His voice is hoarse. “I am going to make love to you now.” He says, “So if you want me to stop, tell me.”
I shake my head frantically. If he stops at this point, I’ll probably die.
Sophie Bennett has virtually no experience with men. Orphaned from birth, she's gone from living with her reclusive spinster aunt, to a sheltered education in boarding school. So nothing prepares her for David Preston. The intensely attractive business-man is entirely out of her league. Can she handle such a dangerous man, or is she in over her head?
Serena Grey is a bestselling contemporary romance author. She is in love with love and is a proud and unrepentant incurable romantic who swoons over sexy billionaires and delicious book-boyfriends. She loves music and movies and believes that books are sacred. When she's not writing, you'll likely find her reading, or indulging her addiction to coffee, ice-cream, and wine.
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It was an ok read, but somehow it just didn't wow me. Nothing earth shattering here, nor anything I found memorable enough to make me want to re-read it. Nevertheless, after I read the teaser for the next installment, oh my goodness, it totally piqued my curiosity! So, on to the next one!
“You’re beautiful,” He says, before pulling me closer as he turns to his side. “You’re so damn beautiful.”
Well, this is very short but incredibly sexy. It feels almost like a prologue – like we’re being set up for events and I got a strong feeling that everything is not as it seems.
Sophie Bennett is our heroine, orphaned and brought up by a straight-laced aunt who has convinced her she is good for nothing and bound to end up like her mother – pregnant and alone. She has absolutely zero confidence in herself and expects nothing from life. She’s young, only eighteen, very unworldly, incredibly naive and has a wide-eyed innocence that’s really very sweet.
She’s working in a gift shop when David Preston walks into her life and quite literally dazzles her. He’s almost ten years older than her, tall, dark, handsome, enigmatic and is drawn to her. She’s mesmerised by his presence and agrees to go out on a date with him.
I don’t want to spoil the plot but things move quickly. Very quickly. This is very sensual, very sexy and I really don’t feel like we’ve got to know David Preston, mysterious man that he is, very well at all yet. I have some theories about why he does what he does – is he trying to get revenge on someone who has rejected him? Does he have to do what he does to meet some criteria in a will or a legal contract. Whatever is going on, I feel sure that he has ulterior motives and our poor, clueless heroine, Sophie, is about to get caught in his web of intrigue.
Of course, I’m just guessing. I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen in the next book but my interest has been piqued enough that I’ll be looking out for its release. There is a little teaser at the end for book two, Rebellion, but it’s not enough. I want more!!
'Awakening' was a very fast-paced, quick read. In 87 pages, this first in a series of short serials takes the reader from a brief encounter between two strangers, all the way to marriage. The story progressed at a whirlwind pace and left me wondering what was motivating David's actions. A first date and a one-night stand would have been a lot of ground to cover in so few pages. A first date all the way up to a marriage, makes me wonder what the hell David and Sophie are smoking! Sophie doesn't even know what this guy does for a living!
The incredibly rapid progression of events also meant that very little time was spent on character development. As a result, I don't have any strong feelings for either Sophie or David. At most, I feel a little sad for Sophie. She was really dealt a bad hand in life. She's all alone in the world and is incredibly naive. No doubt, this is due to her sheltered upbringing by a frigid and cruel aunt.
David is a total mystery. He's rich, handsome, and could be a serial killer for all we're told. Being that he isn't naive like sweet little Sophie is, I'm left questioning what his motives and intentions are.
Some more time on character development would have greatly benefitted this story and possibly taken it from "okay" to "good". However, Ms. Grey has made me curious to see where this is heading, so I will continue on with the second in this series. Hopefully, much more will come to light and I'll get a better feel for who David and Sophie really are. Right now, they still feel like strangers and curiosity is the only thing keeping me reading.
Received an ARC from the author for an honest review 3.5 Stars
18 year old Sophie has recently started working in a local gift shop, after the passing of the Aunt who raised her. Within the first few lines you realise that Sophie has not had an easy upbringing. While thinking about her future she meets David. They are immediately attracted to each other, David asks Sophie to go out to dinner with him and she accepts. Saying anything else will ruin the entire story, so forgive me.
Okay so this was a very short read, but it's very promising. I would have loved more character development, although I did feel a connection with Sophie. The brash decision made at the end had me a bit confused so I'm wondering about the reason behind it. Hopefully this will be explained in the next book. Nevertheless I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read!
