomfortable to read about and this whole plotline where Finn is eager to be with a sexually innocent and naive partner is gross. He wants to be this dominant guy over her to the point of wanting to violate her body just to check that she’s a virgin. It’s giving toxic masculinity and red flags. Also, there’s a line where he justifies checking that she’s in tact by saying “I had to be sure they hadn’t harmed her; had to see with my own eyes there wasn’t any lasting damage.” Repeat it with me: You are not damaged if you are not a virgin no matter how or when you lost your virginity. My other issue with the virginity plotline is that Lily isn’t technically a virgin. She’s done oral before, so she’s lost her virginity. If oral doesn’t count, then technically a lot of queer people will remain virgins for the rest of their lives. I always find it odd that some straight people deem that only one way is truly sex when that’s not exactly the case.
There’s an unsettling dynamic in this book that I hate that involves one partner being older and the other being younger. This is reinforced throughout the story by Lily being compared to Finn’s younger sister and Lily only calling Finn ‘sir.’ The dynamic of one person playing as old and the other playing as a super young person is not for me.
I’ve seen other people point this out in their reviews, but Finn has this annoying trait of making rules then not following his own rules. He says that they need to be honest with each other in their relationship, so he gets angry at Lily for lying over silly things. Meanwhile he’s hiding his true identity from Lily, which is an extremely huge deal since they knew each other before he started getting sexual with her. He tries to claim that he isn’t lying, but lies of omission are still lies. Speaking of standards he puts on Lily but doesn’t keep for himself: he forces Lily to taste herself then refuses later to taste himself because he thinks it’s gross. What in the double standards is this man. Red flag after red flag after red flag for Finn.
There are a ton of bath and showers taken in this book. It’s excessive. This book is only 188 pages long and it takes place over one night yet they do not stop freaking bathing. They take a shower then they take a bath then they take a shower and on and on it goes. How did they not have raisin fingers by the end of the night??
This book has a couple fatphobic moments that rub me the wrong way. It’s not cool to bash on people’s weight. There’s also this odd thing that borders on homophobia that isn’t quite homophobia that this author chose to include. Lily thinks Finn may be gay then she makes a big deal later out of realizing that he isn’t gay. Straight romance authors need to stop with anything along these lines because it borders on homophobic.
Harry Potter is mentioned in Uncovering Lily and I literally burst out laughing because it’s not just a cute reference… Lily tries to insist she’s not sexually naive or clueless because she’s read Harry Potter fanfiction. I have no words.
One last note: the acknowledgements calls the male lead ‘Xavier’ instead of Finn, but I have no freaking clue who Xavier is. I went to check the summaries of the sequels to see if I missed something, but those summaries refer to him as Finn… Did I skip over a chapter of the book or something? Who the heck is Xavier?
This book was two hours of my life that I’ll never get back and I wouldn’t wish this read upon my worst enemy.
TW// mentions of drugging, human sex trafficking, kidnapping, incest, violence, mentions of death (uncle, father), sexual assault, fatphobia
This book literally takes sex trafficking and tries to make it look sexy. It’s disgusting. I had thought that maybe Finn would rescue Lily before getting sexual with her, but he decides to get extremely sexual with her before he even reveals his plan to save her. Then she falls hopelessly in love with him (again before she even knows he’s going to save her). It’s horrific and I’m surprised that anyone would find this a topic worth writing about. Truthfully I downloaded this book on BookFunnel a while ago and that’s the only reason I read this. If I had known what this book would be about before I picked it up, I would’ve never touched the book with a six foot pole.
The way that viriginity is dealt with in this novel is terrible for two reasons. First of all, Finn is aggresively interested in knowing about Lily’s sexual history. Then he wants to verify that she’s a virgin, so he reaches in to see if she’s in tact. It’s super uncomfortable to read about and this whole plotline where Finn is eager to be with a sexually innocent and naive partner is gross. He wants to be this dominant guy over her to the point of wanting to violate her body just to check that she’s a virgin. It’s giving toxic masculinity and red flags. Also, there’s a line where he justifies checking that she’s in tact by saying “I had to be sure they hadn’t harmed her; had to see with my own eyes there wasn’t any lasting damage.” Repeat it with me: You are not damaged if you are not a virgin no matter how or when you lost your virginity. My other issue with the virginity plotline is that Lily isn’t technically a virgin. She’s done oral before, so she’s lost her virginity. If oral doesn’t count, then technically a lot of queer people will remain virgins for the rest of their lives. I always find it odd that some straight people deem that only one way is truly sex when that’s not exactly the case.