First I would like to thank Serena for sending me the ARC for this book. I really enjoyed reading this story. Sophie has had a hard time in her life. While working in her friends shop a mysterious man comes in. Sophie is dumb struck at the sight of this handsome man. When Sophie is asked out to dinner by this strange man, she accepts. During their ride to the restaurant she asks his name, and he tells her it is David Preston. From there the story takes on a sexy, erotic ride, that I'm not sure Sophie should be on. There is something more to David then he is letting on. I really look forward to reading the next installment of the story. I believe Sophie will be in for the ride of her life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well, first of all I would like to say that this all happened WAY too fast for my liking! Serena!!! Why, oh why would you leave me with the sensual thoughts of David Preston all to have him ripped from my kindle so quickly!!! (Trust me guys, the extra exclamation points are completely necessary)
I was messaged by Serena and asked if I would like an ARC of "Awakening" I am so grateful I agreed. This book, like I said happened way too fast for me. I mean I read it within an hour. I would love nothing more than to explore the world that is "The dangerous" Mr. David Preston. I don't really want to spoil this book. Erotic as it was, and I just cannot say this enough...it happened too, too fast! No one wants the story that lingers on and on and drives you to the point you want to bulge your eyes out because the author just doesn't get to the point. But I honestly would have loved to see the story Sophie and David linger on a bit more before it just reached it's point of "Oh my God, NO WAY!!".
Sophie is your typical "good girl" who thinks she's not pretty and has no idea what she is getting herself into once she locks eyes with David. Her story is a bit sad, but she wants a little more even if she won't go for big dreams. David gets her out of her panties rather quickly, Oops! I mean her funk, her funk! Though, even she thinks...it's too good to be true.
I do believe though, that since it happened so fast...only turmoil and despair can come from the next book! Which I am anticipating anxiously now.(clears throat) Hope you get the hint Serena! Ha. But seriously, I need more Sophie and David. I want to experience him break her and put her back together...even if I have the slightest doubt in my mind, that I don't think he'll be capable of restoring those pieces...
I don't know why I forgot to update this on GR. I think because it's so short that I forget about reading this once I go online lol.
Yes, it does feature your typical naive and innocent girl who falls for this mysterious tall, dark, and handsome man in a suit... but I really really liked it. There was something so fairy tale-ish about it but in a very dark and not-so-fluffy way.
Truth be told, this was one intriguing novella in spite of its short length. It left me with tons of questions and hey, that's a feat considering there are full-length books that don't do anything to pique my curiosity. Definitely worth a try for those looking for interesting short reads ;)
Okay, so this is one of those really short fast paced novels. Make sure you buckle up for the ride. Its only about 36 pages so there isn't much of a background, just a quick short story. By the end, you will be asking yourself, "what in the hell is going on" but, you'll still be desperate to know. Sophie is 18, sheltered her whole life by an aunt that obviously wanted little to do with her. David is obviously some sort of rich businessman. There is no real indication of his background or what he does for a living except that it may involve software design. He seems to notice Sophie as he's passing through town and becomes enamored with her. Things move very quickly from there, and I have no idea what his motives are but I want to know....like NOW.
I will say that these types of short stories really drive me crazy...which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I really don't understand the idea of writing a 40 page book (that term is used loosely as I don't thing 40 pages qualifies as a book) and then leaves readers waiting for the next 40 page installment. It seems to me that people should just write a full length novel before they release it. Having said all that, it will drive me crazy waiting to see what happens next.
I was provided an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. This was a solid 4.5 stars for me. It was a super quick read, only 35 pages on my nook, but it still drew me in. I have read full length novels that did not pull me in like this did. Though the plot moved ridiculously fast I still felt invested in what was happening. The relationship moved pretty fast for my liking but somehow it wasn't as crazy as I thought it may be. There is so much that I want to know about Sophie and David that wasn't answered in this short story, I am definitely looking forward to the next installment!