There’s an unsettling dynamic in this book that I hate that involves one partner being older and the other being younger. This is reinforced throughout the story by Lily being compared to Finn’s younger sister and Lily only calling Finn ‘sir.’ The dynamic of one person playing as old and the other playing as a super young person is not for me.
I’ve seen other people point this out in their reviews, but Finn has this annoying trait of making rules then not following his own rules. He says that they need to be honest with each other in their relationship, so he gets angry at Lily for lying over silly things. Meanwhile he’s hiding his true identity from Lily, which is an extremely huge deal since they knew each other before he started getting sexual with her. He tries to claim that he isn’t lying, but lies of omission are still lies. Speaking of standards he puts on Lily but doesn’t keep for himself: he forces Lily to taste herself then refuses later to taste himself because he thinks it’s gross. What in the double standards is this man. Red flag after red flag after red flag for Finn.
There are a ton of bath and showers taken in this book. It’s excessive. This book is only 188 pages long and it takes place over one night yet they do not stop freaking bathing. They take a shower then they take a bath then they take a shower and on and on it goes. How did they not have raisin fingers by the end of the night??
This book has a couple fatphobic moments that rub me the wrong way. It’s not cool to bash on people’s weight. There’s also this odd thing that borders on homophobia that isn’t quite homophobia that this author chose to include. Lily thinks Finn may be gay then she makes a big deal later out of realizing that he isn’t gay. Straight romance authors need to stop with anything along these lines because it borders on homophobic.
Harry Potter is mentioned in Uncovering Lily and I literally burst out laughing because it’s not just a cute reference… Lily tries to insist she’s not sexually naive or clueless because she’s read Harry Potter fanfiction. I have no words.
One last note: the acknowledgements calls the male lead ‘Xavier’ instead of Finn, but I have no freaking clue who Xavier is. I went to check the summaries of the sequels to see if I missed something, but those summaries refer to him as Finn… Did I skip over a chapter of the book or something? Who the heck is Xavier?
This book was two hours of my life that I’ll never get back and I wouldn’t wish this read upon my worst enemy.
September 7, 2021
DNF @ 20% because human trafficking isn't sexy and neither is bad grammar. Nor, for that matter is slut shaming or racism.*
*Apparently it's only offensive to molest American women. The male protagonist couldn't care less about the local "tarts".
*Apparently it's only offensive to molest American women. The male protagonist couldn't care less about the local "tarts".
January 6, 2021
I was not expecting that cliffhanger. Diving into the next book now.
Review to follow
Review to follow
April 3, 2022
Trigger ⚠️
The entire book is one massive Dub-Con/SA trigger. That's fine if you're interested in that but I would have preferred a tag in the synopsis or a note of content warnings to look up on the author's site.
The entire book is one massive Dub-Con/SA trigger. That's fine if you're interested in that but I would have preferred a tag in the synopsis or a note of content warnings to look up on the author's site.
January 4, 2024
bizarre “stuff your kindle day” find. It’s obvious why it was free.
February 14, 2022
I received Uncovering Lily (MacKay International Book 1) through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Rene Webb has some serious writing skills, I was honestly impressed by the level of talent displayed in Uncovering Lily. When I saw the concept behind Uncovering Lily I was interested, but I hadn't noticed it was an erotic romance. It's certainly a genre I avoid, but my dislike for Uncovering Lily does not stem from it belonging to that genre. I could see many people enjoying Uncovering Lily, but it just isn't the book for me.
Rene Webb has some serious writing skills, I was honestly impressed by the level of talent displayed in Uncovering Lily. When I saw the concept behind Uncovering Lily I was interested, but I hadn't noticed it was an erotic romance. It's certainly a genre I avoid, but my dislike for Uncovering Lily does not stem from it belonging to that genre. I could see many people enjoying Uncovering Lily, but it just isn't the book for me.
Want to read
September 11, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/11/2020)! 🎁
May 14, 2018
3,5* for me.
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
It's actually good written and full of steming hot scenes although way too much for my liking. Hot scenes are great but at some point you've got enough. And while reading Lily and Finns story I reached that point.
The blurb immediately awoke an interest in me and I was truly eager to get it my hands. In my opinion the story needs to move forwards earlier than at the end of the book.
And when you finally get to more interesting and moving part.. boom...stay tuned for exciting second novel in the series.
So that I was disappointed at some point is an understatement.
I would also wish more for getting more information about Lily after her kidnapping, about her fears, her feelings. Did she get to talk to someone? How were the kidnappers treating her?
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
It's actually good written and full of steming hot scenes although way too much for my liking. Hot scenes are great but at some point you've got enough. And while reading Lily and Finns story I reached that point.
The blurb immediately awoke an interest in me and I was truly eager to get it my hands. In my opinion the story needs to move forwards earlier than at the end of the book.
And when you finally get to more interesting and moving part.. boom...stay tuned for exciting second novel in the series.
So that I was disappointed at some point is an understatement.
I would also wish more for getting more information about Lily after her kidnapping, about her fears, her feelings. Did she get to talk to someone? How were the kidnappers treating her?
November 6, 2022
This was a fast pace drama Suspense.
The 1st book is about Finn being sent over to Hong Kong by his best friend to do a deal.
By chance he is taken to a brothel to do the deal. Not his cup of tea but business is business.
He suddenly recognises one of the females but doesn't let on as he is so confused by it.
It is his best friends cousin!!
He then orders her services but there is a lot of complications as there is someone behind all this and how she has ended up here.
They end up having a Steamy night together because their attraction is instant and on fire.
It was Lily and she didn't recognise Finn as she saw him years ago.
His plan was to keep her safe all night and try and escape next day.
There was a lot of action and drama in their escape and they also get a name of the person that ordered the kidnap.
Ends on that cliffhanger
The 1st book is about Finn being sent over to Hong Kong by his best friend to do a deal.
By chance he is taken to a brothel to do the deal. Not his cup of tea but business is business.
He suddenly recognises one of the females but doesn't let on as he is so confused by it.
It is his best friends cousin!!
He then orders her services but there is a lot of complications as there is someone behind all this and how she has ended up here.
They end up having a Steamy night together because their attraction is instant and on fire.
It was Lily and she didn't recognise Finn as she saw him years ago.
His plan was to keep her safe all night and try and escape next day.
There was a lot of action and drama in their escape and they also get a name of the person that ordered the kidnap.
Ends on that cliffhanger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 11, 2022Not sure how to rate this, so I won’t.
From the premise, it sounded like a great read, but as I started reading it, I was a little taken aback. It became clear this wasn’t romantic suspense as much as a dark drama, dub-con bordering on SA, maybe even erotic ‘romance’, and I use the term romance lightly. I didn’t feel there was any romance - hence the dub-con.
However, I did finish reading it in one short session, so there’s that, but I didn’t like the cliff hanger ending. I despise those with a passion.
But the writing was good.
Sigh. So there in lies the problem.
From the premise, it sounded like a great read, but as I started reading it, I was a little taken aback. It became clear this wasn’t romantic suspense as much as a dark drama, dub-con bordering on SA, maybe even erotic ‘romance’, and I use the term romance lightly. I didn’t feel there was any romance - hence the dub-con.
However, I did finish reading it in one short session, so there’s that, but I didn’t like the cliff hanger ending. I despise those with a passion.
But the writing was good.
Sigh. So there in lies the problem.
August 20, 2019
A twist from the usual romantic read. Lily has been kidnapped and held against her will in a Hong Kong brothel. While trying to survive she encounters a customer that she finds herself unwittingly drawn to. Finn is meeting with a client to secure a big business deal, at a Hong Kong brothel, the last thing he expects to see is his best friend's cousin. Realizing things are not as they seem Finn decides to purchase a night with Lily. These two are attracted to each other and Finn finds himself wanting to "keep" Lily but also save her from the brothel. I liked both characters and the plot but found the book read too fast paced for me to completely grasp the connection between Finn & Lily. I wanted a bit more of why Lily felt save with Finn and why her wanted to save her so badly. Be prepared this book does ends in a cliffhanger. The story kept me interested and I want to finish so I will be picking up Claiming Lily book 2 soon.