I want to say thank you to Serena for sending me the arc copy to this book I very much enjoyed it!!!! Serena grey has written an amazing 10,000 word book.....what can I say about Sophie she is timid and shy just the right kind of character for this series. She doesn't believe to highly of herself she pretty much calls herself ugly but honestly who can blame her with her mother gone and her horrid aunt Josephine what 18 year old wouldn't be this way!! After the sudden death of her aunt Sophie learns that she really has no one but the kind shop owner she works for.....until she meets the mysterious man by the name of David Preston !!! He is hot that is for sure with dark hair and blue eyes who wouldn't fall for him....when he suddenly stops in the store Sophie works in and asks her to dinner she already knows she needs this man but at the same time is afraid of him! David trys to warn her away but Sophie will have nothing to do with that she wants David more than she has ever wanted anything after dinner and a hot little scene in the car David ends up at Sophie's apartment where things really get heated...to be the innocent thing she is Sophie sure knows what she wants!!! Talk about HOTTT...the next morning she can't stand the thought of him leaving so she asks for him to take her with. his only condition is how fast can they get married really didn't see that one coming from the "Playboy millionaire"!!!! So what does Sophie do she agrees I'm thinking what in the world is this girl thinking marrying a man almost 10 years older than her and who she Has known all of two days....is it desperation or does she love David??? Hummmmm guess you will have to read it to find out.....honestly can not wait for this second book!!! Great great way to keep us guessing!!!!
Sophie Bennett lost her mom at a young age and lives with her aunt Josephine. Josephine despises Sophie so it’s no surprise that Josephine’s will left little to nothing for Sophie. Stacey is Sophie’s boss and her “guardian angel.” Stacey loves Sophie as if she was her own but times are hard and Sophie my not be Stacey’s assistant much longer. David Preston comes into Sophie’s life and makes her feels things she’s never felt. He warns her of the type of man he is. Sophie is willing to take the risk and doesn’t want to lose him. The only problem is David and Sophie lives miles apart and he has to leave to get back to his life and job. Sophie is determined to stay in it one way or another. David gives Sophie an offer that’s hard to refuse. Will the choice Sophie makes be worth risk? “Awakening (A Dangerous Man #1)” is a great fast read. It’s sexy, light, funny and has an ending you won’t see coming. I read it in less than an hour and I am excited to see what happens in the second book. The flow of the story is great and there was never a dull moment. I am sure there are many layers of David that has yet to be seen and I am interested to find out what they are. I think this book is the start to a great series.
I had a hard time with this story at the first read. I think I was road kill for how quick it all moves. Without spoiling too much, any relationship that moves that quick from introduction to I do, has some serious issues to come out soon.
We get to know Sophie & her past & where her mind is at. She is in a place in her life where she wants more. She wants out of the town where she is & wants more from life. Then along comes David, he's hot & rich, piercing blue eyes, a few years her senior & a wealth of excitement & promise to give Sophie the future she craves. It's almost like she dreamt for him & he appeared.
We know nothing about him but the little he has shared with Sophie. This is the intriguing part. Waiting to find out what his deal is. There's definitely something more to him. He's married Sophie & taking her back with him to his life after only a few days. Wow, did I stress wow.
Can't wait to see where this story goes. It has the potential to be great, depending on the twists & turns to come. At the moment we are all waiting holding our breath for what's to come.
OMG!!!! This is a short book but packs a punch. Sophie is a young girl who is so innocent that she is starting to live her life that is unknown. Loosing her mom at a very young age and was taken care of by an aunt that sounds like Sophie was the last thing she wanted to do. On a normal day a chance meeting with David Preston who is somewhat taken by Sophie ask her for a date. Things change in a moment and with nothing holding her back she is trying to be more. David Preston you don't know much about him yet but I am sure he is a powerful man who gets what he wants. Everyone seems to know about him but Sophie. Can't wait for the next one. A great fast read that you will want more and more from. I will be rereading it again soon.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. This was a quick mysterious little read and the author set-up the start to a very interesting story to continue in the next book. I read this book in about an hour. Sofie and David have a definite chemistry in an instant attraction sort of way. The end left me wanting to discover more about the mysterious David and where the road goes for them both. This was a great start to a potentially amazing story. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
First of all I loved the first part of the book the way it gave a short backstory of the main character Sophie it didn't linger in flashbacks which I love the way the story moved on. Then comes David!!! I think there's way more to this character than what we've seen so far I got so engulfed in the story I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read more of this story. The only negative thing I can say about this story is it wasn't long enough. I'm predicting good things from this author can't wait to read more of her stuff.
Talk about a whirlwind romance. Serena Grey you naughty woman!!!! You had me slacked jaw through most of the book. I had this constant *no way... *no she didn't *wait... yes she did thoughts while reading Awakening.
I am going to try my hardest to not give any spoilers because EVERYONE should read this book.
You have Sophie shes a sweet although very sheltered 18 year old girl. Though at times I felt she should have stop to think about her actions, I feel the author is portraying young Sophie to be a girl who finally decided to live life her way and not let anyone stop her. So far there's a HEA... BUUUUTTTTT..... I just know based on the speed and process of this book that there are some storms brewing in the background.