Merged review:
A twist from the usual romantic read. Lily has been kidnapped and held against her will in a Hong Kong brothel. While trying to survive she encounters a customer that she finds herself unwittingly drawn to. Finn is meeting with a client to secure a big business deal, at a Hong Kong brothel, the last thing he expects to see is his best friend's cousin. Realizing things are not as they seem Finn decides to purchase a night with Lily. These two are attracted to each other and Finn finds himself wanting to "keep" Lily but also save her from the brothel. I liked both characters and the plot but found the book read too fast paced for me to completely grasp the connection between Finn & Lily. I wanted a bit more of why Lily felt save with Finn and why her wanted to save her so badly. Be prepared this book does ends in a cliffhanger. The story kept me interested and I want to finish so I will be picking up Claiming Lily book 2 soon.
Merged review:
A twist from the usual romantic read. Lily has been kidnapped and held against her will in a Hong Kong brothel. While trying to survive she encounters a customer that she finds herself unwittingly drawn to. Finn is meeting with a client to secure a big business deal, at a Hong Kong brothel, the last thing he expects to see is his best friend's cousin. Realizing things are not as they seem Finn decides to purchase a night with Lily. These two are attracted to each other and Finn finds himself wanting to "keep" Lily but also save her from the brothel. I liked both characters and the plot but found the book read too fast paced for me to completely grasp the connection between Finn & Lily. I wanted a bit more of why Lily felt save with Finn and why her wanted to save her so badly. Be prepared this book does ends in a cliffhanger. The story kept me interested and I want to finish so I will be picking up Claiming Lily book 2 soon.
March 24, 2021
Really sexy with a dash of suspense.
This is my first book by this author and definitely not the last one.
Uncovering Lily is the first book in this trilogy, so it's not a standalone.
After being kidnapped and taken to a whole other country whose language she doesn't know, Lily is scared (rightfully so) and have no idea what's going on.
So when a mystery man, the first person to treat her a like a human being in so many days, decides to claim her as his own, despite her wariness and fear, their lust and connection speak louder, as much as her sense of safety with him, and she ends up saying yes to his proposals.
Finn is shocked to realize her situation and takes it upon himself to save Lily from her nightmare. And if he can add pleasure to that, he's eager to do it so.
Even though he's willing to do everything to protect her, I think some of his actions were truly quesitonable (I'm trying not to give any spoilers, so I won't say more about it).
But in general, the writing was really good, the plot was captivating and Lily and Finn were so sexy. Oh, so sexy.
I can't wait to figure out more about them and to finally understand what's happening.
This is my first book by this author and definitely not the last one.
Uncovering Lily is the first book in this trilogy, so it's not a standalone.
After being kidnapped and taken to a whole other country whose language she doesn't know, Lily is scared (rightfully so) and have no idea what's going on.
So when a mystery man, the first person to treat her a like a human being in so many days, decides to claim her as his own, despite her wariness and fear, their lust and connection speak louder, as much as her sense of safety with him, and she ends up saying yes to his proposals.
Finn is shocked to realize her situation and takes it upon himself to save Lily from her nightmare. And if he can add pleasure to that, he's eager to do it so.
Even though he's willing to do everything to protect her, I think some of his actions were truly quesitonable (I'm trying not to give any spoilers, so I won't say more about it).
But in general, the writing was really good, the plot was captivating and Lily and Finn were so sexy. Oh, so sexy.
I can't wait to figure out more about them and to finally understand what's happening.
June 7, 2018
Uncovering Lily by Rene Webb is a steamy Erotic Suspense Romance. MacKay International #1. Meet, Xavier Finch, Businessman and L Lily MacKay, a virgin who has been drugged, kidnapped in Paris and imprisoned in a Hong Kong brothel, where Xavier recognizes her.
Very steamy passion with danger, mystery, suspense, plenty of romance and more. The characters are charming, engaging and realistic. The storyline is unpredictable and intriguing. Kept me captivated from the first few pages to the last. Ms. Webb did an excellent job of convening the slave trade/traffic to her readers. Was not just an erotic romance, to me. Rene Webb is a new author to me. While, Erotic Romance is not my favorite genre, UNCOVERING LILY was interesting, and an enjoyable read. I would recommend reading this book for fans of Erotic Romance, and steamy romance.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: hot
Reviewer: AprilR
Very steamy passion with danger, mystery, suspense, plenty of romance and more. The characters are charming, engaging and realistic. The storyline is unpredictable and intriguing. Kept me captivated from the first few pages to the last. Ms. Webb did an excellent job of convening the slave trade/traffic to her readers. Was not just an erotic romance, to me. Rene Webb is a new author to me. While, Erotic Romance is not my favorite genre, UNCOVERING LILY was interesting, and an enjoyable read. I would recommend reading this book for fans of Erotic Romance, and steamy romance.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: hot
Reviewer: AprilR
September 4, 2023
I don’t know what I just read.
Just… I don’t know. I’m baffled.
There are so many inconsistencies within the story and while the premise is good, the execution is not. The MMC decides to hide his identity and fuck the FMC as a way of gaining her trust? What? How is this real? How can he think that hiding his name and being rough with her (yes, I did see that painful hair tugging and anger and demanding things as well as the not stopping when she asked) is good and a way to her heart. Also he seems to view her as an object to own and not as something to cherish, which is baffling because at the same time he has this idea that he’ll worship her. Decide your route.
Also we have to mention the barrier. The fucking barrier, why the fuck was that there. Like seriously?? That makes no fucking sense. Also why would check in that confirm anything? Pfft.
I’m not continuing with the series. I’m done.
Just… I don’t know. I’m baffled.
There are so many inconsistencies within the story and while the premise is good, the execution is not. The MMC decides to hide his identity and fuck the FMC as a way of gaining her trust? What? How is this real? How can he think that hiding his name and being rough with her (yes, I did see that painful hair tugging and anger and demanding things as well as the not stopping when she asked) is good and a way to her heart. Also he seems to view her as an object to own and not as something to cherish, which is baffling because at the same time he has this idea that he’ll worship her. Decide your route.
Also we have to mention the barrier. The fucking barrier, why the fuck was that there. Like seriously?? That makes no fucking sense. Also why would check in that confirm anything? Pfft.
I’m not continuing with the series. I’m done.
September 14, 2023
So this book sounded intriguing but it was just a bit bizarre. It's book 1 of the story.
Lily is kidnapped and ends up in a Hong Kong brothel. When Finn ends up there as part of some business meetings he recognises her.
So the suspense is how and why she was kidnapped, and we get some information about this towards the end, it's part of the cliffhanger.
The writing was good, the story behind Lily's kidnapping was interesting but 90% of this book is erotica.
Finn wants to get Lily to trust him, but instead of telling her who he actually is and that he can help rescue her, he decides the best way is to seduce her, it was just bizarre, she spent the whole book not knowing who he was, and it was never explained why he held that back. His seduction feels mostly dub-con, and sometimes felt almost SA, and this comes back to her thinking he was a brothel client.
I want to know about the why and how of her kidnapping but I really don't want another 90% erotica to find out.
Lily is kidnapped and ends up in a Hong Kong brothel. When Finn ends up there as part of some business meetings he recognises her.
So the suspense is how and why she was kidnapped, and we get some information about this towards the end, it's part of the cliffhanger.
The writing was good, the story behind Lily's kidnapping was interesting but 90% of this book is erotica.
Finn wants to get Lily to trust him, but instead of telling her who he actually is and that he can help rescue her, he decides the best way is to seduce her, it was just bizarre, she spent the whole book not knowing who he was, and it was never explained why he held that back. His seduction feels mostly dub-con, and sometimes felt almost SA, and this comes back to her thinking he was a brothel client.
I want to know about the why and how of her kidnapping but I really don't want another 90% erotica to find out.