Now Mr. Dark, Sexy, and dare I say dangerous?... David Preston: He's a man who always gets what he wants and people (not Sophie) obviously know something about him, that has yet to be told to us (the readers) and Sophie of course. I am wondering about his intentions with our little Sophie... He's 9 yrs older than her and even knowing that she was inexperienced and just beginning her adulthood he still pursues her very quickly... From the title of this book I am very intrigued as to what David does/ who he is.
Overall I gave this book 4.5 stars because I couldn't put it down and wished it never ended. I would of given it 5 stars but It was just to good to be this short... Now I do enjoy quick reads but this book is so GOOD that I never wanted to stop. You will be left with questions of why? on a few topics and you'll notice not a lot of details are released yet within the book.. but you know what??? IT makes you want the next book that much more... So Ms. Serena Grey, Thank you, For now I am clutching my kindle... waiting (not patiently)... for the next book... AND there's not even a major cliffhanger, well I guess there is but they technically had a HEA but I know it can't be that simple.
So not to sound like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum but... I WANT I WANT I WANT... the next book already.... Please, Pretty Please, with gum drops and gummy bears... lol
You'll want to read this book, you'll want to throw it, you may not believe in such things, but this has great potential just keep a very open mind and remember that this is a series...
I really liked the story and I am looking forward to Rebellion (A Dangerous Man #2). The excerpt at the end has me so ready for the release of book #2 and book #1 isn't even realized, yet. It's main character's are Sophie, who is 18. Her mother died during childbirth, and she was raised by her Aunt, who was not a pleasant person, but is recently deceased. She works for Stacey Carver a shop owner, who has been helping her since her Aunt died. Sophie wants to go to Bellevue instead of Seattle to follow in her mother's footsteps. She doesn't really know who is her father. David Preston is a twenty seven year old enigma. The only thing we really know is he was in the small town for business and he is really great in bed. The title and lack of information about David suggests that we should be concerned about Mr. Preston. Sophie's neighbor, Eddie, shares concerns as well. The two main character's hit it off right away and it's believable that Sophie would be enamored with David, but what is his deal? I am 27 and would never go for an 18 year old, but when I was 18 I met the love of my life, who was 25 at the time. We are still happily married, so it isn't implausible, however, I am not convinced that he shares her feelings. I hope the next book either, has drastic drama, intense emotions, or both. This book had both.
Now, the reason that I am not giving this a 5 out of 5 stars is for a few reasons. The beginning of the book wasn't my favorite. I wasn't a fan of the verb tense changes throughout. I prefer a book to be in present tense throughout. I don't honestly know how the author could have improved upon the beginning, because I am not a writer. I mostly gave it a 4 out of 5, because the story is unfinished. I like happily ever after endings that are wrapped up with neat little bows. I don't want to wonder about the characters and revisit them when the next book comes out. I do want the character's to stay with me. I think the story will stay with me, but the names will escape me when I return to the story later, because I am not great with names.
I do encourage people who like erotica to read this book, and I encourage the author to publish book #2 quickly.
I was given a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Wtf?
I hate giving bad reviews. sigh..
I felt like I was reading a high school freshman' s first draft for an essay. This is in dire need of some major red pen annihilation!
The story- fail. Abandoned girl, left to face the world alone. Meets rich boy who instantly steals her innocence and pulls a Britney Spears and boom-wedding bells?!!
They speak like 5 complete sentences between dinner and marriage! And how they "met"? He was driving down the hill as I was standing in the glass window and then he stops in the middle of the street blah blah.... What?! So he just happened to catch a glimpse of her in her gift shop as he's driving down a hill and it was enough to get him to stop automatically? Please...
The writing was horrible in my opinion. I could tell she used a thesaurus for different adjectives in the story; some words just didn't fit. Sentences went on, and on, and on, and on.... And on. Quotes started and didn't end, or never started at all. I had to guess, I shouldn't have to guess who or if someone is talking...
The characters weren't developed at all. I know it's a novella, but still. It still needs the same kind of composition: Well built characters, theme, setting, plot, etc...
Maybe this can be the starting point of a story if she works at it a lot more. I know I'm giving a bitchy review but it's honest. I don't want to hurt feelings but I'm not going to sugar coat anything either.
I was very lucky to be given an ARC of this book. This is a short story, hopefully one that will turn into a serial. So if you are not a fan of waiting for the next installment, this probably will drive you crazy.
The good thing about this short stories is that everything happens so fast that writers need to be masters in their craft to give enough information for a background and still very little to keep you wanting more. This was perfectly executed.
In this story, we learned that Sophie had a depressing childhood and finally is starting to live life, David is just TOO mysterious, we don’t know much (lets rephrase that. We don’t know anything) about him, still once they made eye contact all you want is for them to get together. Chemestry = Good. After the ending in this book I’m sure things will heat up.
I loved that Sophie didn’t play the inexperience card and he didn’t comment on it either.
For a Serial I would have rather have a cliffhanger ending, but since the book has an excerpt from Rebellion - Book 2 the last bit has all needed for reader to go right into it.
Now I’m patiently waiting for the next installment.
This is a ARC that's a nice quick read that left me wanting more. The story is about Sophie who meets David when she was standing outside the gift shop she was working in and David was driving by and seen her and Had the driver stop dead and back up. When he gets out the instant attraction between them is so strong. David ask Sophie to dinner and while at dinner the attraction and sexual tension is there. Will David walk away because he knows Sophie is so much younger then him or will he stay. What happens was surprising leaving me smh. There's a Book 2 that left me wondering what's going to happen with Sophie and David now. Note: I was surprise I'm not use to the heroine being so young but I want to see if she grows.
Aunt Josephine is a Biatch, "why do I even bother?" She snaps at last. "Anybody can see that you're going to end up exactly like her, pregnant with God knows who's child." David is very demanding, "I want to see you." Sophie doesn't think highly of herself it's kind of sad, "it's heartbreaking that I cannot even keep a man like him interested in me for longer than a date." Good lord I David makes Sophie sound like a damn chew toy at times, "you should go now," David tells him. "And try to remember that from now on nothing about Sophie is any of your concern or your responsibility." I liked this book it was short, but it is a series everyone knows how I detest those but the cliffhanger wasn't bad and we even got a sneak peak into the next book so it was all good.
I recieved an ARC from the Author Miss Serena Grey for an honest review... The writing was exceptional. I was pulled in from the start. Such a shame that the story is short for my incessant reading needs, since I do love me a long story. None the less I enjoyed (Awakening) and Mr. David sure is scrumptious. I got to have more! I need to read the second book, to know what happens when Sophie and David move to Seattle together.... Please tell me book two is done!!!!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I finished reading this book within an hour. It was a quick read but a satisfying one. I instantly liked the main characters David and Sophie. Their romance is quiet interesting, how it progress really quickly. And the ending, it left me wanting more, specifically on how Mysterious David is. I cannot wait to see where their story would lead us and learn more about David's story. All in all this was an amazing start for a new series. Well done Serena!
so this is a NOVELLA! This book was is the best hot mess ever#@! I'm not sure even at the end of this book where it was going; but I'm going to keep reading. Grey has reeled me in with her fast pace and fascinating writing style. I'm am now a fan. This will be several small novels that tell Sphoie Bennet's story. If I have one complaint it's that I'm greedy and want the whole story LIKE YESTERDAY!!!!
I received this book by Advanced Copy from the author≈ Thank you Serena Gray. Your book amazed me.
Wow are u ready for the ride! A short story bursting at the seams! Never a dull moment a fast track meeting that turns into even more of a fast pace.......... Think this could be the beginning of a beautiful series! I want to learn more about David as I am really unsure why he has done half the stuff he has, think he is going to be a really interesting character that we will have to keep unpeeling layer by layer!!!!! Need to read more :)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Really great book... It was a really fast reading and, at the end, you just want to know more... The story was light and sexy. There is definitely something mysterious about David and I can't wait to find out what it is. If you don't like to leave things unsaid, then you should wait for next book. I'm looking forward for the rest of the series, I would definitely buy them. Nice work!
This is a fast paces book. We begin with a flashback that sets up the main character. Because this is a short story you don't get much in the way of background information about the characters. Sophie is young and is swept off her feet by the handsome stranger named David. It's a whirlwind romance that leaves you wanting more. And the teaser chapter at the end makes me want to read the next story.
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC for a review. The sweet and innocent Sofie and David have a definite chemistry from the moment they meet. Things happen quickly for them and they're off and running. This was a solid 4.5 stars for me. It was a super quick read, only 35 pages on my kindle. It was fast paced, but really drew me in out of reality and into a story that left me seriously craving more!