December 14, 2020
Steaming hot and sensual not exaggerated
First of all live free books, great business idea to get you to buy the rest of the series. Thank you Rene for a well written story, yes there was the occasional mistake but it didn't discouraged to stop reading. Love the mystery at the beginning and how Finch wanted her but didn't give it away. I have over 200 books I haven't read yet. Some free and some that got my interest just by the title. Started going to through my list if unread books and my finger accidentally open the book and I continued reading it. It's the first book I read from Rene, love your way of writing. The sex scenes were hot steam and not exaggerated. Loved the tenderness, caring, patiences, and thoughtfulness. I'm a total romantic at heart with a little dash of naughtiness. 😉🤭
First of all live free books, great business idea to get you to buy the rest of the series. Thank you Rene for a well written story, yes there was the occasional mistake but it didn't discouraged to stop reading. Love the mystery at the beginning and how Finch wanted her but didn't give it away. I have over 200 books I haven't read yet. Some free and some that got my interest just by the title. Started going to through my list if unread books and my finger accidentally open the book and I continued reading it. It's the first book I read from Rene, love your way of writing. The sex scenes were hot steam and not exaggerated. Loved the tenderness, caring, patiences, and thoughtfulness. I'm a total romantic at heart with a little dash of naughtiness. 😉🤭
May 30, 2018
First let me just say, WTF did I just read?!?!?! Holy mind blow and I need more like STAT! This book was just brilliant in the concept and how it all played out! The sizzle of the passion between Lily and Xavier/Finn was epic. How they just meshed. The whole finding her in a brothel is an interesting take but something that could and can be very real in today’s society. I think that is what I really enjoyed about this book. The fact that this something so real and can happen to anyone. I love how Finn is so protective of Lily right off the bat. And he demands no less to keep her. But what a rush as that ending happened! My jaw hit the floor and I was begging for more! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
June 6, 2018
Her Dark, Living Nightmare
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Wow I read this fantastic, superb read in one sitting. I have never read this inimitable Author before, but I was gripped from the very first page, and will certainly be reading many more of her amazing books. This is the first book of the series. “Claiming Lily” will be the next. But hey I can’t wait to read it, this is for sure a highly recommended must read! Lily was drugged and kidnapped in Paris and taken to Hong Kong. Why was she taken? Who was the man who is wonderfully tender one minute, yet demanding, and gruff the next? How does the man know her? Can he save her? His power over her is all she needs! But can she trust him?
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Wow I read this fantastic, superb read in one sitting. I have never read this inimitable Author before, but I was gripped from the very first page, and will certainly be reading many more of her amazing books. This is the first book of the series. “Claiming Lily” will be the next. But hey I can’t wait to read it, this is for sure a highly recommended must read! Lily was drugged and kidnapped in Paris and taken to Hong Kong. Why was she taken? Who was the man who is wonderfully tender one minute, yet demanding, and gruff the next? How does the man know her? Can he save her? His power over her is all she needs! But can she trust him?
August 30, 2019
Lily is on a trip with her friends and is taken. Lily is scared and tries to escape but is caught. She isn’t giving up yet but she has to take her time for the perfect moment. When she’s made to serve the men and be groped. She catches the eye of a man that has to do a double take and recognizes her and can’t believe she’s there or why she is there. He watches her and follows her around the area. Then she is told to go to a room. Finn buys her but needs to keep his name hidden till it’s time to come clean. She only knows him as Sir. Finn gets her trust and takes a hold of her fear until the time to come clean. It’s a great book and I can’t wait for the next one.
December 2, 2020
I originally received this story as part of a free giveaway about a year before I am writing this review. At the time, I was new to reading online and was downloading free books left and right (broke as a joke lol).
I was really getting into the story when I got to the end and I wanted to get to the next part of the story. I think that is a testament to a good serial series if you do not mind when you have to wait and read the next part. This story is hot and intriguing. You want to find out what happens next. Great storytelling.
This is an honest review of an ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was really getting into the story when I got to the end and I wanted to get to the next part of the story. I think that is a testament to a good serial series if you do not mind when you have to wait and read the next part. This story is hot and intriguing. You want to find out what happens next. Great storytelling.
This is an honest review of an ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2019
I've never read this author, and I don't really read the blurbs. This isn't my usual genre. It's an awful lot of sex, and bathing, in a little amount of time, but by the end of the book, it does seem to find its legs, but then it's to be continued. I'm a huge fan of character development, but this book jumps right in the middle of the action. A big pet peeve of mine is the over-use of terms of endearment..in this case 'Princess' and 'Sir'.
So, I'm sticking with the 3 star, until I finish the series, if and when it all makes sense, I'll edit as needed.
So, I'm sticking with the 3 star, until I finish the series, if and when it all makes sense, I'll edit as needed.
November 1, 2019
A real page turner
Renee Webb is a great author. This book is a great read.
Lily, a university student kidnapped and taken to Hong Kong working in a brothel, Finn a business man finds Lily on a business trip and automatically recognizes her. He knows she’s being held there against her will, makes a play to rescue her. He “buys” her for night, and treats her like a princess. Refusing to return her to runners of the brothel, he shows her a night of passion. The next morning when the headman comes to collect Lily, they make a run for it. Can’t wait to read book 2.
Renee Webb is a great author. This book is a great read.
Lily, a university student kidnapped and taken to Hong Kong working in a brothel, Finn a business man finds Lily on a business trip and automatically recognizes her. He knows she’s being held there against her will, makes a play to rescue her. He “buys” her for night, and treats her like a princess. Refusing to return her to runners of the brothel, he shows her a night of passion. The next morning when the headman comes to collect Lily, they make a run for it. Can’t wait to read book 2.
December 7, 2019
This is hot, intriguing and dramatic. While studying abroad, Lily is taken and brought to a brothel, she doesn't know why or by who. She attempts escape, but doesn't manage to succeed. Finn is on a business trip when he goes to a brothel and recognizes Lily, but she doesn't remember him. He's determined to do whatever he has to to gain her trust and get her out. The people he's up against are ruthless and bold, but Finn uses his wits to outsmart them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
January 16, 2020
The cover and the blurb for this book were very enticing. Lily McKay has been abducted in Paris and taken to a brothel in Hong Kong, beaten and afraid. While she is serving the clientele, Xavier Finch, best friend of her cousin, comes in on business and recognizes her by her family resemblance, even though they have never met. Finn hires her for the evening, and sex ensues. LOTS of sex. However, oddly, he never tells her who he is. The next morning he gets her out of the brothel -- and then, cliffhanger. To be continued..... in the next book.
February 18, 2020
This is a quick read and I found I needed more. you are immediately thrown into the story and at the time I felt I missed something. But you are caught up later in the book, so keep reading I promise it's worth it. Finn is very dominate in his protection of Lily, once he finds her in a brothel where she was kidnapped to. there's a lot of steamy scenes in this book, I'd say it's more steam the story sometimes so if you are looking for that this is your book. This was my first book by the author and I was quite pleased with her writing, can't wait to read more by her.
September 25, 2018
I thought this book was very interesting . Loved all of the sex scenes kinda felt too good to be true tho lol I loved how Xavier decided he was gonna rescue Lily and after a lot of sex and showers he was able to get her out of that house. I want to know what happens in the next story since we were left wondering if they had any repercussions for escaping and if they catch the person who orchestrated the kidnaping.
August 20, 2019
A Great Read
This was a nice little read. Hot, Dominant, consensual, sexy scenes are included. Lily has been kidnapped from her vacation in Paris and wakes up in a brothel in Hong Kong. Businessman, Finn, finds himself doing business in a brothel in Hong Kong and recognizes Lily as a best friend’s cousin and the daughter of a deceased mentor. He is shocked and determined to get her out and make whoever did this suffer. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
This was a nice little read. Hot, Dominant, consensual, sexy scenes are included. Lily has been kidnapped from her vacation in Paris and wakes up in a brothel in Hong Kong. Businessman, Finn, finds himself doing business in a brothel in Hong Kong and recognizes Lily as a best friend’s cousin and the daughter of a deceased mentor. He is shocked and determined to get her out and make whoever did this suffer. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
August 21, 2019
I initially wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. The author is new to me and having never read anything by them before I was unsure overall I think the story was okay probably could have done with a bit of in intro maybe from before she was taken. But other than that it flowed well and was written well I found a couple of odd sentences but it didn’t take away from the story
April 11, 2020
Exciting, steamy plot about Lily who has been kidnapped and sent to a Hong Kong brothel. Businessman Finn meets up with a prospective client at the brothel and recognizes her as she is his business partner’s cousin, whom he met before. Curious as to what has happened to her, he buys her for the night. This is a hot, steamy read with a lot of questions and a cliffhanger. On to the next book - I’m captivated!
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